NEWS
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