April

A series of paintings created using a method first used by prehistoric man to adorn the walls of caves will go on show at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.

Artist Di Pattison makes her own paints by digging up soil, clay or rocks and grinding them by hand to create richly textured large-scale canvasses.

And her ancient method has inspired the theme of her latest exhibition which features landscapes, farmland and ancient monuments including Derbyshire’s own Arbor Low and Stanage Edge.

The exhibition, called Earthworks, will be previewed at the Derbyshire County Council-run museum and art gallery on Thursday 17 May at 7pm. It runs until 8 July.

During the exhibition Di will be launching her new book, called How to make and use earth pigments.

She will also be hosting two one-day workshops on Thursday 31 May and Friday 1 June from 2pm to 5pm.

Artists over the age of 15 will be able to try out her technique of making paint pigments from earth to create their own masterpieces.

The workshops are free but must be booked in advance by ringing the museum on 01298 24658.

Martin Molloy, the county council’s strategic director of cultural and community services, said: “Using earth pigments is a method first used in prehistoric cave painting and Di is keeping the tradition alive through her work.”

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

As well as this exhibition, visitors can also see a display of work by female artists called She Made It until 6 June and Ten Plus at Buxton, the latest exhibition by Ten Plus Textiles, which runs until 24 June.

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If you enjoy reading or writing then a series of events being held at Derbyshire libraries over the next few weeks could be for you.

Derbyshire County Council is holding Summer Words 2007 – a collection of writing workshops and talks by authors.

And the event kicks off on Thursday 3 May with a talk at Heanor Library by award-winning author Naomi Alderman.

Her book Disobedience – which offers a contemporary take on the search for love, faith and understanding – won the Orange Prize for New Writers in 2006.

She will be at the Ilkeston Road venue from 7.30pm to 9pm talking about her work. Tickets are £3 (£2 concessions) and are available by ringing 01773 712482.

On Friday 1 June, writer Rosie Reed will be running a free workshop for young people aged between 11 and 14 at Bolsover Library.

Using music as inspiration, they will be encouraged to explore place and identity through writing activities and will be creating a personal memory box full of items to spark their imaginations.

The workshop takes place from 11am to 12.30pm and 1.15pm to 2.45pm. To book a free place contact the library on 01246 823179.

Meanwhile, a day of poetry will be staged at Chesterfield Library on Saturday 2 June with three workshops – culminating in an appearance by award-winning poet Patience Agbabi in the evening.

The workshops will take place between 1pm and 5.45pm and will be run by Worksop-born Jacqueline Gabbitas, Derbyshire’s poet laureate Cathy Grindrod and Myra Schneider.

Tickets for the events, which are priced £10 (£8 concessions) for the workshops and £5 (£3 concessions) for the poetry evening, are available from Chesterfield Library on 01246 209292.

People who are interested can book on two of the three workshops which will be exploring different ways of writing and creating poems.

Buxton Library will be the venue for a workshop by poet River Wolton on Saturday 9 June on how authors can overcome writers’ block.

The event will be held between 10am and 4pm and tickets are priced £7 (£5 concessions) and are available from the library on 01298 25331.

On Saturday 23 June, author Sarah Bakewell will be explaining how to use research to make writing as realistic as possible.

The sessions – which run from 10am to 4pm – will include a tour of the Local Studies Library in Matlock which contains a range of resources about Derbyshire communities, people and folklore.

Currently working on her third historical publication, Sarah’s expertise will help non-fiction writers, historians, biographers, travel writers and feature writers.

Tickets cost £7 (£5 concessions) and are available by ringing 01629 585591.

Martin Molloy, Derbyshire County Council’s strategic director for cultural and community services, said: “There will be something for everyone during Summer Words 2007 and we hope as many people as possible will take advantage of the help and advice that will be available during these events.”

For more information about Summer Words 2007 please contact Derbyshire County Council’s literature development officer Alison Betteridge on 01773 831359.

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Opportunities for outdoor activity have been boosted with the launch of £260,000 of new facilities at Derbyshire County Council’s White Hall Centre.

The Buxton centre has a new climbing wall, dining room extension and storage space for equipment following the authority’s successful bid to the Big Lottery Fund.

Pupils from Dove Holes CE Primary School, Peak Forest CE Primary School and Earl Sterndale CE Primary School joined Councillor Walter Burrows, outgoing chair of Derbyshire County Council, at the official opening of the new facilities this week.

Councillor Burrows said: “I’m delighted that people using the centre now have even better facilities to enjoy which will help them to learn new skills and stay fit and active.

“Pupils taking part in residential courses were very impressed with the climbing wall and dining room.

“County residents who can’t get to the centre will still feel the benefit as the new storage space will give us room to keep portable activity equipment for use anywhere across Derbyshire.”

Work on the dining room extension began in August last year and the final project was completed last month when the storage room was finished.

ON THE UP: (from left) Earl Sterndale CE Primary School pupil Laura Johnson (nine) uses the new climbing wall under the instruction of Darran Hawkins (White Hall deputy director).

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Residents will be able to get advice next month on how to help their garden grow using kitchen waste.

Derbyshire County Council staff will be taking to the road as part of Compost Awareness week from Sunday 6 May until Saturday 12 May. Anyone who buys a discounted home composting bin during the week will be entered for a prize draw for £100 of garden centre vouchers.

The bins will be on offer for £8, £10 and £20. People will also be able to find out about a range of ways in which they can reuse and recycle.

There will be giveaways and advice at many of the events which will take place at the following places:

• Sunday 6 May – Ashbourne Park bandstand, 11am – 3pm
• Tuesday 7 May – display at County Hall, Matlock
• Thursday 10 May – Chesterfield Market, 11am - 3pm with the waste exhibition vehicle
• Friday 11 May – display on mobile library in Kilburn
• Saturday 12 May – Derby Market place, 11am – 3pm, with the waste exhibition vehicle

There will be a day of composting and recycling activities for Belper School pupils and feeder schools on Wednesday 9 May. Members of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and the county’s climate change vehicle will also be at the school.

Helen Bartle, assistant waste management development officer for Derbyshire County Council, said: “By composting at home we can all do our bit for the environment and our gardens.

“These events are a great opportunity for people to come along, find out what home composting is all about and take advantage of our discounted bin scheme.”

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Derbyshire County Council is appealing against the Government’s decision to allow opencast mining near Shipley Country Park.

The authority today (Wednesday 25 April) said it had appealed on the grounds the Secretary of State failed to follow Government guidance. The guidelines say local authorities should be considered as being in the best position to make an assessment on mineral planning applications.

The county council refused permission for the mining of the 334 acre site in the green belt at Lodge House, Smalley in October 2004. It felt the plan to take out one million tonnes of coal over a four and a half year period did not meet with the county council’s policies on mineral extraction.

But UK Coal appealed and Government gave the go ahead following a public inquiry.

Derbyshire County Council’s strategic director of environmental services, David Harvey said: “We were very disappointed at the decision to allow UK Coal to mine near Shipley Country Park.

“We refused the application in 2004 on the grounds it didn’t fit in with our policies on the granting of opencast coal permissions but that decision was overturned by central Government. We have also listened to the comments of residents on these plans and taken legal advice as to where we stand.

“We would now like to let local people know we are asking the High Court to review the decision.”

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A shared love of reading united guests of all ages at the official re-opening of Ashbourne Library following a £25,000 refurbishment by Derbyshire County Council.

Ashbourne Library’s youngest member – one-month-old Lucie Betts – was among the guests at the event on Thursday, April 19, and is already enjoying being read to by her mum Kirsty.

The library’s new baby-changing facility will also come in handy for the new mum who signed Lucie up to the library’s services not long after she was born.

Other improvements to the Cokayne Avenue library include automatic doors to make it easier for people with disabilities or mums with pushchairs to get in to the building and a new counter which creates extra space for library users in wheelchairs. The county council has also installed a toilet for disabled people.

Ashbourne Library is housed in a rented building which was originally part of Ashbourne Hall. The landlord has also carried out work including a new front porch, improved drainage to the building and re-painted the exterior.

As well as the loan of books and books on tape, the library also offers members free use of the internet and video phones and the loan of DVDs and computer games.

BY THE BOOK: Library regulars Margaret and David Allsopp, from Ashbourne, at the official re-opening of the newly-refurbished Ashbourne Library.

A South Derbyshire school chef proved she has the recipe for success by winning the regional round of a national competition.

Lynnette Tinney, a unit supervisor for Derbyshire County Council’s school catering service, works at Coton-in-the-Elms CE Primary School, which also makes school dinners for Rosliston Primary School.

The 43-year-old beat eight other chefs to win the east regional final of the School Chef of the Year competition.

She now goes forward to represent the region against five other chefs at the national final being held in Birmingham on 6 June.

Lynnette said: “I was confident I had a good menu but was still shocked when the judges told me that I had won. The judges mark you on a range of criteria including taste, planning and preparation, presentation and how you are working in the kitchen.

“I prepared my menu with the help of my friend Debbie Dancer and Sue Jackson, the quality assurance training manager for the county council’s school catering service.

“I am quite optimistic about the final and look forward to representing Derbyshire and the region.”

Lynnette’s menu was called Feed The Mind and is inspired by work from Rosliston Forestry Centre where they are educating children about the food chain, from the environment to it arriving on their plate.

All the meals had to have two courses and be produced using fresh ingredients at no more than 80p a head and be suitable to be produced on mass and to be kept on hot plates in school canteens.

Lynette’s menu was:

• Lemon scented salmon
• Tabbouleh (bulgar wheat) jewelled with summer vegetables
• Served with oven baked pitta breads and a julienne of carrots topped with beetroot mixed with sunflower seeds and orange
• Layered summer fruits pudding marinated with Derbyshire produced honey and a sweetened yoghurt centre

Peter McGrath, Derbyshire County Council’s school catering manager, said: “We are delighted that Lynnette has triumphed in the regional round of School Chef of the Year competition.

“Our schools have very talented chefs working for them and this is another example of the quality of meals being served up for our pupils on a daily basis.

“Lynnette’s menu reflects our ethos that by feeding children healthy, nutritious meals we will be giving them the best possible chance to achieve.

“We wish Lynnette the very best in the national final and are sure that she will fly the flag for Derbyshire once again.”

The School Chef of the Year competition is an annual competition which puts the preparation, cooking, creativity and presentation of school chefs to the test.

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Older people will be treated to a host of interesting displays and speakers at an event being held next month in Bolsover.

Anyone aged 50 years and over is invited to go along to the Bolsover Older People’s Forum meeting at Hillstown Community Centre in Nesbit Road, Hillstown on Wednesday 16 May at 2pm.

Representatives from Derbyshire County Council’s Gold Card and community transport teams, Age Concern and Safer Derbyshire will be at the meeting to give people information and answer questions.

There will also be the chance for people to try out some holistic treatments among all the information, help and advice available.

The Bolsover Older People’s Forum is just one of 14 forums for people aged over 50 up and running across the county.

The forums all meet regularly giving members the chance to swap ideas, discuss opinions and views and take action on issues affecting them locally, regionally and nationally.

They have all been supported in setting up by the county council’s Better Government for Older People programme which helps them with administration and organising meetings as well as providing financial support.

The Bolsover forum is now thriving and is encouraging more people to come along and find out about what they do.

People are invited to arrive at the event on 16 May from 1.45pm when light refreshments will be served before the main event starts at 2pm.

For more information or to book a place people should call Wendy Rosier on 01773 590265.

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Work costing almost £1 million is to be carried out by Derbyshire County Council to improve access to schools for disabled people.

The Schools Access Initiative is designed to help schools meet their requirement under the Disability and Discrimination Act to take reasonable steps to improve accessibility to their buildings for disabled pupils, teachers or visitors.

David Connor, Derbyshire County Council’s acting deputy director of children’s services, said: “All schools in Derbyshire have prepared strategies looking at the accessibility of their buildings.

“Using the money we have available we then identify those schools with the most urgent needs and carry out work to benefit their local communities.

“These projects enable us to deliver on our commitment to systematically improve the accessibility of schools across Derbyshire.”

Schools getting funding are:

• Aldercar Infant and Nursery School in Langley Mill - £3,700 to adapt accessible toilets 

• Belmont Primary School in Swadlincote - £30,000 to carry out physical impairment improvements to the school buildings 

• Belper School - £120,000 to install accessibility lifts and ramps 

• Brampton Primary School in Chesterfield - £65,000 to build two accessible toilets and install ramps 

• Glebe Junior School in South Normanton - £2,000 to adapt accessible toilets 

• Highfields School in Matlock - £90,000 to install lifts in the school building 

• Inkersall Primary School in Inkersall, near Chesterfield - £15,000 to adapt accessible toilets 

• Kirk Ireton Church of England Primary School in Kirk Ireton, near Ashbourne - £75,000 to install an accessible toilet and ramps 

• Leys Junior School in Alfreton - £7,000 to install changing rooms 

• Simmondley Primary School in Glossop - £4,000 to carry out physical impairment improvements 

• Somercotes Infant School - £30,000 to carry out various adaptations and improvements 

• St Andrew’s CE Junior School in Hadfield - £12,000 to carry out various adaptations and improvements 

• St James’ CE Primary School in Glossop - £26,500 to adapt accessible toilets 

• Swanwick Primary School - £10,000 to adapt accessible toilets 

• Meadows Community School in Old Whittington - £125,000 to improve accessible toilets and install rise and fall workstations in food and technology classrooms   

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet has also agreed to give its service for hearing impairment £77,000, service for sight impairment £30,000 and service for physical impairment £75,000.

A further £200,000 will be kept as a contingency to be spent at schools where urgent work needs to be carried out during the next year.

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Five schools are to be improved thanks to a £2.6 million cash injection from Derbyshire County Council to cope with extra pupil numbers.

While most schools in Derbyshire are seeing falling pupil numbers due to the drop in birth rates some schools are experiencing growing rolls due to new housing developments bringing more families into their area.

Derbyshire County Council is going to use £2,162,000 of funding it receives from the Government to increase the size of five schools so they can cope with extra pupil numbers.

The schools getting funding are:

• Belper School – A new teaching block for modern languages is to be built at a cost of £1.345 million. Last year an arts block was built on the school site to increase the school’s capacity to 1,334 pupils but the new building is needed to cope with a shortfall of 170 places. The school was given £845,000 from Derbyshire County Council last year towards the scheme. The authority has now given a further £500,000 to enable work to begin.

• William Allitt School in Newhall – The school will receive £220,000 to build an all-weather multi-use games area. Derbyshire County Council gave the school £120,000 to address the shortage of playing field space last year and has now agreed to spend the remaining £100,000 needed for work to start.
  

• Simmondley Primary School in Glossop – The school will receive £520,000 to build a two-classroom extension and toilets and re-design an open plan area into separate classrooms. In 2006 a separate scheme to build an extra classroom was completed.
  

• Taxal and Fernilee Church of England Primary School in Whaley Bridge – The school will get £290,000 to build an extension containing a classroom and replacement staff room. The existing staff room is very small and will be used to create a corridor linking the extension to the main building. The school will contribute the other £110,000 needed for the scheme, which will also see some refurbishment work carried out.
  

• Langley Mill Junior School – A classroom and toilets extension is to be built at the school. Derbyshire County Council will contribute £237,000 towards the scheme, with a further £88,000 coming from a housing developer as part of a planning agreement. In 2005 a separate scheme to build a classroom extension was completed. 
  

David Humphrey, Derbyshire County Council’s head of development, said: “This money will enable us to create much needed extra space at these five schools.

“All the schools have seen pupil numbers go up due to housing developments bringing more families into their catchment areas.

“By working in partnership with the Government we can tackle these issues and create modern buildings that give pupils the learning environment they need to succeed in their studies.”

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Older people are invited to attend an information day to find out about services offered by Derbyshire County Council.

The role of libraries and Trading Standards will be highlighted during the free event for people aged over 60 being held at Clay Cross Library on Wednesday 16 May from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

As well as a host of information about joining a county council-run library and borrowing books, visitors can learn about loaning CDs, DVDs and computer games as well as free access to the internet and video phones.

Among displays will be local photographs, information about healthy eating and home safety and how to research family history.

As well as mobile libraries, the county council also offers a visiting service to people who are housebound.

Specialist computer software is also available at libraries for people who are visually impaired while people with disabilities can also make use of books on CD or tape.

Martin Molloy, the county council’s strategic director of cultural and community services, said: “The county council provides a huge range of services for older people and this event is a chance for people to find out about them.

“Libraries offer a great selection of books, and much more besides, and I would urge anyone who hasn’t been to their local library for a while to go and find out about the great services on offer.”

Refreshments will be available on the day and anyone needing transport should request it at the time of booking.

For more information and to book a place contact Clay Cross Library on 01246 862592.

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Parents and carers of teenagers in Erewash are being offered free courses to help them improve their relationships with their children.

Derbyshire County Council has organised two eight-week ‘Understanding Your Teenager’ courses at venues in Long Eaton and Ilkeston.

They are aimed at parents and carers experiencing difficulties with their teenagers and offer ways to develop the confidence, understanding and skills they need to manage their own and their child’s behaviour in a positive way.

This includes help to cope with difficult situations, practical ideas to improve family life, encouragement from others in a similar situation and support from the group.

Head of Derbyshire County Council’s youth offending service Bob Smith said: “We received some very positive feedback from parents who attended these courses when we ran them in January and we hope to help even more families this time.

“Everyone knows family life can be hard work at times and sometimes difficulties between parents and their teenagers can become real problems.

“We want to provide valuable support for any parent or carer with general worries about family life or more serious concerns they may need help with.”

Both courses will start in May and consist of eight free weekly two-hour sessions. They are open to any parent or carer of an 11 to 19-year-old. Help is available for those who need childcare or supervision while they attend sessions or help with travel costs.

The Long Eaton course will take place at Wilsthorpe Community School, Derby Road, Long Eaton on Tuesdays between 6pm and 8pm starting on 8 May and the Ilkeston course will take place at Bennerley School, Bennerley Avenue, Ilkeston on Thursdays between 6pm and 8pm starting on 3 May.

For more information on the courses contact Michelle McGlynn or Rita Finch at the South and East Derbyshire Parenting Team on 0115 909 8181 or 0115 909 8161 or email michelle.mcglynn@derbyshire.gov.uk or rita.finch@derbyshire.gov.uk

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Plans to form a federation between two schools in Chesterfield are being supported by Derbyshire County Council.

Gilbert Heathcote Nursery and Infant School in Sheffield Road and Cavendish Junior School in Edmund Street want to form the federation on 1 September if the plans get the support of parents, the local community and other schools.

A public consultation started on Friday 9 March and closes on Friday 20 April.

Creating a federation would mean the schools having:

• One headteacher and governing body 

• Both schools being funded individually but having the flexibility to pool budgets so they can save money when buying items in bulk, such as books 

• Both schools continuing to operate separately but with a high degree of collaboration, including the flexible use of buildings and staff
  

Cavendish Junior School doesn’t currently have a permanent headteacher and both schools have falling pupil numbers.

David Connor, acting deputy director for children’s services at Derbyshire County Council, said: “So far the response seems to be positive from the local community.

“We fully support the proposals as well because it makes a lot of sense. Most pupils already move from one school to the other and they both work closely together already. This would enable those links to be developed further.”

All staff at both schools would continue to work on their existing contracts if the federation took place.

The governing bodies of the two schools will make a final decision once the outcome of the public consultation is known.

        
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Twice as many food and drink venues have signed up to take part in this year’s Derbyshire Food Festival.

The third festival will see 60 venues including restaurants, hotels, pubs, cheese shops, butchers and delicatessens hold events ranging from free tasting sessions and prize draws to festival menus, tours and promotions to mark the Derbyshire County Council-backed food extravaganza.

The week-long festival runs from 19-28 May and is being launched at the Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair at Bolsover Castle on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 May.

The county council-organised food and drink fair is also shaping up to be the biggest and best yet, with all the stalls in the two marquees being snapped up by food and drink producers.

Thousands of people attended the fair last year and as well as being treated to an array of locally produced goods for sale, from chocolates, meats, cheeses, smoked goods, pies, pickles, cakes, beer and wine, there were also many free tasting sessions on offer to tickle the taste buds.

Entry to the fair is £2.50 per adult and £1.50 for children and concessions. The price includes admission to Bolsover Castle and grounds and as well as the numerous stalls there will be live music, entertainers, face-painting and a brass band.

The large craft fair, crafts@thecastle, is also back by popular demand.

As well as celebrity chef Ed Baines showing off his culinary skills in the cookery theatre on the Saturday, there will be a host of chefs from Derbyshire eateries demonstrating their signature dishes and giving out culinary advice and ideas over the weekend.

It is hoped that people visiting the fair will be inspired to visit some of the dozens of events during food festival week.

Flyers with further details about the fair and a brochure listing festival events are available now in tourist information centres, council buildings and local tourist destinations and attractions.

The information is also available on-line at www.derbyshirefoodfestival.co.uk (opens in a new window).

County council head of regeneration Mike Brittain said: “All the stalls were quickly snapped up for the fair and we are very pleased that double the amount of food and drink establishments have signed up to hold events during festival week.

“We are sure both events will prove as popular as ever and will attract thousands of visitors, putting Derbyshire’s quality food and drink firmly on the map.”

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One of the world’s earliest railways is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its closure with a weekend of events.

The Cromford and High Peak railway was built when Britain was still transporting goods by canal. The 33 mile route joined Cromford Canal with the Peak Forest Canal at Whaley Bridge and part of it had the steepest incline in the UK.

The railway – which opened in 1831 and closed in 1967 – now forms part of the High Peak Trail. A weekend of events to mark its closure will take place from Saturday May 5 until Monday May 7.

These start with slides, films and a talk in Wirksworth Town Hall on the Saturday. Hubert Doxey – who was an engine driver during the big snows of 1947 - will be talking about his life on the railway. The evening begins at 7.30pm and costs £2.50.

There will be guided walks on the Sunday and Monday in conjunction with Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Society and Steeple Grange Light Railway. The walks begin at Wirksworth Railway station with a ride on a train from the station to Ravenstore. 

There is then a short walk to the Steeple Grange Light Railway followed by another short train ride before setting off up the High Peak Trail to Middleton Top. Here the group will be able to see Josias Jessop’s stationary steam engine in action as it demonstrates how wagons were transported up the steep inclines.

The walk will then return to the station. Both four mile walks begin on both days at 12.30pm and return about 4.30pm. Derbyshire County Council’s countryside service manager Richard Taylor said: “The Cromford and High Peak Railway was a real feat of engineering.

“Its creator Josias Jessop had to negotiate a way across the steep inclines of the Pennines to realise his dream. This weekend of informative and interesting events will celebrate its history and the stories of the people who worked on its route.”

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A successful wind band has struck gold again with its performance at a national music festival.

The Derbyshire City and County Youth Wind Band took part in the National Concert Band Festival at The Sage in Gateshead after producing a winning performance at the regional festival in Northampton.

The band was once again given a gold award for their performance and also received A-grades for their programme balance and choice and their presentation and deportment.

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.

Philip King, school improvement adviser with responsibility for the Derbyshire City and County Music Partnership, said: “Once again the members of the wind band showed what talented young musicians they are with a performance that won praise from the adjudicators.

“The band was performing alongside some of the top youth bands in the country. A large number of parents travelled to Gateshead to support the band and were, of course, very pleased with the outcome.”

Adjudicators said the band’s performance: 

• Showed care and detailed preparation 

• Had much to admire and enjoy technically 

• Showed mastery of style throughout 

• Was a highly musical interpretation

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.

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A family history expert and a specialist on the subject of the Worcester and Sherwood Foresters are giving talks at Derbyshire County Council’s Chesterfield Library.

Cliff Housley – who is historian for the regiment – will be at the library on Tuesday 15 May at 7.30pm.

He will be talking about the Wipers Times, a satirical newspaper produced during the First World War by the men of the 12th Battalion.

The newspaper was full of mockery, jokes, puns, catchphrases, songs and limericks despite the horrendous conditions the men endured in the trenches.

Cliff’s talk will be accompanied by sounds and songs from the era. Tickets for the talk, which will take place in the library’s lecture theatre, are priced £3 (£2 concessions).

Meanwhile, on Wednesday 13 June, family history expert Dr Nick Barratt will be giving a talk called “History in the media – Who do you think you are?”

Using the popular BBC series as a case study, he will demonstrate how television has changed the way history is portrayed in the media.

Nick – who has worked on several TV programmes including the BAFTA-nominated series featuring well-known faces - will also talk about how the internet has made it easier for people to research their past.

A former medieval historian and specialist adviser at the National Archives at Kew, Nick is described as an “evangelist for the preservation of our national memory”.

Tickets for his talk go on sale on Monday 23 April and are priced £4 (£3 concessions). It will start at 7pm.

Martin Molloy, the county council’s strategic director of cultural and community services, said: “We are delighted to welcome two renowned experts in their field to Chesterfield Library.

“I’m sure both of these talks will be very popular and I would urge people to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment.”

For more information about both events or to book tickets contact Chesterfield Library on 01246 209292.

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The way members of the public can book to use sports facilities at a South Normanton school is being improved thanks to a ground-breaking partnership agreement.

Derbyshire County Council and Bolsover District Council have agreed to sign a partnership agreement that will see the district council manage the use of sports facilities at Frederick Gent School by members of the public outside school hours.

At the moment all bookings for sports, such as badminton and five-a-side football, are made through the school.

Under the agreement staff from Bolsover District Council will manage the bookings process and supervise activities, as well as provide additional sports equipment when necessary.

The agreement is the first of its kind in Derbyshire and if it proves successful will be extended so the district council manages sports halls at other schools in the Bolsover district - such as those at Kirkstead Junior School in Pinxton.

David Connor, Derbyshire County Council’s acting deputy director of children’s services, said: “This is a good example of how effective partnership working is being used to improve the service we offer local people.

“The school will continue to use the sports hall during the day but this agreement will enable a better service to be provided for the many people in the South Normanton area who book to use the facilities in the evenings and at weekends.

“If this proves a success we will expand the scheme to cover other schools in the Bolsover district. This will mean members of the public can be offered alternative locations to play sports if the venue they want is booked up.”

Steve Singleton, Bolsover District Council’s head of leisure, said: “This scheme will have a major impact for the communities of South Normanton and Pinxton in terms of leisure provision.

“We have been working very closely with our partners over the past few years to increase sporting and physical recreational opportunities across the district and hopefully, if it proves successful, we will be able to roll this out to more and more community sporting facilities within the district.”

Frederick Gent School was rebuilt between 2003 and 2004 as part of an £8.5 million scheme, which included a sports hall. This part of the building was constructed using a grant from the Lottery’s New Opportunities Fund. 
      

(REF: JF.122.07)

Young people across Derbyshire are to have their say on the activities they want to see run by Derbyshire County Council and other organisations during the school summer holidays.

The council’s youth service is working in partnership with groups including district and borough councils, Derbyshire Police, youth councils and voluntary groups to carry out the consultation exercise.

Gordon Savage, head of Derbyshire County Council’s youth service, said: “The purpose of the consultation is to find out what activities young people want to do rather than adults deciding what they should be doing.

“By involving other organisations that run activities for young people we are also able to avoid duplication of events and to pool our resources.

“We want to put on a wide range of fun and adventurous activities that will inspire young people to get involved throughout the summer.”

The consultation events include:

Amber Valley

• Saturday 28 April from 11am to 5pm: 80 young people from the Amber Valley area will take part in a consultation event with fun activities at Skirmish in Sherwood Forest. Further information is available from Karen Harris on 01773 831893. 

• A multi-agency consultation event for young people has already taken place at Alfreton Football Club.

Chesterfield

• Saturday 21 April from noon to 4pm at Rykneld Square, Chesterfield. A consultation event for young people. There will be activities including body art, a climbing wall, IT, photography, cultural cooking and an opportunity to try being a DJ. Further information from Ian Stevens on 01246 457722.

Derbyshire Dales

• Monday 16 April from 7pm to 8pm at Hathersage Youth Centre 

• Monday 23 April from 12.30pm to 1.30pm at Highfields School upper site in Lumsdale Road, Matlock 

• Monday 23 April from 7pm to 8pm:  Darley Dale mobile youth bus which will stop near the Tipp Inn, off Park Avenue 

• Tuesday 24 April from 7pm to 8pm: Wirksworth Youth Centre and the social centre car park on the Hurst Farm Estate in Matlock       

• Wednesday 25 April from 7pm to 8pm: Computers 4 Youth session at Ashbourne adult community education centre and Bakewell mobile youth bus, which will stop at the agricultural centre. 

• Thursday 26 April from 7pm to 8pm: Ashbourne detached youth group at Ashbourne Leisure Centre in Station Road

Further information on all the events is available from Helen Greatorex on 01629 585653.

Erewash

• Monday 16 April from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Little Eaton cricket ground. 

• Tuesday 17 April from 3pm to 6pm at Long Eaton School. There will be a consultation event and a climbing wall session. 

• Tuesday 17 April from 7pm to 9pm at Borrowash Youth Club. 

• Wednesday 18 April from 7pm to 8.30pm near Abbotsford Community Centre, off Summerfields Way South, Ilkeston. There will be a consultation event and climbing wall session

Further information on all the events are available from Rachel Sidebottom on 01332 662049.

North East Derbyshire 

• Thursday 26 April from 7pm to 9pm at Eckington Youth Club. A district-wide consultation event with displays of work made by young people. Further information is available from Pam Robinson on 01246 861908. 
  

• A residential visit and consultation event for 33 young people from North East Derbyshire took place at the White Hall Centre in Buxton

Consultation events have already been held in the Bolsover, High Peak and South Derbyshire areas.

(REF: JF.121.07)

Farmers are being reminded by Derbyshire County Council to keep public rights of way clear when ploughing their fields ready to sow seeds for summer crops.

Leaflets containing information on what the law says about ploughing, cropping and good practice are being sent to farmers who own land with public rights of way.

Details include:

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

Richard Taylor, Derbyshire County Council’s countryside service manager, said: “This time of year is very important for farmers and we want it to run smoothly, with as little disruption as possible to the public using footpaths and bridleways.

“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 path 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 08 456 058 058 or email esprow@derbyshire.gov.uk

(REF: SM.120.07)

People with disabilities will be able to get out and about and enjoy the beauty of the canal this summer.

Derbyshire County Council’s Tapton Lock Visitor Centre is relaunching its free Shopmobility scooter service from this month until October. Anyone who is not already a member of the Chesterfield scheme can be signed up for free if they bring along two forms of identification.

The scooter – which should be booked in advance – can be used along the towpath giving easy access to the countryside and wildlife. The visitor centre is located beside the restored Chesterfield Canal which runs along the southern link of the Trans-Pennine Trail. 

The site offers a great day out for all the family and also plays host to the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s trip boat, the John Varley every Sunday.  The wheelchair accessible narrow boat takes trips along a five mile section of the canal giving a great view of the Trans-Pennine Trail from the water.

Richard Taylor, Derbyshire County Council’s countryside service manager, said: “Tapton Lock offers beautiful countryside right on Chesterfield’s doorstep.

“Its access friendly facilities and the flat, wheelchair friendly Trans Pennine Trail means anyone can come along and enjoy this peaceful haven.”

The centre’s shop and toilets are also fully accessible to wheelchairs and there is limited disabled parking available. The shop has refreshments, books, maps and souvenirs as well as free information on the local area, walks and events. 

For further information about Tapton Lock, its mobility scooter or the John Varley trip boat, ring 01246 551035.

 (REF: SM.119.07)

A play which tackles racism issues is to tour Derbyshire schools to raise awareness in primary and secondary school pupils.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet has agreed £15,000 funding for the tour of ‘Isolating Shafira’, which portrays a Muslim girl’s experiences with racism – in particular Islamophobia.

There will be 45 performances of the play throughout the county and some participating schools will also hold evening showings for the local community.

Teachers will then give pupils follow-up work on the issues raised by the drama as part of the RE, personal, social and health education (PHSE), and citizenship curriculum.

David Connor, acting deputy director of children’s services, said: “We’re happy to support this project, which will hopefully give our students some understanding of different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds.

“We want to encourage young people to become involved in their community and this play should prepare them for the rich diversity of people they may mix with.”

The request for funding for the project came from Derbyshire’s Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE).

David added: “Ignorance and lack of understanding can create an unnecessary divide between people.

“We hope this play can help build bridges between all sectors of the community and give pupils’ guidance on celebrating, rather than fearing, differences.”

The play, performed by ActorShop, coincides with the release of a new SACRE-commissioned publication ‘What do we tell the children’.

Launched at the Derbyshire Primary Headteachers’ Conference last month, the publication offers teachers ideas for handling complex and controversial subjects. 

(REF: FW.114.07)

Parents who have applied for a primary school place for their child will receive letters from Derbyshire County Council next week letting them know if they have been successful.

And for most parents it will be the news they want to hear.

Of the 7,191 applications made for primary or infant school places 97 per cent will get their first choice and 99.5 per cent will get one of their top three preferences.

And of the 2,672 applications made for junior school places 98.5 per cent of parents will get their first choice for their child and 99.5 per cent one of their top three preferences.

Decision letters will be sent out in the first class post on Friday 13 April. Schools will contact parents to tell them when their child will start at their new school.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “I am delighted that the percentage of parents getting their first choice of school has risen from last year and the vast majority will get the one they want.

“Our school admissions team has handled 9,863 applications and thanks to their hard work we have once again met the deadline for offering places on time.”

For the second time Derbyshire County Council has acted as a central clearing house to deal with admissions to all infant, junior and primary schools. Applications were made using paper forms, through Call Derbyshire and online through the Derbyshire County Council website.

Parents have no automatic right to a place at a particular school. The small number of parents who have not got a place at their preferred school have the right of appeal to an independent panel. Information of how to appeal is available online by visiting www.derbyshire.gov.uk/admissions (opens in a new window)

Alternatively parents can get information from Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058 between 8am and 8pm on weekdays or 9.30am to 4.30pm on Saturdays.

(REF: JF.115.07)

Derbyshire County Council is seeking legal advice on whether to apply for a judicial review of the Government’s decision on opencast mining near Shipley Country Park.

The authority today (Thursday 5 April) said advice from a leading QC should determine if there are grounds for an application against this decision on plans by UK Coal.

The county council refused permission in October 2004 for the mining of the 334 acre site in the green belt at Lodge House, Smalley. It felt the plan to take out one million tonnes of coal over a four and a half year period did not meet with the county council’s policies on mineral extraction.

But UK Coal appealed and last month Government gave the go ahead following a public inquiry.

Derbyshire County Council’s planning control manager Roger Caisley said: “We were surprised and unhappy with the decision to give UK Coal the go ahead to mine at this site.

“We refused the application back in 2004 as we felt it did not comply with our policies which follow Government guidance on the granting of opencast coal permissions. We are now in the process of getting legal advice to see if we can apply for a judicial review.”

(REF: SM.116.07) 

Gold card holders can pick up the latest edition of Derbyshire Gold magazine today and get a free up to date guide to public services for themselves and their families.

The magazine supports Derbyshire County Council’s Gold Card travel and discount card scheme for residents aged over 60 and disabled people.

As well as the free pull-out guide, the spring/summer edition of the 40-page colour mag contains an interview with Derbyshire-born celebrity John Hurt, tips on how to get a car through Motability and a look at Remap – where retired engineers can make a difference.

Derbyshire Gold also reveals the inspiring stories of disabled sailors at Ogston Reservoir and talks to a Long Eaton couple about the life-changing experience of becoming a grandparent.

Readers may be reassured to find out they live in the safest county in the East Midlands and can find out more about anti-social behaviour and what it really means.

There’s also a five-page gardening special, an expert guide to Derbyshire’s industrial heritage and a look at how reminiscence therapy is helping people with Alzheimer’s disease.

What’s more, as well as the usual offers and competitions there’s a chance to win a weekend break at a luxurious hotel in Norfolk, a family day out at Conkers or the Midland Railway Centre and tickets to top shows.

Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor John Williams said: “Derbyshire Gold magazine has been a huge hit with our readers since we launched it three years ago and is an excellent way of passing on useful information to our 175,000 Gold Card holders.

“Once again this edition is packed full of interesting features, articles and interviews on a range of topics covering lifestyle, leisure, health and other issues affecting older people.”

For more information about Gold Card or to view the magazine and up to date guide to public services online visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/goldcard (opens in a new window)

Copies of the magazine and guide are available from all county council libraries including mobiles, all district and borough councils, County Hall in Matlock, Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 and they are being handed out in town centres throughout the county over the next few weeks. They are also available in large print and Braille.

(Ref: SS.113.07)

Free parenting classes are on offer throughout the county thanks to a £494,000 Derbyshire County Council scheme.

Derbyshire has been chosen as one of six local authorities in the country to pilot the Incredible Years programme – an interactive style of parenting classes designed to meet individual family needs.

Sessions will use techniques devised by American child behaviour expert Carolyn Webster-Stratton and focus on helping parents who want assistance with everyday parenting skills, in addition to working with families where there are children with more challenging behaviour.

The project will initially help parents with children aged two to eight years, and then go on to support families with children aged eight to 12.

Classes for parents of two to eight-year-olds will run in a 12-week course and look at issues like play, praise and rewards, effective limit setting and handling misbehaviour.

Crèche facilities and transport will be provided to enable parents to attend the classes, which will cater for up to 14 people at each location.

Classes will be held at:

• Fairfield Children’s Centre, Victoria Park Road, Fairfield, Buxton, Thursdays, from 9am to 11.30am from April 26
• Birdholme Children’s Centre,Church Street South, Birdholme, Chesterfield, Fridays, from 9am to 11.15am from April 20
• Leyfields Family Support Centre, Staveley, Tuesdays, from 9am to 11.30am from April 24
• Alice’s View Children’s Centre, North Wingfield, Thursdays, from 9am to 11.30am from April 19
• Children First Nursery, Long Eaton, Tuesdays, from 9am to 11.30am from April 24
• Cotmanhay Children’s Centre, Ilkeston, Mondays, from 12.30 to 2.30pm from April 16
• Old Post Centre, Swadlincote, Tuesdays, from 9am to 11.30am, from April 24

• Whitworth Institute, The Lodge, Darley Dale, Wednesdays, from 12.30pm until 2.30pm, from April 25.

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Being a parent is one of the most challenging things that anyone can do but children don’t come with a manual and from time to time it is nice to have guidance and support.

“These classes will help parents deal with the everyday issues they face when bringing up children or even just offer them reassurance that they are doing the right thing.

“Parents who come to the classes will also have the chance to meet other families and share their experiences in a supportive environment and possibly make new friends.”

Volunteers from Derbyshire County Council and partner agencies including the NHS, school nurses, Barnardos and Connexions have been trained to teach the classes.

Some of these group leaders will go on to an advanced course to be trained to work with the parents of children aged eight to 12 in the autumn.

Places for the April classes will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional classes may be arranged if there is sufficient demand.

All the courses will be evaluated by the University of Warwick and reported back to the Department for Education and Skills so the Government can roll the idea out across the country. 

To book a place on the course or to find out more contact Alison James on 01629 580000 ext 5864.        

(REF:FW.110.07)

A service which helps schools and early years organisations support children with special educational needs has been awarded a prestigious Charter Mark.

The local inclusion officer service is part of Derbyshire County Council’s children’s services and makes sure youngsters with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities receive the support and resources to make the most of their potential.

A team of 11 officers, based in Buxton, Chesterfield and Ripley, work with schools, SEN co-ordinators, parents, governors, teaching assistant groups and other early years organisations to provide assistance, training, guidance and information.

The service began working towards the Charter Mark in July 2005 and had to demonstrate it catered for a wide range of needs, consulted well with users and staff and involved them in planning. The status is given as part of a Government scheme to recognise high quality customer care in public services.

An assessor considered evidence provided in the submission and spent two days interviewing team members and service users in December before awarding the status.

Among the strengths noted by the assessor were:

• excellent range of information and publications
• motivated, committed and professional staff
• effective consultation processes
• in tune with those it serves
• excellent partnerships.

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “We’re here to provide Derbyshire’s children with the best possible support and opportunities so they can learn and succeed.

“The local inclusion officer service helps schools and organisations working with children with SEN to make the most of resources and backing available so students make the most of their potential.

“I congratulate all of the staff in the service for their committed hard work and I’m delighted that they have earned this recognition for the quality of the care and support they offer.”

Hel[ping Hands: Stanley Common CE Voluntary Controlled Primary School pupil Bethany Jones (nine) celebrates with local inclusion officer Pauline Dolan.

(REF: FW.100.07)

Parents and carers of youngsters with special educational needs are being invited to free sessions which will look at help and support available to them.

The friendly and supportive sessions will look at how children with special educational needs are supported.

It will also give parents and carers the chance to meet professionals who support and work with children and find out what they do.

The six free sessions will take place in Matlock and are being organised by the Derby & Derbyshire Parent Partnership Service and supported by Derbyshire County Council.

The informal and friendly sessions will cover areas including statutory assessment, individual education plans, school/early years action and school/early years action plus, statements, notes in lieu and annual reviews.

As well as gaining an insight into what support is available, parents and carers will also get the opportunity to meet each other and share information and experiences.

People can attend any or all of the six sessions which start on Wednesday 6 June between 10am and noon.

Places are limited and anyone who is interested in attending one or all of them is being urged to book their place as soon as possible.

Derby & Derbyshire Parent Partnership offers free and confidential advice, guidance and support to parents and carers of all children with special educational needs whether or not the child has a statement.

Derby & Derbyshire Parent Partnership co-ordinator Ollie Pardo said: “These sessions are a great opportunity for parents and carers to learn more about the special needs education system and gain valuable advice and support.

"The sessions encourage parents and carers to take a full role in their child’s education so their child can receive the best possible education suited to their individual needs.”

Places are limited and anyone who is interested in attending one or all of them should contact Jane Dixon at Derby & Derbyshire Parent Partnership on 01457 859049 to enrol by 1 May 2007 at the latest.

(Ref:MC.105.07)

Fancy learning how to converse with the locals before your summer holiday abroad?

Then why not take up one of Derbyshire County Council’s new language courses starting later this month.

The authority is offering a wide variety of new courses at its centres, including Family French, Holiday Spanish and Holiday Italian.

Many start in the week beginning Monday, April 16, giving you just enough time to squeeze in a class before the summer holidays.

If you’re staying closer to home, there are also hundreds of other lifestyle classes to choose from including garden design, cookery, DIY skills and dancing as well as many skills classes such as reading, writing, maths, computers and childcare.

All of the courses offered by the county council’s adult community education service are listed online at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/adulteducation (opens in a new window)

Or use the county council’s call centre Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 to request one of our new brochures to be delivered to your home. They are also available from local libraries.

If you sign up online for any one of the hundreds of courses on offer you could be in with a chance of winning a free place on a course of your choice.

Derbyshire County Council’s assistant director for engagement and skills, Donald Rae, urged people looking for a new challenge or something interesting to do after Easter to check out what’s on offer.

He said: “We’ve got a lot of new courses about to start and I hope people will take a look at what’s available.

“Lots of our family language courses are free and offer people a brilliant opportunity to learn with their children.

Derbyshire people might be surprised by the huge range of courses we offer and I’d like to think there’s something for everyone. And if you enrol online you will automatically be entered in to a prize draw to win a free course.”

With more than 250 venues across the county offering a wide range of courses there are classes near to where most people live.

Quality childcare is available at many centres and people who receive income-related benefits can sign up free for courses.

(AJ.112.07)

Works by a group of textile artists make up the latest exhibition about to open at Derbyshire County Council’s Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.

Appliqué, felt-making, quilting and batik are among the talents used by the Ten Plus Textiles group who came together in 1991 to share their knowledge and skills.

Based in the North West, their new exhibition opens at the Terrace Road museum and art gallery on Saturday, April 28.

And there’s a chance for visitors to talk to the artists at two special events taking place at the museum in the coming weeks. You can meet members of the group – there are now 14 of them - from 2pm-4pm on Sunday, May 20, or on Sunday, June 10.

Ten Plus work together to promote a greater appreciation of the diversity of texture and form in art. Their interests range from experimental mixed media and appliqué to felt-making, quilting, batik, machine embroidery, beadwork and hand-stitching. They also share their knowledge and skills to enhance their own artistic development.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services Councillor Bob Janes said the exhibition was a striking one and worth a look.

”The skills and materials used are fascinating and show a great range of expertise,” he said.

“I hope people will come to the museum and art gallery to see this colourful exhibition for themselves.”

Visitors to Buxton Museum and Art Gallery can see the exhibition from Saturday, April 28 until Sunday, June 24. Admission is free. Opening times are: Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am - 5.30pm; Saturday, 9.30am - 5pm; Sundays and Bank Holidays from Easter to September 30, 10.30am - 5pm.

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

(AJ.111.07)

School pupils across the county are being encouraged to wise up to bullies in a new campaign run by Derbyshire County Council.

More than 65,000 pupils aged 11 to 18 have received an anti-bullying ‘red card’ with their latest b_line magazine containing tips on handling bullying and what to do if they see someone else being picked on.

The magazine, which supports the council’s popular b_line youth discount and half-fare travel card scheme, also contains a four-page feature called ‘show bullying the red card’ looking at different forms of bullying, ways of helping to stamp it out, what kind of people bully and where to get help.

Derbyshire County Council’s leader Councillor John Williams said: “Bullying is wrong but there’s no point in pretending it doesn’t happen. Bullies thrive when other people act as if they haven’t seen what’s happening.

“People can be bullied at home, at school or even at work and at Derbyshire County Council we are doing everything we can to stamp out any kind of bullying.

“We are working hard to help people, whatever their age, recognise the signs of bullying and stand up to the culprits.” Top tips offered to pupils who see bullying happening are:

• Don’t rush in to help – you may get hurt
• Don’t ignore it
• Refuse to join in
• Tell an adult what’s happening
• Stick around and support the victim
• Call Childline on 0800 1111

The authority has also produced a new guide for parents with children at the county’s 358 primary schools which aims to help them recognise the signs of bullying and seek help to tackle it.

And more than 250 primary schools and 38 secondary have signed up to the council’s Anti-Bullying Commitment – or ABC Scheme – to help prevent and deal with bullying.

For more information about the council’s anti-bullying scheme contact us on Call Derbyshire 08 456 058 058.

Copies of the b_line magazine are now available through Derbyshire schools, colleges, youth centres, libraries and from b_line discounters or Call Derbyshire. As well as the bullying feature, it contains exclusive celebrity interviews, news, competitions, discounts and much more.

All 11 to 18-year-olds who live in Derbyshire are automatically issued with b_line cards through their school, as long as it is run by Derbyshire County Council or Derby City Council, or through their college. For more information about b_line, or if you are a business who would like to sign up, visit the b_line website www.derbyshire.gov.uk/b_line (opens in a new window) or contact Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058.

(Ref: SS.108.07)

Artworks created by women feature in the latest exhibition about to be launched at Derbyshire County Council’s Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.

The museum has drawn on its own extensive collections for the She Made It exhibition which opens on Saturday, April 21.

Featuring artworks, ceramics, textiles and furniture created by women – including items by the Furness sisters of Tideswell - it examines the reasons behind the change in status of women artists over the centuries.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “Men aren’t the only people who paint pictures and produce works of art, although you might think it if you look at many museum collections. Most have less than 10 per cent of artworks by women. 

 “This exhibition looks at the work of women artists we hold in our collections, showing their talent and creativity over many years, and considers their rising independence.”

Assistant museums manager Martha Jasko said that pre-20th century collections often held work by girls, such as samplers and embroideries, but later, women’s work seemed to vanish.

The exhibition also features women’s crafts from the end of the 19th century – illustrating the more active role women took in the craft world from then on. The number of works on show from the late 20th century reflects how times have changed, with it becoming easier for women to be independent, have their own opinions and express themselves.

Visitors to the Terrace Road museum and art gallery can see the exhibition until Wednesday, June 6. Admission is free. Opening times are: Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am - 5.30pm. Saturday, 9.30am - 5pm. Sundays and Bank Holidays from Easter to September 30, 10.30am - 5pm.

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

(AJ.107.07)