Boat dweller and storyteller, Ian Douglas has a storytelling career that spans 32 years. He was first inspired to begin his journey by the late great Scottish traveller, Duncan Williamson. Ian has held the prestigious title of ‘Fool of Muncaster Castle’ and was apprenticed to the renowned storyteller, Taffy Thomas MBE during Taffy's three year stint as Storytelling Laureate. Along the way Ian has collected many a tale and Matlock Storytelling Café are delighted that he is bri

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

Angela Hadfield was the winner of the Darley Dale/Onzain Twinning’s Valentines’ Day Grand Draw and the prize of a mixed case of premium French wines. Angela’s lucky ticket was the first one drawn out of the pot by Darley Dale mayor, Councillor Jason Farmer at lunchtime in the Whitworth Café as onlookers enjoyed their Valentine’s Day lunches. With almost 200 tickets sold, the Twinning Group’s chairman, David Tidd, said how pleased he was with the success of the draw and over £

Youth Theatre members celebrate their grant. Inset: Rita and John from Rotary present funds to Di and Jude The latest round of the Bakewell Rotary Club Small Grants scheme has seen two very local Bakewell groups see success with grants of £250 each. The Bakewell Youth Theatre were awarded a grant to support their upcoming season of 'Grease' which will be on at the Medway Centre in March. Supporting young people is a big part of how Rotary tries to work in the community and th

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.

Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic sights in South America, and the culmination of the magnificent Inca Trail trek through the Peruvian Andes. Join Blythe House Hospice in October 2027, as we trek this breathtakingly beautiful route through valleys and high passes, scattered with fascinating Inca ruins. Travel a path that weaves through cloud forests, mountain passes, and centuries-old ruins, culminating in your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu at sunrise. Marie,

Kitchen Lifestyle are a family-owned business who have been in Matlock for over 20 years and pride themselves on giving excellent service and a friendly approach. We offer a wide range of styles from traditional to contemporary, and kitchens and bedrooms to suit all budgets. We pride ourselves on being the most competitive independent kitchen and bedroom company in Matlock, offering top quality at affordable prices. People often tend to think that being an independent kitche

The next dozen or so miles of my challenge walk could best be described as a pilgrimage, because this area of Derbyshire and Staffordshire contains a selection of quaint and historic churches. As early as 1663, Brassington had a King’s Highway passing through it. Inhabitants of the village had strict instructions to maintain and upkeep this important road. ‘Everie one everie yeare scowre their ditches adjoyieinge to the King’s highway before the first daie of May or else to

Improving an outdoor space doesn’t always require a major project. Sometimes, choosing the right materials can make the biggest difference. Here in Wirksworth, family‑run business TDP has spent years creating outdoor furniture that combines durability, thoughtful design, and genuine environmental responsibility. Using 100% recycled plastic, TDP transforms materials that would otherwise be discarded into benches, tables, planters and modular pieces built for everyday use. The

For classical music lovers in the Bakewell area, the Town Hall Chamber Series for 2026 offers a wonderful opportunity to hear some outstanding concerts performed by members of the Hallé, Manchester Camerata, and top free-lancers working all around the UK. The series opens on 1st March at 3pm with ‘French Connections’ - a wonderful programme of music for flute, viola and harp. This exotic combination of instruments lends itself to the rich and impressionistic sonorities of mu

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

Peak Music’s concert at the Cavendish Hall, Edensor, on 7th March promises a stirring selection of classical pieces arranged for a brass ensemble. Connaught Brass may be known to classical music fans from their appearances on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune programme and they have performed at major concert halls throughout Europe. They are known not only for their technical ability and vibrant approach, but also for their warmth and accessibility, which leads to a unique connection w

The Derbyshire Flower & Garden Show is an enchanting new event in the heart of Derbyshire, and invites garden enthusiasts, flower aficionados, and families alike to celebrate the beauty of nature and creativity. Taking place over a vibrant weekend, this show will feature stunning floral and vegetable display competitions, showcasing everything from intricate floral arrangements to the largest vegetables grown by local gardeners. Visitors can explore a diverse array of garde

Nottingham Victoria: no longer a railway station but unrecognisable as the Victoria Centre – Photo Robert Smyth Matlock Railway Club was formed in 1986. We have a varied programme that includes speakers in person and by Zoom, showing slides, photographs and video footage. Meetings are on Thursdays in the cosy Duke William pub at 91 Church Street high up in the historical centre of old Matlock from August to April. During the season of dark evenings we have been having afterno

Romiley Joinery – a dedicated and family run business since 1981. Specialists in manufacturing purpose-made joinery for people who are passionate about their property. Established by John Burrows, who is still a working Director, at our workshop in Romiley alongside 12 employees. John’s two sons, Neil and Matthew are based at our workshop in Peak Forest, Derbyshire, which has our new extended showroom facility showing a wide range of our joinery products, enabling customers

Matlock Music’s 2025/2026 season continues on Friday 27th February with the annual opportunity to hear outstanding young musicians from the local area. The Sheffield Music Academy trains many of the best young musicians in and around Sheffield under the direction of Martin Cropper, its Music Director. It is a music education charity supported by the Department of Education as part of the network of only 15 Centres of Advanced Training. It started in 2006 with 13 students and

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

Derbyshire is about as far from the coast as it is possible to be in the UK. Yet the county has many connections with the sea, some of which might be expected, and others which are less widely known, beginning 330 million years ago, and ending in the present day. Visitors £5. Refreshments. Our talk in February had to be changed because of the late unavailability of our speaker. The replacement, “The History Of Haddon Hall” given by Margie Burnet, the archivist at the Hall,

Winster Traditional Pancake Race Tuesday 17 February at 2,15 in Winster Main Street DE4 2DJ Visitors, including children, who wish to take part should bring a small pan and pancake. Everyone welcome. Prizes for the children.

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