(Written 12/12/09).
An environmental group in Matlock launched its first seasonal food campaign yesterday, promoting the use of local produce over Christmas as a way to help both the community and the environment.
Transition Matlock is working with local businesses on the campaign ‘Happy Local Food Christmas’.
The campaign includes a sample Christmas menu with all locally sourced ingredients, as well as ideas for how to avoid excessive food wastage. The group formed last year in response to the threat of climate change and oil spills.
Helen Cunningham, a member of Transition Matlock, said: “People will have to start changing what they buy. They’ve become too used to the convenience of supermarkets.
“It seems ridiculous to eat lamb flown in from New Zealand when we have it here in Matlock.
“We want to help local sellers: they make local food which is convenient to buy and can still be cooked as quickly and easily.”
Scott Sneddon, director of Scott’s Garden, an organic market garden based in Matlock, has been working with the group to promote better local knowledge of what is available.
He said: “There’s so much in Derbyshire. It’s just how you promote it without having to spend a lot of money. Small-scale producers just don’t have the budget.
“We are slowly and surely changing public perception of what’s out there, but some people just don’t know where they can get things that are produced locally.”
His company are also tackling issues of Christmas excess through their vegetable box scheme: a bespoke service offering customers the produce they want in the exact quantities they need.
William Morley, a Matlock resident, said that he would support a campaign to promote local produce, but that Christmas excess would be harder to tackle.
He said: “We usually shop at the supermarket for convenience, but we used to live in rural Ireland and bought local produce, so it’s very close to my heart.”
“But buying too much at Christmas is a habit that people have done for years so it’s harder to break.”
Mr. Hambridge, owner of Hambridge Butchers Ltd in Matlock, was unaware of Transition Matlock’s work, but said that he would support the campaign.
He said: “People seem to want good, local stuff. It avoids them getting ripped off in supermarkets.
“We are trading well precisely because of our local produce.”
To see the menu and for more information visit www.transitionmatlock.org.uk.
Thursday, 24 December 2009
New £3million Peak District Cycle Route Ignores Local Needs
(Written 27/11/09).
A £3.785million new cycle route to encourage Peak District residents to cycle to work was approved by a Peak District National Park Authority committee today.
Members of the Services Committee backed the route, which will link Bakewell, Matlock and Buxton, and also see former railway tunnels closed in the 1960s reopened for recreational use.
The route, which has received funding from Cycling England and the Department for Transport, will also link railway stations in Buxton and Matlock, allowing visitors arriving by train to cycle into the District.
John Fern, Head of Communications for the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “We are encouraging local residents to go to work by bike. These public routes will allow people in Matlock, Bakewell and Buxton to do so.
“We’re trying to make those who don’t cycle at all occasional cyclers, and those who are occasional cyclers cycle everywhere.
“It’s a positive for the National Park, residents and visitors.”
Hope Valley Councillor Tracy Critchlow, who forms part of the Committee, said: “I think a new cycle route is a good idea and will be safer than people cycling on the roads.
“It will help encourage visitors to come now there will be a longer route for them to walk.
“But whether people will use it as a commuter cycle route remains to be seen.”
Richard Thoday, 46, a mechanic at Stanley Fearn Cycles Ltd in Matlock, is a member of the Derwent Valley Cycleway Group, who campaign for safer cycle routes in the area. He said that although the route would make it safer for inexperienced cyclists, it had ignored the needs of local residents.
He said: “This new route should help a lot, but we would have liked it to be closer to the community.
“At the moment it’s a bit further away, which makes it harder for the local community to use.
“A lot of people travel shorter distances to work, but this is a long-distance plan.
“It’s still a quiet, traffic-free route, but I think it is being created more for tourists.”
The National Park Authority has not yet confirmed the specific route the cycleway will follow, but works could start in January with a view to completion by March 2011.
The Authority will now begin negotiations with local landowners and with Derbyshire County Council.
A £3.785million new cycle route to encourage Peak District residents to cycle to work was approved by a Peak District National Park Authority committee today.
Members of the Services Committee backed the route, which will link Bakewell, Matlock and Buxton, and also see former railway tunnels closed in the 1960s reopened for recreational use.
The route, which has received funding from Cycling England and the Department for Transport, will also link railway stations in Buxton and Matlock, allowing visitors arriving by train to cycle into the District.
John Fern, Head of Communications for the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “We are encouraging local residents to go to work by bike. These public routes will allow people in Matlock, Bakewell and Buxton to do so.
“We’re trying to make those who don’t cycle at all occasional cyclers, and those who are occasional cyclers cycle everywhere.
“It’s a positive for the National Park, residents and visitors.”
Hope Valley Councillor Tracy Critchlow, who forms part of the Committee, said: “I think a new cycle route is a good idea and will be safer than people cycling on the roads.
“It will help encourage visitors to come now there will be a longer route for them to walk.
“But whether people will use it as a commuter cycle route remains to be seen.”
Richard Thoday, 46, a mechanic at Stanley Fearn Cycles Ltd in Matlock, is a member of the Derwent Valley Cycleway Group, who campaign for safer cycle routes in the area. He said that although the route would make it safer for inexperienced cyclists, it had ignored the needs of local residents.
He said: “This new route should help a lot, but we would have liked it to be closer to the community.
“At the moment it’s a bit further away, which makes it harder for the local community to use.
“A lot of people travel shorter distances to work, but this is a long-distance plan.
“It’s still a quiet, traffic-free route, but I think it is being created more for tourists.”
The National Park Authority has not yet confirmed the specific route the cycleway will follow, but works could start in January with a view to completion by March 2011.
The Authority will now begin negotiations with local landowners and with Derbyshire County Council.
Peak District Mountain Rescue Teams Call for VAT Exemption
Mountain Rescue Teams across the Peak District preparing for the winter rush are backing a national call for exemption from VAT, which costs teams around £150,000 annually.
Bad weather conditions and less daylight hours make the winter months busy for Mountain Rescue Teams, which are composed entirely of volunteers.
Teams work alongside the Police to aid in public searches for missing people and in rescue operations. But they are not nationally funded and rely on donations and fundraising.
A VAT exemption, if granted, would prevent the government from charging tax on fuel and vital equipment for Mountain Rescue Teams. Some statutory funding already exists for teams in Scotland and Wales, but not currently in England.
Ken Blakeman, head of Kinder Mountain Rescue, based in Hayfield, said: “We have to pay VAT on rescue equipment, but the RNLI etcetera doesn’t.”
Ian Bunting, head of Edale Mountain Rescue, said: “The government could do more to help us.
“We’re working free of charge to help people and getting taxed for the privilege.
“VAT exemption would save a lot of money.”
The 18 volunteers at Edale and the 45 at Kinder include teachers, medics and construction workers. Each volunteer gives up one to two nights per week on top of call-outs.
Tom Levitt, MP for High Peak, supports the idea. He said: “We depend on mountain rescue and other volunteer rescue organisations more than we think, as was clearly shown in Cumbria in recent weeks.
“Whilst voluntary fundraising is part of the ethos of these organisations, and should remain the predominant source of funding, the state could show its appreciation and support of these organisations too, above the tax relief they get as charities.
“Abolishing VAT on their purchases of rescue equipment would be easy to administer; and it would be cost effective for the government.”
Rescue teams have also seen a rise in unprepared walkers over the last two years. Edale Mountain Rescue had 111 call-outs in 2008 and has had 78 so far this year.
“The number of searches increases this time of year”, said Ian Bunting. “A lot of people we see up there are unprepared: no map or compass. Even if they had they wouldn’t know how to use them.”
Ken Blakeman said: “People are going out ill-prepared. That has increased. They really shouldn’t be out without the knowledge.”
Teams across the Peak District are always keen to recruit more volunteers and fundraisers. For more information visit www.pdmro.org.uk.
Bad weather conditions and less daylight hours make the winter months busy for Mountain Rescue Teams, which are composed entirely of volunteers.
Teams work alongside the Police to aid in public searches for missing people and in rescue operations. But they are not nationally funded and rely on donations and fundraising.
A VAT exemption, if granted, would prevent the government from charging tax on fuel and vital equipment for Mountain Rescue Teams. Some statutory funding already exists for teams in Scotland and Wales, but not currently in England.
Ken Blakeman, head of Kinder Mountain Rescue, based in Hayfield, said: “We have to pay VAT on rescue equipment, but the RNLI etcetera doesn’t.”
Ian Bunting, head of Edale Mountain Rescue, said: “The government could do more to help us.
“We’re working free of charge to help people and getting taxed for the privilege.
“VAT exemption would save a lot of money.”
The 18 volunteers at Edale and the 45 at Kinder include teachers, medics and construction workers. Each volunteer gives up one to two nights per week on top of call-outs.
Tom Levitt, MP for High Peak, supports the idea. He said: “We depend on mountain rescue and other volunteer rescue organisations more than we think, as was clearly shown in Cumbria in recent weeks.
“Whilst voluntary fundraising is part of the ethos of these organisations, and should remain the predominant source of funding, the state could show its appreciation and support of these organisations too, above the tax relief they get as charities.
“Abolishing VAT on their purchases of rescue equipment would be easy to administer; and it would be cost effective for the government.”
Rescue teams have also seen a rise in unprepared walkers over the last two years. Edale Mountain Rescue had 111 call-outs in 2008 and has had 78 so far this year.
“The number of searches increases this time of year”, said Ian Bunting. “A lot of people we see up there are unprepared: no map or compass. Even if they had they wouldn’t know how to use them.”
Ken Blakeman said: “People are going out ill-prepared. That has increased. They really shouldn’t be out without the knowledge.”
Teams across the Peak District are always keen to recruit more volunteers and fundraisers. For more information visit www.pdmro.org.uk.
BBC Journalist Turns Dressmaker in the Peak District
Written in November 2009.
A former BBC radio producer who set up a clothing company for children in the Peak District is launching her second collection this month.
Lissa Cook, 35, of Lower Lane, Chinley, High Peak, quit London after six years working for the BBC where she was senior producer on Radio Four’s World at One.
But in April this year she started designing and making dresses for young girls, creating the company Peak Princess. This month marks the launch of her second range, Peak Prince, which will cater for young boys.
She said: “It’s been a new start and it’s a lot less stressful. News is relentless and London life was mad!”
She and husband Nik, 38, a freelance writer, moved to High Peak in 2007. Lissa continued to work for radio stations in Manchester before she had the idea for Peak Princess.
She said: “When my last contract ended I took six months off. I’d never had a gap year or anything.
“I’d never stopped and it seemed like a good time.
“Then I just started running up some dresses!”
Despite her long career in the media, Lissa always had dressmaking in her blood. Her Mother, Wilhelmina Bradley, was a dressmaker in the 1960s and had designs featured in Vogue. Her Grandmother was also a milliner and her Grandfather a shoemaker.
Liberty in London provides the fabric for Lissa’s garments, and hers is the only children’s collection to use the patterns. Liberty said: “We love what Lissa is doing.
“Lissa makes all the clothes herself, so you know the design is truly exclusive, original and personal, not something that anyone could pick up on the high street.”
But when Lissa first created Peak Princess not everyone was convinced that a journalist could run a successful clothing business.
Lissa said: “At first my Mum was like ‘why did you go to university?’ But then she said ‘your grandmother would be ever so proud.’ She’s been so supportive.”
Nik, who specialises in health and adventure writing, said: “I think initially people thought ‘oh she’s just playing at it’. Then they saw the quality and realised she wasn’t.
“Now everyone takes it seriously.”
Peak Princess has become a family business, with Nik’s Dad, Phil Cook, a graphic designer, creating the logo, and Lissa’s sister, Emma Helm, a retail consultant, lending a hand at fashion fairs.
“It’s a real friends and family thing” said Lissa. “I had my god-daughter modelling for my first collection and I’m always ringing friends in the village for help.”
Since launching the company, her designs have featured on the front page of Liberty’s blog, which she sees as “a stamp of approval”, and she has gained some high profile clients, including Teresa Levitt, wife of High Peak MP Tom Levitt.
Lissa runs the business from her home in Chinley where she designs, makes and markets the garments. She said: “I don’t want to hire staff because the brand consists of me making them all, it’s a small niche market. I want to keep it like that.
“My dream is to become the next Cath Kidston. Laura Ashley started out on her kitchen table!”
Lissa loves the sense of community in High Peak and is the press officer for Chinley Community Association and reads news bulletins for High Peak Radio.
A former BBC radio producer who set up a clothing company for children in the Peak District is launching her second collection this month.
Lissa Cook, 35, of Lower Lane, Chinley, High Peak, quit London after six years working for the BBC where she was senior producer on Radio Four’s World at One.
But in April this year she started designing and making dresses for young girls, creating the company Peak Princess. This month marks the launch of her second range, Peak Prince, which will cater for young boys.
She said: “It’s been a new start and it’s a lot less stressful. News is relentless and London life was mad!”
She and husband Nik, 38, a freelance writer, moved to High Peak in 2007. Lissa continued to work for radio stations in Manchester before she had the idea for Peak Princess.
She said: “When my last contract ended I took six months off. I’d never had a gap year or anything.
“I’d never stopped and it seemed like a good time.
“Then I just started running up some dresses!”
Despite her long career in the media, Lissa always had dressmaking in her blood. Her Mother, Wilhelmina Bradley, was a dressmaker in the 1960s and had designs featured in Vogue. Her Grandmother was also a milliner and her Grandfather a shoemaker.
Liberty in London provides the fabric for Lissa’s garments, and hers is the only children’s collection to use the patterns. Liberty said: “We love what Lissa is doing.
“Lissa makes all the clothes herself, so you know the design is truly exclusive, original and personal, not something that anyone could pick up on the high street.”
But when Lissa first created Peak Princess not everyone was convinced that a journalist could run a successful clothing business.
Lissa said: “At first my Mum was like ‘why did you go to university?’ But then she said ‘your grandmother would be ever so proud.’ She’s been so supportive.”
Nik, who specialises in health and adventure writing, said: “I think initially people thought ‘oh she’s just playing at it’. Then they saw the quality and realised she wasn’t.
“Now everyone takes it seriously.”
Peak Princess has become a family business, with Nik’s Dad, Phil Cook, a graphic designer, creating the logo, and Lissa’s sister, Emma Helm, a retail consultant, lending a hand at fashion fairs.
“It’s a real friends and family thing” said Lissa. “I had my god-daughter modelling for my first collection and I’m always ringing friends in the village for help.”
Since launching the company, her designs have featured on the front page of Liberty’s blog, which she sees as “a stamp of approval”, and she has gained some high profile clients, including Teresa Levitt, wife of High Peak MP Tom Levitt.
Lissa runs the business from her home in Chinley where she designs, makes and markets the garments. She said: “I don’t want to hire staff because the brand consists of me making them all, it’s a small niche market. I want to keep it like that.
“My dream is to become the next Cath Kidston. Laura Ashley started out on her kitchen table!”
Lissa loves the sense of community in High Peak and is the press officer for Chinley Community Association and reads news bulletins for High Peak Radio.
Monday, 14 December 2009
'Don't quote me on that. I don't want the world knowing my views on brussel sprouts...'
Today I faced the exhilarating task of finding out more about people's Christmas food shopping habits, and whether there was any place for local produce in their budgets. I came away somewhat bewildered: I'd never realised how much people misunderstand the press.
As a journalism student, I've recently been learning about the importance of establishing whether statements are 'on' or 'off' the record, and to respect the confidentiality of sources, should they request anonymity. I never expected, however, that I would have to put this into practice when asking people in the Peak District about their views on local produce.
I did, of course, meet some wonderfully obliging people: Mr Morley, for instance, was chatting away telling me how he had just changed his car to be more environmentally friendly, and how it was a piece of junk that barely worked. A local butcher offered to give me some free produce if I wanted to try it. The woman on the fruit and veg stall, however, was less heart-warming.
It seemed to me she'd watched one too many police dramas and insisted on telling me not to quote her. The scandalous gossip she gave me included the fact that they sell fresh beetroot and fennel, and that most of their produce is from Lincolnshire.
Trust me dear, even if you'd allowed it I wouldn't be quoting you.
I know that all journalists should respect their sources, but I have to say, she was a right dunce.
As a journalism student, I've recently been learning about the importance of establishing whether statements are 'on' or 'off' the record, and to respect the confidentiality of sources, should they request anonymity. I never expected, however, that I would have to put this into practice when asking people in the Peak District about their views on local produce.
I did, of course, meet some wonderfully obliging people: Mr Morley, for instance, was chatting away telling me how he had just changed his car to be more environmentally friendly, and how it was a piece of junk that barely worked. A local butcher offered to give me some free produce if I wanted to try it. The woman on the fruit and veg stall, however, was less heart-warming.
It seemed to me she'd watched one too many police dramas and insisted on telling me not to quote her. The scandalous gossip she gave me included the fact that they sell fresh beetroot and fennel, and that most of their produce is from Lincolnshire.
Trust me dear, even if you'd allowed it I wouldn't be quoting you.
I know that all journalists should respect their sources, but I have to say, she was a right dunce.
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