News From Derby England

Never mind the top ten or even the top twenty. Why not the top two, following Liverpool as the first city in the country to ban smoking in public places ?

We can take a bold step now, in a worthy cause. It must be done in the democratic way, with public consultation and expert witnesses.

Senior councillors have already said (several times) that they prefer agreement rather than instruction. It may be that the commercial interests, from the hard-pressed landlord to the giant brewery chains, will make it as difficult as they can. The profit motive is an imperative that pervades society on every level. There are, too, always those who would rather puff smoke in your face than accept your concerns about health and safety.

We can try. At the end of the consultation period comes the debate and the vote, freely taken, by our elected representatives on the city council. Ideally, this should be accepted by all until the next opportunity to reopen the debate, in the next elections. We do know that some will never accept a democratic decision, but surely the vast majority think it better than dictatorship.
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The Post Office said yesterday that it does not accept the appeals from Derby people to save 16 post offices from closure. Though the city council asked for six months to help make them economically viable, the company refused to extend its own six-week consultation period.

The Post Office was turned into an arm’s-length organisation (ALO) in the belief that, if allowed to act as a private company, it could become profitable. Should the postal service be subject to market forces ? Probably very few business people would themselves want to run a privatised postal service, but they do see its existence as an important weapon in their war against what they call "the dead hand of bureaucracy".

They fear, rightly, that a change in the present system would weaken the case for the privatization of more and more public services.

The fact is that the government has the power to step in and ensure that there are enough post offices to serve the public interest.

Our MPs know this, but have not said so. Some have hinted that they have been using their influence "behind the scenes," but there is no evidence of that. It is time for them to stand up for what they know is right, whatever their party and its policies.

First reports today of plans to allow casinos to be built all over the country raise fears that our city will be included. Derby already has more pubs and clubs in its centre than some bigger cities, and Riverlights and other developments will bring us more.

Surely this is a time to say No. Can our councillors do anything about it ? Can our government-friendly MPs do anything about it ? The question is, will they ?

Why is Derby University so seldom seen or heard in national debate ? Even at the modest level of letters in the newspapers ? The latest example in our region of an opportune letter in a national paper was that from Ruth Lister, Professor of Social Policy, Loughborough University (slating Alun Milburn, the new guru of Blairism). Contributions from the staffs of other universities can be found every day in one or another of the serious public prints. Has anyone from our university been seen or heard taking part in a television or national radio discussion ?

The only nationally-known Derby academic seems to be Professor Jonathan Powers – officially retired but still initiating stimulating programmes of lectures, and now writing his umpteenth book.

Is this silence, this absence from the national debate, a result of the perceived low morale among the staff at our university ?

There are some firstclass scholars (and students) ready and willing to raise the cultural temperature, and others in our city eager to support them. Can the new Vice-Chancellor harness the existing talent and recruit the necessary new people, and inspire efforts to make our university something like a centre of excellence ?

It seems that a small piece of land has been holding up negotiations in the long-running saga of the controversial Riverlights development. It has been mentioned in several meetings, including those of the council cabinet. To the surprise of regular observers, little has been said about its exact location, and nothing at all about its ownership.

Is it true that it does in fact belong to the owners of the multi-storey car park, who have been holding out for the best possible deal with MetroHolst, the Riverlights developers ? Surely it would not be right if the planning processes of an elected council were to be held up by power games between developers ? Perhaps all will be revealed at Thursday’s meeting of the council’s planning control committee. It’s about time.

Last week’s Fairtrade Market showed once again that this ethical campaign is alive and well in our city. The Mayor, Ruth Skelton, and Councillor Chris Williamson were among the many visitors. The Mayor reminded us that Derby was awarded Fairtrade City status last year.

Together with Janet Morrow and other Fair Traders were Ann Hart and others from the Derby World Development Movement Group, and many varieties of ethical goods were available.

Ann Hart was drumming up support for a meeting of the Derby WDM group on Thursday, October 28, when Mike Alexander will be in the chair. The speakers are Clare Joy, WDM policy campaigns officer; Dave Hall, Public Services international research unit, and Ashley Roe, business development director, Severn Trent International. The meeting begins at 7pm at the Friends’ Meeting House.

A Co-op Fair Trade guide to city cafes and retailers includes The Haus, Wardwick; Soul Deli, Green Lane; Society Café (in Co-op Department Store), Exchange Street; The Big Blue Coffee Company, Sadler Gate; Café Vertigo, Chapel Street; The Cathedral Centre Café, Iron Gate; Blends Coffee Shop and Union Arms, Derby University, Kedleston Rd Campus; Bernard’s Watch, Friar Gate; The Coffee Pot Café, St Peter’s Church Yard; Starbucks, East Street.

Many churches also have Fairtrade products.

The Derby Fair Trade City Guide, which includes supermarkets and other retailers, is available free from Derby City Council’s Environmental Co-ordination Team, tel. D.256276, or fax D.255989.

If you received this issue of Derby Guardian from a friend, without paying, please thank your friend and consider helping to support this alternative voice in the Derby media by taking a subscription or donation of £1 a week, to help cover costs. Details from brenmedia@btinternet.com.

October 27

2pm. To join the War Widows of Great Britain for a cup of tea, before the start of their meeting in Room 5.

4pm. A Citizenship Ceremony in the Council Chamber.

7.30pm. To Centre Stage Theatre production of Little Shop of Horrors, Guildhall Theatre.

October 28:

2.30pm. To present certificates of attendance to students from Thailand who are studying at Derby College.

7pm. To host a reception and announce the winners of the "Your Favourite Place in Derby" photographic competition, run by the City Tourism Unit.

October 29:

10am to 12 noon. Coffee morning in support of the Yew Tree Women’s Institute.

6.45pm. City of Derby Sea Cadets annual prize presentation evening, at Unit 103, Farm Street. Colours, followed by trophy presentations by the Mayor at 8pm.

October 30:

12 noon. To open the celebrations of the 10^th anniversary of the National Lottery, at the Heart of the Park building, Arboretum.

1.30pm To Derby County v Rotherham United at Pride Park Stadium.

7pm. To the annual bonfire and fireworks display at the Derby Congregational Cricket Club, Littleover. To light he bonfire and judge the Best Guy Fawkes competition. In support of the Magic Million Appeal.

City council leader Maurice Burgess has launched a consultation exercise to give residents the opportunity to make recommendations for the city budget – and the council tax – for the year beginning next spring.

On Monday, consultants begin interviewing 300 households, and, says Mr Burgess, the findings will help councillors to decide spending levels and priorities.

Homes in each of the city’s 17 wards will be visited by the consultants, from the company Research for Today. All interviewers will carry identification and a letter of explanation.

They will ask residents to prioritise service levels and any improvements on a range of subjects from recycling to the park ranger service. They will also check people’s level of satisfaction with the services they are being asked about.

The results will be reported to the council in December.

For further information, contact David Armin, tel. D.255560, or david.armin@derby.gov.uk

Children can relive the pioneering days of railway engineering this half-term at the Silk Mill – Derby’s Museum of Industry and History.

Six to 14-year-olds can take part in a workshop where they can build their own railway network on a fantasy map of Europe, and then race against competitors.

Workshops take place on Monday 25, Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 October at 10.30am and 2pm. Adults are welcome to accompany children, and places can be booked in advance on D.255308,

For further information contact Roger Shelley, tel. D. 255308. roger.shelley@derby.gov.uk

The naming of the A52 between Derby and Nottingham in honour of Brian Clough is now a distinct possibility, according to city council leader Maurice Burgess.

The suggestion for this posthumous honour to Mr Clough, famed as a football manager in the region (as well as nationally), has been put to other councils involved with the road: Erewash Borough, Broxtowe Borough, and Nottingham City.

Broxtowe and Nottingham have said they are willing to accept the name Brian Clough Way. Erewash has to consult Derbyshire County Council.

Councillor Burgess said the idea of naming the A52 between the two cities was first discussed at the service held in Nottingham to honour Brian shortly after his death in September.

"Nottingham City Council leader Jon Collins and I both feel it would be a fitting tribute. Brian Clough Way would unite the cities and districts it passes through in honouring one of the East Midlands most famous sporting heroes."

For further information contact Pat Ethelstone, tel. D. 715043 pat.ethelston@derby.gov.uk

Derby schools and community groups are being invited by the city council to apply for grants under an environmental scheme now being relaunched.

The Green Scheme replaces the council’s Recycling Award, and offers grants of up to £500 for projects to improve the environment, help the community, or support environmental education.

Application packs are available from the StreetCare and Waste Management Unit, tel. D.715000 or minicom 01332 256666, or by e-mail at streetcare@derby.gov.uk. Applications should be made by December. 1.

For further information contact Jo Thorpe, tel.D. 715109 jo.thorpe@derby.gov.uk

Derby schools and community groups have just two weeks left to get their free trees and shrubs through a City Council grants scheme to plant or renovate hedgerows.

Under the scheme, schools and community groups can apply for 100 trees and shrubs to create a hedge. Applications must be received by Monday 1 November.

Free places on a training course which teaches people how to manage a hedge by hedge laying are also available to anyone who lives in Derby. The first training session will be held on 13 and 14 November. Other courses are planned for December 2004 and Spring 2005.

Application forms and information are available from Council Environment Projects Officer for ‘Wild Derby’ Beverley Rhodes on 01332 255021 or minicom 01332 256064 or at www.derby.gov.uk by clicking ‘Living’ then ‘Countryside’ then ‘Green Cash for Wildlife’.

The project follows a Council survey of hedgerows in the city last year, which found that Derby has over 1,300 hedgerows and 43% of these have five or more species in a 30-metre section, which makes them a valuable wildlife habitat. The results of this survey and free hedgerow information packs are also available from Beverley Rhodes.

For further information contact Beverley Rhodes, tel. D.255021 beverley.rhodes@derby.gov.uk

The Derby City Credit Union (DCCU) is at the half-way mark in its campaign to obtain the 1,000 names of support it needs to establish a community bank in Derby.

The project manager, Rebecca Hunter, says the campaign has so far attracted 500 supporters, with 300 people coming forward in the last two weeks.

Council cabinet member Balbir Samra said it was hoped to set up the bank in the spring, and 1,000 names in support were needed before it can be officially approved by the Financial Services Authority.

The DCCU is funded by Derwent Community Team and the European Social Fund, and is an ethical, not-for-profit organization. It is committed to offering competitive APRs on savings and loans, and money management.

It also intends to encourage children to learn budgeting skills, develop save and borrow schemes in the workplace and tackle issues of debt and financial exclusion.

The main office will be based in Derwent, but facilities will be opened in other parts of the city.

For further information contact Rebecca Hunter, tel. D.676666 Rebecca.hunter@derwentcommunity.org

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October 25:

Social Care and Health Commission, 6pm

October 26:

Licensing Sub Committee A, 1.30pm.

Scrutiny Management Commission, 6pm.

October 27:

Area Panel One (Chaddesden, Derwent, Spondon and Oakwood wards), at Chesapeake Community Centre, 6.30pm.

October 28:

Derby Homes Ltd annual general meeting, The Spot Conference Centre, 3pm. Derby Homes board meeting, to follow the AGM, same venue.

Planning Control Committee, 6pm.

County Hall, Matlock.

County Hall tel. 01629 580000

Headquarters, Butterley Hall, Ripley.

Chief Constable, David Coleman.

Headquarters tel. 01773 572022.

Derby Division tel. 01332 290100

Division Commander, Chief Supt Tony Hurrell.

Derby Police Federation. Chair, Julia Drabble; Secretary Alan Rowley, tel. 01773 571821.

Headquarters, Glenfield, Leicester.

Regional Management Board meeting, at HQ, 2pm on October 28.

Tel. 0116 2872241.

Headquarters, The Old Hall, Littleover.

Chief Fire Officer, Bernie Cahill.

Headquarters tel. 01332 771221

Ink tanks for charity. Willing volunteer sought by another volunteer for a small charitable endeavour: to receive empty computer-printer ink tanks for sale for refilling, and deliver the proceeds from sales to the Arthritis Clinic at the DRI. Appeals will appear in both Derby Flyer and Derby Guardian. Please contact brenmedia@btinternet.com

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Footnote: Bargain prices for new ink cartridges, paper and printers, can be found at Cartridge Cellar, 10 Blenheim Parade, Allestree, Derby DE22 2GP. Tel. D.551514. Email info@cartridgecellar.co.uk

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Met or passed by on my beat this week: After three chaps named John Holmes within a few weeks, now comes another David Adams – this one is the city’s Chief Crown Prosecutor, sounding a gentle soul but looking stern with his bristling moustache, like a dogged DA in an American crime novel.

The best car mechanics are not only efficient, but civil with it. Dave Dexter, of Capri Motors, St Helen’s Street, fills the bill. He decided when he left school that this would be his career, and he has never wavered. After some years in Friargate, in one of the old railway arches, he moved to his present site 20 years ago, and is a popular character in the trade.

A young chap at the next table at the Jonty Farmer pub the other day was teaching his five-year-old son the French equivalents of the English menu. They will be off to France in the near future, he said. The man at the next table was able to give him details of the Derby French Circle, where everyone can practice their language skills. (see item Entente Cordiale, below)

Heading for UK Youth Parliament

Derby Youth Forum has an election day on Saturday, February 28. The forum, for 11-19-year-olds, gives the chance for youngsters in Derby to meet from all areas of the city and discuss issues of importance to all of them.

At the February 28 meeting, at the Assembly Rooms, they will be asked to elect two representatives to regional UK Youth Parliament meetings. Decisions made at these meetings are taken to a national level and can make a contribution to the government’s manifesto on young people’s issues.

For details, contact Laura Milner, D.255631, or laura.milner@derby.gov.uk

At a recent forum at the Council House a trio of councillors (one from each party) answered questions on their role (a council reporter writes). One youngster asked the Labour member about taking a stand on local issues when it was against that of the government run by the same party. The member (known to this reporter as a modernizer) agreed that could be a problem: "But that is the way it is sometimes, and you have to decide your duty to your electors."

Older people as ‘engaged citizens’

An election for older people from Derby to become representatives on the East Midlands Older People’s Advisory Group (EMOPAG) is to be held on March 4 (writes Derby Grey Owl.) Three people are to be elected..

This is the regional group whose role is to "ensure that older people are engaged as citizens at all levels of decision-making, and shaping the development of strategies and services for an ageing population," says Sarah Burkinshaw, Derby City Council consultation support manager.

The election will take place at the Seniors’ Forum, in the Darwin Suite, Assembly Rooms, at 12.45pm on March 4. The forum is open to all Derby residents who are over 50, but you do not have to be a member of the forum to turn up and take part.

Contact Sarah Burkinshaw on D. 258415.

Footnote: Age Concern has called for greater recognition of the role of grandparents, and says they should qualify for state benefits paid to childminders.

Based on assessments by the Office for National Statistics, the value of child care by grandparents is £3.9billion.

Derby Guardian Pub Watch

A Derby pub is providing a meeting place for members of a church club who lost their venue through redevelopment of the church site, in Roe Farm Lane, Chaddesden (writes our Pub Watch correspondent,Thirsty Scholar).

Members of St Alban’s Catholic Church Club had met in the clubhouse next to the church for more than 30 years. Now they meet at the Blue Boy, Wiltshire Road, which has become a community pub. It was taken over two years ago by Derwent Delivers, a company set up by the Derwent Community Team, to hold assets for the community.

The question is now being asked if that could happen in Allestree, where the Park Farm pub has been up for sale for more than a year. Local organizations which have used it for 30 years have been lamenting the loss of their venue. Perhaps they should get together and look at the example of the Blue Boy.

The Jonty Farmer, Kedleston Road, is holding a racing night next Thursday, in aid of the Boys’ and Girls’ Welfare Society. You can "buy" horses or sponsor race meetings. Starter’s orders 8pm.

Derby Camra is still looking for a publicity manager for its Summer Beer Festival, July 7-11. Offers please to the Summer Festival chairwoman, Kate Neale, on D. 342180 or email summer-fest@derbycamra.org.uk

nte Cordiale

As long-standing proponents of the spreading of the English language far beyond our borders, the staff of the Derby Guardian are now taking an interest in the activities of the Derby French Circle. However, that distinguished group of linguists bears no responsibility for what follows.

Customer: Bonjour, monsieur.

Le Bookseller: Bonjour.

Customer: Avec vous quelque chose pour un good laugh dans les vacances ?

Le Bookseller: Bien sur, mate. J’ai just le chose pour vous. Take a charcuterie at ceci.

Customer: Oh non. Pas Miles Kington encore !

Le Bookseller: Oui, c’est tres amusant and cote-splitting je vous assure.

Customer: Parlez de flogging un cheval mort, I ask you.

Le Bookseller: Mais tous les livres son completement different. Par example nous avons Let’s Parler Franglais, Let’s Parler Franglais Encore, Let’s Parler Franglais Un TroisiemeTemps, More of the Meme Chose, Le Best de Let’s Parler Franglais, Let’s Parler Franglais Till We’re Bleu in the Face…

Customer: Dites no more ! Ce Kington certainement a un sanglant nerve, n’est-ce pas ?

Bookseller: Have it your own facon, mon ami. Alors, si Monsieur Kington n’est your tasse de tea, how about ce petit number ici ?

Customer: Mon dieu ! Le Complete Jokes d’Alan Coren. Crikey, non. Donnez moi le Kington toute suite !

Bookseller: Merci, squire. Ca sera three ninety-nine.

Customer: Au revoir.

Mij Nannerb mais pas de copyright

Programme details can be obtained from the Secretary, Derby French Circle: Andrew Western, on D.841674.

Book Notes

The author of Trust, Chalkdust and Wanderlust, Ron Whitehead of Rowsley, is a cousin of Phillip Whitehead, MEP. His book (mentioned here last week) was published in 1998 (Hamilton, £9.99). A copy in good condition required.

There are many books on local history, or by local authors, in the central library, including histories of Rolls-Royce and other companies. Others are probably in the hands of private collectors. All book notes and queries welcomed. brenmedia@btinternet.com

Contacts

Derby City Council. Web site http://www.derby.gov.uk

Chief Executive, Ray Cowlishaw, tel D.255364. Email ray.cowlishaw@derby.gov.uk

Director of Corporate Services and Deputy Chief Executive, Michael Foote, tel 255448. Email janette.mccluskey@derby.gov.uk

The list of councillors’ names and numbers, and those of the council’s chief officers, are is published in our Derby Flyer.

The web site for the city libraries is: www.derby.gov.uk/libraries

The council’s community information database of clubs and societies, voluntary groups, sports clubs, and tutors: www.lidnet.org

Derby Homes Ltd., Floor 2, South Point, Cardinal Square, DE1. Chief executive, Director Phil Davies. D.711010.

City Council Cabinet members at first post-election council meeting):

Maurice Burgess, Liberal Democrat, chairman –responsible for corporate policy; Philip Hickson, Conservative, vice-chairman - performance management, economic development and housing; Les Allen, Lib Dem., lifelong learning; Evonne Berry, Con., social care and regeneration, social inclusion, youth; and community; Lucy Care, Lib Dem., planning, transportation and environment; Mike Carr, Lib Dem., personnel, equalities and direct services; Balbir Samra, Con., community regeneration; Roy Webb, Con., social care; Paul West, Con., leisure and cultural services.

Derbyshire County Council is at: http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk

County council matters affecting the city will be included here.

Conservative. Derby North & South, 2b, Chapel St., Spondon, D.545154.

Labour. Derby North & South, 2a Wentworth House, Vernon Gate. Agent James Shires. D.345636.

Labour Party Social Club, 26 Charnwood St. D.364627.

Liberal Democrat. City contact Pat Turner, on D.344042. Derby South constituency contact, Councillor Lucy Care, D.721291.

UK Independence Party. The Woodlands, Fauld, Burton. 01283-520502.Regional office, 0115 981 3128. Derby branch chairman, David Black, email dabla@btopenworld.com

Party not represented on the council:

Respect Coalition, East Midlands. 72 Evington Rd., Leicester LE2 1HH. Tel: 0116 254 3879. Email eastmidlands@respectcoalition.org

Age Concern. 15 Morledge, Derby 299318.

Allestree Retired Person’s Group. Contact Hazel Love, tel. D.369181. Meetings weekly, Tuesday, 2pm., from October 5, at Allestree Memorial Hall.

Cats’ Protection League, Long Lane, Dalbury Lees. D.824950.

Derby Council for Voluntary Service, 4 Charnwood St. D.346266. Its web site is one of the few with a street map to pinpoint its location: www.cvsderby.co.uk/pages/findus.html.

Derbyshire Chinese Welfare Association, 110 Abbey St. Chairman, Mr L.Y. Leung, D.342436.

Derbyshire China Friendship Association. Contact , former chairman Jim Brennan, on brenmedia@btinternet.comc/o the above.

Another attempt is to be made to revive the association by its founder chairman. A Derby journalist took the chair on his return from working in Beijing in 1988, though a committee had already been set up by Henry Rodwell, a Derby Quaker who was born in China, and an exchange teacher, Maggie Aspdin. Successive chairmen have included a former Mayor, Alan Mullarkey. It is hoped that Chinese students now at Derby University will play a part.

Derby Fabian Society, meets second Friday evening of the month, Derby Labour Club, Charnwood St. Contact hon sec, Rosemary Key, D.573169.

Derby Heart. Campaigning group. Heritage & Environmental Association for Residents & Traders. Chairperson, Ellen Hutchings, 121 City Rd., DE1 3RR. Tel. D.361375. Membership sec., Chris Woodward. D.343575.

Derby Homes, South Point, Cardinal Square, Floor 2. Chief executive,Director, Phil Davies. Tel. D.293111.

Derby Irish Association, Becket St. D.332842.

Derby-Osnabruck twinning. The office is at the Council House. Email twinning@derby.gov.uk

Derby Law Society. President, Mary HoneybenMichael Copestake. Hon secretary, Susan Woodall, 01283-530333.

Derby Area Trades Union Council (DATUC). President, Councillor David Roberts, dave.roberts@derby.gov.uk

Help the Aged, shops include 62 Babington Lane, D.298824. Park Farm Centre, Allestree, D.558557.

Racial Equality Council. 31 Normanton Rd., headed by Tony Walsh. ) D.372428.

Derbyshire Association of Local Councils (DALC), based at Wirksworth. Contact Brian Wood, secretary/treasurer, at 01629-824797.

Derby University Students’ Union. President’s office, Kieran Patel. D.622238.

Derby VoiceBox, Kensington Mews, Forman St. D.295297.

Senior Citizens’ Forum. Usually Next meeting at the Assembly Rooms. , Thursday, March 4. Chairman Percy Tinson. D. 511976.

Southern Derbyshire Pensioners’ Association, Balcony office, Market Hall. D.290174. Chairman Harold Cox.

For a sideways look at politics, and national contacts of organizations helpful to everyone, see Fairplay UK, in the online Global Journalism Review at http://www.globaljreview.btinternet.co.uk

For a sideways look at science, see Silicon Hollow News, on the same web site. Click on /siliconhollow.htm. The editor is a member of the Association of British Science Writers. These files are now being updated.

Editor James Brennan

brenmedia@btinternet.com

Copyright Brennan Publications 2004