DARLEY HERITAGE GROUP
In 2007, Darley was voted Best Village in the UK in the Britain in Bloom competition. This led to an invitation to compete in the Champion of Champions competition in 2008, against the winners of all the other sections. Darley achieved another Gold Award in 2008, coming second overall to Nottingham.
A theme of that competition was Local Roots, so Darley in Bloom decided to pursue that theme by researching and creating a Heritage Trail for the village. Older residents began to contribute photos and memories and the project took off, with regular coffee mornings to talk and listen. Photos were scanned and memories written down.
A Book (Darley Remembered) and a Heritage Trail were launched at a very successful Heritage Day at Christ Church Community Centre, Darley in October 2009. Copies are available from Sue Welch on 01423 780970 or from local outlets.
The Group is now continuing under the umbrella of Darley Christ Church Lunch Club. It meets from 10.30 - 12 noon in Christ Church Community Centre on the first Thursday of each month. Research is now being undertaken into children's activities - school, feasts, carnivals, sports etc from early in the 1900s to the 1980s. If sufficient material can be collected, another book may be published - Darley Schooldays Remembered. Contact Su eif you have material you would like to be included.