On 19th November, we held our Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Bakewell; it was wonderful to see so many of our members come together to hear about our work and to celebrate local voluntary and community groups.  

Our Chair of Trustees, Martin Townsend and our Chief Executive Officer, Fay Harris led the business part of the meeting reflecting on the work of the CVS in 2024-25, agreeing the accounts, and accepting nominations for trusteeship for the year. We also took the time to showcase some highlights of the year. A special thank you goes to Jo Finnegan from Joined Up Care Derbyshire, who joined us to share insights on the NHS 10-Year Plan.

The afternoon wasn’t just about business—it was about celebration too! We enjoyed a raffle with some fantastic prizes, and the chance to ‘Speed Network’. 

We facilitated a member mingling – with not a red rose in sight – to allow our members to network with each other. For those members not sure what to talk about, we provided helpful prompts such as ‘Talk to me about Village Hall Booking Systems’ or ‘Talk to Me about setting up a new Boccia group!’ 

DDCVS Members also received important information about nominations for the DDCVS Annual Award, which recognises outstanding contributions to the voluntary sector.  

Our runner up this year: – 

Cubley Village Hall 

With the help of grants from the National Lottery, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and the Better Derbyshire Dales Fund and others, improvements have been made to the hall which has been in the village since 1935. The trustees have organised regular events from the village pantomime, quizzes and bingo nights to children’s parties at Easter, Halloween and Christmas. Our monthly Pop-Up Pubs have proved massively popular. Most of our events are attended by forty or fifty people, in a village that has only 100 or so residents and our annual Music Festival attracts over 100 visitors. ​ Social connectedness and cohesion have improved, and people who have recently moved into the village have commented on how the hall is an important centre of life in Cubley enabling them to integrate into the community. The number of volunteers that we can call on for help has increased enormously. ​ ​ 

And our Winner for 2025!  

Hathersage Befrienders 

Hathersage Befrienders​ Hathersage Befrienders was established in 2015 with the aim of relieving the isolation and loneliness of vulnerable people in Hathersage by establishing, maintaining and developing a visiting befriending service. It provides regular social contact and support to more than twenty people, of all ages and abilities. It also supports people residing in Moorland House – a residential care home in Hathersage. One person commented: ​ “My Befriender has, with her companionship and friendship, enabled me to live an enriched life. She is my friend, and I am blessed.” 

Thanks to Derbyshire Dales District Council for their continuing support, the Council have been a lifeline of financial and operational support to the DDCVS team. Through Derbyshire Dales District Council, with support from Public Health, we can deliver the Better Derbyshire Dales Fund. Public Health at Derbyshire County Council also support fund DDCVS for Social Connectedness and the Children and Young People.

Thanks too, to Foundation Derbyshire for their grant to support core development work awarded over 2 years.

DDCVS has a contract with the South Primary Care Network, through which we deliver social prescribing services, thanks to our key contacts and supporters at the PCN to ensure that this service delivers vital support to those in our communities who need it most.

Our work with the Integrated Care Board means that DDCVS is at the heart of decision making around how the NHS 10-year plan supports neighbourhoods in the Derbyshire Dales, we value our relationships with the ICB and the work they are carrying out, as well as the financial support we receive.

Thank you to everyone who attended our AGM and made the afternoon so special. Your support and enthusiasm continue to drive our mission forward. Here’s to another year of collaboration and community spirit!