What is the name of the semi-precious mineral, a form of fluorspar, that has been mined around Castleton for centuries and is often fashioned into ornamental objects?

Seventy-five years ago, the Peak District became the UK’s first National Park, marking a milestone in British conservation and public access to nature.

Celebrations have swept the region this April, with church bells ringing from 26 towers and special walks and exhibitions drawing both locals and visitors.

The park’s roots go back to the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass of 1932, when determined ramblers fought for the right to roam, an event that paved the way for national park legislation in 1949.

Now welcoming 13 million people each year, the Peak District’s moorlands, farms, and historic sites continue to support communities, wildlife, and national wellbeing.

From the Buxton International Festival’s photo exhibition to an upcoming landmark report on the future of UK parks, the 75th anniversary is both a celebration and a call to safeguard these treasured landscapes for generations to come.

Whaley Bridge Cricket Club has unveiled its new community bar, Bertha’s Bar, following a renovation led by club member George Holden and organised by a close-knit team of volunteers.

The £20,000 project was funded through Derbyshire Cricket grants and creative local fundraising, including the revived 'WBCC Relay', an annual Funday, bonfire night, and golf day.

Local business sponsors such as Peak Power Gym and TrustedIt Limited, contributed significantly, with many local companies and players sponsoring furniture now personalised with their logos and messages throughout the bar.

Bertha’s Bar is named after the club’s iconic Second World War-era roller, a beloved symbol of the club’s heritage.

The bar is open to the public on match days and for community events, offering a selection of draught beers and local ales.

The club welcomes local groups to use this new space—now proudly home to the largest beer garden in the Peak District.

Dovedale’s iconic stepping stones are currently unsafe for visitors, following recent storm damage that dislodged one of the 16 limestone slabs last November.

The National Trust has issued a warning for the public to avoid crossing the River Dove at this popular Peak District site.

The much-loved stones date back to the 19th century, installed to boost tourism, and are now managed by Derbyshire County Council, which is responsible for repairs.

Repair works have been delayed due to persistently high water levels this winter, with council officials planning to restore the stones when river conditions improve over the coming months.

Signage is in place, and visitors are advised to use a nearby bridge until the crossing is deemed safe again.

This highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining beloved historic landmarks amid the region’s unpredictable weather.

Peak Vitality, based in Chapel-en-le-Frith, and run by Nick and Emma Roche, brings a fresh approach to natural health in the High Peak.

After leaving his electronics and space career, Nick retrained as a naturopath, blending scientific expertise with a passion for holistic healing.

Emma, a qualified homeopath with advanced training in colonic hydrotherapy, adds over two decades of complementary medicine experience.

Their philosophy centres on finding root causes of health problems, rather than masking symptoms, making their services a natural fit for residents and visitors who value wellbeing in the Peak District.

With technology like the B.E.S.T. system for in-depth screening and cold laser therapy for pain relief, alongside homeopathy and massage, Peak Vitality offers a modern blend of science and common sense.

Locals facing pain, digestive issues, or looking to optimise their wellness find personalised care at this community clinic.

Plans for up to 180 new homes on the outskirts of Chapel-en-le-Frith have received approval from High Peak Borough Council.

This decision comes amid significant local opposition, with more than 650 residents petitioning against the development at Crossings Road.

Concerns center on the proposed build’s impact on already stretched schools, medical services, and roads, as well as the potential loss of cherished greenfield land.

Chapel-en-le-Frith, called the "Capital of the Peak", is one of Derbyshire’s oldest market towns, and many locals fear that largescale development will change the area’s character and landscape.

The project was granted outline permission, with details such as design and landscaping to be finalized later.

Further consultation is expected, allowing residents a chance to influence upcoming application stages going forward.

The High Peak Boys' Brigade is celebrating its 100th anniversary this spring, marking a rare milestone for one of the area’s most longstanding youth organisations.

Generations of young men in Chapel-en-le-Frith have benefited from the Brigade’s mission to foster obedience, discipline, and self-respect since its founding a century ago.

Festivities will be held at Town End Methodist Church, including a historical exhibition, a reunion and quiz evening on Saturday 2nd May from 6pm to 8pm, and a special Parade Service.

All past members are warmly encouraged to attend, whether their Brigade days were recent or long ago.

The centenary is a tribute to the dedication of local leaders, volunteers, and families who have supported the Brigade’s values and impact for generations.

Stella’s Kitchen is an unforgettable dining destination, nestled in a charming farmhouse conservatory at Cross Low Farm near the village of Eyam, famous for its history of courage during the 1665 plague.

Chef Stella Kisob crafts authentic Afro-Caribbean cuisine, serving rich, aromatic dishes inspired by West African and Caribbean traditions.

The menu changes based on what’s fresh, featuring slow-cooked meats, vibrant stews, and spiced rice, all made from scratch with top-quality ingredients.

With acclaim spreading beyond the High Peak, Stella’s Kitchen has welcomed The Hairy Bikers, Man v Food’s Adam Richman, and rave reviews while keeping its warm, homey spirit.

Stella now offers drop-in lunches, coffee and cakes Thursday to Sunday, as well as an evening Afro-Caribbean buffet and takeaway options.

A campsite and Shepherd’s Hut invite overnight stays, making Stella’s Kitchen one of the Peak District’s standout local experiences.

Remote communities across the High Peak have long struggled with patchy digital radio due to rugged terrain and sparse populations.

Now, the future looks brighter as Maxxwave has taken over the High Peak DAB multiplex, previously run by High Peak One Digital Ltd, which faced financial difficulties.

The multiplex, broadcasting from transmitters in Buxton, Chapel-en-le-Frith, and beyond, brings a diverse mix of local and specialist radio to listeners who couldn’t access these stations otherwise.

This transition arrives as the BBC prepares to shutter Radio 4’s long wave service, a lifeline for many rural households.

Maxxwave plans to boost coverage in isolated towns with extra low-power transmitters, aiming to close the service gap left by the BBC’s exit.

Locals can now look forward to more radio choices and stronger signals, with further improvements already in the works.

Highland cattle have become iconic residents of the Peak District, admired for their distinctive long fringes and calm eyes.

However, the growing trend of TikTok and Instagram users approaching these animals - even hugging them or entering enclosures where calves are present, has prompted a formal safety warning from the Peak District National Park Authority.  

Despite their gentle appearance, Highland cattle are large and powerful, and protective mothers can be unpredictable and dangerous if they feel threatened.  

Viral social media videos have inspired some visitors to copy risky behaviour at sites like Baslow, raising concerns among farmers and park officials.

The Park Authority urges everyone: stay on footpaths, never feed or touch the cattle, and do not enter their fields without cause.  

Appreciate these animals from a safe distance - keeping both people and cattle safe and peaceful.

 Blue John. This distinctive purple and yellow banded mineral is found nowhere else in the world in such quantity, and the area's show caves are named after it .