Duffield Parish Council Newsletter

Duffield Derbyshire

Duffield Parish Council

Duffield Parish Council News Letter
(This months' full Newsletter is published in Duffield Scene.)

The Duffield Parish Council own website is www.duffieldpc.org.uk

Click here for Useful telephone numbers

The Parish council also instigated a Complaints Procedure which can be viewed in the Duffield Library and on their www.duffieldpc.org.uk website. They have also confirmed that they will try to respond to correspondence within ten days.

Duffield Parish Council Newsletter - Issue No. 57 (May 2008)

COME ALONG AND ENJOY AN AFTERNOON OF PLAY WITH YOUR FAMILY AT GRAYS REC ON MONDAY 26 MAY 2008. THE PLAYGROUND WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED AT 1.00PM WITH FUN AND GAMES TO FOLLOW.

PARISH MEETING
The Parish Council held their Annual Parish Meeting at the Weston Centre, Duffield on Tuesday 22 April 2008.
Unfortunately only one member of the public was able to attend the meeting. Councillors are keen to inform residents of their activities and a summary of the some of the reports given is shown below, more will follow next time:

Chairman’s Report
The Chairman welcomed attendees. He noted that the sub-committee structure had changed to incorporate the Strategy Committee into the Finance and General Purposes Committee.
This action would facilitate greater efficiencies in the strategic decision making process as it would allow all financial implication to be considered at the same time by members.
Considerable work had been undertaken in the year to meet the burgeoning regulations by which Local Councils are controlled. These included the review and redrafting of Standing Orders, Financial Standing Orders and submissions for inclusion on the Information Commissioners Register.
The Parish Council had moved offices twice in the year and are now settled in our new home at the Weston Centre.
The Chairman thanked those involved in facilitating this move.
The Parish Council were unable to host the DCA’s Carnival last year due to flooding, but wished the organising committee every success this year.
Belper Steam Rally have we are pleased to report found another venue and this years event will be held at Home Farm, Street Lane, Denby on 7 & 8th June 2008.
We wish them well. We were unable to offer them the use of Eyes Meadow this year due to uncertainty over the legal position regarding Donald Hawley Way bridge repairs.
Councillors will again be organising a Parish Walk for the Amber Valley Walking Festival in September, this follows on from successful adventures over the past two years.
Thanks were given to the Clerk, Sally, and to the Assistant Clerk, Chris, for their hard work.
Several Councillors have served on outside bodies on behalf of the Parish Council, and the Chairman thanked them for giving up their time for these duties.
Mr. David Guy, Cemetery Superintendent and Mr. Michael Forkin, Village Warden were recognised for their contribution to the village and for their continued hard work and dedication.Volunteers including Mrs J Arnold, the Tree Warden; Mr J Banahan of the Belper Road Safety Committee; Neighbourhood Watch Representatives; Footpath Wardens members of the Millennium Meadow Conservation Trust; Duffield Community Association; County and Borough Councillors were also thanked for their work with the Parish Council.

Cemetery Chairman’s Report
This past year has been challenging for the Cemetery Committee and for the Parish Clerk. Following the recommendations contained in the Ombudsman’s report for safety in burial grounds, topple-testing of the memorials within the cemetery has been undertaken.
All necessary action to make the headstones safe on a temporary basis has been carried out. Duffield residents can be assured that all the action taken by the Council has been undertaken with the utmost consideration for the feelings of all bereaved families and only the necessary action, which was a‘statutory duty’for the Parish Council, has been carried out.
A compilation of an electronic data-base containing information on 4000 graves has been completed. I would like to thank to David Guy and Michael Forkin for completing this.
We hope to publish this information on the Parish Council’s website during the coming months. The cemetery lodge building has been the subject of some repairs and improvements. A new heating system and bathroom has been installed and some replacement windows will soon be fitted. .
It has been decided to continue with the wild flower nature reserve located in the oldest part of the Cemetery for a further twelve months.
With regard to the allotments it can be reported that the number under cultivation is now nineteen, an increase of four on the previous year.
Thanks were extended to The Clerk, Mr David Guy and Mr Michael Forkin for their work at the Cemetery and to Mrs Moya Guy for her beautiful flower baskets that decorate the Cemetery.

COUNCILLOR SURGERIES
Councillors will be holding open surgeries for resident.
You can bring your concerns about the village directly to
Councillors in face to face meetings. Alist of surgery dates has
been placed in all Parish noticeboards. The surgeries will be
held at the Parish Office at the Weston Center, Tamworth Street.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING DATES
The Parish Council will be holding the following meetings at
the Committee Room on Hazelwood Road to commence at
7.00pm*. All meetings are open to the public and Parishioners
may bring items of concern to members’attention prior to the
commencement of the meeting.

Tuesday May 13th 7.00pm Annual Parish AGM
Tuesday Mayth 13 7.15pm Parish Council

You can Contact the Clerk , Sally Bygraves on 01332 842740 mon-wed during office hours orin an emergency on 07836244818.
You can also contact the Parish Council via email us through the contact button at www.duffieldpc.org.uk

Duffield Parish Council Newsletter - Issue No. 56 (April 2008)

PLAY AREA AT GRAYS RECREATIONAL GROUND
The Parish Council are thrilled to inform residents that the new play area at grays recreational ground will at last be installed over the next few weeks. Installation work is due to commence
in early April and is expected to take approximately six weeks to complete. The Parish Council have been fortunate to obtain funding for the play area from BIFFAa community grant linked
with waste disposal supported by the Derbyshire Trust. Grant monies of £26,000 towards the project were awarded to the Parish Council last month and all of this money will be used in
the play area. In addition to this the remaining £66,000 was awarded from Amber Valley Borough Council from the s106 funding that was allocated to the village from developers
contributions made on the construction of the Miller Homes and Radleigh sites.
We would ask parents and children to co-operate with the Parish Council during the construction process and to take care when using the site. The playground area will be co-cordoned off during the construction period and children and adults are asked to stay away from this part of the recreational ground for their own safety. An official opening of the playground is planned for the 26th May 2008 when we hope all villagers will come along
and enjoy the new facility.

RESURFACING WORK AT DUFFIELD CEMETERY
The Parish Council are pleased to announce that resurfacing work at Duffield Cemetery is due to commence over the next few weeks. The parking area outside the cemetery will be fully
resurfaced and drainage and edging will be improved. Once completed the roadway will be adopted by Derbyshire County Council who will then maintain the road. This action will
improve the area and provide a safe crossing point for pedestrians visiting the Cemetery.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
The Parish Council will be holding theirAnnual Parish
nd
Meeting at the Weston Centre, Duffield on Tuesday 22
April 2008. This is your opportunity as Parishioners to come
and find out about the activities of the Parish Council over the
last twelve months, and find out what is planned for the next
few years. You will have plenty of opportunities to ask the
Parish Council about items of concern that you may have.

SAD NEWS OF PETER BOARDMAN
The Parish Council would like to pay tribute to Mr. Peter Boardman who sadly passed away last month. Peter was involved with the Parish Council as a footpaths advisor for more
than thirty years before his retirement in 2006. Like many volunteers he was involved in may aspects of village life and his contribution to its well being and worth through selfless giving
of his time ensured a vibrant , active and safe community for all residents.

SUCCESS OF FLOOD FAIR
The Parish Council would like to thank all those residents who attended the community flood fair held at Ecclesbourne 6th Form Centre. More than two hundred residents attended the event which gave information on areas of risk, warning systems and practical solutions to flooding. Residents are reminded that emergency sandbags and sand is now held by the Parish Council for residents in times of emergency. We would also remind residents of the article placed in last months newsletter regarding the emergency plan for the area. You can download information from the Parish Council website or contact the Parish Clerk

COUNCILLOR SURGERIES
Councillors will be holding open surgeries for resident. You can bring your concerns about the village directly to Councillors in face to face meetings. The next scheduled surgery is on
Wednesday 23rd April 2008 at 10.00am.The surgeries will be held at the Parish Office at the Weston Center, Tamworth Street.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING DATES
The Parish Council will be holding the following meetings at the Committee Room on Hazelwood Road to commence at 7.00pm*. All meetings are open to the public and Parishioners may bring items of concern to members’attention prior to the commencement of the meeting.
Tuesday April 8th 7.00pm Parish Council
Tuesday April 22nd 7.00pm Annual Parish Meeting*
Tuesday May 13th 7.00pm Annual Parish AGM
Tuesday May 13th 7.15pm Parish Council

CONTACT INFORMATION
County Councillor for Duffield : Mr. Patrick Clark
At County Hall 01629 580000 ext 6022
Home Phone 01335 350138
Email Patrick.Clark@derbyshire.gov.uk

Borough Councillors for Duffield:
Mr. Stuart Bradford
Home Phone 01773 550828
Email stuart.bradford@virgin.net

Mr. Chris Short
Home Phone 01332 843781
Email derbyshireshorts@aol.com

Parish Councillors for Duffield
You can contact your Parish Councillors through the Parish Office at the Weston Center, Tamworth Street, Duffield, DE56 4ER Tel: 01332 842740
Derbyshire County Council: 01629 580000
AmberValley Borough Council: 01773 570222
Dog Warden 01773 841335
Police non emergency 0845 123 3333

If you have any comments regarding the work of the Parish Council o rwould like to speak directly with the Clerk.
Please note the Clerk is still available every Monday and Wednesday morning at the Weston Centre between 10am and 12am.
No appointment necessary. (Closed for Bank Holiday).
PLEASE USE THE BACK ENTRANCE OF THE CENTER TO ACCESS THE PARISH OFFICE
You can Contact the Clerk , Sally Bygraves on 01332 842740
mon-wed during office hours or in an emergency on 07836244818. You can also contact the Parish Council via email us through the contact button at www.duffieldpc.org.uk

Duffield Parish Council Newsletter - Issue No. 55 (March 2008)

COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN — GET INVOLVED

The Parish Council are working with Derbyshire County Council , AmberValley, the Police and Fire and Ambulance Service to put togethera Community Action Plan for Duffield.

The Plan is intended for use in the case of a civil emergency and is local to the Parish. The aim of the Plan is to hold a central paper document that contains contact information for those who may assist or who may need help in the case of an emergency.
It will identify two contacts in addition to the Parish Council who will link in with the population generally to cascade information and communicate with the public.
To make the plan successful it is important that the community become involved.
We need to identify and hold information in the plan on individuals who can help the community in times of trouble.
We also need to identify people who would be vulnerable and might need help. The type of information we need is the name, contact number and address of Doctors , Nurses, Firefighters, First Aiders, Paramedics, Pharmacists, Ambulance Drivers, Clergy, Vets, Farmers, Radio Operators, particularly those with amateur radio equipment, and Boat Owners who live locally (working or retired.) If you have access to a helicopter we would also like to hear from you.
Because this is personal information all data must be held in accordance with the data protection act, and individuals must agree to it being held. We hope that we will never need to use the information in the plan, but this will it is hoped give the Parish some emergency cover until the national emergency services can assist us.
If you are willing to have you information included in the emergency plan or if you want to find out more information about what we need to include please visit our website at www.duffieldpc.org.uk and follow the link . You can send your information electronically if this is easier to sally.bygraves@duffieldpc.org.uk.

PARISH COUNCIL TO HOLD EMERGENCY SANDBAGS
As part of the review of emergency procedures in Duffield, the Parish Council has agreed to purchase sand and hold 1000 sandbags forcommunity use.
The sandbags have been kindly donated by Derbyshire County Council, however the sand will be purchased by the Parish Council. The sand and sandbags will be held at Duffield Cemetery and be available to residents of the Parish at times of flood, free of charge.

INTEREST IN GROUND MAINTENANCE CONTRACT
The Parish Council will be sending out tender documents forthe Grounds Maintenance Contract forall open spaces in Duffield forcommencement in March 2009.
The Parish Council are therefore seeking preliminary enquiries for the contract. If you would like to register an interest to tender for the contract please contact the Clerk Documentation for the tenders will be sent out in early autumn 2008.

Tuesday January 22nd 7.00pm Cemetery Committee
Tuesday February 12th 7.00pm Parish Council
Tuesday February 26th 7.00pm Recreational
Tuesday March 11th 7.00pm Parish Council

COMMUNITY FLOOD FAIR
The Parish Council would like to remind residents of the Community Flood Fairthat is to be held in the village.
The event partly organised by the Parish Council in conjunction with Amber Valley and Derbyshire County Council will have information and demonstrations as to how you can prevent flooding and what to do in an emergency If you are at risk of Flooding you may find the information at the event useful. The event will be held at: The Ecclesbourne Sixth Form Centre, Wirksworth Road, Duffield on: Tuesday 4th March 2008 6.30 to 8.30pm

CONTACT INFORMATION
County CouncillorforDuffield : Mr. Patrick Clark
At County Hall 01629 580000 ext 6022
Home Phone 01335 350138
Email Patrick.Clark@derbyshire.gov.uk

Borough Councillors for Duffield:
Mr. Stuart Bradford
Home Phone 01773 550828
Email stuart.bradford@virgin.net

Mr. Chris Short
Home Phone 01332 843781
Email derbyshireshorts@aol.com

Parish Councillors for Duffield
You can contact your Parish Councillors through the Parish Office at the Weston Center, Tamworth Street, Duffield, DE56 4ER Tel: 01332 842740
Derbyshire County Council: 01629 580000
AmberValley Borough Council: 01773 570222
Dog Warden 01773 841335
Police non emergency 0845 123 3333

Duffield Parish Council Newsletter - Issue No. 54 (February 2008)

UPDATE ON GRAYS RECREATIONAL GROUND
The Parish Council are pleased to report that all funding to install the new play area on Grays Recreational Ground has now been secured and that negotiations regarding the installation date are underway. Work on the steps and entrance will be started as soon as weather conditions allow, whilst the new play area and new access path will it is hoped commence in mid to late February. If you have any concerns about the project or would like more information please contact the Clerk for further information. More details on how we funded this project and its opening will follow in the next newsletter.

COUNCIL SETS IT PRECEPT
Following a meeting of the Parish Council in January the Parish Council have set their annual precept for 2008/09 of £87, 714.
The Precept is the amount that is charged on your rates for the services provided locally by the Parish Council. This money covers the cost of maintaining Eyes Meadow, Gray Recreational Ground and Duffield Cemetery. Included on these sites are five properties for which the Council is responsible, three of which are listed buildings. In addition to these assets the Parish Council also undertake maintenance and repair of some local footpaths and roadways. It is anticipated that the Parish Council will complete the resurfacing of Cockpit Lane, and the roadway outside the cemetery at a cost of £22,000. Work to replace a window and heating system at the Cemetery Lodge is also planned. The precept has been set following a review of the five yearly budgets set by the Council. The Council continually reviews its position and has adopted risk assessment and smoothing reviews to ensure that Parishioners contributions are used as efficiently and effectively as possible.

NO VINTAGE EVENT FOR EYES MEADOW
The Parish Council has reluctantly rejected a request from Belper Vintage Steam Event organisers to hold their annual event at Eyes Meadow. This decision was made by special resolution following the enactment of a little known agreement by Network Rail on the repair and maintenance of the bridge on Donald Hawley Way. The Parish Council has had to take this action to restrict its liabilities and is looking at what further needs to be done.Legal advice on the position of the Council is currently being taken.

FUNDING FOR LOCAL ORGANISATIONS
The Parish Council would again like to highlight the availability of small grants available under s137 funding. These grants are made annually and can be awarded to not for profit or charitable organisation. If you would like to find out more please contact the Clerk who would be happy to pass on an application form and grant criteria. All applications for this year must be received by the Parish Council by the 28th February 2007

OWNERS OFUNSAFE MEMORIALS SOUGHT
The Parish Council is continuing in its attempts to contact families of memorials owners following the completion of testing at Duffield Cemetery Anumber of relatives have come forward, but many memorials that have been made temporarily safe remain unclaimed. If any member of the public is aware of contact details for the families to whom these relate the Parish Council would be very grateful if this information could be passed onto either the Clerk or the Cemetery Superintendent.
All information will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We would ask relatives not to remove the stabilizing bands and stakes on the memorials as these are in place as a safety measure, and their removal could result in injury to third parties.

COMMUNITY FLOOD FAIR
The Parish Council will be working in partnership with Amber Valley to bring an information evening to residents of Duffield to inform residents as to how they can defend their property against flooding. The event will be held at: The Ecclesbourne Sixth Form Centre, Wirksworth Road, Duffield on: Tuesday 4th March 2008 6.30 to 8.30pm

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING DATES
The Parish Council will be holding the following meetings at
the Committee Room on Hazelwood Road to commence at
7.00pm. All meetings are open to the public and Parishioners
may bring items of concern to members’attention prior to the
commencement of the meeting.
Tuesday January 22nd 7.00pm Cemetery Committee
Tuesday February 12th 7.00pm Parish Council
Tuesday February 26th 7.00pm Recreational
Tuesday March 11th 7.00pm Parish Council

CONTACT INFORMATION
County Councillor for Duffield : Mr. Patrick Clark At County Hall 01629 580000 ext 6022
Home Phone: 01335 350138
Email: Patrick.Clark@derbyshire.gov .uk
Borough Councillors for Duffield: Mr. Stuart Bradford
Home Phone: 01773 550828
Email: stuart.bradford@virgin.net
Mr. Chris Short
Home Phone: 01332 843781
Email: derbyshireshorts@aol.com

If you have any comments regarding the work of the Parish Council or would like to speak directly with the Clerk please note the Clerk is still available every Monday and Wednesday morning at the Weston Centre between 10am and 12am. No appointment necessary. (Closed for Bank Holiday).
PLEASE USE THE BACK ENTRANCE OFTHE CENTRE TO ACCESS THE PARISH OFFICE

You can Contact the Clerk , Sally Bygraves on 01332 842740 mon-wed during office hours orin an emergency on 0783 6244818.
You can also contact the Parish Council via email us through the contact button at www .duffieldpc.org.uk

Duffield Parish Council Newsletter - Issue No. 53 ( January 2008)

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE PARISH COUNCILLORS
As the New Yearbreaks Councillors and staff at the Parish Council send theirwishes of happiness and good health to all.

CONCLUSION OF AUDIT
The Parish Council are pleased to report that following our annual inspection by the Audit Commission the auditor reported that “the information contained in the annual return is in accordance with the Audit Commissions requirements and no matters have come to its attention giving cause forconcern that relevant legislation and regulatory requirements have not been met”.
This follows “excellent” comments made by our independent internal auditor in July. If you would like to have more information about our accounts information regarding this is currently on display on the notice board in the center of the village.

RE- INTRODUCTION OF GREEN WASTE COLLECTION
Following intense lobbying of AmberValley Borough Council by local members, residents and the Parish Counci a proposal to re-introduce the green waste collection service has been put forward.
The collection service will commence in April and incur a charge of £39.00.
Full details of the proposed service and registration of interest can be obtained by calling Amber Valley Borough Council on 01773 570222.

FUNDING FOR LOCAL ORGANISATIONS
Following a meeting of the Parish Council members would like to highlight the availability of small grants available unders137 funding.
These grants are made annually and can be awarded to not for profit or charitable organisation.
If you would like to find out more please contact the Clerk who would be happy to pass on an application form and grant criteria.
All applications for this year must be received by the Parish Council by the 28th February 2008.

CONCLUSION OF MEMORIAL TESTING
The Parish Council is attempting to contact families of memorials owners following the completion of testing under the direction of the Health and Safety Executive.
Some memorials are in excess of 100 years old and because of this it is anticipated that this will prove to be a very difficult task.
If any members of the public are aware of contact details for families to whom these relate the Parish Council would be very grateful if this information could be passed onto either the Clerk or the Cemetery Superintendent. For more information on this subject please refer to the Clerk.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING DATES
The Parish Council will be holding the following meetings at the Committee Room on Hazelwood Road to commence at 7.00pm.
All meetings are open to the public and Parishioners may bring items of concern to members’attention prior to the commencement of the meeting.
Tuesday January 8th 7.00pm Parish Council
Tuesday January 22nd 7.00pm Cemetery Committee
Tuesday February 12th 7.00pm Parish Council
Tuesday February 26th 7.00pm Recreational

Duffield Parish Council Newsletter - Issue No. 52 ( December 2007)

PUTTING THEIR FEET UP
After more than 35 years serving as footpath advisors to the Parish Council, Colin and Mavis Tonks have decided to hang up theirwalking boots and retire from the Parish Council.
Colin and Mavis were amongst the first members of the footpath committee which was formed in the early 1970’s. During this time they have annually walked a number of the rural footpaths in the Parish to make sure they stay open and safe for all other users.
The drawings and maps that they made of their walks were used in the Duffield Footpath Booklet and are still used by many walkers today as guides to routes around Duffield.
The Chairman of the Parish Council Councillor John Rice made a special presentation to
Colin and Mavis Tonks to thank them for their work over many years with the Parish Council. Members and staff of the Parish Council wish them much happiness in their retirement.

FIREWORKS GO WITH A BANG
The Parish Council would like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this year’s Annual Bonfire and Firework display such a great success.
Advanced ticket sales by Duffield News, Town Street Fish Bar and Meadow Vale shops ensured that a large crowd was on site to see the exciting display let off by Duffield Firefighters.
The 620 Squadron ATC and members of the Duffield Community Association took control of marshalling and crowd control, whilst Derek Lodge led members of the Scout Network in ensuring that lighting and safety were top of the list.
The Carnival Princess, Grace Curtis ably assisted by her attendants Ellen Horner and Elinor Miles were on hand to light the bonfire, built earlier in the day by the ATC, Scout network and fire fighters .
At the end of the night two lucky boys were given a demonstration by the fire service on how to extinguish a bonfire.

Tuesday December11th 7.00pm Parish Council

Preliminary dates for2008: If you are intending to attend please contact the Clerk for confirmation of meeting:
Tuesday January 8th 7.00pm Parish Council
Tuesday January 22nd 7.00pm Cemetery Committee
Tuesday February 12th 7.00pm Parish Council
Tuesday February 26th 7.00pm Recreational

CONTACT INFORMATION

County Councillor for Duffield :
Mr. Patrick Clark At County Hall 01629 580000 ext 6022
Home Phone 01335 350138
Email Patrick.Clark@derbyshire.gov.uk

Borough Councillors for Duffield:
Mr. Stuart Bradford
Home Phone 01773 550828
Email stuart.bradford@virgin.net

Mr. Chris Short
Home Phone 01332 843781
Email derbyshireshorts@aol.com

Parish Councillors for Duffield
You can contact your Parish Councillors through the Parish Office at the Weston Center, Tamworth Street, Duffield, DE56 4ER
Tel: 01332 842740

Derbyshire County Council: 01629 580000
AmberValley Borough Council: 01773 570222
Dog Warden 01773 841335
Police non emergency 0845 123 3333

If you have any comments regarding the work of the Parish Council or would like to speak directly with the Clerk please note the Clerk is still available every Monday and Wednesday
morning at the Weston Centre between 10am and 12am.
No appointment necessary. (Closed for Bank Holiday).
PLEASE USE THE BACK ENTRANCE OFTHE CENTRE TO ACCESS THE PARISH OFFICE

You can Contact the Clerk , Sally Bygraves on 01332 842740
Mon-Wed during office hours or in an emergency on 07836244818.
You can also contact the Parish Council via email us through the contact button at www.duffieldpc.org.uk

Duffield Parish Council Newsletter - Issue No. 51 ( November 2007)

DUFFIELD BONFIRE AND FIREWORK DISPLAY 3rd NOVEMBER 2007
DON’T FORGET TO GET YOUR TICKETS
EARLY AND SAVE MONEY.
ADULT£2.50 IN ADVANCE
CHILDREN £1.50 IN ADVANCE
FREE PARKING
ADULT £3.50 ON THE NIGHT
CHILDREN 2.50 ON THE NIGHT
GETYOUR TICKETAT: DUFFIELD NEWS, TOWN STREET FISH BAR AND MEADOW VALE STORES
ANY EXCESS FUNDS ARE INVESTED BACK INTO VILLAGE AMENITIES

FIREWORK PROCEEDS
If you are wondering what happens to the proceeds from the fireworks: some of this money has been reinvested into this years display, but a significant amount was used to cover the cost of Christmas lights and trees for the village center. Grant contributions were also made to charity bodies that helped on a volunteer basis with the display.

PARISH COUNCIL NEW HOME
The Parish Council have moved: Please note that you can now contact the Parish Council at: The Parish Office, The Weston Center, Town Street, Duffield, DE56 4ER. Tel: 01332 842740

GRAY RECREATIONAL GROUND DEVELOPMENT
Following a meeting of the Parish Council on the 9th October2007 councillors elected to accept a tender for the provision and installation of a new playground on Grays Recreational Ground.
A request for the balance of funding has been made to Amber Valley Borough Council, and it is hoped that once this has been secured, the installation of the playground will take place.
Grant Funding is also being sought from BIFFA an environmental trust.
The Parish Council should know about all the funding by December and all being well, the installation of the new playground should start in January.
If you would like to have a look at the proposed playground, it is to be displayed at the Parish Office in the Weston Center, so please feel free to pop in and have a look.
To ensure a safe play area, members of the Parish Council also resolved that dogs visiting Grays Recreational Ground would no longer be able to run free but must be kept on leads.
Notices to this effect will be placed on Gray Recreational Ground.
This decision was made possible under the powers awarded to Parish Councils in the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. Failure to comply can lead to an on the spot fine for offenders.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING DATES
The Parish Council will be holding the following meetings at the Committee Room on Hazelwood Road to commence at 7.00pm. All meetings are open to the public and Parishioners may bring items of concern to members’attention prior to the commencement of the meeting.
Tuesday November13th 7.00pm Parish Council
Tuesday December11th 7.00pm Parish Council

CONTACT INFORMATION
County Councillor fo Duffield : Mr. Patrick Clark
At County Hall 01629 580000 ext 6022
Home Phone 01335 350138
Email Patrick.Clark@derbyshire.gov.uk
*************************************
Borough Councillors for Duffield:
Mr. Stuart Bradford
Home Phone 01773 550828
Email stuart.bradford@virgin.net
************************************
Mr. Chris Short
Home Phone 01332 843781
Email derbyshireshorts@aol.com
************************************
Derbyshire County Council: 01629 580000
AmberValley Borough Council: 01773 570222
Dog Warden 01773 841335
Police non emergency 0845 123 3333
******************************************
If you have any comments regarding the work of the Parish
Council orwould like to speak directly with the Clerk please
note the Clerk is still available every Monday and
Wednesday morning at the Weston Centre between 10am
and 12am.
No appointment necessary. (Closed for Bank Holiday)
**********************************************
You can Contact the Clerk , Sally Bygraves on 01332 842740
or07836244818 during office hours or email us through the contact button at www .duffieldpc.org.uk

Duffield Parish Council Newsletter - Issue No. 50 ( October 2007)

CAR THEFTS ON EYES MEADOW
Following a break in at the Parish Councils sports changing rooms on Eyes Meadow, thieves have made away with two cars and their contents. The Cricket club changing rooms were also broken into but nothing was taken.
Police were investigating the break in at the cricket ground when the determined thieves broke in to the Parish Councils’ sports changing rooms. Users of changing rooms have again been warned not to leave any items of value in the changing rooms and users of the Meadow are warned that they should not leave items of value in their cars.
All cars parked at Eyes Meadow are done so at the owners’ risk. If you see anything suspicious please report it immediately to the police on the number provided below, and if the assailants are in a car don’t forget to make a note of their number plate.

VANDALS PROSECUTED FOR GRAFFITI DAMAGE
The Parish Council has again been awarded compensation following the successful prosecution of vandals who daubed graffiti over the changing rooms on Eyes Meadow.
This is the second successful prosecution for vandalism caused to Eyes Meadow and the Parish Council would like to thank the police for their work in prosecuting these individuals.

WHO DOES WHAT
As part of our ongoing information guide, a large number of residents often ask who is responsible for their bins and how they can get their recycling sorted out.
Refuse disposal is dealt with by Amber Valley as is recycling and their help line number is 01773 841326 They are open between 9am-4:30pm and can assist you if your blue bag or boxes go missing and will give you information on your nearest recycling points. Unfortunately there is still no green bag recycling for garden waste, however the Parish Council have supported a petition to Amber Valley to request it reinstatement.
If you would like to contribute to this petition please email the Parish Council or call in at the Parish Office as detailed right.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING DATES
The Parish Council will be holding the following meetings at the Committee Room on Hazelwood Road to commence at 7.00pm.
All meetings are open to the public and Parishioners may bring items of concern to members’ attention prior to the commencement of the meeting.
Tuesday October 9th 7.00pm Parish Council
Tuesday October 30th 7.00pm Cemetery
Tuesday November 13th 7.00pm Parish Council

CONTACT INFORMATION
County Councillor for Duffield : Mr. Patrick Clark
At County Hall 01629 580000 ext 6022
Home Phone 01335 350138
Email Patrick.Clark@derbyshire.gov.uk

Borough Councillors for Duffield:
Mr. Stuart Bradford
Home Phone 01773 550828
Email stuart.bradford@virgin.net

Mr. Chris Short
Home Phone 01332 843781
Email derbyshireshorts@aol.com

Derbyshire County Council: 01629 580000
Amber Valley Borough Council: 01773 570222
Dog Warden 01773 841335
Police non emergency 0845 123 3333

If you have any comments regarding the work of the Parish Council or would like to contact the Clerk please note the Clerk is still available every Monday and Wednesday morning at the Weston Centre between 10am and 12am. (Closed for Bank Holiday)

You can Contact the Clerk , Sally Bygraves on 01332 840265
or 07836244818 during office hours or email us through the
contact button at www.duffieldpc.org.uk

Duffield Parish Council Newsletter - Issue No. 48 (August 2007)

DUFFIELD WALK
Following on from the success of Duffield Walks run by the Parish Council as part of the Erewash walking festival the Parish Council will again lead a walk this year.
The Chairman of the Council John Rice together with the Vice Chairman Tony Woodings will lead this year’s walk.
This year they will be leading a circular walk starting at Duffield Church car park on TUESDAY 18 th SEPTEMBER 2007 starting at 10.00am. The walk will take you over field with views of the Derwent and Ecclesbourne valleys and will cover approximately 7 miles over 3? hours.

ECCLESBOURNE RIVER TOWN STREET
The Environment Agency having met with the Parish Council has confirmed that they intend to undertake de- silting work on the River Ecclesbourne in September/ October of this year.
This work may cause some disruption to traffic on the A6 due to heavy machinery being lifted into the river.

BUS SHELTER IN TOWN STREET
Further to a request by Duffield Parish Council for work to be undertaken to improve the bus shelter on Town Street, members were pleased to note that the shelter had been converted to an all glass shelter design it less obtrusive.
A letter regarding the shelter has been sent to Derbyshire County Council specifically requesting that the Parish Council be included in future consultation on the installation and design of such shelters in the village.

TALKS ON THE PARISH COUNCIL
Councillors recently attended the Duffield WI to tell them about the workings of the Parish Council.
The talk included an explanation of what the Parish Council can do and how its work relates to the other tiers of Government. If you or your group would like to hear more about how the Parish Council works, please contact the Clerk who will arrange a mutually convenient time with Councillors to attend your event.

WHO DOES WHAT
With the many tiers of Government constantly changing and departmental reorganisation at a local level it can be difficult to be sure of whom to contact when you have a problem.
Over the next few months an explanation of who can help you will be included in this newsletter. In the contact listing we have also included information about both your County and Borough Councillors and Councils, and further information will be placed on the village noticeboards. These will now appear on a monthly basis.
One of the most common reasons for contacting the Parish Council is problems relating to pothole and road conditions. All adopted roads in the Parish are the responsibility of the highways department at Derbyshire County Council. They will undertake repair works to
the roads, clear gullies if they become blocked and undertake gritting during the winter. If you are concerned about the condition of the road near your property you can report this either on the number provided overleaf or by email at contact.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk.
The Parish Council will make representations to the Highways department if we become aware of a problem, but it is also important that residents make contact to show that it is an important
issue to them.

MEMORIAL INSPECTIONS DUFFIELD CEMETERY
The Parish Council would like to remind interested parties that the Council will be undertaking memorial inspections at Duffield Cemetery on Hazelwood Road in October 2007.
The inspections will be carried out by an independent inspector and will be in accordance with heath and safety guidelines. All inspections are open to public inspection. Notices to this effect have been placed on all Parish Noticeboards, in local shops and the Belper News and Derby Evening Telegraph. If you would like to attend the inspections or find out more please contact the Clerk or the Cemetery Superintendent on 01332 840265

MOBILE POLICE ROTA
The rural mobile police station will be visiting Duffield on the 17th September 2007.
If you have any problems please visit them in the Appletree Medical Practice’s Car Park

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING DATES
The Parish Council will meet again at the Committee Room on Hazelwood Road following the summer recess.
Meetings are scheduled as below:
Tuesday September 11th 7.00pm Parish Council
Tuesday September 25th 7.00pm Recreational (prov)
Tuesday October 9th 7.00pm Parish Council
Tuesday October 30th 7.00pm Cemetery

CONTACT INFORMATION
County Councillor for Duffield : Mr. Patrick Clark
At County Hall 01629 580000 ext 6022
Home Phone 01335 350138
Email Patrick.Clark@derbyshire.gov.uk

Borough Councillors for Duffield:
Mr. Stuart Bradford Home Phone 01773 550828
Email stuart.bradford@virgin.net
Mr. Chris Short Home Phone 01332 843781
Email derbyshireshorts@aol.com
Derbyshire County Council: 01629 580000
Amber Valley Borough Council: 01773 570222
Dog Warden 01773 841335
Police non emergency 0845 123 3333

If you have any comments regarding the work of the Parish Council or would like to contact the Clerk please note the Clerk is still available every Monday and Wednesday
morning at the Weston Centre between 10am and 12am. (Closed for Bank Holiday)

You can Contact the Clerk , Sally Bygraves on 01332 842368, 01332 840265 or 07836244818 during office hours or email us through the contact button at www.duffieldpc.org.uk

Duffield Parish Council Newsletter - Issue No. 48 (August 2007)

MEMORIAL INSPECTIONS AT DUFFIELD CEMETERY

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE:

Since Victorian times memorials have been erected at the head of graves as a permanent reminderof those buried within. Research has shown that the average length of time that relatives actively visit graves is only about 10 years.
It has wrongly been assumed that memorials are permanent structures that have been installed to the highest standards and will therefore last forever without any need for repair.
Unfortunately, this assumption has cost the lives of six people in the past 12 years, most of whom have been children, and there have been a countless number of accidents ranging from
bruising to severe crush injuries and bone breakages.

Following research into memorial safety it is clear that cemetery managers now have to tackle years of neglect and poor workmanship, even though the memorials do not belong to us, they are still the property of the owner of the grave rights. Guidance has been issued from national bodies within the industry following the research and it indicates that cemetery managers have a responsibility, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, to ensure that risks within their cemeteries are properly managed.
To do this they must inspect all the memorials in their cemeteries to ensure they withstand a reasonable pressure that may be applied by users of the cemetery should they slip and use the memorial to try and stabilise themselves for instance.
Approved methods for carrying out this test do exist and staff should be properly trained and use the correct equipment in order to identify the potential dangers of unstable memorials.
Some authorities have started this work in order to protect visitors to their cemeteries, only to find that the standards of workmanship often leave a lot to be desired, this can be particularly evident within newer sections of cemeteries where failure rates of between 35% and 95% have been regularly experienced. In the vast majority of these failures poor workmanship can be clearly evidenced.

The Health and Safety Executive are concerned about this trend and now expect burial authorities to be inspecting memorials at least every 5 years and to be making safe any memorials that fail the inspection process. Some cemeteries that have been found with high numbers of unsafe headstones in their cemeteries have had improvement notices placed on them by the HSE or have even been closed down until the cemetery has been made safe.
This seriously affects members of the public who wish to visit relatives buried in the cemetery and also those wishing to have funerals during a period of closure.
To make safe the memorials cemeteries are considering a range of options based on a proper risk assessment. This will include placing notices on memorials, setting memorials in the ground, temporary make safe systems, laying memorials down, barrier fencing each memorial or fencing/cordoning whole sections if the problem is severe enough.
Of course cemeteries try and advertise that they need to carry out this work, they place notices within the cemeteries and owners are advised when their memorial is found to be unsafe, where this is possible.

When memorials have to be laid down or are fenced off for safety purposes, it is inevitable that some families will tend to become upset.
This work is costing millions of pounds throughout the UK and it creates a significant workload for cemetery managers, add to this the upset they know it may cause to bereaved families and this becomes a potentially huge problem area.
There is a temptation to ignore the problem, but someone could be killed or managers could be investigated and found guilty of criminal negligence. There is also the danger that the making
safe of large numbers of dangerous memorials would cause a public outcry.
The manager is faced with a ‘no win’ situation, so must then consider the safety of visitors to the cemetery a priority.
If memorials are laid flat in the cemetery, if others are fenced or cordoned off, it is not because this is some contrived way for the burial authority to make money, quite the opposite this costs money.
Nor are they simply trying to upset families, this wouldn’t make sense for dealing with an upset family is no fun for anyone.

So why are cemeteries doing this?
To protect unsuspecting families that visit their memorials, sometimes only months after they have been installed, only to find that it is dangerous and could fall and injure someone.
The staff at the cemetery will be happy to help the public make memorials safe again if they have been found to be dangerous.
Those advised that their memorial is unsafe should be thankful it has not hurt anyone.
Cemetery staff will always advise the public to use a qualified mason to re-erect memorials to the highest national standards, if this is ignored by the owner then they could be liable forany injury it causes. See local cemetery staff for more details, they are there to help and protect you.
In the meantime, the public should be aware that cemeteries are potentially dangerous places, particularly if they have not yet been inspected.
Visitors to cemeteries should keep to footpaths, avoid touching any memorials and ensure their children are supervised at all times.
As a response to the requirements detailed above, Duffield Parish Council have instructed an independent inspector to carry out the required testing on all memorials at Duffield Cemetery on Hazelwood Road, currently just over700.
The inspection process will commence in October 2007 and all inspections are open to be viewed by the public.
If you would like to attend these inspections or receive further information about this process please contact the Clerk or Cemetery Superintendent at the Cemetery or by phoning 01332 840265.
Thank you for your co-operation.

Duffield Parish Council Newsletter - Issue No. 47 (July 2007)

JOHN SARTIN - A GENTLEMAN AND FRIEND
Members of the Parish Council, staff and advisors were very sad to hearof the death of John Sartin.
John died at his home on Wednesday 13th June 2007.
He had retired from the Parish Council just one month earlier after twenty years service to his
community.
A man of keen wit, high intellect and wise counsel he always gave his unfailing support to the Parish Council and to those who undertook roles of responsibility within it.
He was kind and gentle in his demeanour and he immediately endeared you to him, through his unfailing sense of fun. He was involved in the many community projects both in Duffield and Derbyshire and these reflected his concerns forall members of our community.
He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.

FLORAL DISPLAY IN VILLAGE
Duffield Parish Council has again this year provided floral displays in the village.
As well as the 24 hanging baskets the Parish Council has also provided a floral fountain to compliment the magnificent display on Wirksworth Road Corner.
It is hoped that these displays will bring a feeling of summer to the village.

CARNIVAL CANCELLED
Following floods on the Eyes Meadow, Duffield Parish Council were sad to note the cancellation of this year’s carnival.
After a number of inspections by Councillors and members of the Duffield Community Association, and following advice from the Environment Agency and Met Office it was decided that this venue would not be suitable for safety reasons.
Clean up operations at Eyes Meadow continue and members of the public are advised not to remove any items of debris found on the Meadow but to report them to the Parish Council.

DUFFIELD PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL AUDIT
Following the completion of Duffield Parish Council’s External Audit, members of the public are invited to inspect the Parish Council records for the year ended 31st March 2007.
If you would like to review the Parish Councils records you canh
do so by prior appointment with the Clerk between the 11th June and 9th July 2007. For further information please contact the Clerk on the numbers provided below.

PARISH OFFICE AT THE WESTON CENTRE
Following discussions with the trustees of the Weston Centre, Duffield Parish Council are to relocate their permanent working office to the Weston Centre.
Work will take place over the next few weeks to complete the move, with the relocation being completed over the summer.
Please keep an eye out for phone number changes which are expected to be announced next month.

CESSATION OFSMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES
Further to the introduction of non smoking legislation for enclosed public areas, parishioners are reminded that this ban not only relates to buildings but also to enclosed public places such as bus shelters.

DOG FOULING UPSET CHILDREN
The Parish Council has again received complaints regarding the level of dog fouling in Duffield and in particularon access points to Eyes Meadow along Styles Walk and Cockpit Lane.
Children paying a visit to the Millennium Meadow from William Gilbert School to learn about preserving their environment were particularly upset at the state of the paths, which had only been cleared a few days earlier.
Following requests to the Dog Wardens and Community Support Officer additional inspections will now take place in this area. There are bins located at either end on these footpaths,
so there is no excuse for this anti social behaviour, and anyone caught allowing their animal to foul footpaths in the village could face a £500 fine and having their animal confiscated.
Members of the public are asked to help theircommunity in eradicating this anti social and dangerous behaviour.
Dog Wardens will prosecute on a witness statement, so if you see someone allowing their dog to foul the footpath, meadow or play park but do not wish to challenge them you can now report them directly to the dog warden.
If they are in a car, make a note of their number plate and the type, and colour of their dog. Please help us get this dog graffiti off our streets and play areas.
You can report the owner by telephoning 01773841335.
The Parish Council has also received complaints of dogs chasing joggers on Eyes Meadow. Dogs that are out of control should be reported to the police on 0845 123 3333

Duffield Parish Council Newsletter - Issue No. 46 (June 2007)

NEW COUNCIL ELECTED

Following elections on 3rd May 2007 to appoint Councillors
to the Parish Council, the following numberof votes were
cast forcandidates. The declared results are as shown
below with elected Councillors highlighted in bold. The
results are shown in alphabetical order:
Name Votes Recorded
Pauline Buckle 1034
Liz Chivers 414
Kevin Curley 353
John England 1003
Chris Garner 939
Caroline Gibson 346
Paul Greenwood 958
Di Hancock 464
David Hibbert 1010
Richard Knibbs 945
Margaret McGowan 363
Jean Minion 380
Patrick Mountain 377
John Rice 957
John Rowlands 998
Christopher Short 926
Nicholas Storer 929
Faith Troche 338
David Walton 373
Keith Wharam 346
Brenda Woodings 962
Tony Woodings 951

The newly formed Parish Council attended their first meeting on May 8th at which John Rice was elected as Chairman for the ensuing year John has served on the Parish Council for four years and was Vice Chairman of the Parish Council during 2006/07.
He has also served as Chairman to the Recreational Committee and has been instrumental in the development and planning of the new playground project at Grays Recreational Ground.

THE NEWLY ELECTED PARISH COUNCIL 2007-08

ELECTION OFSUBCOMMITTEES
Following the Annual Parish Meeting, the following Sub
Committees were formed and Chairman appointed:
Recreational Committee – Mr. Tony Woodings.
Cemetery Committee – Mr. John England
Strategy Committee – Mrs. Pauline Buckle
Finance and General Purpose Committee – To be confirmed

WORK OFCOUNCIL CONTINUES
During this election process the work of the Parish Council has continued and a numberof projects have come to a conclusion.
At the Cemetery clearance of the copse has been finished and topsoil and grass seed laid. This will add an additional seating area in a natural habitat for visitors to the garden of remembrance.
In addition to this, four new allotments have been created making a total of 19 now being provided, an increase of six over the past eighteen months.
At Grays Recreational Ground a final tender for the installation and provision of playground equipment has been drawn up.
Significant research and background work has been completed with Councillors making a number of site visits to check equipment durability and play value.
The commencement of employment of Chris Carter the new Assistant Clerk has led to changes in work location with a new temporary office being established at the Cemetery.

You can Contact the Clerk , Sally Bygraves
on 01332 842368, 01332 84026 or0786244818 during office
hours oremail us through the contact button at
www.duffieldpc.org.uk

Duffield Parish Council Newsletter - Issue No. 45

NEW TERM OF OFFICE AND SAD FAREWELLS

Following the election on May 3rd , the Parish Council will commence into another four year term of office.
At the time of writing the election is yet to commence, but it is an appropriate time to reflect and say goodbye and than you to some of ourCouncillors who will be retiring from the Parish Council.

Councillor John Sartin who many of you will know through his involvement with St Alkmunds Parish Church, has served on Duffield Parish Council for 20 years.
A retired insurance branch manager, John has been a stalwart in the Council offering advice and assistance to members and officers on many matters He was instrumental in securing agreement between the Parish Council and Parish Church on the construction of the Car park on Church Drive, a legacy which will remain for many years to come.
A keen Rotarian, his wit and charm will be sadly missed by all those who have worked with John. We all wish him a very happy retirement.

Councillor Adele Carmichael-Smith will be leaving the Parish Council to concentrate on family activities.
Adele as one of the younger councillors developed strong interests in the relationships between the schools and the Parish Council and represented theCouncil at William Gilbert Endowed School and Ecclesbourne School.
Her knowledge of child centered issues has proved invaluable to the Parish Council in its continued work with all members of the Parish. Councillors and staff wish her every happiness in her future activities.

Councillor Sally Fletcher will be retiring from the Parish Council, to pursue other interests.
Sally has been a very active member of the Parish Council undertaking the roles of Chairman and Vice Chairman to the Parish Council as well as overseeing the Chairmanship of the Open Spaces Committee.
As a representative governor at Duffield Meadows School she has been an important link between the Parish Council and the wider community.
Her enthusiasm and dedication to the community has shone through in all of her activities .
She will be sadly missed by all members and staff alike. We would all like to wish her every happiness and success in her future projects.

If you have any comments regarding the work of the Parish Council orwould like to contact the Clerk please note the Clerk is available every Monday and Wednesday morning at the Weston Centre between 10am and 12am. (Closed for Bank Holiday)
You can Contact the Clerk , Sally Bygraves on 01332 842368, or 0786244818 during office hour or email us through the contact button at www.duffieldpc.org.uk

Duffield Parish Council Newsletter - Issue No. 44 (April 2007)

ELECTIONS IN DUFFIELD
As Spring approaches and the light nights beckon Summer on its way, the Parish Council will soon be looking forward to the election of new members. Elections to select members of the Parish Council and the Borough Council will take place in early May, and if you are not registered to vote or unsure you should contact Amber Valley on01773 570222.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
The Parish Council will be holding their Annual Paris meeting on Tuesday 24 April at the Weston Centre commence at 7pm. This will give all Parishioners the opportunity to hear first hand what the Parish Council has been doing over the past year and what their plans are for the coming year. You will be able to ask questions and raise concerns about matters in the Parish with Councillors. If you would like to find out more about the workings of the Parish Council why not come along

THE NEW LOOK PARISH COUNCIL WEBSITE AT http://www.duffieldpc.org.uk

The objective of the Duffield Parish Council website is to inform parishioners about the work that council has been doing and also about what is going on in the village. The Council very much want it to be a website which parishioners (and also people from outside the village) use for seeking and contributing local information. The original Duffield Parish Council website went live in March 2004.
After consultation the council decided on the categories of information that it thought would be useful to the village and two Ecclesbourne pupils helped to put the site together.

The website has proved popular and received a lot of praise. In 2006, it was decided to commission a local web designer, Ben Slater of Snake Lane Design, to upgrade the site.

The information found on the site is categorised as follows:

The Home Page with the following information:
A Google map showing where Duffield is situated on the A6 and highlighting various points of interest in the village.

What’s New: New items that have been added about the Paris council:
Agendas; Minutes; changes to council personnel etc.
Events that will be taking place in the village (we want your input here!)
Planning: the latest applications that have been submitted to Amber Valley Borough Council for the Duffield ward.
Our Village: which has pages of information about the:
History of the village
Schools
Healthcare
Sports facilities
Local Businesses
Local Organisations
Churches.

The Parish Council. This category provides details of:
The Parish Representatives at Government, County, Borough and Parish level
The various council committees with their Terms of Reference Minutes and Agendas.
The Parish Plan. Here you can find the final report and also details of how the Parish Plan was prepared.
A Contact Us page. If you want to contact the Parish Council to tell us about a problem that you require some help with, or about an event that you wish to publicise, or just to make an enquiry, you can send an email to the Clerk from this page

The following features are new to the website:
A Planning page, with information about the:
Planning process
Latest planning applications as they appear on the Duffield ward part of the Amber Valley web site planning page
Events happening in the village, which can be viewed from the Calendar in a daily, weekly and monthly format. If you want an event to be publicised in this Calendar please press the “Contact Us” button and let us know about it.
The Search facility: The whole site, plus attachments i.e.
minutes etc can be searched using Google search.
This web site will keep evolving and changing.
We are keen to receive your comments and ideas to incorporate in future upgrades.

We would like to have more photographs of the village on the site so please send us any that you have and would like published.

Already we have plans for enabling parishioners to set up an email alert for any web site changes (useful for keeping an eye on planning applications that may affect you) and for a page describing the village footpaths in detail and particular walks that you can take using them.

Please take a look at http://www.duffieldpc.org.ukand let us know what you think by using the Contact Us button . and let us know what you think by using the Contact Us button

Councillors continue to hold surgeries at the Weston Centre.
If you would like to discuss any item of concern with them , the next surgery will be:
Wednesday April 4th 10.00am

If you cannot make this time the Clerk is available every Monday and Wednesday morning at the Weston Centre between 10am and 12am. (Closed for Bank Holiday)

You can Contact the Clerk , Sally Bygraves on 01332 842368, oremail us through the contact button at www.duffieldpc.org.uk

Duffield Parish Council News Letter - Issue No. 43 (March 2007)

CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL IN DUFFIELD

You may recall that an alcohol designation order for Duffield, preventing the consumption of alcohol in the street, was being considered by AmberValley Borough Council.
Following consultation with Residents, the Police, the Parish Council and other interested parties this designation order was approved by Cabinet on 31st January 2007.
The areas affected by the order are Grays Recreational Ground, Town Street from the junction of King Street to its northern junction with Makeney Road, Wirksworth Road from Town Street to Park Road, Tamworth Street, Holloway Road, Snake Lane, King Street from Town Street to Castle Hill and Chapel Street.
Notices will soon be placed along the zone informing residents on this change of status.

APPROVAL FOR RELEASE OF S106 MONIES
The Parish Council have for a number of months been researching and planning the new play facility on Grays Recreational Ground.
Following responses received from residents of all ages, we are pleased to report that quotes and plans from reputable suppliers are expected within the month.
To support this program Amber Valley has agreed to the initial release of funds held by them under S106 funding.
This money, which is donated by developers to help support the infrastructure of the village, will go some way to covering the costs of the new facility.
Duffield Parish Council is one of the first Parish Councils to take advantage of this scheme directly and will be further consulting with parishioners on the final outcome.
In addition to the Grays Recreational Scheme, the Youth working group is continuing to push ahead with proposal to develop a Youth Community Centre.
This group, which is working independently from the Parish Council, is currently looking at funding opportunities for this project in addition to the S106 funds identified as a possible source. If you are interested in becoming involved with this group please contact the Clerk who would be happy to pass on your details.

STILES AT THE GLEN
Following requests by a numberof residents for the Parish Council to work with Wyvern Rail to replace the Stiles at the Glen, the Parish Council are pleased to report that changes as to this access have been agreed.
Wyvern Rail have kindly agreed to the installation of a new type of access which will be supplied through the Parish Council.

NEW MEMBER OF STAFF AT THE PARISH COUNCIL
Following last months advertisement for an Assistant Parish Clerk, the Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Chris Carterto the post of Assistant Clerk.
Chris, a Chartered Accountant and well known resident of the village will commence his duties in April.

JOTTINGS
Don’t forget that you can find bus and rail timetables on the Parish Council notice boards.
These have been recently updated, so if you are planning a day but why not check you times first.

Councillors continue to hold surgeries at the Weston Centre.
If you would like to discuss any item of concern with them , he next surgery will be:
Monday March 5th 10.00am
If you cannot make this time the Clerk is available every Monday and Wednesday morning at the Weston Centre between 10am and 12am.

Following extensive lobbying by the Parish Council to Derbyshire County Council and Amber Valley Borough concerning the flooding of footpath 12 on at the top of Holloway Road, the Parish Council are pleased to report that the land owner has agreed to undertake work to resolve the problem.

A meeting between the Parish Council and Derbyshire Highways Authority has resulted in new markings being laced at the bottom of King Street.
Residents are reminded that the disabled crossing point at this location, as with others throughout the village, have been nstalled because they are needed.
Parking over these crossing points creates significant danger as t prevents disabled users from accessing the footpath.

By the time you read this newsletter the Parish Councils’ new website should be up and running.
For information about the village and calendar of events why not visit our site at www.duffieldpc.org.uk

You can Contact the Clerk , Sally Bygraves on 01332 842368, or email through the contact button at www.duffieldpc.org.uk

Duffield Parish Council News Letter - Issue No. 42 (February 2007)

ASSISTANT PARISH CLERK TO DUFFIELD PARISH COUNCIL
10 hours per week flexible
Salary LG Scale 20 ( £17,352 pro rata)
5 weeks holiday per year

A good communicator with an interest in village life, your role will be very varied and will include all aspects of Parish work.
You will assist and where necessary deputise for the Clerk.
You will need to have sound computer skills and the role will include functions such as finance, health and safety, computer database management, personnel and an understanding of local government .
Whilst some level of experience in some or all of these areas would be an advantage, the most important criteria for selection will be a willingness to learn and develop.
Working with a small team you will be well supported in your role and hours will be flexible although occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
If you are interested in the position and would like to find out more, or obtain an application pack, please contact the Clerk,
Sally Bygraves on 01332 842368, 9 Granville Close, Duffield,
Derbys, DE56 4FY
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS
17 FEBRUARY 2007

COMPLETION OFANNUAL AUDIT
The Parish Council are pleased to report that following our annual inspection by the Audit Commission the auditor reported that “the information contained in the annual return is in accordance with the Audit Commissions requirements and no matters have come to its attention giving cause for concern that relevant legislation and regulatory requirements have not been met”.
This follows the comments made by our independent internal auditor in July that “it was a pleasure to work with books and files which were kept in such good order.”

NEW RISK ASSESSMENT PROGRAMME FOR PARISH
Following completion of the external audit and recommendations as to actions to maintain our positive feedback the Parish Council have purchased a risk assessment programme from BMH Solutions Limited.
As one of the bigger Parishes in Derbyshire, also maintaining with a large number of assets, it is becoming increasingly important for us to keep up to date with our risk assessment programme.
This software will allow us to tackle over three hundred assessments that have been identified as necessary by the Audit Commission and will cover all aspects of our work including financial, legal and administrative risks.

NEW FIVE YEAR BUDGETING PROCESS ADOPTED BY PARISH COUNCIL
Following the completion of the Parish Councils Annual Financial Risk Assessment the Parish Council have adopted a five year budget plan operational from 1 April 2007.
The adoption of this process will ensure that the provisions for large items of expenditure, such as the resurfacing of the Cemetery Car Park or Playground on Gray Rec will be spread over more than one year by a process called smoothing.
The Parish Council have requested a precept for 2007/08 of £80,521 which represents an average cost per annum of £38.63 (per band D household) an increase of £2.91 per annum or 5.5p per week.
This increase is largely due to the cost of implementing memorial testing procedures as recommended by the Local Authority Ombudsman, and higher election costs and in particular the costs associated with postal votes, which have risen by over 25% since the last election.
Positively the Parish Council hope to complete the refurbishment of Grays Rec and resurfacing of Donald Hawley Way during this financial year. Risk Assessment procedures also account for increased workloads, and associated costs.

You can come and meet your Councillors at the Parish Office at the Weston Centre to discuss items of concern on the following dates:
Wednesday February 7th 10.00am
Monday March 5th 10.00am
Clerk , Sally Bygraves on 01332 842368, oremail us
through the contact button at www
.duffieldpc.org.uk

Duffield Parish Council News Letter - Issue No. 41 (January 2007)

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE PARISH COUNCILLORS
As the New Year breaks Councillors and staff at the Parish Council send their wishes of happiness and good health to all NEW YEAR REFLECTIONS

Like many businesses the New Year is a great time for the Parish Council to review its progress over the past twelve months and look to the future year with anticipation.

The Council has been through significant change over the last year.
The appointment of a new Clerk and the change in tenure of the Chairman, were accompanied by the reorganisation of the structure of the Council.
The introduction of new Committees to concentrate on Council Strategy, the Cemetery and Recreational area has led to focused attention on both the Parish assets and its future direction.

THE CEMETERY COMMITTEE
At the Cemetery, significant clearance work has made way for two new allotments and an extended seating area in the Garden of Remembrance.
The Committee Room has benefited from a refurbishment and repointing of all the Cemetery Building is now complete.
New paths and improved safety measures around the Cemetery and the adjoining field have also enhanced the area.
The tranquillity and beauty of the area has however been maintained by the loving care given to it by David and Moya Guywho work tirelessly on the maintenance of the grounds and the stunning flower displays. Looking ahead, the Lodge will soon look gleaming from a fresh coat of paint and electrical work will ensure that all buildings are fully compliant.
Further clearance work around the allotment area will provide additional allotment spaces, however the continuance of thriving wildlife in the area will be ensured by the development of a nature reserve.
Most significantly a data base is to be established to enable memorial testing within the cemetery grounds. This will also give important information to those seeking theirgenealogy.

THE RECREATIONALCOMMITTEE
The Recreational Committee has also been busy this year with improvement works to the footways on Cockpit lane and Styles walk giving safer access to the ever popular Eyes Meadow.
The resurfacing of Donald Hawley Way has also ensured that this site remains open and accessible to all who wish to use it.
The Council was pleased to receive compliments from the Derby in Bloom judges on the maintenance of the Meadow and particularly the condition of football pitches on the site.
The Council now supports seven senior and junior clubs playing at Eyes Meadow offering sport to both girls and boys across the age ranges including adults.
As ever the continuance of village activities on the Meadow is anticipated, with planning for the Vintage Steam Event, Carnival and Firework Display already underway.
Further work on the access ways are planned for the New Year, as are improvements to the Meadow itself with over 170 trees and bushes now ready for planting to create an avenue along the road way.
At Gray Recreational Ground, plans are already afoot to improve the play area, following extensive consultation through the Parish Plan, and this newsletter.
On writing plans for the area have just arrived and more details on how you will be able to view these will follow next month.

THE STRATEGY COMMITTEE
The main focuses of the Strategy Committee this year has been to support projects from the Parish Plan as well as developing public access to the Council.
Earlier in the year the Parish Council gave outline consent for a Youth / Community development at Eyes Meadow and work continues with this group to develop this important village project.
The opening of the Parish Office at the Weston Centre and the introduction of Councillor surgeries has also given a focus point for the Council with many people now accessing this service.
Looking ahead the development of a Youth Parish Council in conjunction with Ecclesbourne School, and the extension of Councillors surgeries together with work to support ongoing projects will surely keep Councillors, Clerk and Assistant Clerk (to be appointed-see advert next month) busy well into next year.
Special thanks for all their hard work must also go Meryl Hutchings (Administrator) Michael Forkin (Village Warden) and all advisors who work tirelessly for the Council….here’s to 2007.

COUNCILLORS SURGERIES
You can come and meet your Councillors at the Parish Office at the Weston Centre to discuss items of concern on the following dates:
Monday January 8th 10.00am
Wednesday February 7th 10.00am

Duffield Parish Council News Letter - Issue No. 40 (December 2006)

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT COUNCIL MEETINGS
Do you have questions that you would like the Parish Councillors to answer, or do you wish to make representations to them?
The Parish Council make time available at the beginning of very meeting to allow members of the Public to come and talk to them, and raise issues that may be of concern to them. If you would like to speak to the Councillors but cannot attend the surgeries at the Weston Centre, why not come along to a Parish meeting.
If you would like more information about how you can do this lease contact the Clerk or just come along.
The next schedule of meetings is as follows. :
Tuesday 12th December 7.00pm
Tuesday 9th January 7.00pm
Tuesday 13th February 7.00pm
Tuesday 13th March 7.00pm
The Parish Council meet at the Committee Room, (which was chapel and is in the Cemetery Grounds) Hazelwood Road, Duffield.

TRIAL NATURE RESERVE AT CEMETERY
Following a visit by English Nature, the Parish Council have approved a trial to develop an area in Duffield Cemetery as a nature reserve. The area identified as a possible site is in the oldest part of th Cemetery behind the Cemetery Chapel.
This area according to Dan Abrahams, Conservation Officer for Lowland Derbyshire “holds a good example of species-rich grassland and would benefit from management for conservation.”
Classified as a flower-rich meadow, the Parish Council is concerned that areas such as the one identified may eventually be lost adding to the estimated 97% of grassland lost between 1930 and 1984 in England and Wales.
Managing the grassland for conservation involves cutting the grass at specific times of the year ensuring that the meadow flowers have the opportunity to grow and seed. During this period of growth it is hoped that flower richswathes will add to the beauty of the Cemetery creating a peaceful and tranquil setting amongst the oldest graves and memorials.
It is also hoped it will also provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to visit the Cemetery and view the many unusual species of wild flowers that are expected to flourish.

DUFFIELD PARISH COUNCIL: NOT SO SLEEPY AS YOU THINK
Did you know that Duffield Parish Council is a computerised Council?
This means that all Councillors have access to email and can be contacted by the Clerk at the touch of a button.
It now also means that if you want to contact Councillors by email you can do so by pressing the contact button on the Parish Councils website listed below.

MEMORIAL TESTING AT DUFFIELD CEMETERY
Following the publication of the Local Authority Ombudsman’s report into Memorial Testing, the Parish Council are following the advice given by the Ombudsman and commencing the process by which memorials at Duffield Cemetery can be tested.
The first task in the testing process is to establish a database which will hold all information available on the memorials in Duffield Cemetery. This catalogue will be important as it will include details of the next of kin, and contact information for the families. The process of cataloging all 750 memorials is expected to take some time, as contacting families with memorial stones dating back nearly two hundred years is expected to prove difficult.
Once a database is established and a process is agreed memorial testing will take place in accordance with guidelines given.
The Parish Council is asking residents with family memorial headstones particularly in the olde rpart of the Cemetery to contact them with any information they may have about family or next of kin.
All information provided will be treated in accordance with the provisions of the data protection act. If you can help the Parish Council by providing information on memorial stones we would be very pleased to hear from you. You can contact the Clerk at the number given below .

COUNCILLORS SURGERIES
You can come and meet your Councillors at the Parish Office at the Weston Centre to discuss items of concern on the following dates:
Wednesday December 6th 10.00am
Monday January 8th 10.00am
Clerk , Sally Bygraves on 01332 842368, or email through the contact button at www.duffieldpc.org.uk

Duffield Parish Council News Letter - Issue No. 39 (November 2006)

MEMORIAL SEAT UNVEILED AT EYES MEADOW
The Chairman of the Parish Council, Cllr. Tony Woodings attended the unveiling ceremony of a memorial bench forMrPaul Scanlan at Eyes Meadow earlierthis month.
Many of Paul’s’ friends took part in a pro -celebrity football match to mark the occasion and to celebrate the life of this keen footballer.

GRAYS RECREATIONAL GROUND NEW PLAYGROUND BEING PLANNED
The Parish Council would like to send a big thank you to all those people who have sent in their suggestions fora new play ground at Grays Recreational Ground.
The Chairman of the Recreational Committee Councillor John Rice has now met with representatives from Wicksteed Leisure to put together a plan incorporating these ideas with the hope that a design for the development of the Playground can be put to the Parish Council shortly.
Please keep an eye out in Duffield Scene for the proposals as the Council value all your comments on this important village amenity.

BREAK IN AT EYES MEADOW
Police are appealing for witnesses to a break in at the Parish Council Changing Rooms on Eyes Meadow on Sunday 8th October at around 12 noon.
The culprits got away with money, phones, keys and two cars.
If you saw anything suspicious or have any information involving this crime please contact the
police on 08451233333.

COUNCILLORS SURGERIES
You can come and meet your Councillors at the Parish Office at the Weston Centre to discuss items of concern on the following dates:
Monday November 6th 10.00am
Wednesday December 6th 10.00am

HISTORY OF DUFFIELD
In the development of the new Parish Council Website the Parish Council is looking to include histories of buildings in the village.
Perhaps you live in one, or perhaps you have knowledge of the history of a landmark or building.
Where you one of the original residents on the Hall Farm Road, St Ronans, Broadway or Wirksworth Road developments.
Do you have some special knowledge of any of the churches or meeting rooms in the village?
If you do the Parish Council would very much like to hear from you.
Please contact the Clerk with your information on the contact below.

Clerk , Sally Bygraves on 01332 842368, or email us through the contact button at .www.duffieldpc.org.uk

Duffield Parish Council News Letter - Issue No. 38 (October 2006)

ALLESTREE PITCH BEING USED BY DUFFIELD DYNAMOS
Allestree football club who recently paid for a new pitch to be created on Eyes Meadow, have extended its use to the Duffield Dynamos U15 team.
The Club which has a number of members from the village is building a strong partnership with both the junior and senior Dynamos teams.
The introduction of ladies football on the pitch has also proved popular.
The clubs support for village involvement follows a substantial donation to the MIDAS project earlier in the summer.
The official opening and dedication of the new pitch together with a memorial bench in memory of Mr Paul Scanlan will take place on Sunday October 15th at 2.45pm.
A pro celebrity football match to celebrate the life of Mr Scanlan will follow. Kick off at 3pm.
Everyone is welcome to attend.

NEW WOODLAND WALK ON EYES MEADOW
If you have been a visitor to Eyes Meadow over the past few months you will be aware of work taking place in the copse close to the changing rooms. Now almost complete, the Community Offending Team led by Mr John Clayton have created a woodland walk through the copse for villagers to enjoy.
The project was able to take place thanks to the kind support of Mr Andy Portlock,
The walk designed by our tree warden Janet Arnold has opened up this area of woodland making it a fun and safe place for all to enjoy.

COUNCILLORS’ SURGERIES
You can come and meet your Councillors at the Parish Office at the Weston Centre to discuss items of concern on the following dates:
Wednesday October 4th 10.00am
Monday November 6th 10.00am
Wednesday December 6th 10.00am

DUFFIELD WAR MEMORIAL
Following a number of requests to the Parish Council to make provision for the laying of poppy wreaths on the War Memorial at Church Drive, Councillors, at their meeting in September, agreed to spend £600 to erect a support bar around the War Memorial.
The work to be undertaken by a specialist contractor is designed to enhance the memorial and to ensure that wreaths have the correct level of support when laid. Special care has been taken to ensure the work will compliment the existing features of the area, and it is hoped that the work will be completed in time for the November Remembrance Day parade.

DUFFIELD WALK
Following the successful completion of the Duffield walk, on which 22 members of the public took part, Councillors are keen to promote next years event early.
The walk which forms part of the Amber Valley and Erewash Walking Festival will take place in September next year, so villagers and friends are reminded to keep an eye out as to how they too can enjoy the countryside which is under our noses.

GRAYS RECREATIONAL GROUND DEVELOPMENT
Please keep sending your ideas as to what you would like to see on this site.
The Council would particularly like to hear from users of the site, young people and those with special needs.
If you wish to contact the Parish Council on any matter please call the Clerk, Sally Bygraves on 01332 842368, or email us through the contact button at www.duffieldpc.org.uk

Duffield Parish Council News Letter - Issue No. 36 (August 2006)

A New village Boundary sign is at last in place after more than five years of trying.
The Village sign located at the north end of the village at the junction of the A6 and Avenue Road, was a millennium project under the stewardship of Roy Pooley.
After a number of years battling red tape, Roy was at last given the go ahead to put a sign up in March.
The sign, designed with the help of the Parish Council and paid for by Derbyshire County Councillor Patrick Clark from his community fund is a bright and modern entrance to the village. Special thanks to Roy and to Patrick for making this happen, and to Michael Forkin and David Guy for putting it in place.

We have received notification that the mobile police office will again be visiting Duffield.
The visits are on a four week rota, and the next visit will be in the afternoon of Wednesday 4th September. Further information regarding these visits will be placed in the parish notice boards as they become available.

Following approval by Amber Valley Borough Council of an alcohol designation order for Duffield, formal consultation on the proposal is to take place with residents.
The effect of the order is that “if a constable reasonably believes that a person is, or has been, consuming alcohol in a designated public place or intends to consume alcohol the constable may require the person not to consume....or to surrender anything...which he reasonably believes to be alcohol (other than a sealed container).
The designated areas are Grays Rec, Town Street from the junction of King Street to its northern junction with Makney Road, Wirksworth Road from Town Street to Park Road, Tamworth Street, Holloway Road, Snake Lane, King Street from Town Street to Castle Hill and Chapel Street.
If you would like to read the full order copies will be placed in the Parish notice boards.
Consultation will take place until 23rd August 2006.
If you would like to make any representations please send them
in writing to: Miss Winter, Legal Section, Amber Valley Borough Council, PO Box 15, Town Hall, Ripley DE5 3XE
Following trials about the operation of the Parish Council, members have voted to establish sub committees to deal with specific village matters.

The meeting dates for these sub committees has now been set and will take place at the Committee Room on Hazelwood Road.
All meetings commence at 7.00pm and are open to the public. The revised schedule of meetings for the Parish Council for
next two months is as follows:
25th July 2006 Strategy Committee
12th September 2006 Parish Council
19th September 2006 Recreational Committee
26th September 2006 Cemetery Committee
10th October 2006 Parish Council
24th October 2006 Strategy Committee.

As part of the Council’s profile series the Council would like to offer special thanks to Peter Boardman, who is retiring a footpath advisor after more than thirty years service.
Peter has been walking and reporting on the c