We welcomed Julie, a new recruit to our group and set off to Storrs Road car park. Helen was our leader and had planned a short walk around Somersall Park, so we crossed Chatsworth Road, walked down Linden Avenue and towards Somersall Park Playing Fields, kicking up fresh, dry autumn leaves as we went.
A nearby plaque announced that the Robinson family, who originated from Bolsover, had set up and provided the finance for sports fields and clubs in the area. William Bradbury Robinson (1826-1911) had joined his father, John, as a
partner in the family firm in 1854, aged 28. Four years later, John’s second son, Charles Portland (1844 -1916) also joined the firm. On the death of their father in 1869, Charles became a partner and the company’s name was changed to Robinson & Sons. Over the years various family members were involved and in 1988 the first non-Robinson Chairman was appointed: Tony K Slipper formally of Cadbury-Schweppes.
The Robinsons made their money by producing round pill boxes, medical dressings and in 1956 the Smarties tube for Rowntrees. By the middle of the 20th century, Robinson factories were spread over a large area beside the river Hipper in Brampton. The family was well known in the Chesterfield area for its attitude for the well-being of its employees and in 1928 bought Field House (the former home of the late William Bradbury Robinson 11) and built a large c anteen – Bradbury Hall. This closed in 1984. In the 1920’s, the Directors of the company established the Wheatbridge Housing Association, thereby providing low-cost housing for employees.
After crossing Somersall Lane, we walked along the edges of a tilled field, ready for planting, and stopped to watch a heron flying above us. When weaving around a winding path beside a tributary of the River Hipper, we noticed a large tree had fallen and knocked a garden fence panel into the water. We continued following this stream through Brookside.
Nearby we came across a box of apples – free to anyone and later on at the junction with Westfield Avenue, a box offering hen/duck eggs for sale.
After crossing the A619 Chatsworth Road we continued along field paths finally passing by Brookfield School sports fields and after an hour of walking, arrived back at the car park. After a short discussion we decided to extend the walk by doing a loop down Chatsworth Road to Walton Dam, another enterprise delivered by the Robinson family.
As we walked down the main road we spotted various Halloween items draping hedges and doors and a pair of particularly impressive spiders. After turning up Walton Road we turned up the path by the side of Walton Dam The Dam was built in the 18th century and provided controlled water power for Walton Manor Corn Mill. Enlarged to its
current size in the early 19th century, the site and the mill were bought by Robinson’s in 1899. Not only was the Dam a useful source of water for their cotton wool production at Walton Works, but also provided an area for their employees to take part in sporting and leisure activities from swimming to cricket.
Continuing we followed the River Hipper before retuning up Linden Avenue back to our cars.
Thank you to Helen for providing the walk. Our next one will be a 4 mile walk from Eyam to Foolow on Sunday 1st December, 12pm from outside church. Everyone welcome.
Evelyn Lowe