Rural Voice - Bakewell & Villages Edition - MAY 2024

MAY ‘24

• BAKEWELL • BASLOW • PILSLEY • CURBAR

• CALVER & CALVER MILL • GREAT LONGSTONE

• LITTLE LONGSTONE• ASHFORD IN THE WATER

• STONEY MIDDLETON• LITTON • CRESSBROOK

• TADDINGTON • OVER HADDON • WARDLOW

• TIDESWELL • EYAM • GRINDLEFORD

• NETHER & UPPER PADLEY • FOOLOW

• GT HUCKLOW

11 EDITIONS, READ BY OVER 152,000 RESIDENTS

WORLDBEEDAY

20THMAY ‘24

BASED IN WIRKSWORTH, GOODWINS ARE A TEAM OF KITCHEN, BEDROOM AND BATHROOM CONTRACTORS THAT MANAGE YOUR PROJECT FROM START TO FINISH. GET IN TOUCH TODAY. OUR VALUES

• WE TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN WHAT WE OFFER AT GOODWINS, AS WE’RE ABLE TO HELP YOU CUSTOMISE YOUR HOME EXACTLY HOW YOU WANT IT.

• WE’LL ALWAYS TAKE THE NECESSARY TIME TO TRULY UNDERSTAND YOUR VISION TO ENSURE THAT WE’RE OFFERING YOU EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AT ALL TIMES.

• USING THE LATEST 3D DESIGN SOFTWARE, WE’RE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH BESPOKE PLANS THAT GIVE AN ACCURATE IMPRESSION OF HOW YOUR ROOM WILL LOOK.

• MOST IMPORTANTLY, WE’LL ALSO PUT FORWARD MULTIPLE OPTIONS AND IDEAS TO HELP YOU DECIDE ON A FINAL LOOK.

-FRIDAY : 09:00 - 17:00 SATURDAY : 09:00 - 16:00

- MONDAY : CLOSED

Have you have suffered a bereavement whether this be recently or a while ago? Are you struggling to find local support?

Our therapeutic groups are for adults struggling with bereavement and are facilitated to ensure all are safe, respected, cared for and heard. Evening Group - NOW OPEN

‘We were in this together, we shared. The group was much more powerful than other support for me, others helped me and I helped them.’

Our groups are referral only, but you can call and refer yourself. We want to ensure the service is suitable for you, your relative or your client.

Please call us for more information or a chat about the service.

Scan here for more info or visit highpeakcvs.org.uk/bereavement

SARAH DINES MP

BANKING IN BAKEWELL UPDATE

Bakewell is such a special place, with a wonderful community, fantastic businesses, farmers, tourism destinations and a wealth of other things we can boast about that make it a unique and wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. Sadly, one thing the Peak District cannot boast about is access to a bank, because thanks to the nonsensical decision of NatWest, the whole of the Peak District, its thousands of residents and millions of visitors are now bereft of a physical, bricksand-mortar bank.

When Bakewell NatWest said they were going to close their doors, I was horrified. Immediately I thought about the farmers, local businesses and elderly and vulnerable who rely on this in-person banking facility and wondered what I could do to try and prevent this from happening. People kept telling me not to bother trying to save the bank, because it was a done deal, but these people clearly do not know me very well because one thing about me is I do not give up, especially when it comes to getting the best for my constituents.

I put together a petition with over 3000 signatures, appeared on ITV, BBC and GB News, secured national coverage in the Daily Telegraph, The Guardian and in local print, to raise the profile of our campaign and delivered the petition in person to Number 10 Downing Street and NatWest’s London Headquarters. Our community came together, and I am so grateful to every single resident and business owner

who handed out the petitions and gathered signatures. Whilst we could not save the Bakewell branch, I successfully lobbied for an extension to their in-person support at Bakewell library and have started a national campaign with my Parliamentary colleagues against digital exclusion and the decline of physical banking facilities. I was horrified to hear from vulnerable residents who are now fearful about how to access simple things like paying for parking, council services and banking without access to the internet.

Whilst my campaign to save the bank was ongoing, I also began meetings with interested stakeholders and LINK to try to put together a Banking Hub in our area, just in case NatWest did not listen to reason.

Unfortunately, current criteria state that a town must have 7000 or more adult residents within one kilometre of the town centre to qualify for a Banking Hub, something Bakewell does not have. I am lobbying the Financial Conduct Authority to get these criteria changed. My talks with various stakeholders, including LINK are ongoing and as I mentioned before, I do not give up and I will not be giving up until we have inperson banking provision for our area.

I know that times are difficult for a lot of people at the moment, and I want to reassure you all that I am here, listening, working hard, and helping where I can. I am not always able to fix all our local problems, but I always will listen and do my best to help.

If you need my help, please do not hesitate to contact me at sarah.dines.mp@parliament.uk or

THE LITTLE RED HEN HOUSE NORTHUMBERLAND

STUNNING HOLIDAY COTTAGE IN WARKWORTH, NORTHUMBERLAND

Treat yourself to a luxury break at the 4* Gold Award winning Little Red Hen House. An elegant and cosy holiday home just a 7 minute drive from award-winning and dog-friendly Warkworth beach.

✽ 2 spacious en-suite bedrooms

✽ A fully enclosed garden

✽ 2 small to medium dogs welcome (3 upon request)

✽ Fully equipped kitchen, including an American style fridge freezer

✽ Perfect for exploring the stunning Northumbrian Heritage Coastline

✽ Close to a range of dog friendly pubs, cafes and restaurants in stunning Warkworth

✽ We have fast fibre Wi-Fi and smart TV’s

www.coquetcottages.co.uk

■ Local, family-run business

■ Almost 20 years’ experience

■ New, reconditioned and rental available

■ Friendly, personal service

■ Free, no obligation survey

■ 24/7, 365 days call-out

■ Repair and service all makes of stairlifts

■ Members of Age UK

Probate Office Restrictions - How we can help to ease the burden

Navigating the complexities of a deceased person’s estate is a challenging situation for anyone.

So the news that the Probate Office is limiting access to its helpline for the next three months is compounding the stress levels even more.

The measure aims to address a significant backlog of applications that have been building since COVID-19 - but what implications does this have for you?

If you find yourself handling probate — the process of legally establishing the right to deal with a deceased’s estate — it’s likely you’ll encounter increased difficulties, further frustrations, and extensive delays.

But did you know a solicitor can significantly mitigate these issues, ensuring the application is correctly submitted from the outset to prevent further unnecessary delays?

Laura Cowan, head of Graysons’ private client department, said: “The ongoing delays at the Probate Registry have presented substantial challenges and I’m glad we’ve been in a position to ease the burdens for a lot of people. While efforts to enhance the situation are acknowledged, there remains considerable progress to be made in restoring the

service levels seen before the centralisation of the Probate Registry and the advent of COVID-19.”

Despite Government guidance suggesting probate should be finalised within 16 weeks, individuals are experiencing waits of up to a year for the grant of probate. This is particularly problematic with regard to inheritance tax, which is due within six months of death. While it’s commonly assumed that inheritance tax (IHT) liabilities will be settled by the deceased’s estate ultimately, significant delays complicate this process, especially when the estate lacks sufficient liquid assets and necessitates the sale of assets to fulfil IHT obligations. Although deferred payments to HMRC are an option, the imposed interest rate of 7.75% on late payments adds another layer of difficulty to an already stressful situation.

Laura Cowan, Head of Graysons’ Private Client Department

CHINESE TAKEAWAY LJ The Little John Hotel

Call: 01433 650 225

Order online:

www.thelittlejohnhotelchinesetakeaway.co.uk

We accept both cash and card payments COLLECTION ONLY 5pm - 8:45pm Tuesday to Thursday 5pm - 9:30pm Friday Saturday

Slimming World Recipe Fish Pie

Method:

1. Heat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/ gas 6.

2. Cook the potatoes in a large saucepan of boiling water over a high heat for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain, return to the pan and mash well. Leave to cool then stir in the quark, season to taste and set aside.

3. While the potatoes are cooking, put the leeks and 2 tbsp water in a nonstick saucepan over a medium-high heat. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally, then tip into a large ovenproof dish.

4. At the same time, cook the eggs in another saucepan of boiling water over a high heat for 9 minutes or until just hard-boiled. Cool under cold running water, peel, halve and add to the leeks.

This fish pie is packed full of delicious ingredients; fish, prawns, eggs, leeks in a creamy sauce, all topped with fluffy mash. Yum!

5. Pour the milk into a non-stick saucepan and bring to a simmer over a medium heat. Add the white fish, reduce the heat to low and cook for 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the fish to the ovenproof dish, along with the prawns, herbs and lemon juice.

6. Strain the milk into a clean pan and put it over a high heat. Mix the cornflour with a little cold water and add to the milk. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat to low and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often. Pour the thickened sauce over everything in the dish, season lightly and gently mix it all together.

7. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top, making a pretty pattern with a fork if you’re feeling creative, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is lightly browned. Serve with your favourite Speed vegetables.

Serves: 6

Ready in: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1kg floury potatoes, such as King Edward or Maris Piper, roughly chopped

• 4 tbsp plain quark

• 2 large leeks, sliced

• 4 eggs

• 250ml skimmed milk

• 600g skinless and boneless white fish fillets, cut into bite-size chunks

• 200g cooked and peeled king or tiger prawns, tails removed

• ½ small pack fresh dill, chopped

• 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 1 level tbsp cornflour

Syns per serving: 1

Our world is at your feet!

Over 20 years ago we purchased our first carpets from T. Nutt & Sons who also fitted them. Today ALL the carpets and floor coverings in our four bedroomed house were supplied and fitted by the above company. We have just replaced the hall, stairs and landing carpets plus the lounge carpet but only because I wanted a change of decor!! Second time round for Nutts. The experience of choosing carpets is second to none. No-one could be more helpful with suggestions on style, colour etc. The fitters have been excellent in every way. If you want friendly support with expertise, this is the place to come!!

BOOK REVIEW

WAKENHYRST - MICHELLE PAVER

There’s nothing like a bit of gothic thriller for immersing yourself in another world and author Michelle Paver has a great talent for suspense and menace.

Her other gothic novels, Dark Matter and Thin Air, were bestsellers and Wakenhyrst, the most recent book, is another treat for fans of creepy, gripping and spooky tales.

It’s an engrossing clever story, atmospheric and dark, centred around Maud, a young girl who grows up in a

grand house on the edge of the Fens. Her mother dies in childbirth and her life is ruled by her despotic father who she adores – until she starts to find out about his secrets.

Paver builds tension brilliantly. Maud is a superb brave heroine, her father a perfect villain. Religion, superstition –and a clever narrative around the place of women in Edwardian times. What’s not to love?

Pitcherwits® are crossword puzzles where some of the clues are in pictures.

Sound easy? It’s not called “Pit-your-wits” for nothing! The mixture of cryptic and picture clues, combined with Professor Rebus’ unique sense of humour, will keep you entertained for hours. These puzzles

BUZZ… WHY WE NEED BEES

Bees—we all know they are under threat, don’t we?

But why are they so important, and what can be done to mitigate the danger they are in?

At the heart of their importance lies their role as pollinators. This seemingly simple act is crucial for the production of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. In fact, it’s estimated that one-third of the world’s food crops depend on pollinators like bees. Without them, many of the foods we rely on for sustenance would cease to exist or become prohibitively expensive.

Beyond agriculture, bees play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity. By pollinating a diverse range of plants, they contribute to the reproduction of countless species, thereby supporting entire ecosystems. From wildflowers to trees, bees ensure the survival of plant communities that provide habitat and sustenance for a myriad of other organisms, from insects to birds to mammals…to us humans!

Bees are also indicators of environmental health. Their presence and abundance can serve as a barometer for the overall well-being of ecosystems. Declines in bee populations may signal broader ecological imbalances, such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. As such, protecting bees and their habitats is not only crucial for their survival but also for the health and resilience of entire ecosystems. In addition to their ecological significance, bees also have profound cultural and economic importance. For centuries, humans have benefited from the products of bees, including honey, beeswax, and propolis. Beekeeping, or apiculture, remains an important livelihood for many people around the world, providing income, sustenance, and even therapeutic benefits.

Despite their immense value, bees face many threats to their survival. Habitat loss, pesticide

exposure, disease, climate change, and invasive species all take their toll on bee populations. The widespread use of neonicotinoid pesticides has been implicated in the decline of bee populations worldwide, leading to calls for greater regulation and alternative pest management strategies. Fortunately, there is growing recognition of the need to protect bees and support their populations. Efforts to conserve and restore bee habitats, reduce pesticide use, and promote beefriendly practices are underway in many parts of the world. From urban beekeeping initiatives to pollinator-friendly gardening campaigns, individuals, communities, and governments are taking action to safeguard bees and their vital ecosystem services.

As individuals, we can help by:

• planting a diverse set of native plants, which flower at different times of the year

• buying raw honey from local farmers

• buying products from sustainable agricultural practices

• avoiding pesticides, fungicides or herbicides in our gardens

• protecting wild bee colonies when possible

• sponsoring a hive

• making a bee water fountain by leaving a water bowl outside

• helping to sustain forest ecosystems

• raising awareness around us by sharing this information within our communities and networks

GO ON, HELP SAVE THE BEES – THE WORLD WOULD BE A VERY DIFFERENT PLACE WITHOUT THEM!

07946 275 835

Residential

Working on installation, maintainence, upgrading and rennovation electrics in residential properties.

✓ Electric Cookers

✓ Electric Gate Wiring

✓ Electric Heating

✓ Electric Radiators

✓ Electric Showers

✓ Electric Smart Thermostats

✓ Electric Sockets

✓ Electric Vehicle Charger Installation

Commercial

With several years experience in commercial electrics, I am confident and experienced in all ranges of tasks and projects.

✓ Electrical Contractors

✓ Electrical Heater Repair

✓ Electrical Installation Condition Report - Safety Checks - EICR

✓ Electrical Under Floor Heating Installation

✓ Emergency Electrician Service

✓ Extractor Fans

✓ Fault Finding

Dma.electricalservices@outlook.com

dma.electricalservices@outlook.com

Excellent work, efficient and reliable and always willing to discuss the project to come up with a solution

Testing

07946275835

Whether it may be a job involving lighting, home electronics, security systems, outdoor buildings & more, I am ready for the job.

✓ Fuseboard / Consumer Unit Installation

✓ Fuseboard / Consumer Unit Repair

✓ Garden Lighting

✓ Hot Tub Wiring

✓ House Rewiring

✓ Immersion Heater Installation

✓ LED Lighting

✓ Smoke Alarms

www.dmaelectrics.co.uk

www.dmaelectrics.co.uk

Extremely dependable and is amazing at getting the job done usually on the same day which is amazing! Fantastic on prices. Would recommend and definitely wouldn’t use any one else

Excellent communication, on time, really helpful with lighting ideas and suggestions. Very prompt & Professional service

All Around the Shire

RUB A DUB DUB

Which soap do you remember from your childhood?

There were many brands to choose from in the 1960s and 70s like Lux or Camay Beauty soaps where the model on the television advert demonstrated how to use the soap by rubbing in circular movements blobs of lather on her cheeks. My granny was not impressed when I tried this method and she told me to go back and wash the whole of my face.

During WW2, soap was rationed as the fat and glycerine from it was needed to make explosives and for other military uses.

From 1942, four coupons were given each month, and each coupon was worth 4oz hard soap, 3oz toilet soap, half an ounce of liquid soap, 6oz soft soap, 3oz soap flakes or 6oz soap powder. Shaving soap was never rationed but became scarce as did the other types.

Soap operas from radio (1930s) and TV (1950s) were so called because they were sponsored by soap manufacturers.

Washing powders like Oxydol and Rinso had to perform more than one household task. The wartime Rinso packet had instructions for how to use for laundry and dishwashing.

Knight’s Castille, Palmolive, Pears, Fairy, Sunlight, Imperial leather, Carbolic, Lifebuoy, Coal tar, Pit Head

Bath soap if your father was a miner, were the types I grew up with. To imagine my parents and grandparents having to go without what we regard as basic cleaning products and five inches of water in your bath for the whole family a week, makes me glad I didn’t have to live through those times.

Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more

Heritage of Bakewell

MAY 2024

UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS

Anyone who has ever visited a stately home will have seen the way aristocratic families lived during the 18th and early 19th century. Wandering round, we can only imagine ourselves living in the lap of such luxury. Weekend parties, evening soirees in drawing rooms adorned with hand painted wall coverings and golden framed mirrors, all illuminated by glistening chandeliers. We see ourselves dining at the grand polished tables, nibbling delicately prepared meals served by smartly dressed servants. We could sip wines carefully poured from cut glass decanters into the rows of exquisite crystal glasses set at each place. We can stroll through endless bedrooms and imagine lying back on pillows as breakfast is served on a tray, knowing that soon our maids and valets will come to help us dress.

Whilst the country houses were owned and run by the wealthy aristocrats of the day, their families were completely outnumbered by the vast number of staff needed to run the estates. As ‘Lords of the Manor,’ it was their responsibility to care for the grand houses and gardens, the stables, the outbuildings, estate land, farms and farmers and most importantly the livelihood of the people who worked for them.

So, as we wander, picturing days gone by and dream of living in such grand surroundings we should realise that the majority of us would not be those enjoying such things. It

is more than likely we would be the ones cleaning, setting fires, polishing shoes, mending clothes, cooking and serving, working in the grounds or the stable. We would be ‘below stairs.’ Below stairs was where all the work in these grand houses took place.

The Earl of Lichfield was known to employ 107 servants at Shugborough Hall near Stafford, the Duke of Westminster had over 300 indoor and outdoor servants and at Welbeck Abbey, near Worksop, the 5th Duke of Portland employed 38 kitchen servants alone.

Houses such as those mentioned were run like a military operation. Servants had to use the back stairs so they could move around the house without being seen by family or guests. Servants must always be invisible. Servants ate once the family had been served and finished their meal and then only when the Butler and Housekeeper came to the table could mealtime begin. The Butler and Housekeeper were in charge, their word was law.

The Butler supervised the male servants, which could include an under butler, valets, chauffeur and footmen. The Housekeeper supervised the maids. There were ladies’ maids, who dressed the women of the house, parlourmaids who took care of service in the family rooms and housemaids who would do the cleaning and polishing work around the house. Housemaids had to get up as early as 5.30am to light all the fires in the house. Even below stairs, servants maintained a distinct hierarchy amongst themselves. Cook held a special place. Though answerable to the Housekeeper, the cook ruled her own domain. She would be in charge of an army of kitchen maids, scullery maids and stillroom maids. Anyone who has ever

seen Downton Abbey will know how poor Mrs Patmore is worn to a frazzle during most episodes with constant

In Bakewell Old House Museum, we have a number of interesting examples of kitchen paraphernalia, typical of that used in a Victorian Kitchen. Small moulds that were used to shape ices or other delicacies for the table, butter pats and gingerbread presses, with intricate patterns and cutters for sweetmeats. We even have a wonderful, sectioned spice tin which, when full of exotic spices and herbs, would have been so precious it had to be locked away, by the Butler, for safe keeping.

We will be open and happy to welcome you from 25th March 2024. And don’t forget our popular group tours of the town, tours of the museum and ghost tours are all available as are museum tours for schools. Please see the website for opening hours and prices. Alternatively contact the museum to book or for details of tours.

NATURE NOTES FROM THE PEAK DISTRICT

AS SPRING ARRIVES THE GARDEN BIRDS STILL COME

From autumn into late winter the garden visiting birds have grown in numbers and diversity. Then, a few weeks ago as the first warmth seemed to arrive, many of the birds reduced. Night-time temperatures make a big difference because if it is very cold then small birds burn up body fat. This needs to be replenished the following day and as a matter of urgency – if they don’t refuel then small birds die. Indeed, this is why our garden feeders become so important in wintertime. However, a couple of cooler nights brought the numbers back up and whilst the titmice (blue, great, and coal tits) have never got back to the highs of a couple of months ago, the finches in particular have been doing very well. Usually, a winter visitor I think the siskins may be stopping to breed locally, with several still on my feeders at any one time. They are joined by greenfinches, bullfinches, chaffinches, and goldfinches, all of which will, it seems, breed in or around the garden.

Jackdaws have returned to nest in a neighbour’s chimney stack, and the local carrion crows have a nest and territory in a nearby woodland. Both species are coming to the garden to feast on the hanging fat-balls. Also in the wood, a chiffchaff started singing in late March almost like somebody just threw a switch and the song ‘chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff’ started up. This is not to be confused with the bi-syllabic, repeated ‘seesaw’ of the local great tits. Another loud and insistent call is that of the nuthatches that hold territory and occasionally come to the feeders. At this time of year, the repeated ‘chwit-chwit’ and the loud, ‘kee-kee-kee’ are

very distinctive. Much of the bird activity is now settled on establishing a breeding territory whilst attracting and protecting a suitable mate. But levels of activity will carry on growing as summer-breeding migrants pour in from April onwards. As always, the period from May to August promises to be a very busy time for the songbirds of the Peak District!

Along with new arrivals from the south, many of our winter birds will have departed northwards to their own breeding grounds. This may be the far north of Britain or else back into northern Europe or even Iceland. This is a time of great change, and for birds such as the starling for instance, our winter population includes gatherings of hundreds of thousands or even up to a million birds. Some of these breed locally but many head back across Europe for the summer. In Russia for instance, the return of the starling is viewed as a harbinger of springtime, very much as we await the coming of the swallow back from Africa. Even our population of winter blackbirds mixes those which reside here and breed locally, and a big influx of continental birds from across the North Sea. Of course, once all this movement is settled and the birds have bred, then it will all start over again for the next winter period.

JACKDAW

MALE BULLFINCH

MALE SISKIN

CARRION CROW

BLUE TIT

NEW developments planned inc:

❀ a new entrance and layout

❀ a new ecommerce website

❀ a new large indoor building which will increase the choices and range that will be on offer

❀ various customer workshops which will be bookable online or in store.

Hope Valley Garden Centre is one of the oldest garden centres in the country and was established by Clifford Proctor in 1947. The centre has recently been run by Emma Proctor who has entrusted us with the running of the Garden Centre. Hope Road, Bamford, Hope Valley, S33

Gardener’s Calendar

Top Tip:

May is such a brilliant time in the garden. Time to plant out, sow for later in the summer, take cuttings to give you more plants for free. It can’t get any better than this.

It’s also a good time to prune forsythia to keep a bright bushy shape and plenty of blossom next year.

Tender plants which have been started off indoors can be hardened off now – take them outside during the day and bring under cover at night for a few days then they won’t be shocked into slower growth. You also need to be careful with baskets and containers. They can be planted up as soon as it feels like the frosts are over but have a couple of rolls of fleece handy if it feels like it’s going to be a cold night. If you’ve got seedlings growing in rows or pots thin them out once they’ve got a couple of proper leaves (ie not the little leaves that emerge as they start to grow). This way they’re less likely to suffer from fungus and they have a better chance of flourishing if they’re not having to fight for space.

Watch out for bright red lily beetles. They can attack fritillaries as well as lilies and will very quickly decimate your plants.

You can keep on sowing bright summer annuals in beds – they’ll give you bright colour around the end of July and August when bare patches start to show.

Feed your daffs and tulips with a liquid fertiliser now to encourage a good strong display next year.

Hope valley garden centre is the only garden centre in the area.