News

As Chairman of the Darley Abbey Society. I was delighted to be invited to attend a reception at Cromford last night to celebrate 10 years of World Heritage Site Status for the Derwent Valley, of which Darley Abbey is an important part. There were a number of excellent speeches on the theme of how the valley became a world heritage site and the importance of the area internationally. The Keynote speech was given by the Duke of Devonshire. He explained how the Silk Mill in Derby and later Arkwright's Mill at Cromford formed the blueprint for textile manufacture the world over. Textile manufacture and the factory system that was later applied to many other industies and was a quantum leap not just in technology, but in the way that business was organised. He also explained the social impact that this revolution brought about. He felt that this was something that Derbsyhire should proud of. The Chairman of Derbyshire County Council, councillor Andrew Lewer explained that his authority was supporting the Derwent Valley Mills Parnership and that he was personally promoting it both locally and nationally. He explained the importance of the site for tourism in the area, and the considerable economic benefit it can bring. Mark Suggitt, the Partnership's new Director wrapped up the session by describing the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Mark will be talking to the Society at its Autumn Meeting on 22nd September, at 7.30 pm in the village hall.