July

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

• A609 Main Street, Horsley Woodhouse – £120,000 pavement resurfacing and kerb stone replacement has already started and road resurfacing is due to start during the week commencing 14 August.  Work on the road is expected to take two weeks. Traffic will be controlled by temporary lights and diversions will be in place for lorries and buses
• Nook End Road, Heanor – £30,000 pavement resurfacing and kerb stone replacement is due to start during the week commencing 21 August and is expected to take up to three weeks. Road resurfacing work will then begin - the road will be closed and local diversions will be in place.
• A632, Town End, Bolsover – £93,000 will be closed through the town centre between 8pm and 6am for approximately a week while road resurfacing is carried out. Work is due to start during the week commencing 14 August.  Traffic will be diverted via Villas Road and New Station Road and vice versa.
• Wharf Road, Pinxton – £15,000 pavement resurfacing and kerb stone replacement has already started and is expected to finish around 21 August. Traffic will be controlled by temporary lights.
• Saltergate, Chesterfield – £15,000 a pedestrian refuge is due to be installed at the entrance to North East Derbyshire District Council’s offices during the week commencing 14 August and is expected to take three weeks. Work to widen the junction with Rose Hill West will also be included. Traffic will be controlled by temporary lights.
• C136 Ringinglow Road, Hathersage – £93,000 will be closed during week commencing 31 July until 11 August for re-surfacing. Traffic will be diverted via Sheep Hill Road, A625 Hathersage Road and A6187 Sheffield Road and vice versa.
• College Road, Buxton – £46,467 road and pavement resurfacing started on 22 July and is expected to take three weeks. Traffic will be controlled by temporary lights.
• A57 Snake Pass, Glossop – £110,000 there will be a 40mph restriction reduced down to 10mph in places while the road is resurfaced. Work is due to start on 7 August and is expected to take two weeks.
• A6135 Main Road, Renishaw – £30,000 pavement resurfacing and kerb stone replacement is due to start during the week commencing 7 August. Work is expected to take two weeks. To minimise disruption, traffic will be controlled by temporary lights between 9.30am and 3.30pm. 
• School Lane, Hope - will be closed for 12 weeks while a £75,100 footbridge is built across Peakshole Water. Work is due to start during the week commencing 14 August. Traffic will be diverted via A6187 and Pindale Road and vice versa. 

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities, said: “This year we are spending more than £17m on road resurfacing and maintenance. This is all part of our commitment to improving Derbyshire’s roads and we would ask drivers to be patient while the work is carried out.”

*Anyone who would like to enquire about roadworks being carried out by the county council in their area can contact Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058.

(JM.317.06)

Childhood memories of living in Ashover are brought to life in a new book published by Derbyshire County Council. 

Called Barm and Battleships the 86-page publication reveals the hardships and simple pleasures of growing up in the village in the first half of the 20th century. 

It follows the success of Ashover Remembered - published last year - in which long-time residents remember the first motor vehicles and living through the first and second world wars. 

Both books have been put together using 80 interviews collected by Margaret Wombwell as part of the Ashover Oral History Project, which began in 2003. It also includes photographs and drawings loaned by contributors. 

In the latest volume, which is launched at Ashover Show on Wednesday 9 August, residents describe their childhoods including playing, going to school and starting work from an early age. 

One woman says: “Time almost stood still. There was no radio or TV and we only knew the time if the wind blew in the right direction when the Ashover church clock struck the hour. It didn’t really matter unless we were at school. We ate when we were hungry and went to bed when it grew dark.” 

Others recall walking six miles a day to and from school aged just five years old and once at school discipline was strict and teachers enforced it, sometimes harshly. 

However, it did not stop them from getting up to mischief as one person recalls: “The teachers’ toilets were always kept locked. They backed on to a field in which grew a lovely thick clump of nettles. Some of the boys picked a bunch and waited for Miss Tredell, the headmistress to go round. When they thought she’d had time to get established they opened the little door at the back (used for emptying the waste) and shoved in the bunch of nettles.” 

Food was often very basic, consisting of bread, dripping, boiled bacon and boiled egg although families often kept animals sometimes with humorous results. 

“The pig killer was Johnny Newbold. Once, when he came to decide which of the pigs to kill he opened only the bottom half of the stable door. One of the pigs bolted and went straight between his bandy legs. It took him with it, round the croft. He was sitting on it backwards, holding on by its tail.” 

Many of the villagers remember the first wireless sets being bought and listening to King George V opening the Wembley exhibition while the introduction of gas into the village was met with suspicion. 

“My mother was very concerned, thinking gas was very poisonous and we should all be gassed,” says one of the contributors. 

Many of the women remembered the drudgery of washday and not being allowed out to play. “We just concentrated on the washing with dolly pegs and lighting the copper and boiling. Get them out and blue them and mangle them. Used to hope for a fine day.” 

Travelling salesmen were a lifeline for the village bringing everything from pots and pans to new washing lines, polish and sewing cottons. 

Others remember the “barm man” who used to bring yeast which was sold in the post office and scented the whole shop. Another tale recounted in the book is of two mischievous boys who rang the local policeman and pretended to be a retired sea captain and asked him: “Do you want to buy a battleship?” They were found out and got the cane at school. 

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “This is a delightful recollection of life in a Derbyshire village at the beginning of the 20th century and the county council is pleased to have been able to publish it for future generations. 

“The recollections in Barm and Battleships give a varied and vivid picture of life in the village and although pleasures were simple and possessions rare, the contributors all look back fondly on their childhoods in Ashover.” 

The book will be on sale at Ashover Show on Wednesday 9 August where the county council will also have an exhibition of photographs loaned for use in the book. 

It can also be bought from any Derbyshire library priced £4.75 or from shops in Ashover. It can also be obtained by sending a mail order for £5 (which includes postage) payable to Derbyshire County Council to the Local Studies Library, County Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3AG. 

Leading figures in the worlds of business, education and local politics have been interviewed by young people as part of a Derbyshire County Council-run event.

The U FActor! Summer Challenge took place at Wilsthorpe Business and Enterprise College in Long Eaton and involved 34 pupils.  

They were selected at random from Wilsthorpe Business and Enterprise College, Harrington Junior School and Longmoor Primary School, all in Long Eaton.

The week-long event taught participants how to be a leader of a project so they could return to their schools in September and lead a scheme of their own choice – such as an after-school club – for fellow students.

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for children’s services, was one of seven leaders who were interviewed.

They were asked what their jobs entail and about the skills and abilities needed to be a leader. 

During the week the young people also took part in team building exercises and went on a private tour of Chatsworth House.

U FActor! is the first event being run by the newly launched Young People’s Fellowship formed by Derbyshire University of the First Age (UFA), supported by the Big Lottery Fund. 

Question masters… U FActor! Summer Challenge participants Emily Thompson, 11, from Long Eaton and Ryan Wheatley, 11, from Breaston, question Councillor Anne Western, deputy leader of Derbyshire County Council, about leadership skills.
          

Have you got what it takes to become a secret agent over the summer holidays? 

Your mission - should you choose to accept it - is to visit your local Derbyshire County Council library and read six books over the next six weeks. 

Children and young people aged between four and 12 across the county are being urged to take up the 'Reading Mission' – a national campaign launched by the Reading Agency. 

It aims to beat the boredom of the long summer break by encouraging youngsters to drop in at the library, take part in special activities and spread the word about books through secret message cards. 

In Derbyshire events including code-cracking games, observation puzzles, face painting, competitions and craft sessions are being held in libraries across the county. 

Last year, more than 3,600 youngsters across Derbyshire took part in the summer reading challenge which has been running for eight years. 

Young people who take part this year will receive an information pack – designed to look like a metal attaché case – complete with three fun activities. 

They also sign up to read six books and those who complete the mission will be presented with certificates and medals. 

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “I hope we can recruit as many special agents as possible to take part in the Reading Mission. 

“There’s a host of events happening in libraries up and down Derbyshire so there is no excuse to get bored during the summer holidays. 

“This is a fun event but it also has a serious side in that it encourages young people to develop their reading as well as finding out what is on offer at their local library.” 

For more information contact the county council’s call centre 'Call Derbyshire' on 08 456 058 058 or see a full listing of 'Reading Mission' (opens in a new window) activities taking place in Derbyshire County Council libraries over the summer holidays.

A new action plan has been drawn up by Derbyshire County Council to improve life for children in Derbyshire over the next four years.

Promoting healthy and active lifestyles, improving services to help all children do better at school and doing more for children and families who need protection and support are just some of the commitments outlined in the Derbyshire Children and Young People’s Plan for 2006/2009.

It sets out how members of the Derbyshire Children and Young People’s Trust will work together to make sure all children have the chance to become happy, healthy, successful adults.

Around 300 pupils from secondary and special schools were consulted about the things they consider to be most important for their safety and development. Their comments were used to form the basis of the plan which centres around five key priorities:

• Being Healthy
• Staying safe
• Enjoying and achieving
• Making a Positive Contribution
• Achieving Economic Wellbeing

Derbyshire Children and Young People’s Trust is responsible for making sure services for children and young people are delivered and targets are met. Partners are:

• Derbyshire County Council
• Derbyshire Youth Forum
• Health service
• Learning and Skills Council
• Connexions
• Derbyshire police
• Voluntary and community groups
• District councils

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We’ve talked to children and young people to find out what they want and need and we’ve listened.

“Now we’ve drawn up an action plan for all the trust partners to work towards. By working together, we think we can succeed in developing and delivering high quality services for children and young people more efficiently and effectively and achieve our shared goal of helping all children learn, succeed and live happily and healthily.”

The Derbyshire Children and Young People’s Plan and a summary of the full version is available to view on the county council’s website at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/cypp (opens in a new window)

Copies of the summary are also available from Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 or to view in libraries.

(REF:JM.314.06)

You want to enjoy your summer holiday without worrying about your home and property – and you can help yourself by checking out a few simple security tips.

Home Office figures released last week reveal house burglaries are down 15 per cent in Derbyshire from 11,667 last year to 9,874 in the 12 months up to this April.

But Derbyshire County Council is committed to helping residents reduce the risk even more and has issued a few practical tips to help them safeguard their home and property while they take a break.

Council cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “Derbyshire is a safe place to live with lowest crime levels in the region and house burglaries down by almost 1,800 over the past year, but by taking a few simple steps when we go away on holiday we can all reduce our risk even further. 

“Nationally less than 10 per cent of homes are burgled while the owners are away on holiday so worrying about crime shouldn’t spoil anyone’s summer break.

“By carrying out some simple measures before you go away, you can help make your property more secure and avoid leaving tell-tale signs that you’re not at home.”

The council’s community safety unit offers the following advice:

• Try to make your house look like someone is living in it while you’re away.  Don’t close the curtains - this will show the house is empty. Fit automatic timer switches to turn your lights on when it goes dark. They cost a few pounds and can be bought from most high street electrical stores.
• Remember to cancel newspaper and milk deliveries – if left uncollected, these are tell-tale signs that no-one is home.
• Store valuables away so they can’t be seen through your windows.
• Mark your property so it can be easily identified if recovered following a burglary. Property marking kits are available to hire from all Derbyshire libraries or can be bought from most DIY stores and stationers.
• Mow the lawn before you leave – overgrown grass might suggest you’re not at home to cut it. 
• Store away tools, garden equipment, children’s toys and outdoor play equipment. If you usually store bikes or other valuables in your shed, consider moving them into the house where it is more secure.
• Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your property for you and push through any mail or newspapers left sticking out of your letterbox. Royal Mail also operates a ‘Keepsafe’ scheme for a small charge to keep your mail at the sorting office until you get back. 
• Lock all windows, doors, sheds and garages and if you have a burglar alarm make sure it’s set. Window locks can be bought fairly cheaply from most high street DIY stores.
• Invite a neighbour to park their car on your drive.
• Don’t put your home address on your luggage until you’re returning from your trip. 

A free booklet ‘Your Practical Guide to Crime Prevention’ is available from www.crimereduction.gov.uk (opens in a new window) or your local police station.

For more advice on how to keep your home secure click on the Safer Derbyshire website link www.saferderbyshire.gov.uk/staying_safe/wilsons_way/ (opens in a new window)

(Ref: LT.313.06)              

Eye-catching artwork has transformed a graffiti-ridden underpass thanks to young people taking part in a Derbyshire County Council youth service project.

The underpass running beneath the A50 through Findern, Derby, was an unsightly blot on the landscape but the work of 15 youngsters has turned it into their tribute to the village.

A rural arts project was set up by South Derbyshire youth service after officers asked youngsters how they would like to spend their time. 

The youth service joined forces in October last year with Findern Crime Reduction Group, Findern Parish Council and Crimebeat to find £1150 funding for the arts scheme. The project was carried out with the support of Connect A50, which manages the trunk road.

Youngsters aged between 11 and 17-years-old worked with the youth service creative arts team to help them plan and paint the mural, which runs along one side of the entire underpass.

The three week painting project was completed yesterday when a final layer of clear anti-vandal paint to prevent further problems and prolong the life of the artwork.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “This project inspired the youngsters and nurtured their artistic talents.

“It offered a focus for their energies and the young people have come out of it with a real sense of achievement because the mural they have created will give pleasure to local people using the underpass for years to come.”

Can do attitude… youngsters (left to right) Tim Baker, (16), Josh Beardsall, (14), Terri Baker, (15), and Amy Woodward (15) show off their artwork to Cllr Bob Janes (pictured centre).

Boredom will not be a problem for young people in the High Peak with a huge variety of activities on offer through Derbyshire County Council’s youth service.

Fairfield Youth Centre will be the venue for a summer programme of events designed to appeal to the interests of youngsters aged 11 and above.

The fun will be rounded off with a beach being temporarily installed at the Victoria Park Road centre.

Five tonnes of sand will be deposited at the youth centre’s fields complete with buckets and spades, swing boats and deck chairs for a beach party with water games and sandcastle competitions.

Youth service staff host and organise the activities, which have been supported with £3,000 funding from High Peak Community Housing.

The full programme includes:

• Fun, games and sports for young people on July 26, 27 and August 1 and 2 in the sports hall between 1pm and 4pm
• The chance for youngsters to get creative with professional artists and test their graffiti art skills from August 1-3, between noon and 3pm, at the centre’s skate park (this activity is aimed at young people aged 13 or more)
• Water games, tent craft, team games and kite flying, which will take place between 1pm and 4pm on July 28 and each Friday in August (located in the centre if wet or outside if fine)
• Beach party fun on August 24 between 1pm and 5.30pm.

Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “The long summer school break can be challenging for young people to fill in a positive way because boredom can easily set in.

“But with interesting activities like these taking place we can help youngsters have the chance to meet new friends and take part in activities that they might not otherwise have access to.” 

For more information about these events contact Pam Wilson on 01298 24081.

(REF:FW.312.06)

A new collection donated to Derbyshire Record Office reveals what life was like aboard ship for a Belper man during the Second World War. 

Frank Byard, who served on HMS Birmingham between 1941 and 1945, survived a torpedo strike which killed 27 of his fellow crew members on 28 November 1943. 

His collection, given to the county council-run record office by a member of his family, contains pictures of the damage done to the cruiser which managed to sail to safety. 

It also includes souvenirs of his time on board and a commemorative poster given to Frank the first time he crossed the equator and pictures he took of the event. 

Sailors who had not “crossed the bar” before were required to perform rituals by their more experienced ship-mates who were often dressed up as nautical characters. 

During his travels, Frank also took dozens of pictures of the places he visited including Sierra Leone, Rio De Janerio, Buenos Aires, the Falklands, Alexandria, Suez and Mombasa and the people he met and these are all contained in the collection. 

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “We are delighted to receive this unique collection which brings to life for researchers the experiences of an ordinary Belper lad at an extraordinary time in our history.” 

More than 10,000 people a year visit the record office in New Street, Matlock, which contains millions of original items relating to Derbyshire. 

The office is open from 9.30am to 4.45pm Monday to Friday and one Saturday a month from 12.30pm. Visitors are advised to book first and must take along proof of their identity and address in order to register. 

For more information about Derbyshire Record Office visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/recordoffice (opens in a new window)

(Ref: CC.311.06)

Work to repair historic monuments next to a former opencast coal site in the Erewash Valley has been welcomed by Derbyshire County Council.    

Contractors employed by UK COAL have started work on restoring the Jessop Monument Tower and Hall in Ironville. Work is also to be carried out on the monument grounds and Codnor Castle, a scheduled ancient monument built in the early 13th Century by the Grey family.  

The Jessop Monument Tower and Hall, both Grade 2 listed buildings, were built to commemorate ironmaster William Jessop the second, the son of one of the founders of the Butterley Company – who died in 1852.    

The tower, which is 90ft tall and has 150 steps in a spiral staircase leading to a viewing platform at the top, was built using money raised by public subscription and, like the hall, was built in the 1850s.  

In 1861 the tower was struck by lightning which dislodged large blocks of stones, and the hall went out of use many years ago and fell into disrepair.  

In 1998 RJB Mining, now trading as UK COAL, was granted planning permission by Derbyshire County Council to extract coal from land close to the buildings, which became the opencast site known as Forge and Monument.  

The planning permission was subject to a legally binding condition, known as a Section 106 Agreement, which required that urgent works to protect and stabilise Codnor Castle be carried out by the company before opencasting could begin.  

The agreement also required that once mining had ceased the company carry out repairs and long-term conservation of the castle, the stabilisation of the Jessop Monument and the restoration of the monument, hall and grounds.  

When coal extraction stopped in 2004, following the recovery of more than half a million tonnes of coal, the county council began discussions with UK COAL to get the remaining restoration work to the castle and Jessop buildings underway.  

Restoration work on the monument and hall has now started and UK COAL has employed Cannock-based Croft Building and Conservation, a company specialising in historic building restoration and repair work. Work on the castle is expected to follow, with the total restoration work costing around £1.5 million.  

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “We made a pledge to the local community when we granted planning permission that these historic buildings would be restored and it is really positive that the work has now started.  

"I am sure the local community will also be very pleased that these buildings are going to be repaired and restored and I’m sure everyone is looking forward to seeing the finished results.”  

UK COAL surface mine manager Dave Bolton said: “The restoration project is being carried out by specialists to ensure the agreed work is completed to the highest standards so that opencast mining operators can leave a lasting legacy to be enjoyed for decades to come by the local communities.”  

(Ref: MC.309.06)

Caterers in primary schools across the county have been honoured for providing fine food for pupils.

Derbyshire County Council hosted its fifth Primary Catering Quality Assurance Awards to reward excellent service provided to schools by the authority’s catering teams.

Pupils, teachers or members of the authority’s catering service management team nominated caterers who were then judged in action at their schools.

Judges assessed the quality of food, food presentation, service, customer care, hygiene, health and safety and kitchen management skills.

Among the primary school winners were eight gold award winners, 27 silver award winners, 23 bronze award winners and a further 146 certificates of achievement, which were presented to school serveries, dining centres and cooking kitchens.

Regional rounds of the primary awards culminated in Gold Award winners being invited to a ceremony at County Hall, Matlock, on 19 July where Deer Park Primary School in Wingerworth received the overall platinum award for excellence.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “All the schools who received an award thoroughly deserved their accolade by consistently providing high quality service.

“I’m delighted that their hard work has been rewarded because they help us to ensure that county school children get healthy, tasty food at lunch time which is all part of an enjoyable school experience.”

Handed success on a plate… pictured (back left to right) catering assistants Vera Thackray, Jean Wright, Alison Dobney and Janet Fletcher (front left to right) supervisor Rose Wallace and Councillor Alan Charles.

Primary Catering Quality Assurance Awards

Amber Valley
Gold
Holbrook Centre for Autism, Holbrook.

Silver
Christ The King Catholic Primary School, Alfreton.
Codnor Community C.E. (C) Primary School, Codnor.
Somerlea Park Junior School, Alfreton.
Herbert Strutt Primary School, Belper.
Kilburn Junior School, Kilburn.

Bronze
Duffield Meadows Primary School, Duffield.
St. John's C.E. (VC) Primary School, Belper.

Bolsover
Bronze
Bolsover C.E. (C) Junior School, Bolsover.

Chesterfield
Silver
Barrow Hill Primary School, Barrow Hill.

Bronze
Inkersall Primary School, Inkersall.

Derbyshire Dales
Gold
Curbar Primary School , Curbar.
Marston Montgomery Primary School, Ashbourne.

Silver
Bradley C.E. (C) Primary School, Bradley.
Hulland C.E. (VC) Primary School, Hulland Ward.
Norbury (VC) C.E. Primary School, Roston.
Parkside Community Junior School, Ashbourne.

Bronze
Bakewell (VC) C.E. Infant School, Bakewell.
Brailsford C.E. (C) Primary School, Brailsford.
Hartington C.E. (C) Primary School, Hartington.
Hathersage St. Michael's C.E. (A) Primary School, Hathersage.
Hill Top Infant School, Ashbourne.
Matlock Bath Holy Trinity C.E. (C) Primary School, Matlock Bath.
Osmaston C.E. (C) Primary School, Osmaston.
Wirksworth Junior School, Wirksworth.

Erewash 
Silver
Harrington Junior School, Long Eaton.

Bronze
Field House Infant School, Ilkeston.

High Peak
Gold
Earl Sterndale C.E. (VC) Primary School, Earl Sterndale.
Gamesley Early Excellence Centre, Gamesley.

Silver
Bishop Pursglove C.E. (A) Primary School, Tideswell.
Buxton Junior School, Buxton.  
Chapel-en-le-Frith C.E. (VC) Primary School, Chapel-en-le-Frith.
Gamesley Community Primary School, Gamesley.
Hadfield Infant School, Hadfield.
New Mills Primary School, New Mills. 
Peak Dale Primary School, Peak Dale.
Peak School (Hostel), Chinley. 
Simmondley Primary School, Glossop.
St. Anne's Catholic Primary School, Buxton.  
St. Margaret's Catholic Primary School, Gamesley.
Thornsett Primary School, Birch Vale.

Bronze
Burbage Primary School, Buxton.
Harpur Hill Primary School, Buxton.
The Duke of Norfolk (VC) C.E. Primary School, Glossop.
St. Charles’s Catholic Primary School, Hadfield.
Whaley Bridge Primary School, Whaley Bridge.

North East Derbyshire  
Gold
Deer Park Primary School, Wingerworth. 
Immaculate Conception Catholic Primary School, Spinkhill.

Silver
Northfield Junior School, Dronfield.

Bronze
Birk Hill Infant School, Eckington.
Dronfield Junior School, Dronfield.
Mickley Infant School, Stretton.
Pilsley C.E. (A) Primary School, Pilsley. 

South Derbyshire  
Gold
Coton in the Elms C.E. (C) Primary School, Coton-in-the-Elms.

Silver
Eureka Primary School, Midway.
Newhall Community Junior School, Newhall. 
Woodville C.E. (VC) Junior School, Woodville.

Bronze
Stenson Fields Primary Community School, Stenson Fields.

The below winners are coded according to the following areas (NE) North East Derbyshire, (C) Chesterfield,  (B) Bolsover,  (AV) Amber Valley,  (E) Erewash, (SD) South Derbyshire,  (HP) High Peak,  (DD) Derbyshire Dales. 

Certificate of Achievement (58) – Cooking Kitchens
Aston-On-Trent Primary School  (SD)
Bakewell Methodist (VC) Junior School  (DD)
Brampton Primary School  (C)
Breadsall C.E. (C) Primary School  (E)
Brockwell Junior School  (C)
Calow C.E. (VC) Primary School  (NE)
Chaucer Infant and Nursery School  (E)
Chaucer Junior School  (E)
Chinley Primary School  (HP)
Cloudside Junior School  (E)
Creswell Junior School  (B)
Dallimore Primary School  (E)
Darley Dale Primary School  (DD)
Denby Free C.E. (A) Primary School  (AV)
Dinting C.E. (A) Primary School  (HP)
Dronfield Infant School  (NE)
Fairfield Infants and Nursery School  (HP)
Firfield Primary School  (E)
Fitzherbert C.E. (A) Primary School  (DD)
Fritchley C.E. (A) Primary School  (AV)
Gilbert Heathcote Nursery and  Infant School  (C)
Glebe Junior School  (B)
Grange Primary School  (E)
Hallam Fields Junior School  (E)
Hasland Infant School  (C)
Hasland Junior School  (C)                                  
Hayfield Primary School  (HP)
Heath Fields Primary School  (SD)
Highfield Hall Primary School  (C)
Hodthorpe Primary School  (B)
Holme Hall Primary School  (C)
Holmgate Primary School and Nursery  (NE)
Killamarsh Infant and Nursery School  (NE)
Killamarsh Junior School  (NE)
Killamarsh St. Giles C.E. (VA) Primary School  (NE)
Ladycross Infant School  (E)
Langwith Bassett Community Primary School  (B)
Lea Primary School  (AV)
Linton Primary School  (SD)
Matlock All Saints (VC) C.E. Infant School  (DD)
Melbourne Junior School  (SD)
Overseal Primary School  (SD)
Park House Primary School  (NE)
Penny Acres Primary School  (NE)
Renishaw Primary School  (NE)
Riddings Junior School  (AV)
Ripley Infant School  (AV)
St. George's C.E. (A) Primary School  (SD)
St. Mary's Catholic Primary School (Glossop)  (HP)
St. Thomas Catholic Primary School  (E)
Stanton Vale Special School  (E)
Stubbin Wood School  (B)
Swanwick Primary School  (AV)
The Delves School  (AV)
Tupton Primary School  (NE)
Turnditch C.E. (VA) Primary School  (AV)
William Levick Primary School  (NE)
Willington Primary School  (SD)

Certificate of Achievement (86) – Serveries
Abercrombie Community Primary School  (C)
All Saints Catholic Primary School  (HP)
Apperknowle Community Primary School  (NE)
Barlborough Primary School  (B)
Barlow C.E. (VC) Primary School  (NE)
Biggin C.E. (C) Primary School  (DD)
Bradwell C.E. (VC) Infant School  (DD)
Brigg Infant School  (B)
Brimington Manor Infants and Nursery  School  (C)
Buxton Infant School  (HP)                                         
Buxworth Primary School  (HP)
Castle Gresley Infant School  (SD)
Castleton C.E. (C) Primary School  (HP)
Charlesworth (VC) C.E. Primary School (Infant)  (HP)
Charlesworth (VC) C.E. Primary School (Junior)  (HP)
Clifton C.E. (C) Primary School  (DD)
Corfield (VC) C.E. Infant School  (AV)
Creswell Support Centre  (B)
Crich C.E. (VC) Infant School  (AV)
Crich Junior School  (AV)
Darley Churchtown (VC) C.E. Primary School  (DD)
Darley Dale Primary School (Infant)  (DD)
Dove Holes C.E. (VC) Primary School  (HP)
Eckington Junior School  (NE)
Edale C.E. (C)  Primary School  (HP)
Elton C.E. (C) Primary School  (DD)
Findern Community Primary School  (SD)
Furness Vale Primary School  (HP)
Granby Junior School  (E)
Hadfield Nursery School  (HP)
Hague Bar Primary School  (HP)
Hartshorne C.E. (C) Primary School  (SD)
Henry Bradley Infants School  (C)
Highfield Primary School  (E)
Horsley C.E. (C) Primary School  (AV)
Horsley Woodhouse Primary School  (AV)
John King Infant School  (B)
Kilburn Infant and Nursery School  (AV)
Kirk Ireton C.E. (VC) Primary School  (DD)
Larklands Infant and Nursery School  (E)
Litton C.E. (A) Primary School  (DD)
Longford C.E. (C) Primary School  (DD)
Longstone C.E. (A) Primary School  (DD)
Loscoe Primary C.E. (C) School  (AV)
Mapperley C.E. (VC) Primary School  (AV)
Marsh Lane Primary School  (NE)
Melbourne Infant School  (SD)
Middleton Community Primary School  (DD)
Monyash C.E. (VC) Primary School  (DD)
Morton Primary School  (NE)
Muggington C.E. (VC) Primary School  (AV)
New Bolsover Primary School  (B)
Newton Primary School  (B)
Newton Solney C.E. (VA) Infant School  (SD)                  
North Wingfield Infant School  (NE)
Old Hall Junior School  (C)
Padfield Community Primary School  (HP)
Park Junior School  (B)
Pinxton Nursery School  (B)
Pottery Primary School  (AV)
Ridgeway Primary School  (NE)
Rosliston C.E. (VC) Primary School  (SD)
Sale & Davy's C.E. (C) Primary School  (SD)
Shirland Primary School (Infant Site)  (NE)
South Normanton Nursery School  (B)
Springfield Junior School   (SD)
St Mary's Catholic Primary School, New Mills  (HP)
St. Andrew's (VC) C.E. Junior School  (HP)
St. James (VC) C.E. Primary School  (HP)
St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School  - Matlock (DD)
St. Mary's Catholic Primary School  (C)
St. Oswald's C.E. (VC) Infant School  (DD)
St. Peter's C.E. (C)  Primary School  (SD)
Stonebroom Primary and Nursery School  (NE)
Street Lane Primary School  (AV)
Temple Normanton Primary School  (NE)
The Duke Of Norfolk (VC) C.E. Primary School (Annex)  (HP)
The Green Infant School  (B)
Tibshelf Infant and Nursery School  (B)
Unstone St. Mary's Infant School  (NE)
Weston-On-Trent C.E. (A) Primary School  (SD)
Winster (VC) C.E. Primary School   (DD)
Wirksworth C.E. (VC) Infant School  (DD)
Wirksworth Infant School  (DD)
Woodthorpe C.E. (C) Primary School  (C)
Woodville Infant School  (SD)

Certificate of Achievement (2) – Service to Dining Centres
Deincourt Community School  (NE)
Hasland Hall Community School  (C)

Police dogs and their handlers will once again patrol the grounds of Derbyshire County Council-run schools during the summer holidays to protect buildings against vandalism, arson and thefts. 

The joint initiative between the county council and Derbyshire Constabulary hopes to reduce the cost of insurance claims for vandalism, arson and theft incidents during the six-week school summer break.

It follows positive feedback from Derbyshire schools when the scheme was run for the first time during last year’s holidays.

Twenty officers and their dogs will patrol school grounds across all of Derbyshire but focus on areas where there were particular problems last year.

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Every criminal incident at a school is effectively taking money away that we should be spending on improving school buildings or buying books and equipment for pupils.

“The school summer holidays are traditionally a time when attacks on schools have gone up due to the fact that buildings are not being used as much.

“We hope that the small minority of people who carry out these attacks will be put off by having high visibility patrols in school grounds.”

Derbyshire County Council has already introduced a range of measures to improve school security, including security fencing, security marking property and improving CCTV provision.

Between 22 July and 6 September there were 32 insurance claims involving Derbyshire schools. These were: 

• One for an arson attack costing £10,000
• 21 for vandalism attacks costing £10,203
• 10 for thefts from school buildings costing £43,002

While acting as a deterrent Derbyshire police’s dog unit will also use the sessions patrolling school grounds to assist with the training of dogs and their handlers.

Inspector Alan Johnson, the officer in charge of the dog section, said: “This is an effective way of reducing insurance claims in schools and tackling anti-social behaviour.

“It also gives the dogs some exercise and the officers the opportunity to take part in a real exercise rather than a training one.” 

(REF: JF.310.06)

A sensory garden has been created as part of a Derbyshire County Council scheme to bring together school pupils and older people.

The Derbyshire Intergenerational Strategy for Schools Project aims to promote greater understanding between the two age groups and help both to learn new things from each other.

Students from Hulland CE Primary School in Hulland Ward, Ashbourne and Hulland Park residents Hilda Adams and Dorothy Prior worked together to create the sensory garden.

It features hanging baskets, raised planted beds, a vegetable patch and wind chimes. It is surrounded by fencing and an archway.

Work to create the garden took three months to complete. An open afternoon was held to show off the completed garden. 

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “This project has been really beneficial to everyone involved.

“As a county council we are keen to promote more positive images of young people and projects like this help bring the generations together with a common purpose.

“The garden looks really good, brightens up the school grounds and can be used as an outdoor classroom.”

Blooming marvellous…Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, (second left) enjoys sitting in the sensory garden with Hulland CE Primary School pupils Charlie Smith, nine, and Georgia Parsisson, seven, and local resident Hilda Adams.

Library users joined staff to celebrate the £40,000 refurbishment of Heanor Library with a Make a Noise in Libraries event.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, Councillor Bob Janes, also attended to officially re-open the library following the work to improve access for disabled people.

Alterations to the library included improving the ramp at the front to make it easier for people in wheelchairs and parents with pushchairs to get inside.

Automatic doors were installed together with a specially-designed toilet for disabled people. Baby changing facilities were also added to make the library, on Ilkeston Road, friendlier for families with children. The work meant the library was closed during May.

The informal afternoon of readings and information, called Make a Noise in Libraries, marked the occasion on Wednesday, July 19. Make a Noise in Libraries is the National Library for the Blind's annual awareness raising campaign in conjunction with libraries to improve services and take-up.

Making a Noise...Library user Margaret Mee from Heanor, who uses a wheelchair, in the new-look Heanor Library with Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services.

A community action group which specialises in teaching people IT skills has won national acclaim for its success in a Government scheme.  

The Holmewood and Heath Community Action Partnership (H&H CAP) which is supported by Derbyshire County Council, received £8,500 from the Department for Communities and Local Government to become a 'pathfinder'.  

As a pathfinder, the partnership works with the local community and voluntary organisations to develop the way they use ICT, looking at how they can improve their efficiency and effectiveness through IT developments.  

The H&HCAP, in Heath Road, Holmewood, was set up in 1999 by local people who wanted to improve the quality of life and opportunities in their area. It employs five local people and is supported by a number of volunteers.  

The partnership has been supported from the beginning by the county council and a worker from its community economic development team, Jane Chrispin.    

It provides a range of community services including welfare, benefits, pensions and employment advice, and has been running its community IT project since 2000.  

The partnership’s latest project has been piloting a new Government community IT development scheme called `net:gain’, which led to two workshops being held for local community groups.  

Under the net:gain project, all areas of an organisation come under review to see how they could be improved, with the emphasis on IT technology.  

Five groups have now attended the two workshops as well as being given one-to-one consultations to look at their particular needs.  

All five groups are now members of net:gain having been through the programme and have strong ICT strategies to develop and improve.  

As a result of its success as a net:gain centre, the partnership has been awarded a `Best Newcomer’ award at the recent net:gain conference in Warwick, attended by similar centres from across the country.  

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “The county council is very supportive of the Holmewood and Heath Community Action Partnership and it is very positive that it is going from strength to strength.  

“Its work on developing IT skills in the community is invaluable and the accolade of being named `Best Newcomer’ in the net:gain awards is richly deserved.  

“As they continue to expand, more and more local people and groups will benefit from their expertise which is excellent news for the community.”  

For more information about IT training and the net:gain programme at the Holmewood and Heath Community Action Partnership telephone Derbyshire County Council community economic development team worker Jane Chrispin on 01246 859654.  

(MC.307.06)

Big improvements are being carried out at a Derbyshire County Council library as part of a £170,000 scheme to upgrade facilities for disabled people and improve security.

The work to upgrade Eckington Library is planned to start in early September and will include the installation of a lift.

Shelving at the Market Street library will be moved to allow extra space for customers, including those using wheelchairs, to move around more easily and to access books.

Automatic entrance doors will be installed and the building will also be re-wired. Outside, security will be enhanced and improved by the installation of fencing at the back.

While the work is being carried out, the library will close temporarily although library users will be able to borrow extra books – up to 32 items – for the duration of the closure.

A fully-equipped large mobile library will also be visiting the town. The vehicle is one of three larger mobiles run by the county council and has a wider range of books than the authority’s 10 standard mobiles. It is equipped with a satellite broadband link for fast free internet access and will be in Eckington once a fortnight, starting on Friday, September 8 from 2pm-5pm.

The standard mobile library will also continue its visits to the Marsh Lane area every fortnight. It has five stops in the Marsh Lane area and will be there on Monday, September 11, and every two weeks after that.

The main library will be closed from Monday, September 4, 2006 to Monday, January 15, 2007, while the work is carried out.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services Councillor Bob Janes said: “This is a big improvement scheme costing £170,000 and will make the library more user-friendly and ensure the site is kept secure at all times.

“To ensure the safety of staff and the public it is necessary to close the building and we apologise for the inconvenience. 

“Access will be improved by putting in automatic entrance doors and the installation of a new platform lift at the back of the library which will give access to all floors. New fencing will also improve security and will cost around £10,000.”

He added: “We ask that people bear with us while this important work takes place and make use of our mobile libraries, the call centre on 08 456 058 058 and website in the meantime.”

For details of the mobile library routes, go to www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/mobile_libraries/ (opens in a new window)
(AJ.308.06)

If you have an interest in the great outdoors and would like a say on how Derbyshire’s countryside can be opened up for all to enjoy then your help is needed.

Derbyshire County Council - along with Derby City Council - are recruiting new members for the Derby and Derbyshire Local Access Forum.

The Forum was set up three years ago to advise on how best to improve access to land in Derbyshire (excluding the Peak District National Park and High Peak). The 22 members of the Forum cover a range of backgrounds from users, landowners, businesses and other interests.

The Forum meets four or five times a year in Derby and Matlock alternately. The work is voluntary with expenses paid and membership lasts up to three years.

Applications are invited from people from a wide range of interests with those from local farming and landowning interests, wider ethnic backgrounds, the local community, tourism or water sports particularly welcome. 

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “This is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested to get involved in advising on how we can improve access to and enjoyment of  Derbyshire’s countryside.

“Being a Local Access Forum member can be a very rewarding role and we would ask anyone who would like to apply to get in touch.”

For further details and a person specification ring Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 or you can download one from the countryside section of our website or from www.derby.gov.uk (opens in a new window). If you would like to join the Forum write – explaining your interests, experience and what you feel you can contribute – to Derby and Derbyshire Local Access Forum, Derbyshire County Council, Shand House, Dale Road South, Matlock, DE4 3RY or email local.accessforum@derbyshire.gov.uk.

The closing date for applications is Friday 25 August. Interviews will take place during early September.

(REF: SM.304.06)

School caterers are savouring the sweet taste of success after scooping awards for providing first-rate food.

Derbyshire County Council held its fourth annual Secondary Catering Quality Assurance Awards to recognise top quality service provided to schools by the authority’s catering teams.

Caterers were nominated by pupils, teachers or members of the authority’s catering service management team and then judged in action at their schools.

They were assessed on the quality of food, service, food presentation, customer care, hygiene, health and safety and kitchen management skills.

Schools in the secondary awards competed in 12 categories, including the main Derbyshire Secondary Caterers of the Year award. 

The Secondary Caterers of the Year award was presented to best team nominated in all of the following categories; trainers award, quality catering award, customer care, communicator of the year and support team of the year.

This year the honour went to catering unit at Deincourt Community School in North Wingfield. The team at Deincourt also beat off competition from across the country to win the Local Authority Caterers Association (LACA) Secondary School Catering Team of the Year Award 2006. 

The county’s catering service nominated the unit for the award for their successful work with the school’s student council and implementation across the school of healthy eating. The Chesterfield Road school received the award at a ceremony in Birmingham on Thursday (July 13).

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “Our awards give a great sense of achievement to the people who dedicate themselves to making sure Derbyshire’s school children enjoy tasty and nutritious food.

“I’d like to congratulate all the winners for the effort and innovation which has led to their success and high standards.

“We are very proud of the quality of our school meals service and it is tremendous news that Deincourt has triumphed at a national level on behalf of Derbyshire.

”This is a very prestigious award and means that Deincourt has the best catering service at any secondary school in the country.”

LACA is the professional body representing 80 per cent of catering managers and suppliers who provide catering services to all sectors of local authorities in England, Wales and Scotland. 

Fabulous food...pictured back (left to right) Linda Lunn (catering supervisor), Cllr Alan Charles and Ann Nuttall (catering assistant and recipient of long service award). Front Ryan Davies (13).

(REF:FW.305.06)

Two neighbouring schools are to form a federation to share best practice, resources and enhance pupils learning.

Marlpool Infant School and Marlpool Junior School will form the federation on Friday 1 September.

It means the two schools will:

• Share a permanent single headteacher and governing body
• Be funded as individual establishments but have flexibility in pooling budgets so they could save money when buying items in bulk, such as books
• Provide more opportunities for teachers to develop expertise in particular subjects.

The move has the backing of Derbyshire County Council, both school’s governing bodies, parents and other local schools.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “The two schools have a history of working closely together and the six-week public consultation into these plans found they were supported by governors, parents and teachers.

“By working as a federation the schools will benefit from greater freedoms in terms of staffing and resource planning.”

The federation will mean:

• Both schools retain their existing names and ethos
• Two parent governors from the infant school and three from the junior school will be on the joint governing body.

Ian Bond, chair of the governors’ federation working group said: “Shared best practice will be made possible under this federation and there will be a consistency across the curriculum for both key stages.

“We look at this as a great opportunity to build on the strong collaborative working that has taken place between the schools already to make the school experience more rewarding and fun for pupils at both sites.”

Marlpool Infant School is in Prospect Road, while Marlpool Junior School is just 200 yards away in Claramount Road. The infant school has 46 pupils and the junior school has 213.

(REF:FW.301.06)

Summer fun in the sun is on order for young people thanks to a host of events and activities organised by Derbyshire County Council’s youth service.

Throughout the county children and young people will be able to tap into different skills and challenges and hopefully making new friends. 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “A number of very successful events have already taken place and the forthcoming activities will offer youngsters a diverse range of entertainment.

“The youth service projects give young people the chance to make the most of their free time and enjoy themselves while learning new skills.”

The fun includes:

• A celebration at Creswell Youth Centre on Friday (July 21) with a beach party-themed evening for Bolsover district youth service users. The celebration will run from 7pm until 9.30pm and feature fancy dress, dancing competitions and refreshments.
• Young people taking part in a ‘Picnic in the Park’ at Rother Valley Country Park where a consultation to will take place to find out how 11-19-year-olds want £1.5 million spent on services. About 80 young people will be questioned between 1pm and 4pm on Monday 28 July to find out how they would want the money spent to improve their lives.
• Self-defence tasters from the ‘Be Safe from Your Gate’ touring mobile youth information unit to raise awareness and boost self-esteem. The unit will the following venues between 2pm and 6pm; Mickley on Friday 18 August at the community centre, Stonebroom on Monday 21 August at the green in Wesley Road, Pilsley on Tuesday 22 August at the community centre and finally at Grassmoor at Barnes Park on Wednesday 23 August. To find out more call 01246 865842.
• Two weeks of activities will be hosted at Killamarsh Youth Centre off Sheffield Road. From Monday 24 July to Sunday 30 July, between 10am and noon and 1pm to 3pm, the youth service will work in partnership with Chesterfield College and Derbyshire Police to give young people the chance to try their hand at skills such as hairdressing and jewellery making, and take part in PlayStation competitions. From Monday 28 July the youth service will support the community in providing a week of fun learning activities for autistic children and young children and young people. For details contact 0114 2477308.

(Ref:FW.302.06)

Murder and witchcraft come to Elvaston Castle next month with an outdoor production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

Derbyshire County Council welcomes the Twisted Elbow theatre company’s new take on the tale as part of a seven week national tour which also takes in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The performance will take place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 August at 7.30pm but ticket holders can arrive from 5.30pm to enjoy the surroundings of the park.
People are invited to bring picnic chairs or blankets along with their own refreshments to enjoy during the summer evening performance.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “This is an excellent opportunity for people to enjoy a piece of theatre from one of the world’s greatest playwrights.

“The outdoor performance should add to the experience and make for a great summer’s evening out.” Tickets are available from the gift shop at Elvaston Castle Country Park. The price is £10 for adults and £8 concessions. For more information ring 01332 571342.

(REF: SM.303.06)

Improvements to two schools have been given the go ahead by Derbyshire County Council.

Rewiring and lighting work will be undertaken at Brockwell Junior School in Purbeck Avenue, Loundsley Green, and a new fire alarm system will be fitted at Brockwell Nursery and Infant School at the same site.

Some of the electrical wiring in the junior school does not meet modern requirements and the lighting is to be updated to be more energy efficient.

The £107,381 improvement project will receive £84,741 funding from the authority, with the school funding the remaining £22,640.

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “These improvements are part of our ongoing work to provide high quality learning environments for pupils across the county.

“This work will keep our pupils safe and enable them to study in a pleasant, updated setting without experiencing any disruption in their day-to-day business.

“The new energy efficient lighting will also help the school to do their bit for the environment.”

An initial site meeting has taken place and work will begin at the schools on Monday (July 24) and be mostly finished by September. Final work will take place over the October half-term break bringing the project to an end in November.

(Ref:FW.300.06)

A secondary school is to swap around its separate lower and upper sites to reduce the amount of disruption to staff and pupils.

Derbyshire County Council is carrying out a £963,300 building scheme to enable Glossopdale Community College to make the switch, in partnership with the college’s governors. Work will be carried out in three phases.

The college was formed in 1990 by the merger of Hadfield School and Glossop School, which are two miles apart. Hadfield School became the upper site of Glossopdale Community College, while the former Glossop School became the lower site. At the same time the former Talbot House Special School became Glossop Community College’s sixth form building.

From September the two sites will be swapped so the upper site is next to the sixth form. This will reduce the amount of time staff spend travelling between the two schools and also reduce disruption for pupils. 

The first phase of work will involve essential refurbishments to enable the move to take place and will be completed before the start of the new school year in September. A second phase will be completed by Christmas, with the whole project due to be finished before July 2007.

As well as refurbishments to enable the switch to take place work will also be carried out to improve disabled access to buildings. As the school was recently awarded specialist college status in the arts there will also be work to upgrade music and arts rooms in the buildings.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “This is a major reorganisation but a logical one that will ultimately benefit everybody at the college.

“Work is already underway to ensure that the switch can be made when the pupils return in September. We have taken the opportunity to tie in other building projects that were planned at the college, such as work to improve disabled access and arts facilities.”

The school will contribute £458,300 from its own funds with Derbyshire County Council paying the remaining £505,000.

(REF: JF.299.06)

Two North Wingfield schools are to merge to become a single primary school following a decision by Derbyshire County Council.

The move comes after no objections were received during a formal six-week consultation period into plans to amalgamate North Wingfield Infant School and North Wingfield Junior School.

In an earlier informal consultation the idea got the full support of staff and governors at both schools, North Wingfield Parish Council and the headteacher, staff and governors at Deincourt Community School. 

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet has now decided to close North Wingfield Infant and North Wingfield Junior schools on 31 March 2007 and open the new primary school on 1 April 2007.

Having a single primary school enables the authority to: 

• Remove around 60 surplus places
• Remove the need for children to change schools between infant and junior phases 
• Allow pupils to interact with a wider age range of children 
• Allow staff to develop more specialist subject skills
  

To enable the merger to take place the authority is proposing to: 

• Install a new telephone system 
• Demolish air-raid shelters and a wooden building on the junior school site
• Convert a classroom into a joint staff room 
  

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “It is always an emotive issue to amalgamate two schools.

“But from the start there has been strong support for this merger from the local community because everyone could see the benefits of having a single school with one headteacher and governing body.

“We can now start work to ensure the new school is a success for the education of young people in North Wingfield.”

          
(REF: JF.298.06)

Almost £56,000 has been granted by Derbyshire County Council to support summer activities for disabled and disadvantaged children.

14 voluntary organisations across the county bid for a share of the cash from the council’s holiday playscheme budget and Community Self Help Fund.

The grants range from £500 for a two-week playscheme for three to 14-year-olds in Temple Normanton to £20,688 for a range of therapeutic play provision across north Derbyshire for children between two and 12-years-old with physical, sensory and learning disabilities.

Requests for funding were considered in consultation with the authority’s social care area managers and took into account the availability of funding from elsewhere.

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “One of our key priorities is to help all children learn, succeed and live happily and healthily. “These organisations provide invaluable support to parents and their children who are disabled or living in disadvantaged areas and we’re pleased we’re able to help so many of them operate this summer.”

Details of groups awarded grants (opens in a new window)

(REF:JM.295.06)

A much-needed £12.4 million link road connecting Ilkeston and Awsworth has been given the go-ahead to be built by Derbyshire County Council.

Full Government approval has been granted along with £10.4 million funding from the Department for Transport for the major construction scheme. The remaining cost of the project will be funded by the county council.

Stretching a total of 800 metres, the new road will feature three bridges built into the single carriageway road – one over the railway to the north of Station Road, Ilkeston, another over the River Erewash and a third over Erewash Canal.

It will run from a new roundabout at the junction of Rutland Street and Belfield Street near the entrance to Tesco in Ilkeston and will join the A6096 Awsworth bypass at the roundabout with Coronation Road.

Traffic will be diverted away from Station Road which is an extremely busy partly-residential road on the outskirts of Ilkeston. 

More than 18,000 vehicles currently use Station Road each day and the flow of traffic is severely restricted by a narrow rail bridge which is a particular problem for lorries.

The new road will relieve Station Road of environmental, safety and congestion problems as well as improving links to Nottingham and the M1 for road users.

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities, said: “This is a long-awaited project which will have a huge impact both for people living locally and those travelling to the area. “A new purpose-built road will provide better transport links to Ilkeston and the surrounding area and improve safety for both pedestrians and motorists. Improving Derbyshire’s roads and protecting residents are priorities high on our agenda and this funding is a much-welcomed boost for Ilkeston and the surrounding area. We’re looking forward to seeing work start as soon as possible.”

Work to build the road is expected to begin in late autumn.

(REF:JM.297.06)

Energetic young people with a taste for adventure reaped the rewards of their efforts at an awards ceremony hosted in their honour.

Challenges and activities were successfully tackled by 59 youngsters from across Derbyshire as part of their Duke of Edinburgh and Peak Awards.

The hard work paid off with 36 Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners and 23 young people collecting Peak Awards at level 1 or 2.

Derbyshire County Council’s own Peak Awards are open to children as young as 11, while the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme offers opportunities to 14 to 25-year-olds.

Both schemes give young people the chance to work as part of a team, learn new skills and try new activities. 

Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for cultural and community services, presented certificates and badges at the awards at a ceremony hosted at the Polygon Youth Centre in Church Street, Alfreton on July 7.

He said: “Both of these schemes are a fantastic way for young people to meet friends and have fun and adventures.

“There are no exams involved but these awards can be put on a CV and show an employer that the person is hard-working, committed and gets on with others.

“The wider community benefits too because a lot of the projects involve neighbourhood improvement.

“I would urge other young people to get involved and join the adventures!”

Winning ways: Award winners (front row, left to right) Laura Tomlinson (18) (Ashbourne Open Award Unit), Adam Wilson (18) (Ashbourne Open Award Unit), with Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for cultural and community services, and Ann Bradley (Chesterfield Open Award Unit). Other winners pictured received Peak Awards 1 and 2, and Duke of Edinburgh Silver and Bronze awards.

Duke of Edinburgh

Silver award

 William Griffiths - Lady Manners School *
Thomas Osborn - Lady Manners School
 Melissa Wragg - Polygon Open Award *
           
Gold award

Laura Tomlinson - Ashbourne Open Award Unit *
Adam Wilson - Ashbourne Open Award Unit
Searah St James - Buxton Community School
Ann Bradley - Chesterfield Open Award Unit
Emily Jones - New Mills School *
Jon-Paul Rougeolle - Trent College *
Christopher Shelley - Trent College *

Bronze award

Christopher Walker - Anthony Gell School
Rachel Bates - Eckington School
David Fairbanks - Eckington School
Matt Pitchford - Glossopdale Community College
Jessica Zielinska  - Glossopdale Community College
Ryan Brown - Hasland Hall School
Simon Yates - Hasland Hall School
Emily Gait - Hope Valley College *
Heather Lee - Hope Valley College
Amy Nicholson - Hope Valley College
Olivia Smedley - Hope Valley College
Rachel Spalton - Lady Manners School *
Joanne Upton - Lady Manners School
Andrew Turner - 5th Matlock Scout Group *
Stephanie Hallam - New Mills School *
Rhiannon Monaghan - New Mills School *
Joe Castledine - Queen Elizabeth Grammar School
Emma Hartley - Queen Elizabeth Grammar School
Thomas Nicholls - Queen Elizabeth Grammar School
Ruth Twigg - Queen Elizabeth Grammar School
Tom Wilson - Queen Elizabeth Grammar School
Danielle Brennan - St Thomas More School
Stephan Conlan - St Thomas More School *
Simon Gould - St Thomas More School
Rebecca Pratchett  - St Thomas More School *
Oliver Vernon - St Thomas More School *

Peak Award 1

Bobbey Allen - Model Village Peak Award
Jon Paul Allen - Model Village Peak Award
MartyBoy Allen - Model Village Peak Award
Elizabeth Brooks - Model Village Peak Award *
Craig Burton - Model Village Peak Award
Annable Jackson - Model Village Peak Award
Keeleigh Jacques - Model Village Peak Award
Alex Russell - Model Village Peak Award *
Becky Sindall - Model Village Peak Award
Neely Wheatley - Model Village Peak Award *
Hayley Shepherd - NG20 Peartree Peak Award * 
Rosie Shepherd  - NG20 Peartree Peak Award *
Rachel Allbrighton  - Polygon Inters Youth Club *
Jamie Watson - Tupton Youth Centre *
Nathan Wosylenko - Tupton Youth Centre *

Peak Award 2

Chloe Boyes - Tupton Youth Centre *
Gary Britland - Tupton Youth Centre
James Hadfield - Tupton Youth Centre
Graeme Haywood - Tupton Youth Centre
Sarah Marriott - Tupton Youth Centre *
Sarah Plackett - Tupton Youth Centre
Ben Watson - Tupton Youth Centre
Craig Boyes - Tupton Youth Centre *

* young people who have passed their award but were unable to attend the ceremony.

A summer school is being organised by Derbyshire County Council to teach young people leadership skills and find the leaders of tomorrow.

The week-long U FActor! Summer Challenge will take place at Wilsthorpe Business and Enterprise College in Long Eaton and involve 42 pupils in years five to 10 from schools in the Long Eaton area.

Between Monday 24 July and Friday 28 July students on the U FActor! challenge will: 

• Take part in team building and leadership skills exercises
• Plan events or activities that they can run in their own schools, such as after school clubs or summer schools
• Go on a private tour of Chatsworth House
  

On Tuesday 25 July pupils will also get the opportunity to interview leaders from different walks of life and discuss the way they make decisions. Among those being interviewed will be: 

• Councillor Anne Western, deputy leader and cabinet member for children’s services at Derbyshire County Council
• Councillor Mike Wallis, mayor of Erewash
• Rachael Wilmot, headteacher of Harrington Junior School 
• Danny Smith, headteacher of Wilsthorpe Business and Enterprise College
• Ken May, director of the purchasing consortium ESPO
• Sadi Mehmood, cultural awareness training provider and founder of Noble Khan
• Saranjit Shetra, senior advisor for school improvement at Derbyshire County Council 
  

U FActor! is the first event being run by the newly launched Young People’s Fellowship formed by Derbyshire University of the First Age (UFA), supported by the Big Lottery Fund.

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “This is a really interesting project that will boost the skills and self-confidence of all the young people involved.

“I am looking forward to being interviewed by the young people on the course and sharing with them some ideas about leadership skills.

“After the course these young people will go back to their schools and run projects involving fellow students. They will decide what those projects will be during the U FActor! challenge.”

A representative sample of pupils from Wilsthorpe Business and Enterprise College, Harrington Junior School, Grange Primary School, Longmoor Primary School, all in Long Eaton, have been picked to go on the challenge.         

School’s out for summer and young people have no excuse to sit around doing nothing during their holidays thanks to Derbyshire County Council’s b_line boredom buster.

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.

Starting on Saturday 22 July and running through the whole school holidays until Sunday 3 September, activities will run in every area of Derbyshire and there is something to suit everyone. Searches can be done by activity, location or date and many attractions offer discounts 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 Amber Valley; making a CD at Donut Studios and a graffiti project in Bolsover; mini Olympics and fashion design in Chesterfield; orienteering and stream walking in Derbyshire Dales; football tournaments and summer activity days in Erewash; make your own go-kart and learning how to DJ in the High Peak; Playstation challenge and a picnic in the park in North East Derbyshire or an introduction to vehicle maintenance and camping in South Derbyshire.

Derbyshire County Council’s leader Councillor John Williams said:”The interactive website is a brilliant way for young people and families to find out what is happening in Derbyshire and beyond during the summer holidays.

“Our youth service provides countless opportunities for young people to pursue their hobbies, learn new skills, meet new people and make the most of their time during the summer.

“The site is easy to use and provides lots of ideas for fun activities, whatever your tastes. Whether you’re after sports activities, days out or just something to while away a few hours, it’s all there at the click of a mouse.”

As well as searching the boredom buster, the site also gives details of b_line roadshows, outdoor sporting activities at the council’s White Hall Centre in Buxton and where you can stay with the YHA (Youth Hostelling Association). 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 (opens in a new window) . Free Internet access is available at all Derbyshire County Council libraries. Alternatively, people can Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 to get the boredom buster information.

(Ref: SS.293.06)

Budding movie moguls at primary schools have been producing their own films for a Derbyshire County Council-run competition.

The Derbyshire ‘Our Shorts’ Digital Video competition was set up to encourage schools to make more use of technology to enhance the learning and teaching of other subject areas, such as history or science.

Primary and special school pupils were invited to film a movie lasting two minutes or less. They produced the ideas and scripts themselves and were also responsible for the filming and editing process.

Entries were received from 23 schools, with 45 films produced in total. Topics covered include healthy living, not dropping litter, preventing bullying, what happened after the Fire of London and re-telling traditional fairy tales.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “This is the first time we have run the competition and was extremely pleased with the high standard of entries received.

“Making their own film engaged young people in an innovative way and encouraged schools to use technology they have invested in to develop other areas of the curriculum.

“The films produced were of a very good standard, made interesting viewing and had clearly inspired the young students in their learning.”

Entries were split into four categories – foundation stage, key stage 1, lower key stage 2 and upper key stage 2.

All the entrants were invited to an awards ceremony at County Hall, Matlock on 17 July where the winners were announced.

The category winners were St Giles CE Primary School in Killamarsh, Green Infant School in South Normanton, Clifton CE Primary School, Melbourne Junior School and Eureka Primary School in Midway. They received computer software and a digital movie camera each.

Foundation Stage Category

1st: St Giles CE Primary School, Killamarsh
2nd: Green Infant School, South Normanton
3rd: Draycott Community Primary School 

Key Stage 1

1st: Green Infant School, South Normanton
2nd: Elmsleigh Infant and Nursery School, Swadlincote
3rd: Stretton Handley CE Primary School, Woolley Moor, near Alfreton
Highly Commended: Christ the King RC Primary School, Alfreton
Commended: Elmsleigh Infant and Nursery School, Swadlincote

Lower Key Stage 2

Joint 1st: Clifton CE Primary School
Joint 1st: Melbourne Junior School
3rd: Old Hall Junior School, Chesterfield
Highly Commended: William Levick Primary School, Dronfield Woodhouse
Highly Commended: Hasland Junior School
Commended: Bradwell Junior School
Commended: Lea Primary School, Holloway, near Matlock
Commended: All Saints Catholic Primary School, Glossop

Upper Key Stage 2

1st: Eureka Primary School, Midway
2nd: Stretton Handley CE Primary School, Woolley Moor, near Alfreton
Joint 3rd: St John’s CE Primary School, Belper
Joint 3rd: Longford CE Primary School, Ashbourne
Highly Commended: Walton Holymoorside Primary School, Holymoorside
Commended: Draycott Community Primary School 
Commended: St John’s CE Primary School, Belper
 

Youngsters, families and staff celebrated the official opening of the full day care provision at a children’s centre.

Creswell Children’s Centre opened in April in the newly refurbished nursery and infant school to offer a one-stop shop for high-quality education, childcare and health services for children under 5 and their families. 

The nursery unit at the centre, in Gypsy Lane, provides full day care for children from 0 to 5-years-old in addition to the existing educational nursery provision. 

The integrated services are provided as part of a partnership with Early Birds Childcare Service, Creswell CE Infant and Nursery School and Surestart based on the same site.

Child and family health provision offered includes parenting courses, counselling, antenatal services and signposting to information or help.

To celebrate the success of the new facility, which offers services to about 400 children, and their families, an open day was hosted to publicise what is on offer to the community.

Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for cultural and community services, visited the event hosted by the school and Early Birds Neighbourhood Nursery.

He said: “We’re delighted to be able to make access to a wide range of high-quality childcare and family services possible to the local community.

“Our children’s centres are a valuable source of support to Derbyshire people juggling home-life and jobs who need to have confidence in their childcare provision.

“I hope this day gave an insight into the excellent services at the children’s centre.”

Anyone interested in using the children’s centre services can call Creswell Infant and Nursery School on 01909 721471 or Early Birds Neighbourhood Nursery on 01909 723947.

(Ref:FW.281.06)

Residents in Derbyshire are being warned not to fall for the latest bogus lottery scam which is claiming to be the Spanish lottery.

Letters or emails inform recipients they have won a large amount of money in a national sweepstake lottery and ask for bank details so that the ‘prize’ can be processed.

But Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards team is warning people not to hand over any details or money to the lottery operator as it is a well-known scam.

Previously the lottery operators, who call themselves ‘Loteria Primitiva’, asked people to hand over money for administration costs, but now the scammers are asking for bank details or personal details such as a copy of a passport or driving licence. The criminals can then use this information to withdraw money from people’s accounts or even attempt to steal or use their identity.

The county council is warning people to ignore any letters, emails or phonecalls claiming that they have won a lottery sweepstake and is offering the following advice:

If you are approached and offered something that seems too good to be true, before you respond, stop and consider these questions:-
• Was the offer unsolicited? 
• How can I have won a competition or lottery that I haven't entered? 
• Did the offer come from overseas? 
• Do I have to respond at once, so as not to "miss out" - what's the rush? 
• Do I have to make a purchase or send money to win a prize? 
• Do I have to give my bank, credit card or personal details? 
• Do I have to send the money to a PO Box number? 
• Am I asked to keep it confidential? 
• Can I afford to lose the money? 

In our experience, if an offer appears too good to be true - then it probably is.

County council cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “Scammers are resourceful, enterprising and manipulative and unfortunately our trading standards team has heard from quite a few Derbyshire residents who have fallen victim to e-mail, telephone or postal scams which can sound too good to miss.

“The best advice we can give to anyone who receives one is do not respond, do not give your bank details or hand over any cash, inform our trading standards team and throw away the letter.”

Members of the public can call Consumer Direct for advice and information about any consumer issue on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk (opens in a new window) which features specific advice about scams as well as general consumer information.

(Ref: SS.291.06)

Canal visitors can now experience the sights and sounds of the waterway while learning about the area.

Derbyshire County Council - working with Staveley Town Council and volunteers from Chesterfield Canal Trust – has put up a new information board about the Chesterfield Canal at Mill Green, Staveley. The board – unveiled at the Staveley Feast weekend - will eventually form part of a series of panels along the canal which has been fully restored by the county council between Chesterfield and Staveley. 

Work to open up the canal and improve the tow path has meant boaters, walkers and cyclists can all regularly enjoy the area. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “We are very pleased with the work we have done so far to restore the Chesterfield Canal so it can be used by both local people and visitors.

“These boards will provide general information and useful facts about the canal at specific locations.”

HISTORY AT THEIR FINGERTIPS…(from left) Oliver Challands (aged eight), Sharon Challands, Heather Challands (aged eight) and Sam Challands (aged eight) from Chesterfield with Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas

Young people in the Derbyshire Dales are being offered the chance to take part in a wide range of activities being run by Derbyshire County Council during the summer holidays.

The A/up project will take place between 24 and 27 July at Highfields School in Matlock and Lady Manners School in Bakewell for young people aged 14 to 19.

Everyone attending will be able to try their hand at being a DJ, playing in a rock band, making a film, drama performances and a dance workshop with African drummer and dancer Paepae. 

On 27 July young people who have taken part in the A/up project will showcase the skills they have learnt in an afternoon performance at County Hall in Matlock. 

The A/up project is the start of a summer of activities in the Derbyshire Dales which includes: 

• 17 August – High ropes and orienteering day at Lea Green Development and Conference Centre
• 18 August – Arts day at Ashbourne Adult Community Education Centre including graffiti wall, batik, pottery, aboriginal art and other art activities
• 22 August – Bike ride and picnic on the Tissington Trail (bring own picnic)
• 23 August – Mountain boarding day at the Ride the Hill Centre in Kelstedge
• 24 August – Stream walking at Lumsdale
• 31 August – Kayaking at Darley Abbey 

Derbyshire County Council’s mobile information unit will also be providing activities at Hall Leys Park in Matlock between 1 and 3 August and Darley Dale on 16 August.

All young people who take part in any of the summer programme activities will be entered into a prize draw to win a pair of tickets to Alton Towers. 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “The summer holidays can seem very long if young people do not have activities to do.

“This programme put together by youth workers means that young people in the Derbyshire Dales will have plenty of different activities to keep them occupied.

“Many of the activities are outdoor and involve learning new skills that will be of use to young people throughout their lives.”

All the activities need to be pre-booked and have a small charge. Booking forms are available in all schools and libraries throughout the Derbyshire Dales or by ringing Helen Greatorex on 01629 585658 or Neil Onyon on 01629 585968.

(REF: JF.290.06)

Outstanding anti-bullying schemes have been rewarded with a top accolade from Derbyshire County Council at a ceremony held in honour of the achievements. 

Hasland Junior School, Henry Bradley Infants School in Brimington, near Chesterfield, South Darley CE Primary School in Darley Bridge and Stenson Fields Primary Community School received excellence awards in the Anti-Bullying Commitment (ABC) Quality Assurance Scheme.  

Schools qualify for either initial, intermediate or excellence awards according to the amount of anti-bullying initiatives they have introduced. 

The Anti-Bullying Commitment (ABC) Quality Assurance Scheme was set up in 1996 to encourage schools to introduce strategies to prevent and deal with bullying issues. Schools work to develop their own anti-bullying strategies based on ideas in an information pack produced by Derbyshire County Council.

A further 44 schools received initial and intermediate awards at the ceremony at County Hall on Friday.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “I am delighted that Derbyshire can boast 301 schools, family centres and support centres which are signed up to the ABC anti-bullying scheme.

“By continuing to build on the successes of these initiatives and share good practice we can help stamp out instances of bullying and make Derbyshire children’s school lives enjoyable and productive.”

Top  Marks: Pupils from South Darley CE Primary School receive their anti-bullying award from Councillor Alan Charles, (left to right) Holly Gold (8), Joseph Edwards (6), Ellie Cocker (10) and headteacher David Mayo-Braidon.

Teenagers will be taking part in challenging activities across the county thanks to a project designed to give school leavers a range of life skills.

Derbyshire County Council is offering a number of summer events for Year 11 pupils to help build their confidence and prepare them for further education or employment.

Activities are run as part of the national Uproject scheme which is funded via the Connexions service. The authority’s youth service successfully bid for funding to offer the initiatives.

These will include:

• Pupils from Deincourt School, North Wingfield, taking part in a cultural diversity residential course in London from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 July to see exhibitions, events and architecture relating to different cultures.
• A well dressing created by the Holmewood Youth Project, in conjunction with local people, will be blessed by the Bishop of Derby at a ceremony in Holmewood on Saturday 15 July at 3.45pm. The well dressing, outside St Alban’s Church in Heath Road, will be displayed until Friday 21 July.
• Mechanically-minded youngsters with an interest in cars will be taking part in the ‘Ignition’ project at the youth centre in Woodville between 10am and 5pm from Monday 24 to Friday 28 July, with a view to gaining qualifications.
• Communication and team work skills will be the focus of a residential course at Lea from Monday 24 to Wednesday 26 July. A variety of outdoor activities will take place at the Lea Green Development and Conference Centre.
• Young people hoping to get in the frame as film directors will be taking part in a week-long film-making project at Donut Creative Arts Studios, Chesterfield until Friday 14 July, where they will learn about camera work, special effects and editing. 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “We are delighted to provide these events to occupy young people in a positive way and keep them active and using their minds creatively over the summer.

“By building on the learning and skills they gained at school we can help develop their confidence and prepare them for moving on to college or employment.

”The young people involved get to work independently and build their own confidence or in groups where they can improve their communication and team work skills.

“They can use what they learn to make decisions about what they may want to do with their future.”                     

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Prints and paintings inspired by the mountains of Nepal go on show at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery next month. 

They are the work of well-travelled artist Derek English who also depicts landscapes closer to home in his exhibition called Promised Lands. 

The exhibition at the museum run by Derbyshire County Council starts on Saturday 5 August and runs until Saturday 30 September. 

Derek has captured the essence of the landscapes in his unique large-scale prints and paintings using text and transparent layers. 

He will be at the museum between 2pm and 4pm on 19 August and 16 September to talk to visitors about the inspiration for his work and the techniques he uses. 

Cabinet member for cultural and community services Councillor Bob Janes 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.”   

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery is open to the public free-of-charge as part of the county council’s commitment to providing access to cultural activities. 

As well as this exhibition, visitors can also enjoy watercolours by Jeff Beaumont in a collection called Wildest Dreams until 2 September and photographs called Primary School by Colin New until 16 September.

(Ref: CC.288.06)

Two young Arab writers will visit Derbyshire as part of a national event promoting literature from the Middle East. 

Poet Joumana Haddad, from Lebanon, and fiction writer Mansoura Ez-Eldin, from Egypt, will be at Derbyshire County Council’s library in Chesterfield on Wednesday 16 August. 

They will be reading extracts from their work in English during the event called Banipal Live 2006 – organised by Arab literature magazine Banipal, the British Council and Arts Council England. 

During the evening, which starts at 7.30pm, refreshments will be served and there will also be a chance to talk to the women about their work. 

There will also be the opportunity to borrow books by a range of Arab writers and buy copies of a book, called Unbuttoning the Violin, which features work by the two authors appearing in Chesterfield. 

Banipal Live 2006 – which will tour the country with stops in London, Derby, Manchester, South Shields and Edinburgh – aims to promote the wealth of contemporary literature from the Middle East. 

Councillor Bob Janes, the council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “This is a rare opportunity to meet young writers from the Arab world and I am delighted that the county council has been invited to take part. 

“I hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to come and listen to the authors and debate their work.” 

To book tickets for the event, which cost £3, call 01246 209292.   

Modern business units which can be adapted to meet different types of companies needs are now available for rent.   

Four units are available on the £3.9 million Holmewood Business Park in Chesterfield Road, which is just five minutes drive from junction 29 of the M1 motorway.   

Two companies have already moved onto the purpose-built business park, bringing 100 jobs, and the high specification units look set to attract more employment to the area.   

The landscaped business park covers almost 40,000 square feet and each of the commercial units has its own parking spaces.   

The units can be used for manufacturing or office space or adapted for a combination of both and all of them are double glazed, with central heating which uses high efficiency condensing boilers, an alarm system and CCTV.   

The business park is part of Derbyshire County Council’s drive to boost the economy and create jobs in the former colliery area.   

The county council secured funding from the Alliance Sub-regional Strategic Partnership, the European Regional Development Fund and the Government’s Single Regeneration Budget.   

The authority itself gave £250,000 to the project, designing and building the business park.   

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “Holmewood Business Park has a lot to offer businesses looking to set up in the area.   

“The units are built to a very high specification and are modern and stylish in design and there is scope to adapt each unit to suit companies with specific needs.   

“A real bonus is that it is very close to the M1 although you wouldn’t realise this when you are actually at the business park itself as it is landscaped, leafy and tranquil, providing a very pleasant environment for people to work in.”   

Councillor Carlile added: “New or existing businesses will find Holmewood an ideal location with first class facilities and I would urge anyone who is interested in renting    one of the units to get in touch to discuss their requirements and find out more information.”   

For more information about renting a business unit on the Holmewood Business Park contact Steve Dolby at Derbyshire County Council on 01629 580000 ext 6333 or e-mail steve.dolby@derbyshire.gov.uk   

(Ref:MC.282.06)

The b_line team is hitting the road this month to spread the word about great travel deals and fantastic shopping discounts to even more Derbyshire youngsters.

And there will be a few surprises in store for b_liners with some great gifts and the chance to enter some fabulous competitions.

Derbyshire County Council launched its half-fare travel and discount scheme for young people five years ago and now more than 90 per cent of 11 to 18-year-olds have a card.

At the roadshows visitors can meet the council’s b_line team, ask questions and enter a prize draw. They will take place between 10am and 4pm at:

• Chesterfield: Monday 24 July – Chesterfield Market Place.
• Buxton: Tuesday 25 July – at the bottom of Terrace Road near its junction with Spring Gardens and near Turner’s Memorial.
• Derby: Wednesday 26 July – at the junction of East Street Albion Street near the Derby Ram statue (outside HMV).

As well as meeting the b_line team and asking questions, visitors who complete a roadshow survey will also receive a b_line free gift and be entered into a prize draw to win £50.

Visitors who aren’t already b_liners can collect an application form and pick up a copy of the latest b_line magazine. 

Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor John Williams said: “We already have more than 65,000 b_liners benefiting from great travel deals and discounts at more than 750 outlets across the county - but more are always welcome!

“These roadshows are successful in spreading the word about b_line and we look forward to seeing you all in Buxton, Derby and Chesterfield.”

* All 11 to 18-year-olds who live in Derbyshire are automatically issued with b_line cards through their school, as long as it is run by Derbyshire County Council or Derby City Council, or through their college. For more information about b_line, or if you are a business who would like to sign up, visit the website www.derbyshire.gov.uk/b_line (opens in a new window) or ring Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.

(Ref:LT.283.06)

A hotel and pub is hoping to attract a different type of regular with its new venture – as the village post office.  

Hotelier Rita Williams, who runs the Crown Inn in Higham with partner Larry Marshall, has become the village’s new postmistress after creating a counter at the 10-bedroomed hotel and pub in Main Street.  

The move has been welcomed by Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile, who has been spearheading a campaign to save and re-open post offices across the county.  

The new part-time facility will boost the village which has been without a post office for more than a year.  

Councillor Carlile said: “This is very good news for residents, particularly the elderly and those without access to transport, who once again will have access to a local post office service.  

“We have been working with the Post Office and local residents to support the introduction of services alongside existing businesses and this is a perfect example of what can be achieved by working in partnership.”  

Councillor Carlile has long campaigned against the closure of rural post offices across Derbyshire and has worked closely with the Post Office and residents in several villages to come up with new and innovative ideas to make new ventures viable.  

The post office in Higham will open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.30pm and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 1pm.  

It will offer a range of services as well as enabling people to collect benefits using the Post Office Card Account or bank accounts accessible at branches.  

As well as helping out at the hotel, Rita – who manages a recruitment agency she set up from home 21 years ago – will run the post office with staff member Janet Gigg.  

Rita said: “Having run a pub for four years we feel very much a part of the community and felt it was right that we should provide this vital service to residents.”  

The new post office, which is 300 yards from the site of the old one, has also been fitted with a hearing loop for people with hearing difficulties.     

(Ref.MC.259.06)

Creative minds are being urged to sign up to a free specialist support programme aimed at boosting their business enterprises. 

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. 

It was launched at an evening event in May where renowned designer Wayne Hemingway, the creative mind behind stre