The Derbyshire Guardian Issue 24

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 1.

www.derbyshireguardian.co.uk

45p Where Sold

What’s On - Page 18 | Healthy Living - Page 28 | Business - Page 36 | Motoring - Page 50 | Golf Holidays - Page 56

• Bale Crocker • Rowan Dartington • Unified Perspective • The Miller Partnership

p.36

The bridge circa 1980, showing signs of decay.

Breadsall and Ilkeston. Friar Gate station became popular as a point of departure for the Victorians to head for the east coast and seaside holidays in Skegness.

The street of Friar Gate was, however, a very desirable residence, and the bridge was ornately designed to appease those

Friar Gate Bridge today, in need of some TLC. Derby’s historic Grade II listed Friar Gate Bridge could be restored if a bid for lottery funding is successful. Derby City Council have announced plans to bid for up to £900,000 of lottery cash to restore the structure that has become ‘a disgrace’ according to Alan Grimadell, chairman of Derby Civic Society.

The council’s cabinet member responsible for regeneration, Cllr Martin Rawson, said the council would be applying to the Herit-

age Lottery Fund early next year.

“I think it would be a high-profile project for the lottery fund and that it would stand a really good chance of success,” said Cllr Rawson.

Mr Grimadell was unhappy that the bridge had been allowed to deteriorate into its present condition. “It’s important to the people

of Derby and should never have been left in this state,” he said, adding “The top of the bridge is full of weeds and trees. It’s a disgrace.”

If successful, the lottery money would be used to refurbish the bridge to its former glory, but the cost of tree clearance and drainage work could push the cost up to £1 million. It has been suggested that the public could have access to the bridge, with possibly a carriage restaurant placed on the

bridge.

Friar Gate Bridge was built to carry the western extension of the Great Northern Railway through Derby, by local engineer Andrew Handyside & Co, in 1878. The railway carried traffic from Burton to Ilkeston before connecting to the Great Northern mainline which ran from London to York.

The railway entered Derby, from the west, through Mickleover to an extensive goods yard local to the, now derelict, Friar Gate Wharf building at an elevated level. The four-platform station was accessed, by stairs, on the west side of Friar Gate. From Friar Gate the railway was carried east by the bridge and a long-demolished series of brick arches, across Agard Street, towards

The bridge has two spans side-by-side.

BUEMI CONFIRMS EARLY PROMISE P62.

opposed to the railway. The decoration included one of the historic symbols of the town, the Buck In The Park. The bridge is, actually, two identical bridges, one each for the up and down lines and Bud Flanagan said it was the inspiration for the popular Flanagan and Allen song Underneath The Arches written by Flanagan on a visit to Derby in 1927.

The final passenger train left Friar Gate for Nottingham at 10.10am on Saturday 5th September 1964, with the station officially closed two days later. The line closed to freight traffic on 4th September 1967 and the bridge soon began to show signs of decay. An action group began lobbying in the 1970s for restoration work on the bridge and in 1985 British Rail sold the structure to Derby City Council for £1 on the understanding that the council would maintain it. English Heritage have declared the Grade II listed bridge to be of “national importance”.

Safety netting was added to the bridge in 2010 as a precautionary measure to prevent debris falling onto pedestrians or motorists, although Cllr Rawson did confirm that a structural survey had shown no issues for concern.

“Structurally the bridge is sound,” he said. “The council has maintained that over the years, but I would like to go further and attract the funds to make it look the part as well.”

O’Christmas Me, O’Christmas Me Page 2. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

7 in 10 people will buy from Three UK, showed that peo- ber, people will star in a series of themselves a gift to open ple will fork out as much as £143 far-fetched, hilarious scenarios on themselves and just £35 on a this Christmas Day People will spend £143 on themselves, but just £35 on their friends, according to research from Three UK Three has published a regional self-gifting league table, showing which cities spend the most on themselves this Christmas Three launches the CalendarMe app as a homage to the wave of self-gifters hitting the high-streets this December The app sees people star in a self-indulgent 2015 calendar, where their face features each month, in a series of silly scenarios 10,000 free personalised CalendarMe copies will be delivered to homes across the country in time for Christmas ‘Tis the season of giving. That’s unless you’re part of the festive self-gifting craze hitting the UK, with 7 in 10 people admitting to treating themselves to gifts this December. The new research

– appearing as a buff personal trainer, burly firefighter or bikiniclad beach babe, by simply uploading an image of their face to the online app. They’ll be guided through the process by Three’s stylist Marcel, who will provide hints and tips on striking the perfect pose, to perfect their celebrity-style calendars.

Lianne Norry, Director of Brand and Marketing Comms from Three, added: “The CalendarMe app follows hot on the heels of our hugely popular Sing It Kitty app, which launched earlier this year, proving the power of silly shareable content. CalendarMe is all about people having fun and getting into the Christmas spirit, whilst tapping into the current

friend.

In a nod to the nation’s selfindulgent tendencies, Three has launched CalendarMe, an app which allows people to create a 2015 calendar featuring none other than themselves, each and every month.

A regional breakdown of selfgifters revealed that people from Scotland have not only expensive tastes, but also self-indulgent tendencies, ranking first when it comes to spending on themselves this Christmas, averaging at £79 per gift.

Londoners were close behind at £70 per gift, and at the other end of the spectrum, it was discovered that those from Liverpool and Manchester are the most frugal when it comes to self-gifting, spending only £44 on themselves in December.

trend for people buying themselves, as well as their loved ones, gifts for Christmas. Not only did our own sales data show a clear trend for self-gifting, with people buying phones and tablets as a treat in December, but our research clearly showed that this is the case across the high street.”

Anyone looking to feature in their own calendar can do so by visiting www.three. co.uk/CalendarMe. Once you’ve created your calendar using the CalendarMe app, you can share with your friends on social media and also enter a prize draw to win one of 10,000 calendars, which will be delivered to homes across the country in time for Christmas, for people to send to friends or to proudly hang on their own wall.

Share your calendar on Twitter using #CalendarMe.

The biggest self-gifters revealed: From January through to Decem-

Dolly Char Derby

Hi, my name is Pauline Doherty, and I manage Dolly Char in the Derby area.

During my last 2 years with the company my main focus has been to create a really great team of caring cleaners, mostly ladies with a mature outlook who understand the needs of our clients.

visit all clients and cleaner/carers in their own homes.

All of our cleaner/carers must have at least two recent verifiable references and be able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of their ability to do a job that will ensure our clients satisfaction.

Before I took this demanding job on, I was myself a carer and cleaner for over 15 years, being lastly a cleaning lady for Dolly Char, and have found this experience extremely valuable in my choice of cleaners and carers.

I am very pleased and proud to state that since becoming manager of Dolly Char Derby, we have gone from 35 clientsto over 140 clients in 2 years. It has been very hard work, but I have enjoyed every minute of it. Of course in that time there have been problems to solve as in any business, but that is one of the main functions of the job, to smooth out problems.

If you are looking for some help around your house, be it cleaning, ironing, laundry or shopping, or know of a friend or relative who could use a little help, please feel free to call me on my FREEPHONE number for a friendly chat Freephone 0800 028 1657

We try to understand what a client needs, weather it is plain efficient cleaning, ironing, shopping help or sometimes a friendly help around the house, including daily call- ins.

This philosophy has ensured many of our clients and cleaners have been together over long periods of time, due to a culture of trust and mutual respect.

We consider the personnel touch a very important aspect, and with this in mind, I

LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU, PAULINE.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 3.

Marco Pierre White, the famed celebrity chef and restaurateur, is to open a new venue in Kegworth, Leicestershire.

KEGWORTH TO GET £0.25m boost MARCO PIERRE for Saving Lives WHITE RESTAURANT Helipad Appeal

Located at the BEST WESTERN PREMIER Yew Lodge Hotel on Packington Hill, the new restaurant will be a Marco’s New York Italian.

With 134 covers, the venue is expected to open in April 2015 and will serve Marco’s take on American-Italian food.

Nottingham Hospitals Charity’s Saving Lives Helipad Appeal has received a funding boost to the tune of £250,000 from the County Air Ambulance HELP Appeal.

Launched in July 2014, the Saving Lives Helipad Appeal is raising £3 million to build an onsite helipad at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC), so that criticallyinjured patients can be transferred to the East Midlands Major Trauma Centre more quickly than current arrangements allow.

News on the restaurant’s opening follows a deal between Black & White Franchising and the hotel’s owner, who will run the new restaurant under a franchise agreement. Work to convert the existing restaurant and bar areas will start in the New Year.

Once open visitors will be able to choose from a selection of fresh pastas, steaks, seafood, burgers and handmade pizzas. The restaurant will replicate the hustle and bustle of a classic New York Italian restaurant, appealing to those looking for a relaxed, fun place to eat that has tel is popular with a range of customers includthe added attraction of having the provenance ing business people, families, holiday makers traveling from the airport and race fans going to of Marco Pierre White. the famous Donington circuit.

Located just two miles from East Midlands Airport, Donington Park is also close by while those traveling by train can use East Midlands Parkway. Equidistant to Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, Loughborough is just down the A6.

“The Yew Lodge is also popular with those living in the local area whether it’s for special occasions or a meal out and this new restaurant will only go to increase the overall appeal of the venue.

Yvonne Hyde, hotel manager at the hotel said: “This announcement is great news and will “The presence of a Marco Pierre White restaurant will bring an exciting vibe to the hotel and strengthen the appeal of the hotel. will sit well with those looking to do business “Sitting at the heart of Kegworth village, the ho- in a relaxed setting as well as visitors taking in the many attractions that are on our doorstep.”

Black and White Franchising has partnered with Marco Pierre White to roll out two of his restaurant brands: Steakhouse Bar & Grill and Marco’s New York Italian with the Kegworth restaurant be the 15th venue to sign a franchise agreement.

Owner and Chairman, Nick Taplin, commented on this new deal: “The idea behind this restaurant is to create an environment where people can sit and enjoy their life, where diners can have a good time and enjoy traditional Italian favourites at any time of the day.

“This new restaurant is all about providing a place where people can go for some good, wholesome food and a nice bottle of wine in a relaxed, affordable and friendly setting.

“We want people to come here and make their visit as formal or informal, expensive or inexpensive as they wish. If a group of friends or work colleagues want a bite to eat then this is the place. Equally, business people wanting somewhere to take clients will find this the perfect venue.

“People who go out to eat and spend their hard earned money deserve excellent service and good food at a price that is affordable. The dining experience is not just about the food. The customer wants to be entertained so the atmosphere has to be right and service is key.”

“That’s what Marco’s New York Italian is all about.”

For further information please visit www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk

outside the boating community to come and do.”

Mr Neff added that the development will also create an employment opportunity within the local community. “Since we first opened we have created around fifty jobs going to people from the local area. The new development will create about seventy new jobs, particularly for young people.”

A new leisure and shopping centre has been opened at Mercia Marina, between Willington and Findern and it is hoped the £1.7 million development will attract more tourists to the area. The Boardwalk, opened in October, includes a farm shop, fashion stores, beauty salon and a restaurant with more shops are expected to open before

Christmas. Robert Neff, general manager of Mercia Marina is hoping the new development will attract interest from outside the boating community: “We are aiming to create a unique visitor destination in South Derbyshire,” he said. “We want to celebrate South Derbyshire and make this something really special. There will now be more for visitors from

The HELP (Helicopter Emergency Landing Pads) Appeal supports the building and updating of helipads around the country, so that all Major Trauma Centres and key A&E hospitals can have their own helipads in the future. And the £0.25 million donation is just the first in a series of pledged donations that they’re planning to make towards the Saving Lives Helipad Appeal.

Currently, patients being taken to QMC by air ambulance have to complete their journey by road, which can take up to 20 minutes. Having a dedicated, onsite helipad will reduce this transfer time to less than 5 minutes, getting the most seriously-injured patients from across the region directly to the Major Trauma Centre where specialist teams are available, 24/7, to save lives.

‘Major trauma can happen to anyone, at any time,’ comments Barbara Cathcart, Chief Executive of Nottingham Hospitals Charity. ‘In an emergency, fast access to treatment is vital to give the patient a fighting chance – and you never know when you or someone close to you might be the one in need.’

To find out more about Nottingham Hospitals Charity and the Saving Lives Helipad Appeal or to make a donation, please visit www.nottinghamhospitalscharity.org.uk or call 0115 962 7905.

Mercia Marina opened in September 2008, on the site of a former aggregates quarry, surrounded by another 50 acres of countryside with dog-walking fields, a wildlife lake and holiday home development. In building the marina, twelve islands, or promontories’ were added to the natural contours of the lake

thus creating a green oasis for people and wildlife alike. This was enhanced by a £85,000 planting scheme, featuring wildflower banks, reed beds, semi-mature trees and native plants. The marina layout is that of a series of small marinas with berths for nearly 600 boats, joined by wide expanses of open water. Conservation has been an important aspect of the marina development, for which they have won awards.

The striking new Boardwalk project has taken four years to complete, including ten months of building work and includes four office units on the upper floor together with an outside events area outside and berthing for s ix commercial boats.

A stroll along the promenade offers extensive views across the marina.

There is also a new sensory garden and several nature and wildlife trails.

Mr Neff is hoping the new Boardwalk will see visitor numbers double to around 300,000. “A lot of people may never have been here before, but now is the time to see what we have,” he said.

“South Derbyshire is a beautiful area but it gets ignored, so we are trying our hardest to promote South Derbyshire.”

Page 4. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Dogs Trust CEO, Adrian Burder, says: “Stray dog numbers in the UK are unacceptably high, but we know that in the last year microchips have helped local authorities alone to reunite 10,084 dogs with their owners. We would urge all dog owners to take up our free chipping offer to help increase the likelihood of their dog being returned to them if they stray. If your dog is found without a microchip, or with incorrect contact details, they could be left open to an uncertain fate in a Council pound where kennel space and funding is stretched.”

150,000 DOGS IN THE EAST MIDLANDS REMAIN UNCHIPPED, REVEALS DOGS TRUST People’s Postcode Lottery steps in help ping at its 20 rehoming centres for all dogs to fund the charity’s microchipping cam- and through special chipping events taking paign to keep dogs and their owners to- place across the UK. gether Since 1999, Dogs Trust has chipped over Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare 700,000 dogs. Recent research shows that charity, has announced ambitious targets to approximately 150,000 dogs in the East Midoffer free microchipping for all dogs thanks lands remain unchipped whilst 1,870,000 to its biggest award to date raised thanks to dogs across the UK as a whole are without players of People’s Postcode Lottery. a microchip. With an estimated 8.9million dogs in the UK and 24% of households now In advance of microchipping becoming com- owning a dog, Dogs Trust hopes to be able to pulsory for dogs across England in April chip as many dogs as possible.

2016, Dogs Trust is offering free microchip-

“The funding of £175,000 from players of People’s Postcode Lottery will not only help to ensure that more dogs can benefit from free microchipping, but will also go towards the wider care of over 17,000 stray and abandoned dogs at Dogs Trust every year.”

Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, Clara Govier, says: “To date players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised over £53.8million for charities and good causes. Dogs Trust works at the heart of communities to advance the welfare of dogs through rehoming and wide reaching educational programmes and we are delighted to be supporting their vital work across the country.”

To find out about Dogs Trust’s free chipping events please visit www.chipmydog.org.uk for details.

PET GIFTS SOAR IN DEMAND AS TWO THIRDS OF BRITS BUY A CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR A PET Overview of survey results: · 65% will buy a pet a Christmas gift · 64% of those will spend at least £10 · 27% will spend up to £30

London, UK – Wednesday, 10th December 2014 – A recent survey by Wayfair.co.uk reveals nearly two thirds of Brits will buy a pet a Christmas present this year. Whether it’s their pet or not, 62% of the 1,528 people surveyed, will include their furry friends in the gifting rounds, with the majority of people spending at least £10 – as much as the average Secret Santa budget.

“As a nation of animal and pet-lovers, it’s no wonder the majority of us plan on buying a pet a Christmas present this year”, said Simon Cliffe, Associate Director of Merchandising, Wayfair.co.uk “Whether it’s a new bed or a scratching post, pet products are hugely popular during the festive season. For many of us, our pets are integral members of the family, they’re our best friends and companions, so treating them with a Christmas gift is our way or showing them we love them.”

Over half of disabled pensioners in the East Midlands never go online Over half (56% - around 220,000) of the pensioners living in the East Midlands who struggle with basic aspects of living independently also never go online. The figures present new challenges for local authorities who will have new duties to provide advice and support to these people once the Care Act comes into effect in April 2015.

The figures are taken from research carried out by Independent Age and the Strategic Society Centre which analyses data on the 65+ population in England from the Census, Department for Work and Pensions, the Health and Social Care Information Centre and the English Longitudinal Study on Ageing (2011 – 2013). It aims to help councils and care providers get ready for the Care Act, under which they will have to offer more help to older people and their carers. This will include providing them with information and advice relating to care and support.

Many cash-strapped local authorities plan to fulfil these duties by providing advice and information on the web. But given the low level of internet use among the people the Care Act aims to help, it’s clear that councils will not be able to meet the new demands through online strategies alone.

Janet Morrison, Chief Executive at Independent Age, said, “This vulnerable group of older people are far less likely to use the internet than the 65+ population in general. Given these findings, it’s clear that local authorities need to fully understand their population and cater for them properly. This will mean looking further than just the cost-effective option of providing advice and information online.

It also raises questions about whether local authorities can manage this alone.”

Independent Age and the Strategic Society Centre recommend that if local authorities are to fully meet their duties, they should continue to develop and empower organisations and providers at a local level who seek to connect individuals with services and support available locally.

James Lloyd, Director of the Strategic Society Centre, said, “Councils need to be acting now if the promises of the Care Act are to be fulfilled, but national government also has to ensure that there is enough funding to properly implement it. These figures show the scale of the challenge facing local authorities if aspirations to support older people with prevention and information contained in the Care Act are to be achieved.”

For older people who would like to find out more about getting online, Independent Age provides a range of free guides.

Wise Guide: Advice for Later Life, and Wise Guide: Healthy, Happy, Connected both contain tips about getting online.

The books are available to download at www.independentage.org or can be ordered by calling Freephone 0800 319 6611.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 5.

Page 6. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Clare Walker

CONSULTANCY Clare Walker Consultancy says ‘NO MORE’ to domestic abuse as 1 in 4 women and offers training or consultation for either agencies or individuals, whatever your needs might be Clare Walker Consultancy will do their best to meet them.

Clare Walker Consultancy says #NoMore to domestic abuse! 275,000 children & young people live with domestic abuse a year - every year.

CWC trains professionals in how to identify & work effectively with victims. Thats why CWC is saying #NoMore Two women a week are murdered by their current or former partner in the UK. From the 1st Jan 2014 until 22nd Nov 2014 there were actually 133 women murdered by men in the UK As stated by Karen Ingala-Smith of Counting Dead Women project, Karen has been counting since Jan 2012 when she noted 3 women were murdered between Jan 1st & Jan 3rd 2012. 750,000 children & young people live with domestic abuse every year. An estimated minimum of 50% of those children will go into adulthood with undiagnosed & untreated PTSD. CWC strives to affect change in how we view & respond to domestic abuse, not just here in the UK but globally too. Because of those values this is why CWC is so busy, offering training or Consultation to professionals of all backgrounds and roles across the UK but more specifically here in the Midlands. CWC offers information, tools & resources available on the website www.clarewalkerconsultancy.com. Although there is a focus on getting the messages there to the professionals, CWC isn’t churlish enough to believe victims or perpetrators can’t be professionals too. So at CWC they work on a take what you need basis as far as what is available.

Online is where a lot of the campaigning activities happen, via the monthly blog & the plethora of social media now available. Additionally CWC gets others informed & involved as they travelling around the country delivering training. Domestic abuse is a global issue across all stratifications of our societies, so that’s a lot more work to do.

There is no stopping CWC in getting the word ‘out there’ since the company began in 2011. Lots of opportunities have arisen, including an Effects On The Children conference, women’s stand-up as part of Leicester Comedy Dave, awareness raising sessions in schools, bespoke Safeguarding packages for specialist teams, working with immigration lawyers clients, teachings in Universities and

now looking at requests to take some of these tools overseas in the future.

Clare herself was previously a victim of domestic abuse, more than 20 years ago right here in the Peak District. Her experiences then, formed the pathway into her future career and where she is now. Eventually in 2000 Clare started working in various social care settings. In 2003 she attended the Freedom Programme facilitators training; this is a domestic abuse educational model – its learning outcomes for whichever sector or setting we are in, are applicable and huge. The Freedom Programme gives a much clearer understanding as to what is going on in an abusive relationship, whether we’re an adult or a child, a victim or a perpetrator and of course to professionals working with those families. The Freedom Programme is based on Human Behaviour so is able to dispel myth and dismiss the plethora of excuses given & accepted by society. Because Clare knew the value of the Freedom Programme to victims in particular but also to better improve professionals understanding of a victims position, she knew she had to offer it locally.

On returning from her facilitator training, Clare set up the first Freedom Programme support group for female victims in 2003 – with great success. The group met every Tuesday 12-2 from 2003 til 2011, when Clare left the organisation. In 2006 the funding was lost, so Clare took the License training of the Freedom Programme which enabled her to train professionals & the fee she charged them, paid for the womens Freedom Programme support group to continue.

Clare’s passion is what drives her forward and that’s what shines through for those who attend her events. She has carried that, into the growth & development of her extremely diverse organisation. Clare is determined to make others aware of domestic abuse, Clare stated, “… when I was a victim of domestic abuse, I didn’t know that is what was going on, as the victim, I was least equipped to try to makes sense of it all. On top of which the professionals, especially those in relation to homelessness & the safe house I was put in, had less than humane approaches to their ‘supporting’ roles.”

Clare goes on to say, “Although I

didn’t know what was going on at the time, I did know that at some point I needed to return to those services to ensure other women weren’t suffering the same oppressive & cold practices that I did, back then” Hence the mission to improve professionals understanding & practices when working with domestic abuse victims, via CWC she strives fourth with a vengeance. Aside of the training, Consultancy, awareness raising & campaigning, as part of her role within CWC, Clare also works in voluntary capacities with an aim to change those practices & bust those myths. Clare is a panel member for the East Midlands Crown Prosecution Service, for their various Scrutiny Panels. She also sits on the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board Trainers Network, & is President Elect with Rotary.

Heres couple of testimonials from those who have attended CWC’s Freedom Programme training events: “Excellent – all Health Visitor team members/ Children’s Centre teams/ Social Work teams, need this training.’ While an Independent Counsellor said, ‘This was really useful for my own knowledge & selfdevelopment & how I can integrate it back into practice” Health Visitor “I would suggest to friends and colleagues who work with families and young people, that they attend Freedom Programme training, in order to be more knowledgeable when dealing with DV. It is far more informative than any DV awareness Ive attended. I learnt so much more on this course and feel much more confident.” Family Support Manager Clare Walker Consultancy has dates available for 2015, so far in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Birmingham, Northamptonshire. This training is now certified by the Continuing Professional Development system too! To book yours, go to www.freedomprogramme.co.uk For more information on the various training packages or to discuss your organisations needs in the Midlands or beyond contact Clare: www.clarewalkerconsultancy.com Twitter:@clarewalker3 Facebook LinkedIn Yo u T u b e clare@clarewalkerconsultancy.com

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 7.

Page 8. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

VODAFONE BRINGS ULTRAFAST 4G TO DERBY Vodafone UK has started to roll out its ultrafast 4G* in Derby this week.

The arrival of Vodafone 4G in Derby means all customers on Vodafone’s Red 4G plans will be able to connect to the internet more quickly, more reliably and in more places than ever before. Ultrafast 4G services will also help businesses improve productivity by enabling employees to work where they want to, when they want to.

The arrival of ultrafast 4G also brings Vodafone customers the ability to take advantage of a wide range of entertainment content whether at home or on the go, offering music, sport, movies and TV through Vodafone’s leading

content partnerships**.

Vodafone has now extended its unbeatable 4G coverage to 376 larger cities, towns and districts as well as thousands of smaller communities across the UK. Vodafone plans to provide coverage using 2G, 3G or 4G services to 98% of the UK population.

The rollout of 4G services is part of the £1 billion Vodafone is spending on across its network and services in the UK this year.

It follows the nationwide provision of HD (High Definition) Voice technology and the Vodafone Rural Open Sure Signal programme aimed at giving 100 remote communities across the UK 3G coverage for the first time.

RPA PAYS 20,000 MIDLANDS FARMERS £260M IN SPS 2014 The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has paid 20,296 farmers from the Midlands £260,786,357 in the first two weeks of the 2014 Single Payment Scheme (SPS) payment window.

The news comes as the RPA reports it broke last year’s performance record on the SPS by making more payments than ever before on the first banking day of the payment window - meeting its end of December targets four weeks ahead of schedule.

Nationally, the RPA had paid 97,661 customers a total of £1.39bn in the first week, which is equivalent to 96 per cent of eligible claims and 92.7 per cent of the estimated fund value for SPS 2014.

RPA Planning and Performance Director John Carter said: “This performance shows just how far we have come in our drive to be-

come a trusted, efficient and effective organisation and I want to thank our people and our industry partners who worked so hard to achieve this outcome.

“It delivers on our Business Plan pledge to continue offering the best service possible to farmers by maintaining our high performance, whilst preparing to deliver on new CAP policies and a new rural payments system next year.

“If farmers want to be paid as early as possible next year, then I would urge them to register on the new rural payments online service as soon as invited to do so. That’s because for this, the first year of Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), there will be lots to do as we gather new information and ask farmers to check that the details we hold are still correct. Once all their details are correct on our new online service it will be a lot quicker to apply in future years.”

THE MONARCH FOUNDATION HELPS CHARITY MAKE WISHES COME TRUE

The Monarch Foundation is helping children’s charity When you wish upon a Star make Christmas magical for children suffering from life threatening illnesses with a visit to see Santa in Lapland.

When you wish upon a Star is a small charity whose primary aim is to grant Wishes and makes dreams come true for children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. It is one of The Monarch Foundation’s ten chosen charities and has a long standing association with Monarch Airlines, which has partnered to provide Santa flights to Rovaniemi in Lapland for more than ten years.

This year almost 800 children and family members visited Lapland with When you wish upon a Star on flights operated by Monarch. Three flights left the UK in December bound for Santa’s home, from Humberside, East Midlands and Prestwick.

Sight charity to explore stories of soldiers blinded in First Word War A Derbyshire charity, which is celebrating its centenary this year, has been awarded £9,700 by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a project that explores the impact of the First World War on the blind community.

Sight Support Derbyshire (formerly Derbyshire Association of the Blind) was established in 1914 and soon became a vital source of support for returning soldiers readjusting to life with sight problems or permanent blindness. A century later, the organisation is still working to improve the lives of people with sight loss throughout Derbyshire.

The ‘100 years and still serving’ project will mark both the centenary of the organisation and the War. Visually impaired children and older people will explore the stories of the returning soldiers through museum visits and by using audio books and tactile objects.

The project will culminate with

the creation of a piece of art ine the links between war and or sculpture which will tour impairment as part of Disability around Derbyshire.

History Month (22 November – 22 December). The annual Claire Winfield, CEO at Sight event this year looks at the Support Derbyshire, said: “We impact and treatment of newly are delighted to have been disabled people following the awarded the grant in this, our First World War and other concentenary year. The original flicts since. idea behind the charity was to support blind and visually Vanessa Harbar, Head of HLF impaired children who were East Midlands, said: “This is missing out on education, but a fascinating project which the First World War changed will shed light on the unexthe emphasis because of the plored story of how soldiers need to help returning injured readjusted to living with visual soldiers. impairments after the War. The changes in society’s un“The project is a great opportu- derstanding of sight problems, nity for our older and younger and the creation of support members to come together and networks such as Sight Suprecord our history and the im- port, are just some of the ways pact of the War on our organi- that the War still impacts on us sation’s development. We are today.” looking forward to working with local museums and community The project is set to begin in groups to ensure that blind and January 2015. visually impaired people can access World War One collections and use that information in their research.”

The announcement comes as groups across the UK exam-

All children have wishes but for these children and their families that Wish is so precious. Each Wish brings with it the opportunity to look forward to something very special, to forget about their often painful treatments and to simply be a child for the day, creating special treasured memories. For so many their Wish is to meet Santa and for those children, their Wish has been granted this year.

Each and every child got to meet Father Christmas. It was the most incredibly moving experience to see the magic and amazement in their eyes as they looked up at the big man with kind, blue eyes and a long, white beard as he peered down at them and smiled.

Many Christmas lists were exchanged and memories made.

For these incredibly brave and courageous children it meant the chance to simply be a child for the day escaping their illness for just one day in the comfort that the team of doctors and paramedics were right there should they need them, making the whole experience possible.

Monarch delivered everyone safely home, this time a quieter flight with many happy, sleepy, smiling little faces dreaming of their wonderful day when they played in the Magical Forest and met Father Christmas.

Pauline Prow, Chair of the Mon-

arch Foundation commented: “Monarch is proud to work in partnership with When you wish upon a Star and to make the journey to Lapland that extra bit special. It is a privilege to be able to help these remarkable children live their dreams for a short time and we really look forward to our time with them each year. It is an inspiration to all the Monarch teams involved.”

When you wish upon a Star relies solely on the generous donations and monies raised from its supporters, without which they would not be able to continue granting the Wishes of these very brave and courageous children.

The Monarch Group supports the charity through The Monarch Foundation. For more information on the work of When you wish upon a Star please visit the website www.whenyouwishuponastar.org.uk

Arriving at the airport for the Santa flights, the children were greeted by friendly Monarch staff dressed in festive outfits, announcing the Santa Express over the tannoy. The magic continued on-board with festive jokes and sing songs until the plane arrived in Lapland, where there were sleigh rides through the Magical Forest and treats around the glowing fire, with fireworks lighting up the sky above the forest.

Police and council team up to tackle ASB in an Alfreton park

Derbyshire officers have teamed up with Amber Valley Borough Council to target recent incidents of vandalism in Riddings Park, Alfreton.

Over recent weeks, three of the pathway lighting columns have been damaged and there have also been reports of unknown youths setting fire to bins on the park.

Officers will be carrying out patrols in the area at key times alongside council staff to identify those taking part in anti-social behaviour. Park rangers will also be speaking to people to address wider issues of littering and dog fouling.

Sergeant Dave Harrison of Am-

ber Valley Community Safety Partnership said: “Not only has the damage caused been costly for the council to repair but it is also unfair on to others who want to enjoy the park’s facilities during the day or evening.

“Police are stepping up both overt and covert patrols in the area over the coming weeks to identify and detain those responsible.

“We would encourage members of the public to report incidents of anti-social behaviour to us on 101 or through Crimestoppers anonymously.

“We will continue to work with the council to address these issues around anti-social behav-

iour by carrying out regular patrols and taking action against offenders.”

Councillor Isobel Harry, Amber Valley Cabinet Member for Community Safety for said: “Riddings Park is a much loved part of the area and it is used all year round by thousands of residents and visitors.

“We won’t stand by and let this thoughtless vandalism spoil what is a beautiful and cherished part of our borough.”

To reports anti-social behaviour call 101, the non-emergency number for Derbyshire police, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Have something that you would like to advertise?

Give the sales team a call on: 01332 650239 for a free quote

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 9.

Please quote reference code Heli102 when booking

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Age UK launches nationwide search for Digital Champion 2015 228,000 people in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have never been online Actress June Whitfield has joined Age UK in a nationwide search to find the Charity’s Digital Champion of the Year for 2015, with the aim of inspiring the 4.8 million older people who have never been online[ii], to give it a try. Latest figures from the Office of National Statistics show that in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, there are 228,000 people who have never logged on[iii].

Age UK is looking for an older person whose life has been changed for the better by learning to use digital technology, whether it’s finding long lost family members on Facebook, buying and selling on eBay, listening to music or keeping in touch with old friends via Skype. The aim of the search is to demonstrate how easy it can be to get to grips with technology and the benefits being ‘digital’ can offer.

Age UK ambassador June Whitfield CBE, who will be hosting the awards, said: “There are endless opportunities online that everyone should experience. One of the great advantages is being able to keep in contact with family members and friends no matter where they are. Age UK’s Digital Champion award is a fantastic way to celebrate some of the many people who have embraced all things digital and are shining examples to others. If you’re passionate about being online

and have a digital journey to share we want to hear from you!”

Recent studies have shown there has been a take up of Internet usage across all ages. However, there are still currently six million people in the UK who’ve never been online, with 80 per cent (4.8 million) of those aged 65 and over[iv]. In a recent survey[v], some of the main reasons cited by older people for not being online were that they didn’t need the Internet (58 per cent) and a lack of skills (21 per cent).

One of the previous winners of the award, chosen by judges including Stephen Fry, was Jan McCarthyTchamani, who is now urging people to put themselves forward to be the 2015 champion.

Jan, 57, was diagnosed with bipolar seven years ago and found a way of communicating online when she couldn’t talk to anyone. She said: “Being online has been life-saving for me: I joined an online forum, met some very kind and encouraging fellow-sufferers and was no longer alone. The Internet offers so much to everyone – whether it’s coping with an illness, learning new skills or saving money, everyone can benefit from being online.”

The Age UK Digital Champion of the Year and runners-up will become ambassadors for Age UK helping to inspire and support other older people across the nation to take that bold next step and get online.

Lucy Hastings, Lead for Digital Inclusion at Age UK, said: “Some people may not be initially interested in getting online but there literally is something for everyone, whether it be contact with long lost friends, listening to old music collections, reading the latest news, or buying a bargain and having it delivered to your door. Our Digital Champion of the Year award celebrates older people who have taken that leap and can be an inspiration to others.”

People aged 55+ can nominate themselves or be nominated. More information about entering can be found at www.ageuk.org/champion.

The competition closes 30th January 2015. The Awards will be presented on Friday 20 March at a ceremony in London.

Many Age UKs locally help thousands of people in later life gain skills and confidence to use the Internet. For more information about support to get online in your area call 0800 169 65 65 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/it.

RESIDENTS URGED TO PUT A FOOD BANK DONATION IN THEIR CHRISTMAS SHOP Residents are being urged to put a food donation on their Christmas shopping list as Derbyshire County Council continues to support people struggling to buy basic essentials.

The county council has stepped up its efforts to support food banks over the last year with increased funding to help them feed more people and appeals for volunteers and donations.

The council has just approved a further £70,000 to support Derbyshire’s network of 22 food banks as more people are relying on them for help.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Dave Allen said: “As people are thinking about the festive food shop we’re urging them to place a couple of extra items in their trolley to help people struggling to buy even the basic essentials this Christmas.

The move comes as the Government said it would ‘seriously’ consider the outcome of an inquiry into hunger in the UK by MPs and church leaders which found that many families are one unexpected bill away from financial crisis.

The rising cost of living, low incomes, delays or changes to benefits and excessive utility bills are among the issues blamed.

There are now three times as many food banks in Derbyshire as there were in 2012 and figures for one town centre branch show a 171% usage increase over that time.

“Hunger is now high on the national news agenda and something we’ve been increasingly concerned about in Derbyshire which is why we’ve continued to support local food banks over the past year.

“Lack of proper nutrition has a huge impact on people’s health and we want to do everything we can to support working people on low incomes and those in severe financial need. Even a small food donation could make all the differ-

ence to a local family this Christmas and we’re urging residents to give that simple gift.”

Food banks will be invited to bid for a share of the £70,000 county council funding which can be used for costs including premises, storage, transport, vehicles, running costs, recruitment, staff and volunteer training.

As part of its continuing work to support food banks the council is also supporting appeals to encourage local people to volunteer and to donate food and has set up more than 40 of its libraries, offices and other council buildings as food donation points.

Residents can find more information about local food banks including contact details and how to volunteer and donate at www. derbyshire.gov.uk/foodbanks.

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Pet Hates at Christmas New research unveiled by Tesco Bank today has found that 7 out of 10 pet owners are worried about their cat or dog eating something naughty over the festive period, yet 59% of them are feeding them something they shouldn’t unknowingly.

The survey found that despite pet owners worrying about visitors feeding their pets the wrong thing during the festive season (45%), a whopping 59% of dog owners have fed their dog cheese1, and 59% of cat owners have fed their cat tuna2. Perhaps more worryingly, 1 in 10 dog owners have fed their pet chocolate, which is toxic to dogs, and 19% of cat owners have fed their cat double cream, when they are naturally lactose intolerant.

Kerry Galbraith, Veterinary Nurse at vetfone, said; “These are fairly common mistakes from pet owners at Christmas time, as people like to include their pet in the festivities, which sometimes means feeding them food that

is meant for humans. However, our advice is not to feed dogs and cats human foods because unintentionally owners, thinking they are giving their pet a treat, can cause their pets to be ill or distressed. For example, gravy contains levels of salt that can cause diarrhoea and gastroenteritis, and Christmas pudding and mince pies have raisins in them, which can cause kidney failure in dogs.”

Karl Bedlow, Managing Director for Tesco Bank Insurance, said; “Our customers have told us they are worried about what their pets eat this Christmas, which is why we include the vetfone service in every pet insurance policy. With emergency vet visits costing upwards of £1503, pet owners will be pleased to hear that vetfone is open 24/7 – including on Christmas day – and they can provide advice on caring for your pet if they eat something they shouldn’t and become unwell. This service lets pet owners speak to a qualified RCVS veterinary nurse 24/7, without incurring any additional costs. We hope that the vetfone® service will help give our customers’ peace of mind over the festive season.”

Vetfone® is a 24/7 helpline that

provides expert advice from nurses qualified with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. The phone line provides advice about pets if they have a medical emergency, or just if the owner needs reassurance about grooming, feeding or general care advice.

Additionally, customers with a pet insurance policy can call about any animal they own – not just the one insured. Tesco Bank pet insurance customers get unlimited freephone access to vetfone® included as part of their policy.

Dogs are top at Christmas The research also found that Brits go pet crazy at Christmas, with 83% of pet owners buying their pet a Christmas present, and 34% of people buying themselves or another member of the household a present from their pet to add to their Christmas stocking.

However, dogs seem to be top at Christmas, as they are more likely to receive a gift than cats (86% vs 80%), twice as likely to have a Christmas outfit (16% vs 8%) and much more likely to receive clothes as a Christmas gift (15% vs 6%).

A Tesco Bank customer said; “Prior to owning a dog I thought buying gifts for and from a dog was totally pathetic. However, they very quickly stop being just a

Abbeyfield knits up new friendships for Christmas and beyond

Big Christmas Knit and Coping at Christmas campaigns weave together to offer companionship Older people up and down the UK are knitting up friendships this Christmas that will last long after the last strand of tinsel is taken down.

The Big Christmas Knit, organised by older people’s housing and care charity The Abbeyfield Society, isn’t just about making something cosy to wear over the winter months, but about creating companionship for lonely older people in the community.

Abbeyfield homes and houses across the country have set up ‘knit and natter’ clubs to welcome people into a warm, homely environment, where above the clatter of knitting needles the chatter of voices can be heard, as older people make friendships that will take them into the New Year and beyond.

Loneliness is a real blight on elderly people’s lives at any time of year but especially over the festive season. Nearly half of older people – 49% - say that the company of others would be one of the best gifts they could receive this Christmas. The figures, which Abbeyfield commissioned from YouGov, highlight the real-

ity of loneliness and isolation that so many older people face during what should be one of the happiest times of the year.

Abbeyfield is also aiming to combat the isolation and loneliness felt by millions of older people with its annual Coping at Christmas campaign.

Now in its fifth year, Coping at Christmas provides a lifeline of warmth and companionship to millions of older people who would otherwise be facing the prospect of spending the festive period alone.

Abbeyfield chief executive, Natasha Singarayer said: “At Abbeyfield, being part of the community has always been central to us, but at Christmas it becomes even more important to reach out.

“Our figures show that almost three million older people aren’t looking forward to Christmas while six in 10 people aged over 65 say Christmas is the hardest time to deal with the loss of family and friends.”

Coping at Christmas, which is being backed by singer, TV and radio presenter Aled Jones as this year’s campaign ambassador, will see Abbeyfield houses and homes across the country open up their

doors to offer free events, festive meals, overnight stays – and vitally, good company and friendship – to over-55s who are facing the prospect of spending Christmas alone.

There are now more over-60s in the UK than people aged under 18 and nearly half of Britain’s over-75s live alone. Loneliness is a very real problem that can cripple people’s quality of life.

Natasha said: “Abbeyfield absolutely believes that older people should not have to spend Christmas alone.

“Both the Big Christmas Knit and Coping at Christmas provide ways for Abbeyfield residents, volunteers and staff to offer warmth and companionship for lonely older people and simply to make time for them throughout the festive period and beyond.”

• The Abbeyfield Society’s Coping at Christmas campaign applies to people who are over 55 and will be alone over Christmas. To find out more about Coping at Christmas contact Abbeyfield on 01727 734 066.

dog, then just as quickly they stop being a pet, and before you can say ‘Christmas cracker’ they have become part of the family and you treat them as if they were exactly that!”

With 5 out of 10 customers signing their pet’s name on some or all of their annual cards, Tesco Bank Pet Insurance has decided to return the favour this year, by sending Tesco Bank pets a fes-

tive card. Included in the card will be £2.50 of vouchers to spend in the pet aisles, so owners don’t forget the furriest member of their family this Christmas.”

More information about Tesco Bank Pet Insurance and vetfone® can be found at; http://www. tescobank.com/insurance/petins/ vetfone.html

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ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS CHEESE

Have yourself a very merry cheesemas with a doesn’t make culinary sense to jump from saPilgrims Choice guide to the perfect cheese- voury to sweet and back. Plus, that way you get to eat cheese quicker! board.

It’s no secret that the perfect festive spread is DECK THE HALLS the way to your family and friend’s heart and no meal is complete without a cheeseboard to fin- - Decorate the board with some edible wild flowish off! ers, herbs or seasonal leaves Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or just a - Char-grilled vegetables, dried fruit, apples, choosy cheese lover, this guide will ensure your fruit cheeses and pickled walnuts work well with cheesy spread is top cheddar. almost all cheeses As experts in all things cheese, Pilgrims Choice is the perfect teacher to guide you in creating an amazing and memorable cheeseboard- consider it an early Christmas present!

- Traditional chutneys provide a scrumptious accompaniment to the cheese, but make sure the flavour isn’t too strong and one is usually enough

FESTIVE FLAVOUR

- Avoid over decorating with additional nibbles, you don’t want the cheese to be overshadowed

- Cheddare your guests to try something new by adding unusual cheeses. A spicy cheddar is guaranteed to get your guests talking

CHEESY WONDERLAND

- Make sure the cheeses are all around the - Position the cheese from mild to strong, let- same weight ting your guests know the scale. Serve similar amounts of each cheese - Serve the cheeses at room temperature – this allows the cheese to breathe and reach its full - In Britain the tradition is to serve cheese after flavour dessert but in actual fact we’re muddling up our taste buds - Offer a range of textures and tastes by choosing different types of cheeses - Serve your cheeseboard before dessert as it

THE RED COW DEL ALLESTREE BOYS The Red Cow in Allestree has been at the very heart of the community for hundreds of years and is firmly established as a favourite with both locals and ramblers alike.

food service times and it will also be open from noon until 6pm on Christmas Day for those who want to escape from the house for a seasonal drink or two.

It is a family-friendly pub with a reputation for its warm atmosphere, friendly staff, high quality food and extensive range of drinks. Generations of Allestree residents have used The Red Cow for weddings, christenings and birthdays.

For both Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day the pub is open and serving food as usual

It is a traditional no-fuss traditional Derbyshire coaching inn where quality beers, great food (served from noon until 10pm) and friendly banter are always at the fore and it has a function room which can be hired for a range of activities.

Christmas and New Year are always busy times for pubs and this is particularly so at The Red Cow where staff go the extra mile to ensure that customers have an enjoyable time.

This time of year just wouldn’t be the same without a visit to The Red Cow and with their great value festive menus and fantastic food, there is plenty to celebrate.

The pub is open as usual on Christmas Eve with the usual

Bookings are still being taken for the special Red Cow £13 Celebration Menus for Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day where you can indulge in 3 delicious courses for just £13.

The special menus have been designed to put a little added sizzle into your Christmas and make his holiday season extra special for you, your friends and your loved ones.

There are always four wellkept cask ales at The Red Cow, cracking deals on food and drink, regular events, offers and, of course Sky Sports for all the holiday and New Year’s sporting fixtures.

For more information about the pub and what it has to offer then check out its website at www.theredcowallestree. co.uk/

Del Boys (DB) was born of passion, a passion for vaping, a passion for low prices and a passion for the best service, and this still remains the backbone of our store today!

Del Boys (DB) has been trading since 2012 and is already highly rated in derbyshire & the online community.

We were established with a mission to provide the best quality nicotine fluids, electronic cigarettes and the best possible customer service and support.

We build long-term relationships, we do not flit from supplier to supplier and we demand and assure both quality and consistency by working closely with all our suppliers and building strong inter-dependent relationships that build further the assurance of quality.

Vaping and the products we and other vendors sell are transforming the centuries old habit of millions.

We intend to be here supporting our customers and fighting for the rights of Vapers internationally whenever rights and freedom of choice are threatened. It is in these matters that our principles are again called to action. We will never allow for our commercial interests to override our basic responsibilities to do the right thing for our customers. This is how we hold ourselves to account each and every day.

We look forward to meeting you in our journey to help people make the correct choice!

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What makes getting married on a yacht Special?

IMAGINE being immersed in the beauty of the mountains, ocean and beautiful Cyprus skyline.

Our Wedding Yachts are the only yachts of their kind in Cyprus, purposely built to be able to offer something special with luxury at affordable prices. Our yachts hold up to 150 guests with a choice of six yachts to choose from, depending on the town you are staying in here in Cyprus. Each yacht has its own individual design, lighting, music and seating for dinner offering something that is private and intimate which is hard to find nowadays.

Each yacht is decorated based on your colour scheme and the yachts can be used as both a cruising and unique dockside venue, although wedding ceremonies, to abide by the law, have to be docked in the harbour whilst the marriage takes place.

Why not Exchange vows with the sky as your ceiling and the sun setting o n the horizon? Our Wedding Ceremonies are one of a kind, complete with unobstructed 360 views of the shoreline. All our Wedding Yachts can be customized according to your venue needs and wedding style. Take your first steps into your life together surrounded by the perfect combination of unique elegance and scenic beauty.

Wedding Receptions are the perfect unique reception venue, our Wedding Yachts are the most exclusive and

unique reception venues all over Cyprus, complete with customizable set ups and personal colour choice decoration. Choose to mix and mingle with your family and friends with a cocktail style venue, or enjoy a seated buffet or gourmet plated style affair. The options for your reception are endless aboard Our Wedding Yachts.

Our Sea Star yacht with its new design for 2014 has an additional flying bridge enhancing the yacht into a different league. A spot light stage added, now caters for 130 seating for dinner plus another 50 persons on the main deck. Amazing underwater amphibian lighting systems... it is all about lights on board the Sea Star!

Say your “I dos” surrounded by stunning scenery or dance the night away under the stars on our yachts. Enhance your wedding reception by having a ray of fireworks, dancing show, and even stay on board the evening in our prestige honeymoon suite.

Make your Wedding a moment to truly remember, that dream wedding is not far away, so email info@ exclusiveyachtweddings.com We also offer hen and stag pwarties, renewal of vows, blessings by the Captain. Our prices start from as little as €699, why not let us assist you in your personal bespoke wedding, our Professional Team await you. www.exclusiveyachtweddings.com

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Frankfurt Christmas Market 2014

The Frankfurt Christmas Market and Craft Market taking place in Birmingham City Centre is now a regular feature as the market returns again for its 14th successive year for another round of Christmas festivities.

With around 200 stalls it is the largest outdoor market in the country (which attracted over 5 million visitors in 2013) and is often described as ‘Bigger than Berlin’s’. Rows of traditional wooden huts selling everything from festive hand-made tree decorations, crystals lamps, jewelry, trinkets and hand-made toys (which are certain to empty the pockets of parents!) snake through the streets of Birmingham from the Bullring towards Victoria Square where large crowds can be found shuffling from one hut to the next.

Of course one can’t visit the markets without indulging in some of the traditionally German treats to satisfy your taste buds, from schnitzels, doughnuts, pretzels, stollen, knoblauch-

litres of weissbeer to mulled cider and gluhwein or tasty hot chocolates are amongst the options to quench even the largest thirst.

If the vast crowds aren’t your thing but you still want to enjoy the festivities in a more relaxed atmosphere it is recommended that you avoid the busy evenings and opt for one of the less cramped weekday mornings. It is recommended to make a weekend of the markets to take everything in.

This year the outdoor ice skating rink returns in front of the Birmingham Repertory until the brot and enough sweets to leave you with a 4th of January if you fancy a christmas skate! poorly tummy for weeks to come, as well as more bratwurst than you can shake a stick at, One thing is for certain, if you’re not in the one thing is certain if you’re leaving without mood for christmas yet, the illuminated huts a bustling belly you must be doing something lining the streets of Birmingham, and the sizzling smell of bratwurst in the city air is more wrong! than enough to turn even the biggest scrooge If you need something to wash down these into a festive reveller! delights your choices are plentiful, from the

A great place to base yourself for the festivities would be Hotel La Tour, located on Albert Street just off park street in Birmingham Centre, located just a 10 minute walk away from the market and other major attractions such as the Bullring, and conveniently located for easy access to the train station.

With luxury 4 star rooms available it makes for the perfect retreat to relax after the hustle and bustle of a busy day shopping and enjoying a gluhwein (or two!) at the markets.

If you’re not too full from too much traditional German Bratwurst the La Tour Grill - a brasserie-style restaurant is available on-site with a great menu on offer which is a sure-fire way to get your mouth watering, one visit to the La Tour Grill will certainly be a memorable one.

If you’re interested in a stay just visit www. hotel-latour.co.uk or call 0121 718 8000 for more information

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 19.

Focus on progress at third NSA Central Region Winter Fair The third NSA Central Region Winter Fair will be held at Bakewell Agricultural Centre on 29th January 2015.

‘Helping sheep farmers move forward’ is the day’s theme, and one which is reflected throughout its busy schedule of events of attractions.

A line-up of expert speakers will deliver an exciting seminar programme, addressing some of the hottest topics in sheep farming. DEFRA’s Terry Gurnhill will join Shearwell Data Ltd on a discussion panel on recording and reporting, while Nicola Dodd of Eblex will explore possibilities for

expanding the domestic lamb market. Seminars on blow-fly control and managing farms under environment schemes will offer practical advice that visitors can take back to their own businesses.

There will be plenty to see outside the seminar room too, with a range of indoor and outdoor trade and breed society stands and a packed competition schedule. The 2015/16 NSA Young Shepherd of the Year Competition will kick off at the event, with contestants showing off practical skills to entertain the crowds. Teams of budding shepherds will also

go head to head in the Junior Shepherd Competition, while a photography competition and a Schools Wool Challenge will highlight creativity in the sheep industry.

Event organiser Anne Payne says: “This year’s Winter Fair is set to be the best yet, and promises to be a worthwhile and informative event.”

Entry is free to NSA members, agricultural students, international visitors and under 16s, and £5 to non-members.

For more information, visit www.nationalsheep.org.uk/ crwf or contact Anne Payne on 01142 883241.

Step out in the East Midlands for the Ramblers’ Festival of Winter Walks People in the East Midlands are being invited to step out with the Ramblers during its annual Festival of Winter Walks and leave footprints in the snow as they explore the area’s beautiful wintry landscapes.

Ramblers groups will be leading hundreds of free walks from 20 December 2014 until 4 January 2015. From short festive strolls passing carol singers and Christmas markets to heartier rambles to walk off the mince pies and kick-start new year’s resolutions, there’s something for everyone in the East Midlands to enjoy.

The Festival of Winter Walks also caters for anyone preferring to step out at their own leisure. People can download a walk from Ramblers Routes, an online library of Britain’s best walks, and head out for their own winter wander with family and friends. There are hundreds of routes throughout Great Britain for everyone to enjoy, and hundreds more for Ramblers members.

Ramblers chief executive Benedict Southworth said: “Walking is great at any time of the year, we’re spoiled by our dramatic coastlines, rolling hills and stunning views, but there’s nothing quite like wrapping up warm and heading out with family and friends to explore Britain at its wintry best.

“Our walks during the festival are free, fun and open to everyone, so put on your hat and scarf and join us as we head out into the crisp, clear winter to enjoy the season the way we know best, on our feet.”

Walking for Health, England’s largest network of health walk schemes, run by the Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support, will also be leading short, free walks across England during the festival.

Step out with the Ramblers on one of the following free winter wanders in the East Midlands during the Festival of Winter Walks:

Collingham, Notts Date: Sunday 21 December 2014 Start time: 10am Distance: 11.5 miles Description: A good level walk around the reserves and lagoons of this lovely part of the Trent Valley. Bring a picnic lunch with you.

Starting point: Collingham Village Green Group: Vale of Belvoir Pleasley and Radmanthwaite Date: Sunday 21 December 2014 Start time: 11am Distance: 4 miles Description: A short walk along a disused mineral line through Pleasley Vale before heading towards Mansfield Woodhouse and across fields back to the start. There will be a short refreshment stop part way round.

Starting point: The car park of the Nags Head, Pleasley Village, NG19 7PA Group: Mansfield & Sherwood Walking Group Boxing Day Breather Date: Friday 26 December 2014 Start time: 10am Distance: 5 miles Description: A leisurely morning meander through parts of Sunny Side, Moulton Park, Spinney Hill and Bradlaugh Fields.

Starting point: Eastern Avenue South, Kingsthorpe, Northampton. There is ample on-road parking just south of junction (mini-roundabout) with Kingland Avenue Group: Northampton Frisby on the Wreake, Leics Date: Sunday 28 December 2014 Start time: 10am

Distance: 6 miles Description: Enjoy this leisurely walk over field paths and across Priory Water Nature Reserve to Kirby Bellars church, then up to Asfordby and back.

Starting point: Main Street, near Church Street Group: Vale of Belvoir Circular morning walk from Gaddesby Date: Tuesday 30 December 2014 Start time: 10am Distance: 6 miles Description: Blow away the cobwebs with a moderately paced circular walk with an optional lunch in a pub at the end.

Starting point: The Cheney Arms Group: Leicester New Year’s Eve walk Date: Wednesday 31 December 2014 Start time: 10am Distance: 11 miles Description: Join the Derbyshire Dales Ramblers for this winter walk around Bonsall, Wensley and Winster.

Starting point: Bonsall Village Hall Nearest postcode: DE4 2AA Group: Derbyshire Dales Moderately paced all day walk from Cropston Date: Sunday 4 January 2015 Start time: 10.20am Distance: 10 miles Description: This is a moderately paced all-day walk with a stop for refreshments at a pub. Bring a packed lunch.

Starting point: Causeway Lane, Cropston Group: Leicester If you’d prefer to walk at your own leisure, why not try the following routes:

Aylestone Riverside Ramble Length: 3.2 miles Walking time: 1 hour 30 minutes Difficulty: Leisurely Starting point: Evesham Road, off Narborough Road, Leicester Description: Enjoy this surprisingly wildlife-rich wander in a flood plain of the River Soar. The route is never far from heavily built up areas but you will feel as though you are miles from anywhere.

Dale Abbey to Stanton-by-Dale and Ockbrook Length: 9.2 miles Walking time: 4 hours 35 minutes Difficulty: Moderate Starting point: Lay-by near Dale Abbey Description: Tucked in between the industrial areas of Derby and the Erewash Valley, this undulating and varied route takes in three interesting and picturesque villages, and gives far-reaching views all round.

Derby, Derbyshire Length: 3.3 miles

Walking time: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy Starting point: Market Place, Derby Description: This return walk gives you a real sense of Derby’s industrial past, as well as an insight into its surprising wealth of green spaces. Head upstream along the historic River Derwent from Derby city centre to Darley Abbey.

Carvers Rocks, Derbyshire Length: 7.4 miles Walking time: 3 hours 42 minutes Difficulty: Moderate Starting point: Ticknall car park Description: An interesting circular walk from the lovely village of Ticknall to Carver’s Rocks, taking in Foremark Reservoir and the course of the old Ticknall Tramway, including its tunnels and the old limestone workings that the tramway served.

For further information about the Festival of Winter Walks and to browse the festive walks or routes on offer, visit www.ramblers.org.uk/winterwalks.

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Derby Christmas Arts and Craft fair

If you’re looking for some unique gifts for family and friends this Christmas, or just fancy a really tasty treat, then look no further than the Christmas Arts and Craft fair, currently on in the Market Place opposite the Derby Christmas Ice Rink.

Support local crafters at this small and cosy (if not slightly chilly!) outdoor arts and craft fair this December, with an array of Christmas decorations, candles, bags, wooden roses and the odd tasty treat, there’s sure to be something to tempt you down on a winter’s day!

Open every day from 10am* *not all craft stalls are there on all days

Have an event that you would like to advertise?

Give the sales team a call on: 01332 650239 for a free quote

Christmas at Derby LIVE LIVE festive entertainment every Sat

Christmas Arts & Craft Fair Fri 28 Nov - Mon 5 Jan £6.50 - £8.50

BOX OFFICE

Wed 3 - Sun 21 Dec FREE entry

Thu 11 - Sun 28 Dec £10.25 - £12.25

01332 255800 | derbylive.co.uk |

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 21.

Page 22. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Outside In

The Studios Gallery is delighted to present “Outside In”, an exhibition of works by artist Maggie Hargreaves. Using drawing, print, sculpture and installation the exhibition explores the constantly shifting space where we interact with the natural world we inhabit.

Opening with a preview on Thursday 11th December, 6.308.30pm at The Studios Gallery, New Mills, the exhibition runs till Friday 16th January 2015.

After working as a Research Biologist, Maggie Hargreaves studied Fine Art at Bolton University gaining a BA (1st class) in Fine Art in 2011. She has exhibited throughout the UK and is the 2014 winner of the John Ruskin Prize for Drawing.

Sinfonia Viva

Milton Jones

Derby Cathedral

Guildhall Theatre

Sat 10 Jan Tickets: £20

Mon 26 Jan Tickets: £13.25

Running Time: 1 hour 40 minutes approximate, including any interval(s).

Running Time: 2 hours - approximate, including any interval(s).

Maggie says, “I am interested in the way we perceive the natural world and how we respond when we come into contact with it. In our busy lives, increasing reliance on indirect experience of our surroundings through TV, consoles and cinema alters the way we treat what’s actually there.”

‘Outside In’ brings together immersive charcoal drawings with etchings, in which Maggie considers how we deal with our natural environment, physically, socially and culturally. In all the works the photographic origins are unmistakable, whilst evidence of the artist’s processes blurs boundaries and challenges our understanding of what is real and what is fictional.

In the larger drawings the viewer is invited to believe in the spaces and scenes through scale and the level of ‘almost reality’ achieved. The artifice of their construction is made evident in revealing gestural processes and materiality, creating an unsettling state of vacillation in the viewer between the drawing space and the gallery space.

More info: New Mills – 20mins direct from Manchester Piccadilly or 40mins from Sheffield.

Opening hours during exhibitions: Thursday 11am - 7pm Friday 11am - 4pm or by appointment tel: Lyn Bannister +44 7753842861

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 23.

Page 24. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 25.

VULCAN XH558 HANGAR TOURS Not many people know that one of Britain’s most popular Cold War icons is open to the public at its home in Doncaster, Yorkshire. Visitors of all ages can visit the last airworthy Avro Vulcan, XH558, in the modernised World War II hangar from which she operated during much of the Cold War. Guests can marvel at the sheer size of her delta wings, stand below the open bomb bay doors and even peer up the crew ladder into the cockpit.

Vulcan XH558 is owned by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, a charity that depends on public support to maintain her and to fly her at air shows across the UK. XH558 returned to the air in 2007 following one of the world’s most challenging restoration programmes and has become an air show phenomenon.

In order to ensure that everybody has the opportunity to admire Vulcan XH558 in the flesh, guests can now visit the world’s only flying Vulcan at her operational hangar for a fascinating tour that will take all visitors back to the nail-biting tension of the Cold War. To mark the fall of the Berlin Wall and the anniversary of the Cold War, Vulcan XH558 and her crew organised a tour of ten of the most prominent former RAF V-Force stations, dipping her delta wings to salute the unsung heroes of the Cold War. The Vulcan to

the Sky Trust also celebrated the many Falklands Conflict. The tours are host- giant delta profile. The tour guides will flying a paper Vulcan and many other British engineers whose successes ed by the Trust’s knowledgeable tour also explain the growing collection of proven techniques for reinforcing learnincluded putting the Vulcan prototype guides, providing a direct and personal Vulcan and Cold War artefacts, which ing in a memorable and stimulating enin the air just eleven years include original Falklands vironment. after the first flight of her preConflict planning documents decessor the Avro Lancaster, and equipment used by Vul- The History commemorated earlier in the can officers to monitor enemy The Avro Vulcan’s original design brief season by the famous “Three naval activity. was issued by the Ministry of Defence Avro Sisters” flight over the in 1947 and the aircraft flew for the first planned International Bomber Guests can also join XH558 time on August 30th 1952, just eleven Command Centre. for technical visits, which years after the first flight of its predecombine the privileged ac- cessor, the Avro Lancaster. The Vulcan When she’s not gracing the cess of the VIP Tours with the was labelled the Cold War peacekeepskies, XH558 has received detailed insight and experi- er until the aircraft flew into combat more visitors in 2014 than ence of one of the charity’s during the Falklands Conflict in 1982. in any previous year; so far, two most senior technical During a marathon 8,000 mile flight almost 15,000 guests have managers. Visitors can ask supported by eleven Victor tankers, visited XH558 and children questions about their expe- Squadron Leader Martin Withers and of all ages left her hangar rience helping to maintain his crew released the bombs over Port inspired by the excitement of Vulcans in service, about Stanley Airport that prevented Argentiengineering and aviation. The the remarkable challenges na operating its Mirage III fighters from winter is always a fascinatthat they overcame during the island and initiated the campaign ing time in the hangar, where the return-to-flight and, more that recaptured the Falklands. Just the aircraft is prepared for recently, during the wing two years later, the remaining Vulcans service with inspection panmodification that successfully were withdrawn from service. els and major systems being extended her flying life. Eduremoved and then returned cation is at the heart of the You can keep up-to-date with the latest after Christmas. There are 13 Vulcan to the Sky Trust’s ob- news from the Vulcan to the Sky Trust tour options available, with jectives and to help inspire a by visiting Facebook at facebook/com/ something special for all levnew generation of engineers, VulcanXH558 and Twitter at @XH558. els of knowledge. insight into the aircraft’s incredible his- the Trust provides tailored visits to To choose your tour, please visit vulGuests are invited to enter the hangar tory. Those who choose a VIP Tour ex- meet the specific educational require- cantothesky.org. in which XH558 is maintained, where perience, with a group of no more than ments of all educational groups. Pupils the tour will begin with a presentation six people, will receive a higher level of and students can tour the aircraft beon the Avro Vulcan and both its design access, climbing the stairs to the engi- fore participating in a range of activities and role within the Cold War and the neering office to look down on XH558’s that may include quizzes, building and

Page 26. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 27.

DERBY BISTROT OFFERS CHRISTMAS HELP TO CUSTOMERS

With Christmas fast upon us, Steve Robinson, Head Chef at Derby’s Bistrot Pierre, has compiled a list of suggestions and tips for customers keen to emulate a typical French Christmas.

“We get a lot of questions from customers wanting suggestions for alternatives to turkey” says Steve, “and I’d always suggest Coq Au Vin. It’s pretty special and great if there are only two of you.”

COQ AU VIN Braised chicken with red wine, wild mushrooms, bacon lardons, baby onions and thyme Serves 4 Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 2.5 hours Method:

1. Rub salt all over the legs and marinate them over night in a shallow tray with thyme, sliced garlic and red wine 2. The next day fry the rest of the garlic, bacon, herbs, onions and vegetables in a deep ovenproof pot until lightly browned 3. Add the marinated chicken, wine and chicken stock then cover the pot and place in the oven for 90 minutes at 160°C 4. Let it cool slightly then strain off the stock for sauce 5. Bring stock to the boil and reduce until the sauce thickens slightly and lightly coats the back of a spoon 6. Place the chicken legs (skin up), vegetables and sauce into a shallow tray and ï¬ï¿½nish in a hot oven until chicken skin starts to crisp 7. To serve, place the vegetables from the sauce at the bottom, rest the chicken leg on top and baste with more sauce

Ingredients:

4 chicken legs (280-340g) 500ml red wine 180g smoked bacon lardons 200g button mushrooms 200g carrots 200g silverskin onions 100g celery 2 bay leaves 600ml chicken stock 20g whole peeled garlic cloves Sprig of rosemary Sprig of thyme 30g unsalted butter 60ml vegetable oil

“Coq Au Vin is perfect for anyone worried about cooking turkey” he continues, “but turkey is not difficult to cook and it’s easy to avoid it drying out if you follow a few rules: Create a bed for the turkey in the roasting pan. Carrots, parsnips and onions help to raise the bird and allow for an even roast as well as add juices.

Stuff the turkey with a good moist stuffing. The juice from the stuffing will penetrate the bird from the interior and help prevent drying.

Stuff the turkey under the skin. This protects the meat from drying out too much and keeps it moist whilst flavouring it.

Cook on a high heat for the first 20 minutes. This will allow the skin to brown on the outside and lock in the juices.”

“And if anyone in the family is vegetarian they can have a great festive meal too, try cooking them a special honey-glazed goat’s cheese on toasted brioche with sundried tomato and balsamic dressing.”

Bistrot Pierre’s festive £16.95 set lunch menu is available throughout December and includes Rump steak with roasted garlic and green herb butter; ‘Les Landes’ duck leg confit with a cassoulet of smoked bacon and Coq au vin with red wine and wild mushrooms. The Bistrot is offering a £20 voucher incentive (for use in Jan/Feb) for party organiser’s of tables of eight or more.

HONEY-ROASTED GOAT’S CHEESE Served on toasted brioche with sun-blushed tomatoes, rocket and balsamic Serves 4 Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 5 minutes

360g goats log 40g clear honey 4 slices of Brioche loaf 150g sun-blushed tomatoes 60ml balsamic vinegar 40ml extra virgin olive oil 10g flat leaf parsley 60g lettuce rocket / roquette arugula 40ml house dressing

Method:

1 Dice the tomatoes wedges (1 into 2 or 3) and add balsamic, olive oil, parsley, salt and pepper and lightly mix it with a spoon, ensuring not to mash the tomatoes 2 Drizzle the goat’s cheese with honey and put under the grill until brown 3 To assemble: place the dressed rocket leaves on top of the brioche in the middle of the plate 4 Rest the warm goat’s cheese on the rocket and spoon the dressing around

Have an event that you House Dressing would like to advertise?

Preparation time: 30 minutes Serves 4

Give the sales team a call on: 01332 650239 for a free quote

Ingredients:

Method:

1. Mix together all the ingredients except the oils and seasoning, in a clean and dry steel bowl 2. With a whisk slowly add both the oils (mix together) to the mixture ensuring the dressing has been mixed thoroughly 3. The dressing should be emulsified evenly and quickly, so that the oil and vinegar doesn’t separate.

Ingredients:

3ml Dijon mustard 3ml wholegrain mustard 20ml white wine vinegar 10ml extra virgin olive oil 50ml vegetable oil 0.5g garlic cloves whole peeled 2g parsley flat 4ml medium dry white wine

Page 28. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

5 ways to keep arthritis at bay during the cold snap Winter can be full of seasonal delights, including comfy nights spent in front of the fire with a favourite film and walks in the crisp, fresh air. However, there can be a downside for the millions of UK arthritis sufferers who find that their condition worsens as the weather gets colder.

Taking just three Litozin+ capsules or one sachet every day is proven to help ease the discomfort and swelling of painful joints and therefore increase mobility.

Additionally, the experts at Litozin+ have come up with five top tips to help keep arthritis under control during the cold weather.

1. Keep active It can be really tempting to hi-

keep the heat in.

3. Maintain moisture levels The most important thing is to try to keep the moisture level of your home or workplace the same.

Dehumidifiers are great at keeping dampness at bay.

4. Use ice and heat Putting ice on painful joints can bring inflammation down and heat will alleviate stiffness. Ice and heat are important tools in managing pain and inflammation

so warm baths and showers and ice packs are a good idea.

5. Keep hydrated People tend to skip drinking plenty of water in the winter months but this is still an important health tip. Liquids help to flush out any toxins that build up in your body and this can soothe arthritic joint pain. Litozin+ suggests ingesting plenty of hot beverages and wa-

ter in order to keep hydrated.

Michael Robinson, Managing Director of UK Distributor for Litozin+, commented: “The cold weather can have a really detrimental effect on arthritis sufferers increasing pain and discomfort and making movement difficult. By taking a daily dose of Litozin+ and following our tips,

people can minimise the impact that the drop in temperature can cause.”

Litozin+ is available from Holland & Barrett and Amazon and retails at £19.99 for the 90 capsule version and £29.99 for 30 drink sachets.

bernate as the temperature drops but keeping moving is the best way to avoid joint stiffness and mobility issues. Litozin+ helps people to manage arthritis pain helping to keep them mobile and active.

2. Wrap up warm Maintaining a good body temperature is crucial to making arthritis sufferers more comfortable. Litozin+ recommends wearing lots of layers of warm clothes and thermal underwear which will help to

RESIDENTS URGED TO HAVE THEIR SAY ABOUT PHARMACY SERVICES

Residents are being asked for their views about community pharmacy services as part of a Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council review.

The councils are working with the NHS to make sure current services meet local people’s needs and will use feedback to help plan future provision.

Residents will be asked for their views on a wide range of questions including: • Are you able to get to the chemist of your choice?

• What services would you like it to provide?

• Are you satisfied with the services it offers?

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Dave Allen said: “It’s important that we make sure the pharmacy services we currently offer in Derbyshire are meeting residents’ needs.

“The feedback we receive here will help shape the future of our local pharmacies which is why we’re keen to hear from as many people as possible.”

Councillor Allen is also chair of Derbyshire’s Health and Wellbeing Board which is responsible for the review.

Residents can find out more and take part in the consultation at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/pharmacyservices Paper copies of the questionnaire will also be available in all GP practices and local pharmacies and postal copies can be requested from senior public health manager Shirley Devine at shirley.devine@derbyshire.gov.uk or 01629 536190.

The consultation is now open and will run until Monday 5 January 2015.

Fat-busting beauty treatments which were once only available to the rich and famous, are now on offer right here in Derby.

Derby Advanced Beauty is run by Emma Queralto who uses the very latest hi-tech, non-invasive procedures to transform the lives of her clients.

The treatment she offers can see clients instantly lose two inches of fat in a procedure which is non-invasive,

totally safe, painless, stress-free and affordable.

The treatment feels like a gentle massage and the Lipo Angel Machine uses ultrasound to break down fat with instant visible results and no recovery time.

Emma, who has been working in the beauty industry since 2000, is such an expert at the technique that she regularly trains other business owners on how to use it.

She said: “It is not so long ago that only celebrities could have access to this sort of treatment but advances in technology means it is now open to all.

“With this amazing machine I can treat all of the face and body, targeted to the specific areas the client wants me to work on, and it really does work.

“I have had people tell me that

the treatment really has changed their lives and made them to from being really self-conscious to feeling great about their body once more.”

Emma is based at Derby City Centre’s popular Cathedral Quarter on the second floor of 49 Queen Street and she can also arrange mobile or home visits.

Right now she is offering a special course of two treatments for £100 - a saving of more than £50 on the normal price of £77 per treatment.

Emma can be contacted on 07968 942112 to book appointment or for more information about the range of treatments she offers.

Also check out her Facebook page where you will also find exclusive special offer and the chance to win free treatments https://www.facebook.com/ derbyadvancedbeauty

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 29.

DERBY & NOTTS CAMBRIDGE WEIGHT PLAN CONSULTANT HAS A RUNNER-UP AS INTERNATIONAL SLIMMER OF THE YEAR 2014!

On Saturday 15 November, Yjasmine Bowman, who lost a staggering 14st with Cambridge Weight Plan, narrowly missed being crowned International Slimmer of the Year at the Cambridge International Convention in the UK, just pipped at the post by a 17-year old teenager from Cyprus. The 1000 guests at the gala event voted for Yjasmine after seeing her incredible transformation and watching her very inspirational film ‘Cambridge is a girl’s best friend’ in which she danced and sang the praises of her weight plan to great effect!

Global Weight Management brand and is highly respected as an evidence-based brand, developed in the UK

30 years ago by Professor Without her support, I would Alan Howard.

Says still be a very unhappy and Yjasmine, ‘I owe it all to overweight diet failure’. my Consultant, Mandy Smith.

Yjasmine was competing against 18 other finalists from all over the world, who were representing their countries as slimmer’s of Cambridge Weight Plan. The brand is known as the world’s no 1

This is Yjasmine’s story I had struggled with my weight for many years, but when I married and had children the weight really started to pile on. I was always making bad food choices and eating at the wrong time of day. I was skipping breakfast and sometimes not eating at all until the afternoon, then having large meals late at night. I stopped attending events at my children’s school because I didn’t want them to feel embarrassed.

My family were becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of my weight on my health. My daughter even told me that she was scared that I would die because of my weight. I nervously went to my doctor to ask for help and was told that I was too young to be so overweight, that I would probably die if I didn’t do something about it soon. I was sent for a blood test, but the nurse couldn’t find a vein. She shook her head at me and said it was because of my size. I was told to come back a few days later when there was someone “more specialised in this type of blood test”. I left without having the blood test and felt so humiliated that I

never went back. In 2009, my very fit mum had a large brain aneurysm. Thankfully she survived, but she now needs full-time care. A couple of years later my nanna also had a brain aneurysm and sadly passed away. After looking at our family history we discovered that my greatgrandmother had also died of a brain aneurysm. After my nanna died, the doctor strongly advised my sisters and I to have a brain scan to check that we were not at risk. However, due to my size it was unlikely that I would fit into the scanner, so I couldn’t have the procedure to check.

I started to believe that there was a real possibility that I would die young and leave my children without a mum.

Yet I still couldn’t seem to get this part of my life under control.

The day I met Mandy (my Consultant) was a defining moment. I was ashamed that I had 90kg (14st 2lb) to lose and felt overwhelmed by the road ahead. Undeterred, Mandy looked me directly in the eye and said “You will do this”. There was no ‘might’ or ‘maybe’, it was 100% belief. Mandy to the time

to understand who I really was, what my dreams and struggles were. She met my family, becoming a confidante and friend. Eighteen months after meeting Mandy I had lost those 90kg (14st 2lb). I now do so much more with my children and they no longer have to worry that their mum is at risk of dying from something weightrelated. We do more as a family and enjoy being outdoors doing the things that I could never do before. I can shop anywhere I like and fit into any seat and seatbelt!

Most importantly, while no one knows what we will face ahead of us, I now plan for a long future, without any fear that I have disqualified myself from life. Oh, and by the way, I went for that CT scan and slid into the machine with plenty of room to spare. I also went to a different doctor who found that elusive vein and took some blood tests.

The doctor declared my brain healthy and complemented me on my outfit as I was leaving her office.

What a difference a year makes!

Page 30. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

LUCY MECKLENBURGH COLLABORATES WITH ELLESSE ITALIA THIRD COLLECTION - LAUNCHES DECEMBER 2014 -

Get on the road to weight loss!

In 2014 Ellesse cast Lucy Mecklenburgh in their BODY/WORKS advertising campaign. The choice of Lucy was a simple one based on her positive attitude towards a healthy and athletic lifestyle, combined with the public’s knowledge of her fun and bubbly character seen through the BAFTA award winning TV show ‘The Only Way Is Essex’.

The most recent campaign sees Lucy Mecklenburgh modeling for the Shop Direct range, retailers including very. co.uk and littlewoods.com.

The capsule range is comprised of 12 pieces, with all garments priced at under £22.00. The collection champions bright prints with all pieces made using high quality fabrics that adhere to athletic performance as well as style.

Having previously modeled the Ellesse ranges for Bank and Next, this is the third collection Lucy has collaborated with the brand on. The collaboration sees a release of four fitness classes in conjunction with the successful sports business Lucy runs, ‘Results with Lucy’.

At LighterLife we’re passionate about helping with LighterLife you’re getting the best quality people – it’s what we’re all about. Because food replacements on the market. And did we LighterLife isn’t something dreamt up by a tell you they taste great, too? group of marketeers; it’s the result of real women’s experiences of overeating and obesity.

Change your mindset, change your We started out over 20 years ago as a small family business, and founding directors Bar Hewlett and Jackie Cox still run the company today. From our first group meeting around a kitchen table in East London, we now have a nationwide network of trained LighterLife Counsellors in both the UK and Ireland, and we’re still true to our original values – helping people change their mindset and change their life.

life

LighterLife is the only weight-loss programme that encourages you to discover the real reasons why you overeat and gives you the chance to change things for good – by changing how you look at life. It’s interesting to see how our ground-breaking psychological approach, including techniques and tools from cognitive behavioural therapy, has gained kudos over the years as the world has gradually woken up to what we’ve always known – that Your health and wellness is our successful weight management is as much to passion do with what’s going on in your head as it is with At LighterLife, we totally understand the risks of what’s going into your mouth. being overweight and obese. That’s why we’ve developed a programme that helps you get the Credentials you can trust weight off as quickly and effectively as possible, We’re committed to following national and interand then helps you keep it off, so you can enjoy national standards, guidelines and best practhe health benefits that sustainable weight loss tice for weight loss, weight management and brings – for good. behavioural change to ensure the LighterLife Programme is the best it can be to help you live Two decades of research your lighter life. We don’t just talk the talk, we We’ve been researching weight loss and walk the walk – so find out who we’re walking weight management for over 20 years, with our (and working) with! evidence regularly published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at major obesity con- People with a passion for weight ferences around the world, so you can be sure management and wellness we’re bringing you scientifically-proven health There’s a fantastic team at our Central Office and wellbeing benefits that really do change supporting our Counsellor network to deliver lives. our life-changing LighterLife Programme. We all live and breathe LighterLife – it’s not hard Nutritious plans to be so passionate when you know that, whatAll our plans – from weight loss to weight man- ever your role, you’re helping to make an amazagement – utilise our nutritious food-replace- ing difference to so many lives. We also make ment Foodpacks. They’re each full of essential sure we have the very best experts and talent in nutrients for good health, including 28 key vi- every department – ranging from highly qualitamins and minerals, as well as being high in fied scientists and nutrionists to IT bods with protein and a good source of fibre, and we’re decades of experience of turning computers on continually developing them to make sure that and off again!

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 31.

Dumping My Excess Weight Raspberry Ketones My Name is Emily, and I am an editor at The Derbyshire Guardian this is “My Story” Why I Used Raspberry Ketones And the Science Behind it?

The human body normally stores fat around the body and burns it as energy whenever you need it. Unfortunately, my body had a little more fat than my body required more like an unwanted spare-tire. The quantity of food and calories I was eating determined just how much fat my body stored, which explains why exercise and dieting is easily the most frequent means of dumping excess weight. But I just did not have the time to add in a visit to the gym with my busy work schedule and family commitments? But how many of us have broken the “diet” we’re on because we couldn’t resist a dessert or some other treat? Many individuals turn to fat burners to assist them eliminate surplus belly fat. There are many supplements available on the market, but how did I choose Raspberry Ketones and how did I know they would be successful or safe?

Well after a little research I found out Raspberry Ketones are the compounds giving red raspberries (Rubus idaeus) their pleasant fragrance, and are carefully extracted from the fruit and marketed in the form of a supplement. According to my research Raspberry ketones are reportedly similar in construction to capsaicin (a natural compound found to transform fat metabolism in lots of preliminary studies). Advocates maintain the compounds help activate the breaking down of fat cells.

The ketones produced from red raspberries are considered to activate the generation of adiponectin, when consumed in considerable quantities. Adiponectin is a polypeptide hormone which is created from the fat cells found within your body’s fatty tissue. After creation, adiponectin is discharged in the cells in the bloodstream.

Once within the bloodstream it facilitates lipid metabolism and assists your body in processing glucose.

The issue is the folks who need to create the most adiponectin are usually those who produce the smallest amounts. The more adipose tissue

an individual has, the less adiponectin the cells will generate.

This makes it hard for overweight people to shed weight and may cause other medical issues, like diabetes and high blood sugar.

Dieters must find a method to raise their natural generation of adiponectin to dispose of excess weight.

This is the place where raspberry ketones are involved. These organic substances naturally stimulate the generation and release of adiponectin, even in persons with excessive adipose tissue. Besides causing weight loss, adiponectin functions as an agent in enhancing cholesterol levels, reducing blood pressure, and preventing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Ketones are not perfect just for dieters, but also for any person who would like to enhance their health.

“After being asked by my best friend to be a bridesmaid at her wedding I wanted to lose some excess weight, as this was a very special day for me and I wanted to look my best. It was an emotional time for me as I was struggling with my weight and really did have an issue with how i looked, even to the point of really being worried how I would look in the wedding photo’s. The stress of helping with the wedding planning was not helping me as I would find myself grabbing a lot of food I know I should not be eating but made me feel better. A friend recommended Raspberry Ketones to me and after reading the reviews online, and doing some research I decided to order their Raspberry Ketones. I took them as instructed and in 10 weeks I lost 19 lbs, this of course was an amazing result for me and eased a lot of the stress. Some weeks I would lose more than others, but in time for the wedding I was back down to the same weight I was when I was happy with my body. I was so proud to be at the wedding and to see my friend having the best day of her life and I am pretty sure everyone at the wedding was doing a double take of how good I looked.”

“I am sure there are many different stories regarding Raspberry Ketones and in my research

I have to say the majority I found were all positive, and more to the point after explaining the science behind the supplement above all I can do is give you my honest opinion based on my experience.

I am of course writing this to give our readers an informed and honest opinion on the product as Christmas and New Year are best known for lots of Drinking & Eating, thus putting us in a position of feeling guilty in the New Year and looking for a solution to shedding those extra pounds gained throughout the festive period.”

“I am sure that most people will be saying use a gym or go for a walk or a jog, well the reality is most of us find it hard to find the time or the motivation to do this. I chose to use Raspberry Ketones for this exact reason, it allowed me to live my life as I normally would without the stress of trying to find the time for a gym or a jog. “ “This is of course my personal experience and the supplements may not be for everybody, but as customer I can only give a positive review based on that experience.”

Written By Emily (Healthy Living Editor)

Raspberry Ketone Plus is available exclusively from Evolution Slimming and is priced at £19.99 for 1 month supply.

Visit www.Evolution-Slimming.com or call free on 0800 043 0434 for more information.

Page 32. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Not-for-profit healthcare organisation to partner with local Derbyshire School

Webs furniture Jason Scrivener training Manager, Frames Division, Webs Training

Mount St. Mary’s College invests in community health through new partnership with Welbeck House.

Nuffield Health

Mount St. Mary’s College in Spinkhill has today announced its decision to partner with not-for-profit healthcare organisation, Nuffield Health. The partnership will provide both students and the local community with access to a brand new, state-ofthe-art Sport and Fitness Centre at the site with a £105,000 investment from Nuffield Health.

Works have now begun on the Centre which will continue to be owned by the school with facilities managed by experts at Nuffield Health, who will oversee design and renovation work of the new facility. Once completed in January, the modern and functional workout space will provide users with access to cardiovascular machines, weights machines and free weights, helping users to improve their fitness and wellbeing.

Members will also be able to enjoy popular exercise classes such as spinning, personal training opportunities, a swimming pool and can make use of the school sports hall for activities such badminton and table tennis. Both the swimming pool and the sports hall can be hired by members and non-members, as can the newly-refurbished AstroTurf pitch and the grass football pitches, providing various opportunities for the local community to get fit and stay fit!

The new centre will open on 1st February 2015 with students and teachers having access to the facilities during the daytime and members of the local community being charged £28 per month for even-

ing and weekend access. Opening membership offers will be available from 10th January 2015.

Chris Harrison, Account Director, Nuffield Health says: “We are extremely pleased to be working with Dr Nicholas Cuddihy (Headmaster) and the team at Mount St Mary’s College to provide this opportunity for both the school and the local community. The school is providing an invaluable service through its Sports and Fitness Centre and we are keen to strengthen these relationships by providing new up to-date equipment, a busy class time table and expert support.”

Dr Nicholas Cuddihy, Headmaster at Mount St. Mary’s College says; “Choosing to work with Nuffield Health was an easy decision. Nuffield Health has a long history of delivering the highest level of service and support throughout its network of hospitals and Fitness & Wellbeing Centres across the UK. We are confident that this partnership will strengthen the way we deliver our curriculum and will encourage our students to find other ways to build confidence; make friends and thrive in education. This is a really exciting opportunity for us and for the people of Spinkhill and the surrounding areas and we hope to see many of you on launch day!”

For more information on the Mount St. Mary’s College Leisure Centre please contact: MSM@nuffieldhealth.com.

Manager Jason Scrivener shares a special bond with all the apprentices he takes on from Webs Training…it is where he started out at a young apprentice on his 16th birthday in June 1993.

Jason, 37, is in charge of 50 employees at the frames division of Welbeck House in Long Eaton, which manufactures furniture for Laura Ashley.

He began his own apprenticeship with Welbeck House straight from school when he was taken on as a apprentice frame assembler. This saw him learning his skills at the factory while attending Webs Training for one day a week.

At that time he was studying for a two-year NVQ course and he still remembers the piece of work he had to produce for his final exam - a magazine rack which is still used to this day.

After his training, he spent the next 12 years on the shop floor at Welbeck House, assembling frames for settees and chairs and there is no aspect of the business that he does not understand.

He was then promoted to frame shop supervisor and eight years ago he was appointed to his current position of manager for the frames division of the business.

Jason said: “The sad thing is that many young people do not even know about the apprenticeship opportunities which are out there and available to them.

“With the right training and the right mindset then the initial training in this industry could set people up with a career for life.

“We often struggle to get young people with the right skills into the industry and so apprenticeship schemes like those offered by Webs Training are absolutely invaluable.”

Jason works closely with Beeston-based Webs because he knows at first hand that the training they receive there will give them the vital skills they need to succeed.

Webs Training Limited has been one of the regions leading training providers delivering quality furniture manufacturing training for nearly 50 years. As a quality provider of apprenticeship and work based training, we work with local, regional and national employers to secure apprenticeship opportunities for young people aged 16-23. As employees, apprentices earn a wage from day one and work along-side experienced staff to gain job specific skills. With our new purpose built, state of the art workshops and classrooms and dedicated staff, we aim to support our learners to fulfil their full potential.

All apprentices are funded by the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and there is no charge to the apprentice for the course.

For employers with up to 1000 employees, and looking to recruit a 16-23 year old, you may qualify for a Government grant of £1500* (*conditions apply).

For young people aged 16-18 who are not quite ready to go into an apprenticeship, we offer the Ambitions Study Programme which will help to prepare young people for the world of work. The programme will provide learners with an opportunity to develop work related skills in the furniture industry, whilst working towards nationally recognised qualifications. The course runs over 3 days a week for 30 weeks and is supported by the Education Funding Agency (EFA)

WEBS Training Ltd The Poplars Wollaton Rd Beeston Nottingham. NG9 2PD Email: info@webstraining.com Telephone: 0115 9677771 Fax: 0115 9677772

He added: “It is not just the technical skills that people need to learn but also the right mental attitude to work, a pride in what they do and the concept of all working together as a team.

“Currently our order books are full and we are producing around 1,300 pieces a week so this is a very busy work environment indeed.”

Because Jason has worked his way way through the ranks, it means that he can turn his hand to helping out with production on the shop floor when needed.

He said: ”I am not someone who likes to be sitting behind a desk all day and I will spend a lot of time on the shop floor.

“It really is important for young people to know that there is really high quality training out there and that it can lead to a long-term and very rewarding career.

“The skills I started learning when I was just 16 helped me get to the position I am in now and I love to see young people start as apprentices now and begin their own journey while being trained by people who really want to see them succeed and do well.”

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 33.

“More than just a school” Set in beautiful and historic surroundings on the borders of Derbyshire, Mount St Mary’s College provides the perfect environment for learning.

Today the college, which was founded by the Society of Jesuit and dates back to 1842, enjoys an enviable reputation as a first class Catholic co-educational

boarding and day school for pupils aged between 11 and 18.

The school grew around a 16th century manor house and the historic character of the buildings and the acres of beautiful gardens surrounding them provides a unique environment.

While there is a long tradition of educating children in the Catholic faith, the school caters for children of all denominations. The emphasis is placed on nurturing each person as an individual, encouraging them to develop, not just academically, but spiritually and emotionally.

The focus on the individual, coupled with small class sizes, means that pupils are given every chance to develop their strengths.

Whether their interests are in music, arts, drama or sports, they are offered all the support they need to develop their talents and prepare for their future.

Mount St Mary’s College is well located. Its beautiful setting in the Derbyshire countryside belies the fact it is just two minutes from Junction 30 of the M1 and only 20 minutes from Chesterfield railway station. The mini bus service that the college provides is an added bonus.

Despite being non-academically selective the college achieves increasingly impressive results with pupils at the Mount leaving

for top universities each year.

In 2014 the Mount continued to increase its performance at A level. A number of departments achieved 100% pass rate A* to C including gography and physical education. The art (photography) department built on last year’s exceptional results achieving 100% A* to B. Among the high achievers are pupils with aspirations to read mathematics, law, languages, b u s i n e s s , engineering, art and design.

Gagan Shiralagi, from Walton, Chesterfield achieved his dream of gaining a place at Christ’s College, Cambridge to read mathematics.

Gagan achieved three A*s in mathematics, further mathematics and physics. His performance in mathematics and further

mathematics was outstanding gaining 99% (mathematics) and 97% (further mathematics).

He also gained grade 1 in both of his Cambridge, Sixth Term Examination Papers (STEP).

At GCSE, in the core subjects of English and Mathematics the A-C grades were 86% and 82% respectively.

The college places great emphasis on extra-curricular pursuits and pupils are encouraged to take part in a wide programme of organised after school activities.

The college has a strong reputation for its music, arts,

drama and sport departments and pupils are able to benefit from the top quality facilities even after the last bell of the day has rung.

The amenities include a 400 seater theatre, drama and music studios, an international standard floodlit all-weather athletic track, floodlit all weather hockey and football pitches, indoor heated swimming pool, fencing area and rifle range.

As a boarding school as well as day school, Mount St Mary’s attracts pupils from all over the country as well as overseas.

Boarding offers an invaluable and unique experience for pupils and gives them the chance to get more out of their time at school.

The boarding accommodation with en-suite facilities helps students to gain a greater independence, focus on their studies and enjoy socialising with pupils from a variety of nationalities. Under the care of a team of resident house staff, boarders enjoy their own space but with all the advantages of living in close proximity of their friends. They quickly become part of a friendly community where they are able to make the most of all the superb facilities on campus, enjoy regular organised outings and activities and benefit from supervised study.

There are different boarding options too to suit individual family needs. These range from full time and weekly boarding to flexi boarding, which is becoming more popular as a precursor to going to university and college.

Mount St Mary’s College is currently gearing up for its entrance and scholarship exams,

which take place in January. The sports scholarship assessments take place on Thursday 22nd January and the music scholarship assessments take place on Friday 23rd January. The entrance exam for Years 7 and 9 take place on Saturday 24th January and the academic scholarship exams for Years 7, 9 and Sixth From take

place on 31st January.

With so much happening within the school community, it marks out Mount St Mary’s as a very special place and is so much more than just a school.

Why not join us for a tour of our school, explore its beautiful historic surroundings and get a flavour of what life is like at

Mount St Mary’s? The school welcomes potential students and parents to come along and meet the Headmaster, Dr Nicholas Cuddihy, and have a tour of the school.

To find out more please contact the Admissions Office on 01246 439317 or email admissions@msmcollege.com.

MSM 175, sharing and celebrating the tradition of Jesuit Education

A seamless education from Nursery to Sixth form

&

ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP EXAMINATIONS 2015 MOUNT ST MARY’S COLLEGE Ages 11-18 Registrations are now being accepted for: Sports Scholarship Day Thursday 22nd January Music Scholarship Auditions Friday 23rd January Entrance Examination (Yr7 & Yr9) Saturday 24th January 9.00am to 12.15 noon Academic Scholarship Examination Saturday 31st January (Yr7, Yr9 and Sixth Form) 9.00 to 11.15 am College Road, Spinkhill, Derbyshire S21 3YL T: 01246 432872 W: www.msmcollege.com

@MountSpinkhill

Mount St Mary’s College and Barlborough Hall are independent co-educational 3-18 schools.

Both enjoy enviable reputations as first class Catholic schools, welcoming children of all denominations. The schools are set in beautiful surroundings on the Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire and Derbyshire borders close to Junction 30 of the M1. Mini bus is available to all local areas. Before and after school care, holiday provision and early years funding accepted at Barlborough Hall.

MSM Westside FP 031114.indd 1

04/11/2014 11:19

Page 34. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Education at Loughborough Endowed Schools is truly ‘Preparation for Life’ in every way.

The schools are situated on a large impressive tree-lined campus on the edge of Loughborough. Pupils enjoy a firstrate provision for all aspects of education, including sport, drama and music, in a learning environment with attractive modern facilities.

The family of schools welcomes children from the age of four where they are presented with a broad and balanced education, appropriate to their needs.

Children at the senior schools benefit from single-sex teaching environments from ages 1016 at the Grammar School, and 11-16 at the High School.

They also enjoy many of the advantages of co-education by sharing a campus and with the inclusion of joint lessons and activities in the Sixth Form.

Pupils enjoy a wide range of sports, with individual pupils and teams enjoying significant sporting success locally, nationally and internationally.

The outstanding Music School encourages pupils to develop their talents, with musicians

regularly performing at venues across the country. Numerous clubs, societies, outdoor pursuits and the Combined Cadet Force cater for a wide range of

inter-

ests.

Fairfield offers younger pupils a rich and diverse educational experience. It is a school full of opportunities, challenges and excitement where children learn in a caring and positive atmosphere which combines traditional and family values within an enlightened and ever-challenging curriculum. Continuous

care is available from 7.45 a.m. until 6.00 p.m.

Loughborough Endowed Schools is renowned for its ongoing programme of improvements to its campus.

Significant investment has been made in state-of-the-art science facilities, a dedicated Music School and at Fairfield, an £8m development is underway to build an exciting new school, including a Kindergarten for children age 3+.

An extensive transport system is provided for children. Two new bus routes from Derby and east of Nottingham, complementing existing routes, will be available from September 2015.

Parents and children are invited to visit the schools during term time to meet the Heads, staff and pupils – please telephone 01509 283700 to make an appointment. www.endowedschools.org

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 35.

Page 36. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

PEOPLE IN THE EAST MIDLANDS TRUST LOCAL BUSINESSES MORE THAN BUSINESS GENERALLY - CBI’S YouGov POLL

People in the East Midlands have a dramatically higher level of trust in businesses in their area than they do in UK business as a whole.

The CBI’s Great Business Debate (its campaign to increase public trust in business) is today (Monday) publishing a YouGov survey of over four thousand people, including 254 in the East Midlands. It shows that, when people’s feelings about businesses are determined by their direct experience, they are overwhelmingly positive but that this often fails to translate into support for business generally.

In the East Midlands 78% of people trust ‘local businesses’ (firms in their vicinity, big or small, that they interact with) compared with 54% who trust business overall. That matches a pattern for the whole UK where the figures were 81% and 57%.

The CBI is encouraging individuals to recognise that contradiction and calling on businesses to go further in strengthening their engagement with the areas where they operate. It is also calling on businesses to tell the bigger story of their contribution to communities, jobs and investment more convincingly.

David Shutts, CBI East Midlands Director, said: “Businesses here have a job to do using the warmth felt for them at a local level to improve feelings about UK business as a whole.

“When people have direct experience of companies, for example as customers or employees, it’s overwhelmingly good and trust is high as a result. But opinions about business generally seem to have less solid roots. These views are more likely to be influenced by things people read or hear second hand and are a lot less positive.

“As part of the CBI’s trust-

in-business campaign, The Great Business Debate, we’re challenging individuals to think about the contradiction in how they perceive businesses locally and business generally. We’re also calling on firms in the East Midlands to build on the positive engagement they already have in the areas where they operate and to tell more convincingly the story of their impact on jobs, investment and taxes which is felt in communities all over the country.”

In the East Midlands nearly two thirds of people (61%) agree they are more likely to trust a business with a strong

presence in their area while only 9% feel local businesses don’t have a positive impact on their locality.

Other key findings for the region include: 58% agree local businesses often support other businesses in the area by sourcing locally - only 8% disagree 50% agree businesses in my area are proud to be part of the community – only 8% disagree Creating and supporting local jobs is the main thing people in the region say ‘local businesses’ (firms in their vicinity, big or small, that they interact with) should be doing

more of to build trust (67%) followed by providing good customer service (60%) The trust-building action they want more of from ‘national businesses’ (firms big and small operating across the UK) is providing good customer service 70% and creating and supporting jobs 69%.

The CBI’s Great Business Debate wants to hear the widest possible range of views.

Anyone can go to the website greatbusinessdebate.co.uk to leave comments or follow on twitter @bizdebate

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 37.

Self Assessment (Personal Tax Returns) Welcome to latest article and for this one I thought with the fast approaching personal tax return deadline I would focus on self assessment and give you a basic overview including some of the key dates.

Overview If you’re registered for Self Assessment, you’ll usually get a letter in April or May from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) telling you to send a tax return. You should complete your tax return, even if you don’t have any tax to pay.

Who must send a Tax Return You can send your tax return online or using paper forms but you must be registered for Self Assessment.

You must always send a tax return if you’re: • a self-employed sole trader • a partner in a business partnership • a company director (unless it’s for a nonprofit organisation, eg a charity, and you don’t get any pay or benefits, like travel expenses or a company car) • receiving rental property income in excess of £10,000 or your profit is in excess of £2,500 (if you receive rental income and profit below these levels you still need to advise HMRC by letter).

Check with your accountant or contact HMRC Self Assessment helpline 0300 200 3310 if you need to send a Tax Return as there are other circumstances when

you may need to complete a Tax Return.

Deadlines for filing your tax return The 2013 to 2014 tax year ended 5 April 2014. The main deadlines are: • paper tax returns - midnight 31 October 2014 • online tax returns - midnight 31 January 2015 • final payment of any tax due - midnight 31 January 2015 If you miss the paper deadline, send your return online instead to avoid a penalty.

Penalties You should send your tax return, even if you don’t have any tax to pay or you’ve already paid it.

You’ll get a penalty of £100 if your tax return is up to 3 months late. You’ll have to pay more if it’s later than this, or you pay late.

You can pay your Self Assessment tax bill in different ways, including Direct Debit and internet banking.

Tax due payment dates The deadlines for paying your tax bill are: • 31 January for any tax you owe for the previous tax year (known as a ‘balancing payment’) and your first payment on account • 31 July for your second payment on ac-

count If you prefer to pay regularly throughout the year, you can use a budget payment plan.

Payments on account ‘Payments on account’ are advance payments towards the tax bill you’ll owe for that tax year.

You need to make one if your bill is more than £1,000, unless you’ve already paid more than 80% of it. You might have paid this through your PAYE tax code or it might have been deducted from any additional income you have, eg the interest on your savings.

If the payments on account you’ve made are higher than your tax bill, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will refund you the difference.

This article is for information only and it provides only an overview of the regulations in force at the date of publication.

Personal tax rules and regulations are very complex and I would recommend that you take advice before you make any decisions to see what is best for you and your circumstances.

Should you wish to discuss the above or any other accounting matters further please contact Ian Johnson at Ashgates on 01332 380691 or ijohnson@ashgates. co.uk

Pay over £1 million to live on the most expensive streets in the Midlands For the second year running the Midland’s1 most expensive street is The Ridgeway in Leicester with an average price of £1,783,0002, according to latest figures from Lloyds Bank.

All ten most expensive streets in the Midlands have an

average property value of at least £1,000,000. After The Ridgeway, the next most expensive is Tiddington Road in Stratford upon Avon with an average house price of £1,313,000, followed by Rosemary Hill Road in Sutton Coldfield (£1,268,000), Westfield Road in Edgbaston (£1,179,000) and Vicarage Hill in Solihull (£1,175,000).

Andy Hulme, Mortgages Director at Lloyds Bank, comments: “The Ridgeway in Leicester takes the title as the most expensive residential street in the Midlands. Most of the expensive streets are well known hotspot for those who aspire to have it all. All of these areas have outstanding homes, excellent schools, good shopping facilities and are on the edge of the countryside – but still close enough to the one of the leading cities in the region.”

BLACKPOOL ROCKS! As the Derbyshire Guardian designer of the year I am pleased to be able to use this blog column, to both entertain, enlighten and inform you on graphic design, myself Linda Wild and my business Wild Ideas.

www.lindawildideas.co.uk

So are you interested in investigating . . . . I know how hard it can be. . . . the opportunities for (free) mentor- as I have indeed been guilty of letting ing, support and assistance for your things get a little untidy. business?

And particularly my website homeJust yesterday, I had a meeting with page, which to be perfectly honest is a representative from Greater Bir- a jungle at the moment, can’t see the mingham Chambers of Commerce . wood for the trees. . . ....

BUT . . . . to introduce me to the availabil- that is now being addressed, as the ity of business help and development “new year new ideas” website, is unvia various schemes that are part of derway. A much cleaner streamlined their Growth Hub. and fully responsive design, to kickstart me into 2015.

So what has Blackpool got to do with any of that?

PLUS With some great new inspiration and Well, the Marketing jumpleads “topic tasks from Marketing Jumpleads of the month” is about being intro- buzzing round in my head . . . . . (you spective and making sure that your can access this too) own business brand is in order be- AND fore . . . (God forbid) The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffs growth hub, I am feeling positive. . . . you rush out randomly and give completely the wrong impression to Free local support is available to all any potential clients, and do yourself of you business owners too, and has a dis-service. a huge amount of opportunities While we are all focused on work- and you do not need to be a chaming IN our businesses, which is great ber member to qualify or attend their while there is work to keep us busy events. ....

The funding for the Growth Hub was . . . . we should always keep one eye secured from the Government’s Reon the next client, and who they are gional Growth Fund through Lanand how they find us and perceive caster University, who are leading us. the creation of 15 new growth hubs across the UK. Blackpool? – yes I am getting to it!

You don’t need to struggle, there is Well its the rock you see (thank you help, guidance and advice out there, to Julia Roberts, for this ideal anal- in many guises. ogy), the consistent pattern that runs through the whole stick, and keeps it The Local Enterprise Partnership excongruent. ists across all regions, so go hunting, ask around . . . .

So are your logo, business cards, flyer, website, straplines, headlines, . . . . contact your local chamber and marketing copy, congruent? find your nearest growth hub Call the business helpline: 0300 111 Do they look like they all form part of 8002, and just ask. your brand? is it obvious that they all belong together?

Join me and get focused too.

Take advantage of the help on offer, And do they ROCK? and get the support you need to get With the new year fast approaching, your marketing/branding on the right it may be a good time to make sure track. you are happy with what they say about your business.

Remember the fun you had on those trips to Blackpool in your youth?

As a graphic designer, then I really am the last person who should have Well replicate that enjoyment with an excuse for poor branding, how- your business journey, and make ever I am still human and . . . sure Your Business Rocks for 2015. (while I never have any difficulty get- Thanks for reading ting things sorted for my clients)

Page 38. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Rowan Dartington: What we do Welcome to the second in this series of three articles about Rowan Dartington. Our first missive detailed who we are; this instalment explains what we do, writes David Archer To recap we are a Wealth Manager and Stockbroker with a strong track record of delivering high performance for our clients’ investments; providing a range of services from a full discretionary offering to an execution only share dealing service. Our success has been recognised by numerous industry awards and serves as testament to our performance. We aim to deliver benchmark beating returns over the medium to long term, while displaying lower volatility by investing in a combination of different securities across various asset classes according to

a client’s risk profile and investment objective.

Rowan Dartington’s dynamism and proactive approach has meant that we are at the forefront of leading change within the industry and having learnt from the past, understand the need to review portfolios on a frequent basis.

With market participation encompassing such uneasy bedfellows as high frequency trading algorithms alongside more traditional long

term investors like pension funds, it is paramount to be able to act in a timely and appropriate fashion according to an individual investor’s risk appetite and investment objective, while at the same time discharging one’s fiduciary duty.

This by implication entails a more active and efficient approach, and at Rowan Dartington we achieve this by utilising technology to

increase capacity while retaining the crucial element of human oversight. This combination enables us to achieve a client’s individual objective, be it capital

growth, preservation, the generation of income or a combination of the above.

Taking such an active role in delivering our client’s expectations constitutes a

risk-index trackers will not, by definition, stray far from their benchmark, but taking such a passive approach to investment will never lead to significant outperformance either. Our track record suggests that we fulfil our goals; the investment aspiration of our clients and the recognition we have received is testament to a consistently profitable approach. If you would like to discuss how Rowan Dartington can help achieve your investment goals then contact David Archer in the Nottingham Office to arrange an appointment.

Contact details: David Archer, Branch Manager Nottingham Telephone number: 0115 896 9996

Stamp Duty reform Rubyson Banking set to bolster sales in East Midlands

House price growth in November dipped for the fourth consecutive month in the East Midlands, but Stamp Duty reforms see surveyors forecasting a sales boost of between 2-5%, according to the latest RICS Residential Market Survey.

Despite 21% more surveyors reporting a decline in new buyer enquiries and a fall in supply to the market, surveyors are expecting more house sales in response to the reforms.

As speculation continues over how much the new changes will encourage existing property owners to put properties on the market, the reforms come in a month that saw house price growth fall to its slowest pace since May 2013 (a 9% net balance) and the number of houses for sale per branch fall to its lowest reading of the year at 63 (down from a high of 87 in March).

It was also clear from member comments that uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the forthcoming general election is providing potential purchasers with a reason to sit on their hands.

Meanwhile, in the rental market, tenant demand was steady in November in the East Midlands,

but landlord instructions declined this month (a net balance of 16% fewer surveyors reporting new landlord instructions). Member forecasts for rent over the next 12 months now stand in line with the national average at 2%.

Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist, said: “The Stamp Duty reform could reverse the softer trend in buyer enquiries that has been visible in recent months but a critical issue in terms of how it plays out with prices is whether it also encourages more vendors to consider putting their properties back onto the market. The expectation from members that transactions could increase by up to 5% over the next year on the back of this measure suggests that there is a belief that supply will indeed respond to the tax change. This is all the more important given that the latest RICS data suggests that the average level of inventory on surveyors’ books is close to a historic low.”

Chris Charlton FRICS, RICS East Midlands Residential Spokesperson and Residential Head of Department at Savills, Nottingham, said: “This

surprise

pre-election

change to the stamp duty cost is undoubtedly a very welcome saving to the vast majority of home movers across the region.

The constant pricing and negotiation issues across the various pre-reform thresholds will make life a little easier for all involved in moving house.

It is hoped that this will add a boost to the somewhat concerning decline in new instructions received over the last three months and take the threat of any additional reform which may come post the May 2015 election out of the market at least for the time being.”

Jeremy Blackburn, Head of Policy at RICS, said: “It’s no surprise that surveyors are expecting an uplift in the market in response to the long overdue reforms to the stamp duty tax system which the Chancellor himself called ‘the most damaging tax of all’.

Removing the ‘dead zones’ will reduce the distortion in the market and ensure that those at the top end of the market will now contribute fairly, while those at the bottom will be given a fairer chance to get on the ladder.”

Once again we are approaching a difficult time of year for many families and businesses alike, money is particularly tight as there are many factors that want a piece of your wallets and purses. We all tend to spend what we earn and more besides when pressed to do so.

This is a hard time to budget and be frugal as well, many of you reading this will have received your last salary before Christmas paid at the end of November. This means you have the normal bills, Christmas and the holidays to pay for which can stretch the best of budgets.

Unfortunately there are more people paying for Christmas on credit, the knock on effect being that the bills land in the New Year leaving Decembers salary short as well, its not until the Spring that many families start to see the light. But for a vast majority the worry is all year round and is leading to a great deal of stress and sleepless nights.

In my experience over the years unsecured debt does not disappear quickly without a great deal of discipline. It tends to be the area that families forego in preference for paying the household bills and putting food on the table, rightly so many would say but still the effects of leaving unpaid debts can very quickly spiral out of control and become a burden.

If this is you then don’t let the situation spoil what should be a great time of year to spend with the family and relax, get in touch

and share the load.

The position is very similar for many Companies and tradesmen, as often there is a shut down for 2 weeks over the holidays to resume in the New Year.

The problem though, they do not get paid for the December invoices until February too late for the January tax payment and VAT. The December receipts reflect work in October again a short month due to half term, so as you can see there are factors that can affect the cashflow of even the sturdiest of businesses.

The planners amongst you will have this covered by retaining profits throughout the year, but not everyone can do that. There are snags that happen, jobs that don’t get delivered on time and issues beyond the best of planning.

If this happens where do you go? A few choices may be available, stretch your creditors and risk being on stop, go to the Bank and request extended facilities or factor your debtors and release cash that way, or more dramatically defer the wages! Either of the middle two may help but again time is not on your side given that most requests will take a month to complete especially if over £25k, so prepare well and ensure that all the relevant information is to hand to support your request.

Approaching your bank can be very daunting especially if delivering not so good news, but often it is how you ask for the financial support that is crucial. The right

application can typically be approved within 48 hours, although will take longer to complete as mentioned above if additional security is required.

The shopping basket of information will normally include - Last 2 years accounts - Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet for the current trading year - Aged Debtors - Aged Creditors - Assets and Liabilities for all Partners/Directors - Income & Expenditure - Cash Flow projection - In some cases a Business Plan as well.

The important point to remember is even if you are turned down you have a right of appeal, the majority of appeals are overturned and the finance is forthcoming.

The Banks have an obligation to also provide you with alternative sources of finances as part of the Banking Code, perseverance is the key.

So if you haven’t looked ahead over the next 2 months be sure to do so soon, as from experience I know this is a busy time of year for the lenders partly due to the above and partly as it is also the final few weeks before Year End. Again if you or your clients want a second opinion as to what to do then contact me info@rubyson. co.uk or 07891 685905.

All that remains is for me to wish everyone a great December and I look forward to helping more people in the New Year.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 39.

JMG Consulting has been named Business Consultancy of the Year 2014

by The Derbyshire Guardian Business Editor Chris Varty said: “We chose JMG Consulting for this accolade because they are always extremely professional in all their business dealings, know what they are talking about and take care to give their clients the very

best possible advice.”

JMG Consulting (UK) Ltd, is based in Newark, Nottinghamshire, and is an international firm which specialises in international business solutions including sales and marketing strategy, market research, corporate training and business process efficiency.

Managing Director Jacqui Gray has 20 years experience and a high level of understanding of international business having worked in Australia, Japan, Scotland and England. Not only has she been involved in launching start-ups in foreign markets but also in directing established firms’ sales and marketing

strategies to improve their profitability.

Jacqui said: “I enjoy interfacing with and supporting clients in overcoming the challenges that working across various cultures, languages and markets brings in the

international business arena.

“Before moving to the UK, I worked for several organisations in Australia and Japan.

For the Australian Queensland State Government, I worked in post in Japan researching the ICT market and identifying

trends and opportunities for Queensland ICT firms and assisting these firms with entry into the Japanese market.”

Jacqui is certainly an expert in her field and is passionate about her clients and in working alongside them to give them the very best help and advice that they need.

She holds a BA in International Business and a BA in Commerce with majors in Japanese and Marketing and also has Diplomas in Market Research and Export Management.

JMG Consulting specialises in four main areas: Business Management Consulting JMG Consulting uses 20 years of international business expertise to help organisations innovate and grow. Areas of expertise include sales and marketing strategy development & implementation, intellectual property advice, business process mapping and eliminating organisational waste.

Idea Generation for Innovation & Growth Here the company helps managers to effectively utilise a range of valuable tools to stimulate idea generation for innovation and growth. Tools include Six Hats, S.C.A.M.P.E.R. mind maps, reverse brainstorming and gathering insights.

Market Research and Analysis With global international marketing expertise in sectors ranging from aerospace to mining, JMG provides

accurate, up-to-date market intelligence for companies across the globe.

The company also does a lot of pretender qualification research and vetting of potential suppliers for Government departments and a wide range of companies – from micro businesses to FTSE 100 and blue-chip companies.

Bespoke Corporate Training Whether it’s 1-1 management consulting or a workshop in improving business process efficiency, the work here is tailored to individual client needs.

JMG Consulting delivers training in leadership & management, effective sales & marketing, international online marketing, business English language training, business processing mapping and website localisation for foreign markets.

JMC Consulting is also organising a special event for January called How To Close A Sale which is an interactive half-day workshop where attendees will learn how to convert leads into sales (both online and offline), which is the lifeblood of any business.

The event takes place on January 15 at The Carriage Hall, Nottingham and tickets can be booked at jmgsales. eventbrite.com JMG has developed a reputation for attention to detail, offering high quality advice and in taking particular care in the quality of its research work and workshops/ corporate training.

Typical comments from workshop and seminar attendees include: “Short and sharp and to the point: a good use of time.”

“Excellent speaker and very valuable workshop. Thought I knew a lot about this but came away with new ideas that will definitely help.”

“Outstanding – clear, concise and very relevant.”

“Excellent Workshop. Very interactive. The subject topic was very well presented.”

“Speaker was amazing –

“Jacqui is a thorough researcher, well thought out and extremely professional. She integrates well with the in-house team making her an extension of it. I view her as a respected and trusted colleague.”

Andrea Cook, Pera Innovation very knowledgeable! Great session.

Jacqui said: “It is always great to get an award and we are delighted to have been recognised by the Derbyshire Guardian.

“We work passionately in doing the very best we can for our clients and consult with experts in industries such as pharmaceuticals,

life sciences, aerospace and aviation, to name but a few.

“I have lived and worked in four different countries across three continents so we really know about international marketing and have business expertise and the understanding of other cultures required to know how business is conducted across the globe.”

For further information on the full range of services offered by JMG Consulting check out their website www.jmgconsulting.biz

Page 40. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Spinning Plates Running a small business is like spinning plates – the more you spin the harder it gets.

When performed on stage, the audience sees all the plates clearly and can guide the spinner to which poles need agitating.

During rehearsals, the spinner might successfully have 20 plates spinning but never achieve 21.

If translated to a business scenario, where the owner/manager of an SME is the plate-spinner, the audience could be described as a business coach, encouraging him or her to spin more plates and identifying those most likely to fall.

A business coach is an outsider, someone not directly involved in the business but who can look at each part and make sure it is spinning properly.

Business coaching takes many forms but is ultimately an extra pair of eyes and ears which can spot opportunities and dead ends while the owner/manager copes with the daily chores of running

the business.

Some coaches offer personal support and feedback, others combine practical and structured planning with disciplined accountability.

Whichever approach is adopted, business coaching is as much about driving profit as it is about mentoring and developing the person.

East Midlands Chamber last year secured European Regional Development Funding to provide business coaching in Derby.

“Called Coaching for Success, the programme seeks to support businesses in the city to help them improve their performance and create new jobs,” said a spokesman.

Routes to growth include information and advice, one-to-one incompany coaching, free growth masterclasses and business surgeries.

Funding for between 50 and 75 per cent of the cost - up to £1,500 - of specific one-to-one

counselling from qualified business growth coaches is available through the scheme.

“The coaching can cover everything from marketing and web design to financial matters or human resource issues.

It is geared towards helping businesses develop comprehensive growth action plans which can then be used as maps to future success,” the spokesman added.

Derby Coaching for Success also offers a series of day-long masterclasses on a variety of topics to support business growth.

They include planning to grow, finance fro growth, growing your customer base, collaborating for growth, effective tendering and leading and managing a growing team.

And free informal business surgeries bring together experts on manufacturing, international trade, business growth and a range of other topics.

Derby Coaching for Success is being run by the Chamber in partnership with East Midlands Business and the University of Derby, funded by ERDF and Derby City Council.

Bale Crocker Bale Crocker

Web: www.balecrocker.com Tel: 0330 6600 164.

John Bale is Managing Director of Bale Crocker, business advisers and coaches, advising clients in the Midlands, the UK and around the world for 14 years. John moved from his home town of Dublin in the 80’s and performed executive roles with IBM in Nottingham and later globally with Accenture, the management consulting firm, before running Bale Crocker. Today his firm has a team of 25 seasoned executives, each of them with significant business leadership experience and providing advice and coaching to other business leaders and managers.

Leadership can be lonely

How often have we heard that leadership is a lonely place? Running a business can be very lonely. Facing up to some of the challenges that most businesses encounter can feel isolating and stark for many. As business coaches, we often advise our clients that they don’t need to experience these challenges alone – there are great people here who can help. We advise and coach them into achieving their own ideal outcome to many situations.

How can coaching (or mentoring)?

A business coach is an outsider, someone who brings a fresh and independent pair of eyes, often combined with career experience of pre-

viously managing similar issues and problems. A coach’s primary role of course is to guide their coachee to find the solutions to problems from their own resources and capabilities, to help them organise their thinking, prioritise issues and understand more clearly the risks and issues that need to be addressed. Business and executive coaches frequently need to go further these days, providing independent judgement and advice on how to break large issues down into manageable chunks and then how to approach forming solutions to complex problems. Good mentors may be experienced business leaders in their own right with advanced skills in making limited resources stretch much further, in transforming teams and processes to perform more highly and in creating business success where previously only mediocrity or failure could be anticipated.

Why would I consider this?

Most businesses today face a variety of issues. As good leaders we are often equipped to deal with many of these, but not all of them. An experienced leader acting as a mentor may well have been there and done that before – and you can benefit from that experience. Mentors tend to be well-connected networkers in their own right and have access to all manner of specialists. A well-chosen mentor may be worth their weight in gold to a growing business.

Aren’t all coaches just good theorists?

I need practical advice!

Don’t knock the theory, it often makes a big difference. Consider carefully what you really need and consider the descriptions above of coaching and mentoring. Both have a valuable role to play in helping leaders to grow their businesses successfully. Some coaches may well be primarily good theorists and will greatly help to unlock your own potential. Good mentors will combine those skills with hard, practical experience to help you master the most difficult challenges.

greatly encouraged by business support organisations and by government. For example, East Midlands Chamber last year secured European Regional Development Funding to provide business coaching in Derby. “Called Coaching for Success, the programme seeks to support businesses in the city to help them improve their performance and create new jobs,” said a spokesman.

Funding for between 50 and 75 per cent of the cost - up to £1,500 - of specific one-to-one counselling from qualified business growth coaches is available through the scheme.

Can you see yourself making an investment on this scale for the future growth of your business? Costs should be viable and appropriate to the business or opportunity. European funding makes the proposition even more attractive.

What return can I expect if I make that investment?

How long will a coaching Business success rarely comes plan take to complete? easily, as any leader will tell you. InCoaching and mentoring plans will be structured around your needs and those of your business. If your challenges are short-term, then a plan may be executed and completed in a few weeks. Greater ambitions will take months or even years to achieve. In any event, you will develop your own plan collaboratively with your coach or mentor so you both feel comfortable with the result.

How much will this cost?

Coaching and mentoring represent excellent investments in most businesses. For this reason they are

vestment in personal development as well as business development is often vital. Investing in leadership experience and wisdom is smart.

Mentoring programmes make that expertise available conveniently and at low cost. The returns can be huge – driving the transformation from good performance to high performance, for example. How much would that be worth per year in your business?

We look forward to hearing business leaders ready for a lenge. Bale Crocker and the are at www.balecrocker.com John is on 0330 6600 164.

from chalteam and

Taking some of the luck out of bidding for jobs Success in business is often down to luck.

The right idea at the right time could make you a fortune overnight.

Luck also applies to the process of bidding for work, particularly in specialist sectors.

You might adopt a scattergun approach, firing off poorly prepared bids to as many targets as possible in the hope that a percentage will come good.

Or you can be targeted, see an opportunity, submit your expression of interest and get invited to put in a full bid.

At this point you have the option of writing the bid yourself or paying a professional to write it for you.

You know your job, you know the prices, the values, the legislation… Why not do it yourself?

Because there’s a very good chance you’ll get it wrong.

By calling in a professional bid writer you have more chance of success, even if they are not specialists in your sector.

For a start they can look at the bid. They can put more time into planning and preparation.

They will also have more ex-

perience of the wording the bidreaders will be looking for.

The sort of thing a professional bid writer is going to look at will include: • Can you deliver – would winning the bid mean fundamentally changing the way you work or cause you to deviate from your existing core?

• Is it winnable – do you meet the minimum criteria of the potential customer?

• Is it financially viable – can you do what is wanted within the funding available?

Whether you write you own bids or call in a professional, you should view every application as a competition.

This is a sales pitch.

You will need to evidence of your research and ensure your engagement with your target audience, particularly if pursuing funding, is well documented, showing clear demand for your work.

Your outcomes must be clear and measurable. Your management and financial models must be robust.

In short, you must show your organisation to be capable and credible, with definite aims and objectives.

Professional bid writers know how to put these messages across succinctly and accurately.

As in every walk of life, it’s the relationship you cultivate that will bear fruit in the future.

A professional bid writer will know how and when to talk to the organisation to which you are bidding, understand what’s important to them and what a successful application will need to include.

And try to see things from the other side.

The organisation behind the opportunity you are chasing will have a clear vision of what they want to achieve. You will fare better if you can see it too.

You’ll need to show that you’ve understood the brief and the desired outcomes.

Of much less importance is how your organisation goes about achieving these outcomes.

Extra eyes see more opportunities Focus on specific targets can result in missed opportunities.

It is often only the benefit of hindsight which reveals to ownermanagers that they could have been more successful doing things differently.

But lateral thinking and being proactive require time away from the coalface.

And with targets to meet, customers to keep happy, red tape and piles of paperwork to plough through, it isn’t always possible to step back far enough to take a wider view.

There are people who can look at your business with a broad perspective and who are not so closely involved that they become mired in the day-to-day minutiae.

They are management consultants, and their business is helping your business succeed by improving performance and solving problems.

They use their business skills

to provide objective advice, expertise and specialist skills which the organisation may lack.

Management consultants are primarily concerned with the management, structure, strategy and operations of the organisation.

Their role is to identify options for the organisation and suggest recommendations for change, if needed, as well as providing additional resources to drive solutions for change.

They operate across a wide variety of services such as business strategy, marketing, financial and management controls, human resources, information technology, ebusiness and operations and supply-chain management.

At one end of the scale, firms offer niche services based on particular skills, expertise and industry knowledge.

But there are also larger firms which can look at all aspects of

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 41.

a business and offer end-to-end solutions.

Day-to-day activities of management consultants are often complex and varied.

Projects can vary in length depending on the type of consultancy, firm and the demands of the client.

They can be based in single locations or a team might be spread over several locations, sometimes even overseas.

What management consultants will tell you is that their days are not 9-5, the hours can be long, the challenges hard and the demands extreme.

George Cowcher, Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, said: “Sometimes businesses need an extra pair of eyes, an extra pair of hands and someone to help them see the wood through the trees.”

10 top tips to get the best from your Management Consultant Business owners, entrepreneurs, directors and their management teams tend to engage consultants to further the strategic, financial, and/or operational objectives of their business.

In a nutshell, the more of the following tips you can incorporate, the more the value and likelihood of success of a consultant’s intervention in your business will increase.

1. Your management defines the problem, consultant, within your business perhaps with some consultant support, but 6. Your executives control and manage conwithout being unduly influenced by consult- sultants during the course of the engagement ants. as if they were an internal team reporting to 2. Your management defines the desired busi- the appropriate board/management project ness outcomes and metrics against which the sponsors/owners project will be measured.

7. Each identified company role in the pro3. Your executives, managers, and employ- ject is filled by someone who has the skills ees who will be working with consultants are required and is committed for the appropriate motivated and educated on how to work with duration and participation level to the project. and manage consultants.

8. Your company provides its own consulting 4. Your management configures the project contract, not always accepting the consultteam with a mix of competent internal employ- ant’s standard version. ees, relevant contractors, and possibly other 9. Your management conducts post-compleselected consultants, in consultation with the tion reviews of consulting projects. chosen consultant.

10. Lessons learned by all company staff 5. Your executives retain a strong role in pro- working on projects with consultants are capject management and ownership, actively tured, retained, disseminated and used to insupporting, and being seen to support, the form future projects.

Peter Darby is an East Midlands based seasoned independent interim manager and management consultant, contactable via his website at www.TheInterimManager.co.uk

Page 42. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Taxation Company Of The Year

THE MILLER PARTNERSHIP

Making corporation tax much less taxing for the many business owners and company accountants he advises is one of the many skills tax expert Pete Miller brings to his profession.

Pete, who embarked on his career 27 years ago with the Inland Revenue, went on to spend 11 years working for some of the biggest firms in the tax world, giving him a complete perspective of how the UK tax system works.

And nearly four years ago Pete drew on his vast expertise and experience to launch his own consultancy, The Miller Partnership, in Leicester, which has been named The Derbyshire Guardian Taxation Company of the Year for 2014.

The Miller Partnership can advise on all general business and corporate tax matters, with the taxation of transactions – including mergers, buy outs, buy ins, demergers, the substantial

shareholdings exemption and capital gains exit charges – among its specialist areas.

business and determining how best I can fit in and help them with their objectives.”

The patent box, which was introduced to encourage UK innovation and entrepreneurship, is also a tax relief on which the consultancy has in-depth knowledge.

The Miller Partnership’s core capability is in helping accountants and other advisers provide top quality tax advice on these complex areas.

In fact Pete likes nothing more than a difficult case and has no problem in negotiating with HMRC if it challenges his taxation advice.

Other key areas of Pete’s expertise include the taxation of partnerships, corporate intangible assets and intellectual property, tax antiavoidance rules – particularly transactions in securities – and employment income from third parties (‘Disguised Remuneration’).

While Pete’s comprehensive technical knowledge is without question, it is his innate ability to explain complicated taxation matters in everyday language which makes him the consultant of choice for so many businesses and accountancy practices.

He said: “I don’t like the idea of specialists hiding behind jargon or fancy language, as this only serves to put up a barrier between you and the person you are trying to advise.

“I want people to know that as a taxation specialist I am accessible and that the tax matters I deal with, while complex, need not be frightening or intimidating.

“I get great pleasure in dealing with people who run their own businesses and providing them with the help and guidance they need to achieve their goals and ambitions – both for their businesses and on a personal level.

“There is a real excitement for me in meeting new people, seeing how they run their

Indeed more than a dozen small accountancy firms use Pete as their in-house, extra source of tax expertise. Pete works flexibly with them, ranging from telephone advice and second opinions, to writing specialist reports or clients needing guidance on a specific tax issue or, when required, taking over a major reconstruction project and seeing it through all His 10 years’ experience as a tax inspector means he knows how HMRC approaches things and why their view might differ from the client’s.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 43.

This gives Pete a serious edge in discussions with HMRC, as he speaks their language, too.

Pete said: “I really love my job and it gives me great satisfaction every day of the working week. “I understand what’s going through a tax inspector’s mind when looking at a set of returns or company accounts, and that is very important in what can be an extremely complex area.”

As someone who is passionate about taxation and is able to talk about it eloquently, Pete regularly presents lectures and seminars to fellow professionals and other interested parties.

He also regularly lectures to the Chartered Institute of Taxation of which he is a Fellow, as well as presenting a number of webinars.

With regard to the written word, Pete is a well-respected author in his field: His book ‘Taxation of Company Reorganisations’ is currently on its fourth edition with a fifth planned for next year.

Pete also regularly contributes to specialist publications including Taxation, The Tax Journal, Tolley’s CT and CGT Annuals, Simon’s Taxes, Bloomsbury Professional Tax Tables and several Tax Annuals.

He is a member of the Editorial Boards of Taxation, The Tax Journal and Simons Taxes and a Consulting Editor to TolleyGuidance.

Closer to home, Pete has a monthly column in The Derbyshire Guardian in which he explores pertinent business taxation issues such as demergers, partnerships and succession planning.

Pete firmly believes in giving something back to the profession he loves.

To this end he has been on the judging panel of the prestigious Taxation Awards several times and relishes the opportunity to support awards which he says recognise ‘the amazing work undertaken by the tax profession as a whole.’

Earlier this year Pete took part in De Montfort University’s Employability Mentoring Project – an initiative which helps new graduates enhance their career opportunities by matching them with top business professionals. He will also be giving some guest lectures to DMU students next year.

Pete’s company website www.themillerpartnership.com – provides a wealth of information about tax matters and the areas in which Pete is an expert. It also features Pete’s contact information and several testimonials from satisfied clients and is well worth checking out.

Tax and the Autumn Statement

by Pete Miller of The Miller Partnership

Page 44. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

So you want to get a good food hygiene rating - where do you start?

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) has been introduced across the UK and was designed to improve food hygiene standards by giving the ‘public’ information on the food businesses they choose to eat from. Basically anywhere you can eat food, is now subject to this food hygiene rating scheme, soon to become a mandatory display of the rating in England and currently compulsory in Wales.

Having listened to experts on the subject, it was very much the thrust of the Food Standards Agency around 2011 to focus on the improvement of overall standards of food businesses in the UK. If you are wondering what the Food Standard Agency does, well it is a government organisation that undertakes research on food safety/ public health issues related to food safety, and provides a hub of updates which are disseminated in different formats, but mostly through Local Authorities. As a result of this research it develops enforcement strategies which become the tool kit of your local EHO. It was the Food Standards Agency who coordinated the actions of some of the major supermarkets like Asda and Tesco (plus others), in having an action plan to combat last years horsemeat scandal.

The decision to produce a rating scheme has become very much media orientated with the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme even having its very own ‘face book’ page.

The system is working in many ways to drive up standards, and is a bit like Trip adviser, however it is the Local Authority who are giving the rating not the public. The power of this tool kit is becoming evident.

A local business in Leicester advised me that he had to get a 5 star rating in order to be qualify for business insurance and was anxious to have his systems in place within the week. Obviously we were there to hand hold him through the maze of regulations that have newly come to the fray such as the Food Information (Allergens) Regulations and the revised EColi Guidance.

The FHRS is actually a very good idea in terms of self regulation. Nobody wants to have less than 3 stars, and because the rating information is available on the website www.ratings.food.gov.uk any person can look up a business to decide whether to eat there or not.

There is however the other side of the coin, where the public is blinkered into believing a food business is ‘dirty’ if it gets a bad rating. This is not always the case, which I found out when I became involved in a rating given of 1 star to a boutique restaurant. The Local Authority had served an improvement notice on the business because the floor was worn. The restaurant owner had been asked a number of times to sort the problem out, which he duly did by painting the floor with an appropriate floor

paint. However by the time the EHO next visited, the floor had become worn again and so a Statutory Notice was served. The service of the notice was a huge strain on the restaurant, and the Local Paper interrogated the restaurant’s recent hospitality awards gained for preparing and serving good food and showcased its ‘downfall’.

Technically the Local Authority was correct to serve the notice, however because the rating scheme is so intrinsically locked in to certain elements of the business, such as the integrity of the food business internal structure, a food business could be downgraded for a shortfall that could easily be rectified at very little cost to the business owner.

Unfortunately the rating given by the EHO is not negotiable and cannot be changed until after a 3 month ‘stand still’ period when the business can ask for a revisit to reassess the star rating. However this revisit will be assessing the whole business again, and care should be taken to ensure that other food safety controls in the business have not fallen short, or the rating could also go down as well as up.

There is an option to appeal, but I have rarely seen any successful ones, even when high profile celebrity chefs get poor ratings the cost of an appeal is extended time and money. Even in the case of Marco Pierre White top celebrity chef, who received a zero rating from Birmingham City Council is said to be ‘cooperating’ with the council, and will not get re- rated for another 6 months, which is the timed intervals the Local Authority work to in accordance with a Code of Practice for Food Hygiene Inspections produced by the Food Standards Agency.

So what do you have a good food hygiene rating you ask?Well basically the inspection is broken down into three main components: 1. How hygienically the food is handled – such as how it is prepared, cooked, cooled, stored, and what measures are taken to prevent food being contaminated with bacteria.

2. The condition of the structure of the premises including cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation, equipment and other facilities 3. How the business manages and records what it does to make sure food is safe (which is in effect the Food Safety Management System.)

Now the restaurant I spoke about before failed on point 2 above, even though the ‘risk’ to you the customer would have been minimal.

Most businesses fail on point 3 which is to have a robust food safety management system. Effectively this is how the business demonstrates to the Local Authority, how it manages the business in terms of ensuring food safety. So there are certain simple systems devised by the Food Standards Agency such as ‘ Safer Food Better Business’ which is a generic template document that the Food Business has to complete, in order to demonstrate they have a Food Safety Management System.

There are two problems with this document however: Firstly, it is really designed for SMEs with less than 10 members of staff, i.e. for the takeaway trade, and not really designed for businesses which have a more complex menu, where risk has to clearly be addressed. For instance, making a chicken liver pate, is often associated with the food poisoning organism ‘campylobacter’ and the risks involved in making such a ‘dish’ has often been associated with food poisoning cases. Therefore it would be a good idea to have a more bespoke food safety management system in place that covers all of the menu and food preparation/food safety controls.

Secondly the Safer Food Better Business Pack does not afford you any ‘due diligence’. This is a term used in the Regulations to describe the methods you use to demonstrate that you have prepared the food safely, with record keeping to demonstrate critical controls, and therefore showing you have taken all reasonable measures to protect your customer. An example of how you are protected is, if action were to be taken against you by the Local Authority for a ‘miss hap’, the court and the Local Authority would have to take this information into consideration, which would in turn form a defence for the Food Business Owner.

You therefore may be protected from going through any formal process if you can demonstrate you operate robust food safety systems.

We are currently writing a Food Safety Management System for a boutique business in London, who wish for ‘Brand Protection’ and therefore wish to ensure their food safety management systems are foolproof.

Obviously once written the business must ensure that what it does in practice, reflects what the document says, and this is why training on systems is so important.

I hope that this information gives you an insight into the Food Hygiene Rating Systems and hopefully will help you along the way. As a Chartered EHP and Occupational Safety Health Registered consultant I would always recommend that if you have the budget to consider involving a food safety consultant this will always provide you extra peace of mind. Should you want any further information or advice please contact Penny Dawson Malone on Mob: 07946735287 or 01332 704500.

Or email on penny@bluecloudtraining. com Website:www.bluecloudtraining.org. uk

Personal Skills

Personal Skills are what makes us successful in our jobs, our careers and our lives. For example Time Management is a great skill in the workplace and just as useful in your life as your manage the different aspects and different people’s needs in your life. This is the same for communication, influencing, project management and personal impact skills. All are of huge benefit in the workplace and our lives in general.

Christmas is a really busy time so we thought we would help you out with our Top 5 Tips of Managing Time.

1. Use the Urgent and Important Matrix This tool can really help you prioritise everything you need to do and helps you deal with the most important and urgent first. You can find this on Google or email us and we would be delighted to send you a copy. (shona@neishconsultancy.co.uk) 2. Work Out When You Are Most Productive Do your most important tasks in your most productive time and leave your routine tasks for when your energy is lower.

3. Cope With Your Email and Facebook

Schedule certain times of the day to check your email and social medial accounts and don’t always give in to pressure to reply immediately.

4. Deal with Procrastination (Putting Things Off) Break a large task into more manageable chunks. For example do the Christmas shopping for all the girls, then all the boys rather than attempting to all the Christmas shopping in one go and don’t forget to give yourself a reward when you have completed the task – even if it’s just a cup of coffee.

5. Achieve Balance What does Balance mean for you and those around you? Could you plan holidays in advance, allow more time to be with your partner, family and friends or try a new hobby?

This festive season Derbyshire Constabulary are running ‘The 12 online frauds of Christmas’ campaign to protect residents across the county from falling victim to cyber fraudsters.

The campaign launches today on ‘Black Friday’ which will mark the start of the busiest four days for internet shopping this year. Over the next 12 working days, police will be raising awareness of different online frauds to help residents to protect themselves from fraudsters.

Last year, between November 2013 and February 2014, there were over 14,000 reports nationally of online shopping and auction fraud.

Here in Derbyshire the figure ran in to 100’s and cost our residents in the region of £123,000.

Officers will be teaming up with the City of London Police throughout the campaign, to shine a light on the ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ of online shopping.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of 12 festive frauds identified by the City of London Police’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB).

This will cover a range of topics including online shopping and auction fraud, mobile malware and malicious apps, ticketing fraud and social media scams.

Detective Inspector Rob King, Head of the Derbyshire Constabulary Economic Crime Unit said: “Christmas time should be a joyous and relaxing occasion, and for the

majority of us, that is exactly what we can expect. Unfortunately, because fraudsters don’t take holidays over the Christmas period, there remains the risk that some of us, if we’re not careful, could fall victim to one of the frauds mentioned in our campaign.

“I would like to warn residents of the dangers out there and the basic steps they can take to protect themselves. The campaign will focus on 12 different fraud types, starting with online shopping fraud which is often how many people are caught out.

“The Christmas period is always a rush and there is never enough time to do what needs to be done and so anything that makes life a little easier will be welcome to us all. The internet can make life so much easier and it will do providing you do your bit and help us to ‘Stamp out Fraud in Derbyshire’.

“I urge online shoppers to think before they press that button, and to remind themselves of the simple motto, ‘If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is’. I also urge residents to check the authenticity of the site or product and make sure that you use secure and protected methods of payment.”

To report a fraud call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www. actionfraud.police.uk.

For more information about staying safe online visit www.getsafeonline.org and www.cyberstreetwise. com

Watch out for our next article on Facilitation.

We’d Love to hear your views To discuss any of the above or for your free consultation with us call on 01332 751441 or email Shona@neishconsultancy.co.uk . You can also visit us at www. neishconsultancy.co.uk

Derbyshire Constabulary launch ‘The 12 online frauds of Christmas’

High-performance coach propels clients from block to breakthrough Many people are blocked, on and off the field, in their personal lives, their business lives and their sporting lives.

Unified Perspective a hard-hitting, goalorientated and results focused solution has the power to unblock those barriers and help you to the success you deserve.

By focusing primarily on a clear outcome and establishing the mindset and structure required to achieve it, Lee has not only seen his clients achieve their

goals, but they have also naturally begin to live the life they want through a deeper sense of clarity and a sustained state of empowerment which they carry forward to other endeavours.

Lee says, “It’s all about presence, whether on stage, in a business meeting, on the sports field or in achieving a personal goal. The more unified you are in your outcome, your thoughts and your actions, the more positive momentum you will generate, and the more likely

“When you take on a Unified Perspective, you change and the world around you changes: it is as simple as that.”

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 45.

you will be able to achieve your goal.

The problem is that patterns are often in play that sabotage success, leaving you battling frustration, low confidence and low self-esteem. That’s where we come in: we help you lock in your ideal destination, clear a path and provide you with a support structure every step of the way until you make it.

And you will make it: that’s what we are committed to helping you achieve here at Unified Perspective.”

Lee has coached and trained in the UK and Scandinavia, using the Unified Perspective approach that he developed to help people to achieve outstanding success in their fields.

Read how Lee turned around a troubling time after excelling in the military and committed to a life of service of a rather different kind in the background section...

- Lee Hepworth M.A. Founder of Unified Perspective.

Lee is also offering The Derbyshire Guardian readers a free special preview version of an upcoming book ‘The Total Breakthrough Solution’ which explores how to start taking back the power in your life, business and personal relationships, and has opened his 2015 enrollment into the ‘Total Breakthrough Solution’ Coaching program’ where he will be working with a small number of committed individuals to make a big changes in 2015

Read more about it all here and get instant access to your free copy. http://www.totalbreakthroughsolution. com

Here is what people are saying about the solution:

“I believe each and every person has a time or experience which they reflect upon as the moment that changed their lives. I am confident that my experience with Unified Perspective is my moment and my life has changed for the better. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this and will continue to use what I have learned about myself to grow into all that I can be.”

- S. Townsend - Nottingham, U.K.

Background...

Having been an active and a courageous youngster, Lee left home at the age of 16 for a life of service in the military and joined the Royal Signals.

Later he served his country in Germany, Australia, Gibraltar, the US, Northern Ireland, and as a member of the United Nations Peace keeping force in Bosnia.

It was when Lee outgrew the military lifestyle and decided to move on that things took a turn for the worse. He found that there was a massive gap in his life that he could not fill, and his adjustment to civilian life came at the price of being ill-prepared and unequipped.

Battling through these troubling times emotionally, physically and mentally, Lee found the path of self-discovery. He began to study the mind and body in an effort to understand the conditioning that at one time served him, but no longer fit his circumstances, and, in fact, was holding him back.

It was during this transformational period he began to see the power in helping others move through old patterns, pain, loss and suffering into confidence, determination, success and happiness. He began coaching others.

Lee found that he had an inborn talent, honed with hours of study and hard work, for resolving issues

and emotional pain, and creating profound transformations. Even though some of these blocks and situations had been around for 20, 30 and even longer years, these life-changing interventions were often created in a few hours, or even minutes, compared to months, years and even decades that conventional approaches had taken and still not resolved.

He continued his studies and was awarded a Master’s Degree by Oxford Brookes University in coaching and mentoring practice. He became a qualified life coach, NLP master practitioner and NLP trainer.

Committing himself wholeheartedly to empowering as many people as possible to reach their goals, Lee created a synergy of the best of the best tools and processes that he had used successfully and packaged it together with fresh ideas and insights from his own journey. The result is a powerful transformational system that he calls Unified Perspective.

Lee coaches using the Unified Perspective philosophy and offers a series of focused niche solutions for sports, business and personal transformation. All his services are aimed at exponentially increasing profitability, productivity and results.

Contact Unified Perspective today: get a new perspective, get focused and get results: Tel: 0845 094 1917 Email: Info@unifiedperspective.com Web: www.unifiedperspective.com

Lee Hepworth M.A. – Unified Perspective

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Derbyshire Guardian Sales Staff required: 01332 650239

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Volvo XC 60.D5 Geartronic SE Lux. Now that the SUV concept has, more or less, conquered the world it's not so much a question of 'why buy an SUV' as 'which SUV should one buy'. The short answer is, of course, 'the best' and with the XC 60, Volvo stake their claim to this title in no uncertain terms. Scandinavian styling has long been legendary among those who value that unique combination of utility and chic that only the Swedes can manage to pull off. Those who criticise SUVs on account of certain vulgarities are silenced when

they see the sleek look - for when did an all-purpose safe, sensible, spacious and practical car ever look so purposeful?

Here is utility wrapped up in catwalk lustre - a sassy touch of style married to Thor's hammer quality underpinnings. Put simply, here is a market marauder that knocks its rivals dizzy - a quality motor from the kingdom of quality with a classy functionalism that does not eschew a proud statement of poise. It's not that the XC60 establishes a unique concept: rather that it

Volvo S60 D4 SE Lux

Designing and manufacturing cars in todays ultra competitive environment is a serious business. Manufacturers know that their customers are out there but first they need to hook them.

And with so much customer choice it helps if they have already established a characteristic and esteemed market profile.

To say of a car ‘It’s a Volvo’ is to speak volumes in its favour without needing to add another word. A ‘Volvo is a Volvo’ - and sir or madam knows very well what excellent credentials they bring to the market.

The S60 is as solid a looking saloon as you would wish to see bearing the emblematic badge of Scandinavian serendipity.

In some respects it retains an

takes a desirous concept and fine tunes it to perfection..

You can pay more for an SUV but you won't get more in any real sense compared with what's on offer at £38,590 (£52,920 with options as tested) for the XC60 D5 Geartronic SE Lux Nav with the 215hp diesel and 6speed auto box that can take you to around 130mph and realistically return

about 40mpg. Frankly if you pay less you're not being wise. Budget for this Volvo and you'll banish motoring blues.

To be more specific, with the XC60 one has everything one

expects of an upmarket SUV with the addition of enough bells and whistles to serve a cross channel ferry negotiating busy sea lanes. It's a big car, but as captain, you'll feel completely in control and as comfortable as a first class passenger in a

This Months Car Reviews force nine gale.

Driver aids are many and multifarious, ensuring safe and secure passage on our congested roads in all conditions - and you need not fear whatever adversary the highway gremlin may strew in your path.

Whilst 4 wheeldrive off-road capability is there, it's most definitely not a rival to a Land Rover or a Jeep: it is a gentle, less agressive looking off-roader of the refined kind.

I once asked a venerable philosopher why those who never venture off road were so keen to buy cars with off-road capability. He pondered the conundrum, puffed his politically incorrect pipe before sagely concluding that this was a consequence of the 'Uncertainty Principle'. He elaborated further by pointing out that in today's uncertain world people crave

By Syd Taylor. security which in motoring terms translates into a universal formula. i.e. the more you can do, the more you can do with your car.

With these wise words in mind I put the XC60 through its paces and found myself nodding in satisfaction at the way it conducted itself with no fuss, no fluster and no fireworks - just mature, confident and competent inspiring gravitas.

Like the competent SUV that it is, it feels a much smaller car to drive. Zippy when need be, intolerant of steep gradients and somehow effortlessly superior.

One has, of course, to mention safety. With Volvo safety is not so much a prerequisite so much as a ne plus ultra - which is to say that safety comes first.

almost nostalgic familiarity. It doesn’t strike you at first as a novel presence on the road yet it most certainly is new - all new in a subtle, subliminally seductive way.

You will instinctively respond to a sighting of an S60 in exactly the sort of way its canny designers intended. It’s the sort of car you notice without noticing you actually have - if you know what I mean. It doesn’t glower at other motorists but rather presents them with the commanding countenance of a dominant force.

In short - like it or not - you won’t be able to resist being won over: and that’s before you get beneath the skin. These days it seems that there’s no end to which computerised technology can go

in pursuit of more sophisticated driver aids. To sit behind the wheel and savour the savvy ubiquity and excellent design is almost to be overwhelmed with innovation.

First things first. A car is to be driven and Volvo set great store by the extent to which driver aids can accentuate the fullest diving experience. An impressive combination of chassis design, traction control, steering and braking coalesce in a compelling argument. Here is a car that responds to input in a most rewarding way.

But power from the truly exceptional 2.0 178bhp diesel, pace up to 143mph, remarkable economy of up to 74.3mpg., low emissions of just 99g/km., confidence-inspiring handling when you’re pressing on and yet a ride comfy enough for a king, are only part of the picture.

I relished the comfortable stateof-the-art cabin with its top notch materials, driver aids and almost perfect ergonomics - and all within the legendary Volvo safety shell.

There’s an almost unburstable sense of solidity - but solidity

with a hand-stitched edge.

Behind the wheel of this £31,945 S60 (£39,995 with options and accessories as tested) you feel in charge of tomorrow and secure in the knowledge that you are ensconced in a Volvo and, therefore, protected as only Volvo drivers are from all the unpredictabilities of todays roads. It felt like a journeys end for car manufacture - for surely cars can’t get much better than this - and yet a commencement of many rewarding journeys to come...

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 51.

In the good old days when life was nasty, brutish and short the Barbarians would charge across the Steppes and the tundra would tremble beneath the horses hooves.

Fast forward to todays world when gherkins, cheese graters and shards poke the sky above our capital city and media types broadcast to our nation from the Salford Quays. When coalition partners slug it out in the democratic bear pit of The Commons we can say with certainty that civilisations untold benefits present few hazards for striving citizens.

Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian Double cab auto.

And then there’s the other story.

When was the last time you took to our roads? Surely Genghis Khan himself would blanche at the horrors of the North Circular, pluck out his moustache hairs in fright at the terrors of the M6, run rings of sheer panic round roundabouts and cry to the heavens in despair ‘Why this?’

But behold! What is this mighty beast that rumbles forward to his rescue? Surely some armoured chariot. A hefty beast of a highway bruiser that will brook no nonsense.

As more and more discerning

buyers are finding out - there is only one answer when a libertarian lifestyle founded upon solid principles of practicality is what the doctor ordered. What better pick-me-up than a proud pick-up of multi purpose versatility.

For sporty types, farmers, tradesmen from Gary the gofaster plummer to Bob the Builder and individualists of all kinds, the pick-up promises to deliver personalised yet practical motoring at attractive costs. This high spec. 5 speed auto variant of the L200 is £29,254 (You can get the VAT back if you’re VAT reg-

istered) I was proud to be associated with the Mitsubishi Barbarian from the very first moment I set eyes on it ‘til the end of the ‘all too brief’ test.

My answer to those who express wonder at the desirability of such vehicles is simply to say ‘try one yourself and you’ll understand’. The pickup experience is one of the few remaining individualistic motoring treats available to the ordinary man or woman today.

Consider this. You get a cabin with space and plenty of scope for expansive thoughts - big enough for a family and what’s more, it’s not a hymn to utilitarianism but a celebration of luxurious comfort, with leather seats air con. and power windows. Where else will you find such versatility for there’s a load carrying capacity that not even Archimedes could conceive of. If this gear won’t float your boat nothing will. You could be delivering a bathtub one day and delivering the family to the seaside the next and bringing back half a beach of sand. And in a vehicle with this presence, no-one will kick sand in your face

(Figuratively speaking. of course) as drivers of lesser vehicles keep a respectful distance - the brute in me loved its bigness.

The prime mover for all this is a 175bhp 2.5 litre diesel that conveys you with a smooth refinement all the way to over 110mph.

Most of the time you’ll be in 2wd high but there’s 4wd high and low, plus a diff.lock - and in this auto version with sports mode to shift manually, you’ll never believe how good it is on the metalled highway as you cruise quietly and effortlessly at speed.

I was delighted at the way it stormed citadels of traffic chaos, muscled its way through mayhem - and all the while pleasing me like punch at the pumps. The claimed 32mpg is very conserva-

tive. Without a load, near 39mpg was attained with careful driving.

Highways, byways, uplands, lowlands, the Barbarian fears no potholes: look out mole! Here we come.

How lucky we are, I reflected, to be able to choose such an individualistic engine of progress.

I thought long and hard for something negative to say and came up with just one drawback.

It is not the easiest vehicle to park at the supermarket - but that’s a small price to pay for a big-hearted Barbarian unleashed.

And Hey! What’s a squashed hatchback or two between friends? This is a gentle giant that won’t let you down whether your name is Genghis or Gladys.

Page 52. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Toyota Aygo x-cite 5dr Man.1.0 For years urbanites throughout the world have gravitated towards Japanese manufacturers expertise in ergonomic little street Samurai.

Indomitable compact cars that combine rock-steady reliability with all the considered comforts the modern personage sees as prerequisites.

Built on a shared platform with the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108 but rather more distinguished looking by dint of its distinctive ‘X’ styled front, the new Aygo is the latest of the breed and offers an irresistible argument for Aygo adventuring.

Blending compact and compelling charming dimensions with up-to-theminute engineering that’s backed by a five year, 100,000 mile warranty, the clever design and appearance manage to combine a friendly demeanour with a sturdy charisma. Here is a car that knows ‘what it’s about’ and goes about it in no roundabout manner - and people fall in love with it.

But it takes more than the designers pen to produce such a space-efficient package as this - especially with modern safety regulations to be met.

And it has to fit easily and comfortably into the motorists picture, however constrained

his/her circumstances and however strenuous the surroundings.

Toyota have honed mobility to an art form with a car that is small enough, handy enough, stable and secure enough and sprightly enough - and such design intelligence underpins the Aygo. It’s a small car that is suddenly not only attractive and fun but politically and environmentally correct.

And for those in power who advocate catalytic converters for lawnmowers, small and clean is the answer to their dream of lung-refreshing purity.

But while placating the ‘save our buttercups’ brigade, Toyota run the risk of being accused of sedition by the

Ministry of Nastiness - for heinously they have factored ‘fun’ into motoring once more. This is a pocket-sized charmer that is an answer for those shamefully wanting a small car but not a meanspirited one.

With all the comfort you need, the practical cabin of this five door car will take four, but it’s best with just two in the simple, tasteful and brilliantly executed interior.

Seats are big, comfortable and supportive and stylish too.

Well equipped, the £11,195 X-Cite variant (Aygo prices start at £7,995) has air conditioning, power windows, remote locking - and in the cosmetic department - black alloy wheels go part way to making up the list.

Yet for all its packaging excellence and design delight, this Aygo is marked out by the willing little 69bhp 1.0 three cylinder petrol engine that drives through five gears all the way to 100mph. Not as fast as some but there’s enough eagerness and zip to excite. It’s not a sewing machine, thank goodness.

It’s an engine with a little bit of encouraging ‘brmm! brmm!’ to it when you work it hard unlike some more anodyne ‘city podules’ that isolate

you from real motoring.

Mother Theresa might get the claimed 68.9mpg but your correspondent - ‘Big Foot size eleven’ - managed a still creditable 54mpg average and with a clear conscience too - because, hey ho!- nasty fumes are only 95g/km.

It’s fun on A roads and acceptable on motorways.

Honed and tuned for smiles it’s a joy on B roads and ‘ducking’ ‘n divin’ in the city - but if you fill it with four heavyweight adults and travel in hilly regions you’ll

understandably (given the little engine) need to not only use the whip but dig in with your spurs too. Throw two out and the fun comes back.

Ride quality is supple enough not to spill your coffee and there’s a reassuring sharpness to the handling with much improved steering.

A stability control system should keep duff drivers out of trouble - but if all goes ‘bang’ so will the six airbags.

Cheeky, practical and rewarding, it’s a little car that offers true motoring felicity.

Citroen C1.Airscape Flair Pure Tech 82 5 Door revise your opinion. On the road it drives well - compact enough to squeeze through all those gaps, confidence inspiring in its handling, sensibly thought through in its accoutrements and irresistibly cheeky in the fashion of the traditional mini.

In one of these you just get on with the straightforward business of driving and for an everyday driver the C1 is as reassuring as a reliable chum.

The refreshing rortiness of the 82hp 1.2 litre (There’s also a 1.0 litre version) 3 cylinder I’ve listened to the pundits, cast the runes daily, scratched my head many times and have finally reached an unequivocal conclusion - and it is simply this. A car such as the new Citroen C1 represents the vanguard of motoring sense and sensibility combined.

And until the boffins come up with a perpetual motion machine, this car stands proud as an economical and ecologically friendly city car that is a vast improvement over its predecessor.

Its cute appearance belies the sophistication of its eminently

sensible and reassuring packaging.

Owners are effusive in their praise - and for those yet to experience the new C1, I predict that its Gallic charm will very quickly banish all blues.

This new C1 Airscape (with the massive sliding sunroof) Flair Pure Tech 82 5 Door at £11,935, is a ‘ready-togo-anywhere’ little car with a surprisingly peppery punch to its performance.

‘And so it should be considering that price’ I hear you say. Well, I’m pleased to report that it is a quantum leap away from the previous

C1 and is a much more sophisticated vehicle.

It’s as comfy as you can get considering the modest dimensions and the cabin maximises the space to the last micron, giving driver and three other occupants unexpected room. This five door version is, of course, the eminently sensible option for family ownership - but that’s not to say the stylish three door variant at less money should be overlooked.

Even if you imagine yourself resistant to Gallic charm, a turn at the wheel of this little cracker will compel you to

petrol engine projects an invigorating liveliness all the way to 106mph - and if you drive like Mother Superior you might get nearly 66mpg overall.

But with places to go, people to see and deadlines to meet, this writer pedalled hard, stirred the good five speed gearbox and cruised the interstate at an easy and quiet 85mph. 46mpg was the average.

Quiet and refined enough for a car of its type, I concluded - but as eager as a team of big-hearted huskies when

needs be.

Much is said about the ‘positives’ of hybrid cars these days - but to them and their ilk the new C1 is an apt rejoinder. ‘Don’t be silly!’ it seems to say. ‘Why waste energy lugging the dead weight of a battery around when you could be bowling along blissfully in me?’

It’s a car that promotes the sunny side of life in all its incarnations - being an utterly rewarding little miracle of commonsense chic.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 53.

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Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 55.

Let’s face it, moving house can be one of the most stressful times of our lives, which is why more and more people are choosing to remain where they are and improve their existing homes instead.

Paul Fiddes

I am a self employed Gas Safe and a guild of master chimney sweep engineer and i have been established since August 2008.

I previously worked for a small fireplace shop so have plenty of experience installing a wide range of gas, solid fuel and electric products.

I will install most types of fires, stoves and fireplaces.

I also fit cookers, gas runs, flue liners gas or solid flue, twin wall flue systems, chimney pots, and most types of domestic chimney sweeping.

Page 56. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Villa C’an Pedro Cala Mesquida

Capdepera Golf Course Capdepera is the picturesque Golf Course located on the Island of Mallorca, this outstanding course has plenty to offer for those wanting to have tee-off on the beautiful island. With the fabulous ‘Restaurante Roca Viva’ on sight for peace and tranquillity look no further for nature at its best on this scenic course. With their annual membership starting fee of under €100 you will find no better value for money at this gorgeous location.

Capdepera Golf Course offers a versatile and frivolous golf course for all abilities, with an option of 18 holes or 9 holes; as well as a Driving Range and Practice Area.

This will have the opportunity to test the most experienced of players. The 15th hole of the course was designed by famous US Architect Dan Maples and has been voted the most beautiful hole in Mallorca repeatedly by Mallorca Magazine.

Capdepera also offer lessons to those who are not as experienced, with teachers with over 26 years of experience more than capable to teach even the most inexperienced players.

The Restaurante Roca Viva is the diamond of the course with stunning views of the course and the ideal place to relax in the picturesque scenery. The typical ‘Mallorquin style’ of the house allows for a wonderful setting and the terrace gives a spectacular view

of the mountain side.

As well as catering to those who want to unwind on course, this stunning location is perfect for any wedding party or business function, Capdepera has the facilities for any occasion. With the capacity to accommodate for 200 people many guests have had their most wonderful experiences at Capdepera.

Capdepera Golf Course is the perfect holiday location that is child friendly and is suitable for anyone who wants to enjoy the natural beauty of this stunning Island.

Please contact them to make a booking on: +34 971 81 85 00.

Villa C’an Pedro is a glorious Villa with tiered terraces, a vaulted Tower Room with a private setting and stunning gardens. With being on a short 5 minute walk to the sandy beach this magnificent 5 bedroom Villa makes the perfect get away for any family. The Villa is located in the beautiful NorthEast section of Mallorca and with a no through road for passing traffic it makes Villa C’an Pedro a very relaxing and peaceful get away.

The Villa itself was built specifically for the owners as a holiday resort, as well as their children and their families, therefore, it can easily accommodate to 12 persons. This makes Villa C’an Pedro a child friendly area with plenty of activities for not just the children on your door step. These include 4 choices of Golf Course, including the very popular and scenic Capdepera Golf Course.

All the bedrooms within the Villa are stylishly furnished with a very inviting décor; Bedroom’s 1 and 2 both include a double bed, with bedroom 1 facilitating an ensuite shower room. Bedroom 3 is the only twin room of the Villa that also includes a set of bunk beds, perfect for the children.

Bedroom 4 is the Tower Room which can be located by the rear steps of the Villa; it is a separate large room with a vaulted ceiling which accommodates a stunningly elegant double bed with en-suite bathroom, sofa bed and includes the terrace of the Villa, this looks out onto the picturesque beach and mountainous area. Finally, Bedroom 5 can be located by the front stairs is the Lower Apartment of the Villa and this includes a double bed with a practical sofa bed and en-suite bathroom, along with a lounging area, kitchenette with cooker and fridge. This also has its own terrace that also provides a stunning view.

The Kitchen is a very family orientated space with a table and seating area for 12, with a fashionable design this makes the perfect place to relax and dine together. There is plenty of utensils and glasses for any guests, Villa C’an Pedro can accommodate for any guest with everything you will need.

The living space has a very homely style with a wood burning stove for the chillier winter months and air conditioning for the hotter season. The lounge in-

cludes two traditional style sofas and numerous chairs to accommodate for any amount of guests you might have. The room also includes a satellite Television with DVD player and Video set, as well as an electric piano set upon request.

The outside area of the Villa has an exquisite, private pool along with a separate paddling pool for children. There are also plenty of patio areas with outdoor tables and chairs as well as loungers to relax in the sunshine. To accommodate the good weather there is also a built in barbeque and an outside bar area.

There will be two friendly faces, Jenny and Derek who will be there to greet you upon your arrival and to help you with any queries you might have about the surrounding area, and with the stunning views and perfect location Villa C’an Pedro can certainly be described as the perfect holiday get away for anyone. Whether you want to bring the whole family or have a quiet holiday away for 2, Villa C’an Pedro Cala Mesquida will not disappoint in location, style or scenery.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 57.

Hilary Houze 17 El Forestal is a luxury villa on the La Manga Golf Resort in the Costa Calida area of Southern Spain. This beautiful villa is set in a quiet peaceful location, has its own private pool, lovely gardens and beautiful views from the terraces. The villa sleeps up to 16 people in six large rooms all with en-suite facilities so is ideal for families, couples or groups of friends wishing to enjoy privacy as well as all the conveniences of a home away from home.

The resort enjoys almost year round sunshine making it a perfect place to enjoy all the outdoor activities on offer. With 3 championship golf courses it is very popular for golfing groups, similarly those who prefer tennis will find the facilities superb. Other activities include football, squash, water sports, mountain biking and quad biking and for those who prefer things a little more relaxing there is plenty to see and do around the area or simply relaxing around the pool with a good book.

The small private Club beach is with-

in walking distance of the villa.

If you want to stay in and enjoy a peaceful barbecue on the terrace then there are a variety of local supermarkets where you can stock up on provisions. You also won’t have any shortage of the very freshest of quality local foods because each day there is a market in one of the surrounding local towns where you can buy a wide variety of delicious foods.

Owner Hilary Houze said: “Over the years we have spent time making the house as user friendly as possible.

Every year we have extended and upgraded the facilities and it is now a place that provides every mod con that you would expect to aid a relaxing and stress free holiday home.

“We have built up a library of books, a good selection of DVD’s, bought an Xbox and an outdoor table tennis table for the enjoyment of our guests. Installing wifi at the house has also had a very positive effect.”

The living areas open out onto the terrace which extends the length of the front of the house and has great

views. A large size gas barbecue is available for outdoor cooking and there is a lovely seating area in the garden for pre-dinner drinks. Plenty of parking is also available.

The master bedroom suite is on the upper floor with its own balcony and gorgeous views. Four of the other bedrooms are on the lower ground floor, three of which feature sliding doors opening out onto the pool area and one which comes with its own private patio. Bedroom six is a detached unit with sliding doors to the pool area. Most of the bedrooms can accommodate extra beds or cots for young children.

Outside the private pool is surrounded by a large terraced area with plenty of sunbeds. The pool which benefits from sun all day can also be heated ( at extra cost). There is a shower and wc to serve the pool area and pool toys are available for guests to use.

Lush, well cared-for gardens offer shade from the midday sun and there is a peaceful outside sitting area with comfortable sofas away from the house and pool area. The lower garden is ideal for the more energetic to play ball games. * The property can be rented from £1,800 per week for a seven night stay and prices vary depending on the season. Bookings for long weekends are also accepted and for extended stays of more than one week.

Getting there is easy with Easyjet, Ryanair and Monarch offering several flights a day from various UK airports to Murcia and Alicante airports - both only a short drive from the villa.

Should you wish to see more the website www.villalamanga.wordpress.com which has many photos as well as more information about the villa. Please also take time to read the reviews.

La Manga Golf Club La Manga Club in La Manga, Spain features not one but three golf courses and a fourth pitch and putt course for good measure.

Here are some facts and figures about the courses:

North Course

An undulating course sprawling between palm trees, lakes and ‘barrancas’ - natural storm gullies which feature on all three golf courses and add an extra dimension to the game.

Slightly shorter than the South, with tighter fairways and larger greens, the North Course offers a different, yet no less challenging, round of golf.

Relying on precision rather than length, an added challenge is provided by the wide variety of water hazards and ‘barrancas’ that snake their way through the course.

South Course

This Championship course is probably one of the fairest tests of golf one can find. At 6,499 metres from the White Tees, whilst being accepted as a top-calibre tournament course, it also provides a thorough test both for the scratch player and right across the handicap range.

Located in the centre of the valley, with wide palmfringed fairways and water hazards that come into play on 15 of the 18 holes, the South Course holds few hidden dangers.

The many strategically positioned water hazards and bunkers will certainly punish any wayward shots. The front nine are particularly tough, with two par 3’s over 200 metres and some daunting par 4’s which will demand accurate driving between lakes and bunkers. On the back nine, special attention should be given to both the 11th and 12th holes, which demand precise club selection to greens across water.

The South Course has been the venue for many major professional tournaments including Spanish Opens and PGA Championships.

West Course

Set amid serene pine woodlands, the West Course’s design closely follows the natural contours of the undulating land. Its distinct character makes it a good alternative to the other, more classical championship courses.

The tight front nine demands accurate driving to avoid the ‘barrancas’ while the back nine, up amongst the hills, is more open but nonetheless challenging.

The West is many golfers’ favourite, both because of its unique setting, outstanding views and the challenge offered by its narrow fairways, frequent blind shots and the gullies which snake through the course. The breathtaking views, undulating fairways and fast greens make this course particularly exciting to play.

Page 58. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Beat rail fare rises in the New Year

To ensure you get the prices possible on your train travel in 2015, online travel booking website, redspottedhanky.com, is advising commuters on how to book the best travel deals.

From January 2nd average rail fares will rise by 2.2%, but by being savvy and planning ahead travellers can still snap up the best deals on the trains.

redspottedhanky.com has compiled some top money saving travel tips: Book early - Advance tickets are released 12 weeks before the day of travel, and this is when some of the most competitive rail fare prices can be found.

It’s not too late – Avoid costly walk-up fares at the station by booking advance tickets up until the day before you travel. Even if you’ve left it until the last moment to book its worth checking whether advance tickets are still available to save money.

Save £’s with your Tesco Clubcard - redspottedhanky.com has joined forces with Tesco Club-

card to offer travellers a chance to double up their online savings. The offer allows shoppers to swap a £10 Tesco Clubcard voucher for a £20 redspottedhanky.com rail voucher, which can be used when they book their next train journey.

Don’t forget your railcard – The Friends and Family railcard is a great way to get out and about with the children. Up to four adults and four kids can travel on one card as long as you are travelling with a child aged between 5 and 15 years old and will save you a third off the price of adult fares and 60% on kid’s fares throughout the whole of Great Britain.

Save with singles – You may think buying a return will save you money – but this often isn’t the case. If you have planned ahead and know what time you will be returning from your journey, it’s often best to book the return journey with two singles to ensure you get the cheapest price possible. Booking tickets online makes this easier - redspottedhanky.com show prices for both single and return fares

for the journey.

Be flexible – You can save ££s traveling on off-peak services by avoiding expensive commuter fares. If you don’t have a specific time in mind to arrive at your destination you can travel on less popular routes. Train companies offer their best deals on these journeys to fill seats on quieter trains.

Gareth Woodhouse, director at redspottedhanky.com, said: “The January price increases of an average of 2.2% mark the lowest increase in the last five years, however there are still big savings to be made for those customers who plan their journeys ahead. We always advise our customers to book train tickets as far in advance as possible to receive the best savings, and avoid paying cpstly walk-up fares at the station wherever possible.” redspottedhanky.com provides travel to destinations across the UK. To make a booking or find out more information, please visit http://www.redspottedhanky.com.

The Grosvenor House Hotel

THE Grosvenor House Hotel in Skegness is quite rightly regarded as one of the resort’s premier residences. It is known throughout the UK, and beyond, for its live ballroom dancing, friendly staff and excellent value for money.

Child-friendly, family-friendly and petfriendly, The Grosvenor House is always being praised by its customers for being, well, friendly and welcoming.

Its location could not be better - it is directly opposite the pier - so all facilities, attractions and amusements are within a short walking distance.

It is also well-known for its top-class children’s entertainment and offers a full a-la-carte menu with comfortable rooms

(including rooms with a sea view), a luxurious lounge bar, all-day carvery, full bar menu and a delightful afternoon high tea just some of the things it has to offer.

The kitchen team pride themselves in using the finest locally-reared meats, locally-grown vegetables and the restaurant offers a selection of international wines to suit all tastes.

Located just a stone’s throw from the Famous Embassy Theatre, The Wild Life Reserves at Gibralter Point and some of the best beaches in the UK, the Grosvenor House Hotel has 29 en-suite bedrooms including singles, doubles, triples and family rooms.

Lillibet’s Cabaret Bar offers nightly

cabaret with dinner whilst the Imperial Ballroom offers facilities for up to 500 people for banqueting, weddings and receptions. Also don’t forget to ask staff about the Embassy Specials where there are great rates for theatregoers and the tea-dance specials which are are always extremely popular with guests.

If you are looking for a classic hotel on the Skegness sea front with great entertainment, amazing specials, friendly staff and an amazing location then you need look no further than The Grosvenor House Hotel.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 59.

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FORMULA E – ROUND 3 BUEMI CONFIRMS EARLY PROMISE

Nelson Piquet Jr leads off the line as the field kicks up a sandstorm

E.dams-Renault’s Sebastian Buemi finally confirmed the promise he showed in preseason testing, at Donington Park, with victory in Punta del Este in Round 3 of the FIA’s new all-electric race series Formula E. Buemi was consistently quickest in testing at Donington, where all ten teams are based, but he crashed out of the opening round, in Beijing, before taking third place in Putrajaya.

Drivers found the track tricky at the picturesque Uruguayan resort, with the high kerbs and sand-swept surface bringing several drivers into contact with the circuit’s unforgiving walls. As a result Round 2 winner Sam Bird started from a lowly eightRace winner Sebestian Buemi.

The Formula E grid lines up at the picturesque resort.

eenth place and would be the first to retire in the race. Pole position went to F1 refugee JeanEric Vergne, making his debut for Andretti Autosport, and his fans were behind him, voting for him to have one of three ‘fan-boost’ buttons. Alongside was China Racing’s Nelson Piquet Jr leads from Vergne with Buemi in pursuit.

Piquet Jr who made the better start, from what was the safety car. The rest of the field duel to the flag, ended two cleaner side of the grid but, promptly dived for the pits, laps early as Vergne slowed under pressure from Vergne, under the full-course caution, with a front suspension failPiquet brushed the wall and particularly fortunate for Mahi- ure. Buemi could the cruise he began to struggle with ndra’s Bruno Senna who had to his first Formula E victory his car’s handling. Vergne also hit the wall, whilst avoid- 0.7 seconds ahead of Nelson made a well-judged pass at ing Sarrazin. He limped to the Piquet Jr with Beijing winner the hairpin to take the lead pits on three wheels before Lucas Di Grass a further two from Piquet, who came under jumping into his second car. seconds back in third. pressure from e.dams pairing Buemi took the advantage Buemi was delighted with Buemi and Nicolas Prost. at the stops, not only to get his win after such promise in Vergne was the first to pit, to past Piquet, but to lead from testing. “Well I think it was a swap cars as battery life was Vergne. Vergne was clearly great day and it was a tough low, just before Stephane Sar- set on a debut victory and it and long event, everything in razin became another driver took the all of the World En- a single day. You know it has to suffer broken suspension durance Champion’s skill to been a great journey because on the high kerbs, the hit- keep his rival at bay but, what we showed fantastic form in ting the wall, bringing out the could have been a classic testing at Donington and we

had a really bad start in Beijing and more or less a good race in Putrajaya with the third place. Finally to win here is perfect as the team has pushed very hard, so I’m glad we finally managed to nail it here.”

Di Grassi’s podium place extends his championship lead to 18 points, ahead of Buemi and Sam Bird, tied on 40 points. The next round is in Buenos Aries on 10th January 2015.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 63.

Mick Hill (right) reunited with his old rival Doug Niven in 2010.

Mick Hill, a leader of the Special Saloon racing movement, passed away at the end of November after a lengthy illness. Mick, from Draycott, was not only an outstanding driver, with 96 race wins to his credit , but a series driving force and the innovator of some radical racing cars.

GPO engineer Mick started racing Minis in 1966, but became noticed when he turned Richard Scantlebury’s Jaguar-powered Ford Anglia into a race winner in 1970.

A fine engineer, Mick’s V8 Boss Capri was one of the most successful racing cars ever. With a Ford GT40 engine and Lola T70 suspension the Capri won 32 of 39 races in 1971 alone, taking a class victory in the BRDC Triplex Championship and the 1972 BRSCC Hepolite title outright. In 1973 Mick took the BRDC Esso Uniflo title with this Capri and his new six litre Tricentrol Capri, set-

A junior football team in Derbyshire has received brand new training kit after housebuilder Bellway sponsored the side.

Mickleover Royal British Legion FC’s under 12s team have been kitted out with new tracksuits to keep them warm in the winter months after Bellway offered its support.

Richard Burke, a Contracts Manager for Bellway’s East Midlands division, approached the firm about sponsorship. He has been a volunteer with the junior side for six years.

He said: “The new kit looks fantastic and I would like to thank Bellway on behalf of the club for supporting the side.

“We try to teach the lads how to play football and how to conduct themselves on and off the pitch in the proper manner. We’re all happy to give our time but when it comes to buying equipment and kit we need to ask for help. Support like this goes a long way to helping us achieve our goals.”

Sales Manager for Bellway’s East Midlands division, Matt Newman, said: “We are proud to be sponsoring Mickleover Royal British Legion FC’s under 12s side.

“Clubs like this do wonders for youngsters by providing an environment where they can build confidence and make new friends, while promoting a healthy lifestyle.

“Bellway supports community initiatives across the region and we know many of our employees give up their own time to do the same. Richard is a committed volunteer and we were delighted to be able to assist with the team’s new training kit.

“They have made a great start to the season and we will certainly be keeping a close eye on their results. We wish them all the very best for the season.”

The youngsters have lost just once in the Derby Junior Football League, while also progressing to the third round of the cup competition.

The club has teams representing a number of age groups, ranging between under 7s and under 18s, and also has two senior sides.

Search for Mickelover RBL Football Club on Facebook or Twitter to find out more. For information on careers at Bellway see www.bellway.co.uk.

ting the first sub-one minute saloon lap of Silverstone’s National circuit. Mick helped to founder the new-for-1974 Super Saloon Championship, which he and the Capri won. Very little of the original Capri was retained, it was a semi-monocoque spaceframe with Lola suspension, and was reported to have clocked 176 mph at Silverstone.

For 1976 he created an amazing Beetle using the Chevy V8 from Mike Wilds F5000 March in a spaceframe chassis with Trojan F5000 suspension and 17 inch Avon tyres. Hill raced it until the end of ’77 before he sold it to Doug Niven who won 47 races with it through ’78 and ’79.

When a political row led to some major national championships boycotting Donington Park in 1980, Mick established the Donington GT Championship, saying “I chose to exercise freedom of choice and support the finest

circuit in Europe.” The championship was healthy and soon developed into a new era of thoroughbred racing cars clothed in replica GT bodies, providing thrilling racing until 1988. Mick, of course, won the inaugural title in a seven litre Skoda-Chevy.

Exciting times, but the cars were expensive to run and the rise in interest in historic racing brought the series to an end, most of the cars then being restored to their original condition.

Mick’s health deteriorated and he would receive a heart transplant, but never lost his passion for motorsport, and he was an active BRDC member. When the Donington circuit reopened late in 2010, Mick was reunited with his old rival Doug Niven, both having taken part in the first race when Tom Wheatcroft opened the circuit in 1977. Mick leaves behind his wife, Leo, son Greg and daughter Cathy.

Bellway sponsors junior football team in Derbyshire PCSO bids farewell to Spondon and joins the Clay Cross team in Chesterfield PCSO Kate Hodnett is soon to be leaving the Spondon Safer Neighbourhood Team as she moves on to pastures new.

Kate Hodnett Kate, who joined the force in November 2008, initially worked from Roe Farm Police Station with Derwent Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team and later joined the officers in the Spondon team.

She is set to leave D Division at the end of this week and carry on her role as PCSO with Clay Cross Safer Neighbourhood Team in Chesterfield.

PCSO Hodnett said: “I have really enjoyed my time working with the community in this part of Derby and alongside my colleagues at Derwent and Spondon.

“During my time, I have worked closely with a number of partner agencies, local community groups, such as NHW, schools, businesses and of course the local residents.

“I feel that a great working relationship has been established with these various groups through talks, crime prevention initiatives and visits.

“I am quite sad to leave but at the same time look forward to the challenges of getting to know a new area and building on what the officers at Clay Cross have already established.

“On a personal note I would like to thank the community for all their support and efforts in assisting me and the team to make Spondon a safe and pleasant neighbourhood to work and live.”

PCSO Kate Hodnett will be taking on her new role on Monday, December 22.

Page 64. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Peaty on Sports Personality of the Year Nomination Double Commonwealth Games gold medal winning swimmer Adam Peaty has spoken of his great honour at being shortlisted for this year’s prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

The 19-year-old City of Derby swimmer has certainly had a great year and said he felt “honoured” to have made it to the final ten on the list of nominees for the annual sports award - amongst the highlights of the UK sporting year.

In the end it was Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton who was named as Sports Personality of the Year with Northern Ireland golfer Rory McIlroy in second place and Gold medalwinning athlete Jo Pavey picking up third place.

After the ceremony Peaty tweeted to his several thousand followers: “Well last night was amazing! So proud to be British!

A massive thank you to everyone who has supported me so far!

Well done @LewisHamilton.”

Modest Peaty, from Uttoxeter, said he was pleased with the way 2014 has gone for him but said there was a lot of hard work ahead of him.

He said: “It’s not been a bad year, definitely not. I never thought I’d be as fast as the world record. It’s been a whirlwind of a year. I’m still 19 and still in a man’s game but it will be a tough few years for me now.

“The Commonwealth Games were pretty special. The whole Games were absolutely amazing but nothing can beat a world record at the end of the day.”

When Peaty says that it has not been a bad year then he is certainly playing down his amazing achievements.

At this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow he won gold medals in both the 100m breaststroke and the 4x100m medley relay. He also picked up silver in he 50m breaststroke.

Next in the European Championships in Berlin, he swam his way to four more fold medals; in

the 50m and 100m breaststroke, the 4x100m medley and the mixed medley relays.

In fact he swam so fast in the 50m breaststroke, that his time of 26.62 seconds set a new world record and at the World Short Course Championships in Qatar he won three silver medals.

Speaking to awards ceremony compere Clare Balding at the awards event in Glasgow he had nothing but praise for his coach Mel Marshall and for his GB team mates.

He said: “I am honoured to be here. All over the summer it has been absolutely amazing and, hopefully, we can push on next year and the year after.

“I had a really good winter of training and I hoped that would help me this year.

“I have to put it all down to my coach. I wouldn’t be here without her. The team is just amazing.

Honestly, in a year’s time we are going to be winning golds, hopefully, everywhere.

“It is such a young team. We

are all coming through and we are all supporting one another and it’s pretty much like a family.”

Clare Balding told the audience: “We will remember his name, he’s our youngest c o n t e n d e r, Adam Peaty.”

Olympian R e b e c c a Adlington had tweeted her support for the swimmer and MP Andrew Griffiths had urged everyone to vote for him.

He said: “Adam has helped put Uttoxeter on the map, not just with his swimming but with his personality and attitude. He is a fantastic ambassador.”

Mark Foster, six-time world swimming champion, said: “Adam’s had a phenomenal year competing against some of the best guys around.

“In the Commonwealth Games he beat the number two and three in the world, and at the Europe-

ans he broke the world record.

“If you look at the times he’s done this year, and when he did them, he should be on the starting block as one of the favourites at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.”