Talk of the Dales
- peakadvertiser
- Feb 5
- 22 min read
PUBLIC INVITED TO COME AND FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PROPOSALS FOR COUNTY HALL
Derbyshire County Council is inviting local people to find out more about plans to transform County Hall and the Winter Gardens in Matlock at two drop-in events planned for early February.
The council is proposing to return the main building to its original use as a hotel, build a more sustainable building for the council onsite and is looking at a variety of other new uses for the rest of the buildings to support the community and local economy.
The plans are the culmination of extensive work to understand how the existing buildings can be used to their full potential, following a move by the council to more hybrid working practices, which has led to the buildings becoming underused.
County Hall started life as Smedley’s Hydro, and for many years hosted people who visited Matlock to take the waters and take part in a range of treatments. The council is hoping that much of this history will be brought back to life with the plans for the building.
The council’s plans to restore and re-purpose the historic building will hopefully deliver a range of new uses, including a world-class hotel and venue, space for local businesses and community uses, new homes and a new, more sustainable and cost-efficient building for the council.
The council has been working with local stakeholders since 2022 and has also sought expressions of interest from developers, hotel operators and investors to feed into the realisation of the vision.
Derbyshire County Council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Simon Spencer, said, “We have a unique opportunity to restore this beautiful local landmark and return it to its original purpose as a hotel, and by doing so, support our community by growing the local economy, delivering new homes and generating jobs.
“We want to turn County Hall back to Smedley’s Hydro, which was the original name of the buildings.
“We’ve been working with local stakeholders and now wish to share the plans with the local community. This is an exciting time, with a real opportunity to completely rethink how we use the building to safeguard its future and reduce the operating costs of the council.”
Community drop-in events will be held at County Hall over the weekend of the 7 and 8 February with an opportunity for local residents to view information on the plans and leave their comments. The events are planned for:
Friday 7 February: 4pm - 7.30pm
Saturday 8 February: 10am - 2pm
Further information can be found on the council’s website – derbyshire.gov.uk/countyhallplans
BIRD KEEPERS MUST FOLLOW STRICT BIOSECURITY MEASURES TO PROTECT THEIR FLOCKS FROM AVIAN FLU
Trading standards officers at Derbyshire County Council are informing people who keep poultry or other birds that they must follow enhanced biosecurity measures to protect their flocks from bird flu.
This comes as the Government’s UK Chief Veterinary Officer ordered a new Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) to cover the whole of England, in response to the increased number of cases of avian influenza in poultry in new areas of the country.
There are currently no reported cases in Derbyshire.
The AIPZ instructs keepers to follow enhanced biosecurity but without mandatory housing. It came into force at midday on Saturday 25 January 2025 across England.
This applies to all bird keepers, whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock and is essential in protecting birds from avian flu.
Bird keepers can complete the self-assessment checklist to make sure they are meeting the minimum standards to protect their birds against bird flu.
To help prevent the spread of disease and protect the national poultry flock keepers are required to register their flock (however small) on the Poultry Register. The law states that bird keepers must register within one month of keeping poultry or other captive birds at any premises in England or Wales. This includes pet birds.
Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Carol Hart, said: “Avian flu is a very infectious virus affecting birds. I urge bird keepers in Derbyshire to find out more about the disease, how to spot it, what measures they must take to protect their birds and how to report it when they see signs of the disease. And they must follow Government advice so that we can help to limit the spread.”
Anyone who suspects bird flu must report it immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) even if the signs are mild.
Find out more: https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/business/trading-standards/animal-health/avian-influenza/avian-influenza-bird-flu.aspx
BAKEWELL MANNERIANS MATCH REPORT
AMBER VALLEY 1ST XV 5PTS MANNERIANS 1ST XV 64PTS
After an inauspicious start, where the home side were quicker off the mark and built enough momentum for one of their hefty forwards to crash over and claim an early try, this game was all about Mannerians and how many points they would rack up. That is not to diminish Amber Valley's efforts, and they played a full part in making it a competitive and entertaining match.
Led by the all-action skipper, Will Brocklehurst, at scrum half, Mannerians just had too much power, pace and flair for Valley to cope with. The front row of Chris Maltby, Jimmy O'Neill and Matty Hopkins, while comfortaby outweighed, provided a stream of scrum ball, while Gammy Brocklehurst dominated the lineouts. In the second row, the powerhouse pairing of Jack Pickford and Sam Laverick anchored the scrum and had enough in the tank to charge around causing mayhem in the loose, but it was No 8 Ben Hopkinson who levelled the scores after slick play in the backs from Tom Bell, Joe Pearce and Joel Warburton.
The back three, George Ford, immaculate at full back, together with flying wingers Tom Pearce and Bob Staples, were a constant menace, while freed from wing duty on the flank, the burly Dan Barratt asked all sorts of questions up the middle – not many of which the home side could answer. Captain Brocklehurst was next to score after Laverick carved a path into the '22 and a quick ruck opened a way to the line, then shortly afterwards centre Joe Pearce evaded several tackles to plough over in the left hand corner.
By now, Mannerians' travelling support was drooling, as wave after wave of attack saw Bell, both Brocklehursts and a number of Pearces come close, before Pickford swatted away defenders as though they were flies then touched down near the posts. From the kick off, Maltby and Hopkins moved play to the right, the centres combined neatly and Ford made the extra man that created the overlap. Out wide, Tom Pearce still had a lot to do from half-way, but nobody can live with pace and Valley couldn't lay a finger on him as he slid in to score. With the interval looming, two quick tries followed: Gammy Brocklehurst scything through after good forward play, and Barratt weebling in from a popped pass by Bell.
Half time saw veteran David Boam give Joe Pearce a brief rest, while Steve Harker brought his energy to the wing. The second period was a more cagey affair. Mannerians' discipline waned a little, and their defence was at last tested. This proved more that capable, and notable tackles came from Boam, Warburton and O'Neill as the storm was weathered. Hopkinson claimed his second, having failed with a drop goal attempt and a mysterious grubber, after a break by Bell had found the pack in support. Coach Martin Balshaw then rang the changes. Rod Bell and Stuart Connett came into the front row after good midweek performances in the Academy, while Tom Bell exchanged places with Joe Pearce at fly half.
The changes were seamless, and within minutes a series of midfield rucks saw play move to the left and Bob Staples zoom up his wing, flowing locks and beaten tacklers left in his wake on his way to the line. What followed was a solo try of epic proportions. Older readers may recall John Kirwan's famous score in the 1987 World Cup against Italy, or John Bentley's effort for the British Lions against Gauteng Province in 1997. Younger readers may want to look them up on YouTube. Either way, Will Brocklehurst's against Amber Valley was in that league. No further detail is really needed, just watch those tries and exchange “Brocklehurst” for “Bentley” and “Kirwan”.
As the game drew its close, it became rather scrappy. Laverick left the field, bloody but unbowed, and an Amber Valley player and Gammy Brocklehurst found themselves on the end of red cards - the Valley lad for punching Brocklehurst, Brocklehurst for objecting to it. This didn't diminish much from a fine Mannerian win and a Man-of-the-Match performance from the seven conversion full back,George Ford.
Former Mannerians captain Bryn Thompson was effusive in his praise for the team. “It's one of the best performances I have seen from a Bakewell team in many a while,” he enthused. “I can see myself in that team. If you took Pickford's size, the backs' skills and pace and Bob's hair, you should be able to picture how it would be. Though I would have kicked all the conversions. And my drop goal attempts would have been better than Hopko's. Think Jonny in 2003. ”
Team: Ford; Pearce T, Pearce J, Warburton, Staples; Bell T, Brocklehurst W; Maltby, O'Neill, Hopkins, Pickford, Laverick, Barratt, Brocklehurst G, Hopkinson
Replacements (all used): Bell R, Connett, Harker
RECORD YEAR HIGHLIGHTS CHALLENGES FACING DERBY CAT CENTRE
Cats Protection Derbyshire Cat Centre recorded an unmatched 1,012 adoptions in 2024, highlighting the growing strain the charity is under to find suitable homes for the increasing number of unwanted cats.
The site in Ashbourne is the largest in the charity’s network of adoption centres, with 66 homing pens which can each house individual cats, bonded pairs or a mother and her litter, all cared for by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
The cost-of-living crisis proved a triple challenge to the centre last year with increased vet costs, a rise in abandonments and more cats arriving with serious medical issues.
Centre Manager, Helen Wood has been at the centre for 26 years so has seen first-hand the crisis unfold.
Helen said, “We had one of the hardest years at the centre last year. We are so pleased to have homed so many cats and kittens, but there are still so many out there needing our help.
“As a charity, we have seen a 34% increase in cases of cats being abandoned, often in heartbreaking circumstances where only sheer luck meant the cats didn’t die before they were discovered.
“While people may reach desperation point, there’s no excuse for discarding pets with no thought for their survival. Although we are always busy, we ask people to get in touch and we will do all we can to help, either by taking cats in for rehoming or offering support and advice to keep them in their homes.”
A rise in the cost of vet treatment has led to some owners putting off seeking treatment for poorly pets, eventually surrendering them when they can no longer cope.
Helen added: “The health of some the cats that are coming in to us is really quite sad to see. These cats may have to spend a significant amount of time with us while they are treated and then they need time to recuperate. Pen space is limited so having cats spend significant periods with us means we can’t bring in other cats that need our help.”
Among cats at the Derbyshire centre currently looking for homes are Titch and Wendy, who came from a multi-cat home. The one-year-olds have both suffered with knee issues but Wendy’s were more severe, requiring orthopaedic surgery to make her more comfortable. They are a super friendly pair who need to be rehomed as a pair.
The Derbyshire Cat Centre relies on local support. “We really wouldn’t be here without the generosity of our supporters, from our centre volunteers to those that tirelessly fundraise or donate spare food or blankets – every little bit really does help and we are extremely grateful,” said Helen.
Cat lovers can help the centre via its Amazon wishlist, where food and toys are available to buy (http://www.amazon. co.uk/gp/registry/wishlist/3TOHS97VRS2SI) or through one-off or regular donations (https://www.cats.org.uk/donate?b=363)
For more information on Cats Protection Derbyshire Cat Centre visit http:// www.cats.org.uk/derby
DERBYSHIRE PUSH FOR MORE SAY & LESS DISRUPTION IN RESPONSE TO NATIONAL INQUIRY ON UTILITY ROADWORKS
Derbyshire County Council has responded to a national Transport Committee Inquiry about managing the impact of utility companies roadworks as part of the council’s continuing drive to reduce both the disruption and lasting impact of utility works on the roads
Every time a utility company, the companies who provide water, gas, electricity, phone, broadband and other digital services, want to dig up the road to get to their equipment they have to seek permission from the local highways agency. The council currently has limited powers to refuse permission. In Derbyshire around four in every five sets of roadworks are by one of the utility companies.
Some utility company jobs are to fix broken pipes or cables and are deemed an emergency because the service they provide has stopped. Some jobs are to replace old equipment or install new equipment for new developments and are done in a more planned way.
The Transport Committee at the Houses of Parliament asked for views on how these roadworks could be better managed.
Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, Councillor Charlotte Cupit, explained: “We’re pleased with this national inquiry as another opportunity in our ongoing campaign to reduce the impact of roadworks across Derbyshire.
“We do understand that all our utility companies need to do works on our roads and pavements to get to their equipment, as we do all need water, electricity, gas and digital services.
“But we all get frustrated when we’re stuck in temporary lights that aren’t being best timed, where we don’t know what the work is for (particularly if no one is on site!) or when we see the patchwork of trenches left behind.
“Amongst the issues that we have raised with the Transport Committee is our request for a longer guarantee on the work they do, and we’d like more powers to be able to insist that some jobs undertaken mean that they then resurface the full width of the road, not just a small trench. These small trenches can often fail just after the warranty period, and a few years later weaken the road surface.
“We’d like more powers for our inspectors so they can do more spot checks on works as we’re currently quite limited to strict criteria.
“We’d also like greater powers to say no to work that is not an emergency, but where utilities want to work at peak times or at weekends. And we’d like the power to make utility companies work out of hours, at nights or quiet weekends and do better communications locally when they’re working in an area.
“Another issue we have highlighted are the fines we can give to utility companies if their jobs take longer than they said they would. The level of the fines are not really much of a deterrent to large companies, so we are calling for the fines to be increased, as well as other potential deterrents such as the power to stop them working.
“And finally we are encouraging the coordination of the utility companies when they need to access the same piece of road in a short piece of time. This is mainly when new developments are being built and each utility company needs access. We can often have several road closures, which we know causes massive frustration, as one by one the utility companies appear to do what they need to do. This could possibly be coordinated through the planning process.”
“ We do work well with the utility companies, and always do our best to coordinate work so that we take account of other jobs taking place at the same time close by, but we believe that with some fairly small changes we could make a big positive impact for residents and roads.”
A formal response has been submitted to the Transport Inquiry and the council will continue to raise local issues.
MATLOCK CRUK TABLE TOP SALE
The Matlock branch of Cancer Research UK are holding a table top sale at the Imperial Rooms in Matlock on Saturday 26th April from 10am to 1pm. Tables can be hired at £10 per table, the hirer keeping all profits from sales. April is the time for a spring clean; this is the opportunity to make money from unwanted items
All inquiries to Sue Roper 07763 773592
IMPROVED WAITING AREA TAKING SHAPE AT MATLOCK’S BUS STATION
New waiting facilities are taking shape in the partnership scheme to improve the bus station and taxi rank in Matlock's Bakewell Road.
Derbyshire Dales District Council is in the process of completing improvement works to the bus station - while keeping it operational - with new internal energy efficient LED lighting and CCTV now installed.
Window openings have also been formed and the steels are going in. Once the new windows are in place, external lighting, and real time bus information screens will be installed.
These improvements, together with new internal seating, will create a comfortable waiting area for bus and taxi passengers.
This final part of the project also includes the reinstatement of York stone paving on the Bakewell Road frontage along with three new seats and the remaining landscaping. New external directional bus and taxi signage will also be added to the building.
Part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Bus Service Improvement Plan, the project also includes contributions from the District and County Councils.
Last year the District Council’s contractors completed a deep clean of the bus station building, installed new timber railway sleepers forming a new landscaped area comprising new trees and golden gravel west of the bus station exit and in front of Spa Villas car park, where new cycle parking has also been provided.
During summer 2024 the County Council extended the bus layby in front of M&S, making space for buses to pull up in-line with the new kerbline. This has improved accessibility for those boarding buses and removed the problem where an additional bus was unable to pull in fully, obstructing traffic.
There were also changes to the bus station exit onto Bakewell Road and resurfacing of the footway down to the pedestrian crossing outside Holland and Barratt.
WINTER
Winter you frighten me,
with your dark cold eyes.
Your wrinkled hands,
that reach out to me.
Winter,
with your loneliness,
your selfish pology.
You inflict darkness,
covered in empty dreams.
Winter,
like a brittle ghost,
casting cold shadows.
You feed me yesterday,
when I long for tomorrow.
Winter,
in with your big stick,
roaring like a lion.
Then out like a Spring chick,
the bleakness and gloom gone.
Winter,
a foe, never a friend.
All we can do now
is wait out the rain and wind.
Just hope for no more snow.
Keith J Furnival
Wirksworth
GARDEN VISITORS
It looks cold and icy out.
I wonder how the garden birds keep warm, with their thin downey feathers on little bodies?
The bird feeder is busy this morning.
The blackbird is having a drink.
Robin red breast and the sparrows are pecking around, picking up all the seed on the ground.
The blue tits are flitting too and fro from the nut feeder.
The squirrel comes to visit and the birds scatter.
I'll have to shoo him off, the birds need to eat and keep their energy levels up so they can keep warm.
I love feeding my feathered friends, they all have individual characters.
I can watch them in the warm, from my kitchen window.
Alison Higgins
Wirksworth
MR THOMAS'S WRITING SHED
If I was a poet like Mr. Thomas,
I'd have a cottage by the sea, and a writing shed, with vistas of trees, the sea shore and birds.
I would sit in peace, and let my mind wander, and write till I was free!
The sun would shine through the window and feel like the breath of a drogon on my face.
I don't have a writing shed with views of the sea,
I only have a chair at the kitchen table with views of the garden.
The sun shines through the window and lights up my pages.
I'm ready to let my mind wander and write till I'm free!
Alison Higgins
Wirksworth
ROTARY BAKEWELL
Rotary Bakewell Repair Café at the Methodist Church Hall
We had another great turn out of Rotary Club members and volunteers at the bi-monthly event Saturday morning 25th January. Customers arrived right on time and the repairers were kept busy with over 20 items brought in. Sadly, we were unable to fix a few things, we were beaten by a trouser press, 2 kettles and a set of Christmas lights but we were able to get some great successes with 7 working electrical items heading home, coat zips repaired, cardigans magically wearable without holes and a dress able to be worn again. A lovely Tiffany style lampshade was sent home glued and looking good.
We were joined by Dave Locke from Bakewell Climate Action who was pleased to have some interesting conversations with the Café users and hand out fliers about green actions and events.
We raised some £130 from donations, and it was brilliant to see so many there on the day pitching in and contributing to such a great convivial community atmosphere.
The next café is same place, same time on Saturday 29th March.
If you fancy helping to do the mending then get in touch with our Co-ordinator, Margie Stuckey on 01629 813638 and we would be more than happy to welcome you.
Bakewell Rotary Meeting Round-up
At our evening meeting on 29th January our own member, Dr John Burn gave a detailed insight into the life and times of Lord Platt of Grindleford – Physician and Humanist (1900-1978) who had been an inspirational influence on his own medical career.
It covered his schooling at Grindleford College which his father founded, study at Sheffield, medical practice, war service and his 20-year period reinvigorating the medical school in Manchester – and latterly, President of the Royal College of Physicians for 5 years which he moved from Pall Mall to the current location in Regents Park. He became a crossbench life peer in 1967 and spoke enthusiastically and effectively on NHS, voluntary euthanasia, pornography and health issues. He was also a gifted musician and music lover. A nice GP gives you what you want, a good GP gives you what you need!
And some Diary dates forward...
• Our ever-popular Quiz Night returns to the Medway Centre on Friday, 21st March.
• Our 47th birthday on Wednesday, 14th May will be a BBQ also at the Medway Centr.
• We will have the annual Kids Out Sailability event at Carsington Sailing Club with pupils from Lady Manners’ School on Wednesday, 11th June.
• Hopefully once again we will organise the ‘Bands in the Park’ concert on Wednesday 2nd July, during Bakewell Carnival week.
SNOWDROPS
Walk slowly here
Beneath the wind-tossed boughs.
Let not your eye be held too long
By the wildly-waving treetops,
Nor by the flying clouds and sparkling sky;
Nor even, when you drop your gaze,
By the mellow graveyard stones
Remembering those long laid to rest.
Walk slowly here
Upon the quiet earth, and look around!
Look around and see the myriad snowdrops –
Hopeful, fresh and delicate as dreams –
Laid out in drifts across the grass.
And watch the placing of your steps
Lest you should trample underfoot
And spoil a single trusting flower.
Caroline Bennett
THREE HIGH PEAK CHARITIES CELEBRATE AFTER RECEIVING £450K OF NATIONAL LOTTERY FUNDING TO SUPPORT BEFRIENDING SERVICES
Three local voluntary sector organisations are today celebrating after being awarded almost £450,000 in National Lottery funding to support their work in reducing loneliness and isolation across the High Peak. The Bureau Glossop, Connex Community Support Buxton and New Mills & District Volunteer Centre will use the money received to provide a joined-up befriending service across the High Peak for the next three years, building on their already popular existing services.
The three organisations have been providing befriending services individually for many years now, and thanks to this funding they will be able to collaborate and work as a partnership to ensure that befriending across the High Peak can grow and make real inroads in supporting those experiencing loneliness.
The new funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes, and is the largest community funder in the UK, couldn’t have come at a better time for each of the voluntary organisations. All three are faced with significant cuts from April 2025 following a decision from Derbyshire County Council to remove all ‘discretionary’ funding they provide to voluntary & community organisations who support the most vulnerable in their local communities.
Natalie Rhodes, Chief Officer at The Bureau says: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. Thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to continue to provide a valuable and vital service to those most in need in our community whilst sharing knowledge, experience, and resources to ensure more people experiencing loneliness are matched with local volunteers. This gives them the opportunity to have meaningful interactions, improve their social networks and have someone there who can help them have a voice.”
The National Lottery Community Fund recently launched its strategy, ‘It starts with community’, which will underpin its efforts to distribute at least £4 billion of National Lottery funding by 2030.
As part of this, the funder has four key missions, which are to:
• support communities to come together,
• be environmentally sustainable,
• help children and young people thrive
• enable people to live healthier lives
National Lottery players raise over £30 million a week for good causes across the UK. Last year (2023/24) The National Lottery Community Fund awarded over half a billion pounds (£686.3 million) of life-changing funding to communities across the UK, supporting over 13,700 projects to turn their great ideas into reality.
To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk
WIRKSWORTH HERITAGE CENTRE TO CLOSE
The Trustees of Wirksworth Heritage Centre, registered charity no 515399, have taken the difficult decision to close. The current economic climate, increased running costs and poor trading conditions are all factors in this decision. Heritage sites throughout the country are facing similar issues.
Wirksworth Heritage Centre has been an independent museum for 40 years. It houses a unique local collection focussing on the rich history of the town and its inhabitants. The very popular café, shop, events and activities are a community hub/resource which will be greatly missed.
The Trustees wish to thank the staff, volunteers, members, customers and grant funders for their support over the years. The National Lottery Heritage Fund have played a major role in establishing the museum in its current location, saved a historic building and provided ongoing grant support.
In order to secure the future of the collection, the Trustees are appealing to local businesses, groups, philanthropists and individuals to come forward. They are working to keep the collection “Wirksworth Story” in the town in the long term.
Jacqueline Ferguson Lee, Chair of Wirksworth Heritage Centre Trustees, says "We appeal to interested parties to help secure the future of the collection. We get so many positive comments about the museum. Our Visitor’s Book is full of compliments. How can we allow these wonderful artefacts to be dispersed? Our visitors praise the museum saying it’s a little gem, full of interest and with well-presented informative displays. Please help us to secure Wirksworth’s heritage for future generations".
CASTLETON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
'In Pursuit of a Peak District Pensioner Criminal’ – The Life and Crimes of Annie Burke – An illustrated talk by Tim Knebel
This is a gripping story of how one extraordinary woman sought to continually evade the long-arm of the law over many decades and across county boundaries at a time when police were increasingly armed with improved crime-detecting methods.
Thursday 20th February 2025 at 7.30pm, Peveril Centre, Methodist Chapel, Buxton Road, Castleton.
Visitors are most welcome. A small charge of £3 includes light refreshments. No charge for students.
For further information on the Society visit our web site at www.castletonhistorical.co.uk or email: secretary@castletonhistorical.co.uk
DERBYSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST (WYE AND UPPER DERWENT GROUP)
THE MAKING OF SPRINGWATCH – AN ILLUSTRATED TALK BY JACK BADDAMS MONDAY 17TH JANUARY
Springwatch has been on our screens since 30th May 2005. It is the BBC’s largest outside broadcast programme with a crew of 100 people and 50 cameras. Our talk next month is “The making of Springwatch” and will be given by Jack Braddams who is a wildlife researcher, writer and presenter for the programme. Jack will tell us how the programme is made including and the way the presenters work with the wildlife and with each other.
Look forward to an interesting, exciting and informative talk at Darley Dale Methodist Church, Dale Road North, Darley Dale DE42 FT. Talk starts at 7.30pm and entrance is £3.
Note: The talk is in the Methodist Church – not the church hall.
KINGFISHER
A grey day,
A deep, dark, dismal February day.
Grey skies. Grey trees. Grey water.
A melancholy day.
Nothing stirs.
A heavy stillness fills the air;
Seeps between bar branches
Drooping over lifeless water.
Suddenly a flash
Of brilliant turquoise blue
Streaks through the gloom beneath the trees,
Light-fire bright above the water.
Such a tiny streak
Of vivid life!
Yet that was all it took
To lift the day completely.
Caroline Bennett
MATLOCK ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLE SOCIETY
The first meeting of the year proved to be very well attended despite the poor weather conditions.
Members and visitors were invited to bring along a teapot and give a short talk about its origins, this turned out to be interesting indeed with many teapots pouring in! Which in turn resulted in stories of love, history and research revelations about what was once an every day item of the past.
The meeting concluded with an afternoon tea of cakes, cream scones and of course cups of tea served from teapots – and not just a teabag in a cup.
Chris Shipley will be telling us about ‘Unpuzzling Jigsaws’ at our next meeting at the Imperial Rooms, Matlock on 14th February. Visitors will be warmly welcomed.
BAKEWELL MIND PRESENTS A PEAKY BLINDERS FUNDRAISING EVENT
Bakewell Mind is to hold a ‘Peaky Blinders’ fundraising event on Friday 6th June at The Wheatsheaf in Bakewell. Tickets are £30 per head which will include a hog roast, entertainment and wine tasting – vegetarian option available. Dress appropriately!
Tickets are available from the Bakewell Mind shop or on the door at The Wheatsheaf. Further information from Russell or Vicky on 01629 810176.
DARLEY DALE WI
Darley Dale WI held their first meeting of 2025 recently at St Helens Church Hall, Darley Dale. Thankfully the adverse weather conditions from the previous week had subsided
President, Sue Lamb gave a warm welcome to everyone
WI member, Marilyn Caladine gave a very entertaining presentation recalling how on retiring she had decided to turn her hand to writing. On a visit to Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire she observed a seagull looking intently out to sea. She decided to call him Sebastian and based him and his cohort of friends on a series of five children's books. Marilyn writes, illustrates and self publishes the books which are suitable for children from the age of seven. The stories are delightful with each character having been created by Marilyn. They are available through the Amazon website together with two adult fiction books also written by Marilyn which are set in Italy.
Raffle winner was Cathy Reilly
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 11th February at St Helens Church Hall at 7pm. The speaker will be Police Community Support Officer, Patricia Thompson who will be giving advice on local and online safety
Visitors and new members are always welcome. Please contact Secretary Jennifer Lane on 01629 732447 for information.
NEW WEEKLY SMALL WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT COLLECTION SERVICE LAUNCHES IN DERBYSHIRE DALES
Derbyshire Dales District Council has recently launched a new free weekly collection service for Small Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).
Residents can now easily recycle small WEEE items such as old toasters, kettles, hairdryers, and other electrical devices that require a plug or battery.
The Council’s waste contractor Serco will collect these unwanted or non-working items directly from residents, who can simply place small WEEE items loose by the side of their bins/sacks by 7am on their weekly waste collection day.
A District Council spokesperson said, "We are excited to introduce this convenient new service to our residents.
"Recycling small waste electrical and electronic equipment is crucial for environmental sustainability, and this initiative makes it easier than ever for our community to do their part."
For more information on what items can be collected, visit: www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/SmallWEEE
30 MINUTES FREE IN DERBYSHIRE DALES TOWN CENTRE CAR PARKS
A progressive new measure allowing vehicles to park for up to 30 minutes free in Derbyshire Dales District Council’s town centre car parks will come into operation from 1 April.
For Dales residents, this comes on top of free parking with their resident permit in all of the District Council's car parks before 11am and after 3pm every day of the year.
The 30 minutes free quick-stay - which cannot be added to a longer period in the same car park - will apply in Ashbourne to Shawcroft, the Bus Station and Clifton Road, in Bakewell to Granby Road and the Market Place, in Matlock to Imperial Road (M&S), Lido, Olde Englishe, Spa Villas and Town Hall front and in Wirksworth to the Market Place.
Existing free car parks in the Council's control across the district remain free.
In another measure ratified by a full meeting of the District Council on Thursday night, some car parks will have a new flat rate all day tariff of £2, including car parks in the villages of Eyam, Over Haddon and Hartington, plus Ashbourne's Cattle Market and Matlock's Town Hall rear.
Seasonal charges will be introduced in tourism hotspot Matlock Bath, with an increase in current prices between the months of April and October but a substantial reduction to a flat rate all day £2.50 between November and March, to attract visitors out of the peak season.
The new measures were brought forward by a cross-party councillor working group, which carried out the first car parking review in 10 years. It ran for six weeks last year, with 1,931 survey responses from businesses, local workers, residents and visitors.
Also resulting from the review, more good news for Dales residents is a reduction in the price of a Discount Season Ticket from £555.30 to £480.00 per year, while all other permits/reserved bays fees will be frozen in 2025/2026.
While popular car parks at Monsal Head (rear), Baslow and Hathersage will see a 10% increase in charges from 1 April, current prices will be frozen at Monsal Head (front), Ashbourne's Fishpond Meadow and Swimming Pool, Bakewell's Agricultural Business Centre, Matlock's Bank Road and The Station and at Wirksworth's Barmote Croft.
There will be no increase either in coach parking, which will remain at £6.20 per stay.
Last year the Council's car parking revenue amounted to just over £2.76 million, which represented almost 33% of the Council’s total revenue from fees and charges income. Fees and charges generate around 37% of the Council's budget, more than Council Tax, which generates around 30%.
