Bolsover Illuminations

A Memory of Bolsover.

This photograph was taken at the Bolsover Illuminations in Sherwood Lodge. They were all made by Jack Spray, (also did projects for Blackpool Illuminations). I think they were held in October/November and hundreds of people used to come. Buses from all over Derbyshire were parked on Oxcroft Lane. Celebs used to come and open them. I can remember Dan Archer (from the Radio programme The Archers) and Labour PMs.

All Sherwood Lodge would be covered in lights, moving cardboard designs, like the windmill. They would be placed amongst the trees and bushes and each year would be a theme. I lived on Oxcroft Lane and sat for hours in the bedroom window watching buses, cars and people arrive. My father was a friend of Jack Sprays and was involved through the Council.