Community Fayre Summer 2023

Britain’s oldestestablished community paper

It’s our 40th year

New team rector starts work

Page 8

Kings Award for Wirksworth

company Page 16

Aquabox increases output Page 19

also in this issuE

Lottery grant for Heritage Centre: page 2

Labour takes all Wirksworth council seats: page 10

Mayor’s message: page 15

John Thompson school bursary launched: page 28

Skatepark a big step closer: page 31

Cromford & Wirksworth Town move up: page 31

Well dressings: everywhere! 30 yEaRs oF wiRkswoRth twinning

See centre pages.

ENJOY!

Issue 202

Summer 2023

FREE – Please take one www.facebook.com/communityfayre

Meet the new High Sheriff of Derbyshire

Page 5

PCSO Kirsty Hunt

Page 6

Art shop opens Page 11

wirksworth heritage Centre receives grant from lottery Fund

what a gREat REsult! Following several months of very hard work by the trustees we are delighted to announce that we were successful in our applications to the national heritage lottery Fund (nhlF) for a project grant of nearly £250,000 and for the arts Council Museum accreditation.

This will assist us over the next five years.

The first of the nHLF projects is our new exhibition ‘Lights, Camera, Wirksworth’! Officially opened by the newly appointed High Sheriff Theresa Peltier (right), the exhibition throws a spotlight on the contribution Wirksworth has made and continues to make to the performing arts.

Wirksworth has been a filming location for many television and film productions ranging from Peak Practice to Star Wars. Wirksworth is also home to a range of vibrant stage performances with the Glee Club and amateur companies producing amazing performances, where local people take their first step into the world of theatre. In music too Wirksworth punches well above its weight, being the launching ground for successful local bands and music videos filmed in the town. Recently Wirksworth again made the headlines with

the award-nominated podcast Barmy Dale, written in Wirksworth and based on the town. The exhibition runs until September so do make sure you take a look.

We have once again been awarded full museum accreditation by Arts Council England, which means that our collection is shown, stored and cared for to the industry standards and as a small and independent museum this means a lot.

Thanks to our staff and volunteers. The monthly Heritage Talk and associated exhibition events continue to be well received and we thank our audience and customers for their support in such a difficult climate for the heritage sector. We look forward to enthralling you, through many more high quality talks, events and exhibitions.

Jo Higton-Metcalf

Brassington celebrates carnival’s return

aFtER thREE yEaRs without a carnival due to the pandemic, Brassington villagers are preparing for a summer comeback event on 22 July.

The Brassington carnival committee has been working hard to raise money to stage the event, which will include something for everyone including a procession, live music, karaoke, and hot food. Their fundraising efforts have been boosted by local employer Longcliffe Quarries.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve had a carnival and a group of us got together and thought it would be great to get it going again,” said fundraising committee member Kerry Wagstaffe. “There’s a lot of hard work that goes into organising a carnival, and we started planning this year’s event in 2022. We have a great

team on the committee who give up a lot of time to plan it and arrange fund-raising. We can’t do this event without help from local businesses and the local community, and we are very grateful to Longcliffe who donated £500 towards the public liability insurance, and to the band who will be playing in the afternoon.”

Longcliffe is the second largest private employer in the Derbyshire Dales with 190 fulltime employees. “It was great to hear that the Brassington carnival is coming back,” said MD Paul Boustead. “We are really pleased to be able to support this fun local event and celebrate the carnival’s return.”

Brassington Carnival Committee members Tim Pope (left) and Darren Rippon (right) with Longcliffe Group Managing Director Paul Boustead.

Education is more than classrooms and lessons

thE sPRing tERM at anthony gell school was full of personal development opportunities for the students.

The annual ski trip to Austria, during half term break, was popular, with around 90 students taking part. Also well attended was the exchange trip to Germany, organised by the school staff with staff from a partner school. AGS students are very much looking forward to hosting their German friends during the return visit.

The school welcomed the Mayor of Toyota City, Japan, and his formal delegation to AGS recently. Students were able to call upon the knowledge they have gained from being part of the school’s Japanese Culture Club and they enjoyed speaking Japanese to the visitors and revelled in telling them all about their school.

These students will soon be visiting local primary schools, to share their knowledge of Japan and help inspire younger pupils as they complete artwork which will feature as part of September’s Wirksworth Arts Trail.

Praise for the students AGS students also enhance their personal development through a detailed careers programme during their time in school. The careers programme includes multiple opportunities for students to visit different organisations, speak to employers and advisors, and spend time focusing on supported applications, constructing CVs and researching various opportunities.

The school was pleased to be able to invite a large audience to its recent spring concert. The event was a sellout and those who were lucky enough to be there were full of praise for the students who performed.

AGS students have been on many other trips, excursions and activities in the last six months, and have lots still to look forward to between now and the end of the school year. School is certainly much more than classroom-based lessons!

Anthony Gell School’s Japanese Exchange club with the Mayor of Toyota City, and his formal delegation.

AGS students in Austria.

AGS students in Germany.

A Careers opportunity with the Royal Navy at AGS.

The Anthony Gell School spring concert.

Music Centre seeks new friends

FoR thE Past 30 yEaRs wirksworth Music Centre (wMC) has provided opportunities for local school-age children to come together to make music in a fun environment. Many family members and friends have been valuable supporters and helpers at the centre and in concert audiences.

To recognise this relationship, as well as engaging others in the town and surrounding area, the centre is launching a new Friends of Wirksworth Music Centre support scheme this summer. By providing regular contributions, the scheme will help build and maintain the financial stability needed for WMC to continue. This will ensure the continued provision of a wealth of musical opportunities for young people, as well as enabling the centre to engage more teachers, buy instruments, music and equipment, and organise some occasional musical adventures to allow the students to experience more music making in the wider world.

WMC is part of the lifeblood of the Wirksworth community, and needs to ensure its healthy continuation as an outof-school educational activity. In addition to the well-known benefits of music, the centre provides tremendous fun, social and wellbeing elements. It offers a variety of groups for different instruments and levels of ability, as well as the choir Singing Sensations — all led by professional musicians and teachers and supported by a committed group of trustees and volunteers.

The two Easter concerts held in Matlock Holy Trinity Church in March were a great success, with two full houses for superb performances from the ensembles, soloists and choir. The next major event will be the last Music Centre concert of the current school year, to be held in Wirksworth Town Hall on Sunday 9 July at 3pm. “This will be a wonderful celebration of our year’s achievements,” said WMC founder Jenny Acons.

Community Response Group needs you

wCRg is an established voluntary organisation, now in its fourth year, which supports the patients of hannage Brook medical practice as well as the residents of wirksworth in general.

The organisation has obviously filled an unmet need, as the volume of calls asking for assistance with medical transport, emergency prescription collection and social support has increased year on year. This means that there is a need for more volunteers in a couple of areas.

WCRG’s helpline, by which people requiring help get in touch, is open from 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday. Would you be interested in joining this team? It would involve picking up calls from your own home via email, usually just once a week or even less. The aim is to match requests for support with available volunteers, and to get back to callers within two hours. This activity can easily be fitted into a normal daily routine.

now that WCRG has become a victim of its own success, there is a need to increase the number of transport volunteers. The organisation realises that volunteers’ availability varies, and therefore they are only expected to do as little or as much as they wish. A fuel mileage allowance is offered which WCRG encourages volunteers to claim to offset increased motoring costs.

WCRG is pleased to be able to offer this vital support to residents and hopes to continue well into the future. In order for this to happen, the team needs to grow so that it can respond to the increasing demand for support.

If you can, please offer your help by volunteering. You can ring the Helpline on 01629 888112 to speak to a member of the team.

Photo: Lucy Williams-Hunter.

Full details of the Friends of WMC scheme will be announced soon and will appear on the WMC website (wirksworth-music-centre.org), on social media and via direct marketing.

“unity is CoMMunity”

JAnuARY 2020 was to be the start of a journey – a journey on which the route was unknown to me. I wasn’t sure how I had got to the start point, or how pot-holed the roads would be, or how I would feel when I reached the final destination.

This was the beginning of my preparation for the role of High Sheriff of Derbyshire, when I was nominated by Lord Burlington, of Chatsworth House. A little over three years later, on 5 April 2023, I was installed as the High Sheriff of Derbyshire at St Mary’s church in Wirksworth.

The role of High Sheriff is more than 1,000 years old, dating back to Saxon times when the Shire Reeve or the Anglo-Saxon Scir-gerefa was responsible to the king for the maintenance of law and order within a shire or county. It is the oldest secular (ie non-religious) office in the united Kingdom after the Crown.

The most frequently asked question is: what does a High Sheriff do? It is now mainly ceremonial; the legal responsibilities have long passed to High Court judges, magistrates and coroners. There are 55 High Sheriffs across England and Wales, and our formal duties are to support the Crown and the judiciary –but we each bring our own skills, experience and areas of interest to the role, to promote and provide a platform for others.

All High Sheriffs have a commitment to honour and recognise the unsung heroes who have delivered outstanding service to benefit the county, including those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to protect their communities. We hold office for one year, we receive no payment, and no expenses fall on the public purse.

Surprisingly, I am not the first High Sheriff to come from Wirksworth. In 1714, that privilege went to Robert Greensmith of Wirksworth Hall, followed by Charles Hurt in 1797 of the same address. The remains of Wirksworth Hall are now a permanent fixture in

Wirksworth Hall Gardens, following its demolition in 1922. I am the 11th female to hold office in Derbyshire, and the first Black person; such distinctions should hold no relevance, but those statistics tell their own story, and I believe bring personal responsibility. My theme for the year (should a High Sheriff choose to have one), is ‘unity is Community’. We achieve greater things by recognising difference, learning and celebrating its value and working together.

Between visiting charities, voluntary groups, schools and businesses, fund-raising, and presenting awards in Wirksworth and across Derbyshire,

I’ll be giving particular attention to the deaf community, to adoption and fostering, to the magistracy, and to the women’s prison at Foston Hall. Finally, in celebration of the 75th year anniversary of Windrush, and the contribution that Derbyshire’s Windrush generation has made to the county, my partner George and I will be honouring those unsung heroes who triumphed in the face of adversity.

One of Theresa’s first ceremonial duties was to formally unveil the new bench in the Memorial Hall Garden, celebrating the coronation of King Charles III. The bench was made by TDP of Derby Road, and donated to the town by TDP’s chief executive Rob Barlow.

My support from the people of Wirksworth has been outstanding, ranging from Wirksworth Town Council, charities, voluntary organisations and groups, and individuals. There are far too many to list, but I am immensely grateful to you all, and thank you for being part of my special year. If any groups or businesses would welcome a visit, or you can think of anyone who should receive recognition, contact office@derbyshirehighsheriff. co.uk.

thEREsa PEltiER (right), wirksworth resident and former head of equality at Derbyshire Police, was installed as the new high sheriff of Derbyshire on april 5. here she tells the story behind her appointment.

Photos: Phil Richards

“i wanted to make a difference”

CF intERviEws kirsty hunt, wirksworth and district’s Police Community support officer.

Q: How did you become a PCSO?

A: I’ve been a PCSO for three years. Before that I worked for Superdrug for 13 years. But I wanted to make a difference within a community, rather than just sell make-up.

Q: what qualities and qualifications do you need for the job?

A: You need to be willing to patrol alone at all times of the day, in a car, on foot or on a bicycle, in all types of weathers; and have experience in customer service and engaging with members of public. The qualifications you need are: Level 2 English (GCSE Grade 9-4) (A-C) or equivalent, or able to use English language to that standard; and Level 2 Maths (GCSE Grade 9-4) (A-C) or equivalent qualification.

Q: how does your role differ from a police officer?

A: I have a reduced set of powers which focus on working on the Safer neighbourhood Team. That includes dealing with anti-social behaviour, neighbour disputes, nuisance youths, and working with partner agencies such as housing, councils and the fire service.

Q: what are the challenges of the job?

A: Managing the expectations of members of the public – I really would like to be able to solve every dispute, every ASB issue and so on. But not every outcome is what is wanted. So, I must be honest and say what can be done first hand and feel that it is greatly appreciated by the public.

Q: what are the things about the job that make you want to get out of bed in the morning?

A: not knowing what I might be coming into – it could be visiting a vulnerable person to see what support I can put in place for them, or putting diversionary activities in place with partner agencies.

Wizarding Day

this yEaR MaRks what we hope will be a fantastic fourth wizarding Day, which will see hundreds of harry Potter fans join wirksworth’s townsfolk and businesses enjoy magical food, drinks, shopping and entertainment.

We will be bringing back the popular Laylo the Magician, the School of Wizarding and WitchCRAFTS, the Magical Market and Making workshops. use the park and ride and catch the Routemaster bus into town or board the Wizarding Express from Duffield and visit a fortune teller, search for the Seven Soul Vessels, pet snakes, dragons and lizards, visit the Owlery and stop for some lunch at one of the muggle food stalls or enjoy a Great Feast!

Q: what is it like working in wirksworth and the surrounding area?

A: Wirksworth is such a lovely community, and I don’t want to swap it for the world! It is so welcoming, and I join in with so many community groups.

Q: how can the public help you more?

A: By reporting incidents, whether it is something minor such as youths and anti-social behaviour, or expressing concerns for vulnerable neighbours, friends or family. It means I have a better picture of where I need to prioritise my patrols, and pay more attention to certain areas.

Q: what are the most common questions you get asked?

A: Are you a traffic warden? Can I park here?

Q: what do you spend most of your time doing in the job?

A: Patrolling on foot – it’s the best way to make myself readily available for residents to speak to me. I love my job, I get to plan my own day (it’s almost like being my own boss), and I get to help other people, which is ultimately why I joined as a PCSO – to make a difference in the community.

If you would like to get involved, we need some volunteers to help the day run smoothly. Perhaps you could help sell programmes, put up signage or tidy up venues at the end of the day?

Businesses and houses in the town centre are invited to join in our Wizardly Windows competition, where prizes courtesy of Le Mistral and the Wirksworth Pottery Company are up for grabs!

For further information on the activities, volunteering or Wizardly Windows please see our website which is being updated regularly and like our Facebook/Instagram pages.

Wirksworth Wizarding Day will take place on Sunday 8 October, 10am – 4pm.

Josephoenix – Magical Ministry Committee

t E ll C o MM unity Fay RE you R n E ws !

Community Fayre wants to know about the activities of local groups, clubs and associations – we can’t publicise your activities if you don’t tell us about them! Copy deadline for the autumn issue is Thursday 3 August, and we want to know about events planned for September, October and November.

Preferred format is MS Word, with pictures sent as separate jpg attachments, ideally at least 1mb (please don’t embed pictures in Word files). Send all material to cfwirksworth@gmail.com. Thank you!

“Experience the magic at Wirksworth Wizarding Day this October!”

new team rector starts work

thE REv nEil gRiFFiths, wirksworth’s new team rector, was formally installed at a service at st Mary’s on 25 May.

60-year-old neil is a former quantity surveyor who has also worked in social housing, and who embarked on a career change in 2012 when he went to Queens Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education in Birmingham to study theology. He served as a curate in Coalville, Leicestershire, then in 2018 moved up to his first job as team rector at Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, looking after seven churches. And after five years there, he felt ready for a new challenge.

He and his wife Lesley were frequent visitors to the Peak District, so this was a natural area for him to consider. “I’d looked at Derbyshire before,” he told CF, “and one day last October, I was idly looking at the Derby diocese website, and saw the Wirksworth job. In lots of ways it mirrors Colsterworth: the rural nature of it, the schools, and so on. But the closing date was three days away, so I thought: it’s not for me. Then I saw the job was still open two weeks later, so I enquired, and was told: nobody suitable has applied, send in your application. I did, then I waited, and in early February I was surprised – and pleased – to get an interview.”

The interview was a two-day process. He visited all the villages and the churches in the parish, joined the Bonsall church café for lunch, and delivered a school assembly

wEll DREssings

in Kirk Ireton. He met with staff and volunteers at Wirksworth infants school, and with members of Churches Together in Wirksworth. Then on day two there was a formal interview in the afternoon; “and I got the phone call the same evening.”

Writing for Team Talk, the parish magazine, neil set out his beliefs: “I am passionate about speaking to people about God, and trying to help them to come to faith; I am

passionate about sharing the stories of our faith with children, and being able to answer their questions; I am passionate about social justice and the needs of the poorest and most marginalised in our society, and around the world, and seeing how we can offer them the help and support they need; and I am passionate about helping people who want to gather together as people of faith, to share their stories, to hear the stories of our faith and be offered help to live out their faith, and to encounter the risen Jesus Christ as we meet around God’s table and share bread and wine.”

In conversation, though, he explores another aspect of his role: “nothing that happens in the secular world prepares you for the emotional element of this job. Births, marriages, deaths – you’re interacting with people at the best and worst moments of their lives. And you build relationships which can make it hard to let go.” Saying goodbye to Colsterworth after five years was an emotional challenge: “At one of the primary schools, all the children had written farewell messages for me, and some of them stood up and read them out. I managed to hold it together – but it was touch and go.”

And he’s looking forward to his new challenge: “From the little I’ve seen of Wirksworth, it looks like a very interesting and exciting place. And all the things that we would want are here: exercise, health, shops. It’s a bigger parish – 10,000 people against Colsterworth’s 3,500 – but I think I’m ready.”

Waltham House back on track

likE EvERy CaRE CEntRE and residential home, waltham house went through a distressing and torrid time during the pandemic.

Doors were closed and movement restricted, and government regulations prevented visits from family members. All activities and links with the wider community stopped, and some staff felt unable to continue to work in such a stressful and challenging environment.

The impact on the residents, their families and the care staff was devastating, and it has been a long and difficult recovery. The care centre trustees and Friends of Waltham House maintained contact where possible, and we are pleased to report that Waltham House has emerged from those traumatic times and gradually the contacts and activities have recommenced.

The Friends support many of the activities for the residents, including excursions to places of interest, a monthly film club, afternoon teas, singing, movement, craft, flower arranging sessions and a range of entertainments. The residents also join in with some of what Wirksworth town has to offer. The Friends

have always held fund-raising events to help support such a wide range of activities – but this has been much more limited because of Covid.

The trustees and Friends are planning an open day later this year, as we would like more people to hear about what Waltham House has to offer. If you’re interested in becoming a Friend of Waltham House, you can pick up a Friends of Waltham House leaflet from Waltham House, the Dining Room, the Age uK shop, or Wirksworth Library.

Peter Riddle, chair of trustees

The Rev Neil Griffiths at the opening of the Well Dressing festival.

This well dressing, by Year 7 students from Anthony Gell School, celebrated 100 years of Disney.

Photo by Phil Richards

“we want to know about empty homes”

EMPty hoMEs are more of a problem in Derbyshire Dales than in other nearby areas, according to Peter scoffings, empty homes officer at Derbyshire Dales District Council.

Speaking at a well-attended Wirksworth Civic Society open meeting at Wellspring Church on May 22, Mr Scoffings said that the DDDC area has lots of holiday homes and second homes, and a shortage of building land. “But some properties have been empty for a long time – we have 550 properties which have been empty for between two and five years,” he said. “And too often it’s because the owners simply aren’t doing anything.”

To incentivise owners to get them occupied, in 2019 the council introduced a double council tax premium on empty homes, and from April this year it rises to triple tax on homes empty for five years or more, and quadruple on homes empty for 10 years or more. “And we’re now getting a lot of people coming to us,” he said. “A building in Ashbourne which has stood empty for 15 years – the new owners have put in an application to convert it to seven flats. And the council is starting to buy up empty properties, and convert them back to council houses – we have recently

bought houses in Tansley, Darley Dale and Ashbourne.”

Problems associated with empty homes include damp and roof leaks affecting adjoining properties, and rubbish and vermin accumulating. “Reasons include homes in probate, and there are currently 35 in the council area; owners who have moved to care homes; and disputes over wills. And we recognise that these things take time. Then there are repossessions and abandoned renovations, where people have run out of money – and Covid had an effect too.”

homes to rent or buy, improve the condition of the housing stock, and support renovation of older properties. But we need to get some teeth, to start enforcing policies. Last week there were 1,539 properties empty in the council area, 14 of them empty for between five and 10 years, and 33 empty for more than 10 years. But 126 properties have been brought back into use over the past five months.”

Asked by an audience member about Tollbar Cottage on Cromford Road, Wirksworth, which has been empty for at least 10 years, Mr Scoffings said he is in contact with the owner and has been told that a planning application is going to be made. But asked how many empty homes there were in Wirksworth and Middleton, he said he didn’t know – nor was he aware of any council plans to buy empty homes in the town.

The main emphasis is on urban areas and town and village centres, not rural properties, he said. “We’re not opposed to holiday homes or second homes. Our priorities are to reduce the number of longterm empty homes, improve the supply of

“We want people to feed information back to us – there are empty homes out there that we don’t know about,” he said. “If I know where they are, I can find out who owns them – and why they are empty.” To report an empty home, phone 01629 761135 or email emptyhomes@ derbyshiredales.gov.uk or peter. scoffings@derbyshiredales.gov.uk

Lowe-Davies via Google

labour takes all wirksworth seats

laBouR CanDiDatEs achieved a clean sweep in the wirksworth town Council election on 4 May –as well as taking all three wirksworth seats in the Derbyshire Dales District Council election.

Town councillors Andy Pollock, Chris Whittall, Alison Clamp, Paul Carr, Pam Taylor, Elisa McDonagh and Andy Jordan were all re-elected, and were joined by two new Labour members: Karen Player and Frances Rostron. Independent Steve Maskrey narrowly missed winning a seat, as did Richard Rowlatt (Green Party). The other unsuccessful candidates were Steven Kennell (Conservative) and Mike Casselden. nine seats were contested, with 1,530 ballot papers issued out of a

total electorate of 3,390 – a 45% turnout.

The District Council election saw Peter Slack and Dawn Greatorex re-elected for the Wirksworth Ward (which now includes Hopton, Carsington and Callow), together with new member Lucy Peacock.

The council now includes 12 Lib Dems, 11 Conservatives, seven Labour and four Green councillors, and it is anticipated that the Lib Dem, Labour and Green members will form a progressive coalition. “We are hoping to work constructively with the Lib Dems to form a

new art and poetry book from Wirksworth couple

wiRkswoRth CouPlE andy and vally Miller have been delighted to see the result of a lockdown project come to fruition in the shape of their book, way to the west.

Following two retreats on the western tip of Cornwall, a county they have both known for more than half a century, they worked together to produce a book of 25 watercolour paintings and matched poems.

Vally is a landscape artist who has exhibited her work in the uK and in Europe. Over the past 40 years she has taught drawing and watercolour painting to adults and children. Her work has also featured in various exhibitions in Wirksworth.

Andy is a widely published poet, author and psychologist. A winner of the international Yeovil Poetry Prize, he has also served as an honorary professor at the universities of both nottingham

and Warwick. Over a fifty-year period, he has walked the entire coast of Cornwall and climbed on all its major sea cliffs.

For Andy and Vally, Cornwall’s geographical remoteness, its abiding attraction as a holiday location, its proud fishing and mining history and the varying and often dramatic moods of its weather and sea are an inspiration and cause for celebration. Both also recognise the profound emotional and psychological effects the area has upon visitors

Way To The West will form the basis of an audiovisual presentation at this year’s Wirksworth Festival. It is published by Renard Press and is available at £15 from Scarthin Books and Wirksworth Heritage Centre as well as from all good bookshops and Amazon.

new member-led council which will drive change in our district,” said Peter Slack.

Town councillors’ individual email addresses are listed at wirksworthtowncouncil.gov. uk, and district councillors addresses are at democracy. derbyshiredales.gov.uk

Colts support Jigsaw foodbank

thE FiRst wirksworth Colts Community project, supporting Jigsaw foodbank, has been a huge success.

The Colts have promoted the foodbank’s work, collected food and clothing, and raised funds. So far:

• Two car-loads of food and clothing have been delivered.

• £57 raised from our ‘100 football teams’ sweepstakes.

• £100s raised through our online silent auction.

• Extra cash donations through our Justgiving page.

“We will continue to support Jigsaw until the end of May, and then we will start looking for another local project or charity to support from September,” said Darren Greatorex of Wirksworth Colts Community.

“I’d like to thank Wirksworth and the surrounding area for their support – you have truly made a difference.’’

If you would like to donate food or good quality clothing, please contact Darren at wirksworthcolts@yahoo.com

Donate to Jigsaw at church inthepeak.org

Dawn Greatorex

Lucy Peacock

Peter Slack

Farewell to Camilla

REvD CaMilla vEitCh, minister at the united Reformed Church in Coldwell street, is leaving wirksworth at the end of July to take up a new post in shropshire.

She will be taking over responsibility for a group of seven churches: a large one in Shrewsbury, and six smaller ones across the county.

Born in Sweden, Camilla started training for the ministry in her early 20s, and has been the minister at West Derbyshire uRC (Wirksworth) for 16 years.

“I’m sad to be leaving,” she told CF. “We have always loved Wirksworth, and always will – it has a very special place in our hearts. We will miss the town, the church, the whole community – we have been involved with lots of things in the community. It has been a blessing to be so involved, and to see our children growing up here. And now there is the challenge of something new.”

Following her departure, it is anticipated that the church will become part of a group of churches in the north Derbyshire area.

wEll DREssings

Walk for Amnesty

wiRkswoRth & DistRiCt amnesty international took part in this year’s ‘the last Journey’ ceremony, organised by Churches together. During the walk reference was made to individuals suffering modern-day human rights abuses. two cases were from sri lanka, and after the final stop volunteers assembled for this photograph, which will be used, with many other similar pictures, in amnesty’s campaign for freedom of expression in sri lanka. the wirksworth amnesty international group meets at wellspring Church at 7:30pm on the third tuesday of each month.

Welcome to Everything Art

EvERything aRt is wirksworth’s latest retail venture, opening in st John street on 13 May.

It’s second time around for owners Jamie and Kasia Avery – they previously had an art shop at newbridge Works in Coldwell Street. But in 2016 they launched online art courses, which proved so successful that they closed the shop to concentrate on providing courses.

Then two years ago the opportunity arose to buy the building where Everything Art is now located; the ground floor shop was then occupied by The Fox’s Den, run by Jamie’s sister Anneliese, who now manages the Everything Art shop.

Everything Art stocks a full range of art and craft materials. “We’re offering products that resonate with our online business,” said Kasia. They are organising courses in the shop as well, starting with short painting sessions. These may expand into larger courses, but they will need a bigger space for that.

“We didn’t know what to expect on the opening day, but there was a steady flow of visitors all day,” said Jamie. “People came from outside Wirksworth as well as from the town – as far away as Chester.”

Polish-born Kasia has warm words for the people of Wirksworth: “I came here in 2015, and I’ve always felt that Wirksworth made me feel really welcome,” she said. “I’m very grateful to this place.”

Anneliese, Jamie and Kasia: art materials and courses in Wirksworth.

Aquabox volunteers produced the charity’s first well dressing this year.

Photo by Phil Richards

Atlantic salmon to return to parts of Derbyshire after more than 100-year absence

Working with partners at the Wild Trout Trust, Chatsworth Estate, and nestlé Waters, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is managing a new project to improve water quality, enrich the ecological status of the river and re-meander a section of the river back to its original channel. This will bypass a weir at the site of the former Postern Mill in Turnditch and create a route for fish migration.

A tributary of the River Derwent, the Ecclesbourne rises near Wirksworth and flows southeast for approximately 18 km to join the Derwent near Duffield. The ecological status of the river is classed as “Moderate” against the Water Framework Directive by the Environment Agency, due to pollution and physical barriers preventing fish movement throughout the watercourse.

A Wild Trout Trust habitat assessment reports that the river has a large amount of potential spawning habitats for Atlantic salmon, a priority conservation species, and other fish species found in the Derwent Catchment, but their movement is prevented by the presence of manmade structures.

The new project will bypass the weir and restore the river to

its original course before it was diverted for milling in the 18th century, opening more than 28km of river and tributaries for fish, and improving the ecological status of the river.

The excavation and construction of the new channel, due to start in the autumn, will reinstate fish passage for many species, including salmon, classified as ‘vulnerable’ in Europe, and eel classified as ‘critically endangered’ globally by the International union for Conservation of nature. Other species to benefit include grayling, trout, lamprey, minnow, stone loach, and bullhead.

Jennifer Kril, Living Rivers Officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We are incredibly excited to be starting this project to improve the Ecclesbourne River’s natural habitats, provide passage for a whole host of fish species, and improve its overall health. It also offers great opportunities for local schools and communities to get involved, learn more about their water environment and make a positive difference to wildlife.

“Getting this project to the start line has been a huge team effort and we are delighted to be working with our partners to protect this watercourse as part of our mission for nature’s recovery.”

Tim Jacklin, Deputy Director of the Wild Trout Trust, added: “This is a great example of the type of project required to save our threatened migratory fish. We are delighted to be working with our partners on this project which builds on the removal of Snake Lane weir, Duffield, in 2022. Completion of the project at Postern Mill will open up the whole River Ecclesbourne, allowing salmon once again to return from the north Atlantic all the way to Wirksworth – and back again!”

Hayley Lloyd House, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at nestlé Waters uK, said: “We are looking for ways to play an active role in supporting the regeneration of local water cycles, this includes the Derwent catchment, within which our Derbyshire site operates. It’s where we bottle at source Buxton natural mineral

For more information about this project, please contact enquiries@Derbyshirewt.co.uk

To find out more about threatened migratory fish, follow #worldfishmigrationfoundation and #damremovaleurope

water and nestlé Pure Life spring water, and where we protect water resources through nature-based solutions.

“This World Water Day, we are proud to be announcing this collaborative project which will provide significantly more water for vulnerable fish species to re-colonise in the Ecclesbourne River. Locally, we anticipate the impact will be long lasting, enhancing the health of the river, its biodiversity, and providing benefits for the local community. It’s one example of more than 100 projects nestlé Waters are implementing around the world to help create a positive water impact where we operate.”

Whilst work to restore the river is carried out, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is engaging with local schools and communities about the ways in which they can contribute to the regeneration of rivers.

Work to control invasive Himalayan Balsam in the catchment will also be carried out along 6 km of riverbank. Introduced here in 1839, it is now an invasive weed of riverbanks and ditches, where it prevents native species from growing and contributes to increased bank erosion during Winter months.

new fleet arrives

longCliFFE QuaRRiEs has invested in 10 brand new volvo trucks. The company has always bought vehicles outright and renewed them regularly, resulting in a saving of more than £500k in maintenance costs over the past three years, with average fuel consumption improved from 7mpg to 10mpg. “We are sending the most fuel-efficient vehicles out on the road, helping us reduce our environmental impact and carbon footprint,” said logistics manager James Hopkinson.

Longcliffe’s

a PRoJECt to REstoRE the natural habitat of the River Ecclesbourne and support the recovery of atlantic salmon has begun.

Celebrating the coronation in 1953

70 yEaRs ago, the country celebrated the coronation of a young queen.

In Wirksworth, one of the ways this was marked was with a pageant, ‘A Wood Called Pity’, written by a local GP Dr ED Broster (see right: the original poster). This was a massive undertaking involving over 400 players, including 250 children from Wirksworth and the surrounding villages. Sisters Dorothy, Margaret and Eileen Brewell were among the children who took part. Eileen had a major role as the young queen, Margaret played a nymph, and Dorothy played a ghost, one of the spirits of the faithful departed who came on at the end of the show. They recall that most people in the town, including many of the teachers, were involved in some way.

The pageant (right) had a philosophical theme, the author referring to “this young reign as symbolising a new beginning”. The play opens with the Voice

of the Earth warning the Spirit of Man and includes characters such as Faith, Intellect, the Spirit of History and the Spirit of Chaos. A contemporary newspaper article states: “It shows the interplay of forces which govern human life; then thoughts of an old philosopher, as they travel backwards through history; and finally those thoughts transformed in a dream of the future, as it

might be, if governed by wisdom”.

The sound was pre-recorded and played over a speaker system, which must have been quite innovative for that time. Although most of the action took place on the recreation ground, there were also scenes on distant sites illuminated by torchlight.

The weather was not kind: the Thursday night performance had to be cancelled because of heavy rain, and a newspaper report from the time states that on the Saturday night heavy rain

began to fall but the cast carried on and very few people left their seats. Dorothy, who had to wait until the later scenes for her part, recalls the children drinking cocoa and eating snacks while they waited.

The Brewell sisters explained that they only knew their own parts so it was hard to get a sense of the whole picture. This is echoed by Peter Haworth, author of Reminiscences of a Wheatsheaf Wanderer, who also took part and would have been about 15 at the time. It was his view that most people were unaware of the deep meaning behind the action.

The programme and script indicate this was a very complex drama covering the ages from the birth of mankind through to the present day and beyond. The final scene in the programme is entitled ‘The Coming of Wisdom’ indicating the spirit of optimism that came with the crowning of a new young queen.

Lyn Murray

Flowers, fundraising and fabulous cakes

thE hiDDEn CouRtyaRDs and gardens weekend gives nearly 30 local gardeners an opportunity to share their love of plants, gardening and their valued courtyard or vegetable plot with hundreds of visitors.

More importantly, the weekend brings trade to many local shops and businesses and raises thousands of pounds for local groups and charities. Over the past few years the gardeners of Wirksworth have raised more than £30,000 from ticket sales, sale of cakes,

plants and refreshments. All this money has been donated to charities and local groups ranging from sports clubs, community groups, voluntary groups, activities for children and older adults and much, much more.

This year the Open Gardens team are particularly keen to encourage local Wirksworth residents who may never have visited the gardens or not done so for several years to do so. not only will you discover parts of Wirksworth that you may never have previously seen but

Bolehill open gardens

thE annual BolEhill oPEn gaRDEns weekend is on saturday and sunday 17-18 June. and this year there is an added attraction: the village has a lively community of resident artists and craftspeople, several of whom will be exhibiting and available to talk about their work

The gardens, of all shapes and sizes, range through hidden gems, quirky corners and works in progress. Most gardeners are happy to chat about their creations. There will also be a plant stall, and refreshments to fortify visitors for the steeper sections of the village.

The event runs from 11am to 4pm on both days, and costs £4 per person, payable at various points en route. Parking is best done out of the village, at the Black Rocks and national Stone Centre car parks, or at the Steeple Grange Dental Practice.

you will also contribute to the well-being of the town and the people who live here. This is particularly important at a time when many groups are finding it more difficult to keep going because of the increasing cost of living, so we are keen to raise as much money as possible to give back to our community.

The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway will be operating over the weekend and is keen to show off the lovely displays on its stations. The Open Gardens weekend is on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June from 1pm to

5 pm and tickets will be on sale from Sally-Ann at Marsdens Gift Shop, Green Gates in Coldwell Street and opposite the Memorial Gardens, St John Street.

This year’s event coincides with Wirksworth hosting visitors from the towns with which Wirksworth is twinned so as well as bees, the town’s gardens will be buzzing with many different languages too. Flowers, fundraising, fabulous cakes, and fun – that is surely the sort of boost that would do us all good!

the Maltings benefit from quiz

MoRE than £1,000 was raised for local good causes at the 21st wirksworth Community Quiz, held at anthony gell school on 17 March. it was the first quiz for four years, the 2020 event having been cancelled at the last minute because of the pandemic – and it turned out to be a sixth win for the team from the lime kiln (see right)

32 teams of six players each gathered in the hall for an evening of good-natured competition for the Barry Foster Challenge Cup, named after the man who founded the quiz in 1998 and led it until his death 2015.

Most rounds were quiz night favourites: art, literature and film (questions set by Adam Salt), Derbyshire (Don Hughes), music (Les Kirk), sport (Tim Richards), Threesomes and Maths, Science and nature (Paddy Turner). This year’s new round was ‘Who said it?’ devised by Phil Richards. Most questions were read by those who devised them, but thanks go to Gill Sutcliffe and nic Pollock who stepped in for Don and Tim, who couldn’t be there. Competition was fierce, and several tiebreaker questions were needed. The marking team (Pete, Kate, Maureen, Frances, Row, Lu, Barbara and Pam) were kept busy all evening, as was electronic scorer-in-chief, Dave Baker, assisted by Adam and Gavin. The final result saw Lime Kiln lift the Barry Foster Challenge Cup yet again, closely followed by Glee Club Oh Yes! and Wam Bam Band, 2nd and 3rd on a tie-break, with Glee Club Oh no!, Terrible Twinners and Fresh Faces just missing out on a podium.

Phil Richards’ ever-popular picture round, which is separate from the main quiz, was equally tight: five teams scored the maximum of 45 points. Fire Hosers won the tie-break and went away with the

newly created Mugshot Trophy, donated by the round creator.

The three main prizes of six £10 vouchers per team were kindly donated by Alex Reed Cobbler, umami and northern Light Cinema. Kens were equally generous as usual, and supplied a bottle of whisky for the raffle.

Organisers Paddy, Adam and Phil were delighted that things went so well after such a long gap, with a big thank you to the Anthony Gell site team (Chris, Andy and Steve), who went beyond the call of duty. The organisers have already started preparing for the next Community Quiz, which will be on 15 March 2024.

This year the beneficiaries were The Maltings, for the outstanding efforts they have made and are still making to redevelop the former Parish Room into an attractive, flexible and comfortable space for a variety of community events and activities. In return they paid the letting fee, provided prizes for each round and the sack of potatoes for the lowest scoring team, which was carried home by one of the Hill Dwellers. They provided refreshments for the teams, and helped make sure that the evening ran smoothly.

If you know of a suitable local beneficiary group or good cause to receive the proceeds from next year’s quiz, please let the team know as soon as possible by contacting wirksquiz@gmail.com

the mayor’s message

FROM OUTgOiNg MAYOR, EliSA MCDONAgH…

this will BE my last Mayor’s Message, before handing you over to our newly elected Mayor, i would like to thank everyone who came out and voted for us in the recent town Council election.

We are absolutely delighted with the results and look forward to collectively serving our wonderful community over the next four years. I would now like to introduce you to our new Mayor – Bolehill stalwart Sean Barker.

…AND FROM NEW MAYOR, SEAN BARkER

FiRst, CongRatulations to local firm tDP for winning the king’s award for Enterprise for sustainable Development. also congratulations to resident theresa Peltier, who was sworn in as high sheriff of Derbyshire at the beginning of april. and to the institute of Quarrying for its impressive design for the stone Centre.

The last four years have had their difficulties. Covid was the biggie, but the town responded magnificently with the setting up of the Wirksworth Community Response Group. More recently, Warmer Wirksworth, a coalition including everyone from the churches to the Heritage Centre, did sterling service

providing warm spaces over the last winter.

The council sadly lost Gladwyn Gratton, who served on the town council over many years, and was part way through his term as mayor. The town also lost the Rotary Club - the council has had to step in to provide the Christmas treeand the carnival committee has gone into hibernation (they were also our equivalent of Ashbourne’s bunting committee). Thanks also to TraidLinks for years of service and the anchor for our status as a Fair Trade Town.

The last council purchased the Meadows and the new council hope to improve it in ways the people of Wirksworth have suggested. And Wilder Wirksworth, which started small with

verges, has purchased a field at the end of Summer Lane, both for a wildlife haven and somewhere for locals to walk. Looking a little further into the future, the Tuesday Market on 20 June will be green themed. And green includes lower energy use leading to lower fuel bills.

One of our first jobs as a new council has been to identify representatives of the 30 or so voluntary groups that we liaise with - and they are less than a third of the groups we know about. It is the people of the town who put in most of the work that makes it such a great place to live. This is a great town with great people, ready to put themselves out to help others, and also ready to join together to have fun. Long may this continue.

Tel/Fax: 01629 820030

email: steve@elysion.uk.com

Website: www.elysion.uk.com

Professional framer for 26 years offering expert advice. Artists range of moulding available.

kings award for wirksworth company Out and about with u3A

at thE EnD oF aPRil, a group of wirksworth u3a members enjoyed a fascinating visit to the lumsdale valley.

This hidden gem just outside Matlock is worth discovering, not just for the tranquil scenery but for its place in local industrial history. A series of picturesque ruined mills, workshops and water courses have sustained a range of manufacturing enterprises over the centuries, from lead smelting to bone grinding, and give a glimpse into what must have been a much less romantic and salubrious area in the past.

tDP, thE wiRkswoRth company which makes garden furniture from recycled plastic, has been honoured with the king’s award for Enterprise for sustainable Development.

TDP is one of only 148 organisations nationally to be recognised with the award this year. The annual programme reflects the King’s desire to continue the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding uK businesses. now in its 57th year, it is seen as the most prestigious business award in the country, and TDP is one of only 15 winners in the Sustainable Development category, and one of only five winners in Derbyshire.

The King’s Office said TDP was chosen for a comprehensive and well-executed plan of sustainable initiatives with positive impacts, and for demonstrating inspirational leadership spreading the word

about sustainability amongst its peers and through the local business community.

“We are all immensely proud of the achievement,” said TDP chief executive Rob Barlow. “We have come a long way in putting sustainable production at the heart of our strategy, using recycled plastic to reduce waste, protect precious ecosystems and keep resources in the value chain. It is truly humbling to have that hard work recognised through such an esteemed award.”

He added: “We couldn’t have achieved all this without the support of the TDP team past and present, customers, suppliers, advisors, or consultants. The award is of course a cause for celebration, but it also gives us extra momentum to continue our journey and explore what more we can do to have a positive impact on the world around us.”

success for dance school

on 29 aPRil, the kerry grant school of Dance welcomed parents and friends into a crowded turnditch village hall for an open day – the school’s first since the pandemic forced dance studios to shut down.

“Since re-opening after Covid, we have entered 50 children for ballet exams with the Royal Academy of Dance, ranging from the Pre-Primary Dance Class award up to Grade Six,” said Kerry, who with her sister Zoe Marsh teaches all the classes. “All the children who have received their results have achieved at least a Merit, with 74% of students achieving High Merit or Distinction.”

The school also hosted a session of national Association of Teachers of Dancing tap exams last november, with all students achieving at least a Merit, and more than 75% a Distinction.

“We aim to make dancing affordable and accessible to everyone and have a very non–competitive ethos …. every child is valued and encouraged to achieve their personal best,” said Zoe. “Dancing is about much more than simply learning technical steps – enhanced fitness, friendship, confidence, rhythm, flexibility, strength, teamwork, and fun.”

The school offers a taster class, free of charge. For more information, call Kerry on 07773 524681, email kerry@kerrygrant.co.uk, or visit www.kerrygrantschoolofdance.co.uk

The tour was guided by Alan and Christine Piper, on behalf of the Arkwright Society. The couple, who live in the valley, presented an interesting illustrated talk about the area at an earlier u3A coffee morning, leaving members keen to take up the opportunity of visiting.

Many of the 20-plus activity groups within Wirksworth u3A provide opportunities for getting out and about. These include regular walking and cycling trips, nature study, gardening and photography – and the perhaps less immediately attractive but interesting tour of a sewage processing plant, enjoyed by the science and technology group.

Autumn plans include more garden visits, a walking holiday in Shropshire, a local history walk around Wirksworth on 23 September, and an archery session at Mount Cook. For the less adventurous, the very popular Pimms, Music and Poetry event will be held again on 2 August.

Membership of u3A is just £10 a year, and gives access to all the activity groups. Search Wirksworth and District u3A for more information on the website.

With Die, Frankenau and Varallo

This Community Fayre supplement will coincide with an upcoming visit of twinning guests during 22nd-26th June 2023. If you come across some of the visitors, please offer a welcoming smile and a Bonjour, Guten Tag or Buongiorno!

Quest’anno, Wirksworth celebra 30 anni dal nostro primo gemellaggio con Die in Francia. La carta del gemellaggio fu firmata dai rappresentanti di entrambe le città a Wirksworth nel 1993/94.

Nel 2004 il gemellaggio è diventato un accordo a tre, con l’aggiunta della città tedesca di Frankenau. Più recentemente abbiamo anche conosciuto nuovi amici di Varallo in Italia, con i quali siamo stati lieti di costruire una collaborazione informale ma molto fruttuosa.

THE TWINNING CHARTER WAS SIGNED BY REPRESENTATIVES OF BOTH TOWNS IN WIRKSWORTH IN 1993/94.

In 2004 we joined a triangular twinning with Frankenau in Germany as well. Since then we have also been introduced to new friends from Varallo in Italy, with whom we have been delighted to build an informal but fruitful collaboration as well.

In diesem Jahr feiert Wirksworth das 30-jährige Jubiläum unserer ersten Städtepartnerschaft mit Die in Frankreich. Die Städtepartnerschaftsurkunde wurde 1993/4 von Vertretern beider Städte in Wirksworth unterzeichnet.

2004 sind wir mit Frankenau in Deutschland in eine Dreieckpartnerschaft eingegangen.

Seitdem wurden wir auch neuen Freunden aus Varallo in Italien vorgestellt, mit denen wir uns über die Entwicklung einer informellen aber sehr fruchtbaren Zusammenarbeit freuen.

Cette année, Wirksworth fête les 30 ans de notre premier jumelage qui fut avec Die en France. La charte de jumelage a été signée par des représentants des deux villes à Wirksworth en 1993/94.

En 2004, nous avons rejoint un jumelage triangulaire (devrait-il s’agir de triplés ?) avec Frankenau en Allemagne également. Depuis lors, nous avons également été présentés à de nouveaux amis de Varallo en Italie, avec qui nous avons été ravis de construire une collaboration informelle mais également très fructueuse.

IN 2023, WIRKSWORTH CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF OUR FIRST TOWN TWINNING WHICH WAS WITH DIE IN FRANCE.

WHAT

IS

TWINNING ABOUT?

TWINNING IS ABOUT FRIENDSHIP AND COMMUNITY

Group visits over the past 30 years have been key to Twinning but the connections have also become much wider and varied. Lasting friendships have been made by individuals and families and rewarding links have been made through common interests/vocations. SOME of them include:

SINGING / ECOLOGY / FOOTBALL / MUSIC / ART / QUILTING / CYCLING / FIRE SERVICE / DANCE / TRAINS / LANGUAGES

SOME MEMORIES

“I remember driving to Die from Wirksworth in a double decker coach Easter 1994. Great party atmosphere on the bus but the drivers were very grumpy with us all!”

“..in about 6 lessons, Phil taught me the “Lego” of the German language. So when I had to make the customary speech of thanks, on a boat on the Edersee, I was able to put together something acceptable.”

“In Die, we were welcomed with great warmth, fed never-ending delicious meals and entertained each minute of the day.”

“Our frequent visits to the Diois crystallised our own project of retiring to and living in France. In short, twinning changed our lives as I think it has done for many others.”

“At an event near Frankenau, I said I was returning on my “Pferd” back to my accommodation. Well, it’s very close to a Fahrrad (bicycle!) No wonder I got strange looks!”

OUR AIMS ...

 To promote and foster international friendships and understanding between the people of the Wirksworth area with those of other towns we have links with.

 To encourage visits by groups and individuals to and from our link towns to foster mutual exchanges at all levels.

 To enable the development of personal contacts, to broaden the mutual understanding of the cultural, recreational, educational and commercial activities of the linked towns.

 To promote and organise social, cultural, educational and fund-raising activities.

WHAT WE GET UP TO DURING OUR VISITS….

During the reciprocal visits to the twinned towns, we usually have a busy (but fun) schedule. Some of our activities have included:

• Exploring the local areas

• Visiting places of interest

• Eating & Drinking

• Stoney Wood Inspiration

• Participating in local events

• Well dressing

• Festivals

• Carnevale

• Transhumance

• Meeting new people

• Understanding different cultures

• Dancing

Group trips generally take place once a year (except for during pandemics!) and each country takes its turn to be host. During the rest of the year, we have a programme of activities, including:

 In partnership with The Northern Light Cinema, we support a programme of foreign language films.

 We support and promote local foreign language conversation groups.

 Social events and local walks with conversation in French or German.

 Run market stalls at the Wirksworth Farmers’ Market with a European theme.

TWINNING IS FOR EVERYONE

WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO JOIN US R EFLE c TIONS ON FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN YOUNG PEOPLE IN D IE AND W IR k SWORTH

If twinning sounds like it could be for you, then please get in touch. We are always happy to welcome new members – individuals, families and groups are all encouraged. Membership is free for the first year and then £10.00 per year for adult members. You don’t need to be able to speak another language to be involved.

To find out more, please email us on: wirksworthtwinning@gmail.com

www.wirksworthtwinning.org.uk

Over the past 30 years there have been many reciprocal visits between the Lycee du Diois and the Anthony Gell School. The very first visit to Die by around 35 young people was in February 1992. At that point the Channel Tunnel was not yet operational and the overnight coach journey took 24 hours. Some youngsters stayed with families and some stayed in the Martouret Centre, a huge residential centre set in a glorious park with views over to the Vercors. Since then, the journey time has been halved – apart from the epic cycle ride from Wirksworth to Die undertaken by Wilf and Laurie!

As well as forging genuine friendships over the years, the link has offered a wealth of opportunities for language and cultural learning, and creative and sporting activities. If you took part in a visit either here or in Die, we would love to hear your memories. Are you still in touch with the friends you made? Did you take part in the school orchestra link? Were you part of the INdependDANCE interpretation of The Man Who Planted Trees? Do you have a memory of the comparative study of the Peak National Park and the Vercors Regional Natural Park? Did you win the Masterchef competition whilst staying in the Buxton Youth Hostel? Did you perform in the bilingual sketch shows? Did you do work experience in Die? Can you remember walks in the extraordinary landscape or visiting the Resistance Museum? What did you buy at the bustling market in Die? Were you part of the International Youth Conference hosted at the Mount Cook Centre?

First East Midlands large-scale model railway show

Following thE successful annual model railway exhibition held in october last year, a large scale Model Railway show will take place in wirksworth over the weekend of 8 and 9 July. it will be in two venues, the Maltings and the Memorial hall.

As the name suggests, the gauges to be shown are much larger than the normal OO, TT and n smaller gauges, and start from O gauge upwards. There will be examples of O gauge, 16mm, G gauge and gauge 1 layouts, with the largest being a 30ft gauge 1 layout.

nine traders will be supporting the exhibition, with new and

second-hand model items and books. A list of traders attending will be provided at www.e-v-r-a. com

Two manufacturers of large scale models, track and other products, Peco and LGB, are sponsoring the show and the organisers are grateful for their support of this new event.

Another first is that a vintage

shuttle bus will run from Wirksworth Station, where there will be free parking, to the Memorial Hall. On Saturday, there will be an additional early train on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway from Wirksworth to Duffield, with a return for anyone travelling to Duffield on network Rail. Details of this are given on www.e-v-r.com

It is hoped that the miniature 7.25in railway and the 2ft narrow gauge lines will be running at Wirksworth station during the weekend.

Any profit from the event will go to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association, EVRA, the charitable arm of the railway, for their projects on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.

Community Interest Company training offered

DiRECtoRs oF Community interest Companies are welcome to attend a training session at the wellspring Church on tuesday 27 June.

The event starts at 10am, and will be run by neil Moulden, CEO of Derbyshire Dales Council for Voluntary Service (DDCVS), which helps voluntary organisations with

Budget Tyres

Water lane – Wirksworth

funding applications, policy-making, and generally providing information and guidance to the voluntary sector in the Dales. The June session will focus on pricing the services and activities that Community Interest Companies offer, and how to balance applying for grants with generating an income.

Anyone involved with running a CIC in Derbyshire Dales, or thinking about setting one up, is advised to act now, as DDCVS is fortunate to have funding to cover the cost of these sessions currently, but can’t guarantee they will be subsidised next year. For more information email enquiries@ ddcvs.org.uk or call 01629 812154.

01629 822762

The

!

Traditional and inspirational toys, beautiful bags and jewellery, fabulous baby gifts, man gifts, something for everyone.

A small family business with a very warm welcome. open 9.30 until 5.30 – Monday to saturday.

Spring is in the air, the bulbs are emerging from the ground and our feathered friends are looking for somewhere to nest!

Memories made at wirksworth infant and junior schools

on FRiDay 5 May, in a well-timed break between showers, the children at wirksworth Junior and infant schools came together in red, white and blue to celebrate the coronation of king Charles iii

Sue and Ian Todd from St. Mary’s church led an assembly on community service, supporting each other and what the King’s focus for the coronation weekend was. The children brought along coins and placed them on flags in the playground. These were collected and donated to the local charity Jigsaw Food Bank, for those in need within our community.

For the majority of us this was the first coronation we had witnessed, but in attendance at our celebration we had a special guest – Sue Todd’s Mum, Marie. She was nine years old at King George’s coronation in 1937, and she also saw Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953.

These are days when memories are made, and like Marie, the children at Wirksworth’s schools will be able to look back fondly about coming together as primary children to celebrate the coronation of a new King of the united Kingdom and the 14 Commonwealth realms.

launch of new book

wEll known local author shirley Mann is particularly excited about her fourth novel Bridget’s war.

Shirley is known for her novels set in World War 2 and inspired by amazing women. She began writing in her 60s when she started to recreate the wartime romance of her parents in her novel Lily’s War.

Shirley has been a journalist for most of her life, mostly at the BBC. However it was only when she moved to Wirksworth that she had the courage to start this new career as the town’s ‘can do’ attitude helped her to give it a go.

To find out what other exciting activities the children at Wirksworth schools have been getting up to, please visit our website: www.wirksworth-junior.com/stream/news/full/1/-// Isabel Webb, Headteacher, Wirksworth Junior School

haarlem artspace pop-up shop

a PoP-uP shoP has opened in the centre of wirksworth, dedicated to showcasing and selling the work of the artists and makers at haarlem artspace as well as other local artists.

On the ground floor, you will find a range of handmade items such as ceramics, feltwork, glasswork, jewellery and cards. upstairs is a gallery with the work of painters, illustrators, printmakers and mixed media artists.

The shop was organised by Paul Carr, a codirector of Haarlem Artspace, as an opportunity to give the work of Haarlem Artspace’s artists a more visible presence in the town.

Tricia Rice, who has a studio in Haarlem Artspace and has her work in the shop, says, “It’s a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the work of the artists and makers who occupy Haarlem Mill.”

Jo Heron, another participating artist, adds, “It feels as though we’re more part of the community here.”

The shop is currently set to be open into July, and is located in the former Feather Star – 15 St John Street. Pop in while it’s here, seize the opportunity to buy a gift – or something for yourself – and see what a thriving art community Wirksworth supports.

Haarlem artist Ruth Cox with some of her work in the shop.

aquabox increases aid output again

aQuaBoX, wirksworth’s own international disaster relief charity, has been working harder than ever during the first five months of 2023, with the support of partner organisations around the world.

The year began with a shipment of 250 Aquabox Gold boxes to Pakistan following catastrophic flooding, each containing a carefully chosen assortment of tools, kitchenware and other humanitarian aid as well as an Aquabox water filter. The shipment was forwarded by the Asian Fire Service Association, and received for distribution by International Emergency uK.

February saw two shipments to ukraine, forwarded by the Rotary Clubs of Stade and Potsdam in Germany, and received for distribution by the WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) group in Lviv, which is operated jointly by Rotary International and the united nations. These were all water filters: a total of 720 family filters packed as 60 Aqua 12s, plus 20 community filters.

In March, a further consignment of nine Aqua 12s left the depot at the top of Cromford Hill on their way to ukraine, again with the support of RC Stade and RC Potsdam, and for distribution by WASH. And in the same month two more Aqua 12s were sent to Turkey, following the terrible earthquake; forwarded in this case by Project Orphan.

Malawi was one of a number of east African countries hit by Cyclone Freddy in March, leading to a serious cholera outbreak. Aquabox responded very promptly, shipping 144 family filters in April, forwarded by Malawi Air Cargo and

distributed by Seed Sowers Trust. And another two community filters started their journey to ukraine, this time as part of an aid package with the Rotary Club of Truro.

In May Aquabox despatched 50 Gold boxes, 35 Aqua 12s (420 family filters in total) and 30 community filters to Syria, forwarded by Schenker AG, and received for distribution by Hand in Hand for Aid and Development. And as Community Fayre closed for press, a huge consignment of 250 Gold boxes was ready for despatch to Yemen in a joint shipment with another partner charity, Jubilee Outreach Yorkshire (JOY).

The Aquabox volunteer teams are currently building more filters and packing more Gold boxes, with further shipments planned to ukraine and to Syria, plus another consignment for nepal later in the year.

“The volunteer teams at the depot, all from Wirksworth and the surrounding area, are collectively helping to make a huge difference to the lives of desperate people around the world,” said Roger Cassidy, chair of the Aquabox trustees.

Continually pushing itself to new goals, and now in its 31st year, Aquabox continues to deliver life-saving aid in disaster zones, regardless of geography, religion or race. Town councillor and former mayor Alison Clamp, speaking at the Town Promotion Forum in March, summed it up very simply: “Aquabox is something Wirksworth can be proud of.”

For more information about Aquabox and its work, go to www.aquabox.org, or drop in the depot any weekday morning.

a TasTe of Home

RhuBaRB anD honEy MuFFins

light anD honEyED, with a tang of juicy rhubarb, these muffins are perfect with a cup of refreshing green tea. the small rhubarb chunks cook perfectly within the cake mixture. Makes 12.

ingredients

• 150g fresh rhubarb

• 200g butter, softened

• 75g caster sugar

• 3 eggs

how to…

• 5 tbsp runny honey

• 225g self-raising flour

• ½ tsp baking powder

You will need a 12-hole muffin tray and 12 muffin cake cases or large cupcake cases.

Pre-heat the oven to Gas Mark 4 / 180C

Start by chopping the rhubarb into small, 1 cm pieces. Put to one side.

In a large bowl, beat together the soft butter and sugar until creamy and light. This is easier and quicker with an electric beater.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in the honey.

Sieve the flour and baking powder into the bowl and fold in gently with a large spoon. Finally stir in the rhubarb pieces. Fill the muffin cases ¾ full then bake in the oven for 20 minutes until the muffins are risen and golden brown. Turn out onto a wire rack until almost cool, then serve.

Natalie Gerrelli

natalie’s recipe book The Food We Love is available at shops locally.

Every issue of Community Fayre reaches thousands of readers in wirksworth and the surrounding villages. to advertise, contact Jane Proctor - proc@uwclub.net

Penny is key to health

Dr Penny Blackwell of Hannage Brook Medical Centre is a member of Derbyshire’s Integrated Care Partnership. The partnership brings together nHS, social care, and other providers to agree strategy and direction for the integrated care system as a whole.

Across the uK, the nHS and social care and voluntary sectors are creating an integrated care system to deliver local health and care services. Our integrated care system is known as Joined up Care Derbyshire (JuCD).

aim and priority

Its aim is to join up primary care, mental health, community services, social care and the third sector, so that they operate as a single team to wrap care around a person and their family. Its priority is to improve life expectancy and health and wellbeing for everyone in Derby and Derbyshire.

“I always do represent our community and try to inspire our GPs and new GPs around Derbyshire to lead at system level,” Dr Blackwell says. “To that end, I teach and coach GP leadership as well and have just taken on two new GPs to coach who are in their first two years post-qualification.”

taking account of local differences

She is also chair of the Integrated Place Executive, which brings together the county’s eight Place Alliances (with the same borders as local authorities). As chair, she has the job of getting organisations to collaborate better together.

The Place Alliances include decisionmakers from health, care and local organisations and the public and patients. This is to make sure the plans reflect the views of local people and there are fair

services which take account of local differences.

Each Place Alliance plans and designs holistic services like dementia services, and pilots new services like home visits using paramedics attached to practices to prevent people needing to go into hospital.

There are ‘falls pilots’ around the county and social prescribing is thriving in Derbyshire.

End of life planning will also come under Dr Penny’s remit this year. “So if you’re one of my patients,” she says, “I apologise, as this is partly the reason that people can’t get an appointment with me!”

We can be confident that the next generation of doctors is in safe hands, and that, thanks to Penny, things specific to Wirksworth and the Derbyshire Dales are fully considered when key decisions are made.

Civic Society back up to speed

now that all the pandemic restrictions have been lifted, wirksworth Civic society is planning a full programme of events.

In June there will be a talk on the history of Wellspring Church and other non-conformist chapels in the town, and in July a visit to the newly restored Aqueduct Cottage in Cromford. September’s speaker will be talking about Peak District pubs. Details of other talks and events are being finalised, but they will all will be listed on the Wirksworth Civic Society Facebook page, and circulated to members.

At the AGM at Wellspring Church on 19 April – the first AGM since 2019 – chair Jim Rooney said that although activities were restricted during the pandemic, the committee continued to monitor planning applications, and contributed to relevant consultations. The society has also offered advice to people renovating properties, particularly in the conservation area.

After the business part of the AGM there was a presentation by Robert Evans of Evans

Vettori Architects about Kiln Bank, the dramatic new house being built above Yokecliffe. He described the original brief, the design influences, and how plans have developed, and he

and the owners answered questions from the floor.

To find out more about becoming a member of the Civic Society email wirksworth civicsociety@outlook.com

Exploring the history of the Red Lion

wiRkswoRth and District u3a has been awarded a grant by the national heritage Memorial Fund for a project exploring the history of the Red lion as a busy coaching inn at the centre of wirksworth life in the 19th century.

The project will combine historical research by the Wirksworth Historians group, leading to the production of a booklet and touring exhibition, with an imaginative arts project which will bring history to life through creative writing, music and drama, culminating in under Pittywood; a public performance event in the autumn.

Although headed by u3A, this project will involve participants from a wide range of local groups, as well as individual enthusiasts.

More information about the project and performances will appear on the Wirksworth and District u3A website in due course.

Digital image (above), and the concept drawing of Kiln Bank.

DiD you know that we have a key Derbyshire health leader in wirksworth?

thermal camera locates heat loss

Last year, the charity invested £700 in a Flir C5 thermal imaging camera, and between november and March heat loss surveys were carried out in 15 Wirksworth homes. The camera enables home owners to identify the causes of heat losses around the home, particularly draughts – in a typical home, about £40 of every £100 spent on heating is due to air leakage.

“On each survey two volunteers spent about two hours doing a home visit and, with additional analysis of the thermal images and writing their report, their total time was 10 hours for each survey,” said charity trustee Mary Ann Hooper. “The camera gives us clear information in some situations: around doors and windows, edges between

floors, walls and ceilings, and when there is substantial missing insulation. But it was insufficient in more diffuse situations, such as whether cavity wall insulation is working well or not.”

The charity team spent many hours trying to get advice.

“Apart from excellent support from Transition Belper’s thermal camera team, we got very little useful help,” said Mary-Anne.

“The camera manufacturer is quick to suggest expensive training for thermal qualifications, but otherwise only offers verbal support from technicians who know how the camera works, but don’t know about using it for home heating loss. And we kept finding ourselves talking to technicians in a Flir team in Bolivia! So we still have a lot to learn.”

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Wild1Wirksworth

The team has decided it is essential to have surveys done by someone who has substantial experience of houses and how they work, not just someone who can operate the camera. “Our surveys have been done by retired architects, surveyors and architectural technicians volunteering their time.”

“The camera has been operated with mentoring from

Transition Belper, and learningby-doing. The next stage is to get follow up information for each survey – we will ask the homeowners what they have done or not done with the information from the survey, and to give their reasons.”

The trust has been offering the service for a minimum donation of £10, waived if it can’t be afforded – but in fact, donations so far total £385.

An un-insulated loft hatch. Heat loss is purple, much colder than the surrounding yellow/orange area that is not losing heat.

a DRaughty hoME is a costly home – and the wirksworth transition Community land trust has the technology to prove it.

wilder wirksworth buys a field

‘invEst in thE PlanEt’ was the theme for this year’s Earth Day – and the people of wirksworth have certainly made that possible, thanks to a wildly successful crowdfunding exercise. this has enabled wilder wirksworth to purchase a field, which will be managed for biodiversity and for the community to enjoy, at the end of summer lane.

In all, 126 different people pledged amounts from £5 to thousands. It seemed an impossible goal, but Wirksworth folk are not to be underestimated. Other anonymous donors, plus companies and local organisations, stepped up and made the purchase possible. The field is to be called Wild Maple Field, after an ancient, gnarled tree growing out of limestone. And 50 people braved the threat of rain on Sunday 23 April for the Earth Day Gathering, to celebrate the event. Earth Day started in California in 1970 to consider the soil, which has been billions of years in the making, and the planet, which is under strain through the climate emergency.

Goodwins expands

lEss than two yEaRs after opening in wirksworth, kitchen and bathroom specialist goodwins is expanding. owner Michael goodwin is taking over the adjacent shop in st John street, formerly occupied by Mimosa antiques.

There was cake, and paper leaves to write ideas on, and children and dogs ran around and enjoyed being outside. Rosemary Blenkinsop welcomed the visitors, and introduced the other members of the core group: Katie Gallagher, whose passion for wildlife is key; Jackie Carpenter, overseeing finances and fundraising; and Linda Dominique who steers the project.

The next step is to set up Wild Maple Trust as a charity to run the project, which will help with funding but will also take a few months. During this time, the group will develop a management plan. First, they will conduct close observations to learn from the land, and conduct ecology surveys of the soil, flora and fauna. This time will also be used to consult the local community and to seek advice from experts and other rewilding projects. The field will look very different this year; instead of being grazed down by sheep, the grass will be allowed to grow, with just a wildflower cut in the autumn.

Wild Maple Trust looks forward to welcoming everyone to use the field and enjoy its transformation. To find out more, ask questions, suggest ideas or offer help, contact the group by email on summerlanefield@gmail.com

Farewell to Cyclewirks

aFtER 10 yEaRs of keeping wirksworth’s cycling enthusiasts on the road, David Beacham has closed the doors at Cyclewirks for the last time.

The decision to close was partly personal and partly business. The cycle business is in disarray post-pandemic, with suppliers stressed financially, and one of David’s main suppliers went into receivership in March, leaving him wondering whether he would be able to obtain the spare parts needed to carry on.

He set up the workshop in Willowbath

Mill after 10 years working as a mechanic at Parsley Hay cycle hire – before that he was an engineer at British Rail. He told CF that there’s a possibility of selling the business as a going concern; the alternative will be to sell the remaining stock at auction. “But I’m keeping my tools,” he added.

For the immediate future, David plans to spend less time working on bikes and more time riding them. “I need to get out on my own bike more often,” he said. “It’s time for some ‘me’ time.”

“We’ll have more space for lifestyle settings,” he told CF. “The front display will be a bathroom, and it will be incredible. There’s quite a bit of work to do though – we should be finished by the end of August.” The new room is going to be called the Joshua Suite; a nod to Michael’s eight-year-old son Josh, who is apparently keen to get involved in the business.

The past two years has been a massive journey, he said. “But it’s all positive: customers passing on recommendations, and who are happy to make their new kitchen or bathroom available for other people to see. We’ve completed over 120 projects in our first two years – and we have jobs booked in until January next year.”

Two months ago, he installed a screen in store to show customers a virtual reality representation of their project, and Goodwins is now a member of the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) and Trustmark. “That means we can provide deposit insurance, and reassure customers that we’re here to stay.

Michael has also entered for the annual KBSA Awards, the winners of which will be announced at the association’s conference in September. And he remains delighted with the welcome he has received in Wirksworth. “This town is great,” he said. “Opening up next door means we can expand without having to move – I love it here, and I don’t ever want to leave. This is me putting down roots.”

transition wirksworth, the future and beyond…

in its thiRtEEnth year of existence, the future of transition wirksworth was in the balance.

Its principal members could no longer carry on and so the Wirksworth community was invited to a meeting to determine whether Transition had a future. Thirty people came along on a Friday evening in March to what would be a decisive event.

Transition Wirksworth was formed in the spring of 2010 in response to the community’s concerns about climate change. A core group came together, joined forces with Sustainable Wirksworth and affiliated with the Transition Town Movement to become a Transition Town Initiative. They arranged public meetings, put on films and events, invited public speakers, and had stalls at local events, aiming to help people transition to a future without fossil fuels.

Transition Wirksworth has been highly successful in providing infrastructure and support to a range of affiliated initiatives including the Community Land Trust,

Stoney Wood, the Wirksworth Growers community garden, Wilder Wirksworth and the Repair Cafe.

The impact of the pandemic resulted in a loss of momentum because of the restrictions on gatherings, and so, after more than a decade, the group had reached a point where it needed others to take up the challenge.

After hearing how important the Transition group had been to the initiatives that had succeeded in Wirksworth, it was obvious that a way was needed to keep it alive. So it was crunch time: would anyone step up to be part of the core group? After a very English awkward silence with much shuffling of feet and avoidance of eye contact, it happened. By the end of the evening, an impressive 10 people, all busy people already, had agreed to form a new core group and each of the groups that had grown out of Transition Wirksworth provided a link person to keep everyone involved.

So now, you can watch this space….

Have you spotted the other Well Dressings photos yet?

Photo by Phil Richards

The abstract well dressing at Wellspring Church, in aid of the mental health charity MIND.

Fin-Fest tickets on sale

satuRDay 8 July is the date for this year’s Fin-Fest – a day of fun, music and dancing to raise awareness and funds to support the wirksworth young Futures Fund.

The fund was set up in memory of Finlay Poole, a young man from Wirksworth with a bright future ahead of him, who took his own life during the last lockdown while at Warwick university. His family and friends intend the fund to support the wellbeing and mental health of local young people.

Suicide is the biggest killer of our young people – bigger than cancer, bigger than traffic accidents – and every death is potentially preventable.

Funds raised to date have helped to set up a series of weekly workshops and group sessions at Anthony Gell School, aimed at students with specific emotional and mental health needs. The workshops help give these young people a

chance to escape day-to-day worries and immerse themselves in activities focused on mindfulness and wellbeing.

Creative and therapeutic practitioners use their skills and a range of enrichment work, to help participants feel included and have a voice to explore different ways of expressing themselves, to empower, build confidence and gain greater self-awareness.

The work has been popular with students, so planning is now under way to extend the programme from September to support more local young people and offer one-to-one support as well.

‘’This work has only been possible due to the amazing generosity of local people,” said Young Futures founder Alison Foote.

“It has included donations from local businesses and local events such as the Beer Festival, and through lots of individual donations.”

Tickets for this year’s Fin-Fest, to be held at Brick kiln House on Wash green, are on sale at ticketsource www.ticketsource. co.uk/Fin-Fest/t-pqozppr. last year’s event included an auction which raised more than £3,000 so another one is planned for this year. To donate to the auction, help out at Fin-Fest, or get involved in Young Futures, email alisonannfoote@outlook.com.

success for Chris thompson evening

wiRkswoRth CoMMunity thEatRE’s double bill of plays by the local radio and tv scriptwriter, the late Chris thompson, went ahead successfully in March, despite heavy snow. wirksworth audiences are a tough lot, and the vast majority of those who booked for the evening still managed to attend and enjoy the event.

Both plays, Skeggy and Tess, met an enthusiastic response from the audience – but particularly memorable was the live interview with Chris’s widow Ann, which preceded the performance each evening. Ann talked both touchingly and entertainingly about Chris and his career, from early struggles to survive on the proceeds of occasional radio plays, to lengthy and successful spells as a scriptwriter on The Archers and then on Emmerdale.

It was a fitting tribute to a much-missed friend, and to someone who was an active supporter of local community theatre.

Looking to the future, Wirksworth Community Theatre is calling for new work from local writers. The requirement is for short scripts, lasting no longer than 20 minutes, and all work submitted will receive an initial airing at a script-reading session in June. The company will be looking at the possibility of presenting an evening of short plays as their next full production in the new year.

As well as this initiative, the community theatre will be bringing some of their experience to the aid of the under Pittywood theatre project, based on the history of the Red Lion, which is scheduled to go ahead later this autumn.

on a satuRDay EvEning in late June, wirksworth’s united Reformed Church will be transformed into a musical time machine. it will host the long-awaited return of early music ensemble Musicke in the ayre.

Wirksworth’s own Carmel Edwards and founder Din Ghani will transport you, on rarely seen period instruments, to a different sound world, with a programme of English and Spanish songs from the time of Henry VIII through to the Restoration. The concert, on 24 June 2023 at 6.30pm, will show how musical styles and tastes evolved during that period.

In those turbulent times, Henry, a keen musician in his younger days, alienated the Catholic world when he divorced his Spanish wife, Catherine of Aragon. That led

to on-off conflicts between England and Spain over the next century. The songs that Carmel will sing would have been heard in the royal courts on both sides of the conflict. The English songs were accompanied mainly on lute, while the Spanish preferred their own version of the lute called the vihuela; later in the period this was replaced by the early Spanish guitar which was the ancestor of the modern guitar. The vihuela and guitar that Din will use were made by him.

Din formed Musicke in the Ayre in 2011 to explore this varied repertoire from across Europe, working with a widespread team of singers with whom he has given more than 150 concerts across the country and in Belgium, France and Spain: 13 of these were with Carmel, who joined in 2017, with recitals in York,

Leeds, London and Bath, as well as Wirksworth. Musicke in the Ayre has allowed her to

indulge in the early repertoire, a long-standing favourite of hers.

Tickets will be available at the door, priced £10, but also online in advance for £9 from bit.ly/mitasFtt

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a leica adventure

an exhibition of film photography at the heritage Centre

in aPRil the heritage Centre hosted an exhibition of photographs by local photographer gunther walker. the photos were of the Peak District and were taken with gunther’s 1932 leica standard – a camera with a fascinating story.

Gunther’s German grandfather, Alfred Bosler (1909-42), bought this new Leica in the autumn of 1932 after he had been employed in his first teaching post. Alfred was a passionate photographer and documented his life like many others: skiing trips, mountain tours, a steam ship trip to norway, his wedding and honeymoon, and of course the family.

An army reservist, Alfred was called up in September 1939. After he returned from the western campaign in 1940, Gunther’s mother was born and the camera photographed the start of her new life, as well as Alfred’s time on leave and his life in the military.

Then in June 1941 he was transferred to the Eastern Front with his division. The Leica stayed at home, and his wife Elfriede Bosler (1912-99) sent photos taken with it to him at the front.

Alfred never returned - he was killed on active duty in Russia, on 8 May 1942.

Elfriede continued to take photographs with the Leica throughout the war. When in April 1945 the Americans arrived in her small south western German town of Kirchberg an der Jagst, they made it known that all cameras were to be handed in - but she just couldn’t bring herself to give up her dead husband’s dear Leica. She decided to bury it, with other valuables, in a nearby field outside the town walls.

Only when the Americans left in november 1945 was Elfriede able to dig up the valuables and bring the camera home again.

After the war, up until the 1970s, the Leica was regularly used as the family camera. The last photo the family still has from that time is from 17 May 1974, Gunther’s 5th birthday. After that, the camera was put in a drawer and no longer used.

Then, 45 years later in May 2019, his mother gave Gunther the Leica on his 50th birthday. After so many years out of use the camera and lens needed to be sent for a thorough service. Following careful cleaning, lubrication and adjustment, the camera came to life once again and Gunther now regularly uses it.

Gunther says: “Photography with the Leica awoke an old passion within me for analogue photography. Just as important was the opportunity to establish a new relationship with my grandparents; through the camera they are always with me. The Leica brings such joy it’s hard to describe.”

“My relationship to the camera only continues to develop and she is my constant companion on my many hikes through the Peak District.”

Excitingly, since then the BBC have been in touch and Gunther is discussing the making of a short documentary about the life of this Leica. He is also writing a memoir about the camera. Below are some of the photographs from Gunther’s exhibition, and above, a picture of Alfred and Elfriede Boseler on a steamship journey around the norwegian Fjords in 1935.

LEICA ADVENTURES

Alfred and Elfriede Bosler on a Steamship in 1935.

Alfred’s 1932 Leica.

Landscape photography with a 1932 Leica camera buried in WW2 and restored in 2020

Cromford Studio and Gallery

hElEn aBsaloM and her partner stuart have recently taken over Cromford studio and gallery from Martin sloman, who has retired.

They are both artists, and running a gallery has been something they have wanted to do. They celebrated the opening with a spring exhibition that started on 24 March, and with an open day and evening.

Helen says: “We are still finding our feet, getting organised and adding our own touch to the gallery with some new artists and makers as well as the excellent mix already exhibiting here. Everyone is local to either Derbyshire or nottingham, there is an absolute wealth of talent in this area. To add to that, everyone is so friendly and welcoming.”

“I’m originally from Long Eaton so I have returned to my roots. As a child I spent many weekends caravanning with my family at Cromford Meadows – so can’t quite believe I’m here at the gallery. I’ve always had a soft spot for Cromford and I feel very lucky to be back here.”

Helen paints in acrylics and oils, and occasionally does silk paintings too. Her subjects are inspired by nature – flowers, animals, birds and lots of bees. She also teaches classes and is running some from the gallery. Her website, if you’d like to find out more, is www.helenabsalomart.co.uk

Stuart is from South Wales, where the pair lived for many years. They moved to the Cotswolds a couple of years ago when Stuart got a job working for Sky Sports as a signwriter – painting logos onto canvases for professional boxing matches. His background is as a graphic designer and he is an accomplished portrait artist.

Bolehill volunteers clear up

BolEhill anD steeple grange improvement group volunteers spent an april morning litter picking around the village.

It’s a strangely satisfying thing to do, they reported, particularly when you have the right tools to fish out those empty cans and scraps of plastic which find their way under prickly hedges. They were also encouraged in their efforts as they peered and rummaged, by thanks from both residents and visitors. And there were some interesting finds: did no-one notice that their hub cap had disappeared, or miss that single shoe, or the full bottle of milk? And what were those smooth glass spheres nestling in quantity under a bush? Bolehill and Steeple Grange are tidy places on the whole, but there are pockets which seem to attract

rubbish. They are cleaner and pleasanter now, at least for a while.

The clean-up came just in time for the Decorate your House and Garden competition which marked the coronation weekend. The group is also planning to install a commemorative bench near the Bolehill Institute, at the head of the footpath up from Wirksworth – a welcome breathing space for walkers heading towards Barrel Edge.

John Thompson bursary launched

thE anthony gEll sChool FounDation is launching a John thompson Bursary this month (June), in memory of the man who was chair of the trustees for more than 20 years, and who guided the foundation in its support of students and the school.

“We want to recognise the outstanding contribution that John made to our community, and in particular to Anthony Gell School,” said Cathy Cooke, chair of the trustees. “He was passionate in his commitment to young people and the work of the foundation, and we have created this bursary in his memory, so that young people needing financial support for their next steps can benefit from our funds while keeping in mind his dedication and achievements.”

The bursary, in accordance with the foundation’s objectives, has been created to promote the education of individuals (or in exceptional circumstances very small groups) who need financial assistance and who have at

20 -year reunion for hockey team

any time attended Anthony Gell School, or are under the age of 25 and live within Wirksworth and the surrounding villages served by the Anthony Gell cluster of schools. It will encourage applications in support of further education: college, university or even holiday courses, as well as apprenticeships or entrepreneurial projects where some financial help will make a big difference. It will also consider applications in support of developments in sports, the arts or other individual or small group interests.

“The bursary seeks to remove barriers to individual learning and development, most notably those created through financial need,” said Cathy. “This was always something close to John’s heart.”

Details of the bursary and application forms will be circulated to all COGS schools and parish and town councils in June, but they can also be received by emailing Hugo Lane, secretary to the Anthony Gell School Foundation, at secy.agsf@gmail.com.

new book by local author

Wendy Garvey

MatloCk BailEans ladies’ hockey team got together at wirksworth Cricket Club on saturday 13 May (above), to celebrate their epic national trophy win 20 years ago in norfolk, when Baileans beat hampstead and westminster 2-0 in a nail-biting final.

Coach Jon Barry praised the team at the time for their ‘gladiator spirit’, and 20 years on an emotional Jon spoke of the truly brilliant commitment and drive the team had and how it was amazing they won the equivalent of the FA Cup. The team (below) made the front page of the Matlock Mercury on 22 May 2003, and were given a civic reception at Matlock Town Hall –what an achievement!

FiRst-tiME authoR wendy garvey has published a children’s picture book, Phone Me when you’re home, inspired by Brassington, the village where she lives. it tells the tale of a group of animals in the Derbyshire Dales holding up traffic on the country lanes, resulting in a little mystery to find out why. along the way there are surprises, and a small counting task at the end.

Wendy’s book is being stocked at the Wirksworth Heritage Centre, where she recently held a workshop for Wirksworth’s Big Book Day. She can also be seen reading her story at various fairs and ‘meet the author’ events.

During the months of May, June and July 2023, Wendy will be donating 10% of all book sales to Breast Cancer now. The final motivation for her to get on and write her book came when she was diagnosed in 2020 with breast cancer – she had a feeling that if she didn’t make it through, her son might forget the stories that they used to share. She says “Out of so much sadness, it’s humbling to see my book bring so much happiness to children and adults alike”.

Wendy’s book can be viewed on her website at www. manystonesbarn.co.uk.

local festival of beer and music

alEs anD aislEs are traditionally close neighbours and wirksworth has several welcoming pubs in easy reach of st Mary’s Parish Church. Close by the church lies the Maltings or Parish Rooms, which will become another hostelry, just for a day, on saturday 21 october 2023, when it will host the eighth wirksworth Beer Festival. CF is looking forward to this chance to enjoy local beers that we would not normally find here in wirksworth.

local? yes!

There are almost a dozen small breweries producing real ales within 20 miles of Wirksworth, and the festival will tap most of them, to ensure that more than 20 casks of beer will be stillaged and imbibed on the day. The promoters, Marjolein Roerhorst

and Andrew Flitter, liaising again with those breweries, will ensure that we can experience varieties to suit all tastes. The festival specialises in real ales, including new discoveries and gluten-free beers, and also provides for those who prefer soft drinks, wines or spirits.

Music and food are good companions for beer, and ‘local and varied’ again is the story.

We shall enjoy hearing our favourite live musicians and tasting a delicious range of hot and cold vegan, vegetarian and meat products from respected, local caterers.

Wirksworth Beer Festival is not a profit-making venture. Marjolein and Andrew, who have an enthusiastic team of helpers, always give the net takings to a local charity. Last

year’s was in aid of the Wirksworth Young Futures fund which supports the mental health and well-being of local young people.

The festival runs from 12 noon to 11pm on Saturday 21 October 2023. Pop in for a quick drink and to hear your favourite band or stay a while longer and soak up the friendly atmosphere.

Community Interest Company training offered

DiRECtoRs oF Community interest Companies are welcome to attend a training session at the wellspring Church on tuesday 27 June.

The event starts at 10am, and will be run by neil Moulden, CEO of Derbyshire Dales Council for Voluntary Service (DDCVS), which helps voluntary organisations with funding applications, policymaking, and generally providing information and guidance to the voluntary sector in the Dales.

The June session will focus on pricing the services and activities

that Community Interest Companies offer, and how to balance applying for grants with generating an income.

Anyone involved with running a CIC in Derbyshire Dales, or thinking about setting one up, is advised to take this opportunity, as DDCVS is fortunate to have funding to cover the cost of these sessions currently, but can’t guarantee that the sessions will still be subsidised next year.

For more information email enquiries@ddcvs.org.uk or call 01629 812154.

CongRatulations

CongRatulations

to wirksworth Colts ladies (above), who won the Fa Derbyshire Plate Cup Final at long Eaton on 16 april, beating Belper town ladies 3-1.

At half time there was no score, and it was Belper who took the lead in the second half – but Emily Jones equalised, Romy Sheppard gave Wirksworth the lead with a penalty, and soon afterwards, headed home a third. “This is a team that has always shown a ‘never give up’ attitude,” said Colts spokesman Darren Greatorex.

B&Q founder Richard Block Obituary

RiChaRD BloCk, wirksworth resident, aquabox volunteer, and co-founder of the Diy superstore chain B&Q, died on 19 February. he was 80.

Living in Southampton in the 1960s and working for the pharmaceuticals company Warner Lambert, Richard got involved with the DIY trade when his brother-in-law David Quayle suggested a new retail venture. “Every year Warner Lambert seemed to make 10% of the staff redundant,” he recalled years later. “I was 27, and I thought I needed something else to do. So I didn’t need much persuading.”

The first Block & Quayle store opened in a former cinema in Southampton in March 1969, and was an instant success. In charge of buying, Richard had to chase suppliers for immediate replenishment. “They couldn’t understand that we could sell the goods that

fast, and that they had to get more stock to us quickly,” he said. Although the store opened as Block & Quayle, it soon became known solely by the initials.

Two more stores opened very soon, and within two years, B&Q’s sales were nearly £124,000 (about £1.7m in 2023 money). Richard remembered the time as “immense fun”; but five years later, he decided he had had enough, and he left in 1976. Former B&Q chief executive Jim Hodkinson, who joined the business as a store manager in 1972, remembered Richard as: “a lovely guy – very supportive. He listened to people, didn’t try to push his own ideas. He always made time for you.”

After B&Q, he moved to Guernsey, and bought a house with a glasshouse complex which was leased to a tenant grower. When the tenant gave up the lease, Richard took over, first growing tomatoes for the commercial market, and when that became less profitable in the face of competition

wirksworth incline Race

it was wiRkswoRth Running Club’s pleasure to host our annual incline Race this april.

The event covers all bases, including the Wendy Smith Junior short race (for 6 to 10-year-olds), the Short Incline (for 11 to 14-year-olds) and the full 6.3 km course (for everyone else). A total of 119 entrants tackled the challenging High Peak Trail course. It was a great day with a really friendly atmosphere.

There must have been

something in the water, as this year saw both women’s and men’s records broken. Katie Walshaw and Harry Holmes finished in blistering times of 27:11.00 and 24:00.01 respectively — both are also previous winners. A nice point to note goes to the Fairey family — Logan, a previous winner of the Junior race (which his younger brother won this time round), was victorious in this year’s Short Incline. He’ll no doubt soon have his target set on the long course.

from Holland and Spain, growing flowers. He became a fairly large-scale grower by Guernsey standards, employing a couple of dozen staff.

Behind the scenes, he was developing an interest in complementary therapies, and after 10 years as a grower, he sold the business. He re-trained – first as a hypnotherapist, then in remedial massage, and then in nutrition. His aim was to offer a holistic approach to therapy, and he continued to do so over the following 20 years or so.

In 1999, family connections prompted a move to Middleton, and in 2008 he moved for the last time, to Wirksworth. Here he became involved with Aquabox, and right up to his death he remained a regular member of the volunteer team assembling Aquabox water filters. He was also a member of the Raise Your Voices choir for several years. He is survived by a daughter and two sons.

The club now turns its attention to the very popular Tunnel and Trails 10 km race

to be held on 14 June. This will again be partnered with a children’s fun run (2.6 km).

For more information, please see wirksworthrunningclub. org.uk/racing/tunnels-and-trails-10k-charity-race/

wirksworth Community skatepark gets ready to roll

thERE’s gREat nEws for wirksworth: a huge grant of £50,000 has been awarded to the community skatepark group from the tarmac landfill Communities Fund. together with a staggering £90,000 raised by the group in the last few years from the community and local trusts, this funding means a new park is now a reality.

The original skatepark opened in 2006 but, as it was a timber construction, it always had its shelf life. After 14 years providing the town’s young people with a space to call their own, it had to be dismantled in 2020.

Since then, a small team of dedicated volunteers have been championing the need for a new, more permanent skatepark. They are part of nOW – new Opportunities for Wirksworth, a local organisation and developer of the original park. The grant offered by the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund represents the final piece of the jigsaw for this super new facility. The group are now working on tendering the works.

Aaron Laycock, quarry manager at Tarmac’s nearby Dene Quarry said: “It is great to see the community coming together to bring this project to life. It is important to Tarmac to give back to our local communities, so it’s great to be able to support this project. We look forward to seeing the skatepark once it’s completed and

hope that it will be enjoyed for many years to come.”

Alison Clamp, chair of nOW, and member of the group, added “We’ve had such amazing support from the whole town - it makes you feel really proud to live in a town that cares enough about its young people that they’ll put their hand in their pockets to help - which is even more amazing given the current squeeze on everyone’s finances. Every single pound donated deserves a huge thank you.”

The range of groups and individuals who have helped is amazing. Money has come flooding in from all sorts of groups within Wirksworth from the Beer Festival to Knit And natter. Businesses like Technolog and Stacey Asphalt have been generous too, giving large donations, while Skopa has collected change and small donations. The Red Lion has supported fundraising by hosting gigs and selling pints of concrete.

On top of all these fantastic local donations, the project received generous grants from the Vernon Robert Bowmer Charitable Trust, Sport England and British Cycling. Each of these took days and hours to apply for so the wholly volunteer team were delighted to have been so successful.

If you would like more information about the tender process contact nowBoard23@gmail.com

Cromford & Wirksworth Town move up

Following late promotion at the end of the 21/22 season, Cromford & wirksworth town first team had little time to prepare for the Premier Division south of the Central Midlands league, and the first few months gave mixed results as the squad got used to the new pace at a higher level.

However, during november the side found new determination, and a nine-match unbeaten run saw them climb into the top six for the first time. After completing all their fixtures (with other teams still having games to play), they were fourth

in the table at the beginning of May – an achievement that would have been hard to imagine last year. This is a great credit to all of the players involved, the management team of Luke Fisher and Mick Bulheller, and to the rest of the support team behind the scenes.

Anyone in football will tell you one of the most difficult jobs is reserve team manager. Richard ‘Oscar’ Austin, aided by Richard Bourne, has done a fabulous job this season to steer the team to fifth place in the Midlands Regional Alliance Division One at the time of writing. He has combined some of last year’s experienced players with new faces, including a number of exciting young talents.

The club would like to build on this season’s successes, and is always interested to hear from new players. Help running the club, with match days, training, groundwork or behind the scenes, will also be welcome. Phone 07798 914566 or email dave.castle@icloud.com

Cromford & Wirksworth Town (in blue) pressuring the Linby goal in the last game of their season.

Photo by Phil Richards

Staff at the National Stone Centre and Institute of Quarrying produced this well dressing: ‘The earth hath he given to the children of men”.

high hopes at cricket club

wiRkswoRth & MiDDlEton Cricket Club begins the 2023 season full of optimism in the sunshine (and a few showers).

Our three new captains are keen to get started. Jack Allen, who joined the club as a Kwik cricketer, leads the 1st XI in Division 1 of the Derbyshire County Cricket League, Ashley Spendlove captains the 2nd XI, and Mike Harwood the 3rd XI, having the pleasant task of bringing through the younger ones. The club also has a Sunday side, playing in the Mansfield and District League, and has recruited several new players for all the teams this season.

The players of last season were Jack Ritchie, Tom Boylan and Rasool Khan, with Laurie Schofield as the Young Player of the Year – congratulations to them all. The Chair’s Award last season went to long-serving, ever-loyal Jason Bates for an amazing 20 years as scorer for the 1st team, following the legendary Ken Wilsonhe was thanked at the AGM in December, and presented with an engraved tankard.

Last summer our u15s team won the u15 League Cup: in the final versus

Marehay, they batted first, scored too few, fielded like tigers, and won in a nail-biter of a match by just one run. They will build on that experience in the senior teams.

WMCC enters a team in the Women and Girls’ Softball Festivals and new players of all ages are always welcome –no experience needed. It’s great fun, with fizz and cakes to end the afternoon. The youth teams this season are u19s, u13s, u12s, u11s and u9s/Kwik – the Club is also running All Stars, for 5-8-year-olds, and Dynamos for ages 8-11, on Saturday mornings from 9.15. Everyone is welcome, so please bring your little ones along to have a go with bat and ball.

Longcliffe Quarries are again our main sponsors, and thanks go to all the local businesses who also generously sponsor us.

For how to contact us and for more information about the club, go onto the Pitchero or Playcricket websites, WirksworthMiddletonCC for all fixtures and news. “We are always looking for more volunteers, especially with the youth teams and social events, so please contact

SPENCER RECLAIM

The under-15s team winning the League Cup final. Below: The ladies softball team. us if you think you can help,” said chair Sue Marshall. “As always, we’re looking forward to a new season full of excitement, competitive cricket and good humour for young and old, so do come down to the ground to watch some exciting cricket and have a drink at the bar.”

Have moved to: Unit 4, Unity Complex, Dale Road North, Darley Dale DE4 2HX

T: 01629 823758

M: 07719 036958

W: www.blackrocksvaleting.co.uk

E: neilbenyon@hotmail.com

Neil Benyon Valeter