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| 31 March 2003 | Unit takes to the road for food awareness week |
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Consumers in Derbyshire will be able to find out everything they need to know about food when the authority`s mobile advice and information unit goes on the road next week. Staff from Derbyshire County Council trading standards are teaming up with other East Midlands authorities to promote Food Awareness Week - an event which aims to highlight food-related problems. The mobile unit will be at a number of venues from Wednesday, April 2 to Tuesday, April 8, with expert staff giving out advice and information on food labelling and composition, quality and chemical contamination. Leaflets explaining the work of trading standards and about how to complain about food will be available. And shoppers and traders with questions relating to food or drink can talk to staff directly. The themes of Food Awareness Week include:
As part of their work, trading standards officers visit food importers, producers, packers and retailers to check they are complying with the law. Staff also examine recipes, ingredients, production processes and take samples for analysis. Staff can make unannounced visits at any time, including visits to pubs and restaurants in the evenings and to nightclubs or even bakeries in the early hours. Derbyshire County Council trading standards work with businesses to ensure food is correctly described and that food labels contain all the required information and do not mislead the public. The service can also take legal action against traders who do not comply with the law. In the last year, the county council`s trading standards service has brought a number of prosecutions for breaching food law, leading to fines totalling almost £25,000. Cases brought in Derbyshire include:
Council leader John Williams said: "There is a lot of confusion about food and we get all sorts of queries about things like use-by and best before dates. "We also get asked about average quantity, the origin of products and food additives. And traders often have questions about weights and measures and metrication. "We are here to help both shoppers and traders, and I hope anybody with a query about food, or any other consumer issue, will visit the unit for expert advice." As part of Food Awareness Week in April, the unit will be visiting the following areas between 10am and 3.30pm:
The unit will also be in the following locations as part of its regular consumer advice visits:
People who can`t get along to the unit but would like advice about consumer issues can telephone Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards` hotline on 01629 585858. |
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| 31 March 2003 | Older people`s network takes a step forward |
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A network of older people`s forums could soon be taking shape across the county following a development workshop organised by Derbyshire`s social services. More than 60 people from across the county attended the Older People`s Forum Development Workshop in Derby earlier this week (Tuesday 25 March) to discuss setting up a network of local older people`s forums from village level upwards. At the moment there are no specific older people`s forums in Derbyshire. The proposal is to have forums set up at village level or town level which would feed into district forums. These in turn would feed into a Derbyshire level forum with links for older people to be given a voice at national level. The initiative is part of the on-going Best Value review of services for older people in Derbyshire, led by the county council. It is supported by Better Government for Older People - a national networking partnership in which older people are the key partners. It ensures they have the opportunity to influence policy and practice, share information and learning and have a voice at all levels of decision-making. Representatives from groups across Derbyshire went along to the half-day session in Derby to hear about the benefits of setting up an older people`s forum and how they can help to give older people a voice. Deputy director of social services John Simmons and Councillor Eric Lancashire, the county council`s Older Person`s Champion, introduced the session and the benefits of forums were explained by Annie Thompson from Help the Aged who supports the work of 98 existing forums across the north of England. Workshops formed an important part of the afternoon with the room being split into tables by district to discuss actions to help the forums take shape. Each table was asked to come up with one task which they would commit to doing to move the idea of a forum in their district forward. Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for health and social care Councillor Anne Western said: "There is a lot of enthusiasm and strong support for the establishment of forums across the county. "The workshops were very useful and have helped everyone to focus on what needs to be done to take forward the idea of setting up forums in all Derbyshire districts." |
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| 31 March 2003 | Experience the sound of silence at new exhibition |
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Colourful, large-scale abstract art features in "Silence" - a new exhibition by artist Jon Braley opening at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery on Saturday (April 5). Jon draws his inspiration from the emotions experienced while looking at landscapes and in his paintings he aims to capture the sense of awe-inspired silence he feels when confronted by a vast wilderness. He uses large canvases and strong colours, especially blues and oranges, created using pigments, acrylic, bitumen and varnish. As well as teaching art classes at Leek College of Further Education, Jon also works for artist Anthony Gormley - who designed the Angel of the North - ensuring that each sculpture is ready for exhibition. "Silence" takes place at Derbyshire County Council`s Buxton Museum and Art Gallery in Terrace Road, Buxton, until May 11. Anyone wishing to find out more about the artwork can talk to Jon who will be at the museum on Saturday 12 and Saturday 19 April between 1pm and 3pm. Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "We`re delighted to welcome Jon and his paintings to the museum and art gallery and are sure his work will generate a lot of interest among our visitors. Silence promises to be a fascinating exhibition." Visitors to the gallery can also see Standing Stones, an exhibition of artwork from the museum`s permanent collection which will be on show until May 18. Entry to all exhibitions at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery is free as part of the county council`s commitment to increase public access to the arts. Opening hours are Tuesdays to Fridays 9.30am to 5.30pm, Saturdays 9.30am to 5pm and Sundays and Bank Holidays (between Easter and September) 10.30am to 5pm. For more information on all the exhibitions call Ros Westwood or Sue Palmer at the museum and art gallery on 01298 24658. |
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| 28 March 2003 | New and improved bus services |
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Fancy a trip out into the Peak District but don`t fancy taking the car? Derbyshire County Council is providing a new bus service that will allow you to do just that. From Monday (March 31) the new 171 service will run between Bakewell and Hartington giving access to Dovedale and the Manifold Valley with a wide range of connecting buses available from Chesterfield, Sheffield and Matlock. Hartington is used by many visitors as a starting point for their visit to the Derbyshire countryside and the Peak District in particular. Bus 171 will operate from Monday to Saturday and complement the existing Sunday and Bank Holiday service. County council leader Councillor John Williams said: "We are pleased to be able to launch the new service to this tourist hotspot. "We hope it will encourage more visitors but at the same time protect the environment and minimise congestion by reducing car travel." Bus 171 will leave Bakewell at 9.55am each morning and return from Hartington at 4.48pm. Connecting buses run from Chesterfield (bus 170) at 9.05am and Sheffield (bus 214 - change at Baslow) at 8.35am. On Sundays bus 181 runs every two hours through Sheffield and Bakewell. The Derbyshire Wayfarer ticket - which allows an unlimited day`s travel for one set price - is accepted on all these buses. Meanwhile, the Monday to Friday bus service between the Hope Valley and Chapel-en-le-Frith is also being run to a new timetable. From Monday (March 31) the new 200 service timetable will provide passengers with an improved service including better shopping times at Chapel and a stop at Safeway supermarket. It will also allow more connections with trains. Councillor Williams added: "The new timings are designed to make destinations more accessible and more in tune with passengers` requirements. We hope they take advantage of the improvements and enjoy using the service." For more information about the new service and timetable changes call Bowers Coaches (for the 200 service) on 01298 812204, Hulleys of Baslow (for the 171 service) on 01246 582246, Traveline on 0870 608 2 608 or visit www.derbysbus.net (opens in a new window) |
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| 28 March 2003 | Community groups scoop Treasure Chest windfall |
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A woodland scheme, youth club and a community arts programme are among 14 projects across Derbyshire sharing a £67,714 windfall from the county council`s "Treasure Chest". The fund was set up by the authority to provide community groups with much-needed match funding to enable them to apply for National Lottery cash. It was started in 1996 because the council was concerned that groups were missing out on Lottery money because they were struggling to raise their share of the cash. Groups receiving cash in the latest round of handouts are:
The grants were approved following recommendations from the regeneration advisory panel. Council leader Councillor John Williams said: "There are scores of very worthwhile schemes out there which have the promise of lottery cash but could fall by the wayside without partnership funding. "The Treasure Chest not only supports smaller projects but also large-scale schemes that will be of benefit to the whole community. The county council concentrated this time on giving cash to projects that had already secured match funding. "However, there will be another opportunity to apply for Treasure Chest money later in the year." |
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| 26 March 2003 | Stepping out on new walking route |
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A group of ramblers will join the Duke of Devonshire to formally open a long distance walking route through the Derbyshire countryside. The 55-mile long Derwent Valley Heritage Way has been developed by the Derwent Valley Trust, funded by Derbyshire County Council, Peak District National Park Authority, Waste Recycling Environmental (WREN), Lafarge Cement UK, Southern Derbyshire Chamber of Commerce, the East Midlands Development Agency and the Environment Agency. The route starts at Ladybower Reservoir in the Peak District, and goes past Chatsworth House into the Derbyshire Dales before passing through the Derwent Valley Mills National Heritage Corridor and finishing at the River Trent, near Shardlow. In the past 12 months countryside rangers and volunteers from different groups including the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, Amber Valley Conservation Volunteers and local ramblers` associations have spent the equivalent of 140 days improving the route by laying the surface, replacing 34 stiles and installing 73 direction sign posts. The route will be opened by the Duke of Devonshire and Dr Brian Waters, chairman of the Derwent Valley Trust, accompanied by some of the ramblers who have helped carry out the work. The ceremony will take place at Cavendish Hall in Chatsworth Park on Thursday 3 April. Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "The Derbyshire countryside attracts visitors from across the world and this route offers the ideal way for people to see it. "By having a 55-mile route we can appeal to the serious walkers who will want to use it all but also provide an easy route for visitors and local people who want to use shorter sections. "The partners in the Derwent Valley Trust see the heritage way as an important way of promoting sustainable tourism in the area." Derbyshire County Council ranger Rick Jillings was seconded to the Derwent Valley Trust for a year to co-ordinate the £50,000 project. The route runs through fields, woodland paths, tracks and also has sections using pavements and roads. Leaflets about the route are available from local tourist information centres and a guidebook Guides to the walking route are being developed and should be available in the autumn. |
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| 25 March 2003 | Conference helps looked after children aim high |
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Two conferences are being staged in Derbyshire for people supporting looked after young people with their education. Teachers, social workers, foster carers, Connexions advisers and health workers are among delegates invited to the events - called Aiming High - being staged in the north and south of the county. Organised by Derbyshire County Council`s social services and education departments, the conferences will give people helping looked after children with their education the chance to share experiences and good practice. They are being held at the Enterprise Centre, Mackworth College, Derby on Wednesday 26 March and at Ringwood Hall Hotel in Chesterfield on Thursday 3 April. Up to 250 delegates have been invited to the two events, which include a range of workshops on the curriculum, children`s behaviour, special educational needs, foster care, adoption and children`s rights. The guest speaker at both events will be Tim Walker, from the National Teaching and Advisory Service. Care leavers from Derbyshire have been working with drama group, the Red Rose Chain Company, to put together a presentation for the delegates about their experiences of being in care. Councillor Anne Western, the county council`s cabinet member for health and social care, and Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for education, will be among the guests at the events. |
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| 25 March 2003 | Chesterfield trader fined for selling alcohol |
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A Chesterfield trader has been fined £250 after admitting selling two bottles of alcopops to a 15-year-old girl during a crackdown by Derbyshire County Council on the underage sale of alcohol. Gurdial Singh, 63, pleaded guilty to a charge of selling alcohol to a person under the age of 18 when he appeared at Chesterfield Magistrates` Court on March 21. The court heard how Singh sold two bottles of Archers Schnapps to an undercover child volunteer working for Derbyshire County Council trading standards. The 15-year-old volunteer visited Singh`s Wine and Food Store on Derby Road, Chesterfield, on August 3 last year, accompanied by a county council trading standards` enforcement officer. The case is the third prosecution in the county since the county council launched its crackdown on the underage sale of alcohol from off-licences last year. It is illegal to sell alcohol to under-18s and the maximum penalty is £1,000. Singh was fined £250 and ordered to pay £100 costs. The case will now be reported to the licensing authority, which could decide to revoke his alcohol licence. Concerned at the health risks of child alcohol consumption and the anti-social behaviour that it fuels, Derbyshire trading standards used new legislation to launch its crackdown on the illegal sale last summer. Since then dozens of off licences around Derbyshire have been visited by child volunteers, who try to buy alcohol. Volunteers have their parents` permission and meet national guidelines governing their age and appearance, ensuring they should not be mistaken for someone over 18. Trading standards officers have worked closely with the police to plan the programme of visits. Parents and residents who believe traders are flouting the law have also been urged to tip off trading standards in confidence. The county council`s enforcement campaign will continue throughout 2003, and more prosecutions are pending. Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor John Williams said: "This case will hopefully send out a message to other traders who may be tempted to sell alcohol - always ask the person`s age and if in any doubt at all, don`t sell. "This is the third case to be processed by the courts but it won`t be the last. All prosecutions will be reported to the licensing authorities and this could result in the trader losing their licence to sell alcohol. Many traders rely on alcohol sales and if they lose their licence their business is at risk, so I find it hard to understand why so many seem prepared to put their livelihood on the line. |
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| 25 March 2003 | £17m for road repairs and improvements |
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More than £17m is to be spent on improving roads, pavements and bridges and installing new safety measures across Derbyshire over the next 12 months. Derbyshire County Council has approved the £17.5m funding from its Government Local Transport Plan settlement to pay for dozens of schemes in its 2003/2004 capital programme, including:
Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for environment and highways Councillor Walter Burrows said: "We`re delighted to be able to approve this capital programme funding which will allow us to continue repairing and maintaining our roads, bridges and pavements, improving safety and developing our bus, road, rail and cycle networks. "It allows us to build on the work we`ve already started and forge ahead with our commitment to providing Derbyshire residents and our visitors with a safe, high quality transport network." Schemes listed in the main programme will be carried out on a rolling programme - not in priority order - between next month and March 2004. A reserve list of schemes has also been drawn up to accompany the main programme. Design work will begin on reserve schemes so work can start if there are any delays in the main programme schedule. Meanwhile, other smaller on-going repairs will be carried out across the county during the year using funding from the revenue budget. |
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| 21 March 2003 | Youngsters encouraged to step in to sport |
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A project which aims to get more young people involved in sport is being piloted in Derbyshire. The Step into Sport scheme hopes to encourage 14 to 19-year-olds who are interested in sport to develop leadership skills and to volunteer in clubs within their communities. Derbyshire and Peak Park Sport and Recreation Forum - which includes the county council - is to employ a sports club and volunteer development officer to run the project. The officer will work within schools which have been awarded specialist sports status by the Government or are part of the school sports co-ordinator programme to run courses through the British Sports Trust and National Governing Body Junior Leadership Awards. The specialist sports colleges taking part in the scheme are Leesbrook School in Derby, Anthony Gell in Wirksworth and Brookfield in Chesterfield, working closely with other secondary schools across the county and city. The aim is to educate and train young people to coach, officiate and administer a range of sports and ensure there are opportunities for them to use their new skills to work with local clubs. It is hoped the project will encourage more youngsters to take up training opportunities to eventually pursue a career in sports coaching. The two-year pilot project - one of only two in the East Midlands - has secured £20,000 funding from Sport England and £22,000 from Connexions. Councillor Geoff Carlile, the county council`s cabinet member for regeneration, said: "The majority of sports clubs across Derbyshire are run on a volunteer basis so it is important that there is a continuous supply of qualified volunteers to ensure that these clubs continue to thrive and produce new talent. "It also gives the young people taking part in the leadership courses the opportunity to go on to further training and perhaps consider a career within a sporting environment." |
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| 21 March 2003 | Law change is good news for consumers |
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A major change in the law is giving more rights to consumers, experts at Derbyshire County Council trading standards have revealed. Until now, consumers who buy goods that are faulty have had to prove there was something wrong with them at the time of sale. However, under the change, it will be down to the traders to prove the goods were NOT faulty - although shoppers will still have to have a genuine reason for believing there is a problem. The "reversed burden" of proof rule comes into force on Monday, March 31 under an amendment to the Sale of Goods Act 1979. But consumers will still have to be responsible shoppers, says leader of Derbyshire County Council, Councillor John Williams. "People still have to have a good reason why they believe an item is faulty, and they will have to explain that to the trader," said Coun Williams. "The new rules only apply for the first six months and after that, the burden of proof reverts back to the consumer who has to prove the goods were inherently faulty at the time of sale." The basic rules when buying goods are as follows:
However, consumers cannot expect the seller to offer to do anything if the fault is due to:
The new rules are designed to give consumers across Europe a minimum set of rights so that people can shop across borders knowing they will have protection if anything goes wrong. Traders shouldn`t worry about the changes says Coun Williams, as in the past many retailers have been doing what the law now demands. He said: "This new directive formalises what many retailers have been doing informally for years. "Traders shouldn`t panic and we are at the end of the phone if they need advice on any aspects of the new law. "Consumers are also invited to contact us if they have any queries about the new rules." Consumers and traders can contact Derbyshire County Council trading standards on 01629 585858. |
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| 21 March 2003 | Pop Idol - Derbyshire style |
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Time is running out for the county`s best young musical talent to enter Derbyshire`s Young Band of the Year competition. The closing date for entries is Friday, April 4, and organisers are urging any bands thinking about taking part to get their tapes in quick. "This is a great opportunity to get yourself heard in front of a live audience," said Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services. "The competition attracts lots of talent and the bands who take part usually have a great time." Now in its eighth year, the contest is held at the Donut Studio in Chesterfield, a joint project run at the Springbank Youth Centre by Derbyshire County Council`s youth service in partnership with a committee of local young people. Heats take place on Monday, April 28 and Tuesday, April 29 from which six bands will be selected for the final on Saturday, May 3. To enter, all band members must live in Derbyshire and be 19 or under by the final. Bands need to submit a demo tape of three songs that must include an original track. Entries should also include band details, contact name and number and a photograph. To apply, send the demo tape by Friday, April 4 to: YBOY Competition 2003, Donut Studios, Springbank Youth Centre, Springbank Road, Chesterfield S40 1NL. The winner will get a free recording session at the studio. Studio co-ordinator Brian Evans said: "As usual we`ve had a lot of interest but there`s still time for bands to get their tapes in if they want to take part. "Who knows, we might get the next pop stars in the making." For more information about the competition, contact Brian Evans at the Donut Studio on 01246 220636. |
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| 21 March 2003 | On the road to healthy living |
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A road show which aims to promote healthy living will roll in to Ripley on Saturday 5 April. The event is being organised by Derbyshire Early Years and Childcare Partnership, Amber Valley Primary Care Trust and Fairplay, a voluntary organisation. Anyone is invited along on the day to the free event at Ripley Leisure Centre from 10am to 1.30pm. During the day there will be workshops run by health professionals focusing on conditions such as epilepsy, eczema, asthma in under fives and diabetes. There will also be a range of information stalls, including ones run by Derbyshire Association for the Blind, Derbyshire Parent Partnership, Home Start, Derbyshire Autistic Society, Books for Babies and Derbyshire Early Years and Childcare Partnership. Staff from Clown`s Nursery will be on hand to talk about its inclusive play project together with experts on healthy eating, speech and language therapy and hearing problems. As well as a wealth of useful information for parents and carers there will also be entertainment for the children with balloon modelling and face painting. The event will be opened by Councillor Bob Janes, the county council`s cabinet member for community services and chair of the Derbyshire Early Years and Childcare Partnership. A crèche will be available during the day. To book a place in the free crèche contact Rachel Hibbert at Fairplay on 01246 347540. |
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| 21 March 2003 | Boost for county`s rural post office network |
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Derbyshire County Council has welcomed news that four village post offices could be re-opened. The Post Office is working to reinstate services in Breadsall near Derby, Turnditch near Belper, Great Longstone near Bakewell and Weston Underwood near Duffield. Cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile, who has spearheaded a drive to protect the county`s post office network, said: "This is great news for all the local communities involved. "The county council will do all it can to support the Post Office to re-open these vital services." In Breadsall, the Post Office has appointed a new postmistress and is considering a proposal to relocate the office, which closed in January, in rooms at the rear of Breadsall Memorial Hall. Planning permission is being sought to convert a garage at the Cross Keys Pub in Turnditch in to a post office after the original office closed in December. If grant funding can be accessed, the new service could be up and running by May or June. The post office in Great Longstone is due to close on April 9 and the business is currently up for sale. It is hoped to sell it as a going concern but if this is not possible the Post Office will look for an alternative venue. Meanwhile, in Weston Underwood the post office is due to close on Wednesday 26 March and the building is being converted in to a home. The Post Office has met with the parish council to look in to the opportunity of providing a part-time post office either in the village or neighbouring Muggington. Councillor Carlile added: "The county council is working with the Post Office to try to get these services reinstated as they are often a lifeline for people, particularly elderly people, who live in rural communities. "The authority is keen to promote the fact that services do not have to be offered in the traditional way but could be opened in conjunction with an existing business or on a part-time basis. "If anyone in Great Longstone, Weston Underwood or Muggington feels they could offer help to re-open the village post office I would be happy for them to contact me at County Hall, Matlock, to discuss the issue further." |
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| 20 March 2003 | New exhibition reveals museum`s hidden treasures |
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A new exhibition on show at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery reveals art treasures collected in the museum`s stores over the last century. Standing Stones is a selection of pictures from the Derbyshire County Council-run museum`s art collection which have an architectural theme. The exhibition features views of buildings in a variety of art media from gothic abbey ruins to modern industrial buildings, from Buxton to Rome and from the 1800s to 2002. The pictures have been chosen from a fine art collection of more than 800 paintings and prints which have either been purchased or donated to the museum over the past 100 years. Featured artists include Sir Frank Brangwyn, Peter de Wint and Pol Mathieu. Also on show is Nightfall by Dianne Elsworth, winner of The Derbyshire Trophy prize at the Derbyshire Open Art Exhibition in 2002. The exhibition is on now at the museum in Terrace Road and will run until April 26. Visitors to the museum can also see Harry Ousey - Retrospective, an exhibition of abstract art on show until March 29 and anyone interested in entering the 2003 Derbyshire Open Art Exhibition can now ask for more details and an entry form. County council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "There is a lot to see at the museum at the moment and we hope this interesting new exhibition help to attract lots of interest and lots of new visitors." Entry to all exhibitions at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery is free as part of Derbyshire County Council`s commitment to increase public access to the arts. Opening hours are Tuesdays to Fridays 9.30am to 5.30pm, Saturdays 9.30am to 5pm and Sundays and Bank Holidays (between Easter and September) 10.30am to 5pm. For more information about all the exhibitions call Ros Westwood or Sue Palmer on 01298 24658. |
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| 13 March 2003 | In-house Highways Team provides value for money |
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The in-house highways` team at Derbyshire County Council is to be strengthened after a tender process found it is providing the public with the best value for money. Derbyshire County Council sought a private contractor to support the authority`s highways direct labour organisation (DLO) team so that it can cope with an increased workload. The authority is spending more money on improving its roads following recent higher budget settlements from the Government and the decision to return responsibility for roads in all district and borough areas of Derbyshire to the county council. In July last year it also took over responsibility for extra A-roads, such as the A6 and A61, from the Highways Agency. To cope with this extra work the authority has been using a range of sub-contractors and specialist suppliers to deal with busy periods in addition to using its own in-house workforce. To see if a better deal could be gained by using one contractor to do all the sub-contracted work the authority carried out a tendering process. But all the submitted bids were much higher than the current arrangement, which would have cost the county council an extra £1.6 million over the period of the contract. Councillor Walter Burrows, cabinet member for environment and highways, said: "This demonstrates that the in-house highways direct labour organisation is an efficiently run operation. "Now that we know the most efficient way of operating we plan to make some small changes to the way the department is run so that we can administer highway schemes involving sub-contractors even more efficiently. "This will enable the county council to repair and maintain even more roads and pavements, which is what the public want." Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet will decide on the full details of the changes within the next few weeks. |
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| 13 March 2003 | Barriers to stop rat running motorists |
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Barriers are to be put across a High Peak road by Derbyshire County Council to stop cars illegally using a closed route. Derbyshire County Council put up road closed signs on the A5004 Buxton Road/Long Hill at Horwich End in Whaley Bridge on 24 February to enable work to take place on the road following a landslip. At the same time Elnor Lane at Fernilee was closed, between the A5004 and B5470 junctions, to stop unsuitable traffic using it as a diversion route while the A5004 work was carried out. But the authority agreed to let residents in Fernilee have access to their homes using Elnor Lane. But since the A5004 road closure hundreds of other motorists have also started using Elnor Lane, breaking the law by ignoring a legally binding road closure order. Despite repeated appeals for motorists to use the signed diversion route drivers have continued to use Elnor Lane. As a result Derbyshire County Council is now being forced to put up road barriers to ensure that no traffic uses the road. Councillor Walter Burrows, cabinet member for environment and highways, said: "Elnor Lane is a narrow lane that is not suited to high volumes of traffic. "We have tried to allow access for local residents in Fernilee but due to the irresponsible actions of motorists breaking the law we are now forced to ensure the road is closed to everybody. "We appreciate this will cause inconvenience for people in Fernilee but unfortunately they will suffer due to the actions of others." The road barriers will be put across Elnor Lane at Fernilee on Friday 14 March. The work to repair the landslip on the A5004 is due to be completed by Friday 18 April and the road barriers will stay in place until then. A diversion is signposted along the A5004, A6, A53, A5004 and vice versa. |
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| 12 March 2003 | Take a tour behind the scenes |
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Visitors to Derbyshire Record Office are being offered a rare look behind-the-scenes to see how millions of archives are stored and preserved. The Derbyshire County Council-run venue will open up all areas to the public from 9.30am to 1pm on Tuesday 15 April. Although more than 10,000 people visit the record office in New Street, Matlock each year researchers only get to see part of the operation. Behind the scenes staff have to preserve million of documents which would cover more than four miles if stacked up side by side. During the open morning examples of recent documents donated to the record office will be on display and visitors will be able to use the search room to find any information they are after from the archives. During a guided tour visitors will also be able to see how damaged documents are painstakingly restored to a condition which enables them to be handled safely. This process is carried out using unusual materials including sausage skin, parchment and Japanese paper. Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "The Derbyshire Record Office keeps documents for the whole of Derbyshire, including Derby City and the Diocese of Derby. "It is not very often that members of the public get the chance to see how documents are repaired, preserved, catalogued and stored. "As more people are interested in history and tracing their family tree this is an ideal opportunity for them to find out what goes on at the record office and how to go about getting the information they need." The open morning on Tuesday 15 April is free and visitors can turn up without appointments anytime between 9.30am and 1pm. Further information is available by ringing 01629 585347 or emailing record.office@derbyshire.gov.uk |
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| 12 March 2003 | Supporting People launched across the county |
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A new multi-million pound programme aimed at helping people to live in supported housing is to be officially launched in Derbyshire later this month. The Supporting People programme goes live across the country on 1 April and Derbyshire County Council has been given a grant of £13.4 million for services in 2003/04. The official Derbyshire Supporting People launch is being held on Friday 21 March at Mackworth Enterprise Park in Derby, where an invited audience will hear a number of presentations about the new programme. These will include talks by charities, housing associations and primary care trusts about how the changes will affect people and organisations. Supporting People is a new way of funding, planning, monitoring and improving housing-related support services for vulnerable people such as the homeless, older people and women fleeing domestic violence. The Supporting People grant is based on a pooling of funds from a number of existing funding pots including Income Support, Jobseekers` Allowance, Transitional Housing Benefit and Probation Accommodation Grant. The aims of Supporting People include helping older people remain in their own homes for longer by funding support services, improving warden provision in sheltered accommodation and helping young people and teenage parents living in their own homes to cope with their new responsibilities. It will also help people leaving institutions including prison and help homeless people to set up home. The county council now has a dedicated Supporting People team which is helping to ensure the transition goes smoothly. County council cabinet member for health and social care Councillor Anne Western said: "A lot of hard work has gone on into getting everything ready for the start of the programme on 1 April. "We are looking forward to developing and improving housing-related services for vulnerable adults in Derbyshire." |
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| 12 March 2003 | Foster campaign gets off to flying start |
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A drive by Derbyshire County Council to recruit more foster carers to look after children in care has got off to a successful start. Since the campaign was launched in January more than 100 people have contacted the social services department to enquire about offering a home to a youngster. During a usual two month period, the county council would expect to receive a maximum of 20 calls. Councillor Anne Western, the county council`s cabinet member for health and social care, said she was delighted by the response to the campaign. She said: "It is fantastic that so many people have contacted the county council to enquire about offering a home to some of our most vulnerable youngsters. Social services staff will now be sifting through the enquiries and following them up in the usual way. "However in reality only a small number of these enquiries will result in people actually becoming foster carers so we are always keen to hear from other people who feel they can offer the love and support these young people need." The authority`s year-long campaign aims to take people on from across the county to offer full-time foster care or part-time care such as respite, day, emergency or link care to children of all ages. Across Derbyshire there are around 440 foster carers who currently look after 509 children under the council`s care. But there are up to 60 children awaiting placements who are living in children`s homes, sometimes outside Derbyshire, for long periods of time because foster homes cannot be found for them in the county. As part of the campaign, the authority launched a countywide advertising campaign and posters and pre-paid response cards were put in libraries, doctors` surgeries, adult education centres and local shops. Social services staff will be following up the enquiries to assess the person`s suitability to become a foster carer. If they are suitable applicants and wish to proceed, they will be allocated a named social worker who will take them through the assessment process. Statutory references will be obtained from the police, probation service, the child protection register and place of employment as well as personal references The would-be foster carers will also be asked to under go a medical with the own GP and the other members of their family, including children, will also be assessed. They are then invited to training sessions and will receive a visit from a service manager before final approval is given at a fostering panel, which they can attend. The whole process can take up to six months although this may vary depending on the individual`s circumstances. Councillor Western added: "Foster carers do an important job and we recognise that it can be very challenging and mean a lot of hard work, but with patience and understanding being a foster carer can be an enormously rewarding experience." To find out more about becoming a foster carer call Derbyshire County Council`s Fostering Information Line on 01629 772211. |
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| 11 March 2003 | Ticket to ride |
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The best things in life are free. And to prove it Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council are offering free bus travel in and around Derbyshire for any resident aged 60 or above from midnight on Friday 4 April to midnight on Sunday 6 April. To take part in the `Freerider 60+ weekend` all passengers have to do is show the driver their Derbyshire concessionary half-fare travel pass and then sit back and relax. The offer is being made to mark the introduction of new rules on 1 April which mean that men can receive a Derbyshire concessionary half-fare travel permit at the age of 60 instead of 65. Women can already receive a pass once they are 60. Disabled people of all ages with concessionary travel passes will also be eligible for the Freerider 60+ offer. The promotion follows hot on the heels of the successful Freerider offer for b_line card holders which offered young people, aged 11 to 18, free bus travel during last month`s half-term holiday. Freerider 60+ will run along similar lines with free travel also allowed on some through services to neighbouring counties, as long as the journey starts or finishes in Derbyshire. So whether they fancy a trip to the Peak District or the National Forest; spending time visiting friends and relatives; or a day`s shopping at Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Hanley, Stockport, Manchester, Sheffield or Meadowhall then concessionary half-fare travel card holders can enjoy a hassle free ride on the bus. Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor John Williams said: "Many people over 60 lead very active lives and this gives them the chance to get out and enjoy themselves for free. "I would urge anyone aged 60 or above who hasn`t already got a concessionary half-fare travel pass to apply now so they can take full advantage of the offer on 5 and 6 April." Councillor Sara Bolton, Derby City Council cabinet member for planning and prosperity, said: "The Freerider scheme for b_line card holders was a massive success. It led to a 179 per cent increase in the number of young people making bus journeys compared to the same period last year. "I am sure that the Freerider 60+ scheme will prove equally popular, giving Derbyshire concessionary half-fare travel permit holders the opportunity to enjoy a day out without the stress of trying to find a car parking space." To take advantage of the free offer residents must show their Derbyshire concessionary half-fare travel pass to the driver when they get on board. Normally the pass entitles holders to half price travel on buses but over the Freerider 60+ weekend it will ensure that all journeys are free. The passes are available for anyone aged 60 or over from all district and borough council offices in Derbyshire, Derby Council House and some sub post offices. Applicants need a passport sized photo and proof of age. |
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| 11 March 2003 | Double cash boost for schools and young people |
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Derbyshire County Council is ploughing an extra £2.64m into schools and the youth service to enhance young people`s education. The cash boost was confirmed today at a meeting of the county council`s cabinet, which met to agree the county`s education budget for the next 12 months. The authority is able to hand over the extra £2.64m to schools and the youth service thanks to careful management of the education budget and a good grant settlement from the Government. Today`s cabinet agreed to allocate the money as follows:
The increase, although above inflation, has to replace funding previously given to the authority in the form of grants for infant class sizes and nursery provision and meet higher employers` pension contributions for teachers. As well as the extra spending outlined above the budget accommodates the following important pressures. These include:
County council cabinet member for education, Councillor Alan Charles said: "This is a good news budget for all Derbyshire`s young people and education generally. "Despite the pressures on our education budget, we are still managing to get real growth in to the budgets for schools and the youth service which is excellent news. "The new funding formula for education has treated Derbyshire fairly well and although it hasn`t delivered everything that we wanted, the campaign by the f40 group across the country has borne some fruit for us. "This settlement has enabled us to meet a great number of budget pressures and I am hopeful that the new formula will allow us to see continuing improvement in our funding position in the coming years." Welcoming the extra money for the youth service, Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for community services, said: "Providing positive activities for young people is one of the council`s key priorities. "This money will help us develop the kind of activities and provision young people want. "Results of our recent survey by MORI clearly showed that Derbyshire`s communities are concerned about providing positive experiences for young people." |
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| 11 March 2003 | County appeals for more youth workers |
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People living in the Staveley, Poolsbrook, Duckmanton and Mastin Moor areas have an opportunity to make a real contribution to their community - by training as Derbyshire County Council youth workers. The county`s youth service is currently planning a range of activities for the areas, but it needs to recruit additional workers to help co-ordinate them. Both paid and voluntary positions are available for people aged 18 and over who have as little as three hours a week to spare. Full training is provided. Many of the activities are based at youth centres and youth clubs in the worker`s local community. Activities also include mobile projects that tour the area, such as the Extreme Wheels skate and bike scheme. People can find out more about becoming a youth worker by attending a session on Wednesday 12 March at 7pm at the Chantry Youth Centre, Staveley. The centre is located behind Middlecroft Leisure Centre. Anyone who can`t attend can get in touch with the centre for more information on 01246 472474. Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "Providing positive activities for young people is one of our key priorities and in recent years we have invested increasing amounts to expand provision throughout the county. "Each year the county council`s youth service organises hundreds of activities and youth clubs for young people aged 11-19 throughout Derbyshire. "However, expanding the opportunities for young people means that we need to recruit more local people to help organise and co-ordinate the activities. "This a great opportunity for local people to make a real contribution to their local community. "People need to be enthusiastic and able to get on with young people. No experience is needed as we can provide training. If you think you would like to take part please pop along to the information session or get in touch with us at the Chantry youth centre." |
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| 11 March 2003 | Blue add their voice to election call |
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One of the biggest bands in the UK have added their weight to a campaign to get young people voting in the 2003 Derbyshire Youth Forum elections. Duncan James - singer with the chart-topping band Blue - has joined fellow pop stars Darius and Sarah Whatmore to urge young people to exercise their democratic right to vote. The annual elections are organised by Derbyshire County Council`s youth service and this year they have been dubbed the `Big Vote!`. For the first time in the UK voting is by the Internet and mobile phone text messaging, as well as by traditional ballot papers. "It`s a big deal standing in something as important as the Big Vote," said Duncan. "My message to young people in Derbyshire is go for it - give your local candidates your support." There are 16 places up for grabs on the youth forum, two for each of the county`s districts and boroughs. Thirty-three candidates are standing and all Derbyshire young people aged 11 to 18 are eligible to vote. Since the election began on 24 February around 1,000 votes have been cast, more than double the amount during the entire election period last year. The poll closes on 21 March. All voters have received a b_line supplement listing the candidates for their area, and more information about the nominees can be viewed on the b_line website at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/b_line (opens in a new window) Derbyshire secondary schools have also got involved- a Big Vote teaching pack has been distributed to teachers for use in citizenship lessons, and classes have used it to discuss local democracy issues. Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "We`re grateful to Duncan James for backing the Big Vote and we hope that his message will help encourage even more young people to get involved. "We feel it`s important to ensure that young people have a say in the issues that matter to them - and what better way to make your voice heard than elect a local representative who can put your views across to local politicians and MPs." As well as electing their local representatives all young people who vote will be entered into a free draw to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Alton Towers for themselves and five classmates by chauffeur-driven limousine. |
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| 07 March 2003 | Vodka alert issued |
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Derbyshire has been put on alert about contaminated bottles of vodka that could pose a serious health risk. Licensed premises are being urged to check their stocks. County council trading standards officers and district and borough council environmental health teams are on the lookout for the one litre bottles of Imperial Valkanov Vodka (Charcoal Distilled), which could contain dangerously high levels of methanol. The Government`s Food Standards Agency has warned that bottles of the vodka have been found in Loughborough and could be on sale in other areas of the country. They are clear glass and have a gold screw top cap. They have grey/silver and gold front labels with the words `Imperial Valkonov Vodka` and `1 litre`. The bottom of the label includes the following small print: `Distributed for K.M.G 57, Bodana Khmelnitskogo Str 236039 Kainginrad Russia for EEC`. Photographs of the bottles are available on the FSA website at www.food.gov.uk (opens in a new window) Valkonov is not a recognised brand of spirits and anyone who has bought a bottle is warned not to drink it. Symptoms of methanol poisoning include abdominal pain, drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision, leading to blindness and breathing difficulties. Although there is no evidence that any of the vodka has been offered for sale in Derbyshire, the county council`s trading standards are urging licensed premises to check their stocks for the brand. Any bottles should be immediately removed from sale and the businesses should contact Derbyshire trading standards on 01629 585858 or their local district/borough council environmental health office. Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor John Williams said: "This product is not fit for human consumption. Although we aren`t aware of any bottles of the vodka in Derbyshire, it is better to be safe than sorry and so we are taking the precaution of warning businesses and consumers." |
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| 07 March 2003 | Students learn about Citizenship |
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Hundreds of Eckington students attended a conference this week to learn more about citizenship and community issues. The conference was organised by Eckington School and was attended by around 300 Year 10 students. Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles opened the event. A series of speakers and workshops were organised and representatives attended from the police and health services, the county council`s youth and social services, Age Concern, Oxfam and Refugee Action. The idea of the innovative event was to encourage the young people to build their knowledge about community and citizenship issues and give them a greater say in local democracy. Councillor Charles said: "I would like to thank Eckington School for inviting me along to this excellent and innovative conference. It treated the young people as adults and gave them a flavour of the important issues within their community and the wider world. "I hope this will inspire the students to get involved in their local community, and I would like to see the school`s good practice in this area repeated in other schools around the county." The conference also took the opportunity to discuss the Big Vote, the 2003 Derbyshire Youth Forum election. The vote is currently underway and three candidates are standing for election in North East Derbyshire and all young people aged between 11 and 18 are eligible to vote. Two North East Derbyshire representatives will be elected to serve the interests of local young people on the 16-member youth forum. Voting is via mobile phone texting and the Internet as well as traditional ballot paper, the first time the hi-tech measures have been used in a UK election. Voting ends on 21 March and everyone who votes will be entered into a free draw to win a trip to Alton Towers by stretch limousine. More information about the election is available on the county council`s b_line website at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/b_line (opens in a new window)
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| 07 March 2003 | New b_line magazine out now |
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Catch up with chart-topper Darius and win tickets to see top pop acts Nelly, Fame Academy and Westlife - it`s all in the new b_line magazine out this week! Derbyshire County Council has just published the second issue following the success of the first launched in December to support the growing popularity of its b_line youth discount and half-fare travel card. As well as light-hearted news and competitions the 36-page colour mag is packed full of advice for all 11 to 18-year-old cardholders such as tips on saving money and getting the best deals with their card, consumer advice and travel info as well as news and views and information about important issues such as mobile phone theft. There`s also a pull-out list of participating shops and services so cardholders can see who offers b_line discount, letters, music news, a special report about internet chatrooms - plus the chance to take part in a survey and win a mini TV! County council leader Councillor John Williams said: "We received a fantastic response to the first b_line magazine and are delighted to issue the second edition. It`s an excellent way of passing on information to b_liners as well as helping them get the most from their card." The latest edition of the b_line magazine will be issued every term to all the council`s 54,000 cardholders through their school or college. It is also available by phoning Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058. |
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| 07 March 2003 | Major road spending during March |
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Almost £1 million is to spent by Derbyshire County Council during March to improve the condition of roads and pavements. The money has come from an £80 million package of Government transport funding which will be used to pay for a range of measures identified in the authority`s Local Transport Plan, which covers the period 2001 to 2004. Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for environment and highways, said: "We are spending the last money from this financial year`s budget to continue making improvements to the condition and safety of Derbyshire`s roads." Money is being spent in different areas based on the schemes that most urgently need doing across the county. SCHEMES TAKING PLACE IN MARCH LISTED BY DISTRICT:
Amber Valley - £125,859
Bolsover - £223,500
Chesterfield - £32,000
Derbyshire Dales - £14,000
Erewash - £164,000
High Peak - £239,000
North East Derbyshire - £17,000
South Derbyshire - £124,000
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| 07 March 2003 | Education minister praises county council |
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Education Minister Ivan Lewis praised Derbyshire County Council`s ground-breaking work in adult learning when he officially opened one of its newly refurbished education centres. Clay Cross Adult Community Education Centre has undergone a major £570,000 facelift and now features purpose-built child-care facilities, a new computer suite and basic skills resource centre. Students are also enjoying improvements made to the general areas including an upgraded reception area, new coffee bar and better facilities for people with a disability, including a new lift. And when the Under Secretary of State for Young People and Adult Skills declared the new improved centre officially open on Monday, March 3, he congratulated the county council on its success in working with other organisations to bring improved education facilities to local adults. The MP said: "Derbyshire County Council can be particularly proud of its adult community education services. "Your reputation for being innovative and imaginative in adult education goes before you." He also spoke of the importance of creating a comfortable and welcoming environment in which adults can return to learn. "Lifelong learning is an essential part of regenerating communities," he said. "Far too many people have been denied the dignity of self improvement. People need skills to contribute to a successful economy and education also builds confidence and self-esteem." Money for the refurbishment has come from a number of sources including Derbyshire County Council, European Regional Development Fund, Single Regeneration Budget, Rural Development Project and Community Modernisation Fund in partnership with the Clay Cross Regeneration Steering Group. Staff from Derbyshire County Council adult community education service worked hard to attract the funding for the refurbishment scheme. The county council`s cabinet member for community services, Councillor Bob Janes, also attended the official opening where he thanked all the partners for their hard work. He said: "What we have here is a terrific example of a Government and Derbyshire County Council initiative backed by a number of funding streams working together to realise our dreams. "Group partnerships are the most constructive and healthy way of working together." Clay Cross Centre on Market Street offers more than 130 different courses to people of all ages, from computing to pottery and cookery to making your own clothes. Many courses are free including basic computing, GCSE English and maths and all adult basic skills to improve reading, writing and maths. Big discounts are also available for people on earnings-related benefits and the over 60s. For more information on course availability contact Louise Nadin on 01246 862383 or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/adulteducation (opens in a new window) |
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| 07 March 2003 | Derbyshire gets on the tourist trail |
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The delights of a visit to Derbyshire will be showcased at two major exhibitions designed to promote the county to visitors. Derbyshire County Council has booked stands at The Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show and the British Travel Trade Fair, both being held at Birmingham`s NEC later this month. It follows the authority`s commitment to support the county`s tourism and food and drink industries in the wake of the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001. The first event - from March 14 to 16 - aims to promote the county`s many assets to outdoor enthusiasts. The county council has teamed up with the Peak District National Park to take part in the event, which boasts up to 200 exhibitors and last year attracted 29,000 visitors. Staff will be on hand to speak to people keen to find out more about the attractions Derbyshire has to offer people interested in outdoor pursuits. Among special guests at this year`s show will be world-renowned climber Chris Bonington. On March 26 to 27, the county council will also be taking part in the British Travel Trade Fair, the UK`s leading event aimed at businesses involved in the travel and tourism industries. The theme of the county council`s stand will be Derbyshire food and drink to promote the quality of locally grown produce to a wider audience. Several local food producers will be donating samples to display at the event. The idea is to promote the county to group travel organisers in the hopes of encouraging them to market the county to holidaymakers. Councillor Geoff Carlile, the county council`s cabinet member for regeneration, said: "Derbyshire has a lot to offer visitors and holidaymakers including stunning scenery, picturesque market towns and industrial heritage. "There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to indulge their passion for sports such as hiking, canoeing, abseiling and mountain biking. "We want to encourage even more people to sample the delights of Derbyshire and taking part in both shows is a way of promoting the county to a much wider audience." |
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| 07 March 2003 | County`s resource pack helps dyslexic youngsters |
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An innovative learning file that is helping dyslexic Derbyshire children overcome their reading difficulties, has proved so popular with local schools that it is being taken up by education providers throughout the UK and abroad. The Derbyshire File for Dyslexia Friendly Schools was developed by Derbyshire County Council`s special educational needs and inclusion service, part of the authority`s education department. The 1,000th pack has just been distributed and the resource has proved so popular that it has been reprinted. The file is split into a number of sections, all of which provide teachers with the practical advice and guidance they need to help ensure the children achieve their educational potential. It shows teachers how to identify and assess children`s needs, work with parents and use different techniques to develop youngsters` reading and writing. For example, it explains how to use multi-sensory learning - touch, speech, vision and hearing - to help children learn the alphabet and cope with reading difficulties. Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles explains that the file has proved popular because it fills a gap in the practical advice and information available for teachers. "We had become concerned that there was a lack of practical advice available to schools to meet the learning needs of children with dyslexia," said Councillor Charles. "Although there are lots of academic and commercial dyslexia texts there was nothing that brought all the information together in a readable and accessible format. Our file fills this gap by providing a practical guide aimed directly at teachers. The feedback from teachers both within and outside the county has been extremely positive." So far the files have been distributed to LEAs in England, Ireland and the Isle of Man. An LEA in Wales has just ordered 135 files which they intend to translate into Welsh. In addition, files have been snapped up by educational establishments in the Middle East along with the British Army, which uses the pack in its overseas schools for children of service personnel. The file has also been welcomed by dyslexia organisations. Principal trainer with the Nottinghamshire Dyslexia Association, Vanessa Charter, said: "Most LEAs have policy guidelines to support children with dyslexia - which is a good start - but what teachers need are hands-on guidelines rooted in good theory and practice. The Derbyshire file fits the bill perfectly." |
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| 07 March 2003 | Conference points the way forward for education |
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Headteachers and education & training providers from across Derbyshire will attend a conference at Buxton next week to discuss the future of 14-19 education and training in the county. The conference - Futures Thinking in Partnership Working - will encourage delegates to embrace partnership working for the benefit of young people. It will also highlight the progress of a ground-breaking pathfinder pilot scheme to drive up standards and provide more learning opportunities for local 14 to 19 year-olds. The event, organised by Derbyshire County Council in partnership with Derbyshire Learning and Skills Council, Connexions and the Education Business Partnership, takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday 11 and 12 March at the Lea Wood Hotel at Buxton. It will be attended by heads, training providers and representatives from colleges, universities and businesses. Derbyshire is one of 25 areas around the country selected for the Government Pathfinder Pilot initiative. Rather than restricting pupils` education to classroom-based GCSEs and A levels, it involves some youngsters spending part of their week out of school, studying NVQs and vocational GCSEs in college or taking part in extended work placements with training providers and employers. The three-year pilot is being co-ordinated across Derbyshire by three consortia (see `Note to News Editors`). In each of the areas students are being encouraged to think about their future at a much younger age. Personal advisers and teachers sit down with youngsters when they reach 14 to agree the best learning pathway for them as an individual. Although they may continue to follow the core curriculum, they are offered new opportunities to build skills away from the classroom in areas such as manufacturing, engineering, health and social care and leisure and tourism. In addition, pupils explore wider options for post-16 education, including the new modern apprenticeship and different routes into further and higher education. Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "Derbyshire was selected for the pathfinder in recognition of the excellent standard of education provision and the close partnership working between providers. "The conference will enable everyone involved in the education of 14 to 19-year-olds to come together to share their knowledge and experience and discuss the ways forward. "The heart of the pathfinder is about giving young people a direct role in mapping out their own education and encouraging them to think about their future options at a much younger age." |
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| 06 March 2003 | TV chef to cook up a treat at food and drink fair |
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Celebrity chef James Martin will be the guest of honour at a two-day event showcasing some of Derbyshire`s finest food and drink. The county council is organising the second annual Food and Drink Fair being staged at Bolsover Castle on May 17 and 18. And James - well-known for wearing a flamboyant bandana - will be opening the first day of the event at 11am with a demonstration of his culinary skills. Two huge marquees will be set up in the castle grounds giving Derbyshire food and drink producers and suppliers the chance to show off their wares. It is hoped the fair, which is free to enter, will give the county`s food and drink and tourism industries a much-needed boost. Up to 30 local businesses have already signed up for the prestigious event, which last year attracted more than 12,000 visitors, and more stalls are still available. The county council is hoping to attract a diverse range of stall-holders connected with food, drink and eating, for instance butchers, bakers and local companies producing items such as crockery or cutlery. Among other attractions over the two days will be a series of cookery demonstrations, held every hour from 11am to 4pm each day, featuring cuisine from Greece, the Caribbean and India and organic produce. Two lucky people will also get the chance to win a year`s supply of chocolate each in a competition run by Cadbury Trebor Bassett, based in Holmewood. There will also be a bar area and outlets selling hot food, as well as a coffee bar. There will be entertainment for all the family as well as live music. The Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair follows on from the successful Derbyshire Quality in Food and Drink Awards, which are also organised by the county council. Councillor Geoff Carlile, the county council`s cabinet member for regeneration, said: "Since the foot and mouth outbreak, the county council has worked hard to promote Derbyshire`s tourism industry to entice visitors back to the county. "The Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair is another way in which the authority can help to boost the county`s profile by promoting some of the finest Derbyshire produce to a much wider audience." The Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair being held in the castle grounds is free to enter. During the two-day event, admission to the castle itself will be based on a two-for-the-price-of-one offer. Derbyshire businesses that would like to book a stall at the event, which cost £60, should contact Derbyshire County Council`s tourism officer Kate Richardson on 01629 585724. |
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| 06 March 2003 | On-line voting success at Belper Library |
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Library users who voted on-line in a national competition using the computers at Belper Library have won recognition for their efforts. For the first time entries for the W H Smith People`s Choice Book Awards were accepted on-line. Belper Library registered 708 votes for the awards, the second highest amount of any library in the country. To mark the achievement two members of staff from Belper Library have been given an all expenses paid trip to the awards ceremony at Warner Village Cinema in Leicester Square, London on 18 March. |
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| 06 March 2003 | Local studies events at Chesterfield Library |
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There are three treats in store for local history enthusiasts at Chesterfield Library during March and May. Derbyshire County Council has organised the talks as part of its series of local history events which are continuing to grow in popularity. Later this month Chesterfield resident Alva de Chiro will be giving her popular recital of letters sent to her mother from a great aunt who lived in Cornwall 100 years ago. The letters contain anecdotes, descriptions and everyday observations which paint a vivid picture of life during her visits to Chesterfield in Victorian and Edwardian times. Mrs de Chiro has been involved with the library before taking part in its successful oral history project talking about marrying an Italian man who settled in Chesterfield. Titled "A Veiled Journey" due to the aunt`s eventual vocation as a nun, the talk will take place at the New Beetwell Street library on Friday 28 March at 10am. Tickets are £1 with 60p concessions and are available from March. Places are limited so tickets must be bought in advance. In May, another local history enthusiast Barry Johnson will be talking about the effects of the General Strike in Chesterfield in 1926 where the Market Place was a centre for civil activities. Tickets for the event on Friday 2 May at 10am are £1 with 60p concessions and are available from April 7. And later in the month Chesterfield hairdresser David Howes will be giving his popular illustrated talk about the town`s shops from the 1880s onwards to help celebrate National Local History Week. This is the second talk David has given on the subject and this time he will concentrate on the Vicar Lane, Beetwell Street and South Street area. The talk will take place in the library`s lecture theatre on Monday 12 May at 7.30pm. Tickets are £1 with 60p concessions and are available from April 7. County council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "We are delighted to be able to host these local history events using the local experts! "These talks have proved extremely positive in the past and we are sure they will bring Chesterfield`s colourful past to life once again and provide a fascinating insight into a part of our local heritage for people who come along." |
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| 06 March 2003 | Live entertainment 75 years ago |
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Accounts showing the takings from performances of a touring theatre company at the Hippodrome in Chesterfield have been donated to Derbyshire Record Office. The Love Birds company of 58 actors gave 13 performances in the week ending 18 February 1928, making a profit of £77 16s. The cast was paid £125 for its work. The accounts can be seen at Derbyshire Record Office in New Street, Matlock. Further information is available by emailing record.office@derbyshire.gov.uk or ringing 01629 585347. |
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| 06 March 2003 | Hard-hitting play praised |
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A hard-hitting play aimed at teenagers has been praised for bringing home the dangers of hard drugs. The play, called `Clean`, gets across the dangers of heroin abuse and it recently completed a pilot tour of of Derbyshire secondary schools. An evaluation has just been carried out by the county council and the response from teachers and pupils, police, drugs workers, health and education professionals has been so positive that the pilot could be expanded to more schools. Clean was commissioned by Derbyshire County Council and devised and scripted by former Derbyshire teachers who set up the Brief Candle theatre company. It is aimed at 15 and 16-year-olds and portrays the realistic and tragic story of Steve, a heroin addict who looks back at his life and reflects on how the destructive drug has affected him. The initiative cost around £30,000 with funding from the Derbyshire Drug Alcohol Action Team. It was supported by the county council, police, north and south Derbyshire Primary Care Trusts, social services, the Home Office Drug Prevention and Advisory Service, the Youth Offending Service and Connexions. Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "This play pulls no punches and it doesn`t preach to young people - and that is why it succeeds. "The evaluation found that it got across the dangers of heroin misuse in a way that young people can understand and relate to. "All schools taking part in the pilot also received a teaching pack so that before and after the performance the young people could talk about the issues." In addition to schools, performances were organised for local communities so that parents had a chance to develop a clearer understanding of the complex and tragic issues involved. `Clean` focuses on heroin and links in with schools` personal, social and health education. A second play, Buzz, is currently touring Derbyshire schools for the third year. It is aimed at 12 and 13-year-olds and covers areas of addiction including drugs and alcohol. |
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| 06 March 2003 | Growing community links |
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A community tree planting event is being organised at a former colliery site by Derbyshire County Council. The event at Williamthorpe Ponds at Williamthorpe, near junction 29 of the M1, is designed to give local people the opportunity to participate in the conservation activities taking place at the site and be involved in the way the area is managed. The planted trees will form a habitat for wildlife and act as a screen for the site. The event will take place on Saturday 8 March between 2pm and 4.30pm. Anyone interested should meet at the fishing pond car park, off Mansfield Road. It is being jointly organised by the county council-run East Derbyshire Woodland Project and countryside service rangers. |
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