Peak Advertiser

24/09/2025

🚐✨ Hitting the roads of the Peak District, Matlock, and Wirksworth with OVER 23,000 copies delivered every fortnight!
Proud to be your local, independent paper since 1982 💚

16/09/2025

15/09/2025

NEW ‘HOPE VALLEY ART TRAIL BY RAIL’ PROJECT SHINES
A SPOTLIGHT ON CREATIVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

A MAJOR new arts initiative will launch in Hope Valley this autumn to highlight the importance of taking a truly creative approach to sustainable travel.
The ‘Hope Valley Art Trail by Rail’ project will encourage both residents and visitors to explore the very best of the area’s art and culture by train – as well as on foot and by bus.
The free trail will officially launch with a special event on Saturday, September 27, when visitors will be able to hop off at key railway stations along the Hope Valley line to meet 18 artists, with many hosting hands-on creative experiences.
Among the highlights will be Grindleford-artist Bridgitte Soltau hosting a clay modelling workshop which will provide attendees with the opportunity to make their own autumn leaves tiles and tree hangings.
In addition, there will be pottery-throwing demonstrations at Hope Valley Garden Centre and – separately - an interactive art session using collage and mixed media focusing on ‘railway connections’ by artist Wendy Butler.
Art Trail By Rail’s organiser Emily Gait, who is also Move More Community Engagement Officer for Hope Valley Climate Action, said: "Pull on your walking boots and take a train or bus to Hope Valley to meet some of our area’s best artists who’ll be exhibiting their creations and be on hand to help you have a go throughout the day creating something special for yourself.
“In a nutshell, this project is a unique opportunity for residents and visitors in the Hope Valley to discover new creative pockets of the Hope Valley all while travelling sustainably by train and bus – and it has been organised to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the modern railway in 2025.
“There will be something for all ages to enjoy – all you’ve got to do is buy a train or bus ticket to one of the stations along the Hope Valley line and use our curated map to discover precisely what’s on offer.”
Emily – who is also a professional illustrator – will also be displaying her own work in Hathersage Methodist Church.
The artists will be based in different venues across Hathersage, Grindleford, Bamford, Hope and Edale.
The event has been organised by Hope Valley Climate Action in collaboration with the Community Rail Partnership and the Friends of the Hope Valley Railway Stations with support from High Peak Community and Voluntary Support (High Peak CVS).
Ross Burnage, Chief Executive of High Peak CVS, said: “The Hope Valley Art Trail by Rail project shines a spotlight on the importance of sustainability as well as how art and creativity can benefit health and wellbeing in our community.”
“It’s encouraging everyone to meet new people while discovering more about this exceptional part of the world using sustainable transport – and we’re delighted to be able to support this landmark project.”
To book your place on the ‘Hope Valley Art Trail by Rail’ go to go to https://arttrailbyrail.eventbrite.co.uk For more information about Hope Valley Climate Action go to https://hopevalleyclimateaction.org.uk/

Pic caption: From left to right - Kay Allinson and Lesley Broadhurst from Friends of Grindleford Station, Emily Gait from Hope Valley Climate Action, Chris Heeley and Mari de Lacy from Friends of Grindleford Station and Helen Wright from the Community Rail Partnership. Photograph credit: Shane Carrington.

15/09/2025

Due to an extreme weather forecast including winds of 50mph, we have *cancelled* this Monday's Bakewell Stall Market. Our apologies.

Our key concern is for the safety of customers, stall holders and our own markets team.

Thank you for your understanding 🙏

26/08/2025

CHANGE OF VENUE - Hathersage Horticultural Show
Saturday 6th September

You know when they said “you have to be in to win”? They lied! It’s simply not true. You do not have to be a member of Hathersage Horticultural Society to enter the Annual Show. There are oodles of open classes listed which are available for anyone far and wide who wants to enter anything from fruit to flowers, crafts to country beverages, food, photography and floral art. The first entry is free and there are cash prizes and even trophies to be won – imagine the glory!
The 156th Annual Show will be held at Hathersage Methodist Hall – a change from the usual venue, on Saturday 6th September, 2-5pm. Staging of exhibits, 7-8.30pm on Friday and 8-9.45am on Saturday.

26/08/2025

Wirksworth based T’Owd Man Border Morris will be holding their inaugural dance weekend on 6th and 7th September. Along with two other visiting Border Morris sides; Kittiwake from Bristol and Aelfgythe of Alvechurch, Worcester, T’Owd Man Morris have a packed programme planned for what they are calling “Bordering on Insanity”
Teaming up with Peak Rail, all three dance-sides will treat passengers to a dance spot at Darley Dale station before heading by vintage diesel train to Matlock. During the journey, there will be many a jolly tune played by their talented musicians. Dancing will also take place in Hall Leys Park, and various locations throughout Matlock Bath.
On Sunday, Cutler’s Gate of Sheffield will join in the fun, and all four sides will be seen performing at The Three Stags Heads and The Square & Compass in Darley Dale.
Janet Fleming, one of the team of Organisers for the event said “We wanted to showcase what a wonderful place Matlock and the surrounding area is. By using public transport where possible, the visiting Morris sides will be able to sit back and enjoy the stunning countryside that we are so lucky to be surrounded by.”
T’Owd Man Morris dance in the Welsh Border tradition, dressing in tattered jackets, their energetic style of dance favours sticks over hankies. For more information about the weekend please visit our website www.towdmanmorris.uk
T’Owd Man Morris practice on Tuesday evenings at Middleton by Wirksworth Village Hall. New members always welcome.

26/08/2025

MEET THE UK’S RISING TAYLOR SWIFT TRIBUTE STAR, STEPHANIE HILL - FRIDAY 29TH AUGUST

In the world of tribute acts, authenticity is everything—and few deliver it with as much heart, talent, and academic brilliance as Stephanie Hill, the force behind repuTAYtion, one of the UK’s most exciting Taylor Swift tribute experiences.
Hailing from Sheffield and Derbyshire, Stephanie’s journey to the stage wasn’t exactly conventional. While many tribute performers come straight from music schools or theatre academies, Stephanie balanced her early passion for performing with a rigorous academic path—culminating in her current PhD research in breast cancer. “I’ve always been juggling two full-time lives,” she laughs, “and I’m trying to enjoy the best of both worlds while I still can.”
Though she’s always loved singing and performing, Stephanie’s professional journey started in an unexpected place: the Miss England competition. “It kickstarted my professional performance career,” she explains. From there, she founded a business as a ‘Princess Parties’ performer, eventually turning it into a charitable foundation that brought joy to hospitals and hospices across the UK.
Yet, it was the magnetic pull of Taylor Swift's global phenomenon that led Stephanie to her current chapter. “When Taylor’s Eras Tour exploded, I just thought—‘If not now, when?’” she says. Launching repuTAYtion proved to be a brilliant move. With performances across the UK and Europe, Stephanie’s act is now a fan favourite known for its detail, dedication, and heartfelt energy.
“I’ve worked meticulously on my vocals and costumes,” she says. “Swifties have very high expectations, and I love living up to them. When the crowd goes wild during those ‘unhinged’ moments from the more dramatic eras—it’s electrifying.”
But Stephanie’s biggest stage wasn’t a concert venue. She represented England at the Miss World pageant in 2017, where she placed as 2nd Runner-Up, an experience that took her around the globe for humanitarian work. “For a normal girl from Sheffield, that was surreal,” she admits. “It really shaped who I am today.”
Despite her glitzy stage persona, Stephanie is as grounded as they come. Her husband—whom she met ballroom dancing at university—now helps manage her career alongside her mum. “They’re incredible,” she says. “It means I don’t have to be away from family when touring.”
Balancing fame with normalcy hasn’t always been easy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she endured a serious stalking incident. “It was terrifying,” she says openly. “But it taught me that you can’t let fear force you to hide. Everyone deserves to live safely.”
Stephanie’s advice for aspiring performers is refreshingly candid. “You don’t have to follow the conventional path. Hone your craft, be professional, and invest in yourself. The people who thrive are often the ones who just turn up, follow through, and treat others with respect.”
As repuTAYtion gears up for its next run of shows, Stephanie is eyeing even more international dates and dreaming of a life where classical music, musical theatre, and Taylor Swift tributes all coexist.
“Being ‘odd’ or unique is a superpower,” she says, with a smile that suggests she knows a thing or two about standing out. “The happiest, most fulfilled people are the ones who stay true to themselves—and I hope that’s exactly what people see when I walk on stage.”Catch repuTAYtion on tour this summer and experience the Taylor Swift magic, UK-style—with a little extra sparkle from science, sequins, and one incredible story.

26/08/2025

The Peak District's only in-person banking service has opened in Bakewell following the closure of the national park's last bank in 2024.

Read more: https://bbc.in/4mw0lbG

08/08/2025

🔦 CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT 🔦

Crich Tramway Village
Crich, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5DP
Tel: 01733 854 321
email: [email protected]
Crich Tramway Village

08/08/2025

RAISE A GLASS TO 15th-17th AUGUST

Derbyshire and its neighbouring area has a deservedly great reputation for craft ales. So, glasses will soon be filling-up with the news that ParFEST Beer Festival ’25 is returning from Friday 15 until Sunday 17 August, at Parwich Royal British Legion.
Between 1pm and 11pm daily, a bevy of 16 local brews, together with a selection of cider will be on tap for festival-goers to enjoy, with cocktails being mixed during the evening too. The organisers, Parwich Royal British Legion Club were crowned national finalists in CAMRA’s prestigious Club of the Year 2023, a quality experience is sure to be served-up.
Throughout the weekend, soft drinks, ice creams and snacks, plus hot and cold food will also be on the menu to enjoy, along with Parwich musician, Chris Houlihan who brings his toe-tapping sounds. Entry to the ParFEST is free, and tokens for beers, ciders, and cocktails and food can be purchased on arrival at the bar, together with a ParFEST memento glass in which to enjoy your tastings. Monies raised at this family and dog-friendly event enable the Parwich Royal British Legion Club to continue to offer a varied programme of activities throughout the year.
Getting there: Parwich is located between Ashbourne and Bakewell. For those wishing to make a weekend of it, local camping is available at Foufinside Farm. The Derbyshire Dales Connect bus service covers the area, whilst free car parking is available within the village, and there are disabled spaces directly outside Parwich Memorial Hall: what3words: info.playback.prowess

08/08/2025

Old Hall Hotel, Hope
HOPE VALLEY BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL 2025
22nd - 25th August
Live music, Great beer, Locally sourced homemade food
01433 620160