In another look at Gordon Brown's budget there are some winners and losers.
Let's start with the facts. The only major change Brown announced that happens this year is higher road tax on gas guzzlers. Apparently the high levels of fuel duty these motorists pay on every gallon of petrol are not enough.
Duty on cars in band G (which includes not just the Range Rover but also the Ford Galaxy and Renault Espace) goes up from £210 to £300 in October, and up again to £400 in 2008.
That was the easy bit. Now for a complicated set of tax and National Insurance changes.
-The 'starting rate' of income tax of 10% is abolished from April 2008.
-The Upper Earnings Threshold for employees' 11% National Insurance contributions rises from £34,840 to £38,790 in 2008 and then to £43,000 in 2009.
-The starting point for higher rate tax at 40% is £34,600 for 2007-08 (up from £33,300) and will also rise to £43,000 in 2009.
-Those aged over 65 get a big rise in their personal allowance from £7,550 (2007-08) to £9,000 in 2008.
-The inheritance tax threshold rises from £300,000 (2007-08) to £312,000 and then £325,000 in 2009-10.
The winners and losers
So who are the winners and losers from this?
The biggest category of losers is single people earning under £18,500 who will pay more income tax because of the abolition of the 10% starting rate. Gordon's clunking fist hits the working poor hardest.
The biggest gainers are 65+ people with income from savings, thanks to the higher personal allowance and the fact that the 10% starting rate of tax will still apply to saving income.
The higher paid go through a win, lose, lose, win cycle. This year the Income Tax (IT) higher rate threshold rises more than the rate of inflation to £34,600 (win). But next year (08/09) the Upper Earnings Limit for NI rises by £3,900 which means you pay 10% of that, or £390 more, in NI (lose).
Then the following year (09/10) the UEL rises again to £43,000 so you pay even more in NI - in fact in that year you'll pay £900 more than you did in 2006-07 (lose). But if you earn over £43,000 you'll also be paying 20% tax instead of 40% tax on £8,160 of your income, saving you £1,680 in tax (win), off which you have to take the extra tax you pay because your first £2,250 of taxable income is now taxed at 20% instead of 10% (lose). Overall in 2008-09 it looks as if you'll be about £500 a year better off.
Cutting the pay of the working poor to increase benefits
The number-crunchers at the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) reckon that overall, about one-fifth of households lose (mostly poor), two-fifths are barely affected and one-fifth gain (mostly rich).
By 2009-10, the effect is to cut taxes by £13.2 billion and raise them by £10.7 billion, producing a net tax reduction of £2.4 billion - chickenfeed in the context of a total government tax take of over £550 billion.
Many of the people in the 'unaffected' category in the middle will only be unaffected if they claim their tax credits, since both Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit have been raised to compensate for the abolition of the 10% tax band.
Winner and losers from the Brown decade
Up to this Budget, Brown's tax and benefit measures (again according to the IFS) have reduced the incomes of the wealthiest 10% of the population by 6% and raised the incomes of the poorest tenth by 12%.
Someone earning £70,000 a year pays about £4,000 more tax; someone on £40,000 pays £1,800 more tax, while someone earning under £28,000 is about £1,400 a year better off. As a socialist, Gordon will probably consider that a satisfactory record, not to mention his obvious delight in using dozens of stealth taxes to prevent people working out how the money made its way from their wallets to the Treasury.
But the real Brown legacy is in the thousands of pages of tax legislation that have made our tax system the most complicated in Europe. In his final Budget, Brown removed the 10% tax band he himself created in 1998 and tried to portray himself as a tax reformer, which is barefaced hypocrisy on an epic scale.
Brown's system is destined for the scrap yard
When he became Chancellor, the seriously rich might have needed advisers to help them dodge tax, but middle Englanders and the poor could work out what they had to pay. But Brown has tinkered so much with his tax credits over the years that virtually nobody understands them.
Last year teams of advisers had to be sent out to explain tax allowances to poverty-threshold old age pensioners because they were incapable of working out what they were entitled to. His final Budget represents just one more piece of tinkering with an appallingly inefficient machine whose obvious destination is the scrapyard.
God help us when he is Prime Minister.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-31 04:18:50
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Peak District first loser of Olympics lottery
New Mills Volunteer Centre looks to be one of the first losers of the London 2012 Olympics after they failed to win lottery funding.
The failure of the five-year bid left such a hole in their finances that three members of the small team are being made redundant, the three who remain are having their hours cut – and ten of the 15 groups organised through the Centre are to be axed.
Centre Manager Dorothy Scapens said: "The fact is the Reaching Communities Fund is over ten times over-subscribed.
"Groups such as ours are putting a lot of time and effort in for a bid and you have just a one in ten chance.
"I was basically told that because it was oversubscribed by a long way it was having to turn down good applications such as ours.
"I am very concerned that a lot of money that should have come to cases such as ours is being siphoned off for the Olympics."
If successful, the bid would have paid for staff costs and allowed services and groups to be expanded further.
"All of our services will be carrying on as normal: the community car scheme, which is the biggest, the befriending scheme, shopping for the housebound and light gardening and basic DIY work," said Mrs Scapens.
But ten of the groups have been suspended, including craft for life and social inclusion, lip-reading and cookery for people with learning difficulties.
Mrs Scapens said many of the people who attend have very few other opportunities to interact.
"One person said the luncheon club was 'The only meal I share with anybody all week.'
"Another said: 'If I didn't come here I would just be staring at my own four walls,'" she explained.
The centre will now be closed on Fridays with the exception of one Friday a month when the Alzheimer's café is run in the morning.
"A lot of people have been involved for many years and worked hard to get the building and to build it up.
"There has been a lot of heartbreak," said Mrs Scapens.
Rest assured there will be a thousand or more cases such as this because of the Olympics from which people of the Peak District will not benefit!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-31 03:55:17
The failure of the five-year bid left such a hole in their finances that three members of the small team are being made redundant, the three who remain are having their hours cut – and ten of the 15 groups organised through the Centre are to be axed.
Centre Manager Dorothy Scapens said: "The fact is the Reaching Communities Fund is over ten times over-subscribed.
"Groups such as ours are putting a lot of time and effort in for a bid and you have just a one in ten chance.
"I was basically told that because it was oversubscribed by a long way it was having to turn down good applications such as ours.
"I am very concerned that a lot of money that should have come to cases such as ours is being siphoned off for the Olympics."
If successful, the bid would have paid for staff costs and allowed services and groups to be expanded further.
"All of our services will be carrying on as normal: the community car scheme, which is the biggest, the befriending scheme, shopping for the housebound and light gardening and basic DIY work," said Mrs Scapens.
But ten of the groups have been suspended, including craft for life and social inclusion, lip-reading and cookery for people with learning difficulties.
Mrs Scapens said many of the people who attend have very few other opportunities to interact.
"One person said the luncheon club was 'The only meal I share with anybody all week.'
"Another said: 'If I didn't come here I would just be staring at my own four walls,'" she explained.
The centre will now be closed on Fridays with the exception of one Friday a month when the Alzheimer's café is run in the morning.
"A lot of people have been involved for many years and worked hard to get the building and to build it up.
"There has been a lot of heartbreak," said Mrs Scapens.
Rest assured there will be a thousand or more cases such as this because of the Olympics from which people of the Peak District will not benefit!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-31 03:55:17
Suspended Sentence for Cartoon Copper
A policeman who was watching the Disney film Finding Nemo while a prisoner hanged himself has been given a suspended prison sentence.
Pc David Stoll, 49, who was found guilty of misconduct in a public office, was jailed for six months suspended for a year.
Stoll was the custody suite warden at St Mary's Wharf police station, Derby, when Craig Boyd died in March 2004.
Judge Michael Stokes criticised the "slack" regime at the police station.
Stoll, who had 23 years' experience in the Derbyshire force, ignored hourly checks on prisoners.
A jury at Nottingham Crown Court was shown CCTV video in which officers on duty at the time of Mr Boyd's death watched the Disney cartoon.
Judge Stokes told Stoll: "You have yourself accepted that the conduct of which the jury have convicted you would be 'unforgivable' on the part of a detention officer in the position you occupied."
He added: "This was far from being a properly-run custody suite.
"What we have seen is not merely a casual approach to duty but a lack of proper systems and a failure to deal properly and responsibly with detainees.
"It is not conceivable that senior officers could have been aware of the slackness and inappropriate behaviour that existed in this custody suite."
Two other officers, Sgt Nigel Rogers, 42, and Sgt Christopher Linscott, 43, were acquitted.
There use to be a saying of making the punishment fit the crime. I'm not sure what went wrong here.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-31 03:43:39
Pc David Stoll, 49, who was found guilty of misconduct in a public office, was jailed for six months suspended for a year.
Stoll was the custody suite warden at St Mary's Wharf police station, Derby, when Craig Boyd died in March 2004.
Judge Michael Stokes criticised the "slack" regime at the police station.
Stoll, who had 23 years' experience in the Derbyshire force, ignored hourly checks on prisoners.
A jury at Nottingham Crown Court was shown CCTV video in which officers on duty at the time of Mr Boyd's death watched the Disney cartoon.
Judge Stokes told Stoll: "You have yourself accepted that the conduct of which the jury have convicted you would be 'unforgivable' on the part of a detention officer in the position you occupied."
He added: "This was far from being a properly-run custody suite.
"What we have seen is not merely a casual approach to duty but a lack of proper systems and a failure to deal properly and responsibly with detainees.
"It is not conceivable that senior officers could have been aware of the slackness and inappropriate behaviour that existed in this custody suite."
Two other officers, Sgt Nigel Rogers, 42, and Sgt Christopher Linscott, 43, were acquitted.
There use to be a saying of making the punishment fit the crime. I'm not sure what went wrong here.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-31 03:43:39
Solomons Temple is top spot
Solomon's Temple has been tipped as a top spot for day-trippers in the North West.
Buxton’s hill-top tower, standing above Grinlow Wood, featured on the BBC’s Inside Out programme, after viewers nominated destinations for their ‘perfect day’ out in the area.
Screened a week last Friday, the presenters were seen setting out at 5am to climb the Temple and watch the sun rise over Buxton.
BBC1’s Inside Out is featuring a series of off-beat spots for UK tourists to discover in their own back yard. Other attractions included seal watching on the Isle of Man, Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding Shop in Cumbria and the Cotebrooke Shire Horse Centre, Lancashire.
for more information on Solomon's Temple visit www.peakdistrictview.com
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-31 03:28:18
Buxton’s hill-top tower, standing above Grinlow Wood, featured on the BBC’s Inside Out programme, after viewers nominated destinations for their ‘perfect day’ out in the area.
Screened a week last Friday, the presenters were seen setting out at 5am to climb the Temple and watch the sun rise over Buxton.
BBC1’s Inside Out is featuring a series of off-beat spots for UK tourists to discover in their own back yard. Other attractions included seal watching on the Isle of Man, Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding Shop in Cumbria and the Cotebrooke Shire Horse Centre, Lancashire.
for more information on Solomon's Temple visit www.peakdistrictview.com
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-31 03:28:18
Friday, March 30, 2007
Lawyers on strike - whatever next
High Peak Magistrates Court was deserted on Wednesday last week when solicitors took part in a national protest about changes to the legal aid system
John Bunting, a partner in Bunting and Riley, commented “A lot of the reforms may work well in London, where everybody has a hatful of cases in one court, but it is hopelessly unsuitable in rural areas.”
He explained that under the duty solicitor scheme, standard fees were to be introduced for court and police station work.
Solicitors who are part of the scheme currently receive £100.80 for being on 24-hour call to the police station, but would in future receive nothing for being on call.
No payment would be made to cover a solicitor’s travelling time to a police station or the amount of time he or she was kept waiting.
“If you deal with a Buxton Police station matter which came from Ashbourne, that case goes to Derby Magistrates,” said Mr Bunting.
“If we are expected to cover that we want to be paid for getting to Derby on the two or three occasions the case takes.”
When you charge up to £200 an hour for non legal aid work what is the problem. Well actually the problem is that you still get paid when you do a crap job or lose a case. I like to think of it as legalised crime.
Needless to say I have no lawyer friends mainly because I once got a bill from a certain firm of solicitors in Derby for daring to socialise with one of the female partners after work in a Derby pub. It made prostitution seem like a bargain!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-30 15:50:39
John Bunting, a partner in Bunting and Riley, commented “A lot of the reforms may work well in London, where everybody has a hatful of cases in one court, but it is hopelessly unsuitable in rural areas.”
He explained that under the duty solicitor scheme, standard fees were to be introduced for court and police station work.
Solicitors who are part of the scheme currently receive £100.80 for being on 24-hour call to the police station, but would in future receive nothing for being on call.
No payment would be made to cover a solicitor’s travelling time to a police station or the amount of time he or she was kept waiting.
“If you deal with a Buxton Police station matter which came from Ashbourne, that case goes to Derby Magistrates,” said Mr Bunting.
“If we are expected to cover that we want to be paid for getting to Derby on the two or three occasions the case takes.”
When you charge up to £200 an hour for non legal aid work what is the problem. Well actually the problem is that you still get paid when you do a crap job or lose a case. I like to think of it as legalised crime.
Needless to say I have no lawyer friends mainly because I once got a bill from a certain firm of solicitors in Derby for daring to socialise with one of the female partners after work in a Derby pub. It made prostitution seem like a bargain!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-30 15:50:39
Bypass Turmoil
Pressure is mounting on the Government to abandon a public inquiry into proposals for a new trans-Pennine bypass which could create traffic chaos in South Yorkshire following revelations that the cost of the scheme have already doubled from original estimates.
A public inquiry into the Mottram to Tintwistle bypass, which would remove traffic congestion from the villages on the west of the Pennines, is due to start in the summer at an anticipated cost of £2m.
But there is widespread opposition to the development because if that section of road is freed up to traffic, it will attract vehicles from the M62.
That is expected to both add to pollution in the environmentally sensitive Peak District and create similar queues of vehicles in the Millhouses and Langsett areas because resulting traffic would be too much for roads there to cope with.
Original figures suggested the bypass would cost a total of £90m when the scheme was first proposed in 2003, but in the last four years that prediction has grown to £184m.
Opposition groups argue the £2m cost of the public inquiry itself is a waste, when a less damaging alternative scheme is needed.
Work on the new road would not start until 2013 and opposition groups believe the inquiry could be postponed until at least other alternatives had been investigated.
The Council for National Parks has now written to the Government asking that the inquiry should be postponed to create more thinking time.
Several different organisations are objecting to the scheme, including a group formed in South Yorkshire called WAIT, which believes traffic problems currently experienced in Mottram and Tintwistle will be transferred to the Penistone area if the road is built.
The Highways Agency has already accepted the principle that traffic problems may result and is investigating a traffic light scheme which would hold back traffic to control the number of vehicles on the Woodhead Pass.
Spokesman for WAIT Steve Webber said: "The upward spiralling costs of the revised proposal for this flawed by-pass scheme maintain the ludicrous theory that building expensive unwanted roads will solve our traffic problems.
"The costly addition of new route restraint measures on the A616 at Langsett & Midhopestones is a knee-jerk
reaction by the Highways Agency to the extremely high level of local objections to the scheme and serve only to highlight the Highways Agency contempt for the wishes of local residents," he said.
According to protesters, the development would increase trans-Pennine traffic on the route by 40 per cent, leading to a nine per cent rise in C02 levels.
It would also cut through a nature reserve called Swallow's Wood and a protest group has been organised to try to save that from development.
A Council for National Parks spokeswoman said: "When weighed alongside the major impact that this bypass will have on the Peak District National Park, the high financial cost of building the bypass should mean that it is scrapped.
"Instead, safety measures which are a fraction of the cost and which could start to make a significant difference should be implemented as a matter of urgency."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-30 15:25:41
A public inquiry into the Mottram to Tintwistle bypass, which would remove traffic congestion from the villages on the west of the Pennines, is due to start in the summer at an anticipated cost of £2m.
But there is widespread opposition to the development because if that section of road is freed up to traffic, it will attract vehicles from the M62.
That is expected to both add to pollution in the environmentally sensitive Peak District and create similar queues of vehicles in the Millhouses and Langsett areas because resulting traffic would be too much for roads there to cope with.
Original figures suggested the bypass would cost a total of £90m when the scheme was first proposed in 2003, but in the last four years that prediction has grown to £184m.
Opposition groups argue the £2m cost of the public inquiry itself is a waste, when a less damaging alternative scheme is needed.
Work on the new road would not start until 2013 and opposition groups believe the inquiry could be postponed until at least other alternatives had been investigated.
The Council for National Parks has now written to the Government asking that the inquiry should be postponed to create more thinking time.
Several different organisations are objecting to the scheme, including a group formed in South Yorkshire called WAIT, which believes traffic problems currently experienced in Mottram and Tintwistle will be transferred to the Penistone area if the road is built.
The Highways Agency has already accepted the principle that traffic problems may result and is investigating a traffic light scheme which would hold back traffic to control the number of vehicles on the Woodhead Pass.
Spokesman for WAIT Steve Webber said: "The upward spiralling costs of the revised proposal for this flawed by-pass scheme maintain the ludicrous theory that building expensive unwanted roads will solve our traffic problems.
"The costly addition of new route restraint measures on the A616 at Langsett & Midhopestones is a knee-jerk
reaction by the Highways Agency to the extremely high level of local objections to the scheme and serve only to highlight the Highways Agency contempt for the wishes of local residents," he said.
According to protesters, the development would increase trans-Pennine traffic on the route by 40 per cent, leading to a nine per cent rise in C02 levels.
It would also cut through a nature reserve called Swallow's Wood and a protest group has been organised to try to save that from development.
A Council for National Parks spokeswoman said: "When weighed alongside the major impact that this bypass will have on the Peak District National Park, the high financial cost of building the bypass should mean that it is scrapped.
"Instead, safety measures which are a fraction of the cost and which could start to make a significant difference should be implemented as a matter of urgency."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-30 15:25:41
H&H Classic Auctions in Buxton
H&H at The Pavilion Gardens, Buxton 18th April 2007
The Sale will be held at:
The Octagon Theatre
Pavilion Gardens
Buxton
Derbyshire SK17 6XN
Sale Times:
17-04-2007 12pm - Automobilia
18-04-2007 1pm - Motor Cars/Registrations
Entry List
Car Estimate
1983 AC 3000 ME £5000 - 6000
1934 ALVIS SPEED 20 SC TOURER £36000 - 40000
1967 ASTON MARTIN DB6 £20000 - 25000
1972 ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE £16000 - 20000
1965 AUSTIN MINI DE LUXE £3500 - 4500
AUSTIN SEVEN SALOON £1400 - 1800
AUSTIN SEVEN SPECIAL £2000 - 3000
1929 AUSTIN SEVEN TOP HAT SALOON £4000 - 5000
1954 AUSTIN-HEALEY 100 £18000 - 20000
1958 AUSTIN-HEALEY 'FROGEYE' SPRITE £3000 - 4000
1992 BENTLEY BROOKLANDS £9000 - 10000
1990 BENTLEY EIGHT £6500 - 7500
1989 BENTLEY EIGHT £15000 - 17000
1987 BENTLEY EIGHT £6000 - 7000
1992 BENTLEY TURBO RL £14000 - 16000
1927 CHENARD ET WALCKER TWO SEAT DROPHEAD COUPE £5500 - 6500
1985 CITROEN VISA 1000 PISTES RALLY CAR £7000 - 9000
1952 DAIMLER DB18 SPECIAL SPORTS DROPHEAD COUPE £14000 - 16000
1980 FERRARI 400i £12000 - 14000
1986 FERRARI MONDIAL COUPE £6500 - 7500
1958 FORD CONSUL CONVERTIBLE £6000 - 7000
1983 FORD FIESTA XR2 £1800 - 2500
1968 JAGUAR E-TYPE 4.2 FIXED HEAD COUPE £20000 - 22000
1962 JAGUAR E-TYPE 4.2 ROADSTER £36000 - 38000
1969 JAGUAR E-TYPE 4.2 ROADSTER £26000 - 28000
1974 JAGUAR E-TYPE V12 ROADSTER £27000 - 30000
1956 JAGUAR MK1 2.4 LITRE £10000 - 12000
1961 JAGUAR MK2 3.4 LITRE £6000 - 7000
1963 JAGUAR MK2 3.4 LITRE £16000 - 18000
1964 JAGUAR MK2 3.8 LITRE £12000 - 13000
1963 JAGUAR MK2 3.8 LITRE £12000 - 14000
1993 JAGUAR SOVEREIGN 3.2 £2000 - 3000
1989 JAGUAR SOVEREIGN 3.6 £1300 - 1800
1979 JAGUAR SS100 EVOCATION £13000 - 15000
1965 JAGUAR S-TYPE 3.4 LITRE £9000 - 11000
1988 JAGUAR XJS 3.6 LITRE COUPE £5000 - 6000
1990 JAGUAR XJS 5.3 LITRE CONVERTIBLE £6000 - 7000
1990 JAGUAR XJS 5.3 LITRE CONVERTIBLE £7000 - 8000
1984 JAGUAR XJS 5.3 LITRE COUPE NO RESERVE
1954 JAGUAR XK120 ROADSTER £30000 - 32000
1958 JAGUAR XK150 SE DROPHEAD COUPE £40000 - 44000
1964 JENSEN CV8 MK II £14000 - 16000
1924 LEA FRANCIS F-TYPE TWO SEAT TOURER £16000 - 18000
1983 LOTUS ECLAT EXCEL £1800 - 2500
1996 LOTUS ESPRIT V8 £15000 - 18000
1991 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 CE £2500 - 3500
1993 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL £16000 - 18000
1962 MG A MKII COUPE £7000 - 8000
1971 MG B ROADSTER £6000 - 7000
1978 MG B ROADSTER £3500 - 4500
1975 MG B ROADSTER £6000 - 7000
1970 MG B ROADSTER £6500 - 7500
1974 MG B ROADSTER NO RESERVE
1949 MG TC £10000 - 12000
1961 MORRIS MINI PICKUP £5000 - 7000
1969 OPEL GT £4000 - 5000
1985 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA £8000 - 9000
1990 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 £9000 - 10000
1990 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 4 £11000 - 13000
1984 PORSCHE 928 S £3000 - 4000
1987 PORSCHE 928 S4 £7500 - 8500
1965 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER CLOUD III £18000 - 22000
1975 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW £5500 - 6500
1979 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW II £7500 - 8500
1977 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW II £5000 - 6000
1970 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW MPW TWO-DOOR SALOON £20000 - 25000
1933 ROVER 10 SPECIAL SALOON £2500 - 3500
1926 SWIFT 10HP QA SPORTS £7500 - 8500
1977 TRIUMPH STAG £2500 - 3500
1973 TRIUMPH TR6 £5000 - 6000
1973 TRIUMPH TR6 £6000 - 7000
1937 TRIUMPH VITESSE 14/60 SIX-LIGHT SALOON £9000 - 11000
1990 TVR S2 £5000 - 6000
1938 VAUXHALL DX 14/6 SALOON £2000 - 3000
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-30 13:55:44
The Sale will be held at:
The Octagon Theatre
Pavilion Gardens
Buxton
Derbyshire SK17 6XN
Sale Times:
17-04-2007 12pm - Automobilia
18-04-2007 1pm - Motor Cars/Registrations
Entry List
Car Estimate
1983 AC 3000 ME £5000 - 6000
1934 ALVIS SPEED 20 SC TOURER £36000 - 40000
1967 ASTON MARTIN DB6 £20000 - 25000
1972 ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE £16000 - 20000
1965 AUSTIN MINI DE LUXE £3500 - 4500
AUSTIN SEVEN SALOON £1400 - 1800
AUSTIN SEVEN SPECIAL £2000 - 3000
1929 AUSTIN SEVEN TOP HAT SALOON £4000 - 5000
1954 AUSTIN-HEALEY 100 £18000 - 20000
1958 AUSTIN-HEALEY 'FROGEYE' SPRITE £3000 - 4000
1992 BENTLEY BROOKLANDS £9000 - 10000
1990 BENTLEY EIGHT £6500 - 7500
1989 BENTLEY EIGHT £15000 - 17000
1987 BENTLEY EIGHT £6000 - 7000
1992 BENTLEY TURBO RL £14000 - 16000
1927 CHENARD ET WALCKER TWO SEAT DROPHEAD COUPE £5500 - 6500
1985 CITROEN VISA 1000 PISTES RALLY CAR £7000 - 9000
1952 DAIMLER DB18 SPECIAL SPORTS DROPHEAD COUPE £14000 - 16000
1980 FERRARI 400i £12000 - 14000
1986 FERRARI MONDIAL COUPE £6500 - 7500
1958 FORD CONSUL CONVERTIBLE £6000 - 7000
1983 FORD FIESTA XR2 £1800 - 2500
1968 JAGUAR E-TYPE 4.2 FIXED HEAD COUPE £20000 - 22000
1962 JAGUAR E-TYPE 4.2 ROADSTER £36000 - 38000
1969 JAGUAR E-TYPE 4.2 ROADSTER £26000 - 28000
1974 JAGUAR E-TYPE V12 ROADSTER £27000 - 30000
1956 JAGUAR MK1 2.4 LITRE £10000 - 12000
1961 JAGUAR MK2 3.4 LITRE £6000 - 7000
1963 JAGUAR MK2 3.4 LITRE £16000 - 18000
1964 JAGUAR MK2 3.8 LITRE £12000 - 13000
1963 JAGUAR MK2 3.8 LITRE £12000 - 14000
1993 JAGUAR SOVEREIGN 3.2 £2000 - 3000
1989 JAGUAR SOVEREIGN 3.6 £1300 - 1800
1979 JAGUAR SS100 EVOCATION £13000 - 15000
1965 JAGUAR S-TYPE 3.4 LITRE £9000 - 11000
1988 JAGUAR XJS 3.6 LITRE COUPE £5000 - 6000
1990 JAGUAR XJS 5.3 LITRE CONVERTIBLE £6000 - 7000
1990 JAGUAR XJS 5.3 LITRE CONVERTIBLE £7000 - 8000
1984 JAGUAR XJS 5.3 LITRE COUPE NO RESERVE
1954 JAGUAR XK120 ROADSTER £30000 - 32000
1958 JAGUAR XK150 SE DROPHEAD COUPE £40000 - 44000
1964 JENSEN CV8 MK II £14000 - 16000
1924 LEA FRANCIS F-TYPE TWO SEAT TOURER £16000 - 18000
1983 LOTUS ECLAT EXCEL £1800 - 2500
1996 LOTUS ESPRIT V8 £15000 - 18000
1991 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 CE £2500 - 3500
1993 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL £16000 - 18000
1962 MG A MKII COUPE £7000 - 8000
1971 MG B ROADSTER £6000 - 7000
1978 MG B ROADSTER £3500 - 4500
1975 MG B ROADSTER £6000 - 7000
1970 MG B ROADSTER £6500 - 7500
1974 MG B ROADSTER NO RESERVE
1949 MG TC £10000 - 12000
1961 MORRIS MINI PICKUP £5000 - 7000
1969 OPEL GT £4000 - 5000
1985 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA £8000 - 9000
1990 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2 £9000 - 10000
1990 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 4 £11000 - 13000
1984 PORSCHE 928 S £3000 - 4000
1987 PORSCHE 928 S4 £7500 - 8500
1965 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER CLOUD III £18000 - 22000
1975 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW £5500 - 6500
1979 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW II £7500 - 8500
1977 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW II £5000 - 6000
1970 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW MPW TWO-DOOR SALOON £20000 - 25000
1933 ROVER 10 SPECIAL SALOON £2500 - 3500
1926 SWIFT 10HP QA SPORTS £7500 - 8500
1977 TRIUMPH STAG £2500 - 3500
1973 TRIUMPH TR6 £5000 - 6000
1973 TRIUMPH TR6 £6000 - 7000
1937 TRIUMPH VITESSE 14/60 SIX-LIGHT SALOON £9000 - 11000
1990 TVR S2 £5000 - 6000
1938 VAUXHALL DX 14/6 SALOON £2000 - 3000
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-30 13:55:44
Derbyshire decision-makers get a grilling
Derbyshire decision-makers were grilled on the future of the Peak District by high school students at this year's Peak 11 Conference.
Pupils from 11 Peak District secondary schools met representatives from the National Park Authority, youth services, borough and county councils and the police to discuss plans and policies for the future.
The aim of the event is to help young people influence the decision-makers who shape their communities.
The panel of officials faced a room packed with 14 to 18 year-old students armed with questions on public services, local industry, Information Technology and crime.
Kate Lamb, headteacher of St Thomas More's School, Buxton, said: "I'm hoping the young people will feel empowered to do something enterprising for themselves in the area where they live.
"Most of our students live in rural areas or small towns, and this is an opportunity for them to become involved in issues that affect their own lives."
Hot topics were access to training and transport, job opportunities, affordable housing, leisure facilities and recreation in the Peak Park.
At the end of the session most students decided that Spain was a better option.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-30 13:51:33
Pupils from 11 Peak District secondary schools met representatives from the National Park Authority, youth services, borough and county councils and the police to discuss plans and policies for the future.
The aim of the event is to help young people influence the decision-makers who shape their communities.
The panel of officials faced a room packed with 14 to 18 year-old students armed with questions on public services, local industry, Information Technology and crime.
Kate Lamb, headteacher of St Thomas More's School, Buxton, said: "I'm hoping the young people will feel empowered to do something enterprising for themselves in the area where they live.
"Most of our students live in rural areas or small towns, and this is an opportunity for them to become involved in issues that affect their own lives."
Hot topics were access to training and transport, job opportunities, affordable housing, leisure facilities and recreation in the Peak Park.
At the end of the session most students decided that Spain was a better option.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-30 13:51:33
Luton fan takes up role at Derbyshire CCC
Television presenter Nick Owen has taken over as president of Derbyshire, in succession to Trevor Bowring.
The lifelong fan and BBC Midlands Today presenter, who will serve a two-year term, said: "I cannot describe how honoured I am to have been elected.
"Cricket success goes round in cycles and I am sure that Derbyshire are now on the rise again."
By the way his favourite record is 'Dreamer' by Supertramp and apparently he has no objection to opening the bowling or getting pissed on a pedalo at Markeaton Park.
Last month, Derbyshire announced a profit of £54,632 for 2006 - their best set of financial results since 1995.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-30 13:42:49
The lifelong fan and BBC Midlands Today presenter, who will serve a two-year term, said: "I cannot describe how honoured I am to have been elected.
"Cricket success goes round in cycles and I am sure that Derbyshire are now on the rise again."
By the way his favourite record is 'Dreamer' by Supertramp and apparently he has no objection to opening the bowling or getting pissed on a pedalo at Markeaton Park.
Last month, Derbyshire announced a profit of £54,632 for 2006 - their best set of financial results since 1995.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-30 13:42:49
Former cattle market renamed
Uttoxeter's former Cattle Market will be renamed Carters' Square to reflect the history of the town.
The multi-million pound revamp of the site, off Smithfield Road, was finally given the go ahead in December after more than a year of deliberations.
However, even though the residential part of the development has been named The Market Place since last year, the retail side has not received a new name - until now.
Personally I thought the Market Place was a little predictable favoured something in keeping with the cattle market like Uttoxeter Mews (Moos).
Housing giant Taylor Woodrow, which is leading the scheme after buying the market from East Staffordshire Borough Council in October, has decided to title the retail part of the development Carters' Square after receiving suggestions from members of the public.
A spokesman for East Staffordshire Borough Council, which was involved in the consultation process, said: "We had lots of suggestions during the consultation but we really liked the idea of Carters' Square because the Cattle Market would be where the carters would have come many years ago.
"In the feedback we got we found that people wanted something that would reflect the history of the town and we felt that the name achieved that.
"We had quite a few suggestions that incorporated the word Carters as it reflects the history and nostalgia of the site.
"It was a very difficult decision which is why it took so long but we are happy with the choice."
Work on the 40,000sq ft of retail space is due to start soon with officials now planning a naming ceremony, which effectively means a free piss up.
The housing part of the site, owned by Bryant Homes, is set to be completed by 2009, but househunters are now able to view plans and visit the purpose-built marketing suite which opens its doors on Saturday.
The development comprises 174 two-bedroom apartments and two and three-bedroom houses connected by public walkways.
Stephen Cleveley, the site's senior sales manager, said: "We are really looking forward to being able to show people exactly what we are offering.
"The new community we are building can only add to the fantastic regeneration work already going on throughout the area."
There will also be 200 car parking spaces included as part of the development which, council chiefs say, will bring £40 million of investment to the town.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-3
The multi-million pound revamp of the site, off Smithfield Road, was finally given the go ahead in December after more than a year of deliberations.
However, even though the residential part of the development has been named The Market Place since last year, the retail side has not received a new name - until now.
Personally I thought the Market Place was a little predictable favoured something in keeping with the cattle market like Uttoxeter Mews (Moos).
Housing giant Taylor Woodrow, which is leading the scheme after buying the market from East Staffordshire Borough Council in October, has decided to title the retail part of the development Carters' Square after receiving suggestions from members of the public.
A spokesman for East Staffordshire Borough Council, which was involved in the consultation process, said: "We had lots of suggestions during the consultation but we really liked the idea of Carters' Square because the Cattle Market would be where the carters would have come many years ago.
"In the feedback we got we found that people wanted something that would reflect the history of the town and we felt that the name achieved that.
"We had quite a few suggestions that incorporated the word Carters as it reflects the history and nostalgia of the site.
"It was a very difficult decision which is why it took so long but we are happy with the choice."
Work on the 40,000sq ft of retail space is due to start soon with officials now planning a naming ceremony, which effectively means a free piss up.
The housing part of the site, owned by Bryant Homes, is set to be completed by 2009, but househunters are now able to view plans and visit the purpose-built marketing suite which opens its doors on Saturday.
The development comprises 174 two-bedroom apartments and two and three-bedroom houses connected by public walkways.
Stephen Cleveley, the site's senior sales manager, said: "We are really looking forward to being able to show people exactly what we are offering.
"The new community we are building can only add to the fantastic regeneration work already going on throughout the area."
There will also be 200 car parking spaces included as part of the development which, council chiefs say, will bring £40 million of investment to the town.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-3
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Brown's "Green" Budget Giveaway?
When there is nothing else worthwhile to write about over the next week I will look at Gordon Brown's budget and see how good or bad it really is.
As part of Gordon Brown's much-heralded 'Green Budget' he promised significant tax cuts for those who buy zero carbon homes- safe in the knowledge that practically no one will be able to take him up on the offer.
The chancellor continued the trend of promising much and delivering little when he said: "I… can confirm that until 2012 all new zero carbon homes up to half a million pounds will be exempt from stamp duty."
Well that's great news, isn't it? Certainly stamp duty is one of the most expensive outlays when buying, so it's a big incentive and he should be applauded for his generous and inspiring green initiatives.
Well, not quite. You see, there are less than 25 truly "zero carbon" homes in the UK at present (as the Treasury stated earlier), so your chances of actually gaining from this tax cut are minimal to say the least.
All it really does is allow Mr Brown to claim he is pushing forward wholeheartedly with initiatives that incentivise us to "go green" without it actually costing him a penny of his tax revenue hoard.
The problem with zero carbon housing is that, while possible, its still very difficult - and costly - to achieve. That fact was highlighted by Britain's first zero carbon community experiment, BedZed, which after four years of trying - and spending - has yet to achieve its goal.
And while there are a number of "green" homes available out there, none meet the criteria to qualify for the stamp duty exemption Gordon Brown is offering.
Zero carbon homes are possible, but the trade-offs in terms of cost or life style still make them a niche product.
So either be prepared to live in costly discomfort, or continue living as you are. I know which option I'm going to choose.
Basically, Gordon is 'premature' and 'half-hearted' on green issues. In fact he is a tosser.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-29 03:24:22
As part of Gordon Brown's much-heralded 'Green Budget' he promised significant tax cuts for those who buy zero carbon homes- safe in the knowledge that practically no one will be able to take him up on the offer.
The chancellor continued the trend of promising much and delivering little when he said: "I… can confirm that until 2012 all new zero carbon homes up to half a million pounds will be exempt from stamp duty."
Well that's great news, isn't it? Certainly stamp duty is one of the most expensive outlays when buying, so it's a big incentive and he should be applauded for his generous and inspiring green initiatives.
Well, not quite. You see, there are less than 25 truly "zero carbon" homes in the UK at present (as the Treasury stated earlier), so your chances of actually gaining from this tax cut are minimal to say the least.
All it really does is allow Mr Brown to claim he is pushing forward wholeheartedly with initiatives that incentivise us to "go green" without it actually costing him a penny of his tax revenue hoard.
The problem with zero carbon housing is that, while possible, its still very difficult - and costly - to achieve. That fact was highlighted by Britain's first zero carbon community experiment, BedZed, which after four years of trying - and spending - has yet to achieve its goal.
And while there are a number of "green" homes available out there, none meet the criteria to qualify for the stamp duty exemption Gordon Brown is offering.
Zero carbon homes are possible, but the trade-offs in terms of cost or life style still make them a niche product.
So either be prepared to live in costly discomfort, or continue living as you are. I know which option I'm going to choose.
Basically, Gordon is 'premature' and 'half-hearted' on green issues. In fact he is a tosser.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-29 03:24:22
It was always a Gamble
Ministers will consider whether they can rescue plans for 17 new casinos - including a giant super-casino for Manchester - after a shock defeat in the House of Lords.
The plans were thrown into disarray after peers rejected the Government's Gambling Order regulations by 123 votes to 120.
The result meant that a vote in the Commons backing the Government plans by 274 to 250 - despite a revolt by 18 rebel Labour MPs - counted for nothing.
Richard Caborn, the sports minister, said "We will have to reflect on that now as to whether we go forward or, indeed, how we go forward if we make that decision."
The outcome is a huge blow for Manchester which had seen the super-casino as the key to the regeneration of one of the poorest parts of the city.
The vote will also be seen as a personal humiliation for Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell who had gambled on the high risk strategy of requiring both the Commons and the Lords to vote on the complete package. She had previously warned that there would be "no plan B quickly" if the Government was defeated.
Mr Caborn said that there was "no doubt" that an order permitting the 16 smaller casinos "could go forward" with the support of the opposition parties. However, he acknowledged that the Manchester super-casino was another matter.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-29 03:15:25
The plans were thrown into disarray after peers rejected the Government's Gambling Order regulations by 123 votes to 120.
The result meant that a vote in the Commons backing the Government plans by 274 to 250 - despite a revolt by 18 rebel Labour MPs - counted for nothing.
Richard Caborn, the sports minister, said "We will have to reflect on that now as to whether we go forward or, indeed, how we go forward if we make that decision."
The outcome is a huge blow for Manchester which had seen the super-casino as the key to the regeneration of one of the poorest parts of the city.
The vote will also be seen as a personal humiliation for Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell who had gambled on the high risk strategy of requiring both the Commons and the Lords to vote on the complete package. She had previously warned that there would be "no plan B quickly" if the Government was defeated.
Mr Caborn said that there was "no doubt" that an order permitting the 16 smaller casinos "could go forward" with the support of the opposition parties. However, he acknowledged that the Manchester super-casino was another matter.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-29 03:15:25
Beckett failure on farm payments
Former Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett and senior Defra officials should be called to account for the "fiasco" over the implementation of a new Single Payments Scheme for farmers, an all-party committee of MPs has said.
The warning comes from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee in a report which calls the handling of the introduction of the new EU Single Payments Scheme (SPS) for farmers a "catastrophe" and a "serious and embarrassing failure for Defra and the RPA".
Committee chairman Michael Jack MP said: "This report is as much about failed policy implementation as it is about a lack of accountability.
"The reason that we are calling for people to consider their positions is because of Defra's failure to carry out one of its principal core functions. Whatever one's view about the CAP, Defra has a duty to ensure that farmers receive the payments to which they are entitled. In this case Defra failed to do this on time and on budget.
"The report confirms that responsibility and accountability stretches from the top of Defra all the way to the Rural Payments Agency, but so far only one man has paid for this failure by losing his job, the former RPA chief executive Johnston McNeill.
"We believe if accountability is to mean anything then the position of others must now be seriously questioned. Those involved should examine their consciences about the role they played in this failed venture which could well cost Defra and farmers up to half a billion pounds."
In its report, the Committee questions why some of those in the Defra and RPA leaderships most closely involved, in particular the former Secretary of State Margaret Beckett, the former Permanent Secretary Sir Brian Bender and the Director General for Sustainable Farming, Food and Fisheries, Andy Lebrecht, have moved on unscathed or stayed in post.
The MPs' report says: "A culture where ministers and senior officials can preside over failure of this magnitude and not be held personally accountable creates a serious risk of further failures in public service delivery.
"Accountability should mean that good results are rewarded but a failure as serious as this of a Department to deliver one of its fundamental functions should result in the removal from post of those to whom the faulty policy design and implementation can be attributed."
The Committee said it should be the case that when a Department fails to deliver a key programme right at the heart of its fundamental responsibilities the holder of the office of Secretary of State should not be rewarded with promotion, but its reverse.
Has anybody got the balls to tell Beckett she's fired? Mind you her new approach to getting the release of the marines in Iran is an interesting one. If they are not released she is threatening to take her annual holidays in Iran, with caravan.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View- 2007-03-29 03:03:30
The warning comes from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee in a report which calls the handling of the introduction of the new EU Single Payments Scheme (SPS) for farmers a "catastrophe" and a "serious and embarrassing failure for Defra and the RPA".
Committee chairman Michael Jack MP said: "This report is as much about failed policy implementation as it is about a lack of accountability.
"The reason that we are calling for people to consider their positions is because of Defra's failure to carry out one of its principal core functions. Whatever one's view about the CAP, Defra has a duty to ensure that farmers receive the payments to which they are entitled. In this case Defra failed to do this on time and on budget.
"The report confirms that responsibility and accountability stretches from the top of Defra all the way to the Rural Payments Agency, but so far only one man has paid for this failure by losing his job, the former RPA chief executive Johnston McNeill.
"We believe if accountability is to mean anything then the position of others must now be seriously questioned. Those involved should examine their consciences about the role they played in this failed venture which could well cost Defra and farmers up to half a billion pounds."
In its report, the Committee questions why some of those in the Defra and RPA leaderships most closely involved, in particular the former Secretary of State Margaret Beckett, the former Permanent Secretary Sir Brian Bender and the Director General for Sustainable Farming, Food and Fisheries, Andy Lebrecht, have moved on unscathed or stayed in post.
The MPs' report says: "A culture where ministers and senior officials can preside over failure of this magnitude and not be held personally accountable creates a serious risk of further failures in public service delivery.
"Accountability should mean that good results are rewarded but a failure as serious as this of a Department to deliver one of its fundamental functions should result in the removal from post of those to whom the faulty policy design and implementation can be attributed."
The Committee said it should be the case that when a Department fails to deliver a key programme right at the heart of its fundamental responsibilities the holder of the office of Secretary of State should not be rewarded with promotion, but its reverse.
Has anybody got the balls to tell Beckett she's fired? Mind you her new approach to getting the release of the marines in Iran is an interesting one. If they are not released she is threatening to take her annual holidays in Iran, with caravan.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View- 2007-03-29 03:03:30
TV Date for Derbyshire Student
A Derbyshire student whose prize-winning tale of life as an African slave was broadcast on national radio has appeared on television.
Tupton Hall pupil Alice Corker won first prize in the BBC's Freedom writing competition commemorating the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery.
Her story about Beth, a young slave on an American plantation in the 1800s, was broadcast on Radio 4's programme Go4it on Sunday.
The 13-year-old, who is a member of Derbyshire County Council's Chesterfield Write On group, was also interviewed on the show.
She appeared on the CBBC news programme on Tuesday and talked about her success.
The Write On group is a writing group for people aged from 11 to 14-years-old which meets every six weeks at Chesterfield Library.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-29 02:58:01
Tupton Hall pupil Alice Corker won first prize in the BBC's Freedom writing competition commemorating the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery.
Her story about Beth, a young slave on an American plantation in the 1800s, was broadcast on Radio 4's programme Go4it on Sunday.
The 13-year-old, who is a member of Derbyshire County Council's Chesterfield Write On group, was also interviewed on the show.
She appeared on the CBBC news programme on Tuesday and talked about her success.
The Write On group is a writing group for people aged from 11 to 14-years-old which meets every six weeks at Chesterfield Library.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-29 02:58:01
Derbyshire promote Twenty20
If you needed reminding that the cricket season is just around the corner here is one. Derbyshire Phantoms have released a top value Twenty20 season ticket with fantastic savings for those who like the action fast and furious.
The ticket will entitle the purchaser to entry at all home Twenty20 Cup group fixtures as well as the Twenty20 Floodlit Cup and two international matches – all for just £55.
The Phantoms are gearing up for a strong assault on the Twenty20 Cup this year with the signings of Simon Katich and Ian Harvey providing an extra cutting edge.
Despite last season’s disappointing showing in the competition, attendances were tremendous as the Derbyshire public got right behind the short form of the game. This included the club’s largest crowd in over a decade at the Friday night game against Nottinghamshire.
The cut-price season ticket demonstrates the club’s determination to fill the County Ground still further in 2007 to ensure that a terrific atmosphere is created at the games.
The Twenty20 Floodlit Cup will bring three extra Twenty20 games to The County Ground in August and September with a visit from Essex Eagles and two matches against a PCA Masters XI.
As an extra incentive, the ticket will also permit entry to all four days of the England-Pakistan Under-19 Test starting on August 10 and the England-New Zealand women’s Twenty20 International on August 23.
Chief executive Tom Sears said: “Twenty20 is gaining in popularity every year and with such an exciting Phantoms line-up this summer we expect this season to be even more popular.
“The Twenty20 season ticket is superb value and guarantees entry to all seven nights of fantastic Twenty20 cricket at the County Ground and also gives you the opportunity to see the stars of the future and the best of women’s international cricket with the two international matches included.”
You can purchase your Twenty20 season ticket online at www.derbyshireccc.com and on 01332 383211
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-29 02:42:31
The ticket will entitle the purchaser to entry at all home Twenty20 Cup group fixtures as well as the Twenty20 Floodlit Cup and two international matches – all for just £55.
The Phantoms are gearing up for a strong assault on the Twenty20 Cup this year with the signings of Simon Katich and Ian Harvey providing an extra cutting edge.
Despite last season’s disappointing showing in the competition, attendances were tremendous as the Derbyshire public got right behind the short form of the game. This included the club’s largest crowd in over a decade at the Friday night game against Nottinghamshire.
The cut-price season ticket demonstrates the club’s determination to fill the County Ground still further in 2007 to ensure that a terrific atmosphere is created at the games.
The Twenty20 Floodlit Cup will bring three extra Twenty20 games to The County Ground in August and September with a visit from Essex Eagles and two matches against a PCA Masters XI.
As an extra incentive, the ticket will also permit entry to all four days of the England-Pakistan Under-19 Test starting on August 10 and the England-New Zealand women’s Twenty20 International on August 23.
Chief executive Tom Sears said: “Twenty20 is gaining in popularity every year and with such an exciting Phantoms line-up this summer we expect this season to be even more popular.
“The Twenty20 season ticket is superb value and guarantees entry to all seven nights of fantastic Twenty20 cricket at the County Ground and also gives you the opportunity to see the stars of the future and the best of women’s international cricket with the two international matches included.”
You can purchase your Twenty20 season ticket online at www.derbyshireccc.com and on 01332 383211
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-29 02:42:31
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Ecton Copper Mine Reopens
Ecton Hill copper mine, once the largest and the deepest copper mine in the country, has reopened after five years.
The Ecton Mine Educational Trust will allow educational groups to explore the copper mining remains at Ecton Hill, near Hulme End in the Manifold Valley.
Chairman of the trust Dr John Bramley said: "We already have lecturers from Keele University bringing trainee teachers to Ecton Hill. We eventually aim to take more than 500 students a year into the mine.
"The mine workings rise more than 100m inside the hill above river level, and contain archaeological interest.
"On the hill top itself is an engine house which housed one of the first Boulton and Watt steam engines," said Dr Bramley. "This and many of the other surface features across the hill have been designated a scheduled ancient monument and the mine workings themselves are also a Site of Special Scientific Interest."
The trust is preparing a bid for Heritage Lottery funding which will continue to improve the centre and provide maintenance work to the mine shafts.
See out Ecton Hill at www.peakdistrictview.com
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-28 13:01:08
The Ecton Mine Educational Trust will allow educational groups to explore the copper mining remains at Ecton Hill, near Hulme End in the Manifold Valley.
Chairman of the trust Dr John Bramley said: "We already have lecturers from Keele University bringing trainee teachers to Ecton Hill. We eventually aim to take more than 500 students a year into the mine.
"The mine workings rise more than 100m inside the hill above river level, and contain archaeological interest.
"On the hill top itself is an engine house which housed one of the first Boulton and Watt steam engines," said Dr Bramley. "This and many of the other surface features across the hill have been designated a scheduled ancient monument and the mine workings themselves are also a Site of Special Scientific Interest."
The trust is preparing a bid for Heritage Lottery funding which will continue to improve the centre and provide maintenance work to the mine shafts.
See out Ecton Hill at www.peakdistrictview.com
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-28 13:01:08
Ashbourne Shrovetide ball up for auction
What is thought to be the oldest Shrovetide ball still in existence is to be sold at auction.
The 1883 ball, currently on display in the reception at Bagshaws in Church Street, was thrown up on Shrove Tuesday, and was goaled by Down’ard Henry Hurst.
It is currently owned by an Ashbourne family who are moving out of the area and want the piece of Ashbourne history to stay in the town.
Bagshaws fine art valuer Neil Grenyer said: "It is very hard to value such an unusual item, but to go with my instinct, I would say somewhere between £300-£500.
"Having said that, it could go either way. If you have two wealthy businessmen competing for it on the sale day, there’s nothing to predict how high it will go."
Younger balls have been valued at £1,000 or more in the past, and one was even rumoured to have fetched £15,000 at auction.
It is due to go under the hammer in Bakewell on September 5, by Bagshaws' partner, Wintertons Fine Arts unless they balls it up.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-28 12:54:48
The 1883 ball, currently on display in the reception at Bagshaws in Church Street, was thrown up on Shrove Tuesday, and was goaled by Down’ard Henry Hurst.
It is currently owned by an Ashbourne family who are moving out of the area and want the piece of Ashbourne history to stay in the town.
Bagshaws fine art valuer Neil Grenyer said: "It is very hard to value such an unusual item, but to go with my instinct, I would say somewhere between £300-£500.
"Having said that, it could go either way. If you have two wealthy businessmen competing for it on the sale day, there’s nothing to predict how high it will go."
Younger balls have been valued at £1,000 or more in the past, and one was even rumoured to have fetched £15,000 at auction.
It is due to go under the hammer in Bakewell on September 5, by Bagshaws' partner, Wintertons Fine Arts unless they balls it up.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-28 12:54:48
Season starts for windmill
Heage Windmill, on the Chesterfield Road, will reopen at 11am this Saturday.
People will be able to buy souvenirs and enjoy guided tours each weekend and on bank holiday Mondays until October.
Admission to the mill, which includes a guided tour, is £2.50 for adults, £2 for concessions, £1 for children and free for under-fives.
Check it out at - www.peakdistrictview.com
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-28 12:45:59
People will be able to buy souvenirs and enjoy guided tours each weekend and on bank holiday Mondays until October.
Admission to the mill, which includes a guided tour, is £2.50 for adults, £2 for concessions, £1 for children and free for under-fives.
Check it out at - www.peakdistrictview.com
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-28 12:45:59
Derby Best Bar None
Pubs and clubs in Derby are set to become among the safest in the country thanks to a scheme aimed at making the city a major centre for nightlife.
Licensees are to subscribe to a campaign called Best Bar None, where premises will be judged on security, drug-prevention and the promotion of safe drinking.
A panel of inspectors, representing the police, Derby Community Safety Partnership and the city council, will carry out regular visits.
Premises granted Best Bar None accreditation will be given a window sticker to show that they take customer safety seriously.
Annual awards will be given out at a ceremony at Pride Park to the bars which have been judged to be the top performers.
Call me simple if you like, but shouldn't inspections such as those being suggested be done anyway. Shouldn't the authorities be making regular checks as to licenced premises continued suitability and procedures etc. Or is the subscription required to join this scheme just another tax.
I cannot believe that drinkers will be looking specifically for a window sticker that says we take customer safety seriously before they enter.
Premises that apply for accreditation will be judged on set criteria, including efforts to prevent binge-drinking and drug-taking, managing capacity and security, crime-prevention, first aid, safe use of glasses, building safety and attitude of staff.
All of the above criteria are uppermost in obtaining a licence in the first place. What planet are these people on. Do your job properly and stop dreaming up stupid ideas when you have had one too many.
Derby is generally safe but you do get violence and some idiots and a window sticker will not stop it.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-28 12:28:32
Licensees are to subscribe to a campaign called Best Bar None, where premises will be judged on security, drug-prevention and the promotion of safe drinking.
A panel of inspectors, representing the police, Derby Community Safety Partnership and the city council, will carry out regular visits.
Premises granted Best Bar None accreditation will be given a window sticker to show that they take customer safety seriously.
Annual awards will be given out at a ceremony at Pride Park to the bars which have been judged to be the top performers.
Call me simple if you like, but shouldn't inspections such as those being suggested be done anyway. Shouldn't the authorities be making regular checks as to licenced premises continued suitability and procedures etc. Or is the subscription required to join this scheme just another tax.
I cannot believe that drinkers will be looking specifically for a window sticker that says we take customer safety seriously before they enter.
Premises that apply for accreditation will be judged on set criteria, including efforts to prevent binge-drinking and drug-taking, managing capacity and security, crime-prevention, first aid, safe use of glasses, building safety and attitude of staff.
All of the above criteria are uppermost in obtaining a licence in the first place. What planet are these people on. Do your job properly and stop dreaming up stupid ideas when you have had one too many.
Derby is generally safe but you do get violence and some idiots and a window sticker will not stop it.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-28 12:28:32
The Peat Bog Time Bomb
According to the National Trust British peat bogs store carbon equivalent to about 20 years' worth of national industrial emissions and they are urging the government to take action to conserve them.
Two centuries of damage in some regions, including the Peak District, mean bogs are drying out, releasing carbon into the atmosphere.
The Trust wants the government to reward landowners for looking after peatlands, and allow carbon credits for good peat conservation.
"The way we manage our peat moorlands has a massive bearing on our ability to tackle climate change," said director-general Fiona Reynolds.
"But this area is almost completely neglected in terms of any coherent policy response. It is the forgotten climate change timebomb."
It is estimated that globally, peat stores twice as much carbon as forests, and the UK contains about 15% of the world's peatlands.
Healthy peat absorbs and stores carbon; but as it degrades, the carbon is released, ending up in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.
In Britain, particularly England, peat has been badly affected by drainage which has allowed bogs to dry out, burning, overgrazing and industrial pollution. The higher ambient temperatures seen over the last decade are a new threat.
"We can only make a 'guesstimate' at how much UK peatlands are leaking carbon, because only certain peatlands have been studied in any detail," said assistant policy director Ellie Robinson.
"There are just a handful of people working on this, and there's a desperate need for new funding and co-ordination of research."
In the National Trust's High Peak Estate in the Peak District, scientists found that 1,350 hectares of degraded bog were releasing 37,000 tonnes of carbon per year - equivalent, it calculates, to the annual emissions of 18,000 cars.
The Trust is advising landowners to protect bogs by blocking gullies to raise water levels, reducing grazing, preventing fires and managing local tourism.
It wants the government to include good peat practices in stewardship schemes which reward farmers for good environmental management.
It also says landowners should be eligible for carbon credits for managing peat in such a way that emissions are reduced. Credits could then be bought and sold through mechanisms such as the European Emissions Trading Scheme.
As with all this climate change furore my reaction is simple - BOG OFF!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-28 12:12:09
Two centuries of damage in some regions, including the Peak District, mean bogs are drying out, releasing carbon into the atmosphere.
The Trust wants the government to reward landowners for looking after peatlands, and allow carbon credits for good peat conservation.
"The way we manage our peat moorlands has a massive bearing on our ability to tackle climate change," said director-general Fiona Reynolds.
"But this area is almost completely neglected in terms of any coherent policy response. It is the forgotten climate change timebomb."
It is estimated that globally, peat stores twice as much carbon as forests, and the UK contains about 15% of the world's peatlands.
Healthy peat absorbs and stores carbon; but as it degrades, the carbon is released, ending up in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.
In Britain, particularly England, peat has been badly affected by drainage which has allowed bogs to dry out, burning, overgrazing and industrial pollution. The higher ambient temperatures seen over the last decade are a new threat.
"We can only make a 'guesstimate' at how much UK peatlands are leaking carbon, because only certain peatlands have been studied in any detail," said assistant policy director Ellie Robinson.
"There are just a handful of people working on this, and there's a desperate need for new funding and co-ordination of research."
In the National Trust's High Peak Estate in the Peak District, scientists found that 1,350 hectares of degraded bog were releasing 37,000 tonnes of carbon per year - equivalent, it calculates, to the annual emissions of 18,000 cars.
The Trust is advising landowners to protect bogs by blocking gullies to raise water levels, reducing grazing, preventing fires and managing local tourism.
It wants the government to include good peat practices in stewardship schemes which reward farmers for good environmental management.
It also says landowners should be eligible for carbon credits for managing peat in such a way that emissions are reduced. Credits could then be bought and sold through mechanisms such as the European Emissions Trading Scheme.
As with all this climate change furore my reaction is simple - BOG OFF!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-28 12:12:09
Human rights issues on house pull down
Planning councillors will decide today on the future of a home built without planning permission on a green belt site in Sheffield within 160 metres of the Peak District National Park.
Permission was granted last year to put a series of animal shelters on land known as Cold Mountain Stables, off Redmires Road in the city, but a larger wood-clad building was also constructed at the same time.
According to council papers, that building is now occupied as living accommodation and councillors who sit on a planning committee are being recommended to authorise council officials to have it removed.
That could involve legal proceedings against the owners if the action is sanctioned by councillors, with council staff asking that the building, its concrete base, wooden decking and balustrade outside are all removed, along with "any other paraphernalia associated with the building".
A report to councillors states: "The building is occupied as living accommodation in spite of warnings from officers during its construction that this is unacceptable. The erection of the building is an unacceptably intrusive development, which is detrimental to the open character of the green belt, an area of high landscape value and the Peak National Park."
Officials were asked to investigate the impact of potential decisions on the human rights of those living at the property. Well there's a surprise.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-28 03:52:36
Permission was granted last year to put a series of animal shelters on land known as Cold Mountain Stables, off Redmires Road in the city, but a larger wood-clad building was also constructed at the same time.
According to council papers, that building is now occupied as living accommodation and councillors who sit on a planning committee are being recommended to authorise council officials to have it removed.
That could involve legal proceedings against the owners if the action is sanctioned by councillors, with council staff asking that the building, its concrete base, wooden decking and balustrade outside are all removed, along with "any other paraphernalia associated with the building".
A report to councillors states: "The building is occupied as living accommodation in spite of warnings from officers during its construction that this is unacceptable. The erection of the building is an unacceptably intrusive development, which is detrimental to the open character of the green belt, an area of high landscape value and the Peak National Park."
Officials were asked to investigate the impact of potential decisions on the human rights of those living at the property. Well there's a surprise.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-28 03:52:36
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Edale MRT 'rescue' Sheffield Mayor
Sheffield Lord Mayor Jackie Drayton has taken part in a simulated accident to help promote the work of Edale Mountain Rescue Team.
The Mayor feigned an injury and was hoisted to safety in the training exercise for the emergency team.
Edale Mountain Rescue Team leader Ian Bunting said: “Training exercises like this are vital in maintaining our high standards of first aid, navigation and rope work.”
The stunt, at Burbage Edge, was to raise awareness of the team, which is staffed entirely by volunteers who are on call 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year.
The team rescue walkers and rock climbers and also help search for missing people and last year the team dealt with 95 incidents.
The team is currently trying to raise £150,000 to pay for a new base and equipment.
To contribute visit www.justgiving.com/edalemrt/donate or send cheques made payable to Edale Mountain Rescue Team, to PO Box 6490, Bakewell, DE45 1XR.
Next time it will be Roy Hattersley's turn and Edale MRT will accept cheques to leave him up there.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-27 10:54:41
The Mayor feigned an injury and was hoisted to safety in the training exercise for the emergency team.
Edale Mountain Rescue Team leader Ian Bunting said: “Training exercises like this are vital in maintaining our high standards of first aid, navigation and rope work.”
The stunt, at Burbage Edge, was to raise awareness of the team, which is staffed entirely by volunteers who are on call 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year.
The team rescue walkers and rock climbers and also help search for missing people and last year the team dealt with 95 incidents.
The team is currently trying to raise £150,000 to pay for a new base and equipment.
To contribute visit www.justgiving.com/edalemrt/donate or send cheques made payable to Edale Mountain Rescue Team, to PO Box 6490, Bakewell, DE45 1XR.
Next time it will be Roy Hattersley's turn and Edale MRT will accept cheques to leave him up there.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-27 10:54:41
Peak District Cave Secrets Revealed!
The results of a three-year study into the history of hundreds of caves in the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks will be revealed today.
Researchers examined more than 400 caves for the Conservation Audit of Archaeological Caves, funded by £95,000 from English Heritage.
The findings, which will be announced at the Peak Cavern, Castleton, later today, will be used to guide national policies for cave conservation.
Prof Andrew Chamberlain, of the University of Sheffield, and Dr Randolph Donahue, of the University of Bradford led the project while Helen Holderness and Glyn Davies, of the University of Sheffield, carried out the study.
The team systematically recorded the setting and dimensions of each cave and looked for archaeological deposits to establish what made particular caves attractive for use in the past, with some surprising results.
Prof Chamberlain said: "Caves have been used throughout history for a number of purposes and provide a unique window to the past.
"Throughout the survey it was interesting to note that aesthetic features such as the direction of view from the cave entrance, the size of the cave and its location within the landscape were the important factors in determining whether a particular cave was chosen for domestic or ritual activities.
"We are accustomed to hearing the words 'location, location, location' when discussing present day house purchases. Now it appears similar criteria may have been used by prehistoric hunters and farmers when selecting caves in which to conduct their activities."
Well it's not rocket science is it. Who knows there were probably estate agents around at that time and looking at some of the one's around today I think it fair to say they have come from the stone age.
Jon Humble, Regional Inspector of Ancient Monuments with English Heritage, added: "Caves are often associated with mystery, intrigue and the unknown. This project has helped significantly to lift some of those veils – the archaeological investigation providing a much better understanding of the conservation needs of the present day and the future to help guide national policies for cave conservation."
Unfortunately for Blair, Bin Laden wasn't found.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-27 04:31:51
Researchers examined more than 400 caves for the Conservation Audit of Archaeological Caves, funded by £95,000 from English Heritage.
The findings, which will be announced at the Peak Cavern, Castleton, later today, will be used to guide national policies for cave conservation.
Prof Andrew Chamberlain, of the University of Sheffield, and Dr Randolph Donahue, of the University of Bradford led the project while Helen Holderness and Glyn Davies, of the University of Sheffield, carried out the study.
The team systematically recorded the setting and dimensions of each cave and looked for archaeological deposits to establish what made particular caves attractive for use in the past, with some surprising results.
Prof Chamberlain said: "Caves have been used throughout history for a number of purposes and provide a unique window to the past.
"Throughout the survey it was interesting to note that aesthetic features such as the direction of view from the cave entrance, the size of the cave and its location within the landscape were the important factors in determining whether a particular cave was chosen for domestic or ritual activities.
"We are accustomed to hearing the words 'location, location, location' when discussing present day house purchases. Now it appears similar criteria may have been used by prehistoric hunters and farmers when selecting caves in which to conduct their activities."
Well it's not rocket science is it. Who knows there were probably estate agents around at that time and looking at some of the one's around today I think it fair to say they have come from the stone age.
Jon Humble, Regional Inspector of Ancient Monuments with English Heritage, added: "Caves are often associated with mystery, intrigue and the unknown. This project has helped significantly to lift some of those veils – the archaeological investigation providing a much better understanding of the conservation needs of the present day and the future to help guide national policies for cave conservation."
Unfortunately for Blair, Bin Laden wasn't found.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-27 04:31:51
Should the Peak District National Park go 'Green'
While everyone is going green crazy, the Peak District National Park planning service want your thoughts on how 'green' the Peak District should become.
For example, should the Peak District be covered in tall, white wind turbines to help create 'green' energy?
There will be exhibitions across the National Park held on March 29 at Bamford Institute, April 12 at Chapel en le Frith Town Hall, April 16 at Bakewell Medway Centre, April 18 at Dungworth Village Hall, April 24 at Parwich Village Hall, on May 10 at Warslow Village Hall.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-27 04:18:06
For example, should the Peak District be covered in tall, white wind turbines to help create 'green' energy?
There will be exhibitions across the National Park held on March 29 at Bamford Institute, April 12 at Chapel en le Frith Town Hall, April 16 at Bakewell Medway Centre, April 18 at Dungworth Village Hall, April 24 at Parwich Village Hall, on May 10 at Warslow Village Hall.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-27 04:18:06
Fly Tippers caught on Camera
In a bid to stop fly tipping in Derby hot stops, Derby City Council is to use CCTV cameras to help identify fly tippers illegally dumping rubbish.
The Council is working with the Environment Agency and Derby Community Safety Partnership to monitor various areas of land where rubbish is often illegally dumped and will use CCTV pictures to help prosecute fly-tippers.
The Council is also warning householders and businesses that they are legally responsible if they hire someone to take their waste away and it ends up being dumped, so they need to check that anyone they hire to take their rubbish away is registered as a waste carrier with the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency can be contacted on 08708 506506 or minicom 08702 422549.
Councillor Alan Graves, Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Direct Services, said: “Many people and organisations are putting in a lot of effort, particularly this week, to clean up Derby, so we want to stop the minority of unscrupulous people who want to save money or make a profit at the expense of our city by fly-tipping.”
Councillor Pauline Latham, Council Cabinet Member for Enforcement, said: "We will not hesitate to use the pictures captured by these cameras as evidence in prosecutions of businesses or individuals who fly-tip rubbish in Derby. I would warn anyone considering doing so that they risk an unlimited fine and even up to five years in prison.”
As the prisons are already full of trash I would suggest a heavy fine and 50 tonnes of shite dumped in the culprits living room.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-27 04:13:24
The Council is working with the Environment Agency and Derby Community Safety Partnership to monitor various areas of land where rubbish is often illegally dumped and will use CCTV pictures to help prosecute fly-tippers.
The Council is also warning householders and businesses that they are legally responsible if they hire someone to take their waste away and it ends up being dumped, so they need to check that anyone they hire to take their rubbish away is registered as a waste carrier with the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency can be contacted on 08708 506506 or minicom 08702 422549.
Councillor Alan Graves, Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Direct Services, said: “Many people and organisations are putting in a lot of effort, particularly this week, to clean up Derby, so we want to stop the minority of unscrupulous people who want to save money or make a profit at the expense of our city by fly-tipping.”
Councillor Pauline Latham, Council Cabinet Member for Enforcement, said: "We will not hesitate to use the pictures captured by these cameras as evidence in prosecutions of businesses or individuals who fly-tip rubbish in Derby. I would warn anyone considering doing so that they risk an unlimited fine and even up to five years in prison.”
As the prisons are already full of trash I would suggest a heavy fine and 50 tonnes of shite dumped in the culprits living room.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-27 04:13:24
Monday, March 26, 2007
NT Ilam shop reopens
The National Trust has announced the re-opening of its shop in Ilam Park, near Ashbourne.
The shop closed for refurbishment and has been refitted to create more space.
People can buy a range of goods at the shop, from maps to ice cream. Clare Kendall, the shop supervisor, said: "It is a real pleasure to be operating out of the new shop, which is much lighter and brighter and has more space to show off our stock. With the new season items now coming in and plant sales starting from the Easter weekend we are confident we can give an even better service to our customers."
People can also join the National Trust at the Ilam Shop, which is open from 11am until 5pm, from Fridays to Tuesdays.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-26 04:31:24
The shop closed for refurbishment and has been refitted to create more space.
People can buy a range of goods at the shop, from maps to ice cream. Clare Kendall, the shop supervisor, said: "It is a real pleasure to be operating out of the new shop, which is much lighter and brighter and has more space to show off our stock. With the new season items now coming in and plant sales starting from the Easter weekend we are confident we can give an even better service to our customers."
People can also join the National Trust at the Ilam Shop, which is open from 11am until 5pm, from Fridays to Tuesdays.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-26 04:31:24
Grant for historic centre
The Joseph Whitworth Centre, in Darley Dale, has been given £1,337,000 for major repairs and improvements from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The parks and buildings of the Whitworth Trust were given to the people of Darley Dale and district by Lady Whitworth in memory of her late husband, Sir Joseph Whitworth, in 1890.
Marion Braddow, administrator of the Whitworth Trust, said: "We are all obviously delighted and look forward to the building being fully restored.
"We do not see this building simply as a community centre, but as a centre of community set in a beautiful park."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-26 04:24:41
The parks and buildings of the Whitworth Trust were given to the people of Darley Dale and district by Lady Whitworth in memory of her late husband, Sir Joseph Whitworth, in 1890.
Marion Braddow, administrator of the Whitworth Trust, said: "We are all obviously delighted and look forward to the building being fully restored.
"We do not see this building simply as a community centre, but as a centre of community set in a beautiful park."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-26 04:24:41
No brainer for scanner appeal
A Sheffield lawyer who survived a devastating brain haemorrhage is backing a campaign to save others.
Mike Renger, aged 51, is convinced he is only alive today because of the care he received when he collapsed in London.
Now he and his colleagues at Nabarro are determined to boost Sheffield charity Neurocare's campaign to provide the best possible facilities for patients in this region.
The charity is aiming to raise £500,000 to buy three specialist scanners - two for the Hallamshire Hospital and one for Sheffield Children's Hospital - to improve the treatment of people with head injuries, brain tumours, strokes and cancers of the nervous
system.
Dad-of-one Mike, from Tideswell in the Peak District, said: "A brain haemorrhage is not something that anyone has any warning of - you literally have no idea, even an hour before it happens. In those circumstances, the quality of the medical facilities available is critical.
"That's why Neurocare's Brainwave Appeal for state-of-the-art brain scanners is so important; they will significantly improve the safety of highly complex neurosurgery which anyone could need at some point in their lives."
Mike was preparing to represent the Peak District National Park at the Court of Appeal when he collapsed in a Mayfair hotel in March 2005.
He survived a one-in-two chance of reaching hospital before undergoing surgery at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
Colleagues at Nabarro's South Quay offices are now planning to take part in a series of fundraising activities to add to the £5,000 the firm has already donated to the appeal.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-26 04:18:22
Mike Renger, aged 51, is convinced he is only alive today because of the care he received when he collapsed in London.
Now he and his colleagues at Nabarro are determined to boost Sheffield charity Neurocare's campaign to provide the best possible facilities for patients in this region.
The charity is aiming to raise £500,000 to buy three specialist scanners - two for the Hallamshire Hospital and one for Sheffield Children's Hospital - to improve the treatment of people with head injuries, brain tumours, strokes and cancers of the nervous
system.
Dad-of-one Mike, from Tideswell in the Peak District, said: "A brain haemorrhage is not something that anyone has any warning of - you literally have no idea, even an hour before it happens. In those circumstances, the quality of the medical facilities available is critical.
"That's why Neurocare's Brainwave Appeal for state-of-the-art brain scanners is so important; they will significantly improve the safety of highly complex neurosurgery which anyone could need at some point in their lives."
Mike was preparing to represent the Peak District National Park at the Court of Appeal when he collapsed in a Mayfair hotel in March 2005.
He survived a one-in-two chance of reaching hospital before undergoing surgery at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
Colleagues at Nabarro's South Quay offices are now planning to take part in a series of fundraising activities to add to the £5,000 the firm has already donated to the appeal.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-26 04:18:22
Romeo and Juliet for Pavillion Gardens
AN OUTDOOR production of Romeo and Juliet - straight from the world-renowned Shakespeare's Globe on London's South Bank - is to be staged in The Pavilion Gardens in June.
Andrew Aughton, Chief Executive of the Opera House, and Scott McCauley, Manager of the Pavilion Gardens, have joined forces to bring the production to Buxton in a cultural first for the town.
Romeo and Juliet will play to audiences of 500 people on Friday 29 June at 6pm, and Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July each at 5pm, on the Gardens' central lawn between the bandstand and the lake.
The outdoor production should prove a big hit with families, and audiences are welcome to go along early and enjoy a pre-show picnic. They can take along their own (low-backed) seat or blanket and enjoy Shakespeare's tale in a unique and beautiful setting.
Tickets are on sale now from the Opera House Box Office on 0845 127 2190.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-26 04:09:10
Andrew Aughton, Chief Executive of the Opera House, and Scott McCauley, Manager of the Pavilion Gardens, have joined forces to bring the production to Buxton in a cultural first for the town.
Romeo and Juliet will play to audiences of 500 people on Friday 29 June at 6pm, and Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July each at 5pm, on the Gardens' central lawn between the bandstand and the lake.
The outdoor production should prove a big hit with families, and audiences are welcome to go along early and enjoy a pre-show picnic. They can take along their own (low-backed) seat or blanket and enjoy Shakespeare's tale in a unique and beautiful setting.
Tickets are on sale now from the Opera House Box Office on 0845 127 2190.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-26 04:09:10
Airbus flies over Derby to say thanks
An Airbus A380, powered by four Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines built in Derby, is due to fly over the company’s Derby facilities today as a thank you to employees. The aircraft is scheduled to appear in the skies over the Sinfin site at around 11.30 am before flying down to Bristol, where it will fly over the Airbus and Rolls-Royce facilities, and land at the Airbus facility in Filton.
Rolls-Royce designed and built the Trent 900 in Derby, but for many of the employees, the A380’s inaugural visit to the East Midlands will be their first opportunity to see their engine perform on the double-decker aircraft.
Cruising above the Rolls-Royce facilities in Victory Road at 1,500 feet, the Trent-powered A380 will show Rolls-Royce employees what they have been working towards since the project began 11 years ago.
Chris Cholerton, Director – Airbus Production Programmes at Rolls-Royce, said: "An A380 flying over our factories is the ultimate thank you to our employees for the amount of effort they have put into making the Trent 900 a success. I’m sure it will be a proud moment for the people in Derby who have literally put the A380 into the air.
“The engines have performed extremely well throughout the test programme, but what is really impressing everyone on the A380 test flights is how quiet the engine is.”
I'm sure the employees would have appreciated a big fat bonus or perhaps a free holiday in Dubai.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-26 04:02:33
Rolls-Royce designed and built the Trent 900 in Derby, but for many of the employees, the A380’s inaugural visit to the East Midlands will be their first opportunity to see their engine perform on the double-decker aircraft.
Cruising above the Rolls-Royce facilities in Victory Road at 1,500 feet, the Trent-powered A380 will show Rolls-Royce employees what they have been working towards since the project began 11 years ago.
Chris Cholerton, Director – Airbus Production Programmes at Rolls-Royce, said: "An A380 flying over our factories is the ultimate thank you to our employees for the amount of effort they have put into making the Trent 900 a success. I’m sure it will be a proud moment for the people in Derby who have literally put the A380 into the air.
“The engines have performed extremely well throughout the test programme, but what is really impressing everyone on the A380 test flights is how quiet the engine is.”
I'm sure the employees would have appreciated a big fat bonus or perhaps a free holiday in Dubai.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-26 04:02:33
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Country doesn't want Brown
Public faith in Gordon Brown as the next Prime Minister has slumped dramatically, a new opinion poll shows.
Less than one in three (30%) believes he would do a good job in 10 Downing Street, the Populus poll for the Times found - down 10 points since December.
And things did not look like picking up as the survey also found more than a quarter of voters thought Wednesday's Budget would mean them paying more tax.
It is the second post-Budget poll to produce such findings, despite Mr Brown's flourish in almost certainly his last Budget, of cutting basic rate income tax by 2p.
Mr Brown's credentials as Chancellor appeared to remain strong - with a majority (57%) backing his record in that job.
But voters - mainly the younger age groups - had deserted his cause as the successor to Tony Blair when the PM steps down later this year.
If you look at the current government and the shadow cabinet I cannot see anything that gives me confidence for the future. Therefore the only way out is to ensure that at the next election we as a nation vote out all members of the government and shadow cabinet. It is time to start again with a fresh new look.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-24 02:59:23
Less than one in three (30%) believes he would do a good job in 10 Downing Street, the Populus poll for the Times found - down 10 points since December.
And things did not look like picking up as the survey also found more than a quarter of voters thought Wednesday's Budget would mean them paying more tax.
It is the second post-Budget poll to produce such findings, despite Mr Brown's flourish in almost certainly his last Budget, of cutting basic rate income tax by 2p.
Mr Brown's credentials as Chancellor appeared to remain strong - with a majority (57%) backing his record in that job.
But voters - mainly the younger age groups - had deserted his cause as the successor to Tony Blair when the PM steps down later this year.
If you look at the current government and the shadow cabinet I cannot see anything that gives me confidence for the future. Therefore the only way out is to ensure that at the next election we as a nation vote out all members of the government and shadow cabinet. It is time to start again with a fresh new look.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-24 02:59:23
Derbyshire Hall Up For Sale
At £2,950,000, Snitterton Hall, is currently the most expensive home on the market in the county.
Over the last eight years, the eight-bedroom Grade I listed manor house in Snitterton Road, Snitterton, near Matlock, has been completely restored.
It was built in the early 1630s by Colonel John Milward. It was restored in the 20th century by Colonel B.G. Davie, whose wife was heiress to the Thornhill family.
In 1935, the family sold the hall to Major Francis Bagshawe. He paid £10,000 for it but, after his death, his widow put the hall up for sale with an asking price of £200,000. In August 1992, when it next went on to the market, offers over £475,000 were sought.
Architect Adam Bench restored it to a high standard in 1997-98.
The present owners are Paul and Annabelle Caplan, who have lived there for the last eight years.
The hall is constructed from Ashover gritstone from Oaker Hill, which lies half a mile to the north of the house. The building features examples of small-scale Jacobean architecture, including columns, passages covered by round arches and flat roofs with ornamental parapets.
In the seven-acre grounds is a separate cottage, barn, stables and a tennis court. There are also two stables, two garages, a reflection pool, a gravelled driveway, a pond, six acres of grazing land, a gazebo and an orchard.
The sale of the hall is being handled by Caudwell & Co of Bakewell. Can it really be worth £2,950,000? I suppose the proof of the pudding is in the eating. After all I put my house up for sale for £XX but nobody bought it.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-24 02:41:07
Over the last eight years, the eight-bedroom Grade I listed manor house in Snitterton Road, Snitterton, near Matlock, has been completely restored.
It was built in the early 1630s by Colonel John Milward. It was restored in the 20th century by Colonel B.G. Davie, whose wife was heiress to the Thornhill family.
In 1935, the family sold the hall to Major Francis Bagshawe. He paid £10,000 for it but, after his death, his widow put the hall up for sale with an asking price of £200,000. In August 1992, when it next went on to the market, offers over £475,000 were sought.
Architect Adam Bench restored it to a high standard in 1997-98.
The present owners are Paul and Annabelle Caplan, who have lived there for the last eight years.
The hall is constructed from Ashover gritstone from Oaker Hill, which lies half a mile to the north of the house. The building features examples of small-scale Jacobean architecture, including columns, passages covered by round arches and flat roofs with ornamental parapets.
In the seven-acre grounds is a separate cottage, barn, stables and a tennis court. There are also two stables, two garages, a reflection pool, a gravelled driveway, a pond, six acres of grazing land, a gazebo and an orchard.
The sale of the hall is being handled by Caudwell & Co of Bakewell. Can it really be worth £2,950,000? I suppose the proof of the pudding is in the eating. After all I put my house up for sale for £XX but nobody bought it.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-24 02:41:07
Slavery and Apologies
Britain marks the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery this weekend with the government proposing an annual commemoration day - but still refusing to make a full apology. And quite right.
In contrast the Anglican church has made an unreserved mea culpa, and on Saturday Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams will lead hundreds of people on a "Walk of Witness" marking the bicentenary.
The walk includes the culmination of the March of the Abolitionists - a group of walkers who have worn yokes and chains during a 250-mile journey beginning in Hull.
Ken livingstone has apologised for London's part.
Despite voicing its regret, the government has never made a full, formal apology for its role in the trade. Tony Blair must believe that hereditary guilt makes no more sense than hereditary honours but paying for it is okay.
Earlier this month Blair reiterated that he was sorry for Britain's role in the slave trade on Wednesday, labelling it "entirely unacceptable."
On the eve of the anniversary, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said Britain is to hold an annual commemoration day to remember its role in the slave trade, as well as the fight to end it.
I am perplexed as to who should be doing the apologising and to whom. My ancestors had no part in the slave trade and were, in fact, treated little better than slaves.
The life of farm workers during the latter part of the 18th century and the 19th century is well documented - long hours in appalling conditions for pittance wages. The life of factory workers was even worse - consider the child workers in the mills, for example. Who is going to apologise for this?
The truth is that the wealthy entrepreneur always lifts his profits off the backs of the workers and is still doing so today. A better recompense for the slavery of the past would be to see that it doesn't happen today.
The unfortunate thing is that it is still going on, and on our own doorstep. What is Livingstone and the Church doing about that?
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-24 02:17:22
In contrast the Anglican church has made an unreserved mea culpa, and on Saturday Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams will lead hundreds of people on a "Walk of Witness" marking the bicentenary.
The walk includes the culmination of the March of the Abolitionists - a group of walkers who have worn yokes and chains during a 250-mile journey beginning in Hull.
Ken livingstone has apologised for London's part.
Despite voicing its regret, the government has never made a full, formal apology for its role in the trade. Tony Blair must believe that hereditary guilt makes no more sense than hereditary honours but paying for it is okay.
Earlier this month Blair reiterated that he was sorry for Britain's role in the slave trade on Wednesday, labelling it "entirely unacceptable."
On the eve of the anniversary, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said Britain is to hold an annual commemoration day to remember its role in the slave trade, as well as the fight to end it.
I am perplexed as to who should be doing the apologising and to whom. My ancestors had no part in the slave trade and were, in fact, treated little better than slaves.
The life of farm workers during the latter part of the 18th century and the 19th century is well documented - long hours in appalling conditions for pittance wages. The life of factory workers was even worse - consider the child workers in the mills, for example. Who is going to apologise for this?
The truth is that the wealthy entrepreneur always lifts his profits off the backs of the workers and is still doing so today. A better recompense for the slavery of the past would be to see that it doesn't happen today.
The unfortunate thing is that it is still going on, and on our own doorstep. What is Livingstone and the Church doing about that?
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-24 02:17:22
Fell Race Abandoned
Eighty runners abandoned the first English fell running championship race of the year on Sunday as gale-force winds swept the course at Edale in the Peak District.
With a projected winning time of two hours 40 minutes or so, some of the middle to back of field runners were going to be exposed to the harsh weather for up to double that time.
Out of 418 starters only 338 finished.
The eventual winner was Lloyd Taggart of the local Dark Peak team in 2.44.29.
At the start there was a gale force north wind which turned into something that blew runners off their feet at the first checkpoint.
As the race progressed it got even worse when lightening combined with virtual white out at times. No wonder 80 of the starters dropped out.
Typical attire was a balaclava with a woolly hat on top of it, a motorbike neck warmer, cycling glasses to protect the eyes, a pair of thermal tights with a pair of fleece lined tracksters on top of them and on top a thick thermal vest with club vest and cagoule plus gloves.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-24 02:00:23
With a projected winning time of two hours 40 minutes or so, some of the middle to back of field runners were going to be exposed to the harsh weather for up to double that time.
Out of 418 starters only 338 finished.
The eventual winner was Lloyd Taggart of the local Dark Peak team in 2.44.29.
At the start there was a gale force north wind which turned into something that blew runners off their feet at the first checkpoint.
As the race progressed it got even worse when lightening combined with virtual white out at times. No wonder 80 of the starters dropped out.
Typical attire was a balaclava with a woolly hat on top of it, a motorbike neck warmer, cycling glasses to protect the eyes, a pair of thermal tights with a pair of fleece lined tracksters on top of them and on top a thick thermal vest with club vest and cagoule plus gloves.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-24 02:00:23
New Age of Football Hooligan
A new gang of school-aged football hooligans have been causing trouble at Derby County matches. Yobs as young as 13 had become involved in incidents at several games in the second half of this season.
PC Allan Guy, of Operation Cabby, which was set up to deal with Derbyshire hooligans, warned that firm action - including football banning orders - would be used to tackle the thugs. He urged parents to keep an eye on exactly where their children were going during Rams matches.
He said: "We've started getting a big influx of youngsters ranging from 13 to 17 years old getting involved. This lot aren't really going into pubs, they're going around in groups trying to goad people. They are also doing it when police are escorting other fans.
"I can't think of any particular reason why the number of kids is increasing this season. Maybe it's because Derby's doing well. It could also be gangs on the street simply attaching themselves to football."
Some members of established Derby hooligan gangs such as the Derby Lunatic Fringe and Derby Orphans have received banning orders stopping them attending matches. Now police must track the Happy Nappy Gang.
Unlike the older hooligans, who generally only target other gangs, PC Guy said there had been cases of the new group attacking innocent fans. The latest incident occurred during Saturday's home game against Cardiff when the youth group tried to get at, and provoke, a confrontation with away fans as they were being escorted to the railway station.
Police managed to hold them back and one teenager was arrested to prevent a breach of the peace but there have been arrests at other fixtures.
There are currently 54 hooligans banned from going to Derby and England matches. Make that 55 'er indoors has stopped me going to Israel this weekend. she didn't think the trip was kosher.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:59:28
PC Allan Guy, of Operation Cabby, which was set up to deal with Derbyshire hooligans, warned that firm action - including football banning orders - would be used to tackle the thugs. He urged parents to keep an eye on exactly where their children were going during Rams matches.
He said: "We've started getting a big influx of youngsters ranging from 13 to 17 years old getting involved. This lot aren't really going into pubs, they're going around in groups trying to goad people. They are also doing it when police are escorting other fans.
"I can't think of any particular reason why the number of kids is increasing this season. Maybe it's because Derby's doing well. It could also be gangs on the street simply attaching themselves to football."
Some members of established Derby hooligan gangs such as the Derby Lunatic Fringe and Derby Orphans have received banning orders stopping them attending matches. Now police must track the Happy Nappy Gang.
Unlike the older hooligans, who generally only target other gangs, PC Guy said there had been cases of the new group attacking innocent fans. The latest incident occurred during Saturday's home game against Cardiff when the youth group tried to get at, and provoke, a confrontation with away fans as they were being escorted to the railway station.
Police managed to hold them back and one teenager was arrested to prevent a breach of the peace but there have been arrests at other fixtures.
There are currently 54 hooligans banned from going to Derby and England matches. Make that 55 'er indoors has stopped me going to Israel this weekend. she didn't think the trip was kosher.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:59:28
Friday, March 23, 2007
Alton Towers in Court
Stephen and Suzanne Roper are challenging a decision to reduce a fine given to the owners of the theme park, Tussauds Theme Parks Ltd, after they complained about noise. They live near the Staffordshire attraction.
The company was fined at £5,000 at Stafford Crown Court in 2004 and was hit with a wide-ranging noise abatement notice.
But the fine was later cut to £3,500 after the firm appealed to the crown court and the terms of the noise abatement notice were made less strict.
The Ropers' counsel, Mr Stephen Hockman QC, told the court yesterday that the conservation area around the attraction was "predominantly rural" and local residents were entitled to a "greater expectation of quiet" than city dwellers.
Mr Hockman said the crown court had "struggled manfully" with the case, but had allowed itself to be influenced by irrelevant "commercial considerations".
The Judge is expected to give his judgement today.
But is the issue here the noise or the traffic?
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:48:08
The company was fined at £5,000 at Stafford Crown Court in 2004 and was hit with a wide-ranging noise abatement notice.
But the fine was later cut to £3,500 after the firm appealed to the crown court and the terms of the noise abatement notice were made less strict.
The Ropers' counsel, Mr Stephen Hockman QC, told the court yesterday that the conservation area around the attraction was "predominantly rural" and local residents were entitled to a "greater expectation of quiet" than city dwellers.
Mr Hockman said the crown court had "struggled manfully" with the case, but had allowed itself to be influenced by irrelevant "commercial considerations".
The Judge is expected to give his judgement today.
But is the issue here the noise or the traffic?
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:48:08
Reaction to Council Tax Study
Sir Michael Lyons has called for a new top-rate council tax band leading to increased bills for those in the most expensive homes.
This would be balanced by a new band at the bottom of the rating scale to reduce the tax for people in the smallest homes, many of them pensioners.
But Chris Williamson, leader of Derby City Council, believes the report does not go far enough.
He said: "It is a missed opportunity to really reform the council tax system. The system at the moment is such a crude instrument in collecting tax.
"Something like a purchase tax would be a much more effective way of addressing the city's needs."
An example Mr Williamson used of purchase tax would be if a 1p levy was placed on all chewing gum sold in the city with all the money generating being used to pay to clean up chewing gum from Derby's pavements.
Mr Williamson was also disappointed with the report's rejection of long-standing demands from local government for the restoration of their powers to set and collect the business rate.
Sir Michael had said the business community did not trust town halls to set the rate fairly.
But he recommended that councils should be given the power to impose a supplementary business rate, in consultation with local companies, to fund infrastructure projects.
Business rates are currently fixed nationally and linked to inflation - although the report did say changes could be considered in the long term.
Mr Williamson said he did not agree with Sir Michael's comments.
He said: "I think it's a bit of a slur against local government to suggest the business community does not trust us to set rates.
"We have been a four-star council for the past few years and think that the power to set rates should be offered as a reward for all the good work that is done."
Launching his report in London, Sir Michael also called for the introduction of new powers to allow councils to charge for waste collection and disposal, in a bid to reduce the amounts of rubbish going to landfill.
He rejected suggestions that this would amount to "double-charging" of householders, who already pay for rubbish collection in their council tax bills, but said it would encourage people to compost organic waste and reduce the amount of packaging they buy.
Mr Williamson said the council did not have any plans to consider charging extra for waste collection.
He said: "We are already hitting our targets for recycling."
Alan Cox, leader of Amber Valley Borough Council, was also very critical of the report.
He said: "The report is a damp squib. It has taken four years in the making and has come up with nothing new.
"Local government were hoping for some radical proposals. The whole exercise has been a waste of money."
What i read from all of this is bigger bills and more bills for both domestic and business people.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:40:31
This would be balanced by a new band at the bottom of the rating scale to reduce the tax for people in the smallest homes, many of them pensioners.
But Chris Williamson, leader of Derby City Council, believes the report does not go far enough.
He said: "It is a missed opportunity to really reform the council tax system. The system at the moment is such a crude instrument in collecting tax.
"Something like a purchase tax would be a much more effective way of addressing the city's needs."
An example Mr Williamson used of purchase tax would be if a 1p levy was placed on all chewing gum sold in the city with all the money generating being used to pay to clean up chewing gum from Derby's pavements.
Mr Williamson was also disappointed with the report's rejection of long-standing demands from local government for the restoration of their powers to set and collect the business rate.
Sir Michael had said the business community did not trust town halls to set the rate fairly.
But he recommended that councils should be given the power to impose a supplementary business rate, in consultation with local companies, to fund infrastructure projects.
Business rates are currently fixed nationally and linked to inflation - although the report did say changes could be considered in the long term.
Mr Williamson said he did not agree with Sir Michael's comments.
He said: "I think it's a bit of a slur against local government to suggest the business community does not trust us to set rates.
"We have been a four-star council for the past few years and think that the power to set rates should be offered as a reward for all the good work that is done."
Launching his report in London, Sir Michael also called for the introduction of new powers to allow councils to charge for waste collection and disposal, in a bid to reduce the amounts of rubbish going to landfill.
He rejected suggestions that this would amount to "double-charging" of householders, who already pay for rubbish collection in their council tax bills, but said it would encourage people to compost organic waste and reduce the amount of packaging they buy.
Mr Williamson said the council did not have any plans to consider charging extra for waste collection.
He said: "We are already hitting our targets for recycling."
Alan Cox, leader of Amber Valley Borough Council, was also very critical of the report.
He said: "The report is a damp squib. It has taken four years in the making and has come up with nothing new.
"Local government were hoping for some radical proposals. The whole exercise has been a waste of money."
What i read from all of this is bigger bills and more bills for both domestic and business people.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:40:31
Sudbury Prison Open again!
A child killer who was jailed for life for drowning his four-month-old daughter is the latest convict to abscond from Sudbury Prison.
Derbyshire police have issued a photograph of David Chapman after he failed to return to the open prison on Sunday.
Chapman, 55, from London, was sentenced at the Old Bailey, London, in 1983 for killing his daughter.
He is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall, of thin build, with short, grey hair and brown eyes.
He has a tattoo on his left arm and uses aliases of Aubery Ashby and Ashby Aubery (very imaginative) and is a known cross dresser. His favourite attire is a a black arrow patterned dress with a capital P on the back.
During 2005-6, 76 prisoners absconded from Sudbury Prison, according to Home Office statistics.
Five killers have gone on the run in the past six months.
A spokeswoman for Derbyshire police said: "We've notified police forces where Chapman's known to have connections, as well as relatives and the media.
"Anyone with information on Chapman's whereabouts should contact the police immediately.
"We would never recommend that a member of the public approaches an absconded prisoner."
Information should be passed to Derbyshire police on 0845 123 3333.
Meanwhile back at the prison the party goes on.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:28:35
Derbyshire police have issued a photograph of David Chapman after he failed to return to the open prison on Sunday.
Chapman, 55, from London, was sentenced at the Old Bailey, London, in 1983 for killing his daughter.
He is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall, of thin build, with short, grey hair and brown eyes.
He has a tattoo on his left arm and uses aliases of Aubery Ashby and Ashby Aubery (very imaginative) and is a known cross dresser. His favourite attire is a a black arrow patterned dress with a capital P on the back.
During 2005-6, 76 prisoners absconded from Sudbury Prison, according to Home Office statistics.
Five killers have gone on the run in the past six months.
A spokeswoman for Derbyshire police said: "We've notified police forces where Chapman's known to have connections, as well as relatives and the media.
"Anyone with information on Chapman's whereabouts should contact the police immediately.
"We would never recommend that a member of the public approaches an absconded prisoner."
Information should be passed to Derbyshire police on 0845 123 3333.
Meanwhile back at the prison the party goes on.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:28:35
Creswell Crags gets development grant
Plans to build a centre of excellence at the site of an Ice Age momument are going ahead after a £4.23m lottery boost.
Creswell Crags was awarded the grant – the lion’s share of the total required – from the Heritage Lottery Fund this week.
The centre will outline the Ice Age history of the Crags – where 13,000-year-old cave art and archaeological finds dating back 50,000 years have been discovered – to school children and tourists
Ian Wall, director for Creswell Heritage Trust and manager of the Crags site, said: “Britain seriously lacks a national focus where people in this country as well as an international audience are able to learn about the Ice Age.
“Creswell Crags now has the potential to be that centre and inspire visitors about the lifestyles of our early ancestors at a place we know they were living.”
The building will house state-of-the-art displays, including a demonstration area for flint knapping, a research and library room, collection storage facilities and a suite for education groups, talks and conferences.
Several museums, including the British Museum, have agreed to loan artefacts and special exhibitions.
The project has been planned for ten years and has won over £1.5m in funding from the European Regional Development Fund and East Midlands Development Agency earlier this year.
Frank Horsley of the East Midlands Development Agency said: “This new investment in Creswell Crags is an important step for the regeneration of the former coalfields, and the growth of these areas as thriving tourism hubs.”
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:21:32
Creswell Crags was awarded the grant – the lion’s share of the total required – from the Heritage Lottery Fund this week.
The centre will outline the Ice Age history of the Crags – where 13,000-year-old cave art and archaeological finds dating back 50,000 years have been discovered – to school children and tourists
Ian Wall, director for Creswell Heritage Trust and manager of the Crags site, said: “Britain seriously lacks a national focus where people in this country as well as an international audience are able to learn about the Ice Age.
“Creswell Crags now has the potential to be that centre and inspire visitors about the lifestyles of our early ancestors at a place we know they were living.”
The building will house state-of-the-art displays, including a demonstration area for flint knapping, a research and library room, collection storage facilities and a suite for education groups, talks and conferences.
Several museums, including the British Museum, have agreed to loan artefacts and special exhibitions.
The project has been planned for ten years and has won over £1.5m in funding from the European Regional Development Fund and East Midlands Development Agency earlier this year.
Frank Horsley of the East Midlands Development Agency said: “This new investment in Creswell Crags is an important step for the regeneration of the former coalfields, and the growth of these areas as thriving tourism hubs.”
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:21:32
Easter Tuesday means Flagg Races
Flagg Races is an annual tradition which has graced the spring sporting calendar for over a century and this years event on Easter tuesday will be no exception.
Run on Flagg Moor, five miles south of Buxton, the event, organised by the High Peak Hunt, is the last remaining point-to-point meeting in Britain to be run over natural hunting country.
"Last year, many thousands of enthusiastic spectators enjoyed the thrilling spectacle of thoroughbreds racing across glorious open countryside," commented Rachel McQueen, Secretary of Flagg Races Management Committee.
"The whole event is a fantastic family day out with food outlets around the course, trade stands selling a variety of wares, a licensed bar and bookmakers for those who fancy a punt."
The first of seven races on this year's card is the High Peak Hunt Members' Race, an old fashioned steeplechase over Derbyshire dry stone walls.
Flagg Races is held at Flagg Moor, five miles south of Buxton, just off the A515, on Easter Tuesday, April 10, starting at 1pm.
Car parking is free and racecourse entrance is £10 per person, with children under-16 admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
Pre-booked reserved car parking is available close to the racecourse, but numbers are restricted. To reserve a space, contact Paul Dunn on 01629 640133.
For more information on Flagg Races 2007, contact the Secretary on 01629 636812 or visit www.flaggraces.co.uk.
* The first point-to-point races were held on Flagg Moor in 1892 and, apart from the war years and 2001 to 2003, the event has been held on Easter Tuesday ever since.
Flagg Races is now the last horse race event of its kind held anywhere in the UK.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:12:38
Run on Flagg Moor, five miles south of Buxton, the event, organised by the High Peak Hunt, is the last remaining point-to-point meeting in Britain to be run over natural hunting country.
"Last year, many thousands of enthusiastic spectators enjoyed the thrilling spectacle of thoroughbreds racing across glorious open countryside," commented Rachel McQueen, Secretary of Flagg Races Management Committee.
"The whole event is a fantastic family day out with food outlets around the course, trade stands selling a variety of wares, a licensed bar and bookmakers for those who fancy a punt."
The first of seven races on this year's card is the High Peak Hunt Members' Race, an old fashioned steeplechase over Derbyshire dry stone walls.
Flagg Races is held at Flagg Moor, five miles south of Buxton, just off the A515, on Easter Tuesday, April 10, starting at 1pm.
Car parking is free and racecourse entrance is £10 per person, with children under-16 admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
Pre-booked reserved car parking is available close to the racecourse, but numbers are restricted. To reserve a space, contact Paul Dunn on 01629 640133.
For more information on Flagg Races 2007, contact the Secretary on 01629 636812 or visit www.flaggraces.co.uk.
* The first point-to-point races were held on Flagg Moor in 1892 and, apart from the war years and 2001 to 2003, the event has been held on Easter Tuesday ever since.
Flagg Races is now the last horse race event of its kind held anywhere in the UK.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:12:38
The Buxton Festival gets closer
Buxton Festival was launched on Monday with a flurry of exciting figures – musical, literary and financial.
As well as a new artistic director to head-up the festival's programme of rarely performed opera , the literature festival has attracted Joanna Trollope, John Simpson and Antonia Fraser to its line-up.
The festival's growing popularity became clear when chief executive Glyn Foley announced the result of an East Midlands Development Agency survey, revealing that the event now generates £3 million for the area and the equivalent of 100 full-time jobs.
Figures also show that since 1999 festival audiences have trebled.
Andrew Greenwood, the new artistic director, said this year's programme features opera spanning five centuries, from the Bohemian George Benda's 'Romeo and Juliet' to the modern community opera, 'Tobias and the Angel' by Jonathon Dove.
Roy Hattersley, who has been festival chairman for the last eight years, confirmed he would be stepping down this year.
Chief executive Glyn Foley said: "July 2007 will be Roy's last as Festival Chairman.
"He has been one of our best assets and a great help to me. On the last day (July 22) we offer him the Opera House stage to focus on his books The Edwardians and the second volume of Buster's Diaries.
"In doing so, we thank him for his exceptional service to the Festival. He will be missed."
Dame Janet Smith will take over as chairman.
Buxton Festival features a programme of more than 100 events over 17 days in July each year. It is now in its 29th year.
• The festival runs from July 6-22. For tickets call 0845 1272190.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:09:51
As well as a new artistic director to head-up the festival's programme of rarely performed opera , the literature festival has attracted Joanna Trollope, John Simpson and Antonia Fraser to its line-up.
The festival's growing popularity became clear when chief executive Glyn Foley announced the result of an East Midlands Development Agency survey, revealing that the event now generates £3 million for the area and the equivalent of 100 full-time jobs.
Figures also show that since 1999 festival audiences have trebled.
Andrew Greenwood, the new artistic director, said this year's programme features opera spanning five centuries, from the Bohemian George Benda's 'Romeo and Juliet' to the modern community opera, 'Tobias and the Angel' by Jonathon Dove.
Roy Hattersley, who has been festival chairman for the last eight years, confirmed he would be stepping down this year.
Chief executive Glyn Foley said: "July 2007 will be Roy's last as Festival Chairman.
"He has been one of our best assets and a great help to me. On the last day (July 22) we offer him the Opera House stage to focus on his books The Edwardians and the second volume of Buster's Diaries.
"In doing so, we thank him for his exceptional service to the Festival. He will be missed."
Dame Janet Smith will take over as chairman.
Buxton Festival features a programme of more than 100 events over 17 days in July each year. It is now in its 29th year.
• The festival runs from July 6-22. For tickets call 0845 1272190.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:09:51
What next for Buxton's Pavilion Gardens
Vision Buxton – agroup of local businesses and organisations which campaigns on behalf of the town – wants an international competition to decide the Pavillion Gardens' future after the rejection of the food hall proposal.
Responding to the Borough Council's announcement regarding the future of the Pavilion Gardens, Bill Preece, Chairman of Vision Buxton, said, "We join the Council in welcoming emda's early decision on the Regional Food Hall project.
"We support entirely the position of leading councillors in calling for a wide-ranging and free-thinking debate on the future of the entire Pavilion Gardens complex.
"There has been a huge demonstration of public interest and enthusiasm in favour of finding future uses for the Gardens that will be commercially profitable, inclusive for the community as a whole, and will also make a positive contribution to the attractions that we can offer to our visitors."
Mr Preece unveiled the proposal by Vision Buxton to sponsor an international ideas competition.
This would be open to entrepreneurs, developers, and operators of visitor attractions from the UK and abroad.
Entrants would be invited to submit proposals for the long term future use of either the buildings alone, or for the entire site, subject only to general guiding principles regarding guaranteed access for and use by the community as a whole, and the need to bring about a radical improvement in the attractions that Buxton can offer to visitors for the rest of the century.
"Instead of starting off with a long list of what can't be done and what won't be acceptable, we want to encourage completely free thinking, and a fresh, innovative approach", said Mr Preece.
"When the competition closes, all genuine and viable proposals could be put on exhibition in the Pavilion Gardens, allowing full public scrutiny.
"Open public debate and, if necessary, a referendum, would ensure the opportunity for everyone's interests to be represented".
Mr Preece gave an assurance that, for any proposal to be pursued in detail, there would have to be a clear demonstration of support from the local community, together with the ongoing involvement of local interest groups during the detailed investigation and development of any favoured scheme.
It sounds like an act of desperation to me. All these people and not one idea amongst them? What about having an international food hall?
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:01:45
Responding to the Borough Council's announcement regarding the future of the Pavilion Gardens, Bill Preece, Chairman of Vision Buxton, said, "We join the Council in welcoming emda's early decision on the Regional Food Hall project.
"We support entirely the position of leading councillors in calling for a wide-ranging and free-thinking debate on the future of the entire Pavilion Gardens complex.
"There has been a huge demonstration of public interest and enthusiasm in favour of finding future uses for the Gardens that will be commercially profitable, inclusive for the community as a whole, and will also make a positive contribution to the attractions that we can offer to our visitors."
Mr Preece unveiled the proposal by Vision Buxton to sponsor an international ideas competition.
This would be open to entrepreneurs, developers, and operators of visitor attractions from the UK and abroad.
Entrants would be invited to submit proposals for the long term future use of either the buildings alone, or for the entire site, subject only to general guiding principles regarding guaranteed access for and use by the community as a whole, and the need to bring about a radical improvement in the attractions that Buxton can offer to visitors for the rest of the century.
"Instead of starting off with a long list of what can't be done and what won't be acceptable, we want to encourage completely free thinking, and a fresh, innovative approach", said Mr Preece.
"When the competition closes, all genuine and viable proposals could be put on exhibition in the Pavilion Gardens, allowing full public scrutiny.
"Open public debate and, if necessary, a referendum, would ensure the opportunity for everyone's interests to be represented".
Mr Preece gave an assurance that, for any proposal to be pursued in detail, there would have to be a clear demonstration of support from the local community, together with the ongoing involvement of local interest groups during the detailed investigation and development of any favoured scheme.
It sounds like an act of desperation to me. All these people and not one idea amongst them? What about having an international food hall?
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-23 03:01:45
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Summary of Stalin Brown's Budget
Gordon Brown’s eleventh (and - we hope - final) Budget concentrated on the serious business of buying votes. I cannot be bothered to go into the nitty gritty but suffice to say this time it wasn’t Middle England he was targeting, because the 2% income tax cut is a typical Brownian fudge.
For most people, the cut in basic rate tax from 22% to 20% is a typical ‘give with one hand’ Brown manoeuvre, because removing the 10% ‘starting rate’ of income tax on the first £2,250 of income takes it away and more.
In fact, there are only a few small giveaways this year - just as well given the poor state of the public finances. The tax changes all happen in 2008. And they focus on one group that has definitely turned against Gordon Brown in the past two years. It's the Oldies that get the gold, if they live long enough!!
Gordon Brown’s last Budget is very like his first: lots of tinkering with tiny and irrelevant measures (a few tens of millions being trumpeted as an important initiative when the government spends £500 billion of our money!), a few big changes designed to win headlines but actually delivering no meaningful benefit, a few giveaways carefully targeted at those whose support the government needs, and a thick layer of Brown sauce over the whole lot so that only after scores of experts have spent weeks dissecting it will we really know what his Budget contained.
Anyone know a bent accountant?
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-22 11:21:32
For most people, the cut in basic rate tax from 22% to 20% is a typical ‘give with one hand’ Brown manoeuvre, because removing the 10% ‘starting rate’ of income tax on the first £2,250 of income takes it away and more.
In fact, there are only a few small giveaways this year - just as well given the poor state of the public finances. The tax changes all happen in 2008. And they focus on one group that has definitely turned against Gordon Brown in the past two years. It's the Oldies that get the gold, if they live long enough!!
Gordon Brown’s last Budget is very like his first: lots of tinkering with tiny and irrelevant measures (a few tens of millions being trumpeted as an important initiative when the government spends £500 billion of our money!), a few big changes designed to win headlines but actually delivering no meaningful benefit, a few giveaways carefully targeted at those whose support the government needs, and a thick layer of Brown sauce over the whole lot so that only after scores of experts have spent weeks dissecting it will we really know what his Budget contained.
Anyone know a bent accountant?
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-22 11:21:32
Sex in the Station
Matlock Bus Station is the new den of sin after Matlock Town Council have received complaints that the building is littered with littered with condoms and the toilets are being used as a meeting place for sex.
The police have been informed.
Matlock Town Cllr Barry Hopkinson, who was contacted on the issue by a member of the public, said: “It was very upsetting for the woman concerned.
“She said she had been into the toilets one evening and found men and women in there together.
“If this is going on then there needs to be something done, whether that means CCTV or other measures.”
In sketches of the Matlock Masterplan – the district council’s blueprint for how it wants the town to develop – the authority planned for the bus station to be relocated.
But some believe the current site would have to be retained as a turning circle for buses after traffic over Matlock Bridge becomes one-way.
Cllr Hopkinson added: “We’ve got the situation where we don’t know if it’s worth spending money on the bus station, but by all accounts the building might be staying, which is an absolute fiasco.
“If the building stays then this issue needs tackling.”
Inspector Paul Corton of Matlock Police said: “I’m aware of a couple of incidents at the bus station reported to us by Matlock Town Council.
“One involved a man being in the ladies’ toilets and one involved condoms in the telephone box.
“In terms of criminality it’s not a particularly pleasant thing to find.
“Obviously concerns have been raised and officers are patrolling there.”
This adds a new meaning to ticket to ride.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-22 11:07:38
The police have been informed.
Matlock Town Cllr Barry Hopkinson, who was contacted on the issue by a member of the public, said: “It was very upsetting for the woman concerned.
“She said she had been into the toilets one evening and found men and women in there together.
“If this is going on then there needs to be something done, whether that means CCTV or other measures.”
In sketches of the Matlock Masterplan – the district council’s blueprint for how it wants the town to develop – the authority planned for the bus station to be relocated.
But some believe the current site would have to be retained as a turning circle for buses after traffic over Matlock Bridge becomes one-way.
Cllr Hopkinson added: “We’ve got the situation where we don’t know if it’s worth spending money on the bus station, but by all accounts the building might be staying, which is an absolute fiasco.
“If the building stays then this issue needs tackling.”
Inspector Paul Corton of Matlock Police said: “I’m aware of a couple of incidents at the bus station reported to us by Matlock Town Council.
“One involved a man being in the ladies’ toilets and one involved condoms in the telephone box.
“In terms of criminality it’s not a particularly pleasant thing to find.
“Obviously concerns have been raised and officers are patrolling there.”
This adds a new meaning to ticket to ride.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-22 11:07:38
Get your Skates on to Matlock
A year ago Matlock Live applied to Awards for All for a grant to involve young people in Matlock and Wirksworth in an innovative arts and sports project that is bringing together young people with an interest in skatepark-based sport, dance and urban movement, and video-making.
Rob Francis, chair of Matlock Live said: “The inspiration came for the project came when a group of us from Matlock Live were in Hall Leys Park planning for a festival.
“The skatepark had just been opened and we saw these incredibly talented young people doing amazing skids, jumps and turns.
“It was at that moment we decided that these skills, as well as the natural youthful enthusiasm, should be harnessed as a performance.”
For the last six weeks 20 young people from Highfields and Anthony Gell Schools have been practising and rehearsing for the premier performance of DASH.
The young people have been working with professional skaters, dancers and film makers to devise a performance piece that brings together their own skills and stretches them to provide completely new experiences.
They have been filming, editing and working towards a combined performance that will include a huge screen as a backdrop on which films images will be projected as a part of the performance.
The performance will be at 7.30pm on Saturday March 24 in Hall Leys park.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-22 11:01:24
Rob Francis, chair of Matlock Live said: “The inspiration came for the project came when a group of us from Matlock Live were in Hall Leys Park planning for a festival.
“The skatepark had just been opened and we saw these incredibly talented young people doing amazing skids, jumps and turns.
“It was at that moment we decided that these skills, as well as the natural youthful enthusiasm, should be harnessed as a performance.”
For the last six weeks 20 young people from Highfields and Anthony Gell Schools have been practising and rehearsing for the premier performance of DASH.
The young people have been working with professional skaters, dancers and film makers to devise a performance piece that brings together their own skills and stretches them to provide completely new experiences.
They have been filming, editing and working towards a combined performance that will include a huge screen as a backdrop on which films images will be projected as a part of the performance.
The performance will be at 7.30pm on Saturday March 24 in Hall Leys park.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-22 11:01:24
Moggy Minor Weekend at Crich
Crich Tramway Village, is extending an invitation to Morris Minor owners to attend its annual Morris Minor Day on Sunday April 22.
The Morris Minor Day will play host to vehicle displays, club stands and trade stands.
Timed vehicle parades will also feature in the event, with Morris Minors driving through the Village's period cobbled street, under the elegant Bowes-Lyon Bridge and weaving in and out of the vintage tram service.
Marketing Coordinator, Cara Marchant said: "Crich Tramway Village provides a unique atmosphere for vehicle rallies with its recreated village street and rides on vintage trams.
"The events are always very well attended and much loved by vehicle owners, there really is an authentic air of yesteryear."
Entry for drivers of pre-booked Morris Minors is free.
For more details contact Crich Tramway Village on 01773 854321, or visit www.tramway.co.uk to download a booking form.
Make a mental note-avoid the A6 that weekend.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-22 10:52:51
The Morris Minor Day will play host to vehicle displays, club stands and trade stands.
Timed vehicle parades will also feature in the event, with Morris Minors driving through the Village's period cobbled street, under the elegant Bowes-Lyon Bridge and weaving in and out of the vintage tram service.
Marketing Coordinator, Cara Marchant said: "Crich Tramway Village provides a unique atmosphere for vehicle rallies with its recreated village street and rides on vintage trams.
"The events are always very well attended and much loved by vehicle owners, there really is an authentic air of yesteryear."
Entry for drivers of pre-booked Morris Minors is free.
For more details contact Crich Tramway Village on 01773 854321, or visit www.tramway.co.uk to download a booking form.
Make a mental note-avoid the A6 that weekend.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-22 10:52:51
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Derbyshire Mink Raft Update
The ongoing mink raft scheme, being carried out by the Cromford Fly fishing Club on the Derbyshire Derwent, in conjunction with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, has seen little activity from mink in the last two weeks.
Now is the time when the females will be seeking out lies to have their young. the males having performed their duties, will take no further part in the offspring's future.
As expected this is a quiet time, while the young are born and raised, so the traps have now been removed and the rafts will serve as a monitor for when the mother and her kits begin to roam along the waterway in search of prey. The kits will be totally dependent upon their mother until around July, when they will go their own way.
Once activity is again picked up via tracks in the clay pots set into the rafts, the traps will be re-introduced and the scheme will again gather pace.
To date, in the short time that the scheme has been running, 8 mink have been trapped and despatched as per goverment guidlines, giving wildlife along the river a well needed boost to their survival as the preditors are removed.
The trappers dressed in rather smart red coats usually have a brandy or two before setting off and to be on the safe side they take a pack of labradors with them. all within government guidelines of course.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-21 01:48:58
Now is the time when the females will be seeking out lies to have their young. the males having performed their duties, will take no further part in the offspring's future.
As expected this is a quiet time, while the young are born and raised, so the traps have now been removed and the rafts will serve as a monitor for when the mother and her kits begin to roam along the waterway in search of prey. The kits will be totally dependent upon their mother until around July, when they will go their own way.
Once activity is again picked up via tracks in the clay pots set into the rafts, the traps will be re-introduced and the scheme will again gather pace.
To date, in the short time that the scheme has been running, 8 mink have been trapped and despatched as per goverment guidlines, giving wildlife along the river a well needed boost to their survival as the preditors are removed.
The trappers dressed in rather smart red coats usually have a brandy or two before setting off and to be on the safe side they take a pack of labradors with them. all within government guidelines of course.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-21 01:48:58
Ilkeston detached house price fall
House prices in Ilkeston bucked the national trend when they fell by 1.3 per cent last year - putting the value of an average property at £126,834.
According to the latest Land Registry figures, the average price of a detached house in the area stood at £185,371 in December 2006, £1,709 less than in January last year.
However the new figures show that semi-detached houses in Ilkeston also experienced a growth in value over the same period, rising by £10,001 to £121,934 and terraced house prices rose by £9,722 to £98,108.
In Derbyshire as a whole, prices rose by 5.9 per cent during the 12 month period, while in the East Midlands there was a 4.9 per cent increase.
The 1.3 per cent fall in house prices in Ilkeston compares to an eight per cent rise nationally, putting the average price of a house in England and Wales at £206,414.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-21 01:45:08
According to the latest Land Registry figures, the average price of a detached house in the area stood at £185,371 in December 2006, £1,709 less than in January last year.
However the new figures show that semi-detached houses in Ilkeston also experienced a growth in value over the same period, rising by £10,001 to £121,934 and terraced house prices rose by £9,722 to £98,108.
In Derbyshire as a whole, prices rose by 5.9 per cent during the 12 month period, while in the East Midlands there was a 4.9 per cent increase.
The 1.3 per cent fall in house prices in Ilkeston compares to an eight per cent rise nationally, putting the average price of a house in England and Wales at £206,414.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-21 01:45:08
Quarry Decision on hold
Peak District chiefs have put off a decision on plans to extend a quarry – in the hope of reaching an agreement with company bosses.
Stancliffe Stone wants permission to extend Dale View quarry on Stanton Moor, in return for giving up all rights to work the nearby Lees Cross and Endcliffe quarries. But the Peak District National Park Authority's planning committee expressed concerns that the company’s plan to extend Dale View, and increase the amount of gritstone removed over 21 years, would be too much and not a fair exchange.
The committee deferred making a decision and will seek further negotiations with Stancliffe Stone.
But the Authority is still keen to progress with an exchange. Under a planning consent granted by the Government in 1952, Stancliffe Stone has permission to work Lees Cross and Endcliffe quarries until 2042.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-21 01:31:44
Stancliffe Stone wants permission to extend Dale View quarry on Stanton Moor, in return for giving up all rights to work the nearby Lees Cross and Endcliffe quarries. But the Peak District National Park Authority's planning committee expressed concerns that the company’s plan to extend Dale View, and increase the amount of gritstone removed over 21 years, would be too much and not a fair exchange.
The committee deferred making a decision and will seek further negotiations with Stancliffe Stone.
But the Authority is still keen to progress with an exchange. Under a planning consent granted by the Government in 1952, Stancliffe Stone has permission to work Lees Cross and Endcliffe quarries until 2042.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-21 01:31:44
Chesterfield eBusiness successes
Three north Derbyshire companies have won accolades in the eBusinessAwards for 2007 run by the East Midlands Development Agency.
Chesterfield-based Imagesound beat 25 other finalists to the top prize as eBusiness of the Year 2007, after demonstrating how they use technology to increase profits and improve customer fulfilment.
Two other local companies were successful - Cruise Ahead Ltd, a specialist travel agency won the Best eBusiness Start-up award and material development company NetComposites scooped the award for the Best Use of eBusiness.
Over 100 entries from across the East Midlands were received from a host of new companies who have realised the benefits of using ICT to run their business.
As well as their overall victory Imagesound, specialists in media and music, won the category for Increased Exports Through The Use of ICT.
Another Chesterfield company, Hike Bike and Ride Ltd, was highly commended in the same category.
Imagesound graduated from Tapton Park Innovation Centre to their own premises on Dunston Technology Park in 2002 while NetComposites are still based at the Centre.
Eeeee we're reet gud in Chesterfield
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-21 01:22:35
Chesterfield-based Imagesound beat 25 other finalists to the top prize as eBusiness of the Year 2007, after demonstrating how they use technology to increase profits and improve customer fulfilment.
Two other local companies were successful - Cruise Ahead Ltd, a specialist travel agency won the Best eBusiness Start-up award and material development company NetComposites scooped the award for the Best Use of eBusiness.
Over 100 entries from across the East Midlands were received from a host of new companies who have realised the benefits of using ICT to run their business.
As well as their overall victory Imagesound, specialists in media and music, won the category for Increased Exports Through The Use of ICT.
Another Chesterfield company, Hike Bike and Ride Ltd, was highly commended in the same category.
Imagesound graduated from Tapton Park Innovation Centre to their own premises on Dunston Technology Park in 2002 while NetComposites are still based at the Centre.
Eeeee we're reet gud in Chesterfield
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-21 01:22:35
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Call for two new council tax bands
New council tax bands could be introduced for the most expensive and cheapest homes, it has been reported.
Sir Michael Lyons will call for the introduction of two extra council tax bands at either end of the price spectrum, according to the BBC.
A report into local government funding by Sir Michael, professor of public policy at Birmingham University, which is due to be published on Wednesday, will also say that people entitled to council tax benefit should gain it automatically instead of it being claimed.
But the report will call for council tax revaluation before any changes. In real terms this means that everyone will be worse off some more than others. Time to buy a canal boat, when the going gets tough, up anchor and piss off!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-20 12:23:15
Sir Michael Lyons will call for the introduction of two extra council tax bands at either end of the price spectrum, according to the BBC.
A report into local government funding by Sir Michael, professor of public policy at Birmingham University, which is due to be published on Wednesday, will also say that people entitled to council tax benefit should gain it automatically instead of it being claimed.
But the report will call for council tax revaluation before any changes. In real terms this means that everyone will be worse off some more than others. Time to buy a canal boat, when the going gets tough, up anchor and piss off!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-20 12:23:15
Derbyshire Tourism Officials Meet
Everyone associated with the tourist industry will be looking forward to tomorrow as it is officially the first day of spring. Whilst the weather is inclement Easter is just around the corner and people will start to think about holidays, weekends away and days out.
So it is reassuring to know that groups and officials have met up across Derbyshire to discuss the coming season.
Dozens of people from tourist attacting organisations around the Ashbourne attended a meeting in the Green Man on Wednesday, arranged by the Ashbourne Partnership.
The meeting aimed to ensure businesses achieve the best out of this season's influx, and to explain how Ashbourne fitted in to the strategy deployed by the Peak District and Derbyshire as a whole.
The event was chaired by Sir Richard FitzHerbert (whenever I hear this chap's name I think of Bridgett Jones' rendition "TitsPervert" unfortunate, I know), and David James and Georgina Heathcote from the Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Team took guests through presentations to point out the key aims of this year's holiday season.
Let's think what the key aims may be. Get the punters in, show them a good time, take their money and send them home.
Meanwhile, a separate group met in Bakewell last week to discuss trends, themes and strategies this summer.
In the run-up to the new season the RATS group (Regional Attractions in Derbyshire) met for its half-yearly meeting in Rowsley.
The meeting was again chaired by Sir Richard and hosted by East Lodge Hotel and the Peak District & Derbyshire DMP (Destination Management Partnership), who organise and are responsible for delivery of tourism in the county and its environs.
Roll on summer. Mind you if we have global warming it would be warm all year round. Wouldn't that improve the Peak District tourism?
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-20 02:25:53
So it is reassuring to know that groups and officials have met up across Derbyshire to discuss the coming season.
Dozens of people from tourist attacting organisations around the Ashbourne attended a meeting in the Green Man on Wednesday, arranged by the Ashbourne Partnership.
The meeting aimed to ensure businesses achieve the best out of this season's influx, and to explain how Ashbourne fitted in to the strategy deployed by the Peak District and Derbyshire as a whole.
The event was chaired by Sir Richard FitzHerbert (whenever I hear this chap's name I think of Bridgett Jones' rendition "TitsPervert" unfortunate, I know), and David James and Georgina Heathcote from the Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Team took guests through presentations to point out the key aims of this year's holiday season.
Let's think what the key aims may be. Get the punters in, show them a good time, take their money and send them home.
Meanwhile, a separate group met in Bakewell last week to discuss trends, themes and strategies this summer.
In the run-up to the new season the RATS group (Regional Attractions in Derbyshire) met for its half-yearly meeting in Rowsley.
The meeting was again chaired by Sir Richard and hosted by East Lodge Hotel and the Peak District & Derbyshire DMP (Destination Management Partnership), who organise and are responsible for delivery of tourism in the county and its environs.
Roll on summer. Mind you if we have global warming it would be warm all year round. Wouldn't that improve the Peak District tourism?
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-20 02:25:53
Appointments to the National Park Authorities
A few months ago I reported on my mate's application to join the Peak District National Park Authority.
He would be expected to contribute positively to debate within the National Park Authority and to make decisions on many aspects of Park management including conservation, planning, housing, access, agriculture, forestry and resource issues. He would not be paid but would be eligible for travel and other expenses incurred in the course of their appointments. He would be expected to commit a minimum time input of 2-3 days per month, the majority of which is within normal working hours.
I told him he was wasting his time and that he wouldn't even be shortlisted. I suggested these are roles for the boys and that despite having the right experience etc etc it was a done deal already.
Well he wasn't shortlisted and the appointments have just been announced.
Geoffrey Nickolds ( new member - expiry: 31 March 2011 ), Reappointed members - Anthony Hams OBE ( expiry: 31 March 2008 ), Narendra Bajaria ( expiry: 31 March 2010 ), Pauline Beswick ( expiry: 31 March 2010 ).
Why not Google the new boy and see if I am right. According to one local "celebrity", who regularly gets involved with this sort of thing, the expenses are a "nice little earner". Evidently nice work if you can get it - but that is the problem you can not!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-20 02:06:42
He would be expected to contribute positively to debate within the National Park Authority and to make decisions on many aspects of Park management including conservation, planning, housing, access, agriculture, forestry and resource issues. He would not be paid but would be eligible for travel and other expenses incurred in the course of their appointments. He would be expected to commit a minimum time input of 2-3 days per month, the majority of which is within normal working hours.
I told him he was wasting his time and that he wouldn't even be shortlisted. I suggested these are roles for the boys and that despite having the right experience etc etc it was a done deal already.
Well he wasn't shortlisted and the appointments have just been announced.
Geoffrey Nickolds ( new member - expiry: 31 March 2011 ), Reappointed members - Anthony Hams OBE ( expiry: 31 March 2008 ), Narendra Bajaria ( expiry: 31 March 2010 ), Pauline Beswick ( expiry: 31 March 2010 ).
Why not Google the new boy and see if I am right. According to one local "celebrity", who regularly gets involved with this sort of thing, the expenses are a "nice little earner". Evidently nice work if you can get it - but that is the problem you can not!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-20 02:06:42
Derbyshire Schools Funding Increase
Spending on Derbyshire's schools is to rise by almost £18 million over the next year.
Derbyshire County Council currently spends £3,429 per pupil and has an overall schools budget of around £376 million.
Funding for 2007/08 will rise to £3,649 per pupil – an increase of 6.4 per cent.
Total funding is estimated to increase to £394 million, subject to confirmation of pupil numbers.
The Government cash includes funding for a number of specific issues in schools. Derbyshire County Council will get £5.2 million in grants in 2007/08. Theses will be spent on:
* Personalised learning – schools will receive a share of £4.161 million to continue the development of personalised learning plans for pupils. This will allow each student to have the curriculum tailored to help them at their own pace.
* Practical learning options for 14 to 16-year-olds – schools will receive a share of £1.041 million to develop vocational courses for pupils.
Now the financial arguments for closing Stoney Middleton School become that bit weaker.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-20 01:51:47
Derbyshire County Council currently spends £3,429 per pupil and has an overall schools budget of around £376 million.
Funding for 2007/08 will rise to £3,649 per pupil – an increase of 6.4 per cent.
Total funding is estimated to increase to £394 million, subject to confirmation of pupil numbers.
The Government cash includes funding for a number of specific issues in schools. Derbyshire County Council will get £5.2 million in grants in 2007/08. Theses will be spent on:
* Personalised learning – schools will receive a share of £4.161 million to continue the development of personalised learning plans for pupils. This will allow each student to have the curriculum tailored to help them at their own pace.
* Practical learning options for 14 to 16-year-olds – schools will receive a share of £1.041 million to develop vocational courses for pupils.
Now the financial arguments for closing Stoney Middleton School become that bit weaker.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-20 01:51:47
Toxic Waste in Derbyshire
At least four highly toxic acid tar dumps remain untreated in the Belper area it has been claimed this week.
Sites at Wyver Lane, near the Chevin Golf Course, Firestone Hill in Hazelwood and a spot in Holbrook known locally as 'Oil Woods' have all been named as places where the Silkolene oil company is thought to have disposed of its waste more than 20 years ago.
Calls have now been made by concerned residents for Amber Valley Borough Council to designate them all as 'special sites' and ask the Environment Agency to clean them up.
Development of the controversial Cinderhill site between Belper and Denby has just been put on hold while the same acid tar waste is cleared from the pits on that site.
Peter Carney, Chief Executive of Amber Valley Borough Council, this week refused to say whether or not the authority knew of the sites but said there was a register of potentially contaminated sites.
Mr Carney said: "The council has a register of potentially contaminated sites and we have a strategy to examine them. Legislation sets out a process for determining if they are contaminated.
"If there are sites not on the register that we are made aware of then we will look at them and follow the legislation. The register is available for inspection and can be requested under the Freedom of Information Act."
Sounds like someone has something to hide.
Paul Harrison, who worked as a civil engineer on the sites after the waste was dumped and has lived near the Cinderhill tar pits, for nearly 20 years, said: "These sites have the same stuff in them as Cinderhill which is now a special site, they also need dealing with.
"They tipped the tar at Wyver Lane which is on the Derwent flood plain and has that nature reserve there now. At Firestone it started moving and pushing the fences and there's another dump on the corner of the Chevin Golf Course.
"People who play there say you can smell it on the hot days in the summer. The carcinogens are in the smell, that's the toxic fumes.
"I've got two children and I'm scared. We shouldn't be here but who's going to buy our house with that on the doorstep?"
The landowner who did not wish to be named said: "It was no secret at the time, everybody knew what it was. They offered less than a farthing a gallon to the land owners.
"When we were approached they took us to see it being dumped into the site at Firestone, tankers rolled up and just poured it into the ground. When we found out what it was we told them we didn't want it on our land.
"Silkolene didn't have a problem getting planning permission, they were large employers and jobs were precious. The authorities probably didn't know how dangerous this stuff is but they do now.
"It's nasty stuff – it doesn't come from oil refining, it comes from reclamation of used oil."
It's interesting to see that 20 years on big employers still get their own way where planning permission is concerned.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-20 01:37:04
Sites at Wyver Lane, near the Chevin Golf Course, Firestone Hill in Hazelwood and a spot in Holbrook known locally as 'Oil Woods' have all been named as places where the Silkolene oil company is thought to have disposed of its waste more than 20 years ago.
Calls have now been made by concerned residents for Amber Valley Borough Council to designate them all as 'special sites' and ask the Environment Agency to clean them up.
Development of the controversial Cinderhill site between Belper and Denby has just been put on hold while the same acid tar waste is cleared from the pits on that site.
Peter Carney, Chief Executive of Amber Valley Borough Council, this week refused to say whether or not the authority knew of the sites but said there was a register of potentially contaminated sites.
Mr Carney said: "The council has a register of potentially contaminated sites and we have a strategy to examine them. Legislation sets out a process for determining if they are contaminated.
"If there are sites not on the register that we are made aware of then we will look at them and follow the legislation. The register is available for inspection and can be requested under the Freedom of Information Act."
Sounds like someone has something to hide.
Paul Harrison, who worked as a civil engineer on the sites after the waste was dumped and has lived near the Cinderhill tar pits, for nearly 20 years, said: "These sites have the same stuff in them as Cinderhill which is now a special site, they also need dealing with.
"They tipped the tar at Wyver Lane which is on the Derwent flood plain and has that nature reserve there now. At Firestone it started moving and pushing the fences and there's another dump on the corner of the Chevin Golf Course.
"People who play there say you can smell it on the hot days in the summer. The carcinogens are in the smell, that's the toxic fumes.
"I've got two children and I'm scared. We shouldn't be here but who's going to buy our house with that on the doorstep?"
The landowner who did not wish to be named said: "It was no secret at the time, everybody knew what it was. They offered less than a farthing a gallon to the land owners.
"When we were approached they took us to see it being dumped into the site at Firestone, tankers rolled up and just poured it into the ground. When we found out what it was we told them we didn't want it on our land.
"Silkolene didn't have a problem getting planning permission, they were large employers and jobs were precious. The authorities probably didn't know how dangerous this stuff is but they do now.
"It's nasty stuff – it doesn't come from oil refining, it comes from reclamation of used oil."
It's interesting to see that 20 years on big employers still get their own way where planning permission is concerned.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-20 01:37:04
Speed Camera Locations
The Derbyshire Mobile Safety Camera Partnership has released the locations of the speed traps they will be using this week:
B6179 Ripley to Marehay
Street Lane, Denby
A6007 Codnor to Heanor
Upper Dunstead Road, Langley Mill
Corporation Road, Ilkeston
A608 Smalley
Ryknield Hill, Denby
A6 Bakewell
A6 Dove Holes
A632 Matlock
Kedleston Road, Derby
A5250 Burton Road, Littleover
Warwick Avenue, Derby
A514 Swadlincote
Hearthcote Road, Swadlincote
A6 Belper
A6 London Road, Derby
London Road, Shardlow
A6005 Draycott to Breaston
A515 Sudbury
A511 Station Road, Hatton
Castle Road, Church Gresley
B5353 Park Road, Newhall
B5353 Union Road, Swadlincote
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-20 01:33:05
B6179 Ripley to Marehay
Street Lane, Denby
A6007 Codnor to Heanor
Upper Dunstead Road, Langley Mill
Corporation Road, Ilkeston
A608 Smalley
Ryknield Hill, Denby
A6 Bakewell
A6 Dove Holes
A632 Matlock
Kedleston Road, Derby
A5250 Burton Road, Littleover
Warwick Avenue, Derby
A514 Swadlincote
Hearthcote Road, Swadlincote
A6 Belper
A6 London Road, Derby
London Road, Shardlow
A6005 Draycott to Breaston
A515 Sudbury
A511 Station Road, Hatton
Castle Road, Church Gresley
B5353 Park Road, Newhall
B5353 Union Road, Swadlincote
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-20 01:33:05
Wirksworth in lead role
Wirksworth had a starring role in a tense new drama shown on ITV last night.
In ITV's latest drama Premiere, Mobile, the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway in Wirksworth forms part of the programme's dramatic conclusion.
The series involves the global mobile phone business in the context of the Iraq war and tells the stories of several characters in three feature-length episodes.
ITV chose the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway because it could offer an up-to-date InterCity train in an environment that is highly-suited to the requirements of the film and television industry.
Andy Morgan, Granada's production director said: "What surprised us was the sheer professionalism of the setup at Wirksworth.
"WyvernRail were able to provide us with a high-quality train for several days and gave us the freedom to operate to the standards we require to produce a series of this magnitude" he added.
Extensive temporary modifications were made to the railway's former Gatwick Express train which was re-branded for the duration of the filming.
This is the second time that the railway's modern rolling stock has been used for filming.
In 2004, Darlow Smithson productions filmed scenes for the National Geographic documentary series Seconds from Disaster, where a German high speed ICE unit was depicted.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-20 01:22:30
In ITV's latest drama Premiere, Mobile, the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway in Wirksworth forms part of the programme's dramatic conclusion.
The series involves the global mobile phone business in the context of the Iraq war and tells the stories of several characters in three feature-length episodes.
ITV chose the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway because it could offer an up-to-date InterCity train in an environment that is highly-suited to the requirements of the film and television industry.
Andy Morgan, Granada's production director said: "What surprised us was the sheer professionalism of the setup at Wirksworth.
"WyvernRail were able to provide us with a high-quality train for several days and gave us the freedom to operate to the standards we require to produce a series of this magnitude" he added.
Extensive temporary modifications were made to the railway's former Gatwick Express train which was re-branded for the duration of the filming.
This is the second time that the railway's modern rolling stock has been used for filming.
In 2004, Darlow Smithson productions filmed scenes for the National Geographic documentary series Seconds from Disaster, where a German high speed ICE unit was depicted.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-20 01:22:30
Green Card for Brown Budget
The most obvious way to squeeze through yet more tax hikes in Wednesday's Budget is to play the green card. Mr Brown and David Cameron have recently been trying to gain the moral high ground on this topic. The electorate is almost certainly far more concerned about crime and education and a hundred and one other things, but with global warming the new religion, Brown will feel he can not go wrong.
Not that we need more taxes. The shadow chancellor George Osborne, reckons we've seen 99 tax hikes since 1997, and Mr Brown's on for the century and more on Wednesday.
But which green tax to go for? The latest suggestion is that 4x4s and sports cars will be attacked with higher road tax - having already hiked air passenger duty, which hits less well-off tourists more than the wealthy, he might be tempted to tackle the demon gas-guzzlers to show some semblance of equality. After all, only the well-off drive them and everyone else apparently hates the Chelsea tractor brigade, so it should be an easy grab.
Annual duty on the 225,000 least fuel efficient vehicles purchased brand new since last April, including most 4x4s and sports cars, is set to rise from £210 to more than £400 over the next two years, according to the Times and Sun.
But the move is unlikely to satisfy environmental campaigners, who have called for road tax of up to £2,000 for the worst polluters.
Dave Timms, economics campaigner with Friends of the Earth, said the Chancellor had to put climate change at the "heart" of the Budget, rather than merely "tinker in the margins".
"Mr Brown must come forward with a comprehensive package of measures that tax polluting activities, make it easier and cheaper for people to cut their carbon dioxide emissions and demonstrate that he is prepared to take this issue seriously."
Among other environmentally-friendly proposals believed to be mooted is offering incentives for energy-efficient products, possibly by cutting the rate of Vat on them.
However, those hoping for income tax concessions are likely to be disappointed, and Mr Brown is expected to maintain an iron grip on public spending.
Brown will undoubtedly be crowing about his economic forecasts. He looks on course to meet his public borrowing target of £37billion this year, which he will certainly be pleased about. But in reality, this is nothing to be proud of. Six years ago the Chancellor predicted public borrowing this year would be £12billion. That's a margin of error of more than 200%.
And don't forget about his golden rule which has been yanked and manipulated so much it should really be called the rubber band rule. He claims to have kept government spending to below 40% as a proportion of UK GDP, but if you add in all the off balance sheet items and public sector pension liabilities you could readily reach a figure as high as 80%".
It can only be a matter of time before the economy crashes and like a typical politicion he will escape just in time to leave his successor to deal with the mess.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-19 13:28:47
Not that we need more taxes. The shadow chancellor George Osborne, reckons we've seen 99 tax hikes since 1997, and Mr Brown's on for the century and more on Wednesday.
But which green tax to go for? The latest suggestion is that 4x4s and sports cars will be attacked with higher road tax - having already hiked air passenger duty, which hits less well-off tourists more than the wealthy, he might be tempted to tackle the demon gas-guzzlers to show some semblance of equality. After all, only the well-off drive them and everyone else apparently hates the Chelsea tractor brigade, so it should be an easy grab.
Annual duty on the 225,000 least fuel efficient vehicles purchased brand new since last April, including most 4x4s and sports cars, is set to rise from £210 to more than £400 over the next two years, according to the Times and Sun.
But the move is unlikely to satisfy environmental campaigners, who have called for road tax of up to £2,000 for the worst polluters.
Dave Timms, economics campaigner with Friends of the Earth, said the Chancellor had to put climate change at the "heart" of the Budget, rather than merely "tinker in the margins".
"Mr Brown must come forward with a comprehensive package of measures that tax polluting activities, make it easier and cheaper for people to cut their carbon dioxide emissions and demonstrate that he is prepared to take this issue seriously."
Among other environmentally-friendly proposals believed to be mooted is offering incentives for energy-efficient products, possibly by cutting the rate of Vat on them.
However, those hoping for income tax concessions are likely to be disappointed, and Mr Brown is expected to maintain an iron grip on public spending.
Brown will undoubtedly be crowing about his economic forecasts. He looks on course to meet his public borrowing target of £37billion this year, which he will certainly be pleased about. But in reality, this is nothing to be proud of. Six years ago the Chancellor predicted public borrowing this year would be £12billion. That's a margin of error of more than 200%.
And don't forget about his golden rule which has been yanked and manipulated so much it should really be called the rubber band rule. He claims to have kept government spending to below 40% as a proportion of UK GDP, but if you add in all the off balance sheet items and public sector pension liabilities you could readily reach a figure as high as 80%".
It can only be a matter of time before the economy crashes and like a typical politicion he will escape just in time to leave his successor to deal with the mess.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-19 13:28:47
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