More than a few feathers were ruffled earlier this year when a Derbyshire village was labelled a potential “ghost town” because of the increasing numbers of second homes, holiday homes and Airbnbs which have sprung up in the area. Many of the 250 permanent residents of Over Haddon felt strongly that, as things stand, the village is far from a being “a deserted town with few or no remaining inhabitants” – the usual definition of a ghost town.
In fact they have gone as far as to emphasise that despite around one in four homes not being lived in by locals there is still a thriving population and social life, which comes together regularly for very many activities, including events in the modern village hall only opened in 2011, at the Lathkil Hotel and St Anne’s Church.
True there is no village shop, nor a school, but that is something people know when they move there and a fact of life for those who were born and bred in the village. But there is a vibrant coffee morning club, history group and book club.
The Over Haddon Village Hall committee has recently organised a murder mystery night, annual big quiz, wassailing and also the Christmas Musical Soiree – one of series of soirees featuring West End stars and guaranteed to sell-out almost before the ink has dried on the tickets.
The Lathkil pub holds regular quiz nights, is staging musical bingo in the near future, organises the annual Leg It Around Lathkill running race, always marks Burns Night with a celebration and is the centre of feast days, celebrations and regular darts matches.
Sara Louisa Parry, left, and Sandra Marvin entertain an appreciative audience with songs during the most recent sell-out Christmas Musical Soiree in the village
(Image: Submitted)
The label “ghost town” was suggested to a Derbyshire Live reporter by a villager of 15 years – back in May – when he visited Over Haddon to garner opinion about the growth of second homes and Airbnbs, which have proliferated in Over Haddon and further afield in other villages in the Derbyshire Dales and Peak District over the past few years.
But many villagers have hit back and said they feel that the possibility of Over Haddon becoming deserted was quite unlikely. There will always be a demand for people to move to Over Haddon because of its quiet situation and also its proximity to open countryside, including Lathkill Dale, as well as copious numbers of tourists who visit regularly throughout the year.
The village’s annual diary of events is both full and varied thanks to many enthusiastic volunteers in the village who help to run other activities that include the September village show helped by the presence of allotments attended by residents, the much-visited well-dressings and the afore-mentioned “soirees”, which have been taking place three times a year – the 2024 Christmas show being the latest.
The village’s well-dressings are visited by hundreds of visitors each June
(Image: Submitted)
Last year, a new community garden was opened for both residents and tourists to sit in and admire the view, created with the help of staff and students at Derby College.
Not born in Over Haddon but a long-time resident since 1968, Roger Truscott thinks that the label “ghost town” is a “misconception”. A stalwart of both the village hall committee and the parish council, Mr Truscott has seen many changes over the years.
He said: “It is true that about 20% of the dwellings in the village are either second homes or holiday cottages (mainly the latter) which is the highest this has ever been, but in fact the majority are accommodated in converted agricultural buildings, plus some small old cottages that do not readily meet the needs of modern permanent family living. A few are modern buildings, which is regrettable. But whilst it might look like a quiet little village in the heart of the Peak District Over Haddon is, in fact, a vibrant community.
“The village pub, the Lathkil Hotel, is a lively popular venue with fantastic views, the church remains active and the village hall is a well-appointed modern building offering a range of well-supported social activities.
“Over Haddon is far from being a remote rural location, where many villages do indeed find themselves being taken over by holiday accommodation and second homes. Not only is it close (two miles) to the busy small town of Bakewell with its good range of services and excellent primary and secondary schools, but it is within commuting range of large urban centres such a Sheffield, Chesterfield, Derby, Nottingham and even Manchester. This is why the village has seen an influx of families in recent years and why it remains a vibrant community.”
With allotments and plenty of green fingers, the annual village show is full of home-produced veg and also plenty of baking, arts and crafts, flower arrangements and photography entries
Relative newcomer to the village Katy Lomax said: “I moved to Over Haddon a year ago, and I’ll admit I was a bit concerned about feeling isolated, especially after living in the heart of Bakewell. But looking back, those worries couldn’t have been more misplaced. I’ve never experienced a community quite like this one.
“It’s so warm, welcoming, and full of life. There’s always something going on – from regular newsletters and village events like games and murder mysteries events, to seasonal soirées with West End stars performing to raise funds for the village. The sense of togetherness here is incredible, and everyone genuinely looks out for one another. It’s such a friendly, supportive place to live.”
Another resident, who originates from Over Hadddon, said: “Actually, it’s true to say that more properties have gone from being a holiday cottages to being a full time residence this year than the contrary. In addition, some long term empty houses have been recently purchased by young people from the village.
“You have to ask how many villages in the UK with only about 100 homes have had a dozen top West End and Broadway stars perform in their village hall in the last three years. Interestingly, we have a loyal base of people from the village who attend events but many people who criticise the village do not get involved.
“The fact that people from all over the world want to live our lifestyle by visiting here – even for just a weekend should be flattering and people should realise how important this is for local businesses and keeping the village alive and kicking.”