Baronet's Diary

It was a pleasure to attend the official opening of the renovation completed by the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT) of South Wingfield station. The Conservation work to save the world's oldest rural railway station is complete. From last December members of the public will be able to see the station returned close to its former glory as it was when officially opened in 1840.The DHBT has managed the £1.7 million repair process over the last two years and has been inviting visitors to see the results of the conservation work in a series of public events since the grand re-opening that was attended by civic dignitaries and the High Sheriff of Derbyshire Theresa Peltier. Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the building's original fabric has been carefully replicated by the DHBT and this has included a meticulous process of reprinting original wallpaper and replicating paintwork back to the original. The event was a jolly occasion and do visit the site if you are in the Wingfield area..It is not far from the Church but beware of the Inter-City trains travelling close to the platform.

It is not often that I stay in Derbyshire away from Tissington itself. However , prior to the Tourism Board’s annual Conference in November I had the delight of staying in the Ensana Buxton Crescent Hotel . I cheekily partook of the excellent spa facilities at the Hotel incorporating the sauna, the aroma room, the steam room as well as the swimming pools before we entertained the Director of Regions from Visit England’s Andrew Stokes for drinks and dinner. Joined by four locally based hospitality gurus, we told Andrew of the great pubs, restaurants and attractions that we have in the Peak District as well as the barriers to business as we saw it. The following morning, we hosted 130 delegates to the Assembly Rooms above the Hotel and shared industry data ,best practice and looked at future trends for the year ahead. Hopefully it will be a busy one for all our tourism businesses and our guest left impressed and refreshed as he made his way back to London. If you haven’t already been, everyone should spend at least one night at the extraordinary place that is the Crescent Hotel. See www.ensanahotels.com