September

b_line card users would support the re-opening of the Matlock to Buxton section of the Derby to Manchester railway line, an on-line consultation has revealed. Users of Derbyshire County Council`s b_line website were given the chance to give their views about the rail proposals from June until August. 

The survey, which attracted more than 140 replies from holders of the student half-fare travel and discount card, found that 70 per cent supported re-opening the railway line. 

When asked what impact the line re-opening would have 87 per cent felt it would be a good way for them to get around, 74 per cent said it would be good for young people and 76 per cent felt it would reduce road traffic. 

But opinion was split among young people about the environmental impact that re-opening the line could have. Of those questioned, 37 per cent felt the Monsal Trail should be left alone, with 27 per cent disagreeing, while 39 per cent felt the railway would have a damaging effect on the environment, compared to 36 per cent who disagreed. 

The other respondents didn`t know either way. The responses given by b_line card holders during the consultation will be added to information gathered by independent rail consultants Scott Wilson Railways during a series of public consultation roadshows at various points along the proposed line. 

They have been commissioned to see if re-opening the railway line is viable from an economic, environmental and engineering point of view. The consultants are currently studying the data from the rest of the consultation exercise and will produce a report giving their recommendation this autumn. 

All b-liners who took part in the consultation were entered into a competition to win a Digital Vidcam 2000 camera. The competition was won by Sian O`Hagan, of Alfreton, who is a year 11 pupil at Frederick Gent School in South Normanton. The 15-year-old said: "I think the railway is a good idea because it would give teenagers better transport which is faster than buses. 

"However it could ruin the environment because of the way it will have to be built. "I was really pleased to win the digital camera because I have entered b_line competitions before but never won anything." b_line cards are issued through schools to young people aged 11 to 18. 

Youngsters aged 11 to 13, who are already eligible for child discount travel fares, receive a b_line1 card which offers cut price deals in shops, with local businesses and at leisure centres. 

Those aged 14 to 18 receive a b_line2 card, which provides half fare travel as well as all the other discounts. More than 500 shops and businesses currently offer discounts to b_line card holders. 

Visit the b_line website at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/b_line"

A Derbyshire trader has been fined after two bottles of a vodka drink were sold to an undercover child volunteer. In a case brought by Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards, Rashpal Singh, licensee of the Mastin Moor General Store and Post Office, pleaded not guilty. 

He appeared before Chesterfield magistrates` court yesterday (27 August) and under the 1964 Licensing Act he was found guilty of selling alcohol to a person below the legal age of 18. 

He was fined £250 and ordered to pay the county council`s costs of £410. The court heard that the 15-year-old volunteer visited the store on 17 August 2002 and bought two bottles of Smirnoff Vodka Ice. Although Mr Singh was not present and so did not serve the child, the licensee is responsible under the legislation for `exercising all due diligence` to ensure an offence is not committed in their absence. 

The court found that Mr Singh had not exercised all due diligence. The prosecution was the latest in Derbyshire County Council`s on-going crack down on the illegal sale of alcohol and other age-restricted products to children. The other products are cigarettes, fireworks, butane lighter refills and knives. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "This case highlights how crucial it is for licensees to make sure that in their absence, the person serving fully understands and complies with the legislation. 

"Alcohol consumption by children can lead to significant health and social problems and it is totally unacceptable that the traders are prepared to risk this, just for the sake of a few extra pounds in the till. Our enforcement visits will continue, targeting all areas of the county." 

To assist retailers the county council has launched an information campaign targeted at shops and off licences. A series of seminars will be taking place throughout the county to explain to traders the latest legislation and regulations covering age-restricted products. 

Traders are welcome to attend any of the seminars, which start at 1pm as follows: 

• Chesterfield area: 2 September at the Winding Wheel, Holywell Street, Chesterfield
• South Derbyshire: 3 September at the Old Town Hall, Grove Street, Swadlincote. 
• High Peak: 9 September at Buxton Pavilion Gardens, St Johns Street, Buxton
• Erewash: 11 September at the Albion Leisure Centre, East Street, Ilkeston 
• Bolsover area: 16 September at the Assembly Room, Cotton Street, Bolsover 
• North East Derbyshire: 18 September at Winding Wheel at Holywell Street, Chesterfield 
• Amber Valley: 25 September at Ripley Leisure Centre, Derby Road, Ripley 
• Derbyshire Dales: 30 September at the Bakewell Agriculture Centre Traders seeking further information can contact trading standards on 01629 585858.

Trading standards officers from Derbyshire County Council have issued an alert about the sale of fish that can cause stomach cramps and diarrhoea. 

The catering trade is being urged to check their stocks for the fish, known as `escolar` or `snake mackerel`. The national Food Standards Agency (FSA) is concerned that the fish is being illegally re-labelled and passed off to the catering trade as sea bass steaks. 

Escolar contains such high levels of oil that it causes stomach cramps and diarrhoea - and the FSA has warned that it should not be consumed. The fish are usually supplied frozen to the catering trade in 20 portion packs or in five to seven kilogram boxes. 

The fish have brown to dark brown skin and white flesh. They are usually supplied as steaks, which may be skin-on and bone-in, or skinless and boneless.

 Although none of the fish have been discovered in Derbyshire, the county council`s trading standards is urging all caterers to check their stocks. The fish should be immediately removed from sale and the traders should contact trading standards or the environmental health department of their local district or borough council. 

Councillor Walter Burrows, county council cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: 

"The fish contain such high levels of oil that they are not fit for human consumption. 

"Although we aren`t aware of any of the fish in Derbyshire, it is better to be safe than sorry and so we`re taking the precaution of warning the catering trade." 

Derbyshire residents or traders with any concerns can contact trading standards on 01629 585858.

Further information and digital images are available on the FSA`s website atwww.food.gov.uk

A project which aims to help people claim benefits they are entitled to has been hailed a success at a conference in Derbyshire. 

The conference focussed on a project set up by Derbyshire County Council`s welfare rights service where free `wealth checks` are available at selected doctors surgeries across the county. 

The project aims to address health inequalities by offering expert advice to ensure people are claiming all the benefits they are entitled to. 

Social services staff organised the conference to gather the views on the scheme from GPs and primary care trusts from across the county. 

Since the scheme was launched seven years ago millions of pounds have been claimed in extra benefits by people across the county who were not aware of their entitlements. 

In 2002 Derbyshire patients were helped with 2,246 benefit claims, generating £3.6 million of extra claims. 

The welfare rights service currently provides an officer in 30 GP practices across Derbyshire, with the majority being in the north east of the county. 

At the conference, Professor Lorraine Sherr from Royal Free and University College Medical School in London presented research from similar projects being run in London boroughs which showed the benefits of the welfare rights service operating in locations such as GPs surgeries. 

The findings were echoed by Dr Frank Barratt from Shirebrook Health Centre, where a welfare rights officer has been working for 18.5 hours each week since 1996. 

Workshops were also held at the conference, held in Cromford, with delegates discussing providing welfare rights advice in a range of primary care settings.

An historically important portrait of Derbyshire industrialist Richard Arkwright junior is to stay in the country following a mammoth fund-raising drive. 

The 1790 painting, by renowned Derby artist Joseph Wright, was due to be sold abroad if the £1,217,500 could not be raised before tonight’s midnight deadline (September 30) to buy it from its private owner. 

But at the eleventh hour the Derwent Valley Mills Partnership has managed to secure the money needed to save the portrait for the nation and for the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. 

Up until last week the World Heritage Site Partnership had £1,146,500 pledged – with £999,500 of that coming from the Heritage Lottery Fund - but only had until today to find the remaining £71,000. 

That has now been confirmed in the form of a £66,000 grant from Waste Recycling Environmental (WREN), through the Government’s Landfill Tax credit scheme co-ordinated by Derbyshire Environmental Trust, and a £5,000 grant from the independent art charity, the National Art Collections Fund adding to the £50,000 it previously donated. 

The Heritage Lottery Fund has been the key contributor to the campaign awarding an initial grant of £777,000 and a second of £222,500 to total £999,500 - the maximum grant the HLF could award for the painting - when it became aware of the substantial shortfall the partnership required. 

The remaining £147,000 has come from a number of generous personal donations and a variety of other group and community sources, including Rolls-Royce who donated £10,000. 

Today’s news means the portrait will soon be on display alongside other Joseph Wright works at Derby Museum and Art Gallery. 

Derwent Valley Mills Partnership Chairman Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “This is tremendous news following our very successful campaign which has brought together residents, the Heritage Lottery Fund and a host of other organisations in what has been an amazing fund-raising effort. We are indebted to their generosity and want to thank them all. 

“In terms of what it means for Derbyshire I’m sure the portrait will be a huge public draw not only for the art gallery, but will also boost Derbyshire’s wider tourism industry by attracting visitors to the mills and historic communities connected with Arkwright. 

“The painting is an item of great historical value for Derbyshire and I’m delighted that it will stay here.” 

Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Cultural Services Councillor Paul West said: "I`m delighted that we have been successful in securing the entire amount necessary to keep this important painting in the country and in Derbyshire, where it belongs. I would like to thank the organisations that have given grants and everyone who has helped with the fund-raising efforts. 

"We will be proud to house the painting in Derby Museum and Art Gallery, along with our other Wright works. We will be holding a reception for donors, to thank them, once the portrait is in place." 

Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands regional manager Sheila Stone said: “We’re delighted that a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of nearly £1m has helped save this important painting and will signal its permanent return to Derby, a place where it has such strong links. 

“The painting will be used as the focus of a new educational programme drawing attention to the monuments of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and the industrial heritage of the area. 

“That was one of the major factors in our decision to award such an exceptional level of funding.” 

The campaign’s success was made possible when the Department for Culture Media and Sport deferred an export licence to allow time for funds to be raised for an offer to be made to the vendor. 

Arts Minister, Estelle Morris, exceptionally granted a short extension to the deferral period, from September 12 to 30, to assist fundraising efforts. 

The Duke of Devonshire, who has been the public face of the fund-raising campaign, said: "I have been proud to spearhead this campaign which has now been successful in saving an important piece of Derbyshire`s cultural heritage. 

“The generous and speedy response from all the organisations, community groups and individuals who have backed us has been overwhelming. It is thanks to them that we have achieved our goal and the result is a credit to this county". 

The Arkwrights are synonymous with the development of industrial power in the Derbyshire Derwent Valley - now recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site - and the Derwent Valley Mills Partnership, made up of 30 local councils, regeneration agencies and conservation bodies, aims to develop and promote its international status. 

Youngsters from Baslow, Chesterfield, Dronfield and Dove Holes are to receive special awards from Derbyshire County Council chief executive Nick Hodgson in recognition of their efforts to promote racial equality. 

The cash awards, totalling £500, have been personally donated by Nick and will be presented over the next few weeks to Grassmoor Primary, Holmesdale Infant School at Dronfield, Dove Holes Primary and St Anne’s CE Primary at Baslow. 

The annual award scheme encourages Derbyshire schools to set up projects to promote a better understanding of different cultures, races and religions. 

Derbyshire County Council chief executive Nick Hodgson said: “It’s great that the children are enthusiastic and want to learn more about different cultures. All of the schools demonstrated a very open and welcoming attitude and they have used a variety of innovative techniques to develop pupils’ interest in different countries and religions.“ 

• Grassmoor Primary (main award): 

A week of activities gave pupils a flavour of different cultures. Activities included story telling, dancing and instrument making. Pupils sampled food from around the world, made Hindu floor decorations, dressed up in different countries’ traditional dress and learned about plants and vegetables from different cultures. 

Parents were invited into school during the week and on the final day the children made a totem pole in the playground. Each class designed a section of the pole, based on a different country. 

• Holmesdale Infant School (runner-up award): 

The school has worked hard to promote a better understanding of different cultures, races and religions. The Chinese New Year was celebrated on 31 January, when members of the Sheffield Chinese Community Centre visited the school to talk about the festival. 

Holmesdale teachers visited schools in South Africa as part of an exchange programme, taking with them letters and a scrapbook of school life compiled by the Dronfield pupils. 

The children took part in workshops to learn about South African drumming, dance and song and mask making. Pupils also listened to a variety of folk tales and learned about apartheid. 

Later in the year a group of teachers and a builder returned to South Africa to work alongside teachers in the township schools, providing ideas and resources and building a classroom. 

• Dove Holes Primary School (runner-up award): 

Headteacher Phil Raw joined a group of teachers from Derby City on a study visit to Karpurthula in India. 

Following their return the teachers have met regularly and are developing a teaching resource pack. 

Work at Dove Holes Primary to promote a better understanding of different cultures, races and religions also included an India week, and there has been a regular exchange of work with school children from the Punjab. Dove Holes’ pupil council also visited a multi-cultural school in Derby. 

• Baslow St Anne’s CE Primary (highly commended award): 

The primary school staged an art week to give children a flavour of multi-cultural aspects of art. Activities included Japanese pottery, Indian dancing and African block printing. 

Writers from all over the region are coming to Derbyshire for three live literature events this autumn as part of an East Midlands writers’ tour. 

Derbyshire County Council has helped to organise the tour, 24-8, which is bringing together 24 writers from eight cities and counties in the East Midlands to present a series of events. 

The writers, in groups of three, will be visiting Buxton, Long Eaton and Chesterfield during October and November. 

As part of the project, each writer has been commissioned to write a new piece of work, taking the theme `East Midlands: past, present, future`. 

These are the events taking place: 

• Wednesday 1 October – ‘Family Landscapes’ – 7.30pm at The Studio, Buxton Community School, Temple Road, Buxton. Jenny Clarkson, Linda Kempton and Bead Roberts will be exploring true stories of families in the 21st Century.  Tickets are £4 with £3 concessions available from Buxton Library, Kents Bank School, Kents Bank Road on 01298 25131 or by calling the county council’s literature development officer Jenny Edgar on 01773 831394 or email jenny.edgar@derbyshire.gov.uk 
• Wednesday 29 October – ‘Hazard Warning’ – 7.30pm at Long Eaton Library, Tamworth Road, Long Eaton. Crime writers Clare Littleford, Rod Duncan and Sally Spedding will take visitors on a journey from an afternoon in inner city Nottingham to a deadly chase down the M1. Tickets are £4 with £3 concessions available from Long Eaton Library on 0115 973 5426. 
• Friday 14 November – ‘Routes’ – 7.30pm at Chesterfield Library, New Beetwell Street, Chesterfield. Poets Kathryn Daszkiewicz, Mark Goodwin and Helen Mort share a fascination with mountains and use poetry to take you from the watery horizontals of the fens to the frozen heights of Everest and from the strange architecture of Stanage Edge to the crooked spire of Chesterfield. Tickets are £4 with £3 concessions available from Chesterfield Library on 01246 209292. 

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: “We are delighted to welcome these writers to our libraries over the next couple of months. 

“I’m sure the events will be real eye-openers allowing local residents to see daily life and our area in a new light. 

"It is also an opportunity for people to discover some of the exciting writers living and working in our city and the region." 

The evening events each begin with a sequence of new writing, based on the title of the event and the East Midlands, past, present, future. This will be followed by a further selection of the writers` stories and poems and an opportunity for chat and discussion. 

The project is being run by the East Midlands network of literature development officers and is funded by a Regional Arts Lottery Programme award. 

Newly created digital copies of Ordnance Survey maps showing how Derbyshire looked in 1900 have gone on sale at Derbyshire Record Office. 

The Derbyshire Ordnance Survey second edition maps have been put on CD-Roms to be used as a tool for historical researchers. 

The detailed series of maps show individual streets, houses, farms, factories, pubs, churches, chapels, roads and railways on a scale of 25in to a mile. 

Information on the CD-Roms will tell researchers more about the facilities in communities at the start of the 20th century. 

The digital maps have been produced by Digital Archives in partnership with Derbyshire County Council-run libraries and the record office, as well as Derby City libraries. 

Copies of the CD-Roms are available by post from the Derbyshire Record Office, New Street, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3AG or by visiting in person. They cost £25 plus £2 postage and packaging. Cheques should be made payable to Derbyshire County Council. 

Further information is available by ringing 01629 580000, extension 35202 or emailing record.office@derbyshire.gov.uk 

A recently formed group of volunteers is working in partnership with Derbyshire County Council rangers to improve countryside facilities for visitors. 

The authority`s countryside service appealed for volunteers to help with tasks such as hedge-laying, tree planting, woodland thinning and laying and replacing countryside paths. 

So far the group has helped construct a bridge using railway sleepers, pull ragwort weeds, cut back vegetation that is over growing footpaths and assist the Tibshelf Cardiac Rehabilitation Group to install benches. 

The group meets every other Wednesday and is based at the Clay Cross Countryside Centre. It carries out projects in North East Derbyshire. 

Members of the public who are interested in joining the group should contact Eddie Asbery on 01246 866960.

A new exhibition of paintings by artist Wendy Raphael opens at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery on Saturday 27 September. 

Wendy`s colourful oil paintings and pastel drawings are inspired by theatre and ballet performances and rehearsals. 

Originally from Hyde in Cheshire, Wendy studied at the Regional College of Art in Manchester and the Manchester College of Education. She exhibits widely in galleries and theatres around Greater Manchester and London, and has worked alongside many performance companies including the Bolshoi Ballet, Ballet Rambert and Sadlers Wells. 

The exhibition takes place at the Derbyshire County Council-run Buxton Museum and Art Gallery in Terrace Road until Saturday 15 November. 

Anyone wishing to find out more about the artwork can talk to Wendy when she visits the museum on Saturday 18 October and Tuesday 4 November between 11am and 1pm. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "We are delighted to be able to put on show these imaginative and inspiring works of art which provide an insight into different aspects of life. 

"People can visit any of the exhibitions for free and learn about art and in this case meet the artist at the same time." 

Visitors to the gallery can also see Images in Print, an exhibition of prints by Trevor Hodgkison and Christianne Downs, which is on show until Saturday 1 November. 

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. 

Information about all the exhibitions is available by ringing Ros Westwood or Sue Palmer at the Museum and Art Gallery on 01298 24658. 

It`s good to talk - but it will be even better to see you! 

In a couple of weeks` time anyone visiting any Derbyshire County Council library will be able to log on to a friendly face on the end of a video phone line for free. 

Whether it`s chatting face-to-face with a relative in Australia, getting advice on tax, benefits or consumer problems or arranging a group educational session with an expert hundreds of miles away, it will all be possible at the council`s 45 branches from October 7. 

The main benefit of the new free network - being promoted as "Good to see you!" and the first of its kind in the UK - is for deaf and hearing-impaired users who can lip-read or use sign language over the monitors. It will also provide a link up with the "Alive" video access system in Derby - a joint partnership between the county council and Derby City Council backed by European funding - adding 45 more access points to the network`s existing 10. 

Other important applications are for school classes and educational group sessions, link-ups between library reading groups, the general communication benefits of users being able to see the person they are talking to as well as the simple enjoyment of friends and relatives living far apart being able to have a face-to-face conversation. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "We`re delighted to be able to launch this important and pioneering new video phone network for everyone to use free of charge in all our 45 libraries. 

"We`ve had a positive experience with our existing video conferencing system over the past few years but it was limited and we were keen to realise the full potential of a better network like the one we now we`ve now been able to install thanks to Government funding. 

"The potential benefits, from the simple communication advantages of being able to see the person you`re talking to, improving access to information for all and the more formal social, cultural and educational applications are endless and we`re really excited about them. 

"We`re looking forward to sharing this new technology with visitors and any of our staff will show them how easy it is. We also hope it encourages people to take a look at the many other services we have on offer while they`re there." 

The new video phone network is being launched with link-up demonstrations at Chesterfield Library and associated events around the county. These include: 

• A link to the Inland Revenue and trading standards. 
• A link between hearing impaired users at Long Eaton and Swadlincote. 
• A school link from Chesterfield to famous children`s author Jacqueline Wilson in Dudley. 
• A link between relatives in the Cayman Islands and Ashbourne. 

A similar system has been available in 20 of the authority`s branches since 1998 as part of its DELTA computer information service. 

But the new network is easier to operate as users do not have to log on, the broadband system allows quicker connections and download time and there is an integral phone directory to allow easy access to other libraries, council departments and outside organisations. 

Video phones with computer monitor-style screens will be installed in the council`s eight district libraries Bolsover, Buxton, Chesterfield, Dronfield, Heanor, Ilkeston, Matlock and Swadlincote. Video phones with five-inch screens will be fitted in the remaining 37 branches. 

The new countywide network has cost £97,500 paid for by the Government`s New Opportunities Fund. 

Representatives from Derbyshire County Council and other relevant organisations including the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Council for Museums Libraries and Archives and the New Opportunities Fund as well as a host of community groups will be at the launch. 

The launch will tie in with the British Deaf Association`s Sign Language Week which runs from October 11 to 18. A representative from Derby`s Royal School for the Deaf will film part of the county council event to be shown at the Metro Cinema on October 18.

The vital role that women played in the British war effort is the subject of a photograph album which has been donated to Derbyshire Record Office. 

The album shows women employees working at the Messrs EW Bliss factory in Derby, which produced munitions for the armed services during World War Two. 

In the 50 photographs employees are shown carrying out tasks including tool setting, grinding and filling shells. 

The photographs were taken to present as a gift to the national Deputy Director of Ammunition Supplies but have now been donated to the Derbyshire County Council-run record office so that they can be safeguarded and used by researchers. 

The photos will be of particular interest to students of employment history. They can be seen by visiting the record office in New Street, Matlock. Further information is available by emailing record.office@derbyshire.gov.uk or by ringing 01629 580000, extension 35202.

Life in the Peak District village of Bradwell during the period before World War Two is recalled in a dissertation which has been donated to Derbyshire Record Office. 

Charles Roome chose the village as the subject of a student dissertation that he compiled between 1937 and 1939. 

The manuscript, which is illustrated by photographs and diagrams, looks at traditional industries, including farming and lead mining, and local businesses, including cement works, corn mills and cotton mills. 

It also looks at housing problems, social services, road building and the nature and type of shops in the village. 

Mr Roome died recently and the dissertation has been donated by his widow, who lives in Leeds, to be used by local researchers. 

It can be seen by visiting the record office in New Street, Matlock. Further information is available by emailing record.office@derbyshire.gov.uk or ringing 01629 580000, extension 35202. 

Trading standards officers from Derbyshire County Council have reissued a warning to local traders and consumers about jelly sweets that could pose a choking risk to children. 

Jelly sweets made with konjac gum do not dissolve easily and were banned across Europe last year. 

But now two of these products, distributed by an importer in Manchester which is no longer trading, have been found on sale in the UK prompting the Food Standards Agency to issue a national alert. 

In both products the jelly is contained in a dome-shaped plastic cup, similar to a coffee creamer container, with a peel-off lid. ABC Mini Fruit Bites sweets are sold in one kilogram jars or individually. The Cocode Nut Jellies are sold in 408 gram bags in various flavours, described as mango, taro, longan and guei ling gau on the packaging. 

Officers from Derbyshire County Council trading standards say parents should be aware of the potential risk they pose to children and should not buy them. 

It is not known whether any of the products are for sale in Derbyshire but trading standards officers have issued the following advice: 

• Any member of the public or traders who find any of these sweets should put them somewhere safe out of the reach of children and contact Derbyshire County Council trading standards immediately on 01629 585858. 

County council trading standards officers are on the lookout for the sweets during their regular visits to traders and are liasing with district and borough council environmental health officers. 

Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "We aren`t aware that any of the sweets have turned up for sale in Derbyshire but it is better to be safe than sorry and so we are urging traders and wholesalers to check their stocks and remove any they find from sale."

Truancy figures released today by the Government show that Derbyshire schools have better attendance levels than the national average - with fewer children playing truant than last year. 

Derbyshire County Council has welcomed the news but is determined to continue to improve its position by implementing a comprehensive strategy to target truancy and improve attendance in all age groups. 

The latest Department for Education and Skills statistics show that fewer half days were missed by Derbyshire pupils in 2002/2003 than many areas of the country (see notes to news editors). 

The council is committed to making sure more children are in school and benefiting from the county`s high standard of education and is introducing a number of new initiatives to raise levels off attendance. 

Key features of the council`s attendance strategy include the following: 

• Schools will receive support to undertake attendance audits and develop plans to deal with non-attendance. 
• Schools will be invited to take part in a sophisticated electronic registration system. This will enable the county council to identify patterns of absence at the touch of a button, allowing the authority to immediately respond if a child does not turn up for school. 
• The county council will work with the police and the Connexions service to stage truancy sweeps in the run up to Christmas. 

In addition, the authority will continue to work closely with and support families to help resolve problems underlying absences. 

Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "We recognise how important this issue is as children who are not in school are not learning. 

"We are committed to further reducing unauthorised absences but we can`t do it alone - parents also have to play their part. 

"Many absences are with the parents` blessing and families need to understand they are jeopardising their own children`s life chances if they keep their children out of school." 

He added: "Tackling truancy is a priority for the Government and we share their concerns. We are working closely with them to develop new ways to address the underlying issues and we will take action against parents if we feel it is necessary." 

The county council can prosecute parents using powers granted under The Education Act 2002. Maximum penalties for those found guilty of aggravated non-attendance are three months in prison and/or a £2,500 fine. Courts can also impose a Parenting Order - a course that helps them take control of their children`s behaviour. 

Each year the county council prosecutes between 40 and 50 families for non-attendance.

An exhibition of nationally-recognised ceramics has been officially opened and begins a tour of five libraries thanks to a £50,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant awarded to Derbyshire County Council. 

Alfreton Library held the opening ceremony and is the first to display the work, part of the Ballantyne collection, which will also tour Bolsover, Glossop, Long Eaton and Melbourne libraries. 

A number of guests attended the unveiling of the pots including Derbyshire County Council`s Chair Councillor Charles Cutting and cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes. Other guests were local potter and curator of the exhibition Josie Walter, Derbyshire craftsman Chris Fleming who designed and made the display cabinets, and members of the Severn family who donated money to the exhibition. 

The exhibition will be at Alfreton library, Severn Square, until Thursday 30 October. Melbourne library will be displaying the ceramics during November and December. Other venues included in the tour are Erewash Museum and Derby City Museum but dates have yet to be confirmed. 

Councillor Bob Janes said: "We are delighted to now have the exhibition in Derbyshire. "We hope that many people will be able to visit the exhibition during the tour and enjoy such an extraordinary selection of nationally-recognised ceramics." 

For more information about the ceramics library tour call Ros Westwood on 01298 24658. For events information at Alfreton Library call 01773 833199.

Motorcycle safety groups, bikers and dealers are hosting a two-day party this weekend with an emphasis on fun - but also on safe riding. 

Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council will be taking their place among the exhibitors supporting "The Party on the Moor" to be held at Darley Moor Sports Centre near Ashbourne on Saturday and Sunday (September 20 and 21). 

It is being organised by the Derby and Derbyshire Motorcycle Forum made up of partners including the county and city councils, Derbyshire Constabulary, a host of bike interest groups, training providers and dealerships. 

The event aims to promote the enjoyment and benefits of motorcycling, including their potential for helping to reduce congestion and pollution, as well as an opportunity to highlight safety issues. 

Representatives from the county council`s highway safety team will be on hand to discuss safety matters and display relevant material in its mobile exhibition unit. 

The weekend will also include police bikesafe assessment rides, the promotion of advanced riding training, a chance for visitors to try out a motorcycle or scooter on the racetrack and have a go at trials riding. 

Derbyshire County Council deputy leader Councillor John Powell said: "As highways authority the safety of all our road users is paramount and we are happy to support this event which will acknowledge the enjoyment of motorcycling but also provide the opportunity to address some important safety issues. 

"The party should be a great fun day out for all the family and give bikers the chance to ride and learn in a controlled environment with advice from the experts." 

Derby City Council cabinet member for planning, transportation and environment Councillor Lucy Care said: "Although far too many motorcyclists are killed and injured on our roads every year motorcycling is not an inherently dangerous activity. 

"Greater care by motorcyclists and greater awareness by other road users could reduce the casualty figures without losing the real benefits of motorcycling as a means of transport. We hope this event will help make a difference." 

The weekend will also include motorcycle club displays, classic and vintage bikes, trade stands and dealer displays, a bouncy castle and children`s entertainment, refreshments, a beer tent and live band. The event kicks off at 10am on Saturday and will run until Sunday afternoon. A day ticket is £2.50 and a weekend ticket is £8 available on the gate.

Children aged under 16 go free. 

• Derbyshire County Council is currently running its own "To Die For?" motorcycle safety poster campaign which has recently been adopted by other local authorities across the East Midlands. 
• The county council is committed to reducing the number of road deaths and serious injury by 60 per cent for children and 45 per cent for adults by 2010. 

One lucky b_liner will be hitting the shops in style after winning £150 in the b_line 500 bonanza competition this summer. 

Lisa Evill from Bolsover won first prize in the b_line magazine and website competition entitling her to £150 to spend at any b_liner discounter. 

With over 500 shops and businesses in Derbyshire and the surrounding area now participating in the b_line scheme, Lisa who attends Bolsover school, can choose from clothes, CDs, a new haircut, going bowling or a whole range of other things to spend her cash on. 

13-year-old Lisa said: "I didn`t expect to win the competition at all. I entered because I wanted to win the Derby County season tickets! 

"I`ve already bought a new DVD player and I can`t wait to go shopping." 

Second prize was won by Lady Manners School pupil Alex Buckley (13) from Cressbrook who got a Sony micro CD player which was donated by C Farmers Ltd of Bakewell and Matlock. 

The competition to celebrate 500 shops and services now being b_line discounter partners involved b_liners filling in a simple entry form either in the magazine or on the website and being entered into a draw for 500 prizes. 

As well as the top two bonanzas the selection of prizes included tickets to see popular boyband Blue, a TV, a season ticket for the American Adventure theme park and hundreds of vouchers for popular stores. 

Prizes were donated from the hundreds of local shops and businesses that have teamed up with b_line. 

All 11 to 18-year-olds who live in Derbyshire are automatically issued with b_line cards through their school, as long as it is run by Derbyshire County Council or Derby City Council, or through their college. 

Youngsters aged 11 to 13, who are already eligible for child fare travel, receive a b_line1 which offers cut price deals in shops, with local businesses and leisure centres. Those aged 14 to 18 receive b_line2 which provides half fare travel as well as all the other discounts. 

The nephew of an almost forgotten First World War poet has helped launch a Derbyshire County Council book telling the story of his relative`s life and work. 

Harold Street visited Whitwell Community Centre to talk about his nephew Will Streets, who served with the Sheffield City Battalion as a private during the First World War. 

The Whitwell-born soldier wrote poems about life in the trenches and had them published in the Times newspaper alongside famous war poets like Rupert Brooke and Siegfried Sassoon. Unlike most of the other war poets Will came from a working class background. 

A Dream Within The Dark has been written by former Nottingham Evening Post journalist Vic Piuk, who now lives in France organising history trips to battlefields from the First and Second World Wars. 

His book explains how Will, who was a miner, came to write some of the most famous poetry of his time and how his work was largely forgotten following his death during the Battle of the Somme on 1 July, 1916. 

The book costs £5.95 and is on sale at Chesterfield, Bolsover, Clowne, Creswell, Whitwell, Dronfield, Eckington and Killamarsh libraries and from the Local Studies Library at County Hall in Matlock. It can also be ordered via any other Derbyshire library.

Drivers across Derbyshire are continuing to risk children`s lives - and a £1,000 fine - by refusing to stop for school crossing patrols. 

Derbyshire County Council will remind motorists of their legal and moral obligation to stop in a six-week campaign being launched today (Monday 15 September). 

The authority`s priority is to highlight the dangers irresponsible driving can cause for children, other pedestrians using the crossings and its own staff. 

But it will also remind drivers they could face a £1,000 fine and three penalty points on their licence if they abuse the system. 

Each year council patrol staff record all potentially dangerous incidents which include: 

• Vehicles driving through while the patrol is crossing children. 
• Drivers overtaking other traffic which has already stopped. 
• Vehicles stopping then deciding to drive through. 
• Drivers ignoring the red light at pelican crossings. 
• Drivers braking very late and driving right up to the crossing. 
• Drivers intimidating the patrol by revving their engines and creeping forward. 

County council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "Derbyshire`s school crossing patrols provide an invaluable community service and we want this campaign to send out a clear message that this kind of irresponsible driving is totally unacceptable. 

"We hope it reminds motorists that a minute`s consideration at a crossing could not only save them a hefty fine - it could also save a life." 

It is the fifth year the council has run this awareness-raising campaign which has seen the number of potentially dangerous incidents at crossings drop from 47 in the year up to September 2002 to 25 over the past 12 months. 

The campaign will consist of thousands of posters featuring the traditional "STOP!" school crossing patrol sign to be distributed around garages, council buildings, schools, GP surgeries and community buildings. The same message will also feature on bus-back advertising on main routes serving the whole county and on roadside posters at 12 locations where there have been persistent problems. Meanwhile, a radio advert highlighting the legal implications for drivers who fail to stop will run on RAM FM and Peak 107 FM featuring the message "Think you can get away with it - think again!" 

The campaign also aims to recruit new staff and the message "One minute of your time can mean a lifetime for a child - become a school crossing patrol" will feature on bus shelters on main routes across the county. The council has 312 crossing locations and currently has 34 vacancies. 

Anyone can apply for the SCP posts if they can be available between the broad times of 8.30am to 9am and 3pm to 4pm every school day during term-time. 

SCPs are paid £5.12 an hour during term-time and through the school holidays. Deputies (who are called on to cover sickness and holiday leave when required) are paid £5.45 an hour for time worked. Full uniform and training is provided. For more information or to apply call the council`s SCP co-ordinator Eileen Murphy on 01629 585463.

Forklift truck driving and plumbing are two of the free training packages starting this autumn across Derbyshire. 

These vocational courses are being run by Derbyshire County Council`s Mobile and Coalfields Vocational Training Project - or MaC for short. 

Ideal for people wanting to gain practical skills to prepare them for work, the packages are aimed at the long-term unemployed and provide candidates with a hands-on skill in a popular vocation. As part of the package trainees are taught other useful workplace skills and can gain qualifications in computing, first aid and health and safety. 

The forklift truck course is running in Chesterfield and Clay Cross and starts on Monday 27 October with the initial information day on Monday 20 October for people who are interested. It is a six-week course and will equip candidates with licences for industrial reach trucks, counterbalance trucks - the most common type of forklift truck and powered pallet trucks. 

The eight-week plumbing course is running at Shirebrook Community Education Centre, Langwith Road, and starts on Monday 20 October with the information day on Monday 13 October. Trainees will gain a recognised qualification in plumbing. 

A seven-week childcare course aimed at men is another vocational course running in Chesterfield and will equip candidates with an Open College Network Certificate in Practical Play. The information day for the course is on Monday 22 September. 

The training is for a maximum of 16 hours a week so trainees can still claim their benefits. Free lunch is provided and transport costs are covered. 

Derbyshire County Council also offers courses in computing for beginners at a variety of venues throughout North Derbyshire, many of which are taking place on specially equipped buses. Other free courses are available in food hygiene, marketing and media and sports massage. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "People who come on the vocational training courses usually respond very well to it. We have been very successful in getting them back into full-time employment. 

"Everyone can gain a qualification, especially now that we have the buses which take the course to the people in more rural areas." 

Mac Project funding comes from Derbyshire County Council, the European Social Fund, the Learning and Skills Council and the Single Regeneration Budget. 

For more information on how to apply for the plumbing course call Gill Jones on 01623 748241, the forklift truck course call Margaret Irvine on 01246 291307 or any of the other vocational courses mentioned call Mary Bond on 01246 554184. For information on the computing courses call Craig O`Malley on 01623 744316.

A traffic survey is to be carried out on behalf of Derbyshire County Council to help solve on-street parking problems in Buxton town centre. 

The survey will be carried out by consultants Scott Wilson over four days and evenings during September and will look at where people park and how long for. 

All information collected will be used to plan future on-street charging and residents` parking schemes in Buxton town centre. 

Derbyshire County Council has set aside £20,000 to carry out these improvements and a bid for further funding will also be made. 

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for environment and highways, said: "Last year the county council asked local people what they felt were the main transport issues in Buxton and top of the list was the problem of parking. 

"There are currently parts of the town where uncontrolled parking takes place. These spaces could be making a bigger contribution to the local economy by being properly managed and controlled. 

"In other areas of the town there is intense competition for parking spaces between residents, shoppers and workers. 

"Our surveys will help us identify where these areas of conflict are so that we can design schemes to try and improve the situation. These will go out to public consultation before anything happens." 

The work is being carried out in partnership with High Peak Borough Council, who are responsible for off-street car parks, to provide an integrated parking management scheme for the whole town. 

Once the data is collected the consultants Scott Wilson will look at all possible options for improving parking, including the possible introduction of residents` parking schemes. 

Designs showing how to improve on-street parking will be drawn up in the next few weeks. Once completed the plans will go out for detailed public consultations in October. This important part of the process will involve local residents, visitors, businesses, councils and the emergency services.

Three more national "Excellence in Communication" awards have been clocked up by Derbyshire County Council`s public relations team. 

The hat trick was scored at the recent annual Institute of Public Relations Local Government Group Excellence in Communication Awards which recognise outstanding achievement in the communications field. 

Fiercely contested by councils throughout the country, the Derbyshire team secured the much-coveted "Communicators of the Year" award 2003. 

In their comments on the team`s performance the panel of judges said: "A holistic and solid performance, yet with a spark in its belly. Professionalism we would be proud to be associated with". 

The team also won: 

• Best Campaign - for the Big Vote - a campaign to encourage young people to take part in the election to the county`s youth forum Judges comment: "A very clear focused campaign delivering excellent measured results. A campaign that contributes significantly to the council`s strategy." 
• Best use of E-media - for "The Buzz" text messaging initiative - part of the council`s b_line student travel and discount scheme Judges comment: "Unanimity amongst the judges. Derbyshire County Council was the winner because of its consistent theme of work pitched at young people and its innovative approach." 

In addition, the county`s b_line - student travel and discount card magazine was highly commended in the Best Publication/Leaflet category. The county`s newspaper for residents was also a finalist in the Best Civic Newspaper/Magazine award. 

County Council Leader John Williams said the authority has always recognised the value of good quality communications. 

"We have an excellent record in keeping local people informed and an excellent reputation in the local government and public relations industry for our communication programmes. 

"We are committed to keeping local people well informed about our services, policies and decisions to improve life in our communities." 

More than 25 awards have been secured by the team over the last two years.

Work is under way on a multi-million pound scheme to transform Frederick Gent School. 

Derbyshire County Council is spending £8.5million on improving the South Normanton secondary school, including demolishing large parts of it. 

A new teaching block will replace a 50-year-old timber-framed building on the Mansfield Road site while the remaining school will be refurbished and extended. 

The remodelling work will create new science, ICT and general teaching spaces, an administration wing and drama facilities. A new outdoor games area, including a small artificial pitch, will also be created. 

Cash from the Government`s New Opportunities Fund is being used to build a sports hall. Six temporary classrooms are already on site while the major building work, due to be completed in early 2005, takes place. 

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "This exciting project will give the current and future students of Frederick Gent School excellent facilities that are suitable for a high quality 21st Century education. 

"The block being demolished has reached the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced while the other block will be extended and refurbished. 

"The county council is pleased to have been able to approve the substantial sum required to achieve this." 

All the design work for the project has been done by the county council`s own in-house design team with the building work being carried out by contractors. 

Animal bones and Roman pottery which were preserved after becoming encased in cave stalagmites are amongst some of the objects on display in Buxton Museum and Art Gallery this autumn. 

The objects found in two of Derbyshire`s caves, Poole`s Cavern and Carsington Pasture Cave have been bought out of storage to accompany the current exhibition on lead mining. The Peak Lead Miner exhibition combines poetry and artwork to show the dangerous work of miners and can be viewed until Sunday 28 September. 

Prehistoric items recovered from the caves include a flint tool, a comb made from an antler, a bone clothing pin and pieces from a cooking pot. 

Local rocks and minerals will be on show as well as spectacular formations of stalagmites and stalactites created from water dripping into the caves over thousands of years. 

A display on Derbyshire Cave Rescue forms part of the exhibition, as a new member of staff at the museum is a very active member of the rescue team. 

The Going Underground display can be seen at the Derbyshire County Council-run museum in Terrace Road until the end of December. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "We are delighted to be able to put on show these fascinating artefacts which reveal Derbyshire life from a different age. 

"People can enjoy a free day out by visiting the museum and learning about local history at the same time." 

For information about any of the exhibitions call Ros Westwood or Sue Palmer at the museum on 01298 24658 or email buxton.museum@derbyshire.gov.uk 

A series of reading events and activities are being launched as part of Derbyshire County Council`s support for the national BBC Big Read project. 

Readers will have the chance to talk about and vote for their favourite books during community events being held at Derbyshire libraries. 

The Big Read aims to encourage reading by getting people all over the country to vote for their favourite book from a list of 100. The one with the most votes will be declared the nation`s most popular read. 

Libraries throughout the county have stocked up on books from the top 100 so readers can sample the nation`s favourites. 

The BBC Big Read project has brought readers of all ages and interests together, with children`s stories, classic literature and newer blockbusters all making the top 100 book list. The project also has a hand in creating and supporting social reading groups. 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services, said: "The Big Read is a great chance for people of all ages to rediscover the joys of reading and a good opportunity for people to get to know the Internet facilities at their local library." 

Library staff will be on hand to help readers vote on-line for the book of their choice. 

Readers can join in the second round of voting by logging on to www.bbc.co.uk/arts/bigread (opens in a new window)

Petrol pumps that have been checked for accuracy by Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards could soon display a special sticker reassuring drivers that they are getting what they pay for. 

The county council checks hundreds of petrol pumps each year to ensure that they meet Government legislation and that drivers are receiving the correct measure of fuel. 

Special stickers have now been designed to reassure consumers that the pump they are using has been checked for accuracy. The scheme is voluntary and the county council will be distributing the stickers and asking petrol stations to display them next to pumps that have passed the test. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "Most consumers will feel more confident knowing the accuracy of pumps have been independently checked by a trading standards officer. 

"The new stickers will reassure them and show how we work with businesses to ensure the forecourt trades fairly." The stickers are a joint campaign by trading standards authorities across the East Midlands. 

To display a sticker, pumps must have been tested for accuracy and have all their seals intact. Drivers should start seeing the stickers appearing on pumps over the next few weeks. 

As well as testing the equipment, trading standards officers also check that the price per litre shown on petrol pumps and kiosk equipment is accurate, clear and not misleading.

The efforts of Sandiacre Library staff to improve the literacy and numeracy skills of local people have been recognised - with other Derbyshire County Council libraries set to follow suit. 

Staff at Sandiacre and Swadlincote libraries, in partnership with the authority`s Read On Write Away! team, have taken part in a pilot project to promote informal learning activities among all age groups. 

It is estimated that 25 per cent of adults in Derbyshire have difficulty with literacy, numeracy or both. 

As a result the Derbyshire Learning and Skills Council has set a target for 13,000 adults to improve their basic skills by 2004. 

Derbyshire libraries are being used to hold a number of different activities designed to tackle this skills shortage, including free computer sessions, storytimes for children, reader groups and Books for Babies, a scheme which encourages parents to read to children and get them interested in books from an early age. 

Staff from libraries are now being put forward to receive the Basic Skills Quality Mark, which recognises the work that they are undertaking to encourage and support people with poor basic skills. 

The assessment checks that staff have the necessary training to deliver numeracy and literacy initiatives and checks that evidence has been gathered to show that targets are being correctly set and then met. 

Librarians at Sandiacre Library have already been given the award, while Swadlincote Library staff will be assessed soon. 

Plans are now being put in place to seek accreditation for all libraries across the county. 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "Basic numeracy and literacy skills are crucial for everyone in society, no matter what career path they have chosen. 

"By improving such skills you offer people the chance to take their life in a new direction. 

"This quality mark recognises the part that libraries and Read On Write Away! staff have played in delivering informal educational courses in a setting that is convenient to local people." 

It is hoped that the numeracy and literacy initiatives will also bring people into libraries who have not traditionally used them in the past. 

Derbyshire residents responding to adverts for cheap leather sofas could get more than they bargain for, trading standards officers are warning - in safety tests the dodgy furniture was ablaze within seconds, releasing clouds of toxic smoke. 

The county council`s trading standards service is so concerned about the furniture, which is being sold by travellers, that it is issuing this countywide alert. 

The new three-piece suites are imported and do not meet UK fire safety regulations. Initial indications suggest the furniture is not even leather. 

They are listed in the small ads sections of local newspapers or on cards in shop windows. 

Typically the advert states that a cream leather suite is a £1,500 unwanted wedding gift, for sale at just £500. Mobile phone numbers (beginning 07) are given as the only contact, making it difficult for consumers - or the authorities - to track down the seller later. 

Suites have also been offered for sale in supermarket and motorway service station car parks and some Derbyshire residents have been approached in the street by the sellers. 

So far residents in South Derbyshire and Erewash have been targeted but the county council is concerned that the rogue traders are moving into other areas of the county. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for public protection and transport, Councillor Walter Burrows, said: "The furniture fire safety regulations were introduced in the UK in 1988 and since then thousands of lives have been saved. However, furniture that does not meet the regulations still contributes to around 2,500 house fires every year with associated injuries and deaths. 

"We know that people in South Derbyshire and Erewash have already been targeted and there is evidence that these rogue traders are moving into other areas of the county. 

"Our advice is simple - do not buy one of these suites. The traders are clearly making a worthwhile profit by selling them for £500, so buyers are not getting the fantastic saving implied by the adverts. Worse still, if you do buy one you are gambling with your life and the lives of your family. 

"We are also warning newspapers and shop keepers to be on the lookout for people who try to place these adverts. 

"If you suspect you have bought one of the suites please get in touch with us for advice." Concerned Derbyshire residents can contact trading standards on 01629 585858.

A register of tradesmen able to carry out maintenance or repair work on traditional and historic buildings has been placed on a website to help members of the public. 

Derbyshire County Council has compiled a list of companies and individuals who work in and around Derbyshire who can be used to carry out the specialist repair work. 

Called the Building Conservation Register, it lists general tradesmen, including builders and joiners, but also specialists, such as plasterers who work with lime hair plaster. It also has details about where materials like cast iron gutters can be bought from and information about specialist advisors, such as conservators of sculptures. 

Recent research has shown that historic and traditional buildings are one of the prime reasons why tourists come to Derbyshire. By promoting building conservation work it is hoped that villages and towns in the county will become an even bigger magnet for visitors. 

Councillor Geoff Carlile, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for regeneration, said: "We have had a paper copy of this register in our offices for many years, from which we used to give out information to members of the public who rang us up. 

"But we wanted to find a way of making that information more freely available and thought the Internet would be the ideal way of doing this." 

The Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust has agreed to put the register on its website to make it easier for people interested in building conservation to find. 

The website can be visited at www.derbyshirehistoricbuildings.org.uk (opens in a new window)

Job seekers in three Derbyshire towns will be able to find work at the touch of a button thanks to a new partnership between Job Centre Plus and Derbyshire County Council. 

Eckington, Bakewell and New Mills are the first places in Derbyshire to have new touch screen computers which can be used to help people find jobs anywhere in Europe. 

Derbyshire is one of the first counties to take part in the national initiative provided by Job Centre Plus in place of traditional job centres. The network of touch-screen kiosks are free to use and have been provided to fill the gap where job centres have been closed down. 

Each computer terminal has a freephone for job seekers who need more information or help with the computer. 

The scheme is already up and running in Derbyshire County Council libraries at Bakewell and Eckington and it is hoped that a screen in New Mills Adult Community Education Centre on Spring Bank will be on-line later this month. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “This is an excellent initiative and really fills a gap in areas where job centres have closed down. We welcome the terminals in those areas and are pushing for there to be more in other places where access to job opportunities is limited.” 

County council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: “Having a free service like this in the area is invaluable – and because the network is being constantly updated, people looking for work are able to get the most current information.” 

Free courses get underway in the coming weeks to help local parents in the Buxton and Etwall areas support their children with special educational needs. 

The four-week courses have been organised by the Derbyshire Parent Partnership Service, an impartial service funded by Derbyshire County Council that offers advice to parents and carers of children with special needs. 

The sessions cover all aspects of the special educational needs process, including dealing with meetings, paperwork and the role of education professionals. 

The courses take place as follows: 

• Buxton - the Methodist Church Hall, Market Place, between 9.30am and 11.30am on Thursdays, starting on 2 October. 
• Etwall - the Methodist Church School Rooms on Willington Road between 9.30am and 11.30am on Tuesdays, starting on 30 September. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "The special needs education system is geared towards meeting the individual needs of the child, but this means it has to be a very involved process. 

"It is understandable for parents who are new to all of this to find it quite daunting - for example, they will be called on to attend quite a lot of meetings with teachers and educational workers. 

"However, the courses will support them through this process and will enable them to fully participate and support their child, so that they receive the best possible education." 

Places are limited and so parents are urged to get in touch as soon as possible to register their interest. 

For more information they should contact the Derbyshire Parent Partnership Service on 01246 273154.

Brush up your maths and English skills at free classes being run all over the county by Derbyshire County Council`s adult community education service. 

The authority is the largest provider of basic skills in Derbyshire with more than 200 courses on offer from September. 

The classes help equip people with skills useful for work and day to day life and cover maths, English, computer skills, finances and English for speakers of other languages. 

Classes and workshops are run in the morning, afternoon and evening in a variety of settings, including at adult education centres, youth centres, schools and even on a mobile bus! 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "There is a course suitable for everyone no matter how limited they may feel their ability is. 

"People will surprise themselves by how much they can achieve by doing one of these courses and will become more confident in themselves as a result. 

"Everyone can gain a national qualification to add to their CV and widen their horizons." Did you know? 

• Basic skills are defined as the ability to read, write and speak in English and to use mathematics at a level necessary to function at work and in society; 
• Derbyshire County Council is the largest provider of adult basic skills courses in the county; 
• Every year more than 3,000 Derbyshire residents sign up with the authority on a basic skills course; 
• The authority employs more than 100 specialist basic skills tutors who run 200 classes countywide. 

For more information on any basic skills course contact: Amber Valley, Glenda Cresswell-Cast on 01773 832201; Bolsover, John Rees on 01623 744316; Chesterfield, Angela Warner on 01246 220937; Derbyshire Dales, Tim Baker on 01629 824158; Erewash, Ian McGregor on 0115 9732827; High Peak, Wendy Poole on 01663 746897; North East Derbyshire, Rod Holmes on 01246 413631; South Derbyshire, Janet Poole on 01283 813000. Alternatively Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 or visit the adult education website at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/adulteducation (opens in a new window)

Plans are well underway for Derbyshire County Council`s 2003 Young Achievers Awards event. Schools, parishes, district councils and members of the public are invited to nominate outstanding youngsters for the annual awards.

The awards were set up by the county council in 1999 to recognise extraordinary children and young people in the county for:  

• Bravery in fighting an illness 
• Kindness in helping others
• Commitment to improving their school, community or local environment 
• Sporting, musical, artistic or academic success. 

Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor John Williams explains: 

"We often fail to acknowledge the many good things young people do. 

"Most Derbyshire Young Achievers receive no other formal recognition for their bravery, kindness or commitment to their school and community. Our awards, which are partly sponsored by local businesses, try to put that right." Last year, more than 80 young people received an award. 

Around 45% had a serious illness or disability, 25% were for outstanding sporting, artistic or academic achievement and 30% were for services to the community. You can read a bit more about some of these brave and gifted youngsters by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page. 

Councillor Williams added: "Every year the Derbyshire Young Achievers event gets better and better. Our target is to continue that on-going success and make the 2003 awards our best yet." 

Nominations are being invited from schools, social services and the wider Derbyshire community, with leaflets and posters distributed to schools, parish councils, libraries and other public buildings. 

Nominations can also be submitted on-line - for more information about the awards and to fill in an on-line nomination form, please click on the links below. 

The closing date for nominations is Friday 7 November. www.derbyshire.gov.uk/youngachievers2003/youngform.htm (opens in a new window)

here to fill in an on-line young achiever nomination form www.derbyshire.gov.uk/youngachievers2003/youngtributes.htm (opens in a new window) here to read some tributes to last year`s award winners.

People living in Glossop are being asked for their views about a proposed traffic calming and safety scheme. 

The new plans follow the successful introduction of traffic calming in Hall Meadow Road, Norfolk Street, Woodhead Road and North Road in the spring and summer last year. 

Derbyshire County Council is looking to introduce similar measures in Fauvel Road, Talbot Road, Spire Hollin, Lord Street, Howard Street and Dinting Road following concerns from residents about the volume and speed of traffic. 

Suggested ideas for the schemes include introducing: 

• Flat top speed bumps 
• Round top road humps 
• Concrete cushions 
• Improved carriageway signing and lining 

Improvements to pedestrian crossing facilities are also planned. 

Members of the public can see find out more about the proposals as part of a public consultation, which runs from Monday 8 September to Tuesday 30 September. 

Maps showing the designs of the traffic calming measures will be on display during that period at Glossop Library in the Victoria Hall in Fauvel Road. 

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for environment and highways, said: "Residents have requested traffic calming measures but we want to ensure that the designs that we have produced are what local people want. 

"During September we hope that people in the area will take time out to give their views so that everything is right before work starts." 

Any comments on the proposals should be sent in writing to Steve Dungworth, Senior Technician, Derbyshire County Council, County Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3AG by Friday 10 October. 

Alternatively, Steve can be contacted by ringing 01629 580000, extension 7619.

A Clay Cross trader who removed `best before` labels from food and left the products on display even though they were out-of-date, has been fined following an investigation by Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards. 

And in a separate prosecution, the licensee and joint-owner of Heathcotes bar and restaurant in Chesterfield has been fined for selling watered-down single malt Scotch whisky and for passing off a cheap brand of vodka as Smirnoff. 

Both cases were heard at Chesterfield Magistrates` Court on Wednesday 3 September. 

In the first case John and Ann Worrell who run the Egstow Post Office on Market Street at Clay Cross, each pleaded guilty to six offences under the Food Labelling Regulations 1996. They were fined £250 for each offence and ordered to pay the council`s costs of £195 - a total of £3,390. 

Under the regulations labels must correctly display the product name, ingredients, instructions for use, name and address of the maker/packer and the shelf life - either the `best before` or `use by` date. 

The court heard that there were a number of problems with the labelling of foods on display, but the main area of concern was the lack of accurate information about the shelf life. Mr Worrell admitted deliberately removing this information from three products. 

On a sixth product - ready made chilli con carne - a sticker with a best before date of April 2003 had been placed over the correct date of December 2001. Mr Worrell denied knowledge of this and claimed that the product was already incorrectly labelled when he bought it. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "The high fine in this case reflects the gravity of the offences. This trader set out to deliberately deceive consumers by hiding the fact that the food was out of date." 

In the second case John Andrew Hill, licensee and joint-owner of Heathcotes bar and restaurant at St Mary`s Gate, Chesterfield, was fined a total of £1,000 with £542 costs after pleading guilty to three charges relating to the sale of whisky and vodka. 

The first charge followed a visit by a trading standards officer, acting on a tip-off from a customer. The officer bought a sample of Lagavulin single malt Scotch whisky containing 14% added water. 

The other two offences were committed during a second visit by an enforcement officer. Two samples were taken from two bottles labelled Smirnoff vodka. Analysis revealed that the spirits were a cheaper brand that the bar stocked for use in cocktails. 

Councillor Burrows said: "Customers who pay more for high quality spirits deserve the real thing - this case was totally unacceptable and it sends out a strong message to other licensees to be more careful."

Do you want to know how toilet roll inners, newspapers, garden clippings and fruit and vegetable peelings can make your garden grow? Come along to a composting workshop to find out all about reducing waste and growing healthier plants. 

Derbyshire County Council along with the District of Bolsover are running free composting workshops in Tibshelf, South Normanton, Whitwell, Clowne, Bolsover and Shirebrook. 

Taking place at the end of September, the workshops will give people helpful hints and tips on how to produce compost that can help their plants and gardens. 

The sessions will involve a 30 minute presentation about composting, followed by a question time where people can share their ideas and experience with others. 

Everyone is welcome whether they have experience of composting or are a complete beginner and want to find out where to start. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for environment and highways Councillor Brian Lucas said: "We hope that the workshops will encourage people to be more environmentally aware at the same time as improving their gardens. 

"Not only will people be producing a valuable and free soil improver but they will also be helping to protect important wildlife habitats which are destroyed to make ordinary peat based compost. "Many people don`t realise how much of their waste can be made into compost. In fact it`s almost half of the contents of your rubbish bin." 

Councillor Keith Bowman, Bolsover`s cabinet member for the environment said: "Everybody seems to concentrate their efforts on recycling, but composting is an ideal way to help preserve the environment and re-use a lot of the waste we produce. It is a very easy process to follow and there will be plenty of handy tips and hints on offer." 

The workshops are taking place at the following places: 

Thursday 18 September - 6.45pm, Tibshelf Village Hall, High Street 

Tuesday 23 September - 6.30pm, South Normanton Community Centre, Market Street 

Sunday 28 September - 9.15am, Whitwell Community Centre, The Square; 11.15am, Clowne Town Cricket Club, High Leys Road; 2pm, Bolsover Community Centre, Hill Top; 4.15pm, Shirebrook Village Hall, Park Road 

Places are limited and people are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. 

For more information and to book places call Becky Wall on 01629 580000 extension 7050.

The life and works of an almost forgotten First World War poet are being brought to new generations with the publication of a Derbyshire County Council book. 

A Dream Within The Dark tells the story of Whitwell-born private John William Streets, known as Will Streets, who died on the opening day of the Battle of the Somme while serving with the Sheffield City Battalion. 

Before enlisting Will was a miner in Whitwell but had an interest in poetry, art and literature in his spare time. 

When war broke out Will wrote poems about life in the trenches and had them published in the Times newspaper alongside names such as Rupert Brooke and Siegfried Sassoon. Unlike most of the other war poets Will came from a working class background. 

Following his death on 1 July 1916 Will Street`s work was largely forgotten, despite it being published in 1917. 

But a book recalling his life and poetry has been written by former Nottingham Evening Post journalist Vic Piuk, who now lives in France organising history trips to battlefields from the First and Second World Wars. 

During a visit to the Nottinghamshire Record Office Vic was shown some letters written by Will Street and it sparked an interest that led him to research the poet`s life. 

Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for community services, said: "By printing this book Derbyshire County Council is helping to rekindle interest in a largely forgotten war poet. 

"His words bring home the horror of war from the perspective of a working class man and it is important that future generations know of the sacrifice that he, and millions of other men, made." 

The book costs £5.95 and is on sale at Chesterfield, Bolsover, Clowne, Creswell, Whitwell, Dronfield, Eckington and Killamarsh libraries and from the Local Studies Library at County Hall in Matlock. It can also be ordered via any other Derbyshire library. 

Carers to support the families of children with disabilities who are waiting for a regular break are being sought by Derbyshire County Council. 

The county council has team up with national charity Barnardo`s to find short break carers who look after a disabled child in their home on a regular basis from a few hours a week to a weekend a month. This gives children the chance to gain some independence and meet new people while their parents get a break from the routine. 

The county council is looking for carers who can involve the children in ordinary activities like going to the park, playing games, going for walks or shopping. 

People who are in couples or single, young or old, working or unemployed can all apply to become a short break carer and they do not have to have children of their own. 

No experience is needed as carers will receive training and support and allowances are provided to help people take on this rewarding and challenging role. 

The council hopes that joining forces with the well-known children`s charity will encourage more people to come forward. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "We are always looking to recruit carers for short breaks as well as for long term placements. 

"We hope that by teaming up with Barnardo`s we will encourage more people to volunteer their time to care for a youngster. 

"While we acknowledge it can be a challenging role and needs patience and understanding, being a short break carer can be enormously rewarding." 

The campaign has been launched as part of the national awareness-raising week `Share the Care Week` from Monday 22 September until Sunday 28 September which is being co-ordinated by Barnardo`s scheme Shared Care Network. 

Development worker at Shared Care Network Sue Mennear said: "We believe that many more people would become short break carers if only they knew there was a need. Short breaks provide disabled children with an opportunity to take part in community life. 

"Short break carers get a huge amount of satisfaction out of looking after them and vastly improve the children`s quality of life. Meanwhile parents get a break from caring knowing their child is in safe hands. It really is a win-win situation." 

For more information about becoming a short break carer contact Derbyshire County Council on 01629 772211.

Derbyshire traders are being urged to take advantage of free advice seminars that aim to reduce underage sales of age-restricted products, including alcohol and cigarettes. 

The seminars are organised by the county council`s trading standards and feedback from shopkeepers and sales staff who attended the first sessions has been extremely positive. 

They are targeted at off licences and shops selling age-restricted products - alcohol, cigarettes, butane gas, knives and fireworks. 

There is an open invitation to traders to attend any of the seminars to hear about the latest legislation covering the sale of age-restricted products. The sessions also outline the consequences of underage sales and the stiff penalties risked by those who break the law. 

Any traders and their staff can attend the remaining sessions, which take place as follows: 

High Peak: 9 September at Buxton Pavilion Gardens, St Johns Street, Buxton 

Erewash: 11 September at the Albion Leisure Centre, East Street, Ilkeston 

Bolsover area: 16 September at the Assembly Room, Cotton Street, Bolsover 

North East Derbyshire: 18 September at Winding Wheel at Holywell Street, Chesterfield 

Amber Valley: 25 September at Ripley Leisure Centre, Derby Road, Ripley 

Derbyshire Dales: 30 September at the Bakewell Agriculture Centre 

Anyone wanting more information can contact trading standards on 01629 585858. 

The seminars build on the county council`s on-going enforcement campaign, which uses undercover child volunteers to visit premises around the county. 

The authority is concerned at the number of underage purchases over the past year - in the case of alcohol one in five shops made a sale. The information blitz aims to help traders refuse sales where the purchaser cannot prove they are old enough to legally buy. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "I would urge traders, particularly licensees and their staff, to take advantage of these free sessions. Licensees have to demonstrate that they take their responsibilities seriously and failing to take up an opportunity to receive free training is an indication that they are not doing all they can. 

"The majority of Derbyshire traders are honest and reputable and we want to work with them to reduce the incidence of underage sales. 

"Any shopkeepers, managers and sales staff are welcome to attend the seminars, whether or not they receive an invitation from us.  If their local date is not convinient they can attend any of the other sessions."

A collection of photographs taken almost 90 years ago on the Northwest frontier of India has been donated to the Derbyshire Record Office. 

The photographs were taken by Arthur Leslie Spence, who served as an army private from 1914 to 1918 in Afghanistan, India and Persia, now called Iran. Arthur died in 1951, and his daughter, who lives in Chesterfield, has presented the photos to the Derbyshire County Council-run record office. 

Arthur was an enthusiastic amateur photographer, taking more than 500 pictures during his travels. 

The pictures give a personal view of military and civilian life in the area. Images from these campaigns are scarce, but of even greater importance are the photos showing daily life in the local communities. 

Included in the collection are photos of street barbers, carpet weavers, road-workers, and cane-cutters. 

Private Spence was part of a radio communication unit. Many photos are of him and his comrades, including a rare photograph of military aeroplanes on the frontier in 1916. 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "These photos give us all the chance to see what military and civilian life was like in those days. It is wonderful to be able to keep them here for future generations to view." 

Policy guidelines have been drawn up by Derbyshire County Council to help community groups know what exhibitions or posters they can display in libraries. 

Until now exhibitors at libraries have had their applications considered on a case-by-case basis but there has been no common policy across the county. 

Community groups can now obtain a list of criteria which they must meet if they wish to display information in any of the county`s libraries or at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery. 

The document also outlines the liability and insurance commitments of exhibitors and the rules about obtaining commission from any sales. 

The subjects of exhibitions can be: 

• Artistic or cultural 
• Educational 
• Presenting information or issues 
• Commercial 
• Have a local, national or international theme 

However they must be legal, decent, honest and truthful. Exhibitions will not be accepted which are intended to promote or recruit people to political parties or religious groups. 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "The work exhibited can range from significant works of art at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery to small displays about the history and heritage of a local community in a library. 

"They provide a range of learning and cultural opportunities for visitors and so we are keen to encourage them. 

"By having a policy in place we can ensure that the exhibitions are of the right quality and fit in with the core values of the council." 

The policy also outlines the way that library staff will allocate space to posters and free information leaflets. Priority will be given to statutory information, leaflets produced by Derbyshire County Council and information about the library. 

Any spare space will be allocated to display information about the local area, the rest of Derbyshire and then material produced by local, regional or national organisations. 

Copies of the policy are available from Derbyshire libraries.

A range of new activities are starting at Borrowash Library which are designed to appeal to people of all ages. 

Derbyshire County Council is organising the events to highlight the range of information and activities which are available in the county`s libraries. 

From Monday 8 September a month-long exhibition will take place called Picture the Past. It will give local people the chance to view old photographs, maps and books about Borrowash and the surrounding area. 

The exhibition will also give people a chance to visit the Picture the Past website, which contains thousands of historic photos from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. It can be visited at www.picturethepast.org.uk (opens in a new window) 

Every Wednesday during term time the library is going to hold a storytime session for youngsters under five. Sessions will take place between 2.30pm and 3.30pm with children able to hear stories, rhymes and take part in simple craft sessions. 

Adults wanting to learn more about computers, the Internet and email can take part in free computer taster sessions. 

The sessions will take place between 12.45pm and 2.45pm every Wednesday during term time, starting on 10 September. 

Further information about all the activities is available by visiting the branch in Victoria Avenue or ringing 01332 663440. 

A Mixed harvest

The changing face of New Mills as seen through the eyes of author Maurice Hope will form the basis of a free event being run by Derbyshire County Council. 

As part of the New Mills Festival the town`s library will play host to a talk by Maurice about his new book called A Mixed Harvest: Stories of New Mills. There will also be readings by Kate Millward. 

Maurice was inspired to write his book after a chance visit to the Torrs Millennium Walkway. 

The event, being jointly organised by New Mills Library and New Mills Wives, will take place in the lecture theatre of the town`s library at 8pm on Monday 22 September.

A joint exhibition looking at two very different forms of printing is opening at Buxton Museum an Art Gallery on Saturday 6 September. 

The exhibition called Images in Print takes place at the Derbyshire County Council-run museum in Terrace Road, Buxton and will run until Saturday 1 November. 

The 500-year-old art of etching is one of the techniques used as Trevor Hodgkison captures views around his home town of Belper as well as scenes of other areas. 

Christianne Downs demonstrates a newer style of printing with collagraphs. She uses the printed collage technique to create images of animals including chicks and pigs. 

Visitors can find out more about the works by chatting to the artists themselves as Trevor and Christianne will be at the museum on Saturday 20 September and Saturday 11 October between 2pm and 4pm. 

Meanwhile, gallery visitors can see Peter Knight`s recollections of Derbyshire in his exhibition of paintings and drawings called A Midland View that is on show until 20 September. Using a range of paint and print processes, Peter expresses his views and memories of the landscapes and sites of Derbyshire. 

Poetry and art combine to interpret the dangerous work of lead miners in another exhibition running at the gallery until Sunday 28 September. The Peak Lead Miner is inspired by Daphne Rock`s emotive poetry and artist Margaret Hatfield`s mixed media and printing. Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "We are delighted to be able to put on show these imaginative and inspiring works of art which provide an insight into different aspects of Derbyshire life. 

"People can visit any of these exhibitions for free and learn about art and local history at the same time." 

For information about any of the exhibitions call Ros Westwood or Sue Palmer at the museum on 01298 24658 or email buxton.museum@derbyshire.gov.uk 

Local authorities across the East Midlands are to adopt Derbyshire County Council`s pioneering `To Die For?` motorcycle safety campaign. 

The authority`s highway safety team launched the promotion last year to target road safety messages at bike riders while they are on the roads. 

Following positive feedback about the campaign the idea has now been picked up by the East Midlands Shiny Side Up Motorcycle Safety Partnership, which represents all eight county councils in the region. 

The other seven authorities will follow Derbyshire`s example by putting up `To die for?` posters on roads in their county. 

Derbyshire County Council already has 33 yellow and black roadside posters at 14 locations featuring the slogan `To die for?` above the image of a biker and the message `ride safely`. 

In the next week a further 12 posters will be put up in Derbyshire to help reduce the high number of road accidents involving bike riders. 

The poster locations have been chosen in partnership with Derbyshire police. The message is being reinforced by a month-long advertising campaign featuring posters on the back of buses reminding car drivers to look out for motorcyclists and to encourage bikers to make themselves as visible as possible. 

Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "It is encouraging that other authorities in the East Midlands want to use the To die for? campaign on their roads. 

"We have worked very closely with bike riders through the Derbyshire Motorcycle Forum to get across the road safety message and the campaign has had a positive response. 

"Derbyshire County Council is committed to reducing road casualties but riders and car drivers have their part to play by driving sensibly according to road conditions." 

Last year 16 motorcyclists died on Derbyshire`s roads, excluding Derby. In addition 155 suffered serious injuries and 302 slight injuries. So far this year 15 riders have died.

Derbyshire Record Office is holding a free open morning as part of the celebrations for National Archives Awareness Month. 

Members of the public will have the chance to see behind the scenes in the conservation room at the Derbyshire County Council-run office in New Street, Matlock, where historic archives are treated and repaired. The conservation room also boasts 18th century prints, drawings and caricatures by George Woodward. 

Also part of the free exhibition is a new document display, featuring letters from noted Derbyshire residents such as Florence Nightingale and Sir Richard Arkwright, as well as items of interest from Derbyshire schools. 

Staff will be on hand to answer any questions about the record office and the services it offers. 

The open morning will run from 9.30am until 1pm on Thursday 25 September. Visitors do not need to book for the drop-in session. 

Family history sessions at the record office 

Professional advice on researching family history will be available at the Derbyshire Record Office over the coming months. 

Places are still available for 20-minute family history surgeries at the Derbyshire County Council-run office in New Street, Matlock, between 10am and noon on the following dates: 

• Tuesday 16 September 
• Wednesday 8 October 
• Thursday 6 November 
• Wednesday 10 December 

There are limited spaces so bookings are essential, with sessions costing £4. 

To make a booking or an enquiry, call 01629 58000 extension 35202 or go to www.derbyshire.gov.uk/libraries (opens in a new window)

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, Councillor Bob Janes, said: "We`re delighted to back these community events in Matlock. We hope to encourage people who haven`t visited the record office to come along and see what`s on offer." 

A father and son from South Normanton have enjoyed studying adult education classes so much that they will both be heading back there for the new season`s programme of courses. 

Father, George Albrighton (75) successfully gained qualifications in English and maths and son Lee (33) gained qualifications in Maths. Both also studied IT. 

The courses took place at the New Street Centre at South Normanton and at Alfreton Hall, which are run by Derbyshire County Council`s adult community education service. 

George, who had not sat an exam since his 11 Plus more than 60 years ago, said it was helpful having his son studying at the same time. 

"I wanted to brush up on my skills in my spare time," he said. 

"I can`t speak highly enough of the course - it was great, the tutors were very helpful and I would recommend it to anyone," added George. 

Proud of their success, George is planning to continue his computer studies, while Lee is hoping to take GCSE Maths next year. 

Alfreton Hall and the New Street Centre are two of hundreds of venues run by Derbyshire County Council`s adult community education service. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "There are more learning opportunities than ever for people of all skill levels, with over 2,500 courses and activities on offer." 

From September a new programme of courses gets underway at centres throughout the county, ranging from English, maths and computers to childcare, languages, yoga and crafts. 

Anyone aged over 19 can take part - to find out more, budding adult learners can call the county council`s call centre, Call Derbyshire, on 08 456 058 058 or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/adulteducation (opens in a new window) 

Would-be students in the South Normanton and Tibshelf areas are also welcome to contact the New Street centre directly on 01773 581372.

A local history project which started off as a book before evolving into a tape, CD, mobile exhibition and CD-rom is now taking to the stage. 

Derbyshire County Council published Trains and Trails, which tells the history of Cromford and High Peak railway seen through the eyes of people who worked on it or lived nearby, in 2001. 

The memories were also recorded to sell on tape and the project has proved such a success that local award-winning playwright Tina Jay has created a script based on the original ideas. 

Local people selected from amateur dramatic groups as well as complete beginners will perform all the roles in the show directed by Barry Knaggs. County council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "This is a real local affair with local stories being told on stage through local people - a fitting culmination to the remarkably successful Trains and Trails project." 

As well as gaining support from the county council`s libraries and heritage department and Countryside Service, the project is also being supported by Derbyshire Dales District Council and the Local Heritage Initiative. Copies of the Trains and Trails script will be available from Derbyshire libraries to loan to local amateur dramatic groups who want to perform the play themselves. The first three public performances will take place at Wirksworth Town Hall on Saturday 6, Thursday 11 and Friday 12 September at 7.30pm. 

Tickets are £3 with £1.50 concessions.. There will also be two showings for local school pupils. For tickets call the box office on 01629 822527 or for more information call county council literature development officer Jenny Edgar on 01773 831394 or e-mail jenny.edgar@derbyshire.gov.uk 

Copies of the Trains and Trails book are on sale at Middleton Top and High Peak Junction countryside centres, tourist information centres and Buxton, Matlock, Wirksworth and Ashbourne libraries, priced £4.99. 

Books can also be ordered and delivered through the post for £5.99, and tapes, CDs and CD-roms are also available by calling Jenny Edgar. 

An exhibition of nationally-recognised ceramics is to tour five libraries thanks to a £50,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant awarded to Derbyshire County Council. 

Some of the lottery money will be used to commission Derbyshire craftsman Chris Fleming to design and make cabinets for Alfreton, Bolsover, Glossop, Long Eaton and Melbourne libraries to display the pots. 

The council`s Alfreton library, Severn Square, will be the first to display the work - part of the Ballantyne Collection - and hold a series of related workshops and activities for visitors. `The Leach Tradition` celebrates the work of Bernard Leach with his son David and grandson John and will be on show between Thursday 11 September and Thursday 30 October. The exhibition then travels to Chesterfield Museum, and then to Melbourne Library in December. 

Also at Alfreton Library, on Tuesday 30 September at 7.30pm, local potter and curator of the exhibition Josie Walter will give a slide show about Bernard Leach. And on Tuesday 28 October `The Flying Potter` Jon Williams from Eastnor Pottery will be leading children`s workshops in the library. 

Derbyshire Museums` Service created a collection of studio pottery between the 1960s and 1970s, including work by internationally renowned artists Bernard Leach, Hans Coper and Lucie Rie. It is now usually exhibited at