February 2021

Young Entrepreneurs Leaders Workshop: Free webinar

Young Entrepreneurs: Leaders Workshop - Using heritage sites to develop creativity and employability skills. 
 
Wednesday 24th March 2021:  2pm - 4pm

Who is it for: This FREE, interactive workshop is for teachers, group leaders, heritage site staff and volunteers and artists who work with young people aged 11 to 24.

Workshop aims:

February News from 1623 Theatre Company

What We Feel
Before the first lockdown, 1623 associate director Oliver Alvin-Wilson conceived an idea for a drama exploring how collective creativity supports the wellbeing of people who face prejudice in their everyday lives. Oliver worked with our artistic director Ben Spiller to develop ideas and cast the project, which involves six characters meeting up to support each other’s mental health through creative activities.

InDerby: Share a good read with the eLibrary

A good book is even better if it’s shared. Everyone from film stars to royalty are joining reading groups and in January, the Duchess of Cornwall announced the launch of her own online ‘Reading Room’.

Reading and books offer escapism, information and inspiration. Derby Libraries’ eLibrary has a fantastic collection of titles available to support book clubs and reading groups. Pick a book to read with your reading group or with your family and friends!

Monarch Security Move Pays Dividends For Business Growth

A Derby security company’s move to serviced offices in Pride Park has already paid dividends with several new client gains.

Monarch Security, whose clients range from Covid testing centres to members of the Saudi royal family, marked its sixth month anniversary with a recent move to Oberoi Business Hub in St Christopher’s Way.

The premium business location and proactive marketing campaign has quickly resulted in  additional business including security services for a new designer fashion outlet store which will soon be opening in the city.

‘Super’ Sam Holness Joins HUUB’s Family of Athletes

World-leading triathlon and cycling brand, HUUB, signs autistic triathlete, Sam Holness, to support his journey to become a professional triathlete. HUUB will provide funding, equipment and specialist technical advisors to help Sam achieve his maximum potential.

DCG Student Spearheads Mental Health Society

Derby College A Level student Bhavan Bains has spearheaded the launch of a new Student Mental Health Society to support and motivate her peers during the continued pandemic.

The society, which is currently meeting online, aims to help students learn and share knowledge with each other and instigate conversations to breakdown the stigma around mental health.

Society members are also producing podcasts to share with the college community on such issues as the importance of sleep and digital downtime.

Project D takes a bite out of Bitcoin

AN innovative luxury doughnut company believes it is the first bakery in the UK to accept payment by cryptocurrency – following in the high-profile footsteps of Tesla, Apple and Rolex.

Project D, which makes handcrafted, highly decorated and Instagram-friendly doughnuts, has added its name to a growing list of companies investing in the world’s fastest growing currency.

Derby Folk Festival returns to the stage for 2021

Derby Folk Festival is delighted to announce a return to the live stage in October. Special weekend tickets go on sale today for this year’s festival, produced by Derby LIVE, which takes place in the heart of the city centre from Fri 1 to Sun 3 Oct.
 
Last year’s event was hosted ‘at home,’ as live concerts could not go ahead due to the pandemic. Instead, online performances especially recorded for the festival drew audiences from around the world, along with an extensive Festival Fringe on Facebook.
 

Timms Solicitors Advocate HR Planning To Avoid Costly Disputes

The UK is in the midst of a ‘rising redundancy tsunami’ with employers in danger of facing dramatic increases in disputes and Tribunal claims, according to Timms Solicitors’ Employment Law specialist Emma Spandrzyk.

She continued that it was therefore vital that employers took advice before proceeding with redundancy, absence management or dismissals and plan their future workforce requirements ahead of the end of furlough arrangements at the end of April. 

Local Families Raise Vital Funds For Safe and Sound

The Rotary Club of Derby have presented local charity Safe and Sound with a cheque for £1,500 following a successful virtual Santa Sleigh project throughout December.

The organisation had to adapt its annual Santa Sleigh due to the pandemic and worked with charity partners and Derby digital agency Think3 to enable families across the county and beyond to book a personalised letter or recorded video from Santa in return for a donation.

Wathall’s Expands Services To Local Families

Family-owned Wathall’s – Derby’s longest-established independent funeral directors – has expanded the service it is able to offer to local families.

The company, which has branches in Derby, Alvaston, Ashbourne, Borrowash and Burton-on-Trent, has joined forces with another local company to offer graveside memorials.

Art Stone Memorials was launched ten years ago by stone mason Oleksandr Burlaka – operating from a workshop in Drakelow and a showroom in Stapenhill.

How China Petals grew a business despite a Global Pandemic

Banks Mill Studios on Bridge Street in Derby is a hub for creative businesses and just before the first Lockdown in March 2020 welcomed mosaic artist Diane Daley.  Diane runs China Petals which makes personal keepsakes out of fine bone china.  

Launching a creative business is hard at the best of times, however Diane has adapted her business and has successfully diversified during her first year, to ensure her business is thriving in challenging times.

Sinfonia Viva Chief Executive Announces Retirement

The chief executive of Grammy-nominated Sinfonia Viva, the East Midlands’ professional orchestra, is to retire at the end of April after 26 years with the organisation.

Peter Helps, who was awarded an MBE in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to arts and culture, has been at the helm of the Derby-based Orchestra since 1995 – steering it through challenging times.

City Centre BIDs Support Derby Ram Trail 2021

Derby’s two Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have announced that they will take a lead role in this summer’s Derby Ram Trail across the city centre.

Rescheduled from last summer, The Derby Ram Trail is being brought to the city by Derby Museums, in partnership with Wild in Art and is an amazing public art sculpture event with 30 individually painted 5ft tall Rams, threading through the city centre between May 27 and August 22.

The Cathedral Quarter BID are the presenting partner and St Peters Quarter BID are the trail partner for the project.

Memories to Memoir Three-week course

Derbyshire Writing School are offering a Memories to Memoir a three -week course starting on Tuesday 23rd February 10:15am-12pm (online via Zoom). 

You have a story to tell. It’s time to bring it to the page. The Memories to Memoirs course is perfect for those looking to start documenting their life through written stories. This introductory online course will give you an insight into life writing and you’ll be bursting with ideas ready to start your memoir.

Dance Classes to Connect Us During Lockdown

With a range of styles to choose from, Déda wants to help people to connect through online classes this February and March.

Déda is delighted to welcome people of all ages and abilities to join their growing online community for a programme of online dance, fitness and yoga classes, recommencing Monday 22 February 2021.

Community Fundraising Campaign for Markham Colliery Mining Memorial Trail

‘Walking Together’ is a significant mining memorial remembering 106 miners who lost their lives in 3 major disasters at Markham Colliery, Derbyshire. It is led by the voluntary Markham Vale Heritage Group and Derbyshire Council, who are seeking donations to help complete this important project whilst living relatives are still able to engage and benefit.

Curiousa & Curiousa Lights Adorn The Beautiful Rooms of Isabel Cordero Padilla’s home

Isabel Cordero Padilla’s home was featured in The Observer this week.  She is pictured here in her vibrant dining kitchen; a carefully balanced mid-Century look using leaf greens and yellow ochres, and some fabulous wallpaper by Timerous Beasties.

In the 31 January 2021 publication of The Observer, Isabel Cordero Padilla’s beautiful home was featured, where readers could learn more about the inspiration behind the interior design choices made by Isabel in putting each room’s theme together. 

Safe and Sound Launches New Website

Derbyshire’s specialist child exploitation charity, Safe and Sound, has launched a new website in a bid to increase public awareness of the dangers facing children and young people in local communities.

Matt Black will be performing at Wolverhampton Literature Festival this Saturday

 

The Snoopy Question or One Dog’s Answer to World Peace Live on Zoom at Wolverhampton Literature Festival Saturday, February 13th, 12.30pm GMT (show lasts 50 minutes.

Matt Black thinks he might be a dog, and that dogs have all the answers. Joyful and powerful entertainment with cheap props, surprising dog facts, excellent poems, and Snoopy’s answer to world peace.

The Writing East Midlands Writer’s Conference is back!

 

The Writing East Midlands Writer’s Conference is back and fully online. Early bird tickets are available for the conference which runs from the 8th to 11th April.

There will be workshops, panels and talks including keynote speeches from Roger Robinson and Kerry Young. There is also the chance to get your work in front of a leading literary agents, applications for these spots is open to those who book before Sunday 28th February.

Katapult Collaborates with The Family Arts Campaign Sharing A Theme Park-Inspired Homeschooling Workbook

Global themed attraction and experience design company, Katapult, have launched a theme park-inspired homeschooling workbook, for kids aged 7+ currently studying under Lockdown. 

‘Become A Theme Park Designer’ was developed to help children stay creative while schools are closed due to the pandemic, and also provide teachers, parents and carers with an additional resource to teach English, Maths and Art.

February News from Cromford Mills

New Online Talk Series

Definitely more Jane Austen than Bridgerton, this online talk series will take you on a journey through Georgian high society, tales of engineering ingenuity, industrial espionage and inspirational art, all from the comfort of your own home!

Job Opportunity at Live & Local

We have extended our recruitment for a Company Manager (Maternity Cover) and are now seeking an experienced Administration & HR Manager to begin in March 2021.

Administration & HR Manager (Maternity Cover)
£30,507-£32,029 commensurate with experience (pro rata / 21 hours per week)

FORMAT News: 1 month to go

FORMAT21: Control | 12th March - 11th April 2021

Virtual multiplayer gallery to host FORMAT Festival

Undefeated by the pandemic and lockdown FORMAT have been busy finding a way to present FORMAT21 as a digital festival. Director Louise Fedotov-Clements is delighted to announce FORMAT's collaboration with California based virtual gallery, New Art City, on the creation of a multiplayer, online space for art as the new digital venue for FORMAT21.

Why celebrity crystals are outshining all Danielle’s products

Healing crystals popular with celebrities including Adele, Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian-West are proving to be the perfect tonic during lockdown according to a Derbyshire entrepreneur.
 
Danielle Dunn runs the handmade toiletries company Divine Box from her home in Swadlincote and came up with the sparkling idea to add the A-lister ingredients to her latest range of bath bombs.

Monarch Security Paves Future Growth With Serviced Office Move

A Derby security company, whose clients range from Covid testing centres to the Saudi royal family, have relocated to Oberoi Business Hub in Pride Park to pave the way for future expansion.

Monarch Security was set up last September by Farhaan Bhatti and Phil Wright who have more than 25 years’ combined experience in the industry.

HSG Teams Up With KEUCO To Offer Customised Workplace Hand Hygiene

Derby-based washroom services and water conservation specialists HSG have joined forces with a premium German company to help UK businesses and venues keep hand hygiene at the top of their agenda.

HSG are the first in the UK to be able to offer a range of sleek and stylish hand liquid sanitiser and foam soap dispensers which have been designed and manufactured by premium bathroom furnishing specialists KEUCO – a family-owned company based in Germany.

Matinée Outreach February News

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?

February News at National Centre for Creative Health

The new National Centre for Creative Health has grown out of the work led by the  All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Arts, Health and Wellbeing.

The APPG’s two-year inquiry led to the publication of the Creative Health report in 2017. Since then, the APPG has been working to support implementation of the ten recommendations in Creative Health. Recommendation 1 was for a national strategic centre to advance good practice, promote collaboration, coordinate and disseminate research and inform policy and delivery.

Sizeable Grant Brings Sinfonia Viva Plans A Step Closer

Sinfonia Viva, the Grammy-nominated Orchestra of the East Midlands, is forging ahead with plans to bring high quality music back into the lives of thousands of people thanks to a major grant from one of the most respected charitable institutions in the UK.

Work starts on first phase of £340m regeneration scheme

Work has started on the first phase of a major £340 million regeneration scheme. 

Construction work is now underway on One Waterside Place, a building that represents the first phase of the Basin Square character area, within the Chesterfield Waterside regeneration scheme.

When complete, the seven-storey office building will provide Grade A offices totalling 32,000 sq ft, alongside a retail unit of circa 5,200 sq ft.

Construction of the property is well underway and delivery is estimated in September.

What's happening at Designate this month?

Looking forward, upwards and onwards! We hope you are all coping with the strains and tribulations that the virus has caused us all. We have managed to keep busy with juggling home-schooling, maintenance and future business plans.

Designate @ The Gate

Relax, Recall, Write!

Always wanted to write your memoir? Share your unique story with loved ones? But don’t know where to start? Then join experienced local writer-facilitators Lynn Ludditt and Leonie Martin for this 10-week ‘first steps’ course.

Five sessions will be delivered ‘correspondence-style’ via email/post alternated with five ‘live and interactive’ Zoom workshops. Each session includes fun and engaging, bite-sized writing exercises and activities, with a focus on both reminiscence and writing for wellbeing.

Aesthetica: Creative Writing Entries are now OPEN

Entries are now open to poets and writers with the opportunity to have your work published and receive £5000 of prizes.

The Creative Writing Award is open to Poetry and Short Fiction submissions on any theme, however, we are particularly interested in works that reflect upon our ever changing world.

Fun ideas to make the most of Half Term

School’s out, and parents everywhere, including those of us at InDerby, are looking for ways to give our children a break from home learning and spending so much time on their screens.

While we don’t claim to have all the answers, we have found some great activities for all ages to keep them occupied. Some of these may start on the PC, but should spark their imaginations enough to get them going offline!

Community plays its part for new park equipment

The popular play area at Chaddesden Park has had a makeover, thanks to the park’s Friends, who worked hard to secure over £15,000 in funding from the local community. Children can now enjoy a junior swing set, a timber trim trail and soon, a new roundabout. 

DERBYSHIRE LIBRARIES: Writing Competition

To celebrate the BBC's novels that shaped our world programme, Derbyshire libraries is running a short story competition aimed at adults around the theme of isolation.

The competition runs from Monday 1 February 2021 and closes on Wednesday 31 March 2021 and is open to all residents aged 16 and over who live within the administrative boundaries of Derbyshire County Council.

Goodbyes at Artcore

Last week we said farewell to volunteer Zahrah Alkumaim. She has been volunteering with Artcore as part of our In our Thoughts project and working along side Linda Foot to produce materials packs to hand out to participants.  

As a 'thank you' we presented her with flowers and a chocolate cake. "Best wishes Zahara as you move to a new city!"

Art Enhancing Life - Community at Artcore

'Love is all you need' Community Art Sessions - Join artist Kathryn Borg for these creative fun sessions!

Monday 8th, 15th and 22nd February
10.30am - 12.30pm on ZOOM

Session 1 – Kindness Rocks
Session 2 – Mobile Hanging Family Tree
Session 3- Folding Paper Photograph Album

Materials packs will be available from Artcore Charnwood to collect.

ESOL at Artcore

ESOL - Creatively Learning English

If English is not your first language, why not join ESOL with Artcore?

On this Course you will:
1. Get access to great art videos and ‘how to’ resources
2. Get support to become part of the online Artcore art community
3. Join arts sessions LIVE on ZOOM and Social Media to learn new skills
4. Get a FREE art materials pack
5. Borrow a tablet to support you with online engagement
6. Be provided with English language support videos

Shape your Future at Artcore

Printmaker Nicki Dennett has been leading the printmaking sessions with Horizons 6th form as part of a year long class programme which will result in an exhibition later this year.

Over January the class explored gelli prints and collagraph printing and in Feb will work towards their exhibition pieces with these techniques.

Reimagine from Artcore

In January, we started some very exciting workshops with Year Three students at Pear Tree Junior School as part of the Reimagine Project which is taking place with partners and organisations across the city of Derby and led by Derby Theatre.

Future Endeavours from Artcore

For more information on Future Endeavours, check out our website and links to sign up and watch our information video starring Hannah!

Hannah will be giving a fun insight into new career pathways with participants taking part in our sessions on Instagram Live on Saturdays.  At the end, young people will have created art they can keep for themselves, gift to a loved one or even sell in the Artcore Gallery in Derby City Centre.  

#stayconnected Mindful Moments with Pam Sidhu from Artcore

#stayconnected with Artcore this February

Mondays with life coach and radio DJ Pam Sidhu
Monday 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd February 11.30am-12.30am Facebook
 
Over February we will be exploring #selfcare as part of our Share the Love theme looking at food, exercise, photography and love languages. Pam will be on the virtual couch interviewing guests every Monday on Facebook so tune in then!

In Our Thoughts from Artcore

Volunteer and Organisation Meeting: Thursday 4th February 12pm-1pm on ZOOM

Missed Jan's meeting? Don't worry! We will be hosting biweekly meetings so you can join in with this exciting project, creatively supporting our communities to cope with loss and bereavement during the Coronavirus.

Hatchery at Artcore

We had a great start to the Hatchery series with an exploration of colour in the ZOOM class with painter and photographer, Helen Stevenson; printmaker and photographer, Mary Hayes and painter, Yves Riguiduel.

If you missed it you can catch Helen Stevenson's session on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/J1NYWqEGtLs

Circling the Square - Visions of an Unmade City from Artcore

We are excited to share our artists in residence for our 'Circling the Square – Visions of an Unmade City’ residency: Katy Hawkins and Ryan Heath.

Katy and Ryan will be creating work that proposed how the square in front of our gallery could be radically unmade and remade as a vision of what public space could mean in a post-European age of social distancing.

More details soon.

Cabin Fever at Artcore

We have selected the first two artists for our Cabin Fever residency: Nicki Dennett and Dan Webber. Nicki is a printmaker who likes to mix images and text together to create a story across a series of prints. Dan is an award-winning LGBTQ+ poet, producer, events co-ordinator and promoter.

Nicki and Dan will be taking part in a social media takeover in the lead up to their residency – follow our social media for updates.

Alstom completes $6.7bn deal to buy Bombardier

French train-maker Alstom has completed a multi-billion dollar deal to buy the rail business of Bombardier, which has a major site in Derby.

Alstom said the price for the deal to buy Bombardier Transportation, which includes its train-making site in Litchurch Lane, was $6.7 billion (£5 billion).

The acquisition should make Alstom the world’s second largest train-maker, behind China’s CRRC.

Lubrizol puts heart and soul into breaking fundraising record

The coronavirus outbreak has not stopped staff at a Derbyshire company from running, baking and quizzing their way to raising a record-breaking sum of money for the firm’s chosen charity.

Employees at Lubrizol, in Hazelwood, near Belper, have collected a total of £ 18,396 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) by organising and supporting a series of activities over the past two years.

Banks Mill offer the opportunity to rent out studio space

Banks Mill Studios now have the opportunity to rent out space in their creative industries start up hub.  Banks Mill is based on the west side of Derby City Centre and offers space and support to individuals wanting to start a business in the creative industries.  We have a range of studios to suit a variety of different disciplines such as artists, makers and creative service providers and prices start from as little as £75 per month.  We also support creatives with our membership services so you can tap into the Banks Mill community but without having th

Derby College to get £780k government T-Levels boost

Plans by Derby College Group to upgrade its facilities in order to deliver T-Levels has received a further six-figure boost from the Government.

The college has been awarded a £780,000 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.

The Old Lock Up Gallery Update

Dear friend of The Old Lock Up Gallery,

I hope you're all keeping well and managing to navigate the recent lockdown.

I wanted to get in touch and keep you all updated with news about the current show at the gallery - the 'Winter Show' and a project that I've recently launched online and via the galleries website.

LEVEL CENTRE: Artist Residencies Call Out Opportunity

We’re excited to share a great new opportunity with you in the form of our 2021 Artist Residencies, based at the LEVEL Centre in the gorgeous Peak District.

We’re looking for UK-based, established professional artists and companies from a variety of disciplines including visual arts, performing arts, and digital arts practice who either identify as disabled themselves or whose work is created to be accessible to those with disabilities.

Only 5 days left to submit a nomination for the Mainframe Awards 2021

Architecture, Craft, Fashion, Product Design, Graphic Design, Film ,TV, Broadcasting, Photography, IT, Software, Gaming, Apps, Marketing, Publishing, Writing, Museums, Galleries, Music, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Social Media (plus a few more we're sure)...

The Awards are all about you - our amazing, varied, inspirational community and celebrate what it is to be a creative working in Derby & Derbyshire. With ten, open categories we know you'll find just the right award (or two) to go for.

Writing for Wellbeing on the theme of Hope

Derbyshire author Leonie Martin is offering a choice of two February dates on Zoom for her latest online Writing for Wellbeing workshop on the theme of HOPE: Wednesday 3rd February 11:00-13:00 and Saturday 6th February 11:00-13:00. 

Both workshops will include the same engaging writing activities and an opportunity to share your work within a safe and relaxing ‘virtual’ space. No previous experience is required, but you’ll need access to Zoom along with your preferred writing materials.

Junction Arts News 2021

Get Involved: Run for Junction Arts!

We have 1 guaranteed place available for the 2021 London Marathon. Could you be the runner to take up the challenge?

We ask that the successful applicant runs to raise money for Junction Arts. Don't worry, we will help you!

HUBBUB: Join us for our Wake Up February events!

Spring is nearly here and its time to come out of hibernation! We have two exciting events in February to tell you about.

Here is some information about how to take part in our Bunting Making Workshop and Spring Into Life Party!


Bunting Making Workshop 

1.30 - 2.30pm | Thursday 11th February

High Peak CVS Communications Officer Vacancy

At High Peak CVS we are now actively recruiting for an exciting new part time role that will support our work across the community and will be a key position in developing relationships, partnerships and linking to those hard to reach areas across the High Peak.

DRONFIELD HALL BARN: A great gift for loved ones this Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Gin: Now available from the Dronfield Arts Festival website!

Have you started looking for any gifts for that special person in your life yet? If not, our friends over at the Dronfield Arts Festival might be able to help with their fantastic personalised Valentine's Day gin! 

This is a light, refreshing gin for all occasions to be enjoyed all year 'round. Mix with your choice of tonic to create the perfect bubble. Bottle size 50cl. With personalised gift bag.

DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL: We are seeking writers and poets to enter our competition

Derbyshire libraries have received funding from Arts Council England to take part in BBC Novels That Shaped Our World – a programme that celebrates the novel and reading.

As part of the project, our libraries are exploring the theme of ‘isolation’ through a writing competition open to all residents aged 16 and over who live in the county, not including the city of Derby.

Call for Applications from Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair

Apply for #GNCCF Manchester & #GNCCFonline
 
The summer edition of GNCCFonline will take place in July, and October will see the much-welcome return of Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester. This live event will be held at one of the city's favourite heritage attractions and cultural venues, Victoria Baths.

Wathall’s Help Families Support Children Through Bereavement

Family-owned Wathall’s, which is Derby’s longest established independent funeral directors, has marked Children’s Mental Health Week (Feb 1-7) by publishing a special booklet focusing on how to support children through bereavement.

The theme of this year’s national week is encouraging children and young people to explore different ways to express themselves and share their feelings, thoughts and ideas through creativity which is reflected in the child bereavement booklet.