Junction Arts is calling on local people to help restore Derek the Dinosaur, a much-loved concrete landmark at South Street Recreation Ground, as the charity celebrates its 50th anniversary.
A giant concrete dinosaur that has watched generations of children grow up in South Normanton is hoping for a new lease of life, thanks to a campaign by local arts charity Junction Arts.
Known affectionately as Derek, the dinosaur has stood at South Street Recreation Ground since 1977. Now, as Junction Arts approaches its 50th anniversary, the charity wants to uncover his story, give him a much-needed makeover and ensure he remains part of the community for another 50 years.
Originally created as part of one of Junction Arts’ earliest community summer playscheme projects, Derek was built with the involvement of local residents and children. Almost five decades later, he remains a familiar sight in the park and a source of fond memories for generations of local families.
Despite his prominent place in the community, much of Derek’s history remains a mystery. Although a small number of photographs survive, little is known about the sculpture’s original purpose or the full story behind its creation. Over the years, he has endured vandalism, fire and decades of exposure to the elements.
Recent community engagement during a mural project at the recreation ground revealed a strong desire among residents to see Derek restored, with many asking when the dinosaur would be given a makeover.
Junction Arts now plans to combine archival research, community activities and creative refurbishment to bring Derek back to life. The project will include essential repairs and improvements to help ensure the structure is safe and durable, alongside opportunities for local people, particularly young residents, to help shape his new appearance and story.
Creative sessions and the development of a storybook will help explore Derek’s history and imagine his future. The makeover will also bring a fresh splash of colour to the park, with the community helping to decide how this iconic landmark should look for the next generation.
The charity has already received donations from Bolsover District Council and South Normanton Parish Council and is now asking local people to support its fundraising campaign through the Co-op Local Community Fund.
Junction Arts Team With Derek
Co-op members can support the project by selecting Junction Arts as their local cause through the Co-op app. Every bit of support will help the charity reach its fundraising target, with work currently expected to begin towards the end of 2027.
Derek’s place in local life is clear from the memories shared by residents. From climbing onto his back to sliding down his tail, the dinosaur has been part of childhood for generations.
Local resident Hannah Hall shared a photograph of her daughter sitting on Derek, saying: “My daughter on the dinosaur. I remember playing on it when I was younger as well.”
Another resident, Nicola Hill, recalled: “Had a lot of fun climbing onto its back then sliding down the tail, but trying to climb back up the tail was a task. It needs bringing back to how it was.”
Despite changes to South Street Recreation Ground over the years, including the addition of a tarmac pump track built by Bolsover District Council, Derek remains a distinctive feature of the park.
Emily Bowman, Managing Director at Junction Arts, said: “When we started to look back at Junction Arts’ history, Derek was one of the early projects that stood out, and just like us, 50 years on, he’s still standing!
“Derek’s past is something of a mystery, but we know he’s been through a lot. From vandalism and fire to decades of wind, rain and weathering, this local landmark has certainly stood the test of time.
“Now, as Derek approaches his 50th birthday, we think it’s time for a fresh start! With the help of the local community, we’re planning to give him a well-deserved makeover and uncover a new story to carry him into the next 50 years.”
Councillor Emma Stevenson of South Normanton East said: “South Normanton Parish Council has supported Junction Arts over many years, particularly with our Dinosaur Park. Over the years, the Parish Council has supported the continued refurbishment and ‘spring clean’ of our dinosaur.
“It is a testament to Junction Arts that within my family, my children and now my grandchildren enjoy the park and the dinosaur. On behalf of the Parish Council and our friendly dinosaur, I would like to say Happy 50th Birthday to Junction Arts and say thank you for your support over the years.”
To support the project through the Co-op Local Community Fund, local people need to be Co-op members, download the Co-op app and select Junction Arts as their local cause.
By choosing Junction Arts, Co-op members can help bring Derek back to life, celebrate South Normanton’s heritage and ensure this much-loved landmark continues to inspire memories for years to come.
If you have any Derek memories or photos you’d like to share, please email info@junctionarts.org or contact the charity on social media @junctionartsuk.