There’s a certain sound that can instantly transport us back to childhood. The jingle of an ice cream van, faint at first, growing louder as it turns the corner. For decades in Derbyshire, this sound marked the start of summer — a signal to grab some change, dash out the front door, and join the queue for a 99 with a flake.
But in some areas, those magical chimes have fallen silent. In villages like Ambergate, residents say it’s been years since they’ve seen an ice cream van make the rounds — and the absence has not gone unnoticed.
“It used to be a highlight of the week,” says Lesley, a local resident. “The van would pull up by the school, and everyone would gather. Kids, parents, even grandparents. Now we haven’t had one in years. It’s like something’s gone missing from village life.”
From Horse Carts to Mr Whippy
The story of the ice cream van in Derbyshire starts much earlier than most realise. In the early 1900s, ice cream sellers used handcarts and bicycles to serve up scoops in the market towns of the Peak District. By the 1950s and 60s, the golden era of the ice cream van had arrived. Vans like the Bedford CA and later the iconic Whitby Morrison models became familiar sights from Buxton to Belper, Matlock to Mickleover.
The 99 cone, introduced as a cheap treat after the war, became a staple — often served with raspberry sauce and a smile from the familiar face behind the hatch. In the heyday of local industry, factory gates would see queues for lollies at break times, and on weekends the vans toured parks, festivals and cul-de-sacs alike.
A Community Favourite
For many, the ice cream van was more than just dessert — it was a part of the fabric of local life. Some vans had loyal followings and regular routes. In some Derbyshire villages, you could set your watch by when the van would arrive. “It wasn’t just the ice cream,” says John from Heanor. “It was the chat. The community. You got to know your ice cream man.”
Where Did They Go?
But over time, routes disappeared. Fuel costs rose, regulations tightened, and customer habits changed. Some operators were forced to give up long-established rounds. Others focused on big events and static pitches, where the takings were more reliable.
Then came the pandemic, when many vans were forced off the road completely. A few adapted with home delivery tubs and birthday specials, but regular rounds never quite recovered in some areas.
In places like Ambergate, the silence has become permanent. “The kids growing up here now won’t know what it’s like,” says one resident. “That little thrill when you hear the music getting closer. It’s a shame.”
Albie with his “99” and the chocolate flake has got smaller!!
A Summer Revival?
Not all is lost. In some parts of Derbyshire, the tradition is still going strong. In Swadlincote, a new generation of van owners is taking to the roads. In Chesterfield, some vans are now electric and eco-friendly. And in Ripley, one van operator has added locally made gelato and artisan cones to the mix.
There are even calls to bring vans back to forgotten villages. “We’d welcome one in Ambergate with open arms,” says Lesley. “It’s not just about the ice cream. It’s about making the place feel alive.”
Tell Us: Does Your Street Still Get a Van?
We want to hear from readers across Derbyshire.
– Is there still a regular van where you live?
– Do you remember your local van from the past?
– Would you like to see them return?
Let’s shine a light on a sweet part of Derbyshire life that’s at risk of melting away.
Anonymous
We live in a OAP complex in Ecclesbourne Close Duffield and would love to have an ice cream van come to us .