Issue 22

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 1.

www.derbyshireguardian.co.uk

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What’s On - Page 14 | Healthy Living - Page 28 | Business - Page 38 | Motoring - Page 52 | Golf Holidays - Page 56

• The Snowman • Derwent Pulse • Vampires Rock • Oliver The Musical

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WIN A BOOMCO RAPID MADNESS BLASTER

14 page what’s on DERBYSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BLASTS UNCERTAINTY OVER HS2 EAST MIDLANDS HUB

P.20 Police will be heading out on the beat to help keep Belper residents safe and ensure that they enjoy a crime-free community fair.

Officers from the Belper Safer Neighbourhood Team will be carrying out patrols in the area to allow residents to enjoy the upcoming event in a safe and secure environment.

A/Sergeant Neil Hopwell said: “Our aim during the event is to help the public have a good time by minimising any disruption or anti-social behaviour at the fair.

“We will be carrying out patrols and will be available to chat to

residents should they have any issues or concerns.

“Most importantly, we would like to see residents out enjoying the annual fair and I hope that this message will encourage families and residents to attend the event knowing that we will be in attendance.”

The annual Belper Fair will take place on the Market Place from Thursday, October 30 to Saturday, November 1.

To speak to the Belper Safer Neighbourhood Team call 101, the non-emergency number for Derbyshire police.

P.63

KIYONARI COMPLETES BRILLIANT MCE BRITISH SUPERBIKE DOUBLE Blind Derbyshire WWII ex-soldier to march on Remembrance Sunday with Blind Veterans UK A registered blind 95-year-old World War II veteran from Higham is set to join over 100 other vision impaired veterans on the annual Remembrance march to the Cenotaph in London, representing Blind Veterans UK. Bill Braund, originally from the Rhonda Valley and now living in Higham, Derbyshire, will take part in the march as part of

a contingent from Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision impaired ex-Service men and women.

Despite being blinded in one eye after an accident as a child, Bill served in the Welsh Regiment for the entirety of World War II and rose to the rank of Sergeant...

Continues page 11

erbyshire Chamber of Commerce has hit out at the “doubt and uncertainty” which remains over plans for the location of the East Midlands hub for the government’s controversial HS2 high speed train proposals.

The comments come following the publication of a new 40page report by Sir David Higgins, Chairman of High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd. The report - Rebalancing Britain: from HS2 towards a national transport strategy - looks at the prospects for improving connectivity across the North of England and the Midlands.

It reveals that the choosing the location for a new HS2 station for the East Midlands is proving more difficult than expected with the report saying: “A combination of geography, historic land use and existing infrastructure makes it difficult to come up with the perfect solution for the East Midlands.

“The current proposal suggests a new station for HS2 at Toton, located between Derby and Nottingham, to maximise the benefit for the whole region and avoid a zero-sum game in which one city gains at the expense of the other.

“To their credit both cities recognise that and, therefore, fundamentally I believe the East Midlands hub continues to make sense.

“There is a question, however, as to whether the particular location at Toton is the best physical choice.

“It is clear from discussions with local stakeholders, and considering our broader strategic objectives, that the right location is one which delivers the best fit with existing services, especially to Derby and Nottingham.

“For those reasons I am now proposing we investigate alternative station sites to the west of Toton, which can provide much better road and rail connections via the M1 and Midland Main Line respectively.

“Our aim should be to find a solution which provides new and better links to the centres of Derby and Nottingham and the wider region, while providing road access for Leicester.”

A decision as to where the new station is to be built is not expected to be made by the government until sometime next year but the Chamber of Commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire says the uncertainty is bad for business.

Chris Hobson, the Chamber’s Head of Information and Representation, said: “The Report confirms the need for a hub in the East Midlands but has failed to address the location and connectivity issues, leaving huge doubts about where the hub might be located and how much

work is going to be needed to deliver the connectivity for the whole region to benefit economically.

“It hasn’t said that Toton, the initial choice for the East Midlands hub, is the wrong location, but that other sites to the west of Toton will now be considered. In his speech, Sir David said only that ‘we should be certain on the location of the East Midlands station as soon as possible’. This indecision is prolonging doubt and uncertainty.

“It’s vital that all interested parties in the region put aside local differences and come together to ensure HS2 hub station can deliver for the whole region and it’s crucial that local business is given the opportunity to feed into the development of HS2 to ensure the region reaps maximum benefit.”

HS2 is the single-biggest transformational transport infrastructure project in a generation and represents a huge opportunity for businesses in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

“The ‘green light’ being given to HS3, the trans-Pennine link, and the commitment given by Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne to rebalancing the economies of the north and south of the country puts greater emphasis on getting this right in the East

Midlands, ensuring the region and the fantastic business that takes place here is playing a full role in rebalancing the economy,” Chris added.

Before the publication of the Report, the Chamber outlined the main business principles it hoped would underpin development of a station in the East Midlands and had identified five key areas which would ensure the East Midlands gained maximum benefit from the initiative to bring a High Speed Rail hub to the region.

They were: •That full connectivity to and from Derby, Nottingham, Leicester and East Midlands Airport are central to the East Midlands hub plan •That all three cities and counties enjoy the economic benefit that an East Midlands Hub will bring •That regeneration plans around an East Midlands hub are aligned to the activity of the D2N2 and Leicester and Leicestershire Local Enterprise Partnerships •That local businesses play an integral part in the development activity required to bring the East Midlands hub forward •That investment in HS2 and an East Midlands hub should not come at the expense of wider investment in rail infrastructure in the East Midlands.

Photo: HS2 LTD

Belper officers team up to ensure crime-free community fair

Page 2. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

COUNTY APPOINTS NEW CHAIR Derbyshire County Coun- development and training cil’s new chair has taken up section. He went on to work the chain of office. for Derbyshire Police, then later ran his own business Councillor Steve Freeborn, and only became a local who represents the county county councillor last year. council’s Ripley East and Codnor division, was ap- He was proposed for the pointed after the former position of Chair of the Chair Councillor Dave Wil- council by Councillor Irene cox stood down from the Ratcliffe who said: “Steve position due to ill health. comes with a breadth of knowledge about local A former county council government and has the employee, Councillor Free- skills required to facilitate born moved to Derbyshire constructive, focussed de28 years ago and worked in bate.” the organisation’s personal

COUNCIL EXPANDS CALL BLOCK PILOT TO PROTECT RESIDENTS FROM PHONE FRAUD

Taking up the post, Councillor Freeborn said: “It’s a tremendous honour to be elected Chair of Derbyshire County Council.

“While the council has to make unprecedented budget cuts of £157m, I know there is still a lot of good work going on in Derbyshire. I’m lucky enough to live in a great county with great people and I’m looking forward to getting out and meeting more of them in my new role.”

Chain reaction: Councillor Steve Freeborn, pictured right, receives the chain of office from John McElvaney, Director of Legal Services.

SCAM MAIL FIGHT STEPPED UP BY TRADING STANDARDS AND POLICE Some victims of scam mail in Derbyshire could be in line to get their money back as part of an initiative to target fraudsters and support people who have been conned.

Derbyshire County Council trading standards officers have been working with experts at the National Scams Hub to follow the trails left by scammers and intercept money they have conned from people across the county.

Cheques and cash recovered by National Scams Hub officers from fraudsters during investigations will now be given back to victims where they can be traced, including in Derbyshire.

Successful investigations by the National Scams Hub have led to 500 referrals being passed to county council trading standards of people who may have fallen foul of scam mail and lost money.

Over the coming months trading standards will be contacting those people directly to offer advice and support to help them avoid falling for scams in the future, as well as helping them to get out of existing scams they may have signed up to.

Direct contact will be made with 35 Derbyshire residents who have been identified as victims by the National Scams Hub, and they will be given back their cheques and cash recovered from scammers.

Trading standards officers will also be joining forces with Derbyshire police to run a series of joint visits to people who have been affected to offer support and advice, and to raise awareness of scam mail as a crime.

The scams include fraudulent letters, emails and telephone calls

to people telling them they’ve won foreign lotteries, asking them to take part in prize draws, have a psychic prediction, order a miracle health cure or make inheritance claims.

As a result many people will hand over payment in the hope they will receive a substantial cash prize or gift.

Trading standards and

police will carry out their first personal visits to victims in the next few weeks in the Ashbourne and Matlock area. If the visits prove successful they will look to roll out the initiative across the county.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Dave Allen said: “Tackling these fraudsters is a priority for us and we are doing all we can to stamp out scam mail and all similar cons whether they are online, over the phone or on people’s doorsteps.

“We know there are certain groups of people, including vulnerable or older people, who are more at risk from scammers, and these are the very people who can be hurt the most, both financially and psychologically.

“While the scammers are becoming more sophisticated and better at targeting people they think may be vulnerable, it is still difficult for us

to identify victims as many people keep it a secret from their family and friends.

“However, working closely with the National Scams Hub is helping us to overcome this, and we know if we can get in touch with people we can give them really good advice and support which should stop them becoming repeat victims.”

Councillor Allen urged residents who receive a letter from trading standards about scams to respond and organise a visit.

Head of the Derbyshire Constabulary Economic Crime Unit Detective Inspector Rob King said: “We look forward to working with our trading standards partners in the future to target scam

mail fraudsters and offer support to people who may have fallen victim to these scams.

“One of the problems we face is getting people to believe that they have been a victim of crime. This is because the sophisticated methods employed by the fraudsters often lead to the victim actually believing that they have won or inherited a sum of money.

“We will continue to offer crime prevention and support through our Stamp Out Fraud in Derbyshire

initiative and if I could give one piece of advice, it’s this – if a deal sounds too good to be true, then it probably is - so ease all communication with the fraudster and seek advice from someone you trust.”

Every year the Derbyshire County Council trading standards team receives dozens of complaints about scam mail and similar cons, and are always keen to hear about them so they can act.

The most recent case involved an 89-year-old widow from Clowne who had been a scam mail victim for many years.

Having used her savings and pension, she had taken a £2,500 loan from a relative and a £3,500 loan from her bank, which she could not pay.

Trading standards officers provided support and advice to her, removed piles of mail and worthless products she had ordered in the hope of winning prizes, and helped her to get her mail redirected to a friend.

Anyone who is concerned about a possible scam or is worried about a friend or relative can call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

They can also visit www. actionfraud.police.uk and get further details on scams by visiting www. thinkjessica.com For media enquiries please contact the press office on 01629 538205.

More older and vulnerable residents will be protected from telephone fraud after a Derbyshire County Council trial using monitoring devices found more than 80% of the calls they received were nuisance calls.

The council liaised with Derbyshire police to select seven residents from the target group to take part in the pilot scheme trial between February and August.

During that time they received a total of 1,566 calls – and 1,300 (83%) were unsolicited or cold calls blocked by the device.

The council has now approved £5,000 to expand the project to residents with a referral from its adult care or community safety teams or the police.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Dave Allen said: “I was absolutely amazed to see the findings of this pilot scheme which show the extent of this problem which targets older and vulnerable people in their own homes.

“We’re committed to tackling this kind of practice and are keen to investigate new ways to help residents to protect their savings and pensions and fight back against fraud.

“Projects like our Trusted Trader scheme to help people find reputable businesses have proved hugely popular and I’m very happy to approve further funding for this project to help protect vulnerable residents.”

Call blocking devices fit onto a home phone line and feature a call screening service which enables the homeowner to accept or reject certain types of calls.

They can also stop certain kinds of call being received altogether such as anonymous or silent calls and calls from automated diallers – the kind favoured by telemarketers and scammers.

Calls from friends, family and other recognised numbers can be pre-programmed and allowed through to be answered as normal.

Some blockers feature a recorded message inviting the caller to contact a family member or other carer on an alternative number.

Research published by Financial Fraud Action UK reveals that almost a third of the UK population receives at least 10 cold calls per month with around 40 per cent suspecting that a call was fraudulent or suspicious.

People with dementia are particularly at risk from agreeing to order goods and services they don’t need from persistent sales people and scammers.

The cost of the project is being funded by ‘Proceeds of Crime’ money recovered from convicted criminals and allocated to the county council’s trading standards team.

• Residents who are concerned about any kind of fraud can call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk • Residents looking for reputable businesses can find a Derbyshire County Council Trusted Trader at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/tt • The Citizens Advice Consumer Service can offer helpful general trading standards advice on 08454 04 05 06 • Residents can register their home number to opt out of unsolicited and marketing calls with the free Telephone Preference Service at www.tpsonline. org.uk/tps

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 3.

The improvements at Little Eaton roundabout have made a big difference.

HEANOR HOSPITAL TO BE DEMOLISHED Heanor Memorial Hospital, closed last year following the discovery of asbestos in a boiler room, is to be demolished and replaced with a new health centre. A routine boiler room inspection in September 2013 revealed potentially deadly brown asbestos. Further surveys showed there was an extensive presence of asbestos throughout the hospital, but there was never any danger to patients or the general public.

Hospital wards and most outpatient services were temporarily transferred from Heanor Memorial Hospital to Ilkeston Community Hospital. An NHS Southern Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group report asked questions as to why the asbestos had not been found earlier and stated that ‘the cost of removal was prohibitive.’

The report also looked at other aspects of the hospital which needed addressing. ‘It was clear that the hospital was struggling to meet rules on fire safety, electrical safety and access for disabled people so it was expected that some big decisions would have to be made. Asbestos had been the catalyst for the consultation but the service review was overdue

in any case.’ The report followed extensive consultations with the local community, who expressed a wish for to see swift action.

The hospital is now to be demolished and a new £2.5 million health centre is to be built on the hospital site. This will also incorporate services currently provided at the Wilmot Street Health Centre which will move to the new building. The new centre should be ready in two years, but will not have any beds for in-patients.

In-patient beds will be provided at Ilkeston Hospital, two miles away, with end-of-life beds available in local care homes.

“There will be an increase in the number of beds which will be available locally,”

said Andy Layzell, chief officer of Southern Derbyshire CCG, “and just about all of the services which were previously provided in the hospital and health centre will move into that new building.”

COUNCIL PRAISES SCHOOL STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS AFTER TORNADO School staff and volunteers who helped to make sure residents were safe after a tornado which ripped roofs off houses have been praised by Derbyshire County Council.

The tornado hit homes in Catherine Street and Mansfield Road in Alfreton at 3.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 8 October).

Four homes were seriously affected and 30 more properties and cars were damaged by flying bricks and debris. No one was injured.

The county council’s emergency planning team set up a rest centre at nearby Leys Junior School for around 45 residents who had to be evacuated while building damage was assessed.

The council’s Derbyshire Emergency Volunteers were also at the scene along with Red Cross workers, the emer-

gency services and staff from Amber Valley Borough Council.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Dave Allen said: “Our emergency planning team was at the scene to help with the evacuation and were joined by adult care staff to help with vulnerable older residents.

“Only one couple needed emergency accommodation and other residents made their own arrangements but we have to be prepared and could not have done this as efficiently as we did without help from staff at the school and volunteers.

“I’d like to thank them for helping us, the emergency services and borough council handle a serious situation as quickly and safely as possible.”

Eight fire engines attended the scene and county council engineers closed Mansfield Road due to damaged properties and trees.

Leys Junior School headteacher Nic Way, who returned to the school at 7pm with the caretaker to switch on lights and heating, said: “It was heartening to see so many people turn up to help last night – there was a real sense of community spirit.”

Amber Valley Borough Council today continued to carry out building damage assessment and make affected properties safe. Mansfield Road is now open as usual.

A number of properties in Belper and Duffield also suffered minor damage yesterday as the weather system moved across the county.

A38 ROADWORKS MISERY CONTINUES There is no end in sight to the misery faced by motorists on the A38 Derby Ringroad as the Markeaton roundabout roadworks continue.

The Markeaton work to the widen the approaches and lanes to the island, and update traffic lights, began in earnest on the 21st July and has caused extensive delays for motorists at one of the busiest junctions in Derby. The work was expected to be complete by mid-October, but following delays in the work, the Highways Agency revised the completion date to November. They now refuse to say how long the disruption may continue.

The Markeaton roadworks follow similar work at the Little Eaton roundabout, two miles to the North, which caused major disruption to traffic through the first half of the year.

Lane closures in August caused increased delays at Markeaton, although restrictions were lifted over the Bank Holiday. In September there was a further delay to the programme as Severn

Motorists still face lane closures, cones and queues at Markeaton.

Trent Water needed to install a new valve on a water pipe at the island, work that took two weeks.

Severn Tent’s area manager Alex Sharpe sympathised with motorists. “We’d like to say sorry to motorists because we know this is a busy area and a lot of work has been carried out recently. The improvements to the water pipe will bring benefits to our customers for years to come.”

The work on the Little Eaton

Motorists still face lane closures, cones and queues at Markeaton.

roundabout, which began in January, was expected to last three months, but did not finish until July after a series of problems.

The Highways Agency blamed the delays on poor weather before the discovery of a protected species of crayfish that had to be moved from a brook running close to the work. Contractors then damaged a water pipe that flooded to A61 approach to the roundabout. However, the modifications, which included additional lanes, have been very successful. There is now improved traffic flow through the roundabout and delays at peak times have been considerably reduced on all approaches, Work has continued at Markeaton with overnight closures during October. Kevin Harvey, project manager at Markeaton, said the Highways Agency would do all it could to keep disruption to a minimum. “Work will take place during less busy times in the day and during the night, to minimise disruption to road users.”

LED STREET LIGHTS FOR DERBYSHIRE Street lights across Derbyshire will be fitted with LED lights, as plans for a £23m investment were agreed by Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet today (21 October).

More than 68,000 street lights will have their bulb, light fitting and shade replaced with a new LED fitting. And more than 22,000 of the older lamp posts will be replaced at the same time.

The council will borrow the money, which will be paid back over 20 years. The LED lights are expected to last for 25 years, which will lead to lower maintenance costs.

And they use less electricity.

The amount the council has paid in electricity for street lights has gone up in recent years because of the increase

in fuel prices. Because LEDs use less electricity and prices keep going up it is envisaged that the £23m investment could be paid back in just over eight years from the savings made.

Derbyshire County Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, Councillor Dean Collins, said: “I’m delighted that we are able to make this investment in street lights.

“We’re facing huge budget cuts of £157m over the next few years and we need to look for imaginative ways to do this. “In just eight years we will have paid for the investment we are making.

“By investing in LED street

lights we will save money on electricity and maintenance and reduce our carbon footprint.”

A recent public consultation asked people if they would support investment in LED s t r e e t lights, and 90% of respondents were in agreement.

Page 4. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

FURTHER DELAYS FOR ILKESTON STATION

A train heads North through the site of the proposed station.

Work on the proposed new station for Ilkeston is unlikely to start before spring 2015, with the station and car park opening later in the year. The delay is to satisfy the Environment Agency who have requested Derbyshire County Council to ensure that the car parking area will not flood in extreme bad weather. Consultants have suggested a solution that would raise the car park by three metres, using a series of drains and large culverts to collect any flood water. None of this

work was envisaged at the time of submitting the planning application.

The construction work had been scheduled to begin on the £9 million project in June but was delayed by the discovery of Great Crested Newts, a species protected by law and with a declining local population. It was thought that once the newts had been relocated the station construction would be able to start in October.

Erewash MP Jessica Lee has

criticised the Council who she says should have foreseen this.

“I’m not very happy at all. People in Ilkeston have been promised their station. First it was the newts, now it’s the car park. This is really frustrating. Derbyshire County Council have got to get their act together on this.”

This additional work on the car park is expected to cost £3 million, which is not included in the budget. A project team, of employees from Derbyshire County

Council, specialist consultants and employees from Network Rail, are now looking at the whole specification of the station to see where savings can be made.

They are also looking at alternative solutions to avoid flooding in the car park.

Councillor Andy Botham, deputy cabinet member for jobs, economy and transport at Derbyshire County Council, gave assurances about the future of the project. “I want to see Ilkeston Station built as soon as possible,” he said, “but we have to make sure we are not going to damage the environment around Ilkeston by building this station.”

Mr Botham blamed Tory spending cuts that made it difficult to find the extra costs for the work on the car park, adding “The worst thing we could do is build the station, only to later find that we are adding to pollution in the water course. We are constrained by rules and regulations and the costs have

been spiralling.”

The site for the new station is in a triangle, to the east of the town, bordered by the bridges of Coronation Road and the A6096 Millership Way, with industrial units to the west. Part of the industrial site will be required for the Northbound platform. The new station will enable passengers to travel to and from Ilkeston directly between Nottingham, Chesterfield and Sheffield and link to other destinations further afield. Ilkeston is currently thought to be the largest town on the rail network to be without a station. The new two-platform station will be accessed from Coronation Road,

linked by a footbridge, and the car park will have capacity for around 150 cars, disabled drivers, cyclists and motorcyclists. A passenger drop off point and taxi rank will be incorporated while buses will link the station with the town centre.

Mr Botham said “The station will help boost the local economy and importantly, in the long-term, it will play a part in helping to ease congestion on the roads. This station has been on the cards for a long-time and is nothing less than the town deserves.”

Work on Ilkeston’s new station should have begun in June.

Free vet treatment for local pets During November and December 2014 * Blue Cross pet charity is offering free vet treatment for pets whose local owners are on benefits. Act now to protect your pet against fleas, worms and killer diseases.

The charity is also offering to neuter pets for free to prevent unwanted litters being born. Neutering can also prevent serious health problems in later life including some cancers and deadly infections.

As well as providing preventative treatment, the clinic also treats sick and injured pets. While services are being offered for free, Blue Cross encourages clients to make a donation to support

Blue Cross.

Pet owners are advised to register now and not wait until their pet becomes ill. 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 based at Pride Veterinary Centre, Riverside Road Derby DE24 8HX. Appointments are 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. *Offer available between 1 November and 23rd December 2014.

Circus Starr

Circus Starr is coming to DERBY with a brand new tour and breath-taking line-up of acts on Thursday 13th November 2014.

Over the past few months, local businesses across the region have been generously supporting the show by buying tickets that are now being donated to local children’s charities, support groups and special schools.

Circus Starr Director, Neville Wilson comments, “The children we invite to our shows face many challenges. Some have physical disabilities or learning difficulties, others have life limiting illnesses or are living in refuges. For all of them, life is a struggle and few ever have the chance to experience a live show such as ours. We simply could not do this without the support we receive from Derby businesses from the big corporations to the sole traders, every donation we receive makes a difference to these children’s lives.”

In total, children from over 35 different schools and support organisations will be enjoying some circus magic this autumn.

Any surplus funds raised by the show are donated to a local charity and the nominated partner charity for Derby is Rainbow’s Children’s Hospice.

Circus Starr’s brand new show features hilarious antics from Nicolino the Clown as well as magnificent Chinese Pole and Aerial Strap performances from the fabulous Serik Brothers. Look forward to some spectacular juggling and acrobatics from the Velenciuc Troupe, breath-taking knife balancing acts from Miss Lara and the graceful aerial skills of Victoria Boyko on the Corde Lisse. Dance, music, illusion and wonder aplenty under the starry roof of our Big Top! Circus Starr is an independent, charitable organisation that supports disadvantaged and disabled children in their communities. First established in 1987, it provides new opportunities for children and their families to enjoy the spectacle of live performance, creating shared memories that will last a lifetime.

Circus Starr welcomes any donation, big or small. Just £20 buys a ticket that will enable a vulnerable, sick or disabled child to leave their worries outside and let the magic of circus draw them in. Any business wishing to make a donation and help us continue to bring smiles, laughter and traditional family entertainment to local children should call Circus Starr directly on 01260 288690.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 5.

Page 6. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

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Strong increase in demand for package holidays in 2014

New research* released by ABTA today reveals a strong increase in demand in the past year for both domestic and overseas package holidays.

with children under five years old having booked one, rising to 59% for those with children over five.

There has also been strong growth in domestic packages with 24% having taken a package holiday in the UK in 2014, up from 18% in 2013, 23% in 2012 and double the number in 2011 when only 12% of consumers said they had taken a domestic package holiday.

Analysis of people who took at least one foreign holiday in the 12 months to July 2014 reveals that 51% of holidaymakers booked a package. This increase continues an overall trend of growth in the market for overseas packages – 46% of people in 2013 booked a package, 48% in 2012, 42% in Why do consumers want an 2011 and 37% in 2010. overseas or domestic package holiday?

People aged 65 and over remain the biggest fans of the overseas They like being looked after, the package at 61%. Overseas pack- great value and the conveniages are also particularly attrac- ence. When asked why they had tive to families with 53% of those booked either an overseas or

domestic package, consumers overwhelmingly responded that having everything taken care of (62%) and the best value option for price (61%) were their main reasons.

All-inclusives reputation

and

company

The UK love affair with all-inclusives remains strong with 34% citing this as a reason for booking a package, similar to 2013 when 35% cited it as a reason, perhaps reflecting ongoing pressures on family finances. Similarly, the reputation of the company providing the holiday is important for many, with 33% citing trust in a reputable brand as a reason for booking a package.

DERBY BUSINESS BRINGS TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT INTO 21ST CENTURY Local e-cigarette firm is giving smokers an extra helping hand to give up this Stoptober Derby’s 49,800 smokers will be given the chance to pledge to give up smoking this October as part of a campaign that has taken the essence of the temperance movement of the 1830s and applied it to tobacco cigarettes.

The original temperance movement began in Preston in 1835, and aimed to curtail widespread alcoholism during the industrial revolution, with families signing pledges to abstain from drinking.

Now, in 2014, e-cigarette company Liberty Flights, which has a store in Derby, has launched a

temperance movement of its own to help the town’s smokers quit.

Liberty Flights has previously held a number of cigarette amnesties across the UK to help people kick the habit, and Matthew Moden, Director of the company, hopes that the campaign will help Derby’s residents do the same.

“We hope that getting people to physically sign a pledge will encourage the town’s smokers, who get through roughly 182 million cigarettes a year, to consider the alternative that is e-cigarettes.

“Not only is using e-cigarettes the healthier option, but it is cheaper too. Our research has suggested that Derby residents spend a mind-boggling £72,636,000 a year on tobacco cigarettes.”

The company launched a brand

new range of e-liquids with an event on 16th October.

In the new Temperance Range, people will be able to sample the innovative and exciting flavours that characterised the movement of yesteryear, including Dandelion & Burdock, Sarsaparilla, Blood Tonic, Sour Cherry & Hibiscus, and Lemon & Ginger flavours.

The new Temperance Range is available to buy now from Liberty Flights stores across the UK and also on the Liberty Flights website. For more information about the new flavours and to sign the pledge, please visit http://www. liberty-flights.co.uk/temperance. asp

Youngsters enjoyed free Gamezone, karaoke and disco event in Newbold

More than 30 youngsters attended a free Gamezone and disco event in Newbold thanks to police and partners.

The event was run to offer youngsters the chance to meet with friends at an organised activity, with the aim of helping to reduce and prevent reports of anti-social behaviour in the community.

31 children, aged 8 to15-years-old took part in the event at the Eagle Club in Newbold on Thursday, October 23, ahead of the half-term school holiday.

The children were invited to go along to the event to join in the with the disco and karaoke sessions, and to try their hand at computer games on the Wii and PlayStation. Prizes were also awarded to the ‘best dancer’ and ‘best singer’.

PCSO Janis Naylor of the Dunston, Moor and St Helen’s Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We have been running events like this over

the last four years and we always had a good turnout. This event was no different and I am really pleased with the number of young people that came along.

“It is great to be able to offer local youngsters somewhere they can meet up and socialise away from the streets.

“We have been able to run this event thanks to support and funding from our partners and I hope that these can continue into the future.”

The event was organised by PCSO Naylor from the Dunston, Moor and St. Helen’s Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team, with funding from Chesterfield Borough Council via the Community Assemblies Community Chest funding programme.

To contact the Dunston, Moor and St. Helens Safer Neighbourhood policing teams call 101 or email chesterfield.neighbourhoods@derbyshire. pnn.police.uk|.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 7.

EAGLE PARK DEVELOPMENT Ivygrove Developments and property agents Salloway have announced the first four deals for new units at the Eagle Park industrial site, formerly the home of Draka Cables, on Alfreton Road in Derby. The site has attracted interest from local businesses looking to expand.

Robinson Structures are to relocate from the Ascot Drive premises that have been home for forty years. The family business has acquired a 2.5 acre site to build workshops and offices totaling 45,000 square feet. Robinson’s present buildings are part of a scheduled redevelopment plan for Ascot Drive. “This new site will enable us to meet the latest standards more easily, increase production and make us more efficient and competitive,” said director Steve Robinson.

One of Derby’s oldest firms, Eggleston Steel, is to expand from its existing premises, adjoining Eagle Park, and bring production

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Steven said: “Sometimes people think they need to replace their entire door or window at great expense when we can advise them that a refurbishment can get Their skilled and profes- them back as good as new sional fitters will ensure that for a fraction of the price. your doors and windows are brought back to “as new” “We always want to offer the condition at only a fraction very best value for money of the cost of getting full re- that we can and we pride placements. ourselves that we are able to beat most written quotations Owner Steven Jones and for door and window repairs business partner Glen Price or refurbishments. want to ensure that their clients get the very best work The company specialises in at the most competitive pric- lock changes, door closers, es and no job is too big or door realignment, replacetoo small. ment hinges, replacement door handles and replaceBased in Spondon, Derby, ment glass units. they cover the whole of the Midlands and pride them- Steven added: “Over time selves in the work they do. the seals in PVC windows

go, locks can seize up, handles break and parts can get out of alignment.

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“We don’t see why people should have to fork out for a whole new unit when a simple repair is all that is required and if just a lock change or a new handle is needed.”

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to planning consent, a fourth site of 6,000 square feet has been allocated to a national company wanting to open a second tradecounter in the city.

The freehold of the 15 acre Eagle Park site was bought by Ivygrove Developments, in June, from to a single location. Eggleston the Prysmian Group, the parent Steel, whose history dates back company of Draka Cables. The to 1809, relocated to Alfreton Italian Prysmian Group closed Road in 2003 having outgrown its the Derby factory in 2012, movStuart Street factory. With plan- ing production to their other sites ning permission, the company in Hampshire and Wales with Eggleston Steel is to expand onto the neighbouring Eagle Park. the loss of 100 jobs in Derby.

This brought to an end to cable production at the Derby

site, first opened in 1929. Initially known as Derby Cables, over many years the site became a home for other familiar names, Crompton Parkinson, Hawker Siddeley, Delta Crompton and, finally, Draka UK. Ivygrove’s plans could see up to 27 industrial units established on the Eagle Park site, with the creation of hundreds of jobs. Stephen Salloway, senior partner of agents Salloway said “We are in discussion with a number of companies who are keen to join a thriving and established business community, “There is little doubt that the market is improving and Eagle Park is well placed to satisfy that demand.”

The former cable works could become home to 27 new industrial units.

is hoping to extend by 16,000 square feet to house laser profiling machinery.

Car retailer the Pendragon Group is to move into 10,000 square feet of existing workshops, part of a 1.5-acre site, from an assortment of sites around the city. Subject

Page 8. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

British Safety Council offers free stress advice to businesses With stress costing the UK economy £6.5bn, it is undeniable that this is one of the biggest health related priorities facing businesses. The British Safety Council is lending its voice to this important issue, as well asking workplaces to give due attention to occupational health overall.

occupational health.

Alex Botha, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council, said: “Businesses managing risks in their workplace are increasingly seeing occupational health as a priority.

A number of factors are contributing – a workforce that is ageing, the changing shape of our economy to one that is more service orientated, the pressures on government and the NHS with the fact that people are living with illness and disease for longer.

“What we’ve seen is that in tackling occupational health, a lot of learning can be drawn from the ‘safety’ landscape. So often we see that it is about clear leadership, effective communication, appropriate training, good measurement and management – in a sense, health can be managed ‘like safety’. And the business case is there to support the value of such investments.”

“But with so many pressures on businesses too, and the complexity involved, we recognise that we have an important role to play in providing practical steps on how to address

“We draw in the practical experience of thousands of our members dealing with these issues and we share their experiences but also identify what more can, and should, be done.

In support of European Health and Safety Week held this week, the British Safety Council is making its guide for employers on managing stress in the workplace freely available until the end of November.

The British Safety Council is increasingly highlighting the importance of good occupational health.

Earlier this month, it held its annual conference and used the opportunity to raise the profile of occupational health matters. During the day’s proceedings, panel discussions were held covering key topics such as mental health and stress management. Similarly, the upcoming December 2014 issue of its magazine, Safety Management, will have a focus on occupational health with input from a number of key organisations engaged in such issues as mental health and cancer.

To accompany the magazine, the British Safety Council will also be publishing an updated version of its occupational health guide.

EU DEAL TO CUT GREENHOUSE GASSES BY 40%

The European Union has reached a historic deal to cut greenhouse gasses by at least 40% domestically by 2030.

The target is part of a package of measures to make Europe’s energy system more secure, sustainable and competitive, announced today by European leaders at the European Council meeting in Brussels.

The agreement is a major win for the UK, which has been leading efforts in Europe for an ambitious but flexible deal that cuts carbon emissions whilst giving the UK and other Member States the flexibility to decide how they will decarbonise at least cost to consumers while also improving energy security by reducing the EU’s reliance on imported energy. The UK’s Climate Change Act and Electricity Market Reforms have put the UK on a clear path to become

a low carbon economy, which is further enhanced by these measures announced today with no expected additional cost impact for UK bill and tax payers.

Europe and by building alliances and working constructively with our European partners, we’ve agreed a package of measures that meet all the UK’s top priorities.

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey said:

“It lays down the gauntlet to the world to come forward with ambitious climate targets, reforms EU energy policy so it’s flexible and affordable and tackles energy security - reducing Europe’s energy import bill for fossil fuels by around €285 billion by 2030.

“This is a historic moment. Europe has sent a clear and firm message to the world that ambitious climate action is needed now. True to our word, we have delivered a highly ambitious EU climate target while also significantly strengthening Europe’s energy security by making us less reliant on imported energy. This morning only five countries in Europe had climate targets post 2020, now 28 countries do.

“The UK has been leading the climate debate pushing for an ambitious deal in

“It’s good for consumers because we can decarbonise at the lowest possible cost using a diverse mix of technologies.

“And it’s good for business as it provides the certainty they have been calling for to unlock billions in low carbon investment.”

C&S Solar Energy C&S Solar are renewable energy experts specialising in solar PV systems, thermodynamics and boiler management systems to help reduce both your gas and electric consumption and with energy prices rising all the time and that trend set to continue, more and more people are thinking of new ways to reduce their energy bills.

C&S is well-placed to help you ensure that you never need to pay more for your energy than you need to.

In fact they can help you ensure that providing the energy needs for your home or business can not only save you money but also earn you money.

The company specialises in renewa-

ble energy systems and from their base in Matlock, Derbyshire and they cover the whole of the UK. Director Steve Chrystal said the company aimed to make the whole process of installing new and efficient solar energy solutions as smooth and seamless as possible.

He said: “We take care of everything including all the paper work, assessments, structural surveys and we look after our customers from start to finish no matter how straightforward of complicated their work is.

“Ours is a family-run business with the emphasis on putting the needs of the customer first and finding the exact

solution to meet their needs.”

He said that by using solar panels customers can get paid for everything they generate, get paid for returning surplus energy to the grid and save money on their energy bills by using some of the energy they produced. He said that annual returns of between eight and 12 per cent of initial investment were achievable by investing to solar energy.

For more information about the range of services offered by C&S Solar then check out their website http:// www.cssolarenergy.co.uk/ or call 0800 334 5182

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 9.

Page 10. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

FOOD BANKS INVITED TO BID FOR SHARE OF £120,000 COUNCIL FUNDING

Food banks are being invited to bid for a share of £120,000 Derbyshire County Council funding to support their work.

There are now 22 food banks in Derbyshire – three times as many as in 2012 – and figures for one busy town centre branch show a 171% usage increase over the last two years.

The council awarded the county’s food bank network a share of £126,000 funding to help them feed more people earlier this year and this further funding will build on that support.

It can be used for costs including management, administration and IT, premises, storage, insurance, transport, vehicles, fuel, running costs, recruitment, staff and volunteer training.

Rural Action Derbyshire (RAD) is managing the grant application process on the council’s behalf.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Dave Allen said: “Lack of proper nutrition not only has a huge impact on people’s physical and mental health but also on the health and local authority support services they increasingly have to rely on if the situation is not addressed.

“The rising cost of living and changes to benefits and unemployment mean more people are relying on food banks and we feel it’s the right thing to do to support working people on low incomes and those in the most severe financial need.

“We hope this second round of grant funding helps food banks that are facing increasing pressure to feed more people.”

As part of its continuing work to support food banks the council is also supporting appeals to encourage local people to volunteer and to donate food and

has arranged for more than 40 of its libraries, offices and other council buildings to act as food donation points.

Food banks which have not received an application pack should contact Sylvia Green at RAD at s.green@ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk or on 01629 592971 The closing date for applications is Friday 14 November and funding will be allocated to successful applicants by the end of December.

Food banks can get help to fill in their applications from their local CVS which they can find at www. derbyshire.gov.uk Residents can find more information about local food banks including contact details and how to volunteer and donate at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/foodbanks

ZINDA SCRAP METALS Zinda Scrap Metals is a family-run business based on Belfield Street in Ilkeston (next door to the new Macdonalds near Tesco)

They have operated in the area for over 35years, and they offer a fast, friendly service for all types of scrap metal to both commercial and domestic clients.

They pride themselves in offering a quality service to all clients with a fast turn around and extremely competitive prices.

All grades of scrap metal are commercial, domestic or inbought, from batteries and dustrial scrap metal. electric cabling through to “We’re a trusted buyer gold and silver. throughout the Nottingham Regardless of quantity, Zinda and Derby areas, and we Scrap Metals can give you pride ourselves in being effithe best price and they have cient, honest and helpful.” a large weigh bridge on site to accurately weigh scrap while Top prices are paid for copthe friendly staff work to pro- per, brass, aluminium, stainless steel, gun metal, electrivide a fast turnaround. cal cables, electric motors Owner Richard Henderson and more. said: “Whether you’re clearing out your shed or you’ve got a For further information check skip load of scrap metal, our out their website http://zinfully licensed depot will give dascrapmetals.co.uk or call you the best price for your 0115 930 1531

HAVE YOUR SAY ON CLIMATE CHANGE CHARTER

Residents and local businesses are being invited to have their say about Derbyshire’s first Climate Change Charter which sets out aims to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate change across the county.

The charter, drawn-up by Derbyshire County Council, sets out practical steps to minimise climate change and members of the public can give their views.

Councillor John Owen, Deputy Cabinet Member for Council Services, said: “The Climate Change Charter sets out how we aim to reduce carbon emissions and the effects of climate change in Derbyshire.

“We want businesses and communities in Derbyshire to help by reducing their emissions and make our county a fantastic place to live in for generations to come.”

Some scientists say that the effect of climate change could see an increased risk of flooding and extreme weather events which are being caused by man-made greenhouse gases.

As a result, the Government has adopted a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% before 2050.

Plans to reduce emissions in Derbyshire involve developing carbon reduction projects for property, monitoring water and energy consumption, promoting energy efficiency and working with partners.

These partners include the Derbyshire Partnership Forum (DPF) which brings together over 60 public, private, voluntary and community sector organisations to improve the quality of life for people in Derbyshire.

It is hoped by working with the DPF that other groups will begin to think about climate change and alter the way they operate by sharing ideas and actions.

The county council has already made a start by installing solar panels at Dove Holes Business unit, Chesterfield Library and Shipley Country Park which will use sunlight to generate electricity.

It also has a carbon reduction initiative fund which funds projects to reduce energy consumption which will also save money, including LED efficient lighting and improved insulation.

To read and comment on the charter visit www.derbyshire.gov. uk/charter Closing date for comments Wednesday 5th November 2014.

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Blind Derbyshire WWII ex-soldier to march on Remembrance Sunday with Blind Veterans UK A registered blind 95-year-old World War II veteran from Higham is set to join over 100 other vision impaired veterans on the annual Remembrance march to the Cenotaph in London, representing Blind Veterans UK. Bill Braund, originally from the Rhonda Valley and now living in Higham, Derbyshire, will take part in the march as part of a contingent from Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision impaired ex-Service men and women.

Despite being blinded in one eye after an accident as a child, Bill served in the Welsh Regiment for the entirety of World War II and rose to the rank of Sergeant Major. Bill says “The Army was hard-going, especially the training, but it was one of those things that we just took in our stride – there was a war on, so we had to serve.”

During his time in the Army, Bill served in Sudan, Malawi and Burma, spending five years in the King’s African Rifles. Bill says “We didn’t see much action in Africa, but Burma was very difficult. We arrived in monsoon season, and it would take us a week to travel 26 miles because the roads were impassable. As a Welshman, I thought I’d seen a lot of rain, but that was nothing compared to Burma.”

Bill was discharged from the Army in 1946 and returned to the Rhonda Valley, where he played as a goalkeeper for Cardiff City FC as well as being a tram

driver in the city.

Six decades after leaving the Army, Bill noticed that he was struggling with the sight in his good eye. Bill was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in his remaining eye and was registered blind in 2008.

Bill, who has now lived in Derbyshire for 16 years, is now receiving free and comprehensive support from Blind Veterans UK to help him live independently with sight loss. He says “Blind Veterans UK has brought me back into the world. I used to be very negative about my sight loss, but meeting other veterans in a similar situation has really helped me find the positives.

“Blind Veterans UK has also given me various gadgets to help me make the most of the sight I still have.”

On Sunday 9 November, Bill will be one of the thousands of veterans taking part in the national Remembrance Sunday march in London. Bill, who has marched four times previously, will be completing the march with Blind Veterans UK in a wheelchair.

Bill says “Remembrance Sunday means a lot to me personally, particularly when I think of the friends I lost in World War II. I had one very good friend who drowned in Burma when we were

crossing a rope bridge. He was swept away by the current and his body was never found. I’ll be thinking about him, and all those who’ve died in service, during the two minutes’ silence.”

Blind Veterans UK’s campaign No One Alone aims to reach out to more veterans like Bill. More than 68,000 other veterans could be eligible for free help and support without realising it. If you know someone who served in the Armed Forces or National Service who now suffers with sight loss from any reason visit www.noonealone.org.uk or call 0800 389 7979.

For more information about Blind Veterans UK’s work, please visit www.blindveterans.org.uk

FRIENDS FEUD OVER FINANCES 7 million people say that they have lost contact with a friend because of a financial dispute

Men are most likely to lose friends because of money issues One in three people aged between 24 and 35 (28 per cent) admit to losing friends over finances New research has revealed that more than seven million people have lost a friend as a result of an argument over money. The findings, from ISA provider Scottish Friendly, highlighted that just over one in ten people (15 per cent) no longer kept in contact with a friend following a dispute around finances.

Men were found to be particularly prone to losing their mates, with 17 per cent of men saying that they had cut ties with a friend because of finances as opposed to just 13 per cent of women. In addition, the trend does seem to be particularly prevalent

among ‘Gen Y’ respondents. Indeed, a massive one in three people aged between 24 and 35 (28 per cent) say they have lost friends over money, compared to just nine per cent among those aged over 45.

Calum Bennie, communications manager at Scottish Friendly, commented: “Money can be a very personal and very touchy subject. While friends often want to help each other in financial difficulty, if that show of support is abused, it can often be seen as a breach of trust and cause deep rooted resentment between people.”

Londoners seem to be the most likely to fight about money, with just over a quarter (27 per cent) having had a dispute with their friends, compared to people in Northern Ireland where fewer than ten per cent claiming to have fallen out over money.

Bennie continued: “If you do lend money to people or offer financial assistance to a friend, it is important that all parties are on the same page and

go into an agreement with their eyes wide open. If you are going to lend money to someone you should make sure they will be in a position to pay it back or at least be sure you won’t miss the money if it is not repaid in the short term. Regardless, helping a friend in financial difficulty may not always be about the cash. Sometimes, advice and support can be as powerful and lending someone money”.

Scottish Friendly offers its top tips on how to lend money to friends and maintain a friendship: Only lend what you can afford Never lend more than you can afford to lose. If the money does not get paid back, you need to decide if you would be willing to forgive the debt so that you might preserve the friendship.

Everyone should want to be in the agreement Make sure that you don’t get emotionally blackmailed into lending money.

In the same regard, make sure that

Police and gardeners in Denby work together to boost security at allotments Police and local growers in Denby have been working together to help boost security at an allotment site in the area.

Gardening equipment has been security marked and an allotment watch scheme has been set up at the Danesby Rise Allotments.

Officers from the Kilburn Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team worked with the Danesby Rise Allotment Association as part of

the initiative which is aimed at deterring crime and anti-social behaviour.

It is hoped the scheme will continue to encourage good communication links between police and the community as well as offering reassurance to plot holders.

Equipment used at the site has been marked with a specialist forensic property marking kit and signs have been put up around the

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 11.

allotments to raise awareness of the scheme.

PCSO John Midgley of the Kilburn Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Allotment sites can sometimes be more vulnerable to crime, so we’ve been working with the Danesby Rise Allotment Association to help deter this type of activity and keep tools secure through property marking.

“We also hope that the initiative

your support will be well received and that the recipient does not feel embarrassed by the gesture. In both of these cases, resentment could develop and fracture your relationship.

Discuss Terms Make sure you go into any agreement with your eyes open and talk about a repayment plan; lending money cannot be a one-sided process. By laying out the terms of how the financial relationship could work, you can move on with your friendship on the understanding that, as long as the terms are met, there will be no problems between the two of you.

Don’t involve yourself after the act Don’t try and manage a person’s spending after you’ve given your friend the money. Once you’ve loaned the money, then it is no longer in your control. Obsessing over how it’s spent will only serve to cause resentment to both parties.

will encourage allotment holders and the local community to report any suspicious activity, and help people using the site to feel safe.”

Richard Brown, Secretary for the Danesby Rise Allotment Association, said: “We’re really fortunate that our site is quite secure but we have had thefts in the past, so we’re really pleased to be working alongside our local police to offer that added bit of confidence to our members.”

To contact the Kilburn Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team call 101, or email belper. neighbourhoods@derbyshire.pnn. police.uk.

You can also follow the team on Twitter: @KilburnSNT

Man absconds from open prison

Man serving a sentence for arson has absconded from a Derbyshire open prison.KevinJude Kevin Edward William Wilson Jude absconded from HMP Sudbury on Wednesday 1st October 2014.

Jude (28) was sentenced, at Stoke Crown Court, to an indeterminate sentence for arson with intent to endanger life. He was also convicted of assault and criminal damage.

Jude is six feet tall and has short brown hair. He has connections in Congleton, Cheshire and the Biddulph area of Stokeon-Trent

Page 12. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Operation Orphan

Charity Event This month sees a rare opportunity to enjoy a sumptuous seven course fine dining menu at an top class Indian restaurant while supporting a worthwhile children’s charity at the same time.

Haveli, the fine dining Indian restaurant, has teamed up with Nottingham-based charity Operation Orphan to give you an evening you won’t forget.

The event is taking place on Sunday November 9 and promises to be a night not to be missed as there will be great food, Champagne on arrival, entertainment and the chance to find out first hand about the amazing work done by Operation Orphan.

Cyrilyn said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase what we do in such a splendid location. Haveli could not have made us feel more welcome if they tried and the evening should be a really fun night out for all concerned.

“The atmosphere in the restaurant is fantastic and the food is amazing. They have put together a really great seven course meal for us and I don’t think you could get better value for money anywhere.”

Entertainment on the night will be provided by local band Noah, a duo who will be putting together an acoustic set for the evening.

children, who once had no hope, no love and no support, find a new life broke my heart and sparked the desire to do my part and take up this cause.”

Operation Orphan’s vision is to improve the quality of life for orphans and vulnerable children in a holistic, culturally relevant and sustainable way. Their mission is to invest in the safety, nurture, development and over all well-being of orphans and vulnerable children both locally and abroad.

Tickets cost just £35-a-head and director Cyrilyn Moore said the evening was a great opportunity for people to learn more about the work done by the charity which has been running for four years.

The charity is also using the event to announce new developments including plans to set up a Crisis Intervention Response Program which would provide a safe place for children in the event of a crisis and the launch of the Keep A Child sponsorship program.

‘Keep A Child’ is a monthly sponsorship program raising funds to keep children safe, warm, healthy and learning. Full details of the new initiatives will be announced by charity founders Cyrilyn and husband Brad Moore at the event.

Among the aims of the evening is to raise awareness for the charity, answer any questions people might have about it, highlight its fundraising activities and explore ways that local businesses, schools and individuals can get involved.

Operation Orphan was founded

by Brad and Cyrilyn Moore who wanted to set up a charity to help children who had lived through the horror of being orphaned.

They had the idea after visiting Uganda in 2003 and Brad was also moved to do more after visiting Moldova where he was part of a team building an orphanage for children there.

Brad said: “The experience of seeing

They work with partner projects, communities, families and individuals to help those they look after become as self-sufficient as possible and work hard to ensure that children have access to quality education and health care.

The charity also works to ensure that children have access to clean water, quality nutrition and appropriate sanitation provision and it also works closely with churches and support groups to deliver a quality response to the multitude of unseen human needs both through direct care and training.

The Operation Orphan Charity Dinner takes place at Haveli Fine Dining Indian Restaurant, Attenborough Lane, Chilwell, Nottingham at 7pm on Sunday November 9.

Tickets are available by calling 08432 163 838 or by email to info@operationorphan.org

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 13.

Anti-social behaviour becomes new priority for police in Chapel and Chinley

Officers will be heading out on increased patrols to tackle antisocial behaviour (ASB) in Chapel and Chinley after setting the issue as the latest priority.

The priority was agreed by residents, local councillors and partner agencies during the Safer Neighbourhood governance meeting on Tuesday, October 21.

The issues raised included groups of youths acting antisocially, leaving litter behind and causing a noise nuisance to people living nearby, particularly around Memorial Park, Chapel.

Officers from the Chapel and Chinley Safer Neighbourhood

Team will be carrying out high-visibility patrols in hot spot areas to identify groups taking part in ASB and engaging with them about the effects of their behaviour on local people.

PC Andy Crosthwaite and PCSO Karen Green will be working alongside local councillors and partner agencies to help find solutions and deter youngsters from taking part in anti-social and nuisance behaviour.

The Safer Neighbourhood team will be carrying out increased patrols over Halloween, Bonfire Night and over the festive season to help to deter ASB.

To have your say on policing priorities for your community, the next Safer Neighbourhood governance meeting is set to take place on Wednesday, January 21.

The meetings, which run quarterly, will take place at Rems Cafe Bar on Market Street, Chapel from 7pm.

For upcoming police events and meetings, visit the teams’ page.

To speak to the Chapel and Chinley Safer Neighbourhood Team call 101, the non-emergency number for Derbyshire police.

Page 14. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

THE BRITISH HOROLOGICAL INSTITUTE

LATE IRON AGE COIN HOARD ON SHOW AT COUNTY COUNCIL MUSEUM A hoard of Late Iron Age coins found at a local beauty spot is to be displayed in a new Derbyshire County Council exhibition starting this week.

The treasures were discovered at Reynard’s Kitchen Cave in Dovedale, managed by the National Trust, and have since been undergoing conservation at the British Museum and University College London.

They will be placed on show at the council’s Buxton Museum and Art Gallery from Saturday (October 25) where other archaeological finds from Dovedale are already on show.

Derbyshire County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Ellie Wilcox said: “This spectacular hoard is an exciting addi-

tion to our museum collections.

There is very little Iron Age material in the collections and these spectacular gold and silver coins bring a new dimension.

“We believe 23 of the coins were probably owned by one person in around AD 50 which would have been a substantial amount of money then. The big question is why leave it in Reynard’s Kitchen Cave?”

The hoard includes a Roman brooch, three Roman coins which pre-date the invasion of Britain in AD 43 and 20 gold and silver coins from the first century AD attributed to the Corieltavi tribe.

Two Roman and one medieval coin were also found which are believed to have probably fallen out of sightseers’ pockets.

Little is known about the Coriel-

tavi tribe except through its coinage and Dovedale is the furthest west that their range has been mapped. Its people were probably farmers living in small tribal groups and federally governed across Leicestershire and Lincolnshire around the time of the Roman conquest.

The story about how the coins were found by a local climber who had been sheltering in the cave during heavy rain was featured on BBC1’s ‘Countryside’ programme in July.

“The collections at Buxton Museum are important for Dovedale,” added Councillor Wilcox.

“They include archaeology and the complete geological record made in the 1920s by Dr JW Jackson. His photographs and research remain important evi-

dence about this protected landscape.

“We’re delighted to be given the chance to host such a wonderful exhibition and the arrangement of this loan continues the strong partnership between the museum and the National Trust.”

The Reynard’s Kitchen Cave Late Iron Age Coin Hoard will be displayed at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery, Terrace Road, Buxton, SK17 6DA from Saturday 25 October. Admission is free.

The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 9.30am to 5.30pm and Saturday from 9.30am to 5pm.

A video showing the coins and telling more about the hoard discovery can be viewed at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/peakdistrict

The British Horological Institute is a professional body created by the members, for the members, to further their interests. We aspire to be the natural home for all involved in horology, whether professionally or recreationally, and we will achieve this by: - Facilitating education and providing specialist training; - Setting recognised standards of excellence in workmanship and professional conduct; - Supporting our members in the furtherance of their horological aspirations.

We will provide a pleasant and safe working environment; and nurture, develop and empower our staff to support their delivery of our services. We will maintain, promote and develop our assets on behalf of our members.

MONTEVERDI VESPERS OF 1610

THE SIXTEEN TOURS THIS MAGNIFICENT LARGE-SCALE PIECE TO GREAT CATHEDRALS AND CONCERT HALLS ACROSS THE UK EIGHT PERFORMANCES, MAJOR EDUCATION PROJECT, NEW BBC DOCUMENTARY AND NEW RECORDING choristers will attend choral workshops with members of The Sixteen in preparation for the performances when they will sing the Sonata sopra Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis.

Monteverdi in Medway In collaboration with the Medway Music Hub, The Sixteen has devised an additional choral and instrumental project to launch new youth choir and instrumental initiatives. 35 singers will work with Associate Conductor Eamonn Dougan and 40 instrumentalists with orchestra leader Sarah Sexton “Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 (strings) and Susan Addison is quite simply one of the (wind & brass) on excerpts greatest works of sacred music of Monteverdi’s music in an ever written: it is without doubt edition for modern instruments. the most varied and inspired The immersive Monteverdi work before Handel and Bach day on 20 January for began composing their oratorios secondary school pupils and and passions. The variety alone 1st year university students makes it unique – from thrilling will culminate in a public psalm settings with virtuosic performance at the University writing for both multi- part choir of Kent. and instrumentalists to exotic and sensual settings of texts About the music from the Song of Songs for Monteverdi is unlikely to have solo voices. Every movement heard the Vespers in the is full of luscious harmonies, complete form we know today. beautifully constructed for all The music in his original 1610 concerned.” Harry Christophers publication was intended to be used as a resource by CBE choirmasters in the great churches like St Mark’s in New BBC documentary Harry Christophers and The Venice or St Peter’s in Rome Sixteen feature in a 60-minute who might have used parts of documentary presented by it, depending on the choral and Simon Russell Beale, in a instrumental forces they had similar format to the immensely at their disposal. Monteverdi successful Sacred Music offered performance options series. The film will explore the with organ alone, to make it life of Monteverdi, focusing on possible for this music to be as his masterpiece the Vespers of widely performed as possible. strategy was highly 1610. The programme will be His transmitted on BBC Two, date effective – not only did it help him secure employment at St to be confirmed.

Mark’s in Venice in 1613, it also A unique opportunity for meant that Vespers was the most widely known significant choristers across the UK At each cathedral venue piece of printed music before During November 2014 and January 2015 The choir and orchestra of The Sixteen will be transporting UK audiences to the splendour of St Mark’s, Venice, through performances of Monteverdi’s rhythmically thrilling, sonorous and largescale Vespers of 1610.

Cathedral choristers will participate in performances, there will be a major education project with the Medway Music Hub and online resources will be available to audience members.

the time of JS Bach. It was published in the same year as Shakespeare’s Cymbeline and Galileo’s astronomical pamphlet The Starry Messenger. Some of the music was available from the turn of the 20th century, although it was not until 1937 when it was published in a collected edition of all Monteverdi’s works, that all the music became available. The first performance in England took place in 1946 at Central Hall, Westminster under the auspices of the composer Michael Tippett and conducted by Walter Goehr.

About The Sixteen “Monteverdi was the greatest composer of the early Baroque period, and this was his calling card for the big job which he landed at St Mark’s in Venice” said Harry Christophers. “It requires the very highest levels of musicianship; one of the hallmarks of The Sixteen is the amazing virtuosity I have among the performers. In the choir I have soloists who can deliver the demanding lines which Monteverdi writes for voices, and the same is true of our orchestra, revitalised under our new leader Sarah Sexton.”

Chief Executive of The Sixteen, Marie-Sophie Willis said “This is our most ambitious large-scale tour to date. The annual Choral Pilgrimage is traditionally music for unaccompanied choir and so to be able to bring this epic work to regional audiences is both a great privilege and a challenge.”

Harry Christophers talks about the forthcoming Vespers performances: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=VIqaDo6R2PM

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 15.

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Christmas at Derby LIVE LIVE festive entertainment every Sat

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

BOX OFFICE

Wed 3 - Sun 21 Dec FREE entry

Thu 11 - Sun 28 Dec £10.25 - £12.25

01332 255800 | derbylive.co.uk |

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 17.

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STOLEN DOG - ANGEL Dog owner Dawn Maw has been branded Britain’s craziest dog lover by one national newspaper but she doesn’t care because all she wants is to get her beloved pedigree pointer Angel back.

Angel is a liver and white German shorthaired pointer bitch who went missing on 6 December 2012 at Cawthorne Basin near Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

Since then Dawn has done everything in her power to get the dog back. First she took unpaid leave from her job as a Department of Work and Pensions investigator, then she spent countless hours searching the countryside for Angel who has competed in Crufts.

She printed many thousands of posters, business cards, stickers and flyers, set up a Facebook page where people could report sightings of Angel and launched

a national publicity campaign to help bring the dog home.

Next she remortgaged her home so that she could put up a £10,000 reward for anyone who could help her get the dog back but she is still waiting to be reunited with her beloved pet.

Dawn said in one newspaper interview: “I won’t stop until she comes home. It’s my choice and my money. Someone has stolen a member of my family and I’m going to get her back.

“Wherever she is, she must be worried, scared and confused. If she was run over and killed, at least there would be an ending.

But while she is missing, I have to do everything I can. I just want to cuddle up with her on the sofa like we always do.”

The nightmare began when Dawn took Angel and her three other dogs for their usual morn-

ing walk on December 6 2012. At some point on that morning walk she lost sight of Angel for a couple of minutes and the dog has not been seen since.

Dawn remembers seeing a white van driving down the road at the time the dog went missing and one theory is that her dog, whom Dawn had bought for £700 as a puppy, had been snatched by professional thieves.

She even enlisted the help of a pet detective company and is still as determined as ever to get her dog back.

If you think you have seen Angel then you can call 07921 682002, check out the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ FindMissingAngel/info or visit the website http://www.doglost. co.uk/poster.php?dogId=45978

THE FRIENDS OF CROMFORD CANAL The Friends of Cromford Canal, also referred to as the FCC or simply ‘the Friends’, was formed in 2002 with the aim of restoring the canal, inclusive of the branches to Pinxton and Lea Wood.

More officially, the statement to the charity commission states the FCC’s aim as: The restoration, reconstruction, preservation & maintenance

of the Cromford Canal, its associated buildings, towing path, structures & craft & the conservation of its natural charecter as a navigable inland waterway system for the benefit of the public The Friends is managed by a committee of Trustees and general members, who currently meet twelve times a year in their work to actively promote the canal and

its restoration. They are also responsible for the organisation of social events, merchandise and maintain archives relating to the canal.

The Friends publish a quarterly newsletter, ‘The Portal’, which gives members news of the restoration and general information about the canal. Past editions of ‘Portal’ are available online.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 19.

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This Christmas, The Snowman is coming to a town near you. The timeless film will be shown on a large screen accompanied by a live, professional orchestra.

Many people will be familiar with the Snowman film but, when experienced with a live orchestra playing the enchanting score, the effect is magical and very moving. The highlight of the film for many will be the evocative ‘Walking in the Air’, sung by a young, local soloist. Not a dry eye in the house!

There will also be other Christmas crackers in the hour long concert, including selections from Tchaikovsky’s

Nutcracker and a Guide to the Orchestra - a festive and lighthearted look at the various instruments of the orchestra featuring some of the UK’s top musicians.

The Northern Players are a group of exceptional musicians, all of whom play for major British orchestras such as the Hallé and BBC Philharmonic.

They will be skilfully conducted by Steve Magee from the Hallé orchestra. This is no mean task, as he has to synchronise the orchestra perfectly with what’s happening on the screen.

The family concerts can be seen in New Mills (7.12.14), Buxton (10.12.14), Kirk Hallam (11.12.14), Chester Cathedral (13.12.14), Shef-

BOOMCO BLASTMASTER CHAMPIONSHIP COMING TO DERBY Keep the kids busy this half-term and check out the BOOMCO BLASTMASTER CHAMPIONSHIP tour stopping by at INTU DERBY on the 28th October.

HAVE A BLAST with BOOMco by competing in fun challenges to test out accuracy, distance, skill and speed with the cool new AIRPOWERED BOOMco blasters! Using SMART STICK darts and targets, kids can see exactly where they nailed it as the tip of every plastic dart sticks like crazy to the targets!

W I ON N

E OF FOUR BOOMCO R MADNESASPID BLASTERS

field (15.12.14), Stoke-on-Trent (16.12.14), Warrington (17.12.14) and Kendal (18.12.14). For further information visit www.carrotproductions. com This will be a truly memorable experience for all ages, and a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to create lasting memories.

“The most amazing concert ever. Everyone was enjoying it, even the orchestra. You could tell because every single person had a big smile on their face!”

Christmas Lights Switch-On

Sat 15 Nov, starting at 3pm www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/ christmas-lights-switch-on1

Kids can win awesome BOOMCO PRIZES and get their names on the COMPETITION leaderboard to be in with a chance of becoming the ultimate BOOMCO BLASTMASTER CHAMPION! To celebrate the launch of the tour, we are giving away four BOOMCO RAPID MADNESS BLASTERS. To be in with a chance of winning, just email ‘Competitions@derbyshireguardian.co.uk’ with the subject title ‘BOOMCO’ and leave a contact name and phone number in the email. o Competition suitable for kids aged 7+ o Prizes will be sent directly to the winners

Check out BOOMCOBLASTMASTER.CO.UK for more details and terms and conditions.

When This Lousy War is Over

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain marks the 100 years since the ‘war to end all wars’ with a new show, commissioned by the Town Hall & Symphony Hall of Birmingham. It is a show exploring popular music from that time.

How do we reminisce and connect through music? Music that conjures ordinary life can be very welcome, a comfort when you are scared and a long way from home. But music can also be used to make bold statements, stir controversy and to send a message. The World War provoked the deepest responses in people – responses of thought, of feeling, of pride, of terror and of stupidity.

The musician’s response to World War One created a mountain of music of all kinds and from all around the

world. This show explores and demonstrates this outpouring, cresting the heights of joy and reaching the darker depths. Some tunes are poignant and touching, others filled with bravado.

Inventively, the Orchestra has drawn together music and songs from people around the globe and woven them into a new show full of humanity, profundity, delicate delights, exciting drama, wry amusement and downright hilarity.

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain has been performing for almost 30 years now, touring the world, visiting everywhere from village hall to great concert hall, including the Albert Hall, the Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House. An orchestra composed of only ukuleles, voices and creative talent.

When war makes life so unutterably hard sometimes all you can do is laugh, and sing…and play the ukulele. Hear songs and music from around the world while they rub shoulders with each other, whether pacifist, political songs or ‘old time’ tunes and melodies, a world of music can meet in this entertaining and thought-provoking show.

On Remembrance Sunday, the 9th of November, the show will make its debut in Birmingham Town Hall.

‘When This Lousy War is Over’ by The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain 3pm Matinee Performance, 7pm Evening Performance www.ukuleleorchestra.com, Box Office 0121 345 0600

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 21.

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River Derwent set to pulsate in a multicoloured journey of lights

Final preparations are being made ahead of the launch of Derwent Pulse, one of the largest art projects ever commissioned in Derbyshire, which will see the River Derwent lit up by hundreds of floating lights.

A flotilla of pulsating spheres will travel the length of the river in 17 passages, shepherded by riverside schools and communities. Along the way they will grace the elegant Chatsworth estate, light up Matlock Bath’s annual illuminations and at Cromford weave their way through the historic threads of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, before finishing at the mouth of the river beyond Derby.

The journey along the 66-mile waterway begins on Saturday 11 October at the river’s source on the slopes of Bleaklow, deep in the hills of the Peak District. The first passage will trace hidden streams, re-draw ancient boundaries and illuminate past routes across Derbyshire. It will then go on to create a gigantic spectrum over the settlements drowned sixty years ago by the flooding of the Upper Derwent valley.

Derwent Pulse has been devised by local artist Charles Monkhouse, who is delivering the project for the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. “Resonating with the pulse of the first ever factories, the lights weave together past, present and future histories of Derbyshire, its river and its people,” he explains. “Over a lunar month the lights travel from source to mouth, each day forming a distinct passage as the lights respond to the landscape and its people.”

Public viewpoints beside Ladybower Reservoir will allow spectators to follow up to 400 flashing pulses, each one digitally controlled so they respond to the rhythm of the water. Along the river’s course they will be guided by local people, beginning with the village communities of Hathersage and Grindleford.

Already the project has inspired local schoolchildren to create artworks mapping the course and shape of the river and volunteers have been encouraged to come forward and manage the light flow and photograph the project.

The journey begins in the heart of the Peak District National Park and the Authority’s Chief Executive, Jim Dixon, welcomed the creativity and excitement that Derwent Pulse was already generating. “This iconic landscape has so many stories to tell,” he said, “but amid the high moorland the quiet ripples and movement of the river reflects themes such as ancient routes across the hills, the passage of the seasons and how the Derwent has shaped our industrial history.”

Commissioned by the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, Derwent Pulse has been supported by the Arts Council for England and the Sustainable Development Fund (administered

by the Peak District National Park Authority). It is being facilitated by major landowners including Chatsworth Estates, the National Trust, the Peak District National Park Authority, Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council and Derby Museums Trust.

Derwent Pulse will run from 9 October to 5 November 2014 and is a precursor to next year’s ‘Made in Derbyshire’ campaign, a celebration of culture and heritage across the county.

To find out more and get involved go to www.derwentpulse.com www.facebook.co.uk/ derwentpulse or Twitter: @Derwent Pulse

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 23.

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The Final Countdown Tour Long before the World became obsessed with the likes of Twilight and True Blood, hit musical, Vampires Rock, paved the way for all things supernatural. Opening it’s doors for the first time back in October 2003 at the Majestic Theatre Retford, Vampires Rock has become one of the most successful touring theatre shows in the UK today, playing to sellout crowds year on year.

Telling the story of Baron Von Rockula (Steve Steinman), the show is set in the aptly named Club Live & Let Die. The Baron is on the look-out for a new bride when along comes Pandora, a naive and geeky young singer looking to audition for a place in the club’s resident rock back.

Cue lots of comedy, fantastic costumes and a fair amount of fake blood as the Baron attempts to teach Pandora the ways of ‘Rock’. And of course the tale is told through a whole horde of Rock Anthems known and loved by all ages – hits by acts such as Guns n Roses, Bon Jovi, AC/ DC, Meat Loaf, Queen and many more – and that’s one of the reasons the show is so popular with fans.

“The problem with a lot of musicals is that you have to see them a few times before you know the songs and can sing along, but the singing along is the fun part. I wanted to create

something where you could come to the show and be part of it from the very first time,” says Vampires Rock creator and star, Steve Steinman.

The show has gone from strength to strength over the years with Steinman keen to add things to keep the fans coming back.

“When we started out the show was great but it was a bit smaller

than it is now, over the years we’ve added more dancers, more costumes, more pyrotechnics, we’ve introduced fire dancing and we recently added a silk dancing routine as well. And we always keep the tours fresh by changing some of the songs that feature, of course there’s some that’ll never be missed out -I don’t think we’d ever get away with not doing Bat Out of Hell, the fans wouldn’t stand for that!” In 2005 the show embarked on its first arena tour.

With over a million ticket sales to date the show doesn’t look like its going to stop just yet. Steinman has been active on social media from the get go, inviting fans to

suggest what songs they would like to see in the show and even what venues they want it to play.

“I wouldn’t say Vampires Rock is a cult, but once you’ve been to see it you keep coming back there’s definitely a Vampires Rock Family -there are people that travel all over to see us, there’s even people with Baron Von Rockula and Pandora tattoos – that’s the level of commitment the fans have.”

The show has attracted some famous names in its time on tour too, in 2007 Eddie Ojeda of hit rock band, Twisted Sister, played guitar in the show, and he was followed by Toyah Wilcox, who toured in the show for two years as the Devil Queen, the long suffering wife of Baron Von Rockula. Steinman says, “Toyah wanted to be in the show but there wasn’t a suitable character for her to play so we wrote one specially. Toyah was great, she introduced the show to a new audience. I remember in one of our first meetings we were discussing what type of costumes we would design for her and she said ‘Oh don’t worry darling, I’ve got the perfect thing in my wardrobe already’ – that was Toyah, she was made to be in a

show like this!”

So with eleven year’s past what does the future hold for Vampires Rock? “Well since we started the show the brand has grown, we have a Vampires Rock clothing line and now even a Vampires Rock Motocross team, but it’s always been about the music.

The Final Countdown Tour has a fifty date tour about to start and there’ll be a huge Halloween party at the Plymouth Pavilions theatre which is not to be missed!” www.vampiresrock.com www.vampiresrockclothing.com www.vampiresrock ktmracing.com

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 25.

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Butlins guarantees to make you smile

The Derby Arena officially belongs to the council

Last Thursday saw a unique event take place as cyclists, Team Derby athletes, Councillors, Derby LIVE and leisure & culture staff and even giants, walked from the new Park Bike Works shop behind the Assembly Rooms to the Derby Arena on Pride Park.

At 11am, the parade left Park Bike Works to begin their 45minute journey to the new Arena in an event to celebrate the keys to the Derby Arena being officially handed over to the council.

The cyclists were made up of Councillor Alison Martin, Cycle Derby breeze group, 2x para-cyclists, school children from Lakeside

School, More Large cyclists and Derby Cycling Group, whilst the walkers included 3 council gym staff, Leon Taylor (Olympic Torchbearer), Tiara Samuel, Team Derby athletes, BFG giants (from a production put on

by Derby LIVE) and various members of Derby LIVE and Leisure staff.

entrance. Press were able to capture the event (you may have seen it in the paper and on the local news!) and flashbulbs went off as the keys were handed over.

The Derby Arena is not ready to open yet, but keep an eye on www.derby.gov. uk/derbyarena as any news and information will be posted there first. Or connect The cycling group took a with them on Twitter or Fadifferent and slightly longer cebook. route to the walkers, as they needed to pick up the par- Derby Live would like to ticipating school children take this opportunity to along the way. The two thank everyone involved in groups met on the river path the parade and hope that a adjecent to the Derby Arena fantastic event was enjoyed and all completed the final by all! stretch together to meet a welcome party at the Arena

Seaside holiday company Butlins are holding open auditions to find the next generation of holiday hosts to wear their famous Redcoats.

Jamie Thomson, Entertainments Experience Manager says, “This year, we’re looking for people who really understand what brilliant customer service means and how to best deliver that to our guests. I always get asked if we only employ singers and dancers to be Redcoats, to which the answer is no! We know how to train and develop performance skills but finding someone who understands how to make families smile and help them to make the most of their time with us is much more important.”

From the birth of Butlins in 1936 right up until today, the role of a Redcoat has traditionally been to entertain and delight the millions of guests that visit the Butlins resorts every year. This year, however, Butlins are taking a slightly different approach to the iconic Redcoat role. As always, the company are looking for potential Redcoats who are passionate about progressing their talent, but more importantly, and above all Butlins are so confident that they can else, they are looking for those who can discover the best customer service deliver first class customer service. hosts in the UK that they promise that anyone who visits in 2015 will meet a Butlins, which operates three resorts Redcoat who will go the extra mile to in Lincolnshire (Skegness), Somerset help make their break special and make (Minehead) and West Sussex (Bognor them smile.

Regis), has spent the last 11 years developing their customer service coach- If you think you’ve got what it takes to ing, drawing from all areas of its busi- deliver outstanding customer service, ness to create a dynamic program of or you know someone who can, Butlins how to provide its guests with first class are holding open auditions across the customer service. The programme has country this November. been so successful in recent years, that as well as a string of customer service Auditions are taking place on Thursawards to its name, Butlins have also day 06th November at Dragon Hall in been approached by the likes of Wait- London, on Monday 10th November rose and the NHS, who are interested in at The Lowry in Salford Quays and on drawing on Butlins’ experience obtain- Wednesday 12th November at Austin ing high customer service standards.

Page 28. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

LivingWell East Midlands Airport

Whether you are a seasoned gym-goer or a bit of a novice, at LivingWell East Midlands AIrport our qualified health and fitness team are on hand to provide you with expert advice and support. It’s all part of what we call ‘Personalised fitness for life’ - helping you achieve your fitness goals with a fitness plan designed around your needs.

Workout with PRECOR Fitness equipment and free weights in our air-conditioned gym, or give one of our group exercise classes a go and then de-stress in our steam

room and sauna. Revitalise the senses in our bubble spa, then dive in and chill out in our 16-metre pool. Or simply take some well-earned time out to rejuvenate mind and body with an indulgent spa treatment

We’re ideally located for easy access, and you’ll enjoy a genuinely warm welcome at LivingWell East Midlands every time you visit. Check out our great range of facilities on offer, and choose the membership type that suits you best.

Facilities at East Midlands Whatever the weather, our Exercise

Feel welcome in a relaxed, sociable atmosphere and enjoy the support of a friendly, helpful team The best cardio equipment.

No sweat. State-of-the-art PRECOR fitness equipment - from treadmills to rowing machines and everything in between - perfect to get the heart pumping Your workout, your way: choose from a selection of PRECOR fixed rsistance machines, cabel machine and dumbbells

16-metre pool is always inviting Find the perfect balance between fitness and lifestyle, with our free personalised fitness plan Get fit in good company with our exciting range of group exercise classess, available now

Relax

Our sauna, steam room and spa pool are the perfect place in which to de-stress and unwind Beauty facilities that’ll make you look as good as you feel

Telephone: 01509 674166 Hilton East Midlands Airport, Derby Road, Lockington, DE74 2YW Club manager: Paul Smith Email: paul.smith01@hilton.com Take advantage of an exclu- ming lessons available. sive 25% discount in the Hotel Group, one-to-one, junior and restaurant and bar adult Feel great, look great - our Also Available pro shop features a range of Making it personal - Personal SRS leisurewear and accestraining to help you reach sories your fitness goals There’s always a space waitComplimentary towels and ing for you in our onsite comtoiletries every time you see plimentary car park us - from the club that really cares Swim well, feel well - swim-

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 29.

TRAUMA In modern life most of us need to deal with stress to a greater or lesser degree and our ability to cope with that stress can fluctuate depending on our personal circumstances and what else is going on in our lives.

Trauma can often come from being unable to cope with an overwhelming level of stress or with the high levels of emotions which come from the stressful or traumatic event that we have experienced.

It is the sense of being overwhelmed that can be so terrifying for many people and the feeling of not being to cope or not knowing what to do makes one feel powerless.

While trying to cope with a traumatic event in our lives, it can seem that the little things in life, things we might otherwise not even notice, are enough to sometimes tip us over the edge.

According to Wikipedia there are many events which can trigger trauma but these have more than a few common aspects.

The website says: “There is frequently a violation of the person’s familiar ideas about the world and of their human rights, putting the person in a state of extreme confusion and insecurity.

“Psychologically traumatic experiences often involve physical trauma that threatens one’s survival and sense of security.

“Long-term exposure to situations such as extreme poverty or milder forms of abuse, such as verbal abuse, exist independently of physical trauma but still generate psychological trauma.”

However in any discussion of trauma it must be remembered that different individuals may react much differently to any given set of circumstances - thus what may prove traumatic for one person may just be mildly uncomfortable for another and vice versa.

Maybe you were involved in a serious car crash for example, one where you were seriously hurt or where someone else lost their lives. It is likely that this is something which will stay with you for the rest of your life and you may have flashbacks - sometimes quite regularly - where you relive the experience over and over again.

It could make you nervous every time you get into a car, or stop you doing so entirely or interrupt your sleep patterns, affect the way you deal with day-to-day tasks and also affect your mood.

Getting treatment for the effects of trauma may help you understand the processes involved and allow you to use techniques to help you cope better and eventually get back to a normal life.

Talking to a trained therapist who specialises in trauma may be the key to dealing with the effects of trauma such as the upsetting emotions, frightening memories, or a sense of constant danger you have to deal with.

Get on the road to weight loss!

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

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

life

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

Caring for people COSMETIC SURGERY with Dementia Page 30. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Matthew Whitfield - Nursing home manager.

Matthew is a Dementia Care Mapper and qualified Mental Health Nurse (RMN).

WHEN people are faced with a diagnosis of dementia we often find that the family members, unless they have had previous experience or have conducted some in depth research, are unsure as to what to expect, I have found that staff members whether old or new also can be unsure.

There are many theories and well used phrases that will have been said and heard such as “it’s like they’re back to their childhood” or “well the next stage is the plateau after the decline.” Without causing disrespect to those who have found some solace in these words, it is important that we know and learn and believe that every person’s journey through dementia and every family member’s experience will be unique so therefore it is not as important to look at the label/diagnosis as it is to look at the person.

At Barrowhill we have many people with many different diagnosed types of dementia.

It is sometimes easy for staff and relatives to identify the person as that specific diagnosis. For relatives it is often the feeling of attachment and identification with a diagnosis that can help them feel a part of something, having something to research and learn about and almost a sense of security. This, whilst helping the family members, is not beneficial for staff or the person with dementia for that person is not just a set of symptoms. Things can change very quickly with dementia and the person you helped bathe yesterday may seem like a different person today, needing a different approach and/or different levels of support. The key thing that the staff have at Barrowhill Hall is their person centred approach, knowing as much as is possible about the person with dementia and tailoring their needs based on that knowledge and information gathered about the person with dementia. At Barrow-

hill Hall we offer truly person centred care, forming strong relationships with the relatives of those we care for and looking after their loved one as an individual, as a unique person with their own unique set of likes/dislikes, range of emotions and physical/emotional/ psychological needs. We find out by working with the families and friends of the person with dementia exactly who they are and how they were prior to being diagnosed.

It is important that we remain positive but also realistic when we begin to see signs of what appears to be an improvement in the person with dementia, often signs of improvement means a change or modification of a set of behaviours some of which might be seen as challenging in some way. The staff know that if someone’s thirst or appetite improves or they will more readily accept assistance with personal hygiene/bathing needs or maybe they will participate more actively in an activity. While this can be seen as an improvement that has occurred with the person, sadly it can sometimes indicate a further progression of the dementia and the non-concordant type behaviour stopping is simply another ability that has been lost. Explaining this needs empathy and sincerity along with the support of knowing that you have formed a trusting and open relationship with the family members of the people living with dementia here at Barrowhill Hall. * Matthew Whitfield is the manager of Barrowhill Hall Nursing Home, an award-winning, privately owned home, situated in rolling countryside between Uttoxeter and Ashbourne. Barrowhill Hall provides specialist dementia residential, nursing, respite and day care and takes great pride in the exceptionally high standards of care offered by its highly trained and experienced care team.

Cosmetic surgery is the general term for any surgery that is designed to modify or improve the physical appearance of the person undergoing the treatment.

It is invasive, can be very expensive and, like all surgery, carries the risk that something will go wrong.

Professor Simon Kay, consultant plastic surgeon and member of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) described it as surgery to change a person’s unwanted, normal appearance.

Typical cosmetic surgical treatments can include reducing the size of someone’s nose, breast enlargement or enhancement, eyelid surgery, liposuction or facelifts.

According to the NHS Choices website: “A recent market research report found that fewer than 10% of cosmetic interventions were carried out primarily for health reasons.

“Cosmetic surgery is not risk-free, and carries the same general risks as all surgery, including infection and blood clots, as well as risks associated with the specific procedure.

“There’s also the risk of wound infection, bleeding and scarring, but these are rarely life-threatening or long-term.

“After cosmetic surgery, there will be bruising and swelling, which can take weeks or months to go down, depending on the procedure.

Some procedures – for example, anything involving an im-

plant – will require antibiotics.”

In addition there have been many horror stories reported in the national press of people going to foreign countries for cut-price cosmetic surgery only to find that the procedures were carried out by under qualified surgeons with potentially disastrous or lifethreatening consequences.

For these reasons a lot of people are looking for alternatives to invasive and often painful surgery when it comes to getting the body that they desire.

Huge advances in medical science means that there are now a range of different treatments and therapies available with none of the risks associated with traditional cosmetic surgery.

Not so long ago this sort of

non-invasive, painless cosmetic treatments were so expensive that only the superrich could afford them but those days are gone.

Now treatments using lipo cavitation, radio frequency and red photon light therapy can remove fat and improve skin tone and texture painlessly and without the need for surgery.

People are increasingly using this as an alternative to plastic surgery but also as an alternative to Botox, fillers or the temporary results gained from body wraps.

For those who want to look good without undergoing the pain of surgery or the time needed to recover from the treatment then there have never been more options than there are available right now.

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

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

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

totally safe, painless, stress-free and affordable.

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

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

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

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

“I have had people tell me that

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

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

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

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

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

MORE FUNDING FOR SCHEME TO HELP DEAF PEOPLE FEEL SAFER AT HOME Further funding has been approved to extend a successful Derbyshire County Council scheme to help deaf or hearing impaired people feel safer in their homes after residents said it made them feel more secure.

The council developed the home security scheme in response to research which revealed many residents with a hearing impairment often leave their doors unlocked or on the latch for visitors because they can’t hear them ringing or knocking. This left them vulnerable to sneak-in or distraction burglaries.

It fitted specialist door chimes with flashing lights and vibrating pagers in

the homes of 400 eligible residents in 2010 and approved a further £8,000 in 2012 to buy 300 more systems which were fitted by its Handy Van Network.

Of recipients surveyed in the last round of the scheme, 99% said the chimes made them feel safer at home. The council has now approved £20,000 to buy another 750 flashing door chime systems and 500 vibrating pagers.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Dave Allen said: “The feedback from residents who have received one of these specialist door

chimes has been extremely positive and the project had obviously achieved its aim of making them feel safer.

“I’m pleased to approve further funding which will allow more people with a hearing impairment to benefit and hope it will encourage them to secure their door without worrying they’ll miss a caller.”

The bell box can be set to chime on a variety of loudness settings and also has a flashing light which is activated when someone pushes the button on the door.

A pager can also be worn or carried around the house which vibrates

when the door bell is pressed so the householder is aware they have a visitor if they are not within sight of the device, or if they are sight impaired.

Residents are referred to the scheme either following a visit by the county council’s adult care team, following a home security safety check carried out by the Handy Van Network, a fire safety check carried out by Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service or referrals from other agencies helping to distribute the systems.

These include the council’s 50+ Forums, befriending network groups, faith organisations and Derbyshire Carers Association.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 31.

Has morning broken?

As research reveals Brits struggle with mornings, Yakult launches Brighter Starts initiative

A new survey has revealed that 80% of people in the East Midlands struggle to get out of bed in the morning – with over half reaching straight for the snooze button! East Midlands residents spend an average of 12 minutes in bed after waking, and much of that time is taken up by mobile technology: whilst just 6% read a book or newspaper whilst still in bed, 22% immediately check their mobile phone for new text messages.

Indeed it seems that the nation is quite literally ‘getting into bed’ with technology: 57% of

those surveyed within the East Midlands admitted that they used a tablet or mobile device to text, email or read immediately upon waking or just before going to sleep.

But far from helping people to drift off at night, such devices could in fact be standing in the way of restful sleep – as Dr Nick Read explains: “The artificial light emitted by mobile or tablet screens can suppress levels of melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate our circadian rhythm, or ‘body clock’. Melatonin encourages

sleep by activating chemical receptors in the brain, and so if we are exposed to light and the hormone is suppressed, we may find it far harder to drift off to sleep.

“Sleep should be a time for ‘switching off’ in every sense – so I would advise people to either refrain from using tablets and mobiles just before going to sleep – or at least dim the backlight on devices. This will give your mind a better chance of winding down, so that you wake up relaxed, refreshed and ready for the day ahead!”

And although Brits currently find it tough to get going in the mornings (with almost half of those surveyed in the East Midlands admitting to ‘dithering’ at the start of the day), the nation does appear to be waking up to the idea of making mornings count! 87% of those surveyed in the East Midlands believed they could free up an extra ten minutes first thing in order to improve their routine – and that’s where Yakult’s Brighter Starts comes in!

Hosted at www.yakult.co.uk/ brighter, this brand new re-

source offers a wealth of hints, tips, exercises and brainteasers – all designed to make mornings just that little bit brighter. The Brighter Starts hub also features exclusive breakfast recipes, some of which can be prepared in advance, in order to free up valuable time in the morning. Visitors to the site can even take the brand new interactive quiz, and receive free personalised tips and advice.

Here’s just a taster of the tips to be discovered: • If the sun is shining, pack

yourself a picnic breakfast; sit in your garden or the park and watch the sun come up before heading off to work or starting your daily tasks.

• Invest in a ‘light alarm’, which will give you a gentle start to the day. As the light intensifies, take the time to think about the day ahead. Think of sunshine and bright days.

• Try ‘speed writing’ - clear your mind for the day by trying to write down as many of your thoughts as quickly as possible. Get vigorous and free your mind!

• Learn a new language – spend ten minutes every morning mastering ten new words.

• Feeling overwhelmed?

Make a list of what you need to do each day, including some easily achievable things that can be quickly crossed off.

And from now until the end of October, visitors to the Brighter Starts hub will have the opportunity to brighten their mornings still further, by entering the competition to win one of 31 exclusive Yakult travel clocks.

Stylish, sleek and compact, these digital clocks display the date, time and temperature, as well as featuring an alarm function and world time table. There are also 100 runners-up prizes of a limited edition Yakult 2015 calendar to be won. Entry to the competition is free at www. yakult.co.uk/giveaway; for full terms and conditions, please see http://www.yakult.co.uk/ competition/terms.

Page 32. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Webs Training

Ben Brian NVQ Level 3 - Upholstery.

Our College specialises in meeting the needs of students who are deaf, hearing impaired and those with communication difficulties including Autism and Aspergers. We believe coming to College is one of the most exciting times of your life and it is important to choose the right place and programme to suit your individual learning needs. We offer the opportunity for a great learning experience in a specialist communication environment that is designed to meet your future aspirations.

Our individualised learning programmes also offer a unique approach to students who have specific language and communication difficulties. Our holistic approach seeks to recognise your needs, wants and aspirations by creating opportunities to develop your talents to the full in a highly supportive, total communication environment.

At our College you will receive the support and guidance to help you learn new skills alongside your peers in a community where understanding and being understood is paramount.

We offer a wide range of programmes for students who re-

quire specialist communication and who want to gain job and life-related qualifications and for those who need to gain independence and develop their social skills. We cater for all abilities and learning styles, offering pathways to suit every ambition.

Our vocational pathways provide a distinctive, industry-focused learning environment for students who aim to enter employment and or further education whilst our Life Skills and Personal and Social Development pathways are created to maximise your individual potential.

We have many years’ experience of successfully delivering specialist vocational and independence training programmes, which remain at the forefront of specialist provision in the UK, and we are extremely proud of the achievements of our students. In recent years our performance and reputation as a National Specialist Provider has strengthened. This has been reflected in our ‘OUTSTANDING’ Social Care Ofsted inspection in 2012 and is largely due to the dedication and commitment of our staff teams.

We set high standards for our

students making the experience as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible. We pride ourselves in our communication strategies taking a holistic approach using the latest technology, in a highly skilled and knowledgeable environment.

Our learning community has a rich cultural diversity where you will receive a warm welcome and enjoy a friendly, safe learning environment. We also believe your personal and social development is an integral part of being at College. We provide outstanding enrichment opportunities for our students, both on the College sites and in the local and extended community.

We warmly invite you to join us at our Open Days on 15th October 2014 and 4th February 2015 to find out more about our extensive facilities and the exciting range of day and residential provision.

For further information on the course offered at Communication Specialist College – Doncaster please visit www.cscprospectus.co.uk or call 01302 386720 and ask to speak to one of the Pathway Managers.

NVQ Level 3 student Ben Brian is one of the adult learners at Webs Training Limited and he is no stranger to life at the college.

Self-employed Ben, 28, runs his own business, AB Spring Upholstery, and is adding to his qualifications at the same place he first learned the skills needed to get his first job.

Ben first attended Webs Training, in Beeston, Nottingham, when he left school at 16 and studied hard to get his NVQ Level 2 qualification as an apprentice.

At that time he completed a three year course of one day a week on-the-job training to give him the basic skills he needed to work as an upholsterer.

Ben realised he was interested in this line of work while still at school when he would spend as much of his free time as possible helping his grandfather who had an upholstery business.

First he would watch his grandfather at work and by the time he was ten he was allowed to cut out material and hammer in nails, all under the careful supervision of his grandfather.

Ben soon found he had a natural ability for this line of work and by the time he came to school leaving age he knew exactly what he wanted to do.

The skills he picked up during his first NVQ course were honed as he worked in the upholstery industry for five years before being made redundant during the recession.

Then after trying a series of other jobs including a stint in the army he decided to set up his own business as an upholsterer five years ago and has not looked back since then.

He is now splits his time between workshops in Derby and Barnsley and focuses on high-quality workmanship using traditional materials.

Ben said: “I use solid wood rather than chipboard and real leather rather than synthetic alternatives and I take the extra time and care needed to produce a high quality product that will last.

“Mass produced furniture may be cheap to buy but this is a false economy because it really doesn’t last long at all.

“I use traditional methods and high quality materials because I want what I produce to last a long time and provide real value to my customers.

“In all my time in business I have never had a single complaint and that is exactly how I want things to stay.”

One of the reasons Ben is doing this new qualification is so that he can

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

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

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

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

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

take on young apprentices of his own and pass on his skills to a new generation of craftsmen.

He said: “I absolutely love my job and I want to pass on my knowledge and skills to others. I trained in antique furniture restoration and really enjoy that side of things.

“With my work I always try to create something unique and special for the client by using traditional methods which have stood the test of time.”

If you are interested in finding out more about the courses offered by Webs Training Ltd then call them on 0115 9677771 or send an email to info@ webstraining.com

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 33.

Page 34. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

- Apprenticeships Stephenson College has been offering apprenticeships for more than 20 years and is known throughout the UK for its excellence in training.

It currently has more than 1,000 students enrolled in a wide variety of apprenticeship training programs . The apprentices will learn vital new skills while gaining highly-relevant on the job training as they work towards a nationallyrecognised qualification.

Apprentices, who must be aged 16 or over, get paid for working and learning in an area they enjoy and the skills they learn can help shape their long-term careers.

The training takes at least 16 months while Advanced Apprenticeships can last for two years or more and those who successfully complete their apprenticeships will receive an n NVQ (QCF) Level 2 or NVQ (QCF) Level 3 certificate.

Vice Principal Bob Kelly said: ”As a college we are highly focused on apprenticeships which account for about 30 per cent of what we do.

“Apprenticeships are a central part of our strategy and have been for a number of years.

We are very proud of the range of courses we offer and the constantly high standards that our apprentices achieve.”

For example, the college is the

UK apprentice training centre for Volvo Truck and Bus where its heavy vehicle technician training scheme is highly regarded and very well supported.The apprenticeship scheme with Volvo has been ongoing for 20 years this year.

Stephenson College is also the national training centre for civil engineering company Bam Nuttall and that won them the National Apprentice Scheme Large Company Award for 201314.

It also has links with the celebrity hairdresser Lee Stafford with its Lee Stafford Hair Academy at Maid Marian

Way, Nottingham, where trainee hairdressers learn the key skills which can eventually take them to the very highest levels in the industry.

Mr Kelly added: “We are engaged with over 500 employees from micro-businesses to the larger ones such as Volvo and operate across three campuses in Nottingham and Coalville.

“At Stephenson College we are very proud of the excellent reputation we enjoy for providing quality training and professional support to the business community.”

The college works very closely with the business community to

ensure that its apprenticeship programs are relevant, up-todate and help close the skills gap to best support the needs of employers while helping develop the workforce of the future.

Courses range from construction, child care, animal care, administration, hairdressing, sales, accounting and engineering.

The latest vacancies are always shown on the college website http://stephensoncoll.ac.uk/ where you can also find out about all the learning options on offer.

REAL Education Ltd is a leading provider of bespoke education packages for children and young people with complex additional needs based in the East Midlands. Over the past six years we have developed our own vocational programmes to meet the needs of challenging young people, whilst supporting schools in delivering meaningful and robust outcomes for their learners.

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, candidates will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.

English Teacher

On the back of increasing demand for their educational services, local education providers R.E.A.L. Education, in Ilkeston, have announced the creation of 10 new apprenticeships for aspiring teaching assistants.

The training will be carried out in partnership with the DNLCC. Managing Director, Brian Smith, emphasised that this will create a great opportunity for those keen to embark on a career in education to take an alternative step on the ladder, to gain invaluable experience in a key area of teaching and learning.

The posts will be available throughout the region and are linked to the R.E.A.L. Independent School, a specialist provision supporting the needs of children with additional educational needs. The school was opened in September 2013 and was found to be “Good” by OFSTED in February 2014, with the management commended on what it had established in such a short time. The new recruits will form part of a successful and quickly expanding team as the school is looking to increase its intake from late autumn term 2014.

Since its establishment in 2008, the R.E.A.L. group has grown to become one of the leading providers for children and young people requiring alternative approaches to engaging them in their education. R.E.A.L. is an acronym for Re-Thinking Engagement and Approaches to Learning. The company works with schools, academies and local education authorities and has increased its vocational and teaching bases to over twelve –

reaching along the M1 corridor from Leicester to Worksop. The staff numbers have grown rapidly in response to these increasing demands for its services and the group now employs in the region of 180 tutors, teaching assistants and admin staff.

R.E.A.L.’s focus has been on establishing services that act as an extension to the needs of its clients in forming a complimentary service for those students in need of additional, specialist support when all other avenues of education have been exhausted. In order to maintain quality and value for money services, it has managed growth carefully; believing that responsive, locality services from staff with excellent local working knowledge have been a key to its success to date. Steady development on the geographic boundaries of existing provision has proved a successful strategy and more recently a learning hub has been established in North Leicestershire and opportunities of partnership working in South Yorkshire have created further expansion.

At the forefront of developing recruitment strategy has been a willingness to balance wellqualified and experienced members of staff with recruits who show interest and aspirations in this type of work. R.E.A.L. has attracted newcomers to teaching support who are seeking a career change and are able to use their previous life and work experiences to benefit the students.

It offers a bespoke induction and training programme to support this. An example being the provision of autism training

through the Autism Education Trust for all of its team, with over 50 of its staff being accredited at the highest level.

R.E.A.L. have also announced their intention to establish a 1419 Alternative Provision School in the East Midlands to provide personalised learning pathways to employment for young people with complex additional needs.

It is likely that this new initiative could see a further 20% growth in the staff group. This will be supported with the recruitment of a further 10 apprenticeships for teaching assistants, likely to be announced in the spring 2015.

Through their work with local authorities, schools and academies, R.E.A.L. have successfully reengaged hundreds of young people but are keen to ensure all students progress into the world of further education, training or work.

Historically, this cohort potentially forms a hard core of long term NEETs (not in education, employment or training) and, through the Alternative Provision School, R.E.A.L. are looking to apply their successful engagement strategies to combat this. In order to accomplish this, they are seeking to create innovative business partnerships with local companies to establish appropriate placements. R.E.A.L. will work with these companies to develop robust strategies to nurture good working practice for the long-term needs of these students.

Those interested in developing partnership work should contact Martin Davies on 01158 220400.

We seek to appoint qualified secondary English tutors or English Literature graduates to work across the East Midlands on a permanent or full time basis. It is essential that the appointed tutor will have recent experience in delivering GCSE programmes of study. Recent experience in delivering alternative qualifications for example Functional Skills would also be desirable. The role will involve the planning and delivery of quality programmes of study to learners who are hard to engage or have additional needs. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate high expectations for all learners and have a proven history in achieving outcomes for learners.

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, candidates will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.

Mechanics Tutor

We seek to appoint a qualified multi-skilled motor vehicle studies tutor to work within the Awsworth area in Nottinghamshire on a permanent full-time basis.

The role will involve classroom support for a level 1 foundation course with a focus on the level 1 ABC Diploma in Motor Vehicle Studies. The successful applicant will support the teacher in working with small groups of students with class sizes at a maximum of 10 students. The course has been developed to offer learners an employment-based alternative to traditional education. The course encompasses health and safety, braking and lighting systems, functions of the engine, basic vehicle repair, exhaust systems and also motorcycle maintenance. You will provide your learners with an overview of these areas and how they function at a fundamental level, incorporating both theory and practical sessions. The successful applicant will be a qualified mechanic with at least one year’s experience in motor vehicle studies education programmes, with a passion for engaging and motivating young people with complex needs in a creative way in a small pre/post 16 group setting.

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, candidates will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided Applications are welcome from appropriately qualified and experienced people.

Teaching Assistants

Are you ready to take on the challenge to inspire children and young people in the East Midlands for whom the learning experience has left them marginalised and withdrawn?

A key quality will be an ability to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues to provide creative personalised programmes of learning.

Your aim - to enable our students to meet their full potential, get back on track and achieve challenging outcomes.

REAL Education- Teaching Assistants; * are willing to go the extra mile for students * are child focused and enjoy motivating children * are able to build good relationships with children, their families, colleagues and other professionals * communicate effectively * are able to plan, prepare and deliver specific parts of a student’s programme under the direction of a Learning Manager * Track and report on the progress of students * have access to a suitable vehicle and are willing to transport young people in and around Nottinghamshire * are self-motivated and highly organised * comply with the Company’s key values and ethos * participate in the Company’s induction and ongoing training programme for staff Applications are welcome from people from a variety of backgrounds which will have given them experience of working with children or adults with complex additional needs.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 35.

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Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 37.

At Kumon, they have a desire to create a generation of confident, independent learners who take pride in their studies. The approach to learning is therefore different to traditional methods of supplementary education. They pride themselves on developing children through the acquisition of independent learning skills, rather than teaching in the conventional sense.

The Kumon programmes are worksheet-based study programmes, designed to pursue the potential of each child. Central to the Kumon Method is the principal of giving students the confidence and courage to confront new challenges and pursue their own goals.

Kumon is a great alternative to learning and has as above prides itself on educating your children using an alternative method, thus giving you an option if the traditional methods are not working.

Noriko Shigematsu heads the learning centre on Burton Road, and looks forward to offering her services to all parents and children alike to bring them back to levels you are happy with.

Kumon & Noriko believe all children have enormous and often untapped potential and that, through developing strong maths and English skills, they can experience all round academic success. We therefore believe all education must focus on delivering a maximum, long-term benefit to each individual child. All Kumon Instructors are skilled and committed individuals with a passion for education and a strong desire to see children develop.

“Good qualifications in English and maths are what employers demand before all others. They are quite simply the most important vocational skills a young person can have. Young people must be able to demonstrate their understanding of these subjects.”

For more than 20 years instructor Noriko Shigematsu has been helping students realise their full potential with a revolutionary learning method.

She is an expert in the Kumon Method of Learning which helps students of all abilities improve their English and Maths skills while developing their abilities as independent learners.

The study centre is based at Derby New Church on Horwood Avenue, (off Burton Road), and has been running since 1993.

The Kumon Method is unique because it can help those pupils who are struggling with their studies and those who excel in class equally well. It works because it tailors the learning to the unique requirements of the individual student.

Work is tailored to the student’s own pace and class visits are normally around 20 to 30 minutes per subject.

Ms Shigematsu has taught her own children using this method since they were two and they have gone on to university with the vital self-learning skills to help them get the very best out of life.

She said: “The Kumon Maths and English Programmes pursue the potential of each child by developing confident, independent learners through individualised, advanced study. “​The founder, the late Toru Kumon, was a Maths high school teacher in Japan. One of his theories behind developing the Kumon course was: ‘‘When we keep on supplying the work which is at just the right level for each student, they will be motivated and enjoy learning’.’’

Kumon is used to supplement normal education and caters for children of all ages and abilities. There are currently over 70,000 Kumon students learning at more than 680 study centres across the UK, with over 4 million students worldwide.

By concentrating on the core subjects of maths and English it has been found that students can go on to experience all-round academic success while naturally developing a love of learning which can last a lifetime.

For further information see the website http://www.kumon.co.uk/ Derby-Burton-Road/index.htm or contact instructor Noriko Shigematsu on 01332 835833.

Noriko Shigematsu

Derby New Church Horwood Avenue off Burton Road Derby, DE23 6AN 01332 835833

Email: kumonderby@onetel.com

Eton College is offering up to four full scholarships to boys currently in Year 8 who have been educated in the UK State sector to join the School in September 2015 (Year 9) at the age of 13. The intellectual standard expected is very high, but with an emphasis on potential, and the Scholarship is aimed at boys who would not be able to attend the School without very substantial financial assistance.

For further information please look at the School’s website, www.etoncollege.com.

Expressions of interest should be e-mailed to: b.morriss@etoncollege.org.uk by Monday 27th October 2014.

N E W F O U N D AT I O N SCHOLARSHIPS

Page 38. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

SUCCESSION PLANNING

by Pete Miller of The Miller Partnership There comes a point in the life of every business when the owner decides to step down and sell the company.

As we saw in last month’s blog, you will want to make sure that you only pay capital gains tax at the 10% rate (the ‘entrepreneur’s relief’), when you sell a trade or trading company. But there may be further complications.

First of all, who are you selling to? You may structure a transaction differently if it is to a third party, to a management team, or to your children, or even to a mixture of any two or three of these.

If a third party is willing to pay cash on day one, then you can simply walk away, worry free.

But often your buyers won’t have the money to pay up-front, particularly in the case of a man-

agement buy-out or a sale to your children or other family members, so you may need some kind of structured disposal.

Typically, in these cases, the people wishing to buy the business will form a company (the ‘BidCo’). Let’s imagine the buyers are your management team: BidCo buys your trading company for a mixture of cash, loan notes, and sometimes shares issued by BidCo. The cash element may come from the amounts subscribed for shares in BidCo by the management team, or from dividends paid by the acquired company to BidCo immediately after the acquisition. Either way, assuming you have a trading company and you otherwise qualify for entrepreneur’s relief, you will generate a 10% tax bill on the

cash element, that capital gains tax being payable on January 31 after the next April 5 (so 31 January 2016 for transactions completed on or before 5 April 2015).

Generally, the CGT liability on the loan note element, or shares, only arises when the loan notes are redeemed or the shares are sold. However, it is important to ensure that redemption of the loan notes or sale of the shares in BidCo will also qualify for the 10% CGT rate.

If, for example, you are only issued with loan notes and cash, the loan notes will not qualify for entrepreneur’s relief, as this relief requires you to hold at least 5% of the shares in the company.

So if you are not receiving shares, you will need to make

an election that says your CGT charge crystallises on the sale, not on the later redemption of the loan notes.

You must also make sure that you have the cash available to pay the January 31 tax bill. To do that the loan notes must be at least partly redeemable before that date.

This special treatment of shares and loan notes can be confirmed by a clearance from HMRC. This important process affords some degree of certainty over the tax treatment of your disposal and is best done for you by an experienced advisor.

We can also add other features to a buy-out. For example, in a case where parents were selling to their children in return for loan notes, the parents remained on the company’s board, partly to guide the children through the transition into full ownership, and partly to protect

their investment until the loan notes were redeemed.

We are currently working on a phased management buyout, with BidCo acquiring just over 25% of the company in the first instance, 25% later on, and then buying out the remainder with bank financing within about five years.

This gives just a brief overview of some of the issues that arise on structured disposals of your b u s i ness, and h i g h l i g h ts the need to speak to an experienced advisor on these matters.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 39.

WHY WOULD ANYBODY WANT TO OVERWEIGHT EUROPEAN EQUITIES?

HMRC sends thousands of tax letters to landlords HMRC is turning up the pressure on buy-to-let landlords who may have underpaid tax on their rental income by sending out 40,000 letters to landlords. The letters ask the recipient to contact HMRC to confirm details of their tax affairs or run the risk of a tax investigation.

You may well have received one of these letters already, as HMRC has already written to some 5,000 landlords. The letter provides you the taxpayer just 30 days to respond before HMRC escalates its investigation into their tax affairs.

The letter warns that taxpayers who do not contact HMRC voluntarily to discuss their tax affairs are at risk of a “higher penalty or … criminal investigation.”

letting.

Since the campaign started HMRC has begun gathering information on landlords from a much wider range of sources, including using its new computer systems to identify housing benefit payments that go directly to landlords and monitoring social media for signs that taxpayers are letting their second home without declaring the income.

It has also contacted letting agents to ask for the details of the all their landlord customers.

To be fair, we’ve been asking the same question for the last couple of years. For much of this time we have been out of step with the market, missing some of the returns in European equity markets because we have seen this market as one of risk, although fortunately we’ve more than compensated for this by our asset allocation calls elsewhere. The reason for our “omission” has been simple.

Financial markets have bought the Eurozone recovery story hook, line and sinker, whereas we have been much more reticent, preferring instead to focus on the dismal rates of growth in the quantity of money as a clear indication that economic growth would disappoint. We have therefore been right on the Eurozone economy, but wrong on the market sentiment. But this state of affairs can only persist for a limited period of time; if our model of there being a fundamental link between economic trends and financial markets is anywhere near correct, ultimately we should observe European equities moving back into line with our view on economic fundamentals.

cession peak—but also the UK, which is around 2½% above its cyclical peak.

But even this only tells part of the story in the Eurozone. Because Germany recovered so strongly initially from the financial crisis—regaining its prerecession peak as early as the first quarter of 2011—excluding Germany, Eurozone GDP is still—more than six years down the road—some 4½% beneath its pre-recession peak. Barring an absolute collapse in the region’s supply potential and/or a huge and spontaneous acceleration in growth this has to mean that national output will remain beneath potential for Source: Eurostat, GHC several years to come. Inflation therefore has substantially further to fall.

So what could turn things around over the next couple of years? The reason we have been so negative on the Eurozone economy over the last few years has been our judgement that monetary growth—which leads GDP in our model—has been so weak. The question therefore is has anything changed? In short the answer is no, with the annual rate of The question therefore is will growth in M3 (the broadest the Eurozone economy “catch measure for the Eurozone as up” with where the region’s a whole) up just 1½% over bourses have already run or the past year and bank lendSource: Eurostat, ONS, BEA, GHC are we looking at a potential ing—the single biggest credit reversal? Quite clearly, judg- counterpart of broad money— This use of big data enables ing by the chart above, Euro- declining in absolute terms.

HMRC to focus its attentions pean equity markets have run Only if the ECB were to adopt on specific target groups and well ahead of themselves. Not policies that directly boost the cross reference information only is the level of GDP still quantity of money—which it is from several different sourc- some 2.4% beneath the pre- not doing—would our prognosis recession peak seen in the first change. Until the ECB signals es. quarter of 2008 (i.e. six-and-a– it is prepared to consider fullIt is using the information quarter years ago), it is more blown UK/US style QE we will it has gathered to write to than 15% beneath the level of remain underweight European landlords if it thinks there is output that we would have seen equities. had the economy remained on a discrepancy between the its pre-recession trajectory.

This is the latest example of HMRC’s increasing interest amount of tax declared on in the tax affairs of buy-to-let their self-assessment tax relandlords. turn and how much it thinks should be owed.

HMRC’s continued focus on Buy-to-Let landlords is being HMRC believes that tens of partly driven by its investment thousands of landlords are into a huge database system. paying very little or no tax on their rental income and capiIt is now using big data to tal gains made from second provide information into the properties. HMRC estimates tax-affairs of targeted groups, that landlords could be undersuch as buy-to-let landlords. paying up to £500 million in UK tax every year. There are In October 2013, HMRC be- currently fewer than 500,000 gan a campaign to encour- taxpayers registered with age landlords to come clean HMRC as owning second about any undeclared rental properties but HMRC estiearnings and any inaccura- mates that the actual number cies on their tax returns. of landlords is much higher, about 1.5 million, and wants The campaign applies to all to close the gap residential property landlords, including those with just a single rental, student or holiday

What’s more, the pace of the Eurozone recovery has lagged substantially behind not only the US—which is today operating some 7% above its pre-re-

Source: Eurostat, ONS, BEA, GHC

Social Media Why is Social Media Marketing Page 40. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Training Important for Businesses?

Social media – an essential marketing platform.

Social media can make – and break – a business.

It is one of the quickest, cheapest and easiest ways to deliver positive corporate messages.

It is the perfect shop window through to which display information about new appointments, new products, research breakthroughs, new orders and myriad other things.

In just a few minutes, thousands of ‘followers’ can be told about developments in your business.

And if it’s sensational, you could find your message winging its way around the world – trending, as regular tweeters might say.

The flipside of this instant messaging is that if someone has a complaint against you they, too, can send it global in seconds.

Some bosses use the flipside as an argument for not being part of the social media phenomenon, but it doesn’t wash... #bigmistake.

Just because you’re not on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ or any of the other platforms or you are not regularly blogging or vlogging, doesn’t mean you can’t be ‘trolled’, it just means you’ll be the last to know about it.

A blog is an online diary, a vlog is a video-based version of the same thing and being trolled means someone has posted something bad about you. A post is an entry on a blog, vlog or anywhere else online.

In the 21st Century, social media has become an essential means of marketing and protecting your business.

Once you accept that as a basic fact, the next thing you need to do is identify how to establish a social media presence, which platform you want to use and then determine what training is available to help you maximise the potential of the medium.

The Chamber of Commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire’s eBusiness Club is as good a place as any to start.

It runs introductory and advanced courses across all platforms, taking participants from novice to confident user very quickly.

“Social media isn’t an option these days, you can’t hide behind a reluctance to join the party, you have to be part of it,” said eBusiness Club Manager Jon Egley.

“Understanding the advantages and the risks is important so investing in at least basic training is essential,” he added.

Thanks to Tranformational ICT funding from the European Regional Development Fund, the eBUsiness Club is able to offer the training for free, but demand is high and booking early for the courses is vital.

Some of the courses are run outside normal office hours so that they do not interfere with the working day.

For further information, contact the eBusiness Club on 0844 225 1959 or visit www. ebusinessclub.biz.

Man absconds from open prison Man serving a sentence for arson has absconded from a Derbyshire open prison.Kevin-Jude Kevin Edward William Wilson Jude absconded from HMP Sudbury on Wednesday 1st October 2014.

Jude (28) was sentenced, at Stoke Crown Court, to an indeterminate sentence for arson with intent to endanger life. He was also convicted of assault and criminal damage.

Jude is six feet tall and has short brown hair. He has connections in Congleton, Cheshire and the Biddulph area of Stoke-on-Trent

Social Media Marketing can make or break a business. A social media campaign is one of the quickest, cheapest and easiest ways to deliver positive corporate messages to potential customers.

You can use your social network pages for many different purposes, including the display of interesting information from within your niche. This may include new products and ser-

vices you may be offering, or just something you feel users might like to see.

Another way of utilising social media is by inviting interested and niche related ‘followers’ to like and share your pages. This can help you to increase the amount of interaction you have with potential customers.

You will also be able to build a relationship with them as they begin to learn more about your company. The more followers you gain the more your business will grow as their will be a higher chance of

a sales conversion via social media. Influence is also a big factor in this and when followers share your pages this will help them to grow organically.

have to be part of it,” “Understanding the advantages and the risks is important so investing in at least basic training is essential,” he added.

Whilst Facebook is the largest of the 3 main social sites, Twitter is a big influence on any campaign.

Getting any of your relevant “hashtags” trending on Twitter could see your social media presence grow massively. Sharing your blog content across social media is also a big influence on both your pages and also on how your content ranks in the search engines. Few people know that search engines often give higher rankings to content that achieves higher interaction including likes and shares on social media. A Google +1 is the currently one of the highest ranking factor in terms of social media signals.

The club is now running free courses as part of the European Development Fund grant. However to avoid disappointment it is important to book your place straight away. You can find out more information about this by calling the eBusiness Club by visiting www.ebusinessclub.biz.

In order to assist you with your use of social media, The Chamber of Commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire’s eBusiness Club are running introductory and advanced courses in social media marketing working with a range of platforms, helping you to grow in confidence with your business. eBusiness Club Manager Jon Egley had this to say on social media marketing “Social media marketing isn’t an option these days, you can’t hide behind a reluctance to join the party, you

Although training is a great way in which you can advance your knowledge of social media marketing. Many small business owners find it either hard to accept the digital age, or are just too busy to spend the time needed to run effective social media campaigns.

This is where a professional team of online marketing experts come in. SEO CoPilot of Chesterfield can deliver high quality campaigns that run on Autopilot, offering client’s peace of mind that their social media marketing is being handled effectively by experienced professionals.

Social Media Campaigns from SEO CoPilot can be bespoke budgeted to suit each customer’s

needs and can include such features as: • Professional artwork across multiple social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Google +.

• Optimisation of Company Bios and Profile Information.

• Regular optimised content posted to all accounts including bespoke graphics, hashtags and handles.

• Management of interaction with customers using our knowledge of your business including commenting and direct messaging.

Any direct messages will be forward to you as a client.

• Optional Paid Advertising Campaigns on Facebook and Twitter to help target even more followers and gain more visits to your website from social media.

When it comes to social media they are second to none for the quality service they provide.

In any package you will receive an inclusive social media marketing report so you can see just how well your campaign is working for you. The team offer support to help answer any questions you may have.

Why not give them a call today to find out more on 01246 540869 or visit www.seo-copilot.co.uk to find out more about their services.

Local firms advise on MBO at SRM SRM Industries Limited, a leading manufacturer of precision rubber mouldings based in Hatton, Derbyshire, has completed a Management Buy Out, advised by the corporate finance division of Midlands business advisers and accountants, Smith Cooper.

The company, which was established over 30 years ago, has developed a varied portfolio of rubber components, both manufacturing and supplying gaskets, rubber mouldings, rubber to metal bondings, elastomer mouldings and associated rubber products.

The deal saw founders Mike and Yvonne Spare handing over the day to day control of the business to the management team who will steer its future growth and development.

The management team, comprising of James Rodgers (Managing Director), Paul Barton (Sales and Marketing Director) and Martin Spare (Finance

Director), acquired majority ownership of the company, although Mike and Yvonne retain a significant financial stake and will continue to provide consultancy services.

John Farnsworth and David Crump of Smith Cooper Corporate Finance assessed the viability of several deal structures and the availability of funding, and then managed the proposed deal preparing of Heads of Agreement, advising on the production of the business plan, leading negotiations with the funder, and working with the buyers and sellers and their respective legal advisers through to completion. Other divisions of Smith Cooper advised on tax aspects of the transaction and on the financial mod-

elling of the client’s forecasts.

Commenting on the deal, John Farnsworth Corporate Finance Partner at Smith Cooper said “Over the past 30 years, the SRM team has built an excellent reputation within their industry. The acquisition will be the start of another exciting chapter in the life of SRM and with a recovering world economy, particularly in the UK, I believe that the management team can look forward to a sustained period of growth and success.”

Legal advice to the sellers was provided by Murray Macnab and Jennifer Geary of Ellis-Fermor & Negus, whilst Duncan Taylor and Alice Rees of Nelsons Solicitors advised the management team. The funder, HSBC, whose team was led by Alison Burton and Darren Joyce, were advised by Anna Mayfield of legal firm Gateley LLP. Reflecting on the deal, Mike commented “Having established and developed SRM for over 30 years, Yvonne and I realised that it was time to hand over ownership and responsibility. In undertaking the management buyout, we recognised the importance of preparing for the transition period and managing the expectations of our staff members and loyal customer base. The deal marks the beginning of a very exciting era for SRM and we have great confidence in James, Paul and Martin.”

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 41.

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NEW LLOYDS BANK MANUFACTURING TEAM TO SUPPORT SOUTH YORKSHIRE SMES Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking has strengthened its position in the manufacturing SME market, with the appointment of eight new specialist banking professionals dedicated to the sector in South Yorkshire.

Headed up by senior manager, John Harrison, the team support manufacturers operating across Huddersfield, Sheffield and Wakefield.

The new recruits bring over 100 years of collective experience in commercial banking to the team, and will provide guidance and support for manufacturing businesses with a turnover of up to £25million, with financial expertise, funding and guidance, as they work towards their growth ambitions.

Each member of the team has completed an accreditation programme with the Warwick Manufacturing Group at Warwick University, to understand the challenges faced by businesses in the industry. This reflects Lloyds Bank’s continued commitment to investing in local manufacturing businesses, having already provided £727million against its pledge to lend an ad-

ditional £4billion to manufacturing firms until December 2017.

The team will be working on deals similar to the finance package that was recently provided for specialist sand manufacturing business, Mansfield Sand. The business used the funding to relocate and purchase new machinery, allowing it to modernise its production capabilities and sustain the business for the

next 40 to 50 years.

John Harrison, senior manager in South Yorkshire at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “A wealth of successful manufacturing and specialist engineering businesses are located in South Yorkshire, and it is for this reason that we’ve further strengthened our dedicated local manufacturing team, which offers support and guidance

to these SME firms as they accelerate their growth strategies.

“The manufacturing sector is crucial to the on-going resurgence of the region’s economy, and our new team is made up of specialist manufacturing relationship managers who are on hand to offer their guidance and support to organisations looking to enhance their business strategies and capabilities.

“We work closely with our colleagues in asset finance and invoice finance, and our international banking partners to offer a full range of facilities to manufacturers, and we have recently doubled the amount our most senior managers can lend locally to £1 million.

“As part of our commitment to supporting the sector, at Lloyds Bank we have set a target to lend an additional £4billion nationally to manufacturing businesses and, as of the end of June 2014, we are firmly on track to meet our target.”

For more information on the support Lloyds Bank can provide please contact John Harrison on 07795565317.

Over 300,000 people in the East Midlands losing sleep over money worries Over 300,000 people in the East Midlands (313,109) are being kept awake at night worrying about money, according to new findings released today by StepChange Debt Charity.

Figures from the charity also show a worrying 34 percent increase in the number of people from the region contacting its helpline during the first six months of this year.

Lack of savings, essential bills and debt causing sleepless nights A YouGov survey commissioned by the charity found that almost one in

ten adults in the region have trouble sleeping due to money worries.

Across Britain, those who are kept awake by money worries are concerned about a lack of savings (63 percent), struggling to meet essential bills (49 percent) and debt problems (27 percent).

Worrying increase in debt problems In the first six months of this year, 5,943 people in the East Midlands sought debt advice from the charity’s helpline compared to 4621 in the same period last year. The average

unsecured debt (e.g. credit cards, personal loans and overdrafts) of those in the region who contacted the charity was £11,312.

The release of the findings comes as part of the charity’s Need to Sleep campaign, which aims to encourage people to recognise the impact longterm sleeplessness has on their wellbeing and address the root cause by seeking help with their money problems.

Mike O’Connor, chief executive of

StepChange Debt Charity, said: “More and more people are plagued with severe financial worries that can have a huge impact on their health, relationships and even their ability to simply get a good night’s sleep.

“All too often, people face their debt burden alone, which can worsen the pressure and anxiety they are feeling.

We would encourage anyone who is struggling with debt to take that first crucial step and seek free, confidential advice from StepChange Debt Charity.”

Four things you need to think about when getting a website built.

If you’re starting a new business or if your current company’s website needs a refresh, there are some extremely important things you need to think about both in choosing which of the many web developers and agencies to go with, and in how to get the best results.

1/ What is the business case for the website?

You must ask this question and write down the answer on a large sheet of paper and stick it to the wall next to your desk. Many people lose sight of what they are trying to achieve with the website during the design process, and many designers will focus on the aesthetic without considering what the end goals for the website might be.

Is your end goal to sell products, gather leads, showcase your services, generate enquiries, or something else? Decide early and make sure the developer knows exactly what you are trying to do.

2/ Trust your expert

So you’ve hired an expert web development agency, you’ve agreed the specification for the site and you’ve told them what your goals are, now your job is to let them do their job. I’m not saying you shouldn’t have a certain amount of oversight, but you wouldn’t tell a plumber what type of pipe to use or an electrician how to wire something up.

Tell your developer what problem they need to solve, and let them decide on the best way to solve it, that’s what they’re trained for.

3/ Price isn’t everything

Every project needs a budget, and you will soon discover that the range of quotes you’ll receive for your website can be extremely far apart and rather daunting. In web development, as with most things in life, you tend to get what you pay for. If you hire an individual freelancer, you’re likely to get the same quality for a lower price, but what happens when that freelancer falls ill or gets another job? If your website is business critical you may prefer to go with an agency where you’re not relying on any one individual person, even if it does work out a bit more expensive.

4/ Do the research

Take a look at what the competition are doing, especially those who are particularly successful online. You can pick up some valuable insights into your industry by studying and then improving upon what your rivals are already doing. Your web developer will thank you as well if you can provide him/her with a list of sites and a breakdown of what works and what doesn’t work on each one.

Page 42. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

5 Tips for doing business in Japan Politeness and sensitivity are at the centre of Japanese business etiquette. The main difference between Western and Japanese business etiquette is that the Japanese are more formal and there are certain practices (almost rituals) such as the exchanging of business cards that are important to get right if you don’t want to cause offence.

5 Key aspects of Japanese business etiquette

1.The Japanese Bow 2.Japanese Business Cards

• Make sure you get your business cards translated into Japanese. Source: Visualioner.com, Top 10 words to describe Japanese people, 28 AuUsually, westerners would have gust, 2013. Accessed 27/12/13. two sided business cards – one side in English and the other in Japanese.

• In Japanese business etiquette, Japanese busi- 4. Business Meetings ness cards are a ‘must have’. Carry at least 100 • Be punctual. It’s advisable to arrive 10 minutes for a 1 week business trip to Japan and expect to early for a meeting, more if the meeting will be with give out 3 - 4 Japanese business cards at a small senior executives. meeting and as many as 10 - 12 at a larger meeting. • If you will be late arriving for a meeting then call in • Always present your Japanese business card advance to allow the company to reschedule. holding it by the two corners closest to you with both • It’s a good idea to have an agenda for the meeting, hands, with the Japanese-language side facing the set in advance so each party has a chance to transperson you are passing the card too. Tip - having late it into their own language and prepare what your company logo at the top of the Japanese-lan- they want to discuss (particularly advisable if there is going to be a language barrier). guage side will help you to orientate it correctly!

• Firstly, exchange cards with the most senior mem- • When you have been shown to the meeting room, ber of the Japanese company/group, bowing slight- wait to be seated because there are customs rely as you do so and then continue this ritual in order garding where people sit based on their position in of seniority amongst the Japanese staff. The chain the company. of command amongst the Japanese should be quite • When introducing themselves the Japanese say obvious as the lower ranked employees will stand their surname or family name first. For example, we say John Smith they say Tanaka Hiro (Tanaka back in deference to the senior employees.

• When receiving a Japanese business card, take is the family name). When referring to someone, the two bottom corners that are presented to you the Japanese use the honorific term “san” after the with both hands, look at it and bow respectfully say- person’s name. For example, you would then refer ing “Thank-you” or “Haji - mema- shi- te” (which to Tanaka Hiro as Tanaka-san. Do not call a Japanese person by their first name unless you are very means “nice to meet you”).

• Then place the business card reverently on the good friends. In business dealings, the honorific table in front of where you will be sitting. Do not form surname + san should always be used. The put it away in a folder, wallet or in your pocket. The Japanese respect our western habit of using our business cards should remain on the table through- first names but they will follow it with the honorific “san” e.g. John-san as a sign of respect. out the meeting.

• Don’t slide or push business cards across a table. • The Japanese tend to take lots of notes during If you need to move cards, pick them up respectfully meetings as this is seen as good business etiquette as it indicates interest in what the other party is sayand then place them back down.

• Never write notes on a Japanese business card. ing.

Never fidget or play with a Japanese business card. • The Japanese tend not to use non-disclosure • Keep your Japanese business cards in a proper agreements but if you need one signed, send it carrying case (rather than just shoved in your pock- well in advance of the meeting. If you produce an NDA at the beginning of a meeting or negotiations, et) and treat them with respect.

• At the end of the meeting, carefully pick up all the the Japanese side will be embarrassed, probably Japanese business cards you have received and refuse to sign it until it has been legally reviewed put them into your business card case. Forgetting (which can take weeks!) and avoid meeting again. someone’s business card is an insult in Japan as it • Don’t make negative remarks about other people implies that you did not consider them to be relevant or companies, including your competitors and don’t or important enough to bother to take their card with ask about their private life.

• Don’t assume the Japanese will speak English. you.

They all study English at school but their spoken ability is very limited and as they learn American 3. Business Attire • Japanese men wear dark suits (navy, grey or English, they often struggle with a non-US Engblack) with a collared shirt and tie. Despite Japa- lish accent. Consider investing in an interpreter nese summers being very hot and humid, the Japa- to ensure you gain maximum value from the business meeting. A good interpreter will also be able nese still wear suits during the summer!

• Do not wear a black suit, white shirt and black tie to inform you about any unspoken body language and signs that they noticed that you may not have because that is funeral attire.

• Japanese men typically have well groomed short picked up on being inexperienced at doing business with the Japanese. hairstyles and no facial hair.

• Older Japanese men tend not to relate easily to • Try and speak carefully and clearly but not so women in positions of authority which can pose slowly as to be insulting or patronising. Avoid using challenges for women executives from the West. slang, idioms or regional dialects/vocabulary.

Women are advised to dress conservatively and not • The Japanese will only do business with your company if they like YOU and feel that they can trust to wear excessive make-up or jewellery.

• Women dress conservatively and are advised not YOU as an individual. Building this relationship is important in Japan so don’t keep sending different to wear heavy make-up or a lot of jewellery. members of staff to each meeting. Because the

development of this relationship is so important, expect to go out drinking with your Japanese clients and to eat dinner together (or go to Karaoke) on occasions. This is a much more relaxed atmosphere (than a board room) and you can eat get to know each other better. However, always behave professionally and with maturity (inspite of the alcohol that will be consumed) as it is still unofficially a business meeting/networking event.

5. Honour

The Japanese are very concerned about protecting a person’s honour and it is considered extremely bad if someone “loses face” in Japan. Traditionally in Japan, a Samurai warrior would commit suicide by ritually cutting open his stomach (hara kiri) if he brought dishonour to his family or boss/business.

This is how seriously the Japanese take honour!

Therefore, they will not tell you “no” or “we think that’s a bad idea” or “we don’t like your product” directly to your face as they won’t want to be responsible for you losing face. Instead, they will say things like “maybe” or “interesting” or “we’ll think about it”. However, it will soon become clear that they are not interested!

Remember, first and foremost be polite, show deference and respect and be prepared to invest time in building a relationship with your potential Japanese business partners.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 43.

Dean Nelson runner up for National award Midlands based insolvency practitioner Dean Nelson has been announced runner up Corporate Insolvency Practitioner of the Year in the Insolvency & Rescue Awards 2014, held by Insolvency News and sponsored by Capa.

Dean was shortlisted for the award along with 8 insolvency practitioners based throughout the UK, and the winner was announced at a lavish dinner ceremony in London on 1st October.

The judging panel, made up of industry specialists, chose Dean as a finalist based on his commitment in helping businesses facing financial difficulty survive and prosper whilst protecting and preserving employment, and aiding the rescue culture.

Dean commented: “I am delighted! Being the only Midlands based Practitioner announced as a finalist is an astonishing achievement, I am extremely proud of

this both for myself and my dedicated team as the title is indicative of my passion and commitment to the profession.”

Dean began his insolvency career at the age of 16 through a Youth Training Scheme and 23 years later, now heads up the Business Recovery and Insolvency team at Smith Cooper who, under Dean’s leadership, have grown from from two professionals in Derby to a team of 11 highly competent individuals based across the Midlands in Derby, Nottingham and Birmingham.

The awards, now in their seventh year, are firmly established as an essential diary date in the industry’s calendar. Nearly

JUMPSTARTING THE SPACES IN TIME 800 guests from 200 companies attended for the ceremony and to celebrate best practice and commitment to rescue across the insolvency and corporate recovery arena.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS: VICKY SCOTCHER Mother-of-two Vicky Scotcher has never looked back after setting up her own work-from-home business as a ceramic artist.

She wanted something where she could be her own boss, choose her own hours, not have to go into an office and be there for her two children when they got home from school.

A former marketing executive with a degree in in product design she also wanted something where she could make the most of her creative and artistic skills while, at the same time, creating a profitable business.

Rather than have to search long-and-hard for a business idea which could tick all her boxes, the business opportunity actually came to her.

One day she decided to make a miniature clay model of her mother-in-law’s home as a unique ‘thank-you’ gift and soon she was inundated with requests for more from other family members and friends.

It wasn’t long before Vicky thought that she might be able to turn this into a business which would allow her to work from her home in Yeaveley, near Ashbourne, while making a living doing something she really enjoyed.

Vicky said: “I had always done pottery as a hobby and here was an opportunity for me to turn it into a business where the pottery homes I created were both

unique and gave people a lot of pleasure.

“As a trained design engineer I have great attention to detail and thoroughly enjoy working with clay and creating pieces of art that people can’t believe are their very own homes!”

Now her business, Pottery Homes, has been going strong for three years and she offers a range of products from 2D portrait plaques of the front of a home, through to 3D house fronts and full 3D pottery miniatures of entire houses or other buildings.

Each hand-crafted design can take between four to eight weeks to complete depending on the complexity and most of the commissions are as gifts for anniversaries, birthdays or Christmas.

Where possible Vicky likes to visit the property she will be recreating to make sketches, take pictures and look at the relative dimensions. However she can work from photographs alone, especially for the 2D portrait plaques.

Some stunning examples of her work are on display at Opus Gallery, 34 John Street, Ashbourne and this includes a portrait of the Opus Gallery itself.

You can check out more information about the services Vicky offers via her website - http://www. potteryhomes.co.uk

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 It’s nice to be able to say, that since moving to Fradley, a little over two years ago, and doing some serious business focussing, that my work and clients have steadily increased.

I have met some new people locally, and via referrals, and from my website, and from some publicity flyers promoting the FREE website Offer, as well as some contacts from the FSB. Its always nice when you get the next random enquiry, telephone call or email, with a new and exciting project to embark on.

As ever, though, I could do with a bit more, to fill in the spaces in time.

I have said before, design clients sometimes do take rather a long time with their feedback – so I need to have plenty of projects on the go to dip in and out of, and fill these spaces in time.

Taking time with feedback though is absolutely the right thing to do.

I always tell clients to ask their friends and family, colleagues and anyone else who is willing to advise them, what they think.

This is your logo, your brand, your website, your flyer, your business card, your banner, your letterhead . . . . .

- it has to stay with you for a long time, so it is important to be totally happy with it before you tell your designer you are good to go.

Indeed, I often order print within an hour of receiving an email approval – so it could be too late if you change your mind.

The spaces in time can be good too, as it generally means that I can often make myself available at pretty short notice to meet with a new client . . . . . . . . . or even do a mega quick turnaround on that annual repeat flyer design and print job . . . .

Mr K. Evans, Lichfield Butcher, has returned for the third time now, with a gradual upgrade on his flyer content every year.

Purveyor of fine quality meat, in Bore Street Lichfield, Mr Evans is thinking about his christmas sales, and getting his message out to the people of Lichfield with a Christmas flyer . . . . . . . to remind them of the variety of meats available to order, and this year has made that even easier by including an order form as part of the flyer.

A lovely friendly man, with a sense of humour, and two great colleagues in the shop on Bore street, he is real old school and (his words) “does not do email”. ... . . . I usually call into the shop during September / October to say hello and check whether he needs more flyers printing.

“Hang the expense” was the comical reply – He only had 100 or so left from the 2500 printed last year, and the flyers certainly seemed to have brought in the customers.

With just a bit of a brief to expand on the existing design, I jot down Mr Evans requirements, “Whatever you do will be fine” he adds – acknowledging my creative ability and giving me his total trust.

What does a butcher know about graphic design? – probably the same amount that a graphic designer knows about cuts of meat – and in the case of this graphic designer – zilch!

Mr E does manage enough email to look at the proof files I send over and request his amends and confirm his approval, although he does sometimes telephone me too. . . . . . . . I am always happy to speak to my customers – it can get a bit lonely just me and Mac during the day. (that ‘s Apple Mac, if you were wondering).

So christmas flyer edition 3 is done and print ordered, should be here by the end of the week (maybe Monday).

And to kickstart some work to fill those spaces in time I have enrolled the marketing assistance of the secret marketing coach and their marketing jumpleads course. .. . . . ex EC (entrepreneurs circle) Julia and Paul have loads of expertise, to pass on, one step at a time, to help get me and my perfect clients to find each other.

If you are reading this, then you already appreciate what I do, (I hope) so please pass on my name and contact info if you hear of anyone looking for some design work.

Ask them to quote your name, together with (blog71) and you will get 20% off your next design job .

Thanks for reading x

Page 44. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Patrick McLoughlin At the end of July, Derby-based Rolls-Royce announced in its half-year statement that it had an order book worth £70.4bn.

Although this was 2% down on the same period last year, it is still very healthy and means airlines around the world are continuing to be confident about future growth.

Earlier this year, Derby-based trainmaker Bombardier won a £1bn contract to provide rolling stock for the London Crossrail project.

The contract is for 65 new trains, the first of which is to be delivered in May 2017, and the construction of a maintenance depot at Old Oak Common, north west London.

At the time, Transport Secretary and Derbyshire Dales MP Patrick McLoughlin said: “Derby has a

Engineering leading out of recession deserved reputation for quality train building and I am delighted Bombardier can write the latest chapter in this success story.

“The deal is a win for the employees of Bombardier and British manufacturing, supporting 760 new jobs and 80 apprenticeships.

“For commuters, it will mean new state-of-the-art trains that deliver quicker and more comfortable journeys and boost capacity across the capital.”

The new trains will be manufactured and assembled at Bombardier’s plant in Derby.

The construction of the maintenance depot at Old Oak Common will support 244 jobs, plus 16 apprenticeships. When fully operational the depot will support 80 jobs to maintain the new fleet of trains.

Also in July, Toyota announced increasing success for a car made exclusively at Burnaston and sold globally.

European sales of the Auris Hybrid Touring Sports rose 18.4 per cent in the first half of 2014 to 73,718 units.

The firm simultaneously announced that June had

been the best month yet for the model with 18,739 European sales for that month alone.

The figures from the companies themselves make reassuring reading but their growth means similar success for all the smaller engineering firms in their supply chains.

George Cowcher, Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, said: “The general consensus among our members is that Britain has recovered from its deepest recession in 50 years.

“From the results of our Quarterly Economic Survey and from what we are being told anecdotally, order books are improving across the region and recruitment is rising.

“Various reports are also suggesting that it is the East Midlands, particularly the engineering sector in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, which is leading the country out of the recession.”

But George cautioned that even with the worst of the recession behind us, now was not the time to sit back and relax.

He said austerity measures could not yet be eased as there was still significant debt to be cleared.

Derby has a deserved reputation for quality train building...

George Cowcher He added: “Business hates instability and doubt so it is imperative that Government and the Bank of England don’t do anything rash to jeopardise the recovery.

“Interest rates, for example, will almost certainly rise in the near future but the rise must be carefully controlled to avoid stifling investment.

“Engineering firms, which have been loathe to invest during five years of recession, are now looking at new machinery. They need to know that there won’t be a sudden and excessive hike in interest rates which could make their investments unaffordable.”

welcomes a new wave of Graduates and Apprentices to the East Midlands

Arup’s East Midlands Office, based in Nottingham, has recently welcomed 5 new graduates and 3 apprentices to the firm. Nationally, the firm has taken on 238 graduates after receiving over 6000 applications for its 2014 graduate scheme. The graduates and apprentices have joined placements across the firm’s Buildings, Infrastructure and Consulting practices.

Robin Lee, East Midlands Leader, commented: “We are delighted to be welcoming the new recruits to Arup.

Experience has shown they will be the future of the company, helping

to deliver fantastic projects with their fresh ideas, creativity and expertise.

The demand for graduate and apprentice places has been exceptional this year, and I look forward to working with them all in the future.”

Gemma Broughton has joined as an apprentice within the Buildings Group, “I joined Arup because I was very interested in engineering and I knew they would help me develop a good career in the industry, offering support throughout. I liked the fact the office is in the centre of a vibrant city with plenty of amenities close to

hand.”

Daniel Bryan is now a graduate Civil Engineer within the Infrastructure and Planning team, “Throughout University, lectures talked very highly of Arup and the outstanding reputation the company obtains within the construction industry. This early insight into the company combined with Arup’s existing project portfolio inspired me to be a part of this worldwide organisation.”

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 45.

Stepping up to the world wide web The world is changing fast, and getting smaller by the day in business terms. Companies large and small can trade in global markets thanks to the internet. The ‘web’ is a huge shop window and there are many ways firms can use it.

LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and Google+ are all very quick, easy, and basically free, to set up. In most cases, all that is needed is an email account. Once set up they can be used to announce new products, display pictures, talk about recruitment or just to ‘chat’ to existing and potential clients. But that is as far as they go. To get the correct message ‘out there’, businesses need to invest in a website and then in a proven online marketing campaign. Building a website is quick and easy these days, but turning it from just a window on your business into a valuable marketing tool is a skill for which owner/managers will either need tuition, to employ someone with the skills or call in professional help to do.

Search Engine Optimisation or SEO may be a familiar phrase but understanding what it is, how it works and how to use it are three very large steps.

What is a Google Adwords campaign, what are Bing Ads and how do they drive traffic to one particular website rather than a rival? What is pay-perclick (PPC) and what does it cost?

How can a shop window become the complete package, offering customers full product options and the ability to pay at the touch of a few buttons?

“The cost of setting up a very basic website these days is quite low, it should take no more than a few hours and is not really any more complicated than setting up a Facebook page or designing an advert for a local paper,” said a spokesman for the Chamber of Commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

“But in this day and age every business should be looking at the internet as a means of trading globally with full

commerce functionality,” he added.

The Chamber’s eBusiness Club offers basic and advanced training courses covering all aspects of getting on to and making the most of the internet.

Andy Morley, Managing Director of Chamber member The Web Design Company, said: “Many small businesses don’t see their online presence as important, but quite often this is the first port of call for potential new customers and clients.

“Simply having a webpage doesn’t automatically mean their company will be found in the search engine results, it takes more.

“A carefully crafted and professionally-built website stands a much greater chance at performing in the search engines than one from some of the lower cost, DIY site builder services available.”

For more information visit www. ebiz.net or www.twdg.co.uk.

Page 46. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

They usually hold a specific expertise and can take that speciality from firm to firm, confidentiality assured at all times if they want to keep working.

From a business perspective, it means smaller companies don’t need to employ staff to look after one part of their affairs.

For example, accountants tend to work in a consultancytype capacity. They are not on the firm’s payroll but are paid on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly retained rate.

Many firms retain public relations and advertising consultants on the same basis.

Although consultancy fees may seem dear compared with full time employment, the employer doesn’t have to worry about holiday cover, national insurance contributions, income tax, sick pay, maternity pay or any of the other on-costs normally associated with employment.

If, for example, a small or medium-sized company wanted

Consultants play a valuable part in modern business.

to investigate and adopt low carbon sustainability initiatives – DNCC has a conference on this very topic scheduled for 10 October, keep watching www. dncc.co.uk for details – they could employ a consultancy to undertake the work for them.

The consultants would either have knowledge of or investigate the best ‘green’ initiatives for the size of the company, bearing in mind growth plans, suggest a course of action, identify the long term savings to the business, oversee adoption of the initiatives and then leave the firm with no sacking or redundancy or final payoff unless one was included in the contract at the beginning.

The contract would normally be specific to that one task and on completion, the consultancy costs end. It clean, it’s simple, it’s flexible and it’s tax deductable.

If you want to bring that down to everyday life, think about food shopping. You can ei-

ther take time out of your day to drive to the supermarket, walk round choosing what you want, queue at the checkout, pack your bags, pay, load the car, drive home, unload the car, carry your bags into the house and put everything away, or you can press repeat order on your smart device, pay, and at a prescribed time your shopping is delivered, leaving you time to, well, go clothes shopping, perhaps.

That, in essence is how consultancy works. It frees up your time to focus on more important things, like running your business.

Andy Hibberd Communications and New Media Officer Deputy Editor In Business Tel: 01246 207207 Ext: 2738 Mobile: 07980 986492 http://www.dncc.co.uk

At Neish Consultancy we offer People Development solutions in the following areas:Leadership and Management For leaders and potential leaders we encourage continuous development in effective individual and organisation leadership styles.

Personal Skills For staff, leaders and managers we all need a little help and some updating on our skills. Our personal skills’ training does just that.

Facilitation To raise awareness of the change process and how people react to change. Through one to one and team events we support organisations and individuals through change.

Coaching Often Individuals and Teams need support to achieve their

goals or improve performance.

Our Coaching provides this and helps them to work out the best way forward.

Talent Management Whether for Talent Assessment or Key Position Recruitment, we design and deliver Assessment and Development Centres to suit your organisation. These can be utilised for current vacancies or to create an internal talent pipeline or an external recruitment pipeline. We are also able to deliver these with detailed feedback reports and development plans and follow on career placement service.

Watch for our Articles giving tips on each of these areas in the coming months.

Our interactive and fun style encourages a great learning

environment and our interventions are results focused. We bring to the fore our own knowledge and that of our participants.

Learning is always implemented by discussions on how to implement learning in a practical way back in the workplace ensuring that behaviour becomes embedded in day to day life.

Client achievement is our priority.

What our customers say about us “Excellent relationships, ensures everyone’s engaged, creates a positive fun atmosphere yet meets the objectives of the event.”

Contact details For your free consultation with us call on 01332 751441 or email Shona@neishconsultancy. co.uk. You can also visit us at www.neishconsultancy.co.uk

It’s true – ASG show nice guys don’t have to finish last!

Written by Marcus Harrison

Dynamic husband and wife team Andrew and Sonia Gale followed the path of many young graduates.

They got their degrees and went on to work in the corporate world for some blue chip organisations.

Things were going well, but after a time they had this nagging feeling that working this way was not satisfying enough for them personally. They could see that the knowledge and experience they had developed was transferable to, and could benefit, business owners in the SME sector. They decided they wanted to be their own bosses, and in 2012 formed the ASG Group.

Ethical people doing ethical business

However, what drives Andrew and Sonia on to be different is their unshakable commitment to conducting business ethically, fairly and in a way that benefits all parties. They had encountered practices that fell short of their ethical standards in their corporate lives. They were also aware of less than ethical treatment some of their business owner friends occasionally encountered. Often this happened when companies were trying to gain new business by partnering up with a non-competitor, only to be cut out of contracts and orders by their “partner” at crunch time. This provides a daily conundrum for the ASG Group – even if companies think we can help them, how do they know we can be trusted?

COTIE principles: •Confidential - Up-front non-disclosure agreements •Objective - Fresh eyes on a business problem •Transparent - Clear fee structures and all actions require client approval •Independent - Never propose a solution that is not in the client interest •Expertise - Only offer solutions where we have inhouse experience

The ASG Group offering

The 4 pillars of the ASG Group business are: •Growth - Business Planning, Growth Accelerator, Marketing •Operations - HR, Health & Safety, Logistics, Business Outsourcing •Technology - CRM & ERP systems, Websites and hosting, IT & Telecoms •Finance - Grants and Funding, Business Investment, Cost & Activity Control ASG Group was set up because they recognised that business owners don’t always have the answers in-house to the many problems and challenges that crop up in any business, no matter how well run.

Andrew and Sonia have many years of experience in a range of specialist areas and also have a wealth of specialist associates they can call upon to solve any business-related problem.

ASG Group has a reputation for quality, integrity and innovation resulting from many years of building relationships with our clients based on trust and mutual respect. Their collaborative, fresh approach enables them to provide valuable strategic insights and find the best solutions to even the most complex problems.

The foundation of their work – the ASG Who would ASG most like to help Group philosophy Andrew and Sonia always remain true to, and base next? every aspect of their business on, their five guiding

ASG really want to support the manufacturing

and tech sector in the UK. MD Andrew Gale says: “All too frequently our best talent and businesses disappear overseas, either by choice or acquisition, because they are not getting the support at home to grow their business as they would wish. There are usually several roadblocks to business growth and prosperity in these sectors: •Not enough assistance available in developing new markets and opportunities •Lack of a sales strategy to target new customers, or the right people to execute it •Lack of capacity to cope with increased demand even if it were generated •Not enough consideration given to factors involved in the cost of the product.

We are keen to help as many businesses as possible become incredibly successful because we know we have the tools as our disposal to help businesses reach new markets and achieve higher sales.”

ASG Group Risk Free Sales Strategy

ASG are so convinced that they have the skills and contacts to help you reach your goals they have devised a risk free sales strategy where we work on a COMMISSION ONLY basis.

As an ethical enterprise, they only want to work with serious business owners with genuine opportunities that they believe we have the skill sets and contacts to help.

I MUST STRESS, as part of their ethical business stance, this service is not always a fit for both parties. You must own the Intellectual Property of your product or software, or have sole distribution rights for it.

If you think this might be a fit for your business, or simply want a further chat, please contact ASG via email customer.service@asggroup. org.uk or call (01332) 419708.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 47.

Wine expert raises a glass to the Excellence launch of Notts Derby Wine School in Safety

and Outdoor Footwear

An experienced drinks professional is blending her teaching and hospitality skills with her passion for wine to create an exciting new business venture for the East Midlands.

Rock Fall UK Limited is a UK based designer and manufacturer of safety footwear and hiking boots, supplying a number of innovative and technical designs to distributors world-wide.

Debbie Ault is the owner of the recently launched Notts Derby Wine School – an independent wine education company – to offer a range of fun tastings and courses for people who are keen to learn more about wine.

NottsDerby Wine School is part of the www.localwineschool.com family – a UK-wide network of independent wine schools providing evening tastings, Saturday events, four and eight-week courses, private parties, bespoke tastings. WSET Courses and corporate events for beginners and experts alike.

NottsDerby Wine School is now bringing its Saturday Introduction to Wine Course to Derby City Centre. The first course runs on Saturday December 6th from 11am - 4pm. It will be a great opportunity to spend a great day out with friends and have fun before

As well as a diverse range of styles available from stock, Rock Fall UK also specialise in the supply of customer private label designs featuring revolutionary components, meeting required price points and the assurance of quality and compliance with the relevant European standards.

the Christmas madness begins!!

The day starts off with a lovely glass of Champagne, tasting 6 gorgeous white wines in the morning, followed by an excellent 2 course lunch. In the afternoon you’ll taste 6 great red wines with

cheese and biscuits. The venue is Jury’s Inn Kings Street, Derby, DE1 3DB. Special Offer - Book your tickets for 6th December Saturday Intro before November 1st and quote ‘DerbyGuardian’ on your booking

form and receive a free bottle of wine!

Tickets are now on sale at www. nottsderbywineschool.com and all tastings are available to buy as gift vouchers for birthdays, Christmas and other special occasions.

The fundamental strengths of the company are not only to design products that are fashionable but functional, comprising of the most pioneering components and materials sourced from all corners of the globe. Rock Fall UK’s senior management team strive to ensure they are offering customers the latest in footwear designs by attending a number of footwear component and material exhibitions around Europe, Asia and North America.

Rock Fall UK’s mission is to design ground-breaking footwear that offers the wearer the upmost comfort and technical properties whilst striving to provide the highest level of product support to a network of distributors and wholesalers.

Page 48. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 49.

Page 50. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

MERCASTON TREE COMPANY

Let’s face it, moving house can be one of the most stressful times of our lives, which is why more and more people are choosing to remain where they are and improve their existing homes instead.

Paul Fiddes

The Mercaston Tree Company is one of the UK’s largest importers and producers of mature and semi mature trees, shrubs and topiary.

Managing Director Madeleine Thacker said the topiary part of the business has been increasing in popularity in recent years.

Topiary is the art of clipping or trimming live shrubs or trees into decorative shapes, such as animals, and is also the name given to plants which have been fashioned in this manner.

Based in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, The Mercaston Tree Company has been advising clients on their topiary needs for the last 12 years.

They sell all types of shapes including the more traditional spirals, pompons, clouds, animals and people and also the more unusual too. In the past clients have been supplied with shrubs in the shape of golfers,

tables and chairs (although not for sitting on), a full-sized piano and even dinosaurs.

Some clients go for ready made topiary while others want existing shrubbery in their gardens turned into works of art and The Mercaston Tree Company can happily do both.

Increasingly people don’t even need a traditional garden, or even a garden at all to make use of topiary.

Madeleine said: “At the moment there is a particular demand from people in modern buildings because the clean lines and sculptured shapes look really great in a modern setting.

“Topiary is a lot more structured and clearly defined than a natural tree shape and is a dramatic eye-catching feature for almost any setting.

“We find that it is particularly popular in roof gardens or terraces and topiary can be planted in a container so it does not

need to be planted directly into the ground.”

The company also offers a full service landscaping service which includes installing patios, decking, fencing, lawns, planting schemes and more.

As well as supplying and delivering your plants and trees, they can also plant them for you. The company offers plenty of advice from what to plant in different locations, or soil types, to guidance on colour scheme.

In addition, with their landscape and design service, they can provide the perfect solution whether it is for a new development or adding to an existing landscape.

For more information on the full range of services offered then check out their website at http://www.mercastontreecompany.com/

I am a self employed Gas Safe and a guild of master chimney sweep engineer and i have been established since August 2008.

I previously worked for a small fireplace shop so have plenty of experience installing a wide range of gas, solid fuel and electric products.

I will install most types of fires, stoves and fireplaces.

I also fit cookers, gas runs, flue liners gas or solid flue, twin wall flue systems, chimney pots, and most types of domestic chimney sweeping.

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 non-pressurised 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.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 51.

Page 52. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

This Months Car Reviews

New Mini Cooper Diesel.

In the bad old days badge engineering meant exactly what it said on the tin. If a manufacturer wanted the kudos of a premiere brand attached to a bog-standard product, the simple expedient of sticking on a shiny badge and radiator sufficed. Not anymore though.

Any cynical suggestion that the reincarnated, third generation Mini should prove to be a mere shadow of former magnificence was quickly blasted out of the water by the bravura of a seriously good product.

It’s hard to spot the changes but it’s an all-new car. It’s slightly wider, longer and taller giving noticeably more room inside and - in particular - a bigger boot.The most striking interior change is the new central dial that houses the

infotainment system with its surrounding ring of colourchanging LEDs that indicate your selected driving mode of green, mid or sport.

Of course, this is a highly customisable car with a host of options to give as many permutations as the number combinations in the National Lottery - so you’ll almost certainly not see two Minis the same. With a starting price of £16,450 it was easy to bring the test car to £21,245 with the likes of the Chili Pack at £2,250 and the Media Pack XL at £1,175.

In tandem with the radical overhaul of the Mini concept comes the twenty first century concept of the diesel engine.

In this case - replacing the 1.6 diesel - there’s a 1.5, 116bhp,

By Syd Taylor.

sweet breathing (just 92gm/ km) three cylinder marvel that is so economical that on a gentle run you could get around 80mpg. But this is a Mini that will reach nearly 130mph and encourages enthusiastic use - so when you decide to enjoy yourself with that smooth and willing engine and lovely six speed gearbox things are a bit different.

This is not so much a purveyor of pedestrian economy as a marvellous device for the generation of motoring pleasure. It’s a quicksilver rocket of unparalleled pungency that

leaves the sweet smell of success in its wake combining rock-solid dependability with glamorous ‘get up and go’. It doesn’t so much motor you along as power you towards the next frisson of delight. This is a car that rolls up fun into one extravagant ball, smashing through preconceptions to blaze a trail to those pastures of plenty you know you deserve. Here is a car for the young and the young at heart - a jolly jousting cavalier in the lists of lifestyle enhancers.

With retro styling cues and realistic roadworthy purposefulness it does you

good just to look at it. That cheeky yet confident radiator grin encourages you to step aboard and enjoy - where inside a ‘young at heart’ feel is enhanced by top quality and style.

It’s a seriously well developed car now that manages to convey the incarnation of free-spirited flight. The list of credentials seem to have no end, being a true crowd pleaser - and so ergonomically and environmentally self-assured as to induce a smile even on the countenance of the most dour environmental Puritan.

I was just starting off when

too. The 110 PS 1.6 diesel has a VW Group ‘family feel’ - crisp, willing, punchy from low revs and very smooth. With a broad powerband perfectly matched to the six gears, power delivery is seamless and for much of the time this Leon appears to underplay its hand.

Even though this Ecomotive variant is designed to run on a whiff of fuel and give a combined 85.6mpg it is no slouch with a top speed of near 125 mph.

As Seat is the group’s sporting

marque - handling displays an acuity that you don’t often find in estate cars. The ‘press-on’ driver will delight in tackling bends wholesale, enjoying the keen turn-in and secure grip.

From a purist standpoint it’s a rewarding car to drive quickly with a more natural sense of flow and timing than most cars in its class.

Flattering your driving and engaging your interest as it does, news of equal significance is delivered at the base of the spine in the form of a ride which

someone tapped the window.

It was Delvic Somerville, a sweet natured but frankly quite nosey neighbour who in no time persuaded me to let her try the passenger comforts. It was no persecution to put up with her charming company and I was interested to see how well accommodated passengers are when the Mini Cooper driver applies that diesel torque.

“By jingo!” she said. “This is a swift machine” In response I quipped “Yes. It’s a fast mover.” But I added, noticing the traffic lights changing, “It knows when and how to stop.”

The perfectly tweaked handling makes twisty roads a delight and when opening up the new diesel it’s like a pat on the back from the benevolent spirits of excitement. In a nutshell this Mini embodies excitement that makes you beam and beam because there is no end to its beguiling bountifulness.

Seat Leon ST SE 1.6 TDI Ecomotive 110PS. Forgive the pun but I must lay it on thick, for the Seat Leon has me singing the praises and roaring the glory of this excellent sporty estate. Forget the heather and the grouse this estate car is no mouse and the proud owner will command a magnificent estate.

From most angles the Leon ST looks tremendous. Circle it slowly and you won’t take a step where the shape is anything less than arresting or intriguing or both. It has perfect surfaces, elegantly routed shut lines,

glossy paint and commanding presence. I’m stunned by its assurance.

Inside the mood is much the same. The cabin architecture plays off an impression of massy substance against light airy perspectives, clean lines and essential simplicity. It’s uncluttered and beautifully assembled.

Basics are well handled: shapely seats, a comfortable driving position, ample legroom front and rear and loads of

luggage space. Add all the ‘packs’ at a total extra cost of £2,740 and the list price soon rises to £23,660. There’s a family pack, safety pack, convenience pack, winter pack....the only thing missing is a packed lunch.

By any standards it’s a most habitable and attractive cabin where good quality materials engender a strong feeling of well being.

The sense of integrity and solidity is detectable on the road

is pliant enough to soak up the horrors of our roads without undue fuss.

With brio, nimble handling, roominess, practicality, refinement and economy it’s a winning coalition. In my view this is a super sports tourer that does everything you ask of it and in most cases better than well. Wish for one in your own Trevi Fountain. (A romanesque slight of hyperbole for a cracker of a car).

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 53.

Vauxhall Mokka 1.4 140PS FWD

‘Don’t knock the Mokka’ as Bill Bailey and The Termites used to sing. The earth spins on its axis, year succeeds year and legendary motor manufacturer Vauxhall goes from strength to strength - not merely tailoring its vehicles according to prevailing trends, but pushing ever forward in the vanguard of promise.

And if you’re in any doubt that todays Vauxhall is a trailblazing enterprise, consider the virtues of the new Mokka - as eyecatching a chassis as ever sashayed down the catwalk of cardom.

Here is poise, here is balance, here is style combined with a mouth-watering array of extras guaranteed to turn the head of the most jaded. A motoring mood in todays ever changing world can be epitomised in the phrase ‘best of everything’.

These days buyers want a vehicle that does everything and does everything well - and the Mokka is sensible but so, so stylish. It’s sufficiently swanky for that pick-me-up feeling but dependable as Matron when it comes to providing the necessaries.

The Mokka is not one of those x certificate crossovers that present themselves as mobile horror shows - but rather a wide screen wonder encouraging all that one could possibly desire.

In short it’s a car that offers a welcoming embrace to every type of driver from the sporty to the economy conscious.

In modern parlance it’s a car with attitude - positive attitude incorporating the urban cool of the SUV, the open-road zest of the lively hatch and the sensible

sunday economies of the pipe and slipper set.

With several engine options and specification levels, there’s a Mokka for everyone. But not everyone needs four-wheel drive so your correspondent chose the petrol 140 PS 1.4 front wheel-drive Tech Line model which even comes with a combined audio and navigation system - all for just £16,924!

Inside there’s enough room for five to stretch out and the flexible seating permutations mean you can juggle things to give almost van capacity when needed. It’s a particularly comfortable interior into which you soon settle. Immediately you’re struck by a sense of the secure solidity that only top quality materials and first rate construction can give.

Everything about the Mokka says ‘quality’ so it’s no wonder a lifetime warranty up to 100,000 miles is confidently offered.

Here is a subtle performer that will whiz to over 120mph yet return over 47mpg. and emit just 139gm/km of noxiousness.

Handling is good, ride is compliant yet well controlled and everything about the Mokka inspires confidence whether you’re pressing on and enjoying the smooth and willing engine and slick six speed gearbox or just bimbling along country roads.

The South China Sea not being available for my test run (such is the cars versatility that you feel you could cross oceans) I settled for the South Circular. Let me say at once that if a car impresses on the South Circular it’s got to be a

good ‘un.

My passenger - a theatrical performer of note - needed delivering to a south London theatre. Her first impressions were favourable.

“I say darling” she said, “This is a nice car” as she settled gracefully into her seat - while all the time the beguiling scent

of Chanel No.9 reminded me of her sophistication. Progress was never less than pleasurable and the Mokka never once denied me the fullest dose of confidence -Matron’s spoonful, as it were, runeth over.

And so, stuck in traffic in Putney people on the pavement took notice as if to say ‘I

wish I were in your seat’ and down Millionaires Row next Wimbledon Common I felt not a jot out of place. It helped, of course, to have a passenger who looked like a film star and glowed like a country cottage fire as she extolled the virtues of the Mokka.

Arriving at the stage door

I waved away a lackey and helped my passenger out myself, saying “No my good man. We’re not VIPs - merely Mokka motorists”. I sympathised with his error of judgement, for the Mokka is a car that speaks cutting edge modernity - not to mention a heady dose of celebrity charisma.

Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Tech Line 1.6 CDTi (136PS) That the Astra Sports Tourer is a thoroughly capable estate, there is no doubt. It offers more luggage capacity than its rival Ford Focus estate - so if you want the practicality of a large car, but insist on appealing style and enjoyable driving dynamics, this Astra is just the job.

It’s a good looking estate and is equally attractive inside. The spacious, classy cabin is what you now expect from Vauxhall and on the £19,930 middle specification Tech Line version tested, you get as standard satellite navigation, cruise control and climate control.

Unusually in todays world where everything is electrically powered, rear windows require manual operation. A problem for those whose muscles have atrophied through sloth and idleness, perhaps, but in the real world it doesn’t matter a jot.

Naturally there are sufficient permutations of ‘seats up/ seats down’ to adjust the cargo/ passenger ratio to suit varying needs. And talking of seats they are both comfortable and supportive. Firm enough to support the driver on a long trip and comfy enough to allow your passengers to snooze undisturbed thanks also to the excellent ride quality and well controlled handling - due in part to the wizardry of the rear suspension.

And undisturbed they are, because the big news with the Astra Sports Tourer is the new diesel engine.

Whisper it. The new ‘Whisper’

diesel deserves a loud paean of praise shouted from the rooftops. Previous Vauxhall diesels were not up with the best when it came to quietness and smoothness. They were tough and durable but grumbled under load. The new aluminium block engine has caught up with the front runners and when warm and cruising ‘Whisper’ is not a misnomer.

In combining silky smoothness with terrific low down torque, the 136PS 1.6CDTi engine gives a lively performance up to a top speed of 125mph - and most agreeable economy of a claimed 72.4mpg. Fresh and fragrant too, evil emissions are just 104gms/km.

Vauxhall have certainly reasserted the virtues of dynamic diesel motorcars motoring with a plus, that is, for here is a diesel guaranteed to zip Vauxhall to victory in the speedy estate sweepstakes. In short, an invigorating and heady dose of just what’s needed if one is in the market for a ‘get up and go’ approach to life.

Why trundle from A to B in the mundane world of grey porridge when you can be as swift as a swift and perky as a thousand spring mornings. For a day-today car that turns everyday into a holiday, look no further. And, of course, being a Vauxhall it just has to be as reliable as a ‘V for victory’ sign and a fat cigar.

The only lumpiness I encountered with this lovely smooth diesel tourer was the lump in my throat when parting with it.

Page 54. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

SYD TAYLOR TAKES A LIGHT-HEARTED LOOK AT WINTER MOTORING According to forecasters one of the coldest winters is about to hit Britain with regular cold fronts sweeping across the country and prolonged bitter spells. That’s not good news for motorists.

In today’s unpredictable climate a freeze-box effect is just as likely as a greenhouse effect, so wise drivers must be ready to deal with any eventuality. Everyone knows that winter journeys bring hazards for the unwary and ill prepared, so it pays to look at ways to enable you to keep on motoring whatever the weather.

You might not need snow chains in Staffordshire, but it goes without saying that at the first sign of snow, a shovel and a bit of old carpet to put under the driving wheels are essential items for the boot. I always carry a bag of industrial rock salt, but have a care that following motorists aren’t the recipients of a salt blizzard. They might take exception to the perceived attempt to reduce their vehicles to a pile of rust. Violence in winter can be no less furious

than in summertime. Curiously, the blood can still run hot even in the chilliest climes.

The importance of keeping a cool head in any stressful situation cannot be overemphasised. Don’t react like one local motorist did when his car slid into a snow bank. Failing to extricate it, his shovel was transmogrified into a weapon of hate directed at the former loved one that had let him down so badly. When the car was finally towed free, it sported enough indentations in the panelling to enable it to double as a colander.

Readers should note that this is thoroughly unacceptable behaviour.

It is, of course, always best to avoid those sort of situations, and the importance of constantly reading the road ahead cannot be overstated.

Be on the lookout for little telltale signs – like the car upside down in the hedgerow and the stunned driver standing bewildered by the roadside. And if the car in front of you should suddenly execute an alarming pirouette

– remember that standing on the brakes might not be the best thing to do. Today’s motorists often overlook the fact that taking one’s foot off the accelerator pedal will slow the car down.

For those of you whose journeys involve changes in altitude from mist-shrouded valleys to chilly hilltops, it must be remembered that road conditions can change markedly in a short distance. Again, in snow, tracks left by vehicles that have passed earlier are often a reliable indicator of the conditions ahead. If a track starts to snake like a fairground ride – beware! You don’t want to ride the waltzer just yet. If you do get into a skid in a rear wheel drive car, steer in the direction you are skidding. Front wheel drive cars are not quite so easy to control.

On that early frosty morn when snow lies deep and crisp and even and the familiar landscape has been transformed into a picturesque novelty, you must avoid the temptation to rubberneck at the scenery. Remember, motoring is a serious business and one’s eyes should stick firmly to the potential hazards lurking ahead.

As for winter sunlight in the mornings and evenings: this can be particularly dazzling.

Readers are reminded to avoid looking directly at the sun.

Never lose sight of the fact that your journey starts sooner than you think. If your car is kept on the street, remember to approach with caution. Many nasty injuries can ensue from slipping on the ice as you near

Audi Range Review 2014 There’s no denying that Audi is going from strength to strength with sales elevating the brand to the lead position, in sales terms, in the premium sector.

And just how is it that Audi is running rings around the opposition? In my view the success is built upon a simple formula. Give the customer what he or she wants and they will queue up to buy.

No-one ever made the mistake of thinking of Audi as an economy brand because overall excellence can never be achieved through pennypinching. In short, if you want the best, you need to pay for it - and that’s the uncomfortable fact out of the way.

Having said that, it might sound contradictory to claim that Audis offer superb value for money - but they do. Try an Audi and you’ll wonder how such magnificence can be had for the price. It’s not quite as though the Koh-iNoor diamond is available at the Pound Shop but it is rather like Saville Row tailoring being available on the high street.

Leaving aside such prerequisites as marvellous

engineering, top technical accomplishment, superb styling and comfort - not to mention safety - here is a manufacturer that tailors its models in a way that offers ‘off the peg’ satisfaction to the widest possible range of premium motoring requirements.

There is, in short, a car for all seasons, a car for all customers, a car for all shapes and sizes of desire.

With swift and sweet conveyances the range is an irresistible smorgasbord with each model at the pinnacle of its market sector.

The ‘king of the road’ performance is the R8 with either a V8 or V10 engine.

Destined to become a classic, this two-seater of stellar performance flies the flag for unfashionable excess, making what some might think, the unnecessary, irresistible. A reminder, if one is needed, of Audis Le Mans success.

But hold on to your seats.

Audi have up their sleeve something even more powerful which unbelievably comes with five seats. For those old

the car. Always hold the car key pointing away from your body.

As for door locks – the butane lighter is handy, but be careful not to burn your fingers.

Some older motorists wrap their cars in a blanket: always remember to remove it before driving off.

That old dodge of putting newspaper under the windscreen wipers is not so effective if temperatures really plummet, because it can freeze to the screen. Much better to train some cats to sleep on the car (easier to do if your car has a catalytic converter): there again, in severe weather, fur can freeze to metal so this is not failsafe advice.

Seasonal snowfalls can bring out children eager to play, slide, and toboggan – and quite often they can be heedless of road safety and the fact that toboggans have no brakes.

That ‘something’ out of the corner of your eye could be a sledge hurtling towards you uncontrollably. But if you hear jingling bells don’t be alarmed: it’s just a jolly man in a red suit going about his business. And in the wake of changed legislation, beware packs of foxes chasing hounds across country roads, with eco-warriors in attendance shouting Holly Tal! Holly Tal! It’s unlikely that many of us will experience the extreme hazard of being trapped in a blizzard.

But if you are, and have used your mobile phone to call for help, and are powerless to do anything but wait – remember – hearty singing is an excellent way of keeping one’s spirits up.

What’s more, it doesn’t drain

your battery.

Distress flares should be considered too. They come in convenient sizes but should not be kept in any situation where an accidental discharge could wreak havoc. (You might wish to consult with your local Health and Safety Officer before taking this step).

Don’t forget that keeping nutritious snacks in the car is a good idea. They keep energy levels high and help you stay alert. Where ‘winter’ is concerned the figure must take second place: better to munch than crunch!

Many motorists have asked whether winter brings a greater threat of terrorist activity; but I understand that this is not the case. The terrorist threat unfortunately remains in force throughout the year. However, it’s small consolation to know that winter will not increase the threat in any way – but customary vigilance must be exercised at all times. If you see someone with a hosepipe spraying water over the road in icy conditions, remember, he

might just be a farmer swilling away mud for your safety and not a terrorist.

Four-by-four drivers may feel an air of smugness pervade their cabs in winter, but even though these vehicles are highly appropriate for hazardous conditions, due care and attention is still essential at all times, and courtesy should be extended to other road users – especially if they’re stuck and you’re not.

When the weather gets cold some motorists are alarmed that there is too much steam coming from their exhaust: be assured that in these conditions this is perfectly natural. Just as people produce ‘frosty’ breath, so do exhaust pipes.

So there you have it. In the end, when the robins have their overcoats on it’s time to think ‘protective driving’.

Remember – concentration, anticipation, and acclimatisation to the conditions, hold the key to successful winter driving.

As for motorcyclists: my advice is simply – DON’T!

Parish councils in North East Derbyshire club together to provide speed camera for local police enough to remember the five seat Sierra Cosworth - even that venerable legend is rendered as impressive as a goatherd in the company of the £83,515 RS7 Sportback with its 560PS V8. It’ll lift you to the stratosphere in less time than it takes to sneeze. Rocketships are, at a stroke, made redundant because when you light the Audi’s touchpaper it blows the blues away and carves a sensational set of standards in ‘ ye olde oak tree’ of motoring reminiscences.

Parachuting down from the heights of rapture one might expect to feel let down when trying the less sensational - but when it comes to other current Audis they never disappoint.

The £27,000 A3 Cabriolet with a 1.4 engine is a charmer that brings open top motoring into the twenty first century.

We’ve all heard about ‘horses for courses’ - but with Audis cars it’s more a case of thoroughbreds that are thoroughly terrific and the beauty is, with that Audi badge up front, you’re betting on a cert.

Ten parish councils in the North East Derbyshire area have clubbed together to provide a speed camera for police to use in a joint bid to make local roads safer.

councillors for help. All the councils which have provided funding were keen to be involved in a pro-active scheme working alongside the police to help address these issues.”

Ashover, Heath and Holmewood, North Wingfield, Pilsley, Shirland and Higham, Sutton cum Duckmanton, Tupton and Wingerworth parish councils have all contributed to the campaign, and provided funding for the camera and maintenance.

Officers plan to use the camera in the area to help educate drivers, for enforcement checks and in regular speed awareness campaigns.

Joanne Taylor, a local clerk representing the councils, said: “Local residents regularly raise concerns regarding safety and speeding in their community and look to their local parish

Sgt. Les Rawson, of the local Safer Neighbourhood policing teams, said: “Speeding and road safety is a concern to local residents and this device will be a real benefit to our teams, and the officers who work in the Clay Cross area.

“We already have a great partnership with the local parish councils and will use the camera as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our roads safe, as well as focusing on any areas which may have been highlighted as an issue to the parish councils.”

The camera was officially handed over by representatives from the local councils to at Clay Cross police station on Thursday, October 2.

To contact your local Safer Neighbourhood policing team call 101, or visit the website: www.derbyshire.police.uk.

Have something you would like to advertise?

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

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 55.

The Importance of Winter Safety Checks For Your Car The importance of giving your car a thorough winter safety check cannot be over-emphasised if you want stress-free motoring over the coming months.

Cold, wet and damp weather can be very hard on your car and as this is most likely also the time you will need it most you had better take the right precautions now.

Follow these tips to make sure your car is all set to get you through the winter…

Oil and Antifreeze - A frozen engine is a dead engine so ensure that not only is your oil topped off with the correct grade of oil for your car but also that the recommended anti-freeze is also added to your engine. Do this yourself if you know what you are doing or your local garage will help.

Navigation Auto Centre on London Road, Alvaston, will be particularly happy to help get your car ready for winter.

Don’t take chances with your tyres at any time of the year but, especially so in Winter.

Wet, greasy and slippery roads mean you want maximum grip from your tyres. If your tyres are old or worn or not at the correct pressure then you need to sort this out right now. Never take chances with your tyres.

Winter is the time when a lot of cars fail to start because of problems with the battery.

Get your battery checked out because the damp and cold weather is likely to be when any problems will come to a head. Again your local garage will be happy to give your battery the once over for you.

Be seen. Ensure that all your lights are clean and working.

Check that all the lights are working including high and low beams, indicators, brake lights, reversing lights etc.

While on the subject of being seen, you will need your windscreen wipers more in the winter so ensure they are not worn or damaged and replace them if they are. Also ensure your washer fluid is always topped up.

Finally ensure your brakes, including the handbrake, are working properly and that the brake pads are still thick enough to work efficiently throughout the winter. Navigation Auto Centre (01332 576111) will take care of all your needs to ensure your car will get you safely through the coming winter.

Residents in Chapel are urged to get their car security into gear

Parish councils in North East Derbyshire club together to provide speed camera for local police Ten parish councils in the North East Derbyshire area have clubbed together to provide a speed camera for police to use as part of a joint bid to make local roads safer.

Ashover, Heath and Holmewood, North Wingfield, Pilsley, Shirland and Higham, Morton, Stretton, Sutton cum Duckmanton, Tupton and Wingerworth parish councils have all contributed to the campaign, and provided funding for the camera and maintenance.

Joanne Taylor, a local clerk representing the councils, said: “Local residents regularly raise concerns regarding safety and speeding in their community and look to their local parish councillors for help. All the councils which have provided funding were keen to be involved in a pro-active scheme working alongside the police to help address these issues.”

Officers plan to use the camera in the area to help educate

Police in Chapel are issuing advice to motorists as part of forcewide campaign to tackle thefts in the county.

The October campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage people to protect their vehicles from being targeted by thieves as the darker nights draw in.

Safer Neighbourhood officers in Chapel, Whaley Bridge and Hope Valley will be heading out on the road to host crime prevention events over the coming weeks.

On Thursday, October 9, PC Graham Mason and PCSO Steven Rogers will be visiting to the

High Peak Garden Centre on Hope Road, Bamford between 10am and 1pm.

PC Ellen Barlow and PCSO Tracy Jones from the Whaley Bridge Policing Team will be hosting an event at Tesco’s in Bridgemont between 10am and 1pm on Friday, October 10.

PC Andrew Crosthwaite and PCSO Karen Green will be visiting Morrisons on Market Street, Chapel between 10am and 1pm on Sunday, October 26.

The policing teams will be on hand to answer any community concerns along with offering advice to help motorists to further

protect themselves from becoming a victim of crime.

Advice includes ensuring that Sat-Navs and their cradles are removed, along with wiping away any ‘sucker’ marks. Park in welllit, overlooked areas where possible and consider using a steering lock, alarm or tracking device for added security.

If you spot anyone acting suspiciously around parked and unattended vehicles, call police straight away on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

To speak to your local policing team call 101, the non-emergency number for Derbyshire police.

Make sure your tyres can protect you during wet weather – that’s Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership’s message to motorists during Tyre Safety Month (October).

Mike Ashworth, chairman of the partnership’s managing group, said: “Last year the UK had the wettest winter on record - that’s why driving in the wet is the focus of the 2014 Tyre Safety Month.

“Tyres with plenty of tread can protect drivers from the risk of aquaplaning because it only takes them seven seconds to clear enough water from the road to fill a bucket.”

Mike added: “You should

check the tread depth of your tyres regularly by taking the 20p test. All you need to do is push a 20p coin as far as it will go into the main grooves of your tyre. If the outer rim of the coin is still visible, you should get your tyre checked as it may be below the legal limit.”

“We’re also encouraging motorists to check their tyre pressures at least once a month. It’s a simple maintenance job that makes the roads safer as well as making your tyres last longer, reducing your fuel bills and cutting your carbon emissions.”

During Tyre Safety Month,

many tyre retailers will be offering free tyre safety checks including a pressure check.

For more information about tyre safety visit www.tyresafe. org The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm throughout a continuous band comprising the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around its entire outer circumference.

For each tyre that’s below the legal limit, motorists can be fined up to £2,500 and have three points added to their licence.

Check your tread depth during Tyre Safety Month drivers, for enforcement checks and in regular speed awareness campaigns.

Sgt. Les Rawson, of the local Safer Neighbourhood policing teams, said: “Speeding and road safety is a concern to local residents and this device will be a real benefit to our teams, and the officers who work in the Clay Cross area.

“We already have a great partnership with the local parish councils and will use the camera as part of our ongoing commit-

ment to keeping our roads safe, as well as focusing on any areas which may have been highlighted as an issue to the parish councils.”

The camera was officially handed over by representatives from the local councils to at Clay Cross police station on Thursday, October 2.

To contact your local Safer Neighbourhood policing team call 101, or click here to find your local team.

Page 56. Issue 22 : 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.

year round with no winter tees or greens.

Visitors and societies are made more than welcome with discounted green fees and packages 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, ambi-

ent 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).

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

Golf Club de Mimizan

The Pyrenees stretch for 420 kilometres and offer beautiful scenery and wildlife and great sporting activities for visitors.

Its reputation is for both a place of relaxation and skiing with many challenging ski resorts and top spa facilities on offer.

Between France and Spain, between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, the Pyrenees offer many contrasting views. Whether you prefer old, well conserved villages or ultra-

Pyrenees Ski Resort

modern ski resorts, snow (the East section, closest and ice sports or spa cen- to the Mediterranean). tres, the Pyrenees have something for everyone.

There are many and varied different resorts to The Pyrenean Mountains choose from and, unlike are lower than their big the Alps, many of the ski sisters in the Alps, but they stations are purpose built are better preserved and with bars, restaurants and offer a rich diversity of flora other facilities all within easy reach to make for an and fauna. enjoyable and laid back The Pyrenees is dived into skiing experience. three areas: the Pyrenees Atlantiques (the section to As a general rule, the the West, closest to the At- lower you go, the more lantic coast), the Midi-Pyr- traditional the resorts will enees ( in the middle) and be. So whether you want the Pyrenees Orientales to enjoy a magical winter

wonderland of old wooden houses or spend your nights in authentic bars and restaurants then the ski resorts of the Pyrenees have something for everyone.

ing range, indoor practice area, putting green and bunker training area.

The course was upgraded from six to nine holes in 2011 and has a combination of relatively flat Golf Club de Mimizan of- fairways, hilly parts and fers four sets of tees on woodland. each of its holes. It is a 9-hole Par-36 course. The Many obstacles placed longest tee is 2,835 m long in strategic locations while the shortest tees are make this a very technical 2,358m long. The course course and tactics play a is also pitch & putt certi- good part in the strategy part of this course where fied. pitfalls remain present until Facilities include a driv- the very last green.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 57.

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Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 59.

The Grosvenor House Hotel

THE Grosvenor House Hotel in Skegness is quite rightly regarded as one of the resort’s premier residences. It is known throughout the UK, and beyond, for its live ballroom dancing, friendly staff and excellent value for money.

Child-friendly, family-friendly and pet-friendly, The Grosvenor House is always being praised by its customers for being, well, friendly and welcoming.

Its location could not be better - it is directly opposite the pier - so all facilities, attractions and amusements are within a short walking distance.

It is also well-known for its top-class children’s entertain-

ment and offers a full a-lacarte menu with comfortable rooms (including rooms with a sea view), a luxurious lounge bar, all-day carvery, full bar menu and a delightful afternoon high tea just some of the things it has to offer.

The kitchen team pride themselves in using the finest locally-reared meats, locallygrown vegetables and the restaurant offers a selection of international wines to suit all tastes.

Located just a stone’s throw from the Famous Embassy Theatre, The Wild Life Reserves at Gibralter Point and some of the best beaches in the UK, the Grosvenor House Hotel has 29 en-suite bedrooms including singles, dou-

bles, triples and family rooms.

Lillibet’s Cabaret Bar offers nightly cabaret with dinner whilst the Imperial Ballroom offers facilities for up to 500 people for banqueting, weddings and receptions. Also don’t forget to ask staff about the Embassy Specials where there are great rates for theatre-goers and the tea-dance specials which are are always extremely popular with guests.

If you are looking for a classic hotel on the Skegness sea front with great entertainment, amazing specials, friendly staff and an amazing location then you need look no further than The Grosvenor House Hotel.

Page 60. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 61.

Page 62. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

2014 BBC Sport Price of Football The average price of the cheapest tickets across English football has risen at almost twice the rate of the cost of living since 2011.

The BBC Sport Price of Football study shows that the average price of the cheapest match day ticket from the Premier League to League Two has increased 13%, compared to a 6.8% increase in the cost of living during that time.

In the Premier League, the increase is 15.8%, while it is 31.7% in League One and 19% in League Two. In the Championship, the average price has dropped 3.2%.

Compared to 12 months ago, the cheapest match day tickets in the top four divisions of English football is up 4.4% from 12 months, from £20.58 to £21.49, almost treble the current rate of inflation which is 1.5%.

The BBC Price of Football study is in its fourth year having begun in 2011, and is the largest of its kind in Britain, covering 176 clubs in 11 divisions across British football, including Women’s Super League One and Two.

by Southport in the Conference. ·The average price of the cheapest matchday ticket in Scottish football’s top flight has increased by almost 8% since 2011 – from £18.92 to £20.42.

price charged by 11 Premier League clubs. ·In Scotland, Celtic’s adult shirt is most expensive at £53. The cheapest is £30 at Brechin and Alloa.

Season tickets

·Kidderminster Harriers have the most expensive pie among the clubs we covered.

The Conference club charges £4.50 for their award-winning pie. ·Championship club Brighton & Hove Albion are the next most expensive at £4.10. ·In the Premier League, Crystal Palace, Man City and Southampton have the most expensive pie at £4.

·Arsenal have the most expensive season ticket in the Premier League at £2,013. ·Their cheapest season ticket is £1,014, the most costly in the Premier League. ·The cheapest season ticket at Arsenal is £1,014. That is more expensive than the top-priced season ticket at 17 Premier League clubs. The only exceptions are Tottenham (£1,895) and Chelsea (£1,250). ·Manchester City have the cheapest season ticket in the Premier League at £299. ·Charlton’s £150 season ticket is the cheapest in the top four divisions in England, with only Conference side Eastleigh (£105) cheaper. ·Peterhead charge £90 for their cheapest season ticket – that’s cheaper than anywhere else in the top four divisions of Scottish football and cheaper than the top five divisions in England.

Ticket price highlights ·The Scottish League One side also charge ·Arsenal have the most expensive match the least for a match-day ticket, at £6. day ticket in the Premier League at £97 ·The most expensive season ticket is sold – but that represents a reduction of £29 by Celtic, at £600. from their most expensive ticket last year at £126.

Replica shirts ·Chelsea’s cheapest match day ticket ·In the Premier League, the two Manchesis £50, highest-priced of the Premier ter clubs - United and City - charge the League’s cheapest. most for an adult replica shirt - £55. ·Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday’s ·Hull have the cheapest shirt at £39.99. £10 match day ticket is the cheapest in the ·Conference club Barnet charge £49.90 for top four leagues in England - only matched an adult shirt – more expensive than the

Pies

·In Scotland, at £1.20, the cheapest pies are at Forfar and Queen’s Park. ·Scottish Championship side Livingston sell the most expensive pie, charging £2.50.

Cups of tea

·Liverpool, Manchester United and Southampton have the most expensive cups of tea at £2.50. ·The cheapest can be bought at Conference club Braintree and WSL 2 club Sunderland Ladies. Both charge 80p. ·Burnley and Manchester City have the cheapest tea in the Premier League at

£1.80. ·In Scotland, League Two side Elgin City charge just 60p for a cup of tea, the cheapest of the clubs we contacted in the top four divisions of Scottish football. ·The most expensive cup of tea in the top four divisions of Scottish football can be bought at Celtic, Dundee, Dundee United, Hibernian and Inverness at £2.20.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 22 : Page 63.

DONINGTON BRITISH SUPERBIKES: KIYONARI AT THE DOUBLE

Shane Byrne leads the BSB field into turn1

Photos courtesy of: Paul Horton Ryuichi Kiyonari completed a brilliant MCE British Superbike double at Donington Park in September and threw down the gauntlet to title rival Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne ahead of the Showdown races. Byrne

remained the championship leader with 562 points, ahead of Josh Brookes (536) and Kyonari (535), but Kyonari and Byrne are both bidding to become the first to win the title for a fourth time.

Kiyonari had to work hard, on his Buildbase BMW, for his opening victory. He and Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki rider Byrne locked horns in a gripping duel, neck and neck in the final few laps. Byrne

briefly took the lead at the Old Hairpin on the penultimate lap, but Kiyonari powered straight back into the lead at Starkey’s Bridge. Byrne was still looking for an opportunity and made a final lunge up the inside at Goddards, only to run wide allowing Kiyonari to out-drag the Kawasaki on the run to the line and snatch his 48th career BSB victory by 0.184s.

Milwaukee Yamaha’s Tommy Bridewell followed up his maiden win at Cadwell Park with a fine podium in third, 1.188s adrift, with team-mate Josh Brookes a safe fourth ahead of Stuart Easton (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki) and Tyco Suzuki’s Josh Waters, who set the fastest lap of the race.

For race two Kiyonari was never troubled as he dictated matters from the front, Byrne never able to get close enough to the BMW. On the final lap ‘Shakey’ was out of the seat at Craner Curves as any slim hopes he had of overhauling Kiyonari evaporated. The pair had touched at Redgate on lap one, with Kiyonari moving to the front from Stuart Easton as Byrne dropped to third. Byrne soon found a way past his team-mate and chased after the leader, but Kiyonari always seemed to have a little more

Race 1 podium: ‘Skakey’ Byrne (second), Ryuichi Kiyonari (first), Tommy Bridewell (third).

Ryuichi Kiyonari celebrates his double victory.

hris Walker celebrates a coveted Showdown place

in reserve, crossing the line to Brookes had mounted a late win by 0.489 seconds with Josh challenge and began to close Brookes finishing in third. on the leaders, but his assault petered out on the last two laps and he finished 0.7 seconds behind Byrne. Easton took fourth but missed out on a spot in the Showdown, while Chris Walker’s 10th place result on the GBmoto Kawasaki was enough for the Nottingham veteran to make the Showdown. Walker came agonizingly close to the title in 2000, when an engine failure in his Suzuki took him out of a winning position with just three laps remaining of the final race at Donington, leaving Ryuichi Kiyonari took a double at Donington him in tears and gifting the title despite ‘Shakey’ Burns close attention. to Neil Hodgson.

Page 64. Issue 22 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Schools Urged To Register For Thousands Of Free Derby County Tickets Up For Grabs It looks like Christmas has come early this year for young Rams fans across the county.

Derby County has announced that it plans to give away thousands of free tickets to school age fans in order to help attract the next generation of supporters to the iPro Stadium.

In what is undoubtedly one of the most exciting times in the club’s recent history, free tickets will be given away to schools around the county.

Children aged 7-11 are being offered two free tickets for a future Sky Bet Championship fixture at the iPro Stadium – for themselves and an adult – and will be able to

choose from a list of matches.

Parents and guardians of 7-11 year olds at registered schools will be able to apply for their free tickets online and 300 Derbyshire schools have been urged to register classes for the offer.

Their child will then be sent a letter, from club mascot Rammie, containing a voucher code for their free tickets.

Derby County’s Marketing Manager Faye Nixon explained: “This is a new initiative whereby young children and their families throughout the whole of Derbyshire will get the opportunity to come and enjoy the excitement of live football.

“We hope to attract over

10,000 children and their families to visit the iPro Stadium for the first time and support their local team.

“Who knows, once they’ve experienced how exciting live football is, we could have a new generation of fans for the future.

“We pride ourselves on being a community-focused club and feel so strongly about ensuring that young children have the option of experiencing live football.”

The decision to target 7-11 year olds follows research by the Club and the free ticket offer is also aimed at children who have never been to a football match.

Schools can register by

e-mailing futurefans@dcfc. co.uk.

The free tickets move comes as Derby’s Chief Operating Officer John Vicars told how the club has some of the best fans in the Championship.

Writing on the club’s website, he revealed that the average home gate is up by 3,000 this season compared to last. In addition season ticket numbers are currently at a very healthy 21,000 and the travelling support is averaging almost 2,000 a game for away matches.

He said: “Here at Derby County we are blessed with a very loyal and energetic fan base. The vocal support the

team has received this season both home and away has been second to none.

“In short I couldn’t be more pleased with the part the fans play in getting behind Steve McClaren and his team. As I’ve said on many occasions it does make a difference and we all thank you for the contribution you make.”

However he hit out at the small number of supporters who were responsible for “a number of isolated incidents in the last 12 months” involving pitch encroachment and the ignition of pyrotechnic devices.

Calling on all fans to behave responsibly while supporting their team he warned

that such behaviour were criminal acts and those responsible faced court action and a banning order for future games.

He said: “Whilst we encourage our fans to come along, enjoy the game and express their passion at an incredibly exciting time for the Club, it has to be made clear that pitch encroachment and the use of pyrotechnics is clearly unacceptable.

“Derby County has a fine tradition and an excellent name in the world of football and we will not condone the actions of a few who bring the Club’s name into disrepute.”