Joan Hibbert writes:

The Buxton Group was formed in late 1991 in response to the evacuation of the Crescent earlier that year. Initially our aim was to campaign for the future of the building. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire became our Patron. With the help of a petition presented to Parliament, English Heritage stepped in and the fabric of the building was saved from further dereliction.

The Buxton Group soon took on a wider range of issues in the town. We have campaigned for and supported measures which improve conditions for those living in, working in and visiting the town of Buxton. We monitor, comment on and constructively criticise planning applications and have written to object to several major inappropriate proposed building projects.

We instigated the restoration of the Taylor (Children’s) Well, now situated at the junction of Terrace Road and Spring Gardens and gave a donation. Our group were instrumental in establishing the High Peak Health forum to resist closure of the Devonshire Hospital and pressed for improvements to the health provision in the town. We have written to stress the importance of Buxton retaining an ambulance and fire station and supported keeping the Minor Injuries department open. Our group continue to monitor the condition of the Pavilion Gardens buildings and have met with the Council to discuss our concerns and press for action.

We have close links to the Civic Association, Vision Buxton, Friends of the Pavilion Gardens and the Town Team. We meet on the first Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm at the Old Hall Hotel, to discuss and take necessary and appropriate action on what is happening in our town. Members are very welcome to attend these meetings, or you can just become a member to show your support.

IF YOU CARE ABOUT OUR TOWN AND IT’S FUTURE, PLEASE COME AND JOIN US

Membership Secretary- David Morten davidmorten@talktalk.net- please contact for joining details
or

Joanne Hibbert -Chair joanne.hibbert37@gmail.com

Buxton Group Website

Buxton awarded a Silver-Gilt in the RHS East Midlands in Bloom

Another excellent result for the town in the East Midlands in Bloom. Achieving a silver gilt for the second year running. Claire Millard from the Buxton in Bloom team thanked all the individuals and organisations that had been involved. Commenting on the achievement she said;

" Again the town did really well thanks to your support, sponsorship, enthusiasm and hard work! We increased our marks in each of the three categories of horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation and were awarded 160 points out of 200."

Poole's Cavern and Country Park was mentioned in the judges report. They were particularly impressed with the wildflower glades and the sculptures.

Increase in Butterflies in Grinlow Bucks the National Trend

The recent report in the Guardian and on the BBC Today programme (10th October 2016) of an overall decline in the number of Butterflies observed in nationwide surveys has been bucked, according to the early results in from BCA's Grinlow Butterfly Survey.

Steve Orridge, who heads up the survey team, reported that not only were numbers of butterflies seen during the survey up on last years figures, the number of species surveyed had also increased.

"We are clearly seeing the benefits that the forest ride brings to the woods as well as the importance of the glades. The increase light and variety of plant species is hugely beneficial to the butterflies." Steve went on " This is only the second year of the survey , but already it is giving us important feedback and information on the health and well-being of the woods."

Peter Philipson, BCA Director with responsibility for the woods also commented "The wildflowers in the glades have been fantastic this year, and this has contributed to the increase in numbers of butterflies and other insect species. A key part of our Woodland Management Plan is to support the increase in Bio-diversity and it would appear that the survey results show this to be working."

A full report on the 2016 survey will be available later in the year. If anyone is interested in helping out with the 2017 survey, please email us at contact@buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk

You can view our latest newsletter online by following the links below

BCA Autumn Newsletter

The Great Burbage Ocher Flood

Alan Roberts talks to Bill Norton about some of Bill's memories of Burbage in particular the flood in the early seventies when flood water backed up in one of the old mining levels and turned the river orange with Ocher.

One of the houses in Burbage mentioned by Bill. the house is no longer there.

Alan Roberts in conversation with Bill Norton - part 1 The Burbage Ocher Flood

Meeting to discuss Film to celebrate BCA 50th Anniversary

Dear BCA Member,

As part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations we are proposing to commission a short film to both celebrate the achievements and successes of BCA over the past 50 years and to set out a vision for the future.

We are holding a meeting on Thursday 6.00pm on the 29th September in the School Room at Poole's Cavern Visitor Centre open to all members to gather ideas and suggestions and to give members who would like to be involved the opportunity to do so.

If you are interested in attending or if you would like to be involved but cannot make the 29th September can you please email me at communications@buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk and make the subject header BCA FILM.

Best Regards


Simon Fussell

Late Summer wildflowers on Top Glade Grinlow Wood

Peter Philipson BCA director took these photographs of the wildflower glades over the course of the summer. They look absolutely stunning.

The pictures show Grass of Parnassus & dwarf willow in Top glade, Grin Low Wood

What is rewilding? Helen Meech (Director of Rewilding Britain) talks to BBC Breakfast

It’s not about abandoning land or reducing biodiversity... Rewilding Britain director, Helen Meech, appeared on the famous BBC Breakfast red sofa to discuss 'Wild Britain' with Ross Murray, Country Land & Business Association, and Robin Milton, NFU.

BBC TV Rewilding Britain

Stop the Rot - How Liverpool City Council protects its historic Buildings

Keeping historic buildings in good repair is the key to their preservation. Local authorities can take action to secure repair when a building is allowed to deteriorate by its owners. Find out how Liverpool Council has been able to ‘stop the rot’ in the city.

Have a look at the video below to see how LCC go about the task of protecting their historic building stock.

Stop the Rot