From bombs to debt help – 75 years of CAB

Today the issues facing Matlock and Dales residents are very different, and a Citizen’s Advice Service – celebrating its 75th anniversary this year – continues to offers help.

The service was formed following the outbreak of the Second World War and helped Dales residents with problems such as coping with the loss of ration books.

Nowadays, advisors are more likely to help with problems such as debts built up through pay–day loan companies and keeping up with mortgage repayments.

The Derbyshire Districts Citizens Advice Bureau (DDCAB) AGM will include a special display to celebrate the work of the bureau from those early days right up to the present day.

Chloe Small, chief officer of DDCAB, said: “We would like to extend a warm welcome to anyone who would like to attend our AGM and come along to find out more about the incredible work carried out by our team of volunteers and staff.

“In addition to a 75 years display, we will be showcasing our work of the past year and providing information about our current services and volunteering opportunities.”

Problems raised in 1939 include ‘can I still use my car headlights at night even though there is a risk of an air–raid?’, ‘my next door neighbour’s shed roof is made of a shiny metallic material which could be a target for a bomb’ and ‘I have two children coming to stay with me from Liverpool, can I claim any extra support?’.

More recent queries include ‘my neighbour has branches that overhang my garden’, ‘my housing benefit has been cut because of the bedroom tax’ and ‘I have arrears on my electricity’.

The meeting is on December 4 at Matlock Town Football Club, in Causeway Lane, from 3.30pm, with refreshments and a market place, followed by the AGM from 4pm to 5pm.