September

Students starting college or university are being offered practical advice to help them stay safe during their first weeks away from home.

Derbyshire County Council is raising awareness of safety and security among young people moving into student accommodation, particularly those living in private housing away from the university campus.

Young people leaving home for the first time can be a vulnerable target for thieves and crime figures show students are the most likely group to fall victim to crime.

Mugging, car theft and burglary are the biggest risks to students as they tend to own expensive consumer goods like laptops, MP3 players and mobile phones but often these crimes can be avoided by following some simple safety advice.

Derbyshire County Council is offering the following tips to help students keep themselves and their property safe:

• Lock up doors and windows – many burglaries happen when a door or window has been left open.
• Be careful who you let in or who follows you into halls of residence and lock your bedroom door even if you’re only going down the corridor.
• Protect yourself with insurance – keep lists of the make, model and serial numbers of your electronic items to help police track them if they are stolen.
• Mark your property with the initials of your university (DU = Derby University) and your student ID number – this makes it harder for a burglar to sell stolen goods and helps the police to return your items.
• Walk in groups at night, travel by taxi or stay over with friends – always plan how you are going to get home before a night out.
• Keep to well lit streets and be aware of what’s going on around you at all times.
• Don’t leave drinks unattended – and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know as they could be spiked.
• Don’t flash your cash, phone, laptop or MP3 as these will show thieves you are worth robbing.
• Keeps bags closed, zipped and buckled. If someone grabs your bag, let it go. Valuables can be replaced.
• Try to use cash machines during the day rather than at night and put your card and cash away.
• Keep a note of your card details so you can cancel them quickly – but never write down your PIN.
• Be careful when using your mobile phone in public – if it gets stolen call your network or 08701 123 123 to immobilise it immediately.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “Starting university or college is an exciting time for young people and can be quite stressful for those leaving home for the first time.

“But is important that students are aware of the risks, particularly burglary and theft, which are very real risks and can easily be avoided with a bit of extra care.

“We are urging students, particularly those moving from relatively safe university accommodation such as halls of residence into private property, to take extra care and follow our simple tips to protect themselves and their property so they can get on with enjoying university life.”

For more crime prevention and safety tips visit www.saferderbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window) 

Students should report any crimes to the police immediately on 0845 123 33 33 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Residents in part of Chesterfield are set to benefit from improved street lighting to help them feel safer in their community.

Derbyshire County Council is funding a £13,000 scheme in the Gypsy Lane area of Old Whittington, in Chesterfield. It will include 17 new lamp posts, which stand taller than existing ones, to provide improved lighting in the area at night.

The lighting scheme is part of a project to improve the quality of life for residents in the Gypsy Lane area after it was identified as generating a higher than average number of police calls about anti-social behaviour.

The project is also aimed at improving the general appearance of the area. A community clean up day was held in March to remove dog mess, litter and bulky waste and generally tidy up the area. 

Derbyshire County Council supported the event which was organised by Chesterfield Community Safety Partnership.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “The aim of the clean up day and the new lighting is to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the area and to help residents feel safer in their community.

“We hope the improvements being made in the area will give the community a boost and help deter potential vandals and criminals.

“We want residents to feel safe in their homes and community and now that the longer nights are drawing in we hope the new street lighting and improved visibility will go some way towards helping them feel safer.”

Work to install the new lighting scheme is due to be completed by the end of October.

(Ref: SS.399.06)

Writers inspired by Derbyshire are celebrating success in a competition organised by Derbyshire County Council. 

Budding authors were asked to describe in no more than 500 words what Derbyshire means to them. 

And almost 100 people put pen to paper for the competition called Inspiration: Derbyshire, run as part of this year’s Derbyshire Literature Festival. 

Among the victors were four pupils from one small village primary school who were asked to express themselves in print as part of a class activity for junior-aged pupils in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. 

Seven-year-old Charlotte Torrington, from Ashbourne; Laurel Stone, nine, from Bradley; Laura Waterhouse, 11, from Bradley; and Alex Munro-Jones, 10, from Ashbourne, all attend Bradley Primary School, near Ashbourne, and were among 28 pupils at the 44-pupil primary who took part in the creative writing class. 

All did well with Charlotte named joint first in the seven years and under age group and Laurel coming first in the eight to 11 years section. 

The full list of winners is: 

• Seven years and under - Joint 1st prize: Fay Waltho, six, from Rowland, near Bakewell, and Charlotte Torrington, seven, from Bradley Primary School, Yew Tree Lane, near Ashbourne. 
• Eight to 11 years - 1st prize: Laurel Stone, nine, Bradley Primary School; 2nd prize: Laura Waterhouse, 11, Bradley Primary School; Joint 3rd prize: Alex Monro-Jones, 10, Bradley Primary School, and Voirrey Baker, eight, Glossop. 
• 12-16 years - 1st prize: Catherine Brown, 12, Whaley Bridge; 2nd prize: Matthew Rodger, 15, Palterton, near Shirebrook. 
• Adults - 1st prize: Hannah Hurford, South Darley, near Matlock; 2nd prize: Sian Tower, Hognaston, near Ashbourne; 3rd prize: Jean Mallender, Calow, near Chesterfield.  

Everybody received a selection of books as prizes and adult section winner Hannah Hurford was invited to a Readers’ Day at County Hall on September 16 where she read out her winning entry to a 120-strong crowd which included top authors. 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “We were delighted with the quality and number of entries from people ready to share their feelings about Derbyshire with us. 

“The standard was very high and it was difficult to choose the winners. I would like to thank everybody who took part.” 

Headteacher at Bradley Primary School, Jane Powell, said: “We are very pleased so many of our pupils have done so well. We’ve got some very good writers in the school.” 

The winning entries can all be read on the county council’s website at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/festival (opens in a new window)

(Ref: AJ.398.06)

Olympic silver medal cyclist Bryan Steel joined pupils and councillors for the opening of a £2.057 million sports hall built by Derbyshire County Council.

The new building at Brookfield Community School in Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield has four sports courts that can be used for a variety of activities including badminton, basketball and five-a-side football.

It also contains a reception area, stores for sports equipment and changing rooms.

The facilities were opened by Councillor Walter Burrows, chair of Derbyshire County Council, and Councillor Trudi Mulcaster, the mayor of Chesterfield.

Pursuit cyclist Bryan Steel, who won silver medals at both the Olympics and the World Championships, and Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, also attended the opening.

Councillor Charles said: “Brookfield Community School has specialist sports status so these facilities will play an important role in school life.

“The hall can be used for a number of sports by pupils during school hours but will also be offered for use by the local community outside of school hours.

“The building has been designed to reduce the visual impact on neighbouring properties. The work to create the hall also involved moving a section of the athletics track.”

The Government’s New Opportunities Fund for PE and Sport gave a £1.081 million grant towards the £2.057 million cost. The school contributed £240,000, with Derbyshire County Council paying the rest.

Work started in March 2005 and was completed by June 2006 ready for the start of the new academic year in September.

Sports mad… Brookfield Community School pupils Paige Collings and Emma Lievesley, (right) both 12, try out the new sports centre with Councillor Walter Burrows, chair of Derbyshire County Council, and Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support.

(REF: JF.397.06)

A £3 million junior school built by Derbyshire County Council has been officially opened.

The new Bolsover Junior School site in Welbeck Road, next to Bolsover Infants School, replaces their former historic site in Castle Street, next to Bolsover Castle.

The new building was officially opened by Councillor Walter Burrows, chair of Derbyshire County Council, and Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support.

The building cost £3.029 million to build and furnish. The school contributed £40,000 towards the cost, with Derbyshire County Council paying the rest. 

Bolsover District Council assisted the process by agreeing to sell a small piece of land to Derbyshire County Council to enable the school to be built.

The school has: 

• Bigger classrooms and a large school hall
• Computer workstations throughout the building
• Spacious playing field and playground
• Larger staff room and storage areas
  

Councillor Charles said: “The old buildings were part of the history of Bolsover but their age and size made them unsuitable for delivering a first class education for the 21st century. 

“Pupils are now working in state-of-the-art buildings that have space for 280 pupils.” 

The construction of the new Bolsover Junior School site was used by teachers as the basis for lessons in all areas of the curriculum. Pupils visited the site to see the builders in action.

On their return to the classroom they learnt in science lessons about the insulation methods being used and carried out strength tests on different materials.

In maths lessons they used the architect’s plans to find out how builders use scale to turning drawings on a map into a real building. As part of their history lessons they interviewed former students who went to the old site in Castle Street.

Councillor Charles said: “By using the construction process as the basis of lessons pupils were able to be involved in the building of their new school from start to finish.

“Now they are in the building they can see how all the different aspects they learnt about were used to create a modern, energy efficient building.”  

Reading time…Councillor Walter Burrows, chair of Derbyshire County Council, (second right) and Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, join pupils Hayley Vaughan and Jake Smart, both 10, in one of the new classrooms at Bolsover Junior School.

(REF: JF.396.06)

A national campaign to recruit more people into social work is being backed by Derbyshire County Council.  

Qualified social workers are needed across the county and adverts highlighting the posts will shortly be appearing in the local press.  

In addition there are 40 social care jobs ranging from home carers and residential care assistants to service managers and office staff.  

A range of qualities and qualifications are needed to fulfil these roles and the county council is offering training to people where necessary.  

There are currently around 15,000 people working across Derbyshire to help older people, people with learning disabilities, children unable to live at home or families struggling to cope.  

Councillor Dave Allen, the county council’s cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults, said: “As with any large organisation there will always be some staff turnover. 

"Although the national campaign is to encourage more people to think about a career in social work, we are taking the opportunity to highlight other social care vacancies too.”  

He added: “Social care offers a rewarding career with full or part-time vacancies and flexible hours. We also offer training and the chance to gain more qualifications to progress in to different roles.”  

The county council works closely with voluntary organisations and other service providers to deliver a range of services including caring for people in their own homes and in residential homes.  

The authority also offers support and respite care for people with learning disabilities and their families and foster care for young people. Care and support is also offered at day centres and residential homes across the county.  

Details of the vacancies on offer are available on the county council’s website jobs.derbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window) – or by ringing the call centre Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058.  

The Government’s campaign to highlight careers in social work through national television and radio adverts starts on Monday 9 October 2006.  

(Ref:MC.395.06)

Book lovers met some of their favourite authors at a Readers’ Day organised by Derbyshire County Council.

Whitbread Prize shortlisted author Alexander Masters, whose book Stuart: a Life Backwards won the Guardian First Book Award, and writer Richard Benson, whose book The Farm made Richard and Judy’s Book Club list, were among the guests at the event at County Hall, Matlock.

They were joined by Derbyshire poet laureate Cathy Grindrod, poet John Siddique and historical writers Mary Turner and Philip Riden for the event on Saturday, September 16.

A group of 120 keen readers joined the authors for workshops, talks and games and enjoyed discussion groups with the writers who they quizzed on their favourite books and reading secrets.

This was the third successful readers’ day organised by the county council’s libraries and heritage staff and was a sell-out.

BOOK GROUP:  Poet John Siddique, centre, swaps stories with Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, and Laura Moore, a member of Heanor Book Group, at the Readers’ Day at County Hall.

Libraries throughout Derbyshire are planning fun events for under fives and their families to celebrate National Bookstart Day on Friday, October 6.

Baby bounce and rhyme sessions, storytimes and a jig and jiggle event are among the attractions organised by Derbyshire County Council in its libraries to help promote a lifelong love of books.

A fun day is also being held to mark the day at a children’s centre in the south of the county.

The following events take place on Friday, October 6:

• Alfreton Library, Severn Square: Wiggle and Jiggle 2pm-2.30pm.
• Buxton Library, Kents Bank Road: Jig and Jiggle, rhyme and storytime 2.15pm.
• Chesterfield Library, New Beetwell Street: Bounce and Rhyme 10.30am. Numbers are limited so please call the library to book on 01246 209292.
• Holmewood Library, Heath Road, Chesterfield: Baby Bounce and Rhyme, including face painting and refreshments 10.30am-11.30am.
• Melbourne Library, Leisure Centre, High Street: Storytime 11am-11.30am.

There will also be special Bookstart Day storytimes in the following Amber Valley libraries:

• Belper Library, Bridge Street, 11am-11.30am.
• Duffield Library, Wirksworth Road, 11.45am-12.15pm.
• Heanor Library, Ilkeston Road, 2.30pm-3pm.
• Ripley Library, Grosvenor Road, 1.30pm-2pm.

On Thursday, October 5, Woodville Sure Start Children’s Centre on Blacksmith’s Lane will host a Little Acorns Bookstart Fun Day from 9.30am-11.30am. 

Bookstart is a nationally-organised scheme which provides babies and young children with free books to promote a love of books and reading.

In the seven years since its introduction, Derbyshire County Council has provided almost 60,000 babies with Bookstart packs.

In a recent audit, the authority was highly-praised for the efficient way it runs the scheme, reaching 97 per cent of babies compared to a national average of 79 per cent.

Councillor Bob Janes said the success of the scheme relied on effective partnership working between the county council’s library staff and health visitors.

He added: “This is an excellent scheme and I’m delighted we are working well with our partners to deliver it.

“Children who enjoy books have better language and listening skills, greater emotional and social development and are more likely to be eager and confident learners when they start school.

“Books are a fantastic way for children to learn and the events we have organised to mark national Bookstart Day will be full of fun for children and their families.

“I hope people will take advantage of the rhyme and storytimes and get a lot of fun out of them.”

A novelist with a taste for historical intrigue is to visit a Derbyshire County Council library to talk about her latest book.

Christie Dickason will be at Heanor Library on Thursday, October 5 from 7.30pm-9pm to discuss her book The Firemaster’s Mistress, the true story of the infamous Gunpowder Plot of 1605, seen through the eyes of courtesan Kate Peach.

Meticulously researched, the novel follows a complex and dramatic plot through the gaudy, vibrant, conspiracy-ridden streets of Shakespeare's Southwark, the court of James I and the lanes of the fishing village of Brighton.

The event has been organised by Derbyshire County Council and is supported by the book’s publishers Harper Collins.

Heanor has an interesting connection to Guy Fawkes’ infamous Catholic plot as it is the birthplace of Henry Garnett, a Jesuit priest caught up in the turbulent events and executed for knowing of the plan.

Tickets are £3 or £2 concessions and are available from the library on Ilkeston Road or by calling the library on 01773 712482.

Christie Dickason has written a number of historical novels including Quicksilver, The Lady Tree and the Memory Palace, which was inspired by Derbyshire’s own Hardwick Hall.
Born in America, the Harvard-educated writer has lived in Thailand, Mexico and Switzerland before settling with her family in London.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said he was pleased to welcome such a well-known historical thriller writer to the county.

“Christie is a well-liked author whose books have a wide audience," he said.

“I hope people will take this opportunity to meet her and hear about the inspiration behind her latest work which is about the intriguing plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament."

(AJ.394.06)

         
 

Young people from across the county celebrated successfully completing challenges and activities at an awards ceremony hosted in their honour.

Swanwick Hall School played host to dozens of young people who received Duke of Edinburgh and Peak Awards on Friday.

Youngsters throughout the county have earned five Gold awards, 13 Silver awards, 47 Bronze awards along with 50 level 1 Peak Awards and an ABC level 3 diploma in youth work.

Peak awards are open to children as young as 11, while the Duke of Edinburgh scheme caters for 14 to 25-year-olds.

Both schemes aim to help young people gain confidence and independence while offering them an individual challenge and the opportunity to try new activities and hobbies. It also enables them to learn from and give to others in their community and show that they can work well as a team player.

Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for cultural and community services, presented certificates and badges to the recipients.

He said: “It was a great evening for all concerned and it was a fantastic opportunity for the young people to celebrate their successes together.

“Their initiative, enthusiasm and drive have been rewarded and will be recognised by employers, even though the Duke of Edinburgh and Peak Awards do not involve exams.

“I hope these achievements are the beginning of future successes for these young people.”

The full list of the 115 award winners is below. * denotes young people who have passed their award but were unable to attend the ceremony. 

AIMING HIGH:(centre back) Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for cultural and community services, celebrates with Duke of Edinburgh recipients and Duke of Edinburgh worker Tom Fox (centre, second row from back) who received a certificate for 25 years service.

Duke of Edinburgh

Gold award

Silver award

Bronze award

Peak award 1  

Ashgate Croft School, Chesterfield

Brackenfield School, Long Eaton

Frederick Gent School, South Normanton/Pinxton Youth Club

ABC Level 3 diploma in youth work

A new strategic director for older adults services has been appointed by Derbyshire County Council.  

Bill Robertson, 56, who is currently service director commissioning at Birmingham City Council, is to take up the new post on 1 November.  

Bill, who has been married for 26 years, has worked in local authorities since training as a social worker in 1972.  

He trained and worked in Strathclyde, moving to Tayside, then Angus, spent a short time in Essex County Council and then Birmingham City Council, where he has been for two years.  

At Birmingham he also worked as assistant director adult strategy which saw him developing strategies for older people, older people with mental health, people with physical disabilities, sensory impairment, people with learning disabilities and carers, often working closely with primary care trusts.  

Bill said: “I am looking forward to starting the job and taking up a new challenge and I will be bringing with me my experience and commitment.  

“My style is to lead from the front and I shall be building on and improving the excellent work that is already being done in the department.”  

Bill said he would be concentrating on three areas in particular, with the first being the development of the Well-Being Agenda, working in partnership to enhance communities and the quality of life of individuals.  

He is also keen to deliver the outcomes stated in the White Paper “Our Health, Our Care, Our Say", with an emphasis on high quality services and he will also put a strong priority on supporting and developing the workforce.  

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults Councillor Dave Allen said: “The strategic director of older adults services is a very important role as one of our key aims is to improve the lives of older people and vulnerable adults living in Derbyshire.  

“We have many schemes and policies in place to ensure we provide the best services we can and we pride ourselves on listening to what older people want and need and what can be changed to improve their lives.  

“I am very confident that Bill will continue to progress the improvements already made and, working closely with our partner organisations, ensure the older people of Derbyshire continue to receive top quality services.”    

(Ref:MC.390.06)

Schools in Derbyshire are outperforming other educators to achieve results above the national average according to Government watchdogs.

Ofsted carried out 3,984 inspections across the country from September 2005 and March 2006 to assess schools performance under its new framework categories; outstanding, good, satisfactory, notice to improve and special measures.

Reports from 120 inspections which took place in Derbyshire show that:

• More county schools were judged to be outstanding with 14 per cent (17 schools) reaching that standard compared to the national average of 10 percent
• 53 schools – 44 percent of those assessed were good 
• 44 schools were satisfactory with Derbyshire achieving 37 percent in this category compared to the national average of 34 percent.

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “Derbyshire’s schools have been proved to be performing above national levels, which demonstrates the excellent quality of education pupils are receiving.

“Ofsted look for consistently high standards in the value students are getting from schools’ tuition, support, leadership and overall provision.

“I’m delighted that Derbyshire’s teaching staff and schools have exceeded these expectations to achieve these results.

“We will continue to work hard to ensure strengths are developed and improvements are made wherever possible.”

Fewer schools in Derbyshire were given a notice to improve or placed in special measures with just five per cent placed in these categories compared to the national average of 10 percent. Just four schools were given a notice to improve and only two were placed in special measures.

A Derbyshire student’s pioneering design to help physically impaired people climb staircases has taken the top prize in a national competition.

Ruth Amos (16) of Eckington School has been named 2006 Young Engineer for Britain for her ‘Stair Steady’ device, which she invented after hearing about the plight of a stroke victim who had difficulty going up and down staircases.

The ‘Stair Steady’ uses a sturdy metal bar, which slides freely up and down a special banister rail but locks through friction when the user stops or if they should slip.

Ruth scooped the £2,000 top prize and received £250 and a European engineering trip for winning the special category for the Project with the Most Benefit to the Community. In addition, she beat off the competition to win a further £300 in the special award category for Best Project for a Disability Need.

Eckington School has specialist status in engineering and has produced three previous Young Engineer for Britain winners in 1995, 1997 and 1999.

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, and Councillor Dave Allen, cabinet member for older people and vulnerable adults visited Ruth at the Dronfield Road school to congratulate her on her success.

Councillor Charles said: “I’m delighted that Ruth has earned the recognition she deserves for her ingenious idea, which she was able to turn into a reality that could potentially benefit many vulnerable people in the community.

“Her achievement is a credit to the school, which has a proud tradition of producing outstanding engineering talent.

“I’d like to congratulate Ruth and all the teaching staff who made this tremendous success possible.”

Ruth has set up her own company ‘StairSteady Ltd’ and has a joint patent pending with Advanced Engineering Technology in Halfway. She is hoping to work with the company to manufacture the ‘Stair Steady’.

Councillor Allen said: “It’s wonderful to see a young person putting their energy and ideas into helping others in the community – particularly the elderly and vulnerable.

“This design could make a difference to a lot of lives as it offers a low-cost solution for people with mobility problems.  

“I wish her every success for the future.”

RISING STAR: (left to right) Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support and Councillor Dave Allen, cabinet member for older people and vulnerable adults test the ‘Stair Steady’ and celebrate with Ruth Amos.

(REF: FW.391.06)     

Lovers of the outdoors are celebrating after the Trans Pennine Trail scooped a National Lottery Award.

The 206 mile Trail links Southport and Hornsea and has two sections in Derbyshire which are managed by the county council. The route fought through regional heats to get to the final three in the Amazing Space category.

It eventually won a public vote against a youth drop-in centre in Newark and the Portsmouth Harbour development to pick up the award which celebrates lottery funded projects such as new buildings, open spaces, parks and city centre regeneration schemes.

The 12 mile north west Derbyshire section includes the Trail’s highest point – in the Longdendale Valley – and superb upland landscapes while the 14 mile north east Derbyshire section incorporates the five miles of the restored Chesterfield Canal past Tapton Lock, access to Poolsbrook Country Park and runs into Chesterfield.

The route opened in 2001 with £6.4m of lottery funding and is visited by more than 700,000 walkers, cyclists and horse riders a year. Figures from Derbyshire show 87,000 people passed through Tapton Lock last year and 92,000 people used the Trail at Renishaw.  

The work that has been carried out on the Trail in Derbyshire has been done in conjunction with Chesterfield Borough Council, North East Derbyshire District Council, High Peak Borough Council, Peak District National Park and United Utilities.

Derbyshire County council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “The Trans Pennine Trail offers a great recreational route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

“The Derbyshire sections include some stunning scenery as well as some feats of engineering – such as the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal. We are proud that work carried out by the county council has played a part in achieving this national recognition.”

(REF: SM.389.06)

Truancy levels have continued to fall in Derbyshire schools bucking the national trend, new figures released by the Government show.

A sustained campaign by Derbyshire County Council in conjunction with schools is paying dividends and means that more pupils are attending their lessons on a daily basis – continuing the trend of recent years.

The attendance figures for Derbyshire schools are better than both the East Midlands and national averages.

Statistics released by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) show the level of absence in Derbyshire schools is 6.52 per cent, compared to a national average of 6.68 per cent. Of this authorised absences – for things such as holidays or dental visits – are running at 5.84 per cent compared to 5.89 per cent nationally. 

The number of unauthorised absences has fallen to 0.68 per cent compared to 0.79 per cent nationally.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “We are committed to continuing our reduction of unauthorised absence rates in Derbyshire schools and our figures in previous years have been continually below national rates.

“In Derbyshire primary schools unauthorised absence was reduced by more than 2,500 days in comparison to last year and by more than 3,000 in secondary schools.

“This is testament to the work of our education welfare service which has implemented many initiatives, working in partnership with the schools. We will continue to work hard to make further improvements which help young people in Derbyshire to succeed and stay safe because every day a child is not in school can affect their life chances.”

A breakdown of unauthorised absence rates for secondary and primary schools in Derbyshire compared to the previous year:

Farmers preparing to plough their fields ready to sow seeds for their spring crops are being reminded by Derbyshire County Council to keep public rights of way clear.

The authority is giving advice to farmers who own land with public rights of way to help prevent problems for people using them.

Leaflets containing information on what the law says about ploughing and cropping and good practice are being sent to farmers across the county. Details include:

• How wide public footpaths and bridleways should be
• What to do if ploughing a path is unavoidable
• What you must do to reinstate a path
• How to prevent crops obstructing paths
• Consequences of not complying with the law

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities, said: “Farmers obviously have a very important task ahead of them at this time of year and we want it to run smoothly with minimal disruption to people using rights of way in Derbyshire. 

“By sending out this leaflet, we’re making sure farmers, their staff and contractors know exactly what their responsibilities are.”

Anyone who is unsure whether or not a route across their land is open to the public can check on the definitive map at the council’s offices at Shand House in Matlock.

To receive a free ploughing and cropping leaflet or for advice on how to apply for grants for stiles and gates, signage requirements and replacing bridges, contact the council’s rights of way team on 01629 585845 or email esprow@derbyshire.gov.uk

(JM.386.06)

A puppet dog will be giving Derbyshire children valuable lessons in road safety next month.

Derbyshire County Council is hosting Dogworthy’s Magic Roadshow in schools across the county as part of its commitment to reduce child road casualties by 60 per cent by 2010.

The 45-minute play – performed by Jacolly Puppet Theatre - follows the story of Dogworthy and his near miss with a car. Through games, magic and song the audience teach Dogworthy – a great magician who is not too clever at crossing the road - how to cross safely. 

The play will be performed to five to eight year-olds from 20 schools from Monday 2 October until Friday 13 October. 

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “Road accidents are the leading cause of accidental injury among children and young people.

“Last year in Derbyshire there were 42 children killed or seriously injured on our roads. This was one of the lowest years on record since the ‘90s but we still need to be teaching youngsters to be more alert and aware when they are out and about. 

"Puppet theatre in particular is a very visual and captivating way in which to communicate those messages."

A shopkeeper has been successfully prosecuted by Derbyshire County Council and fined £2,000 after complaints about sales of alcohol to children led to an investigation.

Patricia Robinson (63) who is the joint owner and licensee of Robinson’s Food and Wine Store in Newbold Village, Chesterfield faced four charges of underage alcohol sales at Chesterfield Magistrates Court today (Wednesday 20 September).

County council trading standards officers worked with Derbyshire police to observe the off-licence on two consecutive Friday nights in February this year after it had been the subject of complaints about underage sales.  

oung people coming out of the shop with alcohol were approached by uniformed police officers and questioned about their age and where the alcohol had come from.

One 16-year-old girl was caught buying alcohol for herself and her friends. She admitted buying the alcohol from Robinson’s and said she wasn’t asked for any identification by the shop assistant. The girl was issued with a fixed penalty notice for buying alcohol underage. 

The following Friday night a 14-year-old boy was found buying alcohol from Robinson’s and was cautioned by the police.

As licensee and co-owner of the business the main responsibility of ensuring alcohol is not sold to children lies with Robinson.

Robinson, of Newbold Village, pleaded guilty to all four charges of selling alcohol to a person under 18 years on 17 and 24 February 2006 and was fined £500 for each of the four offences.  She was also ordered to pay £2,270 in prosecution costs. 

The shop assistant is being formally investigated as part of the investigation.

Councillor Joyce Sanders, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services, said: “We are committed to cracking down on the sale of alcohol to underage children across the county and as today’s case shows we will go to great lengths to prosecute those who continue to break the law.

“Shop owners need to take extra care to prevent alcohol being sold to children. This includes being responsible for any shop assistants working on their premises.

“Our trading standards team works hard to offer support and advice to traders to help them stay on the right side of the law so ignorance is no excuse.”

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.383.06)

New treasures offering a glimpse of what Derbyshire life was like 150 years ago have been donated to Derbyshire County Council’s record office.

Three books containing notes and diary entries from a school teacher in the small Derbyshire village of Muggington have been handed to the record office in New Street, Matlock, for safe-keeping.

The handwritten volumes penned in the mid-19th century were compiled by John Hind, schoolmaster of Muggington.
 
John was born in the village in 1798 and died there in 1870. His personal collections, entitled ‘Scraps and fragments’ are dated 1830-31, 18-40s-50s and 1865-69.

Snippets of national and international news including the civil war in Belgium during 1830 and the death of George IV are contained in the first volume. Its first few pages begin: “George the Fourth died on Saturday morning at quarter past three o’clock June 26th 1830.” 
“Three cheers for King William – a true British sailor.”

The second and third books focus more on Muggington village with pages of local news along with entries from the parish registers.

Other interesting insights include the Overseers of the Poor’s accounts for the period 1848-1852, returns to the Board of Trade relating to the acreage of crops in 1866 and details of road development in the village.

All three volumes contain a substantial amount of poetry with copies of verses written by the likes of Byron, many of which are accompanied by small ink drawings of places such as Haddon Hall, Derby and Lichfield all penned by John.

John shows a strong sense of community throughout his writings as well as a desire to create and keep a permanent record of happenings in his native village.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services said: “Improving opportunities for leisure, learning and culture is one of our key priorities.
“These books give us a valuable insight into life in rural Derbyshire 150 years ago through the eyes of a schoolmaster.
“We’re delighted these historical ‘gems’ have been passed to us to preserve so that people can read and enjoy them for many more years to come.”  

The diaries complement records already stored in the county council-run record office including the registers of baptisms, marriages and burials in Mugginton parish which date back to 1674.

*More information about Derbyshire County Council’s record office including opening times is available on the county council website at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/record_office (opens in a new window) or by contacting Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.

Historical treasures:Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, studies the books with county archivist Margaret O’Sullivan.

(JM.379.06)

Passengers on a Chesterfield bus service backed by Derbyshire County Council are being offered 21st century travel at 20th century prices.

The cut-price deal is being offered in partnership with bus operator Stagecoach East Midlands to help kick start the improved service 39.

For one week, passengers will be able to travel on the service between Grangewood and Chesterfield and Holme Hall and Chesterfield for just 39p – about the same price the journey would have been in 1986.

The money-saving deal is valid between Sunday 24 and Saturday 30 September to mark the official launch of the improved service.

Passengers will benefit from more frequent buses and quicker journey times with a round-trip now 10 minutes faster than before.

Improvements to the service have been funded using a £154,000 Government grant secured by the county council under its Kickstart initiative to help improved bus services get off the ground.

The county council is improving bus-stops along the route with spruced-up shelters, clearer bus times and information. And Stagecoach has invested around £1 million in nine new modern low-floor, easy-access buses which will run along the route to give passengers a more comfortable ride.

Councillor Brian Lucas, cabinet member for sustainable communities, said: “We already have a quality public transport network in Derbyshire but we’re always looking at ways to make it better for local people.
“Chesterfield is a very busy town where congestion is an issue. By providing efficient and frequent bus services we can offer people a real choice about the way they travel.”

Paul Lynch, Managing Director for Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “We’re delighted that through Kickstart we’re able to work in partnership with the county council and the Government to help give our customers a better service and improved facilities on service 39.
“This is a boost for the whole area.”

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

(REF:JM.382.06)

A Derbyshire shopkeeper who sold alcohol to a child has been fined £300 after being prosecuted by Derbyshire County Council.

Alfred Geoffrey Povey (63), who owns and runs Geoff’s Store on Whitemoor Lane, Belper, faced two charges at Ilkeston Magistrates Court yesterday (Monday 18 September).

Two 14-year-old volunteers posing as customers on behalf of Derbyshire County Council trading standards officers went into the shop on 22 April this year to ask for alcohol on two separate occasions on the same day.  On the first occasion the volunteers were asked by the 16-year-old shop assistant if they had any identification. When they told her they didn’t have any the assistant went to get Povey to serve them. Povey then served the volunteers without asking any further questions about their age or identification. Trading standards officers witnessed the events from inside the shop.

Later that day the volunteers made another test purchase at the same shop. Once again, officers witnessed Povey selling two bottles of alcopops to the two 14-year old girls without asking their age or for any identification.

Povey pleaded guilty to both charges and was fined £150 for each of the two sales of alcohol. The court also ordered him to pay £270 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.381.06)

A Derbyshire library and register office are to get a bright new look as part of a major refurbishment scheme.

Derbyshire County Council is spending £68,000 redesigning and redecorating Chapel-en-le-Frith library to make it a brighter place to browse and more accessible for disabled people.

The work will include the installation of automatic entrance doors, new shelving, rewiring, new carpeting and the relocation of the register office into a new room.

The area currently used by the Registrar will be incorporated into the library and those waiting to visit the new register office will be seated in an area stocked with magazines and novels.

While the work to enhance services is being done, the library and register office, in the Town Hall, Market Street, will close temporarily from Wednesday, September 27 until Monday, January 8.

But library users won’t have to miss out on their books, CDs and DVDs during the closure as they will be able to borrow more items than usual – up to 32. One of the county council’s state-of-the-art mobile libraries will also be making regular visits to the town.

The vehicle is one of three larger mobiles run by the county council and has a wider range of books than the authority’s 10 standard mobiles. It is equipped with a satellite broadband link for fast free internet access and will be stopping at Morrison’s car park on every other Tuesday morning from 10am-12.30pm, starting on October 3.

People needing to use the register office during this time can use alternative offices at nearby Chinley: Mon, Weds and Fri, 9.30am-4.45pm; Buxton: Mon, Weds and Fri mornings; New Mills: Mon and Friday 12-2pm; Glossop: Mon, Weds and Fri, 9.30am-1.30pm.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said the extensive work will bring big improvements to both the library and Registrar’s office.

He said: “This is an excellent improvement scheme which will make the library brighter and more user-friendly.

“Many areas will be reorganised and remodelled to make it easier for people to get around and automatic doors will be added to make access easier. The register office will also be much-improved.

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

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

(AJ.380.06)

Year 7 pupils will witness the problems anti-social behaviour can cause with a theatre production that is to travel around Derbyshire schools.

The play ‘Do Something’ will encourage young people to combat problems including bullying, vandalism, peer pressure, graffiti and underage drinking.

After each 40-minute performance of the play pupils will take part in workshops to discuss and learn from the issues raised and think about ways to challenge anti-social behaviour.

Derbyshire County Council has financed the project with £34,200 so secondary schools, special schools or support centres can book the play and presentation for free. Topics covered in the presentation are part of schools’ citizenship curriculum.

Councillor Joyce Sanders, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services, said: “The theme central to the whole drama is respect because we want young people to feel good about themselves and realise that by making a positive contribution to society you feel good as a result.

“Young people are just as likely as any other sector of the community to be the victim of anti-social behaviour.

“This drama and presentation offers a creative and stimulating way of examining problems that can arise from anti-social behaviour and allows youngsters to discuss how situations can be avoided and dealt with.”

The production, by the Impact on Learning theatre group, will be touring next year from Monday 15 January to Friday 2 March.

This tour comes on the back of a successful pilot project to raise awareness of anti-social behaviour issues, which included providing teaching packs to schools and involving pupils in a limited number of similar drama and presentation workshops.

Events are taking place in libraries across Derbyshire to celebrate National Poetry Day on Thursday 5 October.

There will be fun for all the family and the chance to meet Derbyshire’s poet laureate Cathy Grindrod during a week-long celebration of verse organised around the day by Derbyshire County Council.

The theme of this year’s event – organised by The Poetry Society - is Identity and National Poetry Day will take place during the week on Thursday 5 October.

In Derbyshire, libraries in Ripley, Chesterfield, Wirksworth, Ilkeston, Hadfield, Hayfield, Buxton, Killamarsh and Swadlincote will take part.

Here is a list of events taking place:

Amber Valley – Thursday 5 October from 10.30am to 3.30pm at Ripley Library. Identity Parade - listen to famous poets reading their work through the Poetry Archive website, play magnetic poetry, win a prize in a poetry quiz and write and read out your own poem. Admission is free and refreshments will be provided. For more information contact Ripley Library on 01773 743321.

Chesterfield – Tuesday 3 October from 10.30am to noon at Chesterfield Library. Poetry Alive and On-line – join Derbyshire’s poet laureate Cathy Grindrod to discover a wealth of poetry on the internet. Tickets, costing £3 (£2 concessions) including refreshments, are available from the library on 01246 209292.

Derbyshire Dales – Thursday 5 October at 7pm at Wirksworth Library. Meet Derbyshire’s poet laureate Cathy Grindrod who will talk about her role and read a selection of her work. Tickets costing £3 (£2 concessions) including refreshments are available from the library on 01629 823173.

Erewash – Saturday 7 October from 1pm at Erewash Museum. Fun poetry for families – an afternoon of poetry readings, suitable for all ages. Admission is free. For more details ring Ilkeston Library on 0115 930 1104.

High Peak – Thursday 21 September at 2.15pm at Hadfield Library will be a poetry event which is open to all ages. Similar events will be held at Hayfield Library at 11am on Thursday 5 October and Buxton Library from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday 5 October.

North East Derbyshire – Thursday 5 October from 10.30am to 11am at Killamarsh Library. Poems and rhymes session for under fives. Free admission. For more details contact Killamarsh Library on 0114 248 5616.

South Derbyshire – Wednesday 4 October from 2pm at Sharpe’s Pottery in Swadlincote. Meet Derbyshire’s poet laureate Cathy Grindrod who will talk about her role and read some of her poems. Tickets cost £1.50 including refreshments and are available from Swadlincote Library on 01283 217701.
Etwall, Melbourne, Swadlincote and Woodville libraries will also be hosting a display called Exploring Identity Through Poetry during the week.

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “I hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to celebrate National Poetry Week with us.
“There will be fun for all the family as well as the chance to meet Derbyshire’s very own poet laureate Cathy Grindrod and talk about her inspiration for her work.”

Derbyshire County Council is already meeting and exceeding new standards to provide healthy school meals.

A range of new guidance for school meals was issued by the Government in May this year to be introduced over the next three years.

Derbyshire County Council has received £1.8 million to spend over that period to make any changes necessary to meet the new standards. Following a public consultation the authority is investing the cash in:

• giving school cooks extra time to prepare healthy meals for pupils

• providing school catering staff with training in nutrition

• sourcing more locally produced products in meals

• introducing more salad bars in primary schools

• bringing more cashless payment systems into secondary schools

• developing a website and leaflets to promote the take-up of school meals.

Government food standards to be met from this term include:

• No less than two servings per day per child of fruit and vegetables; at least one should be vegetables or salad and at least one should be fruit.

• Oily fish such as mackerel and salmon should be served at least once every three weeks.

• Meals should not contain more than two deep-fried foods, such as chips and batter-coated products, in a single week.

Primary school meals in Derbyshire cost £1.50, which is one of the lowest prices in the East Midlands.

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “In Derbyshire we’ve got an excellent record for providing healthy, nutritious school meals at good value for money so these guidelines have reinforced work we were already doing.

“Even before Jamie Oliver’s tv series put school dinners in the spotlight we were constantly monitoring and updating menus and using advice from a nutritionist.

“Each day we offer a selection of fresh fruits, freshly prepared salads and vegetables such as jacket potatoes, and kitchen-produced vegetarian options and last year we introduced organic products.

“We look forward to using the Government funding to maintain our high standards and making further improvements to our school meals.”     

(REF: FW.376.06)

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Derbyshire boasts bright spark pupils as national test results show the county’s 14-year-olds have outperformed students in other parts of the country.

In Key Stage 3 tests for maths, science and English Derbyshire pupils have maintained the county’s academic record by achieving results above the national average.

Results in maths and science have gone up nearly 4 per cent and 3 per cent respectively on those achieved by Derbyshire students last year. English results have fallen slightly but still stay above the national trend of a two per cent drop.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “I’m delighted by these excellent results which are a credit to our students’ efforts and the incredible work done by our teachers and schools.

“This is a great reflection on the quality of education being delivered in Derbyshire schools and we can be rightfully proud of maintaining our position of being above the national average.

“I congratulate all the pupils, teaching staff and schools and hope they are as proud of their achievements as we are.”

Derbyshire’s results (excluding Derby City) are as follows: 

Key Stage 3 – percentage of pupils reaching the benchmark level five standard or above (national figures are in brackets): 

• English: 75 per cent (72 per cent)
• Maths: 80 per cent (77 per cent)
• Science: 77 per cent (72 per cent)
  

The Key Stage 3 results mirror the recent success of Derbyshire schools at Key Stage 1 and 2, which saw pupils perform strongly against the results of students around the country. 

Further details about the Key Stage 1, 2 and 3 results across the country can be seen by visiting the Department for Education and Skills at www.dfes.gov.uk (opens in a new window) 

(REF: FW.375.06)

Walkers can enjoy even more of the countryside in north east Derbyshire now Derbyshire County Council has extended one of its self guided walks.

The circular route around Ford, Plumbley and Ridgeway has been changed with links from Sheffield, Eckington and Mosborough.

Starting at the Bridge Inn at Ford visitors can use the new self-guided tour leaflet to navigate the 7.8 mile walk or choose to take a stroll along a shortened route.

Places of interest along the way include the church at Ridgeway built in 1839, an air raid decoy thought to have been used to divert German bombers away from Sheffield during the second world war, a rare engine house and the ‘Penny Engine’ colliery rail link.

The walk is the latest in a series of self-guided walks mapped out by The Three Valley’s project – part of the county council’s countryside service.

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities, said: “We’re committed to helping people in Derbyshire stay healthy. This revamped addition to our series of walks offers people another chance to get out and exercise while enjoying the countryside.”
A free guided tour is being held along the shortened four-mile route on Wednesday 20 September.
Anyone who would like to take part should meet at the Bridge Inn car park at 2pm. To book a place on the walk call 01246 433186.

The Three Valleys Project, which is part of the Derbyshire County Council’s Countryside Service, seeks to open up opportunities to access and enjoy the countryside and wildlife of the Three Valleys area.  The project is based at Tapton Lock Visitor Centre adjacent to the restored section of the Chesterfield Canal. It works within the communities surrounding the Moss, Drone and Rother Valleys in North East Derbyshire to develop sustainable tourism. The visitor centre is open daily April to October and at weekends from November to March.  

(JM.373.06)

Thousands of residents will receive a questionnaire over the next three weeks asking them what they think of Derbyshire County Council services.

The ‘Listening to Your Views’ survey is designed to give householders the chance to have their say on a range of issues including schools, roads, services for older and younger people, libraries, recycling and public transport. 

They are carried out by all councils every three years to help them ensure they are providing the services local people want, when and where they want them.

The results also help the Government to see which councils are working well and those which need to do better. 

Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor John Williams said: “This opinion survey is a great way to hear what local people think about Derbyshire and about us. 

“It helps keep us on our toes and make sure we’re doing what local people want us to.

“We know that we can’t please everyone all the time, but we’re doing our best to make the most of what we’ve got. 

“That means delivering high quality services, when and where they’re needed. Importantly, it gives local people the chance to tell us what we need to do better and helps us make sure local people’s priorities are our priorities - that’s why we want as many people as possible to return their survey form.”

The survey will be posted to 5,000 randomly selected homes and ask questions on issues including: 

* What it’s like to live in Derbyshire

* What residents think of the county council and the services they get 

* How residents like to get in touch with the council

* How well the council keeps in touch with residents 

The opinion survey results – collected by independent auditors – will go to the Government in December. They will be published in future editions of the county council’s Insight newspaper and on www.derbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window)

For more information about the ‘Listening to Your Views’ survey residents can Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058

* District and borough councils will be issuing similar questionnaires this month to help them plan their services.               

(Ref: LT.374.06)

Satellite technology has arrived on the county council’s mobile libraries, giving users fast, free access to the internet.

Each of Derbyshire County Council’s three larger mobile libraries is fitted with a retractable satellite dish which can be deployed at any location – doing away with the need for the mobiles to be fixed to one particular place.

The county council is one of the first authorities in the country to install the cutting edge technology on its mobiles which enables visitors to speedily access a wealth of resources via an onboard laptop – including everything available to users of the county’s permanent libraries such as book availability, encyclopaedias and databases.

Officially launching the new service on Friday, September 8, in Darley Dale, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, Councillor Bob Janes, said the technology was good news for users throughout Derbyshire.

“With the satellite dishes we can put our mobiles anywhere,” he explained. “The broadband link speeds up access to the internet so users who don’t live near our libraries can get fast access to the internet and benefit from full access to our services.

“So whether you are reserving or renewing titles, CDs or DVDs or accessing any other council service such as surfing for a job with the authority, paying an invoice, planning a bus journey or applying for a school place, you can do it quickly and easily on our large mobile libraries.”

The authority has 13 mobile libraries, three of which are larger vehicles equipped with the satellite dishes, which travel around the county serving areas which don’t have a library building. Access to the internet is free to all library members.

HI-TECH: Mobile Library user Joan Carr and Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, Councillor Bob Janes, try out the authority’s new mobile library satellite broadband link.

Books won’t be allowed to collect dust while a Derbyshire County Council library is refurbished, thanks to the authority’s hi-tech mobile library service.

Avid readers may not be able to access books in Eckington Library while it’s temporarily closed for a £170,000 facelift, but the books will be brought directly to them on one of the county’s most up-to-date vehicles.

The larger mobile, equipped with the latest in satellite broadband technology for fast access to the internet, will be parked in the town every other Friday afternoon from 2pm-5pm.

On its first visit on Friday, September 8, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, Councillor Bob Janes, was there to greet customers.

“This is one of our most up-to-date mobiles,” he said. “As well as being stocked with a wide range of books, CDs and DVDs, it is fitted with the latest in satellite technology for fast, free access to the internet so our customers can surf the net, reserve items and access all the authority’s online services.”

The mobile library will be parked at the swimming pool car park, Gosber Street, on the following Fridays: September 22; October 6; October 20; November 3; November 17; December 1; December 15; December 29 and January 12.     
                           
Big improvements are being carried out Eckington’s Market Street library to upgrade facilities for disabled people and improve security.

A lift is being added and shelving will be moved to allow extra space for customers, including those using wheelchairs, to move around more easily and to access books.

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

The main library is closed until Monday, January 15, 2007, while the work is carried out.

As well as the larger mobile’s visits, the standard mobile library will continue its visits to the Marsh Lane area every fortnight. It has five stops in the Marsh Lane area and will be there on Monday, September 25, and every two weeks after that.

NEW STOP: Eckington residents Christine Jennings and Enid Davies try out the new mobile library service with Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services. 

Walkers had a spring in their step as they strode out for this year’s Autumn Footprints walking festival.

The Amber Valley and Erewash festival - organised by a range of groups including Derbyshire County Council, Erewash Borough Council, Amber Valley Borough Council and Groundwork Erewash Valley – runs until Sunday 24 September.

Events include:
* Free map reading for beginners on Friday 22 September – 2pm until 4pm. If you want to know more about map symbols and grid references then this is the course for you. Meet Shipley Country Park visitor centre.
* Wayfaring Competition Sunday 24 September – 10.30am until 12.30pm. Learn about wayfaring and then take part in a competition to collect as many points as you can in one hour – a treasure hunt with a difference. Meet at Shipley Country Park visitor centre

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

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

TAKING A STROLL…Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas with Wyn Thomas and his wife Marilyn from Long Eaton

Quit smoking, eat healthily and get some exercise – that’s the clear message in Derbyshire County Council’s first health of Derbyshire report.

The report shows that where people live, what they do and how much money they have can affect their health.

Overall the health of people living in Derbyshire is improving but there are some key areas where Derbyshire’s figures are significantly worse than the average for England:

• Approximately 20 percent of local people say they have a limiting long-term illness.
• More than one person in every 1,000 dies from a stroke.
• There are 4,700 new cases of cancer and 2,100 deaths from cancer.

In addition, the rates of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure are all well above the English average. But, around 20 percent of the county’s population still smoke, 20 percent are classed as obese and 20 percent are binge drinkers.

Death rates have dropped in Derbyshire and most people are better off but the health gap between rich and poor has remained. That’s why the county council is committed to:

• Tackling poverty
• Promoting healthy lifestyles – right from the start
• Creating more opportunities for exercise and sport
• Protecting and supporting children
• Improving health, home care and transport services
• Reducing drug and alcohol misuse
• Preventing falls and accidents at home.

Derbyshire County Council’s leader Councillor John Williams said: “Our health is the most valuable thing we have and we want everyone to live healthy and happy lives.

“Overall our health is improving but we could all do much better. It’s not just about living longer – though that’s reason enough. It’s about living better, healthier, happier lives.

“A few simple changes could make all the difference to our health and we all know what we need to do. For the health of Derbyshire let’s make it happen.”

To read more about the health of Derbyshire look up the report and summary on the council’s website at: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/healthofderbyshirereport (opens in a new window) or Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 for a copy of the summary.

(Ref: SS.372.06)

Pupils are set to benefit from a host of improvements being made to two schools by Derbyshire County Council.

A classroom extension will expand educational horizons for children and staff at The Duke of Norfolk CE Primary School, Glossop.

The £304,644 extension at the Royle Avenue school will also include a store room, girls and boys toilets, a disabled toilet, a wet room and link corridor.

Derbyshire County Council will provide £259,644 funding for the improvements with the school contributing £45,000. Work will start later this month and is due to be completed by February next year.

Ladycross Infant School in Sandiacre is to be rewired and have new lighting fitted at the site in Victoria Road.

The improvements, which will begin next month and are set to finish by next February, will be funded with £105,000 from Derbyshire County Council and £23, 646 from the school.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “I’m delighted with this latest investment being made in our continuing programme, in partnership with the Government, to improve learning environments in schools throughout the county.

“Once the work is completed students and staff at these schools will have their needs met with better facilities to help maximise learning potential.”

(REF:FW.370.06)

A blueprint outlining Derbyshire County Council’s plans for supporting children with special educational needs has been approved after the plans were backed by the public.

Derbyshire County Council produced the blueprint following a review of the way services are provided to young people with: 

• Severe and other learning difficulties
• Visual, physical or hearing impairments
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia
  

To ensure the ideas were on the right lines a public consultation was held between February and May. Sixteen consultation meetings were held across Derbyshire involving 245 people. Parents and community groups also completed 131 questionnaires and sent in 69 letters with comments.

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “The overwhelming message we got back from the public is that they like the ideas we have for improving the education for pupils with special educational needs.

“In particular we got very clear support for the concept of providing special education in the current mix of special schools, enhanced resource schools and mainstream schools.

“Parents and schools also want us to look in more detail at support for pupils with behavioural issues.”

In the original plans it had been proposed to reorganise the support service for special educational needs, which works with primary schools. In the future the service will continue to work with primary schools as part of Derbyshire County Council’s wider move to develop integrated services for children.

The plan will see Derbyshire County Council: 

• Increasing the number of pupils who can get help with special educational needs in mainstream schools without the need for statements
• Developing a greater level of specialism at all 10 special schools run by Derbyshire County Council 
• Creating more places in mainstream schools to help children with autism or physical disabilities
• Ensuring childcare and education providers work closely together to provide services throughout the year for children up to the age of five with special educational needs 
• Involving young people aged 14 to 19 with special educational needs more in decisions about their future 
  

(REF: JF.371.06) 

Parents are being urged to make sure they know about changes to child car seat safety regulations in the light of new Government laws.

Derbyshire County Council wants people to be aware that from next week every child (up until they are 135cms or 12 years old) must use the correct child restraint - either a car seat, booster seat or booster cushion - when they are travelling in a car or goods vehicle. It is now also illegal to use rear facing baby seats where there is a front air bag.

There are only three situations in which children from three years to 135cm are allowed to travel in the back of a car using an adult belt:
* In a taxi – if the right seat is not available
* For a short distance where it can not be avoided and only where the right seat is not available
* Where there are already two children sat in child seats in the back of the car 

The county council is holding a number of free child car seat checking events where advice and a free information leaflet on the changes will be available. There will also be updated information at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/roadsafety (opens in a new window) to coincide with the changes. 

County council road safety officers and a fully trained Britax car seat fitting expert will be on hand between 10am and 4pm at the following venues:
* Friday 29 September – Sainsbury’s, Swadlincote
* Monday 2 October – Asda, Long Eaton
* Thursday 5 October – Morrisons, Buxton
* Monday 9 October – Tesco, Ilkeston
* Tuesday 10 October – Sainsbury’s, Chesterfield

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “It is crucial parents understand these new laws which make it illegal for children – possibly as old as 12 years – to travel in a car using either no restraint or only an adult belt.

“The car seat safety sessions are free and only take a few minutes but those few minutes could save your child’s life.”

(REF: SM.369.05)

There is still time for top food and drink venues across the county to enter the fifth annual Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards. 

So far 30 restaurants, pubs, bistros, tea and coffee houses have entered the prestigious awards run by Derbyshire County Council.   

Application forms for the 2006 awards have been sent to food and drink establishments across Derbyshire. 

Entries are still being invited from any catering business serving locally produced food and drink although they are urged to be quick as the closing date is Friday 15 September. 

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. There will be a winner and a highly commended in each category. 

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

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

Categories in the competition are: 

•            Restaurant of the Year 

•            Bistro/Gastro Pub of the Year 

•            Tea Room/Coffee House of the Year 

•            Restaurant Within An Attraction of the Year 

Councillor Geoff Carlile, the county council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We are delighted with the number of entries so far but we are keen to encourage even more to take part. 

“We want to hear from businesses that are proud of their cuisine and the top quality local produce they use and believe they deserve the recognition of receiving one of these prestigious awards. 

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

Last year’s winners were:   

•            Restaurant of the Year – Buckingham’s Restaurant With One Table, Chesterfield. 

•            Bistro/Gastro Pub of the Year – The Chequers Inn, Froggatt. 

•            Tea Room/Coffee House of the Year – The Restaurant at Chatsworth Farm Shop.   

•            Restaurant Within An Attraction of the Year – Jean Pierre’s Bar, Chatsworth. 

Any businesses wishing to enter that have not received an entry form should contact county council assistant tourism officer Steph Walsh on 01629 585964. 

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

(Ref: CC.367.06)

Watercolours, oil paintings, pastel drawings and acrylic work will be on display at this year’s Buxton and High Peak Art Society Exhibition. 

Members of the society will be displaying their work at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery – run by Derbyshire County Council - from Saturday 23 September. 

The society is a lively group of artists from all parts of the community with each member having a different approach to art. 

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “There will be something to suit everyone’s taste with the artists using a variety of techniques covering a wide range of subjects. 

“I hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to visit the museum, which is free of charge to enter, and see the work on display. 

“While they are in the museum it would be the perfect opportunity to see some of the other exhibitions and displays that we have on show in the venue.” 

Buxton and High Peak Art Society enjoys a busy programme of events during the year including meeting professional artists who encourage them and help to develop their skills. The society welcomes new members. 

The art exhibition will be opened at 2pm and will run until Saturday 4 November. 

As well as this exhibition, visitors can enjoy a Portrait of Bangladesh by Josie Bostin and , from October 7, Helena Ben-Zenou’s Industrial Relations. 

For more information contact Martha Jasko on 01298 24658 or e-mail martha.jasko@derbyshire.gov.uk

(Ref: CC.368.06)

Youngsters across Derbyshire will be conjuring up their own revolting rhyme to celebrate the work of world-famous children’s author Roald Dahl. 

Events are being held at Derbyshire County Council libraries on Wednesday 13 September – which would have been the writer’s 90^th birthday. 

As part of the first national Roald Dahl Day children up and down the county will be concocting a revolting recipe using verse. 

Taking Dahl’s unique style, children at Alfreton will dream up the first three lines to start the poem at the beginning of the day. 

Then it will be e-mailed to children at libraries in Shirebrook, Buxton, Dronfield and Swadlincote to add their ingredients until the disgusting concoction arrives back in Alfreton at the end of the day. 

But will it be as delicious as Willy Wonka’s chocolate bars or as disgusting as George’s Marvellous Medicine? 

You can find out when the finished poem is displayed in the libraries taking part in the event. 

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “Roald Dahl has been entertaining young readers for decades and his work lives on as his legacy after his death. 

“I am delighted that children in Derbyshire are taking part in this special day and I’m sure they will be able to conjure up their own disgusting concoction to rival Dahl’s own.” 

For more details about the event contact Carl Cross at Alfreton Library on 01773 833199. 

(Ref: CC.366.06)

Looking for something interesting to do with the long autumn and winter evenings? Then look no further than a class or course with Derbyshire County Council adult community education.

The authority offers a wide range of courses to local residents, from vocational training in computing, business skills, childcare and classroom assistant training to leisure classes in arts, crafts and keeping healthy.

The county council also has skills for life courses to help with reading, writing, maths and communication skills and many family learning classes which are designed to encourage adults and children to learn together.

Some courses are free and many are discounted for learners over 60.

With more than 200 venues across Derbyshire, there’s bound to somewhere near you and many courses can now be booked online at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/adulteducation (opens in a new window)

Most courses start the week beginning Monday, September 18, so don’t delay, book today.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, Councillor Bob Janes, said he hoped local people would take advantage of the wide range of classes run by the council.

“We offer vocational courses for people looking to improve their job opportunities, including those that lead to GCSE, NVQ and City and Guilds qualifications,” said Coun Janes.

“We also have lots of leisure classes for those wanting to try a new hobby, craft or exercise. Our family learning classes, where parents, carers or grandparents can learn something new alongside their children are also proving popular."

“But don’t take my word for it that doing a class with the county council is an excellent way of enjoying yourself and potentially improving your employment chances,” added Coun Janes. “Let John Lay of South Normanton tell you. He is currently training to be a classroom assistant with us and loving it.”

John, 45, who became a househusband after his son was born in 2001, said: “Adult community education helped me change direction in my life and has given me the skills and qualifications to gain meaningful and rewarding employment.

“I would strongly recommend it to anyone who is not sure about it being worthwhile – it is.”

For further details of courses go online at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/adulteducation (opens in a new window) or ring Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.

(AJ.365.06)
         

Derbyshire County Council’s Chair was thrown in the clink last week – but it was all for a good cause.

Councillor Walter Burrows was locked up with a group of fellow ‘convicts’ from across Derbyshire to raise funds for Leonard Cheshire – a charity which improves quality of life for disabled people in the community by supporting them in everyday living.

Off-duty police officers Pc Matt Akers and Pc Roy McMichael ‘arrested’ Councillor Burrows and took him to Sudbury Prison on Thursday (31 August).

Fortunately he was spared a night in the cells after fellow councillors and county council staff put their hands in their pockets to raise more than £400 for his release.

Donations will be sent to The Leonard Cheshire organisation which is widely recognised for its residential homes but also carries out day care, community services and campaign work.

The charity runs three resource centres in Derbyshire at Chesterfield, Long Eaton and Alfreton where it also runs an IT centre.

Councillor Burrows said: “Thanks to everyone who helped bail me out. The food wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be but I still wouldn’t want to spend a night behind bars.
“The Leonard Cheshire organisation is a worthy cause working to help disabled people locally and this donation will help it continue its great work in Derbyshire.”

You’re nicked…Pc Matt Akers, pictured left, and Pc Roy McMichael collars Councillor Burrows, Chair of Derbyshire County Council, centre.

Work to start building a new primary school in Clay Cross and Danesmoor is being delayed for a short time while planning issues are resolved.

Derbyshire County Council is planning to build a new single site school on land off Pilsley Road to replace Clay Cross Infant School, Clay Cross Junior School and Danesmoor Infant School.

Detailed architect plans for the new school have been drawn up and submitted for planning approval. Some objections to the plans were received from local residents and complex land ownership issues are still waiting to be resolved. As a result negotiations are continuing and amendments being made to the plans.

This means the new building will now be completed by November or December 2007.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “Getting the proposals to this stage has been a lengthy and complex process.

“It is essential that proper procedures are followed so that all pupils in Clay Cross will soon be able to learn in a state-of-the-art school.

“Throughout this process we have listened to the views of people in Clay Cross and Danesmoor and worked with North East Derbyshire District Council to adapt our plans to meet the needs of the community.”

The new school will see pupils benefit from: 

• Bigger classrooms and a large school hall

• Fully integrated computer workstations throughout the building

• A school library

• A spacious playing field, playground and environmental areas

It is anticipated the new primary school will still operate from September 2007 as planned but will use the existing school buildings until the new building is completed. This will be the subject of further discussions with the shadow governing body of the new school. 

(REF:JF.364.06)