Liberation Day success in Bakewell

Liberation Day success in Bakewell

Hundreds of people poured into a special event on Friday (17 June) showcasing services on offer to older people in the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak.

Liberation Day - a free annual event aimed at the over 50s - was staged at Derbyshire Dales District Council's Bakewell Agricultural Business Centre (ABC), attracting more than 400 people. This year's theme was 'Celebrating the Role of the Volunteer' and bus loads of visitors were ferried in by Community Transport from as far afield as Glossop.

Organised by Derbyshire Constabulary, Derbyshire Dales District Council, High Peak Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and Derbyshire County NHS Primary Care Trust, the event raised awareness of home and personal safety, along with health and other services available in the area.

Police Sergeant Garry Staples, of the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak community safety partnerships, said: "Liberation Day 2011 was an outstanding success - so many people have commented on the warm welcome and friendly atmosphere.

"It was great to see hundreds of visitors getting so much out of the event and the bonus was the superb networking opportunity it gave the organisations across the area that came together to provide our older residents with advice."

There were more than 60 displays and stands on personal and home safety services from local organisations, a chip pan fire display and musical entertainment, juggling and ju-jitsu demonstrations.

Entertainment included a folk quartet from Lady Manners School in Bakewell and international jazz violinist Graham Clark, accompaned by pianist George King.

Other stalls featured benefits and healthy eating advice and there was also an opportunity for anyone not familiar with the internet to get online for the first time. Hathersage couple Anthony and Barbara Judge said: "There was so much to see today and it was well worth the visit. Neither of us knew anything about the internet, so we found that particularly interesting and informative."

Another visitor, Chairman of the Local Strategic Partnership John Herbert, said: "I thought it was a magnificent success, very well organised, with lots of happy smiling faces all round. Everyone on every stall was very upbeat, and helpful and keen to discuss their particular interests. Congratulations to all concerned for all the enthusiasm and hard work."

Derbyshire Dales District Council Leader Councillor Lewis Rose OBE, who is also Chairman of the Safer Derbyshire Dales Community Safety Partnership said: "The Derbyshire Dales was proud to host this excellent event for the first time. It really is a great way to communicate with older residents about the services offered in the Dales and High Peak."