November

A Derbyshire drinks wholesaler has been fined £1000 for selling poor quality soft drinks to pubs.

Agars Soft Drinks Ltd of Shuttlewood, near Chesterfield, Derbyshire, was charged at Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Wednesday 29 November) following investigations by Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards team.

Trading standards officers found 15 boxes of lemonade syrup – a product used by the licensing trade to make lemonade - which were 10 months out of date during a routine inspection of the premises in October 2005.

A sample of the lemonade confirmed it was not of the quality required for sale under the Food Safety Act.

The trading standards team discovered Agars did not have systems in place to monitor out-of-date stock and had no concern for the quality of product they were selling to customers.

Robert Agar, Managing Director of Agars admitted buying out-of-date stock and selling it to his customers.
Agars Soft Drinks Ltd pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined £1000. The company was also ordered to pay £480 prosecution costs.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “We carry out regular inspections at all types of food businesses and send samples for analysis if there is any doubt to the quality of any food on sale.

“It is important that food businesses have systems in place to ensure the food they are selling is of satisfactory quality.

“We will continue to investigate cases where we suspect Derbyshire residents aren’t getting good quality products and this fine sends out a clear message that we will take legal action where necessary.”

It is not an offence to sell food after its best before date has expired but it must not have deteriorated and must be of the quality demanded.

(Ref: SS.502.06)

Star ratings have again ranked Derbyshire County Council’s adult social care services as among the best in the country for the fourth year running.

The ratings, awarded by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), are published following visits and independent judgements of performance across all areas of the county council’s adult social care services.

CSCI awarded Derbyshire three stars, the highest that can be awarded.

Analysis undertaken by the county council shows that this puts its adult social care services at the top of the East Midlands local authorities and makes it the highest performing Shire authority. The analysis also shows the council’s adult social care services are among the top 10 in the country.

The release of the star ratings coincides with the publication of the Department of Health’s Performance Assessment Framework (PAF) indicators for 2005/6.

Out of the 25 indicators where ratings were awarded, the council’s adult social care services was rated in the highest or second band in 21 areas (84%), with 12 (48%) being placed in the top band.

There were no areas identified which required urgent action.

The council’s adult social care service is ranked on its performance in areas including:

* Providing timely, convenient and responsive arrangements for referral, care planning and review

* Making sure quality assurance systems are in place and service quality is consistent

* Providing a range of services to support and encourage all carers

* Providing services that are broad and varied to meet needs, offering choices to many and taking account of individual preferences

* Demonstrating improved efficiency across all aspects of social services operations.

Derbyshire Council Council’s cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults Councillor Dave Allen said: “I am delighted that the council's social services for adults are being viewed by the external inspectorate as delivering excellent services for the people of Derbyshire.

“I would like to record my appreciation for all the effort and hard work of the staff and our partners which has led to this result.

“Nevertheless we are not complacent and will strive to build on this excellent rating and continue to improve our service delivery and enhance well-being in all our communities.”

Students at Belper School are settling into new surroundings after the opening of an arts and drama block.

Belper School received a grant of £1.83 million from Derbyshire County Council to build the new block and turn the existing arts and drama area within the school into general teaching classrooms.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “This project has two real benefits. It gives arts and drama students first-class modern facilities. 

“At the same time it has freed up other areas of the school to be turned into extra classrooms which are needed to provide more space for pupils.”

New face to arts…Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, and Councillor Walter Burrows, chair of Derbyshire County Council, join pupils Luke Carlisle and Lil Henesy, both 11, outside the new arts and drama block.

Some of Derbyshire’s best young musicians have struck gold in a regional music festival.

The Derbyshire City and County Youth Wind Band took part in the National Concert Band Regional Festival in Northamptonshire.

Bands perform in front of judges who decide whether to award them a gold, silver, bronze or merit award. The top bands are also invited to play at the national festival in The Sage in Gateshead.

The Derbyshire City and County Youth Wind Band was awarded gold status for its performance and is now preparing to take part in the national event on 1 April 2007.

The wind band has 62 players, aged 12 to 19, from across the county and is conducted by Colin Touchin, the former director of music at Warwick University. 

Judges said the Derbyshire band had performed a “tough programme which was well played and well directed”.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “I would like to congratulate all the young musicians who put on a wonderful performance that impressed the judges.

“The festival is not competitive. It is about showcasing the best talent around through seven regional festivals and the national one.

“Derbyshire was one of two bands on the day to go forward from our regional festival to the national event so the players have much to be proud of.”

The band is one of the ensembles organised by the Derbyshire City and County Music Partnership on behalf of Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council.

Around 10,000 pupils are taught to learn an instrument and offered the opportunity to play in ensembles by the partnership’s 200 accredited teachers.

(REF: JF.499.06)

A UK haulage firm has been ordered to pay penalties of more than £37,000 after being successfully prosecuted by Derbyshire County Council.

Wm Armstrong (Longtown) Ltd of Townfoot, Longtown, Carlisle, Cumbria, faced a total of nine charges at Derby Magistrates’ Court on Monday 27 November for moving sheep illegally, failing to provide necessary legal paperwork and compromising animal welfare.

County council trading standards animal health officers led an investigation into the firm after noticing sheep deliveries were taking between two and three days to reach their destination when they should by law travel direct ensuring the minimum journey time.

A surveillance operation carried out in partnership with other authorities in March 2005 revealed sheep being loaded into lorries intended for immediate slaughter were then left in Armstrong’s yard until the next day before making the journey to the slaughterhouse in Derbyshire.  The sheep were not unloaded and no feed or water was provided. Animal health officers discovered the sheep were on the lorries for 17-and-a-half hours in total.

Armstrong’s paperwork, which is legally required to contain detailed times of loading animals and exact place of departure, revealed incomplete and incorrect records.

A further inspection of an Armstrong lorry a month later again revealed incorrect paperwork.

Wm Armstrong (Longtown) Ltd pleaded guilty to all nine charges and was fined £19,000 under The Animal Health Act 1981. The company was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £6,268 to the county council and £12,000 to DEFRA, who supported and funded the investigation, making a total penalty of £37,268.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “The recording of correct journey times and providing water to animals on long journeys are important welfare issues. And delivering sheep directly to their destination helps traceability and minimises the risk of disease.

“This haulier mistreated the animals by delaying the journey and giving them no food or water; and failed to complete the necessary legal documents required for moving animals.

“Our trading standards animal health team will continue to investigate cases where animals are not being transported correctly and safely and prosecute those who are breaking the law.”

Traceability and disease control measures were implemented by DEFRA in the aftermath of the foot and mouth outbreak and local authorities are responsible for enforcing the measures.

(Ref: SS.497.06)

A flagship £3 million environment centre which forms the centre point of Derbyshire’s multi-million pound Markham Vale regeneration scheme is to be officially opened next month. 

The Markham Vale Environment Centre is at the heart of the county council-led £62 million regeneration project off the M1 motorway between Chesterfield and Bolsover which will create a 200 acre business and industrial park, bringing thousands of jobs. 

It will be officially opened on Friday 15 December by North East Derbyshire MP Natascha Engel who will be welcomed on behalf of the former coalfields communities by Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor John Williams. 

The environment centre is now up and running and its state-of-the-art units are available to rent for anyone running any business allied to the environmental sector. 

The centre is fully sustainable and environmentally-friendly and is being managed for Derbyshire County Council by Derbyshire Chamber and Business Link. 

The range of services available at the centre include hot-desking facilities for individuals and small enterprises and a virtual office which can provide tailor-made administrative support. 

There are 14 office/workshop units, each with their own lockable access, security, car-parking, telephone and power points, as well as natural light and wood fuel heating. 

There is also exhibition space in the foyer area as well as training and conference rooms, all fully-equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment, data points and broadband connections. 

In line with the businesses it is hoping to support, the 1,800 square foot centre is fully sustainable and has a roof-mounted wind turbine to generate electricity as well as a wood-fired heating boiler, solar panels and a `grey’ water’ recycling facility which filters rainwater from the roof to use in the building. 

The Markham Willows project will provide wood fuel for the centre from a rotation cycle of willow trees grown on the site and has received European recognition as an outstanding regeneration scheme. 

Councillor Williams said: “The environment centre is the flagship building for the Markham Vale site and sums up our commitment and support to new businesses and the environment. 

“Not only are the facilities on offer second to none but there will be business advice on hand and the opportunity for like-minded businesses to network with each other and offer support.” 

Councillor Williams added: “Work is well underway on site and the official opening of the environment centre is the start of a great future for Markham Vale.”   

The official opening, which is by invitation only, will be followed by the unveiling of a piece of artwork by former Markham Colliery surveyor Colin Jones.   

The detailed pencil drawing, which will hang in the centre, highlights moments in the history of Markham Colliery and depicts the day-to-day lives of miners working there. 

After the grand opening, visitors will be given a tour of the building and shown all the facilities on offer at the centre. 

For information about renting one of the centre office/workshops or using the facilities people should contact Trudi Novakovic at Derbyshire Chamber and Business Link on 01246 826000. 

Derbyshire County Council has been nationally recognised as a leading organisation for its use of IT systems to plan and monitor work.

Acknowledged for its innovative development of computer software to manage performance, the county council received a national award from global company CorVu and has been rated alongside big private sector companies Fujitsu and Ernst and Young.

Derbyshire County Council’s chief executive Nick Hodsgon said: “We are delighted to receive this award which is a tribute to the hard work of colleagues and partners in helping to implement the system.

“It was an unexpected award and a testimony to our commitment to ensuring Derbyshire County Council is working as efficiently as possible.”

The authority has developed computer software to help measure, benchmark, and report against recognised government performance indicators such as BVPI and CPA frameworks. It also encourages more effective management of resources and ultimately improvements in the way services are delivered to local communities across the county.

CorVu commended the authority’s ability to include partner organisations in performance management processes and the use of software to share information via the intranet and website.

(Ref: SS.495.06)

A Derbyshire business will take over the management at five of Derbyshire County Council’s household waste recycling centres from 1 December.

Blackwell-based HW Martin Waste Ltd will oversee the day-to-day running of the centres in Loscoe, near Heanor, Ilkeston, Chesterfield, Ashbourne and Newhall near Swadlincote.

Residents will still be able to use the recycling facilities for household rubbish at each centre for free.

All rubbish taken to the sites will continue to be separated and where possible reused, recycled or composted instead of being sent to landfill.

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities, said: “We’re looking forward to working with this local firm and developing our household waste recycling centres to make it even easier for residents to be environmentally-friendly.
“It will be business as usual while the new managers move in and members of the public shouldn’t notice any difference in the level of service. But we would ask users to bear with us should any teething problems arise.”

There will be no change to the types of rubbish that can be taken to the sites. Each centre will continue to accept:
• Furniture
• Electrical appliances, fridges and freezers
• Green garden waste such as hedge clippings, grass cuttings, weeds and small tree branches
• Carpets
• Paper
• Glass jars and bottles
• Cardboard
• Vehicle oil
• Materials from small DIY jobs such as wood and chipboard
• Hardcore and soil (two bags or 50kg maximum)
• Excess rubbish from your bin
• Textiles 
• Cans               

Building waste from renovation or demolition, tyres or trade rubbish is not accepted at any of the sites.

The county council also runs a household waste recycling centre at Glossop and Derby City Council runs a site at Raynesway, Derby.

All of the sites are open every day - except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day - from 8.30am until 6pm.

Anyone who experiences difficulty at any of the centres while the change-over takes place should contact a member of staff on-site or alternatively contact Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.

(REF:JM.494.06)

From Tupton to Africa

Charitable youngsters who attend a Derbyshire County Council-run youth centre are playing their part in helping the Third World. The Tupton Young Women’s Night Group – based at Tupton Youth Centre in Nethermoor Road - have been donating one week’s worth of each month’s subscription fees to a nine-year-old girl in Ghana for the past two years. 

So far, the youth club members have raised £360 for Talata, who lives in the Bawku east district, in the upper east region of Ghana.

The youngsters have kept in touch with Talata through letters and photographs, which has led to the youth group doing a project on Fair Trade.

Youngsters pay their respects

Projects to commemorate soldiers who fell in the two World Wars have taken place at Derbyshire County Council youth clubs.

Young people in Somercotes and Alfreton created posters and held discussions on issues including immigration, religion and culture.

Group pick up funding

A consultation and activity day was held at Somercotes Youth Club to find out what facilities youngsters wanted in their community. During the day, the young people helped out the local community by taking part in a litter pick.

Over the moon at awards ceremony

Young people at Ironville Carriage Voluntary Youth Club took part in an arts project to design and create trophies. The trophies they produced were then presented to the winners of Moon Manoeuvres. 

Moon Manoeuvres is a Derbyshire County Council run event which involved teams of young people going on a night exercise in the countryside around Lea Green. During the 10 mile course participants had to earn points by completing 12 physical and mental challenges. The team with the highest total of points won. 

This year’s winners were the Thornberries team of Outerzone youth club in, Chesterfield.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, presented the Thornberries team with one of the trophies made by the Ironville Carriage Voluntary Youth Club. 
 
Harsh lesson to teens

Awareness of homelessness issues was raised at an event staged by the Ironville Carriage Voluntary Youth Club.

Young people worked individually and in teams to design shelters to relate to how homeless people live and the everyday problems they face.

Clowning around

Youngsters at Derbyshire County Council’s Polygon Oyster Club in Alfreton discovered new talents at a circus skills demonstration and taster session. Members were able to try out uni-cycling, juggling and plate spinning.

Drivers are being encouraged to stay safe this winter with some seasonal driving tips from Derbyshire County Council.

The authority has published leaflets – available from garages, libraries or by contacting Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 – showing the county’s winter gritting routes and also carrying advice on how to travel safely in snow, ice and severe weather.

When it comes to vehicles the general advice is - keep lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from ice and snow; keep the battery fully charged; add anti-freeze to the radiator and winter additive to the windscreen washer bottles; make sure wipers and lights are in good working order; check tyres have plenty of tread depth and are maintained at the correct pressure.

Driving conditions vary according to weather and the advice is:

• If it’s wet, slushy, or icy - your stopping distance can be doubled and it can take up to 10 times longer to stop in icy conditions than in dry conditions.
• Drive slowly, allowing extra room to slow down and stop. In snow use dipped headlights and the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Manoeuvre gently, avoid harsh braking and acceleration.
• To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently. If you start to skid, ease off the accelerator but do not brake suddenly
• In fog - drive very slowly using dipped headlights. Use fog-lights if visibility is seriously reduced but remember to switch them off when visibility improves.
• Don`t hang on to the tail-lights of the vehicle in front as this gives you a false sense of security and means you may be driving too close. Don`t speed up suddenly, even if it seems to be clearing. You can suddenly find yourself back in thick fog.
• In winter sun - Keep a pair of sunglasses handy.

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities, said: “We grit 1,555 of the 3,300 miles of roads in Derbyshire which is more than any other county. 

"Our gritter drivers work in shifts so teams are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week whenever they are needed but motorists need to take precautions in bad weather too. 

“Only go out if the journey is absolutely necessary and if it is make sure they and their vehicle are ready for the journey.

“Checking on the internet or listening to local radio for the latest travel and weather information is always a good pointer before heading out on the road.”

(REF: JM.492.06)

Pupils across Derbyshire have set a date for road safety – with the third edition of the Art of Road Safety calendar.

Derbyshire County Council worked with 13 schools to produce the calendar for 2007 which will be distributed to schools, councillors, all local authorities, Derbyshire police, the safety camera team and the Institute of Road Safety Officers.

Each school was invited to provide artwork based on a mode of travel and artistic style associated with a particular country.

The calendar builds on this year’s Walk to School campaign theme of promoting healthy and environmentally friendly travel alternatives to using the car. Each month features a different mode of travel from around the world along with an important road safety message.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “Reducing accidents on Derbyshire’s roads is one of our top priorities and we’ll continue to promote road safety messages to children and adults as often and in as many ways possible.”

Copies of the calendar are available free to the first 100 people who log-on to www.derbyshire.gov.uk/transport/road_safety/art_road_safety/2007_calendar/ (opens in a new window)

Art attack: Ashgate Croft School pupil Amy Cowley (11), displays her winning entry with Councillor Joyce Sanders.

Work has started on a £12.4 million link road being built by Derbyshire County Council to connect Ilkeston and Awsworth.

The much-needed road will divert traffic away from Station Road, an extremely busy road which carries more than 18,000  vehicles each day and includes a narrow rail bridge which restricts the flow of traffic – particularly lorries. 

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

Stretching a total of 800m from the Rutland Street junction with Belfield Street near Tesco in Ilkeston, the single-carriageway road will include three bridges over a railway line, the River Erewash and Erewash Canal.

It will link up with the A6096 Awsworth bypass at the roundabout with Coronation Road.

The major building project is being funded using £10.4 million from the Department for Transport with the remaining cost being met by Derbyshire County Council. 

Contractors Alfred McAlpine have been appointed to build the road.

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities, said: “This is a landmark in the history of Ilkeston’s development.

“The road will have a huge impact both for people living locally and those travelling to the area by providing better transport links and improving safety for both pedestrians and motorists.

“Improving Derbyshire’s roads and protecting residents are priorities high on our agenda and we’re looking forward to seeing the new road starting to take shape.”

The new link road is expected to open in spring 2008. 

Master plan: Councillor  Brian Lucas,  Derbyshire  County Council’s   cabinet member  for sustainable communities  surveys the site  for the new link road road with Councillor Kath Trueman, local member for Ilkeston.

(Ref:JM.490.06)

Do you run a community or voluntary group in the Chesterfield area attended by children or young people?

If so, a day workshop could help you to understand the child protection procedures and policies that your organisation needs to have in place.

The event is being organised by the Chesterfield District Safeguarding Children Group, which is made up of Derbyshire County Council, health trusts, police, probation, schools and voluntary groups.

It will be held at the Winding Wheel in Holywell Street, Chesterfield on Tuesday 28 November. There will be a number of sessions between 9am and 9pm to let as many people as possible take part.

Participants will have to complete two core modules and then have a choice of taking part in one or more workshops to get a certificate of child protection awareness. 

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: "Child protection is not just a matter for professionals it is something everyone in the community should be concerned about.

"Organisers of voluntary and community groups that involve children, such as sports clubs or music groups, all need to comply with child protection laws but many find it baffling to know how to go about it.

"The aim of this day is to give them practical advice and guidance to ensure their organisation has proper procedures in place to protect children."

All participants will be shown a video and asked to take part in a discussion about the role the community can play in child protection. They will then be asked to consider the impact of four types of abuse – physical, sexual, emotional and neglect.

The workshops on offer are: 

• Safeguarding children in sport
• Safeguarding children in entertainment and employment
• Safeguarding disabled children
• Safeguarding children policies and laws - age restriction laws involving the sale of alcohol 
• How to write child protection policies for your organisation
• How to handle bullying issues
• Scenarios and solutions – how to deal with issues that arise in your organisation 
  

Community groups can book places by ringing Cathy Barrass on 01773 728740.
          

(REF: JF.491.06) 

Homes for older people have been given the seal of approval by residents, their relatives and friends in a recent survey.  

Derbyshire County Council questioned more than 1,000 people in a survey of its residential homes for older people and found that 94 per cent of people rated their overall needs as being met to an excellent or good standard.  

The satisfaction rate has increased by 1.3 per cent compared to last year and was further boosted by 96 per cent of relatives and friends rating the needs of their loved ones as being met to an excellent or good standard.  

A total of 1,054 people gave their views via a questionnaire, with Age Concern volunteers visiting homes and helping residents to complete the form.    

Cleanliness and comfort also ranked highly in the survey with 96 per cent of residents rating it as good, and 92 per cent of residents felt that the equipment they needed was either excellent or good.  

Standards of decoration in homes also rated highly with a 6.5 per cent increase (91.7 per cent) in satisfaction and there was a 2.5 per cent increase (92.1 per cent) in satisfaction with meeting special dietary needs.  

There had also been an improvement in the number of residents who said they were happy with the choice, amount and variety of activities and trips out and visiting arrangements scored very highly, with relatives giving a 99.6 per cent rating for choice and flexibility of times.  

County council performance review staff analysed the findings from the questionnaire and care staff and managers at each home have listened to the views of residents and relatives and have already made changes where necessary.  

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults Councillor Dave Allen said: “We are very pleased with the results from the latest survey into our homes for older people and I would like to thank all the people who took the time to fill in the questionnaires.  

“It seems that people’s needs are being met to a very high standard and that the investment we have made in refurbishing, updating and in some areas replacing residential homes has paid dividends.  

“I am pleased that the satisfaction rate for activities and trips out has increased as I know many homes have been concentrating on this area.  

“I am also extremely pleased that the staff have scored very highly, with between 92 per cent and 98 per cent of residents saying they were excellent with regards to being respectful, cheerful, helpful and trustworthy.”  

Councillor Allen added: “These surveys help us to see what we are doing well and identify areas where we can improve, and the findings will be fed back to individual homes and used to help us improve further.”  

(Ref: MC.489.06)

A new series of free specialist workshops, mentoring and grant support aimed at people setting up and running creative businesses in the High Peak has been announced.  

The five jargon-free workshops start with a core one-day event on Tuesday 16 January and the programme runs through to Friday 2 February, with all the courses being held at Lomas and Company, Bridge House, 12 Market Street, Glossop.  

The programme is available free to creative industries in the High Peak area and specialist mentoring and grant assistance will also be available.  

The Focusing Creativity programme is aimed at people running creative businesses ranging from web design and visual art to advertising and music.  

Its full-day and four half-day workshops, delivered by arts and creative industry specialists have already proved popular and the High Peak programme is just one of a number being rolled out across the county.  

Focusing Creativity is a programme which is part of the Creative Industries Network (CIN)-led consortium, made up of a number of organisations collaborating to ensure creative people setting up their own businesses in Derbyshire receive the support they need.  

The consortium is funded through the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership and is made up of a partnership between Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Enterprise Agency and Creative Launchpad, led by the Creative Industries Network.  

Focusing Creativity is delivered in partnership between Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Enterprise Agency.  

The workshops are:  

• Focusing Creativity. The core one-day workshop of the programme looks at what drives you as a creative enterprise, your passion and mission, resulting in a realistic development plan and strategy. Date: Tuesday 16 January. 9am - 4.30pm
• Creative Essentials. You have the strategy – now how do you market your enterprise? Creative essentials gives you the knowledge and tools to develop a plan to get your message out there. Date: Tuesday 23 January. 12pm - 4.30pm
• Creative Vision. You know where you want to be but how do you get there? Creative Vision gives you the skills, tips and practical know-how to research the best route forward to plan for your creative enterprise. Date: Friday 26 January. 12pm - 4.30pm
• Creative Confidence. This workshop builds on your ability to communicate the benefits of your creativity to customers and your audience. Date: Tuesday 30 January. 12pm - 4.30pm  
• Creative Capital. Financial management can be a headache but it’s one you cannot ignore. This half-day workshop will give you the skills to manage your finances and control cash flow, rather than cash flow controlling you. Date: Friday 2 February. 12pm - 4.30pm

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “Industry experts lead the workshops and they will be able to guide creative minds through the often difficult process of setting up a new business and helping it to develop and thrive.  

“All aspects of running a successful business are covered in the programme, from planning a strategy and a development plan to marketing and financial skills.”  

Councillor Carlile said: “We are pleased to be part of the consortium offering these free workshops and grant support and I am sure that, as with previous programmes, demand for places will be high. People should act quickly if they want to secure a place.”  

As well as the free workshops, people signing up to the programme may also be eligible for grant assistance for up to 50 per cent on a number of things including the cost for marketing, attending trade shows and buying equipment.  

One-to-one creative specialist mentoring is also available following the workshops and there will be specialists on hand to refer people to other support schemes if necessary, operating across the region.  

Places on the workshops are limited and there has been a high demand for previous courses.  

To apply for a place or for further details contact Paula Marples at Derbyshire Chamber and Business Link by telephone on 01332 548010 or via email: paula.marples@derbyshire.org  

(Ref: MC.488.06)

Fifteen Derbyshire schools have been named among the most successful to be inspected by Ofsted during the past year.

And for the first time two nurseries and nine childminders from Derbyshire have also been praised for their efforts in the list of outstanding providers published by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector. 

The news has been welcomed by Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support.

He said: “It is a real achievement to be included on this list as Ofsted inspected thousands of primary, secondary, nursery and special schools and pupil referral units nationally during 2005/06.

“Everyone on the list has been selected because they provide a consistently good standard of education or childcare for children and young people.

“There are many other Derbyshire schools who have had good Ofsted reports that will have just missed being on this list.”

The Derbyshire schools on the Ofsted list of outstanding providers are:

• Alfreton Nursery School 
• Baslow St Anne’s CE Primary School 
• Breadsall CE Primary School 
• Woodville CE Junior School 
• Darley Dale Primary School 
• Morley Primary School 
• Deer Park Primary School in Wingerworth
• Hasland Junior School
• Westfield Infant School in Chesterfield
• Sawley Infant and Nursery School
• Lenthall Infant and Nursery School in Dronfield
• Fairfield Infant and Nursery School in Buxton
• Long Eaton School
• Ecclesbourne School in Duffield     
  

Buxton Nursery and Ripley Nursery School’s childcare facility were both rated outstanding in the report.

The childminders to win recognition were:

• Sally Johnson from Langwith Junction
• Maria Louise Hudson from Findern
• Christine Louise Scott from Shirebrook
• Kerry Lancaster from Hasland
• Marie Louise Wilson from Long Eaton
• Yvonne Phelan from Duffield
• Sandra Anne Sheldon from Long Eaton
• Susan Wigglesworth from Walton
• Deborah Lamb from Kilburn

All the childminders work for themselves in their own homes, supported by Derbyshire County Council’s childcare service quality team.

Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “At Derbyshire County Council we have known for some years of the excellent service provided to families by registered childminders. It is good to see that recognised officially in an Ofsted publication.”

Copies of the Ofsted reports can be seen by visiting their website at www.ofsted.gov.uk (opens in a new window) 

(REF: JF.487.06) 

Older people will get the chance to have their voices heard on a variety of topics at meetings held by three 50+ forums arranged across Derbyshire.  

There are now 14 50+ forums up and running across the county and all meet regularly so that members can swap ideas and discuss opinions and views and take action on issues.  

The forums have been supported in getting going through Derbyshire County Council’s Better Government for Older People programme which helps them with administration and organising meetings as well as providing financial support.  

Swadlincote District 50+ Forum has announced that its latest meeting will be held on Monday 27 November between 10.30am and 12.30pm at the Methodist Church in York Road, Church Gresley.  

A `Question Time’ session will be the format for the meeting and the panel will include MP Mark Todd, chief executive of South Derbyshire District Council Frank McArdle, Steven Fairbrother of Derbyshire police, Sue Haslett from the Anti-Social Behaviour Team at South Derbyshire District Council and chief executive of South Derbyshire CVS Jo Smith.  

The meeting will have an intergenerational slant, with students from Pingle and Granville schools as well as forum members putting questions to the panel.  

On Monday 4 December Long Eaton District 50+ Forum will hold an open meeting at Long Eaton Town Hall from 10am until noon.  

The theme is the U3A (University of the 3rd Age), which is an international organisation providing educational, cultural and social opportunities for people aged over 50 years, and it is hoped to set up a programme of U3A events for Long Eaton.  

Speakers and exhibitors from U3A will be at the meeting discussing courses which may be of interest and passing on their experiences.  

The Belper District 50+ Forum is also holding an open meeting on Friday 8 December from 10.30am to 12.45pm at Nailers, Belper Town Football Club, Belper Triangle.    

The forum’s theme for the meeting will be health and fitness and there will be talks and demonstrations on fitness, easy exercise and healthy eating.  

Light refreshments will be served at all the meetings and everyone aged over 50 is invited to attend.  

For more information contact Jo Ellis at Derbyshire County Council’s Better Government for Older People Team on 01629 772094 or email jo.ellis2@derbyshire.gov.uk. Transport can be arranged if booked in advance.  

(Ref: MC.486.06)

Residents say anti-social behaviour is one of the main concerns affecting their quality of life - that’s why tackling it is one of Derbyshire County Council’s top priorities.

The council is making it easier for people to report behaviour which causes them concern as part of its new ‘We’re making Derbyshire safer’ initiative.

It has published a leaflet called ‘We can help with all kinds of anti-social behaviour’ which details exactly who to speak to for advice on different kinds of anti-social behaviour and all the contact numbers needed for council, fire or police services.

The guide covers a wide range of issues including litter, neighbour disputes, noise nuisance, harassment, dog fouling, underage drinking, abandoned vehicles and criminal damage.

It is also available online at www.saferderbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window) where residents can search for help, find the best person to talk to and find out how to report incidents.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “Although the latest figures show crime in Derbyshire has fallen for the third year running we know anti-social behaviour can worry some people more than anything else. 

“We want to reassure residents that a lot of things, like children playing in the street, should not cause problems but we understand that issues which happen frequently over a long period of time and cause alarm, distress or harassment are a real concern.

“We want to ease these worries by making it as easy as possible for people to get help.” 

The leaflets are being distributed through a wide range of community venues including libraries, schools, post offices, police stations and all council contact points.

For a copy of the anti-social behaviour reporting guide or help with ways to report  concerns residents can Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058

The guide is available online at www.derbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window) or at www.saferderbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window) where residents can also search for help and find out how to report incidents of anti-social behaviour.
   
Home Office figures released in July show crime across Derbyshire has fallen for the third year running with an overall four per cent drop meaning 22,000 fewer victims.

Derbyshire is the safest place to live in the East Midlands with 83 crimes per 1,000 people compared with the regional average of 102.

(Ref: LT.485.06)

A housing scheme for older people which supports them to live independently at home has been hailed a success.  

A partnership between Derbyshire County Council and Chesterfield Churches Housing Association has seen Harehill Court housing complex become an `extra care’ scheme which has been running successfully for five months.  

The scheme, in Harehill Road, Grangewood Estate, Chesterfield, will receive the official seal of approval on Friday 1 December when a partnership agreement will be signed by the county council and the housing association.  

Harehill Court is a purpose-built sheltered housing complex which has been open for 13 years and is provided and managed by Chesterfield Churches Housing Association.  

The housing association is accredited with the county council to deliver supported people services to older people with extra needs. The partnership agreement with the county council’s social care service has provided a team of home care staff dedicated to work at Harehill Court.  

The team of four are on hand between 7am and 10pm for the people living in the 31 flats at Harehill Court who need different levels of support, from one home visit a day to up to six calls per day in some cases.  

The aim of the scheme is to help older people to live in their own homes by encouraging and assisting them to keep their independence for as long as possible in a secure supported environment.  

The home care service at Harehill is also helping to reduce the need for unnecessary residential care and hospital admissions and the team is also on hand to support people when they come out of hospital, which helps to speed up the hospital discharge process.  

Due to the success of the scheme, county council social care staff will be working with the housing association on expanding the facilities available and possible future plans include developing the availability of activities and access to health services.  

The extra care scheme’s future will be sealed at the December ceremony at Harehill Court with Brendan Stone, chair of Chesterfield Churches Housing Association signing a partnership project agreement with county council social care staff and county council cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults Councillor Dave Allen.  

Councillor Allen said: “We are currently setting up a number of new extra care complexes across the county and Harehill Court is an excellent example of the benefits of such schemes.  

“Not only is it proving to be a real success story, it is also a shining example of partnership working and I am sure the older people living in Harehill Court are reaping the benefits now and will continue to do so in the future.”  

Mr Stone said: “Harehill Court was set up with the aim of providing a safe, supportive housing scheme where older people could maintain their independence and receive help if and when they needed it.  This extra care partnership with Derbyshire County Council will improve services for tenants of Harehill Court and help us to achieve this aim for more of the tenants”.  

(Ref: MC.481.06)

Sporty students at Blackwell Primary School have been celebrating their winning ways after picking up prizes in a Derbyshire County Council scheme.

Children at the Primrose Hill school have been enjoying specialist coaching sessions through Alfreton Town Football Club as part of the authority’s Community Venture Scheme.

Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council’s chair, visited the school to celebrate with pupils and Hannah Dingley, football in the community officer with Alfreton Town Football Club, to celebrate their success in the scheme’s prize draw.

Pupils picked up a family ticket for four people to any home match and footballs.

Councillor Burrows said: “The pupils get so much out of this scheme because they get specialist coaching to learn new skills from people who are at the top of their game.

”Children get to work on their own personal best and learn how to work well as part of a team too.

“This is only possible thanks to the generosity of the representatives of the clubs who dedicate their time and expertise to the county’s young people.

“I’m delighted with the school’s win and hope they continue to enjoy the results of their sporting efforts.”

Set up 20 years ago, the Community Venture Scheme delivers first-class coaching to Derbyshire’s primary and secondary schools.

On the ball: Pupils celebrate their win with (back from left) Hannah Dingley (football in the community officer for Alfreton Town Football Club) and Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council chair. Front (from left) are Sam Raynor (11), Dominic Gregory (4), Nicole Sowden (4) and Kelly Smith (10).

(REF: FW.482.06)

Derbyshire residents are being urged to take advantage of free expert consumer advice on issues such as car servicing and home improvements during National Consumer Week (20 – 25 November).

Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards officers are encouraging people not to put up with faulty goods or poor services by seeking free advice from trained advisors at Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 – the regional advice line for clear and practical advice on consumer issues.

Expert county council trading standards advisors will also be on hand at Chesterfield Magistrate’s Court open day on Saturday 25 November between 10am and 4pm to offer advice on any trading standards or consumer issues. 

Residents are invited to drop in to the court at The Court House, West Bar, Chesterfield, during the day and speak to an advisor about their issue.

The focus during this year’s National Consumer Week is on major purchases such as:* Cars and car servicing

• Houses and home improvements
• Holidays
• Furniture and household appliances
• Audio and visual equipment and services

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “We are pleased to be taking part in National Consumer Week once again and offering invaluable expert support to local people on a whole range of issues.

“By contacting Consumer Direct callers can speak to trained professionals about a range of consumer issues from a £2,000 sofa ripping after just a few weeks to a garage repair bill that seems too expensive.

“Protecting the interests and safety of consumers is one of our key priorities and we want to help as many people as possible by informing them about the possible pitfalls of buying goods and services and making sure they know their rights.”

Consumer Direct East Midlands is funded by the Department of Trade and Industry and is run in partnership with trading standards authorities, citizens’ advice and other members of the Consumer Support Network.

(Ref: SS.484.06)

Pupils from a Dales school picked up more than just tips by taking part in a sports coaching scheme run by Derbyshire County Council.

Children from Matlock Bath Holy Trinity Primary School also netted a family ticket to any Matlock Town Football Club home match and a match football.

The prizes came as a result of a prize draw organised by the authority’s Community Venture Scheme, set up 20 years ago to deliver specialist sports coaching to the county’s school children.

Pupils at the Clifton Road school have been training with a coach from Matlock Town Football Club.

The authority’s chair Councillor Walter Burrows joined the pupils to celebrate their success.

Councillor Burrows said: “This is a very worthwhile scheme, which has benefited so many students and schools.

“I’m delighted that the pupils are getting so much out of training with first-class local clubs by learning learn new skills and enjoying keeping fit.

“We’re very grateful to our partners who are doing tremendous work and giving their time and effort generously.

“We may even be lucky enough to train a sports star of the future.”

Winning ways: (back row from left) Matlock Town committee member and safety officer Stewart Else, Councillor Walter Burrows, chair of Derbyshire County Council, and headteacher Simon Gostick celebrate with (front row from left) Lydia Heaney (7), Jake Thorne (10), Levi Maslauskas-Nicholson (8) and Hattie Heaney (9).

(REF: FW.465.06)

Popular drop-in sessions for teenagers at a Derbyshire County Council library will continue after extra funding was secured. 

Tideswell Library is open to young people between 7pm and 9pm on Mondays after they said they wanted somewhere to go in the evening. 

The pilot sessions, funded by the county council, started in January 2004 and around 20 young people aged between 14 and 18 attend each week. 

During the sessions, they have access to the library’s collection of books, videos and DVDs as well as free use of the computers and access to the internet. 

Now staff at the library - who are on hand during the drop-in sessions – have secured £6,000 from the Youth Opportunity Fund. 

Some of the young people who attend also wrote a letter in support of the application to ensure the sessions can continue for the next two years. The money will pay for staffing and to buy in creative reading activities. 

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said the library provided a safe, welcoming environment for the young people. 

He said: “Staff are on hand to support the young people and provide positive role models. Although the sessions are largely unstructured there is the opportunity to take part in some creative activities as well. 

“The drop-in sessions have been hugely successful not only with the young people who have learned new skills but also with the local community which is benefiting with a reduction in reports of perceived anti-social behaviour.” 

Derbyshire County Council is a partner alongside Derbyshire police, the district and town councils, young people and community leaders on the Tideswell Youth Steering Group, formed in 2003. 

The drop-in sessions were launched following discussions with young people who said they wanted somewhere to go in the evenings rather than hanging around on the streets. 

(Ref: CC.479.06) 

A training programme with a national reputation for keeping traditional Peak District crafts alive can continue thanks to Derbyshire County Council. 

College of the Peak was set up in 2003 to encourage people to learn skills such as dry stone walling, stone masonry, lime rendering, slate roofing and woodland crafts. 

So far the college has offered more than 71,000 training hours to 3,200 people, helped 128 businesses and created 61 jobs. But with European funding due to end in December the college needed to find new sources of cash to keep going. 

And that’s where the county council has stepped in and agreed to make the College of the Peak part of its adult community education service from January. 

Running costs will be met from existing county council budgets and from course fees until new funding can be secured. It means the college will be able to offer 31 courses between January and August next year for around 240 people. 

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “College of the Peak has an enviable reputation both regionally and nationally for ensuring traditional Peak District crafts and skills are kept alive. 

“Dozens of organisations and individuals have benefited from the wide range of heritage, conservation and sustainable construction skills offered by the college and the county council is delighted to be able to step in to ensure that this excellent work can continue. 

“Our adult community education service already offers a vast array of courses up and down the county and by welcoming the College of the Peak on board it helps us to broaden our curriculum.” 

College of the Peak was set up as a partnership between Derbyshire County Council, the University of Derby, Leek College, Derbyshire Dales Council for Voluntary Service, Ashbourne and Cheadle Training, NextStep, Connexions (Derbyshire and Staffordshire), The Peak District National Park Authority, National Stone Centre and Derbyshire Agricultural and Rural Training. 

Organisations to benefit from training courses include local companies, individuals, schools and staff from the county and district councils, the National Trust, English Heritage and the Peak District National Park Authority. 

It is planned to develop courses for the future to help Derbyshire residents and employers make a positive contribution to combating climate change, for example courses in eco-friendly construction skills and renewable energy sources. 

(Ref: CC.478.06)

A Derbyshire butcher has been fined £750 for misleading a customer by giving them less for their money than they were led to believe.

Hambridges Butchers Ltd faced three charges at Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Wednesday 15 November) following investigations by Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards team.

On 10 January this year, a customer visited Hambridges, in Bank Road, Matlock, to buy three lambs and have them cut into joints. The customer paid £199.66 for the three whole lambs but later when unpacking the meat they noticed some of the chops were missing.

The customer contacted trading standards officers who made a full investigation into the sale of the meat. Detailed checking of the receipts and weight of each lamb revealed the butcher had overcharged the customer for two of the lambs. Further investigation revealed a significant amount of the lamb chops were missing.

Hambridges Butchers Ltd pleaded guilty to two charges of misleading the customer in the form of an incorrect price per kilogram shown on the customer’s receipt and a third charge for failing to ensure the customer was getting what they paid for - in relation to the missing chops.

Hambridges was fined £250 for each of the three offences and ordered to pay £900 prosecution costs and £199.66 compensation to the customer to cover the price they paid for the lambs.

Councillor Joyce Sanders, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services, said: “This case is essentially about a customer not getting what they’ve paid for.

“This customer was misled about the price per kilogram they were paying and didn’t get the three whole lambs they had paid for.

“We will continue to investigate cases where we suspect Derbyshire residents are being short-changed and these fines send out a clear message to other firms that we will take legal action where necessary.”

(Ref: SS.477.06)

A Sawley infant school is to be closed next year due to falling pupil numbers.

The School Organisation Committee supported Derbyshire County Council’s proposal to shut Lakeside Infant School at the end of July 2007 after hearing it currently costs £4,999 to educate every pupil there compared to a Derbyshire average of less than £3,000.

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

Loss of pupils would also have meant that the school couldn’t afford to keep its current number of teachers as it would have got less Government funding.

Derbyshire County Council proposed the closure in September and held a six-week public consultation during which there were seven objections, including one from the Lakeside Parents’ Action Group.

As a result the final decision was taken by the School Organisation Committee, a group made up of representatives from Derbyshire County Council, school governors, the Church of England Diocese and the Roman Catholic Diocese.

The groups on the committee unanimously decided to close the school after hearing a presentation from the parents’ action group, individual parents and chair of the governing body.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “It is always very sad and difficult to see a school have to close. We are very sensitive to the feelings of parents who wanted to keep the school open.

“However, the School Organisation Committee has to make a decision based on all the facts in front of it and consider the needs of all pupils in Derbyshire schools. The key in this case was that falling pupil numbers meant it was costing almost double the average amount to educate every student.”

Pupils from Lakeside Infant School will move to Brooklands Primary School when their school closes. Brooklands has enough surplus places to accommodate all pupils and most Lakeside pupils already move there at age seven for their junior school education. 

Lakeside Infant School has not had a permanent headteacher since the previous one retired in August 2005 and all other permanent teachers retired in August this year. An acting headteacher and teachers on temporary contracts will run the school until it closes. 

Discussions will take place with three part-time teaching assistants, two part-time catering staff and a part-time administrator to see if they wish to seek alternative employment with Derbyshire County Council  

Any savings made by closing Lakeside Infant School will be distributed among all other Derbyshire schools.
  

(REF: JF.476.06)

A shopkeeper has been fined after an undercover teenager bought alcohol in her Chesterfield store.

Mohinder Kainth (49), who owns and runs Walton Stores in St. Augustine’s Road, Chesterfield, faced two charges at Chesterfield Magistrates Court yesterday (Wednesday 15 November) after being prosecuted by Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards service.

Two 14-year-old volunteers posing as customers on behalf of the county council’s trading standards officers went into the shop on 14 May this year to ask for alcohol on two separate occasions during the day.  On the first occasion Kainth served the volunteer two bottles of alcopop without asking any questions about their age or identification. Later that day the volunteers made another test purchase at the same shop. Once again, Kainth sold four bottles of alcopops to the two 14-year old girls without asking their age or for any identification.

Kainth pleaded guilty to both charges and was fined a total of £400 for the two sales of alcohol. The court also ordered her to pay £580 prosecution costs.

It is an offence under the Licensing Act 2003 to sell alcohol to an individual aged under 18 years.  

Councillor Joyce Sanders, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services, said “Our trading standards officers continue to carry out checks on traders across the county and we will not hesitate 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 this prosecution sends out a very clear message to traders that they will not get away with breaking the law.”

The checks were carried out by county council trading standards officers in partnership with Derbyshire police in spring 2006 as part of the Government’s ongoing Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign.

Any trader unsure of the law concerning the sale of alcohol to children can call Derbyshire trading standards team on 01629 585858.

Members of the public who want to report a shop they suspect of selling alcohol to children should ring Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

(Ref: SS.475.06)

Young people aged 12 to 17 are invited to join in fantasy war games at Derbyshire County Council’s Ripley Library on Thursday 23 November.

The fortnightly club meets between 5.30pm and 7pm and will be playing Warhammer 40K, Warhammer and Lord of the Rings Battle Strategy game.

For more information on how to join contact Carl Cross, the council’s young people’s librarian, on 01773 833199 or email carl.cross@derbyshire.gov.uk

Delve into the history of Markham

The history of the Markham works in Chesterfield will be revealed during a talk being held in the town’s library on Friday 24 November. 

Authors Mike Bennett and Ken Wort, who recently published a book on the company, will use pictures to illustrate the talk in the lecture theatre which begins at 7.30pm. 

Ken joined Markham in 1967 as contracts manager and later became commercial director. He retired in 1993. Mike joined in 1958 and was chief engineer and later technical director. He left Markham in 1970. 

Markham built the two boring machines that were used to carve out the Channel Tunnel 

Tickets costing £2 (£1 concessions) are available from the county council-run library on 01246 209292. 

Award winning author at Alfreton

Award-winning author Anthony McGowan will be talking to students from a Derbyshire school during a visit to the county council’s Alfreton Library on Tuesday 28 November. 

Anthony, who was awarded the Booktrust Teenage Prize for his second novel Henry Tumour, will also be dishing out creative writing advice to pupils from Frederick Gent School during the morning session. He is also visiting Ecclesbourne School in the afternoon. 

Youngsters invited to new group

Young readers aged between 11 and 15 are invited to join a new reading group being launched at Ripley Library on Wednesday 6 December. 

The first session will be held between 3.45pm and 5.15pm and will include book reviews and games. For more information contact Derbyshire County Council’s children’s librarian Janet Parker on 01773 743321 or email janet.parker@derbyshire.gov.uk

(Ref: CC.474.06)

A celebration ceremony has been hosted to thank long-serving foster carers for the love and support they offer Derbyshire County Council’s looked after children.

Carers with ten years service or more with the authority were invited to attend the fourth annual Foster Carers’ Long Service Awards at County Hall, Matlock.

Councillor Walter Burrows, chair of Derbyshire County Council, officially opened the evening.

The 27 foster carers who achieved their long service with the county council this year have provided a range of fostering services, such as offering respite care for children with disabilities and providing emergency care placements at short notice.

Carers were celebrated for their continuing efforts with a three-course meal, followed by a presentation of long-service certificates and £30 gift vouchers each.

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: "We were delighted to be able to show our foster carers how much we value the support they give our looked after children.

“Through their commitment and generosity we are able to place our most vulnerable children in loving homes, which can make all the difference to the young people getting the best start in life and achieving their potential.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering can call Derbyshire County Council’s 24-hour fostering helpline on 01629 77 22 11, or visit the fostering section of our website - www.derbyshire.gov.uk/fostering (opens in a new window) or email fostering@derbyshire.gov.uk.

The foster carers who achieved long service this year include (* denotes those who were be unable to attend the ceremony):

• Michael and Caroline Boam Flagg, Buxton
• Michael and Mandy Fentem Matlock
• Dorothy and Graham Plant Mansfield 
• Tracie and Mick Wilson Chesterfield
• Dot and Colin Barker Ashbourne
• Jackie Griffiths Ripley
• Mark and Heather Crossley Chesterfield *
• Dave and Angela Fookes Chesterfield
• Mary Slinn and Michael Hardman Chesterfield
• Karen Bradley and Paul Hannan Matlock
• Elaine and Simon Pauk Chesterfield 
• John Bailey Langley Mill *
• Mary and David Doyle Derby *
• June Clutton Chesterfield *
• Tracy and Gary Parker Jordanthorpe, Sheffield * 

(REF: FW.472.06)

A secondary school built as part of a joint £37 million Private Finance Initiative (PFI) by Derbyshire County Council has been officially opened by Chancellor Gordon Brown.

The Chancellor spent an hour visiting Long Eaton School in Thoresby Road. He was given a tour of the new building during which he talked to pupils and staff.

He then officially opened the school and gave a speech congratulating pupils and staff on their excellent Ofsted inspection report and good exam results.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Councillor Walter Burrows, chair of Derbyshire County Council, and Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support.

The Long Eaton School contains: 

• 30 classrooms and 10 laboratories  
• sports hall, gym and general hall 
• drama studio, three art rooms and two music rooms 
• four ICT rooms and a library
• rooms where pupils can be taught construction and hair and beauty vocational courses 
  

A footbridge enabling pupils to reach the school and an adult community education centre have also been built as part of the project.

Councillor Alan Charles said: “This was an excellent opportunity for Gordon Brown to see first hand the way that we have been able to improve the learning environment for pupils at Long Eaton through the PFI school building programme.

“I am sure it is a day that students will remember for many years and that Mr Brown was impressed by the pupils he spoke to.

“It also gave the Chancellor the opportunity to view at first hand the Government’s investment in education facilities in Derbyshire.”

The school has cost more than £19 million and has spaces for 1,210 pupils. It was built at the same time as Newbold Community School in Chesterfield. The two schools were built through the joint PFI scheme.

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

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

Long Eaton School has been designed to enable it to become an enhanced resource school with spaces for 10 pupils with special educational needs.            

Open for learning…Long Eaton School students Matthew Whitehead, 13, and Chloe Smith, 14, with Councillor Walter Burrows, chair of Derbyshire County Council, (second left) and Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support.

(REF: JF.487.06)

Talented artists from two Derbyshire schools are showcasing their work at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.

Work by GCSE, AS and A-level art students from Buxton Community School and St Thomas More Catholic School went on display at Derbyshire County Council’s Terrace Road gallery on Saturday, November 11.

Called Artwork 2006, the exhibition was officially opened by Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, Councillor Bob Janes, and runs until Saturday, January 6 2007.

The exhibition is made up of more than 50 works in a wide range of media and is hung in two galleries. It includes fine drawings, portraits and sculpture.

Admission to the museum and art gallery is free and winter opening times are Tuesday - Friday, 9.30am - 5.30pm and Saturday, 9.30am - 5pm.

AT SEA: Artist Rachel Murphy,18, from Buxton Community School, shows her work to Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services.

Derbyshire families bereaved by road accidents are being invited to a remembrance service next month.

Derbyshire County Council is supporting the Oakleaf Remembrance Service which will also include people who have been injured in road accidents.

Councillor Joyce Sanders, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services, will attend the event to be held at St Peter’s Church, Belper, on Sunday 19 November at 3pm.

Representatives from the council’s environmental services department, the emergency services and other people involved in dealing with accidents on Derbyshire’s roads will also attend.

The service, which has the dual aim of raising awareness about the dangers of speeding and reckless driving, has been organised by the local branch of the national road safety campaign group RoadPeace.

Councillor Sanders said: “This service is aimed at comforting those who have suffered  bereavement or injury in accidents on our roads as well as supporting those involved in dealing with the aftermath or helping the victims.

“We hope it will also raise road safety awareness by bringing home the devastating consequences faced by the families and friends of people involved in accidents.”

As people arrive they will be handed a paper oak leaf on which they can write the name of someone they want to remember, their age and date of death and any other details. 

During the service everyone will be invited to bring their oakleaf forward and place it on the altar and at the end will be given an acorn as a sign of new life.

Anyone who cannot attend the service but would like the name of a loved one written on an oakleaf on their behalf can contact RoadPeace member Derek Storer on 01773 823766. 

For more information about the service call Mr Storer or county council road safety officer Linda Kiernan on 01629 580000 ext 7059.

(Ref: JM.471.06)

The crème de la crème of Derbyshire’s food and drink venues are celebrating after being crowned winners at a prestigious awards ceremony.  

Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards, organised by the county council, were held last night (Monday 13 November) at County Hall, Matlock, where the winners in the four categories were announced along with those receiving a highly commended accolade.  

The awards, in their fifth year, aim to find the best of Derbyshire’s eateries and establishments are judged on a number of criteria including the quality of food and drink, use of county produce and acknowledgement of it on menus as well as customer service.  

They were judged by an independent panel of food specialists: Peter Wass from the AA, Geraldine Williams from Quality in Tourism and a former RAC inspector and Tim Child, a chef and former county council cookery teacher.  

The winners were announced by county council chair Councillor Walter Burrows at a dinner and ceremony.  

They are:  

Restaurant Category  

Winner - The Dining Room, Ashbourne  
Highly Commended - Buckingham’s, Newbold  
 
Pub/Bistro Category  

Winner - The Crown Inn, Marston Montgomery  
Highly Commended - Chequers Inn, Froggatt  

Tea Room/Coffee House Category  

Winner - No.6 The Square, Buxton  
Highly Commended - Chatsworth Farm Shop Restaurant  

Restaurant within an Attraction Category  

Winner - YHA Hartington  
Highly Commended - Bourne’s Restaurant, Denby                 

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “The council is proud to stage the annual Food and Drink Awards and I congratulate all the winners and everyone who took part for making this year’s event another huge success.  

“The awards celebrate Derbyshire’s reputation as a producer of excellent quality fare while encouraging the use of local ingredients, helping to forge stronger links between local suppliers and producers.  

“Through the awards we can showcase our top quality food and drink venues and help to promote Derbyshire as a major tourist destination, further boosting the local economy.”  

The awards come under the umbrella of the Derbyshire Food Initiative, sponsored by the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership and the Alliance SSP, which have also supported the Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair at Bolsover Castle and the Derbyshire Food Festival.  

The awards also attract sponsors for each category and this year the sponsors were Royal Crown Derby, Taste Derbyshire, Provencale Kitchens and Denby Pottery, with Chatsworth providing the after dinner chocolates and Buxton Mineral Water providing water for the table on the night.  

Tim Child, whose judging included the best tearoom/coffee house, said: “With Derbyshire’s beautiful countryside it is no wonder that it is peppered with tearooms of all kinds. Each finalist offered a reliable selection of produce that was mostly sourced locally and all were acknowledging and promoting this fact. The clear winner will always be Derbyshire itself.”  

Geraldine Williams, who judged the best bistro/brasserie category said: “It was encouraging to see that there was a good range of eateries in this category with all the finalists worthy of an award. Good menus with seasonal and local produce also featured well in this category.”  

http://www.derbyshire-thepeakdistrict.co.uk/taste/page3.html (opens in a new window)

(Ref: MC.469.06)

Textiles inspired by their creator’s Swedish roots are about to go on display at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.

They are the work of Derbyshire-based artist Ingrid Karlsson-Kemp whose creations are made from fabric and fibre, often featuring found objects.

The works make up a new exhibition called Retrieval which runs at Derbyshire County Council’s Terrace Road museum and art gallery from Saturday, December 9 until Saturday, February 3.

Ingrid, who lives in Earl Sterndale, is a versatile mixed-media artist who works in rich, colourful textiles and is influenced by traditional Swedish tapestry art forms. 

Her latest works conclude a series of works in three stages which reflect the artist’s Swedish roots, culture and belonging.

Ingrid will be at the museum between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday, December 16 and again on Saturday, January 20 to talk about the inspiration behind her work and the techniques she uses.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, Councillor Bob Janes said: “Ingrid’s works are impressive and I hope people will come to the exhibition to see them for themselves.

“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 the latest exhibition by Karlsson-Kemp, visitors can see the work of pupils from Buxton Community School and St Thomas More School in a display called Artwork 2006 until Saturday, January 6.

For more information contact Martha Jasko on 01298 24658.

Christmas crafts for children at Buxton Museum

Meet Santa and enjoy making Christmas crafts at two special events for children at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.

The Christmas crafts events, at 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm on Saturday, December 2, have been organised by staff at Derbyshire County Council’s museum and gallery on Terrace Road.

The craft workshops cost £5 per child and booking is essential. 

Children will receive a present from Santa in his grotto and will then be able to have fun making things for Christmas such as Santa toys and colourful wrapping paper.

The museum will be decorated for Christmas and there are lots of Christmas present ideas in the museum shop.

To book a place, call the museum on 01298 24658 or email buxton.museum@derbyshire.gov.uk

The museum’s winter opening hours are Tuesday-Friday, 9.30am-5.30pm and Saturday, 9.30am - 5pm.

(AJ.470.06)

Sales staff face £80 on-the-spot fines if they supply alcohol to children during a joint crack-down by Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire police.

The council’s trading standards service is stepping up its ‘Are You Old Enough?’ underage sales campaign in the run up to Christmas.

Young volunteers working alongside trading standards officers will attempt to buy alcohol from shops and off-licences across the county.

If the youngsters are not challenged and alcohol is sold to them, an accompanying police officer will issue an £80 fixed penalty notice to the seller. Licensees and premises supervisors who have not taken adequate precautions could also face investigation and risk a review of their licence.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “Many Derbyshire traders observe the law and have nothing to fear, but staff who are not vigilant will receive a fine as a sharp reminder that we take these offences very seriously.

“There’s no excuse – our volunteers are mostly aged just 15 and carefully chosen to make sure they look their age and not old enough to buy alcohol.

“Drinking among young people threatens their health and safety and is a major contributor to anti-social behaviour. 

“We’re already doing a good job in Derbyshire and our campaign has helped tremendously, but we want to do even better.”

The county council launched ‘Are You Old Enough?’ 18 months ago to show young people as well as traders the dangers and potential consequences of underage sales.

Trading standards officers work with local businesses as part of the initiative, giving advice on how to stay on the right side of the law and what to do if they suspect a customer is too young to legally buy a product.

The Government recently urged the alcohol industry to do more to stop the sale of alcohol to children as national research revealed a third of underage volunteers in test-purchasing campaigns across the country were able to buy it. 

‘Are You Old Enough?’ has now been adopted by other East Midlands councils to help them prevent underage sales in their areas.

In an exercise following the launch of the ‘Are You Old Enough?’ campaign sales of alcohol to youngsters during test-purchase exercises in Derbyshire fell to seven sales out of 58 attempts – compared to 26 sales out of 74 attempts in exercises before the campaign launched.

(Ref: LT.468.06)                                                                                                 

Calling all Gold Card holders! Pick up your copy of the new Derbyshire Gold magazine out now – and the chance to win a free dusk to dawn light!

The free twice-yearly magazine supports Derbyshire County Council’s Gold Card travel and discount card scheme for residents aged over 60 and disabled people launched in partnership with the city, borough and district councils in 2004.

The autumn/winter edition of the glossy 40-page colour mag is available from today (November 13) from all county council libraries and mobile libraries, all district and borough council offices, County Hall in Matlock or from any Gold Card roadshow.

It includes a new improved pull-out directory of all 1,400 shops and other local businesses offering Gold Card discounts, a handy pocket guide to Gold Card bus and train travel and is packed full of features, articles and interviews on a range of topics covering lifestyle, leisure, health and other issues affecting older people. 

Readers can find out how to trace their family tree, enjoy this issue’s celebrity interview with Derbyshire actress Gwen Taylor and find out how to be a community volunteer.

They can also pick up some tips on keeping warm and staying safe in our ‘winter warmers’ feature and enter a prize draw to win a dusk to dawn light. The low-energy plug-ins are designed for landings and hallways to improve safety and act as a home security measure.

There’s also a handy weights and measures conversion chart and advice from our trading standards team to help shoppers understand food labelling, details of how to get started on one of our adult community education courses and our regular ‘Ask the experts’ column.

What’s more, as well as the usual offers and competitions there’s a chance to win a weekend in London, tickets to see Daniel O’Donnell in concert or admission to a Christmas concert or panto.

Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor John Williams said: “Derbyshire Gold magazine has been a huge hit with our readers and we’re delighted to launch our latest edition which we hope is just as popular.

“Derbyshire Gold is an excellent way of passing on information to our 175,000 Gold Card holders as well as helping them get the most from the scheme.”

The fifth edition of Derbyshire Gold will be issued in spring/summer 2007. For more information about Gold Card or to view the new directory online visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/goldcard (opens in a new window) 

The directory is also available in large print and Braille and copies of the magazine are available from Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058. 

(Ref: LT.466.06)

A scheme which aims to give rundown rural buildings a new lease of life has been extended to cover more parts of Derbyshire.  

Buildings in rural parts of Amber Valley, Erewash and South Derbyshire will now be covered in the scheme which has already been running in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales.  

Derbyshire County Council and the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership are behind the scheme which grants up to £60,000 to owners of redundant buildings to convert their premises for business use.  

People applying for grants need to be able to show that once restored, their buildings will be able to provide new business opportunities, particularly workspace, creating new jobs and benefiting the local economy.  

The grants are open to a wide range of people including owner-occupiers, limited companies, charities and co-operatives.  

The county council is running the scheme and grants of up to 25 per cent, to a maximum of £60,000, will be available.  

The minimum grant awarded will be £20,000 and confirmation will be needed that all planning permission has been granted for any work before grants are given out.  

The county council particularly wants to hear from people with suitable redundant buildings and approved planning permission where work could be finished by the end of next year.  

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “There must be many buildings in these areas that have fallen into disrepair but could be given a new lease of life with one of these grants.  

“The idea behind the scheme is not only to turn the fortunes of the buildings around but to boost local communities, their economies and the environment.”  

Rural Action Zone development manager Giles Dann said: “The scheme has been developed in response to the high number of enquiries ourselves and our partners have received.  

“We have high hopes for the scheme and will be working closely with the county council to bring forward projects over the coming months.”  

Potential applicants for the grants can get more information about the scheme and a copy of an expression of interest form by contacting Derbyshire County Council’s senior economic development officer Sue Douglas on 01629 580000 ext 7244.  

(Ref: MC.462.06)

See craftsmen and women at work and stock up on gifts during a pre-Christmas craft fair taking place at the Clay Cross Adult Community Education Centre. 

Jewellery and soft toys, hand knits, watercolours and stained glass will be among the range of crafts on sale between 10am and 3.30pm on Saturday November 18 at the Market Street centre. 

There are also plenty of opportunities to try out some of the crafts for yourself. 

Admission is 75p with accompanied children under 16 getting in free. Everyone is welcome and there’s free parking on site. 

The event has been organised by staff from Derbyshire County Council’s Clay Cross adult community education centre and will feature other attractions including a tombola, children’s crafts, floral art, Russian craft, cards and displays of students’ work. Refreshments and snacks will also be available. 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “This is a working craft fair with the majority of stallholders demonstrating their crafts throughout the day and offering something that’s a bit different. 

“This is a good opportunity to see how things are made, as well as offering people the opportunity to do a bit of Christmas shopping.” 

The Clay Cross centre runs dozens of courses for adults including garden design, childcare, computing at all levels, manicure and nail art, watercolours and a large variety of crafts. 

Councillor Janes added: “We’ve made a lot of improvements at the centre in recent years, making it a very pleasant place in which to learn. 

“We have excellent computer facilities, a comfortable coffee bar and refurbished classrooms. It’s a great place to learn something new or practise a skill or hobby. 

“Come to the craft fair and find out more about some of the crafts you could learn.”

For more information about the fair, or courses on offer, call staff on 01246 862383.

(Ref: AJ.464.06)

A public meeting is being held by Derbyshire County Council after plans to build a £4.15 million primary school in Clay Cross were thrown into disarray. 

An application to create a village green on land off Pilsley Road and Jackson Road could cause major delays to a previously agreed scheme to create a new primary school in Pilsley Road for pupils in Clay Cross and Danesmoor.

Village greens are land protected from development, which can be created where it is proved that the public has used the space for lawful sports or pastimes for over 20 years. The application, made by a resident who opposed the building of the school, can take about two years to process. 

The planned single-site school is intended to replace Clay Cross Infant School, Clay Cross Junior School and Danesmoor Infant School.

Work was due to start on site in December so the new school – first proposed in September 2004 – could open in January 2008. 

Members of the community are invited to attend the public meeting on Monday 13 November at Clay Cross Infant and Nursery School in Pankhurst Place at 6.30pm.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, will join staff from the authority’s children and younger adults service to update people on the current situation and respond to questions.

Councillor Charles said: “We are determined to provide the highest quality of education for the hundreds of pupils affected by this situation.

“This meeting is to update parents on what we’re doing to ensure their children are receiving the best possible provision in light of this planning application.

“Plans for the new school were granted permission following a thorough and comprehensive public consultation over the past two years.

“We are holding the meeting to help banish worry that this is now causing many parents and members of the community by talking about all the alternative options we are considering to avoid this vital project being delayed any more than necessary.”

The planned school would have: 

• Bigger classrooms and large school hall
• A school library
• Fully integrated computer workstations throughout the building
• A spacious playing field, playground and environmental areas 

It is needed because the three existing schools need £1.44 million of maintenance repairs between them, have small classrooms, a lack of space for indoor PE and poor staff facilities.

They also currently have 221 surplus places and that figure is predicted to rise to 279 in the next four years.

(REF: FW.461.06)

The musings of an early lifestyle guru are contained in a unique book donated to Derbyshire County Council’s Record Office.

These days we have the likes of Trinny and Susannah telling us what not to wear, Ann Maurice explaining how to decorate our homes and Supernanny Jo Frost giving advice on bringing up children.

However, Ashford school teacher and parish clerk Titus Wheatcroft was giving out his own brand of advice almost 300 years ago.

And he had the benefit of experience as he didn’t start writing the 700-page volume until he was 65 years old.

Containing copies of his favourite prayers, poems and proverbs, he is the author of his own sayings including: “An hour a day may much profit a man in his study” and “Those are the best instructors that teach in their lives and prove their words by actions”.

A treasure trove of wit and wisdom, the subject matter of the book is as broad as the author’s own personality.

The index gives references for everything from “Adultery a very heinous sin” to “Youths’ prayer at school” by way of advice on marriage, childcare and how to avoid idleness.

He recommends: “Improve your time in reading good books and writing…exercise is the fattening food of the soul, without which she grows lank. Men learn to do ill by doing nothing.”

In looking after your money Titus recommends: “If thou art rich, strive to command thy money lest she command thee.”

While in his observations about the fairer sex he writes: “All women’s tongues and thoughts seldom agree.”

The useful advice starts as early as the inside cover with a recipe for making ink: “Take one quart of rain-water, one ounce of ye best indigo blue powder” and ends with a commendation in Latin: probatum est (It has been proved).

The hand-written document dating from 1744 reunites a set of three “commonplace books” – traditionally used to record items of interest for the future.

In 1722 Titus began compiling a book of notes on the parish of Ashover, its topography, economy and community called “Church and school or the Young Clark’s Instructor”.

This document and another commonplace book written by Titus in the 1720s and 30s are also held at the Record Office. His father Leonard’s book of poetry and courtship narrative are also available to researchers at the office in New Street, Matlock.  
  
Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “This recent donation appears to complete a set of three commonplace books written by Titus which are held in Derbyshire Record Office and have long been popular among historians.

“Titus was a prolific writer and this new addition will be a joy for anyone with an eye for the unusual.”

All the books are available to view at Derbyshire Record Office by ringing 01629 585347.

 (CC.460.06)

Steps are being taken by Derbyshire County Council to clean-up contaminated lagoons on a former colliery tip in Grassmoor.

The lagoons next to Grassmoor Country Park contain tar and contaminated liquid from the former Avenue Coke Works run by British Coal.

Funding has been earmarked by the Department of Trade and Industry for the county council to reclaim the land on its behalf.

But tests need to be carried out to discover the exact nature of the toxins before decontamination works can begin.

Engineering company RSK:ENSR has been appointed by the county council to carry out chemical testing on the site.

Samples of contaminated sludge and water have been taken from the lagoons and sent to the firm’s laboratory for chemical analysis.

Results from the investigation will be used to draw-up plans to decontaminate the site.

A contractor will be appointed to carry out the decontamination which is expected to take up to five years.

Planning permission and approval from the Environment Agency will be needed before the decontamination process can start.

Once the process is complete, the county council proposes to turn the restored site into woodland and open it up to the public as part of the surrounding country park.

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 on people living locally.

"We hope to be able to begin the de-contamination process as soon as possible with the ultimate goal of restoring the site and turning it into public space for the whole community to enjoy."

Positive steps…  Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities, pictured right, and principal geologist Neil Hutchinson from RSK:ENSR take a sample from Grassmoor lagoons.

(REF: JM.459.06)

An appeal for adoptive parents for older children and siblings has been launched by Derbyshire County Council.

The authority is backing National Adoption Week – which runs from 6-12 November – by calling for carers, particularly for sibling groups and children aged five years or more.

Families are currently being sought for 38 children by the children and younger adults service.

Prospective parents and children are assessed to make sure placements ideally suit the adoptive parents with the young people’s needs.

An open information evening will be hosted by the authority’s central adoption team on Wednesday 8 November at County Hall, Matlock, from 6pm until 9pm.

The evening – for people in the process of adopting who have received their initial visit – will give applicants the chance to talk to adoption staff and find out more about children in the county who need permanent homes.

As a result of last year’s information event six children were able to be placed with a new family.

Councillor Anne Western, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Giving a child a permanent home and place in your family brings immeasurable rewards.

“Potential adopters can come from any background and culture and must be able to offer unlimited love.

“We carefully check applicants and prepare our prospective adoptive parents for challenges they may face in bringing up a young person and we continue to offer support once a placement has been made.”

Once a person expresses serious interest in adopting a child they receive an initial visit from a social worker to discuss what they want from adoption and what they feel they can offer a child.

The social worker provides further information about the process and help the prospective parent fill in an application form which will include details about their personal circumstances and references. Health and police checks are carried out and if the application is successful preparation sessions are arranged and the applicant is assessed.

Once all initial stages have been passed the application goes to an adoption panel, which has an independent chairperson. If the panel decides they are suitable to adopt the “matching” process with a suitable child begins.

Councillor Western said: “We’re asking for people who have considered adoption to come forward and let us help them enjoy family life and give a child a loving home.”

For more information contact the authority’s central adoption team on 01629 772205.

Examples of children looking for families

Jack and Caty are playful and affectionate siblings looking for a family outside south east Derbyshire in a two-parent family with no children or older children. Seven-year-old Caty is a bright and chatty youngster who is intelligent and outgoing at school, while three-year-old Jack is confident and talkative, enjoying the company of adults and his friends at nursery. 

David is a bundle of energy, curious with a real sense of fun.  He loves football and playing outdoors and is doing well at school. David is nearly seven-years-old and would need to be the only or the youngest child in the family that adopted him, outside of North East Derbyshire and by people who were sensitive to his background and his development. 

Sean is an eight year old Star Wars fan. Inquisitive and talkative, he can be very polite and has a cheerful, engaging personality.  He is a real character who is great fun to be around and loves animals. Sean is making real progress at school and is well liked by pupils and teachers. He needs a family, either with no children at home or children who are significantly older, with the patience and energy he needs. A home with pets would be ideal.

Louise would thrive in a home with structure and routine. The 10-year-old currently has a statement of special educational needs but could catch up with her peers with the right support and encouragement. Louise is a fun-loving girl who is noisy, bright, curious and has started to develop a good sense of humour.  

Catherine is six years old with a good imagination. She is sociable, loves reading and creative activities such as drawing and colouring in. She likes being around children her own age and is very bright. Catherine is dual heritage and would benefit from a family that could reflect her background, or who live in an area where she would have a sense of belonging. She is used to living with older children and needs to be around carers who are calm and patient with her.

Jessica and Paul are siblings aged four and three who need to be placed together.  Jessica is a very affectionate girl, who loves the company of grown ups as well as other children.  She has an occasional stammer and her speech is developing, but she is a confident and very determined child. Paul is a lively and talkative boy who is full of confidence and always curious to find out new things.  Jessica and Paul are both dual heritage and would need an adoptive family who would reflect their background, or who could promote their cultural identity.  They could also be placed with families with other children, who are five or six years older than them.

(REF: FW.457.06)

Youth workers are going mobile in their efforts to offer more activities for young people in the Chesterfield area.

The mini mobile vehicle – the size of a mini-bus – has a main area with seating, a music player, storage areas for sports equipment, board games and other equipment and leaflet holders containing information on issues such as sex education, health education and personal safety.

The unit also has a powerful light on the roof which can illuminate an area the size of a five-a-side football pitch so that mobile activities can be carried out on dark nights.

The mini mobile will visit all parts of the Chesterfield borough but the regular visits will be to:

• Hasland on Mondays.
• Netherthorpe School in Staveley and Mastin Moor on Tuesdays.
• Newbold and Newbold School on Wednesdays.
• Meadows Community School in