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

February often suffers with the worst of the winter weather – with rain, sleet and snow making it seem like spring is still a long way off. But, with a bit of luck, we may also have some warmer days this month. Early spring sunshine can lure out the first bumblebees and other insects of the year. When this happens, they will be looking for something to eat – and this is where spring bulbs like snowdrops and crocuses can be really useful, as they provide nectar when there’s l

The Peak Music season continues after the Christmas break with its familiar programme of world-class concerts and a special offer for 2026. With three concerts still remaining, the society is offering a special half-season membership for only £45, including entry to all three performances. New members are guaranteed music which is unlikely to be available outside the major cities in the welcoming atmosphere of the Cavendish Hall, Edensor, on the Chatsworth Estate. At £15 per

This year's Wirksworth book festival is on Saturday, 25th April. It's a fantastic day out for book lovers of all ages. There's loads of author talks, poetry events, outdoor book sales at the shops and a fabulous book fair and outdoor stalls. If you've written a book and would like to come to the book fair to sell your book, or would like a second-hand book stall, or help a charity with books to sell then get in touch !! There’s children's authors, horror, humour, crime and

Outgoing Chairman, Mr Roger Flint handing over the Chain of Office to new Chairman, Mr Tony Pyner At the Matlock Probus Club 2026 AGM held on 8th January 2026 at the Duke William, Church Street, Matlock, Mr Roger Flint (outgoing Chairman) welcomed all who had attended. New Chairman, Mr Tony Pyner, was handed the Chain of Office by Mr Roger Flint. Roger was thanked for his Chairmanship during 2025 and Roger announced that the proceeds of the annual fund raising would be prese

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,

Come and enjoy a heartwarming coffee morning fundraiser on 14th February from 10am-12noon at Hartington Village Hall, SK17 0AP where you will receive a warm welcome and delicious coffee/tea and cake plus the chance to win raffle prizes. All proceeds will support the Hartington & District Community First Responders to purchase vital equipment. Community First Responders make the difference when minutes matter. They are volunteers who belong to local schemes. They attend 999 e

Lizzy (left) with The Princess, Ian Boyd CEO of Mind Over Mountains and Di West (right). On Tuesday, 27 January, The Princess of Wales joined nature-based mental health charity, Mind Over Mountains, for a supported wellbeing walk on Baslow Edge. As a committed advocate for mental wellbeing, the Princess of Wales was undaunted by the wind and rain as she walked and chatted with volunteers and past participants from the charity who shared personal stories of how therapeutic out