We would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas.

It's the special time of year where friends and family come together and let bygones be bygones.

We went down to the White Hart to hear Reverend Hughes tells us all about the Christian message and this very special time of year.

As headteacher of William Gilbert Endowed C of E Primary School in Duffield, I am often reminded of the extraordinary legacy that surrounds our school—not just in its rich history dating back to 1565, but in the ongoing support that continues to shape the lives of our pupils long after they leave us. Many former pupils are now parents at the school!

Our school benefits from the support of two structures: the Duffield Endowed School foundation, a registered charity that owns the land on which our school stands; and provides a vital role in our governance, strategic direction, and financialsupport. We are a Church of England school. Our Christian ethos—Through Faith, Hope and Love we learn together—guides everything we do. In fact, the positive impact of this on the children was praised by the school inspectors. Our activePTA is vital in current times when our budget is stretched.

We believe that education is more than academic success. Being active and outdoors is vital for children. Duffield is blessed with many green spaces to enjoy. Our children love Forest School down on Eyes Meadow, building dens in Millennium meadow nature reserve, and of course some hot chocolate! Gray’s Rec hosts our sports day, and autumn walks. Our Christmas and Easter services take place at St Alkmund’s church with Revd Hughes.

We add plenty of enriching experiences too! Music is a passion for the school, not only learning instruments but our amazing inclusive choir who regularly perform in the local community and wider community. The impact of singing for the Bishop of Derby in the Cathedral or performing at Birmingham NEC is transformative for pupils’ confidence, aspiration, and sense of belonging! We even have an award-winning dodge ball team, making our way up to the nationalcompetitions last term!

We have numerous Eco school awards – fresh air days to reduce car emissions is part of this. Many children walk, cycle or scoot to school. We’re the first school in Derbyshire to have a traffic free Safe School Area.

Our school’s impact doesn’t end at Year 6. An extended legacy is the Ivan Wright Award, a charitable fund established by a former pupil and local bank manager. Each year, former students can apply for a donation to support their universitystudies—for every year of their degree!

There is so much more to tell you about William Gilbert school. Come up to see us for a warm welcome!

We headed down to the revamped Patten Makers arms on Crown street to have a chat with Nigel Hooker, President of the Duffield Community Association (DCA).

Listen in to what the DCA does in Duffield from grants to carnivals and bulb planting to big bangs!

DCA Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071128075629

https://www.duffieldvillage.co.uk/apply-for-a-grant/

Pattenmakers Arms Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100032982716326

https://www.duffieldvillage.co.uk/

https://www.pattenmakersarms.co.uk/