A Derby restaurant which brought in TV chef Gordon Ramsay to help turn around its fortunes looks set to go into voluntary liquidation.
Daniela Bayfield, the director of Ristorante La Gondola, in Osmaston Road, has called a meeting of creditors for this month.
Shortly after buying the Italian restaurant in June 2005, she contacted Channel Four's Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares.
The Ramsay treatment at first appeared to work but now Ms Bayfield has contacted insolvency practioners to host a creditors' meeting. In the meantime the diner has closed to the public.
Which just goes to show what a load of old cobblers realty TV is!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-07-18 10:15:27
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Path closure
A Popular footpath will be temporarily closed to allow sewer renewal work to take place.
The path runs from the A6 Dale Road North in Darley Dale to the disused railway line south of Firth Rixon works.
The closures will run until September 28.
Derbyshire County Council says site access will be maintained whenever possible on the stretch of footpath.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-07-18 10:14:15
The path runs from the A6 Dale Road North in Darley Dale to the disused railway line south of Firth Rixon works.
The closures will run until September 28.
Derbyshire County Council says site access will be maintained whenever possible on the stretch of footpath.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-07-18 10:14:15
Green Park in Ripley
A Derbyshire park has been named among the winners in a national competition for green excellence.
Crossley Park, in Ripley, is among 41 East Midlands winners in the Green Flag Awards, the standard for parks and green spaces across the country.
The judges said: "Crossley Park is less than two hectares in size but we consider it to be a green gem in the heart of Ripley."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-07-18 10:12:22
Crossley Park, in Ripley, is among 41 East Midlands winners in the Green Flag Awards, the standard for parks and green spaces across the country.
The judges said: "Crossley Park is less than two hectares in size but we consider it to be a green gem in the heart of Ripley."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-07-18 10:12:22
Alton Towers owner change
The property assets of some of the UK's most famous tourist attractions - including Alton Towers - have been sold by their private equity owner for £622m.
Merlin Entertainments - owned by US private equity giant Blackstone - has sold them to property entrepreneur Nick Leslau's firm, Prestbury, and will rent them back under a 35-year lease.
The assets sold under the deal also include London waxworks Madame Tussauds, Warwick Castle and amusement park Thorpe Park in Surrey.
Merlin said it planned to use the funds for a 400 million euro (£269.4m) investment programme in its estate, and to repay the debt it took on to fund its £1bn acquisition of Tussauds Group earlier this year.
A spokeswoman for Alton Towers said all the money raised would go towards reducing Merlin's overall debt but all the sites would benefit from "very dynamic future growth plans".
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-07-18 10:11:29
Merlin Entertainments - owned by US private equity giant Blackstone - has sold them to property entrepreneur Nick Leslau's firm, Prestbury, and will rent them back under a 35-year lease.
The assets sold under the deal also include London waxworks Madame Tussauds, Warwick Castle and amusement park Thorpe Park in Surrey.
Merlin said it planned to use the funds for a 400 million euro (£269.4m) investment programme in its estate, and to repay the debt it took on to fund its £1bn acquisition of Tussauds Group earlier this year.
A spokeswoman for Alton Towers said all the money raised would go towards reducing Merlin's overall debt but all the sites would benefit from "very dynamic future growth plans".
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-07-18 10:11:29
Derbyshire v Glamorgan
A destructive innings from Simon Katich and an inspired spell of seam bowling from Tom Lungley gave Derbyshire Phantoms a winning start to their NatWest Pro40 campaign.
Lungley took three for 11 in eight overs to restrict the Glamorgan Dragons to 165 and then Katich hit an unbeaten 46, including nine fours, from 21 balls to take his team to a Duckworth/Lewis adjusted target and victory by seven wickets.
The Phantoms were struggling at 30 for three chasing 109 from 22 overs after an 80-minute rain delay but Katich and Travis Birt demolished the bowling to cruise home with 31 balls to spare.
England paceman Simon Jones, playing his first senior game in six weeks, did not escape punishment with 16 coming from his second and final over.
Glamorgan had also started well with five boundaries coming from Graham Wagg's first two overs but the innings went into sharp decline when Lungley exploited a sluggish pitch to the full.
He found swing and movement off the wicket and at times was unplayable with only one run coming off the bat in his first five overs.
Jimmy Maher tried to break the spell but sliced to point and Richard Grant edged a drive after hitting eight fours in his 36 which came off 42 balls.
When Ben Wright became Lungley's third victim, the Dragons had slumped to 68 for five and they were in danger of being bowled out well inside their 40 overs when Mark Wallace and Alex Wharf fell to the spinners.
But Ryan Watkins gave the innings some much needed momentum with 39, including a six and four fours, off 43 balls to lift his team to a respectable target.
It looked even better when Wharf and Andrew Davies also made full use of the helpful conditions to strike twice in the first five overs of the Phantoms reply.
Dan Birch edged to second slip and then Michael Dighton drove to cover but the rain arrived with Derbyshire 24 for two from nine overs.
When the game restarted, Derbyshire needed another 85 from 13 overs and when Jones opened with a maiden and Greg Smith was bowled reverse sweeping Robert Croft, the odds appeared to favour the Dragons.
But a wet ball and slippery outfield certainly handicapped Glamorgan although Katich reeled off some sizzling strokes to turn the game.
He drove and cut Croft for three consecutive fours and with Birt responding to his captain's lead, the match raced away from the visitors.
The fourth wicket pair added 79 in only 5.5 overs and Derbyshire had 5.1 overs to spare when Birt struck the winning boundary.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-07-18 10:08:40
Lungley took three for 11 in eight overs to restrict the Glamorgan Dragons to 165 and then Katich hit an unbeaten 46, including nine fours, from 21 balls to take his team to a Duckworth/Lewis adjusted target and victory by seven wickets.
The Phantoms were struggling at 30 for three chasing 109 from 22 overs after an 80-minute rain delay but Katich and Travis Birt demolished the bowling to cruise home with 31 balls to spare.
England paceman Simon Jones, playing his first senior game in six weeks, did not escape punishment with 16 coming from his second and final over.
Glamorgan had also started well with five boundaries coming from Graham Wagg's first two overs but the innings went into sharp decline when Lungley exploited a sluggish pitch to the full.
He found swing and movement off the wicket and at times was unplayable with only one run coming off the bat in his first five overs.
Jimmy Maher tried to break the spell but sliced to point and Richard Grant edged a drive after hitting eight fours in his 36 which came off 42 balls.
When Ben Wright became Lungley's third victim, the Dragons had slumped to 68 for five and they were in danger of being bowled out well inside their 40 overs when Mark Wallace and Alex Wharf fell to the spinners.
But Ryan Watkins gave the innings some much needed momentum with 39, including a six and four fours, off 43 balls to lift his team to a respectable target.
It looked even better when Wharf and Andrew Davies also made full use of the helpful conditions to strike twice in the first five overs of the Phantoms reply.
Dan Birch edged to second slip and then Michael Dighton drove to cover but the rain arrived with Derbyshire 24 for two from nine overs.
When the game restarted, Derbyshire needed another 85 from 13 overs and when Jones opened with a maiden and Greg Smith was bowled reverse sweeping Robert Croft, the odds appeared to favour the Dragons.
But a wet ball and slippery outfield certainly handicapped Glamorgan although Katich reeled off some sizzling strokes to turn the game.
He drove and cut Croft for three consecutive fours and with Birt responding to his captain's lead, the match raced away from the visitors.
The fourth wicket pair added 79 in only 5.5 overs and Derbyshire had 5.1 overs to spare when Birt struck the winning boundary.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-07-18 10:08:40
National Parks Week In The Peak
The Peak District National Park is the most accessible in the UK and, as you'd expect, they're running a host of events ranging from straightforward guided walks and cycles through to themed events highlighting different aspects of the area like archaeology or wildlife.
Here's the full list:
Wheelie Wonderful. Mon July 30, 10am-3pm. An easy 21-mile guided cycle-ride down the historic Tissington Trail. Departs Parsley Hay cycle-hire centre, eight miles south of Buxton on the A515. Booking essential: 01629 816338.
Dovedale at Dusk. Mon July 30, 7.30-9.30pm. A family-friendly guided walk with ranger Richard Gregory from Milldale village car park - near Alstonefield (free, bring a torch, no need to book).
Family Fun Earth Walk. Tue July 31, 11am-2pm. Ranger-guided walk for families around Tideswell Dale, meet Pete Wardle at Tideswell Dale Picnic Site (free, children need an adult, book on 01298 871869).
Riches from the Rocks. Wed Aug 1, 12-5pm. A free archaeological heritage walk with one of the country's foremost archaeologists, Dr John Barnatt. From Warslow Memorial Car Park (opp village hall). 5.5 miles, rough, steep terrain. Booking essential: 01629 816338.
Fishermen, Farmers and Feisty Beasts. Fri Aug 3, 10.30am-1pm. Ranger-guided walk suitable for over-7s. Discover wildlife round Hartington. Meet at Hartington Village bus-stop (free, no need to book).
Walk on the Wild Side. Sat Aug 4, 10.30am-4.30pm. Eight challenging miles over Bleaklow - steep terrain, for fit walkers. Meet Phil Bentley at Torside car park, nr Glossop (free, bring lunch, no need to book).
Moor and Farmland. Sat Aug 4, 10.30am-4.30pm. 10 miles, tough walking around Langsett, nr Sheffield/Barnsley. Meet at Langsett Barn (free, but NO dogs, bring lunch, no need to book).
Water and Woodland. Sat Aug 4, 11am. Nine miles including stunning views but rough terrain over Stanage Edge, between Hathersage/Sheffield. Meet at Hooks Carr car park (free, bring lunch, no need to book).
Summer Wine Ramble. Sun Aug 5 - 10 miles across Last of the Summer Wine" country - steep, rough terrain from Holmfirth to Langsett. For fit walkers. Meet at Langsett Barn 11am to catch 11.33am bus to Holmfirth. Return 5.30pm. (free, bring lunch, no need to book).
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-07-18 10:07:14
Here's the full list:
Wheelie Wonderful. Mon July 30, 10am-3pm. An easy 21-mile guided cycle-ride down the historic Tissington Trail. Departs Parsley Hay cycle-hire centre, eight miles south of Buxton on the A515. Booking essential: 01629 816338.
Dovedale at Dusk. Mon July 30, 7.30-9.30pm. A family-friendly guided walk with ranger Richard Gregory from Milldale village car park - near Alstonefield (free, bring a torch, no need to book).
Family Fun Earth Walk. Tue July 31, 11am-2pm. Ranger-guided walk for families around Tideswell Dale, meet Pete Wardle at Tideswell Dale Picnic Site (free, children need an adult, book on 01298 871869).
Riches from the Rocks. Wed Aug 1, 12-5pm. A free archaeological heritage walk with one of the country's foremost archaeologists, Dr John Barnatt. From Warslow Memorial Car Park (opp village hall). 5.5 miles, rough, steep terrain. Booking essential: 01629 816338.
Fishermen, Farmers and Feisty Beasts. Fri Aug 3, 10.30am-1pm. Ranger-guided walk suitable for over-7s. Discover wildlife round Hartington. Meet at Hartington Village bus-stop (free, no need to book).
Walk on the Wild Side. Sat Aug 4, 10.30am-4.30pm. Eight challenging miles over Bleaklow - steep terrain, for fit walkers. Meet Phil Bentley at Torside car park, nr Glossop (free, bring lunch, no need to book).
Moor and Farmland. Sat Aug 4, 10.30am-4.30pm. 10 miles, tough walking around Langsett, nr Sheffield/Barnsley. Meet at Langsett Barn (free, but NO dogs, bring lunch, no need to book).
Water and Woodland. Sat Aug 4, 11am. Nine miles including stunning views but rough terrain over Stanage Edge, between Hathersage/Sheffield. Meet at Hooks Carr car park (free, bring lunch, no need to book).
Summer Wine Ramble. Sun Aug 5 - 10 miles across Last of the Summer Wine" country - steep, rough terrain from Holmfirth to Langsett. For fit walkers. Meet at Langsett Barn 11am to catch 11.33am bus to Holmfirth. Return 5.30pm. (free, bring lunch, no need to book).
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-07-18 10:07:14
Derelict housing site faces bright new future
A three-acre site in Derbyshire where formerly run-down and derelict houses stood, is facing a bright new future thanks to Meden Valley Making Places (MVMP).
MVMP has selected developer Haslam Homes to transform the site at Church Drive, Shirebrook, through a £7 million development of 65 new two and three-bedroom homes planned to start from January next year.
Subject to planning approvals, Haslam Homes will create 59 homes for sale on the open market and a further six to be made available for low-cost ownership in partnership with Places for People. Completion is scheduled for summer 2008.
They will be built to Level Three of the Code for Sustainable Homes, which means that the homes will have lower carbon emissions and running costs.
Through the scheme, Haslam Homes will seek to offer training and employment opportunities for local people, with up to three apprenticeships likely to be available for local school-leavers through parent company Keepmoat plc, as well as sub-contractors and supplies also being sourced locally wherever possible.
Shaun Fielding, Partnership Manager for Haslam Homes, said: “This is a key development for us and will transform a large area that was previously largely unoccupied into an attractive place to live with a choice of housing tenure and type.
“As well as the improved housing, local people will benefit through the additional employment and training opportunities we will be offering.
“We see engaging with the local community as a vital aspect to the projects we are involved with, which all centre around working with local people, local authorities and other partners to design and deliver schemes which meet local housing needs.”
Gary Kirk, Chief Executive of Meden Valley Making Places, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Haslam Homes on this scheme. Their commitment to the wider community through the creation of training and employment opportunities for local people was key to their selection to redevelop this site, and we are confident that the project will contribute significantly to our vision of creating a sustainable and thriving community in this part of Shirebrook.”
Also on the Church Drive site is a terrace of five older three-storey properties which MVMP and Groundwork Creswell are currently transforming into eco-homes. These are due for completion mid-2007 and are soon to be marketed for sale.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-07-18 10:05:15
MVMP has selected developer Haslam Homes to transform the site at Church Drive, Shirebrook, through a £7 million development of 65 new two and three-bedroom homes planned to start from January next year.
Subject to planning approvals, Haslam Homes will create 59 homes for sale on the open market and a further six to be made available for low-cost ownership in partnership with Places for People. Completion is scheduled for summer 2008.
They will be built to Level Three of the Code for Sustainable Homes, which means that the homes will have lower carbon emissions and running costs.
Through the scheme, Haslam Homes will seek to offer training and employment opportunities for local people, with up to three apprenticeships likely to be available for local school-leavers through parent company Keepmoat plc, as well as sub-contractors and supplies also being sourced locally wherever possible.
Shaun Fielding, Partnership Manager for Haslam Homes, said: “This is a key development for us and will transform a large area that was previously largely unoccupied into an attractive place to live with a choice of housing tenure and type.
“As well as the improved housing, local people will benefit through the additional employment and training opportunities we will be offering.
“We see engaging with the local community as a vital aspect to the projects we are involved with, which all centre around working with local people, local authorities and other partners to design and deliver schemes which meet local housing needs.”
Gary Kirk, Chief Executive of Meden Valley Making Places, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Haslam Homes on this scheme. Their commitment to the wider community through the creation of training and employment opportunities for local people was key to their selection to redevelop this site, and we are confident that the project will contribute significantly to our vision of creating a sustainable and thriving community in this part of Shirebrook.”
Also on the Church Drive site is a terrace of five older three-storey properties which MVMP and Groundwork Creswell are currently transforming into eco-homes. These are due for completion mid-2007 and are soon to be marketed for sale.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-07-18 10:05:15
Rain continues to disrupt show calendar
Adverse weather continues to affect this summer's schedule of shows and events, forcing a number of cancellations or venue changes.
The Nantwich and South Cheshire Show has been forced to change both its date and venue. It will now be held on Tuesday, 24 July at South View Equestrian Centre in Wettenhall, Cheshire.
The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show's 20 – 22 July dates have all been cancelled. Organisers have said those who entered classes will have their entries transferred to the Royal Lancashire Summer Qualifier Show on 28 July at Osbaldeston.
The Notts Derby Charity Horse Show has decided to move to Eland Lodge on Hollybush Lane in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. It will take place on the same day as originally planned (11 August) and with the same schedule.
The Cheltenham one-day event in Gloucestershire, which was due to take place yesterday and today, had to be abandoned owing to waterlogging.
British Eventing (BE) has reported that of the 64 cross-country days scheduled since 14 June only 30 have run.
BE sport director Mike Etherington-Smith said: "The decision to cancel any event is never taken lightly and the organisers, volunteers and BE Officials would far rather an event ran than was abandoned but safety and welfare of horses and riders is paramount and is always the deciding factor."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-07-18 10:02:50
The Nantwich and South Cheshire Show has been forced to change both its date and venue. It will now be held on Tuesday, 24 July at South View Equestrian Centre in Wettenhall, Cheshire.
The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show's 20 – 22 July dates have all been cancelled. Organisers have said those who entered classes will have their entries transferred to the Royal Lancashire Summer Qualifier Show on 28 July at Osbaldeston.
The Notts Derby Charity Horse Show has decided to move to Eland Lodge on Hollybush Lane in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. It will take place on the same day as originally planned (11 August) and with the same schedule.
The Cheltenham one-day event in Gloucestershire, which was due to take place yesterday and today, had to be abandoned owing to waterlogging.
British Eventing (BE) has reported that of the 64 cross-country days scheduled since 14 June only 30 have run.
BE sport director Mike Etherington-Smith said: "The decision to cancel any event is never taken lightly and the organisers, volunteers and BE Officials would far rather an event ran than was abandoned but safety and welfare of horses and riders is paramount and is always the deciding factor."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-07-18 10:02:50
Derby flood victims urged to apply for funding
Derbyshire Dales District Council is urging households worst affected by the June floods to apply for a share of £50,000 funding which has been received from the Government's Flood Recovery Grant Scheme.
The funding is for individuals or families in the Derbyshire Dales whose home has suffered significant flooding in the living area of the property on 30 and 31 June 2007 (It does not apply to cellars, sheds, garages or gardens).
An application form will be available from Monday 23 July at District Council offices and can also be completed and submitted online on the website: derbyshiredales.gov.uk. Completed forms must be returned by Tuesday 7 August 2007.
Councillor Lewis Rose, OBE, Leader of the District Council said: "We know that not everyone who was affected by the flooding in June contacted the District Council for help, as people in the Dales are often equipped to help themselves, so we are encouraging anyone who feels they fall within this scheme to complete and return an application form as soon as possible."
The District Council is one of a number of authorities around the country to have received funding from the Government's £10 million Flood Recovery Grant Scheme.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-07-18 10:00:07
The funding is for individuals or families in the Derbyshire Dales whose home has suffered significant flooding in the living area of the property on 30 and 31 June 2007 (It does not apply to cellars, sheds, garages or gardens).
An application form will be available from Monday 23 July at District Council offices and can also be completed and submitted online on the website: derbyshiredales.gov.uk. Completed forms must be returned by Tuesday 7 August 2007.
Councillor Lewis Rose, OBE, Leader of the District Council said: "We know that not everyone who was affected by the flooding in June contacted the District Council for help, as people in the Dales are often equipped to help themselves, so we are encouraging anyone who feels they fall within this scheme to complete and return an application form as soon as possible."
The District Council is one of a number of authorities around the country to have received funding from the Government's £10 million Flood Recovery Grant Scheme.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-07-18 10:00:07
Monday, July 16, 2007
Bird of prey attack numbers soar
A record number of attacks on birds of preys in the Peak District have seen two species wiped out, a report says.
Goshawks and peregrine falcons are now extinct as a breeding species in the Dark Peak area, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said.
There were 17 recorded attacks in the past year including a female peregrine found dead after being shot twice.
Dr Mark Avery, from the RSPB, called for greater punishments for those who deliberately harm birds.
"Failure to condemn and tackle illegal persecution is costing the lives of some of our most popular birds," said Dr Avery.
He said the government, interest groups and landowners should "take a stand against a totally unacceptable blight on one of the UK's most important places for people and wildlife".
The Dark Peak is the higher area of the Peak District mostly in north Derbyshire. Large areas are uninhabited with isolated farms and sheep grazing the main land use.
Peregrine numbers across the UK have been rising from a low in the 1960s and the RSPB estimates there are 1,285 breeding pairs in the country. There are only 400-450 Goshawks pairs breeding in the UK.
Dr Avery said: "It is shocking to have to report that birds such as goshawks and peregrines are now extinct as breeding species in the north-east Peak moors - an appalling state of affairs that cannot be allowed to continue."
The figures were contained in a report entitled Peak Malpractice Update 2007, a report into the plight of birds of prey in the Dark Peak.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-07-16 14:10:44
Goshawks and peregrine falcons are now extinct as a breeding species in the Dark Peak area, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said.
There were 17 recorded attacks in the past year including a female peregrine found dead after being shot twice.
Dr Mark Avery, from the RSPB, called for greater punishments for those who deliberately harm birds.
"Failure to condemn and tackle illegal persecution is costing the lives of some of our most popular birds," said Dr Avery.
He said the government, interest groups and landowners should "take a stand against a totally unacceptable blight on one of the UK's most important places for people and wildlife".
The Dark Peak is the higher area of the Peak District mostly in north Derbyshire. Large areas are uninhabited with isolated farms and sheep grazing the main land use.
Peregrine numbers across the UK have been rising from a low in the 1960s and the RSPB estimates there are 1,285 breeding pairs in the country. There are only 400-450 Goshawks pairs breeding in the UK.
Dr Avery said: "It is shocking to have to report that birds such as goshawks and peregrines are now extinct as breeding species in the north-east Peak moors - an appalling state of affairs that cannot be allowed to continue."
The figures were contained in a report entitled Peak Malpractice Update 2007, a report into the plight of birds of prey in the Dark Peak.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-07-16 14:10:44
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