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The Mackworth Estate

It can take time for the residents of new housing estates to build up a binding sense of history and neighbourly concern but, according to Dennis Hardwick, the Mackworth Estate developed into a very close-knit community right from the start. Building work started in the early 1950s and the new housing soon became populated by people from a mixture of backgrounds, ranging from Derby families to war brides from Europe – as he describes here.

Many of the residents of Mackworth Estate are people who have lived there most of their lives and, as such, are very aware of its 51-year history and the local people who have contributed to it.

I certainly would class myself as a founder member of the estate, as it is now more than 50 years since we moved into our council house.

The planning of the estate began soon after the Second World War ended but the laying of roads and the building of houses did not start for another two or three years.

Building work gets under way on the new estate

The first council house was occupied in 1951 and we were told, at the time, that the population of the estate would eventually be on a par with Skegness.

Many residents moving in were ex-servicemen and women, which soon led to a very active British Legion branch being formed in the area. This fostered a strong community spirit on the estate right from the start.

In 1947 construction of the 120ft water tower designed to supply the Mackworth Estate began

As the estate gradually enlarged throughout the 1950s, the local churches began to make plans for the spiritual welfare of its residents. I can recall many happy memories of residents working together for this end.

Prior to the opening of the Mackworth Methodist Church, in November 1956, the weather was among the worst in living memory. This delayed the building work which carried on from the end of May to early September. Thunderstorms, rain and wind slowed the progress down considerably.

Much has happened in the intervening years since the official opening of the estate in 1956 to the present day and both Mackworth Estate itself, and its residents, have undergone many transitions within that journey.

Some of the faces have changed as people move in and out of the area and many of us have grown old there. Sadly, many familiar faces, including those belonging to my own family, have also disappeared as the older residents pass away, leaving both the good times and the bad behind them.

The face of the estate itself has also changed so much during my lifetime that reminiscing about the past inevitably becomes an enjoyable bout of escapism.

Most visitors to the estate are still impressed by the greenery found there and, also, the feeling of spaciousness, which is not always found in other residential areas of the city.

Councillor Ray Baxter, who has campaigned hard for the Mackworth Estate over the years, at a local event

The preservation of the attractive trees and other vegetation over the years is due, at least in part, to the efforts of our local Councillor Ray Baxter.

Ray has been in office now for 26 years and has been a stalwart campaigner dedicated to ensuring that Mackworth does not fall victim to urban decay.

Councillor Baxter has served Mackworth Estate extremely well over the years, maintaining a good environment for its residents.

Some credit should also be paid to the late Councillor Lonny Wilsoncroft, who in her short time in office always held Mackworth Estate and its residents very close to her heart. Her contribution is not forgotten.

On a more personal note, I became even more involved with the estate several years ago when I was asked to become the local correspondent for the Derby Express.

This proved to be a very interesting position, enabling me to provide a voice and a communication channel for the people of Mackworth. It brought me into close contact with many of the residents and one popular feature of the column was that it provided a the chance to give a personal profile of several residents who had notable talents, skills or experiences which I felt others would find of interest

One such person was Joe Conlon, who was the head waiter at the Mackworth Hotel for 35 years – quite an achievement in itself. Joe later turned his hand to writing and wrote a book called My Personal Reminiscences at the Mackworth, which makes interesting reading.

Myra Challand with her collection of dolls

The estate is also blessed with a neighbourly spirit among its many residents, which has been partially held in place through a very active Community Association.

This community spirit has been helped along by the association’s chair Paul Pegg and secretary Judy Kelsall.

Before his death, Judy’s husband, Terry, also contributed greatly to the welfare of the Mackworth Estate community.

Another person who has made his mark on the estate over the years is Mike Matthews, who was in charge of two McDonald’s restaurants, one in Mackworth and the other at The Spot, in Derby.

Mike was named locally as the “Mackworth Benefactor” because, over the years, he contributed to many local organisations by providing various donations.

Myra Challand is another interesting resident. Her knowledge of dolls and porcelain is breathtaking and her exhibitions have brought much enjoyment to many, both locally and within the city. She has also put pen to paper and written a beautifully illustrated book called Frocks and Frills.

Loame Gibson with an example of her fine lace work

Another gifted “Mackworth celebrity” is Loame Gibson, who has lived on the estate for more than 50 years.

Loame came to England after the last war, having met her husband when he served in Germany. This was quite a common occurrence and several young war brides came over from Germany and Italy to live on the estate and raise their families.

Loame’s talent was in creating fine silk lace, a skill which she learned from her grandmother as a young girl in Germany. Loame has given many exhibitions of her work both locally and elsewhere over the years.

Unfortunately, the delicate lacework requires good eyesight and Loame has had to give the craft up in her old age. She still lives on the estate.

John Gretorex, who became an artist at the age of 80, shows one of his paintings to the Mayor of Derby, John McGiven in 1996

I think that one of the most remarkable people I met during my time as the Mackworth correspondent must be John Gretorex.

John, a skilled amateur artist, was in his late 80s when I met with him and, in the course of our conversation, I was surprised to find he only took up painting when he was 80. It made me realise that you are never to old to learn. We arranged an exhibition of his work at Derby Guild Hall and it proved a great success.

John presented his painting of St Mary’s Church to the then Derby Mayor, Councillor John McGiven. It was an incredible story. John’s talents had lain hidden for 80 years and yet his work was so well respected that at one stage his paintings were exhibited in Westminster Hall. He was a very modest and pleasant man.

Jack Bull with his painting of Brixham Harbour

Mackworth Estate has also boasted another skilled artist called Jack Bull, notable for his landscape paintings, especially his depiction of Brixham Harbour.

I could list many more talented residents I have met over the years and not all of them were old – Ken Mansfield, for instance.

Ken was an author and poet, who produced an 18-page poetry book while only in his early 20s. I lost touch with him several years ago but often wonder if he became successful and went on to publish more books.

Mackworth Estate has remained a great place to live, full of community minded people who always look out for each other and help out where needed. In many ways, the character of a place is determined by the people who live there. Community spirit has always remained high here and thanks are due to all the people who have helped maintain that over the years.

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