January 2021

Derby Telegraph confirmed as final sponsor for the Derby Ram Trail

It’s fab-ewe-lous news for Derby, as the Derby Telegraph offer their support to the Derby Ram Trail.

The Derby Telegraph will work closely with Derby Museums to help promote the Derby Ram Trail, coming to Derby in May this year.

The free discovery trail will run from 27 May to 22 August 2021, when 30 stunning 5ft Ram sculptures, each designed and painted by a different artist, will be dotted all over the city.

Businesses Step Up Support For Hope Box Appeal

A wide range of businesses have successfully kick-started a special appeal launched by Derbyshire’s specialist child exploitation charity Safe and Sound.

Safe and Sound have teamed up with Derby-based personalised gift company Colleague Box to create a bespoke ‘Hope Box’ for local young people and families who they work with.

Further Capital Works Planned Ahead of Next T-Levels Launch

Derby College Group (DCG) has been awarded a £780,000 government grant to create new laboratory and integrated IT facilities for students who will join the second stage of the T-Levels roll out programme this September.

Existing rooms at DCG’s Joseph Wright Centre will be refurbished over the coming months ahead of the launch of the Science T-Level this September which is focused on enabling the next generation of laboratory scientists to become work-ready.

HSG Expands Offer To Keep Workplaces Covid-Safe

Washroom services and water conservation specialists HSG have expanded their offer in response to the increasing requirements for fast and accurate Coronavirus testing in the workplace.

Derby-based HSG are now able to supply to businesses lateral flow rapid testing kits, which give results within 15 minutes, and then arrange the collection and safe disposal of the kits after use.

New Training Focuses On Grief in The Workplace

Family-owned funeral directors Wathall’s, whose bereavement support programme has attracted several regional and national awards, has launched a new service to help employers better understand and support colleagues who have lost a loved one.

The new online training programme has been developed by the Wathall’s bereavement support and counselling team and is run by the company’s trained facilitators.

SHOWCASE - ‘Only the Lonely’ – how the pandemic added an extra dimension to Tony Fisher’s loneliness project

Tony Fisher is a photographic artist based in Riddings near Alfreton. Tony describes his work as “looking through the lens and capturing what I see – transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, seizing the moment.”

This blog is the forth in our #WINDOWONTHEWORLD series which offers a platform to artists who are using creativity to shine a light on the experiences of those who are most vulnerable.

Online social events for all at Derbyshire Peak Oddfellows

Friendship group, Derbyshire Peak Oddfellows is inviting anyone struggling with the impact of spending increasing time alone to join them at one of their regular free online social events.

The group has a diary of upcoming Zoom events, which they can send out to anyone should they get in touch. Some of its public local and national events include:
Every Wednesday at 11am: National Cuppa and Chat, meeting ID: 988 3920 7187
Every Thursday at 2pm: Just-for-fun Thursdays, meeting ID: 988 3920 7187

“He will forever be our guide and inspiration”: Drystone founder and folk legend Mick Peat dies aged 80.

It is with deep sadness we announce the death of our dear friend and founding President Mick Peat after a short illness.

Mick left us on January 22nd. We extend our sympathy and love to his wife Celia, his family, and his countless friends across the world of music.

The news has hit the folk music community hard, and tributes have been pouring in from all over the country and beyond, many praising Mick’s kindness, generosity of spirit and guidance in their own musical careers.

New dates for Jimmy Carr and Magic of Motown at Derby Arena

New dates have been announced for two shows which were due to take place at Derby Arena in spring and early summer.

Jimmy Carr, who was due to bring his Terribly Funny tour to the Arena on Sat 22 May, has confirmed a new date of Sat 23 Oct 2021. Magic of Motown, a musical tribute to the sounds of the Motor City, has moved from Sat 26 Jun 2021 to Fri 27 May 2022.

Derby placed in top 10 for economic recovery

Derby is among the UK cities which are expected to emerge stronger from the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a new report.

The latest PwC-Demos Good Growth for Cities report claims that the UK cities and towns hardest hit by the economic impact of Covid are likely to make the fastest recovery.

Sunita Thind - Published BAME, Punjabi, Sikh, British, ModelPoet with two poetry collections out in UK

As a British, Punjabi published poet with two published collections of multicultural poetry I was in National Media recently. I am a performance poet as well as Secondary English, History and Primary school teacher and workshop facilitator. I would love to use my poetry as a medium to voice important issues that woman have to deal with like mental health, equality, cultural and social injustice, racism as well as achievements.

D2 Business Starter Programme

Do you know someone based in Derbyshire and interested in starting their own business or becoming self-employed? We are now enrolling for our next group of FREE workshops to help you start this journey full of resilience and support!

If you have any questions, get in touch and we’ll guide them through the process with a series of nine workshops and tailored 1-2-1 support with an experienced business adviser. Helping turn business idea into reality.

New Online Events from Cinema For All

The Capote Tapes preview and post-film networking (28 Jan) and Filmbankmedia VSR Demo (3 Feb)

Join us for our first two online events of the year - featuring a chance to catch up with fellow organisers, preview a great new title for online film club bookings and hear more about the Filmbankmedia Virtual Screening Room!


The Capote Tapes Preview Screening, 28 Jan, 6.30pm, £3 members/ £5 non-members:

A tribute to Tina Glover

Tina Glover passed away on the of 19th December 2020.

Tina ran Junction Arts for 17 years and her appointment coincided with a name change, from Junction 28, and the exciting new challenge of working district wide across Bolsover.

Paid artist opportunity with Live and Local

Live and Local are looking to pair artists from the Midlands with local communities to create a bespoke performances or artworks.

This is a series of micro-comissions as part of their LivingRoom project. They invite proposals which meet the brief from professional artists and companies from a range of different artforms.

Learning Through Arts New Website Launched

LTA is: 

- developing its unique programme Dance Interaction to deliver the work (online at present) through the Social Prescribing network to offer one to one creative and interactive dance sessions for people who are experiencing mental or physical health issues. We aim to reach out to people in their own homes who are feeling isolated, anxious or depressed to offer connection and communication through movement.

Tech company to relocate to Derby city centre

Communications technology provider EVAD has revealed it is to relocate to Derby – the city in which its chief executive has lived in all his life.

Next month, the company will relocate from Burntwood, near Cannock, in Staffordshire, bringing around 40 staff, to the CUBO Derby serviced offices complex, in Victoria Street, which is owned by property firm Staton Young.

Derby Company’s Expertise Helps Students Become Work Ready

IT students at Derby College Group’s Joseph Wright Centre are working with a local  marketing agency to develop the broader skills they will need in their future careers.

They are working virtually alongside the team at Koobr who are based in Friar Gate and specialise in branding, graphic design, website and digital marketing services for a wide range of local, regional and national clients.

Rolls-Royce completes first engine run on world’s largest testbed

Rolls-Royce has successfully completed the first engine run on its new state-of-the-art testbed in Derby.

Called Testbed 80, the £90 million facility at the engineering giant’s civil aerospace site, in Sinfin, has been dubbed the largest and smartest indoor aerospace testbed in the world.

With an internal area of 7,500 square metres, the testbed is larger than a football pitch.

Carers’ Choir Future Secured By Generous Donations

A fundraising campaign to secure the future of Sing Viva – the two Derbyshire carers’ choirs set up by Sinfonia Viva, the East Midlands’ professional orchestra – has reached its target.

A fantastic response from members of the public has led to a donations total of £1,800 which has been matched by a generous benefactor.

Plans are now being made for a return to the free group sessions in Derby and Chesterfield as well as potential public performances when allowed.

Business Development Specialist Joins Safe and Sound Team

Safe and Sound, the specialist charity which supports children and young people across Derbyshire who are victims of or at risk of child exploitation, has appointed Lucy Orme as fundraising and marketing officer.

Lucy joins the charity from the University of Derby where she was business development manager and she was previously corporate sales and events officer at QUAD.

Wathall’s Expands Dandelions Bereavement Support Programme

Family-owned Wathall’s, Derby’s longest established independent funeral directors, have expanded their unique Dandelions Bereavement Support programme to help more local people come to terms with losing a loved one.

The new bereavement counselling service is run by Wathall’s experienced grief support team members Fay Bloor and Sarah Legg who are both qualified Psychotherapeutic Counsellors and accredited members of the National Counselling Society.

Watch the stars come out while you stay in

January’s annual stargazing event at Alvaston Park has been a heavenly highlight for ten years, but in these different times it is going online, encouraging you to enjoy the winter skies from the comfort of your own home while staying safe – and importantly at this time of year, warm!

Derbyshire Poet Mark Gwynne Jones releases second chapter of ‘audio-artwork’

Derbyshire Poet Mark Gwynne Jones has released the second chapter of an ‘audio-artwork’ to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Peak District National Park (PDNP).

Voices From The Peak, is a project celebrating the diverse sounds and stories of the Peak District.

Chapter 2: Snow! Is now available and you can listen to an extract online at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/voicesfromthepeak as well as Chapter 1: Burning Drake.

Bestselling writers Roz Watkins and Sophie Draper are offering a writing course via Zoom.

‘How to Write a Gripping Commercial Novel’ will be running for 7 weeks from 24th February 7.00pm to 8.30 pm.

The course is packed with secrets and surprising insights, from two friendly and helpful commercial authors published by Big Five publishers. Roz writes the acclaimed DI Meg Dalton crime detective series, short-listed for the CWA Debut Dagger Award  and Sophie has published ‘Cuckoo’ and ‘Magpie’, winning the Bath Novel Award in 2017.

Poetry film and one-to-one events for poets this month

Poetry film and one-to-one events for poets will be on offer this February celebrating the Writing Ambitions project. Below are some of the events on offer so far. All events are virtual via Zoom and can be booked on Eventbrite.

3rd February, 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm An Introduction to Poetry Film with Rebecca Goldsmith

16th February, various times, One-to-one sessions with Poet Sophie Sparham.

27th February, various times, One-to-one sessions with Poet Helen Mort.

DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL SHORTLISTED FOR HEARTS FOR THE ARTS AWARDS 2021

The shortlist has been announced for the National Campaign for the Arts' (NCA) Hearts For The Arts Awards 2021. The awards celebrate the unsung heroes of Local Authorities who are championing the arts against all odds.

Derbyshire County Council has been nominated for Best Arts Project for Necklace of Stars – an embroidery and creative writing project set up to tackle the lack of person-to-person creative engagement opportunities for housebound individuals.

Matinée Outreach - Creative project for people living with dementia

Do you live with dementia, or care for someone living with dementia? Have you felt socially isolated and not comfortable using online technologies? Have you been frustrated over lockdown by the lack of activities you can do, and missed learning and trying new things?

As we find ourselves in another lengthy lockdown this is an invitation to take part in something creative and new from the safety of your own home.

Derby Museum - Register to bid at our Virtual Auction!

Derby Museums are excited to invite you to our first virtual auction which is being held on Thursday 11th February, hosted by Auctioneer and TV personality Charles Hanson.

We will be auctioning a variety of magnificent lots from a Midnight Robin Paperweight courtesy of Royal Crown Derby, a private tour and wine tasting courtesy of Renishaw Hall Vineyard, to a spa day with afternoon tea courtesy of Stancliffe Hall. The auction catalogue will go live the week before the event. 

SmartParc submits plans for 155-acre high-tech food campus

SmartParc has submitted plans for its 155-acre high-tech food manufacturing campus on the former Celanese site near Spondon. 

The 1.8 million sq ft facility will provide manufacturing facilities, start-up incubation units and a potential location for a Food Manufacturing Technology Centre of Excellence. It is thought that the scheme will create 5,000 jobs.

Live & Local: LivingRoom

 

A series of micro-commissions for artists to engage with communities throughout the East and West Midlands.

Background:
Live & Local artists are welcomed into village halls - the ‘living room’ of a rural community - to perform for and to be treated as a member of that community while they are visiting. Live & Local: LivingRoom takes this concept as its starting point and we are inviting artists to submit proposals to remotely engage with communities in their actual living rooms.

Straight Curves - 2021 is here!

Happy New Year! Starting the year slow and steady..

With the amount of changes that have already happened this year I can't decide whether it feels like its been longer or flown by but the first week back but not back at school has been a tiring one. I would like to shout out for all those home schooling either as parents or teachers as its a lot harder when you are not in classroom for all of us.

Dronfield Hall Barn - Renew your Friends subscription in 2021!

Your support is vital to our small charity in these challenging times.

It is no secret that these are challenging times for many small  charities across the country - including ours. Your support can make a big difference by helping us sustain the project and maintain the beautiful building. So, if you'd like to continue to support us whilst we remain closed to the public, make sure you renew your Friends subscription in 2021. 

Artcore January Newsletter

This is a year of creativity and possibility. After the challenges of last year we will look forward to creating the year ahead together with you.

DCG Steps Up Virtual Learning Innovation

Derby College Group (DCG) has launched a new student-led initiative to further enhance the quality and effectiveness of using technology in face-to-face and virtual teaching, learning and assessment.

Twelve students from across the curriculum have been recruited as Digital Advocates who, over the coming months, will research, test and recommend new safe and secure digital platforms, tools and activities that could be adopted.

Derby College Confirms Lockdown Plans

Derby College Group (DCG) has announced its plans for lockdown to ensure students who need to access online learning and resources at college can do so safely.

From Monday January 11 the Roundhouse, Joseph Wright Centre and Broomfield Hall colleges will be open for certain full-time students who have been invited to attend. Students who usually attend the Community College in Ilkeston have been given the choice of an alternative site.

Wathall’s Re-Signs with the Rams

Wathall’s, Derby’s longest established independent funeral directors, has renewed its partnership with Derby County Football Club for a fourth year.

With branches in Derby city centre, Alvaston, Ashbourne Borrowash, and Burton-on-Trent, Wathall’s remains a Rams Preferred Partner enabling families to have special access to Pride Park Stadium following the unique and personal funeral of their loved one.

Writers' Newsletter - extra news flash

Derbyshire author Leonie Martin is offering a choice of two January dates on Zoom for her latest online Writing for Wellbeing workshop on the theme of Beginnings: Saturday 9th January 11:00-13:00 and Wednesday 13th January 11:00-13:00.

Collection & Delivery Service at the Barn

Happy New Year from Dronfield Hall Barn!

We hope all our friends and supporters had a happy and safe Christmas and New Year. We're disappointed that we can't currently welcome you back to the Barn for the moment - but the good news is that we continue to be active online, and our Collection & Delivery service continues to be in operation. See full details below!


Collection & Delivery Service:

National Forest Arts Grants

National Forest Arts Grants are piloting a scheme to support the arts sector in the National Forest during the continued challenges that Covid-19 presents. The scheme is intended to help the creative community to adapt ways of working and test out new methods so that alternative forms of engagement and creative activity can be undertaken.

A Festive Derby thank you

Carefully planned Christmas attractions designed to be as COVID-secure as possible, combined with responsible visitors who played their part for the city and followed the guidelines, resulted in a successful Festive Derby.

Investor buys central Derby asset

A key retail asset in the heart of Derby city centre has been sold in a deal involving FHP Property Consultants

Acting on behalf of Catalyst Capital, FHP has confirmed the sale of the former Audley Centre, on the corner of St Peter’s Street and East Street. The property, which offers 42,000 sq ft of space, comprises a mix of national and regional tenants, including Lloyds, Poundland, Three and Betfred.

New 2022 dates announced for Derby Arena shows

Due to the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on indoor live performances, Derby LIVE have now announced that three shows, The Dreamboys, What’s Love Got To Do With It? and Jason Manford will not be going ahead as planned. All three shows have been postponed by their promoters to 2022.