Rose's Halloween Event at Makeney Hall
1st-3rd November 2026
The Makeney Hall Hotel, near Derby, was a new venue for us, though Northern Concord did have an event here a few years ago, but that was the last one they had. It was a great place which suited us perfectly as it had just the right number of rooms for us (more than recent hotels we've used), and plenty of public space for all our happenings and traders. It was also in a beautiful location in the Derbyshire countryside, great grounds, lots of free parking, and only half an hour from my home.
We had a full house apart from a couple of very late cancellations, for the first two nights of our event, with over 60% staying the third night which was much higher than we had for the last night previous years. There were a few problems with late availability of a few of rooms and poor room servicing, but I gather there was a staffing problem which should be resolved for next time. Nevertheless, everyone I spoke to seemed to enjoy their stay immensely and said they would be coming again next year.
We had a Halloween party the first night, Sunday, with most of us wearing some amazing costumes. I had planned a murder mystery to take place over the first two nights, but probably the less said about that the better as I really am not cut out for doing this sort of thing and the sound was not good meaning many could not hear what I was saying. I'll certainly not try to do anything like that again in future!
The next day, Monday, was actually the only full day with all our guests present. We had a few traders, including Betty Brown Wigs, Queen Bea makeovers, and Martina Donzella Jewellery, set up their stalls for the day. I believe they did pretty well. I also brought along a lot of stuff including clothes, wigs, shoes, accessories and Repartee magazines which were all free to take as I am trying to declutter my home of some of the accumulated stuff visitors to Rose's House had left over the years. Some of it went, including all the magazines (who took the entire remaining stock? - I'm glad it went, just curious! If you want any more, ask me!).
The quiz I did Monday morning was well attended and in the afternoon we had a showing of the 'Rose's House' documentary that has been filmed about me by Naomi over the last few years. Naomi answered some questions after the showing, and it all seemed to be very well received.
Monday evening we had our usual Miss Rose of the year contest, the winner being Alice, with the runner up, Deborah, and best costume, Belinda. I managed to get a quick photo of the winners but unfortunately that was all as I was too busy with other things (mostly the aforementioned Murder Mystery, about which I'll say no more!). I was also very tired and retired early.
Tuesday was largely free to chill out in the hotel or go out. I took a few in my car to visit Cromford Mills which was about 10 miles away. We met a few others of our guests there who apparently also visited Matlock Bath.
We had a steampunk theme in the evening for which a few did dress steampunk, most notably, Alice and Tina. They were first for our tea duelling contest, which is a steampunk 'thing' involving dunking biscuits in cups of tea. We had three pairs of contestants and the ultimate winner was Tina! I couldn't believe she had never been to a steampunk event before as her costume was perfect!
Following this, Maxine, aka Ruby Street, sang for us accompanied by Tony on guitar. This was very well received by our guests.
Altogether a most enjoyable three days and we are already looking forward to next year. Judging by comments I've received, that will be sold out even quicker!
Martine Rose
More photos: Sunday
More photos: Monday
More photos: Tuesday
