Buxton Porthole.

The Secret Supper Club

2011-04-10T12:13:00.002+01:00

I posted a while ago that my mate Mac Burnham the butcher from High Street, Buxton was appearing in the Channel 4 show the Secret Supper Club. Well it was shown yesterday and if you missed it you can watch it on line at http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-secret-supper-club/4od where you can also find some of the recipes. Enjoy.

This almost made me weep!

2011-03-23T17:06:00.001Z

Earlier today this Tender Invitation fell onto the [porthole] desk; HPBC are offering an invitation to tender for a company to sell advertising on council assets!

To quote HPBC: “High Peak Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council are looking for suitably experienced companies to engage and work with them to identify and adminster a project for income opportunities through the sale of advertising space on council assets and to ensure the councils receive a percentage income of the revenue generated.”

HPBC can’t open a swimming pool, HPBC have virtually closed down our “traditional markets”, Buxton is haemorrhaging small businesses with shops closing down almost weekly, Buxton risks loosing a Fire Engine and the silence from HPBC is palpable, I won’t even mention the Crescent fiasco or Nestle. All this and HPBC want to sell advertising on their assets – what assets?

Well if you want to get into bed with this bunch, here’s the link: http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/tenders/index/view/ref/2011|S%2056-091312/previous/ and may your God have mercy on you and your staff team!

Opening of Buxton Swimming pool?

2011-03-20T04:04:00.000Z

But it's ok! Is'nt it?

Well I wrote the following entry a couple of weeks ago **With April 4^th is just around the corner and [porthole] waits with baited breath to see if High Peak Borough Council (HPBC) can keep to their word and reopen the much delayed and greatly anticipated swimming pool in the Pavilion Gardens.

HPBC commented via their website that “a revitalized Buxton Swimming Pool will be handed back to the Borough Council on Monday, April 4, to be followed on Tuesday, April 26 by a state-of-the-art fitness gym: a first for the town.”**

Imagine [porthole’s] “surprise” when last Tuesday, the 15^th HPBC announced at the Council Meeting that they had been informed by the Brown Construction Group that they would need a further month (no be fair, stop laughing) to finish the job (If you want a proper laugh take look at this case study published by Browns http://www.bcgl.co.uk/Case_Studies/Hotel_Leisure/cs_buxton_swimming_pool.php)

Words seldom fail me, but all I can come up with is what a FARCE!

Buxton may lose reserve team fire engine

2011-03-14T09:00:00.002Z

DERBYSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service is planning a “restructuring” that could lead to 50 firefighters being axed - along with four engines. The proposals have been agreed by the fire authority as a way of slashing their budget by £5 million over the next four years.

The four engines that could be withdrawn from the 42-strong fleet are second fire engines in Ashbourne, Buxton, Clay Cross and Shirebrook. All four are crewed by “on call” firefighters who respond to calls from their homes or where the work.

However, during the consultation period - which will start on April 1 - alternative options will be considered including flexible working; early retirement; and voluntary redundancy as well as “natural wastage”.

Chief Fire Officer Sean Frayne said: “These are very difficult times. We believe that this new structure will enable us to reduce our expenditure as required by the Government’s comprehensive spending review, but will also enable us to keep the people of Derby and Derbyshire safe.”

Derbyshire Police Award Nominations

2011-03-12T18:42:00.004Z

Derbyshire Chief Constable, Mark Creedon, is asking anyone who has had dealing with the police during the past 12 months to nominate their favourite police office, best Safer Neighbourhood Team and the best Police Community Support Office (PCSO) within the county.

Nominations need to be in by Friday April 8^th and can be submitted either by www.derbyshire.police.uk or by post to Chief Constable. Police HQ. Butterley Hall. Ripley. DE5 3RS.

Time to get your nominations in and reward those who serve Buxton. And for more information about the Buxton Safer Neighbourhood Team check out their website http://www.derbyshire.police.uk/My-Local-Police/BDivision/BCentralSection/Buxton/Buxton.aspx

The Secret Supper Club visits Buxton

2011-03-11T09:28:00.015Z

The inimitable wine and food expert Olly Smith has been filming his Channel 4 program The Secret Supper Club in Buxton recently.

In a conversation with porthole's favorite butcher, Mac Burnham of High Street, Higher Buxton he excitedly tells porthole he has provided his [excellent] beef for the main course and is a guest at the supper club.

As soon as porthole has broadcast dates they will be published here along with a 'watch again' link.

Buxton Festival 2011

2011-03-11T09:07:00.003Z

With the festival approaching in July, now is the time to check out the program and book your tickets. Click the logo to visit their site and fill your diary with culture.

porthole is especially looking forward to seeing some of the Peak Districts best chefs hold cookery demonstrations - A Taste of the Peaks on the 10th, 18th & 26th of July at 3pm in the Devonshire Dome.

Grapevine Project

2011-03-10T14:56:00.009Z

The Grapevine Project exists as a support and signposting service to adults and young people, who have in the past or are presently experiencing mental distress.

The Grapevine Project is a charity based in Buxton, Derbyshire. Our premises include the Grapevine Community Hub on Scarsdale Place and offices on St. James Terrace.

www.grapevinebuxton.org.uk

It's been a while...

2011-03-10T14:26:00.005Z

I’ve been away for two years; no not at her Majesty’s pleasure, but working on other projects. Friends keep asking me why I stopped the buxton porthole and I have run out of excuses, so I will try to focus and find something interesting to say in future.

If you have anything you think porthole should comment on then comment or email using the link.

Fairtrade Fortnight 2011

2011-02-28T14:29:00.003Z


Look out for Fairtrade in Buxton! Tell Porthole where you shop for fairtrade.

Buxton Fairtrade Town Steering Group

Buxton Christian Bookshop, Scarsdale Place

Time To Change

2009-02-10T19:03:00.005Z

Alastair Campbell has featured much on the news today with the launch of the Time To Change campaign. A project aimed at ending mental health discrimination. Porthole has for some years being receiving ‘treatment’ for depression and thus wholeheartedly urges you to listen out for his interviews, take a look at their website www.time-to-change.org.uk and think about your response to mental health.

Many people dismiss Campbell because of his former links to Tony Blair but he has first hand experience of depression and is a first class ambassador for the cause. Please take time to listen to what he has to say, if you get the chance to see his TV documentary ‘Cracking Up’ then it is well worth watching, it is an enlightening, informative and personal look at mental health.

2009-02-08T23:17:00.007Z

Tonight’s dump of snow brought temporary chaos to Terrace Road. Cars climbing towards the Market place struggled to get past the Art Gallery & Museum leaving others stuck lower down the hill as they lost their momentum. Others could not make it to potters, with one notable lady in a Peugeot spending almost 15 minutes trying to get between NatWest and The Green Pavilion! But still at least the young people on the Slopes enjoyed more speedy poly-bagging towards the Old Hall and a slightly older but young at heart couple enjoyed making snow angles in the Pavilion Gardens, much to the bemusement of the hastily water borne ducks. If you take a duvet/snow day tomorrow enjoy; but do try to get out and enjoy the wonderful white stuff!

Bored of blogging?

2009-01-25T12:26:00.002Z

I have to confess I have been rather bored with blogging recently – hence my lack of activity here. I watch blogs to see what others say about the world, locally I like http://curlewsinthegoyt.blogspot.com/ always good pictures and a quirky look at the life in and around Buxton. An unnamed relative runs http://brinkleyroad.blogspot.com/ a south London blog – mad as bag of frogs but with some interesting issues to comment on. I’m in need of inspiration – all ideas welcome! The state of the retail arena in Buxton vexes me – far too many empty shops and more to come, where will the town centre end up? On this I will comment further. But now a family lunch calls. Beef or Salmon I wonder?

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T16:49:00.003Z

Happy New Year to you dear reader, Buxton remains cold in 2009 but not quite as cold as the last day of 2008. This morning was a surprisingly early start for Porthole Towers as we had agreed to meet friends in Eyam for a brisk and very refreshing walk.

So off we trod and heading up past Mompesson Well we made our way towards Eyam Moor. The visibility and light, while not as clear and bright as yesterday was ok and the hoar frost was a wonder to behold. We walked for 61/2 miles moving from the colder Eyam side of the moor to the considerably milder Hathersage side and then back to the cooler climbs and the sound of the traditional New Years Day bell ringing from St Lawrence Church, Eyam.

Boxing Day Meet

2008-12-26T23:55:00.004Z

The traditional Boxing Day meet of the High Peak Hunt was well supported in Bakewell this morning. Joint Master Ms J. H. Carr welcomed the members and supporters and reinforced the point that the HPH were hunting legally. She also urged all supporters to join the Countryside Alliance and support their campaign to repeal the hunting ban.

Irrespective of your views on hunting the spectacle and tradition of the meet is a great opportunity to view this long standing countryside activity and blow away a few of those Christmas cobwebs.

2008-12-24T23:01:00.000Z

Porthole would like to wish all readers a...

Geseënde Kersfees, Feliz Navidad, Feliz Natal, Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan, Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth, Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!, Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Fröhliche Weihnachten, Kala Christouyenna!, Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova, Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket, Nollaig Shona Dhuit, Buone Feste Natalizie, Natale hilare et Annum Faustum!, Meri Kirihimete, Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia, Feliz Navidad, God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt År, Nadolig Llawen

Midnight Tweeting

2008-12-24T00:43:00.000Z

While walking past the Slopes at just past midnight the good lady porthole commented again on the “tweeting birds”. Having previously poo-pooed the concept of birds tweeting at midnight I was forced to stop and raise an ear trumpet to listen; and yes the good lady was right there was “tweeting”. This has left me pondering, which birds that reside or holiday on the Slopes tweet at night…? Answers via the comments and a left over Cadburys Celebration may be yours!

Buxton Safer Neighbourhoods

2008-12-15T23:26:00.007Z

Those of you out and about town this morning may have come across PCSO Michaela Daniels and the Safer Neighbourhoods display in Spring Gardens. This morning PSCO Daniels was giving away goodies to help raise the profile of the Safer Neighbourhoods Team. This valuable team are out there working to make Buxton a happier and safer place for residents and visitors alike.

They are currently working on three priorities:

Nuisance behaviour in the town centre area at weekends.
Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in and around the Pavilion Gardens.
Inconsiderate driving and anti-social behaviour by motorists gathering in town centre car parks.

To continue with this important work Safer Neighbourhoods need our input; they hold regular meetings with residents and community representatives to decide on priorities, etc. The next open meeting will be held at the Dome on Thursday 15th January 2009 at 2pm.

For more information contact the Buxton Safer Neighbourhoods Team on 0845 123 33 33 or email them on buxton.neighbourhhos@derbershire.pnn.police.uk

Buxton Man Is Super Dad

2008-12-15T17:18:00.004Z

66 year old Buxton man, Ian Ruddick has been voted as Britain’s Brut Dad of the Year 2008! Full story in today’s Daily Express. Porthole congratulates Mr Ruddick and wishes him and his family a very Happy & Peaceful Christmas.

Happy Hens Lay Good Eggs

2008-12-12T09:04:00.001Z

One revelation that came to me from the aforementioned Carol Service is that Charis House run a farm project in the Goyt Valley. And on this farm they have some…Chickens (to steal a line from Old Macdonald). These chickens live a good life and are free range, the eggs are sold to raise funds for the project; I have seen the stall on the Tuesday market and at the Buxton Farmers Market but I had never linked the two. Eggs can also be brought direct from Charis House; they are tasty with delightful large golden yolks and whats more they are very good value. Porthole purchased a dozen XL eggs the other day at £2.40 and will certainly be buying all my eggs from there in future. Give them a try, top quality, excellent value for money and all helping a very good cause.

Buxton’s Biggest Carol Service

2008-12-11T10:59:00.002Z

Over 900 people attended Buxton’s Biggest Carol Service at the Octagon last night. The Burbage Band where in fine form and led the carols with gusto. The Rector of Buxton, the Rev’d John Hudghton led the evening with contributions from Bob Marsden – Trinity Church and Tim Davies – Buxton Church in the Peak. An inspiring Christmas talk was given by Mick Allez from Buxton Community Church. A collection was taken on the door at the end of the evening with all monies given to Good News Family Care – Charis House.

This annual event is a fantastic way to start your Christmas festivities. What is more seasonal that carols led by an excellent brass band!

Buxton’s Biggest Carol Service 2008

2008-12-08T20:25:00.004Z

Wednesday Dec 10th 7.30pm - 8.45pm
@ The Octagon, Pavilion Gardens

With a Christmas talk by Mick Allez
and featuring music by The Burbage Band.

Admission to the carol service is entirely free, all are welcome. A voluntary collection for charity will be held on the night.

The Carol Service has been planned and run by a group of local churches working in partnership. For more details, please call 01298 77856

Coffee for Africa

2008-12-05T11:58:00.008Z

The Source coffee shop on Terrace Road is run by volunteers from the Buxton Church in the Peak and all profits made are donated directly to a community project in Clarens, South Africa. They are currently running ‘Coffee for Africa’ Saturdays offering all their usual Fairtrade tea, coffee and hot chocolate at half price – and asking that you donate the other half straight to the Clarens project.

This clever idea has so far raised about a thousand pounds extra for Clarens. So go on enjoy your usual Latte, Cappuccino or Hot Chocolate and help a South African community project too.

The Source, 7 Terrace Road, Buxton. Open Tuesday - Saturday

Homeless in Buxton

2008-12-03T21:56:00.007Z

Today the porthole was reunited with a homeless friend who is living on the streets of Buxton as you read this. One hardly thinks it possible that homelessness is in an issue in a respectable spa town like ours. But take my word for it, it may not be too obvious but it is there! As I was out in my down jacket taking photos in the snow last night, knowing I could go back to porthole towers with the central heating and a hot chocolate, I had forgotten that people where sleeping rough in these conditions too.

It matters not how they got into this situation or if even they are nice people. The fact is they are in distress and there, by the grace of God go we. Homelessness is not just for Christmas it is a 24/7 – 365 issue. Is there something you can do to help?

Buxton & the High Peak has a Night Stop project for homeless young people run at the United Reformed Church on Hardwick Square East – 01298 74788; they always need help. More basically just keep your eye open and offer help if you see a need. Spare a few coins or maybe buy a sandwich or portion of chips for someone in need.

Nationally Crisis will be getting a lot of coverage at this time of year but their work is constant and is invaluable too.

It's Snowing

2008-12-02T22:58:00.000Z

Plenty of snow in Buxton today, making the town look very festive. The excellent Buxton Weather website tells us that “Some significant snowfall possible on Wednesday night, clearing during Thursday morning to sunny spells and blustery showers. Further showers on Friday and Saturday.” Oh well lets keep those hats and gloves handy.

Respect & Protect

2008-12-01T00:00:00.008Z

More people than ever before are living with HIV in the UK and new infections continue. HIV is a serious long-term condition and people living with HIV often face discrimination. Whatever your HIV status, there is a role you can play in ending HIV prejudice and stopping the spread of HIV.

The UK theme for World AIDS Day 2008, "Respect & Protect", is inspired by the UNAIDS and World AIDS Campaign ongoing international theme, 'Leadership'. The international theme is developed as an overall theme which each country is encouraged to adapt to suit more specific issues around the epidemic in their region.

Respect & Protect inspires individuals to consider the different roles they can play:

Show respect by always treating people living with HIV fairly, respecting their confidentiality and challenging prejudice wherever it occurs.
Respect themselves and their partners by always practising safe sex to protect their sexual health.
Find out the facts about HIV, spread the Respect & Protect message and encourage others to do the same.

Click the Red Ribbon to go to the "Respect & Protect web site for more information"

New Butcher for High Street

2008-11-23T12:16:00.006Z

Following comment from a blogger and keen to pursue one of my own interests – food; the porthole took a walk past the Market Place and along to 53 High Street to the newly opened Mac Burnham “Traditional Family Butcher”. It is great to see a small business starting out and returning a previously redundant butchers shop to life.

I visited at the end of the day, hence no meat in the window when the photo was taken. The service was friendly and welcoming. The butcher very informative, providing me with in-depth knowledge of kidney flavours’, bizarre I know but that was what I asked about.

The sausages I purchased where excellent, meaty and well flavoured. The kidney, well I am still not converted but you have to try these things and I can’t blame the butcher for my likes and dislikes. While I was in the shop a lady was collecting a substantial amount of bacon for her guest house, all hand sliced and thick cut; one assumes she must be pleased as she ordered lots more too.

This friendly little enterprise needs our support; we need good local businesses in our town centres to keep them alive. Next time you fancy that full English or your traditional Sunday lunch why not pop in and see Mac Burnham “Traditional Family Butcher”. Personally portole wish him well and will be back for some bacon soon.

Artwork 2008

2008-11-15T04:44:00.002Z

Once again artwork by students from Buxton Community School and St Thomas More School is on display at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery. The works in the exhibition are all GCSE, AS and A level student exam pieces.

The exhibition is mixed media with bold portraits, landscapes, sculpture, drawings and digital images all demonstrating a huge range of imagination and creativity.

The exhibition runs until January 17, 2009 and I would urge all to pay a visit and view this encouraging example of youth and creativity.

Lest we forget...

2008-11-11T11:00:00.012Z

“They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”

This line comes from the middle stanza of the poem “For the Fallen”, by Lancaster-born poet Laurence Binyon (1869-1943). The poem was first published in The Times on September 21, 1914, a few weeks after the start of the First World War.

The Cenotaph

2008-11-09T12:35:00.002Z

Remembrance Sunday was cold, cold and damp, but Buxton came out in force to observe the two minute silence at the cenotaph on the Slopes. Some how the weather reflected the sombre tone of the act, respectful and pensive.

For porthole this was a poignant time as it was the first year I have had friends serving in conflict zones. I was taken by my mixed feelings. Pride in their commitment, fear for their safety and compassion for their families.

May their Gods afford them peace and courage.

Remember, remember...

2008-11-05T00:00:00.001Z

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason
Why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent
To blow up King and Parli'ment.
Three-score barrels of powder below
To prove old England's overthrow;
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, let the bells ring.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!

The Buxton Bookshop

2008-11-02T15:26:00.006Z

The Buxton Bookshop – 3 Bridge Street; Another of Buxton’s independent retailers has decided to cease trading. The bookshop has given notice that they intend to close the doors on the 31st December. As the might of Amazon and other on-line traders pile on the pressure in the pre-Christmas price war it is independent retailers who pay the price. But so do we, the customers, we loose the knowledge and friendly service of local businesses. We see our high streets demise and the take over of charity and mobile phone shops.

Derbyshire Police Force - Budget Consultation Meetings

2008-10-29T21:26:00.004Z

Have your say on the allocation of Derbyshire Constabulary’s budget in relation to their priorities for 2009/10 by going along to one of their four consultation meetings in Derby, Chesterfield, Ilkeston or Buxton.

The Buxton meeting is:

7pm Monday 8th December 2008
The Dome, University Campus, Devonshire Road, Buxton, SK17 6RY

Budget Consultation Meetings - Preventing Harm in our Communities

Invitation from the Chief Constable, Mick Creedon and the Chairman of the Derbyshire Police Authority, Janet Birkin.

You are invited to attend one of the annual Derbyshire Police Authority and Derbyshire Constabulary Budget Consultation meetings. The main purpose of these meetings is to discuss the Police Authority’s funding and budget for 2009/10. This ensures that the Police Authority is better informed when making its decision on the 2009/10 budget.

This will be an interactive meeting and will give all who attend an insight into police work and the challenges we currently face. We would really like to see you there - your views are important to us - in particular on issues such as local policing, key operational risks and the quality of service that we are able to deliver.

If you are able to attend, please phone 01773 733798 or e-mail, police.authority@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk

Terrace Road Incident

2008-10-29T14:20:00.004Z

A Fire Engine, an Ambulance and three Police Cars all attended an incident at the Terrace Road bus stop at 1pm this afternoon. No firm details as yet but an eyewitness said all this was in response to a gentleman who was in some 'distress' and suggested that "pre Christmas cheer" may have been to blame.

If you have more information then please do let porthole know.

Buxton Freecycle

2008-10-29T00:26:00.001Z

The Freecycle concept is simple; if you have 'stuff' you no longer need offer it for free on-line and see who responds; recycling made easy! Porthole have recycled a car, a bike, lots of kitchen stuff, several PC's and a mountain of cardboard boxes after a move. We have recieved a TV, table and a big box of lego for a church creche; all with no money changing hands!

Freecycle operates in 85 countries, where there are thousands of local groups representing millions of of members -- people helping people and "changing the world one gift at a time." As a result, they are currently keeping over 500 tons a day out of landfills!

The Buxton group has almost 2000 members and has been operating since October 2006. To see what is on offer and to make an offer you need to be a member, but membership is free; so join, take a look and start easing the load on landfill.

Click on the logo above to go to the Buxton Freecycle group.

Summary of properties for sale in Buxton

2008-10-28T18:08:00.003Z

Total properties for sale in Buxton:	379
Properties for sale in Buxton listed in the last 14 days:	16
Average price of properties for sale in Buxton:	£201,990
Median price:	£169,950
Average Time on Market (ToM):	228 days

http://www.home.co.uk/guides/house_prices.htm?location=buxton

Buxton Rugby Club 1st XV

2008-10-28T17:06:00.003Z

Buxton Rugby Club 1st XV showed their best form of the season last Saturday playing away at Widnes. The final score of 8 – 3 hardly does justice to a thrilling match played in appalling conditions. “From the warm up to the last whistle this was a focused, disciplined and physical performance that saw Buxton consolidate their position at the top of the league” wrote Andy Stokes on the club website.