August

Work has begun on a new two-storey teaching block as part of a £7.69 million improvement scheme at Mill Hill School.

An old timber-framed section of the original school, containing 22 classrooms, was built in the 1950s and is due to be replaced.

A new purpose-built block will replace the two-storey element on an adjacent playing field of the site at Peasehill, Ripley.

An adjacent single-storey building containing the main hall, kitchen, gym and three classrooms, will remain.

The new accommodation, due to be completed by October 2007, will feature:

• general teaching rooms

• science, art and IT facilities

• offices

• staff rooms

• staff and student toilets

• disabled access toilets

Work will also include the refurbishment of the adjacent teaching block, the creation of a multi-use games area, 58 extra car parking spaces, new paths, fencing and landscaped areas. 

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “In partnership with the Government we work hard to provide the highest quality learning environments to help our students achieve their full potential and make the most of their school life.

“The new teaching block and improvements being made to the buildings and grounds will set the scene for pupils and teachers to experience the most exciting and innovative education.”

Pupils and staff will continue to use the main teaching block and temporary classrooms during the building works, which began today. 

The old, timber-framed section will be safely demolished towards the end of the project when the new block is ready to accommodate lessons.

Derbyshire County Council is contributing £1.5 million towards the total cost of the project with £194,255 funded by the school and £6 million coming from the Department for Education and Skills (DfES). 

Councillor Charles added: “These improvements offer first-class facilities and space to cater for the needs of current and future students and staff at Mill Hill.

“We are extremely pleased that the Government has agreed to make this significant investment in young people living in and around Ripley.”

Aiming high… (left to right) Allan Kerr, business and development manager for Mill Hill School with Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, and Mill Hill School headteacher Sarah Graham.

(REF:FW.358.06)

Staff and users of Derbyshire County Council’s catering service are celebrating after it was awarded a prestigious Charter Mark for the second time.

The service provides about 44,000 primary, secondary and special school meals per day, which are cooked and served in 430 kitchens and dining centres.

First awarded the Charter Mark in December 2002, the service successfully completed a two stage assessment to retain the status.

Assessors reported strengths including:

• excellent and highly motivated staff – particularly staff in school units who deliver a very high quality service

• high levels of satisfaction with the quality of food and consistency 

• many examples of staff in school units “going the extra mile”

• good leadership at all levels and good service planning which involves staff in the process

• first-rate financial management with performance of staff measured against financial targets

• good partnerships – particularly with local food producers.

An application form was completed in June, which demonstrated how the service complied with six Charter Mark criteria to:

• set standards and perform well

• actively engage with customers, partners and staff

• be fair and accessible to everyone and promote choice

• continuously develop and improve

• use resources effectively and imaginatively

• contribute to improving opportunities and quality of life in the communities served.

This was followed by a two-day on site evaluation where assessors studied the commitment to excellence of all staff. 

Additional interviews were also held with staff, customers and representatives of partner organisations.

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “I’m delighted the catering service has received this accolade once again, recognising the excellent school meals provision offered throughout Derbyshire.

“The achievement of a second Charter Mark is an ongoing activity as the criteria must be met and improved upon throughout the three year period the first award is valid for.

”This is great news for everyone who has worked so hard to improve upon the service’s already high standard.”

Top marks… (left to right) Ian Thomas, assistant director for resources, Peter McGrath, county catering manager, Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support and Steve Bateman, staff development and quality assurance manager.

(REF:FW.357.06)

A project aiming to get more disabled people into work in the public sector is to be highlighted at an information event next month. 

Derbyshire County Council is organising the event on Monday 4 September in Mackworth, Derby, which will give people an insight into the countywide `Disability Employment Project’ which aims to create opportunity, employment and inclusion for disabled people. 

The project works closely with Jobcentre Plus and Pathways to Work, Mencap Pathways, Derbyshire Coalition for Inclusive Living, and Workstep. It also works with supported employment services and job brokers, who help people to prepare for the world of work. 

The project has pledged to work towards getting 120 people who are currently on an incapacity benefit into employment in the county council, all Derbyshire district and borough councils and NHS trusts for a minimum of 16 hours a week for a minimum of 13 weeks. 

Project officers will work with people to identify their skills, provide information about appropriate job vacancies and provide ‘hands on ‘ support where needed. 

The project is also hoping to help people with a disability get work placements, job tasters and paid work of less than 16 hours a week to help them progress into longer-term employment. 

Another significant aim of the Disability Employment Project is to try to change the culture and attitudes sometimes held towards people with a disability and to enable employers to see the benefits of hiring someone with a disability. 

The project is set to run until March 2008 and representatives from a wide range of organisations have been invited along to the information event at the Mackworth Enterprise Park in Prince Charles Avenue, to find out more. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults Councillor Dave Allen said: “Disabled people are under-represented in the workforce and the Welfare to Work group is working hard to re-address this. 

“Employment is a more positive alternative to welfare for many disabled people and this project will increase the number of opportunities available and support people’s progress into work.” 

Councillor Allen added: “The project is also focusing on trying to change the attitudes of employers towards disabled people and helping them to see the ability before the disability.” 

Spending a fun day at the beach is not a pastime usually available for young people in the High Peak.

But Derbyshire County Council’s youth service made it a possibility as part of its summer programme of events.

Fairfield Youth Centre in Buxton became a beach yesterday (August 24) with five tonnes of sand deposited on the facility’s fields, complete with bucket and spades, swing boats and deck chairs.

Youth service staff organised a range of activities, including kite-making and sandcastle competitions, which took place between 1pm and 5.30pm. Firefighters from Buxton also attended to arrange water games.

The Victoria Park Road centre hosted the beach party as the finale to a wide variety of summer activities held throughout July and August.

Aimed at youngsters aged 11 and above, the summer events were supported by High Peak Community Housing. 

Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “We wanted to give young people the chance to take part in interesting activities so they could tackle new challenges, meet new friends and have fun.

“Our events provide positive opportunities for youngsters and open up possibilities they may not otherwise be able to access.” 

Life’s a beach... (left to right) Hannah Tomlinson, Danielle Blinco, Jessica Lacey, Shannon Turner, Danielle Lacey, Troy Harrison, Councillor Bob Janes,  Lauren Dale, Ashley Dale, Stephen Jackson, Ainsley Armstrong and Daniel Tomlinson enjoy the beach.

Derbyshire schoolchildren have outperformed the national average in test results for seven and 11-year-olds published by the Government.

At Key Stage 1 – the national tests for seven-year-olds – Derbyshire pupils outperformed the national average in all four areas by between four and six per cent.

At Key Stage 2 – the national tests for 11-year-olds – Derbyshire students matched the national average in writing and outperformed it in English, reading, maths and science.

The results continue the trend of recent years and have been welcomed by Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support.

He said: “These are a really good set of results which show that Derbyshire schools are providing a good quality of education for young people.

"Pupils, teachers, parents and governors all deserve praise for their part in achieving these results.

"Our school improvement advisers have supported schools in their efforts to raise standards in all the core subjects. This strategy is clearly working and is one that we will continue to develop in the coming year.”

Parents are being urged not to take the test results in isolation as they only provide part of the story about how schools are helping students to develop and progress.

The Key Stage 1 and 2 results are provisional and the final statistics will be subject to appeals by schools.
Derbyshire’s figures are as follows (national figures in brackets):  

Key Stage 1 – percentage of pupils reaching the benchmark level 2: 

• Reading: 90 per cent (84 per cent)
• Writing: 87 per cent (81 per cent) 
• Maths: 94 per cent (90 per cent)
• Science: 94 per cent (89 per cent)

Key Stage 2 – percentage of pupils reaching the benchmark level 4: 

• English: 80 per cent (79 per cent)
• Reading: 84 per cent (83 per cent)
• Writing: 67 per cent (67 per cent)
• Maths: 78 per cent (76 per cent)
• Science: 89 per cent (87 per cent)

(REF: JF.355.06)
    

Residential homes and day centres are celebrating after their gardens won top awards in a competition organised by Derbyshire County Council. 

A total of 20 groups entered the social services amenity fund contest – pruning, planting and tending their plants and shrubs to be in line for cash prizes. 

The competition – which has been running for 12 years – aims to involve staff and people who use the centres and homes in gardening projects, encouraging recycling and improving the environment. 

Any social services establishment can enter and over the years the competition has helped to transform gardens and the outside of buildings across the county. Entrants must supply pictures taken before the make-over. 

There were categories for adult centres - which were divided in to categories for full garden and minor displays - and a full garden category for children’s centres. 

There is also a prize awarded by Unison and one for the tallest sunflower, which will be decided on 15 September. 

Prizes range from £150 to £25 and will be awarded during a ceremony being held at County Hall, Matlock, at noon on Tuesday 19 September. 

Councillor David Allen, cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults, said: “Each year we see some wonderful results from this competition and this year has been no exception. 

“It is inspiring to see what can be achieved when everyone works together and there have been some beautiful garden displays. They have made the environment better for themselves and other people.” 

Here is the full list of winners: 

Full garden – adults:

First prize – Underhall Resource Centre, Two Dales   £150 

Joint second prize – Hillcrest Home for Older People, Ilkeston   £75; The Dales Home for Older People, Repton   £75 

Third prize – Goyt Valley House Home for Older People, New Mills   £50 

Minor display – adults:

First prize – Derwent House Home for Older People, Chesterfield   £100 

Second prize – Homlea Home for Older People, Tibshelf   £75 

Third prize – Hasland Resource Centre, Hasland   £50 

Full garden – children:

First prize – Glenholme Family Centre, Long Eaton   £150 

Second prize – Spire Lodge Family Centre, Chesterfield   £100 

Third prize – Top Road Family Centre, Calow   £50 

Unison prize:

Blackwell day Centre, Blackwell   £30 

(Ref:CC.356.06)

Expertise and top facilities will help boost achievements for students following completion of work to two specialist schools in Derbyshire.

New Mills School and Sixth Form Centre is a designated specialist in business and enterprise while Glossopdale Community College has specialist art college status.

Both schools were awarded their specialist status – along with funding – by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) from September last year.

Work to provide the schools with excellent facilities to support their chosen specialist areas has been taking place and is due to completed by the beginning of October.

At New Mills £298,000 of improvements mean the Church Lane school and post-16 education centre now boasts a new vocational warehouse for use by students, neighbouring schools and the local community. 

Qualifications in basic construction skills offered there include:

• plastering

• decorating

• bricklaying

• tiling 

• dry-stone walling

• joinery.

Existing ICT and business studies facilities have also been refurbished with upgraded computers, laptops and software and new furniture, seating, carpets and décor.

The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) provided £100,000 funding, with £153,000 contributed by the school, £35,000 from the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership (DDEP) and local sponsorships meeting the remaining £10,000.

Glossopdale Community College had £150,000 pumped into a hall conversion to provide a recording studio and large music area with better lighting, sound systems and seating at the Talbot House site and a gym was converted into a dance studio and performance area at the main site in Talbot Road. 

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “The students at these schools benefit from their specialist status – as do the wider communities they serve.

“In New Mills local businesses and traders will be able to access the facilities at the vocational warehouse and the students leaving with qualifications will be a valuable addition to the local workforce. The valuable contribution by DDEP to this project is especially welcome.

“Local primary schools which feed into Glossopdale Community College will gain from the improved arts provision they can access.

“Specialist schools have a knock-on effect throughout the county as the good practice and expertise gets shared across the learning networks.”

The Government target that three-quarters of all secondary schools should have specialist status by 2006 has already been exceeded in Derbyshire. Of the county’s 47 secondary schools 38 have specialist accreditation.

(REF:FW.354.06)

Getting out and about should be a lot easier for people in Somercotes when Derbyshire County Council launches its new bus service into Alfreton.

The new 152 will be launched on 4 September to provide a much-needed link to shops, health services and other facilities in the town centre.

Running every hour from residential estates in Somercotes six days a week from 7am until 6pm, the service will also cater for people travelling to work with convenient stops at Meadow Lane Industrial Estate, Alfreton High Street and the bus station. 

The new service will replace the old, less frequent 152 and 153 buses. But it will continue to serve Lower Birchwood, Sleetmoor Lane, Long Meadow Road and Beech Avenue areas.

Low floor, easy access buses will normally be used on the route making it easier for passengers with pushchairs and people who have difficulty getting up steps.

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities, said: “Improving roads and providing good public transport in one of our key priorities.
“We’re supporting bus and train networks to make it easier for people to get out and about.
“This new service will make shopping, visiting friends and even getting to work much easier for people in Somercotes.”

Doyles bus company will run the new service on behalf of the county council.

As with all local bus services in Derbyshire, Gold Cards and b_line cards giving free and discounted travel courtesy of the county council can be used on the 152.

Bus times for all services in Derbyshire are available from traveline on 0870 608 2 608 or on the county council’s website at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/transport/public_transport/timetables/ (opens in a new window)

(REF:JM.353.06)

Derbyshire County Council continues its £17m investment into road improvements and repairs with the following schemes:

• A608 Market Street, Heanor - £93,000 road resurfacing is due to take place on 17 and 24 September. The road will be closed on both days from the junction with Wilmot Street to the roundabout at Tesco. Traffic will be diverted via the A608 through Langley Mill on to the A610 Woodlinkin by-pass to Codnor and along the B6007 back to Heanor and vice versa.

• Nook End Road, Heanor - £34,000 road resurfacing is due to take place in the week commencing 11 September. The road is expected to be closed for up to three days. Traffic will be diverted along Kingsway, Douglas Avenue, Milward Road, B6007 Loscoe Road and vice versa.

• A517 Turnditch - £4,500 an electronic warning sign alerting speeding drivers to the 30mph limit is due to be installed near the junction with B5024 Windley Lane during week commencing 25 September.

• A608 Morley Smithy - £9,000 two electronic warning signs alerting speeding drivers to the 30mph limit are due to be installed on each approach either side of Brickiln Lane during week commencing 25 September.

• Holywell Street junction with Sheffield Road and Newbold Road, Chesterfield - £55,000 existing zebra crossing is being upgraded to a traffic light controlled crossing. Work is due to start during week commencing 11 September and is expected to take up to four weeks. Roads may be closed. If so, signposted diversions will be put in place.

• High Street, Clay Cross - £60,000  existing pedestrian crossings will be upgraded to help traffic waiting to turn out of Holmgate Road and Market Street. Sensors will detect waiting traffic and change the lights accordingly. Work is due to start during week commencing 11 September and is expected to take seven weeks. Traffic will be controlled by temporary lights when required.

• A515 Tissington - £80,000 will be closed south of the junction with Washbrook Lane to north of the junction with Rakes Lane for resurfacing. The road is expected to close between 25 September and the 6 October. Traffic will be diverted via the A515, B5054, B5053, A523, A52, A515 (Ashbourne) and vice versa.

• A616 Clowne to Cresswell - £70,000 pavement resurfacing is due to start during week commencing 4 September and is expected to take 10 weeks. Traffic will be controlled by temporary lights and a temporary 40mph speed limit will be in place.

• A619 Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield - £22,000 pavement resurfacing is due to take place on Sunday 10, 17, 24 September and 1, 8 October.

• Hayfield Close, Staveley - £10,500 pavement resurfacing is due to start during week commencing 4 October and is expected to take three weeks.

• Saltergate, Chesterfield - £103,000 will be closed from 7pm until 7am for two weeks from 4 September while the road is resurfaced. Sign-posted diversions will be in place.

• Hawthorn Drive, Beech Walk and Rosend Avenue, Cromford - £50,000 pavements are due to be resurfaced during week commencing 18 September. Work is expected to take up to four weeks. Traffic will be controlled by manually with stop/go signs.

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities, said: “Our £17m commitment to improving Derbyshire’s roads continues with more resurfacing and maintenance works across the county.
“We would ask drivers to be patient while the work is carried out.”

Details of organisations other than Derbyshire County Council carrying out work likely to cause disruption to the county’s roads are available on the county council’s website www.derbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window)

*Anyone who would like to enquire about roadworks being carried out by the county council in their area can contact Call Derbyshire on 0845 6 058 058.

(REF:JM.352.06)

Over 60s and disabled people in Derbyshire can drop off their electric blankets for free safety checks at fire stations and libraries from Wednesday (30 August).

Derbyshire County Council is re-running a successful fire safety campaign in partnership with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and Derby City Council to help prevent house fires caused by electrical faults this winter.

Between Wednesday 30 August and Friday 8 September blankets can be dropped off at any Derbyshire fire station or county council library, including mobiles. Derby residents can drop off their blanket at Kingsway, Nottingham Road or Ascot Drive fire stations. Home collection can also be arranged for people with mobility problems.

Blankets will be tested free of charge by an electrical engineer and available for collection or returned by Monday 16 October in time for the colder nights.

County council cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “We were delighted with the success of this campaign in 2004 and we hope to protect even more of our residents by running it again this autumn.

“It was shocking to realise how many people were using faulty blankets, any one of which could ultimately have been a house fire waiting to happen.”

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue chief fire officer Brian Tregunna said: “This campaign forms part of our overall commitment to encouraging people to think about fire risks in their own home and we’re grateful to be working in partnership with the county and city councils to further this work.”

Derby City Council cabinet member for enforcement Councillor Pauline Latham said: “These checks are an opportunity for over sixties and disabled people to get their blankets tested free of charge by an expert giving peace of mind during the winter months.”

Anyone whose blanket fails the test will be sent a voucher for £5 off the cost of a new blanket up to the cost of £40 or £10 off the cost of a new blanket costing more than £40.

With the voucher prices range from £9.99 for a single underblanket to £59.99 for a double, dual control overblanket (postage and packing free).

• For county council library locations, 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 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 ‘electric blanket campaign’

•  Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service also offers free home fire safety checks to any householder on request. For more information or for general fire safety advice call 01773 837200 or visit www.derbys-fire.gov.uk (opens in a new window)

People who are not online can pick up a campaign leaflet containing blanket safety tips in libraries.

• Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council’s trading standards teams aim to ensure products on sale in the county or bought by Derbyshire consumers are safe and comply with legal requirements. If anyone has bought a product that they believe is unsafe they should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

FREE BLANKET CHECKS: Pensioner Bill Cooper, 67, gets his electric blanket checked for free - joined by Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders (right), chief fire officer Brian Tregunna and Derby City Council cabinet member for enforcement Councillor Pauline Latham.

(Ref: SS.351.06)

Work will start within weeks to extend Derbyshire’s biggest primary school after a £1.34 million scheme was given the go-ahead by Derbyshire County Council.

The extension at Hilton Primary School in Peacroft Lane will mean it can take up to 775 pupils instead of the 655 students it currently has spaces for.

The project will involve building an extension block with four-classrooms, a practical area, toilets, staff room and store room. A footpath will also be built connecting the extension to the existing buildings and an additional playground will be constructed on what is currently a school field.

A replacement school playing field will be created on neighbouring land currently owned by South Derbyshire District Council. This follows a land swap deal which will see South Derbyshire receive land in Welland Road.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “This extension is needed to cope with an expected growth in pupil numbers caused by further new housing estates being built in the village.

“Now that we have planning permission we are keen to start work on the extension, which will be the last major part of work to ensure Hilton has enough school places to cope with the demand.

“However, we are currently working with the school to establish whether we also need to build a dropping-off point for cars. We want to strike a balance between encouraging pupils to walk to school and recognising the reality that some parents will drop off their children in cars.”

Work will start on building the extension in mid-September and should be completed by July 2007.

The school will contribute £30,000 towards the £1.34 million cost, with Derbyshire County Council paying the rest.

The decision to come up with plans to extend Hilton Primary School rather than build a second primary school in the village was taken last year. It followed public consultation about the best way of meeting demand for school places created by new housing developments.

(REF: JF.349.06)

Top food and drink venues across the county will soon be battling it out to scoop a top accolade in the fifth annual Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards.  

Application forms for the 2006 awards are now being sent out to food and drink establishments across Derbyshire and entries are being invited from any catering business serving locally produced food and drink.  

Establishments are judged on a number of criteria including the quality of food and drink, use of county produce and acknowledgement of it on menus, as well as customer service, and there will be a winner and a highly commended in each category.  

The awards are organised by Derbyshire County Council and judged by an independent panel of food specialists, including an AA inspector and a Quality in Tourism assessor.  

A shortlist of businesses is drawn up and then each is visited by a mystery customer before the winners are selected.  

Categories in the competition are:  

• Restaurant of the Year  
• Bistro/Gastro Pub of the Year  
• Tea Room/Coffee House of the Year  
• Restaurant Within An Attraction of the Year  

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “We want to hear from businesses that are proud of their cuisine and the top quality local produce they use and believe they deserve the recognition of receiving one of these prestigious awards.  

“By staging the awards for the fifth year the county council is showing its commitment to supporting local businesses and promoting Derbyshire’s high quality food and drink.”  

Last year’s winners were:    

• Restaurant of the Year – Buckingham’s Restaurant With One Table, Chesterfield.  
• Bistro/Gastro Pub of the Year – The Chequers Inn, Froggatt.  
• Tea Room/Coffee House of the Year – The Restaurant at Chatsworth Farm Shop.    
• Restaurant Within An Attraction of the Year – Jean Pierre’s Bar, Chatsworth.  

The closing date for entries is Friday 15 September and any businesses wishing to enter that have not received an entry form should contact county council assistant tourism officer Steph Walsh on 01629 585964.  

The winners will be announced at an awards dinner in November.  

(Ref.MC.348.06)

A new £5 million housing scheme for older people living in Glossop is on target to open its doors to residents by next summer.  

Derbyshire County Council’s home for older people in Charlestown – Whitfield House – is to be renovated, extended and developed into an `extra care’ housing scheme.  

The scheme is among the first in the county and is being built by South Yorkshire Housing Association (SYHA), in partnership with the county council and High Peak Borough Council.  

Construction is now well underway and Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults Councillor Dave Allen met representatives from SYHA and the borough council to look at the progress, which includes the timber frame being put in place.  

The housing scheme will be made up of a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments for rent or sale and will offer people living in Glossop and the surrounding area an alternative to traditional sheltered housing and residential care.  

The 26 one-bed and 19 two-bed apartments, each with their own private front door, will be available for people aged 55 years and over who need additional care and support and on the site there will be a range of communal facilities which will be open for use by the wider community.  

The communal facilities will include a gym, IT suite, arts and crafts room, assisted bathrooms, shared lounges on each floor and a dining area. It will be surrounded by landscaped gardens and there will also be a large conservatory with tea-making facilities.  

All the areas will have wheelchair access and the latest technology will be used including sensors and alarms.  Extensive consultation has been carried out with Whitfield House residents, their families, staff and local residents, including a `design day’ which gave people the opportunity to find out more about the development and give their views.  

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults Councillor Dave Allen said: “We are very pleased that the Whitfield House extra care development is on target and I believe this is a very important development in the Glossop area.  

“Extra care extends the choices for older people who wish to remain independent and living in their own homes for as long as possible.  

“People can be assessed for the level of care they need and the extra care development gives them the ideal balance of privacy with opportunities to socialise in the communal areas.”  

For more information or to register an interest in one of the properties telephone SYHA on 0114 2900 250.  

(Ref:MC.347.06)

Visitors to this year’s Linacre Woodland Festival found so much to do they came back for a second helping. 

The event – hosted by Derbyshire County Council, Severn Trent Water and the East Derbyshire Woodland Project – was held over two days. And there were so many woodland activities on offer that some people returned for a second day of fun.

Rain did not fail to dampen peoples’ enjoyment of crafts such as chair making, hurdle making, woodland survival crafts, workshops on wild food and cures from the woods and horse and dray rides.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “We had a good turnout for the festival despite some bouts of rain and it was great to see so many people enjoying the activities on offer.

“This is a fun way in which to learn more about our woods and the interesting things they can be used for.”

WOODLAND FUN… (from left) Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas, Emma Jones aged eight from Ashgate and Evie Elliott, aged 11 from Cutthorpe

Pleasure-seekers could enjoy priceless days out in the Peak District without paying a fortune to get there using a Derbyshire County Council-backed bus service.

First bus company’s 218 service direct from Sheffield to Buxton runs up to eight times a day from 7am until 6.30pm via Totley, Baslow,Bakewell, Ashford and Taddington.

And now passengers can make their money go even further with a new group ticket offer which allows up to five people (maximum two adults) to travel for just £7 between them. 

The service, which is part funded by Derbyshire County Council and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, was introduced in January to provide better links between Derbyshire and Sheffield city centre. 

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “Whether you feel like walking, shopping, enjoying a picnic or just watching the world go by, there are plenty of places to stop off with things to do between Buxton and Sheffield.

“Providing good public transport links is one of our key priorities and this enhanced service with discount for groups is just one of the things we’re doing to make it easier for people to get out and about.”

Brandon Jones, commercial director of First in South Yorkshire, added: “Service 218 provides the ideal opportunity to travel from Sheffield into Derbyshire and enjoy what Baslow, Bakewell and Buxton have to offer without having to take the car.”

Bus times for all services in Derbyshire are available from traveline on 0870 608 2 608 or on the county council’s website at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/transport/public_transport/timetables/

Ticket to ride… Councillor Brian Lucas, pictured left, and Brandon Jones plan their route for a day out on the 218.

(REF:JM.346.06)

A lecture being held at a Derbyshire County Council library next month will shed new light on one of the best known figures of the Elizabethan age. 

Elizabeth Hardwick – known as Bess of Hardwick – built the county’s grandest homes Chatsworth House and Hardwick Hall and was the richest woman in England after Queen Elizabeth I. 

Born in 1518 to an impoverished Derbyshire widow, Bess grew up to become a powerful businesswoman. 

She amassed her great wealth mainly through her four marriages with each of her prosperous husbands favouring her in their wills at the expense of other members of the family. 

However Nottingham University historian Philip Riden is set to throw open the debate on how the Derbyshire family acquired their fortune. 

His new research suggests that as remarkable as Bess was her second husband Sir William Cavendish should be given more credit for the family’s rise in fortune. He was persuaded to move from Hertfordshire to Derbyshire to buy and re-build Chatsworth House. 

Mr Riden will also suggest that their second son, who was also called William, contributed to the family’s wealth after successfully speculating in the land market including investing in the development of Bermuda and in trade with India. He was created Earl of Devonshire in 1618. 

The lecture has been organised by staff at the county council library as part of the Historical Association’s Local and Community History Month. 

It is run in conjunction with the Derbyshire Victoria Country History Trust, which is supported by the county council and Nottingham University. It has secured £200,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to research the history of Derbyshire. Mr Riden is leading this research and material presented in the lecture will be incorporated in to a book he is writing. 

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “Bess led an amazing life ending her days as Countess of Hardwick in the house which still stands as a monument to her success. 

“I’m sure this lecture will shed new light on her remarkable achievements and the role that other members of the family played in making the Cavendish family one of Derbyshire’s leading landowners.” 

The lecture will take place at Chesterfield Library on Monday 18 September at 7.30pm. Tickets priced £3 (£2 concessions) are available in advance from the library or at the door. 

(Ref: CC.345.06)

A year spent in Bangladesh has been caught on camera by a Derbyshire photographer. 

Now the pictures taken by Josie Bostin, who is from Chapel-en-le-Frith, are to go on show at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery, run by Derbyshire County Council. 

Through the images Josie shares her experiences, both good and bad, and explores issues she believes people should be more aware of. 

She feels that Bangladesh only receives coverage following a flood or bombing while little heed is paid to the fact that many clothes sold by retail giants are manufactured there by people working in poor conditions. 

The images also demonstrate the beauty of the country which could disappear completely under water - displacing 140 million people - unless there is a change in world environmental habits. 

The exhibition will be previewed on Friday 8 September at 7pm. Josie’s father, Nick, who currently lives and works in Bangladesh, will give a talk on the country on Friday 15 September at 7pm. 

Josie will be at the museum on Saturday 16 September and Saturday 14 October between 2pm and 4pm to talk to visitors about her work. The exhibition continues until Saturday 4 November. 

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “We are rightly proud of the museum’s key role as an exhibition venue and our ability to attract a huge range of artists and photographers to show their work in Derbyshire.” 

Entry to Buxton Museum and Art Gallery is free and as well as this exhibition there is still chance to see prints and paintings of Nepal by Derek English. 

Buxton and High Peak Art Society’s annual exhibition will also be on show at the museum from Saturday 23 September. 

For more information contact Martha Jasko at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery on 01298 24658 or martha.jasko@derbyshire.gov.uk

(Ref: CC.344.06)

There are walks to tempt every taste at this year’s Autumn Footprints walking festival.

The Amber Valley and Erewash festival is organised by a range of groups including: Derbyshire County Council, Erewash Borough Council, Amber Valley Borough Council and Groundwork Erewash Valley. 

The festival kicks off on Saturday 9 September at Shipley Country Park’s visitor centre where there will be a launch ceremony at 10am followed by a guided three mile walk with information on the heritage of the country park. The festival runs until Sunday 24 September.

Other events include:

• Free bird walk for children and adults on Sunday 10 September - 10.30am until 1.30pm. Meet Shipley Country Park visitor centre
• Nutbrook and British Heart Foundation walks - a walk in 3 stages covering the full length of the Nutbrook Trail on Tuesday 12 September, Friday 15 September and Saturday 23 September  (10am until12.30pm )  
• A family ramble on Sunday 17 September – 10.15am until 1.45pm - passing the American Adventure, back past Mapperley Reservoir through John Wood and back to Shipley Country Park. Meet at the visitor centre
• Free map reading for beginners on Friday 22 September – 2pm until 4pm. If you want to know more about map symbols and grid references then this is the course for you. Meet Shipley Country Park visitor centre.
• Wayfaring Competition Sunday 24 September – 10.30am until 12.30pm. Learn about wayfaring and then take part in a competition to collect as many points as you can in one hour – a treasure hunt with a difference! Meet at Shipley Country Park visitor centre

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “The festival promises once again to be great success with many walks and events to suit all tastes.”

Leaflets detailing all the walks included in this year’s festival are available from Shipley Country Park visitor centre, Ripley tourist information centre or alternatively by going to http://www.gev.org.uk (opens in a new window). To avoid disappointment it is advisable to book your walk in advance as places are limited. Please telephone the tourist information centre on 01773 841488 for bookings and further information.

An egg dealer has been prosecuted by Derbyshire County Council for misleading an Alfreton shop into buying battery-farmed eggs by falsely describing them as free range.

Richard Clarke trading as Clarke Brothers, Meadow Lodge, Brinsley, Nottinghamshire faced three charges at Ilkeston Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Monday 14 August) and was ordered to pay a total penalty of £2,000.

Clarke supplied the eggs to the shop in October last year after falsely describing them as free range. Following an inspection by Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards, an egg inspector examined the eggs and found markings on them indicating they had been produced by chickens kept in cages rather than free range. The inspector also revealed the eggs were not correctly stamped with the required information to allow them to be traced back to the original producer.

Clarke was fined £500 under the Food Safety Act for falsely describing the eggs as free range, £500 under the Eggs Marketing Standards Regulations for failing to stamp the correct information on the eggs and £500 under the General Food Regulations for failing to fully identify his supplier. He was also ordered to pay £500 costs by the court.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “When consumers purchase free range eggs that is what they expect to receive. 

“The legislation is in place to protect all of us so that in the event of a food alert the authorities will be able to trace the primary source of any eggs and prevent the problem spreading.

“This supplier was deceiving his customers by claiming he was selling free range eggs and potentially putting people at risk by failing to comply with traceability requirements.

“We will continue to carry out inspections to ensure egg suppliers fully comply with this important legislation”.

Free range eggs are defined by regulations laid down by the European Union stating that the chickens must have open air living conditions. Free range eggs are usually more expensive than battery laid eggs.

(Ref: SS.342.06)

Skaters and BMX riders will be celebrating the official opening of a new park and track next week.  

The Shirebrook Skate Park and BMX Track multi-use play area will be officially opened on Wednesday 23 August at 11am, followed by a demonstration of riders and skaters, live music, competitions and prizes.  

The skate park and track is a joint project between the community-led Shirebrook and Langwith Junction Enterprise and Bolsover District Council, which both helped to fund it.    

It also won funding from The Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Meden Valley Town and Villages Centre Management Programme and the Bolsover Community Safety Partnership and was project managed by Bolsover District Council.  

Young people, local residents and parents Sue Bailey, Sue Green and Claire Seymour have been lobbying for a skate park and track and to help them achieve their goal they worked closely with the county council’s North Eastern Derbyshire Community Economic Development (CED) Team.  

CED team worker Margaret Mitchell worked with a group of local young people and helped to carry out consultation with schoolchildren, which also included a trip to the Houses of Parliament to lobby support.  

The young people were also involved in the design of the site and the scheme was altered to accommodate their views and provide the equipment they chose.  

The new skate park and track is already proving popular and around 150 young people a day have been using it during the summer holidays.  

From next Monday (21 August) there will also be two daily supervised sessions which will run throughout the summer break.  

The CED team’s support will continue now the facility is up and running, with team staff working closely with local schools and sports groups to develop the use of the site.  

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “This new facility is a real boost for young people in the area, many of whom have worked very hard to make their dream of having a skate park and track become a reality.  

“The CED team knew how important this was to local young people and I’m delighted that its support has paid dividends.”  

The Shirebrook and Langwith Junction Enterprise was set up to run as an umbrella group to develop regeneration projects in Shirebrook. Shares in the enterprise are available to buy and anyone aged over 18 years who lives or works in Shirebrook is able to purchase a share for £1. Anyone interested in buying a share should call 01623 744582.  

Anyone interested in joining the Skate Park / BMX Club should call Margaret Mitchell on 01623 747507.  

(Ref: MC.341.06)

Residents in Devonshire Avenue in Long Eaton are the first in Derbyshire to get a ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ in their street after they identified a problem with doorstep crime. 

Persistent and bogus doorstep sellers are warned to stay away from the area in the new initiative backed by Derbyshire County Council.  Signs and door stickers put up around the zone let sellers know they are entering a No Cold Calling Zone and that people in the area don’t want uninvited callers.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety Councillor Joyce Sanders joined residents at Devonshire Avenue to launch the zone on Friday 11 August. She said: “Doorstep sellers often use high pressure sales techniques and it can be difficult to refuse in a face-to-face situation in your own home.

“No Cold Calling Zones have been devised to allow residents to work together to deter unwanted visits from sales people and to increase their confidence to say no when a seller is delivering a hard sell.

“We hope that the introduction of these zones will help us to protect our residents by continuing to reduce and stamp out doorstep crime in Derbyshire.”

Residents can request a zone to help keep rogue traders and bogus callers away if doorstep crime has been identified as a problem in their area and is causing concern.

The No Cold Calling Zones are not intended to prevent legitimate businesses from trading. Reputable companies that sell door to door will have established customers and trade by invitation and so can continue to provide a valuable service to the community.

The county council is working with Derbyshire police, Neighbourhood Watch and Consumer Direct on the new initiative which aims to tackle doorstep crime and provide support to vulnerable residents.

Door stickers are available to all residents and can be picked up at any Derbyshire County Council library.

TACKLING ROGUE SELLERS: Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders puts up the first No Cold Calling Zone sign in Devonshire Avenue, Long Eaton with resident Brian Davies and Inspector Mark Argyle.

Older people and disabled residents in Derbyshire are being urged not to put themselves at risk this winter – by getting their electric blankets checked for free.

Derbyshire County Council is re-running a successful fire safety campaign, in partnership with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and Derby City Council, to target electric blanket users aged over 60 or disabled.

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.

Between Wednesday 30 August and Friday 8 September blankets can be dropped off at any Derbyshire fire station or county council library, including mobiles. Derby residents can drop off their blanket at Kingsway, Nottingham Road or Ascot Drive fire stations. Home collection can also be arranged for people with mobility problems.

Blankets will be tested free of charge by an electrical engineer and available for collection or returned by Monday 16 October in time for the colder nights.

County council cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “We were delighted with the success of this campaign in 2004 and we hope to protect even more of our residents by running it again this autumn.

“It was shocking to realise how many people were using faulty blankets, any one of which could ultimately have been a house fire waiting to happen.

“We are committed to improving safety for all our residents, particularly vulnerable groups like older and disabled people.”

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue chief fire officer Brian Tregunna 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 enforcement Councillor Pauline Latham said: “Worn and old electric blankets are a potential cause of fire and injury. These checks are an opportunity for over sixties and disabled people to get their blankets tested free of charge by an expert giving peace of mind during the winter months.”

Hundreds of lives were potentially saved two years ago when the authority ran the two-week campaign for the first time. More than 1,300 blankets were handed in for testing and nearly 400 of these were so faulty they had to be replaced.

Anyone whose blanket fails the test will be sent a voucher for £5 off the cost of a new blanket up to the cost of £40 or £10 off the cost of a new blanket costing more than £40. With the voucher prices range from £9.99 for a single underblanket to £59.99 for a double, dual control overblanket (postage and packing free).

• For county council library locations, opening times and mobile routes to drop off your blanket Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/ (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 ‘electric blanket campaign’
• Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service also offers free home fire safety checks to any householder on request. For more information or for general fire safety advice call 01773 837200 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.   

Leaflets containing more information about the campaign can be picked up in libraries.

(Ref: SS.339.06)

GCSE students are being offered advice as they wait for the publication of their results.

Derbyshire County Council hopes a record number of pupils will get passes when they find out how they have done in their GCSE exams on Thursday 24 August. 

Last year 92.9 per cent of Derbyshire students got five or more GCSEs at grades A* to G, compared to the national average of 90.2 per cent. The number of pupils getting at least one qualification was 97.9 per cent, compared to 97.4 per cent nationally.

Young people are being urged to think carefully about all their options once they get their results – and to consider staying on to study A-levels or vocational qualifications. 

Councillor John Williams, leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “It is a nervous time waiting for exam results but I hope students are rewarded for their efforts over the past two years.

“As always there will be some people who don’t do as well as expected. If that is the case their school can put students in touch with personal advisers who can go through all the options open to them. These include a wide range of vocational qualifications and modern apprenticeships.  

“Young people who stay on in education or work-based training will have better skills, more opportunities throughout their life and more chance of fulfilling their 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 £30,810 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. 

(REF: JF.340.06) 

New measures are being introduced by Derbyshire County Council to help protect the safety and well-being of children.

A team of staff from the agencies that make up the Derbyshire Children’s Trust – Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire police, health trusts, Connexions and voluntary and community groups - is being set up to ensure six different child protection projects are all co-ordinated.

Most of the projects are being introduced as a result of the Children Act, which aims to try and prevent a repeat of the tragic death of Victoria Climbie in London.

Victoria died in 2000, aged eight, after being tortured by a great aunt and her boyfriend. Several agencies, including social services, health visitors and the police, were aware of concerns about Victoria’s safety but none had all the information needed to realise the danger she was in.

A public inquiry into Victoria’s death recommended that agencies that have dealings with children - such as social services, health organisations, schools and the police – should share information to ensure they are all aware of the possible dangers facing a child.

The new team will begin work to ensure information is shared between different agencies. The six projects they will set up are: 

1. Common Assessment Framework (CAF) – a child will be assessed to see what services or help they need. Once this is done the information will be shared to prevent the need for families to repeat the same information to other agencies. One professional will then be appointed to act as the co-ordinator of all services for the child and family. This has to be introduced by April 2008.
2. Budget Holding Lead Professional – The lead professional in charge of a child’s case is also given the power to buy services to meet the identified needs of the child as quickly as possible.
3. Information Sharing Index – a local and national database that will hold information about all children in England.
4. Integrated Children’s System (ICS) – a system that will record children’s social care records.
5. Children’s Service Directory – an online directory of services for children and families which the lead professional dealing with cases will use to identify where to go for services a child needs.
6. 11 – 19 Prospectus – Derbyshire County Council, Connexions and the Learning and Skills Council are required to produce a prospectus which includes all educational, social, leisure, recreational and other opportunities for young people.

Councillor John Williams, leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “All these projects will link together with one common purpose – ensuring that children in Derbyshire are healthy, happy and safe.

“By introducing these new systems we will be totally changing the way that different professionals work together and breaking down traditional barriers between all the agencies involved.

“It will be a couple of years before all six projects are fully up-and-running but this an important first step in the right direction.”

Derbyshire County Council is planning to spend £265,688 this financial year and £263,720 next year to set up the team to oversee the six projects and ensure they are being introduced.

(REF: JF.338.06)

Two Derbyshire schools are bidding to help students work towards their career goals by providing post-16 education.

Aldercar Community Language College in Langley Mill and Kirk Hallam Community Technology College in Ilkeston are hoping to offer a variety of learning opportunities for post-16 students.

Derbyshire County Council has supported both secondary schools in putting together the curriculum they would offer for the proposed courses and proposals for developing this accommodation on school sites.

A public consultation will take place to put the applications before neighbouring authorities, schools and colleges, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and Diocesan bodies.

The month-long consultation will begin on September 4 to gauge support for the applications. If supported, the authority will decide whether to publish a statutory notice of intent to extend the age range of either or both schools. 

During the six-week publication of statutory notices members of the public will get to submit their support or object to the proposals. 

Following this the authority and the School Organisation Committee (SOC) – a group made up of representatives from Derbyshire County Council, schools, LSC and Diocesan bodies – would consider the proposals again. If supported the schools’ bids for capital funding are then sent for final approval to the DfES and the LSC in December.

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “Helping students to succeed and fulfil their learning potential is a priority for Derbyshire County Council.

“By supporting these schools’ proposals to offer post-16 education we can help the learning community to work together to provide young people with skills and qualifications they will take through their whole life.”

(REF:FW.337.06)

Older people are invited to look good and feel great at a free event being staged in Ashbourne next month. 

The health and well-being day runs from 10am to 3pm on Friday 1 September at Ashbourne Leisure Centre and is open to anyone over the age of 50. 

A range of organisations are involved in the day which is supported by Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Dales District Council. It is organised by the Ashbourne and District 50+ Forum. 

Among the exhibitors will be Keith Hall Hairdressers, Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy, Natural Choice, Ashbourne Health Centre, Derbyshire Dales and South Derbyshire Primary Care Trust, Marjorie Centre and the University of the Third Age. 

Representatives from all the organisations will be on hand to talk to visitors, discuss a variety of issues and offer help and advice.   

There will also be an opportunity to take part in demonstrations and taster sessions.   

In the sports hall, there will be the chance to try badminton, short tennis, aerobics, indoor bowls and table tennis while in the exhibition centre there will be demonstrations of reflexology, Tai Chi, healthy eating and hairdressing. 

There will also be information on the Ashbourne and District 50+ Forum, community transport, chiropody and the chance to receive a health check-up. 

The event, which is running all day, is free and there is no need to book as people are welcome to  drop in at any time during the day. Refreshments will be provided. 

Councillor Dave Allen, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults, said: “A lot has been packed in to this event and there will be something for everyone. 

"I hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to come along to this free day and discover ways of staying fit and healthy.” 

For more information about the event contact Louise Hiron from Derbyshire County Council’s Better Government for Older People Team on 01629 772094 or email louise.hiron@derbyshire.gov.uk

(Ref: CC.336.06)

Young people wanting to make the most of the last three weeks of their summer holidays need look no further than b_line.

Derbyshire County Council’s b_line boredom buster is bursting with activities to suit every interest and they are taking place all over the county until Sunday 3 September.

From football to fly fishing, kayaking to karaoke and breakdancing to boxing, the county council’s comprehensive online guide to the summer holidays has it all.

Set up by the b_line team, who run the council’s discount and travel scheme for young people aged 11 to 18, the interactive search facility on the b_line website gives young people an easily accessible guide to what’s on, where and when in Derbyshire.

Anyone can log onto b_line at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/b_line/boredombuster/ (opens in a new window) and search by activity, location or date to find what’s happening in their area. The website also contains details of special offers and discounts to local attractions available to b_line cardholders.

The county council’s youth service is offering a wide range of activities for 13 to 19-year-olds including canoeing taster sessions and high rope walking in Derbyshire Dales; mini Olympics and fashion design in Chesterfield; learning how to DJ in the High Peak; or a bike project and camping in South Derbyshire.

Derbyshire County Council’s leader Councillor John Williams said: “The summer holidays are a great chance for young people to pursue their hobbies, learn new skills and meet new people and our b_line boredom buster provides it all at the click of a button.

“The site is easy to use and provides lots of ideas for fun activities, whether you’re after sports activities, days out or just something to while away a few hours.”

As well as searching the boredom buster, the site also gives details of b_line roadshows, where you can stay with the YHA (Youth Hostelling Association) and outdoor sporting activities at the council’s White Hall Centre in Buxton. A link to the new Derbyshire Directory lists clubs and groups in Derbyshire that young people can join such as Beavers or Air Training Corps.

There are also details of:

• Amusement parks
• Bowling and quasar 
• Cinemas
• Concerts and theatres
• Cybercafes
• Festivals and carnivals
• Museums and tourist attractions
• Leisure activities
• Library events  

To search the boredom buster log onto b_line at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/b_line/boredombuster/ (opens in a new window)

(Ref: SS.335.06)

Five schools are to receive a cash injection from Derbyshire County Council to improve the quality of their buildings.

The authority is to spend £734,242 to ensure buildings provide a better environment for pupils to learn in.

The schools to benefit are: 

• Swanwick Hall School - £281,752 to carry out alterations and refurbishments to create a science resource room, learning resource room and a vocational centre. Work is expected to be completed by early September.
• Chapel-en-le-Frith CE Primary School - £142,715 to install replacement windows in the school building. Work will start this week and be completed by 6 October.
• Brigg Infant School in South Normanton - £139,030 to build two temporary classrooms, toilets and an access ramp. Work starts this week and will be completed by 8 September.
• Ilkeston School - £97,972 to build two temporary classrooms. Work will start this week and be completed by 1 September.
• Wirksworth CE Infant School - £72,773 to build a temporary single classroom and toilets. Work starts this week and will be finished by 1 September.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “This is another significant investment towards our on-going programme, in partnership with the Government, to improve the quality of Derbyshire’s school buildings.

“We try to do as much of these improvements as possible during the school holidays to avoid disruption for pupils and teachers.

“Once the work is completed students at all these schools will have better facilities to learn in.”

(REF: JF.334.06)

Work has started on a £1.4 million building scheme to expand a centre for pupils with autism.

Derbyshire County Council is carrying out the project to increase the number of students who can attend Holbrook Centre for Autism in Holbrook, near Belper, due to high demand from parents.

Holbrook is Derbyshire’s specialist centre for pupils with the most severe special needs associated with autism. It currently has 40 pupils, aged five to 19, but the expansion will enable a further 12 day places to be made available.

The project involves building: 

• Four new classrooms
• An IT area
• A hall with changing facilities
• An arts area and storage space by refurbishing existing buildings
• An outdoor hard play surface
• Extra car parking spaces

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “The Holbrook Centre for Autism admits pupils from across Derbyshire and is very well thought of by parents because of its specialist provision.

“The work will also see the centre have a good sized hall and extra teaching space, which will improve facilities for all pupils.

“The number of young people diagnosed with autism has increased in recent years and we see the expansion of Holbrook as a way of making available more high quality provision in Derbyshire rather than placing students in independent schools outside the county. 

“By making this big investment it should help to save money in the long term.”

The scheme will cost £1.477 million. The school will contribute £24,137 to the cost, with Derbyshire County Council paying the rest.

Work is expected to be completed by summer 2007.

(REF:JF.329.06)

Families are being given a helping hand by Derbyshire County Council under a new scheme to provide free and flexible childcare provision.

Derbyshire County Council’s children’s services is to increase the number of hours of free early learning and childcare for parents of three and four-year-olds from April 2007.

In May this year the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) invited bids from 40 local authorities to become pathfinders providing increased childcare entitlement. 

Parents of three and four-year-olds in Derbyshire were already entitled to 12-and-a-half hours of free early learning provision over a minimum of three days. Following its appointment as a pathfinder the authority will be able to provide 15 hours.

Children’s services will receive up to £3,818,870 additional funding to provide the extra hours and is now working with providers across the voluntary, private and maintained sectors to:

• increase the number of three and four-year-olds benefiting from five sessions/15 hours of flexible, high quality early learning and childcare provision per week
• further improve the quality of early learning and care provision to develop models of good practice and assessment frameworks. 

Councillor Anne Western, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Children deserve the very best start in life and good pre-school services contribute to this.

“Not only are we able to offer more hours of free provision but we’re working hard to make this more flexible to fit in with parent’s working patterns”

(REF:FW.333.06)

Formal notices are to be issued proposing the closure of Lakeside Infant School in Sawley.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet decided to take the action after hearing it currently costs £4,999 to educate every pupil at Lakeside compared to a Derbyshire average of £3,000.

The school, in Mikado Road, has places for 90 pupils but currently has just 30 on its roll – and future projections indicate that could fall to 20 students by 2011.

Loss of pupils could also mean the school cannot afford to keep its current number of teachers in the future as it will receive less Government funding.

Statutory notices proposing the closure will be issued on 11 September and followed by a six-week formal public consultation period ending on 20 October.

If there are any objections during this period the proposals will be referred to the Schools Organisation Committee, a group made up of representatives from Derbyshire County Council, schools, the Church of England Diocese and the Roman Catholic Diocese.

Should the committee be unable to reach a unanimous decision of these groups then an independent Government adjudicator would be appointed to decide on the final outcome.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “There has been significant opposition to the proposal to close Lakeside Infant School and we listened very carefully to all the arguments made - both at the public meetings I attended and in the comments sent to us in writing.

“There has never been any dispute that Lakeside Infant School offers a good quality of education for its pupils and is well liked by students and parents.

“But we have to look at these issues from a strategic point of view that is fair and equitable to all Derbyshire schools and students and felt that, on balance, the financial arguments for closing the school are too great to be ignored.

“No decisions have been made and ultimately if a unanimous decision cannot be made locally then an independent Government inspector will make the final decision.”

If Lakeside Infants School is closed pupils would move to Brooklands Primary School, which has enough surplus places to accommodate all pupils. Most Lakeside pupils already move to Brooklands at age seven for their junior school education. If pupils went there it would allow them to receive all their primary education at a single school.

The school has not had a permanent headteacher since the previous one retired in August 2005 and all other permanent teachers retired in August this year. An acting headteacher and teachers on temporary contracts will run the school until a decision is taken on its future.

Any savings made by closing Lakeside Infants School would be distributed among all other Derbyshire schools.

During the formal public consultation comments can be made in writing to the Strategic Director for Children and Younger Adults (REF DEV/DAH), Development Section, Derbyshire County Council, Chatsworth Hall, Chesterfield Road, Matlock, DE4 3FW until Friday 20 October.       

(REF: JF.330.06)

A centre of excellence in mathematics and computing is to be developed to provide pupils with first-class facilities and learning opportunities.

Heritage Community School in Clowne has been awarded specialist status in mathematics and computing by the Government, with effect from September 1.

The Boughton Lane school will receive £120,750 in Government grants after raising £50,000 in private sponsorship to invest in facilities and equipment.

This will include: 

• improved ICT equipment and software installed in the mathematics and humanities accommodation
• refurbished ICT rooms with new benches and storage, new carpeting and extra power points in mathematics rooms and new carpets and decoration in four re-located humanities rooms
• an additional ICT facility following conversion of an existing room.

The school will be eligible for further Government grants for running costs as a specialist school, based on the number of pupils on roll.

This latest announcement means that 38 of Derbyshire’s 47 secondary schools now have specialist status.

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “I’m delighted that pupils will be able to access high quality tuition and facilities and staff will be able to develop and share their expertise.

“Derbyshire has already met the Government target that three-quarters of all secondary schools achieve specialist status within this year.”

(REF:FW.332.06)

Schools are to be boosted by more than £1 million of improvements given the go-ahead by Derbyshire County Council.

Upgrades topping half a million pounds will take place at Harpur Hill Primary School in Buxton.

The authority’s modernisation and maintenance works will include re-roofing, external re-painting and replacement of concrete cladding panels with new fully insulated panels on the main block at the Trent Avenue school.

Replacement windows will also be fitted to the hall, main entrance area and two adjoining classrooms.

The £533,754 work, towards which the school has contributed £29,580, will be carried out over 18 weeks with completion expected in November.

Similar re-roofing, external re-painting and cladding replacement work will be carried out at the main block of The Meadows Community School.

The authority’s £727,376 programme, with £80,000 backing from the school, will span 22 weeks at the site in High Street, Old Whittington. Work is set to be completed in December.

Concrete cladding panels will be removed from both Harpur Hill and The Meadows over the school summer holiday and both improvement programmes will be phased so pupils and teaching staff experience minimum disruption.

At New Mills Primary School improvements are to be made to the security fencing, following a key stage 2 double classroom extension last year.

The school has spent £20,000 on complete fencing around the Meadow Street site, with a £7,400 contribution approved from the authority.

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “These upgrades are part of our investment in a continual programme of improvements to the county’s school buildings and facilities to ensure they cater for the needs of pupils and staff.

“We strive to keep Derbyshire’s learning environments well-maintained and modern so our children can enjoy the best possible learning experiences.”

(REF: FW.331.06)

Ever wanted to trace your family tree but didn’t know where to begin? 

Then help is at hand with a Family History for Beginners day being staged at Derbyshire County Council’s Records Office on Tuesday 19 September. 

There will be advice on finding original sources for Derbyshire including parish registers, wills and workhouse records during the drop-in sessions. 

Booking is not necessary for these sessions which will be held from 9.30am with a repeat from 2pm. 

During the day people will also be able to take part in one-to-one sessions with an archivist to get top tips for tracking down their ancestors. 

These 15 minute ‘Ask the Archivist’ sessions will take place between 10.15am and 11.45am and 2.45pm and 4.15pm. Advance booking is essential by ringing 01629 580000 ext 59202. Bookings will be confirmed by e-mail. 

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “More than 10,000 people a year visit Derbyshire Record Office which holds hundreds of thousands of documents relating to the county and its people. 

“It isn’t always easy knowing where to start when tracing your family tree or tracking down ancient documents relating to your town or village. 

“We hope these drop-in and Ask the Archivist sessions will give people the knowledge they need to start their search with confidence. They can then come back to the Record Office well-equipped to pursue their research in the future.” 

(Ref: CC.328.06)

Persistent and bogus doorstep sellers are being warned to stay away from areas where they have caused a nuisance in a new initiative backed by Derbyshire County Council.

Residents living in areas where doorstep crime is a problem are getting help to tackle the issue with the creation of ‘No Cold Calling Zones’. The aim is to tell sellers that people in the area don’t want uninvited callers.

Signs and door stickers are put up around the zone to let sellers know when they are entering a No Cold Calling Zone. Residents can request a zone to help keep rogue traders and bogus callers away if doorstep crime has been identified as a problem in their area and is causing concern.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “Doorstep sellers often use high pressure sales techniques and it can be difficult to refuse in a face-to-face situation in your own home.

“No Cold Calling Zones have been devised to allow residents to work together to deter unwanted visits from sales people and to increase their confidence to say no when a seller is delivering a hard sell.

“We hope that the introduction of these zones will help us to protect our residents by continuing to reduce and stamp out doorstep crime in Derbyshire.”

The No Cold Calling Zones are not intended to prevent legitimate businesses from trading. Reputable companies that sell door to door will have established customers and trade by invitation and so can continue to provide a valuable service to the community.

A survey carried out by the Trading Standards Institute revealed that 96 percent of householders do not want to be bothered at home by uninvited doorstep sellers and are concerned that sellers may be seeking to take advantage of vulnerable residents.

The county council is working with Derbyshire police, Neighbourhood Watch and Consumer Direct on the new initiative which aims to tackle doorstep crime and provide support to vulnerable residents.

Devonshire Avenue in Long Eaton is the first area in Derbyshire to benefit from this multi-agency approach to No Cold Calling Zones. Councillor Sanders will join residents on Friday 11 August at Devonshire Avenue to launch the project.

To create a No Cold Calling Zone in their area, residents should identify the area of concern to their Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator or a local police officer. The extent of the problem will then be looked at to make sure there is enough evidence to support the need for a zone.

Door stickers are available to all residents and can be picked up at any Derbyshire County Council library.

Thousands of students across Derbyshire are just days away from finding out how well they have done in their A-level and Advanced Vocational Certificate in Education exams.

Derbyshire County Council hopes students will get the grades they need when results are published on Thursday 17 August. But they are being urged not to be too downhearted if things do not go as planned.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: "For many students this is the worst period as they anxiously wait to find out whether they will be rewarded for all their hard work over the past two years.

“Every year the pressure on young people to achieve good exam results seems to get more intense because jobs or places in higher education or vocational training can depend on getting the right grades.

"There’s bound to be disappointment for students if things haven’t gone according to plan and they haven’t got the results they 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 get better or worse exam results than expected will have a wide range of help available to them. Schools or colleges will be able to put pupils in touch with staff who can help them go through their options and decide on the best way forward. That might involve re-sitting all or some of their exams or taking other qualifications.

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 the end of 17 August.

* Results for Advanced Vocational Certificates in Education are also published on Thursday 17 August. These are vocational A-levels and subjects include health and social care, leisure and tourism, business, engineering, manufacturing and science. AS level results are also released for year 12 students. 

(REF: JF.326.06)

An eBay seller has been successfully prosecuted by Derbyshire County Council for selling fake Rolf Harris sketches.

Philip Kemp, 49, of Black Lane, Whiston, Staffordshire faced 10 charges and penalties of more than £3000 at Derby Magistrates’ Court yesterday for falsely advertising and selling drawings as certified original Rolf Harris sketches.

Kemp sold the forged drawings via the internet auction site to a Rolf Harris artwork collector in Swadlincote, Derbyshire who discovered they were fake after getting them checked by an art gallery expert.

The buyer contacted Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards team after Kemp failed to give a refund for the fake sketches.

As a collector of Rolf Harris’s artwork, the buyer said he would not have bought the eight sketches, which totalled £690.41, had he known that they were fakes.

Trading standards officers sent the sketches to the artist and TV personality Rolf Harris who gave a statement to confirm that all eight sketches were not drawn by him and that the signature on each one is a forged copy of his signature.

Following this confirmation, trading standards contacted eBay to confirm the seller’s identity and the number of sketches sold via the site. 

Kemp pleaded guilty to 10 charges under the Trade Descriptions Act - two for advertising false descriptions on eBay and eight for selling eight separate sketches bearing the signature “Rolf”. He was fined a total of £1,800 for the 10 offences and ordered to pay £760 costs and £690.41 compensation to the buyer of the sketches – a total of £3,250.41.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “This trader sold eight fake sketches advertising them as certified originals of a famous artist when he had done nothing to check whether or not they were genuine. He could have done what the buyer did and enlisted the help of an art gallery to verify their authenticity.

“I hope this sends out a clear warning to other traders and internet sellers that misleading customers through false advertising is totally unacceptable and we will prosecute those who continue to do so.”

Although trading standards cannot prove who created the fake sketches, the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 means that traders are legally responsible for ensuring their goods are described correctly.

(Ref: SS.325.06)

An award-winning scheme which sees people with mental ill health working on conservation projects is to stay open after being granted extra cash.  

The Green Health Partnership based at Shipley Country Park was formed in 2000 to provide opportunities in practical conservation, horticulture, environmental art and woodland crafts for people recovering their mental health.  

It is run from a property owned by Derbyshire County Council and is designed to help people improve their lives, widen social inclusion and help them get back into employment.  

The project is a partnership between the county council’s mental health service and countryside service and Rethink, which is a national mental health charity. It also works with specialist conservation agencies on some projects.  

People attending the Green Health Partnership get involved in a variety of activities at the country park, including cultivating trees and cotton grass, hedge-laying, mapping, repairing footpaths and stone-walling.  

There are currently 77 people using the service on a regular basis who have mental health needs, some of them complex, and in the past year there have been 2,318 attendances at the project.  

People are referred to the service by the community mental health teams based in Amber Valley and Erewash and as a direct result of training and practical work experience at the project, eight service users have gone on to mainstream further education courses, 11 have taken up voluntary work and 15 have found paid employment.  

The partnership has won two Derbyshire Greenwatch Awards, a Spirit of Derbyshire Award, a commendation in the national Health and Social Care Awards and a Queen’s Jubilee Award.  

Following an unexpected loss of a source of income to the partnership earlier this year, it was feared it would have to close its doors in July.  

However, following a decision by Derbyshire County Council and the NHS to grant the project up to £35,000, it has now won a reprieve.  

As well as the contribution from the county council and the NHS, Rethink is to contribute £25,000 from its reserves, guaranteeing the partnership’s future until next April.  

A multi-agency working group has now been set up to work on a business plan to try to secure the long-term future of the project and help it to become a not-for-profit social enterprise generating income from its services.  

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults Councillor Dave Allen said: “The county council has been supportive of the Green Health Partnership and its work with people with mental ill health since it set up.  

“The benefits to people who have taken part in training and work experience at the partnership are obvious and it is a very positive project.  

“We are now working with the partnership to try to help it source alternative funding and secure its long-term future.”  

Green Health Partnership service manager Den Phillips said: “We very much appreciate all the agencies that have campaigned on our behalf and supported us and we are very grateful that we now have the funds in place to carry on our work.  

“We are now in the process of reconfiguring services to meet the new challenges ahead and are hoping that, with the management committee’s help, we can look towards a bright future.”  

(Ref:MC.323.06)

Visitors to this year’s Linacre Woodland Festival are in for a big surprise.

The event – hosted by Derbyshire County Council, Severn Trent Water and the East Derbyshire Woodland Project – always promises lots of fun and events for all family.
Woodland crafts and activities this year include: 

• Chair making – traditional and modern
• Hurdle making
• Woodland survival crafts
• Clog making
• Bowl carving
• Woodturning
• Pole lathe turning
• Willow weaving
• Mobile Blacksmithing
• Workshops on wild food and cures from the woods
• Childrens’ woodland craft workshops 
• Horse and dray rides

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “The woodland festival is always a great success.

“It is a fun way in which to learn more about our woods and the interesting things they can be used for.”

The festival will be held on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August at Linacre Reservoirs, Cutthorpe just to the west of Chesterfield.  The event runs from 11am until 5pm on both days.  Entry is free although there is a £2 car parking charge.  

(REF: SM.324.06)

An award scheme set up to promote design excellence is being backed by Derbyshire County Council.  

The Civic Trust Awards 2007 have just been launched and the county council has agreed to help organise and promote the scheme throughout the county.  

The aim of the awards is to recognise good architectural and design practice in new buildings, public art or landscape schemes and this year the trust is asking for entries from county towns and shires, including Derbyshire.  

Award winners have to demonstrate outstanding examples of architecture and environmental design and consideration is also given to the benefit each project brings to its local area and community.  

As well as awards, commendations are given to projects that make a valuable contribution to the quality and appearance of the environment.  

Mentions are also given to projects of cultural, social or economic benefit to the local community.  

Entries are assessed by a leading architect, a local authority planning expert, an access advisor and a local person who can express the views of the community.  

The assessors submit their suggestions to the national panel made up of a small group of experts who make the final decision.  

To be eligible, the projects must have been completed between 1 January 2004 and 30 September 2006 and the closing date is Wednesday 13 September 2006.  

Entry forms are available now and for the first time people will be able to apply for them online at www.civictrust.org.uk (opens in a new window).  

The county council has helped to organise the event in Derbyshire in past years and will shortly be writing to all the county’s civic amenity bodies and architectural practices to ask them if they know of any worthy schemes.  

Council officers will also contact owners and developers of certain schemes and encourage them to apply if they do not come forward themselves as well as compiling applications and forwarding them to the Civic Trust.  

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “The county council sees the Civic Trust Awards as a very positive initiative and is more than happy to support and help to organise them in Derbyshire again.  

“The awards help to promote Derbyshire at a national level and raise awareness of good architectural and design practice as well as highlighting our commitment to promoting good design.”  

He added: “I am sure there will be a good selection of outstanding entries from across the county and it would be wonderful to see some winners and commendations among them.”  

For an entry form either go online to www.civictrust.org.uk (opens in a new window) or telephone the Civic Trust on 020 7539 7922.  
                                                                                                        
The Civic Trust is an independent, national charity founded in 1957. It works with people to promote thriving towns and villages, developing partnerships between communities, government and business to deliver regeneration and local improvement.  

It is the umbrella body for 850 civic societies across the country, representing more than 250,000 individuals committed to improving and caring for places where people live and work.  

(Ref:MC.322.06)

Creative minds aiming to set up their own businesses still have time to sign up to a free specialist support programme.

The programme has been organised by Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Chamber and Business Link as part of their joint Focusing Creativity programme.

The Focusing Creativity programme aims to help creative enterprises strike the right balance between creativity and running a successful business and offers tailored support by creative industry specialists through a series of workshops and one-to-one mentor support.

Focusing Creativity has launched a programme of workshops which are to be held in September and people have already started to sign up.

Focusing Creativity is a series of five workshops designed to enable people to balance managing their creativity with the business side of their enterprises.

The programme is aimed at people in Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire who are either running or about to start up as a creative business.

It consists of five jargon-free workshops delivered during September by industry specialists in one full day and four half-day sessions.

The core full day workshop, entitled Focusing Creativity offers to hone down what drives each individual, their passion and their mission. The aim of the workshop is that at the end of it each person should have a realistic development plan and strategy.

Workshop two, a half-day entitled Creative Essentials, concentrates on giving people the knowledge and the tools to develop a plan and get their message out to the public, building on their strategy.

Creative Vision is the third workshop, also a half-day session, which aims to give people the skills, tips and practical know-how to research the best route forward to plan their creative enterprise.

The fourth workshop is called Creative Confidence, building on people’s ability to communicate the benefits of their creativity to their customers and the fifth, Creative Capital, is aimed at giving people the skills to manage their businesses’ finances and cash flow.

All the workshops are being held at the Markham Vale Environment Centre in Markham Lane, Markham Vale near Chesterfield and the times and dates are as follows:

• Focusing Creativity – Tuesday 5 September. 9.30am to 4.30pm. 
• Creative Essentials – Tuesday 12 September. Noon to 4.30pm. 
• Creative Vision – Friday 15 September. Noon to 4.30pm. 
• Creative Confidence – Tuesday 19 September. Noon to 4.30pm. 
• Creative Capital – Friday 22 September. Noon to 4.30pm.

To be eligible for the free programme, people must be operating in the Chesterfield, Bolsover or North East Derbyshire districts, operate within the creative industries sector, have strong commercial objectives and be operating or ready to start as a creative business. They are also asked to ensure they have the time to commit to the programme.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “The programme looks at all aspects of running a successful creative business, from planning a strategy and a development plan to marketing and financial skills.

“I would urge people to come forward as soon as possible to secure their place on the workshops.”

To apply for a place on the Focusing Creativity programme or for further details people should contact via email Dorothy Robinson at dorothy.robinson@derbyshire.org or Laine Poole at laine.pool@derbyshire.org or telephone 0845 601 1038.

(Ref:MC.321.06)

Recovering drug and alcohol users have launched a newsletter offering support, advice and information to Derbyshire residents dealing with an addiction.

D.R.U.G.S. Newsletter (Derbyshire Recovering Users’ Guide to Services) will be issued to drug users, people dealing with alcohol problems and recovering addicts through councils, health agencies, drug services, GP surgeries, the probation service and police.

The publication has been funded by the Derbyshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) – a partnership of agencies, including Derbyshire County Council, responsible for tackling drug and alcohol misuse.

Around 500 copies of the pilot edition were issued in May and following a positive feedback from readers the second edition has just been released. It is hoped to publish subsequent editions every three months.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “DAAT carries out some excellent work across the county and we’re delighted to support this new publication which is already attracting a huge response.”

The idea for the newsletter came from people using DAAT services and six volunteer