March 2018

Monty Python’s Spamalot

As part of a major nine month tour, Derby Theatre is thrilled to present Selladoor Prod uctions and Mercury Theatre Colchester’s brand new, even SPAMMIER, production of Monty Python’s Spamalot as part of their spring 2018 season. Lovingly ripped off from the hugely successful 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a riotous comedy full of misfit knights, killer rabbits, dancing nuns and ferocious Frenchmen.

Little Mermaid Circus Sensation

 Spectacular circus and spellbinding songs combine in this extraordinary new adaptation from the award-winning Metta Theatre. With awe-inspiring acrobatics and hauntingly beautiful original songs this is a show for the whole family to enjoy. 

NOT WORDS

Do you know the stories of the local women who fought for your vote? The women who used their experience of fighting for workers' rights to help galvanise women across the country? It's time we put them on the map. Come and help us do this as part of NOT WORDS, an HLF funded project which uncovers Derbyshire women and their stories.

 

Arts and Culture News

At the beginning of March, we closed our Grants for the Arts fund and opened a new fund in its place called Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants.

'In the Mood'

Good mood?  Bad mood? Just plain moody?   How can we show it in prose or poetry?

 

Chesterfield Library

 

'First  Tuesday' Meetings are held between 2 pm and 4pm every month except August and are suitable for anyone  who is interested in discussing and undertaking practical exercises in creative writing - prose or poetry

 

They are held in the Meeting Room Lower Ground Floor - Next to 'Browser' Cafe 

 

No booking necessary- just turn up

Buxton relives death-defying stunts on the silver screen

Death-defying stunts including driving a car down a busy shopping street blindfolded and a man hanging in a straitjacket from a burning rope will feature in rarely-seen archive film at a special event organised by The Friends of Buxton International Festival.

The British Pathé newsreels are part of the Friends’ recreation of the golden years of Hollywood where the audience will be greeted with a red carpet reception at Britain’s best example of an Art Deco cinema.

Our councillors set to consider new £1.5m action grant boost for community groups

Extra cash for clubs, community groups and charities across Derbyshire is set to be made available under proposals to be considered by our Cabinet next week.

If approved, a total of 2,000 action grants of £500 each would be offered up until 31 January 2020 to local organisations with plans and projects that would benefit their local community.

A further £500,000 could also be made available for projects which aim to improve health and encourage physical activity.

Our Cabinet will consider the proposals at a meeting on Thursday 5 April.

New guide to the countryside out now

A free booklet packed with fun activities and events taking place at our countryside sites is out now to help you enjoy the great outdoors this Easter and over the year ahead.

The Countryside Destinations and Events 2018 booklet, available online and from countryside centres, tourist information centres and libraries is packed full of events across the county with many for free or for a small cost. 

There's something for everyone from popular seasonal events, family fun and festivals to skilled workshops, wildlife and heritage events. 

This is Normanton – a new exhibition to celebrate Derby suburb

The launch of the This is Normanton exhibition will take place on Saturday 10 March at Pickford’s House, Derby at 1.45pm with speeches starting at 2pm.

This is Normanton is a local history project that explores the changing landscape of Normanton Road and Pear Tree Road in Derby from the 1960’s to present day. This exhibition has been co-curated with volunteers and members of the local community.

Exile Music Festival

This year, Exile Music Festival is opening its Sunday afternoon stage to young performers. “Exile Introduces” is their new initiative to showcase promising young artistes.
Ted Morris, one of the Festival Organisers commented that “Derbyshire and the surrounding area has a wealth of young talent, its sometimes quite difficult for young bands to get noticed. We hope that Exile Introduces will go some way to helping these bands get the promotion and bookings they deserve.”

New Mills Festival Spring Update

IT MIGHT BE COLD OUTSIDE....but here at New Mills Festival, we're looking forward to Spring, Summer and, most importantly, Autumn with plans for the Festival Fringe well underway.   

Also in this update, details of an exciting gig taking place on 7 April 2018, Mr Wilson's Second Liners, and the return of the One World Festival in July. There's a lot to look forward to in 2018. 

Writing East Midlands Writer Call Out

Writing East Midlands (WEM) is working in partnership with High Peak Community Arts on an exciting new residency project taking place May/ June 2018.  We are looking to place a female writer in a Women’s Family Centre and Recovery Unit in Buxton to deliver 5 creative writing  workshops to survivors of domestic violence, homeless women, those recovering from drug and alcohol dependency, and other women in the community.  Some of the participants will be resident at Charis House or Oldfield Farm (Good News Family Care), some will be living in the community.  We will work directly with approxi

Vital Valley Creative Producer

Vital Valley is a programme designed to inspire and enable people to have a sense of pride in and belonging to the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site (DVMWHS). Building on the success of previous arts interventions along and within the DVMWHS, we are now seeking to commission a Creative Producer to deliver a multi-faceted arts project to run throughout the three years of the Vital Valley Scheme.

Chapel Arts announces competition winner!

Chapel Arts has announced the winner of its 3rd Annual Writing Competition, Stephanie Billen from Buxton.

The prose competition allowed a maximum of 1000 words with budding authors given the title of Invisible Friends. Winner Stephanie, who will receive a small prize and be published on the Chapel Arts website, took her inspiration from social media, creating a story praised by local judge and competition sponsor, author Dr Mark P Henderson, as  “a highly original piece, beautifully paced, and well-nigh perfect in style and mechanics”.

Bakewell’s 16th International Day of Dance

 The Bakewell International Day of Dance has gone from strength to strength and is now celebrating its 16th year - on Saturday 30th June 2018.   For one day every year, the picturesque town of Bakewell hosts a stunning celebration of world music and dance, heralding the start of Bakewell Carnival Week.  On the same day as the Farmers Market and with local well dressings on show, it is a day out not to miss, so join the several thousand people who travel from  around the country to enjoy the dancing, colour and fun. 

Adventure photographer John Beatty at BAF – April 2018

GLOBALLY renowned travel, wildlife and adventure photographer John Beatty will headline the Lowepro Buxton Adventure Festival on Wednesday, 11th April 2018.

He has explored 38 countries over the past 29 years in pursuit of stories and photos that have enthralled audiences at international film festivals and received accolades from the media, public and leading brands in the photographic industry.

2018 Fringe programme building up!

With a month to go before the final deadline for entries, Buxton Festival Fringe (July 4-22) has nearly 70 acts lined up already with many more to come as the bigger venues finalise their programmes.

The Fringe is open to all and there is still time to take advantage of its early entry discount scheme, which is available until the end of March.

Arts Council England announces new £14.4 million fund to cultivate individual talent

ACE has launched Developing your Creative Practice, a new £14.4m fund specifically designed to support independent creative practitioners. The programme is unlike any other current Arts Council fund, because it will give practitioners time to work on ambitious and innovative projects, without the immediate pressure of showing their work publicly. Recipients will be able to use the funding to support periods of research, to develop new work and ideas, work internationally, and for training, networking or mentoring.
 

Creative Studio, West Studios, Collaboration with Chesterfield College Art and Design Students: Young Contemporaries 2018

May 2018 brings us a new collective of Chesterfield College Art and Design students, who will form the Young Contemporaries 2018.

In collaboration with the West Studios Tenants Open Studios on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th May, this creative group will host their first contemporary exhibition as professional artists. The group will be exhibiting a combination of work created within their courses alongside personal projects.

Sign up for new summer term of adult education courses

Residents are being invited to sign up to learn something new this summer with our Adult Community Education Service.

Bookings can be made from Monday 19 March 2018 for hundreds of daytime and evening courses and activities on offer this year providing opportunities for people to study for new qualifications or explore new hobbies and interests.

The summer term starts on Monday 9 April 2018 and residents can view the course listings and sign up online.

Virtual school project reaches for the stars

Children and young people of our Virtual School are to take part in a new project inspired by the night sky.

Cromford-based production company Adverse Camber has joined forces with the Virtual School and secured around £40,000 in funding to launch the Stars and Stories project.

Annual Leaflet Swap & Exhibition

 

This year we are delighted to be holding the leaflet swap in Buxton’s historic and recently renovated Pump Room on March 22nd.  If you haven’t yet seen the interior of this beautiful building this is a great opportunity!

Join us between 10.00am and 2.00pm, tea/coffee and cake will be provided.

Spital Arts event

Our next exciting Spital Arts event takes place on Friday April 13th at 7.30pm in St. Leonards Church , Valley Road/Hartington Road Spital, Chesterfield S41 0HA. 

We are very pleased to have Valerie Burrows, a local Spital Weaver to talk and demonstrate 'From Sheep to Shawl  A Journey throiugh Fleece and FIbre and how they can be used'.

There will be slides and an opportunity to have a go at embroidery, spinning and weaving  and to ask questions of the demonstrators

Upcoming Events at the Barn..

Spring Bistro Evening 

The same delicious menu just a new date!!!
   Wednesday 21st March 7.00pm - 10.00pm
A  Fund Raising Event for the Dronfield Hall Barn Garden

 

St George’s Day Celebrations

Derby LIVE is pleased to announce it will once again be working with FOLK 3D and The Lost Boys Theatre Company, along with local schools and community groups to deliver an annual feast of family fun this coming St George’s Day weekend. The free city centre celebrations will be taking place on Saturday 21 April between 11am and 3:30pm.

Derby Theatre announces new shows - summer brochure now available

This summer, Derby Theatre will: produce and present two fabulous festivals, a summer festival of fresh, new and exciting theatre for emerging artists and audiences alike, and one specifically aimed at 11-25 year olds, plus a charming new family show; play host to top quality touring productions and an exciting and eclectic season of cutting edge and thrilling Studio shows and some great one nighters, plus, as ever, there will be a vast amount of opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in the work they do.

Rock Pools exhibition

March 26th -April 28th; 10am till 4pm except Wednesdays at Derby Arboretum; Derby

All the photos were taken in Scarborough my home town over a period of four months to find the best shots out of many

images took a while.

It is an unusual selection of my photos and images; taken with blind photography( shooting without looking);

the main images of the pools were photographed this way from above; I have then printed as circular images onto watercolour paper; again one of my styles.

Comedy giants come to Derby Arena in 2018

Derby LIVE is bringing audiences five giants of British comedy to Derby Arena this year, with John Bishop, Ed Byrne, Russell Brand, Sarah Millican and Jason Manford all making Derby a stop on their tours.

‘Come On In’ to Matlock Market Hall in Fairtrade Fortnight on March 9th

Matlock’s Market Hall is going to play host to the first nightmarket in the Town on March 9th thanks to a partnership between Hecate Arts, Matlock Fairtrade Group and Derby-shire Dales District Council.
The event, on the final weekend of Fairtrade Fortnight will feature schools and perform-ers being invited to share their work and ideas about living in a fairer world alongside Fairtrade, ethical and local producers.

Dan Walsh Trio 2018 UK Tour

After a mammoth solo world tour promoting the release of the critically acclaimed 'Verging On The Perpendicular' album, BBC Folk Award nominee Dan Walsh's annual UK tour offers an exciting change for 2018 seeing the launch of the all-new Dan Walsh Trio. This exciting new outfit sees him team up with award winning fiddler Ciaran Algar and long-time collaborator Nic Zuppardi on mandolin. Although a few favourites from Dan's previous highly praised albums will be in the set, the gigs are mostly to be shaped around brand new and innovative mate

COMMISSIONING OPPORTUNITY EATS AND TREATS

Bolsover District Council on behalf of Bolsover Partnership wishes to commission an organisation that that will co-ordinate, facilitate and manage 5 Eats and Treats events over a 12 month period in Bolsover district to build community confidence and capacity to engage with service providers and address health and well-being needs and issues.   

This contract is being offered over a 12 month period, with the option to extend by a further 12 months subject to satisfactory performance, and availability of funding.

For further information, please click the link below:

 

Top things to do outdoors in Derby this spring

The Beast from the East has left, and now it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy the start of spring. There’s so much to do outdoors in Derby this spring, with events across Derby Parks, activities for kids and outdoor sports.

Derby College Apprentice Gains Regional Recognition

An Engineering apprentice at Derby College has been recognised by East Midlands Chamber in their annual Enterprising Women awards.

Amber Nicholson (22) from Chaddesden is an apprentice with AESSEAL in Derby which is part of a global company specialising in mechanical seals and support systems.

Pledge Goal Draws Closer For Canal Trust

Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust has nearly reached its goal to secure £100,000 in pledges which will then open the door to further grants and funding.

Pledges have been flooding in from local people, businesses and canal enthusiasts and £85,000 has been earmarked towards the £352,000 restoration of a ‘Golden Mile’ of canal in Draycott into a major leisure attraction.

As soon as  the pledge total has been reached, the Trust can call in matched funding so that work can start on the “Golden Mile” stretch of canal this summer on a 12-week construction programme.

Derby College Event Highlights STEM Career Opportunities

Derby College celebrated International Women’s Day with an event recognising the achievements of women at local and regional businesses focused on Science, Technology, Construction, Engineering and Maths and highlighting career opportunities available to young people.

St Peters Quarter Businesses Join Tidy Up Event

Representatives from businesses in Derby’s St Peters Quarter Business Improvement District (BID) have held their first Tidy Day of the year - joining an early-morning litter pick to highlight their commitment to keeping the area tidy.

The Business Tidy event is part of the St Peters Quarter five-year BID programme which includes activities to improve the environment and visitor experience in the area.

Derby College Celebrates Higher Education Successes

Higher Education students at Derby College came under the spotlight at an awards ceremony at the Roundhouse to celebrate their success.

As well as certificates for completing their Higher Education study programmes at the College in Construction, Animal Management and Business, there were several special awards presented in recognition of students’ personal achievements.

STAND UP! CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Artcore

3 Charnwood St, Derby 

01332 384561

10th -20th of March 2018

Exhibition Opening times: Monday to Friday 9.30am-4.30pm

Normanton-based arts organisation, Artcore is active in exploring provoking ideas and issues of topical interest through the medium of art.

In this special occasion we investigate what is the role of women in art and what is their impact in our current society.

Outdoor Theatre and Cinema season returns for 2018

The ever-popular Outdoor Theatre and Cinema season will return to Markeaton Park Craft Village this June, July and August. Derby LIVE and Derby Parks will be bringing audiences thrilling shows from Oddsocks Productions, Babbling Vagabonds and Squashbox Theatre, as well as showings of classic films, and all in the beautiful surroundings of Markeaton Park.

Toyota drives vote of confidence for Derbyshire

We've welcomed a decision by car manufacturer Toyota to build its new Auris model at its factory in Burnaston as a boost for the Derbyshire economy.

The announcement from the Japanese firm, which has been manufacturing cars at Burnaston on the outskirts of Derby for 25 years, is expected to secure jobs at the plant for at least the next six years.

It marks the 20th anniversary of our twinning arrangement with Toyota City − a long-standing relationship which has forged strong employment, education, cultural and tourism links between the two regions.

DART DAY — EAST MIDLANDS CALL FOR ARTISTS/COMPANIES

DART (standing for Developing Artists/Art for Rural Touring) is an initiative run by Live & Local with the objective of helping emerging (or established) companies and artists take their first steps in rural touring. Its key aims are those of identifying and nurturing new talent, developing exciting new work for rural touring audiences, and deepening audience engagement with the arts by bringing them closer to the art itself.

Indietracks Festival: 27-29 July 2018

We're delighted to say that British Sea Power, Honeyblood, The Lovely Eggs, Dream Wife, Girl Ray and Sacred Paws are among 35 artists confirmed today for this year’s Indietracks festival.

The above artists are joined by Darren Hayma (playing ‘Breaking God’s Heart’), Even As We Speak, Haiku Salut, Onsind, The Smittens, Anna Burch, Boyracer, Night Flowers and Eureka California.

Two Job Vacancies at Live & Local

Marketing Assistant

£16,772 to £17,169 subject to experience (full time / 35 hrs per week / flexi time) with supplementary payments for any additional weekend and unsociable hours worked.

Buxton inspires world of music

Buxton has been praised by one of the country’s top orchestras for helping to inspire generations of musicians.

English Touring Opera   – who will perform on March 23 in a concert for the Friends of Buxton International Festival – say they have developed a “special relationship” with the town which has become one of their favourite venues.

And they will be bringing a programme which promises musical fireworks.

''ETO's relationship with Buxton is indeed a very special one,” said the Orchestra’s General Director James Conway.

KEYS TO OPEN BELPER ARTS FESTIVAL

Belper Arts Festival will open on 5th May with a special concert at St. Peter's Church.

Irish soprano Margaret Keys and Guests will appear in Belper between concerts with Michael Crawford  and Russell Watson. Margaret follows in the footsteps of poet Ian MacMillan and Karen England in appearing at the Belper Festival which is now in its sixth year. Most notably, the Festival saw the appearance of the Kanneh Mason family in the week when Sheku Kanneh Mason was named BBC Young Musician Of The Year.

App Proposals Pave the Way For Future Promotion

Computing students at Derby College have devised proposals for a mobile app that would help raise the profile of Elvaston Castle and attract more visitors.

Elvaston Castle successfully applied to be part of a community project run by graduate trainees at Rolls-Royce.

Dance Active Programme Tackles Falls Risks

An innovative programme to improve older people’s core stability and reduce their risk of falling and injuring themselves has been expanded in the city.

The Dance Active sessions, run by Derby-based regional dance house Déda and Derby City Council, are part of a wider Falls Management Exercise programme. 

So far 48 people have taken part in Dance Active sessions with the average age of participants being 79.

Bursary Boost For Derby College Apprentice

An apprentice at Derby College has been awarded a £1,000 bursary from construction company Bowmer & Kirkland to support his future studies and job career goals.

Matthew Johnson (22) from Breadsall works for Jenbrooke Construction and attends Derby College on day release to complete his level three brickwork apprenticeship.

Broomfield Hall Lambing Sunday

Visitors to Derby College’s Broomfield Hall campus in Morley on Sunday March 18 between 11am and 3pm will have the chance to meet the new-born lambs and other animals who are cared for by students at the College.

Broomfield Hall’s working farm and animal unit will be open throughout the day where visitors can see a wide range of resident animals and exotic species from the new wallabies to reptiles.