Dining Out – The Boat Inn, Pinxton
The Boat Inn at Pinxton demonstrates the importance of legacy, why rebirth doesn’t have to mean revolution, and how the perfect setting is best served water-side. The quaint village of Pinxton, running alongside the two Derbyshire mammoths, the M1 and A38, is used to its fair share of travellers and passersby. Housing its own Pinxton United Football Club and Parish Council Offices, it’s in the margins, down by the River Erewash and at the head of the Pinxton Wharf where The Boat Inn lies, snug and quietly buzzing with revellers and families looking for the affable equality of taproom ambience and rustic eatery. The Boat Inn is a reflection of their past, and they make no bones about flaunting it, as proudly boasted by the staircase mural. Reading through it uncovers a starting date in the 1790s and how it was created to coincide with the development of the Pinxton Arm Mill on the newly built Cromford Canal. Designed to give collieries access to the River Trent, the methods of transport were updated again in 1819 with the Mansfield & Pinxton Railway, allowing goods to be efficiently convoyed across the region. Interestingly, this permitted the evolution of The Boat Inn to become the first railway waiting room and ticket office, allegedly. But the start of the 21st Century looked bleak for The Boat Inn. 2008 called for the closure of the building due to repeated flooding, making it in dire need of restoration. Then, the folks at Lowe Leisure Ltd stepped up with a last-ditch purchase and thus began an unprecedented transformation over 10 years. Re-opening in 2018, The Boat Inn has been dressed up with a fresh bar, lounge area and dining room. Ensuring the classic canalside pub vibe was maintained, The Boat Inn today continues to present an attractive and hospitable spot for every type of customer and, considering the pub’s history spans over 200 years and they’ve almost definitely served multiple generations of Pinxton families, it’s safe to assume the local’s tastebuds have been won. When we arrived on a wet and dark Wednesday evening, The Boat Inn emerged out of dense forestry and gravelly roads like a home-from-home. Spacious parking, an expansive outdoor seating area that covers a patio and a beer garden, we assumed that these elements would likely be well-populated in the warmer months, and the weary parent would welcome the high-quality children’s play area opposite. Situated within the Pinxton element of the sprawling Cromford Canal, nature rules the day and, especially due to Springtime blooming, it adds an element of persistently shifting, kaleidoscopic tranquillity to the area. The Boat Inn is keen to offer an overall experience, opposing the usual sit-down-eat-and-leave routine most restaurants employ. The staff were warm and attentive from start to finish, allowing the courses to run seamlessly. Being afforded both Al Fresco dining on the patio or the option to sit in the tasteful, countrified restaurant is a luxury not many places can attest to. The Boat Inn has meticulously ensured to play to its strengths, resulting in a structured environment that distinguishes the socialites from the foodies, and the lively carousers from the introverted romantics. The Snug, as they have rightfully named it, yields a warming log burner, and the dining room opts for a stripped-back design with wooden beams against exposed brickwork. The restaurant area is perfectly set up, meaning you don’t feel adrift from other restauranteurs, nor are you getting overly intimate with the locals. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM and Sunday from noon to 9:00 PM, its selection of seating arrangements will not disappoint. Be aware that the kitchen closes at 5 PM on Sunday, so get down quickly for an end-of-week meal. Whether you have a dog or have to organise a large group booking, The Boat Inn can accommodate each demand. They aren’t stuck in the past. Just check out their Facebook page to see a demonstration of how active these guys are! Hosting Bingo Night on Saturdays and their exceptionally generous children eat for £1 menu over the winter period, be assured that The Boat Inn have its fingers on the community pulse. The Bar Lounge is a refined, modern addition that does not disrupt its rustic surroundings. It is a place to lounge and indulge in the pub’s inspired drinks and cocktail lineup. Is anyone up for a Pinxton Passion Martini or Canal Collins? These will be coming in the Summer! The Boat Inn broke down its locally sourced food options into several easily discernable menus, covering the kids’, lunchtime deals, their traditional Sunday courses, and the main menu that my partner and I worked through. A brief chat with Chef Julie confirmed the level of pride and thought that goes into the options. She excels in producing a cohesive menu that spans most people’s appetites, including her very own “Julies Homemade Cheesecake” that even the waiter attested to being sublime! So, we chose Baked Gnocchi and Sticky Hoisin & Sesame Pork Belly Bites, Salmon and King Prawn Oriental Noodles and an 8oz Rump Steak, and to clinch the perfect evening, we indulged in, would you believe it, Julies Homemade Cheesecake, made with lemon and ginger for that electric zing. We expect great things from the Boat Inn and imagine it will continue to lead as Pinxton’s cherished culinary heartthrob. Shall we see you there? To book a table or learn about upcoming events, visit https://theboatinnpinxton.co.uk/ or call 01773 861600. The Boat Inn, Pinxton Wharf, Pinxton, Derbyshire, NG16 6PN Tom Bell 00
Celebrity Interview – Pam Ayres
by Steve Orme “…the loss of control was heartbreaking. I was very naïve. I was signed up to London agents and they put me on stage in great big theatres for which I was ill-equipped.” She’s been described as a “poet for the people” with a wicked sense of humour who deals with subjects not normally thought to be worthy of poetry. Now, 50 years after winning the television talent show Opportunity Knocks, Pam Ayres is on the road with her show Doggedly Onward in which she presents poems and anecdotes from her life. Speaking to me from her home in Gloucestershire, Pam is totally forthright and open about her fascinating career. She explains the downside of fame, how she never set out to be a poet and the surreal experience of playing Glastonbury, “the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world”. She confessed that although Opportunity Knocks was “fantastic”, it was also a nightmare. “At the age of 28 I suddenly started earning money. I was able to buy a house and it cost £11,500. The idea of me ever having a house was ludicrous.” She stretches out that last word to give it emphasis. “It was extraordinary. But the loss of control was heartbreaking. I was very naïve. I was signed up to London agents and they put me on stage in great big theatres for which I was ill-equipped. “I was given a television series which I shouldn’t have touched with a barge pole because I didn’t have the ability to produce enormous amounts of material. They brought in all these tired old scriptwriters to write the series for me and I hated it. “On the one hand I had money. I was able to help my family and I bought myself a house and a car. It was amazing. But as a writer and as somebody who had done so well on my own, although in a small way, it was heartbreaking really.” The turning point for Pam came when she met a theatre producer, Dudley Russell. He not only enabled Pam to take back control of her work, he became her husband and they’ve been together for more than 40 years. Pam describes herself as a “village girl” who just wanted to succeed. After Opportunity Knocks “you sign everything they give you to sign and I didn’t have any legal advice. “I’m not giving you a hard-luck story. Everyone was patting me on the back and saying ‘you’ve made it’. Yet I lost control of my copyright, everything I’d written, everything I was going to write. “Dudley was lovely. He’s from my part of the world and he was savvy. He knew his way around the business. He looked at the various things I’d signed and took me off to a QC for legal advice. I got my copyright back at huge cost. “If it hadn’t been for my husband I would have just floundered endlessly. It was awful. But there wasn’t much protection for people on Opportunity Knocks – no legal advice or anything. I hope it’s not the case nowadays.” Pam says her television debut seems a lifetime ago because since then she’s had children and grandchildren. But she can still recall how she felt. “I can remember how scared I was. I can remember the talcum powder smell of the dressing room at Thames Television, and the fact that it was a proper dressing room with lights around the mirror and it just seemed so glamorous.” She points out that the purpose of going on Opportunity Knocks was to find out whether her act would appeal to a wider audience. “I’d found that reciting my poems which I’d written in my own style had made people laugh locally. I wanted to see if it would work on a larger canvas. It suddenly got enormous.” Pamela Ayres was born on 14th March 1947 at Stanford-in-the-Vale, Berkshire. She was the youngest of six children. She left school at 15 and got a job as a secretary. She couldn’t stand it, so she joined the Women’s Royal Air Force. A few years later she started reciting her poems in her rural Berkshire accent in folk clubs. But she admits she was never drawn to poetry. “I was interested in writing from the time I was able to write at school. I loved writing stories because of the power. You can invent people, you can make them do things – you can make them be horrible, you can make them fall in love. I adored it.” She joined the likes of Billy Connolly, Max Boyce and Jasper Carrott who were working at that time in folk clubs: “I’d written a few poems that I hoped would make people laugh and they did. They were falling about laughing. But I never set out to be a poet. I’m certainly not knowledgeable about poetry. I look at my stuff more as comedy that rhymes.” You may remember one of Pam’s more popular poems, Oh, I Wish I’d Looked After Me Teeth. She says that will probably be carved on her gravestone. Another favourite is They Should Have Asked My Husband – about a man who knows absolutely everything – and she’s currently working on one called The Bank Of Mum And Dad. “I try to write about things that people will recognise. I don’t want to write about anything too rarified. I like to write about ordinary things but come at them from a surprising angle.” Pam accepts she was a trailblazer because the only person doing performance poetry when she came on the scene was Cyril Fletcher. “He used to sit in an armchair and recite what he called his odd odes. There certainly weren’t any women doing it but now there’s a whole range of good women who are performance poets.” Pam’s popularity has continued and she is one of the few authors who has had books in the Sunday Times bestseller
The Lost Houses of Derbyshire – Kirk Hallam
by Maxwell Craven Kirk Hallam was originally a small hamlet atop the ridge that overlooks the Nut Brook and the homonymous canal as one travels east towards Little Hallam and Ilkeston. It takes its name from the Old Norse hallr (= a hill) + kirk (= church) which perfectly describes the settlement, even as it appears on the 1880 OS map, on which there is little to be discerned bar the church, the hall and a scatter of houses to the south of the main road. It is thought that the ‘Kirk’ element was added in the early 12th century as the later settlement that became West Hallam expanded, to differentiate the two. In 1066, the manorial estate was held by one Dunstan, but two decades later, when Domesday Book was compiled, it had come into the hands of Ralph de Burun, one of the great barons and few chief lords holding land in Derbyshire and, under him it was held (so later charters establish) by a family taking their name from the place. In 1155, Hugh de Burun of Horsley Castle, the last of his line, died and the estate passed via his daughter Aelina to Peter de Sandiacre, son of a Viking called Toli, who not only held Sandiacre, but a great amount of property in Derby, too. His son, another Peter, married Beatrice de Hallam, a member of the family that were Peter’s sub-tenants at Kirk Hallam, and we can only presume that they had a capital mansion of some description there. From maps, we know that the later hall lay just slightly SSW of the ancient church of All Saints, and it would be reasonable to assume that the ancient manor house would have been on or very near the same spot. As with one of two of the other lost houses we have looked into, it was never the chief seat of the family that owned the land, so always ranked as a secondary residence. Furthermore, in 1260 John de Sandiacre granted the patronage of the church and much of his estate at Kirk Hallam to the Abbey of Dale, so whoever lived in the manor house was from the later 12th century, a tenant of the Abbot and Canons there. In fact, the generous John de Sandiacre died shortly after his gift to the Abbey, in 1277, leaving two daughters and co-heiresses, of whom one carried Sandiacre and Kirk Hallam to her husband, John de Grey, a younger son of Henry de Grey of Codnor. The estate remained thereafter with the great English baronial house of Grey until it was bestowed upon the daughter and co-heiress of the last de Grey who brought it to John Leake of Hasland in 1409. Yet, once again, the manorial estate had fallen into the hands of a fairly grand, but definitely upwardly mobile, family with a primary residence elsewhere, this time at still extant Hasland Manor House. They also inherited Sutton Scarsdale from the de Greys, too, and the family had also married another heiress, that of the d’Eyncourts of North Wingfield, so they found themselves, by the time of the beginning of the Tudor dynasty, very rich and well endowed with estates, in Derbyshire particularly. The Leakes later built a great house at Sutton Scarsdale and Sir Franics Leake, made one of the very first baronets by James I in 1611, added a hunting lodge nearby called Staveley Hagg, which survives as Hagg Farm. He also aggrandized Sutton Scarsdale, and found much favour with Charles I, who made him 1st Lord Deincourt (the title chosen from his antecedents the d’Eyncourts), a favour he returned by great loyalty to his sovereign during the Civil War, for which he had his estate compounded by Parliament as a ‘delinquent’. The impecunious King rewarded him with an earldom for his pains, and he became 1st Earl of Scarsdale in 1645. We have no information about the manor house at Kirk Hallam through all this time, and it may have decayed through neglect, as we saw at Chellaston. However, the Leakes got their estates back at the Restoration, and the 1670 hearth tax records a house assessed on five hearths at that time, split between a father and son, both called William Blunstone, and it seems likely that the elder was then the tenant. Indeed, the Blunstones were long lived in that area, having come from Sandiacre – probably co-incidentally – at the beginning of the 17th century. However, another William Blunstone was farming in Kirk Hallam in 1827 and his family were still there a generation later, but by then at Ladywood Farm as copyholders, rather than as tenants of the Hall. One wonders if any descendants still live in the area. Meanwhile, their feudal masters had been going from strength to strength until, that is, the time of Francis Leake, 4th Earl of Scarsdale, who managed to blow the family’s considerable fortune, mainly through the expense of building a vast new house (but incorporating parts of its predecessor) at Sutton Scardsdale, designed by Francis Smith of Warwick in 1724 (see Country Images May 2021). Having completed it, he gambled away much of what remained, before dying, broke, in 1736, the last of his line. The estate was, needless to say sold, including the Kirk Hallam elements of it. The purchaser was Francis Newdigate of Nottingham. He, for once, actually decided to live at Kirk Hallam, and elected to build himself a new house. We only have a pencil sketch of this house, although it survived well into the 20th century, so it is difficult to say just what it was like. It appears to have been of brick with gabled cross wings with attic windows, the rest being of two storeys. The roofs were tiled and it was set on a modest park just west of the church. Clearly, Mr. Newdigate was a modest sort of fellow, although by the time of his death in 1764 he
COSY GARDEN ROOMS – THE BEST USES FOR A GARDEN ROOM
A garden room is more than just an extension of your home – it’s a versatile space that can transform how you live, work, and relax. As specialists in bespoke garden rooms, we’ve seen countless creative ways our clients have utilised these spaces. Here’s our guide to the most popular and practical uses for your garden room. Additional Living Room & Lounge The most popular choice among our clients is creating an additional living space. A garden room offers the perfect retreat from the main house while maintaining a connection to your outdoor space. With full insulation and heating, these rooms become cosy sanctuaries all year round. Large windows flood the space with natural light while providing beautiful garden views, making it an ideal spot for relaxation or family gatherings. Add comfortable seating, entertainment systems, and ambient lighting, and you’ve created a versatile space that the whole family can enjoy. Multi-Purpose Family Room Flexibility is key in modern living, and a multi-purpose family room delivers exactly that. These spaces can easily adapt to your family’s changing needs throughout the day. Morning yoga sessions can transform into afternoon homework spots, then evening entertainment spaces. With clever storage solutions and versatile furniture arrangements, these rooms become the heart of family life. Many of our clients particularly appreciate how these spaces give teenagers their own territory while keeping them close to home. Home Office Sanctuary With remote working becoming increasingly common, a dedicated home office in the garden has never been more valuable. Our garden offices provide the perfect professional environment, completely separate from domestic distractions. We ensure excellent insulation for year-round comfort and can incorporate features like high-speed connectivity points, air conditioning and sound insulation for video calls. Built-in storage and ergonomic design elements create a productive workspace that’s just steps from your home. Garden Bar & Games Room Transform your garden room into the ultimate entertainment space with a custom-built bar and games area. These popular spaces often become the focal point for family gatherings and social events. From pool tables to dart boards, comfortable seating areas to integrated sound systems, we can create a bespoke entertainment hub that suits your specific interests. Many clients opt for large opening glass doors or full height windows to create a seamless indoor-outdoor entertainment space perfect for summer parties. Creative Arts Studio Whether you’re an artist, craftsperson, or musician, a garden room can provide the perfect creative sanctuary. These spaces benefit from excellent natural light and can be designed with specific activities in mind. Built-in storage keeps supplies organised, while dedicated workstations and display areas help create an inspiring environment. The separation from the main house also means creative pursuits won’t disturb family life. Home Gym & Fitness Space A private gym in your garden offers the ultimate convenience for maintaining your fitness routine. These spaces can be equipped with mirror walls, proper ventilation, and robust flooring suitable for exercise equipment. The privacy and accessibility of a garden gym eliminate many common barriers to regular exercise, while the garden setting provides an inspiring workout environment. Guest Suite For those needing additional accommodation, a garden room can be transformed into a luxurious guest suite or annexe. These spaces can include sleeping areas, en-suite facilities, and even compact kitchenettes, providing comfortable, private accommodation for visitors or family members. It’s an ideal solution for multi-generational living or creating rental opportunities. Making Your Garden Room a Reality At Cosy Garden Rooms, we understand that each client’s needs are unique. That’s why we offer: • Free site surveys and CAD design services with unlimited changes • Fully installed and insulated rooms built to your specifications • Premium options including sedum green roofs and solar panels • Bespoke wall coverings and finishing touches • A comprehensive 10-year guarantee • Price-beating promise for competitive rates Our experienced team handles everything from initial design to final installation, ensuring a seamless process throughout. Each garden room is crafted to exacting standards, providing a high-quality space that can be used comfortably throughout the year. Whether you’re looking to create additional living space, a dedicated work area, or something entirely unique, a garden room offers endless possibilities. Our expert team can help you explore these options and design the perfect space for your needs. To discuss your garden room project or arrange a free site survey, contact us on 0115 77 22 715. Our team is ready to help you create your perfect garden room. 00
Derbyshire Makers – Martin & Parker
Looking for the perfect sofa, corner unit or chair to bring comfort and style to your home? Look no further! Since 1980 family-run Martin & Parker in Derby have been handcrafting high quality bespoke furniture designed and made to last. Located on Ascot Drive in Derby, they specialise in creating handmade sofas, corner units and chairs, tailored to your unique style and needs. With over 45 years of experience and with a loyal customer base, they take pride in exceptional customer satisfaction. Visit them today to experience the craftsmanship that has made them a trusted name in furniture. Whether you have your heart set on a specific piece or you would like something made uniquely for your home, come to Martin & Parker. Their extensive furniture range is handcrafted by their skilled and talented team. A vast number of pre-made pieces are on display while they also craft bespoke furniture in line with your specification. For people with a discerning taste in soft furnishings and sofas, 1980 was a good year. It was the year that they opened their first sofa factory. Their aim was to produce quality, handcrafted soft furnishings and sofas and soon built a reputation for the quality of their excellent products. Martin and Stephen are very proud of their skilled craftspeople and their numerous, happy clients have since provided testimonials to say they too are very pleased with their work. They rapidly grew and went from strength to strength. If it’s a piece of handcrafted, upholstered furniture look no further. Based in Derby they produce bespoke furniture made from the finest materials in line with your customer specification. Each piece is handcrafted in their workshop to provide you with many years of uninterrupted comfort. Getting the measurements right is crucial, so for customers who would like a piece of furniture made for an alcove, corner or even a boat they provide a made to measure service. Martin & Parker provide a contract service for companies in the licenced and leisure industries. Over the years, a number of reputable companies and establishments have used their corporate service, all have received a first-class product as well as unrivalled customer service. Martin & Parker also offer a re-upholstery service from their Derby workshop. What’s more they stock a co-ordinated range of soft furnishings to compliment your main furniture, including window dressing with their custom made curtains and blinds, including swags, tails, tab tops, eyelets, pencil pleats and pinch pleats. All of their curtains and blinds are made to measure. Providing a soft feeling under foot and patterns to add to your interior, carpets are a stylish addition to your home. At the Martin & Parker showroom, they stock an extensive range of modern, attractive carpets from leading flooring companies Corman Carpets and Abingdon Flooring. When it comes to supplying high quality wicker, cane or rattan furniture for your conservatory Martin & Parker is the only place to go. With styles and designs to suit every taste, all of their conservatory furniture is supplied by Daro, an industry-leading company. The Daro company name has always been synonymous for their top quality handmade products. Handmade furniture is a wonderful addition to any home and there is only one place to go for handcrafted brilliance. With our illustrious range of chairs, two and three seater sofas, sofa beds, armchairs and footstools you’ll find exactly what you are looking for at Martin & Parker. Check them out now on Ascot Drive in Derby. 00
Derbyshire Makers – Rockfall
Founded in 1997, family-owned Rock Fall has revolutionised the health and safety footwear industry, while remaining loyal to their grand Derbyshire roots. During a conversation with one of the Directors, Richard Noon, Richard explained the growth and development of Rock Fall from their humble origins. “We started in the markets back in the late eighties selling slippers and sports trainers. Eventually, we moved into retail shops, but the market had become saturated with people selling footwear. So, the decision was made to specialise in developing a new brand of safety footwear.” Rock Fall are now a prominent industry player winning awards such as ‘Best Innovation in Footwear’ at the Annual Professional Clothing Awards in 2017, 2018 and 2019. An amazing three years in a row! We can understand why these awards were well deserved by looking at their array of new and innovative products such as the RF002 Zinc. This fully conductive trainer is an industry first in Europe, and was designed in collaboration with contractors in the aerospace and defence industries to counter explosive atmospheres. They herald health and safety, not only as an integral principle, but also as a creative canvas, allowing them to stand at the forefront of the safety footwear industry. Using world first innovations to provide safe, durable footwear that can withstand the most extreme challenges and environments. Now into their second generation under the care of Stephen’s sons, Richard and Matthew, their head offices are on Wimsey Way, Alfreton. Locals may have spotted the famous, red three-mountain logo atop the business. Working solely with world-leading component manufacturers such as LWG-accredited tanneries, FORCE10, BOA and Ortholite, Richard explains how their business operates. “Regarding our customers, we don’t sell directly to the consumer, but supply businesses via Authorised Distribution partners who work closely with major end-users.” While they don’t deal directly with the customer, they ensure the businesses they supply have the diverse products needed to suit every industry each step of the way. Richard gave us a little more insight into the company’s current developments, and future plans. “We’re opening up distribution warehouses across the globe. We currently have one in America, and are opening another in the Republic of Ireland, and the Netherlands. We also have plans for the Middle East and Africa. Regarding UK production, we have plans to open a new factory on the outskirts of Manchester by September 2025. Furthermore, we’re looking into other markets, such as hiking and leisure.” Richard and his team are no strangers to choppy waters, but they have sailed through with a positive attitude and mindset. “The key is to keep adapting. We follow market trends closely and always try to stay ahead of the game. Don’t get us wrong, COVID-19 certainly wasn’t a glamorous year, but we adapted massively during 2020, including putting up gazebos so our guys could sell shoes outside shops. I wouldn’t say it’s a positive, but we made the best of a bad situation!” The number of world firsts that document their success indicates their ability to grow as a brand. Each boot is carefully curated and meticulously designed for each industry, regardless of the wearer’s gender. As one of the only British brands to release a range of women’s safety footwear, they are light-years ahead regarding social vision. Speaking of championing equality, they are even verified by the Vegan Society. As per their mission for sustainability, they have delivered on their promises by using fully recyclable shoe boxes with renewable and biodegradable soy ink and installed LED lighting across the business to reduce the amount of CO2 previously produced by 15 tonnes per year. The future for Rock Fall looks very bright, as Richard spells out in no uncertain terms his ambitions. “We have many new products coming through which use hugely sustainable properties, such as bio-based and recycled materials. We are looking towards smart footwear, including footwear that identifies foot issues. One particular product, where the wearer taps their feet together twice and the emergency services will be automatically called, is in the pipeline. This is perfect for high-risk environments such as security personnel. We’re even working on one that can measure the sweat content that the wearer produces which from there could measure potential health issues.” Most importantly, we are assured they’ll continue to keep their Derbyshire roots, and maintain their triumphant position as offering the industry’s finest boot. 00
Celebrity Interview – Michael Maloney
by Steve Orme …the difference between a theatre Poirot and a TV Poirot is it has to be more active. You don’t have the luxury of a television or film close-up When someone mentions the Agatha Christie character Hercule Poirot, who comes to mind: David Suchet who played the Belgian detective on television for 20 years? Or do you recall Peter Ustinov, Albert Finney or even Kenneth Branagh in the role? Now another actor is hoping to put his own stamp on Poirot: Michael Maloney. Michael has been acting for more than four decades. He’s been on several theatre tours, performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company and has appeared in more than 30 films. On television he’s taken parts in everything from Midsomer Murders and Death In Paradise to the 2022 BBC series Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz in which he played publishing boss Charles Clover. Now Michael who spent a year at a school in Long Eaton is preparing for what could be his biggest challenge since he played Shakespeare’s Hamlet at the age of 47: Hercule Poirot in Murder On The Orient Express. How did he get the part? “It was a great day. It was my birthday and I was going on a river trip, my birthday treat from my partner Katie. And I got an email. It said would I be interested in going up for the part of Hercule Poirot? “It never occurred to me that this part might be a possibility. That was what was so interesting about it. So I said let’s have a look. “I chatted with the director Lucy Bailey and she was sensational. Two weeks later we started having a look at the play and that was great.” Michael who chats with enthusiasm and passion about his profession isn’t worried about being compared with other great actors who have played Poirot. “You’re never far away from other people’s contributions. I’ve watched Kenneth Branagh a lot, I watched Albert Finney before that. I’ve watched of course David Suchet who’s dominated our TV screens. Even now you can see him in a Poirot every hour of the day almost anywhere around the world. I take these performances with me – I don’t reject them.” Murder On The Orient Express has been described as “one of Agatha Christie’s greatest literary achievements, with a final twist that is among her very best”. It has been performed a few times in this country but this will be the first British tour of the play which has been adapted by American playwright and screenwriter Ken Ludwig. “Ken has given us a lot of humour,” says Michael. “The difference between a theatre Poirot and a TV Poirot is it has to be more active. You don’t have the luxury of a television or film close-up – it has to be more expressive. You have to use language to create close-ups with the voice. “You can get lots of character traits from the book from which you can use your imagination.” Michael points out that the stage play was commissioned by the Agatha Christie estate which manages the rights to Agatha Christie’s works around the world. That means it won’t stray too far from the original. “The estate has managed to produce something that’s extremely worthwhile and they’re happy with it. I think that’s very important. “People come to the show saying ‘I know the story, so let’s see what else you’ve got on offer.’ At the end of the show, should you meet them, they might go ‘I had no idea that’s what happened in Murder On The Orient Express. I knew the story but I wasn’t expecting that.’ There’s a lot that one doesn’t remember. And so we can exploit that.” Michael Maloney was born on 19 June 1957 at Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. His talents were spotted before he left drama school and he secured his first television part as well as making his West End stage debut when he was 22. He says Nottingham has a special place in his heart because he fondly remembers seeing Peter O’Toole in Samuel Beckett’s Waiting For Godot at Nottingham Playhouse in 1971 when Michael was 14. But the theatre landscape has changed considerably since then, mainly because theatres are struggling financially. Without getting too political Michael thinks this is something that has to be addressed at national level. “When I went to see Waiting For Godot, there was an extraordinary number of people there including the future head of the National Theatre, Richard Eyre, who was artistic director at the Playhouse. There were also people who went on to dominate the national landscape including playwrights David Hare and Howard Brenton, and all sorts of actors. All this has gone missing. “My daughter Martha has just graduated from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. That will close in two years’ time. “The theatre industry brings billions into the country. The government has to see the value in theatre and the arts and has to help with the financing because local councils can’t afford to put their money into the arts when they’ve got people who are on the breadline, to put it politely.” In 1999 Michael appeared on the Nottingham Playhouse stage alongside Peter Bowles, who grew up in Hyson Green, in Anthony Shaffer’s Sleuth. Five years later Michael played Hamlet on the Theatre Royal stage at the age of 47. A few eyebrows were raised because of Michael’s age; Shakespeare describes Hamlet as being about 30. Since then Sir Ian McKellen has played the tragic character – and he was 82. This gives Michael, who has played Hamlet twice, optimism: “Maybe I’ll get a third go at it. Interestingly enough I quote a lot of Hamlet in this production of Murder On The Orient Express. Ken Ludwig is such a Shakespeare buff as well as a Shakespeare scholar and expert. So it’s a real pleasure to be quoting those lines again.” Michael admits that Hamlet is in
The Lost Houses of Derbyshire – Hoon Hall
By Maxwell Craven Hoon is a strange little place, a civil parish created from the larger ecclesiastical parish of Marston-on-Dove by some zealous bureaucrat in the early 20th century, which stretches from the low hills on the north side of the Dove down to the river itself, yet is barely a mile and a half wide, east to west. It was called ‘Hougen’ in 1086, when there were two manorial estates there, one of which was given to the Abbey of Burton and the other, which was granted to the Norse-descended grandee Saswalo or Sewallis, ancestor of the Shirley family. The name itself derives from the old Englishword (in the ablative) for ‘by the barrows’, and indeed a large barrow – presumably Bronze Age – survives to this day. The name later mutated to ‘Howen’ and ‘Hone’ before the OS settled on the present spelling in the earlier 19th century, suggesting that the name was traditionally pronounced with an ’oh’ sound instead of an ‘oo’ one as its current spelling would suggest. The Shirley family held the estate until 1559 when George Shirley of Staunton Harold sold Hoon to Roger Palmer of Kegworth, whose grandson, Robert, lived at Church Broughton, when he is said to have built the first hall in 1624. We know little about the house, but it must have been very modest, for it is unlocatable in the 1670 hearth tax returns, although by that date, it had been sold to John Stafford of Blatherwick in Northamptonshire who in turn had sold it on during the Civil War. The purchaser in those lean and uncertain times was Robert Pye (1585-1662), who, it must be confessed, shared a common ancestry with your author, from the Pyes of The Mynde and Kilpeck in Herefordshire. Indeed, I had a kinsman who even bore the Pye name as his given name: I used to joke that it was a mercy the names were not deployed the other way round, strongly suggesting some dubious comestible. Pye was a Royalist and had been nominated as a baronet on the outbreak of civil strife by Charles I but, with the upheavals, the honour failed to pass the Great Seal, and it was his son John (1626-1697) who, after the Restoration, did actually receive a baronetcy. Normally, in those circumstances (as with the Boothbys of Broadlow Ash) the baronetcy would have been confirmed to the father (alive or dead) but, as the elder son had been a keen Parliamentary commander, this idea failed to find favour with Charles II, so John received a fresh baronetcy – of Hoon, where he then lived. The house of 1624 was probably timber framed, for in 1816 the Lysons described it as ‘an ancient half timbered building’. However, the latter add that it had ‘pointed gables’ and our only picture, a woodcut of 1892, shows just that, three of them, but with any timber framing stuccoed over. It also shows a pretty modest house – a farmhouse – with early 19th century cambered headed casement windows in place of the mullion and transom cross windows that must originally have graced the façade. Furthermore, the fenestration is clustered centrally, suggesting that, when the house was adapted as a tenanted farm, it underwent a drastic reduction and a re-façading, possibly even in brick, where previously there had been timber framing. There were almost certainly cross-wings at each end of the façade, the loss of which might have necessitated the change to the fenestration and its disposition that we see in the drawing. The somewhat complex subsequent history of the house does throw some light on the matter, however. Sir Robert soon after moved to Faringdon, where he had acquired a larger property, to which he repaired, leaving his son, Charles, to go and live at Hoon after he came of age in 1672, although he was later described as ‘of Derby’ in 1713. He died in 1721, and his son only three years later, leaving it to his grandson, the dilletante Sir Robert, 4th Bt., but who lived at Clifton Campville, Staffordshire, leaving Hoon Hall empty after 1724, when he succeeded. Sir Robert died in 1734 aged only 38 leaving no male heir , whereupon the baronetcy became extinct. His heiress had married Thomas Severne, whose son died in 1787 leaving the estate to Charles Watkins of Aynho, Northamptonshire. Watkins, like the Pyes, had little need of Hoon Hall and he is the one who reduced it, sometime prior to 1812, when he died, leaving the – now tenanted – farm and estate to a kinsman. That kinsman, however, brings us almost full circle, for ironically he was Henry John Pye of Clifton Campville, who had just succeeded his father there. The father, Henry James Pye MP (1745-1813) was a descendant of then first Sir Robert Pye’s Cromwellian brother, Robert, who was excluded from the grant of the by then extinct baronetcy, but who had succeeded to all the other Pye properties except Hoon, in 1734. H. J. Pye the elder is also of interest because from 1790 until his death in 1813, he had been poet laureate, a position he had been given not for being in the slightest bit talented as a poet, but in exchange for political favours toward William Pitt the younger, the prime minister. Pye was the first poet laureate to receive a fixed salary of £270 instead of the historic tierce of Canary wine – Madeira to you and me, these days a rather unfashionable drink. Nevertheless, young Henry Pye’s ownership of the estate was relatively brief for, being so far from his other properties, it was difficult in those days to administer and the house, of course, was by this time a working farmhouse. He therefore sold it to the Derby attorney William Jeffrey Lockett the younger (see Lockett’s House, Derby, Country Images, May 2022). Lockett died unmarried in 1848 aged 51, whereupon the house and farm were sold to Thomas Orme from whom
Ashbourne’s Take on Football – (Temporary) Anarchy In The UK
By Tom Bell “If you thought running the pitch when your favourite team won a trophy was the closest you’d get to the action, the Royal Shrovetide Football Match is perhaps a step too far for you. “ A damning title or a fair assessment of an age-long heritage in Ashbourne? We could ballpark about the pros and cons of the sport, what constitutes violence and assault in a partisan, law-abiding society, or go even grander with a rigorous debate on the lust for war that’s seemingly built into a monopolising, endlessly competing human race (no comment on our overseas allies…) But, we’d be giving an unfair reading. Rugby sees men clatter into each other, with broken bones and bloody noses being a reasonable fare for the game. Sure, football may have gotten a little soft glove since the days of Vinnie Jones and Jaap Stam, yet boxing and UFC still claim incredible viewership, and for the latter, we see two people battering seven bells out of each other, albeit with high levels of skill and athleticism. And this is where the line is drawn. Highly qualified individuals, even way back to the gladiator days when seasoned warriors took to each other with sword and shield, are the ones who compete, while the rest of us stand by as celebrating spectators. If you thought running the pitch when your favourite team won a trophy was the closest you’d get to the action, the Royal Shrovetide Football Match is perhaps a step too far for you. Dare you even learn more? Of course,you want to! Totalling just one of fifteen festival football games that are still being played in Britain, the Shrovetide Football match remains a steadfast part of Ashbourne and national interest. Unfortunately, if you are an Ashbourne resident, don’t even think that you can get past the event. Most roads are shut, and congestion from visitors and residents will ensue. It’s estimated that the game started around the 12th Century, and has traditionally been played on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday every year since 1667. Since then, not much has changed in terms of how the game is played, and who the players are. Defined as the Up’ards and the Down’ards, the boundary is split between those south of Scolebrook and north of Henmore Brook. The game is started in the Shaw Croft car park, wherein the ball is thrown from a turn-up plinth. The game begins! The game is played throughout the streets, alleyways and everywhere else including the park pond and the surrounding fields. The aim is to try and score as many goals as possible, and each respective goal is gleaned at Sturston Mill for the Up’ards and the Clifton Mill for the Down’ards. Separating them is 3 miles of everything urban and natural in Ashbourne. Back in the day, the goals were scored by entering either wheelhouse and tapping the ball 3 times against the mill wheel. In the words of Bob Dylan, the times they are a changin, and so has the scoring system for the Royal Shrovetide Ashbourne Football. Since the mills are no longer in operation and have long since been demolished, the way to score is by tapping the ball exactly 3 times, directly in the centre of the purpose-built stone millstones. This is all to be done by a player standing in the river. Scoring systems and standing in rivers? Ripping Bob Dylan lyrics quicker than a Rolling Stone? We hope your mind isn’t Tangled Up In Blue! The physical playing of the game is not too difficult to do. Therefore, anyone from all experiences and skills-sets will easily pick up the gameplay. You will very rarely see the ball kicked, yet players are allowed to do so, alongside carrying and throwing it. Don’t expect to be an individual dynamo like Messi in this contest. You simply will not have the space! Most of the time, you will be locked into “hugs” with your own teammates and the opposite, and you will sway to-and-fro, washing towards each millstone as the ball makes it’s way over sweaty heads. You’ve cut through the masses, broken the lines and thrown yourself and the ball against the millstone. You’ve scored! Something quite strange may happen, but it’s not an instance of you being kidnapped in broad daylight. Tradition shows that the scorer is carried on their teammates shoulders, back towards the courtyard of the Green Man Royal Hotel. For the ball itself, this is not your standard accompaniment that you’ll bring to a kickabout. Instead, you will be enjoying this “beautiful game” with a ball that’s larger than your normal Nikey. Named a “Shrovetide Football’, the ball is filled with Portuguese cork in order to allow it to float in rivers. Hand-painted by professional local craftsmen, the balls are typically decorated with emblems and themes specific to the dignitary that will be first presenting it at kickoff. Usually, the ball will be given to the scorer, and it will be repainted and designed to suit their aesthetics. Plus they can keep it as a souvenir. Seems like scoring a hard-earned goal isn’t the only treat for braying players… Starting at 2:00 pm and playing until 10:00 pm, the game may last 2 days, but it is likely not a spectacle to forget. Usually, if a goal is scored before 6:00 pm, a fresh ball is released into the town centre and the game continues. But, if a goal is scored after 6 pm, the match is wrapped up for the day, hands are shaken and a few post-game drinks are supped. Anyone who’s anybody has been involved in the festivities, including King Charles through to Brian Clough and the Duke of Devonshire. They weren’t explicitly involved in the scrummage, but they kicked things off by playing the role of the “turner up”, and threw the ball from a plinth into the hoarded masses. Luckily, rules are rules, even when things get a little tense
Derbyshire Makers – Richdale Sofas
For over 20 years, Richdale Sofas has been a family-run business proudly serving the Derbyshire community. Established in 2004 by husband and wife team Richard and Rachael, they started as a sofa manufacturer, but their passion for furniture has seen them grow into a leading retailer of home furnishings in Ilkeston. Their success lies in a simple philosophy: offering a friendly and knowledgeable approach to every customer. The Richdale team takes pride in helping you find the perfect sofa, chair, corner sofa, or carpet for your needs. This dedication to personalized service has built them a loyal customer base who keep coming back and recommending them to friends and family. Today, Richdale Sofas boasts a wide range of competitively priced, high-quality furniture, all conveniently located in their showroom. From British-made sofas and chairs to carpets and oak furniture, they offer a variety of pieces to create the perfect living space for your home. As a celebration of Richdale’s 20-year anniversary, they are proud to announce their most innovative, sustainable and comfiest suite yet, the Green Cheltenham Sofa. The Derbyshire based company have used their expertise and experience to create a sofa for the future, finding both comfort and the environment can be prioritised. Try it out at The Old Co-op Building, 51a Wharncliffe Rd, Ilkeston DE7 5GF or for more information visit their website at https://www.richdalesofas.co.uk/green-sofa/ Over recent months, the company has undertaken a comprehensive overhaul of the Cheltenham’s manufacturing process to ensure every aspect of its production is sustainable. The result is a sofa that is not only stylish and comfortable but most importantly, kind to the planet. The Cheltenham sofa features FSC certified hardwood frames made in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, offering a lifetime guarantee. In a shift from traditional foam fillings, Richdale has opted for natural fibres such as cotton, wool, felt, and feathers. The springs are locally manufactured and designed to be recyclable, supporting local industry and minimising waste. Each sofa is handmade in Derbyshire and can be tailored to any size, ensuring a perfect fit for your home. Customers can choose from a range of natural fibre fabrics, including cotton and wool, or fabrics made from recycled materials, offering not only a wide range of colours and patterns but also a variety of eco-friendly options. Additionally, the sofa incorporates eco-adhesives and other sustainable components, further enhancing its green appeal. Deliveries are conducted using reusable packaging, reducing the environmental impact of distribution. The company is also proud to be celebrating 20 years of service this year with the new design being a celebration of their dedication and development throughout this time. Richdale Sofas is justifiably proud of their achievement. “We’ve tried to make this sofa as sustainable as possible and can’t wait to show you all,” said a spokesperson for the company. For more information about the innovative green sofa check our website at:www.richdalesofas.co.uk/green-sofa/or come and see us at:The Old Co-op Building, 51a Wharncliffe Rd, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 5GF 00
