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Miller's Dale & District WI
MILLER'S Dale & District WI met on Wednesday February 12 at Litton Village Hall, and despite much snow and ice most members attended.
When the business had been completed the President introduced the speaker - Stephen Taylor, Chair of Derbyshire Probation Service.
He gave an excellent presentation of the service, explaining what they actually did and how they had to work closely with the Law Courts, the Prison Service and the police.
He explained how the Service started as a voluntary service in 1900, and mainly dealt with alcohol and related abuse problems - but then had to try to rehabilitate offenders.
The Probation Service today is used by the Criminal Justice System in conjunction with prison sentencing, but rehabilitation is still their main objective.
He made members all think when he explained that a good half of offenders cannot read, write or do simple arithmetic; classes for these subjects were provided.
He stressed that 'probation' was not an easy option, but often had a more positive result than prison for the offenders.
The Service is also the voice of victims and their families in court and they also work closely with Victim Support.
Mr Taylor said he had never worked with a more professional and dedicated group of people, and although often overworked continued to endeavour to give their best to support offenders.
The next meeting will be held at the usual venue, Litton Village Hall, on Wednesday March 11.
The speaker will be Gary Rainford, Head Gardener at Lyme Park.
This is an open meeting - friends, husbands and visitors are all welcome.
If you are interested in joining this Institute, contact President Judy Cooper on 01298 871191 for more information.
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Weather for Buxton
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light snow
Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
