"Published on Wednesday 18 July 2007 16:53 Madam, I note with interest the letter printed where a complaint was made about the use of St Elphin's Park as the name for the beautiful retirement community being built on the site of St Elphin's School in Darley Dale. I also note a most supportive and appreciative letter was received by your newspaper praising the use of the name, thus celebrating the wonderful heritage of the site and preserving this established name in the local culture of the area with respect for those who had been both educated, lived and who had indeed worshiped there. I am pleased to be able to let your readers know that not only have Audley decided to use the name St Elphin's Park for the development, but they also hope to use names such as Pollard, Robinson, Thornton and Devonshire for different buildings and areas of the development. People who worked at or attended the school will know how those who contributed to the school were remembered by using their names as "house" or dormitory or building names and it is with this in mind, that the decision was taken to follow that tradition and try to incorporate at least some of these names into the new plans for the site. This idea has been greeted with warmth from many former members of staff and pupils alike with whom Audley are in touch and it is hoped that the local community in Darley Dale will also welcome these plans. It is with respect for what has gone before on the site that has prompted these decisions to be made. Alison Davies
Reprinted by kind permission of Matlock Mercury |
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