Wednesday 29 June 2016

Well Dressing at Tideswell







TIDESWELL WELLDRESSING 2016

This year's welldressing depicts Chesterfield's St Mary's and All Saints Parish Church.
Predominantly dating back to the 14th century, the church is a Grade I listed building and is most known for its twisted spire, an architectural phenomenon which has led to the church being given the common byname of the Crooked Spire.
The spire was added to the 14th century tower in about 1362. It is both twisted and leaning, twisting 45 degrees and leaning 9 feet 6 inches (2.90 m) from its true centre. The leaning characteristic was initially suspected to be the result of the absence of skilled craftsmen (the Black Death had been gone only twelve years prior to the spire's completion), insufficient cross-bracing, and the use of unseasoned timber.

The surrounding boards depict aspects associated with Chesterfield, including designs from the Tudor style pre-war Black and White buildings, of which there are nearly 50, shown here in maroon/ brown and cream.

The Dollies – pattern taken from a Black and White building.

The Headboard – Chesterfield's Coat of Arms
The Coat of Arms was given to the Borough on 10th November 1955, replacing several earlier versions.
In the centre is a shield with a pomegranate, on the left is a cock (pynot in local speech) and on the right is a magpie. There is a local pub, called the Cock and Magpie, where three noblemen plotted what became known as the Revolution of 1688 to replace King James II (a Roman Catholic) by William and Mary of Orange (Protestants), an event known as the Glorious Revolution. Above the shield there is a wall, showing that Chesterfield is a Borough with an ancient charter. The Charter was granted by Elizabeth I. The original Charter is kept at the Chesterfield Museum. The Ram is the Derbyshire symbol and is also the mascot of the Mercian Regiment. At the bottom of the Coat of Arms is a patch of rocks and heather, referring to the nearby Peak District, and the motto “Aspire” - a word with two meanings. One is a reference to the Crooked Spire, Chesterfield's most famous landmark. The other meaning is to strive for, work towards, hope for, a very positive message about the attitude of Chesterfield people.
Mantle  - It seemed apt to use the quote “aspire to inspire” that ends “before you expire”from Eugene Bell Jr.

Top middle panel  - part of the logo for the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Chesterfield.
The Battle of Chesterfield was a minor skirmish in the latter stages of 13th century's England's Second Barons' War. It was part of the “mopping up” of Baronial opposition that resisted Henry III (left hand shield) following the Battle of Evesham. The fighting took place in, and around, Chesterfield on 15 May 1266. The leaders of the Barons were Robert de Ferrers, Earl of Derby, (right hand shield), Baldwin Wake, Lord of Chesterfield and John d’Ayville. The Royalist forces were led by Henry of Almain nephew to Henry III.

Corbels - Carvings on the Victoria Centre in Knifesmithgate, Chesterfield

Side panels  - depicting Chesterfield Market stalls
The official foundation of Chesterfield as a Borough began with the granting of a Charter by King John in 1204. This ancient charter also granted the Lord of the Manor the right to hold Tuesday and Saturday markets, and an annual fair each September, which lasted for eight days from the feast of the exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14th, to the autumnal equinox on 22nd.
Bottom left hand corner  - George Stephenson's railway wheel at Chesterfield Station
The bronze statue is of the great railway pioneer. George, who worked with his son Robert to develop the revolutionary locomotive "Rocket", spent the last ten years of his life at Tapton House, which overlooks the station, and is buried inside Holy Trinity Church in Chesterfield.
Bottom centre board - Revolution House
In 1688, three local noblemen, the Earl of Devonshire, the Earl of Danby and Mr John D'Arcy met at Whittington disguised as a hunting party, to begin planning their part in the overthrow of James II. A rainstorm sent them seeking shelter to the Cock and Pynot alehouse. Now known as Revolution House, which is a free public museum.

Bottom right hand corner - Sculpture on Horn's Bridge roundabout
The sculpture was designed by Derbyshire-based artist Melanie Jackson and features a wheel, or cog, integrated into the landscape showing the borough’s industrial heritage with an opening bud or flower rising out of the centre. The project, led by Chesterfield Borough Council, was in response to requests from local businesses to improve the gateways into the town centre in November 20.

I have aspired to inspire all who come to look at our welldressing.
Elaine Chapman

Wednesday 18 May 2016

Chesterfield Library at C750

A round up of the Library's activities for Chesterfield 750

Sat 14 May -Puppet Show, Chesterfield Library – 14 children attended plus parents – all had a really good time.

Sun 15 May - Battle of Chesterfield event, New Square – A really well organised event.
We were very pleased with our banner which was made by our local studies librarian.
Children’s activities went down well.
We were busy all day and spoke to well over a hundred people. We promoted the resources back in the library for future visits thanks to our Battle of Chesterfield bibliography (copies still available at the library).

Tues 17 May – The Battle of Chesterfield talk by Godfrey Holmes. We had 50 people in the audience and everyone really enjoyed the evening. Godfrey has a style of presenting all his own and really is a gem.



The Bellringers did it!

The Guikld of Bellringers rang the quarter peal of Chesterfield Bob Major between 14:15 and 15:05.

Congratulations.

Here's a link to the details.

The Aftermath

We had a fantastic time on Sunday. Manythanks to all those who supprted the event in any way. You did yourselves proud.

The next few posts will have a variety of subjects as we wind up the project...

Saturday 14 May 2016

Ibbottsons Apples

We're very grateful to Ibbottsons Fruit and Vegetables for kindly donating a box of "medieval" apples for our apple-bobbing game.

Alice and Annabel are pretty pleased too!




















Come and have a go yourself, tomorrow, Sunday 15th May, from 11:00 in New Square.


Friday 13 May 2016

Another banner...

This picture shows the banner for the Guildof Bellringers.

"The Guild of Bell Ringers will be attempting to ring a quarter peal of
Chesterfield Bob Major on the Crooked Spire bells between 2pm and 3pm.
This will involve 8 ringers concentrating on ringing a set pattern of
changes for over 45 minutes and requires a lot of skill and teamwork.
After 3pm the bells will continue to be rung, but in shorter pieces of
ringing! To find out more about ringing visit www.bellringing.org or
contact Sue via cgen2@derbyda.org.uk."





















Look out, and listen out, for them on Sunday May 15th.


Thursday 12 May 2016

The Guild of Kalehal

Here's the Banner for the Guild of Kalehal Calow School.



























Look out for them on Sunday May 15th.