SECTIONS of road were lifted up and split by the force of today’s burst water main in Matlock, witnesses have said.

Water supplies are now back up and running following the incident on the corner of Woolley Road and Smedley Street.

Nearly 1,600 homes around the town were temporarily left without water and schoolchildren had to be sent home from All Saints’ Infants and Junior School.

Workmen are still on site digging up the road and traffic lights have been put in place to redirect vehicles.

Nearby residents said that such was the pressure from the water that sections of the road and pavement have been lifted about a foot, causing it to split and break.

One Smedley Street resident said: “My grandson walked up to meet his mate and came rushing back to say that he’d seen the road lift up. I rang the police and they contacted the water company.

“I went out to try ad stop cars. This is not the first time it’s happened, I think it’s the fourth time in the space of ten or 15 years.

“It will definitely need resurfacing.”

Another said: “I came out and saw water just pouring down the road, it was incredible.”

Severn Trent said that householders’ water supply should now be back up and running.

They also say work on fixing the main and the street could take another two days at least.

]]> 1.4273997 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:34:53 +0000 http://www.bakewelltoday.co.uk/take_a_look_at_retina_s_latest_1_4255142

DEDA in Derby plays host to a visit on Saturday, February 25, by Retina Dance Company.

A fast-moving, intricate and multi-layered production, Layers Of Skin is the new touring piece from Retina Dance Company combining the company’s bold, physical and challenging choreography with participatory dance and live music.

Layers of Skin is Retina’s most ambitious work to date. The core of the work is fixed and constant with additional layers added by inviting and nurturing non-professional dancers to perform alongside the company’s dancers. The piece encompasses live contemporary music from Joris Vanvinckenroye and his vibrant Belgian chamber rock ensemble Aranis.

The performance starts at 8pm and tickets, costing £10 (concessions available) can be obtained from the box office on 01332 370 911.

]]> 1.4255142 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:24:06 +0000 http://www.bakewelltoday.co.uk/mains_burst_cuts_water_to_1_600_homes_1_4273804

ALMOST 1,600 homes in Matlock were left without water and schools were forced to shut today after a pipe burst and sent thousands of gallons of water cascading towards the town.

The underground main on Smedley Street is thought to have split this morning, with the first reports to Severn Trent Water made at around 8.30am.

People had complained that water from the tap had turned brown earlier in the morning then lost all pressure hours later.

Workers were on the scene by 9.45am and immediately closed off Woolley Road in both directions as they set about isolating the major leak.

Water was gushing out on to the street and heading down Woolley Road, Dimple Road and out onto the busy Bakewell Road where it began to gather.

Gravel was thrown across Bakewell Road to allow cars to pass safely, but still caused traffic to back up.

Severn Trent Water said it had been a 12-inch PVC pipe that had burst and they were working as quickly as possible to re-supply homes and businesses.

Despite this, All Saints’ Infants and Junior School were forced to close in the afternoon.

The Mercury spoke to teaching assistant Julie Pine at the junior site on Hurds Hollow at around noon.

She said: “We are in the process of sending the children home, it’s health and safety reasons really – we can’t flush the toilets, the children can’t get a drink.”

Severn Trent Water said that depending on the extent of the work, they had been considering ‘re-zoning’ – linking the town up with a supply from another area as a short term measure.

However, they did hope that the supply should be back up and running by yesterday afternoon but warned that some work may carry over to today and there was a risk of further disruption.

A spokesman said: “We have attended the burst pipe and realise that people are without water so we are working as fast as we can and hopefully restore the supply by the afternoon.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and hope people will bear with us while we carry out the repairs.”

Buxton Opera House has bowed to popular demand and booked comedian of the moment Jimeoin for one night only (of comedy ingenuity) with his show Lovely! on Tuesday, February 28, at 7.30pm.

JimEoin’s shows are purely and simply about having a good time and a good old-fashioned laugh. The comedian is loved by audiences throughout the world for his brilliant wit and his razor-sharp take on the absurdities of everyday life.

Having left his native Northern Ireland and settled in Australia over a decade ago, Jimeoin’s softly spoken and disarmingly relaxed, cheeky and sometimes surreal sense of humour has led to him to perform sell-out tours and release several top-selling CDs and DVDs.

Recently he has also appeared on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Jason Manford’s Comedy Rocks, Best Of Just For Laughs and Best of Edinburgh Comedy Festival on TV.

Tickets for Jimeoin are priced at £14.50. Call the box office on 0845 127 2190.

]]> 1.4255117 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:15:43 +0000 http://www.bakewelltoday.co.uk/river_trip_takes_a_deadly_turn_1_4254865

THE latest offering from the popular Agatha Christie Theatre Company can be seen at Derby Theatre from Monday, February 27 to Saturday, March 3.

Now in its seventh year as a national touring group, the company has made a name for itself for its acclaimed productions of the work of the Queen of Crime and this latest play is Murder On The Nile.

On board a steamer, newly-weds Simon and his wealthy socialite wife Kay find themselves being pursued by an old flame.

Then tragedy strikes, a body is discovered and all fingers point to Simon’s ex-fiancee.

The production stars a number of Agatha Christie Theatre Company regulars including Kate O’Mara, Denis Lill, Chloe Newsome, Ben Nealon and Mark Wynter.

Tickets cost £8-£24 and are available by calling the box office on 01332 255800.

KIDS put their best foot forward earlier this week when they took part in an Indoor Introduction to Orienteering session, held at Arc Leisure Matlock on Tuesday.

The session was organised by Matlock Orienteering Club and overseen by club member – and Derbyshire Sport Award category winner – Judith Holt, to give local youngsters a half-term taste of orienteering and perhaps encourage them to come along to the club.

Matlock Orienteering Club was set up last year as an offshoot of the already well-established Derwent Valley Orienteers, to stimulate interest in orienteering in the town and surrounding villages.

A series of taster sessions since then, often held in Hall Leys Park, have attracted people from far and wide to have a go at something a little different.

Building on Tuesday’s session, Derwent Valley Orienteers and Matlock Orienteering Club, with the support of Derbyshire Dales District Council, are now organising an event in Hall Leys Park to take place on Saturday, February 18, at which you can try your hand at orienteering.

This involves using a map of the park to navigate your way round to find controls.

You can walk or run, it suits all ages and abilities and it’s fun.

There will be three courses – easy, medium and hard.

The event will run from 10.30am to 12noon.

The cost is £3 for adults and £1.50 for children.

For more details, please contact Judith Holt on 01629 582325 or you can email matlocko@btinternet.com.

FLIP-FILLED fun was brought to Matlock on Tuesday as an inaugural pancake race took place in the park.

Marking Shrove Tuesday, Mercury editor Amanda Hatfield set about organising the relay race through Hall Leys.

And the new event appeared to strike a culinary chord as almost 20 competitors spread five teams donned their frying pans and batter mixture to sprint from the starting point at Cafe in the Park, around the bandstand to the bridge where a team mate was waiting to begin the next leg.

The four-lap was race was eventually won by Cafe in the Park, but there were valiant efforts from teams that had entered from Sainsbury’s, Haddon Hall, The Matlock Town Team and C Farmer Ltd electrical shop on Causeway Lane.

Some had even dressed up the race, while dozens of spectators stopped in the park to watch the fun. All the competitors were treated to tea and cake courtesy of Cafe in the Park.

Amanda Hatfield said: “It was brilliant, we will definitely stage it again next year.

“It was a great first race, and a big thank you to all those who took part.

“Next year we want to have so many teams we would like to have heats!

Proprietor and captain of the winning Cafe in the Park team, Kate Lane, admitted her successful pan-carrying crew owed a lot to a speedy starlet.

Kate said: “I think we only won because of young Heidi Dring at the start, she went off like a rocket and it gave us a great lead at the beginning!”

Our Jubilee Jam Jars fundraiser got off to a grand start.

At Tuesday’s Pancakes In The Park event at Matlock we raised £34 in just half an hour thanks to the generosity of the crowd and the racers.

The Sainsbury’s team brought along their own jar brimming with loose change and many others contributed.

However we still have a way to go before we can buy the avenue of trees to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of our Queen..

The paper has teamed up with Derbyshire Dales District Council and aims to plant the trees in Hall Leys Park, in the autumn.

We need the help of the community to fund them and are asking you to donate the spare pennies you have stored in jam jars and pots in your homes.

The Park, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, was originally opened to mark the Coronation of King George V so it will be fitting to mark this important jubilee with such a tribute.

The trees are not expected to cost more than £300 and so that will be our first target. If we exceed that amount then the Mercury will be asking readers to nominate other causes and charities to which we can donate the cash.

If you wish to donate your jam jar of cash just bring it along to our office in Firs Parade, Matlock, during our office opening times.

We will do the rest and will print updates in the paper and online at www.matlockmercury.co.uk.

]]> 1.4271095 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:34:21 +0000 http://www.bakewelltoday.co.uk/let_the_rock_and_roll_begin_1_4255092

Rock ‘n’ Roll Paradise is the rock ‘n’ roll show where the music plays the leading role and it can be seen at Derby’s Assemnbly Rooms on Saturday, February 25.

The talented cast brings to life the music of the rock and roll era stars such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, the Big Bopper and Eddie Cochran, bringing back the icons of rock and roll to the stage once again.

Backed by the Paradise Band, this show has audiences dancing in the aisles, singing along with the music, and yelling for more.

It is a feelgood two-hour celebration of the magic of rock and roll with over 40 songs packed into the show.

The show commences at 7.30pm and tickets are available from the box office on 01332 255800.

A £9 million pound state-of-the-art community care centre in Darley Dale could be given the go-ahead next week as part of a massive investment into old people’s care.

Derbyshire County Council is planning a major £200 million investment to restructure how vulnerable pensioners are looked after, which they say is the first of its kind in the country.

But while there is a possibility of council-run care homes being closed and converted into specialist accommodation for the elderly in other parts of Derbyshire, Darley Dale could receive the cash to build the care centre next to the Whitworth Hospital.

Similar to one already open at Staveley, it would provide long-term care for up to 16 dementia sufferers, eight respite beds and eight intermediate care beds, as well as space for up to 20 day-care patients.

Pam Wildgoose, secretary of Matlock Hospital’s League of Friends, welcomed the news.

She said: “It will be on the land next to the hospital and it will provide a very good extra facility for the local community. I have seen the one at Staveley and that is very well designed. It looks like they have done a lot of work on the design at Darley Dale.”

Despite plans to build it on the vacant land adjacent to the Whitworth Hospital, Pam admits it will have little bearing on the hospital itself.

“This new facility will obviously not be NHS and that is one thing that may complicate things in the public’s mind, particularly with it being next to the hospital,” she added. “I do not think what they are doing will affect the future of the hospital, whatever that may be.”

The council says the facility would act as a hub for older people’s services in the community and offer a range of community facilities and day services.

Derbyshire County Council leader, Cllr Andrew Lewer said: “These plans are a major leap forward in the way we care for older people. “We want everyone to have their own front door and live independently for as long as possible.”

Under the scheme, up to 1,600 ‘extra care’ one and two-bedroomed apartments could be created in 27 locations.

However, it would lead to an extensive consultation over the future of those sites, most of which are residential homes. Consultation into the first nine, which includes one in Heanor, could begin in April if the plans are given approval during the council’s cabinet meeting on Monday.

Consultation will be carried out at the remaining homes over the next five years.

One possible suggestion has been to convert Gernon Manor residential home in Bakewell into a centre for people with learning disabilities.

But the council stressed that every home affected would undergo an individual consultation and no decisions have been made.

]]> 1.4260392 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:18:46 +0000 http://www.bakewelltoday.co.uk/livestock_report_1_4269362

Despite the snow, Bakewell livestock market went ahead and vendors made a great effort to deliver 372 cattle and 2,463 sheep, but were well rewarded for their endeavour.

89 OTM Cattle eventually arrived and were sold on a tremendous trade reaching 166p and £1,474. The 133 store cattle met a wonderful reception with those vendors able to travel well satisfied with the results. Several consignments which were cancelled due to the bad weather.

A useful 76 finished cattle made it through to be sold on a sharp trade, although many more were wanted.

Sheep numbers held up better with no fewer than 2,463 on offer. Hoggs were a similar trade to the previous week, but ewes were dear hitting £140 per head.

ASPIRING master-bakers of the future are getting the chance to hone their kneading, proofing and patisserie skills at the Bakewell Pudding Shop, after taking up a new bakery apprenticeship at Buxton College.

Only a few months after Buxton College launched its bakery apprenticeships, students are already becoming experts in their trade, thanks to weekly training on brand new equipment at the college and time spent working in local bakeries.

The owner of the Bakewell Pudding Shop, Helen Hartley, said: “I think apprenticeships are fantastic.

“Bakery seems to be growing in popularity and so we might look to add another apprenticeship soon.”

Gulliver’s theme park staff believe the popularity of a cartoon knight led to sales of a toy helmet shooting up in 2011.

The £4.99 knight’s helmet proved to be the most popular toy on sale across Gulliver’s three theme park sites, including Matlock Bath with sales topping the 9,000 mark over the festive break.

Staff at the parks’ retail outlets think the hit Nickelodeon TV show Mike the Knight was behind the boom in sales.

Gulliver’s managing director Julie Dalton said: “Nickelodeon’s pre-school shows like Mike the Knight appeal to exactly the same age group, so it’s no surprise that children were in a hurry to snap up a helmet that helped them emulate their latest cartoon favourite.”

Mooves Dance Services are to hold professional ballet classes and workshops at Peak Performance Theatre School, Bakewell next month.

Professional tutor Michael Berkin will be holding the classes on Saturday March 17 and 24.

He will be teaching moves from the two ballets, Coppelia and Swan Lake.

For further details, prices and bookings please call 07721 995050 or email jillferguson@aol.com

Places are limited, so people should book early.

A CHARITY has teamed up with an outdoors pursuits and social group to put together a programme of fundraising walks and events in the Peak District this spring and summer.

Friends of the Peak District and Large Outdoors have launched a series of events ranging from abseiling 80 feet off Millers Dale bridge through to an atmospheric yomp across Stanton Moor and the Nine Ladies Stone Circle.

Gareth Williams, director of Large Outdoors. “We are absolutely delighted to be supporting Friends of the Peak District. We get out to the Peak District a lot but it’s easy to take this beautiful area for granted.

Carol Robinson, of the Friends, said: “This support from Large Outdoors is fantastic. We are so pleased to have them on board as a corporate friend. These events are great fun, and people will have a great day out knowing that they are also helping to safeguard the Peak District.”

THE award-winning Good Companions Stage Society will be performing their latest show – The Songwriters’ Album – at Derby’s Guildhall Theatre from February 28-March 3.

The annual revue offers colourful, lively light entertainment for all and this year features a selection of songs from the likes of George Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lenoon And McCartney, and many others.

Shows take place at 7.30pm nightly from Tuesday to Friday of the week, while Saturday’s shows are at 1pm and 5pm.

For ticket details, call Ray and Brenda Harrison on 01332 515696.

]]> 1.4254820 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:50:32 +0000 http://www.bakewelltoday.co.uk/fun_and_games_with_bonzo_trio_1_4254745

BONZO Dog Doo Dah Band fans will be delighted to learn that three members of the cult 60s group will be appearing in the Darwin Suite at Derby’s Assembly Rooms on Friday, February 24, from 8pm.

Roger Ruskin Spear, Rodney Slater and Sam Spoons have teamed up with talented pianist Dave Glasson to create more fun, music and subversive diversion in the spirit of the ageless band.

In Three Bonzos And A Piano, the performers will unleash a number of classics including Jollity Farm, I’m Bored, Big Shot, Monster Mash and many more.

Robots, smoke, unsuitable medical technology, ancient theatrical props and maybe even the kitchen sink will combine to recreate the atmosphere of the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band’s formative years.

Ticket details are available from the box office on 01332 255800.

HOUSEHOLDS in Amber Valley have a few days left to have their say about the way their waste and recycling is collected in the future.

The current contract is up for renewal in June 2013 and an online survey has been running since the beginning of this month to give people the chance to give their views about possible new collection arrangements, including the types of containers used by the 55,000 households in the Borough, to store what they recycle or throw away.

The five-minute online and paper survey asks people about what methods of collection they would like to see for both their recycling and rubbish in the future. It also asks about how many wheeled bins they would be able and willing to store at their property. If you haven’t already done so, and you live in Amber Valley, please complete the survey online http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DontWasteYourChance. Paper copies are also available at town centre offices in Ripley, Heanor, Alfreton and Belper. Please note that only one survey per household should be completed. So, don’t waste your chance, tell your family, friends and colleagues now about how they can influence the future of their waste and recycling collection service.

The link to the survey can also be found on the Council’s web site at www.ambervalley.gov.uk

The consultation ends this Friday, February 24. Any paper copies need to be returned by this date.

]]> 1.4267860 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:04:47 +0000 http://www.bakewelltoday.co.uk/secondary_school_places_announcement_1_4267825

Thousands of letters will be sent by Derbyshire County Council next week to tell parents which secondary school their child has been offered a place at.

The authority will send out letters on March 1 making offers of secondary school places to 7,722 Derbyshire children.

Of those who applied by the closing date, 98.7 per cent have been offered their first choice school – up from 96.2 per cent last year and the highest number yet.

Overall 99.8 per cent have been offered a place at one of their three preferred schools.

This is the seventh year the county council has acted as a central clearing house to deal with admissions to all secondary schools, including voluntary aided, academy and foundation (former grant maintained) schools.

Councillor Mike Longden, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “I am delighted that almost 99 per cent of parents have been able to get their first choice of school.

“It is always a time consuming and difficult job for our staff to process all these applications and balance the requests of parents with the places each school has available.

“Parents have no automatic right to a place at a particular school but the requests of most parents have been met.”

The small number of parents who have not got a place at their preferred school have the right of appeal to an independent panel. Information of how to appeal is available online by visiting www.derbyshire.gov.uk/admissions Alternatively parents can get information from the admissions team on 01629 537499.

Of those parents who have already applied, 98.5 per cent applied online or through Call Derbyshire. Applicants who provided an email address will receive an email about their child’s place after 9.30am on March 1. Alternatively they can log on to get the result.

Parents who have applied for places at infant, primary or junior schools for their child will be notified by letter on April 30. Anyone who has not already made an application should do so urgently by using the late application facility at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/admissions, Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058 to give application details over the phone or ring the admissions team on 01629 537499 to request a paper application form.

]]> 1.4267825 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:57:11 +0000 http://www.bakewelltoday.co.uk/jesters_fight_club_ready_for_big_night_1_4257045

THE Matlock-based Jesters Fight Club will host a night of full contact martial arts, including boxing, kickboxing, K1 and thaiboxing, on Saturday, February 25.

This is the club’s first promotion in over three years and will be held at County Hall on Smedley Street in Matlock.

Fighting on the bill will be eight of Jesters’ own fighters.

The show will help raise money for the charity Help for Heroes, as well as giving the eight local fighters a stage to demonstrate how hard they have all worked over the last eight weeks in preperation.

The doors open at 4pm and the show starts at 5pm. It will be ticket only admission on the door so please call

07974 655146 for more details.

]]> 1.4257045 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:39:55 +0000