Peak Advertiser

Peak Advertiser your Local paper for Local people promoting Local business
for 43 years, 24,000 copies distributed The Peak Advertiser is still produced fortnightly.

The Peak Advertiser was initially produced, and continues to be, a local paper, for local people, promoting local business. The original principles of this community paper were to meet local advertising needs, to inform and entertain local readership whilst continuing to be neither political nor controversial. These principles have been strictly adhered to and have, in turn, resulted in enormous p

opularity and ongoing business success. The first issue of The Peak Advertiser was produced in July 1982, as a typical cottage industry. The first paper consisted of eight pages and 9,000 copies were distributed once a month within the Peak District. Within the first year the free distribution area was widened to include Matlock, Wirksworth and areas just outside the Peak Park. In 1986 the paper went fortnightly and early in 1987 commenced its own in-house typesetting. The Peak Advertiser took its first office in Bakewell in 1992 and moved to larger premises in Diamond Court, Bakewell, in 2001. In April 2007 the Peak Advertiser, having outgrown the offices again, moved to more spacious Accommodation in Orme Court, Bakewell, from where it currently operates. Over 30,000 copies are distributed throughout the Peak District and surrounding areas, through 105 local distributors delivering door to door, and 154 drop-off points for outlying farms, hamlets and for visitors to the area. A vital factor of the popularity of the newspaper is, of course, the content. Editorial contribution comes from our regular writers, featuring historical articles, snippets of fun, spooky stories and tales of the famous, alongside all types of walks. The paper covers community services through “Talk of the Dales” and prints endless information and interesting articles contributed by the readers themselves, along with their treasured photographs and fond memories. Another popular part is the Coming Events section, offered free to all charitable organisations so that they may publicise their local events. This section can cover six pages for two weeks’ events – quite incredible for a rural area! The free classified household items for sale are very popular reading and The Peak Advertiser runs free adverts for the local Job Centres to help job seekers in the area. Many Peak Advertiser articles have been adapted for inclusion on the Peakland Heritage website www.peaklandheritage.org.uk This website is a joint venture by Derbyshire County Council, Peak District National Park and the British Library. One of its aims is to provide information required by the National Curriculum. Every issue of The Peak Advertiser is on microfilm in the Local Studies Library in County Hall, Matlock, and is used constantly for public reference.

CELEBRATIONS FOR MATLOCK GO-DAI KARATE CLUBMatlock Go-Dai Karate Club celebrates another black-belt success! Sonny Fiel...
29/12/2025

CELEBRATIONS FOR MATLOCK GO-DAI KARATE CLUB

Matlock Go-Dai Karate Club celebrates another black-belt success!
Sonny Field from Matlock now joins the elite, having taken a gruelling grading to gain his 1st Dan junior karate black-belt under the watchful eye of the Association’s Chair, Sensei Duncan Hardy, 8th Dan.
Sonny started training when he was only six years old. His instructor Sensei Nigel Briggs said, “It is unusual, but very rewarding for someone so young to continue their training, which can be extremely tough, through to black-belt status, but Sonny has shown determination and dedication to his karate training over the years since starting at Matlock Go-Dai Karate Club”.
With the modern day demands on time, it is fantastic to see each year, more students, reaching these levels now.
Beginners are always welcome at the club which meets every Tuesday evening at the Arc Leisure Centre. New Adult beginners’ classes are now available from 7 to 8:30 pm, with Juniors (6-11’s) training from 6 to 7pm.
Further information: BritishGoDaiAssociation.co.uk/Matlock or call Nigel Briggs on 07956 043828.

Being presented with his Dan grade certificate by Sensei Nigel Briggs, 6th Dan, is Sensei Sonny, watched by Sensei Jason Nesbeth 4th Dan and other students of Matlock Go-Dai Karate Club

EVOLUTION HEALTH AND FITNESSSet in the peaceful woodland surroundings of Darwin Forest, Evolution Health and Fitness Cen...
29/12/2025

EVOLUTION HEALTH AND FITNESS

Set in the peaceful woodland surroundings of Darwin Forest, Evolution Health and Fitness Centre provides the perfect place to unwind and escape from the demands of everyday life.
Evolution Manager, Paul Manning ensures that the centre provides first class customer service and a welcoming and friendly atmosphere to all ages and abilities.
The layout of the fully equipped gymnasium has been designed by leading industry professionals and includes all the latest equipment to suit a range of fitness levels.
The team of qualified instructors will design a fitness programme to suit your individual needs and help you achieve your goals. They also offer a personal training service for enhanced results.
In addition to the gym there is a room for core exercises, stretching, free weights and body conditioning classes.
The stunning swimming pool has dedicated swimming lanes and a general bathing area, making it perfect for all the family. There is also a spa area which includes a whirlpool bath, steam room and sauna.
The beauty rooms are open 7 days a week and the fully trained therapists offer a full range of beauty and massage treatments.
To find out more about memberships please visit www.evolutionhf.co.uk

Evolution Health & Fitness

JANUARY SEPARATIONSCOULD LEAVE COUPLES FINANCIALLY EXPOSED FOR YEARSThe start of the New Year is traditionally one of th...
29/12/2025

JANUARY SEPARATIONSCOULD LEAVE COUPLES FINANCIALLY EXPOSED FOR YEARS

The start of the New Year is traditionally one of the busiest periods for family law firms, with the first Monday of January dubbed ‘Divorce Day’ due to a yearly surge in enquiries.
At Hope Valley-based Graysons Solicitors, the family team is preparing for an expected rise in calls, with this January marking the first such period under the leadership of Megan Wroe since her appointment as Head of Family.
Graysons says one of the biggest concerns it is seeing is the growing number of couples choosing do-it-yourself and online divorces. While no-fault divorce has made it easier to legally end a marriage, it does not deal with finances.
Without a legally binding consent order approved by the court, former partners can still make financial claims years after the divorce has been finalised, including against property, savings and pensions. At Graysons, this is an issue the family team says it is encountering with increasing frequency.
Pensions are among the most commonly overlooked assets. Despite often being one of the largest components of a couple’s wealth, pensions are regularly ignored during separation, particularly where one partner assumes a pension held in their own name is protected. Graysons warns that failing to address pensions properly at the point of divorce can lead to significant financial imbalance later in life. Despite the seasonal spike in enquiries, the firm stresses that divorce should always be a last resort.
Megan Wroe, who joined Graysons in 2017 after obtaining a first class honours degree in law and qualified as a solicitor in 2021, says compassion and clarity are central to the team’s approach.
“Divorce is never something people should rush into lightly, and wherever possible it should be avoided,” she said. “When separation is unavoidable, understanding the financial consequences and getting advice early can prevent serious problems developing later on.”
Megan, a specialist family lawyer and member of Resolution, is supported by senior solicitor Angela Moores, who brings more than 30 years’ experience advising on financial settlements and children matters, including complex and high-value cases.
Together with the wider family team at Graysons, they are encouraging anyone facing relationship difficulties this January to seek early guidance, understand their options fully and protect their long-term financial security.
Megan and the family team can be contacted on: 01433 650718.
More information: https://www.graysons .co.uk/about-us/meet-team/

Megan Wroe, Head of Family at Graysons

Graysons Solicitors

CELEBRATING A WIN AT THE WORLD NATIONS CUP IN WALKING FOOTBALLA local sportsman who has been playing football for over 7...
29/12/2025

CELEBRATING A WIN AT THE WORLD NATIONS CUP IN WALKING FOOTBALL

A local sportsman who has been playing football for over 70 years is celebrating a win on the world stage.
Bob Thorpe, aged 74, of Dronfield Woodhouse, was a member of the England Over 70s team which lifted the World Nations Cup in walking football. Bob and his teammates beat Holland 8-1 to take the title in the Over 70s category in the FIWFA six-a-side competition at Torrevieja Sports City, in Spain, in October. In fact, the squad were unbeaten in all their earlier games against Italy, Japan, and the Basque Country.
Walking football, played at walking pace, is a format of the game which is accessible for anyone, regardless of age, ability or fitness level.
However, Bob also represents his country in 11-a-side traditional football, playing for England Veterans Football, Over 70s.
He picked up an ankle injury against Italy in an early round but managed to recover enough to play again, including in the final.
Bob, who grew up in Sheffield, first started kicking a ball around aged four, and ran out for a number of grassroots football teams in his younger years, donning shirts for teams including Hamilton Sports, Jubilee Sports and Frecheville Community Association FC.
He competed for the Black Bull Taverners, who were Umbro National Cup Winners in 1998, 1999, when the final was played at Wembley, and 2000, when the showpiece was contested at Nottingham Forrest’s ground.
Later, via sponsorship by the business he founded in Dronfield, Charles James Financial Planning, Bob played in charity games around the country as part of the former Football Aid scheme.
In fact, he has experienced what it is like to run out onto the turf at most of the Premier League stadiums.
He also represented Sheffield Aurora in the city’s Wragg League Veterans category.About ten years ago, it was suggested to Bob that he try walking football and he now plays for three teams in the region; Barnsley-based Leggy Mambos, Matlock Arc and Nottingham’s Forest Vets.
In the UK and internationally there has been a huge surge in interest in walking football, which started in Chesterfield. It was the brainchild of John Croot, chief executive of Chesterfield FC.
Walking football can lay claim to being one of the fastest growing sports globally. More than 100,000 people play regularly across the UK. Many use it to help them manage chronic illnesses or disabilities.
Over 70s were added to the World Nations Cup men’s age groups this year, together with three women’s groups, over 40s, 50s and 60s.
Bob said he enjoys the camaraderie of walking football and has made friends from all parts of the country.
He said, “You have to really concentrate when you’re playing and be careful not to run – if you run or foul three times you are sin-binned for four minutes.
“I think it helps with mental health and anyone from all walks of life can play. You can play walking football when you can hardly walk.”
England put in a stellar performance all round during the two-week tournament – the Ladies Over 40s and Over 60s and Men’s Over 50s and Over 60s were all winning teams and the Ladies Over 50s just missed out on penalties.Meanwhile Bob plays the running version of football with Sheffield’s Silver Foxes.
He was selected to represent England in the Veterans World Cup in Japan, just before the victory in Spain. That competition was won by Wales.
The running of Charles James Financial Planning, based on School Lane, is now in the hands of Bob’s sons Dean and Geoff, although Bob still remains involved in the business.
Article by Deborah Wain, Heron Publications.

Bob Thorpe celebrating the win

Charles James

RETIRING DERBYSHIRE COUPLE REFLECT ON 42 YEARS OF FOSTERINGA couple who have dedicated 42 years of their life to looking...
29/12/2025

RETIRING DERBYSHIRE COUPLE REFLECT ON 42 YEARS OF FOSTERING

A couple who have dedicated 42 years of their life to looking after children are retiring as foster carers for Derbyshire County Council.
Lilian and Stan Barnes have been reflecting on their decades-long commitment to providing stable, loving homes for Derbyshire children.
Over the years, the couple have cared for around 45 children, taking them into their home for between one and three years before they either went back to their families or were adopted.
They remember each child with huge fondness and their home is full of photographs of all the children they have cared for over the years. Many of the children they cared for still keep in touch with them today.
“Every child has been special, whether it be a particular smile or a certain characteristic. They each have their own way,” said Lilian.
And as the couple, who are described as loving, committed and inspirational by those that know them, look back over their journey they both declared: “We would do it all again.” Lilian and Stan, who started fostering in 1983, had three children of their own and adopted their son, who they had fostered as a baby, in 1990.
They are particularly experienced in caring for babies and younger children.
Their social worker, who has known them for 13 years, said: “They have dedicated their lives to fostering and they go over and above and the children they care for always come first.
“What really stands out is their modest, kind nature and compassion for others. I am sure fostering has changed a lot over the past 42 years but Lilian and Stan have adapted to the changes and are amongst our most valued and committed foster carers.
“Any child who lived with them received an abundance of love, attention and warmth.”
Derbyshire County Council is always on the lookout for people to come forward as foster carers.
Councillor Sam Redfern, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “Lilian and Stan are very special, inspirational people and have made a significant difference to a lot of children’s lives.
“They have opened up their home and their hearts to offer stability, safety and love for children in need.
“I hope their story might inspire others to come forward and provide a loving home to Derbyshire children when they need it the most.”

Stan and Lilian Barnes

PEAK FOREST READING ROOM RENOVATIONPeak Forest Reading Room is a registered Charity (No. 520493). The building is Grade...
29/12/2025

PEAK FOREST READING ROOM RENOVATION

Peak Forest Reading Room is a registered Charity (No. 520493). The building is Grade II listed with historic connections to the Devonshire Estate and was built in 1880. The front of the building incorporates the ‘Venetian’ window, which was removed from the original Peak Forest Church when the ‘new’ church was built. This window dates from 1657 and is of historic significance.
Several works to the roof and exterior of the building have already been undertaken, but the interior was in very poor condition, having suffered from damp pe*******on over the years. A program of internal works was agreed and approved by Peak Park Planning Authority, this included removal of an ugly false ceiling, re-instatement and repair of the original ceiling together with re-wiring and new lighting. This has been another big project for the Reading Room Committee. The project was funded with £10,000 from the Duke of Devonshire Charitable Trust, £2,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the balance of the funding from the Reading Room’s own funds.
Without this support this project would not have been possible. The trustees look forward to the re-plastering the interior of the main hall next year if all their funding bids are successful.

ROTARY BAKEWELLAt the evening meeting on 26th November at the Rutland Arms, Bakewell members were delighted to welcome s...
29/12/2025

ROTARY BAKEWELL

At the evening meeting on 26th November at the Rutland Arms, Bakewell members were delighted to welcome speaker, David Ensor. He had travelled from the Cotswolds to be at the meeting and tell more of his fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research UK with several walks and over £70k raised so far – and he’s off to do the via Francigena camino from Lucca to Rome next year. The club had donated some £500 to his recent John O’Groats to Lands End 1,200mile trek.
Rotary members were also delighted to learn that one of a former president’s grandsons, Timothy Birkle, an AstraZeneca funded PhD, is now a research fellow at the UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London.
Rotarians Ann Esders and Peter Huxtable were invited to very informative presentations by Alzheimer’s Research UK funded project teams at Yorkshire Universities held at the Sheffield Medical School on 4th December.
Another successful Repair Café at the Methodist Church on 29th November including a darning workshop!
The annual Xmas lunch was held at the Cavendish Club, Edensor on 4th December and some 30 members, partners and supporters attended a very social and hospitable event.

LOOKING AHEAD
Santa will be joining some of the Rotary Christmas collections at the Bakewell ALDI store raising funds for the community grant scheme on Saturday 13th, Monday 15th, Saturday 20th and Monday 22nd December – and a proportion of the collection will be for the Ashgate Hospice Save a precious Bed fighting fund where reduced central funding has currently limited the number of available care beds from 15 to 6.
The annual Community Tea Party for Seniors’ (by invitation) at the Methodist Hall on Tuesday, 16th, and their pilgrimage to the Youlgreave pantomime on 7th February 2026.
The club will be co-sponsoring a Burns Night Supper on Saturday 24th January at the Cupola, Stoney Middleton.
If you would like to find out more about Rotary and its work in Bakewell and surrounding areas, contact membership chair, Ann Esders: [email protected] or (M) 07967 665580.

https://rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=1286

YOULGRAVE CINEMAI’M STILL HERE – PG 13FRIDAY, 9 JANUARY‘I’m still here’ – It's a measure of Latin America's arduous hist...
29/12/2025

YOULGRAVE CINEMA

I’M STILL HERE – PG 13

FRIDAY, 9 JANUARY

‘I’m still here’ – It's a measure of Latin America's arduous history that it has spawned so many books and movies about dictatorship. What they share is the awareness that history hurts.
Few films have shown this with more delicate intelligence than ‘I'm Still Here’, a moving new drama set during Brazil's military dictatorship that began with an American-backed coup in 1964 and ended in 1985. Based on a memoir by Marcelo Rubens Paiva, Walter Salles' movie is no political tract or manipulative tearjerker (although it may make you cry).
Exploring the dictatorship indirectly, I'm Still Here tells the heroic true story of a wife and mother, who steers her family through the rapids of tyranny, as Brazil faces the tightening grip of a military dictatorship. Eunice Paiva, a mother of five, must reinvent herself and her family when authorities abduct her husband.
Tickets cost £5 – cash only (please bring correct change if possible).
Held in Youlgrave Village Hall, everyone is most welcome. Booking isn’t necessary but if you want a particular seat, or have any queries, please phone Glenys on 01629 636477.
Ice creams costing £1.50 and £2 are served before the film starts.
Our film on 13 February is ‘The Roses’.

DERBYSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST (WYE AND UPPER DERWENT LOCAL GROUP)Wildlife of the Peak DistrictAn Illustrated talk by Peter B...
29/12/2025

DERBYSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST (WYE AND UPPER DERWENT LOCAL GROUP)

Wildlife of the Peak District

An Illustrated talk by Peter Bull on Monday 19th January at 7.30pm

Peter Bull has a passion for photography and has a gift for taking superb photographs of wildlife.
He lives on the western edge of Hathersage over-looking the Hope Valley, Stanage Edge and Hathersage Moor.
His talk will relate the wide variety of habitat in the Peak District, the wild flower meadows, ancient woodlands, bogs, moorlands, rivers and gritstone edges to the equally wide variety of wildlife.
Starting at 7.30pm at Darley Dale Methodist Church Hall, Dale Road North, Darley Dale, Matlock DE4 2FT.
Admission on the door is £3. Please call 01629 650480 for more information.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust

TIDESWELL CINEMARoyal Opera: La Traviata Sunday, 18th January 14:00At one of her lavish parties, celebrated Parisan co...
29/12/2025

TIDESWELL CINEMA

Royal Opera: La Traviata Sunday, 18th January 14:00
At one of her lavish parties, celebrated Parisan courtesan Violetta is introduced to Alfredo Germont. The two fall madly in love, and though hesitant to leave behind her life of luxury and freedom, Violetta follows her heart. But the young couple’s happiness is short-lived as the harsh realities of life soon come knocking.As intimate as it is sumptuous, La Traviata features some of opera’s most famous melodies, directed by Richard Eyre.

Thursday, 22nd January 19:00 National Theatre: Hamlet ‘The play’s the thing’
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. Are you watching closely?
Trapped between duty and doubt, surrounded by power and privilege, young Prince Hamlet dares to ask the ultimate question – you know the one.
Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. Directed by Robert Hastie.

Saturday, 24th January 15:45 Double Bill and BYO Posh Picnic: Mr Burton and A Complete Unknown
We start the afternoon with Mr Burton, the biographical story of the wild schoolboy Rich Jenkins, son of a boozy miner, and Philip Burton, an English teacher who recognized his talent.
A moving, untold story of how Rich Jenkins became Richard Burton, the biggest star Wales has ever produced.
Starring Toby Jones, Lesley Manville and Harry Lawtey.
After a break for our BYO posh picnic we return for another biopic, this time on the other side of the Atlantic, A Complete Unknown.
In 1961, an unknown 19-year-old Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet) arrives in New York City with his guitar and forges relationships with musical icons on his meteoric rise, culminating in a groundbreaking performance that reverberates around the world.
Enjoy plenty of Dylan’s classics plus music from Joan Baez and Pete Seeger.

Thursday, 29th January 19:30 Film: Living
Living is the story of an ordinary man, reduced by years of oppressive office routine to a shadow existence.
At the eleventh hour he makes a supreme effort to turn his dull life into something wonderful.
This drama demonstrates it is never too late to start. Starring Bill Nighy, Aimee Lou Wood and Alex Sharp.

Tideswell Cinema

DERBYSHIRE CHARITY WINS NATIONAL ‘CHARITY OSCAR’ FOR PIONEERING EMPLOYMENT SCHEMEA Derbyshire charity that’s transformin...
29/12/2025

DERBYSHIRE CHARITY WINS NATIONAL ‘CHARITY OSCAR’ FOR PIONEERING EMPLOYMENT SCHEME

A Derbyshire charity that’s transforming lives across the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales has won one of the country’s most prestigious charity awards.
Zink, which supports local people out of poverty and into work, as well as providing holistic support services including a foodbank, eco-café and health activities was selected as a winner from 600 charities around the country in this year’s Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) Awards, which are often dubbed the ‘Charity Oscars’.
The award, presented by Akshata Murty (Rishi Sunak’s wife) at a star-studded ceremony in London recently, recognises Zink’s groundbreaking ‘microjobs’ scheme, which helps long-term unemployed people to gain confidence, skills and experience through small, paid roles within the charity.
The charity has seen results that speak for themselves: “Three quarters of people on our microjobs scheme go on to find sustainable paid work,” said Zink CEO Paul Bohan.
Zink’s win highlights the important work being done in the region to build stronger futures for local people, as well as inspiring others to set up similar projects.
The charity’s pioneering approach has been highlighted in Parliament, and the charity continues to develop new ideas to tackle poverty – including offering housing and wellbeing initiatives that support people towards stability and independence.
From just 10 volunteers three years ago to over 130 today, Zink’s community has grown rapidly, showing the strength of local support and belief in its mission.
Zink’s work is largely funded by a combination of charitable grants and generous donations from supporters and businesses across Derbyshire and the UK. The charity hopes this national recognition will inspire similar projects, raise awareness, and sustain its life-changing work.
Visit Zink.org.uk to find out more about their work and activities.

Zink CEO, Paul Bohan with Akshata Murty

Zink and High Peak Foodbank

BAKEWELL AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB – WORKING IN DUBAI EDUCATIONOn a recent typically cold, grey and wet December day, the...
29/12/2025

BAKEWELL AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB – WORKING IN DUBAI EDUCATION

On a recent typically cold, grey and wet December day, the members of Bakewell and District Probus Club were reminded of sunny skies and summer warmth by their colleague, John Hopkins, who presented a talk about his experiences as a schools inspector in Dubai.
Having spent a career in teaching, culminating in a headmastership in Wales, and approaching the age of retirement, John was presented with the opportunity to serve as an inspector of schools in a team of education experts operating in the United Arab Emirates. Initially, his appointment was for a short period but, in the event, he spent twelve years based mainly in Dubai, although he also worked in most of the other UAE states during that time.
As he explained, the international nature of the businesses operating in Dubai with their high proportion of expatriate employees, has led to the establishment of a great number and variety of schools. These cater for the educational needs of the children of Dubai’s immigrant and transitory workforce as well as those of the more affluent members of the indigenous population. Of course, schools exist which are funded and run directly by the State, but it was the schools in the fee-paying private sector that came within the scope of the inspectorate of which John was a member. In order to illustrate the complexity of Dubai’s private schools, John described the mix of cultural, ethnic and religious differences between them. The nationalities of the students included those from India, Pakistan and other countries of South Asia, together with Americans and Europeans, and many from the UAE itself and other Arab states. The teaching staff in these schools reflected a similar range of nationalities.
The school inspections considered such factors as the students’ academic achievements, their personal and social development, the quality of teaching, and the appropriateness of the curriculum. Following inspections, schools were graded from ‘Outstanding’ through three intermediate levels to the lowest ‘Weak’. It was found that, overall, the standard of the private schools was high and, over the period between 2008 and 2024, consistently improving.
In concluding his talk, the speaker gave his impressions of Dubai. He described it as vibrant, clearly very prosperous and tolerant of foreign influences and attitudes, provided its own values and culture are respected.
Further details of the Bakewell and District Probus Club, including reports of earlier meetings, can be found on its website at www.bakewellprobus.org

L-R:John Hopkins and Club Chairman, Paul Davies

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