NEWS
A heartwarming story on a bitterly cold day
On Thursday January 9th, when the snow was deep and crisp and even, members of Matlock Luncheon Club ventured out to the Peak Edge Hotel for another delicious meal.
Our speakers this month were Stuart and Barbara Marriott who told us about their charity The Rwanyana Community Trust. The story began when they went to Uganda ten years ago as volunteers with VSO. One of the volunteers married Grace from the village of Rwanyana and they came to live in Sheffield. Grace wanted to help the members of her remote mountain village whose lives depend on subsistence farming; along with Stuart and Barbara, a Trust was formed. Grace believed education was the place to start and with the help of friends and associates, the Trust was able to raise money to build a nursery school in the village. This was the beginning of a commitment that has seen the building of a school, a hostel for children rescued from poverty, a clinic, a family planning unit and a shelter for meetings of the elderly villagers which also supports children with special needs.
Stuart and Barbara first visited in 2014 and have returned regularly since. They have been delighted to see the difference the charity has made to the people of the district. We saw videos of the children dancing and singing, the nurse Brenda seeing patients in the clinic, children from the hostel doing their daily tasks and most importantly, smiling faces everywhere. As there is no electricity in the village, the Trust has been able to supply solar panels. The video of villagers learning how to turn on a light was very moving. What a lot we take for granted.
It is a difficult journey to reach Rwanyana as the roads are basic and climate change is affecting the landscape. Stuart and Barbara are setting off next month for what could be their final visit. They will take with them our warm wishes and admiration. To find out more, please visit www.rwanyanacommunitytrust.com
Our speakers this month were Stuart and Barbara Marriott who told us about their charity The Rwanyana Community Trust. The story began when they went to Uganda ten years ago as volunteers with VSO. One of the volunteers married Grace from the village of Rwanyana and they came to live in Sheffield. Grace wanted to help the members of her remote mountain village whose lives depend on subsistence farming; along with Stuart and Barbara, a Trust was formed. Grace believed education was the place to start and with the help of friends and associates, the Trust was able to raise money to build a nursery school in the village. This was the beginning of a commitment that has seen the building of a school, a hostel for children rescued from poverty, a clinic, a family planning unit and a shelter for meetings of the elderly villagers which also supports children with special needs.
Stuart and Barbara first visited in 2014 and have returned regularly since. They have been delighted to see the difference the charity has made to the people of the district. We saw videos of the children dancing and singing, the nurse Brenda seeing patients in the clinic, children from the hostel doing their daily tasks and most importantly, smiling faces everywhere. As there is no electricity in the village, the Trust has been able to supply solar panels. The video of villagers learning how to turn on a light was very moving. What a lot we take for granted.
It is a difficult journey to reach Rwanyana as the roads are basic and climate change is affecting the landscape. Stuart and Barbara are setting off next month for what could be their final visit. They will take with them our warm wishes and admiration. To find out more, please visit www.rwanyanacommunitytrust.com
A Very Special Chocolate Cake!
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Elaine Lovell, Chairman, with Barry Colenso Master Chocolatier and guest speaker
Members of the Matlock Luncheon Club enjoyed a festive lunch on Thursday at The Peak Edge Hotel. After tucking into turkey and Christmas pudding, Barry Colenso, gave a hugely entertaining talk on how he helped to create Prince William and Catherine’s wedding cake in 2011. Barry has a wealth of experience spanning forty years having worked in the culinary and chocolate industry. His previous roles have included that of Master Chocolatier at Thornton’s and he has had the privilege of baking cakes for the Royals and making Easter eggs for Princes William and Harry.
With four weeks to go before the Royal Wedding, Barry received a clandestine call from McVitie’s asking for his help with a chocolate sculpture. He was soon to learn that he was to help develop and create William and Catherine’s chocolate wedding cake based on William’s favourite chocolate tiffin recipe. The cake was to contain over 12Kg of chocolate and 1700 McVitie’s Rich Tea biscuits. Barry personally handmade the white chocolate decorations which consisted of dahlias (signifying love) and African vine leaves (to signify the location where William proposed to Catherine). Two thousand pieces of cake were required for the lucky wedding guests which had to pass the ‘frock taste test’! In the end all the individual elements for two cakes were made and conveyed to Buckingham palace in two vans following two different routes, just in case of kidnap or some other calamitous event! After passing security at the Palace, the final assembly of the masterpiece took place on a £9 million gold platter! A truly mouth-watering achievement!
Members of the Matlock Luncheon Club enjoyed a festive lunch on Thursday at The Peak Edge Hotel. After tucking into turkey and Christmas pudding, Barry Colenso, gave a hugely entertaining talk on how he helped to create Prince William and Catherine’s wedding cake in 2011. Barry has a wealth of experience spanning forty years having worked in the culinary and chocolate industry. His previous roles have included that of Master Chocolatier at Thornton’s and he has had the privilege of baking cakes for the Royals and making Easter eggs for Princes William and Harry.
With four weeks to go before the Royal Wedding, Barry received a clandestine call from McVitie’s asking for his help with a chocolate sculpture. He was soon to learn that he was to help develop and create William and Catherine’s chocolate wedding cake based on William’s favourite chocolate tiffin recipe. The cake was to contain over 12Kg of chocolate and 1700 McVitie’s Rich Tea biscuits. Barry personally handmade the white chocolate decorations which consisted of dahlias (signifying love) and African vine leaves (to signify the location where William proposed to Catherine). Two thousand pieces of cake were required for the lucky wedding guests which had to pass the ‘frock taste test’! In the end all the individual elements for two cakes were made and conveyed to Buckingham palace in two vans following two different routes, just in case of kidnap or some other calamitous event! After passing security at the Palace, the final assembly of the masterpiece took place on a £9 million gold platter! A truly mouth-watering achievement!
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Lucky to catch her!
Matlock Luncheon Club November 14th 2024
After another delicious meal at the Peak Edge Hotel, members of Matlock Luncheon Club were delighted to listen to motivational speaker Jen Lowthrop talk about her busy life. Busy in a good way, she says, living life to the full. She has a travel blog called ‘She gets Around’, she owns and runs Co Workers Corner in Matlock and she works as a consultant and facilitator for charities, social enterprises and public sector bodies.Jen has not followed a traditional career path. Her talk was entitled ‘What I’ve learnt along the way’ and she outlined her life choices in ten steps. She encouraged anyone to put themselves forward for things they’re not qualified for, outlining how she has taken risks to gain jobs such as ‘Scrum Manager’ and ‘Agile Coach’. Volunteering is a cornerstone in her life, describing it as a win, win, win way to gain confidence and build networks as well as giving something back. She observed that the careers available today had not been invented when she left Lady Manner’s School; she took advantage of her love of language and speaking to find her own way. One piece of advice Jen gave was, ‘Don’t always listen to your parents’ as it’s important to follow your own path. To move forward, she said, you have to take risks; parents tend to want their children to have conventional jobs. Her parents have been very supportive of her decisions and choices. One lesson she learnt is that the most important career decision is choosing your life partner, someone who will encourage you despite your wild ambitions! Jen’s audience was enthralled by her enthusiasm and passion. One member commented, ‘We should have listened to you twenty years ago!’ Jen told us to always choose adventure, advice we should all take on board.You can find out more about Jen at her blog www.shegetsaround, her website www.feelgooddogood, and follow her on Instagram @coworkingCorner and @jlowthrop
New members are welcome at Matlock Luncheon Club. Check out our website www.matlockluncheonclub for news and membership details.
Matlock Luncheon Club November 14th 2024
After another delicious meal at the Peak Edge Hotel, members of Matlock Luncheon Club were delighted to listen to motivational speaker Jen Lowthrop talk about her busy life. Busy in a good way, she says, living life to the full. She has a travel blog called ‘She gets Around’, she owns and runs Co Workers Corner in Matlock and she works as a consultant and facilitator for charities, social enterprises and public sector bodies.Jen has not followed a traditional career path. Her talk was entitled ‘What I’ve learnt along the way’ and she outlined her life choices in ten steps. She encouraged anyone to put themselves forward for things they’re not qualified for, outlining how she has taken risks to gain jobs such as ‘Scrum Manager’ and ‘Agile Coach’. Volunteering is a cornerstone in her life, describing it as a win, win, win way to gain confidence and build networks as well as giving something back. She observed that the careers available today had not been invented when she left Lady Manner’s School; she took advantage of her love of language and speaking to find her own way. One piece of advice Jen gave was, ‘Don’t always listen to your parents’ as it’s important to follow your own path. To move forward, she said, you have to take risks; parents tend to want their children to have conventional jobs. Her parents have been very supportive of her decisions and choices. One lesson she learnt is that the most important career decision is choosing your life partner, someone who will encourage you despite your wild ambitions! Jen’s audience was enthralled by her enthusiasm and passion. One member commented, ‘We should have listened to you twenty years ago!’ Jen told us to always choose adventure, advice we should all take on board.You can find out more about Jen at her blog www.shegetsaround, her website www.feelgooddogood, and follow her on Instagram @coworkingCorner and @jlowthrop
New members are welcome at Matlock Luncheon Club. Check out our website www.matlockluncheonclub for news and membership details.
A FLYING START
Elaine Lovell, Chairman, with Sharon Stone, Air Ambulance Service
The 2024/25 season of Matlock Luncheon Club got off to a flying start when new Chairman, Elaine Lovell, welcomed the guest speaker, Sharon Stone, from the East Midlands Air Ambulance Service.
After the summer break, Members had a chance to catch up with each others’ news and enjoy a delicious meal at the Peak Edge Hotel before discovering more about the well known Service. In common with several of its volunteers, Sharon became involved when she needed swift transport to the Northern General Hospital. She had lost control of her bicycle on a steep hill near Rowsley, smashed her leg into a telegraph pole but fortunately the helicopter managed to get her to Sheffield in seven vital minutes
The Air Ambulance can land in an area of 26 square metres. in Sharon’s case it had a whole field but that did mean she had to be stretchered over a gate! Apart from being expert doctors and paramedics, seconded from NHS, and pilots, often former military fliers, the crew have to undergo physical training too!
Although the Service receives no Government financial support relying instead on voluntary donations, corporate funding, charity events and income from retail outlets this does guarantee them autonomy. Each mission costs around £2,300 and on average they fly 10 each day, sometimes helping out in other counties besides their ‘home patch’ of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Our members look forward to being up, up and away to Peak Edge again next month!
For further information contact www.matlockluncheonclub.co.uk
The 2024/25 season of Matlock Luncheon Club got off to a flying start when new Chairman, Elaine Lovell, welcomed the guest speaker, Sharon Stone, from the East Midlands Air Ambulance Service.
After the summer break, Members had a chance to catch up with each others’ news and enjoy a delicious meal at the Peak Edge Hotel before discovering more about the well known Service. In common with several of its volunteers, Sharon became involved when she needed swift transport to the Northern General Hospital. She had lost control of her bicycle on a steep hill near Rowsley, smashed her leg into a telegraph pole but fortunately the helicopter managed to get her to Sheffield in seven vital minutes
The Air Ambulance can land in an area of 26 square metres. in Sharon’s case it had a whole field but that did mean she had to be stretchered over a gate! Apart from being expert doctors and paramedics, seconded from NHS, and pilots, often former military fliers, the crew have to undergo physical training too!
Although the Service receives no Government financial support relying instead on voluntary donations, corporate funding, charity events and income from retail outlets this does guarantee them autonomy. Each mission costs around £2,300 and on average they fly 10 each day, sometimes helping out in other counties besides their ‘home patch’ of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Our members look forward to being up, up and away to Peak Edge again next month!
For further information contact www.matlockluncheonclub.co.uk
Guest Speaker - Nick Abson
Following the Club’s AGM and the final lunch of the year, the members were treated to a rare opportunity to learn about fuel cell technology and its possible applications. Nick Abson’s background demonstrates his willingness to embrace change through his varied careers and domiciles; presently he is studying for a PhD and living between France and England.
Nick began by defining a fuel cell; a device that continuously changes the chemical energy of fuel, like hydrogen, into energy. He is an evangelical crusader seeking to persuade governments, companies, anyone who will listen, of the massive potential benefits in terms of cost, making waste a resource – saving the planet! He used the example of a boat going from port to port collecting waste and recycling it into energy to continue its journey. He extolled the virtue of ROGER – a remote, off grid reactor and its uses.
Will his ideas change how the UK thinks? Possibly. Hopefully.
For more information see matlockluncheonclub.co.uk
Following the Club’s AGM and the final lunch of the year, the members were treated to a rare opportunity to learn about fuel cell technology and its possible applications. Nick Abson’s background demonstrates his willingness to embrace change through his varied careers and domiciles; presently he is studying for a PhD and living between France and England.
Nick began by defining a fuel cell; a device that continuously changes the chemical energy of fuel, like hydrogen, into energy. He is an evangelical crusader seeking to persuade governments, companies, anyone who will listen, of the massive potential benefits in terms of cost, making waste a resource – saving the planet! He used the example of a boat going from port to port collecting waste and recycling it into energy to continue its journey. He extolled the virtue of ROGER – a remote, off grid reactor and its uses.
Will his ideas change how the UK thinks? Possibly. Hopefully.
For more information see matlockluncheonclub.co.uk
Matlock Luncheon Club Putin – Part two.
George Kegler and Ann Turner, MLC Chair
Members of MLC met at their usual venue, the Peak Edge Hotel, for their June meeting to catch up with friends, enjoy the usually excellent lunch and listen to a speaker.
On this occasion George Kegler stepped in at 48 hours’ notice to share with us his second review of Modern Russia and particularly Putin who has just been elected, effectively unopposed, for an unprecedented 5th term as President.
George described Putin as having an ego ‘way out’ of his personality, who has surrounded himself with trusted ‘old’ colleagues who won’t challenge him, whom he manipulates and controls by creating a sense of insecurity about their positions and is ruthless about disloyalty. Remember the fate of Prigozhir, the leader of the Wagner rebellion?
There is no ‘plan B’ in Putin’s world hence the continuing war in Ukraine; he doesn’t entertain alternatives or ‘what ifs’. George described the situation whereby countries seek support through alliances with others through proximity, shared philosophies or mutual benefit. He used the war in Gaza as an example.
In a wider world context Putin is a ‘mischief maker’ interfering in other countries’ processes using amongst other things cyber technology, exploiting uncertainty and unspecified threats.
A lot to think about!
For more information about MLC see www.matlockluncheonclub.co.uk
On this occasion George Kegler stepped in at 48 hours’ notice to share with us his second review of Modern Russia and particularly Putin who has just been elected, effectively unopposed, for an unprecedented 5th term as President.
George described Putin as having an ego ‘way out’ of his personality, who has surrounded himself with trusted ‘old’ colleagues who won’t challenge him, whom he manipulates and controls by creating a sense of insecurity about their positions and is ruthless about disloyalty. Remember the fate of Prigozhir, the leader of the Wagner rebellion?
There is no ‘plan B’ in Putin’s world hence the continuing war in Ukraine; he doesn’t entertain alternatives or ‘what ifs’. George described the situation whereby countries seek support through alliances with others through proximity, shared philosophies or mutual benefit. He used the war in Gaza as an example.
In a wider world context Putin is a ‘mischief maker’ interfering in other countries’ processes using amongst other things cyber technology, exploiting uncertainty and unspecified threats.
A lot to think about!
For more information about MLC see www.matlockluncheonclub.co.uk
Ann Turner, MLC Chair and Michelle and Victoria Bateman
Matlock Luncheon Club recently enjoyed their May meeting and lunch at the Peak Edge Hotel.
The two speakers were Victoria Bateman and her daughter, Michelle. Vicky was part of the ‘Windrush Generation’ so called after the HMT Empire Windrush, carrying some 0f the people who left their homes in the Caribbean to fill workforce shortages in the UK following the Second World War. She left her native Jamaica at 18 to travel to England to train as a nurse within the newly formed NHS. Vicky had a long, 39 years, career and in 2023 accepted the Christine Newbury Memorial Award at The Sun newspaper ‘Who Cares Wins’ ceremony on behalf of the Windrush generation.
Michelle ‘interviewed’ her mother about her experiences: her training at Selly Oak Hospital, her promotion to Ward Sister and the esteem of her colleagues. Vicky reminded everybody that nursing is about people and care.
Michelle went on to describe her own impressive journey from training at Bart’s to her present position as Executive Director of Nursing, AHP’s and Quality within Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS.
She described her mother as her role model and the warmth and good humour that shone between the two exemplified the qualities that have made them successful.
One of Michelle’s children has followed them into the NHS hence ‘passing on the baton’.
What else is there to say but a heartfelt……… Thank you!
Matlock Luncheon Club recently enjoyed their May meeting and lunch at the Peak Edge Hotel.
The two speakers were Victoria Bateman and her daughter, Michelle. Vicky was part of the ‘Windrush Generation’ so called after the HMT Empire Windrush, carrying some 0f the people who left their homes in the Caribbean to fill workforce shortages in the UK following the Second World War. She left her native Jamaica at 18 to travel to England to train as a nurse within the newly formed NHS. Vicky had a long, 39 years, career and in 2023 accepted the Christine Newbury Memorial Award at The Sun newspaper ‘Who Cares Wins’ ceremony on behalf of the Windrush generation.
Michelle ‘interviewed’ her mother about her experiences: her training at Selly Oak Hospital, her promotion to Ward Sister and the esteem of her colleagues. Vicky reminded everybody that nursing is about people and care.
Michelle went on to describe her own impressive journey from training at Bart’s to her present position as Executive Director of Nursing, AHP’s and Quality within Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS.
She described her mother as her role model and the warmth and good humour that shone between the two exemplified the qualities that have made them successful.
One of Michelle’s children has followed them into the NHS hence ‘passing on the baton’.
What else is there to say but a heartfelt……… Thank you!
‘Knitters, Nailers and Traitors’ !
Matlock Luncheon Club members recently met to enjoy lunch and a sociable catch-up with new and long term friends.
Following the meal they were treated to a talk by David Skillen; a dedicated local history buff, on the contribution of Jedediah Strutt and family to the industrial success of the town of Belper.
The Strutts helped to change working life forever during the 18th Century and built a thriving community that continues to this day.
Local ‘nailers’ at that time had transferable skills which were utilised by the entrepreneurs who were developing machinery for the ‘new’ and expanding fabric production industry. However not all new ideas were welcomed by the community, many of whom realised that machinery was likely to make them redundant. Nevertheless, the Strutts were philanthropic and provided a good environment for their employees even allowing sideline earning opportunities.
A famous, or notorious, name from Belper’s past is Samuel Slater known as ‘Slater the Traitor’. Samuel was trained at Strutt’s Mill, became very skilled, memorised as much as he could and took that knowledge to America to begin his own business - and became the competition! The industry went into decline during the latter part of 20th Century, but its history is preserved within the World Heritage Site. For further information about the Club see www.matlockluncheonclub.co.uk
Matlock Luncheon Club members recently met to enjoy lunch and a sociable catch-up with new and long term friends.
Following the meal they were treated to a talk by David Skillen; a dedicated local history buff, on the contribution of Jedediah Strutt and family to the industrial success of the town of Belper.
The Strutts helped to change working life forever during the 18th Century and built a thriving community that continues to this day.
Local ‘nailers’ at that time had transferable skills which were utilised by the entrepreneurs who were developing machinery for the ‘new’ and expanding fabric production industry. However not all new ideas were welcomed by the community, many of whom realised that machinery was likely to make them redundant. Nevertheless, the Strutts were philanthropic and provided a good environment for their employees even allowing sideline earning opportunities.
A famous, or notorious, name from Belper’s past is Samuel Slater known as ‘Slater the Traitor’. Samuel was trained at Strutt’s Mill, became very skilled, memorised as much as he could and took that knowledge to America to begin his own business - and became the competition! The industry went into decline during the latter part of 20th Century, but its history is preserved within the World Heritage Site. For further information about the Club see www.matlockluncheonclub.co.uk
Chair of MLC, Ann Turner and speaker David Skillen
Matlock Luncheon Club recently held its March meeting at the Peak Edge Hotel in Kelstedge. Following lunch, the members enjoyed a talk from Jonathan Suffolk. After training at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in Stage Management and Technical Theatre, Jonathan went on to work at a number of theatres before becoming the Technical Director of the National Theatre, eventually moving on to focus on his work with the National Theatre ‘Smart Caption Glasses’. These provide a revolutionary closed-captioning service for audience members with hearing loss, as the dialogue in performances is displayed on the lenses of the glasses.
Jonathan was an engaging speaker regaling us with tales of his theatrical highs – and lows and a who’s who list of theatrical greats he has worked with over the years.
It’s absolutely true the technical skills that underpin so many productions are often not lauded or recognised. Jonathan described his experience as part of a cultural exchange with China to produce ‘War Horse’ in Beijing. Not for the faint hearted!
Since 2009 Jonathan has focussed on the development of Built for Good Technology Ltd and Watchword, the captioning system.
He shared advice he was given about speaking to a group of people ‘judge the moment – play the crowd.’
He did it very well.
New members of MTLC are always welcome – see www.matlockluncheonclub.co.uk
Jonathan was an engaging speaker regaling us with tales of his theatrical highs – and lows and a who’s who list of theatrical greats he has worked with over the years.
It’s absolutely true the technical skills that underpin so many productions are often not lauded or recognised. Jonathan described his experience as part of a cultural exchange with China to produce ‘War Horse’ in Beijing. Not for the faint hearted!
Since 2009 Jonathan has focussed on the development of Built for Good Technology Ltd and Watchword, the captioning system.
He shared advice he was given about speaking to a group of people ‘judge the moment – play the crowd.’
He did it very well.
New members of MTLC are always welcome – see www.matlockluncheonclub.co.uk
MLC Chair Ann Turner and Jonathan Suffolk
Club members met in February at the Peak Edge Hotel for their monthly lunch and to enjoy a post lunch contribution from Lucy Galliard, Chief Executive of Sinfonia Viva, a professional orchestra based in Nottingham. Its mission is to ‘make a difference through music’. Until comparatively recently major orchestras comprised European men; the Royal Vienna Orchestra didn’t admit women until 1997 because women represented ‘a lower musical standard’! Amazing. A Conductor originally kept time by banging a stick on the floor.
An evolution has taken place: concertos are written for beatbox music, Malcolm Arnold wrote for vacuum cleaners and the like. For Sinfonia Viva music can be created with anything by anybody for everyone. Musicians are encouraged to be creative and innovative not just told what, where and how.
Music in the community can be accessed by sufferers of dementia, children with special needs, any local group: it can offer solace, comfort – and joy. Orchestras go out to communities rather than the other way round.
A recent STEM project designed for young people to consider Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths under the heading Climate in terms of musical interpretation, was met with huge enthusiasm by all participants -a way for the future.
Sinfonia Viva has made a ‘50/50’ pledge for the future, to energise talent and create a fairer balance regardless of gender, ethnicity or age. Great!
The Luncheon Club welcomes new members. See www.matlockluncheonclub.co.uk
An evolution has taken place: concertos are written for beatbox music, Malcolm Arnold wrote for vacuum cleaners and the like. For Sinfonia Viva music can be created with anything by anybody for everyone. Musicians are encouraged to be creative and innovative not just told what, where and how.
Music in the community can be accessed by sufferers of dementia, children with special needs, any local group: it can offer solace, comfort – and joy. Orchestras go out to communities rather than the other way round.
A recent STEM project designed for young people to consider Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths under the heading Climate in terms of musical interpretation, was met with huge enthusiasm by all participants -a way for the future.
Sinfonia Viva has made a ‘50/50’ pledge for the future, to energise talent and create a fairer balance regardless of gender, ethnicity or age. Great!
The Luncheon Club welcomes new members. See www.matlockluncheonclub.co.uk
Elaine Lovell, Matlock Luncheon Club Vice Chair, and Lucy Galliard
‘I just had to help!’
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Following lunch at the Peak Edge Hotel near Chesterfield, the members of Matlock Luncheon Club were treated to a talk from Pam Young. In 1987 Pam was asked to stand for local government but wasn’t interested in power and didn’t like the fact that Europe was destroying food mountains whilst Africans were starving. She decided to take on a more pro- active approach to achieve her aims and objectives in life and set off to Africa as a volunteer.
Once in Africa Pam set up her own programme, Village Ventures, teaching a range of survival skills, gardening and building local mud brick houses. She took sewing |
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machines to Zimbabwe and organised many self-help projects. In Mali she supported villages which attracted volunteers from all over the world: most interestingly the support of an annual international car rally! This network has sustained her ongoing work.
Recently Pam has turned her attention to the war in Ukraine utilising her network to assist those who have been forced to flee, many with just the clothes on their backs and harrowing tales of their experiences and losses. Some of those aided have, in turn, helped to found Village Venture Ukraine.
Co-incidentally Pam raises funds locally by buying and selling jewellery on a stall at Bakewell Market.
For more information about Matlock Luncheon Club see the website www.matlockluncheonclub.co.uk. New members are always welcome.
Recently Pam has turned her attention to the war in Ukraine utilising her network to assist those who have been forced to flee, many with just the clothes on their backs and harrowing tales of their experiences and losses. Some of those aided have, in turn, helped to found Village Venture Ukraine.
Co-incidentally Pam raises funds locally by buying and selling jewellery on a stall at Bakewell Market.
For more information about Matlock Luncheon Club see the website www.matlockluncheonclub.co.uk. New members are always welcome.
Done Marching!
On Thursday 2nd October, Matlock Luncheon Club held its first meeting of the 2023-4 season which is a very special season as it’s the 60th since the Club was founded. Following an excellent meal at their usual venue Peak Edge Hotel, this year’s Chair Ann Turner introduced the speaker Bruce Spencer. Bruce, an army veteran who started his career in 1982 when he was commissioned into the Worcester and Sherwood Foresters, gave great insight into life in the armed forces including being part of a team, living ‘behind the wire’, being on constant alert for deployment but also spoke of the camaraderie. Bruce talked with sensitivity of the impact on the spouses of serving personnel.
Army veteran
Bruce is now President of Chesterfield Sea Cadets and a great advocate for the work done by cadets nationally including the 2000 in Derbyshire. Research indicates that the experience these young citizens gain by being cadets has an impact on their future lives, from confidence to qualifications to employability, whilst society certainly benefits from their input.
The talk covered a wide range of aspects of Bruce’s life in the armed forces from Nepal to Afghanistan, from Northern Island to Germany but delivered at all times with humanity, enthusiasm and a fair sprinkling of humour. A most engaging start to the new season.
More information about the Club can be found at matlockluncheonclub.co.uk
On Thursday 2nd October, Matlock Luncheon Club held its first meeting of the 2023-4 season which is a very special season as it’s the 60th since the Club was founded. Following an excellent meal at their usual venue Peak Edge Hotel, this year’s Chair Ann Turner introduced the speaker Bruce Spencer. Bruce, an army veteran who started his career in 1982 when he was commissioned into the Worcester and Sherwood Foresters, gave great insight into life in the armed forces including being part of a team, living ‘behind the wire’, being on constant alert for deployment but also spoke of the camaraderie. Bruce talked with sensitivity of the impact on the spouses of serving personnel.
Army veteran
Bruce is now President of Chesterfield Sea Cadets and a great advocate for the work done by cadets nationally including the 2000 in Derbyshire. Research indicates that the experience these young citizens gain by being cadets has an impact on their future lives, from confidence to qualifications to employability, whilst society certainly benefits from their input.
The talk covered a wide range of aspects of Bruce’s life in the armed forces from Nepal to Afghanistan, from Northern Island to Germany but delivered at all times with humanity, enthusiasm and a fair sprinkling of humour. A most engaging start to the new season.
More information about the Club can be found at matlockluncheonclub.co.uk
SARAH ELDER
Sarah draws her inspiration from the landscapes and animals she has encountered both on her extensive travels abroad and back at home in the UK; working in oils, pastels, watercolours; and often using more unorthodox materials collected on her journeys.
With many awards to her name, including BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year, she has exhibited for over 30 years; including the Royal Academy, Mall Galleries, South African and Zimbabwean Embassies, to name but a few, with her paintings hanging in royal, public and private collections worldwide.
She has illustrated several books and produces stunning luxurious cashmere and silk shawls
SARAH ELDER
BBC WILDLIFE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
www.sarahelderart.com
Sarah draws her inspiration from the landscapes and animals she has encountered both on her extensive travels abroad and back at home in the UK; working in oils, pastels, watercolours; and often using more unorthodox materials collected on her journeys.
With many awards to her name, including BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year, she has exhibited for over 30 years; including the Royal Academy, Mall Galleries, South African and Zimbabwean Embassies, to name but a few, with her paintings hanging in royal, public and private collections worldwide.
She has illustrated several books and produces stunning luxurious cashmere and silk shawls
SARAH ELDER
BBC WILDLIFE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
www.sarahelderart.com
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Matlock Luncheon Club met for the second time of their year in the always excellent Peak Edge Hotel at Stone Edge, Chesterfield. Following lunch Sarah Elder, a multi-award winning artist who captures the movement and mood of the natural world using specialist techniques, spoke about her background, work and inspiration. Sarah enjoyed an ‘outdoor’ childhood in first, Fiji and then Romney Marsh in Kent and it was then that her interest in nature and the natural world developed. She decided to become an artist and to apply to Art College when she grew up but was initially dissuaded by practical considerations. She established a successful career in
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publishing and during that time was invited to do the illustrations for a book being written about Kenya. Following the publication of that book an exhibition of her work was held; the pieces sold for £10,000! Her new career was launched.
Since, she has travelled extensively in Africa and Asia using the exhibitions of her work in those places to fund her next trip. Sarah has also developed a merchandising sideline of her work producing pashminas, shawls, cards and prints. Latterly she has supported Charities by designing their Christmas Cards. See Sarah’s website www.sarahelder.com. For more information
To learn more about Matlock Luncheon Club see www.matlockluncheonclub.co.uk – new members are always welcome
Since, she has travelled extensively in Africa and Asia using the exhibitions of her work in those places to fund her next trip. Sarah has also developed a merchandising sideline of her work producing pashminas, shawls, cards and prints. Latterly she has supported Charities by designing their Christmas Cards. See Sarah’s website www.sarahelder.com. For more information
To learn more about Matlock Luncheon Club see www.matlockluncheonclub.co.uk – new members are always welcome
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Matlock Luncheon Club met in July at the esteemed Peak Edge Hotel for their Annual General Meeting and to celebrate a successful year. New officers were elected and proposals for the future debated and decided upon.
Following the A.G.M a great lunch was enjoyed and the afternoon, and year, were completed by a wonderful contribution from Adam Smith who regaled the assembled company with songs and anecdotes from the ‘West End to Broadway’. Adam’s background has well equipped him to perform; he has theatre in his blood. His family were part of Valley Varieties in Calderdale and he then progressed to |
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Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, LIPA. He featured as a young shoplifter in Coronation Street, lectured on performance in Southern Italy and, according to one not very kind critic in his youth, ‘almost like Marlon Brando, if you squint’, in Guys and Dolls!
Adam’s set moved through Carousel via Les Misérables to Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera.
Emotional and engaging!
Adam will be appearing in The Full Monty at Buxton Opera House in October.
The next meeting of the Luncheon Club will be in October. Further details are on the website www.matlockluncheonclub.co.uk.
Adam’s set moved through Carousel via Les Misérables to Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera.
Emotional and engaging!
Adam will be appearing in The Full Monty at Buxton Opera House in October.
The next meeting of the Luncheon Club will be in October. Further details are on the website www.matlockluncheonclub.co.uk.
PAT PARSONS - DERBY MOUNTAIN RESCUE
Derby Mountain Rescue Team is an emergency service which responds to requests for help from the Police and Ambulance Services. The Team is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and has between 50 and 60 active members, three vehicles fitted with specialist rescue equipment and a boat for water incidents.
The Team responds to calls for help from a range of sources including injured or ill climbers, walkers, riders and vulnerable people such as lost children, the elderly and those who have become despondent. It also provides a Swiftwater and Flood rescue service. The Team’s principal area of operation is the southern Peak District and surrounding areas but it also assists teams in other areas when required.
Derby Mountain Rescue Team is a charitable company with an elected group of trustees and is run entirely by unpaid volunteers. It has no direct financial help from government and relies on public and local business donations, collections, fund raising events and individuals giving their time freely to support its activities
PAT PARSONS - DERBY MOUNTAIN RESCUE
Derby Mountain Rescue Team is an emergency service which responds to requests for help from the Police and Ambulance Services. The Team is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and has between 50 and 60 active members, three vehicles fitted with specialist rescue equipment and a boat for water incidents.
The Team responds to calls for help from a range of sources including injured or ill climbers, walkers, riders and vulnerable people such as lost children, the elderly and those who have become despondent. It also provides a Swiftwater and Flood rescue service. The Team’s principal area of operation is the southern Peak District and surrounding areas but it also assists teams in other areas when required.
Derby Mountain Rescue Team is a charitable company with an elected group of trustees and is run entirely by unpaid volunteers. It has no direct financial help from government and relies on public and local business donations, collections, fund raising events and individuals giving their time freely to support its activities