CROMFORD VILLAGE in DERBYSHIRE

 
 
Cromford Hill
Cromford Hill and Dene Quarry
COMMUNITY - LIVING IN CROMFORD


For information on village news,
local services,clubs and societies,
your councillors and MP,
public transport etc  etc
follow the links below
or use CTR F

On this page - Childcare & Education Councillors, MPs & Police Local Services Public transport
Churches Doctors News Sport & Leisure
Clubs & Societies Function rooms  


NOTICEBOARD
COMING EVENTS

Celebrating Cromford, 19th, 20th and 21st June 2009.
See Celebrating Cromford 2009 for more details and programme.


Cromford WI Meeting.
The Institute, Cromford Hill at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 1st July.
Speaker: Ruth Gordon on Derbyshire Diaries.
Competition is for an old local photo.
Visitors always welcome.   Ring 01629 822319 for more information.


Thursday Painters Open Days.
4th and 5th July at the Gothic Warehouse, Cromford Wharf, Mill Lane,
10am to 5pm each day
We are a group a 15 local painters who meet weekly at the Gothic Warehouse, and are showing work in a wide range of styles and media, framed and unframed, at reasonable prices."

CROMFORD NEWS

New Shop Opens in Cromford,   27 March 2009
The Fruit Bowl, selling fruit and vegetables, opened today in part of the old Blacksmith's premises on the Market Place. The shop will open seven days a week and there are plans to include the sale of dairy produce in the near future.
The shop closed on Monday 27th April 2009


Repairs to Railway Line at Cromford,     January 2009

Replacement of track at Cromford Station


Improvements to the line at Cromford involving the replacement of rails, sleepers and ballast have been welcomed by the Friends of the Derwent Valley Line. The line was closed for a week when trains were replaced by buses.
Local residents were aware of work on the line taking place during the night, but have noticed the quieter running of trains since the work was completed.

Right  Piles of ballast on the line at Cromford Station. In the background is the upside waiting room currently being renovated. Note the chimney stack has been restored.


Death of Cromford Thatcher       December 2008
Mr George Mellor, of Bedehouse Lane, Cromford, has died at the age of 81.
Mr Mellor was well known in the area as a master thatcher. He worked all over the country on different types of buildings from cottages to grand estates.
Born in Burton on Trent, he followed in his father and grandfather's footsteps in the trade, finally settling in Cromford 35 years ago with his late wife Margaret.
The funeral took place on 16 December, 2008.
To find out more about George Mellor's life as a thatcher go to bygonederbyshire.co.uk


Renovations at Cromford Station, November 2008

Waiting rooms at Cromford Station
 Left: Downside waiting room.   Right: Upside waiting room

Work is continuing on the restoration of the two waiting rooms at Cromford Station. The Arkwright Society is modernising the waiting room on the downside line with new floors and heating, reroofing and replastering. Office space will be provided and in the long term the building will house an information centre. See news item for February 2008
The waiting room on the upline is being converted into a holiday home by owners Tim Collis and Ryan Phelps.
Update re Cromford Garden Centre
Although the Cromford Garden Centre held a closing down sale, the Garden Centre and the restaurant are still open for business.
A planning application has been made for redevelopment of the site into a 70 bed hotel.
Garden Centre to Close, September 2008
Cromford Garden Centre, on Derby Road, Cromford, is holding a closing down sale.
The centre came close to closure in May last year, when it was put up for sale by its owner who gave, as his reasons, financial pressures and difficulty in securing planning permission for expansion. It was saved by a buyer at the last minute. According to DIY.net in July 2007, "the new owners, who have experience of developing businesses, are understood to want to re-position it upon destination lines".
Planning Request, September 2008
A planning application was made on 13th August 2008 to the Derbyshire Dales District Council for the redevelopment of Cromford Garden Centre, on Derby Road, to form a 70 bedroom hotel and associated function facilities, access and car parking.
Applicant: Derbyshire Investments Ltd. Application ref 08/00609/FUL
Cromford Court for Sale, September 2008
Cromford Court, a large country house standing in 40 acres, situated in Matlock Bath opposite Masson Mill, is for sale.
Approval granted for change of use to luxury hotel in May.
Price in excess of £3.3m.
See www.derbyshireinvestments.co.uk
Bell Inn for sale, July 2008Bell Inn Cromford

 
The Bell Inn on North Street, Cromford, which closed earlier this year, is for sale. The asking price is £260,000 for freehold and contents. The property has 4 bedrooms.
Agents are Fleurets at www.fleurets.com

 

For Cromford news back to April 2001, including parish council matters and planning applications, go to   News Archives.    With pictures!

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CHILDCARE & EDUCATION  
  Childminders
For information on registered Childminders in the village contact Social Services at County Offices. Tel: 01629 772323

Cromford Bridge Hall Nursery School, Lea Road, Cromford.
This is a private day nursery caring for babies from birth. Tel: 01629 580238
   The nursery closed on 30 June 2006

Parents & Toddlers
Meetings are held every Monday from 10am to 11.30am at the Millpond Community Hall, Methodist Church, Water Lane.
£1.50 per child, includes juice and a snack. Tea and biscuits for mums.
Call Julie Taylor 01629 822720, or Nicola Paine 01629 824007.

 
Cromford Playgroup, Millpond Community Hall, Methodist Church, Water Lane.
The Playgroup grew out of a Mother and Baby Group which was started over
25 years ago by local mothers. It was originally held at Alison House before moving to its present home.
The group caters for children from 2½ to school age. Sessions are held daily. Ofsted approved and Early Years registered, free places for 3 and 4 year olds.
For details ring Jayne 01629 823697, or Jackie 01629 823641.
Playgroup 07905 937371.

Cromford Primary School, North Street
This is a C of E (controlled) school, with about 100 mixed infant and junior children. The headteacher is Valerie Wilson.  Tel: 01629 822248

Karten CTEC Centre, 24 Mill Lane
The Centre aims to provide training in IT skills which will give job and career opportunities to disabled people. The University of Derby runs the service, which moved to this site in February 2002.   Tel: 01629 826285
For more information see the Karten CTEC website

Playground.
The playground with swings, see saw and climbing frame is by the sports field opposite the school.

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CLUBS & SOCIETIES  
  Amnesty International Group
Meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 8pm at the Bell Inn, Cromford Hill.

Arkwright Society
The Arkwright Society is an educational charity based at Cromford Mill. Membership of the Society assists in the work of restoring the Mill site
and the conservation of other industrial remains in the area.
Volunteers are also needed at Cromford Mill to help in its day to day running, and to help in local projects.
For more information Tel: 01629 823256, or try the Arkwright Society web site.

  Beavers, Cubs and Scouts
There are no longer any packs in Cromford.
The nearest are - Beavers and Cubs in Wirksworth, contact Richard Daldorf
Tel: 01629 825353.
Scouts in Matlock Green, contact Glyn Beeson Tel: 01629 583080.

Cafe Philosophique
A lecture and discussion group which meets every couple of months in the
Book Shop Cafe.   Ring 01629 823272 for more information.

Cromford Brownies
The Brownie pack meets every week at the Millpond Community Hall, Methodist Church, Water Lane.

Cromford Guides
The Guides meet weekly at the Millpond Community Hall, Methodist Church, Water Lane.
For details Tel: 01629 582339.

Cromford Rainbows
The Rainbows meet weekly at the Millpond Community Hall, Methodist Church, Water Lane.

    Cromford Community Band  
Meets every Friday from 6.45pm to 8.00pm at the Millpond Community Hall, Methodist Church, Water Lane. Enthusiastic musicians of all abilities aged 10 years to adult
are invited to join. For details call 01629 823512.

Cromford Community Social Club
Community Centre, Market Place.   Tel: 01629 824541.
A garage until the 1970s, the building was converted to community use by people from the village. Their hard work over the years resulted in the provision of a licenced club, upstairs room and sports hall, where many activities are carried out.The Social Club has thriving darts and pool teams.
New members always welcomed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cromford Steam Rally Society
The popular Cromford Steam Rally was first held in 1970. After outgrowing its original venue on Cromford Meadows it was moved to Brackenfield, where it occupies a 35 acre site. The rally draws exhibitors and visitors from all over the country.

Cromford Youth Club
Meets at Methodist Church Hall, Water Lane every Thursday from 8 - 10pm.
Tuck shop. Table tennis, pool, darts, outings etc. Everyone welcome.
For information contact club leaders Andrew and Rebecca Carter on 01629 822043   The Youth Club closed in 2005

DaleDiva
The new ladies Chorus based in Cromford. Launched in November 2007 the choir now has 45 members. Rehearses are held at the Community Centre on Thursday evenings from 7.30 to 10pm.
For more information and contact details go to DaleDiva website

Derwent Valley Donkey Sanctuary
Intake Lane, Cromford. Run by Kathleen Wilson, Derek Newcombe, Tony and Paul Godbehere. Help welcomed in fundraising or grooming the donkeys and ponies. There is an adoption scheme which entitles you to receive the sanctuary's newsletter.
For more information contact Kathleen on 01629 823765.

Dog Training Club
Meets at the Community Centre on Monday and Tuesday evenings,
7.30pm - 8.45pm.
Ringcraft and obedience training classes. A dog show is held on the second Monday of the month.
Contact:  01629 732359 or 01629 822341

International Plastic Modellers Society
IPMS Derby & District branch meets every first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm at the Bell, Cromford Hill.
New members welcome. Contact Club Secretary Nick Allen at 8 Oakwood Close, Stenson Fields, Derby DE24 3ET, enclosing SAE

Luncheon Club
The club meets on Tuesdays from 12 noon - 2pm in the Methodist Schoolroom, Water Lane, for a meal. There is usually a speaker or an activity. Outings are organised and there is a special Christmas dinner.
The club does not meet during the school holidays.
Contact Jane Walker on 01629 823512 to find out more.

Matlock Camera Club
Meets at The Old Warehouse, Cromford Wharf, Mill Lane, on the 1st, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 7.45pm. The club has been running for 21 years, and organises slide shows, lectures, competitions and social activities.
For details contact Mick Dicker Tel: 01773 822050

Millponders
A new Sunday club for young people.
Sundays at the Methodist Church, Water Lane at 10.30am.

Pigeon Club
The club meets at the Community Centre. The secretary is Cliff Redfern
Tel: 01629 822286

Reading Group
The group meets from time to time in the Scarthin Book Shop Café to choose, read and discuss books. Ring 01629 823272 for more information.

Royal British Legion
The Committee meets on the second Monday of the month at the Bell Inn to arrange social events and outings for members. If you would like to take part in the club's activities, or could help in any way, please contact Mary Parkin on 01629 824263

Thursday Painters  A group of local painters who meet weekly at the Gothic Warehouse, Cromford Wharf, Mill Lane.

WI
Meetings are held at Cromford Institute at 7.30 on the first Wednesday of each month except August. There is usually a speaker, with refreshments and a raffle. Various activities and events take place throughout the year.
Visitors are welcome to attend meetings for a charge of £1.50 which is deducted from the annual subscription if you decide to join.
For more details contact Janet on 01629 822319 or Sheila on 01629 822699.

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SPORT &
LEISURE
 
  Aerobics & Body Conditioning
Every Thursday at 6.30pm in Cromford Community Centre.
For details, call Lynsey on 07773 871680

Boxing Club
The club meets at the Community Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The leader is Terry Woodcock. Contact the Centre for more details.
The club closed at the end of May 2005 following Terry's retirement.

Canoeing
Permission to use canoes on Cromford Canal may be obtained from the High Peak Trail Head Office at Middleton Top. Tel: 01629 823204.
For information about canoeing on the River Derwent at Matlock Bath see the Matlock Canoe Club website.

Cromford Meadows Cricket Club
Members meet Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm at the Cromford Meadows clubhouse. For full details contact Mr S Bunting,   Tel: 01773 823891

Cromford Football Club
For information contact Ian Parkin,   Tel: 01332 781514

Derbyshire County Angling Club
Private fishing on the River Derwent at Cromford. No Day Tickets.
To apply for membership please ring Ron Trevis,   Tel: 01246 851571

Matlock Rugby Club
For information  Tel: 01629 823111.
The Club House is on Cromford Meadows,   Tel: 01629 822821

Table Tennis
Members meet Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7.15pm at Cromford Community Centre. There is a Junior section.
For more information contact Tony Gregory,   Tel: 01629 822498

  Yoga For Health
Meet Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm in Cromford Institute.
Contact Margaret Cowgill for details,  Tel: 01335 347927

Yoga Club
Meet Thursday evenings at Millpond Community Hall, Methodist Church, Water Lane.

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FUNCTION ROOMS  
  Alison House, off Intake Lane, Cromford.
Alison House has three training rooms which can be hired for a minimum period of half a day, with a variety of catering packages available.
Visit web site at  www.alison-house.co.uk

The Boat Inn, Scarthin
Cromford Cavern Function room available for hire. Tel: 01629 823282

Cromford Community Centre, Market Place
Bar room and function rooms available for hire. Catering can be arranged.
Ring Diane for information and booking. Tel: 01629 822569

Cromford Institute, The Hill
Clean comfortable rooms to hire, suitable for clubs to meet in, small fund-raising events, children's parties etc.
There is an induction loop system to help hearing aid users.
Contact Mrs A Ash   Tel: 01629 822541

Cromford Mill, Mill Lane
The site has seminar rooms and larger conference rooms. All are to let on a sessional basis. For information Tel: 01629 824297

Gothic Warehouse, Cromford Wharf, Mill Lane

Masson Mill, Matlock Bath
The Sir Richard Arkwright Conference Suite is available for conferences, exhibitions or meetings. Enquiries Tel: 01629 581001

Millpond Community Hall, Methodist Church, Water Lane.
The Hall is used by community groups during the week.
Available for private hire on Saturdays.
Enquiries to Jennie Binks   Tel: 01629 822682

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CHURCHES  
  The Methodist Church is on Water Lane.
The Minister is Rev Steve Bennett    Tel: 01629 822456,
email sabennett60@tesco.net
Sunday Service is held at 10.30am
Weddings, baptisms and funerals by arrangement with the Minister
 

The Parish Church of St Mary, Mill Lane.
Cromford is a united benefice with Holy Trinity, Matlock Bath.
The Priest in Charge is the Rev Nick Grayshon. The curate is
Julie Stanton, Tel: 01629 822653
Churchwardens: Mr Tom W Bradley and Mr Stephen Walker.
Regular Services at St Mary's are held as follows:
1st Sunday in the month - 9.30am    Holy Communion
2nd Sunday in the month - 9.30am    Morning Worship
3rd Sunday in the month - 9.30am     Holy Communion
4th Sunday in the month - 9.30am     Morning Worship at St Mary's;
    " "              " "                " "          All-Age Service, Cromford School
5th Sunday in the month - 9.30am     Holy Communion
Morning services (10.45am) and evening services (6.30pm) are held at
Holy Trinity, Matlock Bath.

The restoration of the wall paintings in St Mary's is now complete.

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COUNCILLORS, MPs & POLICE  

 
There are 72 Parish Councils in the Derbyshire Dales.

There are 39 seats on Derbyshire Dales District Council.

There are 64 seats on the County Council, representing the 8 District Councils in Derbyshire.

There are 6 County Council seats in the Derbyshire Dales.

Derbyshire and Derby have ten parliamentary constituencies.

Elections for the European Parliament were on 4th June 2009. In the East Midlands 37.3% of the electorate voted.
The enlargement of the EU has reduced the number of seats in the region from six to five.

Cromford Parish Councillors:
Barbara Bowman, Chair. Jeremy Beckett, Vice-Chair,
Arnold Crosby, Carol Easton, Tracey Palmer, Derek Roose,
Ray Taylor, Angus Watson, Kevin White, Mike Whitworth.
The clerk to the parish council is Mrs Dawn Land. Tel: 01773 831025
email; cromfordparishcouncil@hotmail.com
Footpath Officer - John Mee
The Parish Council meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm in the Institute. The agenda for the next meeting is displayed on the notice board in the Market Place.
Minutes of previous meetings can be seen at the Post Office, Scarthin.

Derbyshire Dales District Council:
Cromford is in Masson ward. There are two councillors -
Peter Hume, Conservative. Tel: 01629 823337
email: peter.hume@derbyshiredales.gov.uk
Garry Purdy, Conservative. Tel: 01629 823636

Derbyshire County Council:
Garry Purdy, Conservative, Wirksworth Ward.

West Derbyshire Parliamentary Constituency:
The local MP is Patrick McLoughlin, Conservative. Tel: 0207 219 3511.
Email:  patrick.mcloughlin.mp@parliament.uk
Address: House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA

Members of the European Parliament for the East Midlands Region are:
Derek Clark, UKIP
Roger Helmer, Conservative           
Emma McClarkin, Conservative
William Newton Dunn, Liberal Democrat    
Glenis Wilmott, Labour

Police.
Police Community Support Officer - PCSO Hannah Burns

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DOCTORS  
  Hannage Brook Medical Centre,
The Hannage Brook Medical Centre, Hannage Way, off Water Lane, Wirksworth.
For appointments Tel: 01629 823718; general enquiries Tel: 01629 822178.

Note: The surgery at Cromford was permanently closed on October 2nd 2004.

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LOCAL SERVICES  
  Cash Withdrawal
There are no "hole in the wall" facilities in Cromford. The nearest are at the Pavilion in Matlock Bath, or the Banks in Wirksworth and Matlock.
The Post Office can now pay out cash - you need your bank card and PIN number.
Arkwright's Stores offers cashback.
  Mobile Library
The Mobile Library van calls fortnightly at 8 stops in the village.
Wednesday   Chapel Hill; Market Place; Ridgewood Drive; Castle View Drive; Intake Lane.
Friday   Barnwell Lane; Hawthorn Drive; Rose End Avenue.
Watch out for the van or Tel: 08 456 058 058
  Phone boxes
1. Market Place, opposite The Greyhound.
2. High Peak Junction.
Note: the phone boxes on Beech Walk and at the Crossroads were removed in early 2004 by BT as an economy measure. The box at High Peak Junction is being considered for removal.(July 2004)

Post boxes
1. Post Office, Scarthin.
2. Cromford Hill, by Arkwright Gardens.
3. Cromford Hill, opposite Addison Square.
4. Bottom of Intake Lane.

Note: The box on Mill Lane at the bottom of Willersley Lane was taken out of commission in July 2004 by Royal Mail.

Public Toilets
There are public toilets in the Memorial Garden, adjacent to the Community Centre.
Other toilets can be found at Cromford Wharf car park, High Peak Junction and Cromford Mill.

Recycling
Bins for glass, cans, plastic and newspapers are situated in Lime Yard, behind the Memorial Garden.
There is also a fortnightly house collection scheme for paper and glass.
Ring 01629 761114 for your plastic bag and blue box.

 

Skip
A waste vehicle is parked on the Market Place every month on a Saturday morning for half an hour. All items must be delivered to the vehicle for disposal.
Televisions and computer monitors cannot be accepted.
These may be collected (see below) or taken to one of the DCC's Household Waste Recycling Centres.
For more info phone 01629 761215
See notice board in Market Place for more details.
Future dates for the skip in 2008 are May 17, June 14, July 12, August 9 and September 13 from 9.15am to 9.45am.

Waste Collection
There is a charge for the collection from domestic premises of bulky items which are too large to be taken to the waste vehicle. Fridges and freezers will be collected free of charge, and there is one free collection per year for people over the age of 65 and those registered disabled.
Not building waste, bricks etc. To arrange collection phone 01629 761100

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PUBLIC TRANSPORT  
  Bus Services
Cromford is well served with buses to local towns and villages and with special buses further afield. Timetables are available at various outlets including Cromford Mill and Tourist Information at Matlock. Telephone enquiries to traveline 0870 608 2 608.
Or try the Derbyshire Public Transport website www.derbysbus.net
This is a general guide only to buses that pick up in Cromford. All services should be checked.
  6.1     Two in every hour between Wirksworth and Bakewell. Every hour the journey is extended to Derby. Picks up at Greyhound.
TP     Transpeak is an hourly service between Buxton and Nottingham. It is a limited stop service. The service is extended to Manchester every 2 hours. Picks up at the Crossroads bus stops.
140     An hourly service between Matlock and Alfreton. Picks up at Crossroads bus shelter (for Alfreton), or Mill Lane (for Matlock).
141     A 2-hourly service between Matlock and Ripley. Picks up as 140.
158     An hourly service between Bonsall and Matlock, via Starkholmes. Picks up at Greyhound.
411     Matlock to Ashbourne via Wirksworth and Carsington Water. Four or five buses daily. Picks up at Greyhound.
Note: Sunday times will differ, check timetables for full details.
  NATIONAL EXPRESS
Daily service from Buxton to London, pick up 9am at Matlock Bus Station. Local agent - Midland Co-op Travel, Matlock Tel: 01629 580900
SHOPPING BUS
213     To Sheffield Meadowhall. Monday to Friday. (On Tuesday continues to Doncaster)   Picks up at Greyhound at 9.03am. Starts back from Sheffield at 2.10pm.
SUMMER SERVICES
210    To Sheffield via Chatsworth House. Summer Sundays only, details available in April.
254     To Castleton, via Hathersage. Picks up at Crossroads 10.22am. Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from 15 April to 21 October 2001. Returns late afternoon.
473     To Rochdale via Glossop and Castleton. Summer Sundays only, details available in April.
  Community Bus Service
Amber Valley District Council provides a dial-a-bus service for people who are unable to use public transport. The scheme includes Cromford, as follows:
•Tuesday afternoons from Cromford, Bonsall, Middleton and Bolehill areas to Wirksworth.
•Friday mornings from Wirksworth, Middleton,Bonsall, Cromford and Matlock Bath to Matlock.
Advance booking is essential. For details and bookings phone 01773 746652.
 

Train Services
The Railway Station is half a mile from the village centre, on Lea Road.
Car parking. On the platform is a public telephone, which takes cards only.
Central Trains run a service between Derby and Matlock, calling at Duffield, Belper, Ambergate, Whatstandwell, Cromford and Matlock Bath. Sunday trains go through to Nottingham. Train tickets valid on this line can be used on buses on the same route.
Check timetables for details.
Train timetables are available at various outlets including Cromford Mill and Tourist Information at Matlock. Telephone enquiries at 08457 484950. Or try the Derbyshire Public Service website www.derbysbus.net

  Taxis
Dee Jay Taxis, Water Lane, Cromford. 7- 8 seater minibuses and 4 seater cars. Tel: 01629 822072/ 825656

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© 2001 - 2009 Yvonne Daykin. Cromford village website launched 3 June 2001.       Updated 12 November 2008