Derby dad on a mission to inspire local youngsters and teach them about city's 'rich history'

A local man and keen historian is launching an educational fundraising campaign aiming to instil young people with civic pride and a positive outlook on the city of Derby.

David Turner is managing director of Derby Uncovered Community Interest Company (CIC).

He opened Derby Heritage Centre on Sadler Gate and curates events platforming local talent and creators from the region. 

The father-of-two is now on a mission to create an engaged community proud of Derby’s rich heritage by educating young people about Derby history. 

Speaking to Derby World, David said: “We have launched a fundraiser to teach Key Stage Learning at the Derby Heritage Centre for 5 to 11 year olds.

“A 2022 Historic England report showed that if you can improve someone’s knowledge about local history and surroundings, their civic pride automatically increases.

"With increased civic pride, more and more successful community projects will be initiated as people often express that pride through volunteering to help projects in their area.

"The best way to start educating people is when they are young, it's the perfect time to start telling them about Derby's exciting history.

"We can try to capture people’s hearts and minds from the outset, in the hope they grow up with that civic pride, contributing towards the city.”

David says the fundraiser will also go towards essential work including plumbing that needs to be done in the building. 

He said: “We’re currently using only one toilet, we don’t feel that is feasible when we’ve got 30 children in the building.”

The fundraiser will also go towards the props, costumes, tablets and workbooks that children will use during sessions. 

David believes creating a fun learning environment, where Derby’s heritage is taught during children’s formative years, is key in fostering a positive outlook later in life.

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He said: “I think the young people in the city are its biggest stakeholders, because long after we’re gone it’ll be their city. I think it is really key to get as many young people as possible to get involved.

“Sometimes I see adults on the Internet who are jaded or cynical. I want to try to make it so that young people grow up with some sort of positivity because it is their future after all, so let’s try to make it as good as we possibly can.”

In addition to running Derby Heritage Centre, David organises and hosts walks and events including the Artisans Uncovered spring market which is reported to have attracted over 1100 visitors across two days.

The busy dad said: “Any time people help us in any shape or form it is really energising.

“Even just kind words, when people join the CIC, or when they come to the shop to buy something, it’s a sign that Derby people like what we’re doing in the city.

“So for example, one of our sponsors is Bee-Assisted, so when people do things like this and show us support, it makes us aware that people are really liking what we do.”

To learn more about the educational fundraiser visit the website by clicking here.