May

Parents are being urged to make sure their children are belting-up safely with a series of free child car seats checks run by Derbyshire County Council.

County council road safety officers and a fully trained car seat fitting expert will be visiting five supermarkets across the county offering information and advice on safety and what the law says.

They will also check to make sure the seat is fitted correctly and is appropriate for the child’s age and height as well as the make and model of the car.

Help will be on hand between 10am and 4pm at the following venues: 

• Monday 4th June – Tesco in Alfreton, in the foyer
• Tuesday 5th June – Sainsbury in Swadlincote, outside the foyer
• Monday 2nd July – Tesco in Chesterfield, in the foyer
• Tuesday 3rd July - Asda in Long Eaton, under the canopy near the trolley bays
• Monday 9th July - Morrisons in Buxton, in the foyer.

Last year the law relating to child car seats changed. It says: 

• Children under three years must use the child restraint appropriate for their weight in any vehicle (including vans and other goods vehicles except for in the back of a taxi if the right child restraint is not available.)    
• Rear-facing baby seats must not be used in a seat protected by a frontal air-bag unless the air-bag has been deactivated manually or automatically. 
• In vehicles where seat belts are fitted, children three years to 135cm (approx 4ft 5in) in height or age twelve (whichever comes first) must use the appropriate child restraint. Three exceptions allow these children to travel in the rear and use an adult seat belt:
  • In a taxi - if the right child restraint is not available
  • For a short distance in unexpected necessity, if the right child restraint is not available
  • Where two occupied child seats in the rear prevent the fitment of a third child seat.

Councillor Clive Moesby, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “Last time we carried out these checks 76 per cent of the seats we looked at failed safety tests and six per cent of those were totally unsuitable for the car and or child.

“It is crucial that drivers understand the law about car seat safety not just for younger children but for kids up to the age of 12.

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

Free information guides are also available from Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058 or by emailing roadsafety@derbyshire.gov.uk 

(Ref:JM.175.07) 

It’s time to make a change – that’s the message from Derbyshire County Council as national Recycle Now Week approaches.

Ways in which rubbish can be recycled and turned into something useful will be the focus of this year’s campaign which invites people to ‘Transform Something Today’.

And the county council is asking people to start by transforming their behaviour and making recycling a normal part of their everyday lives.

Latest figures show that people living in Derbyshire are recycling more than 30 per cent of their rubbish but we still need to do more to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Rubbish left to rot in landfill produces greenhouse gases which damage the environment and landfill space is running out.

During Recycle Now Week - which runs from 2 June - the county council’s Waste Exhibition Vehicle will be out and about with information and advice on what people can do to recycle at home and at work.

People can also see examples of how rubbish can be transformed on the truck from 11am - 3pm at:

• North Wingfield Cooperative Store - 7th June
• New Mills Carnival off  Porter Road - 9th June
• Eco School Conference, Bakewell Agricultural Business Centre - June 20
• Church Gresley Festival of Leisure - Maurice Lea Memorial Park - 23 - 24 June
• Glossop Carnival, Manor Park - 1 July
• Buxton Carnival, outside the Pavilion Gardens -14 July
• Ashbourne Highland Games, recreation ground, Cokayne Avenue - 15 July 
• Bakewell Show - 1-2 August

Hope Show, Marsh Farm, Castleton Road - 27 August.

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for environmental services, said: “The fact that we are meeting our recycling targets at the moment is great news but these targets are going to get tougher.

“All councils in Derbyshire are working together to make it easier for people to reduce the rubbish they produce and recycle and compost more.

“This will include building two large treatment plants somewhere in the county to deal with the rubbish we can’t recycle or compost.”

He added: “Many people already recycle and compost at home and at work but there are still people that don’t.

“Times are changing. We can’t just sit back and leave it for someone else to sort out. Everyone needs to play a part.”

*For more information about recycling visit the rubbish, waste and recycling section of our website.

(Ref:JM.174.07)

Derbyshire traders were today warned not to sell knives to children after a well-known furnishing store was fined £4,000 for two offences.

Derbyshire County Council prosecuted Dunelm Soft Furnishings Ltd – part of a national chain of shops selling household goods and textiles – at Chesterfield Magistrates Court yesterday (Wednesday).

The Chesterfield store, which had denied the offence, was found guilty of two charges of selling knives to children under the age of 16. It was fined £2,000 for each offence and ordered to pay £3,760 costs.

The case was brought following a test purchasing exercise carried out by the council’s trading standards service in June 2006.

A female volunteer aged 14 went into the store and bought a kitchen knife – it is illegal to sell a knife to anyone under 16.

Half an hour later, the girl was also sold a kitchen knife by a different cashier. The cashiers did not as her how old she was or whether she had identification to prove her age.  They both received a caution for the sales.

Officers prosecuted the company on the basis that they had not taken enough precautions to avoid the offences being committed.

Councillor Clive Moesby, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “We are committed to making Derbyshire an even safer place to live and we take underage sales of age-restricted products very seriously.

“The law is in place to help stop knives falling into the wrong hands where they could be used to cause injury.

“The precautions taken by this firm were not sufficient to stop knives getting into the hands of youngsters and this fine sends out a clear message to traders that they need to take their responsibilities seriously.”

For more information about knives and the law, traders can contact 01629 585858 or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards (opens in a new window)

(Ref: CC.173.07)

Young people have reaped rewards after taking part in one of Derbyshire County Council’s entry to employment programmes.

Certificates have been awarded to five teenagers who – with backing from the authority’s entry to employment (e2e) youth support workers – have contributed to their community, completed an advanced first aid course and gained qualifications.

Presentations were made by Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for cultural services, at the Peter Webster Centre, in Sheffield Road, Whittington Moor.

Young people receiving recognition were; Matthew Haley (18), Maria Eley (18), Richard Ingleton (18), and David McNeice (16) who received certificates for first aid, adult literacy, and for achieving level three Youthtrain qualifications in fundraising. Maria and David were also awarded certificates for completing an e2e course where they learned skills which make them attractive to future employers. Callum Jagger (16) received a certificate for achieving a level three Youthtrain qualification in fundraising.  

Councillor Janes said: “I’m delighted to be able to congratulate Maria, Matthew, Richard, David and Callum on their successes and I hope they are proud of what they have accomplished.

“They are great examples to other young people of what can be achieved on these courses and I hope they inspire others to add to their skills and work towards qualifications which will benefit them for life and help them find the course or job they want in the future.

HIGH FLIERS: (from left) Councillor Janes celebrates with Maria Eley (18) from Newbold, Richard Ingleton (18) from Holmewood, Matthew Haley (18) from Staveley, and David McNeice (16) from Birdholme.

(REF:FW.166.07)

Work costing more than £1 million will be carried out by Derbyshire County Council to replace parts of a fire damaged school and make other improvements.

Four classrooms and some neighbouring offices at Hunloke Park Primary School were destroyed by fire in September last year. Since then pupils have been using temporary classrooms.

Derbyshire County Council has agreed to carry out work in several phases to replace the buildings and carry out other improvements to the school.

The programme of work involves:

Phase one – Emergency work to demolish fire damaged buildings and put up temporary accommodation. This cost £290,000 and was carried out in the days following the fire.

Phase two – Replacing a 25-year-old heating boiler and an accessible toilet in an administration block that is to be demolished as part of the refurbishment work. This work will cost £50,000 and be carried out during the school summer holidays.

Phase three – Building a replacement four classroom teaching block including a library and toilets. A linked reception and administration building will also be built. Work will start in August and should be finished by December. It will cost £987,951.

Once the first three phases are completed the authority is planning to carry out some re-cladding and refurbishment work on the part of the original building that did not catch fire.

Derbyshire County Council is also in discussions with the school and Wingerworth Pre-School Playgroup, which was based at a former youth service building in Allendale Road destroyed by a separate fire in November last year. The talks will look at the possibility of leasing part of the school building for the playgroup to use as its new base. The school and playgroup will also hold talks to develop stronger links between them.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for schools, said: “As soon as the fire happened in September we said that we would work to get new, replacement buildings constructed.

“When we looked at the school site we decided to take the opportunity to bring together a number of different projects so we could reduce the disruption for pupils and staff.

“Once the work is completed students and staff will have far better classrooms and facilities to work in.”

Derbyshire County Council will pay £256,996 towards the work, with the rest of the cost coming from an insurance company to replace the buildings destroyed by fire.

(REF:JF.172.07)            

Young people in the county have improved their skills and social lives thanks to Derbyshire County Council’s youth service, a survey has revealed.

The youth service has surveyed 1341 young people aged 11 to 19 years who take part in authority-organised projects, activities and clubs.

Youngsters from youth clubs, schools and district forums were among the wide variety of young people surveyed, as were looked after children and outreach project users. They were asked to give feedback through questionnaires and discussion sessions about opportunities they had enjoyed most and found useful and what they would like to be offered in future.

It was found the youth service had helped young people to:

• Learn something new. 72 per cent of young people surveyed gained skills and qualifications through trips, residential events, courses, sports activities and art projects.
• Make a positive contribution. 65 per cent of youngsters reported that they had been involved in decision-making to determine what the youth service offered.
• Find emotional support. 53 per cent of youngsters gave positive feedback on support they had been given by youth workers and friends they socialise with at services events/activities.

Full results of the survey, taken in January, will be used to help shape future activities and facilities provided by the youth service, which last year had more than 13,100 registered users.

Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for cultural services, said: “We’re here to support our young people so they can lead happy, healthy lives and have a wide choice of learning and leisure opportunities.

“This survey was important to us because we wanted to know that we are providing what youngsters want and need.

“In particular, we want to involve them in helping to decide what we should be aiming to offer in future so even more young people join in and use the services that are available to them.

“The results of this survey show that we are offering much more than just outings and new opportunities – our youth workers have also provided emotional support to youngsters who have needed it.”

Opportunities young people said they would like to see even more of include:

• Trips and residential stays
• Sports, arts, music and adventure activities
• Access to IT
• Food available in clubs and access to cooking.

Activities specifically tailored for different age groups and for girls and boys were also suggested.

Councillor Janes added: “Our youth service caters for a broad range of tastes and talents so all youngsters have the chance to develop their potential and get involved in their community.

“We’re delighted that the young people surveyed have broadened their horizons and we will continue to work hard to provide support and opportunities across the county.”

(REF:FW.165.07)

Work to cut crime across Derbyshire means there are 4,626 fewer victims of house burglary and vehicle theft this year – landing the county a £1.5m reward to benefit communities yet further.

A partnership including Derbyshire County Council and the police has worked together to achieve tough targets to tackle crime in these two areas which residents say are among their priority concerns.

The latest figures show that over the last three years house burglaries have dropped by 36 per cent from 4,631 to 2,978 and car crime is down 30 per cent from 9,818 to 6,845 incidents *.

In return the Government has awarded the partnership a £1.5m grant to reward its performance and plough straight back into further service improvements.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community safety Councillor Clive Moesby said: “This is excellent news for Derbyshire residents as it shows we’re winning the fight against crime.

“It reflects excellent teamwork between all the partners and we’re committed to continuing to build on this success to make the county even safer.”

The crime reduction targets were developed by the partnership made up of the county council, the police, district and borough councils, the fire and rescue service, probation, voluntary and community groups and the county’s primary care trust.

They are working together under a local agreement to set and achieve targets to improve a range of specific services which are most important to residents in return for cash rewards from the Government.

Derbyshire’s Chief Constable David Coleman said: “We welcome this reduction in burglary and vehicle crime.

“Many people in the county are working hard to keep crime at low levels and through these partnerships we’re making a big difference.

“Hopefully the grant will help us ensure that crime is kept under control and further reduced.”

* Figures for Derbyshire excluding Derby city. The new figures for burglary and vehicle crime provide some of the lowest recorded statistics for nearly 20 years.

(Ref: LT.171.07)

A cross-county trail tracing a former railway line is being built with £32,000 funding from Derbyshire County Council.

The Silverhill Trail stretches 3.7 miles from Westhouses near Alfreton through Newton and Tibshelf and over the county border to Silverhill in Nottinghamshire.

Walkers, joggers, cyclists and horse-riders can all use the route which also has disabled access.

It provides a missing link between existing trails in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire creating around 22 miles of trails with links to Five Pits Trail in Derbyshire and the national cycle network.

The trail cost £637,000 to build and reclaimed two hectares of derelict land – roughly the same size as three football pitches.

Funding has been provided by several partners including the county council, Nottinghamshire County Council and Ashfield District Council.

Further work to enhance the route such as landscaping and putting up fencing is expected to start later this year.

Councillor Marian Stockdale, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet support member for environmental services, said: “This link opens up miles more opportunities for people to explore Derbyshire and neighbouring Nottinghamshire.

“It’s been designed to be accessible to everyone whether they’re on foot, riding a bike or a horse, in a wheelchair or pushing children in a pushchair.

“The fact that it traces a former railway line means it is a permanent reminder of part of our heritage too.”

(Ref:JM.170.07)

Businesses working in the waste, quarrying and mining industries are being urged by Derbyshire County Council to make sure they are complying with planning regulations.

The warning comes after a Buxton man was fined £750 at Buxton Magistrates’ Court on Friday for failing to comply with a planning enforcement notice. He was also ordered to pay a further £750 prosecution costs.

Quarries, mines and waste storage sites are monitored by the county council to make sure they are operating in accordance with planning conditions.

The organisation aims to:

• Prevent unauthorised quarrying, mining and waste storage and handling from taking place in Derbyshire.
• Reduce the impact that authorised work might have on the environment.

• Check with the county council to find out whether planning permission is needed for any work involving quarrying, mining or waste storage.
• Check with the Environment Agency to find out whether a waste management licence or exemption is required for any work involving waste materials.
• Remember that the term ‘waste’ can include commonly discarded materials such as scrap metal and excavated soil.

If county council inspectors find problems at a site, a written report of the findings is sent to the operator with advice on what they should do to comply with the approved plans and planning conditions.

If the operator does not make attempts to resolve the matter it could result in court action.

Councillor Geoff Carlile, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Planning laws exist for a reason – to protect the environment and the safety of members of the public.

"This prosecution sends out a clear message to those people flouting the law – we will check to make sure regulations are being followed and if we find the law is being ignored, we will prosecute.”

Anyone who has concerns about a minerals or waste site or would like further advice can Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058. To contact the Environment Agency call 08708 506 506.

(REF:JM.169.07)

A primary school is being extended to create a satellite office of the Chesterfield Children’s Centre.

The £180,335 scheme to extend Brampton Primary School already has planning permission. Building work will start later this month and is expected to take 22 weeks to complete.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural services, said: “Chesterfield Children’s Centre is well used by young families.

“We want to improve the service we provide in the Chesterfield area by having this satellite office in Brampton.

“By developing it on the same site of the school we can help parents to access a range of services in a convenient location.”

Children’s centres are a one-stop shop for a range of services suitable for young families.

(JF.167.07)

IT equipment and facilities are to be improved at a South Derbyshire primary school using money from a housing developer.

Derbyshire County Council has agreed to spend £33,360 given to it by Miller Homes to upgrade equipment at Draycott Primary School.

The money was given as part of a planning agreement to build homes in Gypsy Lane at Draycott.

The school will add a further £9,440 to the scheme which will see a small classroom converted into an IT suite and new computer equipment bought to go in it.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for schools, said: “When new housing is built the extra families coming into an area can have an impact on local facilities like schools.

“We always try to get a contribution from housing developers as part of planning agreements to enable us to improve the schools that will have to cope with the impact of developments.

“Pupils will now be able to use better IT equipment to help with their studies.”

(JF.167.07)

Topics from healthcare and the environment to cooking for one will be discussed at 50 plus forum meetings across Derbyshire next month.

The Swadlincote District 50+ Forum, the Long Eaton District 50+ Forum and the Belper District 50+ Forum are all holding events in June and anyone aged over 50 years old is welcome to attend.

There are now 14 50+ forums across Derbyshire and all meet regularly to discuss various topics, listen to speakers, plan action campaigns and swap ideas and views.

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

On Thursday 7 June the Swadlincote District 50+ Forum is holding an event, starting at 10.30am, with refreshments served from 10am, with the theme `Your Health, Your Care, Your Say’.

Speakers from Burton Hospital and Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust will be at the event at Church Gresley Methodist Church in York Road, and free transport is available but must be booked by Wednesday 30 May.

On Monday 11 June in the council chambers at Long Eaton Town Hall, Derby Road, the Long Eaton District 50+ Forum will be holding its next event with the theme, `Supporting Your Environment’.

There will be presentations by Erewash Borough Council on its neighbourhood services and Pride in Erewash Campaign and Groundwork Derby and Derbyshire, as well as a raffle.

The event starts at 10am with light refreshments served from 9.45am and free transport is available but must be booked by Friday 1 June.

The Belper District 50+ Forum is holding its next event on Friday 22 June at Nailers, Belper Town Football Club, Belper Triangle from 10.30am with light refreshments served from 10am.

The two themes are healthy cooking for one and safety in the home and garden and there will also be a raffle. Free transport is available and must be booked by Thursday 14 June.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for adult social services Councillor Dave Allen said: “The 50+ forums are going from strength to strength and new members are joining all the time.

“They are a great platform for older people to get their views heard on local, regional and national issues that affect them and I can see why they are proving so popular and effective.”

To book free transport to any of the events or for more information contact Derbyshire County Council’s Better Government for Older People team member Jo Ellis on 01629 772094 or email jo.ellis2@derbyshire.gov.uk

(Ref:MC.163.07)

The sixth Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair has been hailed a success after more than 12,000 people flocked to Bolsover Castle over the weekend.

The fair, held on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 May, saw an extra 4,000 people pass through the gates to sample and buy the county’s finest local produce.

Buffalo burgers, honey, homemade wines, cheese and chutney were just some of the wares on offer to tempt the taste-buds of the visiting crowds.

Among the attractions at the Derbyshire County Council-organised fair were celebrity chefs Ed Baines and the `flying chef’ Rachel Green who showed off their culinary skills and gave out tips and advice at demonstrations.

The fair was the launch pad for the third Derbyshire Food Festival which is running until Bank Holiday Monday on 28 May.

More than 60 venues including restaurants, hotels, pubs, cheese shops, butchers and delicatessens are taking part holding events ranging from free tasting sessions and prize draws to festival menus, tours and promotions to mark the county council-backed festival.

A free brochure listing festival events is available now in tourist information centres, council buildings and tourist destinations and attractions.

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

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “Every year the food and drink fair gets better and better and it attracts huge numbers of visitors from far and wide.

“The fair is a great way to launch the food and drink festival and there are so many venues taking part this year that I’m sure there will be something to tickle everyone’s taste buds.”

(Ref:MC.168.07)

Alternative locations for a children’s centre are being sought after Newton was ruled out as an option by Derbyshire County Council.

The authority is opening 42 children’s centres across the county to provide a one-stop shop for young families, offering services including family support and healthcare. The council is also working with partners to provide Job Centre services.

Derbyshire County Council originally looked at the possibility of using the Newton Community Centre building as a location to provide some children’s centre services to cover the area of Newton, Blackwell and Tibshelf.

But this has been ruled out after discussions revealed the use would conflict with the needs of community groups who already operate from there. Other possible sites have been assessed in the area.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural services, said: “We have decided that we will not use Newton Community Centre as the location for a children’s centre. We listened to the concerns of residents and acted on them.

“We are now looking at the possibility of the main centre being in Blackwell. This will act as a hub for a range of services across the various communities.”

A series of public meetings have been held in Blackwell, Hilcote, Newton and Westhouses to explain what children’s centres are and discuss the range of services parents would like to see offered in them.

It is hoped the new children’s centre can be opened before the end of the year.

       
(REF: JF.164.07)

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

Around 20 people over the age of 60 found out about the role of libraries and Trading Standards during the free event held at Clay Cross Library.

As well as information about joining a county council-run library and borrowing books, visitors discovered they could also hire CDs, DVDs and get free access to the internet and video phones.

There were also displays of photographs from the Picture the Past website, a database containing thousands of images of Derbyshire.

Visitors also received information about the council’s home library service, healthy eating, North East Derbyshire Citizens’ Advice Bureau and North Derbyshire Home Improvement Agency.

Trading Standards staff were also on hand to warn older people about the dangers of doorstep crime.

Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for cultural services, said the event had been well received by visitors.

He said: “The county council provides a huge range of services for older people and this was a chance for people to find out about them.”

People who attended the event also received an information pack containing night lights and energy-efficient light bulbs.

Councillor Janes is pictured with visitors Joyce Morris, from Clay Cross, and Richard Tadman, from Stretton, are available on request from the press office.

(Ref: CC.161.07)

Derbyshire County Council’s newest mobile library has hit the road bringing improved services to residents.

The new library – which replaces a 10-year-old vehicle – will visit Tibshelf, Newhall, North Wingfield, Hathersage and Codnor.

Costing £110,000, it is one of three maximum capacity vehicles owned by the county council.

At 11.7m in length, the MCV’s are longer than ordinary mobiles and are packed with even more services including books, DVDs and free access to the internet.

The new vehicle also boasts an even bigger and brighter children’s area where a large circular window lets in loads of natural light.

A new IT workstation has also been created where visitors have access to a laptop although there is provision for two more to be installed at a later date.

It is the first in the fleet of 13 mobile libraries operated by the county council to be fitted with air conditioning.

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural services, said the new vehicle was lighter and brighter and provided access to even more Derbyshire County Council services.

He said: “As well as borrowing books and hiring the latest DVDs, visitors to the mobile library can also get free access to the internet in a new, improved work area.

“We have also re-designed the children’s area as the mobile library hosts large groups of children who visit from local schools.

“The mobile library is already well used by people living in the local communities who don’t have access to a static library although we would of course welcome even more people on board.

“So, the next time you see our mobile library in your community why not pop in and see what it has to offer for you and your family.”

Here are the locations and stopping times of the mobile library:

• Monday – Tibshelf Village Hall from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6.30pm
• Alternate Tuesdays – Jackson’s Supermarket car park, Newhall from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.30pm
• Wednesday – North Wingfield Primary School from 9.20am to 10.15am; North Wingfield Miners’ Welfare car park from 10.20am to 1pm and 2pm to 6.30pm
• Thursday – Hathersage from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.30pm
• Friday – Codnor Primary School from 10am to 10.30am; Mill Lane car park from 10.30am to 7pm.

Anyone can join a Derbyshire County Council library, all it takes is one piece of identification.

The county council has recently launched three smart new designs for its library cards to replace the orange ones previously issued.

(Ref: CC.160.07)

Artists are being asked for their interpretation of Derbyshire as a high profile county council-run art competition enters its 25th year.

Amateur or professional artists are invited to submit their work to the annual Derbyshire Open Art Competition 2007 to compete for trophies and a share of prize money totalling £2,200.

Artwork must portray a Derbyshire theme whether it is images of a landscape, townscape, people, local myths or still life.

The competition allows most kinds of artistic medium including oils, acrylics, watercolours, drawings, prints, collages or three-dimensional work.

Entries need to be submitted between 10am and 5pm on Friday 8 June and Saturday 9 June to Buxton Museum and Art Gallery in Terrace Road, Buxton.

An independent panel of four judges will select the winners in ten different categories including the best work in oils, watercolour, best landscape and best works submitted by artists who are 21 and under and 16 and under.

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery will showcase the winning pieces in the annual Derbyshire Open Art Exhibition, which opens on Saturday 23 June, so that visitors from all over the country can enjoy the best of the county’s talent. The exhibition will run until 17 August.

The main prize is the Derbyshire Trophy for the most outstanding work in any medium, which has a £1000 cash prize.

There are also two special 25th anniversary prizes - for work in 3 dimensions and for the most creative interpretation of the Derbyshire theme. All category winners and commendation holders will receive medallions.

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural services, said: “In previous years, this prestigious competition has attracted a huge number of excellent entries which makes judging a very difficult job.

“It has a loyal following among artists up and down the county who are able to showcase their many talents to a wider audience. As always, we would also be delighted to see work from artists who have not previously entered the competition, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.”

The competition is supported by Tarmac Central and the Friends of Buxton Museum and Art Gallery

Entry forms and a copy of the rules are available from the museum and art gallery by ringing 01298 24658 or emailing buxton.museum@derbyshire.gov.uk

(Ref: CC.159.07)

Visitors to Buxton Museum and Art Gallery will be dazzled by the latest exhibition to go on show at the Derbyshire County Council-run venue.

They will be given a rare opportunity to see specimens of Derbyshire minerals thanks to the work of two dedicated volunteers.

John Cooke and David Weston have been reviewing the museum’s collection of crystals and have now chosen the best ones to go on display.

The exhibition – called Crystal-Hedra: Treasures of the Mineral Kingdom – will feature Derbyshire calcites. The world’s most common mineral, stalactites and stalagmites are made of calcite.

Specimens of galena, a lead ore which was ground to use as make-up, will also be on show from Saturday 19 May.

Meanwhile a collection of fluorspars – a mineral used in steel making and added to toothpaste and drinking water – will see the light of day for the first time in many years.

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural services, said: “Having the opportunity to work with knowledgeable volunteers has enabled staff at the museum to better identify the original sources of the specimens.

“It is fairly certain that some of the calcites came from Mill Close Mine in Derbyshire while many of the fluorspars came from the north Pennines.

“I would like to thank John and David for their hard work over the past two years which has enabled the public to see this dazzling collection for the first time in many years.”

The exhibition will be on display until 24 November. It can be seen alongside Di Pattison’s exhibition of paintings called Earthworks which is on show until 8 July. Di grinds up earth pigments and minerals to create her works of art.

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery is open to the public free of charge as part of Derbyshire County Council’s commitment to provide access to cultural activities.

For more information about the museum or the exhibitions on show contact Ros Westwood or Martha Jasko at buxton.musuem@derbyshire.gov.uk

(Ref: CC.158.07)

The schools’ adjudicator will be asked by Derbyshire County Council to overrule planned changes to the admissions process for a Derby school.

Chellaston Foundation School and Technology College wants to alter the way admissions to the school for 2008/09 are handled.

If the school is over-subscribed it wants to introduce a lottery-style random selection process to decide which pupils will be offered a place and those that will have to find another school.

The school’s catchment area covers parts of Derby City but also a number of villages in the Derbyshire County Council area, including Aston-on-Trent, Barrow-on-Trent, Melbourne, Stanton-by-Bridge, Swarkestone, Ticknall and Weston-on-Trent.

Derbyshire County Council is worried that if a lottery system is introduced unsuccessful pupils from these villages will be left many miles from the nearest alternative schools, where they would have no priority for places.

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for schools, said: “The Government’s Admissions Code does suggest the random allocation of places can be a good selection method in urban areas but says it may not be suitable in rural areas.

“We are extremely concerned that these proposals will leave dozens of students effectively stranded many miles away from a secondary school.

“Students in these villages who were unable to get a place at Chellaston could face having to travel as far away as Swadlincote or Long Eaton and many of the schools there are already over-subscribed.

“We are confident that the adjudicator will recognise this is not an admissions solution for rural villages like these.”

The schools’ adjudicator will look at all the issues before deciding whether to allow Chellaston School to change its admissions process in the way it wants to.

(REF: JF.156.07)

Some of Derbyshire’s most popular biker routes are to be examined in an attempt to cut casualties as part of a £4m national road safety drive.

Derbyshire County Council is one of the first authorities to share in the cash from the Department of Transport’s new Road Safety Partnership Grant Scheme.

£205,000 has been earmarked to look at ways of improving safety for motorcyclists on the county’s roads.

Thousands of bikers ride on Derbyshire’s roads every year, many of whom are attracted to the area purely to ride for leisure.

Last year 372 motorcyclists were injured in road accidents in Derbyshire. Of those, 11 riders were killed and 115 seriously injured.

Now the funding has been approved the county council will work with the police to decide which roads should be included in the review.

The review will be carried out by a traffic engineer with motorcycling experience with the help of a local motorcycling group representative and police motorbike riders.

They will look at ways to make it easier for riders to read the roads and encourage safe riding speeds and practices.

The roads chosen will be used as a basis for investigation. Any improvement work will be funded using the grant and similar measures could also be introduced on other roads across the county.

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for environmental services, said: “Improving roads in Derbyshire is one of our top priorities.

“We’ve been working with others to cut accidents, deaths and injuries on our roads and we’re extremely pleased we’ve been given this money to concentrate specifically on making our roads safer for motorcyclists.”

The road review is expected to be completed by November and work based on the findings will start next year.

(Ref: JM.157.07)

Stoney Middleton CE Primary School is to remain open following a ruling by an adjudicator.

Derbyshire County Council proposed to close the school at the end of August due to falling pupil numbers.

The school, in High Street, has places for 47 pupils but has just 18 on roll and future projections indicate numbers could fall to 15 students by 2010/2011.

It currently costs £5,678 to educate every pupil there – more than double the Derbyshire average of £2,640.

A six-week formal consultation was held and the plans went before the School Organisation Committee – a group made up of representatives from Derbyshire County Council, school governors, the Church of England Diocese and the Roman Catholic Diocese.

After hearing presentations from the authority, the schools’ governing body, and the school’s friends, parents and teachers association and individual objectors the committee did not reach a unanimous decision at their meeting in March.

As a result the final decision was referred to an official from the Office of the School’s Adjudicator. The adjudicator, June Brown, has today (May 14) ruled that the school will remain open.  Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for schools, said: “We are obviously disappointed as we proposed the closure because we felt it was in the best interests of the children at the school – and other students in Derbyshire.

“It costs significantly more to educate children there and among our concerns was the fact that in such a small school environment pupils do not enjoy the breadth of curriculum learning experiences and social interaction that they deserve.

“In making her decision the adjudicator agreed that one of the alternative schools we proposed that pupils’ attend – Curbar Primary School – is delivering a higher quality education.

“She also accepted our argument on the link between educational viability and low pupil numbers but this did not outweigh concerns about access to Curbar School and to Eyam School, which is why the decision was made for the school to remain open.”

(REF:FW.155.07)

Babies and toddlers can meet their favourite book characters and enjoy fun and storytimes in libraries as part of a four-week celebration organised by Derbyshire County Council.

The authority is putting on more than 50 events in its libraries throughout June for the under fives and their families for Books for Babies Month 2007.

They include storytimes with visits by favourite book characters such as Daisy Duck, Spot the Dog and Kipper; drop-in sessions; song and dance with a musical group; bounce and rhyme and craft and stories.

A grand finale event on Sunday, July 1, from 1.30-4pm, will take place at County Hall, Matlock, giving the whole family an opportunity to take part in music-making with sinfonia ViVa, the orchestra of the East Midlands.

All the events are free and tickets are available from local libraries or by contacting Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058. Alternatively book a place online at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/booksforbabies (opens in a new window)

A number of drop-in sessions are also taking place in libraries where carers and families can find out more about what local libraries and other local services can offer families. Find out about toy safety, where your nearest toy library is and how to find good childcare. Tickets are not needed for these events.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural services, said: “We’ve got a lot going on in our libraries for children and adults all year round but in June we’re having lots of extra events to celebrate everything that is fun and good about books for babies and younger children.

“There are dozens of different events to choose from and I hope families will take advantage of what’s been organised – and don’t forget it’s all free.”

He added: “The Books for Babies project is proving to be a brilliant success and is working really well in spreading the message that libraries are open to people of all ages.

“Encouraging children to enjoy books at an early age can give them a head-start in life and these events are designed not only to highlight the advantages of reading with your child but also to provide a fun occasion for mums, dads and carers to share with their children.

 “And we don’t only have books for babies and children in our libraries,” he said. “Don’t forget you can also get your child’s favourite DVD or a book on tape at many of them.”

Books for Babies was launched in Derbyshire 10 years ago to encourage parents and carers to give children a boost by sharing books with them from an early age and enrolling them as library members at birth. 
  
It co-ordinates the delivery of the national Bookstart project in Derbyshire which sees every baby in the county receive free books and information about local library services and tips on sharing books with babies and reading to children.

Later, toddlers receive a second bag of books when they are around two and a further treasure chest of books and information at three to four.

This is the county council’s third Books for Babies month. Previous successful celebrations took place in 2001 and 2003 with thousands of children and adults enjoying the events.

For full details of this year’s month-long celebrations go to www.derbyshire.gov.uk/booksforbabies (opens in a new window) 
             
 (AJ.154 07) 
 

New-look library cards are about to be introduced across Derbyshire.

Three smart new designs replace the orange cards previously issued by Derbyshire County Council to its library users.

One of the new cards features a cuddly giraffe and is designed to appeal to younger readers. The other two are for older children and adults but all of the designs are bright and attractive and feature the corporate colours used by the authority.

The move is part of the introduction of a new, improved computerised management system in libraries which uses a barcode system for issuing books, CDs, DVDs and computer games.

With more than 130,000 active borrowers in Derbyshire – and many more regular visitors who use the libraries’ other facilities – the changeover will take place over the coming weeks and months.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural services, Councillor Bob Janes, said the new credit card-sized tickets would be given to all library users when they came to borrow an item.

He said: “These are lovely, brightly-coloured cards which I’m sure people will enjoy having.

“They’re also very useful – giving users access to thousands of books, DVDs, CDs and games as well as free access to the internet.

“Not everybody realises what a fantastic resource our libraries are and I hope people will come in to see what we have on offer.”

He added: “We have all sorts going on inside our libraries, including storytimes for children and book chat groups. We also have computers that people can use to access the internet and our own cataloguing system which will be much improved.

“People searching for books will have a more user-friendly experience and be able to access information about what we have in stock more easily, find out what the books are about and reserve them online.”

Derby City Council is also introducing the new management system and issuing new library cards to its library users. Derby residents can use their library cards in any Derbyshire library and vice versa.

(AJ.153. 07) 

Parents and carers of pupils at Riddings Infants and Nursery School made healthy eating a family affair when they joined their children for a nutritious lunch.

The West Street school invited parents and carers to lunch to celebrate a week of healthy eating activities, supported by Derbyshire County Council’s catering service. Activities included a special assembly, sponsored walk, dancing sessions and lessons on healthy food.

Almost 100 adults joined pupils in choosing from a menu which included roast pork or bean flan, which were offered with a serving of fresh salad or vegetables.

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “We have always spent more on school meals than the national average and have been providing healthy menus long before this issue became a topic for national debate.

“This kind of open event for parents and carers gives schools the opportunity to show how tasty and healthy our meals are.

“We want to make sure that the county’s children are happy and healthy and can fulfil their potential at school so giving them the right ‘brain food’ is very important.”

Headteacher Ann Politowski said: “Everyone really enjoyed the day and it was a great opportunity for us to promote healthy eating to our children with their own parents and carers leading the way.”

TUCKING IN: (from left) Holly Rose (five), Holly’s mum Nicola and lunch-time helper Marie Davies.

(REF:FW.152.07)

Do you think you could give a child love and support to help them have the best start in life?

If the answer is yes then Derbyshire County Council wants to hear from you.

Foster Care Fortnight runs from 14 to 27 May and the authority is backing the national campaign with an appeal for more carers.

Across Derbyshire there are currently 390 foster homes registered with the council to help support 510 children in care. 

Foster homes are needed for children from birth up to the age of 18, and the care offered can be short or long-term, ranging from single night emergency stays to placements which last for years.

The authority is particularly interested in hearing from people who have experience with children either through their work, or from raising a family of their own.

Councillor Anne Western, the county council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: "We’re here to make sure all our looked after children live happily and healthily and have all the love and support they need.

“Some of our most vulnerable young people cannot live at home for a variety of reasons and are in need of a stable family environment.

"We’re rightfully proud of the excellent foster carers we already have and are keen to recruit more so we can offer children a home anywhere in the county, and match the skills of carers to the needs of a young person.

“Becoming a foster carer can be very challenging and mean a lot of hard work, but it brings enormous rewards because you are changing a child’s life for the better."

Training and a strong support system is provided by the authority for people who are approved as foster carers. Allowances and travelling expenses are also paid.

To find out more call the 24-hour helpline on 01629 772211, email fostering@derbyshire.gov.uk or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/fostering (opens in a new window)

(REF: FW.151.07)

Disabled people are to be asked for their views about the services they receive and the future of their day centre.

People using Granville Resource Centre in Long Eaton will be invited to one-to-one informal meetings so they can give their opinion on a proposal to close the facility and replace it with other mainstream services.

The county council is carrying out the consultation with the support of disability charity Leonard Cheshire which provides day services for disabled people in Derbyshire under contract for the authority.

The council and Leonard Cheshire first held a consultation in July 2005 into the future of day services for disabled people across the county.

The consultation and review concentrated on a change of emphasis, away from traditional day centres towards more mainstream services provided in the community.

During the 2005 consultation disabled people using the day centres and services, their carers, voluntary groups and disability organisations, were asked for their views on the possible changes, including day centre closures.

As well as more emphasis being put on using mainstream services and independent social groups, the county council and Leonard Cheshire would like to see an increase in numbers of people using direct payments and buying their own services and the development of other groups and facilities in the future.

The new programme of consultation about the future of Granville Resource Centre in Granville Avenue, starts on Friday 1 June and runs until Friday 31 August.

As well as one-to-one informal meetings with people using the centre, the consultation also includes:

• Giving carers of people who attend Granville the chance to give their views by phone
• Encouraging voluntary groups and disability organisations with an interest in day services and disabled people to send comments via the Disability Partnership Board
• Asking local disability groups to give their opinions through survey forms
• Asking the public to write/phone/e-mail comments about the proposal.

When the consultation closes all the views will be collated and used to inform county councillors who will make a decision on the future of the centre.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for adult social services Councillor Dave Allen said: “There is an emphasis nationally and locally on developing services for disabled people which are not day-centre-based and use a wide range of community facilities.

“This increases the choice of activities available to people and is more flexible as well as increasing social inclusion.

“The first consultation gave disabled people across the county the chance to have their say and now people using the Granville Resource Centre have the chance to comment on the actual plans which will affect them, telling us how they would like their services to be provided in the future.”

Anyone who is interested in commenting on the possible closure of Granville Resource Centre and its replacement with alternative services can Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058, email call.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk or write to:

Jenny Hudson
County Council Social Services
Rutland Mill
Market Street
Ilkeston
DE7 5RU

Following the 2005 consultation and a further in-depth consultation last summer, a decision was made earlier this year to close the county council-run Alfreton Resource Centre, known as Cressy Fields, in Alfreton. The centre in Cressy Road will stay open until a new £8 million Joint Services Centre opens its doors in 2008 offering services to young disabled people in the area.

(Ref: MC.150.07)

People with mental ill health are being given the chance to shape the services of the future at an event later this month.

Derbyshire County Council is currently looking at the way day services for people with mental ill health are provided across Amber Valley and is keen to hear the views of people who use the services and their carers and relatives.

The council wants to hear what people think is done well and what people would like to see changed or added in the future before it advertises for organisations to provide the service.

To help gather views and opinions the council has teamed up with Derbyshire Voice, an independent organisation which promotes and supports people using mental ill health services, to hold a `listening event’.

The event is being held on Thursday 17 May at Ripley Town Hall and there will be space for around 40 people to talk together in smaller groups, swap ideas and voice their opinions.

Refreshments will be served from 10.15am and the event starts at 10.30am. Lunch will be provided and the event finishes at 1.30pm.

At the moment services for people with mental ill health in Amber Valley are provided on behalf of the county council by national mental health charity Rethink.

The services focus on The Croft, a centre in Ripley which has a wide range of outreach groups operating across the district, and there is a close partnership with the community mental health team.

The emphasis is on improving people’s self-confidence and easing them back into the community. Also, where appropriate, people are supported back into some form of employment.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for adult social services Councillor Dave Allen said: “We are keen to gather as many views as possible on the way mental ill health services are provided and I hope people who can attend the event will go and get their voice heard.

“There are also opportunities to comment for those who cannot attend and I am sure we will have a clear picture of what people want in the future at the end of this consultation.”

Anyone who would like to attend the event, or would like further details, should contact Lynn Lunn at Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust by calling 01283 731321 or by e-mail at lynn.lunn@derbyshirecountypct.nhs.uk.

People who cannot go to the event can still give their views to david.gardner@derbyshirecountypct.nhs.uk or send written comments to Kara, Derbyshire Voice, 1, Park Road, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3EF.

(Ref:MC.149.07)

Proposals to reorganise primary schools and reduce the number of surplus primary school places are to be considered by Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet.

Councillors will be asked on Tuesday 15 May to consider holding public consultations into plans to close four Derbyshire primary schools to tackle the problem of falling pupil numbers and to hold discussions with teachers and governors at four other schools in north Dronfield.

There are currently 8,979 empty primary school places in Derbyshire. In the next four years it is predicted to increase by another 6,600 extra spaces. A council review to find the best way of dealing with the impact on schools aims to ensure:

• All pupils get a high standard of education no matter where they live in Derbyshire 
• It doesn’t cost a lot more to educate pupils at some schools than others 
• Tax payers are getting the best value for money 
• Money is being spent on pupils and not on maintaining buildings that aren’t being fully used

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for schools, said: “The issue of falling pupil numbers is a tough problem that councils across the country have had to face. There are no easy answers and we have looked at all the options.

“Where possible we have carried out alternative options to reduce surplus places but sometimes that is not possible.

“I know that parents will be unhappy if their child attends one of the schools involved in this review but we are looking to provide fair and equitable education for all Derbyshire students. Schools with a lot of surplus places cost much more and mean there is less money available for students at other schools, which has an impact on the quality of education they can be offered.

“No decisions have been taken yet. If cabinet approves the review document public consultations will be held in all the areas.”

The review of primary schools has looked at the problem of surplus places in different areas of Derbyshire by assessing the:

• Projected pupil numbers and surplus places
• Condition and suitability of existing school buildings
• Distance to the nearest alternative schools
• Balance of faith and non-faith schools in an area
• Impact on community facilities, early years education, extended school provision and social deprivation
• Impact on the environment

1. North Dronfield

Discussions will take place with headteachers and chairs of governors at Lenthall Infant School, Holmesdale Infant School, Northfield Junior School and Stonelow Junior School about the best way to tackle issues of falling pupil numbers at these schools.

2. Apperknowle, near Dronfield

Proposal: To close Apperknowle Primary School and offer pupils a place at a school in their area. Parents can apply to any school if there are places available.

• There are only 24 pupils at the school now compared to 41 in 2002 – this means 55% of places are not being used.
• Only two of the pupils live in the school’s catchment area.
• By 2011 we expect pupil numbers to drop to 19, meaning 64% of places will be empty.
• It costs £5,784 to educate each pupil at Apperknowle Primary School compared to the Derbyshire average of £2,648 for primary schools. This means pupils at other schools in Derbyshire get less funding.
• It will mean shorter school journeys for many pupils.

3. Castle Gresley

Proposal: To close Castle Gresley Infant School and offer pupils a place at a school in their community. In most cases this would be Linton Primary School.

• It costs £5,467 to educate each pupil at Castle Gresley Infant School compared to the Derbyshire average of £2,635. This means pupils at other schools in Derbyshire get less funding.
• There are 25 pupils at the school now compared to 41 in 2002. It means 66% of places are empty. By 2011 we expect there to be 23 pupils. 
• Unlike most infant schools Castle Gresley has four year groups instead of three. This means even more empty places in each class.
• In December 2006 Ofsted gave the school a ‘notice to improve’ because it: “currently provides an unacceptable standard of education and unsatisfactory value for money”.
• Much of the school site is in a very poor condition. It needs significant investment to bring it up to modern standards.
• Pupils already move from Castle Gresley Infant School to Linton Primary School at the end of year 3.
• Linton Primary School has 15% less pupils than it should. Moving pupils from Castle Gresley Infant School will help to solve that problem.

4. Chapel-en-le-Frith

Proposal: To close Combs Infant School and offer pupils a place at a school in their community. In most cases this would be Chapel-en-le-Frith Primary School.  

• Combs Infant School has 25 pupils and 15 of those live outside the school catchment area.
• It costs £5,447 to educate each pupil compared to a Derbyshire average of £2,635. This means pupils at other schools in Derbyshire get less funding. 
• It will mean shorter school journeys for many pupils.  

5. Long Eaton

Proposal: To close Highfield Primary School and move pupils to Parklands Infant School, Harrington Junior School or Longmoor Primary School.

• There are 171 pupils at the school now compared to 254 in 2002. This means there are 109 empty places (39%). 
• By 2011 we expect there to be 149 pupils. This means there will be 131 empty places (47%). 
• It will cost £500,000 to bring the building up to a reasonable state of repair and the school would need even more money to make it suitable to teach a modern curriculum. As the school is a listed building it is hard to re-develop it. The school also has no playing fields 
• It will remove surplus places at three other schools. Longmoor Primary School has 103 empty places, Parklands Infant and Nursery School 75 and Harrington Junior School 18 spare places.

(REF: JF.147.07)

More Moving Forward Together workshops are being held across Derbyshire for the organisers of community, voluntary or independent groups working with children and young people.

The events, which are the third in an on-going series, will look at:

• The participation of voluntary, community and independent sector providers in the commissioning process of the Derbyshire Children’s Trust 

• Information about funding opportunities from the Derbyshire Community Foundation
  

Groups will also find out more about the Derbyshire Children and Young People’s Trust – a partnership involving Derbyshire County Council, health services, Connexions Derbyshire, Derbyshire Police, the voluntary, community and independent sector and the Learning and Skills Council – which is organising the sessions.

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “The workshops are aimed at anyone who works with children and young people or groups of young people running their own group.

“By involving these groups we can develop the role of the Derbyshire Children and Young People’s Trust and ensure all children and young people have the best start to life in Derbyshire.”

The events will take place at:

• Erewash – Monday 14 May between 9.30am and 12.30pm at the Outlook Centre in Briar Gate, Long Eaton

• South Derbyshire – Monday 14 May from 2.30pm to 5.30pm at Sharps Pottery, 23 West Street, Swadlincote 

• Amber Valley – Tuesday 15 May from 10am to 1pm at the Genesis Centre, King Street, Alfreton 

• Bolsover – Wednesday 16 May from 2pm to 5pm at the Community Room, Stubbin Wood School, Burlington Avenue, Langwith Junction 

• Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire – Thursday 17 May from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the Saints Parish Centre in St Mary’s Gate, Chesterfield 

• High Peak and Derbyshire Dales - Thursday 17 May from 2.30pm to 5.30pm at Buxton Methodist Church Hall in Chapel Street, Buxton   

Anyone wanting to book places on any of the workshops or find out further information should ring Matt Ford on 01629 580000, extension 5697 or email matthew.ford@connexions-derbyshire.org
          

23 West Street

A summer of fun is in store for visitors to one of the county’s most popular country parks.

From guided walks to wildlife workshops and natural history rambles to music festivals Shipley Country Park has something for everyone over the coming months. Events include:

• Sunday 6 May - Up with the Larks - A three mile woodland walk taking in the sounds of the early morning birds. Starts at 4am
• Sunday 20 May - Bee Good - Build a home for bugs and bees at one of two workshops.
• Sunday 17 June - Love Parks Week (Bees and Birds) - Discover more about the park’s natural history on this three mile walk
• Saturday 23 June - Love Parks Week (Nightwatch) - Experience a whole new world of bats, moths and badgers on this two mile walk through the park at night. Includes barbecue food
• Sunday 24 June - Love Parks week (What bugs you?) - A three mile walk with an introduction to the creepy crawlies and butterflies which live in the park with stalls and displays all about bugs and beasties

• Sunday 8 July - E:Merge - Enjoy music and dance from around the world at this one day free festival
  Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “We have a great programme of events on at the park over the summer months.

“It’s a good opportunity for people to take part in a range of fun outdoors activities while enjoying the surroundings of the country park. Visitors will also be able to make use of all the usual facilities such as the coffee shop, visitor centre, gift shop, childrens’ play area, adventure playground, picnic site and more than 18 miles of footpaths and bridleways.”

For more information about these events contact Shipley Country Park Visitor Centre on 01773 719961. Booking is required and can be done by ringing Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058.

(REF: SM.146.07)

An expert on African studies will explore Derbyshire’s connections with the slave trade during two talks at county council libraries.

Dr Mark Smith is an archivist with Derbyshire Record Office and will talk about the origins of the slave trade and the county’s connections with it – using original sources held at the county council record office - to commemorate the abolition of the slave trade 200 years ago.

Dr Smith is a speaker of the West African language Hausa having studied in Nigeria as part of his doctorate.

His talks take place at Dronfield Library on Thursday, May 17, at 10.30am and at Buxton Library on Wednesday, June 6, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are free and are available in advance from the libraries.

An exhibition marking the bicentenary of the end of the slave trade is currently touring Derbyshire County Council’s libraries.

It will be in the following libraries simultaneously from the middle of May: Buxton, Dronfield, Etwall, Ripley, Sandiacre and Shirebrook. It will also be in Derbyshire County Council’s Local Studies Library, County Hall, Matlock.

It features a range of materials taken from the county council’s archives and record office including:  adverts for the sale of slaves and portraits of the leading anti-slavery campaigners of the day.

(Ref: AJ.143.07)

A Derbyshire library is to close temporarily to enable essential electrical work to take place.

Glossop Library will be closed for four days this month so that Derbyshire County Council can carry out some rewiring.

To ensure the safety of staff and members of the public while the work is being done, the library will be closed from Monday, May 14 to Thursday, May 17.

The Talbot Street library is due to open as usual on Friday, May 18 at 9.30am.

Customers will still be able to renew books during the temporary closure by ringing Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 or by using the county council's website www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries (opens in a new window)

(Ref: CC.143.07)

A wildlife garden and £15,000 foundation stage unit have been officially opened at a Chesterfield primary school.

Councillor Joyce Sanders, chair of Derbyshire County Council, and Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for schools, performed the opening ceremony at Pilsley Primary School.

The foundation stage unit was created using £13,000 of the school’s funding and £2,000 from the Parent Teacher Association.

The room will be used for teaching small groups and to allow pupils space to choose which of a variety of activities they want to do, such as painting, reading a book, playing in a sand pit or outdoor play.

The wildlife garden has cost £3,300 and been paid for by a National Lottery Awards for All grant.

Pupils produced designs to transform an overgrown area into a safe and quiet place to relax. The work was carried out with the help of Stephen Samson from Rosewood Landscapes.

Students are maintaining the garden with the help of teachers.

Learning opportunities… Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for schools, and Derbyshire County Council chair Councillor Joyce Sanders join pupils Regan Doncaster, five, and Chloe Strang, four, in the new foundation stage unit at Pilsley Primary School.

Looking for your ancestors is just a click away now that vital family records have been put on Derbyshire County Council’s website.

Staff from the county council-run Derbyshire Record Office have put an index containing thousands of names on to the internet to make it easier for people exploring their family tree.

A second index of surnames contained within ‘letters of administration’ – documents relating to the estates of people who died without making a will – have also been included on the website. These date from 1858 to 1875.

Once researchers have found the information they want they can order a copy of a will or letter of administration from the record office for a small fee.

Martin Molloy, the county council’s strategic director for cultural and community services, said researching family history could be time-consuming and complicated.

He said: “We hope this new facility on the county council’s website will make it easier for people to trace their ancestors.

“It is sometimes difficult to track down such documents because of the complicated legal process that existed years ago.

“By bringing all this information together so that it is available at the click of a mouse we hope even more people will be encouraged to start in the search for their relatives.

“This work to put documents on the internet is part of the county council’s commitment to make information contained within the record office more readily available to the public.”

Staff from Derbyshire Record Office have also created a guide containing useful information to help people who are trying to trace their ancestors.

This can be downloaded from www.derbyshire.gov.uk/recordoffice (opens in a new window) or can be obtained from the record office in New Street, Matlock.

For more information contact Derbyshire Record Office on 01629 585959.

(Ref: CC.142.07)

Thinking of buying a property abroad? Then why not let Derbyshire County Council help you find out how to do it.

Tutors with the authority’s adult community education service in Glossop are holding two one-off courses designed to help you avoid the pitfalls of buying a house in France or Spain.

Called Buying a Property in Spain or Buying a Property in France, each course will cover everything from learning about the legal system in the country to the jargon used when buying a house abroad.

The four-hour long courses begin at 10am on Saturday, May 19, and cost £20 per person and £15 for the over 60s.

Staff at the Glossop Adult Community Education Centre on Talbot Street are also holding a number of other one-day courses to celebrate Adult Learners’ Week (21-25 May), on Saturday, May 19. They are:

• Dance Flamenco - 10am - 12pm - A chance to try the Spanish dance - suitable for beginners. Participants are asked to wear shoes with a small heel. Fees are.£10, £8 for the over 60s or £2 for those on benefits.
• Dance Flamenco - 1pm - 3pm - The same as above, for those with a free afternoon.
• Basic First Aid - 10am - 4pm - Learn more about emergency first aid. No experience necessary. Fees as above.
• Family Learning Activity Day - 10am  - 4pm - Free.

Derbyshire County Council’s assistant director for engagement and skills, Donald Rae, said he hoped people would take advantage of the one-off courses.

He said: “A lot of people are looking to buy a house abroad, either for holidays or as a permanent move.

“Our two buying a property abroad courses cover the basics of what you will need to know when embarking on such an exciting project.”

He added: “We’ve also got some other interesting courses on that day, including flamenco and first-aid. And don’t miss our free, family learning activity session for mums, dads, grandparents and carers which brings adults and children together through learning.”

For more information on the above courses, or to find out about courses in your area, go to http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/adulteducation (opens in a new window)

(AJ.141.07)