top of page

Litton _ Cressbrook April 2026.jpg

A POTENTIAL READERSHIP OF UP TO 60,000
Your local paper, for local people, promoting local business for over 43 years.

THE PEAK ADVERTISER is an independent, locally produced paper for the Peak District area, including Bakewell, Baslow, Hope Valley, Tideswell, Matlock, Matlock Bath, and Wirksworth.

Peak Advertiser 18.5.26.jpg

Read latest issue

Publication dates

Business Directory

The Peak District

Talk of the Dales

Summer in the Peaks and Dales 2025 front cover.jpg

Current publication:

Monday 18th May 2026

Distributed from:

Thu 14 May

Next publication is:

Monday 1st June 2026

Which will be printed:

Tuesday 26th May

Distributed from:

Thu 28 May

Booking deadline:

5pm Thursday 21st May

Read the Peak Advertiser online

View Current Issue

What's On?

Find out what's happening in the Peak District, Matlock and Wirksworth. See also Coming Events Listings >

PICKLEBALL IS BACK AT BASLOW SPORTS FIELD

MY WAY AROUND – LYME PARK TO WHALEY BRIDGE

MY WAY AROUND – LYME PARK TO WHALEY BRIDGE

MY WAY AROUND – LYME PARK TO WHALEY BRIDGE

Renowned for its wonderful paths and trails, Lyme Park is a romantic treasure trove of stately house, formal gardens, woods and wild moorland. It is a delight for walkers as well as being a magnet for lovers of Jane Austen who can wander with pride in the footsteps of the fictional Mr Darcy. We exited the main car park and walked uphill in front of the gated entrance on the final approach to the front door where carriages would have turned long ago. We then continued past th

LITTLE GREEN SPACE ~ BY PENNY BUNTING

LITTLE GREEN SPACE ~ BY PENNY BUNTING

LITTLE GREEN SPACE ~ BY PENNY BUNTING

Chaffinch on a peanut feeder Attracting wild birds to the garden by providing food, water and shelter is a hobby that many people enjoy. However, new advice has been released by the RSPB (www.rspb.org.uk), recommending that people stop offering peanuts and seeds in feeders over the summer months. This is because diseases that affect wild birds spread more rapidly in warm weather. Disease can be spread when large numbers of birds congregate in the same spot, such as garden b

Music in the Peaks and Dales

Forthcoming live music events and concerts Read more >

Hallé Musicians to perform at Bakewell Town Hall, Sunday May 31st 7pm

Hallé Musicians to perform at Bakewell Town Hall, Sunday May 31st 7pm

Hallé Musicians to perform at Bakewell Town Hall, Sunday May 31st 7pm

MATLOCK MUSIC PRESENTS LIVE MUSIC IN THE DALES SIQI HUANG – PIANO

MATLOCK MUSIC PRESENTS LIVE MUSIC IN THE DALES SIQI HUANG – PIANO

MATLOCK MUSIC PRESENTS LIVE MUSIC IN THE DALES SIQI HUANG – PIANO

THE FISHPOND CHOIR

THE FISHPOND CHOIR

THE FISHPOND CHOIR

2 3 4 5

Local Business & Services, Spotlights, & Features

S. ANSELM’S SCHOOL IN DERBYSHIRE APPOINTS NEW HEAD TO START NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR

S. ANSELM’S SCHOOL IN DERBYSHIRE APPOINTS NEW HEAD TO START NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR

S. ANSELM’S SCHOOL IN DERBYSHIRE APPOINTS NEW HEAD TO START NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR

Following an extensive recruitment process, S. Anselm’s School in Bakewell, is delighted to announce the appointment of Hannah Cunningham as Headteacher from September 2026. Hannah brings with her a wealth of experience from a range of distinguished teaching and leadership roles, including Head of Mylnhurst Preparatory School in Sheffield, and more recently Head of Junior School at Repton, Al Barsha, Dubai. Educated at Wakefield Girls’ High School, Hannah went on to complet

RECYCLED OUTDOOR FURNITURE BUILT TO ENDURE REAL BRITISH WEATHER

RECYCLED OUTDOOR FURNITURE BUILT TO ENDURE REAL BRITISH WEATHER

RECYCLED OUTDOOR FURNITURE BUILT TO ENDURE REAL BRITISH WEATHER

TDP, a Derbyshire‑based maker of outdoor furniture, creates pieces designed to live outdoors year after year. TDP’s furniture can be found in gardens, village greens and beauty spots across the country, where it quietly does its job through sunshine, frost and rain. Made in Derbyshire using recycled plastic, each bench or table is solid, weatherproof and remarkably low maintenance. There’s no need for painting, staining or seasonal repairs, which is a welcome change for anyon

PLATFORM HOUSING VOLUNTEERS CLEARING AWAY THE ‘DIGITAL MUD’

PLATFORM HOUSING VOLUNTEERS CLEARING AWAY THE ‘DIGITAL MUD’

PLATFORM HOUSING VOLUNTEERS CLEARING AWAY THE ‘DIGITAL MUD’

Hello, I’m Tracey Silk, I’m one of Platform Housings’ Community Engagement Officers. You’ll find me most Fridays with my colleague Hayley and our lovely, friendly volunteers at the Imperial Rooms in Matlock. Together we run Matlock Help Centre and Digital Support. It’s an informal, friendly drop-in session between 10am-12pm and everyone is welcome. The kettle is always on. Digital is second nature to young people today, but for some of us older people, it’s as clear as mud

2 3 4 5

Talk of the Dales

Local stories and contributions from writers in the Peak District, Matlock and Wirksworth.

THE FISHPOND CHOIR

THE FISHPOND CHOIR

THE FISHPOND CHOIR

On a sunny April morning over sixty singers joined The Fishpond Choir Come and Sing event at The Whitworth Centre in Darley Dale. It was an opportunity for singers, new and experienced, to come together to enjoy creating something beautiful. Two contemporary pieces were learnt from scratch and the result was fantastic. The workshop ended with a sing through of both pieces – in choir formation and also individually around the perimeter if the Brunel Room which created a wond

A DECADE OF COMFORT, CARE AND COMPASSION IN THE PLACE THAT MATTERS MOST

A DECADE OF COMFORT, CARE AND COMPASSION IN THE PLACE THAT MATTERS MOST

A DECADE OF COMFORT, CARE AND COMPASSION IN THE PLACE THAT MATTERS MOST

Blythe House Hospice is proudly marking the 10th anniversary of its Hospice at Home service – a decade of delivering compassionate, specialist care to people in the comfort of their own homes across North Derbyshire. Launched on 11th April 2016, the service was created thanks to a generous gift left to Blythe House in a will, with a vision to transform end of life care within the local community. Ten years on, that vision has become a reality. Over the past decade, Hospice

HARTINGTON AND DISTRICT FIRST RESPONDERS CHARITY WALK

HARTINGTON AND DISTRICT FIRST RESPONDERS CHARITY WALK

HARTINGTON AND DISTRICT FIRST RESPONDERS CHARITY WALK

Kate Tenty doing the walk and Stephen Trowbridge, lead first responder In May, I will be walking 120 kilometres of the Camino de Santiago, more precisely The Camino Ingles (The English Way) from Ferrol to the shrine of Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain. The Camino Ingles has its roots in medieval times, when pilgrims from across Northern Europe journeyed on foot to the tomb of Saint James, one of the twelve apostles, whose remains are said to be buried there. It is som

HURST FARM HERITAGE TRAIL IS NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN

HURST FARM HERITAGE TRAIL IS NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN

HURST FARM HERITAGE TRAIL IS NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN

Civic Chair, Councillor David Chapman cutting the ribbon a the new Heritage Trail The Hurst Farm Heritage Trail in Matlock has now been formally opened. Derbyshire Dales District Council led the project in partnership with Community Benefit Society Hurst Farm Wild Works and the opening follows completion of the capital works led by regional contractor G F Tomlinson in October last year. The project is part of a wider initiative formed by partner organisations to support the

BAKEWELL DAY OF DANCE NEEDS HELP!

BAKEWELL DAY OF DANCE NEEDS HELP!

BAKEWELL DAY OF DANCE NEEDS HELP!

The Bakewell Day of Dance is a much loved free dance festival, that for 21 years has been the opening event for Bakewell Carnival. It is a wonderful celebration of dance from around the world and attracts many visitors from far and wide. Setting the town alive with music, dance and colourful costumes, it fills the town with a vibrant carnival atmosphere, ready for the busy week ahead. With continuous performances at six outdoor venues around the town there is plenty to watch

APPOINTMENT OF WILDFIRE ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

APPOINTMENT OF WILDFIRE ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

APPOINTMENT OF WILDFIRE ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

New Wildfare Engagement Officer, Damien and the Froggatt Edge wildfire, May 2025, photograph courtesy of Villager Jim The British Mountaineering Council’s (BMC) charity, the BMC Access & Conservation Trust has funded a Wildfire Engagement Officer for the Sheffield Moors area. This is because a staggering 81.22 hectares (114 football pitches) of Peak District peatland has been devastated by more than 12 wildfires in the Peak District’s Sheffield Moors area since 2018, at an es

JOIN PDMHS & T’OWD MAN FOR THE MINER’S HOLIDAY! 24TH MAY 2026 – MAGPIE MINE, NEAR SHELDON 11AM-4PM

JOIN PDMHS & T’OWD MAN FOR THE MINER’S HOLIDAY! 24TH MAY 2026 – MAGPIE MINE, NEAR SHELDON 11AM-4PM

JOIN PDMHS & T’OWD MAN FOR THE MINER’S HOLIDAY! 24TH MAY 2026 – MAGPIE MINE, NEAR SHELDON 11AM-4PM

Step into history with the Peak District Mines Historical Society and T’Owd Man as they revive the annual miner’s holiday at the legendary Magpie Mine near Sheldon. Explore the mine's site with expert guides and dare to peer down the shafts if you’re brave enough. Browse stalls from PDMHS, Wirksworth Mines Research Group, and Goodluck Mines Preservation Society. Chat with specialists, discover mining artefacts, and uncover the fascinating stories behind our local heritage.

MATLOCK DERWENT VALLEY LIONS CLUBS SUPPORT OF ASHOVER PRIMARY SCHOOL GARDEN PROJECT

MATLOCK DERWENT VALLEY LIONS CLUBS SUPPORT OF ASHOVER PRIMARY SCHOOL GARDEN PROJECT

MATLOCK DERWENT VALLEY LIONS CLUBS SUPPORT OF ASHOVER PRIMARY SCHOOL GARDEN PROJECT

Children with headteacher, Sue Myhill and Lion President, Colin Turnbull in the polytunnel showing off their new tools Matlock Derwent Valley Lions Club were approached by Ashover Primary School who were starting a school garden project and looking for support in getting the necessary equipment. From the list of things needed the Lions decided they would supply trugs, trowels and forks and a wheelbarrow to assist with getting things off the ground. These were presented to the

BAKEWELL AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUBAN OUTLINE OF THE PENINSULAR WAR

BAKEWELL AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUBAN OUTLINE OF THE PENINSULAR WAR

BAKEWELL AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUBAN OUTLINE OF THE PENINSULAR WAR

L-R: Hugh Wright and Club Chairman, Paul Davies It is now over two hundred years since the Napoleonic Wars raged across much of Europe but, remarkably, a collection of artefacts associated with one of the campaigns of that conflict has survived for all that time in the custody of one of our local families. At a meeting of the Bakewell and District Probus Club, member Hugh Wright brought several examples of these artefacts. They had been handed down through generations of his

BASLOW WI DARLINGS

Aquabox – Colin Petty Of course I’ve heard of Aquabox. But I’d no idea how ingenious they are nor how hard the volunteers work to provide a package fit for survival. All the contents are ethically sourced, bought in bulk and excellent value for money. We were impressed. The Great British Spring Clean We’ll be there, picking litter in our own home areas and any of our favorite countryside spots. Plus a WI group litter picking session in the Village Hall area before our Defibri

BAKEWELL LADIES GROUP FIRST MEETING TUESDAY 21ST APRIL

Would you like to meet new people, make new friends, learn new skills and come to fascinating talks and demonstrations? If so, Bakewell Ladies Group is the place for you. They are a group of 20-30 ladies of all ages and backgrounds and will be meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, at the Friends Meeting House, Bakewell, at 7.30pm, starting on Tuesday, 21st April. They are calling themselves ‘Bakewell Ladies Group’, and will enjoy a range of speakers, pot luck suppers, cra

HOMES FOR SWIFTS THE WHITWORTH, DARLEY DALE – SUNDAY 12TH APRIL

Derbyshire Swift Conservation is to hold a public event to celebrate the second year of grant funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to save Derbyshire’s Swifts by protecting and creating nesting sites keeping our summer skies alive with their calls for future generations. The celebration will see workshops for families and a talk from renowned Swift expert, Edward Mayer. There will also be the opportunity for the public to learn more about installing Swift boxes an

ROTARY BAKEWELL

Support for the Farming Life Centre with a Club Community Grant Rachel Metcalfe, an Edale farmer’s wife and Charity Manager for the Farming Life Centre joined our lunch meeting at the Rutland Arms Hotel, Bakewell on 18th February to receive the £400 community grant and tell us more about their work. They are a rural support charity aimed at improving health and well-being for farmers and to create opportunities for social interaction to connect members of the farming communit

MATLOCK PROBUS CLUB

At the February meeting of Matlock Probus Club our Vice Chairman, Mr Roger Flint, welcomed members. Our Speaker for the meeting was Mr Paul Newsham, Forensic Expert and a man who is knowledgeable about many subjects! His illustrated talk was “The Theatres of London”. A very fascinating insight into many of the Theatres in the West End of London and beyond. We learned that there are 38 Theatres in the West End such as The Adelphi which is situated in the Strand. This Theatre

WINSTER GUISERS

Winster Guisers would like to thank their friends, old and new, who supported them over the recent Christmas performances. £1,100 was raised by your generous contributions for charity, local and national. The money has been donated to the following: Winster and Elton Luncheon Club Winster Darby and Joan Club Winster School PTFA RNLI Air Ambulance Samaritans Mountain Rescue Kenya Rams We hope to see you all again next Christmas season.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION: A GARDENERS VIEW

The first thing in the new year is to sit and make yourself a coffee and get a chocolate biscuit while promising yourself not to break this year’s resolution yet again. 1. To eat more healthy. This can be achieved by growing your own. Nothing beats the taste of fresh, home-grown vegetables and herbs. Grow herbs in pots near the house for convenience. 2. Get more active. This can be achieved by getting outside in the sunshine (that’s if we get any this year), and if your tim

BASLOW WI DARLINGS

Life in the WI with Lorna Wilson, Lesley Armitage and Ann McPhie No shortage of WI debating material and initially our interaction was gentle and ponderous. Then what happened? Wow. A groundswell of powerful debate erupted, highly motivated grassroots opinion expressed. An adrenaline charged atmosphere throughout the room. I had to have more than one calming cup of tea during the refreshment break. Show and Tell. Wear Something Old from your Wardrobe This was a Fashion Show l

TENANTS INVITED TO HELP IMPROVE HOUSING SERVICES

Tenants living in Council-owned homes across the High Peak are being invited to share their experiences and ideas for how housing services can be improved. High Peak Borough Council is hosting two ‘Your Voice, Your Choice’ drop-in sessions next month where tenants can help shape how the Council manages tenancies, develops policies, and delivers the services that matter to them. • Thursday 12 February, 3pm-6pm, the Octagon Lounge, Pavilion Gardens, Buxton • Thursday, 26 Febru

HAVE YOUR SAY ON HOME TO SCHOOL TRAVEL PROPOSALS

A consultation event has been arranged to help people have their say on proposals to update home to school travel policies. Derbyshire County Council is seeking views on plans to change travel policies for eligible school children aged five to 16, Post 16 learners and students with special educational needs and disabilities. It follows updated legal guidance from the government providing greater clarity on the role councils’ play in helping to transport children to school,

DISTRICT COUNCIL SETS OUT TIMETABLE FOR SUBMITTING REVISED LOCAL PLAN TO GOVERNMENT

Derbyshire Dales District Council has set out a detailed timetable for completing its revised Local Plan and submitting it to the Government by December this year. The tight deadline follows a series of changes in national government planning policy. However, the Council remains committed to keeping local communities informed on progress with the Local Plan, before a formal six-week public consultation starts in August. The revised Local Plan will set out the overall visio

DERBYSHIRE WAYFARER RANGER GOES DIGITAL

Derbyshire Wayfarer Ranger tickets can now be purchased through an app, making them more convenient for bus and train users. Until now Derbyshire Wayfarer Ranger tickets have only been available to purchase from libraries and tourist information centres as scratchcards, on buses and at railway ticket offices. Developing a digital solution ensures that the ticket is available to a wider number of people and is more accessible. The tickets can now be bought through the Trave

BAKEWELL U3A'S ANNUAL CHARITY COFFEE AFTERNOON WEDNESDAY 21ST JANUARY

Every year Bakewell u3a hosts a coffee afternoon to raise money for a worthwhile charity, sometimes local, sometimes national. For 2026 the organisers have chosen Cancer Research UK and invite you and your friends to come along to the Methodist Church, Bakewell, at 2pm on Wednesday 21st January and join in the fun. There will of course be a raffle and plenty of coffee and tea and biscuits but the main attraction will be the table-top sale of lots of hand-made or unwanted bit

DERBYSHIRE WAYFARER RANGER GOES DIGITAL

Derbyshire Wayfarer Ranger tickets can now be purchased through an app, making them more convenient for bus and train users. Until now Derbyshire Wayfarer Ranger tickets have only been available to purchase from libraries and tourist information centres as scratchcards, on buses and at railway ticket offices. Developing a digital solution ensures that the ticket is available to a wider number of people and is more accessible. The tickets can now be bought through the Trave

FILM STUDENT SEARCHING FOR A RURAL FIELD BARN IN THE PEAK DISTRICT

Amelie Ingrouille, a student film producer in her final year at the Manchester Metropolitan University is planning her major graduation project which will be a 10 minute short film set in rural 17th century Northern England during the witch trials. She is in search of a field barn that she and a small crew can use to film inside and out. It should be derelict – old enough to work as a convincing 17th century location, but safe enough to have people inside. Amelie would be ext

A ROBIN STEALS THE SHOW AT HADDON HALL CAROL CONCERT

Visitors to Haddon Hall were treated to an unexpected touch of Christmas magic recently when the South Notts Men’s Chorus were joined by a most unlikely and enthusiastic guest. As the choir filled the historic hall with seasonal favourites, a bright-breasted robin appeared, hopping and fluttering around the room as if drawn by the music itself. Far from being shy, the little bird sang his heart out, chirping boldly alongside the choir and earning smiles from singers and audi

BASLOW WI DARLINGS

St Anne’s School Choir and Christmas Tea Oh, Bless them, they were wonderful. A chorus of joyful voices melting our hearts. Perfect. Nothing beats St Anne’s School Choir at Christmas. Then Christmas tea, a lovely finalé to our WI year. Chatsworth Christmas Outing Happy chaos. Some of us were early, some late, some poorly and some were there but we never found them. It was busy and it was tricky to keep together because there was a plethora of young burgeoning media influencer

DERBYSHIRE DALES CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR BIN COLLECTIONS

Derbyshire Dales District Council has announced its bin collections schedule for the Christmas and New Year period. The most significant change is for Dales residents who usually get waste and recycling collections on Thursdays. As Christmas Day falls on a Thursday this year, their Christmas collection is brought forward to Saturday 20 December, while what would have been a New Year’s Day collection is a day later on Friday 2 January. Usual Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday col

RIVER NETWORK CELEBRATES COMMUNITY SPIRIT AT THE CHRISTMAS VICTORIAN MARKET

River Network proudly showcased its commitment to community support at the Christmas Victorian Market in Matlock, where their dedicated team highlighted the phenomenal work being done in housing, foodbank services, and family support. The market stall served as more than just a festive display; it provided the team with invaluable experience in retail and retail management, while also fostering skills in security and security management. This initiative allowed team members

STONE DONATION HELPS IMPROVE HERITAGE RAIL COMPANY EXPERIENCE

If you take a nostalgic trip on heritage railway Peak Rail you are likely to see how a generous donation of stone by independent local company Longcliffe Quarries Ltd has enabled the company to make some significant improvements. Peak Rail operates a steam and heritage diesel service for tourists and visitors to both the Peak District and the Derbyshire Dales. The limestone has been used for a platform extension at Rowsley and for foundations for rebuilding a footbridge at D

DARLEY DALE WI

The ladies of Darley Dale WI concluded a very interesting and enjoyable programme for 2025 when they met recently. President, Sue Lamb welcomed everyone to the meeting including visitor, Kath. Fellow member, Jayne Hayward provided greenery and trimmings for the making of Christmas wreaths. After a deft demonstration by Jayne everyone soon got into the spirit and produced original decorations. Several members had attended the Autumn Celebration event at the Winding Wheel in

FARMING LIFE CENTRE SECURES CRUCIAL FUNDING TO COMBAT RURAL ISOLATION

As a small, vibrant charity, The Farming Life Centre relies entirely on diverse funding streams to deliver life-changing projects — every pound goes straight back into supporting farming and rural communities across the Peak District. The Farming Life Centre is delighted to announce that they have received generous funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the National Lottery Community Fund to expand their much-needed Rural Befriending Project. This funding wi

DERBYSHIRE OPEN ARTS 2026 CALLOUT FOR ARTISTS AND MAKERS

Derbyshire Open Arts is an annual event that promotes the work of artists and makers across the county. Next year will be the 20th anniversary of the event which has grown into Derbyshire’s largest open studio event and will take place over the Spring Bank holiday weekend, Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th May 2026. There are many benefits to artists of being part of Derbyshire Open Arts including: • promotion of your work and venue via social media platforms, newspapers and maga

FREE PARKING THIS CHRISTMAS IN HIGH PEAK

Parking in Borough Council car parks will be free again this year this December as High Peak residents and businesses prepare for, and celebrate, the festive season. The Council is offering free parking in its pay and display car parks on Saturdays 6, 13, 20 and 27 December, and on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, to encourage people to support local businesses and shop local. Parking will also be free in Buxton on Saturday 22 November and Glossop on Saturday 29 November fo

Discover the Peak District

Attractions, experiences, activities, dining, and places to visit in the Peak District, Matlock and Wirksworth

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN THE PEAK DISTRICT

Image by Jay Wennington

DINING IN THE PEAK DISTRICT

Summer in the Peaks and Dales 2025 front cover.jpg

SUMMER IN THE PEAKS AND DALES MAGAZINE

bottom of page