Hi all..

I have just returned from a short holiday in the English Peak District
in Derbyshire. If you find yourself in this neck of the woods don't
miss The Yew Tree pub. It is at Cauldon, near to Ashbourne. Map ref
119/075493.  Next to the cement factory. The food is basic, the lighting
minimal, and the seating is varied, but the atmosphere is great.  Draught
Bass and Marston's Pedigree are the recommended brews.  Darts,
Shove-Ha'penny, Table Skittles, Dominoes and Cribbage the recommended
games. Oh yes, sorry, it's also a veritable Aladdin's cave for fans of
Mechanical Music. The collection briefly comprises 4 players, one of
which is an electrified George Rogers instrument with no pedals fitted.
This is the instrument that is used for the sing-songs.  The other three
pedal-pumped players are in various states of disrepair.  There are
7 _working_  Musical Boxes - Polyphons and Symphonions - all taking modern
2p coins. The place is full of antiques and is little different internally
from how it must have been 100 years ago. Mine Host is Alan East - a real
enthusiast.  If you do visit ask how the iron dog-carrier works, though
animal lovers beware!

Roger Waring

roger.waring@dial.pipex.com