The Derbyshire Guardian Issue 20

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 20 : Page 1.

What’s On - Page 14 | Wedding Show - Page 30 | Business - Page 38 | Golf Holidays - Page 54

Page 2. Issue 20 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 20 : Page 3.

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LONDON ROAD BRIDGE BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE One in five people in the East Midlands unaware that dementia risk can be reduced

Almost one in five people in the East Midlands do not think it is possible to reduce their risk of developing dementia, according to a YouGov poll commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society.

Despite growing evidence that simple lifestyle factors can improve our chances of avoiding dementia, the poll found that 19 per cent of people in the East Midlands are unaware of this and could be putting themselves at risk.

Alzheimer’s Society is calling on people to take action now and has revealed five simple things people can start doing straight away to reduce their risk of the dementia - the most important of which is to take regular exercise.

The results and tips are released as Alzheimer’s Society encourages people to sign up to its annual flagship fundraising event, Memory Walk. Nottingham Memory Walk takes place at 11am on

Saturday 20 September at Wollaton Hall.

Ruth Langsford, Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador and presenter of ITV’s This Morning and Loose Women, said: ‘My wonderful dad had dementia, so naturally I have concerns that I might get it too. Like a worrying number of us, I didn’t realise until recently that there are simple things you can do to reduce your risk, such as exercising regularly.

Now I try to eat healthily, keep active and go on long walks with our dog, Maggie. This September I’m bringing my dog to an Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walk as it’s the perfect way to get some gentle exercise, whilst raising money for the charity and remembering dad.’

Alzheimer’s Society recommends the following five simple things you can start doing now to reduce your risk of developing dementia:

• Exercise - There’s more evidence that regular exercise will prevent dementia than for any other measure we might take.

Walking regularly is an excellent way of keeping active.

• Eat Mediterranean food - Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, fish, olive oil and nuts, a little red wine and not much meat or dairy.

• Manage other health conditions – Other conditions like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure both increase your risk of developing dementia, so get these checked and follow medical advice to keep them under control.

• Avoid smoking - it significantly increases your risk of developing dementia, most likely because it damages blood vessels and reduces the amount of blood that reaches your brain.

• Use it or lose it – Scientists believe that frequently challenging your brain with new things is the

A year on from the closure of Derby’s London Road for the replacement of the road bridge across the railway, the new structure is in place and work is progressing towards completion of the project by the end of the year. The spectacular single span steel structure replaces the 135 year old bridge that had been increasingly subject to weight restrictions and was rapidly reaching the end of its useful life.

The London Road Bridge spans the busy Derby-Birmingham rail line to the south of Derby’s Midland Station.

key, for example taking up a new hobby, learning a language or even walking an unfamiliar route.

There are thought to be about 60,000 people living with dementia in the East Midlands.

Dr Clare Walton from Alzheimer’s Society said: ‘800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia but with no cure yet, we need a significant public health effort to attempt to reduce the number of future cases of the condition.

‘We know that what is good for

The deterioration of the original four-span structure had been managed by imposing weight limits and the use of traffic signals, together with support props placed below. It was thought that the bridge could last no more than another 20 years even with extensive maintenance.

The scheme was announced by the government in 2011, one of a number of key Local Major Infrastructure projects with £4.4m funding from the DfT towards the total cost of £6.9m. The road was expected to be closed for around 12 months.

your heart is good for your head and there are simple things you can start doing now to reduce your risk of developing dementia.

Regular exercise is a good place to start as well as avoiding smoking and eating a Mediterranean diet.

‘It is never too early to start making healthier choices that could help your memory - whether that’s hitting the gym or just walking instead of catching the bus, it all helps.’

Memory Walks take place around the UK throughout the

The new bow-string arch structure crosses the railway in a single span and will remove previous weight restrictions, reduce congestion and improve access to the city through the Castleward area. The project, due to be completed this August, has been delayed by a national shortage of steel and the complexity of the number of utility services carried by the bridge. Once the deck of the bridge has been completed, diverted utilities will be routed back across the bridge, the road and footpaths surfaced and the temporary footbridge removed.

Traffic has been diverted through Pride Park and businesses along London Road say the road closure has cost them thousands of pounds in lost trade. There have been calls for financial help for those affected, but Derby City Council say that, legally,they are unable to help. autumn to raise money for people affected by dementia and their carers. It is a day to walk, share and celebrate someone special and everyone walks with one common goal: to defeat dementia. From shorter walks no longer than a mile to walks as far as 10k there is something on offer for everyone.

For more information or to register visit www.memorywalk. org.uk/nottingham

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Four Winds Energy Co-operative News Release - Green Light for Duckmanton Wind Turbine - Share offer extended until 21st August Four Winds Energy Co-operative are delighted to announce that they have the green light to build a wind turbine at Duckmanton, near Chesterfield in Derbyshire. The money for the project has been raised by a successful public share offer which has generated over £2.6 million which is more than enough to build the 500kw turbine.

The turbine is set to be up and producing electricity by the 9th December this year and to feed into the national grid to provide power for local homes.

Paul Rea, Chairman of Four Winds Co-op, said, "We are delighted with the response we have received from local people over recent weeks. It's great to see the community getting involved. In fact, we're extending the public share offer period as we have planning permission to build another turbine at Shafton in Yorkshire. We would like to give more people, particularly those living locally, the opportunity to invest. Therefore the share offer is now open until 21st August" “To date we have attracted a wide range of investors, with the help of Energy4All, the country's leading expert in community owned renewable

energy schemes. We have over 600 individual investors.”

Local residents can invest as little at £100 in the scheme, which is projected to generate returns of between 6-8% averaged over the life of the project.

This is currently higher than any return offered by the high street banks. Four Winds has also received Advance Assurance from HMRC that the shares in Four Winds will qualify for EIS tax relief of 30%.

For further information regarding the share offer please visit www.fourwinds.coop

Blue Cross offers free flea treatment for pets

Local pet owners on benefits can get help for their animal’s vet treatment by registering at the Blue Cross pet care clinic. The charity offers the service at the Pride Veterinary Centre on Riverside Road and until the end of September eligible owners are being offered free flea treatment for their pets Pet owners should register now to qualify for the free treat-

ment and to make sure their pet is given preventative treatment against other nasty parasites and dangerous diseases.

The Blue Cross pet care clinic also offers friendly advice, pet health checks, neutering, microchipping and vaccinations. While all services are offered at a subsidised cost, Blue Cross asks clients to make a contribution.

To qualify for the service, pet

owners must live in postcode areas DE1, DE21, DE22, DE23, DE24, DE72 and DE73 and bring proof of their benefit to register.

The clinic is open for appointments from Monday to Friday between 08.30am until 5.00pm.

To register or find out more information about qualifying for the service please call 0300 777 1870 or visit the website www. bluecross.org.uk/derby.

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FORMER COUNCILLOR DEFENDS COUNCIL LOCOMOTIVE OWNERSHIP

A former city councillor has defended the ownership, by Derby City Council, of a unique piece of Derby’s Railway Heritage. Dave Roberts, former councillor for the Derwent ward, has spoken out after the Derby Telegraph ‘discovered’ that the council owned a steam locomotive with an estimated value of £350,000 that was pulling trains on the Severn Valley Railway in Worcestershire.

The newspaper argued that the engine should be sold as the council is having to cut front line services in order to make savings in the current economic climate.

Mr Roberts said he was surprised to see the article about the ‘discovery’ and even more surprised to see the Telegraph advocate its sale. “After so many campaigns

to keep the city’s heritage, it now seems that the paper has joined the taxpayer alliance in their obsession with selling off everything,” he said. Before losing his seat in the May local elections, Mr Roberts was a long serving, and highly respected, councillor for Derwent, one of the more deprived areas of the city. Mr Roberts knows well how much a small injection of cash can mean to a community, but he still insists that to sell off the locomotive would be a kick in the teeth for the volunteers who have restored, and still maintain, the engine. “Thank goodness for those volunteers and funders who have, over the years, given invaluable time and reportedly £250,000 in cash to restoring 73129. After bringing it back to Derby from Barry Docks,

where it was to be scrapped, and handing over the stewardship of the engine to Midlands Railway Trust, what a response it would be from the council if we as a city should say ‘thanks for all your hard work and looking after our assets, but it has been sold.’”

Councillor Alison Martin, cabinet member for leisure and culture, said the locomotive was being

“held in trust for the benefit of everyone. Whether or not to sell any individual item from a collection depends on how its sale would affect the collection as a whole, and whether it would actually bring in much money in the end.” £350,000 would have little impact on the cuts the council is required to make, but the sale of the locomotive would be a major loss to the city’s heritage. Conservative opposition leader Philip Hickson agreed: “I’d sooner we protected the heritage asset rather than taking a mercenary stance.”

The Derby City Council owned locomotive No. 73129 was purchased in 1972, with the aid of a grant from London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, by the Midland Railway Project Group (later to become the Midland Railway Centre at Butterley) of which the, then, Derby Borough Council was a partner. It was seen as important to preserve one of the last batch of steam locomotives built in Derby, part of the town’s exceptional railway heritage, and a unique example of its class. The Class 5MT locomotive returned to steam in 2005 and has become one of the star attractions at Butterley. 73129 has been on loan, for the summer, to the Severn Valley Railway and has previ-

ously made a couple of very successful visits to the Great Central Railway.

BR’s Standard Class 5 engines were a ‘standardised’ version of Stanier’s famous LMS ‘Black Five’ design of the 1930s using, by the 1950s, BR standard components. However, 73129 is unique among surviving members of its class in preservation as it is the only one fitted with British Caprotti valve gear rather than the usual Walschaerts motion of cranks and valves.

In the 1920s Italian engineer Arturo Caprotti designed his valve gear with cams to actuate poppet valves controlling the flow of steam to and from the cylinders, much in the same way that the internal combustion engine works.

Gearboxes transmit the drive from the poppet valves to the wheels and also on the return crank to operate the rotating cams. Early trials in Britain showed little advantage, but a modified British version of Caprotti’s design was fitted to the final two Black Fives and trials were successful. In 1954 Class 8P No. 71000 Duke of Gloucester was fitted with the Caprotti motion and, subsequently, so was the final batch of 30 standard fives built at Derby, Nos 73125 to 73154.

73129 left Derby works on 31st August 1956, allocated to the shed at Shrewsbury. It was transferred to Patricroft, Manchester, in 1958 to haul passenger and freight trains in Wales and the North West. However, the steam era of British Rail was drawing to a close and the first of the Caprotti class mates to be withdrawn from service was No.73147 from St Rollox, Glasgow, in August 1965.

73129 was placed in store in June 1967 and finally withdrawn on 2nd December 1967 after a working life of just 11 years. The locomotive had covered 198,359 miles. British Rail finally ended the use of steam traction the following year.

Sold to the Woodham Brothers, 73129 arrived at their scrapyard in Barry, South Wales, in March

1968 – the only Caprotti engine to go to Barry. The Barry scrapyard became a Mecca for steam enthusiasts and many engines in preservation today were recovered from there, including 73129, which was bought by Derby Borough Council and returned to Derby on 6th January 1973. The engine was moved to Butterley in 1975, but it was 1993 before the restoration effort really got underway.

Alan Calladine, the Midland Railway’s Development Officer, said “Nothing happened with it during that time, mainly because we were building the railway here and because of the finance involved in restoring the loco – around £200,000.”

A group of Midland Railway Trust members, led by Phil Deane, set about fund-raising for the project and the restoration slowly began under project leader Ian Crampton. The boiler was completely overhauled with a full retube and replacement of stays and washout plugs. Whilst the engine was in good mechanical condition with most of its motion still intact, it was all stripped down, the frames shotblasted, brake gear and motion overhauled and new crankpin gearboxes fitted. Meanwhile, the tender was completely stripped down, with axle boxes overhauled and tank de-scaled.

The boiler was removed from the frames in November 2003 and the first major landmark towards a return came on 22nd February 2004. Volunteer Ken Doleman, who as a young man had worked on the engines at Derby Loco Works, was invited to light the first fire in the refurbished boiler. This was slowly brought up to full working pressure, passing its examination five days later.

Once the boiler was returned to the frames, the cab was replaced and new external copper piping fitted. With the boiler relagged, the engine was repainted and a late-BR crest added to the tender.

Class 5MT No. 73129 returned to traffic on 20th May 2005, some 38 years after it was withdrawn

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by BR. For Ken Doleman, this was a great moment. “It’s taken 12 years to restore properly,” he said. “When we were out here in the rain, polishing plates, I used to wonder if it would be worth it.

But now, when I see our work coming down the tracks, I feel really proud of our work.” Alan Calladine paid tribute to the quality of the volunteers at Butterley.

“It was a shell when we got it. A lot of parts had to be made from new and our highly skilled volunteers played a major part in that.”

After many hours of hard work in the workshop and machine shop, Ian Crampton drove 73129 on the 3.5 mile line at Butterley, reporting the engine to be spritely and responsive. “To think she’s been out of traffic for 38 years, she’s unbelievable,” he said.

73129 paid her first visit to the Great Central Railway later in 2005, where she spent a week at their October Gala, before returning for a second visit in 2013. With a double mainline, and a higher speed limit on their longer track, it was a great opportunity for the engine to ‘stretch her legs’ which she did admirably. The current loan to the Severn Valley Railway began at the end of May and was

due to end in September, with the revenue earned contributing towards the boiler refurbishment due in 2015.

Councillor Martin added “There is a loan agreement between Derby Museums Trust and The Midland Railway Trust. For at least the next five years, the engine will continue to be loaned to the trust.”

Alan Calladine said that around £250,000 had been raised to cover running costs of the locomotive over the past decade and that the refit is expected to cost around £120,000, taking the engine out of action for two years. “The service won’t all be paid for by the Severn Valley work, the rest will come from fund-raising by trust members, enthusiasts and local well-wishers. It will not be funded by taxpayers,” he added.

Given that so much of Derby’s railway heritage has been lost, Dave Roberts is relieved that we can have this discussion at all. “That is thanks to the muchmaligned city councillors who, in 1972, saved a Derby-built locomotive from the scrap heap.”

Derbyshire children at Rainbows are “Happy” Young People at Rainbows Children’s Hospice have re-created Pharell Williams’ hit video ‘Happy’ because they wanted to tell everyone what a happy place Rainbows is.

More than 100 young people, staff and volunteers take part in the fun video, which is also a celebration of the hospice’s 20th birthday.

Currently, 309 children and young people with life-limiting and terminal illnesses – including those from Derbyshire, are supported and cared for at Rainbows. Although there are inevitably sad times, the hospice prides itself on being a happy place filled with fun and laughter, where special memories are made.

A group of young people aged 19 to 30, who currently come to Rainbows for respite and day care, came up with the concept and were involved in choosing the locations, formatting ideas, choreographing dances, as well as editing and directing.

Music therapist Neil Eaves said: “The young people told me they would love re-create the video, based on the one by Pharrell Williams, and we tried to get everyone involved.

“It is something they have come up with themselves and taken it on. The young people have seen their idea right through from conception to an end product and they have been involved in it every step of the way.

“It has been so much fun, they have enjoyed it and rightly feel very proud.”

Creating the Happy video took six months and licencing fees were funded by a donation from a supporter.

Neil added: “A lot of the young people involved in the video have been here for many years and have seen Rainbows expand and grow, while they them-

WIN ENTRY TO KICKBACK CUSTOM BIKE SHOW We have 3 pairs of wristbands to give away for KICKBACK the national custom bike show.

The comp wristbands will give the lucky winners instant access to the exhibition, see details of show in press release.

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SEE PAGE 14 FOR MOR E DETA ILS!

selves have grown from children into young adults.

They know Rainbows is a happy place and they want to celebrate happiness.

“It wasn’t about Rainbows the building; it was about what Rainbows stands for and to show that it is the people who make it such a special place to be.

Quite often people who visit Rainbows are amazed at how happy and full of life it is, and not the sad place they maybe thought it would be.”

To watch the Happy video, visit w w w. r a i n b o w s . co.uk/happy If it makes you happy, you can donate to Rainbows by visiting www.rainbows. co.uk/donate or text RAIN114 to 70070 and donate £4.

Scan me to see the video!

Page 8. Issue 20 : Derbyshire Guardian.

WORK STARTS ON WASTE TREATMENT CENTRE

Work to build a state-of-theart waste treatment plant in Sinfin is about to start as part of a long-term plan to deal with Derby and Derbyshire’s waste.

The centre, on Sinfin Lane, is expected to save Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council more than £2 million a year for 27 years compared to the alternative cost of sending waste to landfill.

This will give the councils certainty about the cost of managing waste in the future, helping them to manage their budgets and protect them from future rises in the cost of landfill - including Landfill Tax which is currently set at £80 a tonne.

The facility, which will cost around £145.5 million to build, is being developed as part of a contract between the councils and Resource Recovery Solutions (Derbyshire) Ltd (RRS) - a partnership between Shanks Group Plc and Interserve Group plc - to deal with Derby and Derbyshire’s waste up until 2042.

Councillor Joan Dixon, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, said: “The county council needs to cut its budget by £157m by 2018 and our current landfill bill is one we cannot afford in the future.

“This year the county council is expected to pay more than £20million for sending waste that isn’t recycled or composted to landfill, including Landfill Tax which costs Derbyshire taxpayers around £400,000 every week.

“We do not know how much landfill will cost in the future but it certainly won’t cost less than it does now.”

Around 250 people will be

recruited to build the facility on Sinfin Lane and a further 34 permanent posts will be created to run the plant which will handle around 190,000 tonnes of waste from homes in Derby and Derbyshire each year. This waste – collected from residents’ non-recycling bins – is currently sent to landfill sites or treated outside Derbyshire which is neither environmentally nor financially sustainable for the future.

Inside the facility, any recyclable materials not yet removed will be separated and recycled and the remaining non-recyclable waste will be shredded, dried and heattreated to produce a gas which is then burned to create enough electricity to power 14,000 homes. This electricity will be sold to the National Grid, generating income for the councils which will help offset their energy bills such as for street lighting.

Any leftover ash will be recycled to produce an aggregate replacement in concrete block manufacture or treated and used as a gypsum substitute.

Treating waste in this way will save around 48,000 tonnes of carbon a year compared to sending waste to landfill - the equivalent of taking 16,000 cars off the road – and help the councils achieve a recycling rate of 55% by 2020 - exceeding the national target of 50%.

Councillor Asaf Afzal, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Streetpride says, “Derby City Council needs to manage its waste more effectively in the years to come and this facility will enable us to do so in a way that costs taxpayers less than it does now; the cost of sending waste to landfill will

only increase as the Council is forced to cut a further £60m from its budgets by 2017.”

Councillor Dixon added: “We are still committed to encouraging people to reduce, reuse, recycle and compost their waste. The waste facility will include an education centre which schools and community groups can use to find out how to reduce waste, why we need to recycle and the environmental impacts of landfill.

“By 2020, we want residents in Derby and Derbyshire to be recycling at least 55% of their waste but there is always going to be some waste which just cannot be recycled or composted and continuing to send it to landfill sites is just not an option.”

Funding for the facility is being loaned to RRS by the UK Green Investment Bank and two leading international banks; BayernLB from Germany and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation from Japan.

Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council have a long-term waste management contract with Resource Recovery Solutions (Derbyshire) Ltd (RRS) to manage household waste. The contract will run for 25 years from the date the waste treatment plant opens.

Under the contract, which began in 2010, RRS will continue to run two existing waste transfer stations in Alfreton and Glossop. It will also manage eight of the county council’s household waste recycling centres at Glossop, Chesterfield, Loscoe, Ilkeston, Bretby, Ashbourne, Bolsover, Northwood near Matlock and the city council’s recycling centre at Raynesway.

Meeting for residents to help set policing priorities in the South Normaton and Pinxton area Residents in the South Normanton and Pinxton area can have a say on policing priorities.

The South Normanton and Pinxton Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team is holding a meeting at Pinxton Village Hall, Kirkstead Road, on Tuesday, September 9 at 5pm.

It is an opportunity for lo-

cal people to meet their local officers and raise issues or concerns, in particular about crime, anti-social behaviour or road safety, for the police and partner organisations to target.

The meeting will include an opportunity to find out what issues the team have been working on during previous months.

If you are unable to attend, or

would like more information, you can contact the team by calling 101, or by emailing alfreton.neighbourhoods@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk.

You can also follow the South Normanton and Pinxton Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team on Twitter: @SNormPinxtonSNT.

Eight Special Constables head out on patrol across Derbyshire

A group of eight new recruits are ready to head out on the beat after becoming volunteer police officers in Derbyshire.

The latest recruits, who are aged between 19 and 28, will be helping police the streets up and down the county, at locations including Ashbourne, Ilkeston, Derby and Bolsover.

They are Special Constables Lauren Ratcliffe, Lawrence Verney, Jake Prince, Marc Atwal, Gareth Pooley, John Ryde, Shahid Hussain and Daniel Davies.

The officers were sworn in to Derbyshire’s Special Constabulary at an attestation ceremony in front of family and friends, which was held at force headquarters in Ripley on Thursday, August 28.

Derbyshire’s Assistant Chief Constable, Martyn Bates, said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome our latest team of recruits into Derbyshire Constabulary.

“Being a Special Constable enables each individual to make a genuine difference to the lives of people in our

communities.”

The Special Constabulary is made up of volunteers who give up their time to help police Derbyshire and keep communities safe from crime and anti-social behaviour.

Why are people moving to biomass to heat their homes?

The reason is financial!

The domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) went live at Easter and there has been a huge surge in domestic biomass boiler installations. Why? Because it represents a fantastic investment!

The RHI is similar to the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) that supported the uptake of solar PV. Those who stood by believing the FIT scheme was too good to be true are kicking themselves now!

This is the next great incentive for homes and businesses.

The RHI pays renewable heating system owners for every kilowatt-hour of heat their technology uses.

Wood pellets offer a significant saving when compared to oil or LPG.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 20 : Page 9.

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WEDDING RECEPTIONS & FUNCTIONS AT ALFRETON LEISURE CENTRE Looking for the perfect venue can be a time consuming business. Not only to do you have to decide where you want your reception to be held, but you’ve got to check if they have enough tables and chairs, if there’s a bar and a whole host of other considerations, At Alfreton Leisure Centre, we understand that your wedding reception should be a day to remember for you, your friends and family. Being one of the biggest occasions of your life, we will assist you in ensuring every aspect of your wedding reception will be attended to and, with your special day on the horizon, there is no better way to get your perfect “Wedding Day” body than will some specialised Personal Training at one of our three ‘Excellent’ rated gyms at Alfreton, Ripley or William Gregg VC Leisure Centres in Amber Valley.

From high-calorie burning exercises, to resistance training to boost your metabolism, our Personal Trainers can put you through workouts to ensure you look your best. It doesn’t stop there either. We can also analyse your diets to ensure that your habits outside of exercise don’t halt

your training.

So whether you want to lose some weight, tone up or just feel great on your special day, contact one of our team and we can book you in for a FREE Personal Training consultation.

For the perfect venue for your reception, there are some fantastic facilities on offer, and we welcome external caterers which meet our health and safety requirements to cater for you on your special day. We understand the wedding meal needs to be perfect for you and your guests, and welcome caterers of your choice that will meet your culinary tastes.

Our venue can accommodate up to 700 guests banqueting style in the one room and is available for large functions and wedding receptions. Hall hire can be available from 8am to 7pm, with flexible hire options available.

Use of our function room Use of banqueting tables & chairs Free car parking including coach parking (subject to availability) Complimentary private changing for the bride and groom Cleaning of the facilities after the event Arrangements to bring in your own bottled beers, wines and spirits (Charges may apply) Please contact our Events Coordinator on 01773 523325 or email: enquiries@alfretonleisurecentre.co.uk Alfreton Leisure Centre, Church Street, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7BD

ALFRETON LEISURE CENTRE WORKS CLOSELY WITH EXTERNAL COMPANIES THAT SPECIALISE IN WEDDING SERVICES (DETAILS CAN BE GIVEN ON When you choose us for your REQUEST) special occasion booking, we will include: Hall hire and setup On site venue supervisor Bar hire and staffing

Many smokers today prefer to use electronic cigarettes. This can be smoked anywhere and anytime even to those areas where cigarette smoking is restricted. Thus, you don’t have to worry about the odor or the ash.

As much as possible, try to look for companies which offer free trial of electronic cigarette and e cig liquid. Never ignore this promo because this is your chance to taste the different e liquid.

Try to narrow down your choice by looking for varieties of it. As you may know, e liquid has plenty of flavors.

when choosing for the right one.

Assess your smoking habit. It is important to know how many times you are smoking daily.

This will aid in choosing the right amount of nicotine in your e liquid. Like for instance, if you are frequently smoking in a day, you should choose the one with higher amount of nicotine for you to be satisfied. Do not choose e liquid with higher amount of nicotine when you are just smoking a single stick in a day. But there are also other people who would prefer to have a middle amount of nicotine.

However, there are different kinds of e cig liquid. Below are the things which you may think about

In some cases, if you want to smoke only a few times in a day, you may find stronger nicotine more satisfying. It is also right to

At Forever Vape only the finest quality E-Cigarettes and E-Liquid refills are stocked. They are currently the only stockists of Hangsen products in the Derbyshire area; Hangsen are the world’s bestselling brand of E-Cigarettes and E-Liquids with stringent manufacturing guidelines which make them the highest quality goods on the market.

In addition Forever Vape, based in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, has launched an app for Android devices which will allow customers to order their liquids and accessories from wherever they happen to be.

E-Cigarettes have grown and

grown in popularity in the last year and are very popular with those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional tobacco smoking or for people who want to quit smoking but need some help to do so.

At Forever Vape, they have starter kits, refills, accessories, clearomizers and you can download the free app from the Google Play Store to see the full range of top quality accessories.

In addition there are exclusive deals only available to users of the Forever Vape app which also features a ‘Click to Call’ feature, where you’re never more than a button’s push away from the com-

smoke with lower dose of nicotine when you are always smoking in a day because this will prevent you from receiving too much nicotine. Or, you can have both the low and high amount of nicotine so that you can choose when your craving varies.

E liquid still have nicotine even if they vary from one another.

Nicotine levels are varied because the preferences of the smoker change over time. Like for instance, some people want to smoke within the day while others like to smoke after they have taken their dinner. Before you buy make sure to know the mg on the bottle so that you will get the right nicotine strength.

Forever Vape pany’s knowledgeable members of the team.

Other features let you browse through the extensive gallery of products on offer and you can also join in the Forever Vape app community by posting on their special ‘Fan Wall.’

In addition you can follow Forever Vape on Facebook or Twitter without having to switch between apps.

For Apple fans there will soon be an app available in the iTunes Store shortly.

For more details check out the Forever Vape website at http:// forevervape.co.uk/

Page 12. Issue 20 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Feel Good with Nourkrin September Is Alopecia and the National Hair Awareness Month Aware Campaign For men and women, our hair is our crowning glory but for those suffering with hair loss and hair thinning, coming to terms with the issue can prove daunting. That is one reason why the UK’s leading hair growth supplement brand Nourkrin® is supporting the National Hair Aware Campaign this year.

The National Hair Aware Campaign is a major new public health awareness initiative which aims to tackle one of the last major taboos - hair loss. The National Hair Aware Campaign will tackle issues surrounding hair health, and why far reaching education is needed to support everyone with a stake in the subject. Two in three women and 80% of all men will experience hair loss or thinning at some point during their lives. Interestingly, British men are the most likely in Europe to worry about balding and the least likely to do anything about it - because 75% of British men don’t believe it can be treated. Sadly, a staggering 45.9% of women suffer in silence, unsure of where to turn for help. For many, it is upsetting, baffling and the

cause of self esteem issues.

It is as a result of the above statistics that Nourkrin® feel it essential to support initiatives and campaigns such as The National Hair Aware Campaign The National Hair Aware Campaign will run throughout 2014 with a number of key elements: • As a source of help and support for men and women experiencing hair growth issues – from world leading experts.

• As a platform to provide the most up to date information, research, knowlegde and advice from Trichologists, Psychologists, Beauty and Medicine.

• Time to Talk will act as the overall Campaign umbrella, which will initiate interesting and thoughtprovoking discussions. It will include media interviews with experts and case studies. It will reach out to 30 – 60 year old men and women across the UK who are most vulnerable to hair loss and thinning.

GPs, Pharmacists and Hairdressers will be involved in the programme as crucial key opinon leaders and stakeholders.

• Sub-Campaigns will reach consumers with specific themes such as ‘Be a Friend’ – a web-based support for female sufferers, friends and family, whilst ‘The Pill’ will be aimed at men and their part-

Alopecia UK is a small charity which provides information, support and advice to those affected by hair loss. Depending on the type of alopecia, hair loss can be very sudden or occur over a long period. Alopecia can vary from a small bald patch to the total loss of all hair (and anywhere in between).

Regardless of the size of the area affected, the change in appearance can result in loss of confidence, self esteem and psychological trauma. Dealing with gradual or sudden loss of head hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, nasal, ear and body hair poses unique challenges for those it affects. Alopecia UK aims to help people deal with these challeng-

ners.

• The National Hair A w a r e Campaign Report will be published at the end of the year to present learning, outcomes and conclusions for next steps in ‘Supporting You and Your Hair Health’.

Struggling to come to terms with hair loss or thinning? If so, visit the www.hairaware.org.uk website which offers invaluable guidance; helping you to understand the issues and educate you on ways to seek out support for you or a loved one. It is important that you know YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Nourkrin® is an award-winning OTC supplement, which has been scientifically proven to reduce thinning hair and restore hair growth for both men and women. It does this by activating, supporting and maintaining a normal healthy Hair Growth Cycle.

Nourkrin® WOMAN and Nourkrin® MAN both cost £50.95 for 60 tablets and are available from Boots, Holland & Barrett, local independent pharmacies and health food stores and www. nourkrin.co.uk.

Have something you would like to advertise?

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

es. The charity’s website (www. alopecia.org.uk) includes details of a number of support groups nationwide, information about treatments and wigs and an online forum where it’s possible to talk to others suffering with hair loss. By visiting the website, people can find out how they can raise funds or donate to Alopecia UK. The charity relies on the donations and fundraising efforts of individuals.

Alopecia UK’s Communications Manager, Amy Johnson, says: “Alopecia UK is a small charity but we receive over 12,000 visitors to our website each month. We are contacted by men, women and parents of children with alopecia, all in

need of information and support.

Alopecia is not life threatening but it can be life altering and we aim to help those struggling with the changes hair loss brings. As the charity grows, we wish to do more to support medical and psychological researchers who aim to find effective treatments as alopecia is an under-researched condition.”

Alopecia UK is also keen to raise awareness of the condition to both highlight the need for further research into the condition and help to remove the stigma that can be attached to hair loss.

September is Alopecia Awareness Month. Check out Alopecia UK’s website or Facebook page for further information.

COMPLETE WIG CONFIDENCE FROM TRENDCO NOTTINGHAM FOR ALL YOUR MEDICAL NEEDS...

Trendco Nottingham (formerly known as Hudsons) are part of the UK’s largest suppliers of wigs, hairpieces & custom made bespoke pieces with prices suited to any budget. We offer a large selection of fibre and human hair pieces of the highest quality for Women, Men and Children, for both fashion and necessity use.

Our salon is situated at Friar Lane in Nottingham’s town centre. Our salon is a light and spacious with a feel good factor with

over 250 styles and a wide variety of product ranges, we also understands that you deserve only the best to help you look and feel better, this is why we have a free personalised fitting and cutting service for all of our clients with private consultation rooms available. We also accept NHS prescriptions For more information or advice, please call us on 0115 947 5316 or email nicola@trendco.co.uk We will look forward to seeing you.

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Hair loss as a result of chemotherapy is not inevitable.

Unfortunately it is still a common belief that chemotherapy treatment automatically means total hair loss. In fact this is not the case! As a family business borne out of our Chairman’s wife losing her hair whilst receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer, Paxman know first-hand that this is often devastating and that hair loss is considered one of the most negative factors in cancer patient care.

Chemotherapy induced alopecia (CIA) occurs in approximately 65% of all patients, negatively influencing quality of life, sexuality, body image and self-esteem, as well as compromising privacy; this is something which is often a burden for patients who have younger children. Reports have shown that alopecia is the most traumatizing experience of chemotherapy treatment. CIA is categorised as one of the most emotionally difficult side effects to deal with as some patients have described losing their hair to be more difficult to accept than the loss of their breast. These dynamics are believed to

reduce therapeutic outcome, as stress and depression are known to weaken the immune system which is linked to cancer progression. The fear of hair loss alone is enough for 8% of patients to turn down chemotherapy treatment which is alarming.

Therefore CIA should not be conside r e d

as a cosmetic issue but one that can have a real effect on both patient outcome and quality of life.

Scalp cooling is the only technique which shows good evidence in reducing chemotherapy induced alopecia, the following scientific rationales explain how the treatment works. Firstly cooling the scalp causes blood vessel vasoconstriction, which has a reduced blood flow of up to 20-40% of the normal rate, from this it has been suggested that less chemotherapeutic drug is delivered to the hair follicles. Another scientific rationale looks at how the rate of drug diffusion across a plasma membrane may be reduced by cooling and thus reduces the amount of chemotherapeutic drug entering the cells.

Finally scalp cooling can potentially reduce the metabolic activity of cells in the hair fol-

licle which could cause a reduction in hair cell cytotoxicity. In general practice it is likely that a combination of all these methods may have a role in the success of scalp cooling and reduction of alopecia caused by chemotherapy.

Collett A, Al-Tameemi W, Dunnill C, Hussain O, Georgopoulos T. N, The Role of Scalp Cooling in the Prevention of Chemotherapy Induced Alopecia, EJCMO: Special Edition 2014, BMM: 65-69.

1.Wang J, Lu Z, Au JL. Protection against chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Pharm Res. 2006;23(11):2505-14.

2.Forrest G, Plumb C, Ziebland S, Stein A. Breast cancer in the family--children’s perceptions of their mother’s cancer and its initial treatment: qualitative study. Bmj. 2006;332(7548):998-1003.

3.Pickard-Holley S. The symptom experience of alopecia. Semin Oncol Nurs. 1995;11(4):235-8.

4.Spiegel D, Giese-Davis J. Depression and cancer: mechanisms and disease progression. Biological psychiatry. 2003.

5.Miinstedt K, Manthey N, Sachsse S, Vahrson H. Changes in self-concept

and body 6.Breed WP, van den Hurk CJ, Peerbooms M. Presentation, impact and prevention of chemotherapy-induced hair loss: scalp cooling potentials and limitations. Expert Review of Dermatology. 2011;6(1):109-25.

7.Janssen FP, Rajan V, Steenbergen W, van Leeuwen GM, van Steenhoven AA. The relationship between local scalp skin temperature and cutaneous perfusion during scalp cooling. Physiol Meas. 2007;28(8):829-39.

8.Bülow J, Friberg L, Gaardsting O, Hansen M. Frontal subcutaneous blood flow, and epi-and subcutaneous temperatures during scalp cooling in normal man. Scandinavian Journal of Clinical & Laboratory Investigation.

1985;45(6):505-8.

9.Lane P, Vichi P, Bain DL, Tritton TR. Temperature Dependence Studies of Adriamycin Uptake and Cytotoxicity.

Cancer Research. 1987;47(15):403842.

10.Watanabe I, Okada S. Effects of temperature on growth rate of cultured mammalian cells (L5178Y). The Journal of cell biology. 1967;32(2):309-23.

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Win £100 worth of Theatre Tokens and treat yourself to a theatre trip at the Derby Theatre

KICKBACK CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE SHOW KICKBACK is packed with feature displays including: Harley Davidson plus Jumpstart bike, RedMax flat track zone, TV presenter Henry Cole and his fabulous Gladstone Motorcycles, 2Bros Stunt Show, World Champs Rocket Bobs Custom Cycles, Classic TT and Race bike paddock, Michelin free tyre pressure service, café and bars, free on-site car park and bike parking right by main entrance!

PLUS...the organisers say there will be nearly 200 stunning custom motorbikes on show in the 5000m2 warehouse expo hall at KICKBACK’s Invitational Showcase at Donington Park.

If you have a custom built motorbike and would like to have it displayed at the KICKBACK Invitational Showcase then please email a photograph of it to lorne@ rwrw.co.uk KICKBACK: The (4th National) Custom Motorcycle Show is to take place at Donington Park in Derbyshire from 20-21st September 2014.

KICKBACK is the UK’s most established and probably the biggest exhibition of its kind featuring over 200 of the finest custom built motorbikes most of which will be displayed along a vast 130 metre backdrop inside the main hall – an Invitational Showcase – other custom masterpieces will be presented on feature areas around the hall.

KICKBACK is a fabulous celebration of British engineering excellence, where designers and builders unleash their imagination... a great day out for all motorcycle enthusiasts and of course the whole family!

All types of custom built masterpieces will be on show from old school choppers and bobbers to the new generation of café bikes, street scramblers, trackers and brats...there’s even a collection of customised scooters, mopeds

and streetfighters.

It’s more than a fantastic ‘static’ exhibition; many of the customs will be fired up and ridden in the parade area.

And just in case that’s not enough, there will also be regular spectacular stunt shows headed up by World Record holder and current British ‘Stunt Bike’ Champion Mark van Driel and the ‘Two Brothers’ team!

Harley Davidson will be there in force, and they will have their fantastic Jumpstart bike there for everyone to try out! Michelin will be there with their free tyre pressure service van.

There will be a superb collection of rare, classic TT and race bikes in the form of a 1970s style racing paddock. RedMax Speedshop will be putting on a fine flat track demo area.

There is free onsite car parking and bike parking right in front of the main entrance, so perfect chance to rock up on your bike and park up by doors!

KICKBACK: The Custom Motorcycle Show has relocated to Donington Park from Beaulieu where it was staged in 2012 and 2013.

Organiser Lorne Cheetham told us, “We’re delighted to be staging the show again this year, at such an iconic venue; we hope to have over 200 top-drawer customs on display. There will also be a chance for all visitors to not only SEE the bikes, but HEAR them as well! We have an area by the hall where we will be firing up some of the machines and indeed parading them around a small track!”

Lorne also added, “We want the visitors to really enjoy their day out, and think that firing up and parading a selection of these stunning bikes will be great fun.

There will be a gorgeous collection of period style choppers and bobbers as well as a massive celebration and acknowledgement

of the ‘new generation’ of custom built bikes such as new wave café racers, street scramblers, trackers and brat style bikes.”

Many exhibitors have already booked up including Robin Hood Harley Davidson, Michelin, Gladstone Motorcycles, Principal Insurance, Digital Speedos, Fat Skeleton, Rocket Bobs, Sickboyz Customs, Resurrection Motorcycles, Hard Up Choppers, Bike Dryers, Pigasso Art and many others plus at the time of writing over 100 stunning custom bikes are booked into the Invitational Showcase.

The entry price is just £10 on the door for adults, children un-

Fluttering flags and magical music can only mean one thing - the Last Night of the Proms is returning to Rosliston Forestry Centre.

The tourist attraction is hosting the popular and patriotic extravaganza at The Glade outdoor arena on Saturday, September 6.

Expected to attract a large crowd, the annual celebration is being led by the award winning Newhall Band.

With a WW1 theme, visitors can expect an evening of excitement, nostalgia and respectful remembrance reflected in the music and singalong sessions.

The festival finale will also be the showcase for a brand new piece of commemorative music by local

composer, Gerry Jara.

The Glade arena will open from 5.30pm, with crowds invited to take chairs, rugs and picnics. The show is set to start at 7pm.

A bar will also be available, selling hot, cold, alcoholic and soft drinks.

Donations will be accepted on the evening to support the 1211 Squadron (Swadlincote) ATC and the Friends of Oakland Village, the chosen charities of Councillor Pat Murray, the Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council.

Tickets, which include car parking, cost just £5 for adults, £2.50 for children and concessions and £12 for families.

They are available by calling

Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre, in West Street, on 01283 222848, or Rosliston Forestry Centre on 01283 563483.

der 16 can get in for a fiver and under 5s go free. There is ample on-site free car parking and the price includes all features at the exhibition, plus the Invitational Showcase and the amazing Stunt Show! All visitors can also gain access to the superb Donington Park Motor Museum at a discounted price. Show opens on both days from 10.00am till 5.00. pm.  If you would like to enter your stunning custom bike, or take a trade space or find out more about the show generally please visit www.TheCustomShow.com or email lorne@rwrw.co.uk

Last Night of the Proms

Theatre Tokens, the national theatre gift vouchers, are celebrating their 30th birthday. The unique theatre vouchers can be used to see musicals, plays, ballet and opera at over 240 theatres nationwide and to celebrate we’ve got £100 worth of Theatre Tokens to give away to one lucky winner.

that Torvill and Dean won gold at the Winter Olympics, Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas? sold over 3.5 million copies and the roller skating success story Starlight Express opened in the West End. Thirty years on Theatre Tokens - introduced to help promote theatregoing and theatre gift giving throughout the year – Theatre Tokens make great gifts have given thousands of theatre for friends and family and come in goers experiences to cherish and £5, £10, or £20 vouchers so you remember. can choose a value to suit your pocket and the lucky recipient can You can support the Derby Theachoose a show they really want tre by buying Theatre Tokens dito see at a venue of their choice. rect from their box office - espeWhether you’re looking to buy cially good as all profits made are for a birthday, Christmas, or as a reinvested back into the theatre special surprise for a wedding or industry - or online at www.theanniversary, Theatre Tokens are atretokens.com the perfect gift for any occasion because ... there’s a little theatre Just send an email to competiin all of us. tions@derbyshireguardian.co.uk with ‘Theatre Tokens’ as the subOf course 1984 was a special ject title to be in with a chance to year not just for the launch of win!

Theatre Tokens. It was the year

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Celebrating 10 years of Staffordshire’s biggest gastronomic gathering Stone Food & Dink Festival – Fri 3, Sat 4 & Sun 5 October 2014 2014 sees Staffordshire’s original food festival celebrate its 10th year of bringing together the very best in local produce and cooking talent to delight visitors from far and wide.

Festival Friday and Saturday see the town centre bustle with crowds visiting the High Street Farmers’ Market - where you’ll find the very best local goodies from fresh fruit and veg to meat, poultry, game, preserves - and

much more. At noon on Friday the main festival at Westbridge Park opens its gates; offering visitors the chance to discover Staffordshire’s very own food heroes in the Taste of Staffordshire area, browse stalls from some of the UK’s finest artisan producers in the Gourmet Food Marquee, enjoy informative presentations in the Talks and Tastings Tent and watch top local chefs in action in the Demonstration Kitchen.

If all this activity whets your appetite, there’s ready to eat food on offer to suit every taste

– from street food to fine dining in the festival’s very own pop up restaurant. Staffordshire brewers are also out in force and the Beer Tent has a true party atmosphere with great live music.

Entry to the Stone Food & Drink Festival at Westbridge Park costs £6pp/day (accompanied under-16s free), with weekend tickets available in advance for £15pp. The 2014 festival will take place on Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th October – for more information and to buy tickets visit www.stonefooddrink.org.uk

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Obesity in the East Midlands Looking PEOPLE in the Midlands are among the fattest in the country according to the latest government obesity statistics.

The findings, published by Public Health England, (PHE) reveal that 65 per cent of adults in the East Midlands are overweight or obese.

Alarmingly the West and East Midlands have come in at third and fourth place in a chart of the English regions.

The North East and North West claimed the top two spots - with 68 per cent and 66 per cent of people overweight respectively.

The full list is as follows: North East - 68 per cent North West - 66 per cent West Midlands - 65.7 per cent East Midlands - 65.6 per cent Yorkshire and the Humber 65.4 per cent East of England - 65.1 per cent South East - 63.1 per cent South West - 62.7 per cent

London - 57.3 per cent

Professor Kevin Fenton, Director of Health and Wellbeing at PHE said: “Local authorities are ideally placed to develop co-ordinated action across their departments, services and partner organisations to tackle overweight and obesity in the local population.

“Many local authorities are already working hard to reduce obesity levels and these new data will help all local areas monitor their progress in tackling these longstanding problems. Public Health England is committed to supporting local government and the local NHS. “People who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Excess weight can also affect selfesteem and mental health. Overall health problems associated with being overweight or obese cost the NHS over £5 billion each year.

“There is no silver bullet to reducing obesity; it is a complex issue that requires action at individual, family, local and national levels. We can all play our part in this by eating a healthy balanced diet and being more active.”

Joseph Clift, policy manager at the British Heart Foundation, said the figures painted a very unhealthy picture for the nation’s waistline.

He said: “Put simply, too many people weigh too much. This should be a catalyst for action at a local and national level.

“Local authorities need to be designing towns and cities in ways which encourage people to be more active.”

Tam Fry, from the National Obesity Forum, added: “The publication of these figures has to be welcomed because they will give local authorities a better chance of fighting obesity than did 15 years of tackling the epidemic from Westminster.”

After the Elderly

It is a fact of life that everyone needs other people in their lives, but for the elderly there may be few people, if any, that they can call upon for help or just basic human companionship.

Sometimes they may have no family members left alive or if they do then their family may live too far away for regular visits.

This can lead to feelings of isolation or loneliness and you might be in a position to help simply by befriending elderly people in your community.

Befriending services have been developed by voluntary organisations to provide people with opportunities for social interaction and a sense of being part of a community.

Things that an elderly friend and

neighbour might need help with includes, washing, bathing or looking after their appearance and help getting dressed or undressed.

They might need help with the planning or preparations of meals such as shopping, help putting groceries away, opening cans or chopping vegetables.

It might be that someone is able to look after their basic needs but just wants someone to help them with technology including sending emails, using the internet or getting their cable TV to work correctly.

Just having someone to come round once a week and chat to them can also mean to the world to people who have nobody else to talk to.

The charity Age UK says loneliness can be a huge problem. It says: “We all know what it’s like to feel lonely. But imagine being completely alone – every single day.

“Around 1 million older people regularly go an entire month without speaking to anyone. On their own. Forgotten.”

It says that around 5 million older people consider the TV to be their main form of companionship and that 600,000 people only leave their home once a week or less.

The charity has lots of information on its website on practical measures people can take to help combat this loneliness. http://www.ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/loneliness/

Balanced Nutrition Professional nutritionalist Paula Needham needs just six sessions to help get your life back on track and your eating habits the way you want them.

Paula specialises in helping women over 40 improve their health, combat fatigue, reenergise their lives and reclaim their waistline.

She does not offer the latest fashionable diet or lecture about counting calories but focuses more on the nutritional qualities of food and the body’s needs targeted to her particular client group.

She says that the coaching, training and support she offers has helped many people achieve their long-term health goals. In addition, by focusing on nutrition and overall well being, her clients

can strengthen and support their body’s systems so that they end up feeling better both mentally and physically.

Paula said: “I enjoy working with women over 40 and so many of my clients are so happy when I tell them that they don’t need to go on a special diet to regain their health and wellbeing.

“The approach I offer is based on developing long-term healthy eating habits, helping people understand what may be holding them back from achieving their goals and supporting them every step of the way.

“Recommending a diet cannot do any of these things, but by really listening to people’s problems, asking the right questions and exploring issues in depth I can work with the client to come

up with the solution which is right for them.

“Nutritional therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, far from it. It is about working with an individual to discover how best to meet their short and longer term needs for their health and wellbeing.”

Paula, who has a BSc in Nutritional Health and a diploma in Nutritional Therapy was previously a research scientist, with a 1st class honours degree in Combined Science and an MSc. She now works in the Ripley and Wirksworth areas of Derbyshire and can be contacted by email at paula.needham@tiscali. co.uk

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MEDEN

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SCHOOL

Choosing the right secondary school for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent makes.

APPRENTICESHIPS ON OFFER FROM DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL A further 11 apprenticeships are on offer from Derbyshire County Council as the authority continues to find opportunities for young people to start their careers.

Councillor Brian Ridgway, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Council Services said: “We are doing all we can to find opportunities for young people in this difficult climate. We’re now looking for a further 11 apprentices.

“An apprenticeship offers a great way into the world of

work and I’d urge all young or by phoning 01629 people to take a look at 535850/ 07824544226. what we have to offer.”

The apprenticeships are The apprenticeships avail- available in: able are: Health and Social Care - Bolsover, Ilkeston, SanHealth and Social Care Recycling Promotions diacre, Chapel-en-le-Frith, New Mills, Swadlincote.

(Customer Service) Roadworker Recycling Promotions Darley Dale Business Administration Applications close on 21 Roadworkers – ChesterSeptember and all appren- field ticeships start in October/ Business Services Assistants – Matlock, Clay Cross November 2014.

Further information is at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/apprenticeships

News from Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership

Still time to enrol on Derbyshire Bike Safe

You want to be sure that the school will provide the best care and support for your child whilst making the most of their talents and abilities.

Great teaching, lots of extra curricular activities and a pastoral care system focused on the well being of all students are the hallmarks of a good school.

Meden School, judged ‘Good’ by Ofsted in June 2014, provides all these things and more.

With excellent GCSE and A Level results for the third year in a row, Meden is a school providing the very best education for its students.

Find out more about Meden School and what it can offer your child by visiting our Year 6 Open Evening on the 18th of September. For more information contact our school office on 01623 843517 or visit www.medenschool.co.uk.

Places are still available on next be asked to agree a convenient month’s Derbyshire BikeSafe time with their appointed observer workshop during the workshop.

BikeSafe – which is run by Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership – helps qualified motorcyclists to brush up on their skills so they can stay safe on today’s busy roads.

Peter Hinkley, who completed Derbyshire BikeSafe earlier this year, said: “I would definitely recommend it to other riders. There’s always room for improvement even if you’re an experienced motorcyclist.

Derbyshire BikeSafe, which costs just £39, consists of: “I enjoy riding even more now I’ve completed BikeSafe because I • a workshop covering safe riding feel more confident.” techniques; and • a two-hour assessed ride Andy Adlington, the partnership’s motorcycle officer, said: “MotorcyThe workshop is being held on clists love Derbyshire’s countrySunday 7 September at Derby- side roads but too many of them shire police headquarters in Rip- are running into trouble. We offer ley. Assessed rides will take place BikeSafe because we want to at a later date and participants will make sure that riders have all the

skills they need to stay safe on our roads.

“If you’re a qualified rider who travels in Derbyshire, please think about joining us later this month.

It’s a great opportunity to improve your skills and get together with others who share your passion for riding.”

To book your place on Derbyshire BikeSafe, visit www.bikesafe. co.uk For more information, call Andy Adlington on 01629 538067 or 07827 308480.

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What makes getting married on a yacht Special?

IMAGINE being immersed in the beauty of the with unobstructed 360 views of the shoreline. All mountains, ocean and beautiful Cyprus skyline. our Wedding Yachts can be customized according to your venue needs and wedding style. Take your Our Wedding Yachts are the only yachts of their first steps into your life together surrounded by the kind in Cyprus, purposely built to be able to offer perfect combination of unique elegance and scenic something special with luxury at affordable prices. beauty.

Our yachts hold up to 150 guests with a choice of six yachts to choose from, depending on the town Wedding Receptions are the perfect unique you are staying in here in Cyprus. Each yacht has reception venue, our Wedding Yachts are the most exclusive and unique reception venues all its own individual design, lighting, music and seating for dinner offering something that is private over Cyprus, complete with customizable set ups and intimate which is hard to find nowadays. Each and personal colour choice decoration. Choose to mix and mingle with your family and friends with yacht is decorated based on your colour scheme and the yachts can be used as both a cruising a cocktail style venue, or enjoy a seated buffet or and unique dockside venue, although wedding gourmet plated style affair. The options for your ceremonies, to abide by the law, have to be docked reception are endless aboard Our Wedding Yachts. in the harbour whilst the marriage takes place.

Our Sea Star yacht with its new design for 2014 has Why not Exchange vows with the sky as your an additional flying bridge enhancing the yacht into a ceiling and the sun setting on the horizon? Our different league. A spot light stage added, now caters Wedding Ceremonies are one of a kind, complete 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 from as little as €699, why not let us assist you email info@exclusiveyachtweddings.com in your personal bespoke wedding, our Professional Team await you.

We also offer hen and stag pwarties, renewal of www.exclusiveyachtweddings.com vows, blessings by the Captain. Our prices start

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Armourgeddon - The home of Tank Paintball

Set in beautiful Leicestershire countryside just 15 minutes from M1 junction 20, Armourgeddon is the place to get your Dad laughing, muddy, shooting and tank driving. Ever thought about driving a tank? This is the place for you! The only location world-wide to offer Tank Paintball Battles.

Think massive paintballs, cannons, mud and 16 tonnes of tank and you’ll be close!

Tank Paintball involves getting fully kitted up in Army overalls and helmets and learning to drive a full sized FV432 tank around a

cross-country track, first with the hatch open and then through the periscope in battle conditions.

Once you have mastered that, it’s on to the loading of the giant paintballs into the cannon and practicing your aiming and firing on static targets before picking a battle with another tank.

Additionally, Armourgeddon offer; a Dads and Lads Experience where Dad drives and his son or daughter is a passenger in the tank, a Military Vehicle Driving Taster and various experience packages which all involve full

sized tanks and military vehicles touring around the track and huge smiles at the end. Plenty space for spectators and even passengers inside the tanks too as well as a museum housing over 50 military vehicles and memorabilia.

Stuck for a gift for Father’s Day? Here’s your solution! With experiences from £55, vouchers are available from www.armourgeddon.co.uk or by calling 01858 880 239.

Chatsworth Country Estate bridal boutique opens

Ladies that dream of marrying their very own Mr Darcy and living a fairytale life at Pemberley will be excited to hear that a beautiful bridal boutique has opened in its grounds.

Pemberley, which is actually Chatsworth House, based on the Chatsworth Estate, Derbyshire, is where Pride and Prejudice was filmed and this autumn will be home to Alexandra Anne bridal boutique.

Situated in a charming barn on the Chatsworth Estate in Pilsley, near Bakewell - surrounded by picturesque villages featuring lovely shops to peruse and diet defying eateries, Alexandra Anne offers brides and their bridal party an exciting day out whilst picking out the perfect dress. With twohour appointments offered with no booking charge and free parking, brides can take time to relax and truly enjoy the dress choosing experience.

Designed and made in neighbouring county Staffordshire, Lyn Ashworth by Sarah Barrett is just one of the exciting designer collections to have been selected by Alexandra Anne. Creative director, Sarah Barrett, says: “We are thrilled that our 2015 collection will be stocked for the launch of the stunning new boutique based in the idyllic location of the Chatsworth Estate. We will be working closely with Alexandra and her team to ensure that brides fairytales do come true and they find their perfect wedding dress at the boutique.”

Proprietor of the boutique, Alexandra Bateman commented: “After ten years of gazing wistfully at endless bridal boutique window displays, I am delighted to be opening Alexandra Anne, our very own haven on Chatsworth Estate. In the relaxed and stunning surroundings of a uniquely converted barn we welcome future brides to compliment their own personality and style by offering one of the most outstanding collections of designer wedding dresses in Derbyshire, including Lyn Ashworth by Sarah Barrett, Charlie Brear, St Patrick

by Pronovias, So Sassi by Sassi Holford and Eliza Jane Howell.”

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 20 : Page 35.

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Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 20 : Page 37.

Page 38. Issue 20 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Demergers: Breaking up’s not hard to do!

Occasionally people who have gone into business together reach a point where they decide they would like to separate their interests.

It may be that the owners no longer see eye to eye and have fallen out, or it could be that they hold differing opinions about what direction their business should take.

Alternatively, it may simply be that some areas of the business are more exposed to risk than others, so a spilt will help to address these different risk profiles.

Demerging a business might sound complicated and daunting – especially from a taxation perspective – but with the right tax advice, breaking up needn’t be hard to do.

At the Miller Partnership we have wide experience of dividing companies and groups into two or more parts, taking advantage of all the relevant tax reliefs and obtaining clearance in advance from HMRC. We can use our expertise to carry out these demergers by any of the known mechanisms – distribution in specie, liquidation or reduction of capital – and we can advise you on which one best meets your commercial needs.

Our recent demerger successes include splitting an interior design company where the owners wanted to take the business in different directions; one to pursue domestic opportunities and the other to focus on international assignments.

We also separated a multi-million pound property portfo-

lio between its shareholder families, so that one family could focus on the rental side of the business and the other could move into property development.

Additionally, we broke up a retail group so that the owner could develop the different businesses within the group in different ways. Splitting the group into separate parts has allowed the owner to concentrate marketing activity on the local markets most relevant to his different products.

In all three examples, demerger was by far the best course of action, and our timely intervention has allowed our clients to fully exploit their businesses’ full potential.

For more information on how we can help you break up your business painlessly and effectively, please contact The Miller Partnership by phone or by email: Direct Line: 0116 208 1020 Mobile: 07802 197269 Email: pete.miller@themillerpartnership.com

GDF SUEZ announces the project financing and partial sell-down of its UK wind portfolio GDF SUEZ is pleased to announce the project financing and partial sell‑down of its 70 MW UK wind portfolio. The portfolio comprises seven operating wind farms located in England and Scotland. The majority of electricity generated by these projects is contracted to GDF SUEZ Marketing Ltd under 15-year Power Purchase Agreements. The £90 million project financing, with a 14-year term, has been provided by Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and KfW. GDF SUEZ has also signed an agreement to selldown a 50 percent share in the UK wind portfolio to a Fund managed by Equitix, a leading infrastructure investor. Following this transaction, GDF SUEZ Energy International will remain the operator of the portfolio and retain 50 percent equity interest.

Steve Riley, CEO and President of GDF SUEZ Energy UK-Europe, said: “We are pleased with these important milestones in the evolution of our UK renewables portfolio.

Following the successful acquisition of onshore wind developer West Coast Energy in March 2014, the funds generated by this transaction will enable us to accelerate the development of new renewables projects in the UK.”

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 20 : Page 39.

Making Market Research Work for You Let me start challenging the myth that market research is too expensive for all but the largest companies to consider. A bold statement perhaps, but email and the internet has enabled us to reach people far easier than ever before and has spawned a wide variety of do-it-yourself tools,

such as Surveymonkey. The Internet is also a fantastic resource for information about different research techniques and example questionnaires, giving both knowledge and confidence.

Market research can be a powerful aid to decision making in any organisation. I am all in favour

Vocational Rehabilitation is a process of active change, facilitating the journey from sickness to work. It should be individualised to meet the needs of the person, their health problem and the needs of the workplace.

1. Define the critical information need Work Fit can identify if you are able to carry out your job tasks, by identifying physical capabilities and the barriers to work.

Your job tasks will be reviewed with yourself and a plan of action will identify how you are able to return to work.

Work Fit works with employers to enable them to support their employees back into work through a graded approach www.workfit.org.uk and timely return for both the employee and employer. veronica.ball@tiscali.co.uk Work Fit are able to support GP’s once the individual receives their ‘Fit note’ advice with a follow up Assessment to identify 07872300770 how that individual could return to work.

In my opinion, market research is only worth doing when the results can be translated into action, or will directly influence a business decision. This may sound obvious, but it can be easy for market research to ‘miss the point’ without a clear focus on the end goal.

Understanding what you need to know, rather than what would be ‘nice to know’ helps maintain a clear focus that defines the type of research needed.

This should be the starting point, not ‘we are going to do a survey’.

2. Design the research around your critical information need Good market research design involves considering four main elements:

Actionable insight that supports local businesses Advantage Market Intelligence Ltd. provides low-cost, high-value market research, competitor and market intelligence services, tailored to the needs and budget of each client.

Whatever the project, its guiding principle is to deliver actionable insight and clear recommendations.

Kevin Simmonds

“Any type of intelligence, regardless of its topic, scope or complexity, needs to be actionable.

Only then does it become an investment rather than a cost”. K Simmonds

Advantage was founded by Kevin Simmonds, following a career of almost twenty years in both research agencies and a blue chip company.

I enjoy working with clients to understand their needs and delivering appropriate solutions. No two weeks are the same. I recently interviewed Dr Neville Marzwell, part of the NASA team that designed the Mars Rover. In the same week I also looked at the size of the waterless urinal market. Completely different clients, but both requiring actionable insight.

Business Breakthrough Coaching

Steve Goodman

Steve Goodman is a Founding Partner of Business Breakthrough Coaching.

Business Breakthrough helps business people find their own answers to those problems and challenges that can make a big difference for them, their teams and their businesses. They learn how to make the “breakthroughs” they need to think different, act different and achieve different results that make a big difference - fast. Business Breakthrough empowers and equips people to find and implement their own solutions improving the capabilities

and attitudes of all the people involved.

Business Breakthrough combines coaching with a unique set of tools, processes and applications developed from our work with people in change over the last 17 years. This works for any business problem or challenge, in any size or type of business with individuals, teams or the whole organisation. Business Breakthrough is a real alternative to management consultants, business advisors and mentors, training and conventional coaching.

www.theweekbeforethisweek.blogspot.co.uk www.businessbreakthroughcoaching.com

Have something you would like to advertise?

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

1. What is the financial implication of business decision?

2. Who can give you the critical information?

3. What is the best way to engage with them?

4. How do you make sure they feel their feedback is valued?

The size and scope of a market research project should be relative to the risk and financial implications of the business decision it influences.

Market research splits into two broad types:

Qualitative

• Open discussions with a small number of people • Best suited to exploring issues and adapting to points raised by the participants • Focus groups, 1-to-1 interviews

Quantative

• Specific questions asked to large number of people • Best suited to understanding ‘how many’ when an issue is understood • Surveys, hall tests

of companies making use of the resources available and conducting their own research, but with the caveat that it still needs to be done properly.

I believe there are five key areas that underpin successful market research.

3. Focus, focus and more focus A good design principle is to image a funnel, questions start off broad and then become more specific to the key issue. This eases the participant in gently and gives you a more considered response to your critical information needs. The participants should be taken through the research in a simple, logical way using language that is clear and easy to understand.

A clear focus helps avoid asking too many questions.

The wording of each question needs to be clear and easily understood. Common mistakes include: • Assuming knowledge / asking questions that people are unable to answer • Asking two questions in one • Asking leading or biased questions One process I encourage clients to follow is to imagine the answers that will come back (e.g. when reviewing a questionnaire). Any aspects that lead to a ‘So what?’ response should be replaced with content that is of greater interest and more importantly, is actionable.

4. Manage expectations It is important to keep all your promises. If you say it will take five minutes to complete, make sure it does.

Market research can raise expectations. Therefore, it is not advisable to ask for feedback around issues you are unable or unwilling to change.

Communicating with participants is important to manage expectations throughout the research. It is especially important after, when you tell them what you have done as a result of their feedback. This can help strengthen relationships and increase the chance of people giving feedback next time you ask.

5. Beware of bias

One of the benefits of market research should be its objectivity. It should present the voice of the customer/employee etc in relation to the specific information need. Care needs to be taken throughout to ensure the research is not biased, either in how How the research will be perceived is another im- the questions are asked or in how the results are portant consideration. For example, conducting interpreted. a personal interview with a key customer has far greater perceived value than emailing them an e• Thank your respondents survey to complete. Participants must always feel • Incentives can help, when used properly their feedback is valued.

• Communicate that you have acted on the feed‘Thank you’ gifts or a donation to charity made on back their behalf can be appreciated by participants.

Used properly, an incentive can encourage more Points to avoid people to give feedback. However: • Having unrealistic expectations from the research • Any incentive must be seen as a gift, rather than or the participants payment for their time.

• Not having a clear focus on the critical information • It should only be given for honest feedback, never need to encourage guests to give positive feedback.

• Asking too many questions

In Summary

When to conduct market research • To answer a specific business need and reduce business risk • To improve your business • To resolve internal differences of opinion and achieve a shared way forward • For PR and other self-marketing • It is not for ‘nice to know information’.

• Nor is it allowed to be a sales tool.

Good design principles • Make it easy and enjoyable for you your participants • Keep it simple, short and to the point • Explain why you are doing the research and how it will benefit your participants • Ask questions in a logical way. Lead people through different topics • Use clear language • Show you value their time and views

• Bias: • Asking questions in a biased way • Listening for answers you want to hear • Asking two questions in one • Using ambiguous language • Assuming knowledge / asking questions that people are unable to answer I hope these five points help improve your activities and I welcome any questions and alternative points of view.

About the Author Kevin Simmonds, founder of Advantage Market Intelligence Ltd. is a career market researcher with experience that spans both agencies (12 years) and six years in a senior client side role managing the global market intelligence for a blue chip manufacturer.

His research experience includes work for a diverse range of global industry sectors and the UK government and education sectors. www.advantagemi.co.uk

THINKING it BETTER Page 40. Issue 20 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Training for Professionals THINKINGitBETTER was born in 2012 by its owner Ian Travers out of a passion for helping people in pressured project environments get the ‘people side’ right.

And now has a well-established client base delivering inspirational coaching and development, with a specialism in Project and Programme Management, and a focus on personal ‘behaviors’.

What makes THINKINGitBETTER unique is that all of the team have actually lived through and experienced the subject matter in an operational environment – this

makes for really engaging interaction, whether that be one-to-one coaching, courses for groups, or even large seminar events.

Ian has worked in project environments for over 20 years, holding a range of roles including Head of Programme Management for Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace.

Ian has worked in a range of companies in a range of different markets - subcontract sector, shoe making machinery, “off road” material handling vehicles, aerospace and even 10 years as a Special Police Constable along

the way! Over that time Ian has developed a passion for helping others improve by looking at and understanding how we react to our circumstances.

Since 2012 Ian has worked with a wide range of organisations and individuals - including the setting up of a project management department within a German Owned SME, taking its capability from that of a ‘couple of contract project managers’ to a fully developed project management office team with robust processes and well developed people.

The delivery of projects is never an easy thing to do successfully, but over recent times things have become even more challenging.

With each day providing new economic, logistical, and technical challenges is it clear that to be successful at “bringing projects home” needs more than good process knowledge alone. Ian focuses on how the way we “react” to what happens around us can make the difference in how we perform on projects, as well as other walks of life. It is how we react to what happens both around us and “to us” that can be

the differentiator to our personal and project success.

The business has grown year on year, and in 2013 Martin Blain joined Ian and has brought a whole new area of expertise.

Martin joined THINKINGitBETTER as a Partner in November 2013 and brings with him a wealth of real life experience in sales and marketing. Previously Martin spent 33 years with RollsRoyce primarily in outward facing Customer roles. During this time, he worked closely with some of the world’s best-known airlines

such as Lufthansa, Qantas, All Nippon Airlines, SAS, Swissair, Vietnam Airlines and Japan Airlines covering sales, contracting and operational support.

As well as Ian and Martin there is a host of other team members with an impressive array of experience – all of whom you can read about on our website www.thinkingitbetter.com (The Team: Allan Ross, Paul Wilson, Helen Wilderspin, Ian Travers, Jane Travers, Rob Redsell, Martin Blain) So what kind of things do THINKINGitBETTER do?

Operational leadership, personal leadership, leading projects and programmes, coaching, mentoring, leading change and selling in a global market are to name but a few.

Ian delivers “thinking projects better” keynote speeches and “making it happen” behavioral workshops for the University of Manchester on their MSc in Project Management.

Recent additions to the THINKINGitBETTER portfolio are a range of workshops and masterclasses, including a great Anglo Japanese Cultural awareness workshop for teams in two companies, one Japanese, one from the UK – who have to work closely together. It allowed them to understand each other’s differences in attitude and behavior. The aim was not the get them to ‘change’ but to develop working strategies that ‘allowed’ for the embedded

cultural differences. The feedback was great!

THINKINGitBETTER also delivers all of the Integrated Project Leadership training for RollsRoyce in Derby, Bristol, Germany, Indianapolis and soon to deliver in Montreal.

THINKINGitBETTER’s core values are: To provide coaching, training and advice to individuals, teams and businesses to help them become the very best they can be at delivering their projects and goals.

To have an ever-expanding team

of individuals who have ‘lived’ all the experiences we help our clients develop and thereby have a depth of understanding and credibility.

To inspire people to ‘want to do better’ by linking the behavioral elements of individuals to their tasks and goals – in an interactive and entertaining way.

Why contact us?: If you are an individual with personal development needs – trying to hit that target or goal. Or have a team – business, project, sporting – who never quite seem to ‘get it right’. Or have challenges

running projects of all kinds, then we can help.

We don’t offer ‘off the shelf’ training. Everything we do is ‘bespoke’ to the customers needs, and because we focus on the behavioral side alongside the technical content … the sustainability of skills learnt is significantly improved – because we work with you or your teams to ‘want’ to do the best they can.

Please call Ian on 07973 600989 or drop us an email on mail@ thinkingitbetter.com and we will be happy to discuss your requirements.

TV Star Backs Local Awards

Entrepreneur and television personality Saira Khan is encouraging businesses from her local area of Erewash to enter a special set of awards to honour and celebrate excellence.

Enterprise agency Erewash Partnership is marking its 20th anniversary by organising the awards, the winners of which will be revealed at a dinner dinner to be held at Trent College, Long Ea-

ton, on October 17.

Businesswoman and author Saira, who was born in the town, will be guest speaker at the event.

She shot to fame as runner-up on the first series of television programme The Apprentice in 2005 and is a co-presenter of The Martin Lewis Money Show.

Saira said: “I know that there lots of businesses in and around Erewash which are innovative, sup-

plying good services, making and selling products around the world, boosting the local economy and living up to the Partnership’s theme of inspiring enterprise.

“I am looking forward to hearing about these when I return home to Long Eaton for this anniversary celebration and congratulating the winners on their positive contribution when I present the awards at the dinner.”

The awards are for manufacturing excellence, small business, innovation, community commitment, and investment in education and training. There is also the Geoffrey Nicholls Award, named after a former Partnership chairman. This winner will be selected from entrants to the other categories and have shown outstanding achievement over the last 10 years.

Have something you would like to advertise?

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

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 20 : Page 41.

I wondered lonely at ‘the cloud’ Are you like lots of people out there, who’ve heard of ‘the Cloud’, but don’t really truly understand what it is, wondering why everyone is talking about it and how it could be of use to you and your business? In this article I’m going to attempt to demystify what ‘the Cloud’ is and what it means to use ‘the Cloud’ and hopefully give you some insight as to what it’s all about.

Lets start at the very beginning.

20 years ago when I was a student, the internet was full of small static websites. These were basic websites showing information about one thing or another and perhaps between 5 and 20

As you can see, from Table 1, most of these are websites, but in addition to this, most also have apps available for phones/tablets. Some even integrate with HiFi devices, such as the Spotify service. When you look into all of the features of these products, you can start to see how different they are from the ‘plain old’ websites that we were use to. They are sophisticated and feature rich. Many of you will be familiar with the websites on this list. This is deliberate, on my part, to highlight that websites you already know or have heard of, are considered part of ‘the cloud’ and constitute it’s make up. So actually it’s possible that you may be using ‘the cloud’ already and be using it unknowingly.

One thing you may not realise, is the extent to which the cloud is used and what else it is capable of. As our home/business internet connections get faster and faster, our ability to connect with ‘the cloud’ at high speed, becomes ever more possible. Once we have a remote service available to us, which we can communicate

pages in size. Some were pretty and well written, but the majority were not. In 1995 Amazon was launched and it started selling books using a website. Two years later eBay was launched, and people could start buying and selling their unwanted stuff.

As sites like these started to take off, they became much more than basic websites. In January of 1997 eBay sold 2,000,000 items within the month. The computational power to perform such a task was way in excess of that of say a static 20 page website, which could reside potentially just on one server. This would have needed many servers to run on and quite possibly had servers

separated geographically, residing in different datacentres, across different states in the US. They certainly do now and across different countries as well!

with 24x7, the services on the end of them can be very useful to us, whether at home or within your business. It’s major uses in 2014 are email, data storage, CRM systems and online databases.

to the local IT firm. We’re going from many disparate systems, to a more centralised system, which we all have the option to utilise.

So ‘The Cloud’’ is really nothing more than services which are available through the medium of the internet. These are servers housed in datacentres around the world. They are permanently on services, or they try their best to be. They quite often store our data and hold vast quantities of information on our behalf. The term ‘putting something into the cloud’ is our way of saying that we’re utilising an online system to store our data. Cloud based products and services that are online now across the world, make up ‘The Cloud’.

Businesses have historically needed to have their own servers, possibly stored in the back room somewhere; an alien device, whirring away, gathering dust and completely baffling in it’s operation to the business owner.

Typically this would hold all the company data and be configured to run backups every night. If it goes wrong – argh; call the local IT firm. Using the cloud to replace some of it’s functionality to the business, is a definite possibility and can make life far easier for the business owner.

The cloud is out there, it’s always on, it is managed, qualified people administer it, it provides a service, and the service is available to all. Somewhat different to the PC or Server you have at home, or in the back room of your business, completely out of reach

T: 01332 890 460

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Small websites that are not running to support a business can generally run on one webserver, in one location and if it happens to fail, so be it; someone can fix it next week. When websites become busy, more webservers are required and the inbound traffic has to be distributed out between them, easing the load of each machine. When the website becomes mission critical, and cannot fail no matter what, then even more webservers are required.

Here at Binary Royale, we help small businesses to make decisions about how best to use ‘The Cloud’ and offer some cloud services of our own. Every month we’ll be writing about different aspects of ‘The Cloud’ and how it could help you or your business.

Next month we’ll be talking about online backups; useful to users and businesses wanting an effec-

first year allowance. For this to apply the car must be unused and not second hand when acquired (ignoring mileage for testing, delivery etc.).

Electric cars, like the Nissan Leaf or Peugeot iOn, normally have no CO2 emissions and therefore qualify for this, and as time has progressed many car manufacturers now offer other low emission models that can also get this allowance, including the Lexus CT200 (starting at 82g/km).

It is expected that the scheme will be extended past 2015, until at least 2018, although the CO2 emissions threshold may drop down to 75 g/km or less.

Take the example of an online banking website. A user, such as yourselves, needs to be sure that

tive off-site backup mechanism.

See you next month.

Benefit in kind for the individual When a company car is provided to an employee they will be taxed on the benefit provided. However as the benefit is calculated using list price and the car’s CO2 emissions, this new breed of lower emission cars will give rise to much smaller taxable benefits than they did in the past. As you can see below, the 2014/15 benefit for an electric car could be nil!

Some top of the range cars, like the Porsche Panamera (petrol hybrid – 71g/km) and the Tesla (electric car – 0g/km) can benefit, meaning even luxury cars can now be tax efficient for both the business and employee.

Zero Emission Cars • Tax year 2014/15 BIK is Nil • Tax year 2015/16 BIK will be 5%

no matter whether you use the service in the morning, or in the afternoon, or from another country, that the data is consistent.

The data these webservers holds needs to replicate, back and forth, between all their partner servers, across the globe sometimes and at high speed.

Hopefully by now you can see how multiple servers can be, and are, connected around the world, performing a particular role. The data between them is replicated and these servers provide a ‘permanently on’ service to you, which is always up to date. We are now starting to touch upon the foundations of ‘the Cloud’ and

the type of products which ‘the cloud’ contains. Some examples are online banking, social media, e-commerce, online storage, virtual servers, hosted solutions and many others. The use of the internet, is no longer just about accessing basic websites. Now that technology can provide this multi homed, multi sited, highly available infrastructure, companies can offer high performing websites/ webservices, capable of performing all sorts of amazing tasks. Let me give you some examples:

Definitions server : similar to a PC but specifically designed to be rackable, fast, stable and built for longevity. Has multiples of components inside to help take over from one another, should one fail. Will generally be online for all of it’s life-

time, so is built to make sure it stays running at all times. webserver : a server which hosts/ runs a website or many websites webservice : similar to a website, without the graphical aspect of it.

An app on a phone or tablet will quite often connect to a webservice on a webserver, which then pulls/pushes information to/from the app

server farm : a collection of servers performing a similar role crm : customer relationship management software/system

of list price Ultra Low Emission Cars (CO2 1-50g/km) • Tax year 2014/15 BIK is 5% (if diesel car 8%) • Tax year 2015/16 BIK will be 5% of list price (if diesel car 8%) Ultra Low Emission Cars (CO2 51-75g/km) • Tax year 2014/15 BIK is 5% (if diesel car 8%) • Tax year 2015/16 BIK will be 9% of list price (if diesel car 12%) Ultra Low Emission Cars (CO2 76-94g/km) • Tax year 2014/15 BIK is 11% (if

diesel car 14%) • Tax year 2015/16 BIK will be 13% of list price (if diesel car 16%) If the business provides fuel for the employee then they are also taxed on this benefit, calculated using a standard fuel charge (£21,700 for 2014/15) and the car’s CO2 emissions.

For electric cars there is no fuel benefit and no mileage allowances can be paid. Where an employee personally owns an electric car then recharging costs paid by the employer will be taxable.

This article is for information only and it provides only an overview of the regulations in force at the date of publication. Company car rules are very complex and I would recommend that you take advice before you make any decisions to see what is best for your business and circumstances.

E: enquiries@binaryroyale.com

Tax Efficient Company Cars?

It is often thought that company cars are no longer an effective tax planning tool due to the reduced amount of capital allowances now available for businesses and the high income tax charge they can have on individuals. However as systems and technologies have advanced in the vehicle manufacturing industry, cars have become more efficient and this may no longer be the case…

Capital allowances for the business If a brand new company car which has CO2 emissions of 95g/km or less is acquired by 31 March 2015, it will qualify for 100% tax relief in the business via a special

They have to be configured in a way that if some fail, other webservers can continue providing the service. If the company is a global company and their website or webservice is present in other countries, then even more servers again are required, in other geographic locations. As the webserver farm starts to grow, the data behind them will need replicating, between each of them.

The data needs to be consistent across all of them. In “most” circumstances they need to hold the ‘same’ data, across all of them.

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Jonathan King - Senior IT Consultant - Binary Royale Ltd www.binaryroyale.com

W: www.binaryroyale.com

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

Page 42. Issue 20 : Derbyshire Guardian.

ISM’s web-based solution takes away the burden of health and safety, allowing you to concentrate on the day to day running of your business.

ISM was founded in 2004, as a small health & safety consultancy practice. ISM have evolved and today offer a fully compliant web-based health and safety management system.

The system has been implemented into organisations worldwide.

ISM offer a simple, but effective web-based safety management system The focal point of the ISM management system is a series of web-based applications built around the concept of continuous improvement. It can be customised to our clients needs and has the ability to integrate

all safety-related reporting functions into one portal. Robust reporting capabilities allow for accurate assessments of your company’s key safety performance indicators at any given time.

Managing health and safety should not be viewed as as a legal burden, but a moral must! By reducing the foreseeable risks in your business, this will have a noticeable impact and lowering employee absence and turnover.

The ISM health and safety management system gives a legal framework and means of transferring accurate, relevant and understandable information to employees.

This in turn, can prevent accidents and the threat of legal action is lessened.

Demonstrating good corporate responsibility through a robust health & safety management system may reduce employers’ liability insurance; and raise the profile of your business reputation amongst clients, investors and your supply chain.

Reduced risks = reduced costs!

Managing health & safety issues can be stressful, time consuming and not to mention expensive. If you get it wrong, fines can run into tens of thousands of pounds.

Integral Safety Management have developed an online system which allows businesses to effectively manage their operational risks.

ISM Health & Safety Services Typically Include: ISM Health & Safety

The content and format of ISM Health and Safety Management System is based on the HSE guidance document HSG65 (‘Successful

Health and Safety Management’), which prescribes best practices for the management of health and safety within organisations. The ISM Health and Safety system also supports and facilitates compliance with OHSAS 18001 standards.

- An initial inspection of your premises, report and recommendations.

- Health & safety policy & arrangements devised for your businesses individual needs.

- Access to ISM’s online system so you can effectively manage your operational risks, quick and with ease.

- Legal updates relevant to your industry to ensure future compliance.

- Site visits and compliance reports.

- Access to ISM extensive online training courses.

- Manned by HS Advisors offering advice and guidance.

The integral health and safety goal

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 20 : Page 43.

Nerys Chell – Managing Director Eden Hall Day Spa

Once upon a pixel 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 One of the biggest confusion issues with clients and design is image resolution, dots-perinch, pixel count. Call it what you like but it it represents the image quality required to print a photographic image so it looks as fantastic on a flyer as it does on a website.

It all really started with the advent of the internet, and the web, and digital photography.

Back in the olden days , when we all used film cameras these issues were not a problem because the technicalities were left to the technical people with the technical know-how.

Now with everyone owning a digital camera and uploading and printing out their own pictures, . . . . . . and then (here is where the potential problem starts) sending them into their graphic designer and printer, then they would benefit from some understanding of the technicalities.

So here it is, a little bit of know how on resolution, dots-perinch, pixel count. . . .

All photographic images are made up of a grid of square dots (called pixels), and if you zoom in really close on a monitor you can see them on your photographs, and when you zoom back out they all blur and blend together to make a beautiful image.

On our monitor screens which we look at with our eyes, the amount of square dots we need in every (horizontal and vertical) inch is 72.

So your company logo for example sized dimensionally at 1 inch square at the top of the company website would need to be 72 square dots wide by 72 square dots high. And at that resolution it looks fantastic on your screen (your website).

So for a standard 7 x 5 inch photograph to display perfectly sharp at those dimensions on screen (and website) it would need to be 504 square dots (72 x 7”) by 360 square dots (72 x 5”).

The problem starts to occur when you what to print out that same standard 5 x 7 inch photograph to display perfectly sharp on a sheet of paper, or more particularly, when you send it to a professional printer for their printing press.

While home desktop printers are a lot more forgiving, particularly because they are not as detailed in their print quality,

so they can do a pretty good job with your 72 dots-perinch blurring them and the picture looks OK. But you would all agree that a photograph printed on a glossy magazine covers by professional presses look really sharp and detailed - So how many dots-per-inch does that take?

Well, its a lot more than measly 72 for your inch, I can tell you (It takes a whole 300), and that is generally the issue.

So if I go back to my standard 7 x 5 inch photograph that displays perfectly sharp on screen.( it was 504 square dots (72 x 7”) by 360 square dots (72 x 5”).} But now I want it to print on the cover of my A4 corporate literature folder to impress potential clients, Oh and by the way I need it a bit bigger at 8” by 6” to have a bit more impact.

So I send it to my graphic designer and she works it out . . .

If I have 504 square dots (horizontally) and I need 300 of them for every inch to print, then that makes my image . . one and three quarter inches wide.

If I have 360 square dots (vertically) and I need 300 of them for every inch to print, then that makes my image . . one and a fifth inches high.

So not quite the impressive impact picture for the corporate brochure (and no chance of getting it a bit bigger).

FYI: your 8 x 6 inch image to print would need to be 2400 pixels (8 x 300) by 1800 pixels (300 x 6).

It is a lot easier now, as camera technology has improved and even phone cameras have very high resolution (dots per inch, pixel count).

It seems to me now, that it has gone rather the other way, whereby most of our personal snapshots that will only ever be on a screen, may be printable at A3 should we choose . . . but whatever the event . . . .in this current era where technology just keeps growing, its really beneficial for all of us to grasp an understanding of some of it. you can contact me via my website. www.lindawildideas. co.uk If you enjoy reading this then you can find more in my weekly online blog by clicking the “read my blog” link from my home page.

Thanks for reading Linda x

Jane Stevens Dip PFS Independent Financial Adviser The Pension House Company Ltd I have worked in the Financial Services industry for over 30 years, predominately working for large insurers and pension providers. My role during the majority of that time was to help Independent Financial Advisers with difficult and technical client cases.

My qualifications were of an advanced nature in order that I could fulfil that role successfully. In the last 10 years of that role my work was heavily focused on setting up ‘workplace’ pensions due to the introduction of workplace ‘stakeholder’ pensions. This involved replacing or upgrading existing workplace pension schemes and implementing new schemes from scratch. To implement the changes I worked closely with the adviser and the employer, holding their hand through the processes required to complete the project. I covered an area from Nottingham down to Buckingham and became familiar with a number of corporate organisations and was often referred to as ‘The Pension Lady’!

Nerys Chell has worked within the spa industry her whole career, working her way up with her extensive knowledge and hardworking ethos to her current position of Managing Director at Eden Hall Day Spa in Newark. There she runs the day to day business and manages over 140 employees.

From humble beginnings at Springs Hydro where she worked as a Therapist she moved to Hoar Cross Hall in Staffordshire to begin her working life with the Joynes family, who she has now been in the employment of for 23 years.

Having proven herself at Hoar Cross Hall, Nerys was given the exciting task of assisting in the set up and opening of Eden Hall Day Spa at Hoar Cross Hall and Eden Hall Day Spa in Newark, a feat she is very proud of, ‘While working on the opening of Eden Hall was exceptionally hard work, it was thoroughly exciting and I feel very lucky and privileged to have been a part of it. I have seen the business flourish from the early stages of building works to a hugely I set up my own Independent Financial Advice busi- successful business that gives our cusness ‘The Pension House’ in January 2013 when tomers an experience they come back for the world of Financial Services was heading for dramatic changes. ‘Commission’ ceased to be paid to financial advisers and was replaced by ‘fees’ and all advisers had to meet higher qualifications to remain licenced to provide advice. A number of financial advisers left the industry, fuelling a shortage.

Simultaneously came the introduction of Auto Enrolment, where all employers are required to set up a workplace pension scheme for their employees.

Having spent over 30 years in the Financial Services industry and latterly majoring on corporate pensions, I am well placed to help businesses respond to the new requirements.

I felt that there had to be employers out there that need help and could benefit from my expertise.

Seeing less qualified advisers around, I felt compelled to set up my own company and get stuck in.

We are 20 months in and our book of both corporate and individual clients continues to grow. To reduce the complexities, we offer a straightforward menu of fees so that companies can get help in specific elements where they need assistance or they can hire The Pension House to carry the whole project with them. My goal is to be an extension of their business when required. We also provide advice to individuals who are looking to take retirement benefits and help them through the maze of options available especially with the new pension rules that will come in next year. We ensure individuals get best value out of their pension funds.

If ‘The Pension Lady’ can help you please do give us a call: 01604 588293 or visit our website for more information: www.pensionhouse.org.uk The Pension House Company Ltd is an appointed representative of Financial Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

time and time again’ Nerys’ success comes from knowing the industry inside out and understanding each role within a specialist business of a Spa, having worked in pretty much every role available in a Day Spa including; Therapist, Scheduler, Deputy Spa Manager, Duty Manager, Therapy Manager, Group Operations Manager and Director before being made Managing Director in June 2011.

Page 44. Issue 20 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 20 : Page 45.

MILLER HOMES LAUNCHES SECOND PHASE OF DERBYSHIRE DEVELOPMENT Miller Homes Midlands has announced the launch of the second phase at its popular Keepers Grange development in Derbyshire.

The site, which forms part of Newton Village in Stenson Fields, opened its doors a year ago and has proven to be a sales hit for the awardwinning housebuilder. Now, with just three properties remaining as part of the first phase, buyers are being invited to reserve plots as part of phase two.

New options for househunters include the three-bedroom Hawthorne style property, priced at £184,950 and the three-bedroom Pushkin.

Available from £186,950, the Pushkin features a large kitchen and dining area with French doors opening out

into the garden, as well as a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom.

Four-bedroom options include the Glenmuir and Coniston house types, both priced at £239,950. Also available is the four-bedroom Stevenson, priced at £259,950 and featuring a light, spacious hallway, as well as separate utility room and study.

Commenting on the launch of the second phase, Paul Walters, associate director at Miller Homes Midlands, said: “Keepers Grange offers one of our largest mix of property types in the region and this has really appealed to a broad cross section of buyers, from families and couples, to young professionals and first time buyers.

“Having been open for 12

months, the development now has a strong sense of community and this, coupled with a rural setting that is close to the centre of Derby, continues to make Keepers Grange one of our top performing sites in the region.

“There’s already a high level of interest in phase two and it wont be long until we release even more property types.”

Each of the newly released properties is also available

as part of the Governmentbacked Help to Buy Scheme.

This means buyers can purchase a property with only a 5% deposit. The remaining 20% of the purchase price is provided in the form of an equity loan. This would make

the Hawthorne style property available from just £147,960.

For more on the new releases at Keepers Grange, call 0808 250 2242 or visit the sales centre, open ThursdayMonday 10am-5pm. Further details on new and existing developments from Miller Homes across the Midlands can be found by visiting www. millerhomes.co.uk.

Page 46. Issue 20 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 20 : Page 47.

Page 48. Issue 20 : Derbyshire Guardian.

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.

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.

ThermoGreen Ltd Fed up with a boiling hot conservatory in the summer and a freezing cold one in the winter? Would you like to actually use your conservatory all year round? Well, now you can. ThermoGreen Ltd supply and install new roof systems like no other. Not only is temperature fluctuation a thing

of the past, but you can actually hear people talking when it rains too! Bright, stylish and proven to work – what are you waiting for – give us a call for a free, no obligation visit by our totally nonpressurised representative who will simply show you the product, work out your price and leave the

decision up to you (it may be one of the easiest decisions you will ever make!). Time to turn that conservatory into a comfortable, useful living space – give us a call on Freephone 0800 773 4294.

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.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 20 : Page 49.

Page 50. Issue 20 : Derbyshire Guardian.

END OF THE ROAD FOR TAX DISC

The familiar sight of the road tax disc, in the bottom left corner of car windscreens, is set to disappear after 93 years. The tax disc, to show motorists have paid Vehicle Excise Duty, is to be replaced with an electronic system from October. The disc was introduced in 1921 but officials say it is no longer needed with the DVLA and police now relying on an electronic register.

The new system will allow drivers to pay the charge by monthly direct debit and the

Treasury said it showed government was moving “into the modern age”. At present, motorists are able to choose whether they pay Vehicle Excise Duty in twelve or six month instalments. The latter option costs 10% extra each year, but this is expected to be cut to 5%. The new option of paying by monthly direct debit is also expected to cost 5% more than paying for a full year at once. Drivers will still be able to renew their tax at post offices.

Vehicle tax was introduced in

the 1888 Budget as an addition to a carriage tax, which was for the more luxurious carriages. The new tax covered all other vehicles that may ‘destroy’ the roads. A £1 per year duty was placed on vehicles exceeding half a ton, with a duty of 2s 6d (12.5p) per wheel on carts over 2 cwt. The system of excise duty applying specifically to motor vehicles was introduced with the Roads Act 1920, and the tax disc appeared the following year.

Mr Clutch is now your ONE STOP workshop

(MOTs, Servicing and General Repairs) You may know Mr Clutch as the UK’s number 1 clutch specialist. This reputation stems from a vast history spanning over 35 years and our company having fitted over 1 million clutches since opening in 1978. For the past 10 years we have been researching exactly what you expect when visiting your local branch. From this research it is clear that developing trusted relationships and offering value for money leads these expectations.

To enable us to offer you this type of service it is imperative that we offer a full vehicle maintenance service so you know whatever your needs we will be there to help. Mr Clutch now offers quality MOTs, servicing, tyres, general repairs and many other services to ensure you stay on the road without high costs.

In addition the Mr Clutch brand continues to go from strength to strength and many organisations are starting to recognise this. Mr Clutch Autocentres is proud to be the first independent garage chain to be approved by trading standards.

To make life easier for our customers we now offer an online booking system which helps to make the booking of your MOT or Service fast and convenient please visit www.mrclutch.com for more details.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 20 : Page 51.

Page 52. Issue 20 : Derbyshire Guardian.

This Months Car Reviews Skoda Yeti Elegance Outdoor 2.0 TDI 140PS 4x4

There’s nothing abominable about the Yeti: far from it. Here is a monster bargain for lovers of practical ‘go anywhere’ motors.

The sort of car in which you can tuck away an expedition load of gear, a couple of crocodiles and a thick slice of Dundee cake and all for a price that’ll have the snow peaks melting around the globe as they sweat it out trying

to figure an answer to this conundrum. How can this Yeti be such a safe bet for such a modest amount of hard-earned cash?

The ‘next-to-the-top-of-therange’ Elegance specification, with the smooth 140PS diesel on test here, costs £23,850.

Not much bigger than the Golf on which it is based, It’s a car that combines class with jollity,

economy with suavity and is accommodating in all respects. But I don’t need to tell you that, for ever since the Yeti first appeared on the market its peerless potential led at once to hosts of eager buyers all spreading the good news - so residual values are high.

There are few critics of this car. Skoda has already estab-

Skoda continue to set the pace.

Not only are they garnering plaudits for superbly reliable and responsive engineering, but they turn heads in the style stakes too - particularly so with the new grille and logo. The new Octavia Estate is a toothsome combination of sweet engineering and suave fashion.

This capable and commodious vehicle is a practical package invested with all the allure of the catwalk. You could turn up at a film premiere in one of these, but equally it would hack it very well at a countryside point-to-point. In my view Skoda have got it just right - particularly in these challenging times of the market.

If you require a vehicle to be roomy, versatile, ready to double-up as a workhorse - while maintaining a keen and sensible perspective regarding all-important running costs - and if your preference is for poise rather than pose, for practicality rather than pretentiousness then do take a look at the Octavia Estate.

And let me let you into a secret. When

all the comparison business for estate cars is said and done, you might be surprised to learn that my bet for the wise purchase is possibly a little ‘left field’ - but certainly not ‘left out’ when it comes to parcelling all the requirements of this type of car in one helluva’n attractive package with a generous standard specification.

To put things in perspective, the Octavia Estate does what all the others do but parades an unassailable advantage when all the sums are done, offering the best value in it’s class at £20,515.

spects ).

Fast enough at 120mph and frugal as a friar, with a combined fuel consumption of nearly 75mpg, ( and you REALLY can get that figure if you are sensiblly light on the throttle ), the 1.6 diesel treats the planet to a good dose of commonsense with a CO2 figure of just 99 g/km. This estate carries all before it and for the price, leaves rivals in its wake.

It’s a relaxed long-legged cruiser. You just settle down on those beautifully supportive seats, snick into fifth gear, set the air con., and turn on the good radio - but not too loud because very little noise intrudes to disturb the calm of the roomy cabin as the

lished the Yeti as an icon and reclaimed the lost horizons of motoring pleasure for todays motorists. Its a Shangri La of a vehicle that’ll waft you along with nary a tremulous moment thanks to the new lighter Haldex 4x4 system that helps to give good fuel economy. Near 50 mpg is an easily achieved combined figure ( Skoda never exagerate ) and near 120mph is within the cars reach.

Off road this variant is one of the easiest of crossovers to drive.

Press the off-road button and all the systems that keep you out of trouble come into play.

It’s a joy and delight and will treat you just right whether you’re swanning through the town or romping south in Europe in search of some. Other manufacturers caught on the hop are left scratching their heads and demanding of the Coroner why their hopes have died.

Yes indeed. If the Yeti has an aggressive side it’s because it sinks its teeth into its rivals and has them trekking to Tibet to find the answer to their problems.

In the metal it’s a treat for your eyes. Beautifully made, as solid looking as a wind-sculpted boulder, poised and assured and very much the ultimate contender in its class.

It’s that Skoda attention to detail which never ceases to amaze whether one is marveling at the excellent ergonomics in the roomy cabin or delighting in the brisk assured road manners.

It passes the ‘passers by’ test too. ‘Ooh! That’s nice’ said Simon Deathrattle from the undertakers office. ‘I wouldn’t mind one of

By Syd Taylor.

those. What’s it called? A Betty?’

‘No. It’s a Yeti and it gets you from A to B as smoothly and serenely as a rippling wave.

So here’s the advice. Wave goodbye to your motoring blues and get in quick with the Yeti pack. It’ll set you apart from the herd and hike up your expectations for jolliness to come.

Unlike its namesake you’re bound to see lots of these in the hands of people in-the-know. And dare I mention it? It has a low carbon footprint too.

Skoda Octavia Estate SE 1.6 TDI CR DPF 105 PS

It is tastefully attractive, but not ostentatiously so, particularly sturdily made and is the equal of its rivals ( better really in most re-

torquey engine smoothly and effortlessly does its work.

Loaded to the gunwales as a working estate or with just your correspondent aboard, it handled well. The suspension gives a sporty feel but not at the expense of too firm a ride. The whole handling and ride ‘feel’ is one that instils total confidence.

With one of these a motorist will want for nothing. You want a bit of poke? You’ve got it. Style? Ditto. Accommodation? Spacious, comfortable, versatile. Feel good factor? off the scale. It pulls like a train, is deft as a dancer and is packed with safety features.

All this and all that room. A hardpressed banker could even live in one of these secure in the knowledge that his money would be safer in an Octavia than in one of his own funds. Recent analysis of

car residual values by the ‘trade guide CAP’ showed that Octavias hold their price better than almost any other car. And not only that: Skoda enjoy brilliant levels of customer satisfaction.

So as I parked outside the newsagents to pick up a copy of Investment Today magazine to see if the Octavia was mentioned, I bumped into a local business woman who gazed admiringly at the Octavia Estate and said “That’s very tasty”. For a moment my head was turned as I thought she was referring to me. No such luck - but then I was the lucky man at the wheel of the Octavia Estate..

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 20 : Page 53.

Page 54. Issue 20 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Boavista Golf Resort, Algarve, Portugal.

The course at Boavista Golf Resort opened in January 2002 and quickly became established as one of the Western Algarve’s premier courses.

Breathtaking views, spectacular scenery and the crystal clear Atlantic Ocean, which is visible from most holes, all combine to make this course a delight for the golfer and visitor alike.

The course, blessed with stunning views from all sides, with the Bay of Lagos to the East and the impressive backdrop of the Monchique Mountains to the North.

It is an impressive 18 hole championship course which offers ex-

ceptional playing conditions for golfers of all abilities.

The course was designed by Howard Swan, a renowned UKbased architect, and offers two distinct parts – the Resort Section and the Country Section– which provide a variety of attractive and interesting holes.

From the first tee shot to the last putt, the course offers an enjoyable range of very individual golf holes which offer varying challenges for all levels of golfer.

The par 3’s are particularly strong and no golfer who has played over the ravine at the 194 metre 6th will ever forget the experi-

ence. From holes 13 to 17, water features, which form part of the irrigation system, have been added and they provide a safe haven for the wildfowl which now abounds in the area.

Boavista Golf Resort also has a driving range and an excellent golf academy.

In the club house you will find an extensively stocked golf shop as well as superb dining facilities and a private function room.

In the health club there is an indoor heated pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and gymnasium as well as private treatment rooms where an extensive range of treatments are on offer.

Gramacho Golf Course, Carvoeiro, Algarve, Portugal.

After his success designing the Vale de Pinta course, Ronald Fream teamed up with the former world No. 1 Nick Price to create the unique design of Gramacho.

The Gramacho Golf Course, in Carvoeiro, Algarve, was originally a nine hole golf course which has been extended and cleverly redesigned to become a fully fledged 18-hole course.

The course features 27 greens,

plus numerous different tee points which means that players can enjoy the same course time and time again but always with slightly different challenges. You will never get bored at this golf course.

Pestana Gramacho is recognized as a championship course enjoyable and playable even by those with a higher handicap. For example it has hosted the Portuguese Ladies Open on a number of occasions.

A p a r t from the fantastic golf design, Ronald and Nick managed to incorporate the traditional l a n d scape by utilizing the natu-

ral stone outcrops, historical dry stone walling and existing ancient trees with some artfully sculpted lakes and bunkers.

The Gramacho Clubhouse, located in the heart of the resort, offers a full complement of services including club and buggy rental, changing facilities, restaurant and bar, putting green, buggy bar and a Pro Shop with well known international golf brands.

In addition the restaurant and bar boasts the most spectacular view on the misty blue backdrop of the Monchique Mountains, as well as views to the fairway overlooking the 18th hole.

Service includes traditional Portuguese and International cuisine, vegetarian, diabetic meals and even early suppers for children.

The golf reception is open every day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m in the winter, and to 9 p.m. in the summer.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 20 : Page 55.

Mar Menor Golf Course, Spain.

The golf course in Mar Menor Village Golf is located in the province of Murcia, near the town of Torre Pacheco. The course surface is approximately 59 hectares and has a maximum length of 6,153 meters for quite a demanding par 72. The green area or playing area is 45 hectares; the rest of the areas are gardens with a variety of indigenous plants of this area.

This course was originally opened as a 9 hole course designed by Dave Thomas and was later converted into an 18 hole course designed by the great Jack Nicklaus.

Without doubt this is an ideal resort or society golf course with an emphasis based on positioning the ball in the correct part of the fairway from the tee.

Some of the earlier holes can lull you into a false sense of security but when you reach holes 13,14 and 15 all of which wrap them-

selves around a man made lake, your golfing skills will really be put to the test.

In particular the 15th hole will test your patience as the small landing ‘areas’ from the tees are well guarded by sand bunkers.

David Thomas designed the first nine holes of Mar Menor Village Golf, par 37 of 3,275 meters as

its greatest distance. It demands good strokes to put the ball on its courses with hardly any rough, its greens are well protected by bunkers and by the water of the lakes around the course.

The second nine holes that were designed by Nicklaus Design are par 35 of 2,878 m, as its greatest distance.

Super Crans Golf Course, Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

Situated above Crans-Montana in Switzerland, the golf course located near the Tour de Super Crans is ideal for beginners and players wishing to improve their technique.

In fact the golf courses in the region have been credited as the main reason that Crans-Montana’s worldwide reputation has grown so significantly throughout the 20th Century.

The Super-Crans Jack Nicklausdesigned course allows beginners to play without a handicap.

This is a compact nine hole course, with water obstacles and a bunker. Open to the public, it is ideal for beginners and good players including adults, children or families. It is a Par 30 course and is 916 metres in length.

Facilities include a putting green, training net, balls, clubs, profes-

sional advice, club house, snack bar and relaxation terrace.

Since 1905 the vast plateau of Crans Montana has offered a superb environment for golf. Mountain views stretch for 160 kms. In 1951 the official 9 hole course was opened, since then the course has been replaced by a number of courses, driving ranges and even an indoor golf course.

Open from May 15th thru October 15th, the courses are well situated in the middle of Crans.

The fairways and greens are

maintained to a high standard.

Crans-Montana is a great destination for golf. The Crans-surSierre Golf Club is home to the Swiss Open and in September each year is home to the Omega European Masters, the second most prestigious PGA event in Europe after the British Open.

Page 56. Issue 20 : Derbyshire Guardian.

West Cornwall Golf Club

Established in 1889, West Cornwall Golf Club is one of the finest links courses in Cornwall and the oldest golf club in the Duchy.

The 18 hole par 69 is 5884 yards, club and trolley hire available. Guests must produce handicap certificates.

The course has a magnificent setting and has been designed around the natural contours of the sand dunes that form part of the Hayle Estuary and Porth Kidney Sands. There are panoramic views from almost every hole with St. Ives Bay and Godrevy Lighthouse forming a memorable backdrop to this gem of a links.

As conditions can range from a light breeze to a strong wind and is a true test for golfers of all abilities. Thanks to its sand base the drainage of the course is excellent and allows it to be played all year round with no winter tees or greens.

Visitors and societies are made more than welcome with discounted green fees and pack-

ages to include breakfast, lunch and dinner available.

A well-equipped Pro Shop near the first tee and a vibrant, forward-thinking and family-friendly golf academy are integral parts of the Club. A welcoming, ambient bar allow members and visitors alike a pleasant experience.

The restaurant can also cater for

anything from bar snacks to a-la carte.

West Cornwall Golf Club has a traditional but welcoming Clubhouse, full of memorabilia of some true golfing greats such as Jim Barnes (inaugural winner of the USPGA Championship in 1916) and Phil Rowe (Walker Cup 1999 winning team).

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 20 : Page 57.

Page 58. Issue 20 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 20 : Page 59.

Have a vacancy you would like to advertise?

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

PMA RACING The 23rd Derby Triathlon will take place on Sunday September 14 and there is still time to take part in the event.

A triathlon is a multi-discipline event where people compete both against the clock and each other in swimming, cycling and running with no break in between except for the transition where competitors change for the next discipline.

It is specifically aimed at all levels of fitness and ability and the organisers are proud that at last year’s event 55 per cent of the field were new to the sport. You really don’t have to be super fit to compete but a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) is a must for all entrants.

If you do take part then you will need a swimming costume, a roadworthy road or mountain bike, helmet and trainers to go with the PMA you already possess.

The emphases is on a great day out and of having fun and

there are three ways that people can take part in the event.

The individual triathlon is open to anyone aged 15 or over and entrants must complete all three disciplines on their own with no outside assistance allowed.

In the relay triathlon, each member of the team completes one discipline. The first member swims 400m and runs out to tag the cyclist who then continues on the 18K bike and then tags the runner who goes on to complete the 5K run to finish the event.

To take part in the corporate event all three competitors must work for the same company or organisation and each person must complete the full triathlon.

The Derby Triathlon is based at Etwall Leisure Centre/John Port School and includes a 400M swim (16 lengths), an 18K bike ride through country lanes and a 5K run through Etwall and onto the Eggington-Mickleover disused railway track.

The centre has ample parking

with toilets, full changing facilities, showers and refreshments, there is a viewing area above the pool for spectators. There will be trade stands and the opportunity for a pre and post race massage.

The event will be held under the rules of the British Triathlon Association (BTA) and a BTA referee will be present throughout the day.

Prizes are awarded to the top finishers in each of the age groups and this event forms the third round in the PMA Race Series (Round 1 was Barton Marina Triathlon, Round 2 was Foremarke Hall Triathlon and Round 4 will be the forthcoming Carsington Duathlon on Sunday October 5 based at Carsington Water. A duathlon is a run/bike/ run continuous event without the swimming of the triathlon.)

For further details on this year’s Derby Triathlon check out the website www.pma-racing.co.uk

Page 60. Issue 20 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Donington Park plays host (13/14 September) to the final rounds of the 2014 British GT Championship, British Formula 3 Championship and Volkswagen Racing Cup. These are among Britain’s premier race series and a weekend of top quality action is assured.

The British GT Championship is shaping into another cliff-hanging finish, after last year’s nail-biter. No less than 10 drivers from 6 cars arrived at Donington still with a chance of the 2013 title and the result was still in doubt right to the end of the two hour race. Andrew Howard emerged victorious after he, and team mate Jonny Adam, brought the Beechdean Aston Martin V12 Vantage home in fourth place, ahead of their

nearest rivals. This year Howard and Adam (107 points) lie third (at the time of writing, following the two one-hour races at the Belgian Spa-Francorchamps circuit) behind Marco Attard (130.5) and Ecurie Ecosse BMW Z4 team mate Alexander Sims (111.5). Sims has lost out on the chance to share the title with Attard having missed the two races at Snetterton in June.

Attard and Sims opened their season account with victory in race 2 of the first round at Oulton Park before taking podiums in the Rockingham (2 hours) and Silverstone (3 hours) events.

Attard, with Johnny Cocker, took second in the first one hour race at Snetterton before Attard and Sims won the second Spa race to take the championship

lead. After three podium finishes Howard and Adam finally took their first win of the season in the second Snetterton race.

Fourth in the championship standings (93 points) Ahmad Al Harthy and 2012 champion Michael Caine have two wins to their credit in their Aston Martin, from Oulton Park and Silverstone, while Phil Keen and Jon Minshaw, also with two wins in their Porsche 997, lie fifth with 81 points.

the British Formula 3 title decider, with three 20 minute races, one following Saturday qualifying and two on Sunday. The British F3 championship is a major step towards Formula 1 for many top young drivers and, of the current F1 drivers, Jen-

With a two-hour race at Brands Hatch, ahead of Donington’s two-hour finale, the season is still wide open. Behind the GT3 supercars, the GT4 class title race is headed by Jake Giddings and Ross Wylie in the Beechdean Aston Martin V8 Vantage, 19 points ahead of Andrew Jarman and Devon Modell son Button, Max Chilton, Kevin in the TF Sport Aston.

Magnussen and Daniel RicciarBack on the calendar, after do all passed through the F3 missing Donington last year, is ranks at Donington. Ricciardo

took the F3 title in 2009 before driving in F1 for Torro Rosso.

This year he moved up to the senior Red Bull team, alongside World Champion Sebastian Vettel, where he has regularly out-performed his team mate and taken two victories to date.

Magnussen won at Donington on his way to second place in the 2011 F3 championship and has impressed in his F1 debut

year driving for McLaren. Fortec Motorsports have drivers dominated the early rounds of the Formula 3 season and, with two wins to his credit, Briton Matt Rao led the title race after 12 of 21 rounds. Four points adrift was his Chinese team mate Martin Cao, no wins but seven consecutive second places. A close third was Sam McLeod, despite his missing the three Silverstone races. He has taken four victories this season before leaving Fortec for rivals Carlin Motorsports. All three are sure to be thereabouts as the season reaches its climax.

Also on the programme will be the final rounds of the VW Racing Cup, with Aaron Mason hoping to retain his title, and two rounds each of the Aston Martin AMR GT4 championship and the Ginetta GT5 Challenge series. Tickets are priced at £15 for each day or £25 for the weekend.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 20 : Page 61.

Page 62. Issue 20 : Derbyshire Guardian.

FOREST TICKETS DETAILS

Tickets for Derby County’s September 14 away fixture at Nottingham Forest next month have now entered their second phase of sales.

Tickets first went on sale to Away Members only but are now on sale to fans that purchased eight or more away games in 2013/14 through Derby’s ticketing system and have a 2014/15 Season Ticket.

A total of 2,002 tickets have been allocated for Derby fans for the game with sales to season ticket holders starting from Wednesday (September 3.)

Ticket prices have been confirmed as: £35 Adults, £27 Senior Citizens (65+), £18 Under 18s, £9 Under 12s and tickets will be limited to one purchase per person. During each period of sale, tickets will be sold on a first come first served basis and are subject to availability.

Supporters will be able to purchase tickets at WeAreDerby.

com, in person from the Ticket Office or by calling 0871 472 1884 (option 1).

The game - one of the most eagerly anticipated in the entire season - kicks off at 1.15pm and is one that Rams Fans will not want to miss.

The Roadrider will be running as normal for the game. Prices are £13 for Away Members and £15 for Non-Members, with the departure time set for 11am.

Places are also available on Derby’s corporate ‘away trip’ for the game with the Reds.

Spots are limited and the remaining places will be issued on a first come first served basis.

Fans can enjoy pre-match brunch menu at the iPro Stadium before Executive Coach Travel to the City Ground and join the travelling Rams supporters to watch the game. To secure your place please call 0871 472 1884 (option 3).

The package – which costs £110 + VAT for Adults & £100 + VAT for Concessions - includes: * Executive Brunch menu served with tea/coffee at iPro Stadium * Pay bar facility in the Toyota Suite * Return coach travel to the City Ground from iPro Stadium * Match ticket in the away end Meanwhile nine Derby players will be away on international duty during the coming days.

The Rams entered the twoweek international break following the one all clash with

Ipswich Town at the iPro Stadium.

Defender Craig Forsyth, midfielder Craig Bryson and striker Chris Martin have joined up with the Scotland squad for their opening Euro 2016 Qualifier against World Champions Germany on September 7.

Forward Jamie Ward has linked up with Northern Ireland for their Euro 2016 Qualifier away to Hungary, also on September 7, while skipper Richard Keogh has teamed up with the Republic of Ireland squad for their friendly at the Aviva Stadium against Oman on September 3, ahead of their opening Euro 2016 Qualifier against Georgia in Tbilisi on September 7.

Attacker Simon Dawkins is jetting off to Toronto for Jamaica’s international friendly against Canada on September 9, although he will train with Derby’s squad this week before flying across the Atlantic at the weekend.

In addition Will Hughes is in the England Under 21 squad to face Lithuania in Kaunas on September 5 before heading on to Tiraspol for a match against Moldova on September 9.

Forward Kwame Thomas is in the England Under 20 squad for their friendly against Romania in Telford on September 5 and will be joined in the squad by new signing Jordon Ibe, who was named in Aidy Boothroyd’s squad prior to arriving on a season-long loan from Liverpool.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 20 : Page 63.

Page 64. Issue 20 : Derbyshire Guardian.