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Discovery Day on Saturday 29 October 2005.                                                 News Archive
A wide variety of events and exhibitions together with fine weather attracted crowds to Discovery Day in Cromford today, the first open day held to celebrate the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The 15 mile site runs between Masson Mill in Matlock Bath and the Silk Mill at Derby.
There were tours of Cromford Mill and the Silk Mill and the industrial communities of Darley Abbey, Belper, Cromford and Milford.
Locally, textile machinery was in operation

Horse drawn barge on Cromford Canal seen from  Lawn Bridge

at Masson Mill, and a 1917 Fowler Tiger tractor was in steam outside. Willersley Castle had a photographic exhibition of Children of the Mills, the story of Richard Arkwright's cotton mills, performed by local children last year.
A horse drawn canal boat travelled along Cromford Canal between Cromford Wharf and Leawood Pumphouse.
The High Peak Junction workshops were open with a free audio tour.
Leawood Pumphouse was in steam for the last time this year.
The Friends of Cromford Canal held an exhibition at the Warehouse on the wharf. In the afternoon at the warehouse there was a presentation of readings and songs from the works of local writer Alison Uttley.

The Great North Run.   30 September 2005                                                     News Archive
Janet Chambers of Cromford has raised £600 in sponsorship for the County Air Ambulance Trust after completing the Great North Run half marathon on 18th September.
Janet completed the run, between Newcastle and South Shields, in 2 hours and 53 minutes. The day was unseasonably hot but Janet enjoyed the experience, beating the target of 3 hours she had set herself.
Her son Chris also took part, completing the run in 1 hour 32 minutes.
Janet would like to thank all her sponsors for their support and encouragement.

Cromford milkman retires.  24 September 2005                                                 News Archive
Peter Wells of Hollies Farm Shop, Bonsall retired from his delivery milk round today because of ill health. As well as Cromford, Mr Wells delivered to Bonsall, Matlock, Matlock Bath and Whatstandwell. He bought the round from Mrs Evelyn Nutt of Winster 42 years ago.
Mr Well's daughter Sara, who started helping her father at the age of two and eventually took over her own round, will also be giving up.
Customers and friends have been forwarding their thanks and good wishes to Peter and Sara, not forgetting Todd, Sara's dog who kept her company on her round.
David Allsop has taken over the Bonsall round and Steven Musson will be delivering in Cromford and the other areas.

Site of mobile phone mast.   20 September 2005                                           News Archive
Telecommunications company Orange has applied for planning pemission to erect a mobile phone mast at the electricity sub station on Bakers Lane. The company states that the mast is needed to improve reception in Cromford. Concern has been expressed about possible harmful effects of rays from the mast on local residents and workers. However Orange say that the new mast will meet guidelines laid down by the Government after a report into the effects of non-ionising radiation was published last year.
Previous sites that have been considered include Intake Lane, Woodseats Farm and Cromford Meadows.

Celebrating Cromford - 17, 18 and 19 June 2005                                           News Archive
The festival is over, stalls and marquee gone, bunting taken down. Celebrating Cromford was a resounding success, and everyone involved in organising the event can be congratulated.
The sun came out and temperatures soared, rain holding off until Sunday evening.
The many visitors found plenty to do, from browsing around the stalls to visiting the art and history exhibitions. The open gardens and art trail revealed parts of the village not normally seen by the public.
Music, flowers, well dressing, dancing, poetry, steam tractor ... there was something for everyone, with a chance to sample new experiences such as Chinese exercises.
At the opening ceremony on Friday, Patrick McLoughlin presented the trophy to Trevor Smedley's winning team in the BIG BREAK pool tournament.
The Cromford Quiz winner Yvonne Daykin also received a prize.
Cromford Quiz Answers
GREAT BALLOON RACE. The lucky winner was Katie Yapp of Water Lane. Her balloon was found near Malton in Yorkshire.
OPEN GARDENS TRAIL. A total of £105 was raised.
The money will be divided between several charities.
Pictures around Celebrating Cromford

Boxing Club coach retires.   2 June 2005                                                         News Archive
After 27 years of running the Cromford and Matlock Amateur Boxing Club at the Community Centre in Cromford, Terry Woodcock has taken his last training session. Terry started boxing at the age of 14. As a welterweight he held Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire titles and boxed in the RAF Championships when he was in the services. He also won the South Australian amateur title and fought an exhibition match with Jack Bodell.
Since the club was founded in 1978 more than 1000 men and boys have been trained at the Centre, where the club met twice a week.
Last Thursday he was presented with an inscribed silver plate by club members, and the Community Centre laid on a meal and presented him with wine glasses to mark his retirement.
The Boxing Club has now closed as there is no qualified coach prepared to take over.

Safety work at Cromford Crossroads.   23 May 2005                                           News Archive
Important safety work at the Crossroads begins today, Monday, and is expected to take four weeks. Following a landslide on 25 February, netting is being put up beside the A6 close to the junction with the A5012. The estimated cost is £50,000.
There may be delays as northbound traffic is restricted to one lane.
On Friday 25 February a large boulder of limestone weighing one tonne crashed down on to the A6, bringing down with it a shower of stones and broken branches. The rock fell at 9am when the road was busy with commuter traffic, but fortunately no vehicles were hit.
The limestone cliff face is liable to crumble after frosty weather. It is feared that a further fall could result in a serious accident.

No Change in West Derbyshire.   6 May 2005                                                   News Archive
Voters in yesterday's General Election have returned Patrick McLoughlin as Conservative Member of Parliament for the West Derbyshire consistuency.
Mr McLoughlin, who has been MP for this area since 1986, increased his majority to 10,753 (21%).

Full results were:
• Patrick McLoughlin, Conservative - 24,378
• David Menon, Labour - 13,625
• Ray Dring, Liberal Democrat - 11,408
• Michael Cruddas, UK Independence Party - 1,322
• Nick 'The Flying Brick' Delves, Monster Raving Loony Party - 405
• Martin Kyslun, Independent - 5
Turnout - 69.2%

Labour was returned to government for a third term with a reduced majority.

New County Councillors.
Cromford was formerly in the Darley Dale ward, represented by Deborah Read, Conservative, but is now in the new division of Wirksworth, where Irene Ratcliffe was returned for Labour. Liberal Democrat Nigel Allwood was returned in the new division of Derwent Valley, ousting Deborah Read.

Village chemist retires.   5 May 2005                                                                News Archive
Mary Winterbourne retired on May 2nd from her position as pharmacist after running Cromford's chemist shop for the past 22 years. Mrs Winterbourne, who took over from Ron Carter on his retirement, will be missed by her staff and customers.
Nick from B Payne & Son, the Wirksworth chemist, has taken over the business.

Cesar - "veni, vide, vici"

 
Cesar conquers all.   28 April 2005                            News Archive
Matlock Mercury's Pets on Parade Competition 2005 has been won
by Cesar of Cromford.
Cesar, a six year old West Highland terrier, lives with Suzanne Sandler on Alabaster Lane.
He came top of the poll with 117 votes, and has won a £100 hamper
from Matlock pet shop Nose to Tail.

Trophy in memory of Cromford teenager.   14 April 2005                                   News Archive
Wirksworth Cadets have awarded a new trophy in memory of former member Mark Rawson who was killed on the Via Gellia road on 8th October last year. The Lance Corporal Mark Rawson Memorial Trophy is to be awarded to the cadet who achieved most during the year.
At a ceremony at the Cadets' Hut in Wirksworth last week it was awarded to Corporal Laura Kilbourne, and was presented by Mark's parents, Julie Parker and Andrew Rawson, and his sister Laura.

Rock Shock.   25 February 2005                                                                       News Archive
This morning, Friday, a large boulder of limestone crashed down on to the A6 near Cromford crossroads. The rock, estimated to weigh about one tonne, brought down with it a shower of stones and broken branches. The rock fell at 9am when the road was busy with commuter traffic, but fortunately no vehicles were hit. The area was coned off until a mechanical digger arrived to move the rock.
The limestone cliff face is liable to crumble after frosty weather, and checks are made periodically for loose rocks.

New book by local writer.   12 January 2005                                                       News Archive
Noel Cashford has brought out a second volume about the work of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserves bomb and mine disposal officers between 1944 and 1953.
His first book, "All Mine", published in 2002, covered his own experiences, while "All Theirs", recounts stories from his bomb and mine disposal colleagues and German counterparts.
The book is available from Mr Cashford at 21 Castle View Drive, Cromford, Matlock, Derbys DE4 3RL, price £7.95 plus £2 postage and packing.
See reports of July/August 2002 and 24 March 2002 in News Archive.

WI New Year Party.   January 2005                                                                   News Archive

Cromford WI's New Year Hawiian party.

 
Cromford WI celebrated the New Year with a Hawaiian Party. Members wore sarongs or grass skirts and made flower garlands. The food carried on the Hawaiian theme, and a good time was had by all.
At the January meeting Peter Wild gave a talk about the history of hotels and some he had visited as a driver for Slacks Coaches.

Painting brings new view of Cromford.   10 January 2005                                 News Archive

The painting shows Cromford Mill as viewed from the   front of the Black Dog, (now the Greyhound Hotel)

A painting in watercolours, showing Cromford Mill as seen from the front of the Greyhound Hotel, then known as the Black Dog, has
been acquired by the Arkwright Society. The artist is unknown.
Believed to date from between 1786 and 1798, the painting was sold at auction last year and bought by an art dealer who then contacted the Society. Money raised by donations and from Arkwright's Attic, a second-hand shop at the mill, was used to buy the painting for an undisclosed amount.
A surprising part of the painting is the archway supporting a black dog, and the fencing lining the roads. The picture predates construction
of the main road (now A6). The cliff to the right is Cromford Tor which in present times is behind the Community Centre.

Wheelie Bin decision time.   22 December 2004                                                 News Archive
The changeover to the new system of wheelie bins is due to take place in the new year. Householders who informed the District Council that they had nowhere to store the two wheelie bins or that access to the pavement was difficult are being visited by representatives of the council.
Where it is agreed that wheelie bins are impractical householders will be able to continue with black bags as usual, although these will have to be taken to the edge of the property for collection.

Renovation of the catch pit on the High Peak Trail.  December 2004                   News Archive
The Sheep Pasture incline on the High Peak Trail between High Peak Junction and Intake Lane was closed from 27 September 2004 for a period of six weeks, while renovation work estimated to cost £20,000 was carried out on the engine catch pit.
How the work proceeded -
Sunday October 10 - The soil and wooden beams have been removed from the roof of the catchpit, leaving the 5 iron beams exposed.
Saturday October 16 - Vertical wooden beams have been replaced at the end of the pit, to the height of the Trail.
Sunday October 24 - The roof has been partially replaced: wooden timbers have been laid across four of the iron beams, covered with a fibre glass membrane and topped with soil.
Sunday October 31 - The roof is now completely covered with soil to a level about 2 feet (60cms) below the walls each side. The black painted iron beam at the end is exposed.
The work has now been completed and fencing erected to prevent access to the roof and the catch pit.

Two more fatalities on Via Gellia.  22 November 2004                                         News Archive
The A5102 Via Gellia road between Cromford and Newhaven has seen two more fatalities this month.
Chris Barber from Belper was killed on 2nd November, and on Monday 22nd November Mr Martin Devlin, age 22, of Bestwood Park, Nottingham, was killed just north of Bonsall when his van collided with a lorry. His passenger was airlifted to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham.
The road is narrow with many sharp bends and is increasingly used by HGVs.
There are calls for safety measures to be brought in cut the number of accidents.

Tragic Accidents on Via Gellia.  14 October 2004                                                 News Archive
Two local people have lost their lives in accidents on Via Gellia in the past month.
Mr Mark Rawson, aged 18 years, of Hawthorne Drive Cromford, was killed on 8th October as he was driving to work at Grange Mill Quarry when his car was in collision with a lorry. Mark was the son of Andrew and Julie, brother of Laura and five step brothers and sisters and was a beloved grandson.

Miss Nia Walters, aged 26, died on 11th September in hospital after her car was in collision with another vehicle at the Hopton crossroads on Via Gellia. Nia was travelling from her parents' home in Winster to work at Boots in Derby. Bereaved are her parents and two sisters, and fiance Luke Sutton, captain of the County Cricket Club.

West Derbyshire MP Patrick McLoughlin secured an Adjournment Debate in Parliament on 14 December where he raised concerns about a number of Derbyshire roads, including Via Gellia. A programme of measures was proposed by David Jamieson, Under-Secretary of State for Transport, which includes signing of bends, speed limits, rumble strips, chevron signing and signs at both ends of Via Gellia.

Youth Club Saved.  10 Sept 2004                                                                     News Archive
Andrew and Rebecca Carter of Arkwright Stores have taken over as leaders of Cromford Youth Club.
In May this year it was feared the club would have to close after the summer holidays following the resignations of founders Sue and John Brooks and Danielle Whittaker, who had been in charge since the club was started in 1987.
Meetings are held at the Methodist Church Hall in Water Lane on Thursdays between 8 and 10pm.

Cromford Surgery Set to Close.  4 Sept 2004                                                   News Archive
The Hannage Brook Medical Centre in Wirksworth is planning to close its Cromford and Brassington surgeries. The Saturday morning surgeries at Wirksworth will also go.
The reasons given for closing the village surgeries are the lack of proper examination facilities and no nursing and computer support. The money saved will be spent on improving facilities at the Medical Centre in Wirksworth.
Cromford Parish Council is contacting the Derbyshire Dales and South Derbyshire Primary Care Trust to enquire whether public consultation will take place, and if the local surgeries could be improved to meet the required criteria.
The Cromford surgery is held at the Institute every Tuesday and is conducted by Dr Rapoport.
Update: Cromford surgery will be closing on 2 October 2004.
The no-appointment open surgery at Wirksworth was stopped on 1st October 2004. This has not been given the same publicity as the other changes.

Tour of Britain Cycle Race goes through Cromford.   3 Sept 2004.                      News Archive

Cyclists pass the end of North Street at the start  of the hill climb.               Photograph: Roy Smith

The Tour of Britain cycle race sped through Cromford today, Friday, just before 11 am. The riders hardly slowed down on the King of the Mountains section on Cromford Hill, which has a gradient of 1 in 8.

The race started in Manchester on 1st September and will end in London on 5th September. Sixteen teams of 6 cyclists are taking part, including national teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, US Postal and Team GB.

The East Midlands leg of the race is stage 3 of the Tour and covers 120 miles from Bakewell to Nottingham. The stage was won by Belgium's Tom Boonen in the time of 4 hours 30 minutes and 55 seconds.

Wheelie Bins for Cromford?   12 August 2004                                               News Archive
Derbyshire Dales District Council has now voted to introduce wheelie bins and edge-of-property collections for household and compostable waste. This means each household will have two wheelie bins, instead of the black bag system currently in place. The date for the changeover has not yet been fixed.
The proposal was discussed by Cromford Parish Council in April when it was agreed that wheelie bins were inappropriate for Cromford because of the large number of terraced houses where bins would have to be taken through homes to the street. Also many houses in other parts of Cromford have steep gardens with steps to the pavement. DDDC was notified accordingly.
Residents can send comments in writing to Wheeled Bins, Waste Management, Derbyshire Dales District Council, Town Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3NN, or e-mail wheeledbins@derbyshiredales.gov.uk
The closing date for comments is August 31.

News in Brief                                                                                                  News Archive

Annual Fun Day  6 September 2004
Cromford Community Centre held its annual Fun Day on Saturday. Entertainment was provided by local storyteller Graham Langley, Uncle Michael the clown and Cromford Community Band. Stalls, competitions, a bouncy castle and a barbecue completed the fun. Money was raised for local charities and to improve disabled access to the centre.

Sarah gains Baccalaureate  2 September 2004
Former Anthony Gell pupil Sarah Hobbs of Cromford has been awarded the International Baccalaureate following two years at the Red Cross Nordic United World College in Norway. The ten UWCs around the world aim to improve international relations through education.
Sarah, 18, is going on to the School of Oriental and African Studies in London to study for a degree in Social Anthropology and Arabic.

Cromford Steam Rally   31July - 1st August 2004
Hot and sunny weather at this year's steam rally at Brackenfield attracted large crowds, some visitors camping in neighbouring fields. The event, said to be the largest steam traction rally in the Midlands, included steam engines, farm and commercial vehicles, vintage cars and motorbikes. There were fairground attractions, stalls and a craft tent.

Boost for Playground Improvement Plans  26 August 2004
A grant of £4,717 has been awarded to the Cromford Playground Project Group from the Derbyshire Aggregates Levy Scheme. The money will be spent on a tarmac path at the playground to enable children to cycle, roller skate etc away from busy traffic.

       News Archive

       Children of the Mills  18 July 2004
       Today, Willersley Castle, Cromford Mill
       and Masson Mill were the venues for lively
       performances of Children of the Mills, the
       story of Richard Arkwright's cotton mills.
       Using drama, music, song and dance over
       two hundred children from six local primary
       schools created the event aided by Wirksworth
       based "Learning Through Arts".
       Over 500 people watched the story unfold as
       they moved between the three sites.
 

Rare Arkwright Five Pound Note Sold.  30 April 2004                                          News Archive
A Five pound note issued by the old Wirksworth and Ashbourn Bank has been sold by auctioneers Spink in London for £3,335. The note, serial number 3420, was issued on 24 August 1829 and is signed by Charles Arkwright, a son of Richard Arkwright Junior.
The bank, forerunner of the present Lloyds Bank in Wirksworth, was founded by John Toplis in 1780. Arkwright Junior became a partner in 1804, taking over full ownership in 1829 with his sons Peter and Charles, each holding a third share in the capital. The bank was known locally as Richard Arkwright and Co.
At that time merchants and businessmen would start up their own banks and issue their own banknotes, which were like a form of IOU.
The note was bought by Robert Aram, the owner of Masson Mills. A copy of the note will be displayed in the Working Textile Museum at Masson.

Dene Quarry extension to go ahead.  10 March 2004                                     News Archive
Tarmac has been given permission to cut into a further 5 hectares at the north and south of Dene Quarry on Cromford Hill. This will give ten more years of production of coated roadstone, and will extract a further 14 million tons of limestone. A condition of the work is that Tarmace will fill in the quarry over time to claim back the land. In the long term existing quarry sites and the proposed extension will have hay meadow, pasture land and woodland as well as a lake.
Dean Hollow Tip will not be removed completely at the request of residents of Middleton as it screens the workings from the village.
It is estimated that the quarry will be worked out by 2024.

Cromford Postmaster Honoured.   8 January 2004                                                News Archive

Trevor Smedley, postmaster at the Cromford Post Office in Scarthin, has been awarded a Matlock Mercury New Year's Honour Award for services to the local community. Trevor was nominated by local people who appreciate the helpful and caring service he gives in the Post Office to all his customers. Trevor has also given talks in the village explaining new procedures concerning the payment of pensions.
The Matlock Mercury has honoured fifteen people whose names were put forward by the newspaper's readers.

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The Work of Cromford Parish Council During 2004                          News Archive

These are just some of the items dealt with during the year.
Copies of the minutes of the council meetings are held at the Post Office, Scarthin.
Key: CPC - Cromford Parish Council.   DDDC - Derbyshire Dales District Council.  DCC - Derbyshire County Council.

Highways -
Mill Lane: residents have complained about lorries using this as a route to Crich Quarry. There are weight restriction notices on the road. Quote from the DCC in January - "The Bridge is due to go back sooner rather than later" (Comment - presumably a reference to the aqueduct)
Lighting: Improvements have been requested for Intake Lane, Mill Lane opposite the warehouse and on the bridge, and the road to the station. Also to change all the lights in Cromford from orange to white.
September: Lighting has been installed on the railway station approach.
State of road surfaces:
February: Poor surface dressing in Castle View Drive and Ridgewood Drive to be resurfaced by DCC in the next financial year.
March: Lime Yard to be resurfaced next year.
May: The deteriorating condition of North Street has been reported to DCC.
July: Residents who attended CPC meeting were informed by B Joyce of DCC that a conservation scheme is in place for North Street but there is no funding for it. The residents agreed that they would prefer to have maintenance work carried out and forgo the conservation scheme if it would delay immediate improvements.
August: Scarthin - repairs to railings & stone plinths, new street lighting, waste bins, seating & surfacing works to be carried out in September/ October. DDDC to be informed that residents do not want the planned limestone chippings on the Promenade. An extra £5000 is needed for tarmac which cannot be funded by CPC.
September: Scarthin - the refurbishment is to begin on 20th September for 10 weeks.
A request to be sent to DCC requesting a crossing by the Bell Inn.
Bus shelter on The Hill: CPC requested a new bus shelter opposite Barnwell Lane. In May DCC stated this would involve removing part of the crash barrier at a cost of £1000 which couldn't be justified. Also the remaining part of the barrier would be weakened.
Police matters:
January: 4 motor vehicle crimes reported. 2 crimes reported since last meeting.
March: 2 burglaries reported.
May: Children seen playing on the school roof.
Playground refurbishment:
A meeting took place at the Bell for anyone interested the refurbishment of the playground at Allen's Hill. A committee was formed and Liz Aris has met contractors and is applying for grants. Councillors March and Whittaker raised £500 after a sponsored slim. Cromford School donated a further £500 and a jumble sale raised £250. In April it was disclosed that the project would cost between £40,000 and £50,000. A play area is also proposed for the St Marks Close area.
August: The committee is hoping for an Aggregates Levy grant for pathways & fencing. Applications have been put in for two further grants for equipment & safety surfacing.
September: A grant of £4717 from the Aggregates Levy has been received for the installation of tarmac pathways for cycling, roller skating etc.
October: The Halloween Disco raised £300.
Other matters:
Grit bins have been ordered for Baker Lane, Hawthorn Drive and North Street. They are to be paid for by DCC provided CPC maintains and refills them.
Wheelie bins. April - DDDC is proposing to introduce compostable waste collections and wheeled bins. It was agreed that wheelie bins are inappropriate for Cromford and DDDC is to be notified accordingly.
August - DDDC has invited comments on the proposed wheeled bins. The clerk is to write re-affirming CPC's original comments.
October - Cllr March to speak with senior officers re the organisation of this project.
Footpaths. Dene Quarry has proposed a new route around the quarry and this was accepted.
May - quotes are to be sought for surfacing of the footpath from Janet's to the school.
Cromford Community Centre - the games room is in need of reflooring and CPC were asked for suggestions for funding.
Bear Pit sough - April: Derbyshire Environmental Trust is considering funding the refurbishment project through the aggregates levy scheme.
June: DDDC has been unable to establish ownership of the Bear Pit. There may be a shortfall in the grant of £470 which would be met by CPC.
September: CPC has been awarded a grant of £2417 from the Aggregates Levy Scheme towards the restoration project, subject to agreement re future maintenance.
October: Richard Ash is to undertake the work.
Community bus service - October: It is planned to run a community bus service to Wirksworth Sports Centre on Wednesday evenings for a trial period of 3 months. CPC to pay £5.90 per week towards this.
November: a further meeting is to be held as Bonsall PC favour a longer period in Wirksworth so people may participate in youth service activities.
New Parish notice boards - October: Quotes are to be sought for 2 new boards.
Planning applications: January - Mr Sims, barn at Bakers Lane conversion to dwelling. No objection.
February - Mr Bunting, change of use and conversion of garage premises off Market Place to dwelling with attached garage extension. No objection.
April - Hardy's & Hanson Plc, erection of illuminated pictorial sign, 2 fascia signs, 5 plaque signs, 5 floodlights and one lantern at the Greyhound Hotel. No objection.
May - Arkwright Society, re-instatement of additional floors and roof to First Mill and re-instatement of waterwheel. No objection.
July - Mrs K Wilson, storage building for agricultural purposes at Bracken End Farm, Intake Lane. Granted.
October - Mr and Mrs Tew, Mr and Mrs Carter, rear of 37-39 Market Place. Incorporation of derelict cottage into ancillary living accommodation. No objection.
November - Matlock Rugby UFC , Cromford Meadows, alterations & extensions to clubhouse. No objection.

Sponsor a Sheep for Christmas   19 November 2003                                             News Archive
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is giving people the opportunity to sponsor a sheep for £30 a year. The Trust employs sheep to graze pasture land in its conservation areas, so encouraging wild flowers and wildlife.
The £30 would cover the sheep's food, vet's bills and shearing. Sponsors will receive a certificate, a pottery sheep and a twice-yearly newsletter.
The sheep graze on the Trust's grassland reserves, including Gang Mine off Cromford Hill. Other sites are Carr Vale Flash near Bolsover, Hartington Meadows and Hilton Gravel Pits. The flock consists of three breeds of sheep: Herdwicks, Hebrideans and Mules, and sponsors can choose the breed of sheep they prefer.
Ideal as a Christmas present, or treat yourself !
For more information contact Derbyshire Wildlife Trust on 01773 881188

Historic House for Sale   12 November 2003                                                           News Archive
Cromford Bridge Hall (formerly Bridge House), is on the market for £1.5m.
The house was built by the Wigley family of Wirksworth in the 17th century, although in the attics there is evidence of an earlier timber framed house. At that time the area was known as Senior Field. There have been later additions and alterations over the years.
It was at one time the home of Benjamin Haywood, whose horse famously leapt from Cromford Bridge into the river below in 1697. He was involved in developing the warm springs at Matlock Bath.
The house has also been in the ownership of the Nightingale family of Lea. Elizabeth Evans, great aunt of Florence Nightingale, lived there until her death in 1852 when the house was offered to Florence to turn into a hospital. She declined and went on to her nursing work in the Crimea.
When the house was sold in 1967 it went for £15,000, which included the old coach house.
This could be an opportunity for any new owners to change the name back to Cromford Bridge House, its historic name. It has only been known as Hall in recent years.
Agents are Jones & Company of Belper. Tel 01773 880012
SOLD

This is how the story unfolded.

Arkwright Painting by Joseph Wright May be Lost.   7 February 2003                 News Archive
It is believed that a famous painting known as "Richard Arkwright, his wife Mary and Child", by Joseph Wright of Derby, may be sold abroad.
An application for an export licence was heard by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art last Wednesday. Their recommendation has been passed to the Arts Minister, Baroness Blackstone, but it could be weeks before her decision is known.
Richard Arkwright was the son of Sir Richard Arkwright,
"the father of the Industrial Revolution".
Richard Junior moved into Willersley Castle in Cromford when it was completed in 1796. He was a successful mill owner in his own right, and later concentrated on property and banking. When he died in 1843 he was the richest commoner in Britain.
The painting was completed in 1790 and the child is Mary, the seventh of the couple's eleven children. Joseph Wright also painted their six older children as well as a portait of Sir Richard Arkwright.
More about Richard Arkwright Junior
Local MP Patrick McLoughlin has appealed to the Arts Minister to prevent the painting leaving the country.
13 March Update:  The Government has placed a temporary bar on the export of the painting. The Derwent Valley Mills Partnership (DVMP) which manages the World Heritage Site has launched a campaign to raise the £1,217,500 needed to buy the painting. It has until April 18 to show there is enough public support.
It is hoped the painting will eventually be displayed with other works by Joseph Wright in Derby Museum and Art Gallery.
24 March Update:  The DVMP is applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund and the National Art Collection Fund for grants totalling £850,000.
7 July 2003 Update: A grant of £777,000 has been donated by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Campaigners must now raise a further £207,000 to buy the painting.
18 August Update: The Government has extended the temporary ban on the export of the painting to September 12 to allow time for further fund raising.
If you would like to show your support email  David Farrington, co-ordinator, Derwent Valley Mills Partnership at davidfarrington@derbyshire.gov.uk
or write to him at Derwent Valley Mills Partnership, PO Box 6297, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3WJ.

Joseph Wright Painting Bought for the Nation.  30 September 2003                       News Archive
There were celebrations today as campaigners fighting to keep an important local painting in the country succeeded in raising the £1.2 million needed to buy the painting and prevent its sale abroad.
The painting, a portrait of "Richard Arkwright, his wife Mary and Child", by Derby artist Joseph Wright, had been sold to an institution in America and an application for an export licence was made in February 2003. Following appeals to the Arts Minister to prevent the sale the Government placed a temporary bar on the export of the painting.
The Derwent Valley Mills Partnership which manages the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site then launched a fund-raising campaign to raise £1,217,500 to buy the painting. The Lottery Heritage Fund provided most of the funding, with pledges coming from individuals and organisations. However it looked as though the fight was lost as the final deadline of 30th September approached and the target had still not been reached. With only a day to go Derbyshire company Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd (Wren) stepped in to pledge £66,000, and the final £5000 was added by the National Arts Collection, so ensuring the purchase of the painting.
The painting will eventually be on show at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery.

Arkwright Painting Back in Derbyshire   28 October 2003                                     News Archive
The real identity of the child in the painting.
After months of campaigning and fund raising the portrait "Richard Arkwright, his wife Mary and Child", by Derby artist Joseph Wright, has today been brought to its new home at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery.
During the past months of publicity about the painting the child in the portrait has been named as Anne. However the child cannot be Anne, who was born in 1794, four years after the painting was completed.
The child is Mary, born in 1788, the seventh child of Richard and Mary Arkwright. Two portraits were also made by Wright of the six older children - "Three Children of Richard Arkwright and a Kite" showed Robert, Richard and Peter. "Three children of Richard Arkwright and a Goat" showed Elizabeth, Charles and John.
Mary died on 9 June 1803 at the age of 15 and is buried in Cromford church.
It is surely time that she is acknowledged as the child in the Joseph Wright painting.
To see the paintings of the other children

Sweet Medicine Gone Sour?  27 October 2003                                                     News Archive
The Wirksworth based TV series Sweet Medicine has been moved from its usual Thursday 9pm showing to Sunday evening after 11pm. It is not clear why the last two episodes have been moved to the so-called graveyard slot.
Viewing figures at the start of the series were almost 7 million, but the latest figures are not available.
ITV is now talking to producers about the future of Sweet Medicine, which followed the successful Peak Practice.
See report of 29 April 2003.
November 3 Update: A spokeswoman from ITV said that Sweet Medicine had not been written off altogether. It was popular and could be brought back in a different slot. Oh dear! That must explain why he never raised a smile - he was suffering from indigestion.>

Last Call for Telephone Boxes?  8 October 2003                                             News Archive
Two of the payphone boxes in Cromford may be axed by BT because they are not financially viable. They are situated on Beech Walk and at the Crossroads. Their removal would leave only one box at the Market Place opposite the Greyhound Hotel.
Cromford Parish Council is inviting residents to the next council meeting on Wednesday 15th October at the Institute to discuss the issue.

Vintage Engines Destroyed.  23 September 2003                                                   News Archive
A collection of restored vintage engines was virtually destroyed in a fire at Kirk Langley yesterday. The collection, worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, belonged to Ian Howard, who is devastated by the loss. Among the collection was a 1920 Fowler steam engine called Renown, which he bought 30 years ago and restored to its former glory. Also destroyed was the Scania lorry and low loader which Mr Howard used to take his engines to rallies in England and on the continent.
Mr Howard, co-owner of the steam engine restoration business Alton Engineering, inherited his love of steam engines from his father, Norman, the owner of Howards Bakery in Cromford until about 21 years ago.
Mr Norman Howard owned a traction engine and was one of the founders of the Cromford Steam Rally in 1970.

Controversial Sign in Cromford.  1 September 2003                                               News Archive
A Remember Me sign has been put on a telegraph pole on the A6 opposite the Esso petrol station in memory of Mark Storer. Mark was killed at the age of 27 outside the garage on August 21, 1992, when his motorbike was in collision with a lorry.
The black plastic sign with a red anenome bears Mark's name and was erected by his parents, Derek and Jean Storer of Belper. They hope the sign will make drivers more careful.
The signs are distributed by RoadPeace, a charity for road traffic victims, which is campaigning for permanent signs to be put up automatically at the site of every fatal accident.
Opponents of the scheme fear the signs could distract motorists.

New Fish and Chip Shop   3 August 2003                                                               News Archive
A fish and chip take-away and cafe opened today in the premises of the former Village Shop. This new venture by the Gould family is open for business Monday to Saturday at lunch times and evenings.

New Parish Council.   2 May 2003                                                                         News Archive
There was no election for the Parish Council yesterday as there were only 7 candidates for the ten seats. The councillors are: Barbara Bowman, Arnold Crosby, Peter Naylor, Ian Page, Angus Watson, Donald Whittaker and Michael Whitworth.
Four councillors did not stand this time. Peter Naylor is a new member.
Update - Three people have since been opted on to the council to fill the vacancies - Jeremy Beckett and Derek Roose, (members of the last council), and Julie Lowe.
In the District Council election, John March and Nicholas Elliott were re-elected for the Masson ward.

Death of Retired Chemist.   30 April 2003                                                               News Archive
The death occurred on 24 April of Mr Ronald Carter, aged 87, at a nursing home in Duffield. Mr Carter will be remembered as the village chemist at the shop on Cromford Market Place, which he ran for many years.
He was a keen photographer and at one time gave talks and exhibitions about his hobby at the Institute.
He retired in April 1983, when he and his wife Lin moved to Intake Lane.
A widower, Mr Carter left a sister and nieces and nephews.
There will be a funeral service at St Mary's Church, Cromford on Tuesday May 6 at 1.30pm, followed by cremation at Chesterfield.

 
Last Friday residents and visitors in Cromford had difficulty
finding their way into the popular bookshop on Scarthin.
A huge red banner emblazoned with the words "NO WAR"
was draped over the front of the building.

The banner was created by the Matlock and District Stop
the War Group and was recently seen worldwide on the
BBC website hanging from High Tor, Matlock Bath.

 
SALVATORI née DAYKIN

Jane and Robert are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter Madeleine Lucy on 7th February 2003.
Madeleine was born at home in Whitstable, Kent and weighed in at a bouncing 9lb 8oz.
Big brothers Thomas and Daniel are delighted with their baby sister.

Car Parking. Pavements & Lighting -
DDDC has awarded a grant of £10,000 towards parking areas on Tor View Rise and The Hill. Total cost may be £12,000. Work started in March on bays for 9 cars on Tor View Rise. On completion residents compained that the bays hadn't helped parking problems on the road as cars were parking higher up when the bays were full. Double yellow lines are being considered. CPC has paid £12,600 for the work.
Route from Railway Station to Cromford Bridge. Overhanging foliage has been cut back. September meeting - the DCC has produced a scheme for street lighting to be introduced in this financial year.
October meeting - complaints have been received that saplings are growing out of the river bridge and debris has built up around the buttresses. The Clerk is to report this to the relevant authorities.
Planning -
Recent applications include a single storey front extension to provide disabled WC at the Cromford Institute. Approved.
See separate section for other planning applications.
Footpaths -
The Footpath Warden Mr J Mee reports to the CPC every month on the state of the local footpaths and work completed and needed to be done. Each footpath has its own reference number so I do not know the whereabouts of the paths unless stated.
Topics discussed include: -
Complaints have been received that the new stile on Yates Lane to Rose End Meadows fitted by Derbys Wildlife Trust is too high for some people to negotiate. The Trust was contacted but replied in April that the stile would not be altered because of cost.
The wheelwash at the footpath over Tarmac's drive has been painted.
Slinter Mining is to rebuild stone walls to the rear of 144 The Hill.
Vandalism and anti social Behaviour -
Bus shelter at the Crossroads. After the last pane of glass was broken on 15 March the CPC had problems finding insurance and no repairs were made. In June Maryse Harrison from DCC contacted CPC with an offer to replace all the broken panels with perspex at no cost to the CPC. It will be a test case. The offer was accepted and the panels replaced, along with the seat.
Update: To date, May 2006, the bus shelter has suffered no further damage.
Noise and vandalism on Friday and Saturday nights around the Market Place and The Hill has been upsetting residents. The problems are caused by people being ejected from taxis on their way home from Brodys nightclub. CPC has been asked to consider CCTV cameras. It was also decided to write to Brodys asking if they could provide a minibus to transport their customers home (as they supply a minibus service from villages to get people there). A letter was sent in June and a reply in December from Brodys stated they were employing extra door staff to exclude under-age drinkers.
Abandoned cars are a growing problem and have been removed from St Marks Close, Rose End Avenue and Lime Yard. There have also been car break ins.
Other matters dealt with -
Dunsley Meadows - CPC is supporting the Arkwright Society, which recently purchased the meadows on Via Gellia, in its bid to designate the site as a Nature Reserve.
Cromford Sough (Bear Pit) - CPC is to investigate ownership of the sough with a view to adopting it for restoration. This would be a joint venture with DDDC and DCC.
Plaques are to be put on the railings outside the school and the Institute which were re-instated to mark the Millennium.
Scarthin - DDDC has applied for a grant of £30,000 for improvements to be made to Scarthin. These would include the repair and replacement of damaged railings; repair of stone copings; 7 new seats; expose set channel in road; replace columns; surface dressing. In June the CPC revealed that the grant application had been turned down and the amount given to Buxton. An application will be made next year.
 

Station waiting room to holiday accommodation.   December 2003
An application for planning permission to convert the former waiting room at Cromford Railway Station into holiday accommodation has been made to the District Council. The building is owned by Tony Brook, who bought Station House together with the waiting room six months ago. He is hoping to restore the building to its original form.
The waiting room is over the bridge on the up-line, now unused, and was built in 1860. It was originally the main station building, connected to the telegraph, and had a clock tower. The tall chimneys at each end have been removed. In 1995 this building was pictured on the front of the single "Some Might Say" by the pop group Oasis.

Film set for Sweet Medicine.   11 September 2003
Carlton Television Ltd of Heage Road Industrial Estate, Ripley, propose the erection of facade, entrance gates and fencing for a temporary period of three years at The Rectory, Coldwell Street, Wirksworth.
Note: The first series of Sweet Medicine began on September 4th on ITV. It is on Thursday evenings at 9pm.   Watch out for a glimpse of Cromford Pond in the opening scenes.

High Peak Junction.  11 September 2003
Derbyshire County Council has applied for listed building consent for the restoration of the railway water tank and supporting structure at High Peak Junction on the Cromford Canal.

Expansion of Arkwright Stores.   May 2003
An application has been made by Mr & Mrs Tew and Mr & Mrs Carter for change of use of part of the ground floor of No 37 Market Place from residential to retail, and internal alterations and new openings in party walls at Nos 35/37/39 Market Place to facilitate conversion to retail use.
Mr Tew and Mr Carter are the proprietors of Arkwrights Stores at No 39. Numbers 35 and 37 were at one time the home of Lloyds Bank.

Changes at the Old Vicarage.   May 2003
Jobmaster Ltd have applied for change of use from business to dwellinghouse and ancillary residential accommodation at The Old Vicarage, off Intake Lane.

Village Shop.   February 2003
An application for the change of use of the Village Shop to a food and drink outlet was approved.

Extension to Dene Quarry.   February 2003
Plans by Tarmac Quarry Products to extend Dene Quarry have been approved.
Note:  Tarmac plans to extend the area of Dene Quarry by another 12 acres to tap reserves of 5 million tonnes of dark limestone for road building. The 100-acre quarry at present produces around 1.1 million tonnes of material a year, which involves about 200 lorry loads a day or 400 arrivals and departures. The quarry employs 39 people directly and a further 69 under contract. It is estimated that the quarry has a future working life of 23 years.

Holiday Accommodation Planned.   30 January 2003
Mr Anthony Carline proposes alterations to a listed building ie conversion of upper floors to form
two flat units at 7 The Hill, Cromford. Also the demolition of The Wash-house, Swifts Hollow, The Hill, and the conversion of a coach house at Swifts Hollow to form holiday accommodation and garage.
Also the conversion of the Bakehouse to form holiday accommodation.

Howards Bakery will be extending its range to include fruit and vegetables.

DEREK ROOSE, Cromford businessman and parish councillor, has collected £670 from local traders to buy Golden Jubilee mugs for each child at Cromford School. Derek still has his Coronation mug from 1953 and wanted the children to have a similar souvenir of the Queen's 50 year reign.

Dr Mark Merrick joined the practice after Dr Pat Mordey moved to Scotland.

Dr Trevor Hyde retired from the Medical Centre on 9th May after 24 years as a GP in Wirksworth. His departure came two months after Dr Mordey moved to Scotland.
Dr Hyde and his wife Lesley support the charity One to One Children's Fund, which provides practical help to children affected by HIV/AIDS in South Africa. In October 2002 the couple tackled a six day, 80 mile trek in the Cedarburg mountains in Eastern Cape to raise money for the charity.

Morris Dancers visited Cromford today as part of a Dance Weekend based at Ambergate.
Teams including Mortimer's Morris,
Wakefield Dancers, Berkshire Bedlam and Bradford Women's Morris gave performances on North Street, Scarthin and at Cromford Mill. The energetic dancers were accompanied by lively music played on concertinas, accordions, guitars, fiddles and drums.

 
Right    The Wakefield Dancers performing on Scarthin by the Boat Inn. Note rear view of the houses on the Market Place and the Greyhound Hotel.

The Queen's Golden Jubilee Baton was today carried through Cromford on its way to Manchester for the opening of the Commonwealth Games.
The baton was carried by Mark Fardon, accompanied by four other runners and led by a convoy of police motorcyclists. The stage began on Water Lane near the bottom of Chapel Hill and ended at Matlock Bath.
Local girl Sarah Bunting was chosen to run with the baton along Burton Road in Derby.

The Jubilee Baton Relay is part of the celebrations of the Queen's Golden Jubilee year. The 50 day tour started on Commonwealth Day, June 6, and will pass through England, N Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey before finishing at Manchester Stadium for the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on July 25.
The baton contains the Queen's opening address.

Queen Elizabeth II succeeded her father King George VI following his death on 6 February, 1952.
 

Shops and houses in Cromford are decorated with flags and bunting to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee.
Over the holiday period events have been held to celebrate this unique occasion. On Friday Cromford school pupils dressed up for their Jubilee party. Heather, Kelly, Sophie and Thomasine were all queen for a day.
The Community Centre hosted celebrations on Sunday, with music from the Community Band.
Monday saw Angela Ash leading a walk and picnic to the Rose End Nature Reserve and by the canal.

Many of the flags are also in support of England in the Football World Cup.

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On 23 May 2001 part of the wall on the A6 was demolished after a fire engine answering an emergency call collided with a car at the Crossroads. The fire engine ended up in Lime Yard below, crushing a garage and the car inside. Work to rebuild the wall began on 3 January 2002, and lasted about twelve weeks at an estimated cost of £20,000.

 
24 Feb 2002.
View from Lime Yard where the fire engine landed on top of a garage.
The wall below road level, the pavement and part of the road were unstable and extensive repair work was necessary.
The new dry stone wall will be over 4 metres high (approx 14 feet) on completion.
It is being built by stone mason Gareth Montague.

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The snow that fell during last Saturday night   (29/30 Dec) has frozen and there is no sign of a thaw. Side roads and pavements are slippery but the main road is clear.
Sunshine on New Year's Day, Tuesday, attracted walkers to the Canal and Meadows, and sledges were brought out for the first time this winter.
The extreme cold is expected to last until the weekend.

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Apple Day at Scarthin.   22 October 2001                                                           News Archive

 

Saturday was apple day in Scarthin when people were invited along with their windfalls and plenty of bottles to make use of an apple crusher.
There were also wood-turning demonstrations on a lathe driven by a treadle, and examples of items made with willow.
The day, organised by David Mitchell of Scarthin Books, has become a popular annual event.

 

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Mill Grant Received.  18 October 2001                                                              News Archive

The East Midlands Development Agency has today transferred a grant of £240,000 to the Arkwright Society. This means money from the Heritage Lottery Fund can now be released.
The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded a £1.8 million grant towards restoration work at Cromford Mill in May.

Work is being carried out on Richard Arkwright's first mill, built in 1771, and improvements including a viewing platform will be made on site for the benefit of visitors.
The Arkwright Society began restoring Cromford Mill in 1979.

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Creative Cromford.  22 Sept 2001                       Fun Weekend.  10 Sep 2001       News Archive

An exhibition of local arts and crafts organised by the WI attracted a stream of visitors.

The weekend was organised by the Community Association in aid of the Community Centre and Cromford School, raising an impressive £411.

The Arkwright Society has banned rock climbing and abseiling on the cliff face of Scarthin Tor along   Church Walk, Cromford.   Notices have been posted along the cliff face.
The climbs have been closed for safety reasons.

Today marks the official end of the closure of footpaths due to the outbreak of foot and mouth.
However access to Cromford Meadows is still restricted because of grazing sheep. The gates are locked to vehicles and the public is requested not to enter. Sports clubs have been allowed on to mow the cricket, football and rugby pitches.
Cromford Canal towpath is to re-open for visitors.

Derbyshire was largely free of the disease, the only cases being in the south of the county.

 
The cleaning and refurbishment of the War Memorial
in Cromford Memorial Garden has been completed.
The work was organised by the Parish Council and
the Royal British Legion.
There are 28 names on the Memorial.

Find out more about the men from Cromford and Scarthin
who died in the two World Wars.

The seat is part of a scheme to provide information and interest along the Trail. This includes plaques with cut-out motifs of engines, barges etc, fixed to cliff sides and walls alongside the Trail and at High Peak Junction.