Eleven new life-size steel figures have been unveiled as part of a memorial to miners who lost their lives at Markham Colliery. 

The figures were unveiled as part of the ‘Walking Together’ memorial – led by us – which will eventually feature 106 figures stretching between the village of Duckmanton in Chesterfield and the former pithead.

Each figure is part of a walking trail which symbolises a miner’s journey to the pit and back home again and represents the 106 men who lost their lives in 3 accidents at the site.

Repton Village is celebrate its literary roots in a new 3 day programme of events from 26th October - 28th October 2018.

Repton Literary Festival is the first of a new annual festival - telling stories and bringing engaging speakers to this historic Derbyshire village.

Politician, journalist and writer Lord Roy Hattersley opens the festival and will discuss his latest book ‘The Catholics’.

The idea is to provide an inclusive, fun social evening that appeals to more mature folk. Carers and their partners will be particularly welcome and volunteer dancers and foot tappers will take to the dance floor with any guests.

The first event was held on Weds 26th September at The Shoulder in Hardstoft; for more information about “Still Dancing” call Karen on 07817191272 or email: karen.waldram1@btinternet.com   

People from near and far flocked to our 18th annual Woodland Festival at the weekend in the grounds of Elvaston Castle Country Park.

The weather improved as the weekend got underway and 10,000 visitors enjoyed a weekend of traditional and contemporary woodland crafts, including wild food demonstrations and survival crafts.

Two new attractions this year – the recreation of a Viking village and entertainment from an 18 foot tall tree puppet were very popular.

Our Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure Councillor Simon Spencer said:

St John Street Gallery

50 St John Street
Ashbourne
DE6 1GH
01335 347425  

The first concert of the new season will be next Friday 28th September. It will be by the Bulgarian pianist Cristian Sandrin. 

The concert will as usual be at 7 30 at the Wheeldon Hall, Highfields School, Lumsdale, Matlock.

Admission £12 at the door or £48 for the season.

Hope you all had a fantastic summer and are looking forward to all things autumnal! We would like to think we can help with the transition.
We are preparing to open the doors for our monthly jamboree between the 21st - 23rd  so come and get your fix of Designate! It is also a chance for us to showcase the venue as a beautiful and versatile space to hire.

Harp & A Monkey, the award-winning electro-folk music and storytelling trio, is performing “The Importance of Digging Holes”, to mark the ongoing centenary of the First World War. The show features both original songs and re-workings of traditional tunes of the day. The band strives to challenge stereotypes of the conflict, and focuses heavily on forgotten aspects of the war (from the horror of being a postman, to the role of musicians) and also on the forgotten men - those ex-servicemen who came home, and their families.