ROB Hulse’s 17th goal of the season gave Derby County a 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough this afternoon and pushed the Rams to the verge of safety in the Championship.
Hulse headed in on the stroke of half time and Nigel Clough’s side have broken the 50-point mark.
They now have 51 with five matches to play.
The Rams made two changes to the team that lost at Cardiff City in midweek but kept the same defence that conceded four goals at Ninian Park.
Further up the pitch, Kris Commons came in for Mile Sterjovski and Stephen Pearson replaced Robbie Savage, who had started the previous 16 matches.
Commons played off Hulse in attack and Barry Bannnan, whose loan from Aston Villa has been extended until the end of the season, moved to the right of midfield.
Luke Varney, on loan from Derby, was ineligible to play but there were two former Rams players in the home side – goalkeeper Lee Grant and striker Marcus Tudgay, the Owls’ leading scorer.
The game was staged a few days before April 15 and the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy, when 96 football fans died. There was no minute’s silence – the tribute will take place before Wednesday’s home game against Southampton a week today.
Derby made a bright start, as they did at Cardiff.
Commons curled a free kick from 30 yards straight at Grant and then Bannan’s clever ball was just too far ahead of Hulse and Grant came off his line to collect.
Hulse was booked after 13 minutes for leading with his arm as he jumped with Grant for a high ball. The challenge did not go down well with the Wednesday fans, especially as Hulse is an ex-Sheffield United striker.
The Rams continued to press and John Eustace, pushing forward from midfield when possible, headed on for Gary Teale to hit an instant volley from inside the area. His strike was on target and Grant dived high to his right to turn the ball behind for a corner.
Wednesday responded and Tudgay found Frank Simek on the over-lap. The right-back centred to Francis Jeffers who volleyed off target.
Tudgay was involved again minutes later. This time he found James O’Connor and his centre flashed across the face of goal with Jermaine Johnson unable to get a touch.
A Tudgay volley was on target until Jay McEveley blocked and when Derby failed to deal with the loose ball, Tudgay sent his second effort over. It was a let-off for the Rams.
But Wednesday started to step up their game and almost went ahead five minutes before the break.
Lewin Nyatanga fouled Jeffers and Darren Potter’s free kick from 25 yards beat Stephen Bywater and bounced back off the bar.
Pearson relieved the building pressure with a storming run down the left and was halted when O’Connor dragged him back.
Referee Steve Tanner showed the Wednesday player a yellow card and Derby took full advantage of the free kick to take the lead in added time at the end of the first half.
Teale’s delivery contained pace and accuracy and Hulse’s movement was too good for the Wednesday defence. He met the ball and buried his header high and wide of Grant.
Nyatanga felt unwell at the interval and stayed off. He was replaced by Andy Tood who joined Albrechtsen in the centre of defence.
The Rams found themselves under pressure straight after the restart when Potter’s corner found its way to Tudgay whose effort was blocked by Hulse close to his own line.
Albrechsten needed treatment as did McEveley for a cut on his head. Both continued, McEveley with his head bandaged, and then Potter was taken out by Potter’s late challenge.
Brian Laws beefed up the Wednesday attack by sending on Akpo Sodje and Leon Clarke. Tudgay moved to the right but it did not prevent him from getting in the box and his shot from an angle dipped narrowly over.
Tudgay saw a shot charged down and Sean McAllister’s drive from distance was held by Bywater as Wednesday looked for the equaliser, but Derby wasted a good opportunity when they had four against two on a counter-attack.
Wednesday won three corners in quick succession and Bywater gathered a swerving shot from substitute Etienne Esajas at the second attempt.
Esajas curled a free kick just too high but Derby, who had conceded eight goals in their previous two away games, dug in for a clean sheet.
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY: Grant; Simek, Wood, Hinds, Buxton; McAllister, O’Connor (Clarke, 55), Potter, Johnson (Esajas, 68); Tudgay, Jeffers (Sodje, 55).
Other subs: Beevers, Boden.
DERBY COUNTY: Bywater; Connolly, Albrechtsen, Nyatanga (Todd, 46), McEveley; Bannan (Sterjovski, 61), Eustace, Pearson, Teale; Commons (Savage, 79), Hulse.
Other subs: Villa, Price (gk).
Referee: S Tanner (Somerset).
Attendance: 24,392.
News and views on the Peak District by Chris Sabian of http://www.peakdistrictview.com
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Businesses are urged to bid for excellence awards
TOURISM businesses in Derbyshire are being encouraged to show just how much the region has to offer by entering an annual industry competition.
Applications are now being taken for the 2009 Enjoy England Excellence Awards and East Midlands Tourism is hoping Derbyshire businesses will put themselves forward.
There are awards for tourism businesses of all sizes and categories include those for outstanding customer service, best pub experience, large and small visitor attraction, sustainable tourism and tourism event of the year.
Businesses thinking about entering can find out more with a guide called Celebrating Excellence.
Featured in the booklet is Naomi Carmichael, owner of Croft View Cottage in Eyam, which won a gold award in the "think family" category in 2008. She said: "I would really encourage other businesses to enter these awards.They validate the business and give it extra kudos."
The deadline for applications is June 5.
To download the booklet, visit www.eastmidlandstourism. com.
Actually the awards are a complete load of b*****ks which carry no kudos whatsover. Why? Check out the winner of last years tourism website section. Then ask yourself why www.peakdistrictview.com wasn't even shortlisted. Sour grapes? You bet your life there is!
Applications are now being taken for the 2009 Enjoy England Excellence Awards and East Midlands Tourism is hoping Derbyshire businesses will put themselves forward.
There are awards for tourism businesses of all sizes and categories include those for outstanding customer service, best pub experience, large and small visitor attraction, sustainable tourism and tourism event of the year.
Businesses thinking about entering can find out more with a guide called Celebrating Excellence.
Featured in the booklet is Naomi Carmichael, owner of Croft View Cottage in Eyam, which won a gold award in the "think family" category in 2008. She said: "I would really encourage other businesses to enter these awards.They validate the business and give it extra kudos."
The deadline for applications is June 5.
To download the booklet, visit www.eastmidlandstourism. com.
Actually the awards are a complete load of b*****ks which carry no kudos whatsover. Why? Check out the winner of last years tourism website section. Then ask yourself why www.peakdistrictview.com wasn't even shortlisted. Sour grapes? You bet your life there is!
Big wheel given city council approval
PLANS for a giant London Eye-style wheel in Derby were given the go-ahead last night.
The Market Place attraction was given the seal of approval from members of Derby City Council's planning control committee, despite opposition from English Heritage.
It advised the council to look at alternative spots as it feared the city's war memorial could be damaged by vibrations.
World Tourist Attractions is behind the plans for 50m-high wheel, which will be in place from May to September.
Work will begin on building the wheel on Bank Holiday Monday, May 4, and it is due to open the following week.
The Market Place attraction was given the seal of approval from members of Derby City Council's planning control committee, despite opposition from English Heritage.
It advised the council to look at alternative spots as it feared the city's war memorial could be damaged by vibrations.
World Tourist Attractions is behind the plans for 50m-high wheel, which will be in place from May to September.
Work will begin on building the wheel on Bank Holiday Monday, May 4, and it is due to open the following week.
Birdwatching photographers under fire
Photographers' behaviour has been blamed for a fall in the survival rates of nesting dipper birds in the Derbyshire Peak District, prompting an appeal by conservationists.
'Unfortunately, disturbances at one or two of the key dipper sites has had a direct and negative impact on their nesting success in recent years,' said Phil Bowler, senior reserve manager at the Derbyshire Dales National Nature Reserve.
If disturbed, dipper 'chicks' may leave their nest too early - increasing their vulnerability to predators, warns the conservation watchdog Natural England.
The risks to a bird's survival also include the attraction of predators to the nest itself if it is disturbed as a result of it being inspected.
Natural England has issued written advice for photographers which states: 'A number of isolated instances of photographer behaviour have called into question the ethics of some photographers.'
It continues: 'We do not wish to stop photography, but to encourage photographers to behave in a responsible manner at nesting sites, reducing disturbance levels to dippers as much as possible.'
The watchdog's advice leaflet warns photographers to not attempt any photography during the nesting season (March to July) until they know where the dipper's nest is. 'This may mean that you will need to retreat a few metres and watch the movements of the birds until you have located it [the nest].'
The leaflet was drawn up with the help of photographer Paul Hobson who said: 'As a photographer, I know that it is entirely possible to get shots of these beautiful birds successfully, without disturbing them.'
Hobson, whose work has been featured in Amateur Photographer, added: 'We are hoping photographers and other interested people understand the reasons behind this code of conduct and follow it.'
Bowler said he hopes the leaflet will raise awareness of the problem among photographers and casual visitors. He added: 'Simple things such as limiting the time at the site can make a real difference.'
The advice concludes by telling photographers: 'The welfare of the subject is more important than your photography.'
'Unfortunately, disturbances at one or two of the key dipper sites has had a direct and negative impact on their nesting success in recent years,' said Phil Bowler, senior reserve manager at the Derbyshire Dales National Nature Reserve.
If disturbed, dipper 'chicks' may leave their nest too early - increasing their vulnerability to predators, warns the conservation watchdog Natural England.
The risks to a bird's survival also include the attraction of predators to the nest itself if it is disturbed as a result of it being inspected.
Natural England has issued written advice for photographers which states: 'A number of isolated instances of photographer behaviour have called into question the ethics of some photographers.'
It continues: 'We do not wish to stop photography, but to encourage photographers to behave in a responsible manner at nesting sites, reducing disturbance levels to dippers as much as possible.'
The watchdog's advice leaflet warns photographers to not attempt any photography during the nesting season (March to July) until they know where the dipper's nest is. 'This may mean that you will need to retreat a few metres and watch the movements of the birds until you have located it [the nest].'
The leaflet was drawn up with the help of photographer Paul Hobson who said: 'As a photographer, I know that it is entirely possible to get shots of these beautiful birds successfully, without disturbing them.'
Hobson, whose work has been featured in Amateur Photographer, added: 'We are hoping photographers and other interested people understand the reasons behind this code of conduct and follow it.'
Bowler said he hopes the leaflet will raise awareness of the problem among photographers and casual visitors. He added: 'Simple things such as limiting the time at the site can make a real difference.'
The advice concludes by telling photographers: 'The welfare of the subject is more important than your photography.'
Peak plea to owners
Dogwalkers have been asked to keep dogs on short leads in the Peak District this spring to protect young wildlife, birds and farm animals.
Park rangers, the Kennel Club and Derbyshire Police have backed a campaign to remind owners they are required by law to keep their dogs under control.
Field services manager Jenny Waller said: "We're delighted to see people walking dogs in the countryside, but ask them to keep pets on short, two-metre leads during this sensitive time from March 1 to July 31.
"Sheep and lambs can be badly injured by uncontrolled dogs and ground-nesting birds like curlew and lapwing and creatures such as hares are easily disturbed."
Park rangers, the Kennel Club and Derbyshire Police have backed a campaign to remind owners they are required by law to keep their dogs under control.
Field services manager Jenny Waller said: "We're delighted to see people walking dogs in the countryside, but ask them to keep pets on short, two-metre leads during this sensitive time from March 1 to July 31.
"Sheep and lambs can be badly injured by uncontrolled dogs and ground-nesting birds like curlew and lapwing and creatures such as hares are easily disturbed."
Beavers set for Peak comeback
Beavers – which were last seen in Britain 400 years ago – could return to the Peak District after conservationists earmarked the park as one of the most suitable habitats in England.
The report by Natural England and the People's Trust for Endangered Species found the area's rivers to be the right size and speed for the tree-chopping rodents to flourish.
The joint report placed the park in the top five best-suited areas in the country for a reintroduction of European Beavers – which died out here in the 17th century.
And it highlighted authorities' requirement to consider reinstating lost species, under European law.
Peak District National Park Authority environment manager Rhodri Thomas was surprised, but interested by the possibilities.
Mr Thomas said: "We've not considered reintroduction of beavers because it has not seemed the most obviously suitable area.
"The report identifies beavers as favouring lowland rivers in well-wooded landscapes, which would not seem to fit many areas of the Peak District."
He added: "I welcome the consideration of reintroducing extinct native species here, providing conditions exist or can be readily created to sustain a viable long-term population.
"This is an initial beaver feasibility study and much more detailed and site-specific studies would be needed before deciding whether to support a reintroduction."
Beavers' potential effect on farming, fishing, forestry, residents, tourism, water quality and wildlife would be considered.
Heather Turley, from Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said beavers were "a missing part of out watery landscape" and could make a positive impact to English countryside. But she added extensive consultation would be needed before any release schemes.
Natural England chief scientist Tom Tew said: "Beavers could have a range of environmental benefits but could only be reintroduced under the right conditions.
"The challenge in considering any future licence application is to ensure these conditions can be met," he added.
The report by Natural England and the People's Trust for Endangered Species found the area's rivers to be the right size and speed for the tree-chopping rodents to flourish.
The joint report placed the park in the top five best-suited areas in the country for a reintroduction of European Beavers – which died out here in the 17th century.
And it highlighted authorities' requirement to consider reinstating lost species, under European law.
Peak District National Park Authority environment manager Rhodri Thomas was surprised, but interested by the possibilities.
Mr Thomas said: "We've not considered reintroduction of beavers because it has not seemed the most obviously suitable area.
"The report identifies beavers as favouring lowland rivers in well-wooded landscapes, which would not seem to fit many areas of the Peak District."
He added: "I welcome the consideration of reintroducing extinct native species here, providing conditions exist or can be readily created to sustain a viable long-term population.
"This is an initial beaver feasibility study and much more detailed and site-specific studies would be needed before deciding whether to support a reintroduction."
Beavers' potential effect on farming, fishing, forestry, residents, tourism, water quality and wildlife would be considered.
Heather Turley, from Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said beavers were "a missing part of out watery landscape" and could make a positive impact to English countryside. But she added extensive consultation would be needed before any release schemes.
Natural England chief scientist Tom Tew said: "Beavers could have a range of environmental benefits but could only be reintroduced under the right conditions.
"The challenge in considering any future licence application is to ensure these conditions can be met," he added.
Beavers set for Peak comeback
Beavers – which were last seen in Britain 400 years ago – could return to the Peak District after conservationists earmarked the park as one of the most suitable habitats in England.
The report by Natural England and the People's Trust for Endangered Species found the area's rivers to be the right size and speed for the tree-chopping rodents to flourish.
The joint report placed the park in the top five best-suited areas in the country for a reintroduction of European Beavers – which died out here in the 17th century.
And it highlighted authorities' requirement to consider reinstating lost species, under European law.
Peak District National Park Authority environment manager Rhodri Thomas was surprised, but interested by the possibilities.
Mr Thomas said: "We've not considered reintroduction of beavers because it has not seemed the most obviously suitable area.
"The report identifies beavers as favouring lowland rivers in well-wooded landscapes, which would not seem to fit many areas of the Peak District."
He added: "I welcome the consideration of reintroducing extinct native species here, providing conditions exist or can be readily created to sustain a viable long-term population.
"This is an initial beaver feasibility study and much more detailed and site-specific studies would be needed before deciding whether to support a reintroduction."
Beavers' potential effect on farming, fishing, forestry, residents, tourism, water quality and wildlife would be considered.
Heather Turley, from Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said beavers were "a missing part of out watery landscape" and could make a positive impact to English countryside. But she added extensive consultation would be needed before any release schemes.
Natural England chief scientist Tom Tew said: "Beavers could have a range of environmental benefits but could only be reintroduced under the right conditions.
"The challenge in considering any future licence application is to ensure these conditions can be met," he added.
The report by Natural England and the People's Trust for Endangered Species found the area's rivers to be the right size and speed for the tree-chopping rodents to flourish.
The joint report placed the park in the top five best-suited areas in the country for a reintroduction of European Beavers – which died out here in the 17th century.
And it highlighted authorities' requirement to consider reinstating lost species, under European law.
Peak District National Park Authority environment manager Rhodri Thomas was surprised, but interested by the possibilities.
Mr Thomas said: "We've not considered reintroduction of beavers because it has not seemed the most obviously suitable area.
"The report identifies beavers as favouring lowland rivers in well-wooded landscapes, which would not seem to fit many areas of the Peak District."
He added: "I welcome the consideration of reintroducing extinct native species here, providing conditions exist or can be readily created to sustain a viable long-term population.
"This is an initial beaver feasibility study and much more detailed and site-specific studies would be needed before deciding whether to support a reintroduction."
Beavers' potential effect on farming, fishing, forestry, residents, tourism, water quality and wildlife would be considered.
Heather Turley, from Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said beavers were "a missing part of out watery landscape" and could make a positive impact to English countryside. But she added extensive consultation would be needed before any release schemes.
Natural England chief scientist Tom Tew said: "Beavers could have a range of environmental benefits but could only be reintroduced under the right conditions.
"The challenge in considering any future licence application is to ensure these conditions can be met," he added.
Season Preview - Derbyshire
After making slight improvements on the field in 2008, Derbyshire head into this season hoping for a more stress-free campaign.
On paper the appointment of Rikki Clarke as captain last summer looked shrewd, in reality, it was anything but. It has now been left to Australia opening batsman Chris Rogers to turns things around at the County Ground.
However, it is the arrival of Rogers' compatriot Stuart Law which will have the Derbyshire faithful dreaming of lifting their first piece silverware since winning the Benson and Hedges Cup in 1993.
After his acrimonious departure from Lancashire, Law arrives in the East Midlands on a limited-overs contract. His signing is a timely one - second to bottom finishes in Division Two of the Pro40 and the Twenty20 Cup providing little cheer for Phantoms followers last season.
As well as the signing of Law, Derbyshire have added to their strong all-rounder department with the capture of Warwickshire's Tim Groenewald.
Groenewald, 25, is a useful medium-fast bowler who can more than hold his own with the bat. He is joined by Durham's former back-up gloveman Garry Park and promising leg-spinner Mark Lawson at the club after both found first-team opportunities at their respective clubs limited.
There are also a number of notable absentees from Derbyshire's pre-season training camp. Left-arm paceman Kevin Dean spent 15 years at Derbyshire but both he and veteran all-rounder Graeme Welch have officially called time on their playing careers.
Consecutive sixth-placed finishes in Division Two of the County Championship have built a platform on which Derbyshire will look to build for the future.
And with promising youngsters Jonathan Clare and Dan Redfern beginning to shine, coach John Morris has more reasons to be cheerful than fearful ahead of the new campaign.
Big year for - Graham Wagg - With 59 County Championship wickets and over 500 runs to his name in 2008, Derbyshire will be hoping for more of the same from Wagg this summer. His performances have made the England Lions selectors stand up and take note and an equally impressive campaign this time out could help end a 16-year trophy drought at the County Ground.
Rising star - Dan Redfern - Remarkably Redfern is entering his third season in first-class cricket and he is still only 18. The England U17 and U19 representative has long been tipped for big things and his could be the season he delivers.
On paper the appointment of Rikki Clarke as captain last summer looked shrewd, in reality, it was anything but. It has now been left to Australia opening batsman Chris Rogers to turns things around at the County Ground.
However, it is the arrival of Rogers' compatriot Stuart Law which will have the Derbyshire faithful dreaming of lifting their first piece silverware since winning the Benson and Hedges Cup in 1993.
After his acrimonious departure from Lancashire, Law arrives in the East Midlands on a limited-overs contract. His signing is a timely one - second to bottom finishes in Division Two of the Pro40 and the Twenty20 Cup providing little cheer for Phantoms followers last season.
As well as the signing of Law, Derbyshire have added to their strong all-rounder department with the capture of Warwickshire's Tim Groenewald.
Groenewald, 25, is a useful medium-fast bowler who can more than hold his own with the bat. He is joined by Durham's former back-up gloveman Garry Park and promising leg-spinner Mark Lawson at the club after both found first-team opportunities at their respective clubs limited.
There are also a number of notable absentees from Derbyshire's pre-season training camp. Left-arm paceman Kevin Dean spent 15 years at Derbyshire but both he and veteran all-rounder Graeme Welch have officially called time on their playing careers.
Consecutive sixth-placed finishes in Division Two of the County Championship have built a platform on which Derbyshire will look to build for the future.
And with promising youngsters Jonathan Clare and Dan Redfern beginning to shine, coach John Morris has more reasons to be cheerful than fearful ahead of the new campaign.
Big year for - Graham Wagg - With 59 County Championship wickets and over 500 runs to his name in 2008, Derbyshire will be hoping for more of the same from Wagg this summer. His performances have made the England Lions selectors stand up and take note and an equally impressive campaign this time out could help end a 16-year trophy drought at the County Ground.
Rising star - Dan Redfern - Remarkably Redfern is entering his third season in first-class cricket and he is still only 18. The England U17 and U19 representative has long been tipped for big things and his could be the season he delivers.
Awards on the menu for Peak hotels
Two Peak District hotels are celebrating after being awarded rosettes in the latest round of AA honours.
The Monsal Head won its first AA rosette for culinary excellence while, The Maynard in Grindleford claimed its second.
Monsal Head manager Sarah Belfield said: "It's really rewarding to receive recognition for all the hard work and effort that goes in and we're really proud to have achieved this accolade.
"We have an amazing kitchen team who have been together for a while now and everybody is looking forward to a very busy summer."
Maynard director Paul Downing praised his staff's team effort.
"Getting rosettes is difficult enough but keeping them can be an even more difficult task. You're only as good as your last meal and it keeps us on our toes," he added.
The Monsal Head won its first AA rosette for culinary excellence while, The Maynard in Grindleford claimed its second.
Monsal Head manager Sarah Belfield said: "It's really rewarding to receive recognition for all the hard work and effort that goes in and we're really proud to have achieved this accolade.
"We have an amazing kitchen team who have been together for a while now and everybody is looking forward to a very busy summer."
Maynard director Paul Downing praised his staff's team effort.
"Getting rosettes is difficult enough but keeping them can be an even more difficult task. You're only as good as your last meal and it keeps us on our toes," he added.
Bid to save 400-year-old estate held up by mushrooms
THE owner of a 400-year-old Derbyshire estate has had to shelve plans to turn it into a venue for weddings due to a rare type of mushroom.
Sir Richard FitzHerbert has lived at Tissington Hall for 20 years and is getting ready to celebrate its 400th anniversary later this year.
Since his family has owned the grade-II-listed Jacobean estate, in the village of Tissington, Sir Richard has seen its running costs rocket to more than £120,000 a year.
In 2007, he applied to build a temporary extension to host weddings in the 2,000-acre estate – hoping the income would save his family from having to sell it.
But the Peak District National Park Authority, which is dealing with the application, has told him a survey may have to be carried out to check whether a rare type of mushroom grows in the lawns.
Sir Richard said the extension has been in the pipeline for 16 months.
He said: "It's very frustrating that these plans have become tied up in red tape and if the authority decides I need to have a survey done, the earliest time that can be is September.
"Some people book their weddings two years in advance and because my application has become so tied up, I've missed both the 2008 and 2009 season. Tissington Hall is 400 years old this year and I'm fearful for its future – unless we can raise extra revenue then we could be in serious trouble."
The plan for the temporary extension is not the first attempt Sir Richard has made to raise funds.
Earlier this year, 20 antique Chippendale chairs, designed for the stately home, were auctioned off to raise extra funds.
The dining chairs, which had been kept in the 61-room house for hundreds of years, fetched £70,000, which has been put towards running costs. Sir Richard said putting the chairs up for auction was not an easy decision to make but something that had to be done to ensure the estate's survival.
He said: "I really did not want to let them go, but I've rearranged the furniture so you don't miss them quite so much.
"With heating bills, staff and gardens, it costs in the region of £120,000 a year to maintain the estate and that's just basic running costs without renovations that need doing. The perception is that if you live in a big house you have lots of money. We haven't, and unless we get help, the end option will be to sell Tissington Hall."
A spokesman for Peak District National Park Authority was unable to say when a decision on Sir Richard's planning application was due.
Sir Richard FitzHerbert has lived at Tissington Hall for 20 years and is getting ready to celebrate its 400th anniversary later this year.
Since his family has owned the grade-II-listed Jacobean estate, in the village of Tissington, Sir Richard has seen its running costs rocket to more than £120,000 a year.
In 2007, he applied to build a temporary extension to host weddings in the 2,000-acre estate – hoping the income would save his family from having to sell it.
But the Peak District National Park Authority, which is dealing with the application, has told him a survey may have to be carried out to check whether a rare type of mushroom grows in the lawns.
Sir Richard said the extension has been in the pipeline for 16 months.
He said: "It's very frustrating that these plans have become tied up in red tape and if the authority decides I need to have a survey done, the earliest time that can be is September.
"Some people book their weddings two years in advance and because my application has become so tied up, I've missed both the 2008 and 2009 season. Tissington Hall is 400 years old this year and I'm fearful for its future – unless we can raise extra revenue then we could be in serious trouble."
The plan for the temporary extension is not the first attempt Sir Richard has made to raise funds.
Earlier this year, 20 antique Chippendale chairs, designed for the stately home, were auctioned off to raise extra funds.
The dining chairs, which had been kept in the 61-room house for hundreds of years, fetched £70,000, which has been put towards running costs. Sir Richard said putting the chairs up for auction was not an easy decision to make but something that had to be done to ensure the estate's survival.
He said: "I really did not want to let them go, but I've rearranged the furniture so you don't miss them quite so much.
"With heating bills, staff and gardens, it costs in the region of £120,000 a year to maintain the estate and that's just basic running costs without renovations that need doing. The perception is that if you live in a big house you have lots of money. We haven't, and unless we get help, the end option will be to sell Tissington Hall."
A spokesman for Peak District National Park Authority was unable to say when a decision on Sir Richard's planning application was due.
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