HISTORIC BAKEWELL VISITOR CENTRE RE-OPENS FOLLOWING REFURBISHMENT WORK

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Bakewell visitor centre has re-opened following work to maintain and improve the historic building and refresh internal displays.

 

The centre, also known as the Old Market Hall closed on 1st November for internal refurbishment and completion of condition survey work to repair and maintain the Grade 2* listed heritage building.

 

The Peak District National Park Authority invested £40k on works to the 300-year-old building.

 

Visitor experience development manager Sue Beswick said: “We’re delighted to welcome visitors back into the centre, following completion of the works and the easing of lockdown restrictions.

 

“The centre is very much at the heart of Bakewell, serving both visitors to the area and local people. It promotes Bakewell as the Peak District’s market town and supports local businesses, attractions, events, activities and places to visit.

 

“Our friendly, knowledgeable staff and volunteers are on hand to provide information, helping people to learn more about the national park.

 

“The visitor centre is also a great place to shop – with quality local products, photography and artwork, National Park branded goods and sustainable, ethically sourced product ranges.”

 

She added: “We now have a more comfortable space, allowing people to move around the building more easily, with improved displays for retail products. Retail is an important element of the visitor centre, with sales helping to support the work of the Peak District National Park Authority in caring for the national park we all love.”

 

The refurbishment included electrical work to improve lighting within the visitor centre along with maintenance work.     Sue explained: “The fit out has been sensitively designed so that gondola display fittings no longer hide four stone arches (originally open arches), mullioned windows and leaded sidelights.

 

“The neutral colour and quality bespoke fittings are in keeping with the building’s stone and timber, while providing a contemporary look and ambience. The new lighting has made a major difference – lighting up the double span roof, roof timbers and the upper floor.

 

The visitor centre, which adjoins Bakewell’s Market Square, dates back to the early 17th century. Originally an open-sided market hall, it has had many uses including wash-house, town hall, courtroom and assembly hall.

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Pictured left to right: Sally Mosley, Jenny Hanshaw, Sharon Mosley, Sue Beswick and Peak District National Park Authority chief executive Sarah Fowler

SCHOOL CHILDREN ARE BRINGING BACK MEMORIES FOR RESIDENTS AT BUXTON CARE HOME

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Residents at Brighterkind’s The Branksome Care Home in Buxton had a wonderful surprise this week when a special parcel arrived from the pupils of New Mills Primary School in High Peak, Derbyshire.

 

The year 6 children have created a fantastic selection of memory cards showing some of the events, people, inventions and music that hit the headlines over the decades.

 

From D-Day and the Moon Landings, the invention of washing machines and TV, to winning The World Cup and The Beatles releasing ‘Love Me Do’, the children’s memory cards have proved to be a big hit with the residents.

 

The home’s Magic Moments Club Coordinator James Taylor said, “We are so grateful to the pupils at New Mills for sending us these memory cards. The children have obviously put their heart and soul into their creations which look so professional and our residents are having a great time using them in our reminiscence activities.”

 

Resident Margaret Hawkins, a retired history teacher said, “The cards are absolutely brilliant and I’m enjoying looking through all the different pictures and chatting about the memories they bring back.”

 

The Branksome Care Home is located in St Johns Road, Buxton, Derbyshire and provides residential care, nursing care, palliative care and respite care.

 DERBY & DISTRICT BRANCH SAMARITANS TO BE THERE FOR ANYONE STRUGGLING OR FEELING LONELY THIS CHRISTMAS

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Christmas will be a tough time for some even without a global pandemic to deal with, say Samaritans, as the charity’s latest research reveals that being separated from family and loved ones over the Christmas period is one of the biggest concerns facing callers.

 

New research with over 1,400 of the charity’s volunteers found around a quarter who took part in the survey (27%), have spoken to people who were feeling concerned about their wellbeing over Christmas and the winter period, over the past three months.

 

But volunteers at Derby & District Branch will be there throughout December to make sure there’s someone there to listen to anyone who is feeling alone or struggling this festive season.

 

Aileen Hammersley, Derby & District Branch Director shared why it’s so important to make sure there’s someone there to listen throughout the festive season. She said: “We know that Christmas can be difficult for many people, as it’s a time when loneliness can really hit home and that this might be heightened this year. Regardless of what happens with Covid restrictions, we want people to know that confidential support is available 24/7, and that we are there for everyone this Christmas.

 

“Every call for help is answered by a trained volunteer and talking to us is always free and confidential. Samaritans has never been a more vital lifeline. If you can make a donation to support our work this festive season, you’ll be helping to ensure that we can be there to listen not just on Christmas but throughout the year.

 

“And if you find yourself struggling this Christmas, please remember you don’t have to face things alone. You can talk to us, day or night, on 116 123 or by emailing jo@samaritans. org.”

 

Volunteers at Derby & District Samaritans have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic to ensure their vital service is available around the clock for anyone who needs help. Since lockdown in March, Samaritans volunteers across the UK and Ireland have provided emotional support over a million times via phone, email and letters.

 

Jason, 50, felt his whole world had fallen apart one Christmas. After struggling with his mum’s death, breaking up with the mother of his son and the loss of his job, it all became too much.

 

Jason said: “The hardship faced by people trying to cope with the pandemic reminds me how overwhelming everything became for me at Christmas. Thankfully my ex-wife noticed my struggles and convinced me to pick up the phone to Samaritans. Although it was one of the hardest things I have done – that phone call changed my life and put me on a new path. Samaritans gave me hope and helped me to find my purpose again.”

 

Last Christmas, Samaritans, the only charity there for anyone struggling to cope 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, responded to over a quarter of a million calls for help and over 10,000 calls for help came on Christmas Day alone.

 

You can help Derby & District Branch Samaritans to be there for those who need emotional support this Christmas by making a donation at Virgin Money Giving. As little as £5 will help Samaritans answer a call for help from somebody struggling this Christmas.