#calke

Walnut Charlotte

Key Highlights Calke Abbey in Derbyshire was transformed for the filming of “Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.” The production generated significant income and attracted visitors to the stately home. Caroline Taylor, visitor operations manager at Calke Abbey, highlighted the extensive work done by the crew. The film is set in 1940 and focuses on gang boss Tommy Shelby during the Birmingham Blitz…

The group braved the narrow twisting climb up to Breedon on the Hill Church on a very blustery day. Betty Cawte gave a very clear summary of the history of the church before being available to answer questions while we looked around at the Anglo Saxon carvings and Tudor monument. A number of the group said they would come back on a better day to take in the stunning views. Everyone then drove to Staunton Harold for tea/coffee and delicious cakes before some availed themselves of the shops and garden centre. All said they had really enjoyed their day. Lesley Gretton

#365daysofbiking New ways out and pushing the Boundary :

June 22nd - A hurried, fast three hour ride out to an event I’d not been to before - Ashby Steam Fair at Boundary, between Swadlincote and Ashby de la Zouch. A fine day.

The fair itself was excellent, and probably the best I’d ever been to - and after I carried on to Calke, Staunton Harold Reservoir, Melbourne and then into Derby via National Cycle Route 6.

I’m always charmed by a decent steam event, and this one was terrific; not least for the sheer diversity of collections, exhibits and pastimes on display. You can see a full gallery of that on my main blog here.

I left Derby on Route 54 and returned via Rolleston, Anslow, Barton and Lichfield.

It was a great day, and Staunton Harold was much more peaceful and as beautiful as ever it was.

Can’t think why I haven’t featured it before

Alison from the National Trust gave a talk on the Natural History of the Lime Yards on the Calke Estate. After a brief history of the lime kilns Alison told us about the flora and fauna on this special landscape. This included specimens of fossils, ferns and fungi. Both fallow and muntjac deer can be seen plus some special butterflies such as Silver Washed Fritillary and White Letter Hairstreak. In addition, a project reintroduced the Grizzled Skipper last summer. In June both fragrant and common spotted orchids can be seen so it is well worth a visit. After the meeting to follow up last months meeting the group visited the Humankind installation.