Northamptonshire dominated with both bat and ball as Derbyshire's unbeaten LV County Championship Division Two record was put under serious threat at Wantage Road.
Ant Botha's unbeaten half-century could not rescue the visitors who were skittled out for just 160 before the hosts eased to 123 for one at the close of play.
The South African all-rounder ground out a gutsy 53, supported by number 11 Wayne White, as the pair put on 50 for the final wicket.
But Derbyshire's woes increased as Tom Lungley was ruled out for the rest of the game with an ankle injury while Phil Weston was also forced from the field with a bruised rib.
Simon Katich's ailing side had started promisingly reaching 49 for one before a major collapse saw them slip to 110 for nine before Botha and White steadied the ship.
Australian Steven Crook (three for 34) did most of the damage taking the wickets of opener Weston (13), Hassan Adnan (15) and the prized scalp of Katich for a duck.
Crook was ably supported by Johan van der Wath (two for 41) and Jason Brown (two for 10) as Northants picked up maximum bowling points.
The hosts, who have made an inconsistent start this season, ended the day with nine first-innings wickets in hand with David Jacobs (56) the only man to fall.
Katich elected to bat after winning the toss and Derbyshire made a bright start with Steve Stubbings keeping the scoreboard ticking in partnership with Weston.
After a brisk 36 off just 43 balls, Stubbings departed with the score on 49, caught by Stephen Peters off Lance Klusener in the 12th over.
And the runs soon dried up for Derbyshire as a partnership of 12 runs off as many overs between Weston and Adnan gave Northants fresh impetus.
Weston's turgid innings came to an end caught behind off Crook, while Katich and Adnan soon followed.
Brown clean bowled Travis Birt (five) with his first ball of the game, the first ball after lunch, before finding the outside edge of Greg Smith's bat to pick up another wicket in his second over.
Jamie Pipe (four) and Graham Wagg (11) offered little resistance while the unfortunate Lungley was bowled for a second ball duck off the unpredictable David Wigley.
But White and Botha dug their heels in to add some respectability to the scoreline.
In reply, Peters (48 not out) and Jacobs fell nine runs short of a century opening stand, but Usman Afzaal continued to frustrate the Derbyshire bowlers, finishing 13 not out at the close of play with Northants just 37 runs behind.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-24 03:34:32
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
MPs back Blades' bid to burst West Ham's bubble
A TOTAL of 29 MPs have so far signed the Early Day Motion which demands justice for Sheffield United.
And more MPs are being urged to add their names to the list - by former Sheffield Wednesday director Joe Ashton who has issued a reminder that West Ham have a history of playing ineligible players.
EDM 1464 - put forward by Wednesday fan and Attercliffe MP Clive Betts - demands the Hammers have points deducted for playing Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano and warns the integrity of the Premier League is under threat.
Former Bassetlaw MP and Owls director Mr Ashton claims the original decision was pure favouritism.
West Ham played Aston Villa in The League Cup in 1999 and won 5-4 on penalties after the teams had drawn 2-2.
But it was later revealed West Ham had fielded an ineligible player who had played for another club in a previous round.
West Ham were ordered to replay the game on January 11 2000 and lost 3-1.
Mr Ashton said the Hammers were let off lightly - and highlighted a similar situation last season involving Bury.
Bury mistakenly played an eligible player when they beat Chester 3-1 in the FA Cup.
But rather than have the game replayed the FA booted them out of the competition and Chester went on to play Ipswich in the third round.
Mr Ashton said: “This is plainly wrong, but I feel the FA took the decision to fine West Ham rather than deduct them points because they feared losing in court by the London club.
“A good way out of this would be for West Ham and United to play each other and the winner stays up.
“All the proceeds from gate receipts and the like could be donated to charity.”
Sheffield United Chief Executive Jason Rockett has written to all MPs urging them to sign the EDM.
Whilst I agree that West Ham should be deducted points haven't MPs got more important issues to deal with. In any case the basic fact is that Sheffield had their destiny in their own hands and blew it.
But on the other hand if West Ham were from up north and Trevor Brooking wasn't associated with them, then points would have definately been deducted.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-23 10:19:27
And more MPs are being urged to add their names to the list - by former Sheffield Wednesday director Joe Ashton who has issued a reminder that West Ham have a history of playing ineligible players.
EDM 1464 - put forward by Wednesday fan and Attercliffe MP Clive Betts - demands the Hammers have points deducted for playing Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano and warns the integrity of the Premier League is under threat.
Former Bassetlaw MP and Owls director Mr Ashton claims the original decision was pure favouritism.
West Ham played Aston Villa in The League Cup in 1999 and won 5-4 on penalties after the teams had drawn 2-2.
But it was later revealed West Ham had fielded an ineligible player who had played for another club in a previous round.
West Ham were ordered to replay the game on January 11 2000 and lost 3-1.
Mr Ashton said the Hammers were let off lightly - and highlighted a similar situation last season involving Bury.
Bury mistakenly played an eligible player when they beat Chester 3-1 in the FA Cup.
But rather than have the game replayed the FA booted them out of the competition and Chester went on to play Ipswich in the third round.
Mr Ashton said: “This is plainly wrong, but I feel the FA took the decision to fine West Ham rather than deduct them points because they feared losing in court by the London club.
“A good way out of this would be for West Ham and United to play each other and the winner stays up.
“All the proceeds from gate receipts and the like could be donated to charity.”
Sheffield United Chief Executive Jason Rockett has written to all MPs urging them to sign the EDM.
Whilst I agree that West Ham should be deducted points haven't MPs got more important issues to deal with. In any case the basic fact is that Sheffield had their destiny in their own hands and blew it.
But on the other hand if West Ham were from up north and Trevor Brooking wasn't associated with them, then points would have definately been deducted.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-23 10:19:27
Helicopter in Peak rescue
A WOMAN had to be rescued from a remote Peak District hilltop after suffering abdominal pains.
The 23-year-old was stranded on Derwent Edge, above Ladybower Reservoir, and Edale Mountain Rescue went to the scene, along with the East Midlands Air Ambulance.
The woman was given first aid by the mountain rescue team - which had been training in the area and was quickly at the scene - before she was transferred to the helicopter and taken to hospital following the incident at 4pm on Sunday.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-23 10:17:34
The 23-year-old was stranded on Derwent Edge, above Ladybower Reservoir, and Edale Mountain Rescue went to the scene, along with the East Midlands Air Ambulance.
The woman was given first aid by the mountain rescue team - which had been training in the area and was quickly at the scene - before she was transferred to the helicopter and taken to hospital following the incident at 4pm on Sunday.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-23 10:17:34
Share memories of Derbyshire online
A NEW history website project is being piloted in Derbyshire which allows people to share their memories of the county with the global Internet community.
The aim of www.youandyesterday.co.uk is to build up a comprehensive record of what life was like here in previous ages, based on people's recollections of their daily lives.
The site already contains a wealth of information about Derbyshire, from its early history right through to the present day, including articles about its famous residents and places, and the events that have made the county what it is today.
But help is needed to create an online archive which this, and future generations will be able to use as a source of reference.
Project manager Claire Shanahan said: "We want this to be the biggest and best site for memories, nostalgia and history in Derbyshire, but we need the public's help to achieve this.
"By registering as a user, which is free and easy to do, people can submit their stories and pictures, and even audio and video clips, directly onto the site and their contributions will appear almost instantly.
"Registered users can also use the forum to comment on stories and pictures already on the site, edit factual articles, and keep a watch on articles that interest them to see if they've been updated.
"You don't have to be a local history expert to help us with this project.
"What we're looking for are everyday accounts of what it was like living and working in Derbyshire, particularly in the 20th century, although people may have stories about their family history that go back even further than that.
"If it's something that's happened in Derbyshire, or involved Derbyshire people we want to hear about it."
As well as hundreds of personal recollections and articles, charting the changes that have occurred over the centuries, You and Yesterday also contains a picture bank of nearly 4,000 historic images from around the county.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-23 10:14:05
The aim of www.youandyesterday.co.uk is to build up a comprehensive record of what life was like here in previous ages, based on people's recollections of their daily lives.
The site already contains a wealth of information about Derbyshire, from its early history right through to the present day, including articles about its famous residents and places, and the events that have made the county what it is today.
But help is needed to create an online archive which this, and future generations will be able to use as a source of reference.
Project manager Claire Shanahan said: "We want this to be the biggest and best site for memories, nostalgia and history in Derbyshire, but we need the public's help to achieve this.
"By registering as a user, which is free and easy to do, people can submit their stories and pictures, and even audio and video clips, directly onto the site and their contributions will appear almost instantly.
"Registered users can also use the forum to comment on stories and pictures already on the site, edit factual articles, and keep a watch on articles that interest them to see if they've been updated.
"You don't have to be a local history expert to help us with this project.
"What we're looking for are everyday accounts of what it was like living and working in Derbyshire, particularly in the 20th century, although people may have stories about their family history that go back even further than that.
"If it's something that's happened in Derbyshire, or involved Derbyshire people we want to hear about it."
As well as hundreds of personal recollections and articles, charting the changes that have occurred over the centuries, You and Yesterday also contains a picture bank of nearly 4,000 historic images from around the county.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-23 10:14:05
Roman ring handed back to Turkey
An historic Roman ring which was illegally imported into the UK from Turkey has been returned.
The iron and silver band, which dates back to between AD 161 and AD 169, is thought to have been taken from an archaeological dig at Ephesus, Turkey.
It was eventually seized by HM Revenue and Customs after it was taken to Derby Museum for a valuation.
The ring was handed over to Turkish Embassy officials at East Midlands Airport on Tuesday.
The find has a gemstone engraving of Lucius Versus - co-emperor with Marcus Aurelius.
It was seized by customs officials after it was taken from Derby to the British Museum. No one has been prosecuted for stealing the ring.
Sermin Ozduran, from the Turkish Embassy, who collected the ring on behalf of the Turkish government, said it was "an important piece" of Turkish history.
John Macmillan, detection manager for HM Revenue & Customs, said: "We are delighted to be able to return this important historical ring to the Turkish Government.
"The international trade in illicit cultural artefacts is a significant problem and increasingly being linked to other forms of organised crime.
"We will continue to place a high priority to stop those attempting to bring historical artefacts into the UK illegally and restore seized cultural objects to their rightful owners."
The ring will be sent to Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism and later be displayed in a museum in the country.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-23 10:04:32
The iron and silver band, which dates back to between AD 161 and AD 169, is thought to have been taken from an archaeological dig at Ephesus, Turkey.
It was eventually seized by HM Revenue and Customs after it was taken to Derby Museum for a valuation.
The ring was handed over to Turkish Embassy officials at East Midlands Airport on Tuesday.
The find has a gemstone engraving of Lucius Versus - co-emperor with Marcus Aurelius.
It was seized by customs officials after it was taken from Derby to the British Museum. No one has been prosecuted for stealing the ring.
Sermin Ozduran, from the Turkish Embassy, who collected the ring on behalf of the Turkish government, said it was "an important piece" of Turkish history.
John Macmillan, detection manager for HM Revenue & Customs, said: "We are delighted to be able to return this important historical ring to the Turkish Government.
"The international trade in illicit cultural artefacts is a significant problem and increasingly being linked to other forms of organised crime.
"We will continue to place a high priority to stop those attempting to bring historical artefacts into the UK illegally and restore seized cultural objects to their rightful owners."
The ring will be sent to Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism and later be displayed in a museum in the country.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-23 10:04:32
Derbyshire tax credits fiasco
Families in Derbyshire were overpaid £26m in tax credits last year.
New Government figures revealed that 8,700 people in Derby alone received £7m they were not entitled to in 2005-6 - an average of £805 each.
In the rest of Derbyshire, 25,200 people were overpaid by £19m.
Some of the problems are down to people not notifying the Government of changes in their circumstances quickly enough, others are because of mistakes made in filling in forms and others because of problems with the computer system running tax credits.
Debts which are down to Government mistakes are now written off but, if a claimant is late in telling officials that their circumstances have changed, which would cut their credits, they have to repay the money.
The overpayments in Derbyshire were down on the previous year, when £27.6m was wrongly paid out.
Treasury Minister Stephen Timms insisted that reforms had already been put in place to cut further the amount of cash wrongly paid.
These include people having to fill in annual renewal forms earlier, to shorten the period any overpayments are likely to be made, and inform officials about changes in their circumstances earlier.
These changes did not come into effect until April last year, so they have had no effect on the latest set of Government figures.
More than two million people have received letters urging them to act quickly if details change.
South Derbyshire's Labour MP Mark Todd said that many of the wrong payments were simply because of the flexible way the system worked and were quickly corrected.
But he said that he dealt with more than 100 complaints a year and he sat on a Commons committee investigating the problem.
He said: "There are a whole range of reasons - sometimes perfectly acceptable ones - why overpayments or underpayments arise, but the system was clearly flawed. The changes implemented may make it more sensitive to those problems."
When overpayments have been made, there is a limit to the amount that the Government can claw back from each future monthly payment to prevent victims from being too hard hit.
Across Derbyshire, 15,700 claimants were underpaid by £9.2m last year but these underpayments have now all been paid.
Nationally, £1.7bn was overpaid in 2005-6, taking the total to £5.7bn in three years.
No doubt John Reid will be called upon to sort the mess out!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-23 09:43:46
New Government figures revealed that 8,700 people in Derby alone received £7m they were not entitled to in 2005-6 - an average of £805 each.
In the rest of Derbyshire, 25,200 people were overpaid by £19m.
Some of the problems are down to people not notifying the Government of changes in their circumstances quickly enough, others are because of mistakes made in filling in forms and others because of problems with the computer system running tax credits.
Debts which are down to Government mistakes are now written off but, if a claimant is late in telling officials that their circumstances have changed, which would cut their credits, they have to repay the money.
The overpayments in Derbyshire were down on the previous year, when £27.6m was wrongly paid out.
Treasury Minister Stephen Timms insisted that reforms had already been put in place to cut further the amount of cash wrongly paid.
These include people having to fill in annual renewal forms earlier, to shorten the period any overpayments are likely to be made, and inform officials about changes in their circumstances earlier.
These changes did not come into effect until April last year, so they have had no effect on the latest set of Government figures.
More than two million people have received letters urging them to act quickly if details change.
South Derbyshire's Labour MP Mark Todd said that many of the wrong payments were simply because of the flexible way the system worked and were quickly corrected.
But he said that he dealt with more than 100 complaints a year and he sat on a Commons committee investigating the problem.
He said: "There are a whole range of reasons - sometimes perfectly acceptable ones - why overpayments or underpayments arise, but the system was clearly flawed. The changes implemented may make it more sensitive to those problems."
When overpayments have been made, there is a limit to the amount that the Government can claw back from each future monthly payment to prevent victims from being too hard hit.
Across Derbyshire, 15,700 claimants were underpaid by £9.2m last year but these underpayments have now all been paid.
Nationally, £1.7bn was overpaid in 2005-6, taking the total to £5.7bn in three years.
No doubt John Reid will be called upon to sort the mess out!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-23 09:43:46
Youth Hostel opens in National Forest
The first Youth Hostel to be built in The National Forest was ‘topped out’ recently, marking a significant stage in the construction of this innovative, environmentally-friendly building.
The 75-bed Youth Hostel will open later this summer, and is expected to accommodate around 15,000 guest nights a year. For individuals and groups who appreciate a low-carbon impact holiday and want full value out of their holiday spend, YHA National Forest will be exactly what they need, enabling them to stay longer and see more.
Sophie Churchill, Chief Executive National Forest Company said: "This exciting new building is a great development for tourism in The National Forest. It's going to be a brilliant facility for families, young people and groups on a budget to get into the Forest and enjoy all the activities on offer here. There are so many things to do in the Forest and staying overnight means people can enjoy a great break with a good carbon footprint."
Kishor Tailor, Chief Executive of Leicester Shire Economic Partnership (LSEP), performed the symbolic ‘topping out’ ceremony. He said: "This event was a significant milestone in establishing the new Youth Hostel in The National Forest and LSEP is delighted at the progress being made on site. LSEP invested in the Youth Hostel because of the long term benefits it will have on the economy of Leicester Shire and we will soon benefit from an increasing number of visitors to The National Forest in particular."
Leicester Shire Economic Partnership and emda, the regional development agency for the East Midlands, are the major funders of this £1.78 m project which will bring substantial benefits to the tourism economy of The National Forest.
The hostel, which is being built by G F Tomlinson Building Ltd of Derby, includes a number of ‘green’ features including renewable wood fuel energy, solar heating and rainwater gathering.
As part of the wider development around Conkers, visitors to the hostel will be able to enjoy the Discovery Centre at the Heart of The National Forest. With easy access to walking and cycling trails; the chance to try other forestry activities such as woodland crafts, orienteering and shelter building with Greenwood Days or at Rosliston Forestry Centre; shopping nearby at Ashby de la Zouch or Ferrers Centre for Arts and Crafts; and stately homes and gardens to enjoy, there will be plenty to keep everyone entertained in and around the Forest, come rain or shine.
The associated camping and caravanning site marks a major investment by The Camping and Caravanning Club, the first all new site to be created by the Club for nine years. Conkers is the first Club Site in South Derbyshire and will be open all year, allowing campers and caravanners to contribute directly to the local economy throughout the seasons.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-23 03:10:45
The 75-bed Youth Hostel will open later this summer, and is expected to accommodate around 15,000 guest nights a year. For individuals and groups who appreciate a low-carbon impact holiday and want full value out of their holiday spend, YHA National Forest will be exactly what they need, enabling them to stay longer and see more.
Sophie Churchill, Chief Executive National Forest Company said: "This exciting new building is a great development for tourism in The National Forest. It's going to be a brilliant facility for families, young people and groups on a budget to get into the Forest and enjoy all the activities on offer here. There are so many things to do in the Forest and staying overnight means people can enjoy a great break with a good carbon footprint."
Kishor Tailor, Chief Executive of Leicester Shire Economic Partnership (LSEP), performed the symbolic ‘topping out’ ceremony. He said: "This event was a significant milestone in establishing the new Youth Hostel in The National Forest and LSEP is delighted at the progress being made on site. LSEP invested in the Youth Hostel because of the long term benefits it will have on the economy of Leicester Shire and we will soon benefit from an increasing number of visitors to The National Forest in particular."
Leicester Shire Economic Partnership and emda, the regional development agency for the East Midlands, are the major funders of this £1.78 m project which will bring substantial benefits to the tourism economy of The National Forest.
The hostel, which is being built by G F Tomlinson Building Ltd of Derby, includes a number of ‘green’ features including renewable wood fuel energy, solar heating and rainwater gathering.
As part of the wider development around Conkers, visitors to the hostel will be able to enjoy the Discovery Centre at the Heart of The National Forest. With easy access to walking and cycling trails; the chance to try other forestry activities such as woodland crafts, orienteering and shelter building with Greenwood Days or at Rosliston Forestry Centre; shopping nearby at Ashby de la Zouch or Ferrers Centre for Arts and Crafts; and stately homes and gardens to enjoy, there will be plenty to keep everyone entertained in and around the Forest, come rain or shine.
The associated camping and caravanning site marks a major investment by The Camping and Caravanning Club, the first all new site to be created by the Club for nine years. Conkers is the first Club Site in South Derbyshire and will be open all year, allowing campers and caravanners to contribute directly to the local economy throughout the seasons.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-23 03:10:45
Remembering the Mawstone Mining disaster
Just outside a small Dales village, 75 years ago this week, there played out a tale of heroism unsurpassed in the history of mining.
Of the eight men killed at Mawstone Mine on May 23 1932, three were rescue workers, overcome by the same poisonous gas that befell their colleagues following an explosion hundreds of feet below ground.
Few official records survive to this day, but two residents of Youlgrave, which sits half a mile north of the old lead mine, have delved into history to help ensure the events of the day are not lost.
Andrew McCloy and Norman Wilson have produced an anniversary booklet to mark the saddest and proudest day in the history of their village.
"It was felt this anniversary should be marked with something lasting," Andrew said.
"Most of what we've produced been pieced together through newspaper reports but it's a shame that so many official records have been lost.
"The essence of this story is that three people were killed going back to rescue their comrades - it's a tale of simple and genuine heroism."
The sense of community enjoyed in 1930s Youlgrave, and a brotherhood among the miners themselves, must have played no small part in motivating men to venture below ground, some more than once, in search of the missing.
But these close links also compounded the tragedy.
Norman, who was six at the time, said: "Then, quite simply, we had more time for each other.
"And the downside of that is that, when tragedy came, it came to someone you knew.
"Grief, like happiness, was shared."
On the day of the disaster, six men were working below ground on a ventilation fan. The only survivor of the six, George Frost, told how he was knocked to the ground by an explosion while returning from the shaft bottom. He was able to return to the surface and raise the alarm.
The mine manager, Kenneth Seville, descended in the cage at once. An exhausted Seville returned 15 minutes later, confirming he had found the men but had been unable to pull anyone out.
As more help arrived on scene, others, including the village doctor, blacksmith and pub landlord, went down - with just a handkerchief or cap held over their mouths.
Seville, descending for the third time, led a rescue party of Eric Evans and Jack Birds, two of the youngest workers at the mine. All three would be brought out dead.
Herbert Slaney, of Bank Top, Youlgrave, gave this account of the frantic scenes below ground to a Daily Mail reporter in 1932: "There were acrid fumes like thick fog, making useless our electric lamps; the heat was unbearable and the poisoned atmosphere was death itself. I crawled for nearly 20 yards before realising the hopelessness of it all, and I got back just in time."
The bodies of John William Birds, William Brindley, John Eric Evans, John Gallagher, William Geoffrey Gould, James Porter, Poultney Porter and Kenneth Seville were recovered by a team from Clay Cross armed with breathing apparatus, and laid out in the mine office.
Andrew said: "In researching the disaster, we didn't want to shirk the issue of why it happened.
"In circumstances like these people will want to find a scapegoat, but I think in this instance it was just a tragic accident."
Norman added: "The coroner said if you looked deep enough you might find something that hadn't been done properly, but the miners knew the risks and took them every day."
The inquest found that the men had died from carbon monoxide poisoning, probably accelerated by burns and shock.
Mine captain Poultney Porter and his son James were taken back to their native Cumberland for burial, while the other five were laid to rest at All Saints Church, Youlgrave, on a rainy day. The Sheffield Independent described how the funeral day skies "wept in sympathy".
The mine was never worked again, although evidence suggests that was not for the lack of trying.
Today the site is derelict and out of bounds for the public.
"Youlgrave Water still draws its water from the site so, in some way, it is still supporting the village," Andrew said.
"It is a very haunting sight. Like many mines it is just a remnant of what was, but here it has added poignancy."
A remembrance service will be held at All Saints Church, Youlgrave, at 11am on Sunday June 3.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-23 02:56:55
Of the eight men killed at Mawstone Mine on May 23 1932, three were rescue workers, overcome by the same poisonous gas that befell their colleagues following an explosion hundreds of feet below ground.
Few official records survive to this day, but two residents of Youlgrave, which sits half a mile north of the old lead mine, have delved into history to help ensure the events of the day are not lost.
Andrew McCloy and Norman Wilson have produced an anniversary booklet to mark the saddest and proudest day in the history of their village.
"It was felt this anniversary should be marked with something lasting," Andrew said.
"Most of what we've produced been pieced together through newspaper reports but it's a shame that so many official records have been lost.
"The essence of this story is that three people were killed going back to rescue their comrades - it's a tale of simple and genuine heroism."
The sense of community enjoyed in 1930s Youlgrave, and a brotherhood among the miners themselves, must have played no small part in motivating men to venture below ground, some more than once, in search of the missing.
But these close links also compounded the tragedy.
Norman, who was six at the time, said: "Then, quite simply, we had more time for each other.
"And the downside of that is that, when tragedy came, it came to someone you knew.
"Grief, like happiness, was shared."
On the day of the disaster, six men were working below ground on a ventilation fan. The only survivor of the six, George Frost, told how he was knocked to the ground by an explosion while returning from the shaft bottom. He was able to return to the surface and raise the alarm.
The mine manager, Kenneth Seville, descended in the cage at once. An exhausted Seville returned 15 minutes later, confirming he had found the men but had been unable to pull anyone out.
As more help arrived on scene, others, including the village doctor, blacksmith and pub landlord, went down - with just a handkerchief or cap held over their mouths.
Seville, descending for the third time, led a rescue party of Eric Evans and Jack Birds, two of the youngest workers at the mine. All three would be brought out dead.
Herbert Slaney, of Bank Top, Youlgrave, gave this account of the frantic scenes below ground to a Daily Mail reporter in 1932: "There were acrid fumes like thick fog, making useless our electric lamps; the heat was unbearable and the poisoned atmosphere was death itself. I crawled for nearly 20 yards before realising the hopelessness of it all, and I got back just in time."
The bodies of John William Birds, William Brindley, John Eric Evans, John Gallagher, William Geoffrey Gould, James Porter, Poultney Porter and Kenneth Seville were recovered by a team from Clay Cross armed with breathing apparatus, and laid out in the mine office.
Andrew said: "In researching the disaster, we didn't want to shirk the issue of why it happened.
"In circumstances like these people will want to find a scapegoat, but I think in this instance it was just a tragic accident."
Norman added: "The coroner said if you looked deep enough you might find something that hadn't been done properly, but the miners knew the risks and took them every day."
The inquest found that the men had died from carbon monoxide poisoning, probably accelerated by burns and shock.
Mine captain Poultney Porter and his son James were taken back to their native Cumberland for burial, while the other five were laid to rest at All Saints Church, Youlgrave, on a rainy day. The Sheffield Independent described how the funeral day skies "wept in sympathy".
The mine was never worked again, although evidence suggests that was not for the lack of trying.
Today the site is derelict and out of bounds for the public.
"Youlgrave Water still draws its water from the site so, in some way, it is still supporting the village," Andrew said.
"It is a very haunting sight. Like many mines it is just a remnant of what was, but here it has added poignancy."
A remembrance service will be held at All Saints Church, Youlgrave, at 11am on Sunday June 3.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-23 02:56:55
Derbyshire miss duo
Derbyshire are missing their two opening bowlers for the LV County Championship encounter with Northamptonshire at Wantage Road.
Boyd Rankin is sidelined by an ankle problem which has been troubling him recently, while left-armer Kevin Dean has not recovered from a thumb injury sustained in last week's drawn encounter with Middlesex.
They are replaced by Greg Smith and Wayne White, while Hassan Adnan deputises for Chris Taylor, who is struggling with a back injury despite making his comeback in Sunday's Friends Provident Trophy defeat by Worcestershire.
"We're not sure how long Chris will be out for," said coach Dave Houghton. "Even though he played on Sunday, he is still in a bit of pain.
"It's just one of those injuries where we'll have to wait and see how bad it is."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-22 12:12:18
Boyd Rankin is sidelined by an ankle problem which has been troubling him recently, while left-armer Kevin Dean has not recovered from a thumb injury sustained in last week's drawn encounter with Middlesex.
They are replaced by Greg Smith and Wayne White, while Hassan Adnan deputises for Chris Taylor, who is struggling with a back injury despite making his comeback in Sunday's Friends Provident Trophy defeat by Worcestershire.
"We're not sure how long Chris will be out for," said coach Dave Houghton. "Even though he played on Sunday, he is still in a bit of pain.
"It's just one of those injuries where we'll have to wait and see how bad it is."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-22 12:12:18
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Sheffield shaping up for 2012 Olympics
SHEFFIELD is shaping up to reap rewards from the 2012 Olympics.
As the Yorkshire Committee for the Games unveiled its strategy for maximising benefits of London 2012, Sheffield leaders were looking forward to business and sporting success.
A strategy document – Yorkshire Gold – has been drawn up to identify five ‘golden opportunities’ which will help the region to fully capitalise on the benefits the Games can provide.
Sheffield Council’s Executive Director for Development, Environment and Leisure, John Mothersole, said: “A city like Sheffield has a lot to gain from the Olympics.
“It can benefit economically as there will be businesses within the Sheffield region which can supply goods and services to the Games.
“The event is also a great opportunity to raise our profile. We have world class sports facilities in the city and we want major Olympic teams training here and experiencing Sheffield.
“In addition, the Games will put physical activity, athletics and sport centre stage and I think there’s a social opportunity there to get more people in Sheffield actively involved in personal fitness and team sport.
“We are not a bad city for that anyway, but there is always more that can be done.
“Sheffield being Sheffield, the city will want to do its bit. People still talk about Euro 96, in which the city was involved, and it’s clear big international events make an impression.
“I’m convinced the time of English northern cities has come and opportunities like the Games, though not vital to our success, can make a major contribution. It’s hard to imagine anywhere better placed to be involved than Sheffield, with the English Institute of Sport in the Don Valley.
“We are terrifically placed for track and field teams and have also worked closely with Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster to make sure the facilities they have are pushed forward as well.
Barnsley is strongly placed for archery facilities.
“Economically, Sheffield is still strong in manufacturing and I’d want it to win its fair share of contracts.
“The contracts for the Olympics are just starting to appear and will range from massive heavy engineering to the supply of polystyrene cups for the coffee.
“We are also selling ourselves to the elite of the world – this is, of course, a great opportunity to raise our profile.”
The Yorkshire Gold document was drawn up by the Yorkshire Committee, which is made up of the region’s major public bodies and councils.
Executive chair Martin Havenhand said: “The Games coming to London will be the greatest event the UK has ever witnessed and will put the country as a whole on the world stage.
“From day one Yorkshire led the way in supporting the bid and now has the chance to take that support to the next stage and see the region reap some real benefits.”
He added: “To achieve the proposed outcomes we have identified five ‘golden opportunities’ – putting sport centre stage, creating healthy and cohesive communities, delivering a carnival of culture, enhancing the profile and tourist potential of the region, and winners in business.”
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-22 09:16:42
As the Yorkshire Committee for the Games unveiled its strategy for maximising benefits of London 2012, Sheffield leaders were looking forward to business and sporting success.
A strategy document – Yorkshire Gold – has been drawn up to identify five ‘golden opportunities’ which will help the region to fully capitalise on the benefits the Games can provide.
Sheffield Council’s Executive Director for Development, Environment and Leisure, John Mothersole, said: “A city like Sheffield has a lot to gain from the Olympics.
“It can benefit economically as there will be businesses within the Sheffield region which can supply goods and services to the Games.
“The event is also a great opportunity to raise our profile. We have world class sports facilities in the city and we want major Olympic teams training here and experiencing Sheffield.
“In addition, the Games will put physical activity, athletics and sport centre stage and I think there’s a social opportunity there to get more people in Sheffield actively involved in personal fitness and team sport.
“We are not a bad city for that anyway, but there is always more that can be done.
“Sheffield being Sheffield, the city will want to do its bit. People still talk about Euro 96, in which the city was involved, and it’s clear big international events make an impression.
“I’m convinced the time of English northern cities has come and opportunities like the Games, though not vital to our success, can make a major contribution. It’s hard to imagine anywhere better placed to be involved than Sheffield, with the English Institute of Sport in the Don Valley.
“We are terrifically placed for track and field teams and have also worked closely with Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster to make sure the facilities they have are pushed forward as well.
Barnsley is strongly placed for archery facilities.
“Economically, Sheffield is still strong in manufacturing and I’d want it to win its fair share of contracts.
“The contracts for the Olympics are just starting to appear and will range from massive heavy engineering to the supply of polystyrene cups for the coffee.
“We are also selling ourselves to the elite of the world – this is, of course, a great opportunity to raise our profile.”
The Yorkshire Gold document was drawn up by the Yorkshire Committee, which is made up of the region’s major public bodies and councils.
Executive chair Martin Havenhand said: “The Games coming to London will be the greatest event the UK has ever witnessed and will put the country as a whole on the world stage.
“From day one Yorkshire led the way in supporting the bid and now has the chance to take that support to the next stage and see the region reap some real benefits.”
He added: “To achieve the proposed outcomes we have identified five ‘golden opportunities’ – putting sport centre stage, creating healthy and cohesive communities, delivering a carnival of culture, enhancing the profile and tourist potential of the region, and winners in business.”
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-22 09:16:42
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