Duffield Village News in brief....

News items from the Duffield Scene are reproduced
with the kind permission of Barrie & Diana Eccleston.
01332 - 841948
'Duffield Scene' covers all these stories and more in this month's FREE issue.
Or logon to www.duffieldscene.co.uk where the 'Scene' can be downloaded in PDF form.

All information, letters, news, articles, diary events, photographs and suggestions should be
marked “Duffield Scene” and handed in at Duffield News, Town Street, Duffield
or posted to: 52 Tamworth Street, Duffield DE56 4EZ.
Contacts: Barrie & Diana Eccleston
Phone: (01332) 841948 E-mail: info@duffieldscene.co.uk

For more local news, check out the
Duffield Community Association Website

- November 2008 Edition (In brief) -

Boost in Local Train Services
December.East Midlands Trains are introducing new, hourly direct trains from Duffield East Midlands Trains has today announced exciting plans for a new hourly direct service between Duffield, Derby and Nottingham as part of its new timetable, which will be introduced on Sunday 14 December.
The new timetable will offer some of the biggest improvements on the network in several years, with new services, more trains on key routes, faster journey times, better connections and a moreregular service across the whole network. Read more>>

‘OLD GEEZER’ PUTS IT IN FOR CHARITY
Rodney Wood, well into his seventies, has just raised over£1,000 for Cancer Research by completing a ten kilometre race in the grounds of Kedleston Hall.
He described his time of 62 minutes as “not bad for probably the oldest geezer there” ... the reward for some
40 training runs, plus dog walking, for the month prior to the run - “I wanted to do justice to the event”
He might have a pained expression as he reached the finishing line but he was delighted with the generosity
of family, friends and acquaintances who donated some £1,100 in support of the run.
“Thanks to everyone who supported the effort. The money raised will help to develop greater knowledge in the fight against cancer,”said Rodney who is chairman of the burgeoning Millennium Meadow project.
Well Done Rodney.

Some £2,500 was raised for The British Heart Foundation at the Lawrence Moffatt Memorial Ball, held in memory of local Duffield man Lawrence Moffatt who passed away suddenly last year. A year on, Lawrence’s stepdaughter Sophie Jardine organised the black-tie Ball to celebrate his life and raise much-needed funds for The British Heart Foundation. Sophie said, “We managed to raise an amazing total of £2,500 for The British Heart Foundation.“This money will hopefully help a few people not to haveto go through what we did, after losing Lawrence.
“A huge thank you to all the people who supported the event, either by attending the Ball, buying raffle tickets, or by making a donation.”
Sue Moffatt, Lawrence’s widow added: “The Ball was a fantastic success, with wonderful food and dancing throughout the evening.
“Not to mention, the raffle and extravagant auction on the night, which saw bids of hundreds of pounds!
“A quiet glass of champagne was raised in Lawrence’s memory between myself, Sophie and my son Dominic, and I’m sure he’d be very proud.”
The Viceroy in Duffield very kindly sponsored the champagne reception held on the night, which was a great help in saving precious funds.
A big thank you to The Viceroy for their generous support.
If you were unable to attend but would like to make a donation, please visit . You can also contact Sophie on 07813 198997.

'Duffield Scene' covers all these stories and more in this month's FREE issue.
Or logon to www.duffieldscene.co.uk where the 'Scene' can be downloaded in PDF form.

- October 2008 Edition (In brief) -

CONGRATULATIONS...60 YEARS WED
On October2nd 2008, Ellis and Dorothy Ashmore of Wirksworth Road Duffield, celebrated sixty
years of marriage, with their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.
In their 80s and having lived in Duffield all their lives, Ellis and Dorothy are among the longest standing
residents of the village.

RAISING MONEY FOR MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM
A charity skittles match was held at the Patten Makers Arms in Duffield to raise funds for Derby Mountain Rescue Team.
Teams made up of mountain rescue members and the pub’s own skittles team played each other in a close
fought but light hearted match that raised £283 for the rescue team through a combination of fines for missed balls, a raffle and contribution raised in recent months through the pub’s Sunday night quiz.

ORGANIC MEAT RANGE AT CROOTS FARM
Derbyshire’s newest farm shops has expanded its range, just two months after opening. www.croots.co.uk

Duffield Badminton Club has Vacancies for New Members
A friendly and informal atmosphere prevails and potential new members are made very welcome.
Do come along and have a go and bring a friend if you wish.
For furthe rinformation about the venue please call 01332 840355.

PARENTS LOOKING BEYOND SCHOOL FOR EXTRA SUPPORT
Many parents are now looking beyond school foradditional support to ensure that theirchild is fully equipped with the knowledge and self- confidence to reach their potential.
For more information please contact Polly Cave, the instructor at the Allestree Study Centre, on 01332 840 928
You can also visit the website at www.kumon.co.uk.
If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact Polly Cave on 01332 840 928.

- September 2008 Edition (In brief) -

A triple first at Oxford
For the first time triplets have won places in the same intake at Oxford University ....and they all come from Duffield and were educated in the village.
Andrew, Rebecca and Toby Wilton, aged 18, of Castle Hill, Duffield, who went to Meadows Primary and then to
Ecclesbourne, achieved the necessary grades to get them places at Oxford where a University spokesman said: “This is a first for us...it’s a truly remarkable achievement.” It’s a fantastic achievement too for the Wilton family. Read on>>

Vandal attack new playground
It is with great sadness that the Parish Council reports that the new playground at Grays Recreational Ground has been attacked by vandals.
The new picnic bench kindly donated by Gerard Varin has been significantly defaced, and the spinning
mushrooms, a favorite with the very young users of the One of the Mushrooms damaged by Vandals.
Considerable effort was required to cause such damage, and it is believed the culprits worked together. Read on>>

Circus comming to Eyes Meadow
The Parish Council is pleased to announce that the John Lawson Circus will be visiting Eyes Meadow from the 22nd to 24th September 2008 as part of their inational tour.
The traditional family circus without animals wasawarded Best Small Circus of Great Britain in 2007 and
offers extensive acts of daring and mystery. Watch out for their posters about the event.

Found at the Carnival;
‘Next’ jacket age 1.5 - 20 years
‘George’ sleeveless jacket age 12 - 13 years
‘New Look’ jacket size 12 (left on stage after concert).
Lucky Programme
Numbers 787, 1019, 1918
Contact Derek Cook (840098) for both lost property and £10 programme prize.

Lost property
A pair of contact lenses in case, found on Hall Farm Road before the summer holidays.Contact Kath, 01332 840405.

- August 2008 Edition (In brief) -

AT LAST...A Duffield Carnival Bonanza
The weathe rwas kind on Carnival Day with the result that well over 2000 paid to enter the Meadow with approximately 200 staying on to attend the evening band concert at an extra charge. The Carnivals of 2005 and 2006 lost £500 and £1200 respectively and this was clearly not sustainable by Duffield Community Association.
A fresh strategy was devised for 2007 although in the event it could not be tested due to the
floods. However the same approach was adopted for 2008 with some additional ways of
generating income. The fresh approach appears to have worked for this year.
The DCAis grateful to all those that advertised in this year’s Carnival programme and on the tickets in what are difficult times for some sectors.
The programme generated an excess of just under £1000, whilst the option to place banners on the arena fence attracted four businesses for a further £200.
The programme advertising was the financial saviour of the cancelled 2007 event!
Under the terms of its constitution all monies made by the DCA have to be used for the
benefit of the residents of Duffield. The ground layout was generally well received although there were musical clashes at times.
There were more stalls than of late with a lot more variety. The procession attracted five floats,
which is more than usual. The standard of fancy dress was excellent and all were commended on their efforts.
Read on>>

A Cycle Ride a Day keeps the Doctor Away
Did you know that regular cycling can give you a fitness level equivalent to being 10
years younger?
And if you cycle 30 minutes a day you could burn 11 kg of fat in a year?
And regular cycling can help prevent over 20 chronic diseases including heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, diabetes and some cancers?*1
These are just some of the amazing facts about the health benefits of cycling that lie behind the
community cycling scheme taking place over the summer in Duffield.
The scheme is being run by Choose Cycling, alocal cycling and green travel social enterprise,
in partnership with Appletree Medical Practice.
Choose Cycling is holding stalls and cycling tryouts outside the practice in Duffield every Monday morning between 10am and 1pm with free local maps, experienced cycle trainers on hand to talk to, and a selection of ‘Easy Rider’bikes to try out.
As part of this exciting initiative, Choose Cycling is also offering free cycle training on Monday afternoons to individuals, families and groups and an innovative “Borrow-a- community-bike scheme whereby you can borrow an ‘Easy Rider’bike fora week for free!
Appletree Medical Practice have said that they are delighted that Choose Cycling have offered to hold a regular stall in their car park to promote cycling and the associated health benefits and that they hope that many of their patients will take advantage of the fantastic opportunities Choose Cycling is offering.
And, one final fact.
Did you know that the health benefits of cycling outweigh any risks by 20:1.
A sedentary lifestyle is a far greater risk.
More information at www.choosecycling.co.uk/community Read on>>

- June 2008 Edition (In brief) -

School Development Plans on Show
A public exhibition is being held to display plans for the proposed new sports and leisure facilities at The Ecclesbourne School and Meadows playing fields, Duffield.
An exhibition was held in the Sixth Form Centre at The Ecclesbourne School on:
Friday 6 June 2008 from 4pm – 8pm and Saturday 7 June 2008 from 9am – 1pm.
Members of the development
team were on hand at the event to explain the proposals and answer any questions
before the planning application is submitted.

Duffield Pre-school Open Evening Thursday 19th June 7.30- 9.00 p.m.will give a warm welcome to all parents, prospective parents, previous staff and committee members, to come and see the changes made to the setting.
A new soft play area has enabled us to provide an environment that fosters learning through play both indoors and out.
“We look forward to seeing you there,”says Colleen Hardwick NB: Recently Duffield Playgroup and Meadows 4+ amalgamated and formed the Duffield Pre-school.

PACK UP AL LOUR CARES AND WOES...HELP IS ON HAND
Jo Pearson, Clinical Hypnotherapist and HypnoBirthing Practitioner has had an exciting and
fulfiling time since her Hypnotherapy practice began last year in Ashbourne.
Jo feels very passionate about the help she provides. “Amongst other things I help clients with such matters as weight management, confidence, depression, exam nerves and marriage guidance”, she says. Jo finds her unique approach using both Hypnotherapy and Counselling helps not only deal with any issues but also lay them to rest.
Jo has also recently expanded and now offers a clinic in Derby.
For any more information or a free consultation please call Jo on 07817 389467.

DAYTIME SLIMMING IN DUFFIELD
Slimming World are introducing more daytime groups, with the aim of giving more choice to people wanting to lose weight and Duffield has been chosen as one of the sites.
Now with even more choice, give Slimming World a try.
For more details please call 07795 294792 or Janet on log on to www.slimmingworld.com

Letter from Dr Paul O’Flanagan to Duffield Scene
.Dear Barrie,
I would be grateful if through Duffield Scene I can thank the many people who have sent me cards. I have had so many it is impossible to individually reply to all the retirement wishes.
It has been wonderful to receive so many, especially as a lot of people included letters with their cards. I have come to conclusion that I should retire every year!!
Many people have asked what my plans are for the future.
Until I get through the list of jobs my wife has given me I doubt that I will have time for anything.
But when I do, it will be more walking, golf, chess, photography, reading and at other times being lazy.
Thanks to everyone’s kindness I have had a wonderful start to retirement.
With many thanks to you all,
Paul O’Flanagan

DUFFIELD CRICKETERS IMPROVED FORM.
There’s a smile of the faces of Duffield cricketers at the start of the month as the teams start to show their true mettle aftera slowish start.
With popular Australian batsman Ben Evans in the runs - he hit his maiden century for the Club
against Ambergate - and skipper Paul Bakel scoring well, the points have been rolling in.

- May 2008 Edition (In brief) -

A Golden Deal for Ecclesbourne School
Ecclesbourne School has paved the way for developments which will benefit the whole community as well as provide bettersporting and academic facilities for students.
Working in partnership with the Derby-based Radleigh Group, the school is proposing a new indoor sports hall with changing facilities, a fitness suite, upgrading the existing netball/tennis courts and a five-lane heated indoor swimming pool at the school’s site on Wirksworth Road.

Dr Paul O’Flanagan retires
After 31 years living and working in Duffield, Dr Paul O’Flanagan retired from Appletree Medical Practice on the 1 May 2008.
During his time in Duffield he became a highly valued and cherished part of the Community and the team at Appletree medical centre.

Duffield Carnival 2008
Some stalls and pitches for Duffield Carnival in Eyes Meadow on Carnival Day Saturday June 28th are still available.
There is a growing demand so if you want to ensure a place e to exhibit your wares please
contact Derek Cook, secretary of Duffield Community Association on 840098

The Duffield Deanery Walk will take place on Saturday May 17th, starting at St. Alkmund’s Church car park at 9.30am.
It’s a 15mile cross country circuit to Deanery churches at Allestree, Mackworth , Kirk Langley, Quarndon and people can join and leave the walkers at any point...it’s a family event and the advice is stout shoes, waterproofs and a packed lunch.
Proceeds from the event will help rehabilitate homeless people in Derby. Please contact Mike Stanier (840849) for sponsor forms and further details..

Amber Painting Group
An annual exhibition of paintings by members is to be held by the Amber Painting Group from May 16th to May 22nd (9.30 am - 4.30pm) in the Cromford Gallery at Sir Richard Arkwright’s Mill at Cromford. Entrance is free and all donations go to support Air Ambulance.

- April 2008 Edition (In brief) -

Changes Made to Aid Patients.
Changes have been made to the patients appointment system at Appletree Medical
Centre. These changes have been introduced in order to improve the availability of routine appointments for patients and ensure all urgent problems are handled within appropriate timescales.
Appletree now has a daily Triage Doctor who deals with urgent requests for appointments (within the next 48 hours), urgent medication requests and home visits etc.

Patients can now book a routine Doctors or Nurses appointment up to 6 weeks in advance.

Make a routine appointment with a Doctor by selecting ‘Option 1’ on the automated telephone system 24 hours of the day or night.
If you are unable to obtain a suitable appointment via the automated system, please contact the Receptionist and you will be passed to the Triage Doctor.
Appointments Urgent (within 48 hours) and Home Visits:
If you need an appointment with a Doctor or home visit within the next 48 hours please telephone the surgery as usual and select ‘Option 2 -
Book an appointment with the help of a receptionist’.
The receptionist will take your details and a contact telephone number.
The Triage Doctor will then phone you back as soon as possible and discuss with you what course of action is appropriate.
This may mean arranging an appointment to attend surgery, a home visit, an appointment with a nurse, answering yourqueries/offering advice on the phone, organising some tests or issuing you with a prescription.

A spokesperson for Appletree Medical Centre said:“Our aim is for you to see the most appropriate person quickly when you need to be seen; and to save time and unnecessary trips to the surgery for problems that can be resolved by telephone.”
Appletree Medical Centre, telephone number 0844 477 3476
www.appletreemedical.org

Hazelwood Crown Green Bowls Club is a well established bowls club and would like to encourage new members from the Duffield area.
Their bowling green and club facilities are virtually second to none, and greatly admired byvisitors from otherbowls clubs.
Hazelwood has social bowling, competitive league play and numerous internal events and social occasions; also junior coaching.
If you are an existing player or new to the game you are most welcome! Contact: Mike Nadin
Tel: 01332 840682.

Laura Allen weaving her Magic
Those of you who purchased a copy of the Duffield Calendarfor
2008 may have had their first introduction to local artist, Laura Ellen Bacon (see March)
Laura Ellen Bacon creates large-scale, woven willow artworks all over the UK, on a loose theme of nesting and attachment. “My work can often be found high up in the boughs of a tree, or perhaps on buildings, cliffs and even in water,” says Laura.
Since graduating from the University of Derby, Laura has exhibited and created her work across the country and recently in Spain and Ireland.
“My work can take me from three days to several weeks to complete andevery sculpture is unique, being literally woven around the site. It’s most exciting to work away from home, but I do have a huge love of Derbyshire”she says.
Last year was a busy one for Laura, including an appearance on BBC1’s Countryfile, a meeting with Sir Richard Branson and the creation of two artworks for Chris Beardshaw’s award- winning garden at Hampton Court Flower Show.

Expansion for 'PURE ESSENTIALS'
Although many local businesses have closed down through lack of support, Pure Essentials Centre for Complementary Therapies is bucking the trend by expanding because of local support.
“We are very grateful for the remarkable support and encouragement we have received from people since we opened our doors almost three years ago. We felt the time was right to expand the range of therapies we offer and are pleased to introduce:
Katy Henry, an acupuncturist with six years experience and successful practices in Mickleover and Nottingham;
Catherine Fuller, has, for the last five years, been a Homeopath in Lincolnshire before moving into this area;
Stuart Welbourn is Hypnotherapist with 10 year experience, a busy practice in Mickleover and local radio and TVappearances to his credit and finally
Clair Graves, with five year experience as a Life Coach Reiki Master/Teacher an Family Practioner.
So, if you are organising an event and looking for something special why not support your local business and give Karen a call on 01332 842116 - you could even book in for a therapy session to melt away the stress.

More Benfits for Meadow Lovers
My grateful thanks to all the people who came for the work party on February 23rd It was a very successful “Spring Clean”, probably even more so than if I had been there, some of my colleagues would say.
Now that we are getting fairly regular visits from one of schools - namely William Gilbert, plus Cub Scouts and Beavers - we have a proper education pack to help children get the best out oflooking at wildlife.
On the morning of Saturday 26th April, 9.30 -12.30, why not come and see the latest
improvements to your own local nature reserve, The Millennium Meadow.
Thanks to funding by the energy company Eon, we now have a new gate providing wheelchair access and threeoak benches.
Sterling work by Tim Brooks of Groundwork Derbyshire has provided a new interpretation /notice board by the main entrance and a new full colour information leaflet for general distribution.
Local sponsorship for these items has come from Benz Bavarian, Duffield News, Smartmove Estate Agents and the Royal Garden Chinese Restaurant. Meadow Musings by Rodney Wood

- March 2008 Edition (In brief) -

Mindless vandaliism upsets doctors
The doctors at Appletree Medical Centre are disappointed to report that the surgery is again subject to annoying vandalism, with repair costs running into several hundred pounds. several hundred pounds.
In a letter to the Duffield Scene the doctors say: “ We are aware that in the evenings and at the
weekends, our car park is a welcoming venue for youths who wish to play various games of football, skateboarding and cycling, as well as more mature young men who gather in their cars, coming and going with the inevitable excessive speed and skidding manoeuvres.
A great deal of litte is left behind which has to be cleared on almost a daily basis.
Games with footballs are also continuing, with the paintwork and windows of the front surgery walls constantly bespattered by muddy football imprints.
Our Appletree Medical Practice sign has been totally destroyed on one occasion during the period of a bank holiday last year, our CCTV cameras confirming that this was done on several nights by deliberate kicking of a ball towards the sign. At considerable expense, we have replaced the sign, only to find that the letters are again being broken off.
We also have CCTV evidence of youths climbing onto the single floor portion of our building, usually using the wheeled bin as an access platform, and 20 or 30 of the slate tiles have been broken as a result.
There is obviously considerable risk for anyone attempting to perform this act.
We would ask local people to consider whether any of their family members are culprits, and try to dissuade them from performing these acts of petty vandalism.
The police are involved in random patrols and prosecutions will follow if any culprits are apprehended.
Ecclesbourne School, the Police, villagers and nearby residents have all be asked to help track down the irresponsible vandals who may come from out of the village.

Footpath improvement
Thanks in no small part to the efforts of Duffield’s County Councillor Patrick Clark and Amber Valley Councillors Stuart Bradford and Chris Short, the footpath on the Ecclesbourne School side of Wirksworth Road are being improved.Ecclesbourne students now have a new pavement to walk on and hopefully they will keep off the grass verge which enhances the appearance of the thoroughfare, especially when it’s allowed to grow!
Soon the other side of Wirksworth Road will have the pavement brought up to standard.

Derbyshire Gold Card Travel Permit
Starting in April 2008 the new scheme will allow cardholders to travel all overEngland on local buses FREE after9.30am.
People over 60 will qualify and under-60 because of a disability. Forms will be available shortly from Duffield News in Town Street,

- February 2008 Edition (In brief) -

JOHN SHARES HIS HONOUR WITH WIFE PAULINE
“It came completely out of the blue. I consider this honour to be for both my wife Pauline and myself - as he rcontribution to squash has been just as great, if not more, than mine,” was how John White greeted the news that he had been made an MBE forhis services to squash.

After all the initial difficulties, building works have finally got underway for the new Croots Farm Shop with a planned opening date of early June 2008.
‘’We’re delighted to finally see the first foundations being laid down’’said Steve Croot “we have a very busy five months ahead of us.”
As well as sorting out all the equipment needed for the butchery and shop, Steve has been busy looking for new and different suppliers, although he is keen to source as much as possible from within a 30 mile radius of the farm.
They are also starting to think about staffing requirements with plans to recruit around eight people to work in the butchery, deli, and the coffee shop as well as someone to help them out with the accounts.
Full details and application formswill be available on theirwebsite orby phone on 01332 883072in the next few weeks.

NEW PLAYGROUND FOR GRAY’S REC
Great news for the toddlers and younger children of the village...a brand new playground will soon be completed at Gray’s Recreational Ground off Snake Lane.

- January 2008 Edition (In brief) -

HUNDREDS OF MEMORIALS MADE SAFE
Memorial testing has now taken place to ensure the Cemetery on Hazelwood Road is a safe place for both visitors and staff. In all more than 1100 memorials have been checked for safety and stability at a cost to the Parish Council in excess of £6000.
Where memorial stones have been found to be unstable, they have, where possible, been made safe on a temporary basis by the use of supporting posts.
As a last resort some large memorials that could not be made safe in this way have been laid down, but this has been limited to under 30 in total.
The testing was conducted by independent trained professionals who used calibrated testing equipment to a measure of 35kgs. Read more in Duffield Scene

BRINGING BACK TRADITION TO A GOOD OLD VILLAGE PUB
Customers are returning once more to The Patten Makers as the word is spreading that the new managers there know what they are doing as they go about restoring its image as a good community pub. Best friends Sheila Fossbrook (left) and Claire Muldoon form the best possible working relationship...Sheila an expert on the cellar side and an engaging hostess behind the bar and Claire, an excellent cook and equally entertaining when not in the kitchen.
“We have both been in the pub trade for many years. our strengths dovetail nicely, we both love the village and see this as a wonderful opportunity to get back the reputation The Patten had as a place to go for quality draught beers, pub games and some good crack in the bar, said Sheila who lives in the pub with her husband Simon and her children Bryn (12) Ashleigh (11) and Luke (9 and their American bulldog Kilo and Staffordshire bull terrier Megan. Read more in Duffield Scene

ALL ROUNDER SONIA CEMENTS HER PLACE IN THE TEAM
The Governors at Ecclesbourne School have approved the appointment of Sonia Robinson as Senior Administration Officer/ Clerk.
In addition to her duties for the governing board, Sonia is also Personal Assistant to the Head Teacher and Admissions Officer too. “This keeps me very busy. and I love busy! I have over 30 years of experience in office administration and all that this entails.”. says Sonia. It’s almost a full school term since she commenced her new role at Ecclesbourne School and now she has been confirmed in the post. Read more in Duffield Scene

- December 2007 Edition (In brief) -

OLDEST VILLAGE SCHOOL SEEKING ASSISTANCE
Duffield’s longest-established school is hoping parent power could help it to solve a budget shortfall. Unusually, William Gilbert Endowed Primary – founded in 1565 - currently has nine free places throughout the school.
It is paid £1,500 per pupil by the local authority, so that could add up to a cut of £13,500 in the school’s income. Read more in Duffield Scene

DUFFIELD CRICKET CLUB PAVILION VANDALISED
Repeated acts of vandalism on at least seven separate occasions have caused thousand of pounds worth of damage to Duffield Cricket Club pavilion. Repeated acts of vandalism on at least seven separate occasions have caused thousand of pounds worth of damage to Duffield Cricket Club pavilion. Read more in Duffield Scene

ROLLING BACK THE YEARS AT ECCLESBOURNE REUNION
The first of the Ecclesbourne School Golden Anniversary reunions (pre- 1987) proved a great success with some 200 students coming from far and wide and bombarding the School with letters of appreciation. Read more in Duffield Scene

FORMER ECCLESBOURNE STUDENT IN PIONEERING VENTURE
Former Ecclesbourne School studentand Yorkshire Post Business Editor David Parkin has launched a new Internet venture providing news, information and events for Yorkshire business. Read more in Duffield Scene

- November 2007 Edition (In brief) -

RESIDENTS WANTACTION OVER KILLER X-ROADS
Residents on Broadway and Cumberhills, are accelerating their fight to get speed restrictions/calming measures imposed neartheirhomes after a recent fatality there.
In a letter to Derbyshire County Council and the Police on behalf of local residents, Derek Brown, who has lived in Cumberhills Road since 1977, has watched as the traffic has increased alarmingly, especially over the past two years.“I believe that the time has arrived for some action to curtail the excessive traffic speed and this applies equallyto both the 30mph zone of Cumberhills Road and 40mph of Broadway, (B5023).“The staggered junction of Cumberhills Road/ Broadway and Wirksworth Road is particularly difficult to negotiate both on foot and in a vehicle.“There have been several collisions at this junction over the past two years and one which very sadly resulted in the death of a motorcyclist a couple of weeks ago.“The lack of a pedestrian crossing at this junction makes it difficult to negotiate, particularly at rush hour.
“Cumberhills Road is increasingly used by ‘rat- runners’as a short-cut to Derby city and the A38, thus avoiding the A6, with its now restricting Bus Lane and 30 mph limit.“The number of households on Cumberhills Road has recently almost doubled with the building of 22 dwellings at Cumberhills Grange, many with two cars per family, resulting in even more drivers and pedestrians using the roads in this small area.“In addition, Broadway and Cumberhills Road are also recognised as a ‘thrilling and challenging route’( Duffield to Wirksworth ) for motorcyclists a
recommended in Motorcycling magazines and web-sites such a ‘www.BestBikingRoads.com’.
Read the article in full in this months Duffield Scene

RECORDS BROKEN AS ECCLESBOURNE ENHANCES REPUTATION
There were 241 students in the Key Stage three results with 114 boys and 127 girls and we were delighted with these results overall.
These were our BEST results ever.
All core subjects exceeded the performance target set two years previously.
The School performs at approximately 20 percentage points higher than national figures when comparing Level 5 achievement in the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science.
The School has been particularly successful with higher levels of attainment.
The School performs at between 32 and 47 percentage points higher than national figures when comparing Level 6 achievement in the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science.
Level 6 and above - 2007 - English 79, Maths 88 and Science 80.
Eighty five percent of students achieved 5+ A*- C grades and 82% achieved this figure including Maths and English.
We were delighted with these headline figures which demonstrate that the School target of 83% at 5+ A* - C grades was exceeded by 2%,.
The number of A* - A [38%] matches the significant increase that experienced over the previous 2 years.
The A* grades remained high [13%] as was the number of A* - B grades [66%].
Read the article in full in this months Duffield Scene