January

A £4.2 million replacement primary school incorporating the latest green technology is to be built by Derbyshire County Council in Belper.

The authority’s cabinet has given the go-ahead to replace Herbert Strutt Primary School on part of the former Parks secondary school site, off Bargate Road.

The rest of the site has been sold to developer Haslam Homes for housing, with the proceeds being used towards the cost of the new school.

The school will include:

• Four junior, two infant and a reception classroom 

• A hall, amphitheatre, library, ICT resource area and kitchen 

• Infant and junior play areas, soft play areas and playing fields 

• Administration area, toilets and car parking

The school will also feature energy saving devices which will reduce running costs as well as help improve the environment, which will include an energy management control system to allow energy useage in the building to be efficiently controlled.

Photovoltaic panels will be put on the south-west facing roof of the school, which will convert daylight into electricity for the school. A planning application will be submitted shortly to build a 25-metre high wind turbine on the site which would also generate electricity.

It is hoped the panels and the wind turbine will produce enough electricity to power the school’s heating system, with any excess being sold to the National Grid.

A geothermal heat pump will generate energy by using heat from bore holes 30 to 40 metres below ground. The heat generated will be integrated into the school’s under floor heating system.

A holding tank will also collect rainwater so it can be used to flush toilets instead of using treated water. It is estimated this will save the school £1104 a year.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “At the moment pupils are in a building that is not suited to modern school needs. The replacement school will provide them with the facilities they need.

“This school will also be one of the most energy efficient buildings we have constructed. It will use renewable technologies to meet the needs of a 21st century school.

"The renewable energy sources will also be an invaluable teaching aid. We will be installing a display panel in the main entrance so pupils can monitor information about the amount of electricity and energy being produced.”

The existing school on Derby Road is old and needs around £1.5 million of work to maintain the school’s condition. The school also has surplus spaces, meaning sections of the building are not used.

Before work can start on the new school Haslam Homes needs to complete work to build an access road. It is hoped this can be completed so construction can start in March, with a view to being completed by February 2008.

Ownership of the existing Herbert Strutt Primary School building in Derby Road will pass back to Amber Valley Borough Council when the new school opens.

(REF: JF.29.07)

Getting out and about in the Derbyshire countryside couldn’t be easier once you’ve got a copy of this year’s countryside events brochure.

Derbyshire County Council’s free colour booklet features a host of activities being run by the authority. The month-by-month list has everything from wildlife watching to guided walks and map reading to festivals and concerts. 

The brochure also has location maps and information about countryside centres, details of nature clubs, cycle hire, walking for health, volunteering and public transport. 

Activities cater for all age groups, with many events aimed at children and are intended to get people out and about in the Derbyshire countryside. 

Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor John Williams said: "We hope this booklet will give people from all over the county and visitors lots of ideas to get out and about in our beautiful countryside over the coming year. 

"We’re keen to promote our countryside service and the facilities and activities we have on offer and we hope there’s something for everyone in here." 

For event details and to order a copy of the free booklet please visit the countryside events (opens in a new window) pages. (opens in a new window) You can also pick up a copy from libraries, tourist information centres, heritage centres, the council’s visitor and countryside centres and schools.

Copies are also available and events can be booked by ringing Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058. 

(REF: SM.28.07)

Plans are well underway for the sixth Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair at Bolsover Castle which promises to be bigger and better than ever.

The two-day fair will be held on 19-20 May and celebrity chef Ed Baines will be one of the main attractions.

Thousands of people went to the fair last year and this year should prove just as popular, with two large marquees set up in the castle grounds housing around 100 food and drink stalls.

Goods at the fair, which will be open from 10am – 5pm Saturday and 10am-4pm Sunday, will include a wide selection of chocolates, meats, cheeses, smoked goods, pies, pickles, cakes, beer and wine.

Entry to the fair will be £2.50 per adult and £1.50 for children and concessions.

The price includes admission to the castle and grounds and as well as the numerous stalls there will be live music, entertainers, face-painting and a brass band. There will also be a large craft fair, crafts@thecastle.

During both days Ed Bains, who has appeared on numerous TV food and cookery programmes, will be showing off his culinary skills in the cookery theatre and there will be a chance for visitors to chat to him, pick up tips and get books signed too.

As well as Ed there will also be a host of chefs from Derbyshire eateries demonstrating their signature dishes and giving people culinary advice and ideas.

The fair will also act as the launch-pad for the third Derbyshire Food Festival.

Culinary events take place at various locations across the county during the festival, which runs from 19–28 May and events will be posted on the Derbyshire Food Festival website (opens in a new window).

Festival venues will include restaurants, pubs, hotels, cheese shops, butchers and delicatessens and they will all be holding events to promote Derbyshire’s food and drink industry including tours, festival menus and free tasting sessions.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “It may seem a long way off but planning for these successful events takes months and we are hoping that the local food and drink industry will be as enthusiastic about the fair and festival as they were last year.

“Every year the fair attracts thousands of visitors, putting the county’s top quality food and drink on the map. I am sure this year will be no exception.”

Food and drink producers wishing to exhibit at the fair or establishments wanting to hold an event during the food festival should contact Stephanie Walsh at Derbyshire County Council on 01629 585964.

(Ref: MC.26.07)

Youngsters at a Derbyshire County Council youth club are to have the opportunity to learn about keeping themselves and their property safe.

Fairfield Youth Centre is holding a surgery at the youth centre in Victoria Park Road, Buxton. The young people will be able to benefit from the free security marking of bicycles, mobile phones and other portable items.

Police and fire service officers will be at the event and youngsters will have the chance to meet and talk to them about safety issues.

The surgery will take place on Saturday 10 February, from 10.30am - 12.30pm, and include information about local youth services and future activities.

Ref:(AB.25.07)

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

The friendly and informal sessions will look at how children with special educational needs are supported by Derbyshire County Council and schools working together and give parents and carers the chance to meet professionals involved in their child’s care to find out what they do.

The six free sessions will take place in the Alfreton area and are being organised by the Derbyshire Parent Partnership and supported by the county council.

The sessions will also cover areas including statutory assessment, individual education plans, School Action and School 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 Monday 19 February between 10am and noon. A venue has yet to be arranged but it will be in the Alfreton area and those booking a place will be contacted when the venue has been confirmed.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services Councillor Anne Western 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.

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

Session places are limited and anyone who is interested in attending one or all of them should contact the Derbyshire Parent Partnership by Wednesday 7 February to enrol.

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.

To enrol on the course people should contact Angela Leedham at Derbyshire Parent Partnership on 01246 273154/273155.

(Ref: MC.21.07)

An IT specialist has praised the support he has received to help him set up in business with his brother-in-law.

David Elsdon, 36, worked with his brother-in-law Ricky Metterick at an IT firm but when that closed just over a year ago the pair decided to go it alone.

They set up Lynk IT Solutions, based at the Network Centre, Barlborough Links, near Chesterfield in March 2006 and haven’t looked back.

The company, which specialises in a number of IT areas aimed at business start-ups or companies seeking to exploit new technologies, including web and e-mail marketing, software and hardware, network cabling and even the CCTV market, is hoping to expand in the future as the business really takes off.

At the moment it is a family affair, with David’s wife Rachel, who is Ricky’s sister, doing the books, and his dad, also called David, running the sales operation.

The pair have taken advantage of free advice and support from Business Link Derbyshire advisors, who deliver the service with the help of funding from Derbyshire County Council, and Rachel is about to embark on a free book-keeping course run by the Derbyshire Enterprise Agency and also funded with the help of the county council.

They have received support from Business Link advisor Ron Shrimpton who has helped them to draw up a business plan and helped with their business management skills. He has also guided them through the process of setting targets and cash flow projections.

David, who lives in Killamarsh, said: “I have always worked for other people in the past and, due to circumstances, felt this would be the right time to set up my own business.

“Whilst technically competent, both Ricky and myself lack essential business skills and needed some guidance as to how to set up and manage the business and to help us through the headache of all the accompanying administration.”

He added: “We contacted Business Link and they have given us advice and support. We always know where to turn for advice and I would recommend anyone starting up in business to get in touch.”

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “I am very pleased that this new company has benefited from the courses we fund and the support from Business Link.
 
“We know it can be difficult to get started and hope that what is in place encourages people to realise their dreams and set up on their own.

“It is businesses like this that help to boost the local economy and I wish them every success.”

For more information about start-up business advice and training courses contact Derbyshire Chamber and Business Link on 0845 601 1038.

(Ref: MC.19.07)

Painter Geoff Archer explores the world’s changing landscapes in his latest exhibition at Derbyshire County Council’s Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.

His work – entitled Rocks, Roaches, Canyons and Coves – includes images ranging from the spectacular Canyonlands of Utah and Arizona to the rugged scenery of the Derbyshire landscape.

Geoff bases his work on photographs, selecting a view or close-up to emphasise the intricacies of form, pattern, texture and colour.

The exhibition opens at the museum on Saturday 10 February and continues until 15 April.

Geoff will be available to talk to visitors at the museum on Saturday 24 February and Saturday 24 March between 2pm and 4pm.

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery is free to enter as part of the county council’s commitment to give everyone access to cultural activities.

As well as Geoff’s exhibition, visitors can see a selection of prints by Jeff Perks called Words Out of War which will be on show until 10 March.

Another new exhibition called Time Served, which includes photographs and objects from the Derbyshire Police Collection, will feature at the museum from 10 March.

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

(Ref: CC.23.07)

Anti-social behaviour can be a big concern for many residents – that’s why Derbyshire County Council is making it even easier for them to report it.

Residents can now find out all there is to know about dealing with anti-social behaviour and how to report it by logging onto www.saferderbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window).

From noisy neighbours to graffiti or abandoned cars to dog fouling the website has details of exactly who to contact about all kinds of behaviour and what can be done to solve it.

An interactive screen makes it even easier by letting the resident select the exact type of behaviour they want to report and which district they live in giving them instant access to the correct agency and phone number to contact.

People can also find out more about:

• What anti-social behaviour is

• What you can do if you are experiencing it

• What type of action agencies may take to tackle it

• What is being done in Derbyshire to reduce anti-social behaviour

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

“We want to reassure residents that we are working with the district and borough councils, the police and fire service to help with all kinds of concerns.

“Our aim is to ease people’s worries by making it as easy as possible for them to get help.”

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

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

Home Office figures released in July show crime across Derbyshire has fallen for the third year running with an overall four per cent drop meaning 22,000 fewer victims.

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

For more information visit www.saferderbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window)

(Ref: SS.22.06)

A library is to get a £10,000 make-over as part of a new national project dreamt up by Derbyshire teenagers.

Buxton Library will become one of the country’s first Book Bars after Derbyshire County Council was awarded the cash from the Reading Agency.

A café-style environment will be created to try to encourage more young people to visit the library in Kents Bank Road.

And the idea to serve coffee and snacks to younger visitors as they browse for a book or surf the net was thought up by members of Book Pushers.

The group – set up by the county council in 2002 to encourage readers in their teens to promote books to their peers – was approached for ideas by the Reading Agency which had heard about the unique project.

Top of the teenagers’ wish list was a place to chill out where they can meet their friends, read books and magazines or listen to CDs, which can be borrowed from the library.

And they also came up with the idea of “book waiters” – young people who serve up a recommended read as well as drinks and snacks.

Following extensive consultation with young people across the country, the Reading Agency made a bid to the Big Lottery Fund and was awarded £575,000 to create 20 Book Bars in four regions of the country.

The county council has been awarded cash in the first round of applications and will turn an area of the library into a Book Bar, with new resources, contemporary seating and artwork to appeal to younger people.

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said the Book Pushers were a credit to Derbyshire and the county council.

He said: “We are delighted to be at the forefront of such an exciting and innovative project thanks to the work of the Derbyshire Book Pushers.

“Not only did they come up with the idea but they have spoken at national conferences and are represented on the Reading Agency’s national steering group for the Book Bars project.

“We hope the new Book Bar will encourage more young people to use the library and dispel the myths of libraries being full of dusty old books.

“Our libraries offer so much more these days with free use of computers with access to the internet, CDs and DVDs to hire and computer games for loan.”

Frances Hall, 14, who joined the Buxton Book Pushers two years ago, said: “I think the Book Bar will make the library more interesting and attractive to young people.

“Young people see libraries as boring places which are painted magnolia with the stereotype image of librarians and we wanted to change that environment so young people would feel welcome.”

Fellow Book Pusher Ben Towers, also 14, said a lot of his friends thought the idea of a Book Bar was great and would encourage them to visit the library more.

“If we make the library more user-friendly for young people I think they will realise that there’s more to the library than just books,” he said.

Fourteen-year-old Nick Short added: “I was pleased that they chose us to be part of this project. It was a real honour.”

Local young people, including members of the Book Pushers, will help to draw up the designs for Buxton Library which will be shared with other young people in schools and youth groups.

It is hoped the Book Bar will open later this year and Derbyshire County Council would like to hear from young people who would be interested in getting involved in the design, development and running of the Book Bar at Buxton Library.

For more information contact Will Newman on 01629 585183 or email will.newman@derbyshire.gov.uk

(Ref: CC.20.07)

A new guide to the latest archives acquired by Derbyshire County Council Record Office is now available to the public.

Published by the county council, the 18-page booklet lists more than 400 new series of archives given to the record office during 2006.

They include a huge variety of documents spanning five centuries, ranging from the papers of the late MEP Phillip Whitehead to the musings of lifestyle guru Titus Wheatcroft dating from the 1700s.

Highlights of the new accessions include:

• Archives of a rent revolt in the 1970s when local councillors in North-East Derbyshire became known as the Clay Cross Rebels after refusing to implement an increase in council house rents introduced by the Tory Government.

• Notebooks kept by Mugginton schoolmaster John Hind from 1830-1869, revealing rural life in Derbyshire in the early Victorian period.

• Memoranda books written by Barlborough coalminer JF Russ in the early 20th century.

• The research papers of distinguished writer and Peak District historian Dr Mike Langham.

• Papers and manuscripts of journalist, environmentalist and writer on country life Crichton Porteous, 1901-1991, of Darley Dale.

• The 18th century musings of Ashover Parish Clerk Titus Wheatcroft who gives out advice in his 700-page volume.

• The papers of Nellie Hodgkins of Barlborough, a stewardess on Cunard Line ships including the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II from the 1920s to 1960s. As well as being interesting in themselves, the papers are especially valuable as they document a woman’s career in the merchant marine.

Business and society records acquired by the record office include:

• Photographs from Derby Locomotive Works.

• Accounts 1779-1826 of John Smith and Sons, hatters of Bakewell.

• Matlock Embroiderers’ Guild.

• New Mills Natural History Society.

• Swanwick Writers’ Summer School.

• Derbyshire Women’s Hockey Association.

• Ashover Working Men’s Institution. 

All of these original documents can be viewed at the Derbyshire Record Office’s search room in New Street, Matlock. 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “It’s been an amazing year for the record office with a bumper crop of historical documents handed over to us.

“We’ve had some remarkable documents given to us last year which provide a fascinating insight into Derbyshire and Derby life in a bygone age.

“We’ve also had some acquisitions detailing more recent history which can be just as interesting to historians and researchers.”

He added: “The Derbyshire Record Office has a growing reputation as an excellent repository for historical documents detailing Derbyshire life over the centuries and we are really pleased so many people are choosing to give their documents to us.

“This is helping the record office become an extensive and greatly valued public archive.”

The new guide is called Archives 2006 and details more than 400 series of additions made up thousands of documents and pictures added to the collection in the last year. It can be viewed online on the Record Office (opens in a new window) section of our website or in hard-copy format for 50p plus postage from the Derbyshire Record Office, County Hall, Matlock DE4 3AG or by emailing record.office@derbyshire.gov.uk

Young people are being given the chance to have their say on Derbyshire County Council’s youth service.

The Derbyshire Dales District Youth Team is holding a consultation week, which started on Monday (January 15), for the youngsters to tell youth workers their thoughts on what the service has to offer.

The Consultation Roadshow, which ends next Tuesday (January 23), will involve the county’s Youth Forum in the delivery of the consultation process. The procedure is planned to be fun and interactive, with the participating young people receiving a goody bag.

Youngsters in the area, who don’t regularly use the authority’s youth services, will also have their chance to take part in the roadshow. The mobile information unit will be out and about to collect young people’s views on the following dates: 

• Wednesday 17 January - Hall Park, Bakewell from 6:30pm

• Thursday 18 January - Ashbourne Leisure Centre, Clifton Road, Ashbourne from 7pm

• Saturday 20 January - Hall Leys Park, Causeway Lane, Matlock from noon

• Tuesday 23 January - Wheatsheaf Inn, St John’s Street, Wirksworth from 7pm

Other consultation events include:

• Monday 22 January - Duke of Edinburgh Cornerstones Café, Church Street, Ashbourne from 7pm

• Wednesday 24 January - Computers 4 Youth - Ashbourne Adult Education Centre, Cokayne Avenue, Ashbourne from 4.30pm

Young people can contact the youth service directly on youth.service@derbyshire.gov.uk and further information is available on the Youth Service (opens in a new window) section of our website.

(Ref:AB.17.07)

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

The five jargon-free workshops start with a core one-day event on Monday 22 January and the programme runs through to Friday 9 February, with all the courses being held at the Rutland Arms Hotel, The Square, Bakewell.

The programme is available free to creative industries in the Derbyshire Dales area and specialist mentoring and grant assistance of up to 50 per cent on areas including marketing will also be available.

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

Its full-day and four half-day workshops, delivered by arts and creative industry specialists have already proved popular in other areas of the county and demand for the course is expected to be high.

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

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

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

The workshops are:

• Focusing Creativity - The core one-day workshop of the programme looks at what drives you as a creative enterprise, your passion and mission, resulting in a realistic development plan and strategy. Date: Monday 22 January. 9am - 4.30pm

• Creative Essentials - You have the strategy – now how do you market your enterprise? Creative essentials gives you the knowledge and tools to develop a plan to get your message out there. Date: Monday 29 January. 12pm - 4.30pm

• Creative Vision - You know where you want to be but how do you get there? Creative Vision gives you the skills, tips and practical know-how to research the best route forward to plan for your creative enterprise. Date: Friday 2 February. 12pm - 4.30pm

• Creative Confidence - This workshop builds on your ability to communicate the benefits of your creativity to customers and your audience. Date: Monday 5 February. 12pm - 4.30pm

• Creative Capital - Financial management can be a headache but it’s one you cannot ignore. This half-day workshop will give you the skills to manage your finances and control cash flow, rather than cash flow controlling you. Date: Friday 9 February. 12pm - 4.30pm

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

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

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

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

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

To apply for a place or for further details contact Paula Marples at Derbyshire Chamber and Business Link by telephone on 01246 207207 or via email at paula.marples@derbyshire.org

(Ref. MC.16.07)

A multi-sensory room has been opened at Shirebrook School to assist pupils.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, performed the opening ceremony at the school in Common Road.

The £6,408 room forms part of the school’s learning support unit. Multi-sensory rooms are used to aid the social, emotional and personal development of young people with issues that affect their lives, such as bereavement, and to help develop the learning skills of students with special educational needs.

The room, which has been called the Haven, includes soft seating, light therapy units and a bubble tank.

Councillor Charles said: “The learning support unit at Shirebrook School has a really good reputation for working with students with special educational needs.

“The sensory room will enable them to build on this success and provide a quiet area where their senses are stimulated through a controlled programme of activities.”

The school’s learning support unit is managed by Sue Hill, the school’s special educational needs co-ordinator. She won the East Midlands final of the Teacher of the Year competition in 2005 for her ground-breaking work with pupils with special educational needs.

Bubbling with excitement…Shirebrook School pupil Natalie Jade Williams, 13, shows Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, a bubble tube inside the multi-sensory room.

A conservation project which supports people with mental ill-health is behind a new scheme giving people the chance to plant commemorative trees and cultivate a new woodland.

The Green Health Partnership, based at Derbyshire County Council-run Shipley Country Park, is an award-winning project which involves people recovering their mental health in a range of environmental conservation activities including hedge-laying, footpath maintenance and reforestation programmes.

It is managed by national mental health charity Rethink and involves input from the county council’s social care and countryside services.

Rethink has come up with the new project, which will be officially launched later this month, that will develop the Horsepool Hill Community Woodland on Shipley Country Park, near Heanor.

Under the new scheme people will be able to celebrate a special occasion or commemorate a loved one by planting a native tree in the new woodland, which will eventually become a natural extension of the long established beech wood in Shipley Country Park.

The cost of planting a commemorative tree will be £50 which will include the aftercare of the tree by Green Health service users and workers, a certificate, a location map, a newsletter and entry in the Book of Dedications.

People will also be able to choose to have native wild flowers planted around their tree, a country park bench installed with a dedication of choice or a bird, bat or bug box installed to promote local wildlife.

People visiting the project to plant a tree from the Easter holidays onwards will also be able to visit a new tea room which will be run by the Green Health Partnership at Derby Lodge, a small gate house in the country park near the Mapperley car park and the new Horsepool Hilll woodland.

The partnership is now working on refurbishing the tea room, which will create more opportunities for people recovering their mental ill health, and also provide a welcome stop for people before or after they have planted their trees.

The tree planting project will be officially launched on Tuesday 30 January at 2pm by Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults Councillor Dave Allen and county council cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas.

Councillor Dave Allen said: “The county council has been supportive of the Green Health Partnership and its work with people with mental ill health since it set up. The benefits to people who have taken part in training and work experience are obvious and it is a very positive project.

“We are delighted that the partnership is adding another string to its bow and the new scheme will not only provide an excellent opportunity for the public to get involved but also create new avenues for the service users and develop new woodland.

“The added benefit will be the refurbishment of the tea rooms and I’m sure the whole project will be a great success.”

To find out more about planting a commemorative tree contact Den Phillips at Rethink/The Green Health Partnership on 0115 930 7430.

(Ref:MC.12.07)

A successful bid for £14.5 million of Government cash for a multi-million pound regeneration project has been welcomed by Derbyshire County Council.

The multi-million pound cash injection from the Department for Transport was announced today (Wednesday 10 January) by Local Transport Minister Gillian Merron and has been hailed as a major step forward for the Markham Vale development.

Confirmation of the money will mean that construction work on the vital new junction onto the M1 motorway, 29A, and a new principal road linking this to Staveley can both begin in earnest.

Last year the county council gained the land it needed via compulsory purchase orders to start preparing the ground for the £62 million regeneration project at Markham Vale.

The first construction areas will include all of the land around Markham Colliery, land to the west of the M1 in the Duckmanton area, along Erin Road and the first phase of the northern loop road around Staveley.

Markham Vale will cover 360 hectares, involving the reclamation of 200 hectares of derelict land, and will include the preparation and servicing of more than 80 hectares for development. It is expected the site will attract 5,000 jobs and around £130 million of private sector investment. 

Derbyshire County Council’s leader Councillor John Williams said: “This is a major step forward for the Markham Vale development and the money from the Department for Transport gives us the confidence to press ahead with construction.

The development will rejuvenate the former coalfield sites and bring more than 5,000 jobs to the area, giving a real boost to the local economy.

“This final major approval will allow us to really move forward on the development in the next few months.”

(Ref:MC.14.07)

Advisers have been appointed by Derbyshire County Council to help parents through the process of applying for a school place for their child.    

Derbyshire County Council has received £86,000 over two years to employ choice advisers who will work to support:

• Parents of children preparing to move from primary or junior schools to secondary schools

• Parents in disadvantaged areas looking to apply for an infant or primary school place for their child

The choice advisers will work for, and be managed by, the Parent Partnership, an impartial service funded by Derbyshire County Council that offers advice to parents and carers.

Staff will advise parents and carers about schools that their child could go to but will not make a decision for them.

This will involve acting in an unbiased way to help parents interpret data and information about schools, such as Ofsted reports, exam result performance tables and attendance figures. They will encourage families to visit schools to see what they are like for themselves.

They will particularly focus on supporting parents:

• Who have problems with their own reading and writing 

• Of children in care 

• Who have recently moved to Britain 

• Who have frequently moved house 

• Who live in areas of deprivation

Councillor Anne Western, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We are always looking at new ways of supporting parents.

“Making decisions about which school to send a child to can be a difficult and stressful time. By providing impartial advice through the choice advisers we hope to make the whole process easier for parents.

“The choice advisers will also be pro-active in approaching the parents of children who we know have not applied for school places.”

Parents living in the Amber Valley, Erewash, South Derbyshire districts and areas of the Derbyshire Dales south of Wirksworth can contact the choice advisers for southern Derbyshire on 01332 716118.

Parents living in the High Peak, Bolsover, North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield and areas of the Derbyshire Dales north of Wirksworth can contact the choice advisers for northern Derbyshire on 01246 273154.

A Derbyshire library is to re-open following a £170,000 refurbishment to improve access and security.

Better access and facilities for disabled people, the installation of a lift and new security fencing are among the improvements made to Eckington Library by Derbyshire County Council.

The Market Street library will re-open its doors on Monday, January 15, following a four-month closure during which the work was carried out.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to carry out the improvements which will make a big difference to users.

“The circulation areas have been widened and automatic doors added to help make it easier for disabled people to use the library and better fencing at the back is designed to improve security.

“I would like to thank everybody for their patience during the temporary closure and would urge people to come in and have a look round to see what’s on offer.”

As part of the work, shelving has been moved to allow extra space for customers, including those using wheelchairs, to move around more easily and to access books.

Automatic entrance doors were installed and the building was also re-wired. Outside, security has been enhanced by the installation of fencing at the back. 

(AJ.11.07) 
 

A Derbyshire library has a bright new look and new book stock following a £68,000 refurbishment.

Better access for disabled people, new shelving, paintwork and reception desk are among the improvements made to Chapel-en-le-Frith library as part of the revamp by Derbyshire County Council.

The town’s register office also has a new home within the library, complete with a waiting area well stocked with books and magazines.

While improvements were carried out the library, located in the Town Hall on Market Street, was closed for three months but re-opened its doors on Monday, January 8 as planned.

Users have already noticed the changes, admiring the new lighter and airier feeling to the library. There are also two new sections of book stock – films and travel.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “I’m delighted we have been able to make the improvements which have made the library a much brighter place to work in and browse around.

“The new automatic entrance doors make it easier for people with disabilities to get in and out and our new sections on travel and films are an excellent addition to the library. I hope people will come and see what’s on offer.”

Councillor Janes will officially re-open the library on Friday, February 2 at 10.30am.

As part of the refurbishment, the county council has put in new lighting, new flooring and new shelving and replaced the reception desk.

The area formerly used by the registrar has been incorporated into the library and a new register office created.  Computers, which give library users free access to the internet, are now located in one area and staff have a new office and kitchen.

 (AJ.10.07)

 A host of events and free courses are planned to promote Derbyshire food and drink in 2007 promising a bumper year for the industry.

The free course, aimed at helping new and fledgling food and drink businesses is to start next month, run by the Food and Drink Forum, and Derbyshire County Council is encouraging people to take the opportunity of enrolling.

The county council is a keen supporter of the food and drink industry as it not only supports local businesses and jobs but also attracts tourists to the area.

This year will be no exception when the county council runs three events - the Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair at Bolsover Castle on 19-20 May, the Derbyshire Food Festival Week from 19-29 May and the Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards this autumn.

The council is also supporting the work of the Food & Drink Forum, a not-for-profit organisation which stimulates the growth and development of the food and drink industry across the East Midlands.

The forum’s free course, funded by the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership (DDEP) is aimed at people who are planning to launch or are looking to expand their own food and drink businesses, starting in February and running until mid-April.

The free Start Your Own Business forum sessions will include market research, financial planning, law compliance, identifying customers and budgeting.

Food and drink businesses based in the DDEP sub region – Derby, South Derbyshire, Erewash, Amber Valley, Derbyshire Dales and High Peak areas – are eligible to take part in the project.

It is hoped the programme will help around 100 existing and start-up firms over the coming months.

The courses will be held at the University of Derby in Kedleston Road, Derby, every Thursday from 6pm to 9pm, starting with an induction section on 1 February and ending on 12 April.

Another avenue for food and drink professionals wishing to start up a new business in a rural area of Derbyshire is a grant scheme run by the county council which could help them to realise their dreams.

Grants of up to £60,000 are available from the county council to convert rundown buildings in rural parts of Amber Valley, Erewash, South Derbyshire, the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales and the council particularly wants to hear from people who already have approved planning permission.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “The council is very proud to be staging the annual Food and Drink Fair and awards again, as well as running the county’s Food Festival Week and supporting the course, run by the Food and Drink Forum.

“On top of this the redundant buildings grants scheme is also an opportunity for new food and drink businesses to get started and not only set up their enterprises but turn buildings which may have fallen into disrepair into viable concerns.”

Councillor Carlile added: “There is a wealth of talent and variety in Derbyshire which boosts local jobs and our tourism industry and I hope that throughout the year people will support new ventures and established businesses as well as coming along to the food and drink events being held throughout the year and get a real taste of what is available.”

Food and drink businesses wanting to know more about the Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair or Derbyshire Food Festival Week should contact Stephanie Walsh at Derbyshire County Council on 01629 585964. 

For more information about redundant building grants contact county council senior economic development officer Sue Douglas on 01629 580000 ext 7244.

To find out more about the Food and Drink Forum or to become a member visit its website at www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk (opens in a new window). To find out more information about the free courses ring Cheryl Jordan on 0115 875 8884.

(Ref: MC.09.07)

Detailed drawings of churches in Derbyshire which give a rare glimpse of 18th century England’s pre-industrial landscapes have been given to Derbyshire County Council’s Record Office.

The four watercolours are the works of Swiss émigré artist Samuel Hieronymus Grimm who travelled up and down the country recording “everything curious” – including local churches - for a well-known vicar.

The works were painted in 1785 and show parish churches in North-East Derbyshire - South Wingfield, Dronfield, Ault Hucknall and Beighton (now in South Yorkshire) - and greatly enhance the authority’s church archives. They are particularly important as they show the buildings before any alterations were made in the 19th century.

The new additions complement an excellent series of watercolours of local churches already held by the record office which were commissioned by Archdeacon Butler in 1823-1824.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services Councillor Bob Janes said: “Churches were among the most important buildings in local communities and these drawings provide a fascinating peek into the past.

“They show the churches before any alterations were made and give us a rare opportunity to recover the lost pre-industrial landscapes of late 18th century England.

“They are an exciting addition to our already wide-ranging parish and diocesan archive and I’m sure they will be a useful resource for researchers and historians.”

Samuel Grimm, who lived from 1733 to 1794, came to England in 1768, working as a commissioned artist for several patrons.

For more than 20 years he benefited from the support and friendship of Sir Richard Kaye, an antiquarian and vicar of a church near Mansfield, who commissioned Grimm to travel around the country  preserving in pictures the history and antiquities of England.

Many of Grimm’s drawings are now held by the British Library but a benefactor has kindly given the Derbyshire Record Office four works.

One of the watercolours – featuring St John the Baptist’s Church in Ault Hucknall – can currently be seen on the county council’s website on the record office’s Featured Archive page at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/recordoffice (opens in a new window)

It shows the old stone church dating back to Saxon times.

The artist’s works can also be viewed at the Record Office on New Street, Matlock, quoting D6700.   

(AJ.8.07)

Free courses have been organised for parents and carers in Amber Valley and Erewash experiencing difficulties with their teenagers.

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

They are aimed at helping parents and carers of 13 to 19-year-olds develop the confidence, understanding and skills they need to manage their own and their children’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.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “Everyone knows family life can be hard work. All families have difficulties and sometimes those difficulties can become real problems.

“You may feel like you’re always shouting at your teenager or that you’re being ignored and nothing seems to work, or you may not understand their or your own behaviour.

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

All courses start this month and consist of eight free weekly two-hour sessions. They are open to any parent or carer of a 13 to 19-year-old. Help is available for those who need childcare or supervision while they attend sessions or help with travel costs.

Amber Valley: Heanor Gate Science College, Kirkley Drive, Heanor and Swanwick Hall School, Derby Road, Swanwick. Both courses start on Tuesday 16 January with sessions from 6pm to 8pm.

Erewash: Charnos Family Support Centre, Lower Whitworth Road, Ilkeston. Course starts Tuesday 16 January with sessions from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Long Eaton Family Support Centre, Lime Terrace, off King Street, Long Eaton. Course starts Monday 15 January with sessions from 9.30am to 12pm.

For more information about the courses, contact Michelle McGlynn or Rita Finch at the East Derbyshire Parenting Team on 0115 909 8181 or 0115 909 8161 or e-mail michelle.mcglynn@derbyshire.gov.uk

(Ref: LT.07.07)

A festival which aims to promote a love of reading to children looked after by Derbyshire County Council has won a prestigious national award.

The Big Book Bash enables young people in residential or foster care and their carers to meet top children’s authors and take part in a series of fun workshops and activities.

The idea is to celebrate a love of literature, boost self-confidence by encouraging the young people to contribute to the event and raise their educational achievement through reading.

Now the Big Book Bash, organised by the county council, has won the category of ‘Improving outcomes for looked-after children’ in the Community Care Awards held in London.

The award was presented by writer and TV personality Tony Robinson who said: “This is a fantastic project which has done a great deal to switch children and young people on to learning.”

The £5,000 prize will be used to continue developing the annual reading festival.

Councillor Bob Janes, the council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “I am delighted that the Big Book Bash has won this award.

“When we started this event three years ago, little did we realise the impact it would have on the young people and their carers.

“By giving them an avenue to channel their many talents we have seen these young people gain in confidence, tell their stories and have a say in decisions about their lives.

“By involving the children of foster carers we have been able to promote the joy of reading together as a family and given looked-after children a chance to spend time with their foster families in a fun environment.”

The first Big Book Bash was organised by the county council in 2004 and was so successful that the children themselves asked for it to become a yearly event. In 2005, 450 people attended.

Last year more than 550 people attended the Big Book Bash which featured 25 writers’ events and workshops - including one run by the children - an exhibition and a book shop. The children are given free books as well as activity materials to take home.

The awards, organised by Community Care Magazine, aim to celebrate social care. There were more than 350 entries in 11 categories and the judges said the standards were particularly high.

(Ref:CC.06.07)

Companies across Derbyshire are invited to a series of seminars to help them comply with new laws on age discrimination.

Derbyshire County Council has teamed up with Acas, the advisory, conciliation and arbitration service, to offer three courses in the new year.

The aim is to help businesses consider the impact on them of the recent legislation and develop policies to ensure they comply with it.

They will cover procedures for recruiting staff as well as handling the retirement of employees and answer questions such as: ‘Do I have to keep staff on when they reach the age of 65?’

The workshops will also help businesses make sure current procedures meet the requirements of the new law and, where necessary, update them.

Councillor Geoff Carlile, the county council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We are delighted to be working with Acas to provide support and guidance to Derbyshire’s small business community.”

During the course, companies will also receive an introduction to tendering for work advertised by the county council.

Through the Source Derbyshire website (opens in a new window) – firms can advertise their own contracts and bid for those offered by the county council and other partner organisations.

The website was set up by the county council and Associated Northcliffe Digital to help businesses across the county develop new contract opportunities to boost the local economy.

The seminars will be held at the Buckingham Hotel in Buxton on Tuesday 27 February, Cromford Mill on Tuesday 13 March and Bretby Conference Centre in Swadlincote on Thursday 22 March.

They will be held from 9am to 12.30pm and are free of charge to small and medium-sized Derbyshire firms. To reserve a place contact Chris Baldwin or Heather Brown on 0115 985 8253 or email nottsbookings@acas.org.uk

(Ref:CC.05.07)

Improvements are being made to Ashbourne Library to upgrade facilities and make it more accessible for disabled people.

A new counter and roomier circulation areas will mean people using wheelchairs will have more freedom to move around in the Derbyshire County Council library.

An accessible toilet will also be added as part of the refurbishment costing £25,000.

Work at the Cokayne Avenue library will take place over a four-week period and will incorporate essential maintenance work including repairs to the library’s porch.

To ensure the safety of staff and the public the library will close temporarily from Monday, February 26 until Friday, March 23, while the work takes place.

But library users won’t miss out on their usual selection of books as they will be able to borrow more than usual - up to 32 items at one time.

These can be returned to any Derbyshire library or renewed online at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/renewals/ (opens in a new window) or by calling Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.

Library users can also use their membership cards at surrounding libraries or take advantage of the mobile libraries which visit the area. To find out about stops and opening times visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries (opens in a new window)

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, Councillor Bob Janes, is asking users to bear with the council while the improvements are made.

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

“Access will be improved by the scheme which will also result in brighter surroundings and a better service for library users.” 

(AJ.4.2007)

Catering staff at Killamarsh Junior School will soon be preparing meals for pupils in a bigger and better equipped kitchen.

Derbyshire County Council has approved plans to spend £211,190 expanding the size of the kitchen by converting the existing kitchen, a PE store and caretaker’s store to create:

• New food preparation and cooking areas 

• A new meal serving area 

• Staff changing rooms and toilets next to the main kitchen area
  

The scheme will also see a small resource room created at the school in Sheffield Road. The former staff toilets area will be converted to create a new caretaker’s room and cleaner’s storage area.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “The existing kitchen area has poor ventilation and is now too small to provide modern catering facilities for a school with 300 pupils.

“This new kitchen will provide staff with the facilities they need to serve up nutritionally balanced and healthier meals for students as part of our on-going work to improve the quality of school meals.

“The scheme will also involve us buying new specialist kitchen equipment and appliances for the kitchens.”

The building project will start in the next few weeks and is expected to take 16 weeks to complete. The school will pay £32,000 towards the scheme. Derbyshire County Council, in partnership with the Government, will contribute the remaining £179,190. 

(REF: JF.03.06)

Adults and children affected by domestic abuse will have more support and services following a cash boost from Derbyshire County Council.

The county council is investing £390,000 in domestic abuse services across the county, linking up with voluntary organisations already providing help and support, putting an emphasis on improving preventative services and support to children.

The money is at the core of a new county council programme which aims to ensure people across Derbyshire have fair access to domestic abuse services and can call on support as early as possible, therefore avoiding a crisis.

Working closely with voluntary agencies, the county council will help to co-ordinate agencies across the county and act as the link between services including housing, legal services, welfare rights and education.

As well as women and men, the strategy also emphasises the need to increase the help and support available to children who have been affected by domestic abuse and for services to be available at the earliest opportunity, rather than when a family has broken down.

Of the 13 new posts that will be created in the voluntary sector with the new county council money, five will be for children’s workers, and they will all be in place by the end of the year.

The county council showed its commitment to helping victims of domestic abuse with its campaign Stop Hurting, which highlighted what help was available for victims and how and where they could get support and advice.

The new county council programme has mapped out where help and support exists and where extra support or new services are needed.

Investment in the north east of the county has gone to North Derbyshire Women’s Aid.

This will lead to three new adult support workers based in Bolsover, Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire, a volunteer co-ordinator and two children’s workers based in Bolsover and North East Derbyshire.

A further children’s worker will provide direct support to the two North Derbyshire Women’s Aid refuges.

In Amber Valley and Erewash the domestic violence strategy has led to a new organisation being set up – the Amber Valley and Erewash Domestic Abuse Support Service (AVEDASS).

AVEDASS is made up of three organisations, Nottingham Community Housing Association, Amber Valley CVS and Victim Support, which will set up a base in Heanor and work together to cover both districts.

The county council funding has led to the appointment of two new children’s workers, three adult workers and one volunteer co-ordinator.

The county council has also taken over the funding of a children’s worker in the High Peak, based at Glossop Women’s Aid.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for children’s services Councillor Anne Western said: “In the past most services have concentrated on adult, usually women, victims of abuse, and we hope that these new and extended services will better meet the needs of children who can be forgotten when a parent is the victim of abuse.

"We hope that if the appropriate services and support are available early enough for people to access then it could help to prevent the breakdown of families and offer help to children far earlier.”

For more information about services, support, information and advice available across the county people can call Derbyshire County Council’s call centre Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.

(Ref: MC.01.07)