I’m delighted to let you know that we have a very exciting afternoon of speakers, stalls and guests lined up for this year’s OBM Conference/AGM.
It all takes place on the afternoon of Sunday 8th December at the Nailers Conference Suite in Belper, starting at 1.30pm.
Tickets are free and available now – book your OBM Conference Tickets here
You’ll need to book early though as we anticipate that demand will be very high given what we have lined up.
OBM Conference/AGM
This year’s event really is a biggy! We’re delighted to welcome the newly elected Mayor of the Combined Authority Claire Ward. A lot’s happened during 2024….the publication of the Amion Consulting Report, changes to the current planning application and questions on the future of the UNESCO world heritage status. We think you’ll have questions!
That’s why we’ve lined up six informed guests to give their perspective on the importance of the Mills under the title…
‘The Future of the Mills, it’s UNESCO world heritage status and the impact of the site on Belper, Derbyshire and beyond’
Confirmed as attending are:
- Claire Ward – Mayor of the Combined Authority
- Jonathan Davies – MP for Mid Derbyshire
- Pauline Latham – DVMWHS Belper Mills Partnership Chair
- Georgina Greaves – Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site
- Ian Hill – Chair Belper North Mills Trust
- Roger Moors – Chair OBM
The panel will be Chaired/hosted by our newly appointed OBM Ambassador Nigel Vardy.
Besides all this….we have craft stalls to buy crafty Christmas presents and the chance to meet and chat to stall holders from Belper North Mills Trust, Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, Belper Historic Society and of course Our Belper Mills.
You’ll also get the latest updates from Our Belper Mills during our AGM.
Should be a great afternoon….book your ticket now! Book your OBM Conference Tickets here
Breaking News….Nigel Vardy becomes OBM Ambassador
We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that Nigel Vardy, better known as ‘Mr Frostbite’, has agreed to become our Ambassador.
The role will entail helping OBM to meet its goals, raising awareness of our work, and inspiring others to join us.
Nigel has lived in Belper all of his life. Growing up on Swinney Bank, he saw the East Mill in full light as a boy and hopes to see it lit again. He spent his professional life in the electricity industry and recently retired after 38 years’ service.
Nigel was inspired by his family’s love of the countryside, and by the Outdoor Pursuits lessons at Belper High School, He has spent most of his life travelling and mountaineering around the world, also carrying out relief work and conservation projects. He is best known for his dramatic rescue from Mt McKinley in 1999, where he suffered severe frostbite. He has written two books about his adventures and regularly speaks to schools and businesses about the lessons he has learned. He is also a regular guest on BBC Radio Derby.
He recently returned to Alaska for the 25th anniversary of his climb, and is presently filming a documentary about his accident, his recovery and how the past 25 years in the outdoors has changed his life.
We welcome Nigel and very much look forward to hearing from him at the Conference/AGM.
Roger Moors
Chair
Our Belper Mills