YMCA Derbyshire’s new CEO pledges to put young people’s needs on the agenda
The incoming CEO of YMCA Derbyshire has promised to continue to put the charity at the heart of civic life and represent the needs of local young people when he steps into his new role later this year. Matt Jones, who is the group chief executive of YMCA Thames Gateway Group, will take over the […]
Generous Toyota funding helps Derbyshire homelessness project participants go green
A funding boost from the Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust is helping participants in a highly valued homelessness project grow vegetables. The funding has paid for smart new raised vegetable beds at Derventio Housing Trust’s Growing Lives day centre in Ilkeston. Project participants have used the funds to build the new wooden structures which will […]
Toyota apprentices transform Derby charity’s family centre in week-long makeover
A team of apprentices has given a Derby charity’s family centre a dramatic makeover, creating a brighter, more welcoming space for some of the city’s most vulnerable children and families. The group from Toyota Manufacturing UK’s apprenticeship scheme, including partner companies, spent five days transforming Children First Derby’s premises on Leopold Street after securing funding […]
Castle Blinds marks new chapter with expansion, showroom launch and continued commitment to craftsmanship
A Derby interiors business is creating a new manufacturing facility and expanding into interior design after three years of rapid growth under new ownership. Castle Blinds, which has been part of the city for more than 30 years, has gone from strength to strength since Myles Hayhurst took over the business in 2023. The company […]
Friends take on 102-mile walk for Derbyshire children’s charity after it provided “a lot of memories”
Two friends are putting their best feet forward for a 102-mile ‘mega walk’ around Derbyshire to raise money for a much-loved charity that has provided “a lot of memories”. Stuart Boon, 44, is taking on the lengthy walk around the county in July with best mate Xavier Andrews to raise more vital funds for the […]
Derby primary school praised by Ofsted for helping every child feel they belong
A Derby primary school has been recognised by Ofsted for creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued and ready to learn. Inspectors found that Bishop Lonsdale Church of England Primary School and Nursery, part of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust, meets the expected standard in every area under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, highlighting the […]
Securiscape installs its biggest-ever planters at Manchester’s historic industrial museum
A major restoration project at one of the UK’s most significant industrial heritage sites has been given a fitting final touch – with two PAS 68-rated planters installed by Derbyshire security street furniture firm Securiscape. The Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, which stands on the site of the world’s first inter-urban passenger railway, has […]
New barn opens as Shottle Hall celebrates 20 years of wedded bliss
A Derbyshire wedding venue is raising a glass to 20 years of “I dos” with a garden party and the official opening of a new barn for the next generation of couples. More than 2,000 couples have tied the knot at Shottle Hall in Belper since the house, which is part of the Chatsworth estate, […]
Friends complete epic 100-mile Chopper Challenge for Derbyshire charities
An experienced runner and triathlete who has completed 11 London Marathons says a 100-mile charity ride on a vintage Raleigh Chopper was the toughest challenge of his life — leaving him with broken ribs after two crashes. Dean Jackson MBE – who has also completed the New York Marathon, three Half Ironman events and countless […]
Trust-wide art exhibition is full of Mini Masterpieces
Hundreds of children have become exhibiting artists after work from every school in Derby Diocesan Academy Trust went on public display in a unique exhibition celebrating creativity. The exhibition, hosted by the University of Derby, brings together 33 original pieces of artwork – one from each of the Trust’s schools – all inspired by the […]