Firefighters from across the county arrived in Chesterfield today. Their colleagues from the neighbouring County, Nottinghamshire, also responded. They were called upon on Thursday, the 17th of April, to extinguish a blaze. The fire erupted on a quiet dead-end street in Chesterfield.
The fire which quickly engulfed a bungalow in the Old Whittington area of the town, left residents shocked and shaken. The fire started just after 1pm. Passersby were called into action. An elderly couple were trapped at the front of their house. The front window was soon broken into and the couple were pulled to safety.
The fire service have said they do not know what caused the fire at this early stage. Concerns grew as gas cylinders were found in the garage. The surrounding houses were evacuated for safety.
The couple received treatment at the scene for smoke inhalation. They were then transported to the local hospital by the ambulance service.
Neighbours were quick to share their concern. Plans were drawn up to start a GoFundMe page for the couple. It has been said that they have lost everything in the fire.
The fire was extinguished 2 hours after it started.
Revolution house, this thatched cottage in the village of Old Whittington hides a secret – it was part of a plot to overthrow a king during the ‘Glorious Revolution of 1688’, built in the 16th century it was originally a farmhouse dwelling. The owner of the farmhouse was also a tippler, someone who brewed beer, they served refreshments and food to weary travellers, who were travelling between Sheffield, Rotherham and chesterfield. The farmhouse turned in an alehouse in the 17th century and was named the Cock and Pynot (an old Derbyshire name for a magpie).
In 1688 three men, The Earl of Derbyshire, The Earl of Danby and Mr John D’Arcy met nearby and as the rain came down, they settled in the inn to discuss putting their names to a letter to Prince William of Orange in a plot to overthrow the then monarch King James II, two of the men later became members of the immortal seven.
The immortal seven were Henry Sydney, Edward Russell, Charles Talbot the12th Earl of Shrewsbury, William Cavendish the 4th Earl of Devonshire, Thomas Osborne the 1st Earl of Danby, Richard Lumley the 2nd Viscount Lumley, Henry Compton the Bishop of London. Henry Sydney was the author of the letter inviting Prince William of Orange to The letter asked William, who was a nephew and son-in-law of James II, to use military intervention to force the king to make his eldest daughter, Mary, William’s Protestant wife, his heir.
In November the same year Prince William of Orange landed at Brixham with an army to support the signatories and their allies. King James II had already fled to France leaving his daughter Mary and her husband William to become heads of the monarchy. Parliament was reinstated and the named, glorious revolution of 1688 ended. Within the walls of Revolution house sits a replica of the plotting chair in which the men sat; the original chair is now at home in the collection at Hardwick Hall.
The house used to be open free of charge to the public and school groups, with re-enactments taking place there. Guides were available to tell you all the history and the secrets, even showing you where the witchcraft marks were scribbled into the fireplace. These were to prevent evil from coming into the house.
The house with its new thatched roof and neatly trimmed gardens stands there empty and closed for the public. This is a shame at having such a link to local and national history.
Old Whittington Gala: A Colourful Community Event for Great Causes
The local green bursts with colour and music and the smell of hot dogs’ waft through the air. The annual Old Whittington gala though small in stature packs a big punch and draws a sizeable crowd. Stalls range from local businesses to local and national charities. The local fire brigade and community responders were there to help and to guide. Meanwhile, a seat in the fire engine brought a smile to children’s and adults’ faces. The local community, however small it may be, comes together to help raise money for great causes.
A local charity Chesterfield Animal Rescue was holding a tombola to raise funds for animal’s needs.
Chesterfield Animal Rescue.
Stuffed toys to be won.
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People was another tombola stall. There, I met Gladys. She is a dog that helps her owner, Paul, navigate the world around him. Gladys, helps Paul with the doorbell and smoke alarms not to mention other things.
We talked to Paul and his son. There was a fuss with Gladys. Then, we heard a marching band from the top of the gala.
The Marching Band Comes Into Town.
A group of boys and girls playing instruments arrived at the gala in their uniforms, all pristine and smart. The band from a local church were the Pathfinders. It is a group for children at church. It’s a place where kids can learn about faith, make new friends, and have lots of fun. The path finder programme promotes the physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual development of children and young people.
At the Old Whittington Gala stall, I met Kate, Julie, and Pat. These three lovely enthusiastic ladies are part of the Old Whittington Gala committee. They have been running it for the past 35 years. It is a success with the amount of public draw it has.
Charities they support include Fairplay. This organization supports children and young people with disabilities and additional needs. They also support Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Rutland children’s air ambulance. Both charities have increasing needs of funds and equipment.
It’s time for one of those hotdogs. The local pub, the Cock & Magpie, serves real ales and quality food. They also had a mobile gin bar and a barbeque. The food was delicious.
Mobile Gin Bar from the Cock and Magpie.
the Hot Dog Barbeque from the Cock and Magpie .
Nigel and Michelle brought along their birds for Bird handling and educative talks.
The Aviary @owlsandbirds
@theaviaries
Chesterfield Fire and Rescue amongst other stalls.
A great day full of music, food, and entertainment. It’s a chance to meet old neighbours and new friends. It mixes the old with the new. It’s a community that comes together to help others. It’s time for communities to gather together. Do it for the much-needed charities. Do it for the entertainment. Most of all, do it for each other. Meet, greet, smile, laugh, meet someone old and meet someone new.
COMMUNITIES DO IT BETTER TOGETHER
Thank you goes to my community, that took time out to speak with me.
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