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June
| 30 June 2006 | Roll Up for Shipley's Birthday Bash |
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It’s a bug’s life for Shipley Country Park’s woodland inhabitants set to become the unlikely stars of its 30th birthday bash. (REF:JM.272.06) |
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| 29 June 2006 | Charity partnership to shape future of day services |
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Day services for people with learning difficulties are to be transformed over the next decade due to a partnership between Derbyshire County Council and a national charity.
The county council has awarded the 10-year contract to run some of its day services for people with learning difficulties to Macintyre, a national charity with 40 years experience in the field.
MacIntyre will provide and develop some of the day services for adults with learning difficulties, living in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire, focusing on enhancing life-skills and work-related opportunities.
In line with national changes, Derbyshire County Council has been keen to develop its day services and move towards a more community-integrated day service programme.
Under the proposals, more people with learning difficulties would use community-based facilities offering more choice, with a shift away from a service reliant on more traditional day centres.
It is hoped this will promote social inclusion and integration, with people taking part in a variety of activities that promote independence and further their skills.
Lengthy consultation has already been carried out between the county council’s learning disability services and people who use the service and their carers and this is set to continue.
The partnership with MacIntyre, agreed by the county council’s cabinet, will lead to a number of changes and developments over the next 10 years.
One of the changes will be the closure of the Ashbrook Centre, off Ashgate Road, in Chesterfield by the end of the year. The centre has remained open while alternative arrangements have been made for the remaining people who use it, with close consultation being carried out with them and their carers to ensure they have appropriate alternatives.
As well as developing more programmes in the community, the council is also looking to develop services for people with complex needs and profound and multiple disabilities in partnership with other agencies. This will include setting up specialist day activity and therapy services.
It has also been investing in and improving a number of services and facilities for people with learning difficulties.
The Ringwood Centre in Brimington has seen £200,000 of improvements and the Parkwood Centre in Alfreton has had a £300,000 upgrade.
The Whitemoor Centre in Belper has also undergone £100,000 of improvements including better toilet and changing facilities.
The county council has also opened its new £2.25 million resource for people with learning difficulties, Outlook, in Long Eaton. This replaces the former Eaton Vale Centre which was demolished last year.
MacIntyre is to invest £1million on various projects over the life of its contract, which will be reviewed annually, in addition to county council funding.
Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults Councillor Dave Allen said: “One of our priorities is to develop and improve the provision of day services for adults with learning difficulties and we are making considerable investments in this area.
“We feel that we have found the ideal partner in MacIntyre to take our plans forward and improve services which will in turn, improve the lives of people with learning difficulties.” (Ref:MC.267.06) |
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| 29 June 2006 | Derbyshire teachers scoop top awards |
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Teachers at three Derbyshire County Council-run schools have had their efforts recognised by winning top prizes at this year’s ‘teaching Oscars’. A further four teachers and a governor missed out on the top prizes but had their efforts recognised by the judges. The teachers were competing against colleagues from across the East Midlands at the regional final of the 2006 Teaching Awards. The winners will now go head-to-head with other regional winners at the national final on Sunday 15 October. The ceremony will take place at the Theatre Royal in London and be broadcast live on BBC2. The winners were:
Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “I wish to congratulate all the finalists but particularly everyone at the three schools who won the top prizes. “Overall staff from Derbyshire schools won in three of the 10 categories – which is more than any other area of the East Midlands. I am sure that pupils and parents at all these schools will share the judges’ appreciation of their abilities. “The awards reflect the depth and quality of teaching talent we have in Derbyshire schools. It also highlights the hard work that teachers at all our schools do day-in day-out.” Teaching Awards celebrate the outstanding work taking place in schools across the UK. This year’s awards attracted more than 6,000 nominations, a record for the competition. Teachers were nominated by parents, pupils, former pupils or governors. (REF: JF.271.06) |
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| 28 June 2006 | Schools recognised for anti-bullying measures |
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More than 300 schools and support centres are now signed up to Derbyshire County Council’s successful anti-bullying scheme. The latest 48 schools to receive awards will have their efforts recognised in a ceremony being held at County Hall in Matlock on Friday 7 July. 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 qualify for either initial, intermediate or excellence awards depending on the amount of anti-bullying initiatives they have introduced. Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “This is another landmark for the ABC anti-bullying scheme and means that across Derbyshire 301 schools, family centres and support centres are now signed up. “The awards are an opportunity to recognise good practice, share ideas and look at ways of preventing and dealing with bullying issues. “Each school develops their own initiatives to prevent bullying based on ideas in an information pack produced by Derbyshire County Council.” The awards have been presented for the past eight years by Councillor Alan Charles but the 7 July ceremony will be his last before the role is taken over by Councillor Anne Western, cabinet member for children’s services. To mark the occasion a presentation will be made to Councillor Charles. Schools receiving awards will be: Initial
Intermediate
Excellence
(REF: JF.270.06) |
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| 27 June 2006 | Drivers warned over weight restriction |
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Drivers of heavy vehicles could face fines after ignoring warning signs and using a weight restricted road in South Derbyshire. Derbyshire County Council is urging lorry drivers and their employers to check their routes after 24 vehicles were caught breaching the weight restriction in Moira Road, Woodville. Trading standards officers carried out checks on the residential road where a 7.5 tonne weight restriction has been in place since October last year. Many of the vehicles detected within the four-hour period on Friday 16 June were from local companies and some of them were seen breaching the restriction more than once. All of the vehicles will be investigated and companies and drivers could face fines of up to £1000 if the matter reaches court. The county council is reminding drivers and companies that the restricted stretch of road, between the Clock Island and the junction with Occupation Lane, should not be used to gain access to or from Moira or Occupation Lane. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “Weight restrictions are put in place for good reason – to improve safety for residents, pedestrians and other road users and to protect the environment. “This is a residential road and so shouldn’t be used by heavy goods vehicles. Signs are in place to warn drivers about the restriction ahead so ignorance is no excuse. “Businesses should make sure their drivers know which roads they should not use otherwise they risk ending up in court.” For more information about the law relating to road weight restriction orders call Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards team on 01629 585858. (Ref: SS.269.06) |
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| 27 June 2006 | Two new exhibitions on show in Derbyshire |
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Two new exhibitions featuring watercolours and photographs will go on show at Derbyshire County Council’s Buxton Museum and Art Gallery next month. (CC.266.06)
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| 23 June 2006 | Essential school improvements to get under way |
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Vital improvements are to be carried out to three Derbyshire County Council-run schools. The authority has given the go-ahead to projects totalling £247,316 as part of its programme to modernise school buildings. It will spend £60,236 replacing the electrical wiring at Horsley Woodhouse Primary School in Main Street. The school is contributing £10,000 towards the cost. Work is due to start in July and be completed by September. Councillor Alan Charles, the county council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “The electrics at the school need replacing so it’s important we do this before problems arise. “The work forms part of our ongoing programme to maintain and improve schools buildings across Derbyshire in partnership with the Government.” Meanwhile, Leys Junior School in Alfreton and Fairfield Infant School in Buxton will both benefit from kitchen refurbishment schemes. New ventilation systems are being installed at the kitchens in both schools to bring them in line with new gas regulations. And outdated kitchen equipment will be replaced with the latest in modern catering including new ovens, steamers and storage equipment. Leys Junior School will also have a heated serving counter installed while Fairfield Infant School will have new heated serving trolleys. And both schools will have their kitchen floor replaced. The new kitchens will allow the schools’ catering teams to prepare and cook healthy balanced meals more efficiently and effectively as well as helping them to meet the Government’s new food standards. Work at Leys Junior School in Flowery Leys Lane is costing £100,290 while the scheme to improve Fairfield Infant School in Bench Road will cost £86,790. Both school kitchen schemes get under way next month and should be finished by September. Councillor Alan Charles, the county council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “We’re committed to providing healthy, nutritious and balanced school dinners and these new kitchens will enable catering staff to further improve the quality of meals served up to pupils. “The schemes have been designed in consultation with both schools to ensure they meet their needs and provide modern facilities suitable for the 21st century.” (Ref: RS.264.06) |
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| 22 June 2006 | Poetry goes underground |
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Poetry lovers will be going underground for a unique event organised by Derbyshire County Council. Derbyshire’s poet laureate Cathy Grindrod will be hosting a poetry workshop at Poole’s Cavern – one of England’s most magnificent caves – on Saturday 8 July. There will be a trip underground to gather ideas and inspiration, as well as a chance to discover more about the history and geology of the cave, near Buxton. This will be followed by a writing session in the visitors’ centre and a chance to discuss the work that is produced. Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “This is a special event being held in one of Derbyshire’s most spectacular settings. All you need is an open mind and an interest in writing poetry. “And I would advise people to come, in the words of Art Hacker in 1900, with: ‘your second best clothes only, a pair of serviceable boots, a little loose change and a receptive mind’.” The event, being held between 6pm and 9pm, is free and open to anyone over the age of 16. Places must be booked in advance at Poole’s Cavern, Green Lane, Buxton or by ringing 01298 26978. It has been organised by the county council as part of the Buxton Fringe Festival. The Derbyshire Poet Laureate project has been developed by the authority, and funded by the Arts Council England, to promote poetry across the county. Cathy Grindrod is the first poet laureate who has been writing new poems reflecting unique aspects of Derbyshire. For more information go to www.derbyshire.gov.uk/poetlaureate (opens in a new window) (Ref: CC.263.06) |
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| 21 June 2006 | Green talk at Eco conference |
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Representatives from schools across Derbyshire took part in this year’s Eco Schools conference designed to get more young people involved in improving their local environment. The conference is organised annually by Derbyshire County Council to encourage more schools to sign up to the international environmental award scheme and support those that are already registered. Teachers from more than 65 schools attended with pupils from seven schools giving presentations to show delegates the type of environmental projects that they have been involved in. There are 157 Derbyshire schools registered on the scheme, of which 28 have gone on to achieve Green Flag award status. Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: "The Eco Schools scheme has proved a very popular way for pupils to be taught how to care for their environment. "This conference is designed to support schools registered as Eco Schools and to encourage more schools to sign up to the scheme by showing them how easy it is to get involved and the benefits that it brings." Workshops on the day included how to make art out of recycled rubbish; how to recycle and compost; how schools can save energy and a talk on outdoor learning by the council’s Forest Schools Officer.
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| 22 June 2006 | Give us your views on rubbish and quarrying |
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Do you want to have a say on how we deal with waste and quarrying in the future? Derbyshire County Council – along with Derby City Council - has been consulting and gathering information on possible sites for new waste treatment facilities and possible sites for future crushed rock and sand and gravel workings. And now we want to ask you what you think of the suggestions so far. At present we send about half of the five million tonnes of household and business rubbish we produce a year to landfill but this is still too much. Landfill is running out and strict Government guidelines mean we must bury less – or face fines which will come out of council tax and business rates. We need to look at new ways of dealing with waste and make sure there are enough new facilities to do it. The county and city councils have taken suggestions and produced a document outlining possible sites which we now want your feedback on before any decisions are made. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “What we do with the waste we produce will have important environmental impacts and – in the case of cutting down on landfill – important financial impacts. “We need the views of local people to help us draw up our future plans and make sure Derbyshire continues to be a great place to work and live.” Councillor Alan Graves, Derby City Council’s cabinet member for leisure and direct services, said: “Derby city residents are making a real difference in helping to reduce the amount of waste the city produces by participating in our Rethink Rubbish recycling scheme. “There is still more to do and we would now like their comments on these proposals.” At the same time we are also looking at future sites for quarrying materials used in the building industry such as crushed rock and sand and gravel. The Government sets out guidelines for each county to make sure there are enough of these materials. We have produced a number of reports explaining all the suggested sites and the issues surrounding them. And we are now inviting comments on them. Cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “Derbyshire plays an important part in providing minerals for the UK building industry. “We want to make sure we can meet these demands while at the same causing the least amount of damage as possible to the environment. We ask local people to get involved and tell us what they think about our findings so far.” Leaflets outlining details on the plan can be picked up at libraries, district councils and town planning offices. Both the full documents – the waste sites development plan and the minerals sites issues and options report - are available for viewing at www.derbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window) and www.derby.gov.uk (opens in a new window) or from Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058. (REF: SM.261.06) |
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| 22 June 2006 | Welcome boost to Post Office campaign |
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A county councillor who has spearheaded a campaign to re-open post offices has welcomed news that the service is to be restored in a Derbyshire village.
Hotelier Rita Williams - who runs the Crown Inn in Higham with partner Larry Marshall - is to become the village’s new post mistress.
A room at the 10-bedroomed hotel and pub in Main Street has been converted to create a counter for the new part-time post office which is due to open on Thursday 6 July.
Councillor Carlile, the county council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said the new service would be a huge boost to local residents who have been without a post office for more than a year.
“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,” he said.
Councillor Carlile has long campaigned against the closure of rural post offices across Derbyshire. In the case of closures he has worked with the Post Office and local residents 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 Wednesday 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 member of staff Janet Gigg.
Rita said: “Having run the pub for four years we feel very much a part of the community and felt it was right that we should also 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: CC.262.06) |
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| 21 June 2006 | Children's centre celebrates Sure Start month |
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A Derbyshire County Council-run children’s centre is holding a double celebration. The Alice’s View Sure Start Children’s Centre in North Wingfield will host a fun play morning between 9.45am and 11am on Friday 30 June to mark National Sure Start Month. Members of the centre’s Little People’s Childminding Group will join local children as they enjoy using the toy library. The child minders meet locally every month as a support group. The children’s centre will also be celebrating the first anniversary of its successful ante-natal and post-natal clinic, which is run in partnership with local midwives. A mother who attends the clinic will be baking a birthday cake to mark the occasion. The events will be attended by Derbyshire county councillors and North East Derbyshire MP Natascha Engel. Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “Alice’s View is one of the first 10 children’s centres we have set up and is a model for the centres that we currently in the process of setting up in other parts of Derbyshire.
Children’s centres are being set up by Derbyshire County Council to provide:
The services in the centres are delivered by a partnership of statutory, voluntary, community and private sector agencies. National Sure Start Month runs throughout June and celebrates early years, childcare, health and family services that the Sure Start programme and other groups offer to children and families. Local events are being organised to help parents find out more about the support available to them on their doorsteps. (REF: JF.260.06) |
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| 20 June 2006 | Competition gives resident's garden a boost |
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A simple phone call is all it took for one lucky Derbyshire resident to give her garden a welcome boost. Keen gardener Hayley Scown phoned up to order a discounted home composting bin during Compost Awareness Week - run by Derbyshire County Council as part of a national campaign. But her bin turned into a golden opportunity when she was selected as the winner of £100 of garden centre vouchers. The vouchers – courtesy of WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) – could not have come at a better time for Hayley as she is in the process of giving her garden in Dronfield a facelift. And she is sure her bin will be just as useful. She said: “We recycle everything where possible and the bin itself is great for the garden. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “By using this bin Mrs Scown will be able to divert up to one third of her household waste from going to landfill. "What’s more she will also get a free, no hassle fertiliser for the garden.” The bins – which can be used for non cooked kitchen as well as garden waste - normally retail at £39.95 for a 220 litre bin, £49.95 for a 330 litre bin and £69.95 for a 600 litre. But Derbyshire residents can pick them up for only £4, £6 and £15 (including home delivery). The bins are limited to three per household and are available by calling 0845 073 2001. For general advice on home composting visit www.recyclenow.com/compost (opens in a new window) MAKING USE OF GARDEN RUBBISH: Hayley Scown with her ‘golden’ bin and Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet support member for sustainable communities Councillor Marian Stockdale. |
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| 20 June 2006 | Shopkeeper fined for underage sales |
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A Derbyshire shopkeeper who sold alcohol to a child has been fined £1,000 after being prosecuted by Derbyshire County Council. Steven Miller, who owns and runs Millers Store Limited on Green Lane, Hadfield, faced two charges at Glossop Magistrates Court today (Tuesday 20 June). A 14-year-old volunteer posing as a customer on behalf of Derbyshire County Council trading standards officers went into the shop to ask for alcohol on two separate occasions on the same day. On neither occasion was she asked to prove her age or to produce any form of identification. Miller, 48, of High Croft, Gee Cross, Hyde, Cheshire, pleaded guilty to the two offences, which took place on 27 November 2005. The court fined Miller £500 for each of the two sales of alcohol and ordered him to pay £390 prosecution costs. Councillor Joyce Sanders, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services, said “Our trading standards officers regularly carry out checks on traders across the county and we will continue to prosecute the small minority who flout the law. “We go to great lengths to offer support and advice to traders to help them stay on the right side of the law and recently carried out a high profile county-wide campaign to raise awareness of the law in relation to age restricted products, so ignorance is no excuse. “We hope the substantial fine imposed today sends out a very clear message to traders that they will not get away with breaking the law.” County council trading standards officers work in partnership with Derbyshire police as part of the Government’s Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign. Undercover child volunteers, accompanied by trading standards officers are often used to attempt to purchase age restricted products. Any trader or member of the public unsure of the law concerning the sale of alcohol to children can call Derbyshire trading standards team on 01629 585858. (Ref: SS.259.06) |
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| 20 June 2006 | Ready, steady, cook |
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Primary and secondary school cooks from across Derbyshire will battle it out to find the top catering teams. Derbyshire County Council is preparing to hold its fourth annual Secondary Catering Quality Assurance Awards and its fifth Primary Catering Quality Assurance Awards at various locations across the county. Both sets of awards are designed to recognise the success and excellence of service provided to schools by Derbyshire County Council’s catering teams. Cooks are judged on the quality of food, service, food presentation, customer care, hygiene, health and safety and kitchen management skills. All the finalists in the awards are nominated by pupils, teachers or members of the authority’s catering service management team. Cooks have been judged in action at their own schools. Regional rounds of the primary awards will be held at:
Schools in each area will be eligible to receive a certificate of achievement or a bronze, silver or gold award. An overall platinum award will be presented to the top primary school at a ceremony being held at County Hall in Matlock at 2pm on 19 July. The secondary awards will be presented at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield at 3pm on 7 July. Schools across the county will compete in 12 categories, including the main Derbyshire Secondary Caterers of the Year award. Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “Both the primary and secondary catering awards have grown in size over the years and now attract a wide range of entries from across Derbyshire. None of the winners will be announced until each awards ceremony is held. “School meals have been in the public spotlight during the past year and initiatives to improve the quality of food served to pupils have struck a chord with many parents. “We are rightly proud of the quality of meals served in our schools. These awards are an opportunity to showcase the quality of those meals and recognise the hard work of the cooks that make them.” (REF: JF.258.06) |
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| 20 June 2006 | Creative industries boosted by designer Wayne |
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Creative minds planning on setting up new businesses in North Eastern Derbyshire got the chance to meet renowned designer Wayne Hemingway at a free event. The event, `An Evening with Wayne Hemingway’, was staged by Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Chamber and Business Link and doubled as the launch-pad for their jointly-run Focusing Creativity programme. The 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 ranging from marketing to managing finances. At the event, held at Ringwood Hall Hotel in Brimington, Wayne Hemingway, the creative mind behind successful street-style fashion company Red or Dead, gave an insight into his life and work and told how he balances his business with his creativity. The event gave people who are interested in setting up or are already running a creative business, which could range from arts, crafts and music to website design, computer games development and advertising, the chance to network and swap ideas and experiences. The event gave them the chance to take part in a question and answer session and attend one of the workshops, entitled `the art of networking’ and `protecting your creativity, a guide to protecting your intellectual property’. Derbyshire County Council’s deputy leader Councillor Anne Western said: “We are very keen to ensure creative and artistic people are aware of the support services available to them to ensure their business venture is a success. “The event was the perfect opportunity to spread the word about the Focusing Creativity programme and I hope that people will make full use of it when they are setting up and running their creative enterprises.” For more information on the Focusing Creativity programme please contact Anthony Byrne on 01629 580000 ext 7475. (Ref:MC.254.06) |
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| 20 June 2006 | Spreading the message on effects of climate change |
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More than £375,000 has been awarded to inform people about the damaging effects of climate change. Derbyshire County Council – as part of the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Local Authorities Energy Partnership – has shared in the cash by DEFRA. It will be used to raise awareness about the impacts and causes of climate change while giving people advice and tips on what they can do to tackle it. Every time we burn energy from fuels such as oil, gas and coal CO2 gas is released into the atmosphere. This gas gathers and acts as a blanket warming the earth. As more fuel is burned, more gases are released and the thicker the blanket becomes causing the temperature of the earth to rise. These rising temperatures are causing climate change and its effect is already being felt in the form of increased storms, rainfall, hurricanes and so on. And there is a lot more to come. The money from DEFRA will allow the county council and its partners spread the message about climate change through a newly fitted out mobile energy centre, regular advertising and a website set up specifically to get people involved. We will be telling people what they can do to help. Things like:
can all make a difference in the amount of CO2 gases we release. People will also have the chance to sign up and become ‘climate heroes’ by pledging to reduce their use of fossil fuels and monitoring their progress through calculating their emissions. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “We all need to realise climate change is happening but we can do something about it if we start acting now. “This money will allow us to spread the word and hopefully get people to join in and play their part in tackling this important issue.” Energy advice is available free by calling 0800 512 012 or from energy advice centres which are based in district and the city council offices. (REF: SM.257.06) |
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| 19 June 2006 | Young people shout out their achievements |
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The hard work and dedication shown by young people in South Derbyshire will be celebrated at an event being organised by Derbyshire County Council. Young people who have successfully completed various courses or taken part in a wide range of activities will talk about their achievements before being presented with certificates from Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for cultural and community services. Activities and projects included Peak Awards, mountain biking, rock climbing, a district team challenge event and running workshops at a youth conference. The young people receiving certificates belong to local youth groups and projects. These include Foremark Challenge, Matlock Residential, Findern Rural Project, Hatton Youth Club, Chatterbox, Melbourne Youth Project, Helping Young Parents Achieve, Ready or Not, Ignition, Freewheelers and Bamford Residental. The event, called ‘Summer Shout Out’, takes place at Woodville Youth Centre in Moira Road on Friday (23 June) from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. It will include a presentation to members of the Freewheelers bike project – which is based at the youth centre – by Brian Keats of Burton Breweries Charitable Trust. The trust is donating a mountain bike to each of the project’s five members, who are aged 12 to 16, so they can take part in off-road mountain biking in the Lake District this summer. And district youth forum, Chatterbox, will ask young people attending the event how they want £1.5 million of Government funding to be spent on services for them. The county council is consulting young people about how to spend the cash as part of its ‘Spend More Than a Million’ campaign. There will also be displays by youth groups and organisations working with young people plus a barbecue, refreshments and music. Organisers hope the event will help raise awareness of the many successful projects being carried out by young people in the area. Up to 60 young people aged between 12 and 20 are expected to attend. Councillor Janes said: “Young people rarely get the credit they deserve and are often unfairly stereotyped. “This event is about recognising their hard work in gaining qualifications and celebrating their important contribution towards youth projects. “As well as presenting them with certificates we’re keen to give them a forum to talk about what they’ve achieved and share their experiences with others.” (Ref: RS.256.06) |
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| 19 June 2006 | Youngsters enjoy tour of recycling centre |
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Children had lessons in rubbish when the county’s latest recycling centre threw open its doors for a talk and tour. Pupils from Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Ashbourne saw how the county council-run site on Mayfield Road works and what happens to their rubbish once it arrives there. As well as a tour of the site the youngsters took part in a quiz about waste, energy and the environment. The county already has five household waste recycling centres. This latest facility will be able to handle 5,000 tonnes of rubbish a year from the Ashbourne area which will be separated and - where possible – reused, recycled or composted. The centre will be open 8.30am until 6pm every day of the year except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “This site will give people living in and around Ashbourne a really useful recycling facility on their doorsteps. “The open day was a great way of letting the youngsters see first hand what goes on at these sites and how easy and beneficial it is to recycle.” DOING THEIR BIT: Bekki Titterton (aged 11), Matt Fernihough (aged 12) from Queen Elizabeth Grammar School with Derbyshire County Council chair Councillor Walter Burrows |
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| 19 June 2006 | Pictures Capture the Spirit of Derbyshire |
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Three members of one family are celebrating success in a photography competition organised by Derbyshire County Council. (CC.255.06) |
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| 16 June 2006 | New policy to protect children missing education |
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A policy has been drawn up by Derbyshire County Council to ensure young people are being educated and are safe and well. The Policy for Children Missing Education aims to tighten up child protection procedures by making all agencies aware of the ways to report any young people who ‘slip through the system’ for whatever reason. Children are classed as being missing from education if they have not received an education – either in school or through alternative provision - for at least four weeks. Young people can go missing from official lists because:
Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We have had rules in place to deal with these issues for some time but this brings them together for the first time as one clear policy document. “The policy is important because it identifies ways other agencies that come into contact with young people can support us in identifying those missing education and help us to return them to schools. “Every day a child misses of their education can affect their life chances. Pupils who are out of school are also much more vulnerable and may find themselves in an unsafe environment or with unsuitable adults.” Other agencies - including the police, health trusts and hospitals, housing associations, drug action teams, Connexions, Youth Justice Service and voluntary organisations – all have a role to help share information and promote the safety and well being of young people. Among the methods being used to identify children missing education include:
(REF: JF.253.06) |
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| 16 June 2006 | Try you hand at DIY taster courses |
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Do you dream of doing up your own place but don’t have the skills? Well, courses being offered by Derbyshire County Council’s adult community education service could be for you. It follows an innovative partnership between the authority and Hope Valley College which is opening up opportunities previously only available in larger towns and cities. To promote the development, a series of free, taster courses are being held during July including woodwork, welding, stone masonry and plumbing. They are being held to launch the completion of the Hope Valley Construction Training project which saw a courtyard at Hope Valley College transformed in to a part-covered training area, with funding from the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership. The facilities are open to students and the local community. It is hoped people who take part in the taster sessions will sign up for longer courses running from September, some of which lead to City & guilds qualifications. Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “These free courses are ideal for anyone who wants to develop their DIY skills for jobs at home or as part of their work. “And there’s something for everyone including basic DIY – so there will be no excuse for putting off those jobs around the house or garden!” The courses are:
The taster courses are all being held at Hope Valley College – except stone masonry which will take place at Bushey Heath Farm, Tideswell. An open evening is being held at Hope Valley College on Tuesday 11 July between 6.30pm and 8.30pm when people can view the new training facility. College principal Bernie Hunter said: “I am delighted to be working with Derbyshire Adult Community Education and this will benefit not only our pupils but the whole community who can take advantage of the facilities on offer.” To book a place on one of the taster sessions or for more information about courses available contact Derbyshire County Council’s adult community education office on 01433 620662. Ref: (CC.252.06) |
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| 16 June 2006 | County Plans to Give Rubbish a New Lease of Life |
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Plans to build a composting facility and highways depot near Grassmoor will be up for discussion at a second open day held by Derbyshire County Council. Details about the proposals are also available on the county council's website at www.derbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window) (REF:JM.250.06) |
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| 16 June 2006 | Derbyshire library celebrates historic milestone |
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A Derbyshire library celebrates its 100th anniversary next month. County council-run Hadfield Library was opened in 1906 in the first-floor of a building bequeathed to the town by Edward Platt, who died in 1887 and whose family owned a mill in the village near Glossop. To mark the occasion, well-known historian Peggy Davies MBE will be giving a talk ‘Hadfield 1906’ at the library on Wednesday 5 July at 7.30pm. Entry to the event at 7.30pm is £3 (£2 concessions) which includes refreshments. A display of photographs of the village over the last 100 years will also be on show in the library, which is on the corner of Railway Street and Station Road. Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “A library has existed in this building for 100 years and I am delighted that we have reached such an historic milestone. “I would urge anyone to take part in the celebrations and take the time to visit the library, not only to look at the photographic exhibition, but also to see what is on offer at the library.” Hadfield Library is open on Tuesdays from 2pm to 7pm, Thursdays from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, Fridays from 2pm to 7pm and Saturdays from 9.30am to 1pm. Visitors can borrow books and books on tape and have free access to the internet and video phones. To book a place on the talk being held to mark the centenary contact the library on 01457 852589. Ref: (CC.251.06) |
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| 16 June 2006 | Ceramic mural unveiled along with new classroom |
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A classroom extension built by Derbyshire County Council at a Buxton school has been officially opened. The £268,000 single classroom and linking lobby was constructed at Peak Forest CE Primary School, while improvements were also made to the school office. The extension was designed using natural stone and a slate roof to blend in with surrounding buildings and meet the planning requirements of the Peak District National Park Authority. Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “This new classroom gives pupils a really nice environment to work in and is part of the on-going partnership between us and the Government to improve the quality of school buildings. “The building has been carefully designed to fit in with the environment of a national park.” New surroundings…Councillor Walter Burrows, chair of Derbyshire County Council, and Councillor Alan Charles (right), cabinet member for school planning and support, look at a ceramic mural in the new classroom with ceramic artist in residence Caroline Chouler and pupils Sol Hutchins, six, and Hannah Young, eight. |
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| 16 June 2006 | Culture celebration by Anthony Gell pupils |
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Pupils at Anthony Gell School in Wirksworth staged a colourful concert with a performing artist and a student from South Africa as part of an educational arts project run by Derbyshire County Council. They joined performing artist and director Paepae Mmekwa and student Tshego Masoga for an afternoon of South African music, dance, songs and poetry. The concert was performed to pupils, teachers and the county council’s cabinet member for school planning and support Councillor Alan Charles. Paepae and Tshego are visiting Derbyshire as part of an educational twinning project based on the friendship link the county council has forged with Mamelodi, a township near the capital Pretoria. The African Artist to Derbyshire Project, funded by the Arts Council, involves 35 schools and is designed to help pupils understand other cultures as part of their citizenship classes. It runs until September. Paepae and Tshego are holding workshops with pupils to teach them African literacy, poetry, drumming and dance. Councillor Charles said: “The pupils, Paepae and Tshego put on a really entertaining show. It was wonderful to see the students display such an appreciation of a different culture and was obviously great fun.” Paepae, Tshego and pupils from the residency schools will perform an African music and dance celebration event with arts group the Babbling Vagabonds at County Hall, Matlock, on July 13. COLOURFUL CONCERT: Anthony Gell School pupils Ben Dew, 16 (far left) and Imogen Walkden, 13, (centre) show off the African masks they had designed as part of the project, joined by Councillor Alan Charles on the drums, with Paepae (second right) and Tshego (far right). |
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| 16 June 2006 | Website featuring Derbyshire images hits 60,000 milestone |
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A website featuring historical images of Derbyshire has reached a milestone – with 60,000 pictures now available to view on-line. Picture the Past is jointly managed by Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Derby City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council. Running since February 2003, the website features historical images from the whole of the north east midlands with hundreds more being added every week. Visitors can browse through the catalogue of pictures free-of-charge and can choose to buy copies online using a secure ordering system. Photographic quality prints can be ordered in a variety of sizes from as little as £5. Printed mugs can also be ordered. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: “The Picture the Past website has proved a great success in preserving and recording for public use some very important images from the region’s history. “I am delighted that we have reached such a milestone in our efforts to save a slice of Derbyshire’s history for future generations.” Around 4,000 recently identified postcards are among the images added to the website which will be of particular interest to local collectors and historians. With more than 73,000 visitors so far this year Picture the Past is proving a great success - not just with local people but with those for who a virtual visit to Derbyshire is the closest they can get to the real thing. You can visit the Picture the Past website at www.picturethepast.org.uk (opens in a new window) Ref: (CC.249.06) |
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| 15 June 2006 | Surprise World Cup winners |
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The World Cup has been won by Trinidad and Tobago…at least in the five-a-side youth version of the cup. Derbyshire County Council’s youth service organised a competition for youth clubs and groups across the county to simulate events taking place in Germany. Each youth club was asked to represent one of the 32 teams in the real World Cup competition and then take part in a series of five-a-side games. More than 130 young people took part in the Chesterfield International Day at the Donut Creative Arts Centre in Chesterfield on 11 June. Before the event young people were also asked to find out facts and history about the country they were representing. Each group ran a stall on the day highlighting the traditions of ‘their country’. The stalls showcased Angolan stew, Australian Vegemite, the didgeridoo, Spanish tapas, clothing from Ecuador and different flags. The winners of the five-a-side competition were a detached youth group from South Derbyshire who were representing Trinidad and Tobago – one of England’s group stage opponents in the real World Cup tournament. The runners-up were a group from Staveley Football Club, who were representing Costa Rica. The referee’s award for team spirit went to the Poolsbrook detached youth group, who represented England. Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “This was the first Chesterfield International Day event and was enjoyed by everyone who took part. “All of the teams put in a lot of work to find out about the different cultures before getting the chance to take to the football pitch. There were also some impressive skills on display on the football pitch. “I just hope that England, rather than Trinidad and Tobago, are the winners of the real World Cup tournament.” (REF: JF.248.06) |
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| 15 June 2006 | On the case... |
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A new exhibition launched by Derbyshire County Council reveals how science has helped police to catch criminals over the last 80 years. Crime Detectives charts how methods have changed since the 1920’s when officers in the county first started to use fingerprinting technology to modern-day techniques such as DNA sampling. On show at Bolsover Library is scientific equipment used by Derbyshire Police for solving crimes, including kits for taking a person’s DNA, fingerprint equipment as well as casts of shoe, tyre and teeth imprints. The exhibition has been put together by the county council which took over responsibility for the Derbyshire Police Collections in 2004. It is the third in a series of travelling exhibitions which will visit community venues across the county. CAPTION: Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, is pictured with Bolsover CE Junior School pupils Hayley Vaughan and Amy Love, both ten. |
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| 14 June 2006 | Cyclists urged to lock up their bikes |
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Cyclists in Derbyshire are being reminded to lock up their bikes following an increase in bike thefts across the county. Derbyshire County Council’s community safety team is offering cyclists some top safety tips after research showed most thefts occur when cyclists leave their bikes unattended or unsecured either at home or in public places such as outside shops. In the last three years more than 3,000 bikes have been stolen across the county. One in three thefts occurred in Erewash but figures for the county as a whole have risen. The authority is now offering the following advice to help cyclists store their bikes more securely:
Councillor Joyce Sanders, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services, said: “The council is committed to promoting cycling both for leisure purposes and as an environmentally friendly form of transport. “Unfortunately bikes are a popular target with thieves because they can easily be sold. “Cycling is a fun, healthy activity and we want as many people as possible to enjoy it without the disappointment of having their bike stolen. “By raising awareness of the increasing number of bike thefts across Derbyshire we hope that people will listen to our advice and take the simple measures to protect their bikes.” Fewer than eight per cent of bikes reported stolen last year were returned to their owners. Owners can improve the chances of recovery by registering with www.bikeregister.com (opens in a new window). Meanwhile the county council is backing National Bike Week next week (17-25 June) which encourages people to enjoy cycling by taking part in locally organised events. It is the eighth year the county council has backed the event and employees who cycle to work next week are being offered a free ‘bikers breakfast’. For more information on keeping safe and vehicle security visit www.saferderbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window) (Ref: SS.247.06) |
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| 13 June 2006 | Positive outlook for people with learning disabilities |
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A new £2.25 million resource centre for people with learning disabilities is to be officially opened later this month. Derbyshire County Council built the new centre, to be called Outlook, to replace the 40-year-old Eaton Vale Centre in Briar Gate, Long Eaton as it no longer met modern standards. The old building was demolished last year and building work started on the same site last May. The building will be officially opened on Friday 23 June at 11am by Derbyshire County Council’s Chair Councillor Walter Burrows at an official ceremony which will be the culmination of four days of celebratory events – held to coincide with national Learning Disabilities Week. People with learning disabilities and their carers have been consulted from the beginning by architects and the county council’s social services about the new building, from the type of facilities it should have and its design to the fixtures, fittings, soft furnishings and colour schemes. They also helped to choose the name, coming up with dozens of suggestions in a competition after again meeting with architects who helped them to visualise the new centre, resulting in the name Outlook being chosen. Outlook, which will be used by people with learning disabilities across the Erewash area, has:
The grounds and garden have been landscaped and there is a sensory garden and quiet space. Events preceding the official opening start on Tuesday 20 June with an open day from 10am to 3pm where the doors will be thrown open to the public to go in and have a look around the new building. There will be a number of activities during the open day including tee-shirt and jewellery making, sensory sessions, cookery demonstrations in the new kitchen, a theatre company performance, singing by local schoolchildren and refreshments including strawberries and cream. On Wednesday 21 June there will be a launch of health action plans for all the people with learning disabilities which is by invitation only. On Thursday 22 June a second open day, with the same attractions, will be held between 10am and 3pm for anyone interested in having a look round the new building. The same taster sessions and attractions will also be run on the day of the official opening on Friday 23 June as well as chat show-style sofa interviews with some people who will be using Outlook. They will talk about their experiences of employment, moving home and being involved with the Derbyshire County Partnership Board. As well as people with learning disabilities, Outlook will also be used by the wider community for meetings, conferences and other activities and the Community Learning Disability Team, made up of social care and health staff, will also be based there. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults Councillor Dave Allen said: “A lot of planning and consultation has gone into the new day service and the result is a first-class facility for people with learning disabilities and the wider community in the Erewash area. “People who used the old Eaton Vale Centre have been involved from the start of the project and they are looking forward to showing off the new facilities at Outlook during the planned events and the official opening.” (Ref:MC.245.06) |
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| 13 June 2006 | Sign up to volunteer at celebration event |
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Potential volunteers who could help to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities are being urged to find out how they can help at a celebration event. The `Volunteers in Action’ event is being held to coincide with National Learning Disability Week and Derbyshire County Council and Chesterfield Primary Care Trust’s learning disability services staff are urging people to come and find out more. The event is being held at Ash Green in Ashgate Road, Chesterfield, on Wednesday 21 June between 10.30am and 3.30pm and is aimed at people who can spare a few hours a week or more and become a volunteer supporting people with learning disabilities at Ash Green and in the community. There is already a group of volunteers, called the Mediators, based at Ash Green, and social care and health staff are keen to expand the number of helpers so they can extend the opportunities for people using the service. In the past the Mediators have run the tuck shop and coffee bar and they have now set up a `buddy’ system whereby people with learning disabilities are trained and supported to help run the outlets. It is hoped that through the buddy system people with learning disabilities will learn more skills and some may wish to become volunteers themselves, possibly with a view to supported employment in the future. However, for the buddy scheme to reach its full potential, more volunteers are needed from the community to offer their time. As well volunteers needed at Ash Green, people with hobbies and interests which they could share with a person with learning disabilities are needed to come forward. This could see people with learning disabilities being taken out to events or taking part in activities in the community, supported by their Mediator, including for example, swimming, shopping or even going to a football match. Mediators could also be involved in organising events and supporting people into education, sports and even employment. Staff at Ash Green plan to match new volunteers with people who use the service so that they can take part in activities that interest them with a volunteer who shares the same interests. They are asking people who may just have a few hours to spare a week who are committed to helping people with learning disabilities to come forward and find out more at the event, which will double up as a celebration of the work already being carried out by current Mediators. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults Councillor Dave Allen said: “The work by the Mediators at Ash Green is invaluable and is really improving the lives of people with learning disabilities. “What we are keen to do is to expand this support and complement the work being done by staff at Ash Green. “People with certain hobbies for example could be matched up with a person with learning disabilities who has an interest in that particular hobby but may not be able to take part in a the moment. “I hope as many people as possible of all ages who think they may be able to help out will go along to the event and find out more.” The event is an open house for anyone interested in volunteering and current Mediators will be on hand to talk about the work they do. People who volunteer for the buddy scheme will go through the normal security checks and will receive expenses if any are incurred. (Ref:MC246.06) |
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| 13 June 2006 | Chance to have your say over day services |
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Disabled people are being asked for their views about the future of a day centre they use. A consultation was held last year by Derbyshire County Council and disability charity Leonard Cheshire into the future of day services for disabled people across the county. The review concentrated on a change of emphasis, away from traditional day centres towards more mainstream services provided in the community. The consultation asked disabled people currently using the day centres and services, their carers, voluntary groups and disability organisations, for their views on the possible changes which could involve the closure of some day centres. Now, a further consultation is being held by the county council into the future of the Alfreton Resource Centre, Cressy Fields, Alfreton, used by disabled people in the area. Leonard Cheshire provides day services for disabled people under contract for the county council, including the Alfreton Resource Centre, known locally as Cressy Fields. The Cressy Fields proposal would entail more disabled people in the area being supported to use mainstream services and would be coupled with a new joint services centre in South Normanton running a range of facilities including a new day service. The new programme of consultation around Cressy Fields will see:
The consultation period starts on Monday 12 June and runs until Thursday 31 August and feedback will be given to all interested parties when the comments have all been gathered. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults Councillor Dave Allen said: “There is an emphasis nationally and locally on developing services for disabled people which are not day-centre based and use a wide range of community facilities. “This increases the choice of activities available to people and is more flexible as well as increasing social inclusion. “The first consultation gave disabled people across the county the chance to have their say and now people using Cressy Fields have the chance to comment on the actual plans which will affect them, telling us how they would like their services to be provided in the future.” Anyone who is interested in commenting on the future of Cressy Fields in Alfreton and its replacement with alternative services can make their views know by:
(Ref:MC.244.06) |
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| 13 June 2006 | Memorial unveiled to colleague killed in London blasts |
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A plaque in memory of a county council worker killed in the London bombings has been unveiled at one of his most well-known construction schemes. Stan Brewster - a senior project engineer for Derbyshire County Council - was killed in the bombings on July 7 last year while travelling to a conference in West Kensington. A plaque has now been placed at the award-winning Torrs Millennium Walkway in New Mills where Stan (52) was project manager for design and construction. Another plaque will be unveiled on Sunday 25 June at 11am at Pride Park in Derby where Stan was resident engineer supervising the construction of two bridges over the river and railway. County council chair Councillor Walter Burrows will again perform official duties accompanied by cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas. Councillor Burrows said: “Stan was a respected and popular member of staff who is missed by everyone who knew and worked with him. "As well as being a highly personable man he was also a skilled project engineer. The Pride Park bridges and the Torrs Millennium Walkway are lasting legacies of his work so it is particularly poignant that we have permanent memorials to him at these places.” WALKWAY MEMORIAL…Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas (left) and county council chair Councillor Walter Burrows at the Torrs Millennium Walkway plaque unveiled in memory of Stan Brewster |
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| 09 June 2006 | Firm and drivers fined for breaching weight restrictions |
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A Derbyshire-based construction firm has been fined £1,300 for using heavy vehicles on weight restricted roads. Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards team successfully prosecuted Leedale Ltd of Heage Road, Ripley for illegally using HGVs on weight restricted roads in Derbyshire. The firm faced three charges at Derby Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Thursday 8 June). Three drivers were caught on separate occasions driving vehicles operated by Leedale Ltd following a series of spot checks by trading standards officers. Two of the drivers pleaded guilty to the charges at Derby Magistrates’ Court yesterday. Leedale Ltd failed to identify the third driver and pleaded guilty to three charges. The first offence was committed on 10 October 2005 when a 13.5 tonne roadsweeper was driven on Birchwood Lane in South Normanton. Leedale Ltd failed to respond to trading standards officers when they requested the identity of the driver. The second offence was admitted by Phillip Noakes, of Mansfield Road, Hasland, Chesterfield for driving a similar vehicle along Moira Road, Woodville on 25 November 2005. Frederick Porter, 61, of New Road, Crich admitted the third offence of driving a 32 tonne truck on Thorpes Road, Burthouse Road and Lockton Avenue in Heanor on 20 January 2006. All three offences concerned roads in residential areas protected by 7.5 tonne weight limits. Noakes and Porter were each fined £200 with £115 prosecution costs by Derby Magistrates’ Court. Leedale Ltd was fined £500 for the offence on 10 October 2005, in which they failed to identify the driver, and £400 for each of the other two offences. The court ordered Leedale Ltd to pay a total of £345 prosecution costs in respect of the charges. Councillor Joyce Sanders, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services, said: “We will continue to crack down on drivers and firms who flout weight restrictions on Derbyshire’s roads to improve safety for residents and pedestrians as well as protecting our environment. “These are all environmental restrictions designed to stop heavy goods vehicles unnecessarily using roads in residential areas.” For more information about the law relating to road weight restriction orders call Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards team on 01629 585858. (Ref: SS.240.06) |
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| 12 June 2006 | Taking the stress out of exams |
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The stress of sitting GCSE exams is being reduced for pupils thanks to an interactive CD-ROM revision pack produced by Derbyshire County Council. Pupils in years nine to 11 at schools in the Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire districts have all been given the interactive CD-ROM to help them:
Year 11 pupils are currently using the packs to help them revise for their GCSEs but years nine and 10 will use it throughout their courses. The project has also paid for teachers to receive training on how they can provide pupils with revision days using the CD-ROMs. Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “With so much riding on exam results these days some pupils get daunted by the exams process and their results suffer because of that. “The ultimate aim of this CD-ROM is to help pupils achieve their full potential by ensuring they are preparing for exams in the best way and by showing them techniques to reduce the tension they feel. “The CD-ROMs are designed so that pupils can use them at home but so they can also be used to help with lessons in school.” The schools that have received the CD-ROM are Bolsover School, Heritage Community School in Clowne, Newbold Community School, St Mary’s Catholic High School in Chesterfield, Brookfield Community School in Chesterfield, Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School, Tibshelf Community School, Tupton Hall School in Old Tupton, Eckington School, Hasland Hall Community School in Hasland, the Meadows Community School in Old Whittington, Parkside Community School in Chesterfield, Springwell Community School in Staveley, Netherthorpe School in Staveley, Deincourt Community School in North Wingfield and Ashgate Croft School in Chesterfield. The CD-ROM has been made with production company VPoint.tv Helping with exams… Heritage Community School pupils (l-r back) Ricky Harding, Rob McCarroll, Aaron Werctelnikow, and (l-r front) Emma Vardy and Jess Pearce, all 16, show Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, copies of the CD-ROMs. (REF: JF.242.06) |
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| 12 June 2006 | Carers to celebrate making a difference |
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Derbyshire carers who devote their time to looking after family members with learning disabilities are being invited to an event to celebrate their essential work. The celebration event is entitled `Our Essential Partners – Making a Difference’, and is being held on Saturday 24 June at the Genesis Social Enterprise Centre in King Street, Alfreton. The aim of the event, in its third year, is to celebrate the contribution that family carers make towards the lives of family members with learning disabilities, including helping them to be independent, giving them choice and encouraging their social inclusion. The celebration event, which is being held at the end of national Learning Disabilities Week, runs from 10am to 2.30pm and includes lunch and refreshments. Tea and coffee will be served from 10am and at 10.30am the event starts with a welcome by Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults Councillor Dave Allen. Councillor Allen will talk about the enormous contribution made by family carers, how they have become `essential partners’ to social care and health services working in the county and the challenge services must meet to extend the help and support provided to family carers. This will be followed up with a presentation about the transition period for young people with learning disabilities who are becoming adults and moving towards independence. After lunch a further presentation will be made entitled `Making the Difference – Fulfilling Lives’, exploring how people with learning disabilities are able to develop their opportunities and participate in all the things many people take for granted. During the day there will be a chance for family carers, from parents, brothers and sisters to grandparents, aunts and uncles, to meet other family carers, and find out about how services available in the county are developing. As well as the presentations and discussion time, there will also be displays and a wide range of useful information available. Councillor Allen said: “Derbyshire County Council and the NHS Trusts we work with want to make sure that family carers are recognised for the significant contribution they make to the independence and life chances people with learning disabilities in the county can and do have. “Family carers are our essential partners and I hope as many of them as possible will join me to once again celebrate the partnership and important work they carry out.” Family carers across the county are to be personally invited via letter to the event and anyone with an interest in attending who hasn’t received a letter should contact Sharon Freeman or Kirstie Roberts on 01629 772066. (Ref:MC.241.06) |
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| 12 June 2006 | Call for former staff to join library celebrations |
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Staff at a Derbyshire library are calling for former workers to join them at a birthday party to mark their centenary celebrations. Long Eaton Library is celebrating its 100th birthday with a host of events between Monday 19 June and Saturday 23 June, and one of the highlights is a birthday party on Friday 23 June. Staff working at the Derbyshire County Council-run library in Tamworth Road are keen to contact as many former library employees as possible to invite them to the birthday party and join in the celebrations. The birthday party, which is open to all, runs from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and Derbyshire poet laureate Cathy Grindrod will launch proceedings with a poem commissioned especially to mark the historic occasion. This will be followed by light refreshments and a chance for visitors to look round the newly refurbished library and meet fellow guests. Events for the centenary week start on Monday 19 June with an evening with author Stephen Booth, entitled `Where the bodies are Buried’ and other highlights during the week include a teddy bears’ picnic for the under fives and a performance by the Long Eaton Silver Prize Band. One of the events staff are sure will prove extremely popular is an antique valuation day on Wednesday 21 June between 10am and 2pm, where people are being encouraged to take along items for valuation by an expert from Neales Auctioneers and Valuers. There is a maximum of three items per person and it costs 50p per item. Another event which looks set to generate a lot of interest is a local and family history day on Thursday 22 June between 10am and 4pm when people will be able to get expert advice on researching their family history. While library staff have tried to contact as many former staff members as possible they are keen to make sure everyone who has worked there has the opportunity to join in the celebrations, and hopefully go along to the party on the 23rd. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services Councillor Bob Janes said: “The centenary week is packed full of events and I’m sure they will all be very popular. “I know that current library staff are keen to ensure that no-one who has worked there over the years misses out on the party and I am sure it will be a real celebration.” Anyone who has worked at the library and has not received an invitation should contact Hilary Fern at Long Eaton Library on 0115 9735426 and leave their name and telephone number. (Ref:243.06) |
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| 12 June 2006 | Every step counts for youngsters |
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Students have been taking to their feet to promote their own version of Walk to School. The Aldercar Community Language College pupils highlighted their Every Step Counts initiative by joining a walk run by the Heart & Sole project around Langley Mill. The project - a partnership between Derbyshire County Council, Amber Valley Borough Council, Amber Valley Primary Care Trust, Groundwork Erewash Valley and Aldercar and Langley Mill Parish Council - encourages walking and cycling for health in Langley Mill and Aldercar. Aldercar students have been encouraging each other to walk, cycle, car share, park and stride or use public transport to get to school. Those who have taken part have bought and worn a coloured wrist band with the money raised going to the British Heart Foundation. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “Walking to school is something which we are always encouraging young people to do. “Not only is it healthy and the children arrive more alert but it also improves their road safety skills and helps keep traffic levels down. We are impressed by the way the youngsters at Aldercar have got on board and put so much effort into spreading the walk to school word among their fellow pupils.” WALKING WINS HANDS DOWN: Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders with (left to right) Jordan McGrath (aged 12) from West Hallam, Jessica Bacon (aged 11) from Heanor, James Kitson (aged 12) from Heanor and Andrea Clifton (aged 11) from Langley Mill
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| 09 June 2006 | Land sale helps pay for school improvements |
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Money raised from the sale of surplus land is to be used by Derbyshire County Council to improve facilities at two schools. Ilkeston School is going to get £37,500 from the £75,000 raised by selling some playing fields that belonged to the former Cantelupe School. The money will be used towards the £300,000 cost of redeveloping Ilkeston School’s original assembly hall – a listed building - into an interactive community arts gallery. The school is seeking sponsorship and grants to pay the remaining cost. The scheme will form part of the school’s specialist visual arts college project. Brockley Primary and Nursery School in Chesterfield will receive £3,000 from the £6,000 raised by selling a small area of land in the school grounds. The money will pay for one phase of a larger project to develop outdoor teaching areas. This will include activity spaces with PE equipment, seating, a garden and environmental area. Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “Whenever surplus school land is sold we always ensure that the money raised goes back into improving the education for pupils.” Meanwhile, housing developers are to pay for improvements to three schools. Derbyshire County Council receives the money from the developers due to conditions included in the planning agreement that allowed them to build homes. Developer Miller Homes has given £76,596 as part of the agreement to build in Drummond Road, Ilkeston. Chaucer Junior School in Cranmer Street, Ilkeston will receive £53,418 to adapt an open plan teaching area into two separate teaching spaces. Electrical wiring and windows will also be replaced. Chaucer Infant and Nursery School in Cantelupe Road, Ilkeston will get £23,178 to pay for the installation of a disabled access toilet, including changing space. Roxdon Developments and Christopher Anthony Thomas have given £16,230 and £40,000 to Draycott Primary School as part of the agreement that saw them build homes in Market Street and Victoria Mills respectively. The school will use the money to improve toilets and administrative and teaching support facilities. An access ramp will also be installed outside the school. The remaining £41,949 will come from the school. Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “When extra housing is built it can lead to extra demands on local schools. The money we receive helps the schools to improve their buildings for all pupils.” (Ref: JF.238.06) |
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| 09 June 2006 | Blueprint for children's services unveiled |
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A three-year blueprint for improving the lives of children and young people in Derbyshire is set to be put into action. Derbyshire County Council has approved the first ever Derbyshire Children and Young People’s Plan. The pioneering plan replaces a range of statutory and non-statutory plans and outlines how the authority and its partners will deliver services up to 2009. It sets out how they will tackle issues affecting children and young people from birth to 19, over 19s who continues to receive local services and 19 to 25-year-olds with learning difficulties or disabilities. Examples of the wide-ranging measures include:
The plan will be overseen by the newly-formed Derbyshire Children and Young People’s Trust. This is a statutory body led by the county council and consists of borough and district councils, health services, police, fire and rescue service, probation service, Derbyshire Connexions, the Learning and Skills Council and voluntary sector. It was produced following consultation with children, young people and partner agencies and contains targets based around the five priorities of the Government’s Every Child Matters agenda. These are ensuring every child has the support to:
The document will be updated every year to include new information about the needs of children and young people and how best to meet them. Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Every child and young person in Derbyshire deserves to be happy, healthy, safe, do well in their education and contribute to their community. “Although the county council and its partners have done much to improve life for children and families, we’re keen to build on this by working more closely and delivering even better services. “So it’s important we share a single, strategic vision and tackle the issues to help all children and young people to fulfil their potential “This greater emphasis on multi-agency working, together with the creation of our new children and younger adults’ department, represents the biggest change in modern times to the way we support children and families in Derbyshire.” (REF: RS.237.06) |
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| 07 June 2006 | Biker safety messages hit the road |
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Messages on biker safety are being taken straight to the horses’ mouth. Derbyshire County Council kick started its summer of motorcycle events at Matlock Bath where road safety officers were on hand to talk about safer riding, give out information on the county’s seven most popular biking routes and tell people about the county council’s Bike Plus training scheme for newly qualified riders and those wanting refresher courses. More events will be held on:
Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “Bikers continue to be well represented in Derbyshire’s accident figures so anything we can do to bring home valuable road safety messages is worthwhile. “By attending biking events and motor shows we will be able to talk to bikers first hand, give them useful information and hopefully persuade a few of the benefits of our post test training scheme Bike Plus.” VROOM FOR SAFETY: Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders with biker Suzanne Bolton. |
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| 09 June 2006 | Discounted post test training for young drivers |
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Young drivers are being encouraged to take up discounted post test training in a bid to drive down accidents among 17-25 year-olds. Derbyshire County Council - along with Staffordshire County Council – is running two hour theory sessions which include workshops on vehicle condition, journey preparation, confidence and speed. The scheme is being trialled in south Derbyshire where the take up rate of post test training is below the national average and where there is a significant number of cross border accidents between Derbyshire and Staffordshire. They are being delivered by a qualified driving instructor and will take place at Swadlincote Learning Centre, Rinkway on the following dates:
and at Burton-on-Trent fire station on:
All sessions will be from 5pm until 7pm. Youngsters who complete the session will be entitled to up to £60 off the post test training course Pass Plus (the full cost is set at £120). This course – designed by the Driving Standards Agency - is specifically aimed at new drivers and once completed can lead to car insurance discounts with some companies. The course is made up of six modules: driving in town; driving in all weathers; rural driving; night driving and motorway and dual carriageway driving. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “Records show that although 17-25 year-olds represent only 10 per cent of the population they are involved in 36 per cent of all accidents in the south Derbyshire and east Staffordshire area. “Through this initiative young people will learn about driving safely and be better equipped when they go out on the road. The discount and possible insurance savings will hopefully make the course more accessible and provide an added incentive for people to take it up.” Staffordshire County Council's cabinet member for development Councillor John Wakefield said: "We are working hard to engage young people through a major campaign that is reaching them in the l | |