DERBYSHIRE TEEN TO FEATURE ON COUNTRYFILE RAMBLE

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A teenager from Derbyshire will be a part of this year’s Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need. 16-year-old Harvey will join Matt Baker in a one-to-one ramble around the stunning Peak District. This vast area is known for its stunning landscape and dramatic views. The ramble will be filmed and broadcast in a special programme ‘The Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need’ on Sunday 1 November on BBC One.

 

Over the last five years, Harvey has had to come to terms with the loss of his older brother Ed who died in 2015. Together they both shared a passion for farming and the great outdoors. To help Harvey deal with the loss of his brother at such a young age, he found the support he needed at Treetops Hospice Care in Derbyshire. Treetops provides one-to-one counselling for those affected by bereavement in a non-judgmental space where Harvey has built confidence and is able to speak honestly.

 

Treetops Hospice Care provides counselling and emotional support to children, young people, adults and families who are dealing with a life-limiting illness or bereavement. The charity supports young people like Harvey with their emotional wellbeing, giving them the tools they need to be open about their feelings and helping them live with the loss of their loved one into the future.

 

Despite the challenges he has faced, Harvey’s passion for farming continues and he enjoys spending the holidays helping out on his great uncle’s farm. Ahead of the ramble, he said: “I can’t wait to get going with my ramble. I really enjoy being in the outdoors and spending time with Matt Baker and the Countryfile team will be a great experience. I’m so happy to be taking part in something I know will go on to support others who, like me, have had to deal with bereavement and the loss of someone close.”

 

Harvey’s Mum, Amanda, added: “Harvey is a great lover of farming and being outdoors in the open air. I know he will enjoy taking part in this year’s Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need immensely. As a family we’re so grateful for all the support Treetops Hospice has provided us and Harvey. We’re thrilled Harvey will be joining Matt on this ramble, and we are all so proud of him and what he will achieve.”

 

Treetops Hospice Care currently receives a grant of £30,000 from BBC Children in Need over three years. Funding provides counselling sessions for children and young people who have lost someone close to them. During the Covid-19 outbreak, the charity received an additional grant from BBC Children in Need of £4,500 to provide care packages for bereaved children and young people - the care packages help to support young people’s emotions in a healthy way, and aims to increase self-esteem and confidence.

 

Since the Countryfile Ramble began in 2015, ramblers have raised more than £7.9million for the charity. This year, other Covid-safe ramble challenges will take place in the Silent Valleys in Northern Ireland, Loch Lomond in Scotland, Pen-y-Fan in Wales, Cotswolds, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire.

 

Unlike previous years, the presenter-led rambles will be closed to members of the public due to restrictions surrounding Covid-19. However, Countryfile is once again calling on the British public to get walking, talking, rambling and ambling for BBC Children in Need by going on their own small, safe socially-distanced sponsored rambles for the charity. By combining our individual efforts, together we can support children and young people facing disadvantages right across the UK. For information on how to get involved and how to ramble safely (including links to the latest Covid-19 Government guidance), visit the Ramble Hub at bbc.co.uk/countryfile

 

In Derbyshire, BBC Children in Need currently funds 6 projects to a value of more than £338,000.

 

The rambles will take place on 10 and 11 October and they will be broadcast as an extended programme: The Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need, on BBC One, Sunday 1 November.

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Pictured: 16-year-old Harvey and Matt Baker

MUCH-LOVED HARTINGTON RESIDENT REMEMBERED AT ANNUAL CHARITY COFFEE MORNING

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A much-loved Hartington resident was fondly remembered at a fundraising day in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.     

 

Children from Hartington C of E Primary School and members of the local community enjoyed a special Macmillan afternoon tea on Friday 25th September, in memory of Bel Kerr, who organised coffee mornings in aid of the cancer charity for many years.       

 

Due to the current pandemic, school staff and children were unable to invite parents and local residents to join them for the traditional coffee morning, so they came up with a plan to host a virtual event. Invitations were sent out to more than 60 residents in the community, with a box including a cake, teabag, milk and sugar. The cakes were very kindly baked by Anne Stubbs, the school's catering manager, before being distributed in boxes around the village by local volunteers.   

 

The ringing of the old bell at the school saw lessons stop at 2.45pm so that children could sit in the hall to enjoy their cake and hot drink or juice, whilst remembering Bel and discussing how important Macmillan is, not just to the village, but in lots of other communities around the country.     

 

Other participants in the afternoon tea event were asked to take a photograph of themselves enjoying their cake and drink whilst sitting in their homes maintaining the social distancing rule.       

 

One member of the community said: 'What an inspirational way to raise money for Macmillan, and to pay tribute to Bel Kerr.'     

 

Another added: 'What a lovely idea!  We really enjoyed our tea and cake and just loved the notes from the children. A big thank you to all.'       

 

To raise even more funds for charity, older school children took part in a sponsored spellathon and a times table challenge, whilst the early years children participated in sport and game activities. There were lots of happy, smiling faces eager to share their experiences when they returned to the classroom.     Charlotte, a year six pupil at the school, said: 'This year it was even more special as Bel, who was well known in the village for hosting this event for many years, has sadly past away and will be missed by all who knew her. So at the same time during the charity day, the school and community raised a cup of tea to Bel.'     Tracy Blackwell, head teacher at Hartington C of E Primary School, commented: 'The school would like to thank everyone who supported the charity event and for their donations, which are still coming in. The whole school really enjoyed taking part in this worthwhile event alongside the community, even though we were unable to open our doors to them. I am proud to say that the current circumstances haven't stifled the creative flow of the children and their eagerness to help others.'     John Dean, a Hartington resident, added: 'Most of us remember Mrs Kerr, who for many years raised funds for the Macmillan charity.  Every pupil in the school should be proud of their efforts to raise money, which all goes to support finding a cure for cancer and looking after individuals with this disease. Well done to you all.'     If you'd like to donate to the charity, please make cheques payable to Macmillan Cancer Support and either deliver to the school on The Dale, or the Post Office at the Beresford Tea Rooms. You can also donate online:  

BE FLOOD AWARE THIS AUTUMN

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As autumn and winter are fast approaching, Councillor Steve Wain, of Matlock Town Council, who is the town’s voluntary Flood Warden, is urging people to be flood aware, given the flooding that occurred in the town last November.     

 

Over the past few months Councillor Wain has been communicating the residents and businesses in at risk areas within Matlock, encouraging them to sign up for flood alerts and giving other information about how people can be prepared.   

 

One way you can help is to report any blocked drains that you see to the Highways department at Derbyshire County Council using Call Derbyshire on 01629 533190, or if there is an obvious surface blockage, such as leaf litter, clear the top of the highway gully with a brush, if it is safe to do so.     

 

Councillor Wain has also been communicating with the Environment Agency and Derbyshire County Council to ensure that Matlock remains a priority.  

 

To sign up for Flood Alerts visit: or call the Floodline: 0345 988 1188.     

 

For more information on flooding, visit Matlock Town Council’s website: www. matlock.gov.uk/floods