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| 31 March 2004 | The countdown begins for Orange Prize books |
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Readers are being urged to visit Buxton Library and Newbold Library between Thursday 1 April and Saturday 26 June to get involved with this year`s Orange Prize for Fiction. Book fans in Derbyshire can join in the voting for their favourite novel for the fourth year running as the county council promotes the UK`s biggest literary award for women. The Derbyshire County Council-run libraries are offering new reading ideas, a chance to join the gender debate and the opportunity to decide for themselves who the winner should be. The award selects a long list of 20 books written by women, which is short-listed to six before a winner is picked - in the process aiming to promote female writers to thousands of readers. Copies of the books on the Orange list will be available from the branches and staff have created displays. Although the shortlist and winner are decided by a national panel of judges, Derbyshire readers will also be encouraged to enter local reader debates and vote for their favourite. The countdown begins at Buxton Library on Thursday 1 April when people are being invited to drop in for coffee between 10am and 12pm and have a chat about the books at the informal preview of this years competition. The branch, in Kents Bank Road, is hosting an `Orange Party` on Monday 7 June between 7.30pm and 9.30pm where a panel of male readers will add an unusual twist to the voting and may reveal some interesting differences between men and women`s reading styles. To book a free place call Buxton Library on 01298 25331. Staff at Newbold Library will be holding similar events. On Tuesday 8 June the library, in Windermere Road, is having a whole day of activity dedicated to the Orange Prize. Starting at 10am with a tea and coffee day, staff are inviting anyone to come along and vote for their favourite book. The fun continues into the evening when at 7pm people can have a glass of wine and local readers` groups will discuss the books before finding out who the winner is. Newbold Readers` Group is holding a special meeting on Wednesday 14 April to discuss the books that are in the running for the prize. Non-members are invited and refreshments will be provided. For more information call Newbold Library on 01246 277328. Both these events are open to public as well as readers` group members. County council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "We`re delighted to be taking part in the Orange Prize for the fourth time. Books short-listed for the award always include some new and exciting writers and it gives our readers the chance to access the latest fiction and join the national debate about the best of women`s writing. "I am sure the Orange Party with the men`s panel at Buxton Library will be an interesting event and inspire some different responses. "We hope that many readers will develop an interest in writers they may not otherwise have tried as a result of what we are doing at our libraries in Newbold and Buxton. We also hope we will attract some new visitors as well." Derbyshire County Council`s participation in the Orange Prize for Fiction has been organised by The Reading Agency. The Orange Prize was set up in 1996 to celebrate and promote fiction by women throughout the world to the widest range of readers possible and is awarded for the best novel of the year written by a woman. Any woman writing in English on any subject matter - whatever her nationality, country of residence or age - is eligible. The winner will receive a cheque for £30,000 and a limited edition bronze. For more information visit www.orangeprize.co.uk (opens in a new window) |
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| 31 March 2004 | Social Services measures during telephone disruption |
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An emergency telephone number has been put in place to help people needing urgent help during disruption to the communications network caused by an underground fire. The underground fire in Manchester City Centre on Monday has caused widespread disruption to both landline and mobile networks and large areas across the High Peak area have been cut off. Derbyshire County Council`s social services, which looks after hundreds of older and vulnerable people in the area has set up an emergency number for people to call during the disruption if they need assistance. The council`s Buxton and Glossop offices cannot be reached by phone and the computer network is currently down, with officers currently relying on a small number of mobile phones. The mobile phone network is also proving erratic as due to the number of people relying on it, it has become overloaded. Some networks have been affected more than others and people are being urged to be patient. Social services for the area are temporarily only available at the Chapel-en-le-Frith office which has one line working and this is where the emergency line has been set up. The number is 01298 308100. Social services workers are urging people to use the number only in emergencies and to be patient when trying to get through as the number is likely to be extremely busy. They are also urging people to keep a check on any old or vulnerable people they may know and visit them to ensure they are well and are not in need of any assistance. People should still dial 999 in an emergency situation, but if they experience difficulties getting through they should ring the Police Call Reception Centre on 0845 123 3333. In the event of a fire, if people cannot get through to 999 they should call Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service on 01332 771221. People living in Buxton can also visit the Town Hall from 8am until 10pm where police, county and borough council staff will be on duty to help people in an emergency situation who cannot use their phones. The Town Hall can be entered from The Slopes side of the building during the evening. |
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| 31 March 2004 | Disabled pupils to benefit from improved facilities |
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Facilities for disabled pupils are to be improved thanks to a £1.2 million Derbyshire County Council spending programme. The Schools Access Initiative funding will be used on a range of building improvements and adaptations at schools across the county. Work will include:
The funding has been allocated to help schools meet the requirements of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Bill, which makes it unlawful for schools to discriminate against disabled pupils in terms of admissions or the curriculum. It also requires all schools to make reasonable adjustments to provide equal opportunities. Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "A lot of work has already taken place to improve disabled facilities in schools for pupils, teachers and visitors. "We are committed to continuing this process as quickly as possible and this Government funding enables us to do that. "Priority for carrying out work is given to schools that already have disabled pupils but as we get further funding in future years we will move towards ensuring that all educational buildings have these kind of facilities." Derbyshire County Council is to spend £959,000 of the £1.2 million funding to make alterations at 27 schools. The money will also fund improvements wanted by the county council-run services for hearing, physically and sight impaired pupils. The remaining £241,000 will be spent later in the financial year. Derbyshire County Council works with schools to prepare accessibility strategies to continually improve disabled access to educational buildings. The money will be spent at:
TOTAL £959,000 |
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| 31 March 2004 | Charcoal forests reveal dark side |
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Spooky charcoal drawings of landscapes go on display at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery on Saturday 3 April in the latest exhibition called "Frames of Mind". The artist, Cyril Jones, uses charcoal to draw unusual and imaginative drawings of forests and landscapes to inspire his viewers. His large-scale work is based on fictitious scenes and he says they are as much to do with ourselves as with the landscape. Cyril, who comes from the Isle of Man, began what was intended to be a temporary but intense phase of drawing in 1997 to find ideas for painting. Today he is still drawing - partly because he finds the medium challenging and partly because it suits the landscapes he recreates. Art fans can speak to the Manx artist himself when he visits the museum and art gallery to chat about his artwork on Saturday 3 April and Saturday 15 May from 2pm to 4pm. The exhibition Frames of Mind runs at the gallery on Terrace Road until Saturday 15 May. Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "I am delighted to welcome such a talented artist to our art gallery. "Budding artists and anyone with an interest in art and drawing will be impressed with these inspiring images. The pictures are quite dark and moody and are intended to evoke thoughts and feelings within the viewer, hence the name Frames of Mind." Visitors to the gallery can also see Spirit of the Outdoors, a stunning exhibition of photographs by the Outdoor Writers` Guild, which runs until 1 May. 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. |
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| 31 March 2004 | Bikers urged to think before they ride |
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Motorcyclists are being encouraged to ride safely this summer by thinking about the devastating effects accidents can have on their families as well as themselves. Derbyshire County Council is launching its third annual six-month `To die for?` bike safety campaign on Friday (April 2) to run through the traditional biking season. Its aim is to remind motorists to look out for motorcycles on the road and be aware of their vulnerability and to encourage bikers to think about the consequences road accidents can have for families and friends as well as the immediate victims. The message will be reinforced this year by a bereaved Derbyshire family who have offered to back the campaign by talking about how the death of their son in a motorcycle accident has devastated their lives (see attached case study). The family approached the county council in the hope their story could help prevent other families suffer the grief and heartache they have experienced since he died nearly two years ago. Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "Derbyshire attracts thousands of motorcyclists every year due to the rural nature of the county`s roads and this sadly results in a significant level of accidents which we are committed to reducing. "There are too many families in Derbyshire suffering the heartache of losing loved ones in motorcycle accidents and we hope the campaign will help encourage not only bikers but all motorists and road users to think about their own safety and that of others." The council`s `To Die For?` campaign is backed by the Derby and Derbyshire Motorcycle Forum made up of Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council, Derbyshire police, motorcycle dealers and trainers. It is also being launched in conjunction with the regional Shiny Side Up Partnership`s (SSUP) `Think Bike` campaign which aims to remind motorists about the vulnerability of motorcyclists and to look out for them on the road. Two designs of roadside posters will be placed at around 40 sites across Derbyshire where there have been a high number of motorcycle accidents over the past three years and regionally by the SSUP`s council and police partners outside Derbyshire in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. One features the slogan `To die for?` above the image of a biker riding along a windy road and the message `Ride safely` and the other features the `Think bike` slogan. This year the campaign will also aim to emphasise to all riders the importance of taking training to help them handle powerful bikes. Case study Josie Andrews lost her only son James in a motorcycle accident in Lincolnshire in September 2002. Now she and daughter Julie are backing Derbyshire County Council`s motorcycle safety campaign to raise awareness about the devastation accidents cause to families. "I don`t live any more - I just exist." Josie Andrews speaks these heartbreaking words as she gazes lovingly at the family portrait smiling down at her from above the fireplace at her home in Shirebrook. It shows her three daughters Cheryl, Lesley and Julie and her only son James happy and smiling in each other`s company. But it is the last photograph Josie will ever have showing all her children together. Not long after the picture was taken James died in an accident with a car while riding his Kawasaki 1000cc bike on 8 September 2002. It was just a week after his 29th birthday. "Life stopped for me that day," said Josie. "James was loved, cherished and adored and I feel the loss of him like a physical pain. I don`t want any other family to go through what we`ve gone through which is why we`ve offered to support the county council`s campaign." That day in September is one Josie will never forget. It was a sunny Sunday and James had gone out at lunchtime for his usual ride with a few friends. When a police officer knocked on the door later that afternoon she immediately feared James had been involved in an accident. "I said: `Oh no, he`s come off that bike hasn`t he? Which hospital is he in?` But the officer just kept asking me to go in and sit down. I kept saying: `I don`t want to sit down,` but she kept insisting. Then it suddenly dawned on me. I said: `He`s dead isn`t he?` She said: `I`m sorry`. "James loved bikes and he lived for them. It was all he was interested in and had ridden them since he was a teenager. What happened to us can happen to anyone." Like the rest of the family James` sister Julie Herbert is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her brother who was known as a loveable and popular practical joker always laughing and having lots of friends. "James` death has left a big hole in all our lives. It`s ripped the family apart and has devastated his friends," she said. "We`ve all dealt with it in different ways but agreed we now wanted to do something positive and support this campaign in his name. "James was so popular and we all miss him so much. His bedroom is just how he left it on the day he died with his work clothes laid out for the next morning. Mum can`t bring herself to move his things and often sits in there to feel close to him. "But if by talking about how his death has affected us will make just one person stop and think and save just one family from going what we`ve gone through it will be worth it." |
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| 30 March 2004 | What`s on at your local library |
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Easter will be celebrated in Derbyshire libraries as part of a host of activities planned during April. Stories, games and activities on the theme of Easter will be staged for youngsters while displays will be put up in some of the county council`s 45 libraries. Other events during the month include a performance by classical guitarist Jan Cornwall at Ripley Library and a chance to try watercolour painting at Wirksworth Library. Derbyshire County Council also runs 13 mobile libraries and all are free to join. As well as a choice of thousands of books, visitors can loan out videos, CDs and DVDs and have free access to the internet. Events planned at Derbyshire libraries throughout April include: AMBER VALLEY AREA
For more information call Julie Potton on 01773 833199 CHESTERFIELD AREA
For more information call Ann Ainsworth on 01246 209292 DERBYSHIRE DALES AREA
For more information call Trisha Hill on 01629 582480 EREWASH AREA
For more information contact Jan Colombo on 0115 930 1104 HIGH PEAK AREA
NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE AREA
For more information contact Sue Crabb on 01246 414001 Councillor Bob Janes, the county council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "Joining your local library couldn`t be easier and it is absolutely free. "As well as giving people access to books, CDs, videos, DVDs and free use of the internet, there are a host of other activities for people to enjoy." To join your local library take along two pieces of identification. Library users over 12 can take out 16 items on loan - under 12s can have eight items. |
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| 30 March 2004 | Tickets on sale for Derbyshire Literature Festival |
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Would you rather watch TV than read a good book? Then Derbyshire Literature Festival may help to change your mind. Derbyshire County Council is hosting the month-long event in June which includes quizzes, workshops, concerts and the chance to meet authors. It is the third time the authority has staged the biennial event which follows the success of the first held to celebrate the millennium, which attracted 11,500 people. The idea is to encourage people who would not normally read to pick up a book or to visit their local library to find out what it has to offer. More than 150 events are planned at venues across Derbyshire, including libraries, cafes and supermarkets, and tickets go on sale on Monday 5 April. Events include:
The grand finale will be a concert by chamber:ViVA, the East of England Orchestra, at Chatsworth House on 30 June which will feature the premiere of a piece commissioned for the festival by Joe Duddell. Councillor Bob Janes, the county council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "There is something for young and old alike at this year`s festival including visits by famous authors, competitions, plays, poetry readings and creative workshops. "Events are also being held in every district so that as many people as possible can take part but I would urge people to book early to avoid being disappointed." Derbyshire Literature Festival 2004 is sponsored by Derbyshire County Council, Holt Jackson Book Company, Arts Council England, Read On-Write Away!, the Kitley Trust, Peak Books, Harper Collins, Granta, Penguin Books and Wilkinson`s. Tickets cost £3 (£2 for concessions) unless otherwise stated and are available from all libraries. They are also available from the county council`s call centre Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058, by fax 01629 585995, e-mail call.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk, minicom 01629 585400 or typetalk 18001 08 456 058 058. Call Derbyshire can accept credit card bookings only, with a 50p postage charge. Tickets can also be obtained through the post, by cheque only, also with a 50p postage charge. For more information about the festival contact Call Derbyshire on the above number or festival organiser Ann Wright on 01773 832497 or e-mail ann.wright@derbyshire.gov.uk. |
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| 26 March 2004 | New register will raise standards in social care |
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Social workers employed by Derbyshire County Council have started signing up to a national register aimed at raising standards and ensuring the public get the best service. It is currently voluntary to sign up to the General Social Care Council Registration for Social Workers but from 1 April 2005 it will be an offence for anyone not registered to describe themselves as a social worker. The register will eventually cover everyone working in the social care sector but at the moment people holding a professional social work qualification are being made a priority. There are currently 320 social workers employed by the county council and to register they will each need to show they hold a recognised social work qualification. They will also need to provide details of their employment history, any current disciplinary records, criminal convictions or long standing health conditions that may effect how they work in social care. The council will then have to verify their identity and endorse the application to certify that there is no reason why the person should not be registered and that they are of good character. The programme of registration has already started at the county council and as well as social workers it includes managers and trainers. County council cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "The introduction of the register is an important step in raising standards in social care and will promote best practice across the sector. "It will benefit the people who use our services as well as those who work within it." Councillor Western added: "For the first time ever, the register will provide national clarity on the standards that are expected of the social care workforce. "Registration will confirm that as a social worker or social care worker you are judged suitable to work with people who use the service and are committed to high standards of conduct and practice." |
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| 26 March 2004 | New recycling centre open for business |
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A new £400,000 recycling centre to encourage householders to help reduce the amount of waste being dumped in the county`s landfill sites will open on Monday 29 March. Derbyshire County Council has just completed a four-month project to expand and improve its Household Waste Recycling Centre in Loscoe. Around 320 people a day were visiting the Taylor Lane site creating 13,000 tonnes of rubbish a year - nearly 8,000 tonnes of which was recycled. But the expansion plan has doubled the site to two acres, which will increase its recycling potential and reduce traffic congestion caused by a large increase in visitors over the last few years. It will also solve the problem of skip collection lorries blocking access to recycling points for users. Site improvements include:
The scheme has been made possible by a £400,000 grant from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund. County council cabinet member for environment and highways Councillor Brian Lucas said: "We`re delighted to be able to open this new centre with backing from DEFRA which has allowed us to improve the waste collection and recycling facilities at our Loscoe site and reach the Government targets we are already on track to achieve. "We want to make it as easy as possible for residents to recycle but also need everyone`s help to make it work. A few minutes thought and a simple effort in every home is all it will take to help preserve our countryside and protect our environment for future generations." The site can take most kinds of household waste including wood, glass, metal, electrical appliances including fridges, furniture, clothes and car batteries. Residents can help by sorting rubbish before they leave home. For more information about the county council`s civic amenity sites Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/azserv/civic.htm (opens in a new window). |
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| 26 March 2004 | New classrooms for Marsh Lane Primary |
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Two new classrooms are to be built at an Eckington primary school to improve facilities for pupils and teachers. The £333,000 project at Marsh Lane Primary School in Marsh Lane has been made possible after Derbyshire County Council agreed to fund the bulk of the cost, with the school contributing £15,625. Work will begin at the end of March and should be completed by the end of August. In addition to the new classrooms, the project will see the construction of a new entrance lobby to the school, improved disabled access and the installation of a disabled toilet. For many years the school has had to divide its hall up to create two classrooms due to a lack of space. This has prevented pupils from having indoor PE lessons. Once the new classrooms are complete the dividing wall in the hall will be removed and the building will revert to being used for PE lessons and other functions, such as assemblies. The extension will be built in natural stone and have a natural slate roof to meet planning and conservation requirements. Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "The extension will ensure that the school has the necessary space and quality of buildings to deliver the full National Curriculum effectively to pupils. "It will also mean that the school has the facilities for disabled pupils, staff or visitors that you would expect to find in a modern building. "A lot of care has been taken over the design of the building to ensure that the new extension blends in well with the surrounding buildings and area." |
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| 26 March 2004 | Education action for looked-after children |
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An action plan to raise the educational achievement of children looked after by the local authority has been drawn up by Derbyshire County Council. Educational performance for looked after children in Derbyshire is in line with the national average but the council wants to drive-up standards further. The authority commissioned a study of educational provision for looked-after children in Derbyshire. Areas where the council could help looked-after children raise their level of achievement were identified in the report and a team of senior council officers have now developed an action plan which has been put in place to address these needs. Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education, said: "We are committed to raising the educational achievement of the young people looked after by Derbyshire County Council. "A child`s education has a high impact on their life chances and even though children looked-after by Derbyshire County Council perform in line with the national average, the national picture is that looked-after children are not achieving their potential. "Improving educational provision for these children is a priority for this authority and by putting this action plan in place we will be taking positive steps to improve educational opportunities for these young people." |
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| 25 March 2004 | b_line makes travel easy for pupils |
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School and college goers in Derbyshire are getting a helping hand from b_line this spring to make travelling around the county even easier. A fingertip guide containing all the information needed to travel around Derbyshire has now been put together thanks to Derbyshire County Council. The new wallet-sized card, which has on it every local public transport phone number and website, is being given to all students aged 11 to 17. Pupils will get their card on the front cover of the latest edition of b_line magazine, which they receive at their school or college. The pull-off card also has a phone number for school bus enquiries, a number for b_line enquiries and the national Traveline number for bus, coach or train information making it easier to find out about timetable changes, special offers or track down lost property. Derbyshire County Council, UK Youth Parliament and Connexions funded the making of the cards after Derbyshire Youth Forum came up with the idea. County council cabinet member for community services, Councillor Bob Janes said: "We are delighted to give out these very useful transport guides for our young people to make travelling on public transport even easier. "The card will come in handy if a pupil accidentally leaves their bag on the bus or train or if they want to complain about a bus journey. "We want to encourage them to make the best possible use of Derbyshire`s bus network which provide an excellent transport service across the county throughout the year." b_line magazine`s spring edition is out now and is packed with even more celebrity interviews, exclusive competitions and readers polls as the magazine celebrates its first birthday. 70,000 copies of the magazine are sent to all secondary schools and colleges in Derbyshire every term. For more information about b_line, click here (opens in a new window) to visit the website or contact the county council`s Call Derbyshire call centre on 08 456 058 058. |
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| 24 March 2004 | New music and arts block for Staveley School |
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Work is to start in April to build a £1.27 million music and arts block at a school in Staveley after funding was provided by Derbyshire County Council. Currently sport and drama lessons at Springwell Community School are held at Middlecroft Leisure Centre, which is on a neighbouring site to the school. But following the decision by Derbyshire County Council a new arts and performing arts block will be built on the site of four tennis courts within the school grounds. Councillor John Williams, leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: "We have been trying for some time to improve the music and performing arts facilities at Springwell Community School. "A scheme to rebuild the existing leisure centre by including an arts block unfortunately fell through due to funding problems. "But by using money given to the council by the Government and the European Union we are now able to provide pupils with the modern facilities they deserve." Work to build the new music and performing arts block is due to start in mid April and should be completed by January 2005. The existing tennis courts will be rebuilt on another part of the site within six months of the new block being built. Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for education, said: "Sport England has given its support to the proposals provided that the tennis courts are replaced. "Plans are already in place to do this and a contract will be put out to tender in the near future to enable that to happen." |
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| 23 March 2004 | County thanks Early Years providers |
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A celebration evening to thank early years providers for giving children with disabilities and additional needs excellent development opportunities is to be hosted by Derbyshire County Council. Pre-school and childcare representatives from across Derbyshire have been invited to attend the Celebration of Inclusion event to be held at County Hall, in Smedley Street, Matlock on March 29. The evening will pay tribute to the work done with children with additional needs and disabilities, which may include physical, sensory or learning difficulties. About 100 guests from 50 pre-school and childcare organisations in the private, voluntary and independent sectors will be at the celebration held in the Members` Room, which will include presentations of certificates and a buffet. Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services will make the presentations. He said: "This is the first event of this kind and I am delighted we will be given this chance to say thank you to these organisations for their dedication to working in partnership with us and for the difference they make to so many young lives. "We have so many wonderful people helping to shape the future of Derbyshire`s children and bring out the best in them by providing extra help and support wherever it is needed. "This evening is our way of giving thanks for their time, patience, effort and innovation which helps to make sure youngsters countywide have excellent opportunities to develop." Derbyshire County Council`s early years and childcare service provides inclusion advice, support and training to childcare providers in the private, voluntary and independent sector. It aims to provide affordable, accessible high quality education and childcare for young people from birth up to the age of 14 - and up to 16 for those with additional needs. |
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| 22 March 2004 | Next step for project promising 100 new jobs |
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The green light has been given to £2.2 million funding for a regeneration development which promises 100 new jobs. Holmewood business park, near Chesterfield, is to double in size with the development of three more units to provide a further 20,000 square feet of commercial space for companies. Ground floor accommodation at the two-storey units will be suitable for manufacturing businesses with the first floor dedicated to office space. A successful Derbyshire County Council bid for funding will see the Alliance Sub-regional Strategic Partnership provide £1.1 million, with £1.1 million coming from the European Regional Development Fund. The business park, which is just five minutes drive from junction 29 of the M1, already has four units offering 17,000 square feet of accommodation for manufacturing, shops and offices. Derbyshire County Council worked for six years on plans for the original development on former colliery land, which cost £1.7 million when it was built in 1999. The Government`s Single Regeneration Budget awarded £900,000 to the scheme, Derbyshire County Council gave £250,000 and the European Regional Development Fund provided the remaining balance. Councillor Geoff Carlile, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for regeneration, said: "The business park is ideally located for Chesterfield and Clay Cross and has already proved to be a successful venture. "These new units will increase opportunities for companies to develop their premises in a pleasant and modern environment." County council architects designed the three new units and the construction contract has been awarded to the authority`s contract services department. Work will begin on the new units from Monday (March 22) when site preparation starts. It is expected that they will be ready for businesses to move into by April 2005. |
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| 22 March 2004 | Children`s laureate at festival showcase |
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Children`s laureate Michael Morpurgo will be the star attraction during a two-day showcase as part of a Derbyshire County Council festival to promote reading and writing among school pupils. Since the Children`s Festival was launched in October, youngsters across the county have been involved in a variety of projects designed to inspire and encourage them to read and try out creative writing. Pupils worked with artists, historians and environmentalists during the festival which will climax with a showcase event at County Hall, Matlock, on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 March. Michael Morpurgo will address schools on Friday at the event which will feature a range of artists and pupils` creative talents on display from drama and story telling to poetry and music. Michael, who has written more than 90 children`s books, was appointed by the Government to highlight the importance of authors in creating the readers of tomorrow. The event on Saturday will be aimed at governors, teachers and adults interested in the arts and literacy and is free for the public to attend. Roger Taylor, Derbyshire County Council`s chief education officer, will officially launch the event on Friday and Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for education, will open the day`s activities on Saturday. Councillor Charles said: "Children in Derbyshire are reading and writing better than ever before and this is partly because they are being engaged in education they can enjoy. "Projects like the Children`s Festival take pupils out of a normal classroom setting and expand their creativity. This project offers a chance to build on what has already been achieved and develop the reading and writing skills of young people even further. "The showcase event is a chance to celebrate these achievements by giving children the opportunity to shine on a county-wide stage and congratulate them on their hard work." Arts Council England gave Derbyshire County Council a £12,000 Grants for the Arts award to help fund the festival which will continue until July. Anyone wishing to attend the event on 27 March can contact Andrea Dickson at Derbyshire County Council on 01629 580000 ext 2824. |
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| 22 March 2004 | Being young uncovered |
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Issues affecting today`s youth will be the topic of conversation on Saturday March 20 at a Derbyshire County Council conference aimed specifically at young people in Amber Valley. Being Young Uncovered, organised by the Amber Valley Youth Forum in conjunction with the council`s youth service, will address issues including stress, schools, exams, relationships and careers. The event will be held at The Polygon Centre, in Church Street, Alfreton, from 10am-4pm and is free for young people to attend. Workshops featuring drama and dance, team building, wellbeing, art and a climbing wall will be take place at the event. Guest speakers will also be present and the Youth Forum website for Amber Valley A V Uncovered will be launched. Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services, will open the event. He said: "This is a great opportunity for young people in Amber Valley to get together and talk about issues that are important to them as well as trying out new activities and experiences." |
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| 22 March 2004 | Adult community education service top of the class |
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Adult community education classes run by Derbyshire County Council are among the best in the country when compared with those found in other authorities inspected so far. The Adult Learning Inspectorate found that Derbyshire is one of the top performing authorities out of the 50 it has looked at and awarded the county council good or satisfactory grades in all categories that they examined. They found the authority provides:
Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "We are delighted the inspectors have recognised the continued improvements made to adult community education provision in Derbyshire over recent years. "The inspectors were particularly impressed with the fact that ICT provision is made available in local communities, through mobile units, libraries and other local centres. "By making these classes easily accessible, and providing support packages such as crèches, we are offering Derbyshire residents the opportunity to improve their life chances and acquire the skills that make them more attractive to employers." In 2002/03 there were more than 45,000 enrolments for a wide range of adult community education courses at more than 250 centres in Derbyshire. Inspectors were particularly pleased to find that learners taking arts courses were using their new skills for the benefit of the local community. For example, members of a dancing class held a public performance to raise money for charity and learners in an embroidery class made embroidered panels to display in a local hospital. Inspectors were also impressed by the professional and proficient displays of lace, embroidery, pottery and digital imagery that they saw. Councillor Janes added: "As part of the process the inspection team also spoke to learners at classes who were very positive about the benefits they had gained. "These included building self confidence, the opportunity to make new friends and the feeling of achievement once they had completed their course." To ensure the service continues to develop they recommend that the authority:
They are also encouraging Derbyshire County Council to continue its very good community development work, linking together adult learning with the authority`s regeneration policies. |
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| 19 March 2004 | The Sky`s the limit for TV viewing |
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Complaints that there`s nothing on the telly will hopefully be a thing of the past for people living in county council residential homes. Beechcroft Home for Older People in West Hallam is the first of Derbyshire County Council`s 32 residential homes to take delivery of a new 44-inch ultra-slim widescreen back projection television with surround sound, video and DVD player. Sky TV has also been installed at the home in Nursery Avenue, so the residents now have a choice of dozens of channels. Over the next two months all the council`s homes for older people will take delivery of the new TVs and, as long as residents want it, the Sky service will follow shortly after that. Beechcroft manager Debbie Reynolds said: "We are organising film nights for the residents and making sure that everyone gets the best out of it. Obviously some people want to watch sport and others enjoy watching programmes like Oprah Winfrey so we are having to make sure possession of the remote control is shared out fairly." County council cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "The idea for the larger televisions and the Sky is to give older people living in our homes more choice and it is proving to be very popular at Beechcroft. "We are sure it will be well received at all our residential homes as the plan is rolled out across the county." |
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| 19 March 2004 | New project puts pensioners on-line |
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Derbyshire County Council has welcomed £152,500 from the Government for a project to bring the world wide web to pensioners in rural areas. Funding has been granted by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to help older people access information and computer technology. New computer equipment will be placed in schools and community centres under the scheme and will be available for older people to use. Tutors will also be on hand to give assistance and a lap top loan scheme will be set up to allow new users to go on-line in their own homes. The project, which will cost £187,500 in total, was drawn-up by the council`s social services and adult community education service. It was also designed to help more people access county council services on-line. Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services, said: "We are committed to improving services for older people and improving opportunities for lifelong learning in Derbyshire. "I am delighted that the council has received Government funding to make information and computer technology accessible for people in rural areas, particularly older people." He added: "Around a fifth of older people in Derbyshire are currently on-line but we want to help more people reap the benefits of using the Internet. Some older people may never have used the Internet or a computer before while others might not be able to afford to buy a computer for their own home. "Not only will this project provide access to computer and Internet facilities for communities in rural areas but tutors will be available in the computer suites to give guidance and assistance to potential learners." |
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| 19 March 2004 | County cash for vehicle crime crack-down |
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A community safety project to reduce rural vehicle crime in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales has been given a £22,000 boost by Derbyshire County Council. The High Peak and Derbyshire Dales Safer Rural Parking Awards Project is the latest initiative in Derbyshire to be helped by the council`s community safety grant awards scheme. Car parking areas will be upgraded with improved surveillance and signage as part of the crime-cutting project organised by the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales Community Safety Partnerships. Target hardening measures such as pruning and cutting back trees, land levelling and barrier control in car parks will also be introduced in line with new safer rural parking standards. These standards were developed by Derbyshire Police and the community safety partnerships for the Association of Chief Police Officers` national Secure Car Parks Award. The total cost of the project, to be carried out in conjunction with the police, Peak Park, Severn Trent Water Authority and the National Trust, is £28,400. Grant aid is part of the county council`s support for Derbyshire`s eight district-based Community Safety Partnerships, which pull together the resources and expertise of local organisations including the district/borough councils, county council, police and probation service. Launched in 2002, the award scheme aims to strengthen the authority`s commitment to improving community safety and tackling crime and disorder in Derbyshire. So far, more than £451,000 has been distributed. Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "I am delighted we are able to support this project to help reduce rural vehicle crime in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales. "It is vital that we support the work of the eight local community safety partnerships. Our aim is to reduce crime and disorder in Derbyshire and we can do this by continuing to assist the work of groups in local communities." |
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| 19 March 2004 | Calendar dedicated to cream of Social Services |
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A couple are so impressed with the care they are receiving from social services they have made their own calendar to thank the team. Following an illness, Annesley Ibberson, of Elliott Drive, Inkersall, has needed 24-hour care and has been helped to stay living at home with husband David (69), due to care from Derbyshire County Council`s social services home care service. A team of home helps now support Mrs Ibberson (64), every day, visiting at least twice a day to provide care and support as well as providing a home sitting service to enable Mr Ibberson some free time while his wife is cared for. To thank the team personally, the couple came up with the idea of making a calendar featuring the carers. County council social services director Bruce Buckley went to meet the couple and the team and see the calendar for himself after hearing of the Ibberson`s praise. Home care team workers Gary White, Jean Otter and Angela Gourley, as well as domiciliary service organiser Marilyne Woods, met with Mr Buckley to thank the Ibbersons personally. Mr Ibberson said: "We have been so impressed with the care my wife has received from the county council`s home care service that we wanted to do something to recognise their hard work and dedication." County council cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "Our home care service aims to help people remain living in their own homes rather than going into hospital or residential care. "The care Mrs Ibberson is receiving is a good example of how our services can help people to stay together and we are very glad they have been so pleased with the support they are getting. "The calendar they have made is a lovely gesture and it is gratifying for our staff for their hard work to be recognised in this way." |
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| 18 March 2004 | Out of Africa...and in to Derbyshire! |
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Forget pen pals...Derbyshire readers will team up with `book pals` in Namibia as part of a new county council project. Derbyshire County Council is one of only six authorities in the country - and the only one in the Midlands - invited to take part in Reading Africa. Headed by the British Council, the project aims to share the experiences of library staff in the two countries in encouraging more people to read and visit libraries and increase awareness of African authors among Derbyshire readers. It is hoped that Derbyshire residents who enjoy reading will develop links with like-minded people in Namibia over the internet to discuss their favourite titles. And it is planned to hold face-to-face discussions using the video phones which are available to use for free in all of the county council`s 45 libraries. Younger readers in Namibia will also be encouraged to forge links with teenagers in Derbyshire through Book Pushers - where young advocates encourage their friends to read a favourite book. Derbyshire`s library service is also spending £1,000 on two collections of books by African authors which will be circulated to all the county`s libraries. Councillor Bob Janes, the council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "We are delighted to be taking part in this project which we hope will raise awareness of African writing among Derbyshire readers. "We also hope that some of our library users will become `book pals` with readers in Namibia to share their experiences and their favourite books." The county council`s reader development officer Priscilla Bailey will lead the project in Derbyshire. It is hoped to link up with Namibia during Derbyshire Literature Festival, a month-long event being organised by the county council in June to celebrate writing in all its forms. |
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| 17 March 2004 | Newhall community bus passengers stay on the road |
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Derbyshire County Council has ensured Swadlincote Community Transport`s Newhall dial-a-bus service will not be disrupted despite its route having to be changed because of the poor condition of an unadopted road on the service. The county council has liaised with South Derbyshire District Council to change the unadopted access route which leads Oakleigh Avenue and Ashleigh Avenue from Alma Road to Renshaw Drive with immediate affect. Both councils are now trying to come up with a permanent solution to improve the condition of Alma Road and reinstate the original route. |
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| 17 March 2004 | New look for Chesterfield Library |
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Chesterfield Library is to undergo a £200,000 modernisation to improve facilities for visitors. The work at Derbyshire County Council`s library in New Beetwell Street will include re-painting, new carpets and new lights while the meeting rooms and toilets will also be refurbished. It means the ground floor of the library, including the children`s library, the meeting rooms and Browsers` Coffee Shop, will close for three weeks from April 5 to April 26. The upper floor, including the local studies library, will remain closed for a further week and the whole library will re-open on Tuesday 4 May following the Bank Holiday. Councillor Bob Janes, the county council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "Chesterfield Library is our busiest library - and the eighth most visited in the country - and we hope to encourage even more people to enjoy the excellent resources on offer. "This will be the first major refurbishment since the library was built in 1985 and will create a more pleasant atmosphere for visitors of all ages. "The library needs to be closed while the work is carried out and we hope people will bear with us during that time." During the closure library members will be able to borrow items for an extended period and will be able to return them at any Derbyshire County Council library. People can join their local library free of charge and have access to books, CDs, videos, DVDs and free use of the internet. Library users over 12 can take out 16 items on loan - under 12s can have eight items. Books can be renewed, provided no other library user has reserved them, by ringing the county council`s call centre Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058. Alternatively, readers can consult the catalogue, reserve and renew items and check borrower records through the county council`s website www.derbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window) |
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| 17 March 2004 | Council saves Barrow-on-Trent bus service |
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Passengers in Barrow-on-Trent will keep their daily bus service into Derby thanks to Derbyshire County Council stepping in to save it. The `Royal Connection` two-hourly Monday to Friday service from Barrow to Derby was under threat because a three-year funding agreement is due to end on March 28. Since 2001 Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Traction has operated the Royal Connection in an agreement with developer David Wilson Homes to run the service until 400 homes were built on the Royal Country Park estate in Chellaston. Now that time has come Derby City Council has decided not to support the Derby to Chellaston service on which the county council had funded the extension to Barrow. The county council has therefore now pledged to fund the entire Derby to Barrow service as the village has no other daytime bus and the nearest stop into Derby is more than a mile`s walk away from the village centre. County council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "We`re committed to ensuring as many Derbyshire residents as possible have access to our public transport network. We want to protect this daily service but the message is as usual use it or lose it. We have a limited budget and will be monitoring this service over the next few months to make sure it is well used." |
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| 17 March 2004 | A brisk walk is just what the doctor ordered |
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Residents and patients from the Brimington area are being encouraged to go on organised health walks to improve their health and fitness levels. Three health professionals from Brimington medical practices and a local councillor, with support from Chesterfield Walk This Way and Derbyshire County Council, will plan and lead short walks in and around the Brimington area. Walks are starting on Thursday 25 March at noon from the Manor Rest Centre, Manor Road, Brimington and will be every Thursday after that. Health walks are fairly short walks that help people to improve aspects of health by walking in a sociable group at a comfortable speed. The scheme aims to help people make a positive impact on health issues such as weight management, blood pressure, stress, coronary heart disease and increased independence for the elderly. Chesterfield Walk This Way was set up to provide an affordable, sociable and fun alternative to the more traditional forms of exercise. Staff at Walk This Way have developed a comprehensive training and support package for health professionals to help them deliver safe and effective health walks for their patients. Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "Walk This Way can help people take responsibility for their own well-being and we hope by encouraging people to join in these organised walks we will help them make the connection between exercise and a healthy lifestyle. "It is also a chance for the local residents to enjoy the surrounding countryside with likeminded people as there is the opportunity for a cup of tea and a chat after each walk." Funding for the scheme comes from a partnership including Derbyshire County Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, the Countryside Agency, the Three Valleys Project, SRB, the Ramblers` Association, Rethink and Staveley Neighbourhood Management. Following Brimingtons lead further health walks will be starting at other surgeries around the borough and patients should ask at their surgery for details. People can register for the walks or get more information by calling the Walk This Way team on 01246 280978. |
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| 16 March 2004 | Budding chefs rise to food fair challenge |
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Catering students from across Derbyshire will compete to tempt the tastebuds of celebrity chef James Martin at the county`s food and drink fair. Budding chefs from The University of Derby College at Buxton, Derbyshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Chesterfield College are to devise a dish using local produce. James Martin will pick one entry from each organisation to be cooked by the chosen student on the opening day of the fair, which takes place at Bolsover Castle on May 22 and 23. He will taste the entries to decide the winner, who will receive a set of knives as a prize to help sharpen their culinary skills even further. The competition is the brainchild of the county council and Derbyshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry to encourage the development of catering skills in the county and boost local produce. Councillor Geoff Carlile, county council cabinet member for regeneration said: "Talented local students will be using the region`s best ingredients to make their mark in this competition. "The quality of the fair and the chef who will be judging the competitors all adds to the occasion, and it might even herald the start of a career for a future celebrity cook. "This new feature at the fair gives visitors yet another reason not to miss out on this marvellous event." James Martin will be demonstrating on both days of the fair, which will be packed with stalls and exhibitions by local caterers, shops and producers. Other attractions will include an arts and crafts section and children`s entertainment. Since the event was launched in May 2002 it has grown in size and popularity with more than 14,000 people visiting last year. Derbyshire County Council`s tourism budget has £25,000 earmarked towards the cost of the fair. The District of Bolsover, East Midlands Development Agency and the European Regional Development Fund will also provide financial support. About 40 local food and drink producers have already snapped up the opportunity to host a stall and more places are still available. Anyone interested in finding out more about taking part can contact tourism officer Kate Richardson on 01629 585724. |
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| 15 March 2004 | Council backs safer streets campaign |
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Cyclists, shopkeepers, motorists and householders are being urged to help improve safety for guide dog owners and other blind and partially sighted pedestrians. Derbyshire County Council is backing the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association`s Safer Streets campaign which aims to reduce pavement hazards such as parked cars, overhanging hedges, advertising boards and bins. In line with the campaign`s objectives the authority is appealing for residents to consider simple measures which will make pavements safer and easier to navigate for blind and partially sighted people. County council cabinet member for environment and highways Councillor Brian Lucas said: "We`re happy to support this initiative which reinforces the message of our own Pavements are for People campaign. "As Derbyshire`s highways authority we strive where possible to reduce the dangers we`re responsible for such as uneven pavements, fencing off roadworks and carrying out enforcement action if householders do not keep overhanging hedges and trees trimmed. "We`re also carrying out ongoing countywide improvements to install dropped kerbs with tactile paving at junctions and pedestrian crossings, but would urge everyone else to do their bit as well. "A bit of thought about where you leave your bike, bin or car can make a real difference to a person who is blind or partially sighted or walking with a guide dog." Suggestions to help make streets safer for blind and partially sighted people:
The GDBA`s Safer Streets campaign will be launched on March 22. For more information visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/saferstreets (opens in a new window) or call 0118 983 8281 |
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| 12 March 2004 | Worrying knife sales prompt safety concerns |
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A shocking 75 per cent of stores tested by Derbyshire County Council`s trading services have been found to be illegally selling knives to under-age children. Those who made under-age sales included the national retail chains Tesco, Sainsburys, Morrisons and Woolworths, as well as smaller hardware stores. Knives should not be sold to anyone under the age of 16 but when Derbyshire County Council asked five children, aged 13 and 14, to carry out test purchases around the county a worrying 15 stores out of 20 sold knives to the youngsters. As a result trading standards officers have amassed a haul of knives, including kitchen knives, craft knives and carving sets with blades ranging from three to eight inches long. All could have been used as weapons. The authority`s trading standards service has been so shocked by the initial findings that it has temporarily stopped making knife test purchases so it can remind all traders in Derbyshire about their responsibilities and make them aware of the consequences of allowing knives onto the streets. Any traders who ignore this final warning may be prosecuted under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, which made it an offence to sell a knife or knife blade to anyone under 16 years old. The law also applies to axes and other sharp or bladed items that can be used as a weapon. Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "I think the scale of this problem will shock everyone who lives in Derbyshire. "The law is there to prevent potential weapons falling into the wrong hands so they cannot be used to inflict serious injuries. "At a time when Derbyshire County Council is undertaking a number of initiatives to reduce crime and the fear of crime it is crucial that we get the full support of the retail trade in reducing the number of knives that could potentially be used on the streets. "Shopkeepers should be in no doubt that if they continue to sell knives or other bladed objects to under-age children we will not hesitate to prosecute them." All 15 stores that sold knives to under-age children will receive official warning letters from the county council`s trading standards service and advice to help them train staff to prevent a repeat of the problems. Shop sales staff ask for proof of age or refuse to sell if they are not certain if a potential purchaser is old enough to legally buy a knife or bladed object. Traders can obtain advice on the law by ringing Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards on 01629 585858 or by clicking here (opens in a new window). |
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| 12 March 2004 | Second fine for under-age alcohol sales |
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A Chesterfield shopkeeper has been fined for the second time in 12 months after admitting alcohol was sold to an undercover child volunteer at his store. Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards brought the prosecution against Devinder Singh Hayre, the licensee at the Holmewood Your Store in Heath Road, Holmewood, Chesterfield under the 1964 Licensing Act. Chesterfield Magistrates Court was told a 15-year-old undercover child volunteer, accompanied by an enforcement officer from the county council`s trading standards service, visited the store - which is also known as the Decanter - on 16 August 2003 and was able to buy two bottles of VK Vodka orange drink. Devinder Singh Hayre pleaded guilty to a charge of selling alcohol to a person under the age of 18 and another of failing to display a notice with the name of the licensee in a visible location within his premises when he appeared before Chesterfield magistrates on 9 March. He was fined a total of £220 and ordered to pay £155 costs. His shop assistant, Anjala Hayre, pleaded guilty to selling alcohol to a person under the age of 18 and was fined £100 and ordered to pay £155 costs. The court heard that Devinder Singh Hayre had already been fined £100 in March 2003 following a similar incident where he admitted selling alcohol to a child under 18 during an undercover visit on 9 August 2002. Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "It is particularly disappointing that this trader was found to be selling a vodka drink to an underage child a year after being prosecuted for a similar offence. "The fine he has received sends out a message to all traders that Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards will continue their crackdown on underage sales and bring prosecutions whenever the law is broken. "We have carried out a high profile publicity campaign highlighting the law regarding alcohol sales so there is no excuse for traders not to know the rules. "Traders who are fined for selling alcohol to an underage child should also be aware that in addition to the fines they face losing their licence, which could put them out of business." Derbyshire County Council`s enforcement campaign to tackle underage alcohol sales will continue throughout 2004. |
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| 12 March 2004 | Road improvements for Stoney Middleton |
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Improvement work is due to be carried out on the A623 between Housley and Farnsley Lane in Stoney Middleton over the next three weeks. Derbyshire County Council is carrying out the £115,000 scheme along a mile-long stretch of the road to replace the worn surface. Work will start on Monday 15 March and take approximately three weeks to complete. The road will remain open but long delays are expected as the speed limit will be reduced from 60mph to 30mph - and in some sections 10mph - to protect workers while the scheme is progressing. County council cabinet member for environment and highways Councillor Brian Lucas said: "We apologise for any inconvenience this scheme may cause but urge motorists to bear with us during this essential work which will improve the route for all road users." To ease potential delays motorists are encouraged to find alternative routes during the work where possible. |
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| 10 March 2004 | Views welcomed at new inspired group |
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Older people are invited to the third meeting of a new forum set up to give people aged over 50 a voice in Chesterfield. The Chesterfield 50+ Inspired Group has the backing of Derbyshire County Council and Chesterfield Borough Council and had its first official meeting in January. The group is holding its next meeting on Thursday 18 March at the Assembly Rooms, Market Hall, Chesterfield, between 10am and noon and anyone aged 50 years or over is invited along. The meeting will be an `open forum` and people attending will get the chance to give their views and discuss services and issues that affect older people. Around 60 people attended the last meeting and a committee of 10 people has now been set up. The 50+ Inspired Group will now meet on the third Thursday of every month, and the meetings will alternate between open forums and committee meetings. At previous open forums the group has discussed issues ranging from street lights to public transport. The group gives older people the opportunity to exchange ideas with each other and with decision-making organisations including councils and primary care trusts. It is linked to the national `Better Government for Older People` programme - a national initiative launched in 1998 to give older people a voice to improve public services. Chair of the 50+Inspired Group Edna Adams said: "It is important that older people have a voice and the more people there are that come along the louder that voice will be." Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "The Inspired Group has really taken off and we are pleased to see so many older people getting involved. "It is essential that older people`s views and opinions are heard and this is an excellent way of making sure that happens." |
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| 10 March 2004 | Top photographers reveal the world |
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Photographs from all over the world taken by UK top journalists are going on display at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery on Saturday (13 March). The exhibition, Spirit of the Outdoors, has been put together by the Outdoor Writers Guild and features work by some of Britain`s leading outdoor photographers and writers. There are images from beneath the ocean, underground and from some of the highest peaks on the earth. The images shed new light on familiar places like the Lakes and the Peak District, and there are places that some of us will never see for ourselves, like the Australian Outback and the ice-bound peaks of the Yukon. The exhibition can be seen at the museum on Terrace Road, Buxton until Saturday 1 May. Anyone wishing to find out more can chat to Guild members Dave Wynne-Jones and Karen Frenkel who will be at the museum on Saturday 20 March and Saturday 24 April between 11am and 1pm. Derbyshire County Council`s Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for community services said: "We`re delighted to welcome Outdoor Writers Guild and their collection of photographs to the museum and art gallery and are sure their work will generate a lot of interest among our visitors. Spirit of the Outdoors promises to be a fascinating exhibition with something for everyone in this collection of 60 pictures." Visitors to the gallery can also see Getting to Grips with Objects, a major exhibition displaying artwork inspired by cultural objects including African masks, which runs until 27 March. Art by pupils from Buxton Infant School, Peak Dale Primary School, St Thomas More School and Buxton Community School can be seen alongside the original artefacts. To accompany this exhibition, a free family mask-making workshop takes place on Saturday 27 March 11am to 1pm, but as places as strictly limited, please phone the museum on 01298 24658 to book your place. 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. |
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| 10 March 2004 | Stop, Look and Listen...to us! |
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A conference to find out what children and young people think of the services on offer to them across Derbyshire is being held later this month. The Stop, Look and Listen! To Us Conference is being held at County Hall in Matlock on Saturday 13 March and dozens of young people from across the county have been invited. The conference has been organised using money from the Government`s Children and Young People`s Unit and is being hosted by Derbyshire County Council`s Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and Fairplay. Fairplay, along with the Derbyshire Children`s Fund programme are using the conference to try to find out what children and young people think about local services that are offered to them and how they could be improved. A variety of ways will be used to consult with the young people including using digital images in a number of different ways and a `Big Sister` diary room. They will also get the chance to be reporters for the day. The day is being supported by Chesterfield Football in the Community, Third Piper, Forest Schools, Chesterfield Sure Start Healthy Living Centre, the Big Blue Bus, Donut Recording Studios, productive dance hosted by Deincourt Community School, the Children`s Fund, Connexions, the county council`s youth service, the Derbyshire Youth Forum and Positive Futures. The event is being opened at 10am by the county council`s cabinet member for community services and chair of Derbyshire`s Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership Councillor Bob Janes. Councillor Janes said: "There are young people coming from across the county and we are expecting the day to be a great success. "It is an excellent opportunity for a variety of organisations to find out exactly what young people think of the services on offer to them and to listen to their views." Councillor Janes added: "We are very pleased all the agencies have agreed to get involved on the day and offered their support to the conference." For more information about the conference please contact Fairplay on 01246 347540. |
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| 10 March 2004 | Plans to improve Smedley Street unveiled |
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Plans have been drawn up to improve pedestrian safety and ease traffic congestion in a busy Matlock road. Derbyshire County Council has drawn up proposals for Smedley Street, which runs between the two main blocks of the authority`s headquarters at County Hall. The proposals include plans to build a pedestrian plateau over the road from the main reception entrance in South Block to the North Block entrance to slow traffic and create a level crossing for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Kerb build-outs protected by bollards would also be installed at this point to reduce the crossing distance between the two entrances and prevent delivery vans from blocking the road and reducing visibility for pedestrians. A delivery area would be created to one side of the entrance to avoid congestion. Existing parking bays would remain along Smedley Street but disabled parking would be doubled to four spaces. If the proposals are approved build-outs with tactile paving would also be installed at both ends of Smedley Street to improve visibility for vehicles pulling out of the road and to make it safer and easier for pedestrians to cross. Street lighting would also be improved. County council cabinet member for environment and highways Councillor Brian Lucas said: "We`re keen to improve pedestrian safety and reduce congestion on this busy road and feel these proposals offer the best solution. But we want as many people to have their say before we make a final decision so hope they take this chance to make comments." If consultation feedback is positive the road would be closed from its junctions with Rutland Street and Wellington Street for up to two weeks while work is carried out. A plan of the proposals can be seen in the main County Hall reception area off Smedley Street, Matlock, until the general consultation period ends on March 19. The consultation deadline for the plateau is March 26 and for the parking orders April 2. Objections to the proposals, stating the reason for the objection, should be sent in writing to: Director of Environmental Services, North Western Schemes Team, Derbyshire County Council, County Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3AG. |
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| 10 March 2004 | Historic gardens of Derbyshire |
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Keen gardeners, local historians and anyone interested in horticulture may be interested in a talk being held at Chesterfield Library on Friday 2 April. Local garden expert Lucy Clemson will be sharing her knowledge of historic Derbyshire gardens with an illustrated talk on the subject at the Derbyshire County Council-run library in New Beetwell Street, Chesterfield. The talk starts at 10am and includes a slideshow of images of historic gardens in Derbyshire. Derby resident Lucy Clemson started her career in horticulture in the 1940s and since retiring in 1975 has been a freelance lecturer. During her work Lucy looked at one of the world`s most important private botanical gardens, Les Cèdres, in the South of France. She also lectured for many years at the Derbyshire College of Agriculture and Horticulture. County council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes, said: "We are delighted to welcome a local expert into one of our libraries. "Our talks have proved extremely popular in the past and continue to bring Derbyshire`s colourful past to life. "I am sure there are many passionate gardeners out there who will be very interested in Lucy`s gardening discoveries over her many years in Derbyshire." Tickets cost £2 for adults or £1.60 for concessions and are on sale in Chesterfield Library at the reception desk. For more information on any event at Chesterfield Library call 01246 209292. |
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| 10 March 2004 | Don`t bin it...compost it! |
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Residents throughout Derbyshire are being urged to reduce the county`s rubbish mountain - and turn kitchen scraps in to compost.
SOUTH DERBYSHIRE/AMBER VALLEY/EREWASH:
CHESTERFIELD/NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE: |
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| 09 March 2004 | Markham site work begins |
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A major milestone in the development of Derbyshire`s biggest ever regeneration project has been reached with the start of work to ready the site of the former Markham Colliery for redevelopment. The former pit site will form the business park centrepiece of the Markham Employment Growth Zone (MEGZ) bringing with it the prospect of £130 million of new investment, three million square feet of commercial floor space and up to 5,000 new jobs. A key feature of the site will be a direct link to the adjacent M1 motorway created by the construction of a new junction 29A and an upgraded local road network. The county council`s application for planning consent for the development is currently in the hands of the District of Bolsover, Chesterfield Borough and North East Derbyshire District Councils with the hope of a final decision being made later this year. Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has already said he won`t step in with a public inquiry if the district councils wish to approve the proposals. In the meantime, contractors have moved onto 25 acres of the colliery site adjacent to Markham Lane to clear the land and form the platform for new roads and buildings in the first phase of £50 million worth of work to prepare the land for its new use. The work is being funded by English Partnerships, the European Regional Development Fund and the East Midlands Development Agency through the North Derbyshire / North Nottinghamshire Sub Regional Strategic Partnership. Visiting the site this week, Council Leader Councillor John Williams said he was pleased that work on site was now underway in a £1.75 million contract due to be completed in about 10 months by reclamation specialists C A Blackwell (Contracts) Ltd. He said: "This is an important step towards achieving our ultimate goal of bringing a vibrant new life to this site, large parts of which have been neglected for a long time. "The contractors will clear the land, excavate the ground, sort and crush concrete waste and renew the sewers in the area to serve both existing and new buildings. " Councillor Williams added: "This is an exciting time which I believe will bring a great improvement in fortune for the local communities. We recognise that some people will be understandably apprehensive about the future, but I am confident that they will see a new economic beginning for the area as a whole." |
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| 09 March 2004 | Community project shortlisted for national award |
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A project that transformed an overgrown former school field into a community garden has made it to the national finals of a top regeneration award. Hunloke Community Garden, in Birdholme, Chesterfield, will compete against three other finalists from England in The Coalfields Regeneration Trust awards for best practice project on March 25. The garden, which has been chosen from 185 nominations, was set up in 1999 to provide a green space for local people and involve them in the regeneration of their area. Volunteers maintain the project, which is managed by the Rother Community Action Partnership - a community group set up with the help of Derbyshire County Council`s local community economic development team. The plot, which features trees, plants, shrubs, a greenhouse and pond, is used to produce fruit and vegetables and also provides a training ground for local people studying for City & Guilds qualifications in horticulture. If the garden takes the top prize for England it will join the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland winners to battle it out for the UK title on March 26. The awards presentation on March 25 will be staged at Sheffield`s Hilton Hotel, with the March 26 ceremony taking place at The Source, Meadowhall, Sheffield. Councillor Geoff Carlile, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for regeneration, said: "It is fantastic to see good practice in Derbyshire being held up as a positive example for authorities who are regenerating coalfields regions around the UK. "From humble roots this garden has blossomed into an asset for the whole community - thanks to the continued efforts of the local people." Hunloke Community Garden is already a prize-winning scheme having scooped awards for environmental improvement and community regeneration in Derbyshire`s 2002 Greenwatch awards. Grant funding from sources including The Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Single Regeneration Budget and Alliance Sub Regional Strategic Partnership has helped to maintain the project and create three full-time posts; garden co-ordinator, deputy garden co-ordinator and an education and marketing worker. Carol Ellis, chairwoman of the Rother Community Action Partnership, said: "We know how good the garden is and how much joy and opportunity it brings to the local community. "If the work we have done can be picked up and used elsewhere to help other people enjoy the same benefits we will be overjoyed." Open between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday, the garden is situated to the rear of the Hunloke Centre, off Church Street South. For further information contact 01246 234739 or e-mail hunlokegardens@btconnect.com. |
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| 08 March 2004 | More schools urged to join anti-bullying scheme |
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A revised guide has been produced as part of a drive to encourage more schools to sign up to a successful Derbyshire County Council anti-bullying scheme. The authority`s Anti-Bullying Commitment (ABC) Quality Assurance Scheme was set up in 1996 to encourage schools to introduce strategies to prevent and deal with bullying issues. Since then 198 primary, secondary and special schools have signed up to the scheme and are working towards initial, interim and excellence awards that recognise the progress made to introduce and implement effective anti-bullying strategies. A revised version of the ABC pack is being sent to Derbyshire schools that is easier to understand, less time consuming for teachers to work through and more user friendly. The pack provides a blueprint for schools to introduce anti-bullying measures and is based on a set of performance indicators that they need to work towards if they are to achieve one of the awards. Derbyshire County Council is hosting a conference on 10 and 11 March at Ringwood Hall Hotel, near Brimington, to give teachers and other staff the opportunity to attend a range of workshops and presentations to share good practice that can prevent bullying problems. Schools will also be encouraged to register with the ABC scheme. Delegates at the conference will see the Red Earth Theatre Company perform a play called the Tulip Touch, which explores the causes and implications of bullying. Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "While the overall content of the pack remains the same we hope the new format will make it easier for schools to know how to introduce anti-bullying measures. "Bullying is an issue that can have a long lasting impact on children`s lives and can lead to low self-esteem and truancy problems. "Derbyshire County Council sees the ABC scheme as a vital way of working in partnership with schools, and pupils themselves, to make sure that bullying behaviour in any form is not tolerated." A few of the ABC schemes introduced by Derbyshire schools include:
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| 08 March 2004 | Minister to give keynote conference speech |
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Junior education minister Ivan Lewis will be the keynote speaker at a high-profile conference to look at education and training issues for 14 to 19-year-olds in Derbyshire. The conference, called Future Thinking for Partnership Working, is expected to attract 150 delegates including headteachers, college principals, training providers from Derbyshire and Derby and representatives from businesses, Connexions, the Derbyshire Learning and Skills Council and the Derbyshire Education Business Partnership. During the two-day event, which is being jointly led by Derbyshire County Council, education providers will:
Ivan Lewis, parliamentary under secretary of state for skills and vocational education, will outline the Government`s vision to raise the level of attainment among 14 to 19-year-olds and to increase participation and retention in education and training. Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "We are delighted that Ivan Lewis has agreed to be our keynote speaker because Government ministers do not normally attend conferences organised by local authorities. "The fact he has chosen to come to the area shows that the partnership work we are doing to provide young people in Derbyshire with a range of training and education opportunities is recognised at a national level." Ted Wragg, Emeritus Professor at Exeter University and a regular columnist for the Times Educational Supplement, and a representative from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority will also speak at the conference, which will be held at the Gateway Hotel, off junction 26 of the M1, on 17 and 18 March. |
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| 08 March 2004 | County council steps in to protect meals-on-wheels |
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Hundreds of vulnerable people in Erewash will continue to receive their meals-on-wheels service thanks to Derbyshire County Council. For the authority is stepping in with extra cash to protect the service after Erewash Borough Council pulled out of the scheme. Erewash Borough Council is set to axe its £17,000 contribution because it says "it has no statutory duty" to provide the service. But Derbyshire`s Cabinet member for social care and health Anne Western said meals-on-wheels had always been a partnership scheme delivered by the county and district councils. "We`ve done our best to persuade Erewash to continue to support the service. We`re very disappointed," commented Councillor Western. "It would appear that despite a 7.5% increase in its council tax Erewash Borough Council is still cutting its support for vulnerable people." She added: "Just because it is not a "statutory" service, doesn`t mean local people - often older or disabled residents - don`t rely on it. "I`m very glad that Derbyshire County Council is stepping in. Unlike Erewash Borough Council, we recognise the vital support meals-on-wheels provide in helping many people continue to live in their own homes." Around 6,000 meals-on-wheels are delivered fortnightly to nearly 700 Erewash residents at an annual cost of about £58,000. Councillor Western added: "I want to reassure local people that Derbyshire County Council will make sure their meals-on-wheels service is not affected. "Unlike Erewash Borough Council, we would rather cut bureaucracy than important front line services which make a real difference to the quality of local people`s lives." |
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| 05 March 2004 | Everything you need to know at your local library |
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Got a question? Information on anything from consumer rights to health and housing will soon be even easier to find at your local library. Derbyshire County Council is revamping the take away leaflet service it already provides to improve the system for users in all its 45 branches. The move is in response to feedback from a review of the council`s library services which showed that providing up-to-date information on issues such as tax, benefits, legal advice and a range of public servic | |