August

The signs really are good for rail passengers travelling between Derby and Matlock.

New customer information screens – displaying the destination and real time of the next running train – have been installed at Belper and Matlock railway stations.

The screens are part of a series of ongoing improvements that Derbyshire County Council, Derwent Valley Rural Transport Partnership and Central Trains are carrying out at local stations on the Derwent Valley (Derby to Matlock) Line. 

The real time train running information – displaying up to date information of the next train’s departure - will provide passengers with more confidence while they wait for the next train.  And the screens also give up to date details of any delays of the local train service between Matlock and Derby.

Matlock and Belper are the busiest two stations on the line and so the improvements will be a significant benefit for passengers using the train service there. Screens have been installed on each platform at Belper and at Matlock one screen has been installed on the station platform. 

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for public protection and transport, Councillor Walter Burrows said: “The county council is pleased that – by working with the Derwent Valley Rural Transport Partnership and Central Trains – we have been able to install these signs at the most used stations on the Derwent Valley Line.

“Passengers should now be able to see at a glance when their next train will be arriving and be kept constantly informed of any delays.”

John Hillman, Business Manager-Network Services for Central Trains Limited, said: “Central Trains are delighted to work in partnership with Derbyshire County Council and the Derwent Valley Rural Transport Partnership to drive forward improvements for customers on the Matlock line

“These improvements are a sign of the continued importance in which this line is held by both Central trains and the users.” 

Essential night-time resurfacing work is due to start on a section of the A617 Hasland by-pass.

Derbyshire County Council sub-contractors will carry out the work on the road’s eastbound carriageway between Horns Bridge roundabout and junction 29 of the M1 for a maximum of three weeks from Monday 6 September.

The work will be done at night – between 8pm and 6am - in order to minimise the impact of traffic congestion on the east side of Chesterfield. The road will be temporarily closed during these times except on Saturday and Sunday nights when no work will be carried out and it will be open as usual.

During the temporary road closure traffic will be diverted along the A632 (through Calow), B6425, B6039 (through Temple Normanton) and the A6175 (through Heath). Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for environment and highways, Councillor Brian Lucas said: “These works are part of the county council’s ongoing commitment to improve Derbyshire’s highways.

“We are sure local people will be pleased that - in this case - it is possible to conduct the work at night and leave the road open during the day. This will cause the least amount of disruption and inconvenience to drivers.”

For more information contact the county council’s call centre Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.

Older people who will benefit from a number of new projects thanks to a £100,000 cash injection are invited to an open day to find out more.

A number of displays will be on show at the open day to be held at the Plantation Hall in Whitwell on Wednesday 15 September.

Day services, the refurbishment of a Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) hall, transport to social clubs and recruitment and training of volunteers to work with older people will all result from a cash boost of £112,000 given to the Whitwell and Creswell Community Development Project.

The community development project is a partnership between Derbyshire County Council’s social services, WRVS and North Eastern Derbyshire Primary Care Trust and the money has come from the Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

The Government cash has been allocated to the strategic partnership to be used to fund projects which reduce social, health and economic inequalities in the Bolsover area.

The community development project applied to the partnership for the money to support the development of day services and promote the use of existing social clubs in the area, both of which support vulnerable older people to stay living in their own home.

While focussing on Creswell and Whitwell, the projects will also have indirect benefits to people living in Clowne and Barlborough as it will increase the number of people who can use day services.

The open day is being held to showcase some of the projects that will begin to take shape in the area.

As well as displays, representatives from some of the projects and groups, including the art group, the Friendship Group, the PCT and the WRVS, will be on hand to answer questions from open day visitors. There will also be a representative from the council’s welfare rights team.

The event will run from 2pm to 5pm at the hall in Bakestone Moor and current day centre users and anyone with an interest is invited to go along.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: “We are working closely with partner agencies to ensure older people have choices and can live independently in their own homes for longer with the support of good day services.

“The open day will be an excellent way of showing people living in the area the type of services available now and in the future which they can take advantage of.” 

A Government minister has written to Derbyshire County Council’s education service to praise the `excellent’ Key Stage 2 results achieved this year.

Minister of State for School Standards David Miliband has written to county council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles and chief education officer Roger Taylor to congratulate them on the overall Key Stage 2 performance of schools in Derbyshire.

In the letter Mr Miliband writes: “It gives me great pleasure to write and say that schools in your authority have achieved excellent Key Stage 2 results this year.

“The results for both English and maths combined mean that the children in your local education authority (LEA) are among those which have sustained the most consistent improvements in both subjects since 2001.”

Mr Miliband adds: “I would like to pass on my congratulations to pupils and teachers and to colleagues at LEA level for their continued achievement.”

The Key Stage results were released earlier this month and the percentage of pupils in Derbyshire gaining Level 4 or above or Level 5 or above remains higher in all subjects than for all schools nationally at Key Stage 2 (for 11-year-olds).

The county increase in maths was nearly twice that seen nationally for pupils gaining Level 4 or above and there have also been increases in English and reading.

Councillor Alan Charles said: “We are pleased that Derbyshire’s figures have remained above the national average in all subject areas and are delighted that the achievements have been recognised by the minister.

“It is a credit to all the hard work put in over the last year by pupils and teachers, with support from the county council and I add my congratulations to the minister’s.”

Motorists can expect a smoother ride through Belper when two of the town’s major roads are resurfaced. Derbyshire County Council is to carry out the work on the A609 and A6 following surveys which revealed the current road surface is deteriorating.

Both roads will need to be closed during the work and to minimise disruption both schemes will take place on Sundays in September and October.

Work on the A609 New Road, between Campbell Street and Queen Street, will take place on September 19 and 26 – with October 3 in reserve in case of problems.

Local diversions will be sign-posted although lorries are asked to follow a route along the A6, A610 and A38.

Contractors will begin work on the A6 Bridge Street, between Bridgefoot and Field Lane, on October 10 and 17 – and possibly October 24 if they encounter problems.

Local diversions will be sign-posted although lorries will be asked to follow a route along the A6, A610 and A38. High-sided vehicles will be diverted via Matlock, Chesterfield, Alfreton and Derby due to low bridges on the A610, A615 and B5023.

The road works, which will take place between 8am and 6pm, have been scheduled to start after a French-style market being staged in the town on Sunday 12 September by Amber Valley Borough Council.

Councillor Brian Lucas, the county council’s cabinet member for environment and highways, said: “A survey has revealed that there is very little life left in either of these roads and the work needs to be carried out urgently.

“We are trying to keep disruption to a minimum by carrying out all the works on Sundays and although it may be inconvenient we would ask drivers and local people to bear with us.”

The total cost of the two schemes is almost £150,000.

Watch out for some high-speed action when 96 of the world’s top cyclists race through Derbyshire on their third leg of the Tour of Britain Cycle Race.

Derbyshire County Council is asking motorists to be vigilant when the cyclists pass through some of the county’s towns on Thursday 2 September and Friday 3 September.

The authority is supporting the major sports event and is urging road users to be careful and aware that various roads will temporarily close.

On Thursday 2 September the national race will pass through Glossop and Hathersage to finish in Sheffield and on Friday 3 September the cyclists will go through Bakewell, Matlock, Wirksworth, Ashbourne, Belper, Duffield, Derby and Swadlincote.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for environment and highways Councillor Brian Lucas said: “We are delighted to be hosting the third leg in the prestigious Tour of Britain Cycle Race and helping to ensure it runs smoothly by organising road closures.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to motorists and road users by the temporary closures and ask that they are patient.

“The roads involved will only be closed for the limited period necessary to allow the Tour through and diversions will be directed by the police or Tour of Britain marshalls.”

Anyone needing further information should contact Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.

Look out for a Gold Card roadshow coming to a town near you and make sure you’re not missing out on some fantastic offers.

The roadshow, touring exhibitions, a chance to meet the Gold Card team and information through your letterbox are all helping to promote Derbyshire County Council’s new free discount scheme for older and disabled people over the next two months.

Gold Card was launched as the authority’s new free or half fare travel card for people aged over 60 and disabled residents in April. In July it also went live as a discount card offering discounts of around 10 per cent at more than 1,000 Derbyshire shops, restaurants and other businesses.

More than 97,000 eligible residents have so far been issued with their cards but 60,000 more are still expected to apply – and they need to do so before the old style bus pass, which is currently running in tandem with the new Gold Card, expires on October 31.

The roadshow will give residents the chance to chat to the Gold Card team and pick up an application form and directory. Gold Card exhibitions will also be touring council libraries.

Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor John Williams said: “Gold Card is just one of the many ways we are trying to improve life for people in Derbyshire and we want to make sure residents are taking full advantage of the benefits.

“We hope the roadshows and touring exhibitions will ensure everyone who’s eligible has applied for their card to start making big savings on all our great new travel and discount offers.”

Full details of discount outlets and how to use Gold Card for cut-price travel are published in the free 68-page Gold Card directory available from district or borough council offices and all Derbyshire libraries. For more information visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/goldcard (opens in a new window)

Anyone who thinks they qualify for a Gold Card and has not yet applied can get an application form from one of the roadshows, their local district or borough council, library or in some areas their post office. The application form gives details of how to apply.

Gold Card is jointly financed and administered by Derbyshire County Council, Amber Valley Borough Council, the District of Bolsover, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derby City Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council, Erewash Borough Council, High Peak Borough Council, North East Derbyshire District Council and South Derbyshire District Council.

GOLD CARD ROADSHOW TIMETABLE

7 September: Roadshow (day) Wirksworth market

8 September: Group visit (am) Clay Cross Resource Centre Roadshow (pm) Clay Cross town centre

9 September: Group visit (am) Clay Cross social centre Roadshow (pm) Tibshelf

10 September: Group visit (am) North Wingfield community centre Roadshow (pm) Alfreton market and town centre (tbc)

13 September: Roadshow (day) Bolsover town centre (tbc)

14 September: Group visit (pm) Hulland Ward village hall

15 September: Roadshow (am) Shirebrook market

16 September: Group visit (am) Swadlincote Lincote Centre Roadshow (pm) Swadlincote town centre

17 September: Group visit (am) Bakewell Age Concern Group visit (pm) Hartington village hall

Roadshow (day) Eckington market (tbc)

20 September: Roadshow (day) Pinxton, South Normanton, Somercotes, Codnor

22 September: Group visit (am) Swadlincote Lincote Centre

Roadshow (pm) Sandiacre (tbc)

23 September: Roadshow (day) Ashbourne market

24 September: Group visit (am) Swadlincote Lincote Centre

Roadshow (pm) Swadlincote outlying areas

27 September: Roadshow (am) Staveley town centre

Roadshow (day) Bakewell town centre

28 September: Roadshow (day) Buxton market

29 September: Roadshow (day) New Mills and Chapel

30 September: Group visit (am) Bakewell Age Concern (pm) Hulland Ward Village Hall

Roadshow (day) Killamarsh market

1 October: Roadshow (day) Ilkeston market

4 October: Roadshow (day) Chesterfield town centre

7 October: Roadshow (day) Chesterfield flea market

8 October: Roadshow (day) Ripley market

12 October: Roadshow (day) Swadlincote market

13 October: Roadshow (day) Long Eaton market (tbc)

14 October: Roadshow (am) Belper town centre (tbc)

15 October: Roadshow (day) Heanor market

19 October: Roadshow (am) Bolsover market

21 October: Roadshow (day) Dronfield market

22 October: Roadshow (day) Glossop market

28 October: Roadshow (am) Clowne market

Roadshow (pm) Brimington centre

29 October: Roadshow (day) Matlock indoor market and town centre

Please note: Dates may be subject to change and extra dates may be added.

The Gold Card team is unable to issue Gold Cards on their visits. All group visits have been pre-booked and are now fully subscribed. 

Residents are being asked for their views on proposals to reduce traffic congestion in a Derbyshire town. Derbyshire County Council has drawn up plans for a mini roundabout at the junction of the A609 Kilbourne Road and John O’ Gaunts Way in Belper.

The preliminary scheme also includes a puffin crossing on Kilbourne Road to help pedestrians cross the road more easily.

It comes after complaints about the build up of traffic trying to turn out of John O’Gaunts Way – which serves the town’s leisure centre, Belper School and a housing estate - on to the main road at peak times. It is hoped the mini roundabout would also slow traffic down along the main road, which has a 30mph speed limit.

While people living near the area are already being consulted about the proposals the county council is keen to hear from other residents, shoppers or business owners.

Details of the proposed scheme can be viewed in the reception at Belper Leisure Centre between 7.15am and 10.30pm from Monday to Saturday.

Forms will also be available for people to fill in with their views and return to the county council by 17 September 2004.

Councillor Brian Lucas, the county council’s cabinet member for environment and highways, said: “Historically, there have been problems at this very busy junction with traffic trying to turn on to the main road through Belper.

“The county council has drawn up proposals to try to ease this congestion and is now asking local people what they think of the plans.

“We are keen to hear from as many people as possible and their views will be taken in to account when we make a final decision on whether the scheme should go ahead.”

Completed forms can be sent to the Director of Environmental Services, Derbyshire County Council, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3AG.

Award winning has proved to be plain sailing for a partnership behind the restoration of an historic 18th Century windmill.

Heage Windmill was restored to its former glory in 2002 thanks to a £420,000 joint project involving Derbyshire County Council and Heage Windmill Society.

Now the landmark – the only working mill in the country with a stone tower and six sails – is to receive a Windmill Plaque for Conservation from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB).

A brass plaque will be presented to Gordon Hardy, chairman of Heage Windmill Society, by Mildred Cookson, chairman of the mills section of SPAB, at the windmill on Saturday 11 September at 2.30pm.

The award recognizes high standards for repair and restoration, plans for long-term maintenance and management of the windmill and the involvement of local people.

Councillor Geoff Carlile, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration will be attending the ceremony.

He said: “It would have been a tragedy for this delightful landmark to go to ruin instead of being preserved for future generations to enjoy.

“This award is an excellent celebration of all the hard work and commitment that has helped Heage Windmill become an historic attraction for residents and tourists to appreciate.”

Gordon Hardy said: “We’re extremely proud as Heage windmill is only the 12th mill to be honoured for conservation since this award scheme began in 1991.

“To celebrate the presentation we plan to celebrate by producing some flour to mark the occasion provided that the wind is blowing and the sails turning.”

Built in 1797 and last worked in 1919, the windmill has been owned by the authority since 1968, which carried out essential repairs in the early 1970s.

In 1995 a series of public meetings were called and as a result Heage Windmill Society was formed as a charitable trust with the sole aim of restoring the windmill to working order.

Funding was contributed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage, Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd (WREN), Amber Valley Borough Council and Heage Windmill Society.

The Grade II* listed windmill has previous won a Civic Trust commendation in 2003 and a Derbyshire County Council Greenwatch award for conservation in 2002. 

More than £185,000 is being given to spend on environmental schemes which reduce the impact of quarrying in Derbyshire.

The 14 local groups will benefit from cash made available from the county council run Derbyshire Aggregates Levy Scheme (DALGS). Now in its third year the scheme gives money to projects in areas that have suffered from the effects of quarried minerals.

The projects receiving funding are:

RMC Northern - £32,834 to restore a former quarry tip (surrounded by an operational quarry) into open land with information boards at Dove Holes Heritage Point near Buxton

Middleton Village Hall - £28,900 to reclad and insulate walls and install double glazing to reduce the impact of nearby quarry related noise

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association - £25,500 to complete the second phase of restoring the former mineral railway line and maintain for possible future transportation of quarried minerals

Dove Holes Community Association - £17,117 towards providing a toilet, parking spaces and alternative access route for people with disabilities and information boards on quarrying

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust - £14,930 to restore former agricultural land and create Deep Dale Nature Reserve near Topley Pike Quarry, King Sterndale, near Buxton.

Sterndale Moor Club - £12,952 to replace windows and doors and re-pebble dash the building to insulate against noise and dust from nearby quarries

Tarmac Central Limited - £11,500 to rebuild dry stone walls on Dene Quarry Boundary in Cromford

Slinter Mining Company Limited – £9,394 for phase 2 of the Cromford Hill walling scheme

Parish Church of St Martin’s, Stoney Middleton - £9,300 to provide drainage and water supply and a sink to the vestry

Buxton and High Peak Golf Club - £5,100 for tree planting to screen part of the course from the A6 which carries a lot of aggregates traffic

Cromford Playground Project Group - £4,717 to build a path in Cromford Playground so children can play in safety away from Cromford Hill which carries a lot of aggregates traffic 

Peak District National Park Authority - £3,786 to rebuild stone walls in Stoney Middleton and £5,526 to rebuild dry stone walls in Wormhill affected by quarrying activity

Bonsall Field Barn Project - £2,560 to restore a field barn part-damaged by vibration from quarry traffic and blasting

Cromford Parish Council – £2,417 to restore Cromford Bear Pit affected by quarry silt

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and chair of the DALGS Panel, Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “The Government set up the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund to support local community and environmental projects in areas that have suffered the on-going effects of quarrying and quarry related traffic.

“All of the chosen projects will help to reduce the impact of aggregates extraction and provide environmental and community benefits for people who live in and visit these areas.”

Councillor Brian Lucas, county council cabinet member for the environment and highways, added: “This is the third year the county council has been able to award money from the aggregates levy scheme.

“Over the last few years we have seen some very worthy causes benefit from the funding and I’m sure the latest batch will continue to further improve life for people who are affected by the impacts of quarrying.”

Bus travellers may notice a difference to their surroundings with the appearance of new shelters on some county routes.

Derbyshire County Council is continuing its bus shelter grant scheme whereby it funds half the cost of new and replacement shelters with the other half being picked up by the relevant district or parish council.

New shelters will be placed at:

Stoney Middleton Road opposite the Boot Factory, Calver

Hawthorne Avenue, Glapwell

Main Street opposite St Thomas Church, Biggin

Drury Lane, Biggin

And ones will be replaced at:

Oxcroft Miners Welfare, Stanfree

Adjacent Appletree Inn, Stanfree

Opposite 21 Chatsworth Road, Fairfield, Buxton

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: “The county council’s grant scheme is all about improving public transport facilities - such as bus shelters - thereby making the journey by bus a much more pleasant experience for those people who do not have access to a car.”

Thousands of Derbyshire students find out next week how they have fared in their GCSE exams. Derbyshire County Council hopes that the results from the county’s 47 schools will continue the upward trend of recent years.

At both GCSE and A-Level local students are consistently outperforming the rest of the country, with more gaining higher grades than the national average and fewer leaving without a pass.

The GCSE results are announced on Thursday (26 August) and Derbyshire County Council is urging the young people to consider all their options before deciding what to do next.

In particular they are encouraged to think carefully about staying on to study for A-levels or vocational qualifications.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: “Results day is almost here and I wish the best of luck to all the many young people who have dedicated a tremendous amount of time and effort to their studies.

“Early indications are that this year’s A-Level results have continued to improve, and I hope that the GCSE results will reflect this promising trend.

“Unfortunately, not everyone will do as well as expected but our advice is not to be too disheartened. If students don’t get the GCSE grades they had hoped for they should talk to Connexions personal advisers about the best way forward.

“There are plenty of options, including a wide range of vocational qualifications and modern apprenticeships.

“By staying in education or work-based training the young people will be able to develop their skills to achieve their full potential.”

For some students, financial assistance may be available to make it easier for them to stay on at school or college.

Under the National Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) Scheme students whose household income is £30,000 or less can apply for a weekly allowance of up to £30 per week to help meet the costs of things like travel expenses, text books and computers. Students may also earn bonuses of £100 if they remain on their course and make good progress with their learning.

A review of the way Derbyshire County Council funds resources for children with special educational needs (SEN) in mainstream schools means pupils are getting the help they need quicker.

Under the old system, children with SEN were issued with a statement of the resources they should receive and the funding needed to provide them.

This lengthy and complex assessment process could take up to six months to complete.

Now, following the first phase of a three year scheme, the authority provides more funding directly to primary schools.

This means that pupils with more common types of less complex needs have support without having to go through the bureaucratic assessment and statementing process.

As a result, there has been a 47 per cent reduction in the number of new statements issued since 2000. The benefits of the new scheme include:

A fairer distribution of resources which reflect the pattern of needs in schools better

Better support for children with special needs because schools can use their resources more creatively and provide support earlier

More stability in school funding

Less bureaucracy allowing SEN co-ordinators, educational psychologists and education officers to focus their expertise directly on helping pupils

Councillor Alan Charles, the authority’s cabinet member for education, said: “Procedures have been changed so that we are able to act sooner and make sure that children with special needs are getting the resources they need at the earliest opportunity.

“The fact that we are reducing reliance on statements and providing children with the extra help they need earlier is proof that this system is working.”

Levels of SEN funding have not been affected by the changes and funding has continued to increase in line with mainstream school budgets generally.

So far, most of the changes have applied to primary schools but secondary schools are due to be consulted on proposals for similar changes later this year.

Residents can still enjoy a good read during the temporary closure of Long Eaton Library for a make-over.

Derbyshire County Council is closing the library in Tamworth Road while the work is carried out to ensure the safety of staff and the public.

So from now until August 28 people can borrow up to 30 books each – almost double the number normally allowed - and they do not have to be returned until the library re-opens at the end of April 2005. The authority is also ensuring local people have access to library services by siting a large mobile library – called a maximum capacity vehicle - in the car park at West Park Leisure Centre in Wilsthorpe Road. It will be open to the public from the middle of September on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 6pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm for the duration of the closure.

Another mobile library will also continue to visit various locations throughout the Long Eaton area while residents can also access a full range of library services, including the loan of DVDs, videos and CDs, at Sandiacre, Ilkeston and Borrowash libraries.

County council deputy leader Councillor Anne Western said: “We are working hard to ensure local people still have access to library services during the closure.

“Although inconvenient, this work will create a more pleasant atmosphere for people of all ages to enjoy the excellent resources on offer and create a lighter and brighter children’s library.”

The library will get a new natural slate roof, new floors, re-wiring, a new heating system and new carpets. It is also being completely redecorated.

A 1950s wooden extension at the back of the building – which houses the children’s library and a staff room – is also being demolished and replaced with a brick building.

English Heritage and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister have approved plans for the work, which will not alter the outside of the art nouveau building.

Cash for the work has been allocated from the county council’s existing budgets. Staff from Long Eaton will work in the mobile library or will be redeployed during the work.

For details of the mobile library routes in and around the Long Eaton area contact Derbyshire County Council’s call centre, Call Derbyshire, on 08 456 058 058.

A competition which recognises restaurants, hotels, pubs and cafés that serve and advertise top Derbyshire produce is seeking the county’s best examples.

The third annual Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards 2004 will judge establishments on criteria including the quality of food and drink, use of county produce and acknowledgement of it on menus, and customer service.

Entries are invited from any catering businesses serving locally produced food and drink by the event’s organisers in Derbyshire County Council’s tourism department.

An independent judging panel of food specialists from across the county will select a shortlist of businesses which will receive a visit from a mystery customer.

Categories in the competition include:

Restaurant of the Year

Pub/Bistro of the Year

Tea Room/Coffee House of the Year

Best Breakfast

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “Our county is famous for producing top quality food and drink and a host of catering premises throughout Derbyshire use this produce to tempt visitors with tantalising menus that state dishes are made with local ingredients.

“This benefits both businesses as the customer will return to the establishment if they enjoy the food and also consider buying the ingredients involved such as Derbyshire honey, beef or sausages.

“By staging these awards the county council is once again supporting high quality food and drink and backing Derbyshire’s top eateries.”

Entrants should complete an application form and submit a menu along with a list of Derbyshire suppliers which they use regularly. The closing date for entries is Friday 17 September.

Winners will be announced at an award ceremony to take place in November and will receive a plaque to display at their premises.

Last year’s winner for Restaurant of the Year was Buckingham’s Hotel & Restaurant With One Table in Newbold Road, Chesterfield, with The Coach and Horses in Main Street, Ashbourne topping the Pub/Bistro of the Year category. Earth Brand in Church Street, Ashbourne won Tea Room/Coffee House of the Year and The King’s at Ivy House, New Haven received the Best Breakfast award.

Nick Buckingham, proprietor of Buckingham’s Hotel & Restaurant With One Table, said: “We were delighted to win the award and it has been very beneficial to the business, putting it in the spotlight and highlighting our commitment to using the best local produce.”

Entry forms are available by contacting Derbyshire County Council’s call centre, Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.

A Derbyshire reading group with a difference has come second in a national competition for book lovers.

Members of the Chesterfield Library Listening Group – a book chat session for visually impaired people – this week found out they were joint runners-up in the Penguin/Orange Reading Group Prize.

The group – which started as part of the Derbyshire literature festival nearly four years ago – was up against stiff competition from throughout the country in a contest which was judged not only on the number of books read but also on the range of books, the mix of people in the group and the different types of book related activities they carry out.

The Chesterfield Listening Group’s 25 members meet every six weeks and average about 15 members per meeting. They range in age from 27 to 94 and have done everything from reading novels and non fiction to taking part in poetry writing workshops and even holding one session at the National Library for the Blind in Stockport.

Coming runner up is not only a great coup for the group but they will also get £100 of Penguin books as a prize. Sandra Rollinson, Derbyshire County Council libraries officer for library services to disabled people said: “Winning this is great news for the group. And to think four years ago we didn’t know each other but now we are firm friends who share our love of books.”

Deputy Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Councillor Anne Western said: “Congratulations go out to the Chesterfield Library Listening Group on this wonderful achievement.

“It is not only a fitting tribute to the library staff and members of the group but also an acknowledgement of the superb facilities available to local people at Derbyshire’s libraries.” 

Thousands of students across Derbyshire are awaiting the release of their A-level and Advanced Vocational Certificate in Education results, which are published on Thursday 19 August.

Last year Derbyshire students notched up an average A-level point score of 261.7, compared to the national average of 257.8.

Derbyshire County Council hopes that Thursday’s results will reflect the on-going improvement of recent years. However, students are urged not to be too downhearted if they do not achieve their expected grades.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for education, said: "Thousands of young people around the county worked very hard for these exams and we wish them all the very best for Thursday.

“Derbyshire’s A-level results have improved consistently over the past decade. This is not because exams are getting easier, as some critics claim. It is happening because students and teaching staff are putting in a lot of hard work to raise standards.

“I’m hopeful that many Derbyshire students will be celebrating this year and have achieved the grades they need to move on to the next stage of their education or into work.

"However, there’s bound to be disappointment for students if things haven’t gone according to plan and they haven’t got the results they`d hoped for. Our message is don`t be too downhearted because there are plenty of options and it’s by no means the end of the world.”

Students who do not get the grades they need should get in touch with school staff, colleges and the Connexions service, who will help them consider all the alternatives so the young person can decide the best way forward. That might involve re-sitting all or some of their exams or tackling other qualifications, such as vocational courses.

It will be some weeks before countywide results can be fully analysed to check overall achievements but Derbyshire County Council is hoping to have a rough indication by Thursday afternoon.

* Results for Advanced Vocational Certificates in Education are also published on Thursday. These are vocational A-levels and subjects include health and social care, leisure and tourism, business, engineering, manufacturing and science. Also released for year 12 students are AS Level results. 

Papers containing valuable recollections of a Derbyshire mining community have found their way back to the county…thanks to a surprise donation.

Derbyshire County Council’s Record Office in Matlock had two special visitors this week - John Rimington (who was born and brought up in Shipley) and his wife Dame Stella Rimington, former head of MI5 and chair of the government’s Archive Task Force. Mr Rimington - who went on to become permanent secretary at the DHSS - dropped in to hand over papers which once belonged to his father John W Rimington who rose from colliery worker’s son in early 20th century Shipley to become finance director of NCB Collieries in the area after nationalisation.

John W Rimington’s story really was one of rags to riches – much of which is charted in his personal papers complete with descriptions of a mostly rural Shipley as it was in the 1920s and 1930s before the family left the area. John Rimington was born in 1908 and lived at Hardy Barn cottages in Shipley before moving to nearby Marlpool.

His life – like all the men from Shipley at that time – should have been mapped out before him with years of hard work down the pit. But John’s father had other ideas.

And with a friend’s help he got his son taken on - aged 14 - as an office boy in the estate office for the Miller Mundy family of Shipley Hall. John then moved to the Nutbrook weighbridge of the Shipley collieries.

He studied at night to become an accountant and continued to work in the coal industry rising through the ranks before eventually retiring in 1971. John Rimington’s papers also contain estate records and coal mining reports covering the period from the 1920s right through to the nationalisation of the pits in 1947.

They are in perfect order and – as well as complementing many other series of papers in the Record Office including the estate and colliery papers of the Miller Mundy family – provide an invaluable tool for anyone wanting to research that area.

Deputy Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Councillor Anne Western said: “We cannot thank Mr Rimington enough for donating these papers to the Record Office.

“They really are precious – for both their intrinsic interest and in charting the story of one family, an industry and a community through the last century.”

Harry Potter is a whizz on his Firebolt...now you can see how the young wizard’s favourite mode of transport is made at a two-day festival being staged in Derbyshire later this month.

Experts will be on hand at Linacre Woodland Festival to show visitors the art of making besoms – the name of the traditional broomstick.

They will also be able to try their hand at willow weaving, pole lathe turning and woodland survival crafts on August 21 and 22.

A host of other events are being held to celebrate the use of wood throughout history including woodland skills like hurdle making, carving using chainsaws and the chance to see traditional furniture being made. There will be fun for all the family at the annual event at Linacre Valley Reservoirs, off the B6050 near Cutthorpe, which will run from 11am to 5pm on both days.

Children can have their faces painted, ride on a pony and dray and meet the Green Man – a person dressed up as the figure from folklore who tells traditional stories.

The event is hosted by Derbyshire County Council’s countryside service, Severn Trent Water and the East Derbyshire Woodland Project, with funding from the Peak District Sustainable Development Fund. The county council’s deputy leader Councillor Anne Western said: “This is a fantastic event for the whole family to discover the ways that wood has contributed to daily life through the ages – and have fun at the same time.”

Entrance to the festival is free although there is a £2 parking charge. For more information about the event contact Tapton Lock Visitor Centre on 01246 551035, Linacre Valley rangers on 01246 567049 or East Derbyshire Woodland Project on 01629 580000 ext 7195.

Businesses and residents in rural north west Derbyshire will soon be able to take advantage of the latest technology thanks to a Derbyshire County Council broadband partnership.

The authority has teamed up with BT to form the Derbyshire Broadband Partnership to speed up the arrival of broadband provision. Exchanges at Baslow and Hathersage are to be enabled on today and Tideswell will “go live” on Wednesday 18 August.

Launched in March, the Derbyshire Broadband Partnership is open to all operators and internet service providers and seeks to help even the most rural areas access broadband and increase take up countywide.

A fourth exchange in Darley Dale will also be enabled as part of the partnership’s work on December 22. Together, the four exchanges serve almost 7,000 homes and businesses.

Councillor Geoff Carlile, cabinet member for regeneration said: “This is great news for people living and working in this area.

“The county council is always working to improve life for local people and helping residents and businesses access to up-to-date technology is another way we can achieve that.

“We’re delighted to have joined forces with BT to help Derbyshire enjoy the benefits of broadband advancement.”

Thomas Hodgson (20) is director of a graphic design company in Bamford and signed up as a BT local broadband campaigner to help boost businesses in the area.

He said: “I know the difference this will make to my own company’s technology and I am delighted that the council and BT have helped make life easier for people like me – I’m really looking forward to using broadband.”

BT has pledged to enable a further 14 telephone exchanges by summer 2005. The announcement to upgrade replaces the broadband registration trigger scheme, which had already seen 47 exchanges enabled to serve about 415,000 Derbyshire homes and businesses. When work is complete broadband will have been brought to exchanges serving 99.9 per cent of the county – an increase from the current 93 per cent.

Mick McLoughlin, BT regional director for the East Midlands said: “BT is very pleased to be bringing broadband to a further three exchanges in Derbyshire.

“The efforts of the Derbyshire Broadband Partnership and local broadband champions have played a huge role in making broadband available to these communities.”

Two new schools costing more than £35 million are to be built after Derbyshire County Council signed a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) agreement.

It means that work to rebuild Long Eaton School and Newbold Community School should begin within weeks and be completed by February 2006.

Long Eaton School is currently on two sites that are separated by a canal and many of the existing buildings are also in a poor condition.

Under the PFI scheme the school will be rebuilt on the existing lower school site. The upper school site will be sold. The new school will have places for 1,220 pupils.

Newbold Community School currently has two sites that are 800 metres apart. Many of the current buildings are too small, including the library, which only has space for two computers and study facilities for 12 pupils. The plan is to rebuild the school on the upper school site and ultimately sell the lower school site. It will have places for 1,160 pupils.

Councillor John Williams, leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: "The signing of this agreement is excellent news for the communities of Long Eaton and Newbold.

"Without the PFI scheme we could not afford to replace either school but by signing the agreement we are able to provide pupils with modern, fully equipped buildings."

Under the PFI scheme the cost of building and then maintaining both schools for 26 years will be met by the private sector company Babcock and Brown.

In return Derbyshire County Council will pay an annual service charge. At the end of the 26-year contract ownership of the schools will pass to the county council.

However, the PFI scheme is innovative because it is the first deal to be signed that extends an existing contract. Phase one of the contract saw Tupton Hall School and Chapel-en-le-Frith High School rebuilt at a cost of £31 million.

By extending the deal the county council has been able to make savings on professional fees.

Councillor Williams added: "We have already seen the ability of our PFI contractors to deal with projects of this size through the fantastic new buildings we have at Tupton Hall and Chapel-en-le-Frith schools.

"This project has involved lots of complex negotiations so has taken some time to get together but as planning permission has already been granted construction work on both schools will be able to begin within weeks."

A slice of history could be yours at a bargain price…thanks to a special offer from the Picture the Past website.

From now until the end of September the site – jointly managed by Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Derby City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council - is offering top quality photographic copies sized 10” x 8” (normally retailing at £8) for just £6 each.

For those interested in picking up a cut price photo just go to www.picturethepast.org.uk (opens in a new window) , select the images you want and follow the instructions on payment and delivery. Couldn’t be easier!

The Heritage Lottery Funded site now has nearly 40,000 historical images from the whole of the north east midlands with hundreds more being added every week.

And to make your search even easier a new feature has just been added. Quick searches for more popular subjects such as fine art, DH Lawrence, Robin Hood, industrial revolution, well dressings and Peak District can now be carried out just by clicking a single button on the new `Popular Searches` page.

Yet another new feature asks for help in identifying various images we have very little information about. It can be found by clicking on the `Can you help?` tab and - after entering a name and e-mail address - instantly searches for all the unidentified images. The user can then have a look through to see if they recognise any of them and there is a box provided to add any information to send to the county council so it can be added to the database.

Deputy Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Councillor Anne Western said: “The Picture the Past web site has proved a great success in preserving and recording for public use some very important images from the region’s history.

“And special offers like this make it even easier for people to own their own little piece of the past.”

For more information visit the website at  www.picturethepast.org.uk (opens in a new window)

Would-be archaeologists, historians and anyone who has found ancient objects while digging in the garden or walking the dog are invited to a Finds Day at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.

Thousands of objects from prehistoric flint arrowheads to post-medieval buckles are discovered every year.

By bringing any rare and unusual finds to Derbyshire County Council`s museum and art gallery on Saturday 14 August, people can help to discover previously unknown facts about life in ancient Derbyshire.

Metal detector users may be particularly interested in bringing along their finds to have them identified and get advice on how to conserve the objects.

Anyone is welcome to drop in to the museum, in Terrace Road, between 10am and 12pm and between 1pm and 3pm.

This is the first Finds Day to be held in the High Peak and is part of the Portable Antiquities Scheme, a Heritage Lottery funded project to record archaeological objects found by members of the public.

Derbyshire County Council`s deputy leader Councillor Anne Western said: "By bringing along their ancient finds, people can help us to understand Derbyshire`s past and how our country has developed from prehistoric times through the Roman and Medieval periods to the present day.

"Metal detector users find a large quantity of archaeological objects that would otherwise probably never be found."

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire`s Find Liaison Officer Rachel Atherton will be on hand throughout the day to talk to people about their finds and their obligations to report certain objects under the Treasure Act 1996.

More than 150,000 objects have been recorded since the Portable Antiquities Scheme first started in 1997.

For more information about Finds Day contact Ros Westwood at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery on 01298 24658. 

Night time resurfacing work is due to start on a section of the A61 at Chesterfield.

Derbyshire County Council sub contractors will be carrying out the work on a worn out surface on both the northbound and southbound carriageways between the Tesco roundabout and the Whittington Moor roundabout.

The county council decided to carry out the maintenance works at night to minimise the impact of congestion on the east side of Chesterfield as this is a case where it is practical to do so.

The resurfacing work on both carriageways of the A61 (from just north of the Tesco roundabout to just south of the Whittington Moor roundabout) will take place between 8pm and 6am from Monday 16 August until Friday 20 August. The road will be temporarily closed at these times but will remain open during the day.

Northbound traffic will be diverted along Lockoford Lane and then along Sheffield Road rejoining the A61 at Whittington Moor roundabout. Southbound traffic will be taken along Sheffield Road and Lockoford Road rejoining the A61 at Tesco roundabout.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for environment and highways, Councillor Brian Lucas said: “These works are part of the county council’s ongoing commitment to improve Derbyshire’s highways.

“And we are sure local people will be pleased that - in this case - it is possible to conduct the work at night and leave the road open during the day. This will cause the least amount of disruption and inconvenience to drivers.”

For more information contact the county council’s call centre Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.

Book lovers and history enthusiasts alike are in for a treat as Ilkeston Library marks its centenary in style.

The library’s Centenary Day celebrations will be held on Tuesday 24 August – exactly 100 years to the day since the opening of the library’s doors to the people of Ilkeston. It was on that day in 1904 that Sir William Foster MP, Andrew Carnegie – who made the building of the library possible with a £6,000 donation – and the Duke of Rutland were given the freedom of the borough in the form of a silver casket.

And that very freedom casket will be on display for all to see at the centenary celebrations on Tuesday. The library will be open from 9.30am to 7.00pm as normal with various events taking place during the day – all free of charge.

From 10am until 11am there will be a chance to have coffee or tea and take a look around the library. From 11am until 12.00pm Dave Coleman - a local ‘coal mining’ poet will give an informative and entertaining talk in a local dialect.

The evening promises a real treat between 7pm and 8.30pm with an illustrated talk from Nick Tomlinson from Picture the Past – the photographic history website for the north east midlands. Free tickets for Nick’s talk are available from the library in advance. Free refreshments are also provided.

And if you have any old photographs of the library lying around which staff could borrow and copy for the local history collection please contact Jan Colombo at the library on 01159 301104.

Also on the day there will be staff dressed up ‘through the decades’, displays of old photographs, a display by Erewash museum, a music display representing different decades, a special visitors book to sign as a lasting memory of the day, display of classic books for adults, a mystery book display for children with sweets and a drawing competition with prizes. The fun continues on Wednesday 25 August with a special children’s storytime at 11am.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: “This promises to be a fun and interesting day and a chance for the people of Ilkeston to share in a piece of their town’s history.”

Older people are being urged not to put themselves at risk this winter - by getting their electric blankets checked for free.

Figures show that people aged over 60 are six times more likely than anyone else to die in a house fire caused by a faulty electric blanket.

To help them stay safe in their homes this winter Derbyshire County Council has teamed up with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and Derby City Council to offer free electric blanket safety checks for anyone in the eligible age group.

From September 1 to 12 blankets can be dropped off at any Derbyshire fire station, any county council library, including mobiles, or any Derby city library. Home collection can also be arranged for people with mobility problems.

Blankets will be tested free of charge by an authorised electrical engineer and available for collection or returned by October 6 in time for the colder nights.

County council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "We are committed to improving safety for our residents and are therefore delighted to be able to offer these free electric blanket safety checks by working in partnership with our fire service and city council colleagues.

"We hope that the campaign helps to raise the profile of this aspect of home safety which is often overlooked - sometimes with tragic consequences."

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue chief fire officer Bernie Cahill said: "This campaign forms part of our overall commitment to encouraging people to think about fire risks in their own home.

"We`re grateful to be working in partnership with the county and city councils to further this work and help prevent any potentially lethal house fires caused by faulty blankets this winter."

Derby City Council cabinet member for personnel, equalities and direct services Councillor Mike Carr said: "Worn and old electric blankets are a potential cause of fire and injury. These checks are an opportunity for the over sixties to get their blankets tested free of charge by an expert giving peace of mind during the winter months."

Pensioner Margaret Raybould (70), who is taking advantage of the free safety checks, said: "I think the campaign is a great idea to improve safety in the home for older people and I`m sure the offer of free safety checks and money off a new blanket will encourage lots of people to take advantage of it."

Minor repairs will be carried out free of charge - and anyone whose blanket fails the test will be sent a voucher for 50 per cent off the price of a replacement from an approved manufacturer and details of how to order one.

With the voucher prices range from £9 for a single underblanket to £42.50 for a dual control king size overblanket, plus £6.95 postage and packing.

For county council library locations and opening times and mobile routes to drop off your blanket Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window) 

For Derby City Council library locations and opening times call 01332 293111 or visit  www.derby.gov.uk   (opens in a new window)

For fire station locations and opening times call fire service headquarters on 01332 771221 or visit  www.derbys-fire.gov.uk (opens in a new window) and click on `community services`

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service also offers free home risk assessments to any householder on request. For more information or for general fire safety advice call 01773 837215 or 01773 837223 or visit  www.derbys-fire.gov.uk  (opens in a new window)

Follow these simple safety tips to help pull the plug on bedroom fires:

Always buy new - second-hand blankets may not be safe

Have your blanket checked by an expert every year to ensure it is still safe to use.

Follow the manufacturer`s instructions.

Never use a blanket with scorch marks or exposed elements and regularly check for any signs of damage.

Check the plug cord for any signs of wear and tear or damage.

Do not plug the blanket in to an overloaded socket.

Never use a blanket if it`s wet or creased - and never switch it on to dry it out.

Never use a hot water bottle and an electric blanket together.

When the blanket isn`t being used unplug it.

Always spread the blanket out - never use it folded.

Keep the blanket stored properly during the summer months - refer to the manufacturer`s instructions about how to do this.

Most electric blankets are designed not to be washed - always check the manufacturer`s instructions.

School`s out for summer but Derbyshire County Council is already thinking ahead with a new programme of courses for adults being delivered throughout the county.

Even more classes are being run by the authority`s adult community education service in hundreds of community venues county wide.

So whether it`s learning a new skill, brushing up on old ones or simply a new hobby you`re after, make sure you have a look at what`s on offer near you.

New for this year are courses designed specifically for families so that adults are able to learn alongside their children, and courses to improve basic skills such as reading, writing and maths are free.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: “There are even more opportunities for adults to learn this year in even more locations.

“Adult education is not like the school classroom set-up many of us remember from years ago.

“People can choose from a wide selection of courses ranging from academic subjects like maths and English to classes such as Egyptian dancing, glass painting, Japanese, fly-fishing, DIY skills, Swedish massage and Computers for the Terrified for those of us who don`t know a mouse from a monitor.”

He added: “With more than 4,200 courses running in more than 230 venues ranging from churches to a garden centre and even a miners` welfare, there`s really no excuse. It`s never too late to learn so why not sign up today.”

The county council`s adult community education service offers the largest choice of education and training opportunities for adults in the county.

Offers include:

Free courses to improve reading, writing, maths and communication skills

A range of free courses for adults on income related benefits

Reduced rates for basic computer skills courses up to level 2

Anyone who has not received a course brochure for their area by the end of August can order one from Call Derbyshire, the county council`s direct telephone helpline service open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

Would-be learners can also call the helpline to organise a free one-to-one chat with an education adviser.

Alternatively, log-on to the county council`s website on www.derbyshire.gov.uk for a full list of courses.

Enrolments for some courses have already begun. Details are available from your nearest adult community education centre listed in the course brochure for your area.

For more information ring Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058.

Almost half of retailers tested in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales areas are still ignoring the law and selling alcohol to underage children.

Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards service carried out an exercise which found that retailers sold alcohol to under 18s in 10 out of 22 attempted test purchases.

Three female volunteers aged 14 and 15 visited shops and garages in the Matlock, Bakewell and Buxton areas as part of the exercise run in partnership with Derbyshire Police.

It is an offence to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 and trading standards officers will now consider prosecutions in respect of those stores that made an illegal sale.

Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "It`s disappointing that so many sales of alcohol were made to underage children despite the publicity and advice we send out.

"We work with traders throughout the year to stop underage sales so ignorance is no defence. "The law is there to prevent injury and harm and the young volunteers used were three and four years younger than the age at which alcohol can legally be sold.

"We are calling on everybody in the community to help us clamp down on the illegal sale of age restricted goods by giving us a call if they see products being sold to children. 

"Those who flout the law should be warned --we regularly carry out enforcement exercises and where an underage sale is made, and adequate precautions haven`t been taken, traders and their staff risk prosecution."

Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards service carries out regular checks for underage sales of other age restricted goods such as fireworks and butane gas, for which the legal age is 18, and cigarettes and knives, for which the legal age is 16.

Salespersons are advised to ask for proof of age if they are not sure whether the purchaser is old enough to legally buy an age restricted product.

If proof is unavailable or unsatisfactory the sale should be refused and a record of the refusal made.

Traders who are not sure how the law affects their business or members of the public who wish to give information can call trading standards on 01629 585858, or visit the authority`s trading standards website at  www.derbyshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards (opens in a new window)

Note to editors

The maximum penalty for selling alcohol to underage persons is a £1,000 fine. An application can also be made for a license to be revoked.

Children, parents and teachers from a primary school in Glossop have been working together to produce a collection of mosaics featuring the four seasons of the year.

The colourful exhibition called Seasons is going on display at Derbyshire County Council`s museum and art gallery in Buxton this Saturday (7 August).

With support from community artist Jean Hobson, pupils, parents and staff at Gamesley Community Primary School, in Grindleford Grove designed and made the decorative panels.

Thousands of tiny pieces of ceramic have been fitted together on large mosaic panels to represent the four seasons and smaller panels showing trees at different times of year.

Snowy scenes and exploding fireworks are two of the images portrayed by the mosaics and colourful drawings done by the children as part of the project will also be on display.

The community project was sponsored by the Government`s New Opportunities Fund, which supports programmes across the UK designed to improve the quality of life for people and communities.

Derbyshire county council`s cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "This is a stunning exhibition and the children and adults have clearly put an incredible amount of effort into making these mosaics a spectacular vision of colour.

"The museum offers an excellent place for the community group to exhibit their super work to a much wider audience.

"We hope that everyone who visits the exhibition enjoys it as much as the families and teachers enjoyed producing the work."

The exhibition runs at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery, in Terrace Road, until Saturday 2 October.

Visitors to the museum can also see Miniature Masterpieces of Delicacy, Humour and Colour by Kerry Harker, winner of the second Derbyshire Community Foundation Vickers Art Award which is on display until 25 September.

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 at the museum and art gallery on 01298 24658. 

A group of men from Derbyshire are well on their way to a successful career in childcare following their achievements on the first ever childcare course designed specially for men.

Thanks to Derbyshire County Council`s MaC project and Derbyshire Early Years and Childcare Partnership, the men from the Chesterfield area have found work in a variety of different childcare areas including local pre-schools, after school clubs and working with children with disabilities.

The county council worked with the partnership to design the course as part of an ongoing campaign to encourage more men to take up careers in childcare.

Last September the men became the first in Derbyshire to complete the eight-week course and gain recognised certificates in all areas of childcare.

The short intensive training gave the candidates the knowledge and experience of working with children of all ages. The men gained a Practical Play certificate, First Aid, Health & Safety and Basic Food Hygiene certificates.

Others on the course have been successful in volunteering within the childcare sector to gain more experience and are also studying childcare qualifications.

Derbyshire County Council`s chair of the Early Years and Childcare Partnership Councillor Bob Janes said: "We are delighted with the success of the course and we`ve had so much interest that we are running another course in September.

"As well as the range of different jobs available in the profession there are also many opportunities for people to run their own businesses in childcare."

This autumn more men can join the success and apply for a place on the childcare course.

For more information about applying for the course visit the Derbyshire Early Years and Childcare Partnership`s website at  www.childcare-derbyshire.org (opens in a new window) or ring childcare recruitment co-ordinator Debbie Bushell on 01629 580000 extension 5749

Note to News Editors:

Derbyshire County Council`s MaC Project is the Mobile and Coalfields Vocational Training Project. It offers short courses and intensive training packages to unemployed people in the Chesterfield area.

Derbyshire Early Years and Childcare Partnership was established in 1998 and is made up of organisations with an interest in childcare, including the county council, private and voluntary sector providers and primary health care trusts.

Community groups and individuals are to be encouraged to use school sports facilities by Derbyshire County Council.

The authority has decided to create five full-time and five part-time community sports development officers to actively promote sporting opportunities to the public.

The posts will be funded using part of a £6.097 million grant given to the county council by the Lottery`s New Opportunities Fund to develop sports facilities at schools and educational centres. Once appointed the staff will promote the use of sports facilities at:

Wilsthorpe Community School in Long Eaton

Frederick Gent School in South Normanton

Anthony Gell School in Wirksworth 

Brookfield Community School in Chesterfield

Hope Valley Community College in Hope

All five schools have received funding from the New Opportunities Fund grant to develop sports facilities that will benefit pupils and the wider community.

Each school will have one full-time and one part-time officer to promote and support the use of these facilities by local people both during and outside school hours.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "The sports facilities will be offered to both individuals and sports clubs in the community around the schools.

"The new officers will spend time going around the local area making everyone aware of the type of facilities available and actively encourage people to make use of them."

Councillor Geoff Carlile, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "The issue of sporting activity is very high on the national agenda at the moment as the Government tries to tackle problems of obesity.

"It makes sense for these fantastic sports facilities to be used as widely as possible, particularly outside school hours when they would otherwise be lying idle."

The new community sports development officers should be in post by November, except at Brookfield Community School where they will start in January 2005.

Staff, pupils, governors and parents at an Eyam school have much to celebrate after government education inspectors agreed it could leave `special measures`.

Eyam CE Primary School was placed in special measures in January 2002 after it was criticised for failing to provide pupils with an acceptable standard of education.

Now the 48-pupil school has been praised for making improvements and raising standards following a visit by Ofsted inspectors last month.

Teaching at the school, on Church Street, is good and improvements to classroom practice and the pace at which pupils learn is raising standards.

Inspectors said the school is now providing an acceptable standard of education.

The team also found that:

Most pupils achieve levels appropriate for their age in literacy and numeracy and increasing numbers of pupils are working at higher levels.

Pupils reach a satisfactory standard in science with improving investigation skills and good scientific knowledge.

The curriculum is broad and balanced, planning and assessment is good and the school makes good use of teaching assistants to support classes.

The headteacher leads the school well, there is a strong sense of teamwork and the school improvement plan is sound.

Pupils are polite, well mannered and well behaved and the school has a good relationship with parents and the local community.

Praise was also given to Derbyshire County Council for its support of the school.

To help the school continue to raise standards Ofsted recommended that improvements were made to:

Ensure all pupils gain the standards of which they are capable.

Review, complete and implement the school improvement plan

Improve ICT development and assessment 

Continue to develop the knowledge and skills of curriculum co-ordinators.

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles congratulated the school.

"Well done to everyone who worked hard to raise standards at Eyam Primary and bring the school out of special measures," he said.

"By working in partnership with Derbyshire County Council and other schools to share good practice, Eyam is now providing its pupils with the high standard of education they deserve."

Theresa Hodgson, headteacher at the school, said: "We`re extremely pleased that inspectors have recognised the improvements we have made and taken the school out of special measures.

"Thank you to the staff, governors and parents for all their support throughout this time." 

A drama and arts block is to be built at Highfields School in Matlock after the scheme received the backing of Derbyshire County Council.

The authority`s cabinet today (Tuesday) agreed to spend £410,000 to build the new facilities at the school`s upper site in Lumsdale Road.

The block will include a studio, stage, small teaching room, instrument store and an office.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "This new block will allow the school to offer pupils a better range of drama and performing arts opportunities.

"Derbyshire County Council is always keen to support the development of facilities like this because it is important for all pupils to receive a balanced curriculum that allows them to develop a range of skills."

Work is due to start in mid August and should be completed by the end of February next year.

The Language Of Learning

Refurbishment plans to improve facilities at a Long Eaton school were today (Tuesday) approved by Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet.

Grange Primary School in Station Road intends to redesign its infant classroom area to build a new classroom for year one pupils and to create a modern foreign languages teaching area.

Part of the £46,000 project will be paid for using money given as part of a planning agreement which allowed developer Wheeldon Homes to build houses in the Long Eaton area.

The remaining £29,660 will come from money given to the school by Derbyshire County Council to carry out major building work.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "By altering the existing school building Grange Primary School will be able to provide better facilities for pupils.

"In particular they will be able to improve the teaching of foreign languages."

It is hoped that work will be completed before the start of the new academic year in September.

There`s a great boredom-busting school holiday offer coming to a screen near every Derbyshire b_liner this summer.

Derbyshire County Council is offering all b_line cardholders the chance to rent a video or DVD from one of its libraries for free until September 1.

All they need to do is take the voucher printed on the back of the latest b_line magazine and their b_line card to any of the council libraries listed below where they`ll find a great line-up of movies to choose from - everything from the latest blockbusters to classic films and TV series.

Derbyshire County Council deputy leader Councillor Anne Western said: "Despite all the great summer offers and ideas featured in our latest b_line magazine, we know even b_liners may occasionally get bored during the school holidays.

"We hope this free DVD or video rental offer will help pass a few hours - and encourage b_liners to see what else is on offer at their local library. There`s so much to see and do and Internet access is free in every branch."

Applicants can also have a go at winning £100 by filling in a questionnaire attached to the rental voucher about the council`s libraries to help improve facilities and services for young people at all Derbyshire branches.

For more information about Derbyshire County Council`s b_line half fare travel and discount card scheme Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 or visit  www.derbyshire.gov.uk/b_line (opens in a new window)

NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS:

b_liners have to be a library member to take advantage of the free rental offer. If not, to join they can just turn up at any library with their b_line card and something showing name and home address.

Libraries taking part in the free rental offer are Alfreton, Ashbourne, Bakewell, Belper, Bolsover, Brimington, Buxton, Chesterfield, Clay Cross, Dronfield, Eckington, Glossop, Heanor, Holmewood, Ilkeston, Killamarsh, Long Eaton, Newbold, Ripley, Sandiacre, Shirebrook, Somercotes, Staveley, Swadlincote, Tideswell and Whitwell. Plus mobile libraries stopping at Aston-on-Trent, Barlborough, Bradwell, Castleton, Chinley, Codnor, Darley Dale, Grassmoor, Hasland, Hathersage, Kilburn, Newhall, North Wingfield, Pilsley, Tibshelf and Youlgreave.

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. Cards can currently be used at more than 600 outlets across the county. Those aged 14 to 18 receive a b_line2 card which provides half fare travel as well as all the other discounts. For more information about b_line, or if you are a business who would like to sign up, visit the website www.derbyshire.gov.uk/b_line (opens in a new window)  or ring Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058. 

Three projects to help residents feel safer in their communities have been given the go ahead thanks to funding from Derbyshire County Council.

The authority has approved £55,000 from its community safety grant award scheme to contribute towards three projects in two of the county`s community safety partnerships - two in North East Derbyshire and one in South Derbyshire.

North East Derbyshire Community Safety Partnership:

Multi-activity games area for young people in Pilsley and Lower Pilsley - £15,000: The project will provide self-contained multi-activity games areas for young people in the two villages to involve young people in sport as an alternative to anti-social behaviour.

Killamarsh town centre CCTV project - £15,000: The project aims to reduce a long-standing problems with anti-social behaviour in the town centre. It will complement the drop-in cafe, lighting and environmental improvements already made. Killamarsh Parish Council will operate and maintain the scheme.

South Derbyshire Community Safety Partnership:

Safer homes - £25,000: Safer Homes South Derbyshire is a mobile safety and security service operated by South Derbyshire Crime and Disorder Partnership and takes a problem solving approach aimed at victim, location and offender. It includes fitting alarms in homes which have been burgled, employing a `handyman` referred by professionals such as home helps and health visitors to carry out jobs in vulnerable residents` homes and promoting burglary prevention campaigns.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "We had discussions with young people in Pilsley which identified that teenagers who feel excluded from mainstream sporting clubs wanted places where they can play sport and take part in physical activity.

"We have responded by approving funding for the multi-activity games area which we hope will promote sporting activities and help reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

"Similarly in Killamarsh we hope the CCTV project will reduce demand on police time and reduce incidents of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour. 

"Together with the safer homes project in South Derbyshire we are confident our more investment in these schemes will prove to be money well spent in our commitment to helping residents feel safer in their communities as well as providing improved facilities for everyone."

NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS:

The police recorded 77 calls for service relating to youth anti-social behaviour in Pilsley over a six-month period in 2002 - the seventh highest number in the district and high for such a small community.

Over the last year Killamarsh has had the highest incidence of police calls for nuisance behaviour in the north east area of North East Derbyshire. Significant costs were incurred in repairing damage to properties owned by the district, county and parish councils, the primary care trust and private businesses.

The need for a `handyman` scheme, such as the one being implemented in South Derbyshire, was highlighted in Derbyshire County Council`s older person`s Best Value review. The handyman will carry out simple repairs and home improvements such as fitting door and window locks and changing light bulbs.

A free course for anyone interested in learning about children`s special educational needs and disabilities begins in September.

The 10-week course, which will take place in Chapel-en-le-Frith has been organised by the Derby & Derbyshire Parent Partnership Service. This is an impartial service funded by Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council that offers free, confidential help, advice and support to parents and carers of children with special educational needs.

The course has been designed to give a good understanding of all aspects of the special educational needs system and the role of Parent Partnership.

Valuable information will be provided during the training for parents and carers, school or early years settings support staff, Governors or anyone interested in children`s special educational needs and disabilities.

Professionals in the field will give talks on different areas of the subject and there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

Students will receive support and tutorials to help them with the written work and they have the opportunity to gain an Open College Network qualification, which can be used towards further qualifications.

Anyone who does not wish to do the written work can attend the course without gaining the qualification. Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "The idea of the course is to give anyone with an interest in special educational needs the opportunity to learn about all aspects of the subject and to enable parents and carers to be fully involved in their child`s education. "We hope that some students may go on to work with the Parent Partnership Service to provide advice and support for more families."

The course will run at The Adult Community Education Centre, Chapel-en-le-Frith High School, Long Lane, Chapel-en-le-Frith between 9.30am and 12.30pm on Tuesdays, starting on 21 September, with a break during the school half-term holiday.

Places are limited and people are urged to get in touch as soon as possible to register their interest by contacting the Derby and Derbyshire Parent Partnership Service on 01246 273154 or 01246 273155. The closing date for enrollment is 1 September.

Contemporary artwork by award winning artist Kerry Harker has gone on display at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery this week.

Leeds-based artist Kerry has produced a collection of paintings investigating Derbyshire`s porcelain heritage.

The colourful porcelain-inspired artwork form the exhibition called Miniature Masterpieces of Delicacy, Humour and Colour, which opened on Saturday (31 July) at Derbyshire County Council`s museum and art gallery in Terrace Road, Buxton.

In addition to a group of oil paintings based on Derby porcelain designs, the exhibition includes a series of ceramic plates and several large circular canvasses.

Kerry won the Derbyshire Community Foundation Vickers Art Award for her work in line with the aim of the Vickers Award "to enrich the cultural life of Derbyshire through new art of national importance."

The exhibition will be on display until Saturday 25 September.

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "We are delighted to have Kerry`s award winning artwork on display in our gallery. "I am sure many people will be interested in the way that Kerry has taken a fresh look at Derbyshire`s centuries-old porcelain legacy."

Visitors to the museum can also see Derbyshire Wildflowers, a selection of paintings by botanical artist Annette Royle until Saturday 4 September and the photographic exhibition celebrating the recent Derbyshire Literature Festival, until Saturday 28 August.

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.

More information about any of the exhibitions is available by contacting Ros Westwood at the museum and art gallery on 01298 24658.

Cash is on offer to help business groups, towns and community partnerships benefit from a major sporting event that is coming to the county.

The Tour of Britain will see world class cyclists compete against one another throughout September - with the third stage of the tour taking place in the East Midlands.

On Friday, September 3 the national race will pass through Bakewell, Matlock, Wirksworth, Ashbourne, Belper, Duffield, Derby and Swadlincote and local partnerships and business groups are invited to use grant-aided publicity to maximise on the event`s opportunities.

The Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership, which includes Derbyshire County Council, other local authorities and representatives from private and voluntary sectors, is offering to finance 50 per cent of costs for publicity connected to the cycling competition.

Grants of up to £1,500 are available from the partnership`s £20,000 budget, with funding awarded on a first come first served basis.

Councillor Geoff Carlile, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This is a marvellous opportunity for partnerships to bid for publicity funding and generate further business opportunities off the back of this fabulous sporting event.

"The fact that Derbyshire is going to play a part in such a major, high-profile race is great news in itself but with this extra help communities and companies can cash in by attracting visitors from further afield."

John Foxcroft, chair of the DDEP, said: "We want to help co-ordinated marketing efforts so cluster groups and business communities can make the most of this exciting chance to boost the economy of their areas."

The DDEP was set up in August 2003 and aims to improve prosperity and quality of life in the county. Areas covered by the partnership include Amber Valley, Derby, Derbyshire Dales, Erewash, High Peak and South Derbyshire.

For further information about the publicity grants or to register your interest in receiving funding contact the partnership on 01773 514970 or email enquiries@ddep.co.uk

Make your kitchen waste work for you and your garden...with a little help from Derbyshire County Council.

It`s probably never entered most people`s minds that those every day veg peelings they throw away could be helping their gardens grow instead of languishing at the bottom of a bin. And county council officers will be on hand to tell you how easily this can be done at a fun composting day at Shipley Country Park, Heanor on Tuesday 10 August.

While your children are taking part in creative activities like art work and junk modelling find out how to compost in your garden and have any queries answered. Anyone is welcome and the event is free of charge.

Composting is a simple and effective way of reusing non cooked kitchen and garden waste - veg peelings, tea bags, egg shells and even cardboard and cereal packets can be put in the bins along with grass cuttings and other garden waste.

The minute organisms in the waste then get to work moving around and heating the heap up before nature`s `chompers` - the slugs, snails and ants - move in to grind it down and turn it into compost. The whole process takes about six months by which time it can be put on the garden to help new life grow.

Staff will be in the Green Room at the country park visitors centre from 11am to 4pm to give general advice and information on home composting. They will know where to go to get the best bins and have useful tips on what waste can be put in them, what to do with it and how long to leave it before you can put it back on your garden.

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for environment and highways Councillor Brian Lucas said: "Composting not only makes good sense for the garden but it is also cheap, hassle free and cuts down on the amount of non cooked kitchen waste being taken away from households.

"Experienced and knowledgeable county council officers will be at Shipley on the day and will be able to advise on all aspects of composting."

A partnership that works to boost the county`s economy is celebrating a successful year following the publication of its first annual report.

The Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership (DDEP) aims to develop economic opportunities to improve quality of life and prosperity across the county.

Set up in August 2003, the DDEP covers Amber Valley, Derby, Derbyshire Dales, Erewash, High Peak and South Derbyshire.

Partnership members include Derbyshire County Council, other local authorities and representatives from the private and voluntary sectors.

The DDEP`s recently published annual report details successes achieved in the past year such as:

Assisting organisations across the sub-region to develop and enhance 46 projects worth more than £7.3 million.

Delivering more than £606,000 of projects in the Rural Action Zone (RAZ), which covers the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales.

Establishing task groups to work with partners to provide learning skills for employment and life, energise business and entrepreneurs and build an infrastructure for a modern economy.

Councillor Geoff Carlile, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for regeneration, said: "I am delighted with the successes achieved by the DDEP in this first year, which will help to develop economic strength throughout the county and enhance businesses and communities."

Over the coming year the partnership will look to fill gaps in business support on offer in the region and increase the level of skills and qualifications for companies and employees.

John Foxcroft, chair of the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership, said: "It has been an exciting and challenging year and great progress has been made.

"We`re looking forward to stimulating further new and innovative economic opportunities in Derbyshire."

The annual report can be found on the DDEP website at  www.ddep.co.uk (opens in a new window)