Asterdale celebrates reading success with bookstore reward trip
Five enthusiastic young readers from Asterdale Primary School were treated to a special trip to Waterstones in Derby, where they each chose a book purchased for them by the school as a reward for their dedication to reading. The school, part of Odyssey Collaborative Trust, has recently launched its new “Everyday Reading” initiative, which encourages […]
Community choir delivers healing and harmony
A Derbyshire community choir that started life as a small group of women singing for fun has grown into a 38-strong vocal force – and is now raising thousands of pounds for local causes. The Wildflower Community Choir, which was founded in Breaston, raised more than £3,000 last year which it donated to the Friends […]
Funeral firm Gillotts marks a decade at Kimberley base by buying “forever home” in historic former church
Nottinghamshire-based Gillotts Funeral Directors has the keys to its “forever home” in Kimberley after buying a historic former Methodist church at auction. For the last decade Gillotts has been based at the old United Methodist Free Church on Main Street in Kimberley where the long-running funeral firm has been renting out the ground floor. Now […]
William Gilbert school goes green with community support
Pupils, parents and staff at a Derby school have joined forces to transform their school grounds into greener, more vibrant spaces for everyone to enjoy. The initiative, led by William Gilbert School – part of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) – challenged pupils to each raise £20.25 for the year 2025, with all proceeds going towards outdoor […]
Derby business restores 130-year-old school foundation stone
A local business has lovingly restored an important part of Derby’s history returning the 130-year-old foundation stone from the city’s oldest school to its former splendour. Art Stone Memorials, a Derby and Burton based business specialising in bespoke memorial stones, generously donated their time and expertise to restore the historic stone at the Royal School […]
New Hilton nursery expands just two months after opening due to soaring demand
A nursery which opened just two months ago is already expanding due to demand. Lots for Tots Childcare which opened its first site in Hilton in September, is recruiting for Level 2 and 3 nursery practitioners ready to cater for an increased intake in children. Owner Beth Wheatley, who also owns the popular Lots for […]
Derbyshire carers urged to get to know their rights and sign up for Kate Garraway-backed discount card at free Disability Syndicate events on Carers’ Rights Day
Derbyshire carers and people with disabilities are being urged to know their rights this Carers’ Rights Day with free drop in events around the county supported by leading social care provider The Disability Syndicate. Derby-based The Disability Syndicate will be at events in Chesterfield Library and in the Market Hall in Derby on November 20 […]
Esteem Multi-Academy Trust CEO Julian Scholefield announces retirement after 30 years in education
After more than three decades dedicated to improving education for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the Midlands, Julian Scholefield, founding Chief Executive Officer of Esteem Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), has announced his decision to retire. Julian founded Esteem MAT in 2018 with a clear vision: to create a truly […]
Asterdale Primary School marks Anti-Bullying Week with kindness, colour and community spirit
Children at Asterdale Primary School in Spondon celebrated this year’s Anti-Bullying Week in vibrant style, donning odd socks, bright yellow jumpers and their biggest smiles to promote kindness, individuality and inclusion. Taking inspiration from the Anti-Bullying Alliance’s theme of “Power for Good,” the school, part of Odyssey Collaborative Trust, approached the week with a strong […]
Repurposed wetsuits and goggles help HUUB raise cash for city charities
Leading Derby sports manufacturer HUUB has given a helping hand to three city charities by donating unwanted goggles and repurposing wetsuits whose swimming days are over. The firm has stepped in to help safeguarding charity Safe and Sound, YMCA Derbyshire and the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre by reusing and recycling the items after collecting the […]