Gone but not forgotten

Sadly, the number of pubs in this district which have closed down and failed to re-open get larger every month. Three of the most recent casualties are the Old Yew Tree at South Wingfield, the Derwent at Whatstandwell and the Nelson at Bullbridge.

Previous victims of this plague of pub closures were the Yew Tree in Holloway, Homeford Cottage, The Jovial Dutchman in Crich and the Vaults in Wirksworth. Each pub closed means a loss of variety, choice and local community facilities.

There must be many reasons for the situation: the ridiculously high price of beer, the smoking ban, drink-driving worries and even bad weather. Perhaps fewer landlords are willing to work long hours for shrinking rewards. But all the more reason to patronise the remaining locals and keep them in business.