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

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

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

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

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,

Riber Castle today – from Crown Square in the centre of Matlock. The interior of Riber Castle under restoration with new roof and re-created galleries Following a sell-out presentation last November, a repeat talk on ‘The Story of Riber Castle’ will take place on Thursday, 12 February at 7.30pm in the Imperial Rooms, Matlock. The previous event attracted 150 attendees, with many turned away due to lack of space. The free event is organised by Matlock Civic Association and ad

On Friday the 2nd of January 2026, doors open at 7:00 PM Stories and Music begin at 7:30 PM    In the at All Saints' Church Hall, Matlock Bank DE43JG "I saw a banshee once, just outside of Galway..."When Charlotte was 8 her Grandad told her the beginning of a story but refused to tell the full tale. Years later a chance encounter led her to find the rest of his story buried deep within an archive gathered from families in Ireland. Not only did she discover this unbelievable l

Being presented with his Dan grade certificate by Sensei Nigel Briggs, 6th Dan, is Sensei Sonny, watched by Sensei Jason Nesbeth 4th Dan and other students of Matlock Go-Dai Karate Club Matlock Go-Dai Karate Club celebrates another black-belt success! Sonny Field from Matlock now joins the elite, having taken a gruelling grading to gain his 1st Dan junior karate black-belt under the watchful eye of the Association’s Chair, Sensei Duncan Hardy, 8th Dan. Sonny started trainin

SATURDAY 10TH JANUARY, 7.30PM With a voice as deep as a southern sunrise and guitar work sharp enough to cut through any honkey tonk noise, Mark brings a fresh edge to classic country, with a sound of his own. Known for his rich vocals and masterful guitar work, Mark delivers songs that feel both nostalgic and new. On stage he's equal parts calm confidence and electric energy, letting his guitar speak as boldly as his voice. His music offers listeners storytelling they can

Danny Wells At the last meeting of the year members and visitors welcomed back for the fourth time, Danny Wells. On this occasion he spoke about the “Art of Gardens” which was so interesting in many ways, he explained that on closer examination of many paintings there is a whole host of hidden details with flowers and foliages having secret meaning! This was very much the case in Elizabethan, Victorian and Edwardian times. To close the meeting, Mary and Mary served teas alon

Just two of the twelve Matlock shop window scenes created by Frances A trip into Matlock town and the Christmas festive displays are starting to add cheer to the mundane job of basic shopping. Non more so than the lovely painted windows around the town. One particular show is eye catching and is a real compliment to Matlock. It is compiled of 12 snowy, recognizable scenes of Victorian Matlock. The artist responsible is Frances Thomas who lives in the town and although makin

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

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

Our final excursion for the year was a daytime river cruise along the River Trent with Princess River Cruises on which we enjoyed a Christmas lunch. After arriving at the River Lodge at Colwick for refreshments, we boarded the cruise and settled into our journey. Sadly it was a wet, miserable day outside so views were at times limited but the atmosphere inside the vessel was by no means disappointing! As soon as we were seated and the journey commenced, we were served very

The Matlock G&S Singers present a Come & Sing Seasonal Songs evening...under the baton of Mel Gilbert. The choir will also be performing a selection of songs. Friday 12th December 2025. All saints Church Hall, Smedley St. Matlock DE4 3JG. 7.30 doors open 7pm. Admission £5 Tea Coffee and Mince pies will be provided but please feel free to bring your own drinks and nibbles if you would like. Free parking at Hall/on road.

The Matlock Raft Event is roaring back this Boxing Day, following last year's hugely successful day. The 2025 event promises an unforgettable experience, with organizers dedicated to going above and beyond to create a safe, thrilling, and memorable day for all. The Matlock Raft Event is a quirky, long-standing tradition held in Matlock, Matlock Bath and Cromford, Derbyshire, UK. Every year on Boxing Day (December 26th), brave participants take to the chilly River Derwent on

A truly wonderful afternoon was enjoyed by all members and visitors who braved the terrible rain pouring down like stair rods to listen to guest speakers Janet and Paul Barrass, who spoke and sang with passion and laughter about one of their special subject lectures ‘Past Traditions of Christmas’. To back this they brought along an extensive array of vintage festive items which took everyone back to their childhood memories of bygone christmases. All in all this was one of t

Matlock Music Society continues its exciting 2025/26 season with a concert on 28th November given by PIVA, the internationally acclaimed early music ensemble. Returning by popular demand, the group will help ease us into the Christmas spirit by celebrating the Yuletide season, performing seasonal music and songs from Tudor times. Since forming in 2002, PIVA has become established as one of the UK’s leading early music ensembles specialising in the popular dance and ballad mu