Car Boot Sale in Alstonefield Sunday 31st July 16
Playing Fields, SatNav DE6 2FY
Time: 7:30am to 12pm

I am extremely fortunate to be surrounded by both charming and stunning villages. To be honest, I never even knew Alstonefield existed until I accidently stumbled upon it whilst driving around Peaky. It only has the 1 pub, hall and a very intimate village. The George is one of my top favourites in the area as their food and hospitality is unrivaled in the area and always so consistent. I go there often.

So, I have mosey'd on down there and here are little purchases, a poorly Sunflower for £1 to which I'll give all my love and attention to help its recovery. A gorgeous wooden vase for 50p and I've been looking everywhere for a lovely white tablecloth, voila for £3!

I collect brooches, lockets and rings especially art deco or vintage, bargain at £2!

Then finally, my prized find but obviously not an LS Lowry, but I really liked it and was umming and arring initially, but decided to get it and it's gracing my hallway now, for a mega £2!

Audax UK Selects Biggin for Cycling Event
Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st July 2016
SatNav: SK17 0DH

Who is Audax UK or AUK? Audax was established in 1976 and is internationally recognised as a long-distance cycling association. AUK basically oversees the management of long-distance cycling events in the UK. It looks like Biggin is becoming known for cycling events as we recently had the Eroica Brittania Cycling Event that made Biggin the only break stop, it was such a treat for our little village.

Audax uses a system of timed checkpoints, then proceeds to validate and record every successful ride. They are a non-profit organisation and they provide their members with a quarterly magazine called Arrivée, manage their website, handle the AUK Awards and Championship structure. They also offer their memebers 3rd Party insurance and they are the world's largest long-distance cycling club!

Come along to Biggin and check them out!


ORGANISER’S DESCRIPTION
A 400km ride starting from Biggin, nr Hartington, Derbyshire, with controls at Carsington Water, Anslow, Ryton, Upton Magna, Llangollen, Upton Magna and Alton.

Our Very Own Highly Talented Peak District Artisan Denise ...
Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st July 2016
Tissington Village Hall Arts & Craft Fair 
SatNav: DE6 1RA

Earlier in the summer, I attended the Tissington Craft Fair and was very rapidly drawn to Denise and her incredible talent to make the most stunning costume jewellery that I had seen for a long time. I do buy a lot of costume jewellery but in the last few years I have become more selective and fussy as the standards has deteriorated with Indian and Chinese imports, so I was extremely pleased to come across Denise's handcrafted jewellery right here in the Peak District. She most certainly has exceptional talent, I bought 3 items and will surely become a Denise fan as she has a very unique and specific style.

Whilst chatting to Denise, I recall requesting for her details but I've looked everywhere for it and couldn't find it as I wanted to write a special feature on her. Luckily, she has a Facebook page and here's a special feature specifically just for her as she's one of the top artisans I have seen in the Peak District.














Please show your support for her. Tissington is not far from me and I may just be popping in again to see her latest works this weekend. I will also try and obtain Denise's telephone number so as you can contact her directly.

Made in Derbyshire 2016

If you a regular reader to my blog, you will soon learn that I go to a lot of Peak District Events sometimes as many as 2 or 3 events per week. On occasions, I go to art fairs, stalls or shops and if something catches my eye, I will purchase the item if it suits my taste. Here's a little story behind each of the items I purchased this year.

Hand Made Arts & Craft Fair
Tissington Village Hall, The Green, Tissington, Derbyshire DE6 1RA
Next Arts Fair is Saturday, 30th July 2016

I was on my way home one afternoon in May this year and was just about to turn left on the A515 to go home when I noticed Tissington's advertisement board for the Arts & Craft Fair. So, I decided to just go and check it out, so glad I did as I bought 3 gorgeous hand made rings, table mat, beeswax soap and hand cream. It was particularly interesting to me as I was able to speak to the makers themselves. I really enjoyed it very much so please may I encourage you to go to the next one which is this coming Saturday, 30th July 2016.

Then, I discovered a wood turner in Youlgrave through the Derbyshire Open Arts 2016 and bought this little gem which I now use to put my sweets and biscuits. Isn't it lovely? I was rather surprised that I never heard of Matthew Lovell, considering how frequently I go to Youlgrave! However, I am very grateful to the Derbyshire Open Arts for introducing all our locals artisans. 

I also visit my local village frequently which is Hartington, as it's our closest for shops and post office. Then, one day I decided to just wander into our local Dauphin Antique shop in the village and was drawn to this locket but you would never believe it's made out of glass!!

Biggin-neers Gardening at 1,000 feet Above Sea Level is a Challenge Indeed

As you have probably gathered now that I am a keen gardener and I have never worked in a high altitude garden before, and I've heard so many comments from my neighbours that we are 3 to 4 weeks behind everyone else way down below. Here's a rose I pruned last year, isn't it just stunning?

 So, after cultivating my beloved sweet corn indoors since March 2016, I was frothing over with excitement about taking my little honies out into the big wide world and I am always checking up on them and hoping they would survive the altitude.

Basically, I have given them all a head start indoors where they were snug and warm.



Here's me little beauty!

Hey, don't fear as I shall be your guinea pig for the sweet corns and I promise I shall give them my wholehearted attention and never ending love. Here are a few tips on growing flowers or vegetables at high altitudes:-

• We get really really strong winds up here, so why not try a wind breaker to protect your plants. Plus, bamboo sticks or branches to hold them together.
• 
  
• Sow your seeds indoors like I did to keep them nice and warm, sprinkling of phostrogen to get those strong hardy stalks or branches going. 
• 
  
• Personally, I would not even risk the frost so I've kept them indoors as long as I could and released them to the wild, in July or August.
• 
  
• Try a variety of vegetables and see how they fare in the climate, so I've got sweet corn and sweet peppers this year. We've got an old cherry tree that has finally fruited this year but the birds have got to it before we could, but that's okay.
• 
  
• If all else fails, invest in a greenhouse or polytunnel.

It's That Time of The Year Again for the Buxton Fringe Festival 2016
with another sweetener at Sheldon Village
Saturday, 23rd July 2016
Satnav: SK17 6BD

I have been supporting the Buxton Fringe since 2007, so I went to the Beasts Comedy, absolutely excellent! I have been to a lot of fringes over the years, Buxton is by far my favourite not because it's in Peaky but purely its quality and intimacy of the venues. Despite their success, they have still kept that element of simplicity which really suits the laid back and sleepy Buxton town.

2:45pm to 3:45pm Beasts Comedy £9 at Underground Venue
Sketch heroes Beasts return to Buxton with a brand new hour of inspired nonsense.
"The new breed of sketch show." The Guardian
"Unforgetably nutty." The Times
"A tsunami of carefully-crafted silliness." The Telegraph

Here's the Underground Venue bar where we all to wait before the performance started and it was 15 minutes late today, but well worth the wait! I had to skip Sheldon Village as I found 2 other events closer to Biggin, which I have covered below.

My Diversion to Sheldon Either Before or After Buxton Fringe
A Very Pretty Village with a Festival on Saturday, 23rd July 16
SatNav: DE45 1QS

Sheldon Day 2016 starts at 2pm and there's loads of fun to be had such as cakes, jams and other produce, cream teas in the Village Hall. Splat-the-rat and other fun games as well as the usual stalls like plants, books and bric-brac. Chocolate Tombola, Bottle Darts, Grand Raffle and many other stalls near the pub. Don’t forget the get your tennis balls for the Great Ball Run at 4.30pm, when 300 balls are released down the village street.

It's probably too tight for me to go to Sheldon first, so I nipped into Buxton for the Beast Comedy and then I was hoping to attend the Great Ball Run at 4:30pm but I opted for 2 other events closer to Biggin.

• Ashbourne Brass Band from 2.00pm outside the pub. 
• Flower show in the church, delicious hog roast in the main street as well as ice creams on sale.
• The poultry show, produce tent and dog show will be on the playing field again.

• Vintage cars and tractors.
• Mini-farm
• The Egg Throwing competition (most popular event of all) in the main area of the field. 
• The (all new!) Coconut Shy and the Welly Wanging in the field.

Parking: at the top of the village near the bus stop

Blimey, there's more right here in Biggin SK17

As I had already booked my ticket for the comedy, I could not attend the Biggin Fun Day but I caught the tail end where they were having a game of football and I didn't stay for very long, there were no stalls except for a bbq tent. The weather was a scorcher!

On my way to Buxton Fringe, I caught 2 events on the A515, one was Strictly Scooters at The Bull and a Farming Machinery Sales. I have attended the latter in the past and I found it very interesting and fast paced. I had to ditch Sheldon as I prefer to go to events closer to my postcode and I've had an pulchritudinous day! Here are my photos:-

Here are some of the evidence of events that I have personally supported and attended ...

Please do come to Peaky and support it too!

 

My Beloved Peak District ...

Isn't it marvelous, the weather today 18th July 16. Don't we deserve it after the torrential downpour that seemed to have lasted for decades. As soon as I finished work, checked my emails, couple of other doo-dahs and I was out in the tropical sun digging my little plots and attending to my garden.

As Biggin is 1,000 above sea level, all my plants are still indoors and they have been screaming at me lately begging to be let outdoors, but they are my little babies and I adore them. I am of course terrified to let them out in the big wide world, so I had to prepare 2 more veggie plots in the warmest location of the garden. I have also made my own brand of compost, so I was deliriously excited mixing my little magic potion with the newly turned earth. I always stop and stare and nature and would love to know the name of this moth, I wonder if it's "The Clay". I've lived in England since 1984 and have never seen one like it ...

Then, I topped it with compost that I bought from B&Q. I have been going backwards and forwards admiring my newly dug plot ready for my sweet corn and sweet peppers. I am inflamed with earthly passion for me little plot. This insect caught my eye and think it's so delicately elegant, if you know these species please do leave a comment below.

Here are my tickets for Catton Hall Jazz Festival yesterday and my bookie tickets for the spellbound and exciting Pikehall Racing. It's so unfortunate that the latter is only held once a year, you must go in 2017!

 

Saturday 16th July Jazz Event at Catton Hall, DE12 8LN

Hey folks, I did go and wish I didn't but if you read my previous post article I kinda had a bad vibe about it, largely due to its organisers. For me, it was public house standards and one of the bands that were booked were replaced by an "Osmonds Tribute Band". Really? This will not go down well with serious jazz fans and I am one of those fans, I know my jazz and will travel to see great jazz. By the way, here is a photo of Catton Hall's grounds:-

As it was in South Derbyshire, I decided to make a day of it and decided to use the village roads instead of the A38 to get there. I passed picture postcard villages like Lees and Dalbury, so sweet and could have easily stayed for a drink but I had to push on. I am one of those saddos that still refuse to have a satnav as I have a perfectly great A to Z map of Derbyshire, gonna have to re-think about this device. Catton Hall should revise their website address as it's closer to Walton on Trent instead of Swadlincote as it's really out in the sticks and I did not come across a single sign for Catton Hall! It can be tedious for people to find this place, as there's no gate nor sign at the entrance drive and it's just a dirt track!

I will do my best to avoid bad reviews as there is no such thing in music as good or bad. Music has this international cross culture diversity where it can please some or many but it will always please someone. That is the beauty of music. As I have been to so many performances in jazz and listen to it frequently, my band width (no pun intended) is very narrow especially in jazz and dance music, two of my favourite genres.

There were people there that did enjoy their day and I am pleased for them that the rain stayed away too. Although, the trip was filled with drama I did enjoy going to Catton Hall and think it's a little jewel in Peaky, so I will check their events diary now and again. If you went to Catton Hall too, please feel free to leave your comment.

Wanna know how it's really done ... 
Got to Get You Into My Life, check this out versus The Funk Soul Collective:-

Here's the real deal:-

This one is particularly sexy, tight and skillful:-

Now, here's a bass player that can do a lot more but he had to restrain himself and just be economical for the track. He's a disciplined bass player and that's what I mean about jazz, doing only what is needed for the track! No egos required here ...

These gentlemen are being extremely brave, mixing disco, funk, jazz and their own little stance on the track. Not easy at all, but very nice and they made it look easy!

Hey, how about this classy version by Mr Giuseppe Milici & Mauro Schiavone on harmonica and piano, sky is the limit when it comes to jazz. Trust the Italians to come up with something stylish to match their Ferraris and pasta! Personally, I think jazz is the musicians music? 

Saturday 16th July 2016 between 17:00 to 21:00 GMT
Catton Hall, Walton upon Trent, South Derbyshire, DE12 8LN
Tel: 07854 743025 or 01283 716311 (James Dean Events)
If all else fails, try Catton Hall directly: 07979  803727

Please do not bother ringing their landlines today 16th July as they are not picking it up. It's always a poor sign if the venue does not publish correct information as when I spoke to Catton Hall, they said they would be catering for food but their EventBrite states otherwise. So, I've included a few public houses you can chill at and get some food as there's nothing walking distance from Catton Hall. See you there! 

Featuring
Funk Soul Collective
Not the tightest jazz band I've ever seen, need to rehearse a lot lot more ...

Kal's Kat's Again, average and almost a Saturday night pub level?

Firewalkers
Who are these guys? I've already pinged the events manager a few times plus tried to call them too and still waiting for a YouTube link! Not the world's greatest jazz managers, are they? Oh well!


Event Time:- 
15:30 Car Park Opens
17:00 Music Starts
21:00 Event Finish

1) Can I bring my own Seating?
Yes, we recommend you bring your own seating as none is provided.

2) Can I bring my own soft drinks?
Yes but no glass (plastic only)

3) Can I bring my own Food?
Yes but no Alcohol or Glass.

The Royal Oak
74 The Green, Barton-under-Needwood, Burton upon Trent DE13 8JD

The Waterfront
Barton Marina, Barton Turn, Barton-under-Needwood, Burton-on-Trent DE13 8AS

White Swan
Main St, Walton-on-Trent, Walton on Trent DE12 8LZ 

4) Can I bring my own Alchol?
No. A large selection of Alcohol will be on sale. Alchol can't be bought onsite.

5) Can I bring my pet?
Sorry no pets.

Despite my comments, I shall still be there!

The Buxton Arts Festival 2016

I've been supporting this fringe festival for many years, please do come along as I think it's the best I've ever attended in the country and I've been to the Edinburgh Festival too. I've also lived in Londres for 18 years and attended countless performances, to which I've kept nearly every ticket to this day. London bores me as it's all very plastic, predictable and catered for the masses or tourists? We have a far superior thang' going on right here in Peaky!

Personally, I love the intimacy of the venues and the close proximity you have with the artistes at the Buxton Arts Festival. Please do come along and support it too! Thank you.

http://www.buxtonfestival.co.uk/

Here's an interlude from the political inferno in Britain today ...

Not sure about you but I am pooped out and fatigued from reading up on Brexit, Article 50, the ping ponging shenanigans from of those poxy political parties. They have led us all astray in recent decades and they think they can place us all in a continous merry go round that makes us all giddy, spun their devious little spins as it suits them. Sorry not having it anymore, thank you very much!

Wish they would just settle down and get on with the job, like the rest of us!

Is this the real life or is this just fantasy, caught in a landslide, no escape from reality ...

Of course, we all love the Muppets but I chose the Steve Quimette's Guitar Hero 3 version which is top class. I found Steve's version by accident whilst cruising on YouTube, enjoy it especially if you are metal fan! Just exactly what pact did we make with the EU since 1973, I wonder?

Here's more parody by Jimmy Fallon on Donald Trump, it's "huge" ...

As you have probably gathered by now, I am a huge Jimmy Fallon fan and to be honest any quality comedy. Personally, I think he's an exception as I am not particularly fond of American humuor as they have such a hard act to follow the Brits, who set such high standards.

Things To Do This Week Beginning 10th to 17th July 2016

TUESDAY 12th JULY: Easy Walk at 10:30am at Coldwell End Car Park in Youlgrave DE45 1UY

Group Leaders: Linda & Peter
MapMyWalk App Stats: Approximately 3-4 miles for tbc H:M:S at tbc mins per mile
Breaks After Walk: tbc

This is the fortnightly walk with the Derbyshire Walk for Life Organised Groups and it's normally around Youlgrave with future plans for Birchover and Stanton in Peak. It's a lovely group that includes nature watch too and I have personally walked with them in 2014/15, I highly recommend them! I am afraid I cannot make this week, so please do go and support this walk.


SATURDAY 16th JULY
Jazz Concert at Catton Hall, Walton upon Trent, South Derbyshire DE12 8LN
I've just called the organiser before placing this blog post and they confirmed the previous headline act Ms Claire Teal will not be there and in her place are acts on the below-mentioned flyer. I am a "huge" jazz fan, so I am gonna be there. Why not come along and check it all out. 

When I was a kid growing up in Malaysia, my brother brought home a load of jazz vinyls and recall thinking what a load of nonsense jazz was, hmmm? I take all that back as today I think jazz is a music genre that will always stand the test of time. Hey, what do I know as I still like techno and dance music! If you need more information from the organisers, please call them on 07854 743025. See you there!

SUNDAY 17th JULY: Our Very Own Splinter Group Walk at 10am
Book Inspiration: Peak District Teashop Walks by Charles Wildgoose
Walk Chosen by Susan & Mala: Walk 4 Castleton (Pages 20 to 23)

MapMyWalk App Stats: 6.25 miles for tbc H:M:S at tbc mins per mile
Breaks After Walk: tbc

We have cancelled this walk for Sunday 17th July, so we hope you will get a chance to do it.

Our Very Own Splinter Group Walk 10th July 2016
Book Inspiration: Peak District Teashop Walks by Charles Wildgoose (Susan's Book)
Walk Chosen by Susan: Walk 16 Hartington (pages 73 to 76)

MapMyWalk App Stats: 5.36 miles for 2H:44M:59S at 30:46 mins per mile
Breaks: Manifold Inn Pub at Hulme End and Coffee/Cake at Hartington

Gee, where do I start and it didn't start off very well after Stonewell Lane as I couldn't understand the instructions in the book, so Sue and I walked on the other side of the the now closed down cheese factory. Anyway, we were both determined to follow the book and eventually wound back onto the path. Then, we had another little doo-dah about this plantation that we were supposed to see and I said to Sue that I only associate plantations to the slavery days and also recalled my time in Barbados where I did actually see some plantation house? Then, I jokingly quizzed Sue about when this book was published, was it in the 1900s sometime and we both had a giggle about it.

Thanks to our British MP William Wilberforce and his buddies who led the anti-slavery movement in the United Kingdom, the Slave Trade Act was passed by the British Parliament on March 25, 1807.

Anyway, we kept going and after an hour into the walk, things were going much better and we we feeling more confident. By now, the views were just simply pulchritudinous. Amazing views, take a look at our photos below:-

The book in all fairness is very detailed, perhaps too detailed and we had to stop several times to consult it as at one point we were supposed to have the wall to our right and it was on our left and I said to Sue, "Tell you what, if we walk backwards, it will be on our right?" We persevered and carried on right down to the River Dove, such a sweet river, more like a brook in reality and we had another stumble there too as the book offered us 2 options, one a difficult one and the latter an easier one. Guess which way we went? More stunning views!

Then, at some point close to the farm near Sheen Hill we came across some very relaxed cows and they were really close to the pathway and you have never seen two tired people walk so fast and we were both relieved when we climbed over the stile. Phew!

There's been nothing but drama on this walk as we were walking back towards Hartington, we heard 4 or 5 gun or dynamite blasts and it was getting louder and louder as we walked on. We tried to peek over the farm to work out what those noises were and soon forgot about them as we carried on chatting about life, dating, men and the rest. We didn't cover any politics today ...

By now, I am looking forward to a cold fresh orange juice and lemonade with a lovely roast. The time flew by after Phase 1 and 2 of the walk. Got back to Hartington and we were both stood by someone else's car and we both didn't notice we were at the wrong car when I noticed the indicators beeped on the car behind, hilarious! Then, I was raving about this pub in Hulme End only to find out the usual chefs were on holiday, so the food was average instead of excellent. Then, we rounded off the whole day at a cafe in Hartington with latte, tea and lemon drizzle cake! Excellent!

This is what I managed on Saturday 9th July 16 as there were too many events!

Friday 8th July 16 at 2pm onwards: Buxton SK17 Festival & Carnival
As you know I have been supporting Buxton Arts Festival since I moved to Derbyshire in 2007 but I don't think I've ever attended their carnival. Here are my photos:-

My neighbour Claire and I went and we had a lovely time, believe it or not the rain stayed away during the entire processions. My favourites were the bag pipes band, men dressed up as women and acting silly and the rip ride roller coasters. 

Check out the people at the top of this ride, bet they've got a good view of the Peak District and bet they cannot wait to touch the ground again, I was tempted but I saw them daggling and swinging about, I chickened out.

Pikehall Harness Racing 2pm Saturday 9th July 16

Then, I went to Pikehall as it's is literally down the road from me, so I had to go knowing that there were only a few more races left. My only gripe was that I still had to pay the full £10, think they should charge people accordingly as I missed most of the races. 

This event has got to be the most unique and spectacular thing I've ever seen in Peaky, it's only once a year and I think very few people even know it even exists! So, you must go next year! Sadly, none of my horses won, never mind as I was there to soak up the ambience!