Spring 2013 the Newsletter for Buxton Civic Association Issue 24
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SPRING 2013 THE NEWSLETTER FOR BUXTON CIVIC ASSOCIATION ISSUE 24 Obituary Peak Cavern was instrumental in Dave’s drive and enthusiasm David G Allsop the re-formation of the team. He helped build Poole’s Cavern in to was an enthusiastic promoter and a modern popular visitor attrac- Dave Allsop will be remembered fundraiser and controller of the tion. He developed exhibitions for by many as the warden of Poole’s central team of DCRO from 1964 the visitor centre, worked with Cavern and Buxton Country Park until 1998, only retiring in 2000 outside agencies to gain financial SPRING 2013 THE NEWSLETTER FOR BUXTON CIVIC ASSOCIATION ISSUE 24 from its re-opening in 1977 by after more than 40 years. He co- assistance for the regeneration of Buxton Civic Association. wrote the first definitive guide the country park woodlands and book to the caves and mines of worked tirelessly repairing walls, Derbyshire in 1964, a caver’s bi- planting trees and clearing glades. The Good Hobbits of Burbage ble now in its 4th updated reprint. He wrote two visitor guides for the cavern and instigated the forma- List entry summary This building By profession Dave was an elec- tion of the British Association of is listed under the Planning (Listed trician and was commissioned in Show caves to jointly promote Buildings and Conservation 1976 to install electric lighting in education and conservation. He Areas) Act 1990 as amended for Poole’s Cavern for the re-opening also featured in a number of tele- its special architectural or historic as a visitor attraction by BCA. vision documentaries and news interest. Working alone underground for items covering Buxton and Poole’s several months, the cavern was Cavern. Location LIMEHOUSE AT NGR magnificently illuminated for the SK 04150 72620, MACCLESFIELD official opening in 1977. Dave When Solomon’s Temple was de- OLD ROAD BURBAGE SK17 SXT was appointed as Warden with clared unsafe and condemned by Grade: II Listed duties to manage the Country Derbyshire County Council it was Date first listed: 31-Jan-1997 Dave Allsop (L) with Jean Pendlebury Park woodlands too, as a keen Dave who stepped forward to or- and two of her young grandchildren in Grin Low Wood in 1993 and knowledgeable naturalist, ganise fundraising events and ral- birdwatcher and expert photogra- lied the people of Buxton to lobby Dave’s interest in exploring caves pher there could have been no- councillors to save to tower. Every Cloud… Flowers For started when he and a group one more qualified for that post. of friends at Buxton Youth club In later life Dave trekked to Mount When the new High Peak Local Buxton” 1811). These limehouses Summer armed with old clothes, bicycle Working alongside Dave was nev- Everest base camp, a lifelong am- Consultation plans were released are a unique record of life from In late spring take a walk up to lamps and ex-army helmets set er a dull moment. He could be a bition, despite crippling arthritis for housing site options an 1780s onwards. Solomon’s Temple. Growing in off to explore the caverns and old hard task master and always de- and knee injuries he remained ac- unexpected gem emerged hidden the short turf you will see the lead mines of the Peak District. It manded dedication to duty and tive hill climbing and walking with from view just below the boundary The dwellings around Grin Low lovely mountain pansies. They was with these friends that Dave respect. He was a superb wit and his dog. Dave retired from Poole’s of the Country Park. Fortunately were abandoned when the Duke are almost always yellow, but became a founder member of the raconteur and would regale both Cavern in 1997 and enjoyed long one of our eagle eyed members of Devonshire’s agent, Mr Wilmot, occasionally a blue one might be Eldon Pothole Club in 1957, which visitors and cave guides with epic holidays at his caravan overlook- informed the local planners and provided the occupants with found. The blue mountain pansies still thrives to this day. tales of underground adventures ing the Llyn peninsula. site B15 was successfully removed cottages at Poole’s Cavern and are usually found further north. and ‘derring do’. He inspired me – they had overlooked grade II some lovely old cottages still During the late 1950s Dave be- and many others to enjoy the Dave leaves his wife Brenda, chil- listed buildings! remain. Slowly the lime tips were came an active member of Der- world of cave exploration and the dren Carol and Ian and grand- colonised by lime loving species June and Lyn Noble from their Guide to the Wild Flowers of Grin byshire Cave Rescue Organisation unique camaraderie and bond daughters, our thoughts and sym- The Limehouses of Burbage of herbaceous plants and grasses and following the tragic and highly that exists between cavers and pathies are with them. such as Northern Marsh Orchid, Low Country Park available from Poole’s Cavern. publicised loss of a young caver in mountaineers. Alan Walker The spoil heaps that make up the Burnet Saxifrage, Globe flower, mysterious, sculptured landscape Mountain Everlasting, Creeping of the Country Park and especially willow and Juniper creating a Buxton Civic Association the area known by BCA members unique habitat. as ‘The Glade’ were once the General Manager: Alan Walker at Poole’s Cavern, 01298 26978 homes of lime burners, little The remaining limehouses can be found in Burbage and are well Board Members caves or ash houses made in worth a visit. Traces of manmade Chair: Paul Dinsdale Woodlands: Peter Phillipson Vision Liaison: Mike Bryant the small hillocks left from lime stone walls can be seen, used Vice chair & Community & Stephen Robinson burning. Built in the late 18th to make these lime caves more Planning: Hilary Lawrence Membership: Alistair Rogerson century from quarried lime refuse homely. Now that they have been Secretary: Martin Wragg Development: Bill Preece they are simple rectangular rediscovered let’s hope they will Treasurer: Brian Shawcross Environment: Mike Monaghan structures, open at the front with an overhanging roof. be preserved so that we can all see at first hand the way we used Editor: Alyson Phillips These limehouses are a unique to live. Production: Charlotte Tangye Design record of life from 1780s onwards. Email: [email protected] A description of 1797 records More details and a map can be Web: www.buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk them as often having three or four found on the English Heritage Contact: BCA, Poole’s Cavern, Green Lane, Buxton, SK17 9DH rooms and being built next to the website see the summary and Registered charity number in England and Wales 258163 limekiln. (A Jewitt’s “History of following grid reference: SPRING 2013 THE NEWSLETTER FOR BUXTON CIVIC ASSOCIATION ISSUE 24 SPRING 2013 THE NEWSLETTER FOR BUXTON CIVIC ASSOCIATION ISSUE 24 Can Skating Make A Come Back? Members’ News & Events By Olive Middleton Another cold, snowy and icy winter Asylum for ‘gentle-folk’ for which Somerset House, the huge Marie Hurlston: 1935 – 2013 Woodlands Update made many older members think Wye House was originally built in quadrangle of offices which once back to early days in Buxton when its distinctive ‘chateau’ style. housed government offices and Marie was born in Stafford and read English and Members will be pleased to see the improvements locals and visitors alike waited to civil servants, is now freely open to Geography at Keele University. She taught English to the drainage of paths in Corbar woods and wheel- see if the big boating lake in the The rink or more correctly in the all. On The Strand it now boasts an for many years at the Cavendish Girls’ School in chair users have been able to access the new paths. Pavilion Gardens would freeze ‘curling pond’, is now beneath the array of fountains in the summer Buxton and stayed on as a familiar and friendly Hogshaw wood has, for the time being, been cleared over enough to tempt out the top set of flats to the right (east) in its beautiful central square. In figure about town in her retirement. of litter but please be vigilant and report anything to skaters! of the main house. There was also winter it is transformed into a Alan at Poole’s Cavern. If you have become aware an early curling pond near the skating rink with refreshments on Marie was a Life Member of Buxton Civic Asso- of any obstructions on the Ring of Trees walk please The Victorians were the first to Octagon in the Gardens, later just sale and complete with fairy lights ciation, an active member of the volunteer group contact Alan. popularise the sport of curling used for skating. When winter and decorations. This amazing helping Alan in the woods every month, a mem- and a neighbour told me – when came, the water from the Wye space used to be a car park all ber of the Woodlands Subcommittee, and a very We have had nine regular volunteers who have the former John Duncan School flowing into the former boating day, closed to the public. knowledgeable member of the U3A Botany Group. helped in the woodlands each month. This winter building called Wye House on lake was diverted into a channel Though a quiet and very private lady she would they have also helped Alan with planting 50 new Corbar Road was standing derelict around the north edge of the lake It is now so popular that there are speak up firmly when she saw a matter of prin- trees and the making and installing of bird boxes – that Buxton’s first curling rink so that the remaining shallow one or two hour slots which have ciple was involved.