COUNTYWIDE NEWS
FANCY THAT THERE are 26,000 miles of drystone walls in the Peak District – more than a wall around the Earth following the equator, which measures just 24,901 miles. Derbyshire is full of drystone walls – but the oldest in Britain is in Skara Brae in Orkney, thought to be about 3,500 years old.
Above: The Derbyshire-made Paramount convertible is now back in the county.
Incredibly rare Derbyshiremade car returns home AN incredibly rare piece of Derbyshire’s car-making history has made a return to the county. Better known for the manufacture of Rolls-Royces and Toyotas, few people know that in the 1950s, Derbyshire was also home to the production of the now almost forgotten Paramount car. And now, the fifth Paramount car ever made has gone on display at Great British Car Journey after being discovered at a classic car auction. Richard Usher, founder and director of Great British Car Journey, explained: “We consider ourselves experts in British classic cars but even the Paramount was a mystery to the team here. We had no idea this car even existed. It wasn’t until we were alerted to its local history that we knew we had to have it and bring it home. The Paramount really is a forgotten piece of Derbyshire’s motoring heritage.” Only 10 Paramount cars were manufactured at the factory in Swadlincote and all of them bore the registration PNU, and were numbered 1 – 10. “We’d love to trace another of the Swadlincote Paramounts, but we think it’s highly unlikely any will be in existence which makes ours even more special,” said Richard. Just 16 Paramounts were produced in Derbyshire; first at the Swadlincote factory and then later in Melbourne, until production moved to Buckinghamshire in 1953. In total, just 76 Paramount cars were made until 1956 when production ceased. “Our brilliant team at Great British Car Journey have already got the car running and looking a lot smarter than when she arrived,” he added. According to an advert from 1950, the beautiful, four-seater convertible Paramount was ‘designed to provide a 44 Reflections January 2024
sports car of exceptional beauty whilst retaining the distinctive British character.’ The Paramount boasts Triumph running gear underneath its allaluminium bodywork which is stretched over a wooden ash frame mounted on a tubular metal chassis. The Paramount now joins Great British Car Journey’s only other Derbyshire made car in the interactive exhibition – a Rolls-Royce once owned by Scouts founder Lord Baden Powell. To see the car on display at Great British Car Journey, purchase discounted tickets and find details of opening times at https:// greatbritishcarjourney.com/plan-your-visit/
Getting you back to your own bed…
CHESTERFIELD Royal Hospital is encouraging patients to ask questions about when they might be able to get back to their own bed. Getting patients home as soon as they are clinically ready to leave can be better for their recovery, so in partnership with Joined Up Care Derbyshire (JUCD), the hospital wants patients and their families to know ‘It’s OK to Ask’ about when they might be ready to go home. Michelle Veitch, chief operating officer at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We want patients to be involved in their own care and to help them feel in control. We know that people don’t want to be in hospital any longer than they need to be, so it is important to us to support
them in getting home quickly and safely. “Patients are not able to do the same level of activity and exercise they normally do at home, and we know that there are huge benefits to them being in their own environment and surrounded by the people and things they care about.” The new Discharge campaign follows a text message format between a patient and their loved ones on subjects like: getting you home to your comfy slippers, or nothing better than a home-cooked roast. It is aimed at patients and their families, encouraging them to support the discharge of their loved ones once they are clinically ready to go home. “We’re always here for those who need us, but we also actively encourage people to ensure they are thinking about plans for their discharge. This could mean ensuring that friends and family are able to support them a little more when they can return home and any adaptations are made to ensure that any additional needs are catered for.” This campaign will run alongside other ‘It’s OK to Ask’ campaigns – covering infection prevention and control subjects, such as hand washing and uniform guidance. Although the campaign is focused on visitors and patients’ loved ones, patients can also help by following some easy steps: • setting an expected date for when they’ll be able to leave the hospital; • planning for transport home; • discussing any aids and adaptations they might need with their care teams; and • ensuring the hospital’s checklist for discharge has been completed, including the need for any prescription medicines being picked up. To advertise call 01246 550488