Derbyshire Guardian Issue 25

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 1.

www.derbyshireguardian.co.uk

45p Where Sold

What’s On - Page 17 | Healthy Living - Page 29 | Business - Page 36 | Motoring - Page 50 | Golf Holidays - Page 56

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Coppenhall Consulting Rowan Dartington Coaching and Open Mind Coaching

p.36

Weddings

p.13

WHAT’S ON FEATURE INSIDE...

p.17

INSIDE A STEP CLOSER

Pg 3

NEW YEAR WITH RAINBOWS

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POOL RE-OPEN AFTER FIRE

Pg 8

The law is changing!

As from the 6th April 2016 you must have your dog microchipped!

Contact 0207 8370006 for more details or visit www.chipmydog.org.uk

DERBY ARENA W “TO PRODUCE CHAMPIONS”

ith its striking Olympic gold, silver and bronze livery, it is impossible to pass through Derby’s Pride Park and not be impressed by the structure of the new Derby Arena. The wait for Derby’s new showpiece facility to open has been long and, once through the doors, inside the Arena is equally impressive. It is now expected that the Arena will finally be opened in March, and the hope is that champions of the future will be produced here.

See full article on page 3.....

GOLFING ABROAD

DA COSTA WINS AFTER ARGY-BARGY

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Page 2. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

61% OF EAST MIDLANDERS ARE PLANNING TO MAKE NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

But region trails behind in terms of those planning to get fitter in the New Year 29th December 2014: According to research published today an impressive 61% of people in the East Midlands are planning to make New Year resolutions.

However the research, undertaken by YouGov for LowLow frozen ready meals, also suggests over a third (35%) of people in the region will break their resolution by the end of January.

The research also revealed that the East Midlands trails behind other regions across Britain in the number of people looking to get fitter in 2015 (23%), compared to a national average of 33%.

Interestingly, the survey revealed that nationally more women would be interested in learning a new make-up tip for 2015 (48%) than said they were resolving to lose weight in the coming year (40%).

Whilst only 5% said they were planning to give up smoking and 11% confirmed they were planning to stop drinking or

reduce their alcoholic intake in 2015.

Appreciating how hard it is to maintain that New Year resolve, LowLow is providing a helping hand this January with its delicious range of meals, all under 350 calories, and its ‘Take 5 and make a difference’ campaign, which is all about making small positive changes that make you feel great about yourself.

This Morning’s celebrity makeup artist, Bryony Blake, is brand ambassador for ‘Take 5’ during January and is sharing some of her top make-up tips for 2015, perfect for those 48% of female respondents who said they would be interested in learning a new make-up technique. 31% want to learn how to apply their eye makeup, whilst a quarter said they were keen to learn more about improving their skin and foundation techniques.

Bryony says: “I’m delighted to be working with LowLow and showing how, with very

COUNTY COUNCIL SIGNS UP TO TACKLE SMOKING IN DERBYSHIRE

Derbyshire County Council leaders have signed up to the Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control as part of work to protect residents from the harm caused by smoking.

Every year in England, more than 80,000 people die from smoking related diseases.

In Derbyshire, between 2011 and 2013 around 3,900 adult deaths were attributable to smoking related diseases.

Although smoking rates are falling in the county, it’s estimated that over 113,000 adults still smoke in Derbyshire.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Dave Allen said: “Smoking remains the biggest cause of preventable illness and premature death in Derbyshire.

“Therefore we welcome the opportunity for us to be able to lead local action to tackle smoking.

“Signing up to this declaration shows that we are making a clear commitment to tackle the harmful effects of tobacco and we will work with our partners to try to and address this problem.”

The responsibility for public health returned to local authority control in 2013.

It’s now the council’s responsibility to tackle smoking and to work with other organisations to promote healthy living choices for the health and wellbeing of residents.

The declaration gives local authorities the opportunity to show their dedication to protecting local communities from harm caused by smoking.

Derbyshire County Council is also part of the newly formed Derbyshire Tobacco Alliance.

The alliance is made up of representatives from local authorities, NHS, police, fire and other organisations.

Members of the alliance also signed up to the NHS Statement of Support for Tobacco Control.

Signing up to a smoke free future: Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor Anne Western, Chief Executive Ian Stephenson, Councillor Dave Allen and Director of Public Health Elaine Michel.

little effort, we can all give ourselves a lift for 2015.

As well as working with celebrities, I make up lots of different people, but one thing that always rings true is small positive changes to how we normally do things really do make a difference.

I hope that my make-up tips will help women become more confident knowing their look will be on trend and give a real boost for the New Year.”

To see Bryony’s make-up tips and ‘how to’ videos visit www.lowlowmeals.com.

Other findings: • 40% of women and 29% of men confirmed they were resolving to lose weight in 2015.

• 36% of women and 30% men are resolving to get fitter.

• 36% of women and over a quarter (26%) of men are aiming to eat more healthily.

• 15% of Brits said they were resolving to take more care with their appearance in 2015.

Drivers and motorcyclists warned to look out for each other

Temporary roadside signs warning drivers and riders to look out for each other this winter have been put up around Derbyshire.

The reflective signs have been placed on roads in the following areas with a history of crashes involving drivers and motorcyclists: - Amber Valley - Bolsover - Chesterfield - Erewash - North East Derbyshire Half of the signs warn drivers to ‘Think Bike’ and the other half remind motorcyclists to filter with care when there’s queueing traffic.

Andy Adlington, the partnership’s motorcycle safety officer, said: “In Derbyshire, countryside crashes involving motorcyclists tend to be caused by rider error - but in urban areas the blame tends to be more evenly split between drivers and the riders themselves. That’s why we’re appealing to both groups to look out for each other during the winter months when bad weather can increase the risk of crashes.”

The signs, which will remain in place until March, have been provided by the Shiny Side Up Partnership - a motorcycle safety group for road safety professionals in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

The road safety partnership offers discounted training for all riders from novices to those with many years of experience. For advice about which course would suit you best, please contact Andy Adlington on 07827 308480 or 01629 538067.

East Midlands Employers’ Upskill Struggle Could Be Eased By Online Education Employers could face an upskill struggle when recruiting for the roles available in a changing job market, set to grow by around 43% in the East Midlands, according to CBI predictions.

The National Careers Council says over half of employers are not confident they will find sufficient recruits for jobs on offer. Growth is expected in sectors such as computer technology, tourism and healthcare, with decline anticipated in areas such as call centre, secretarial and banking employment.* Graduates will be in higher demand as the job market picks up, with 30% of employers expecting to take on more

graduates in the next 12 months.** Online distance learning specialist, RDI, believes upskilling is key for those in the East Midlands seeking employment and higher job satisfaction.

Over half of UK employers cite additional qualifications as a fast-track route to either pay increase or promotion.

‘Learning while earning’ is an attractive option for those seeking qualifications, or new skills that will enable them to find employment in growing sectors of the job market experiencing worker shortages.

There is no need for career breaks while studying, enrolment is possible throughout the year and tuition fee

loans are available, despite fees being significantly lower for online distance learning courses.

In the East Midlands, more than one in seven people have 2 A Levels or the equivalent, but no degree ***.

With degrees for undergraduates and MBAs, BTEC Level 7 Diplomas and Masters qualifications available through online distance learning, the chance to upskill should not be overlooked.

But RDI fears that many mistakenly believe they won’t qualify for enrolment on the right courses.

Dr Philip Hallam, CEO of RDI, said: “Upskilling is going to be massively important to developing job market

and the flexibility that online learning presents makes it an attractive route. The problem is that many people in employment looking for a qualification-led career boost think they aren’t suitable or qualified to study for a degree or masters, when in fact they are. In most cases, courses do take into account relevant workplace experience and pair this with other qualifications to assess eligibility.”

Although the CBI predicts job creation in all UK regions, the low level of skills is seen as the greatest workforce threat to UK competitiveness.

COUNCIL APPROVES PLANS TO CONSULT ON B_LINE Councillors have today (January 20) approved plans to consult on changes to the county’s student travel scheme b_line which could see an extra 6,000 young people in Derbyshire benefit from cut-price bus and rail journeys.

Changes to the scheme, which was launched in 2001 and is for young people aged 11 to 19 who are resident in Derbyshire, are needed because the county council must make cuts of £157m by 2018.

These proposed changes, plus funding from other sources, could help to run the new scheme, and save the council £720,000.

The proposals include: • extending b_line2 to include young people aged 16 to 19 who are not currently in full-time education • withdrawing the discount on bus and rail fares for under 16s because most operators offer a same or better discount • reducing the discount from one third off bus and rail fares to 25% for 16 to

19-year-olds.

Currently there are two types of b_line cards: • b_line1- an orange card for 11,12 and 13-year-olds which acts as proof that the cardholder qualifies for a child fare on buses and trains • b_line2 – a silver card for 14 yearolds up to their 19th birthday who are in full-time education – at least 15 hours a week. The cardholder gets a third off adult single and return fares on all bus and train journeys in Derbyshire and Derby city, and on some trips to nearby towns and cities where the journey starts or finishes in Derbyshire.

Both cards can also be used to get discounts at around 600 local shops and to borrow from all Derbyshire and Derby city libraries. Currently no changes are proposed to these parts of the scheme.

If the proposals get the go-ahead it is estimated that around 6,000 more young people could benefit

from the b_line2 scheme, including apprentices, young people in other types of training and those looking for work.

If the discount for under 16s is withdrawn this age group would still be entitled to bus and train companies’ own discounts which in most cases currently match or better the b_line2 discount.

Councillor Dean Collins, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, said: “Since b_line was launched students now have to stay on at school longer, plus there are different opportunities for young people, other than school. In recognition of this we are proposing to make the travel discounts more widely available so that other groups of young people, such as apprentices, can potentially benefit.

“While we are proposing to extend the scheme we are still confident savings can be made as we are reducing the discount to 25% and most young

people will still be able to benefit from the ticket discounts offered by the bus and rail companies so there is no cost to the council.”

Councillor Collins added: “But no decisions have yet been made and we want as many young people and anyone else who may be affected by the proposed changes to have their say, before we come to any conclusions.”

The consultation is being launched on Wednesday 28 January and questionnaires can be completed online from this date at www. derbyshire.gov.uk/blinechanges.

Printed copies of the questionnaire will also be available from Derbyshire libraries.

This consultation covers Derbyshire County Council’s proposed changes.

Derby City Council is consulting separately on its b_line scheme.

Closing date for responses is midnight, Sunday 22 March 2015.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 3.

OPENING MARCH 2015

Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, Councillor Alison Martin, has spoken to the Derbyshire Guardian to give an insight as to what we may expect from the Arena, and she is quite excited.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the result. I think it’s a stunning and iconic building for the city, clad in Olympic colours representing the Olympic legacy for Derby,” she says. “It’s a magnificent venue, it’s been completed on-time and on-budget and it should represent a fantastic sporting and cultural venue for the people of Derby and Derbyshire.”

Councillor Martin received the keys to the £27.5 million venue, built by Bowmer and Kirkland of Heage, in October and since then the finishing touches have been applied whilst the systems and safety procedures are checked out, and staff trained. Once open, the Arena will be far more than just the well-publicised cycle track, it will become the premier sporting venue in the city for the

public and sporting clubs, but the interest extends far beyond the City boundary.

“We have already had interest from all over the country because of the cycle track,” says Cllr Martin. “As a new leisure centre for people of Derby, there are a range of sports to do there including badminton, netball, volleyball, trampolining and table tennis, There will be dance and exercise studios, and a new 50 station gym. It is a multi-sport arena and it’s important to understand that.

It’s not just a velodrome, although it does have this unique feature of having the cycle track, so it should attract people from across the region.”

As one of only five velodromes in the country, and the only one in the Midlands, the council has received interest from individuals and clubs to use the facility.

The 250m cycle track has been made from 26 miles of Siberian Pine by Velotrack, world-leaders in cycle track design, and, at its steepest angle, the track is 42 degrees. “It does look very exciting,” says Cllr Martin. “It’s quite a skill to ride on one of those tracks. However, you can ride round at the lower level and I’m told that with the training it does become possible for even the ordinary cyclist to go round it. For those who are not already dedicated track cyclists, you will be able to turn up at certain times

and there will be bikes for hire.”

The track is suitable for individual, club, school, group and business track sessions, track leagues, and local, regional, national and international events, although the council will wait for the venue to settle in before they consider holding a major cycling event.

The hope is that, eventually, the venue will stage national and international meetings, with a capacity for 1,500 spectators.

“A lot of well-known cyclists are behind the project,” Cllr Martin adds. “Sir David Brailsford lives locally and he has been very supportive, as have British Cycling who have had a lot of input to the project. I also think the level of excitement created by the Tour de France coming to Britain was really quite inspiring.

There is a lot of excitement about cycling and we are keen to promote cycling in the city.”

Sir Bradley Wiggins’ historic Tour De France victory in 2012 brought cycling to the attention of the wider public, ahead of his Olympic gold medal and a domination, by Team GB, of events in the Olympic velodrome.

Sir Bradley has hinted that he wants to break the one-hour track record and would like to do that in Derby. The current popularity of cycling as a recreation, and spectator sport, was captured by the overwhelming success of the

An excellent view of the track for spectators

opening stages of the 2014 Tour De France in Yorkshire, which also passed through Derbyshire with thousands of cyclists, and non-cyclists, lining the route.

Councillor Martin says the Arena will also be able to host other large events within the infield area. “The infield area is large, sufficient for 12 badminton courts.

What is unique to the Arena is the cycle track has been raised up to the first floor so that you can have access to the infield area beneath the cycle track. These events would take over the use of the Arena, with time to set up, but we are definitely interested in Geoff Cooke believes this facility will produce future champions

WILLINGTON POWER STATION

A STEP CLOSER Planning approval has been given for a 17 mile pipeline, supplying gas to the proposed new power station at Willington. In February 2011, RWE npower was granted planning consent to develop Willington C Power Station, a new gas-fired power station, but the gas pipeline required a separate consent application to the power station. The pipeline would carry gas from a connection with the National Transmission System at Yoxall, in Staffordshire, to the new £1 billion station to be built on the site of the former Willington A and B power stations.

The new Closed Cycle Gas Turbine Power Station at Willington would be a compact industrial facility comprising of four CCGT units, generating a total Apart from the cooling towers, much of the site is derelict

Artists impression of the proposed new facility

capacity of around 2000MW together with four Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) generating units with a combined capacity of 400MW to provide additional capacity at times of peak demand. It is expected that the new station would supply power to around four million homes.

The Willington site is ideal to help deliver new generating capacity in the UK as it was previously developed and has existing connections to the national electricity grid and proximity to cooling water from the River Trent.

The plans to build a new power station should bring a number of long term benefits to the surrounding area. Once operational the plant would create around 100 high quality, long term jobs and lasting investment in the local economy. It is estimated that the new power station could bring a benefit to the local economy of around £10 million each year.

The former, coal fired, Willington A Power Station was officially opened by the Duke of Devonshire in October 1959. Immediately after its opening, construction work began on Willington B, which started generating electricity in 1962.

Between them, Willington A and B had a total generating capacity of 800MW, before closing in 1995 and 1999 respectively. They have since been demolished but their cooling towers, which still stand today at 91 metres high, and some other infrastructure were retained. The cooling towers would have to be removed as the proposed Willington C Power Station would be constructed on the site of these existing facilities.

televised events. To hold events of this nature we need to develop a programme over time. There is no programme yet, but we are talking to people who are interested.”

There are also plans to hold concerts in the Arena and comedian Jimmy Carr has been pencilled in for 10th July with the pantomime Aladdin opening on 7th December. The Arena has a maximum capacity of 5,000 with people standing in the infield, or 3,500 with infield seating. To minimise disruption to the sporting

The new 50 station gym

facilities, this use would be limited to twelve events each year.

There has also been interest in using the Arena for community events while the hospitality suite and large studio could be used for conference and corporate events.

One hundred track bikes will be available for hire, supplied by Derby’s Moda Cycles.

1,179 car parking spaces would normally be available, shared with Derby County’s i-Pro Stadium, although this would be restricted to 79 on match days.

There will be no events timed to clash with Derby’s home games, the council have promised.

Whilst the official opening is likely to be in March, the Arena was due to hold the University of Derby Graduation event, in January, following the fire that closed the Assembly Rooms. As the media got a sneak preview, members of the Derby City Council cabinet were there to try out the new track, getting a taste of their investment. Council leader Ranjit

Banwait defended the cost of this new facility, whilst the council are having to trim millions from their annual budget. “This capital investment, so the money could not have been used for essential services. It’s a superb venue and definitely puts Derby on the map in a unique way. There will be young people who will come and watch the professionals and be inspired by that. We hope that we will produce Olympic medallists’ right here in Derby.”

That sentiment was echoed by Long Eaton’s Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and current World Masters Champion, Geoff Cooke. Mr Cooke (70), head cycling coach for the Derbyshire Institute of Sport, was full of praise for the new track. “It is absolutely wonderful, a dream to ride. It will be so well used, and there will be world champions come off these boards – there’s no question about that.”

Accreditation to use the 250 metre track would be completed in four training stages, a total of six hours, at a cost of £65, although a Derby resident with an adult leisure card would pay just £52. The card would be renewable annually at a charge of £5. Track admission, following accreditation, would cost £12.60 for one hour or £10.50 with the adult leisure card. The hire of a track bike, or tandem, would be £6.50 for an hour, with free helmet hire but no discount. Prices are believed to be competitive with similar venues.

Electric Street (off Wetmore Rd), Burton on Trent, DE14 1RQ

Page 4. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

Challenge yourself for Rainbows this New Year

The East Midlands’ only children’s hospice is calling on people in the community to take to the road, the water, the skies or the mountains to support youngsters with lifelimiting and terminal illnesses.

Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People has launched its 2015 events calendar and is encouraging people to beat the post festive blues by signing up to a challenge. There is a wide range of activities to suit all ages and abilities whose New Year’s resolution is to get fit or do something exciting.

Challenges in the East Midlands

Residents in the Midlands are happy lenders, but feel bad when it comes to asking for their money back Residents in the Midlands are happy lenders, but it seems that their politeness is leaving them out of pocket.

A study by Topcashback. co.uk, released today, reveals that 86 per cent of residents in the Midlands would happily lend money to a friend or family member.

However, when it comes to asking for it back, 61 per cent would feel too bad.

Midlands residents are also letting their friends and family get away with not paying back the pounds they’ve borrowed. 44 per cent would not ask, or expect, £5 back and eight per cent would not ask for as much as £20 back.

The study also reveals that 36 per cent of residents in the Midlands only feel somewhat confident that they would get their money back after lending it to a friend or family member and six per cent are not sure they would get their money back at all. The majority of Midlands residents even give their friends and family leeway on repaying any cash lent.

Other key findings reveal that: 20 per cent of Midlands residents would feel uncomfortable asking work colleagues for money back that they had lent 15 per cent of residents in the Midlands have fallen out with a friend or family member about money that’s not been paid back Around a quarter of residents in the Midlands will itemise a bill when out with friends and family to avoid paying more or owing money

include: - Desford and Belvoir Triathlons - Nottingham Rainbow Colour Run - Nottingham Dragon Boat Challenge - Mansfield Moonlight and Memories Walk - Leicester 10k - Loughborough Moonlight Walk · Derby Cathedral Abseil · East Midlands Skydive Some of the more extreme challenges include Snowdon Multi-Activity Challenge, Yorkshire 5 Activities Challenge, cycling off the beaten track in India, 3 Peaks Challenge:24 hours and the conquering Mount

Kilimanjaro.

People can also sign up to national events such as the Virgin London Marathon and the Bupa Great North Run, all in aid of Rainbows.

Katie Baxter, community and events manager at Rainbows, said: “This year we have some new and really exciting challenges. The New Year is a perfect time to focus on setting a personal challenge as we often feel guilty about indulging over the festive period.

“This year we have challenges for walkers, runners, cyclists, swimmers and our events range from across the continent to here

in the East Midlands. Some of the events are a lot tougher than others and people will need time to train so we would encourage them to sign up as soon as possible.

“All of our events are a fantastic opportunity to take on a challenge, get fit, meet other likeminded people and raise funds for Rainbows, which supports more than 318 children and young people with life-limited illnesses in the East Midlands.”

For more information, contact 0800 9521133, email fundraising@rainbows.co.uk or visit www.rainbows.co.uk/ challenges15

2.9 MILLION OLDER PEOPLE FEEL THEY HAVE Over 65s call for clearer NO ONE TO TURN TO FOR HELP AND SUPPORT law on pavement parking Nearly two thirds (65%) of East Mindlanders say that feeling part of others’ lives is crucial to happiness A new Age UK survey* reveals that one in four (2.9 million)1 people aged 65 and over feel they have no one to go to for help and support. Of these, 39% said they felt lonely and one in five (21%) said they felt forgotten as a result of this. In addition, half of younger people aged 25-44 admitted that they have worried about being alone in later life.

The research shows just how crucial having someone to turn to is if we’re to be happy and fulfilled in our lives. For all adults from the East Midlands, being able to talk and laugh with someone is the most important thing of all (75%)2, with 62% saying going for a walk together has made them happy. Sixty per cent of all East Midlanders said this for having someone to eat with, and nearly two thirds (65%) said that feeling that they are part of other people’s lives makes them happy.

The findings come as Age UK prepares to launch ‘No one should have no one’ on Monday

19th January, in order to raise awareness about the millions of older people who are facing later life alone. Age UK is calling for donations to enable it to continue the vital work of providing companionship, support and advice.

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “We all face ups and downs and our survey shows that sadly, millions of older people could be doing so almost entirely alone. This means they have no one close with whom to share the good times, or to go to for support when life is tough or for trusted advice to help solve a nagging problem. That’s why we’re asking the public to donate today so we can continue to give millions of older people the companionship, support and advice they need. We also hope these findings will spur everyone into being good neighbours to older people living nearby. Truly, no one should have no one in our society and together we can

make sure that no one does.”

Having someone to turn to is important to us all, and this was highlighted in the survey with many adults from the East Midlands saying that everyday things, such as meals out (46%), going on holiday (33%) and having a TV (33%) are currently less important than having someone to go to for help and support.

Older people and their families can call Age UK Advice for free on 0800 169 65 65 to find out how the Age UK network can help someone who may be feeling alone. Lines are open 365 days a year from 8am – 7pm.

To support Age UK’s work and help it provide companionship, advice and support for millions of people facing later life alone people can donate £3 today by texting3 ALONE to 70099, calling 0800 678 1186 or visiting www.ageuk.org.uk.

A new project to transform children’s social care by prioritising frontline work with vulnerable families over formfilling and needless bureaucracy has secured government backing worth up to £4.2 million.

The ‘Reclaiming Social Work’ programme – backed by Morning Lane Associates, one of the leading children’s social care services in the UK – will overhaul the entire child protection systems of five councils across the country, looking at ways red tape can be stripped from the system and prioritising work to keep families together.

The scheme, which will benefit Derbyshire, Harrow, Hull,

Southwark and Buckinghamshire, is one of the latest projects that have successfully bid for money through the government’s Innovation Programme.

Children and Families Minister, Edward Timpson, said: “Having grown up with around 80 foster children and worked as a family lawyer in the care system for over a decade, I’ve seen up close and personal the pressures that social workers are under - and also the wonders they can work in the most desperate circumstances. But they must be freed up to do the job they were hired to do – supporting our most vulnerable children and families.”

“Reclaiming Social Work will see

councils rethink processes and structures so social workers are able to do the things that really matter, and families placed at the heart of decision making. I’m hugely excited to see what this venture achieves.”

The Programme – backed by funding worth £100 million - aims to kick start the most promising proposals for new ways of working such as supporting young people leaving care and taking their first steps into adulthood or looking at new bespoke services such as FGM prevention.

Steve Goodman, Director, Morning Lane Associates, said: “Our experience of working with social workers across the

Pavement parking is a danger for older people and legislation should be clearer, says the results of a YouGov poll commissioned by Living Streets out today (09 January 2015).

Over half of UK adults aged 65 and over (51 per cent) have no idea whether or not parking on the pavement is illegal in their local area. As MP Martin Horwood’s ‘pavement parking bill’ receives its second reading in the House of Commons today, legislation needs to be standardised across the country says the pedestrian campaign charity.

While pavement parking is against the law in London and some parts of the UK, the law is unclear elsewhere.

£4.2M TO RECLAIM SOCIAL WORK ACROSS THE COUNTRY country is that the hunger for change is everywhere. The task of creating new cultural and procedural systems that enable social workers to focus entirely on practice is enormous.

“Morning Lane with our five partner authorities relish the opportunity the Government have given us to show that this challenge can be met. We will be inviting applications from bright, passionate social workers to join us in this endeavour.’

The government’s Innovation Programme will focus on two key target areas – fresh ways of working in children’s social work and better support for young people in or on the edge of care.

Living Streets’ Chief Executive, Joe Irvin, said: ‘Pavements are not car parks.

Pavement parking is a nuisance for everyone, but if you’re older, have mobility problems or impaired sight, it can force you into the road and into danger.

It’s not just the public who are confused; often local authorities and police forces are unclear over who is responsible, which means the issue fails to be addressed. Martin Horwood’s bill is a perfect opportunity to enact clear legislation which would make walking safer and easier for everybody.’

Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood, said: ‘This is not just an issue in my constituency, but across the country. Cars parked on the pavement are particularly hazardous for blind and partiallysighted people, older people or if you’re pushing a buggy or a wheelchair. This bill is well supported and a small step towards improving the quality of life for a lot of people.’

Exciting proposals so far have included: A group of councils who have designed their own new approach to social work practice, based around getting social workers back into intensive, in-depth work with families; Expanding a project which helps women who have had successive children taken into care by interrupting repeat pregnancies and giving them a chance to turn their lives around; A council interested in developing a care pathway approach that provides a detailed assessment of young people’s needs within the first few weeks in care, and provides a consistent team of staff to work with that young person wherever they move through the care system.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 5.

1.

TESCO ABANDONS PLANS FOR ALLENTON “Our performance as a business has fallen significantly short of where we would want it to be and financial resources available for new investment are severely constrained.”

Allenton is a busy shopping area

and we want it to stay that way.

They were going force changes upon us that we really did not want, it was going to be covered, with fewer stalls and open every day. Tesco would also have hit the smaller shops nearby. I think they will be pleased about it.” Councillor Paul Bayliss has worked hard to keep the project alive.

Tesco were planning to build on the site of the Mitre public house Supermarket chain Tesco has abandoned its plan to build a new store in Allenton, along with 48 other proposed new stores across the UK, including one in Shirebrook. The 60,000 square feet Allenton supermarket was to have been built on the site of the Mitre public house, empty retail units and a number of houses. The development would also have seen the refurbishment of the adjoining Allenton Market. The new store could have created hundreds of jobs in the area, but local businesses have welcomed the news, as the new supermarket could have forced the closure of other shops in a vibrant shopping district.

Tesco was granted planning permission to build a 24-hour superstore and petrol station in July 2011 on the site next to the Spider Island.

However, it has been a difficult year for Tesco, beginning with the revelations that it had overestimated its half-year profits by £250 million.

The four big supermarkets Tesco, Sainsbury’s,

Morrisons and Asda have also faced increased competition from the discount stores Aldi and Lidl and this has forced a review of proposed investment projects.

In a statement Tesco chief executive Dave Lewis said “Our performance as a business has fallen significantly short of where we would want it to be and financial resources available for new investment are severely constrained. We have had to critically review all current and future investment decisions.

I am sorry that we have been unable to deliver the investment that we intended.”

Tesco have also announced other measures to try and reduce overheads by 30%, including the closing of a number of unprofitable stores, some of which will be local convenience stores. It is not known if any of these will be in the Derby area.

For Andy Allsop, Treasurer of Allenton Market Association, the decision has come as a relief. “It’s a traditional open-air market, the only one in Derby

RESIDENTS OFFERED FREE ONE TO ONE WORK AND BENEFITS COMPUTER HELP SESSIONS Help for residents wanting to go online to find out about jobs and benefits is available through a Derbyshire County Council scheme. The ‘Work and Benefits Help Sessions’ are a response to increasing numbers of people coming into Derbyshire libraries seeking assistance on these topics.

The sessions are held in areas of Derbyshire with the highest unemployment. They are free of charge and on a one to one basis. Councillor Ellie Wilcox, Derbyshire County Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Health and Communities said: “These sessions will help people who don’t have much experience or confidence in using a computer to find out about jobs and benefits.

“Those who are job hunting can often be at a disadvantage if they can’t apply online and we want to help with this. “We also want to help people with money worries to find out information about the benefits and support that they may be eligible for. “Our librarians will work with people to give all the help they can and they can then refer them to other organisations for further support if necessary.

“I am delighted to see our libraries providing such a useful scheme in their local communities”.

Staff providing the sessions are working with organisations such as the Department for Work and Pensions, Citizens Advice Bureau, Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centre, Derbyshire Law Centre, the Volunteer Centre and the county council’s own Welfare Rights Service. People who have a one to one session will be given further support through relevant information sheets for them to take away

afterwards. The subjects covered will include job searching, volunteering opportunities, money matters, legal information and advice, a beginners guide to the Internet, setting up an email account and using Netloan machines in Derbyshire libraries. The one to one sessions are offered at the libraries in Bolsover, Buxton, Chesterfield, Clay Cross, Creswell, Gamesley, Glossop, Holmewood, Ilkeston, Long Eaton, Sandiacre, Shirebrook, South Normanton, Staveley and Swadlincote.

All 45 libraries across the county have a ‘Work and Benefits Help’ information pack that members of the public are welcome to use to find information. Chesterfield library is also hosting regular Employability Workshops.

These take place each Friday morning and are run by the county council’s careers service.

The workshops are like a Job Club. They can help and advise people who are looking for work or a change in career, those who are at risk of redundancy and those who want to create a CV or update an existing one.

Anyone interested should to drop in between 9.30am and 12.30pm on a Friday morning or they can pre-book a session at the library help desk or by calling 01629 533400.

Further information about the Work and Benefits sessions and the Employability Workshops is available by contacting Derbyshire County Council’s Library Information Service on 01629 533444 or by emailing asklibrary@derbyshire.gov.uk

He is disappointed with the outcome. “It is a real blow. The decision not to push ahead is bitterly disappointing.”

Derby City Council now have to find an alternative use for Mitre site, whilst Aldi are planning to build a new Allenton store on the corner of Harvey Road and Coleman Street.

PRICE OF PETROL FALLS

Motorists have had a Happy New Year as petrol prices have fallen to a five year low.

The big-four supermarkets have helped drive prices down with Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons and Asda all reducing the price of petrol and diesel, forcing the major fuel companies to follow suit.

As motorists returned to work, following the Christmas break, prices hit 107.9 pence for a litre of petrol and 114.9 for diesel, the lowest prices since the autumn of 2010. This is a welcome start to the New Year for motorists and businesses alike. The fall in prices at the pumps follows a recent halving in the price of oil, with Brent Crude now costing less than $55 a barrel.

Six months ago the price was $115, with motorists paying over £1.30 a litre for both petrol and diesel.

The RAC has predicted that prices could fall further, towards £1 a litre, although the AA have warned that rural areas are likely to see smaller reductions.

Letter to the Editor

There are 14000 people in Derbyshire with dementia, but that number includes many people who don’t have a formal diagnosis, meaning that they are missing out on vital support. I want to take the opportunity to ask your readers to help us change that.

Over Christmas and New Year, many of us met up with friends and relatives that we hadn’t seen for some time. Did you notice changes in their behaviour or short term memory that might not be noticed by those seeing them day to day?

If so, encourage them to seek help either from Alzheimer’s Society in Derbyshire or from their GP. It may be nothing to worry about, but memory problems can be a sign of dementia and getting advice early is really important to help people live well with the condition.

We can be contacted on 01332 208845 or 01246 223366.

Page 6. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

Clare Walker

CONSULTANCY “My Story” Clare Walker was just 21-years-old and two months pregnant when, as a victim of domestic abuse, she found herself homeless.

It is still painful for her to recall the horror of turning up at what was then called a battered wives hostel…only to be humiliated and made to feel worthless from the moment she arrived.

Far from finding a community where people would help her rebuild her life, she remembers sobbing in the manager’s office for her “induction” the day she arrived.

Clare said: “I was frightened and in tears because my whole life had collapsed around me and instead of receiving any comfort, I had to sit and listen while two pages of rules and regulations were read aloud to me.

“I felt that I was no use to anyone and that I was being punished even more for what had happened to me in the past.”

Clare made up her mind that just as soon as she got her life back on track and once again felt confident about herself and her value to society, she would do all in her power to help other domestic abuse victims.

She wanted to ensure that the help they got was appropriate, sensitive and took the victims’ needs into account, instead of the cold, uncaring world she found herself in.

Fast forward 20+ years and after several jobs in bars, hotels and the food service industry, Clare runs the Clare Walker Consultancy which specialises in domestic abuse training and consultancy for professionals.

To get to this point she began doing voluntary work with homeless people, became a family support worker, helped children and vulnerable people in safe houses and set up the first Freedom Program for Family Action in Leicester.

Now as well as training and consultancy Clare does guest speaking, workshops, conferences and teaches locally, nationally and internationally.

Her services include: - A range of domestic abuse training packages - Licensed facilitator of the Freedom Programme - Expert speaker and panel member - Guest speaker and conference host - 1-2-1 consultancy for private matters - Partnerships and collaboration - Expert Witness for Court processes Her website has a range of resources for victims of abuse and their families, including guides on how to spot warning signs of abuse, safety planning and a blog where she writes about a wide range of relevant topics.

Clare will also be conducting Freedom Programme training in Derby between March 23 and 25 and full details can be found on her website.

She said she felt very humbled to be in the position she now finds herself where she can play an active role in helping other abuse victims, by improving practices Clare said: “I have a variety of training packages I train professionals in, so that victims can get the support they need and deserve.”

“It is important that the specific needs and challenges of victims are understood and met and that those who support them do so in a caring, professional and, above all, non-judgmental manner.”

“When people tell me that I have helped them then it has me welling up with pride for their achievement as I know how fulfilling and empowering it is to come to terms with domestic abuse and be able to get your life back once more.”

For further information see Clare’s website at www.clarewalkerconsultancy.com

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 7.

DERBYSHIRE AIR AMBULANCE CALLED OUT TO MORE EMERGENCIES IN 2014

The Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) was called out on 1,032 missions during 2014, an increase of over 100 on the previous year, approximately missions three per day. The three most common types of accidents or emergencies were road traffic collisions (43%), medical emergencies (15%) and sports injuries at 13%. The air ambulance also attended

industrial incidents, falls, and other serious incidents.

Philippa Gibbs, critical care paramedic, said: “Our services attended more accidents and emergencies this year than for several years prior. We can’t be everywhere, but we strive to be available whenever we can be to help save lives and improve patient recovery." Last year also saw a big increase in the number of community volunteers

fundraising and helping to promote the work of the air ambulance.

This week the Air Ambulance Service (TAAS), the umbrella charity for two helicopter servicesDLRAA and Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, launched a campaign appealing for more volunteers, aiming to reach 500 by the end of 2015.

Jo Payne, national volunteering manager, said: “We can’t do our

vital work without the help of our volunteers. We will be continuing our recruitment throughout 2015 to build our volunteer numbers and ensure we have supporter groups actively working in all key areas.”

The charity receives no government funding and relies entirely on public generosity.

Therefore, volunteers and donations are vital to keep the air ambulance crews rescuing people in need. Each DLRAA mission costs around £1,700.

To volunteer or donate to the air ambulance, call 08454 130999 or visit www.theairambulance service.org.uk and click ‘Get Involved’.

MILLER HOMES MIDLANDS BUILDS FOR THE FUTURE IN 2015 Miller Homes Midlands has announced plans to build more than 500 new homes in the region.

The properties will be spread across five new sites in the Midlands, all of which are planned to launch within the next 12 months.

The award-winning housebuilder currently has nine developments in the East Midlands and the two new sites planned for the East in 2015, will be based in Derbyshire.

Miller Homes has acquired land

in the villages of Repton and Littleover and work is due to start in these areas during the next six months.

There will also be new developments in the West of the region with sites earmarked in Telford in Shropshire, Wellesbourne in Warwickshire and Wythall in Worcestershire.

For Alastair Parsons, sales director at Miller Homes Midlands, this announcement is testament to the buoyancy of the property market in the region.

He said: “We are looking forward to an exciting year for Miller Homes Midlands after a successful 2014, with six forthcoming developments planned for the region.

“The Government-backed Help to Buy scheme is still giving people the confidence to move and added to this the recent changes in stamp duty, we expect to see a boost to the property market this year.”

Miller Homes has been awarded 5 Stars for Customer Satisfaction

in the Home Builders Federation (HBF) National New Home Customer Satisfaction Survey and Alastair believes this really shows the Miller difference.

He added: “It’s really important for us that we get the locations and the properties we build just right for our buyers. We offer the highest quality and innovative designs and are looking forward to welcoming househunters to our new and existing developments over the coming months.”

Miller Homes currently has a

“Our services attended more accidents and emergencies this year than for several years prior. We can’t be everywhere, but we strive to be available whenever we can be to help save lives and improve patient recovery." number of active developments in the East Midlands, covering Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.

For more on Miller Homes in the Midlands, visit www.millerhomes.co.uk

Deafblind charity calls for Derbyshire marathon runners Sense, the national deafblind charity, is offering budding athletes from Derbyshire the opportunity to take the challenge of a lifetime and run this year’s London Marathon.

The charity that supports and campaigns for people who are both deaf and blind across Derbyshire, has guaranteed places for the iconic race in April.

Tara Hamdi from Sense, said: “The London Marathon is one of the world’s greatest but getting a place can be difficult, so Sense wants to give local runners the chance to run for a cause close to home. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a novice we’ll support you every step of the way, from training and fundraising to the big day itself.”

If you would like to run for Sense, you can register online at www.sense.org. uk/londonmarathon, call the Marathon Hotline on 0300 330 9257 or email marathon@sense.org.uk.

The closing date is January 23.

Page 8. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

FINES FOR DRIVERS CAUGHT IN BUS LANES council announced they would begin to issue penalty notices, with £60 fines, to all drivers abusing these bus lanes.

Derby City Council say the bus lanes on Friar Gate, Siddals Road and the Nottingham Road approach to the Pentagon Island have been the subject of complaints from bus companies, and other road users, about abuse of these lanes by inconsiderate drivers. Additional signage has been put in place to warn drivers of the enforcement cameras at each location.

Councillor Asaf Afzal, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and Streetpride, hopes the cameras will encourage some drivers to be more considerate.

“CCTV cameras are the only effective way in which we can challenge the behaviour of some drivers,” he says. “They have been operational in these three bus lanes since early December 2014 and warning notices have been issued to a lot of vehicle owners. We will now start to issue penalty charge notices and I hope that drivers will heed this warning and comply with the traffic signs in these locations.”

East Midlands Trains have also used the scheme to clamp down on car drivers parking in bus stops at Derby railway station. The integrated bus exchange at the station has always

The bus and taxi lane in Friar Gate

Inconsiderate drivers have been warned not to use three of Derby’s bus lanes. They could be caught on camera and face being handed a £60 fine.

Derby City Council have installed 24hour CCTV cameras to monitor the bus lanes around the clock. In January the

The Nottingham Road approach to the Pentagon

The bus stop at Derby railway station

Warning sign outside the railway station

been a no drop-off zone and this area will now fall under the City Council’s camera enforcement scheme to help improve safety in this area. Again, the council has put up signs warning that anyone caught parking in bus stops at the station would face a fine.

APPEAL TO DERBYSHIRE EMPLOYERS ASHBOURNE POOL REOPENS AFTER FIRE AS NEW FIGURES UNDERLINE IMPORTANCE OF WORKPLACE SAFETY

Inside the pool

The pool at Ashbourne Leisure Centre reopened in January, six months after it was closed following an arson attack. The Derbyshire Dales District Council amenity had only just reopened after refurbishment when a fire was started in a rubbish bin outside the building on 26 July.

18 year old Konrad Stoch, of Ashbourne, was given a 20-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work after pleading guilty to arson.

The fire spread to the roof and damaged the plant

Ashbourne Leisure Centre

Carl Wignall, Duty Manager

room and pool filtration system, forcing closure of the pool. The centre’s fitness suite, sports hall and squash courts remained open, but local swimmers and swimming clubs have had to travel to use other pools.Ashbourne district councillor Steve Bull said the fire caused more than £150,000 in damages.

Centre duty manager Carl Wignall said local residents would be pleased to return as they have missed the social element of the pool. “I am really looking forward to having the pool back in use,” he added.

Safety watchdog the Health and Safety Executive is marking its 40th anniversary with an appeal for Derbyshire businesses to make the wellbeing of workers their top priority for the new financial year.

It comes as new figures show that three people lost their lives while at work across the Derbyshire in 2013/14 and 1,333 suffered injury. That compares to two deaths and 1,351 injuries in Derbyshire the previous year.

Statistics were also released today (14 Jan) showing the scale of workplace illness. Across Derbyshire some 24,200 people were estimated to have been made ill through their work over the same period.

Nationally, across Great Britain, there were 133 deaths at work in 2013/14, more than 79,500 injuries were formally reported (through RIDDOR) and over 1.1 million people are estimated to have been made ill.

That is a huge reduction from when HSE was formally established in January 1975 to enforce the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 – the statute that underpins all health and safety legislation, and that is credited with making the UK one of the safest places to work in the world. In 1974/75 a total of 651 employees alone were killed, and that is without including self-employed workers whose deaths were not recorded in the same way. The stark decline is welcome, but local employers are being urged to review whether they can do more to protect their workforce.

The latest figures show that those involved in construction, manufacturing and waste and recycling are most at risk, with agriculture another industry where sustained improvement is needed.

Areas of particular concern include falls from height; work on machinery that is poorly maintained and guarded; and failing to properly manage workplace transport.

Samantha Peace, HSE Regional Director for the East Midlands said: “The families of the workers in Derbyshire who sadly lost their

lives last year have just had to spend the festive period without their loved ones, while thousands of other workers were made ill through their work or had their lives changed forever by a major injury.

“The figures offer encouragement that we are continuing to head in the right direction, but they also show that we can still go further and challenge the industries where there is room to do more.

“Workplace conditions have improved dramatically in the past four decades, but as employers plan and prepare for the new financial year they need to ensure that health, safety and welfare is a clear focus.”

HSE Chair, Judith Hackitt, added: “In the forty years since HSE was formed, we’ve worked with businesses, workers and government to make Britain a healthier and safer place to work.

“Thousands of serious injuries have been prevented and workrelated deaths have reduced by 85 per cent. HSE has helped

Britain become one of the safest places to work in the world.

“But we must also recognise that there is still a big challenge to prevent the suffering which does still occur. Seeing the annual statistics always leads to mixed emotions, sympathy for those who have suffered injury themselves and for the families and workmates of those who have lost their lives, determination to improve things further as well as encouragement that we are continuing to make progress in reducing the toll of suffering.

“For the last eight years we have consistently recorded one of the lowest rates of fatal injuries to workers among the leading industrial nations in Europe.

However, in HSE’s 40th year it is right that we acknowledge the progress we’ve made and look to a future of striving to bring down these statistics even further.”

Information on tackling health and safety dangers in workplaces is available on HSE’s website at www.hse.gov.uk.

Have an event that you would like to advertise?

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

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 9.

1.

FORMER COLLEGE SITE COULD BE CATALYST FOR REGENERATION

The former Derby College site is attracting interest from potential buyers

A former college campus site in Heanor has been put up for sale and it is hoped that development of the site could play a key role in regenerating the town centre.

Derby College has owned the Mundy Street site since its merger with South East Derbyshire College in February 2010 and is now looking for a buyer keen to breathe new life into the currently mothballed site. The College is working with Derby-based commercial property agents Rigby & Co to market the site to potential developers. The deadline for bids is early March.

The Mundy Street site includes the former Heanor Grammar School, a Grade II listed building, together with a three-storey classroom block and an extension to the main building.

Russell Rigby, Director of Rigby & Co, said he was confident a buyer could be found, largely thanks to the work Derby College has done to secure the site and preserve the listed building.

“We already have considerable interest in a range of uses, spanning residential through to

Heanor town centre is in need of regeneration

commercial and, possibly, care accommodation for the elderly,” said Mr Rigby. “Final offers will be invited from all those interested in buying the site during the early part of March 2015.”

Derby College Chief Executive Mandie Stravino said that refurbishing the site for education purposes was not a viable option.

“Young people and adult learners in the Heanor area are already benefiting from the vocational facilities at our new Ilkeston campus and at Broomfield Hall, in Morley, which is a centre of excellence for land-based, public services and sports programmes.

We have spent a considerable amount of money preserving the

main building at Mundy Street to ensure it remains attractive to buyers. With the property market picking up, now is the right time to take the site to market.”

The former college is very close to the Market Place, in the centre of Heanor town, an area that has struggled in recent years. A large supermarket and other retail outlets on the edge of the town have drawn trade away from the heart of the town which now has a high proportion of charity shops and vacant premises. A significant development on the Mundy Street site could provide a much needed stimulus to rejuvenate the town centre.

COUNCIL AIMS TO SAVE MOST OF DERBYSHIRE’S SCHOOL CROSSING PATROL SERVICE Councillor Dean Collins, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure today announced that most of Derbyshire’s school crossing patrol service could be saved, if Cabinet agree to proposals at a meeting on 20 January.

Councillor Collins said: “In July 2014 the council faced the prospect of losing all the school crossing patrol service unless alternative funding could be found. So I am delighted that we have managed to find the funding, by using public health money, to propose keeping most of the service.”

The proposals include: - Keeping the service at 93 sites that meet criteria based on national guidance - Ending the service at 36 sites where there are either zebra or light-controlled crossings - Ending the lunchtime service – currently only at 7 schools - Keeping the service at 60 sites that don’t meet specific criteria, but if employees leave these sites they will not be replaced.

- There are currently 19 sites not meeting the criteria that have become vacant following employees leaving their jobs. These will not be replaced.

There are School Crossing Patrols at 189 sites across the county, all of which have been assessed against national guidance.

Councillor Collins continued: “We’ll be asking Cabinet for the go ahead to consult on these proposals, and should they agree we’ll consult with families, school children, schools and the public later in the year before any decisions are made.”

Cabinet will also be asked to approve the timetable for consultation. It is proposed that the timetable is: - From January 2015 – 12 week consultation - Spring/early Summer 2015 – evaluation of consultation responses - Early/late Summer 2015 – report back to Cabinet and staff consultation - Autumn 2015 – plans implemented For media enquiries please contact the press office on 01629 538205.

FREE PARKING SCHEME EXTENDED IN EREWASH Two free parking schemes in Erewash have been extended for a six month trial period in the hope of boosting town centre trade. The schemes ran in December in Ilkeston and Long Eaton and Erewash Borough Council have now agreed to run them until June.Shoppers can park in any of the car parks offering the free parking at any time of the day but must clearly display a valid ticket obtained from the pay-and-display machine. The free ticket will show the expiry time, allowing up to 60 minutes free parking and replacing free 30-minute parking bays.Eleven car parks in Ilkeston are offering the free parking: Albion Centre, Albion Centre extension, Baker Street, Chapel Street, Club Row, East Street, Pimlico, Queen Street, South Street, Station Road, and Wilton Place.The Long Eaton car parks in the scheme are on Beaconsfield Street, Claye Street, Gibb Street, Lawrence Street and the lower Town Hall.

Councillors in Erewash have agreed to run the one-hour free parking as a pilot until Sunday, June 28, in the busiest town centre car parks.

The scheme will be monitored with local traders asked to report on the impact the free parking

It is hoped free parking will encourage more shoppers in the Erewash

Car park sign displays the new tariff

has on their businesses.

Erewash Borough Council’s lead member for environment, Councillor Barbara Harrison, said: “We see this as a major step in our drive to support our town centres and it follows discussions with local businesses, the Chamber of Trade and local residents. They felt that an increased period of free parking would be beneficial and we are delighted with this very positive move.”

Meanwhile, Derby City Council has revealed it made more than £1.4 million from parking charges and fines for the year 2013-14. The figure of £1,458,000 was down from £1,823,000 in the previous year.

Derby traders have often spoken of the negative impact that parking charges have on city centre trade and would welcome a relaxation of charges, as is taking place in Erewash.

A council spokesperson said that the surplus must, by law, be spent on maintaining and improving roads, car parks and public transport.

The fall in revenue, in the latest figures, was due to the closure of Liversage Street car park, together with fewer penalty charge notices being issued.

Page 10. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 11.

Page 12. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

Radis Community Care Radis Community Care is uncompromising in its commitment to delivering high quality service and maintaining the very highest of standards right across its range of services.

This goes to explain why that since being established in 1998 it has grown to grown to become a leading provider of communitybased social care and support for vulnerable adults and children living across England and Wales.

There is a clear set of values which underpins everything they do and all the staff are carefully selected and trained to that they meet the highest professional standards at all times.

Their vision is ‘to be the outstanding service provider in the UK, making a positive difference to people’s lives’ and Radis Community Care were named winners of the The Great British Care Awards in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Their staff provide vital support to many thousands of people, allowing them to live independently within their own homes while being assisted with appropriate care and support services.

Crucially the philosophy is to understand that every client is unique with a specific set of needs and requirements.

Through a network of local branches, with managers and care staff based close by, the truly local presence means that clients can be provided with the personal touch 365 days a year.

Radis Community Care is an equal opportunities employer, with staff paid a competitive salary, with travel time and mileage expenses included.

Services include caring for frail or disabled people, live-in services and outreach support. Check out their website - http://radis.co.uk/ - for the full range of services provided and for the full network of branches in your area

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RENEWABLE ENERGY The government aims for 15% of the country’s energy to be renewable by 2020 which would cut carbon emissions by 34% Government incentives are available to encourage people to make the change

Biomass Energy Biomass is a renewable low carbon fuel widely available throughout the UK in the form of wood chips, pellets or logs.

Wood fuel is a low carbon alternative to fossil fuels When replacing oil or electric it can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%.

Mainline provide a full installation service for Biomass Boilers including design and complete project management.

We tailor each installation to the customer’s individual requirements.

Biomass Boilers can be installed into existing buildings or come with their own container (pod) Biomass boilers are ideal for large residential properties, farms, care homes, sports clubs, community centres, schools, hotels and businesses Biomass boilers can be connected to virtually any existing heating system.

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Once RHI claim is processed customer will receive monthly energy payments from the government.

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Converting to solar energy is a great way of reducing your carbon footprint Reducing the electricity you draw from the national gird reduces carbon emissions Our Solar panels have a 25 year performance warranty Once you install solar panels the environment will benefit for quarter of a century The government issue financial incentives to encourage people to make the change Mainline can install solar panels for businesses and private homes Solar is ideal for sports clubs, farms, churches, schools, hotels, community centres or care homes We work with our customers to devise the best system for them providing roof or ground mounted panels Electricity bills will be reduced It doesn’t have to be a sunny day, the panels work on cloudy days too The power that is generated in the day is used throughout the night so it doesn’t have to be daytime to operate your appliances Reduce your electricity bills and your carbon footprint at the same time with solar panels

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 13.

Page 14. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

What makes getting married on a yacht Special?

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

Our Wedding Yachts are the only yachts of their kind in Cyprus, purposely built to be able to offer something special with luxury at affordable prices. Our yachts hold up to 150 guests with a choice of six yachts to choose from, depending on the town you are staying in here in Cyprus. Each yacht has its own individual design, lighting, music and seating for dinner offering something that is private and intimate which is hard to find nowadays. Each yacht is decorated based on your colour scheme and the yachts can be used as both a cruising and unique dockside venue, although wedding ceremonies, to abide by the law, have to be docked in the harbour whilst the marriage takes place.

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

Say your “I dos” surrounded by stunning scenery or dance the night away under the stars on our yachts.

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We offer many more bijou accessories in store, from matching wedding sash and Garters to Feather fans, shabby chic parasols and couture shoes .

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They run Bespoke Vintage Castle and bring a touch of glamour, vintage love and shabby chic creativity to everything they do.

They get their creativity from their mother who was a successful London fashion designer from the early 90s and offer beautiful hand-made bridal accessories with elements of Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls and raw silk.

Betty said: “I love all things vintage, French, shabby chic and rustic.

“My inspiration for Bespoke Vintage Castle came from when I went to Paris and stayed in a

stately country Manor, that was beyond gorgeous, with rushing streams, cobbled footpaths, wild flowers and the sound of clipclopping horses.

“I was so inspired by the way the French manifest their creativity through food, décor and the latest fashions that I decided to undertake my own creations with

the inspiration I have had.”

At Bespoke Vintage Castle OUR focus is on super sparkly hair accessories that take your breath away and gorgeous elegantly designed, stunning vintage Brooch Bouquets” Bespoke Vintage Castle is also very easy to get in touch with online:

Do not hesitate to contact us in the studio for more information and let us shed the stress of your special day for you.

078969 55282 www.bespokevintagecastleweddings.co.uk www.etsy.com/shop/bespokevintagecastle

f t

Vintageellie bespokevcastle

i b

bespokevintagecastle bespokevintagecastle.blogspot.co.uk

Website: www.bespokevintagecastlewedding.co.uk Twitter - https://twitter.com/bespokevcastle Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Vintageellie Instagram- http://instagram.com/bespokevintagecastle/ Blogger- http://bespokevintagecastle.blogspot.co.uk/

You can also contact Betty on her mobile 078969 55282

Derbyshire DerbyshireGuardian.

Guardian.Issue Issue25: 25:Page Page15.

1.

Tel: 03001118001 Email: Registrarsenquiries@staffordshire.gov.uk Located in the heart of Stafford, this magnificent grade 2 listed building provides an elegant getting for a unique and distinctive ceremony and reception. The building is available on an exclusive basis so you can celebrate in total privacy, the venue is available from 1pm. There are five elegant rooms of varying size and character to choose from and our team are on hand to help you to choose the best option to suit your requirements.

County Buildings offers a variety of photographic locations. The magnificent sweeping staircase offers a breath taking backdrop for a grand entrance; the lobby has a stunning ornate stained glass dome and period feature fireplace and not to mention the two decorative antique crystal chandeliers which hang as focal points in two of our rooms.

County Buildings is licenced for Civil Ceremonies and Civil Partnerships, options range from hiring the venue for a ceremony or having a ceremony and reception. From afternoon tea to champagne and canapĂŠs to a full wedding breakfast we can personalise your ceremony to fit your requirements. These options are also suitable for Vow Renewal ceremonies to celebrate that special anniversary or an important event and for Naming Ceremonies to celebrate the birth of a child or the joining of a family.

Staffordshire has over 110 licenced venues where couples can hold their ceremony and there are eight registration Offices throughout the County where ceremonies can be held.

The county register office is located in the heart of Stafford town centre, the Boscobel room provides a large contemporary ceremony room that seats 50 people, the room is air conditioned and is furnished in modern fresh colours.

Being just a short walk to the centre of Stafford the venue is situated close to many restaurant’s, eateries and hotels which are a perfect setting for formal and informal receptions. The venue can hold Marriages, Civil Partnerships, Vow Renewals and also Naming ceremonies and all are available Monday to Saturday, (excluding bank holidays.)

Steve Sutton photography

Like and follow the Getting Married facebook page for information on getting married, the venues in Stafforshire and to ask us any questions: www.facebook.com/gettingmarriedinstaffordshire You can also follow us on twitter: @marriagestaffs

!

Page 16. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

Derbyshire DerbyshireGuardian.

Guardian.Issue Issue25: 25:Page Page17.

1.

Las Vegas headliner Matt Goss to perform exclusive show at Nottingham casino For one night only, Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace headliner Matt Goss will perform at an exclusive, up close and personal event for 100 guests at the ALEA casino in Nottingham.

On Thursday 29th January, Matt Goss and his band will perform an adapted 90 minute version of his spectacular Las Vegas production, ‘The Gossy Room’ which has achieved sell-outs at Caesars Palace every weekend since it opened.

The show will feature a mixture of his career hits and popular covers, and Goss will be backed by a talented nine-piece band with horn section, and two gorgeous back up singers.

The event is being brought to the people of Nottingham following local demand for a true authentic Vegas experience when they visit

a casino - it is one of only five events that he will be doing whilst visiting the UK. Getting exclusive access to Matt is one of the many ‘money-can’t-buy’ benefits received by ALEA Nottingham for being part of US gaming giant, Caesars Entertainment.

Mark Hands, Venue Director at ALEA Nottingham says, “We’re committed to offering our customers the best buzz in town, and how better to take advantage of our authentic link to Las Vegas than to bring over a headline act from Caesars Palace, exclusively for our guests” Having been deemed ‘The best new act in Vegas’ by the LA Times, and “Britain’s answer to Frank Sinatra” by The Sun, Matt is excited to be bringing the gig home to his native land, saying “It’s great to be back performing

in the UK, especially in places that are directly linked to my show at Caesars Palace. We’re going to give the people of Nottingham a true touch of Vegas, right on their doorstep.”

Matt thoroughly interacts with the audience throughout the show, making a personal connection and revealing the stories behind his life and career. He candidly reveals the inspiration behind many of his popular songs including the closing ode to his “second home,” “Lovely Las Vegas”.

The event is just one example of the overall entertainment offering at the casino. Mark Hands continues, “We take pride in offering locals a wide entertainment service here at ALEA Nottingham. As well as top notch gaming, we have great bars, amazing food at our Marco Pierre White restaurant, and Matt’s performance is a great way to kick start a jam packed year of exciting shows and activities ” Goss has sold more than 17

Valentine’s Fair

Arts & Crafts Fair

Only Fools & Boycie

Derby Market Place

East Street, Derby

Guildhall Theatre

Fri 6 - Sat 14 Feb FREE ENTRY

Fri 13 - Sat 14 Feb FREE ENTRY

See onsite for prices

See onsite for prices

million records worldwide and sold out shows from Wembley Stadium to the Royal Albert Hall.

His debut album went 7 times platinum, spawned 13 top 5 hits, and remained on the U.K. charts

for an astonishing 84 weeks. “Life You Imagine,” Goss’ latest solo album, is the classy, swinging sound of ambition, passion, and the realization of 27 years of experience in the music industry.

Tickets to the ALEA Nottingham event are available by contacting the casino directly on 0115 871 7470.

Luke Jermay

Jack & The Beanstalk

Cara Dillon

Guildhall Theatre

Guildhall Theatre

Guildhall Theatre

Sat 14 Feb Tickets: £15.25

Thu 12 Feb Tickets: £15

Sun 15 Feb Tickets: £6.75

Sun 22 Feb Tickets: £19.75

Running Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Running Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Running Time: 50 minutes

Running Time: 2 hours

Page 18. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

Gatepost Theatre Company Presents

DERBY MARKET AUCTIONS we pay out on the day MARKET RESULTS - THURSDAY 29TH JANUARY 2015

Top 25% Ave Bulls 194P/KG Steers 219.33P/KG Heifers 219P/KG OTM 176.6P/KG 44 Baby Calves to £338 48 Reared Calves to £990 32 Store Cattle to £1265 The story is set in the deep south of the USA, and follows the fortunes of runaway Logan Carter.

This troubled young man turns up on the doorstep of Ned Thomas, once a world famous astronaut now living under an assumed name, having disappeared in 1969.

426 Sheep to average 178.73p/KG

What happens next changes everything for everyone! Accompanied by a live band with a pop/country score it gives you, the audience, a chance to go where no one has gone before.

A Derby premier, written by Elliot Davis, with original pop music by James Bourne (former member of Busted, writer for Mcfly, Mel C and Pixie Lott)

Performances: Wed 11th March to Sat 14th 7:30pm, Sat matinee 2.30pm GUILDHALL THEATRE, DERBY Tickets: £9.75; concessions £7.75 available Wed, Thurs, Fri.

All Sat matinee tickets £7.75 Available from www.derbylive.co.uk or from box office 01332 255800 Box office and telephone sales subject to £1.25 booking fee.

By Elliot Davis and James Bourne This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd, London.

Derby Market Auctions 01332 342108

NATIONAL TOUR OF INSIDE OUT OF MIND

Transforming dementia care through theatre

MEETING GROUND THEATRE COMPANY & NOTTINGHAM LAKESIDE ARTS PRESENT

In the UK 225,000 people develop dementia every year. By the end of 2015 850,000 people will have dementia; 1 million by 2025. There are 670,000 carers of people with dementia in the UK. The financial cost of dementia to the UK is £26.3 billion per annum.

WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY TANYA MYERS

DERBY THEATRE Wed 18 - Sat 21 Feb 01332 593939 | derbytheatre.co.uk NOTTINGHAM LAKESIDE ARTS Tue 24 - Sat 28 Feb 0115 846 7777 | lakesidearts.org.uk CURVE, LEICESTER Tue 24 & Thu 26 Mar 0116 242 3595 | curveonline.co.uk

#inoutmind

Meeting Ground Theatre Company and Nottingham Lakeside Arts will tour Inside Out of Mind, an insightful and darkly comic play that powerfully captures the multiple realities of life on a dementia ward, to six venues across England from Wednesday 18 February to Friday 27 March 2015. The tour follows the success of a limited run in 2013 that resulted in an Arts Council England Strategic Touring Grant.

The production is based on and inspired by the extensive observational research material compiled from an academic study into healthcare wards of NHS Hospitals treating patients with dementia by social scientists at the University of Nottingham’s Institute of Mental Health.

Welcome to the ward with no name… A theatre of magical, medical realism. A fusion of love stories, crisscrossing time and space, where walls turn into forests; thunder to gunfire; books to birds; with untold stories kept under their wings. Nurses come, nurses go - carrying, folding, and keeping the continuum of personcentred care and its fragile emotional legacy in tact.

Inside Out of Mind is a multi-

layered illustration of life within dementia care from the perspective of patients, carers and visitors. It offers glimpses into a mysterious world, touching on some of the profound themes associated with dementia including time, identity, loss, relationships, power and death.

Writer and director Tanya Myers (co-Artistic Director of Meeting Ground Theatre Company) not only echoes the research observations in the play’s characters and scenes but she also uses the medium of theatre, with all its scope for illusion and magic, to engage the audience’s emotions, fostering empathy for staff and patients, while giving pause for reflection and intuitive listening.

Inside Out of Mind is an inspiring and collaborative theatre project that took three years to evolve, bringing together Meeting Ground Theatre Company, Nottingham Lakeside Arts, The University of Nottingham and the NHS to tackle the challenge of dementia care.

A number of local health care trusts see Inside Out of Mind as an innovative and engaging way to raise the skills and awareness of their basic-grade staff, health

care assistants, who figure importantly in the play. At each venue on tour (see schedule below) there will be dedicated NHS staff performances and post show discussions, with tickets being sponsored by the trusts.

Inside Out of Mind has been designed by Nettie Scriven; with lighting design by Richard Statham, digital media design

by Barret Hodgson and original music and sound design by David Wilson. Meeting Ground Theatre Company are collaborating with award-winning film makers we are caravan -www.wearecaravan. co.uk - to create a filmed version of the play. The plan is to distribute the film to cinemas, care homes and hospitals across the UK to ensure as wide a viewing as possible of this remarkable piece of work.

For more information on the 2015 tour of Inside Out of Mind and Meeting Ground Theatre Company go to – http://www. meetinggroundtheatrecompany. co.uk/ For more information on Nottingham Lakeside Arts go to - http://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/ Twitter - @meetinggroundUK / @InsideOutof / @LakesideArts #InOutMind

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 19.

Restaurant Review: The European Bistro Derby

What are the top three things that you love about Derby?

For me, it’s my cosy flat in leafy Littleover, the gorgeous green spaces around Darley Park and a recent addition that has leapfrogged onto my list – The European Bistro.

I had the pleasure to lunch there yesterday and the whole two hours was nothing short of remarkable. Housed down an assuming alleyway on Iron Gate, don’t be fooled by the cobbled Victorian pathway, which is deceiving and a skill to master when walking in heels. The European Bistro itself comprises of two storeys, with imposing medieval timberwork and cosy table settings to make one feel they are dining in someone’s living room. A very nice living

room mind, with crisp linen, raffia bread baskets and a stunning cathedral view to boot.

The reception and kitchen are adjacent, which meant that whilst the Front of House was welcoming us, we had a few golddust moments to enjoy the chef’s open door policy and see the cooking team in action. There’s nothing as exhilarating as the vibe of a kitchen in full-swing; the hustle and bustle, organised chaos and shouts of passionately precise chefs as they prepare food for your delectation is truly mouth-watering.

Having nibbled on some warm and crusty bread dipped in olive oil and chilli flakes to give it a subtle kick, I opted for the two course lunch menu. This comprised of Mushrooms Pizzaiola to start, and Salmon with White Wine, Lemon and Herb Jus to finish.

The mushrooms were marvellous

meaty mouthfuls, steamed in a perfectly pungent tomato sauce. The highlight was the fish. It was deliciously moist and the jus to die for. If this had to be my last supper, I would die with a smile on my face.

I was glad that my lunch partner loved his meal as much as I had, because there’s nothing worse than enjoying your food, only to discover the face at the opposite end of the table resembles a forlorn Eeyore from Winnie The Pooh. My lunch partner started

curated which means there is something for everyone and they do a mean Bellini too, which is one of the best in Derby. We were served by the sprightly Jackamo who recently celebrated his 75th birthday and who has

only augments the whole slick, professional operation that is The European Bistro. The restaurant is a veritable institution in Derby and the cooking team certainly know what they’re doing, whether conjuring up a side-salad or putting on a five course tasting menu. I cannot recommend The European Bistro heartily enough.

Miss it, miss out...

Star Rating 1-10 (1: “I’d rather eat my own shoe, I hated it that much” – 10: “I’d pillage for a meal here”.)

The accompanying steamed vegetables complemented the main dish beautifully, because the broccoli still had a slight bite (mushy overdone vegetables are the food of the devil) and the baby potatoes were garlicky and on the right side of salty.

with the Homemade Chicken Liver Pâté with Ciabatta and finished with the Salmon too.

His bruschetta had a lovely snap and his seasonal side-salad had a punchy, sweet balsamic dressing which rendered the greens lip-smackingly moreish.

So good, that I partook a cheeky few mouthfuls and my fork had difficulty sticking to my side of the table.

The select wine list is lovingly

Food: 10 Value for money: 10 Ambience: 9 Rate or Slate? Rate. been working in the restaurant for over 24 years. He is the happiest waiter I have ever met, and that’s saying something, because I’ve dined in hundreds of restaurants around the country and Jackamo remains in a league of his own. When the mood takes him, Jackamo also sings in the restaurant to delighted diners. This is one character that

2 course lunch: £9.50, drinks not included.

Website: http://theeuropean restaurant.co.uk Address: 22 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3GP. Telephone: 01332 368732

Page 20.

2. Issue Issue25: 25:Derbyshire DerbyshireGuardian Guardian

What can audiences expect from

ROY ORBISON AND FRIENDS?

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 21.

BARRY STEELE as

ROY ORBISON

‘True Identikit Brilliance’ The Stage

& friends on tour!

13 FEB THE LYCEUM THEATRE CREWE | 01270 368242 14 FEB THE GATEHOUSE STAFFORD | 01785 619080 20 FEB THE PALACE THEATRE NEWARK | 01636 655755 21 FEB THE TOWN HALL LOUGHBOROUGH | 01509 231914

Barry Steele is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading Tributes to Roy Orbison, as he presents this contemporary production, celebrating the life and musical legacy of the Big O. Barry is backed in this all live multimedia show, with not only a fabulous band, but a big screen featuring both live streaming, and images from the life and times of Roy Orbison, interspersed with factoids and information about the life and times of what is considered to be one of the best singers the world has ever known.

Joining Barry in this musical

extravaganza is Paul Molloy as a young Elvis and Boogie Williams as Jerry lee Lewis - How long have you been performing for and what made you want to present a tribute to Roy Orbison?

It was on a family holiday in Cornwall in 2001 that Barry took the first steps on the road to becoming a professional singer, when his wife Lynne and their daughter Leonie entered him into a singing competition without his knowledge. It was there that a fellow competitor said to him, “You know you sound just like Roy Orbison singing Robbie

Williams!” so with the help of family and friends a tribute to The Big ‘O’ was born.

- Why do you think the music of Orbison is still so popular?

Orbison’s songs not only have wonderful melodies and tunes, the lyrics are some of the most sublime ever written. Not only does the music take you back in time, they can make you happy, sad and emotive all at the same time. Orbison is known as a balladeer, but he also recorded and performed rocky and contemporary songs. His songs are quite simply timeless.

7 MARCH THE PLAZA STOCKPORT | 0161 4777779 13 FEB THE WINDING WHEEL CHESTERFIELD | 01246 345333 26 JUNE THE GARRICK LICHFIELD | 01543 412110 18 SEPT THE VICTORIA HALL STOKE ON TRENT | 0844 871 7649 24 SEPT CITY HALL SHEFFIELD | 0114 2233740

Featuring Paul Molloy as Elvis Presley & Boogie Williams as Jerry Lee Lewis BACKED BY A FABULOUS BAND AND BIG SCREEN! Are you going on an amazing holiday in 2015?

DO YOU WANT TO BE ON TV? Are you travelling from Liverpool John Lennon Airport?

Do you believe that the airport is where your holiday begins?

Are you going on an exciting or interesting holiday in early 2015?

If you are travelling from Liverpool John Lennon Airport this year and want to be part of an exciting new prime time documentary series then we want to hear from you.

For more information or an application form please get in touch ASAP at:

casting@plimsollproductions.com or call 0117 3072307

Page 22. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

~

~

VALENTINES ~

~

THE MARKET PLACE FRIDAY FRIDAY 6TH 6TH -- SATURDAY SATURDAY 14TH 14TH FEBRUARY FEBRUARY OPEN: 12 NOON - LATE

FOR THE LOVE OF THE FAIR Wicked Wednesday on Wednesday 11th Feb

ALL RIDES JUST £1 (excludes Reverse Bungee & Bungee Trampolines) (Per person per ride)

BRING THIS COUPON TO GET 1 HALF PRICE RIDE

(excludes Reverse Bungee) (Not valid Saturday and Sunday)

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 23.

WHAT’S ON: February Half- WiTggely totr sm!

9th February @ 4pm 10th February @ 10:15am m

- Tiddlekicks - Ticketed 6:30p Frozen Party! - 4:30pm ble ets availa ). Includes Entrance only, Limited tick ody Bag. £9.50 Entrance, Meal, Disco, Go - Crafts 11th February @ 11am . tots - 10:15am - 10:45am 12th February - Wigglyam. :30 Under 2yrs - 10:45am -11 12pm Over 2yrs Tap - 11.40am play - 7pm - Come and Lazer Evening - 5.30pm y frame for £7! Includes an with lazer quest on our pla ited cketed Entrance only, Lim 22 2 6623 phone 0133don, evening meal as well! (Ti Derby DE21 7NL 50 Nottingham Road, Spon .uk m.co ngdo www.freddysplayki availability) facebook!

Find us on

Have an event that you would like to advertise?

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

Page 24. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

tr

e Fr

en

ya

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e

nd

ki ng

Wednesday 4th February 2015 at the york auction centre

EASY ACCESS, GREAT ATMOSPHERE, GOOD FOOD, FRIENDLY AND FAMILIAR FACES FROM THE LOCAL DEALERSHIPS

Open from 8.30am to 4.30pm

Over 120 trade stands

headline spOnsOr

easy access, great atmOsphere, gOOd FOOd, Friendly and Familiar Faces FrOm the lOcal dealerships

For latest news, information and list of exhibitors please visit our website:

www.yams.uk.com

York Auction Centre, Murton, York, YO19 5GF t 01904 489731 F 01904 489782 e enquiries@yams.uk.com

Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show (YAMS) made its debut in 2014 at the York Auction Centre, Murton Lane in Murton and takes place again on Wednesday 4 February.

Masterminded by auctioneer Richard Tasker the first show was deemed a huge success even before it had finished with both farm machinery trade stand operators and farmer visitors clamouring for it to become a permanent fixture.

‘We knew that we were on to something when we first mooted the idea of a machinery show because the take up was instantaneous,’ says Richard.

‘The support for what we had planned was quite remarkable and that has made the show even bigger this year with special sections also making their mark with the latest equipment used

in precision farming via satellite technology and those who might be considering renewable energy.’

Richard is quietly confident that the 2015 show should surpass last year’s attendance, which was rumoured to be around 10,000.

‘We have no ambition to become the largest farm machinery show in the UK, but we’re more than happy that we are Yorkshire’s only multi-dealer, multimanufacturer event.

We are fortunate to have the space to accommodate our 130 stands that will be here this year and that we have the appropriate hard standing for car parking.’

Historically the major agricultural machinery shows in the UK have been the Royal Smithfield Show held at Earls Court in London and the LAMMA Show

(Lincolnshire Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Show).

The ‘Smithfield’ breathed its last 10 years ago when farm machinery manufacturers pulled out of the show that had started life as a livestock event but had become an annual pilgrimage for many. LAMMA had been held at showgrounds in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire before recently moving to Peterborough. The onset of YAMS has offered farmers an opportunity to meet all of their local distributors and view the latest models from leading manufacturers without leaving the county.

The Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show YAMS takes place Wednesday 4 February 2015 8.30am – 4.30pm

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 25.

Page 26. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

U

E D N

G

2s 1 R

F O

E E R CELEBRATING HEALTHY HAPPY DOGS

5-8th MARCH 2015, THE NEC, BIRMINGHAM

A fun family day out worth barking about Unforgettable dog shows, the best in dog shopping & hundreds of canines to meet.

Insta

SHARE YOUR DAY#CRUFTS

BUY TICKETS NOW

crufts.org.uk0844 0844444 4449944 9944 crufts.org.uk

life. Lynn has had Manchester Terriers for eight years but only bred three litters during that time.

Lynne, from Tibshelf, Derbyshire, said: “From the day I was brought home from hospital as a baby until now there has always been a dog in the family.

“In fact there has never been a single day of my life where I have not had a dog for company and that is more than 50 years now.”

She said Manchester Terriers

make ideal family pets adding: “You could not ask for a nicer breed of dog. They may all look the same but each one has its own individual personality.

“They are very gentle dogs but can be quite mischievous and in fact this breed is known as the gentleman’s terrier.”

You can check out some pictures of the breed on Lynne’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ manchesterterriers/timeline

Newtonwood Havanese

MALSKRED MANCHESTER TERRIERS Can be seen at Crufts on Terrier day Sat 7th March

t. 00 Es 20 ce

Dog lover Lynne Doherty breeds Manchester Terriers as a hobby and has picked up many awards from dog shows around the country.

Lynne got second and third places in the Manchester Terrier category at Crufts last year and was a winner in the class in 2010, 2011 and 2012. She grew up with terriers in the family as a young girl and in fact has never been without a dog for her entire

n si

Malskred Manchester Terriers

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 27.

6-time Crufts Best of Breed Winners About Us

Eye Testing

Let me introduce you to my world and love of dogs of which I have been involved with for more than 45 years.

All Of The Havanese Here At Newtonwood Hold Current Clear Eye Testing Certificates.

Puppies are litter screened They are Tested Annually, by Mr John Goodyear.

My affection of the canine world began as a child with a little border collie cross. Since then there is not a day goes by when I do not have a lead or a grooming brush in my hand.

BVM&S Cert V Ophthal MRCVS. John holds a certificate in ophthalmology, And is a member of the BVA/KC/ISDS eye testing panel.

Over the years I have had the pleasure and experience of German Shepherds, Newfoundlands and since 2000 the Havanese. In my early days I gained experience working with a local dog handler learning obedience training and later became involved with exhibiting.

For General Health And Wellbeing Newtonwood Havanese Are Registered & Cared For @ Spire Vetinary Clinic Under Authorisation of Ian Taylor M.A.,VET.M.B., M.R.C.V.S

I now have a German Shepherd who came to me through rescue kennels. He is a lovely natured boy who is happy to run along side his Havanese friends.

Top UK Havanese Breeder 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013

Active member of The Kennel Club Assured Breeders Scheme

Manchester Terriers are considered by most to be the oldest of all identifiable terrier breeds.

www.newtonwoodhavanese.com

email: walker873@btinternet.com

The Kennel Clubs of pedigree dogs recognised

this particular type of dog as a separate and distinct breed and gave it the name Manchester Terrier.

This dog has proved itself, adapting well to families and modern canine pursuits, they do well in the Show Ring, Agility, Obedience, Flyball and recently Heel Work to Music.

ROBENGER KENNELS

Portuguese Water Dogs ROBENGER KENNELS WILL BE AT CRUFTS 2015

If you would like to inquire about the puppies please contact the breeder at: info@manchester-terriers.co.uk or 01773 591093

We have bred Portuguese Water Dogs (PWD) at the Robenger Kennels since 2008.

This is Milo. He was born in January 2014 in the USA. He has been a tremendous success in the show ring already and is well on the way to becoming a champion.

We are ‘Assured’ by the Kennel Club as being top breeders of pure bred dogs.

We have 7 PWDs from which we breed litters.

They are among a unique group of dogs.

The breed is small in number. They were saved from extinction by the Portuguese and in 1955, a number were brought to the UK to be exhibited in the show ring.

PWDs are unique in that people who have an allergy to dogs are highly unlikely to be suffer an allergy to a PWD.

This is Alex. He is 8 years old and we imported him from the USA in 2009. He was the first UK & US Show Champion. He has been the cornerstone of our breeding stock. He is a beautiful boy. He will be competing at Crufts in March.

A key feature of this breed is that they were selectively bred and not interbred like many breeds.

If you have an enquiry about ROBENGER dogs or puppies please contact on either Email: robengerpwd@aol.com call: 01335 324498

Page 28. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 29.

Did you over indulge over Christmas and the New Year?

Are you still doing it? Feeling stuffed? Are your clothes feeling far too tight? Have you set your health New Years Resolution yet?

Well its time to put the Spotlight On You This Year!

During National Obesity Awareness Week (12th to 18th January 2015) Cambridge Weight Plan Consultants were out and about throughout the UK providing support and advice in so many places including medical centers and shopping centers. I was delighted to have been in two locations during that week. Long Eaton Tesco Extra on Tuesday 13th January we set up a stand and spoke to lots of people who wanted to know more information about weight loss.

On the 15th, 16th and 17th January, 7 Cambridge Weight Plan Consultants had a stand in the intu Derby Centre and were kept busy offering Free BMI Testing and Weight Loss Advice.

January can sometimes be the toughest month to start a weigh loss journey and from experience February is the busiest month for new clients for me. However, one of my clients actually started the week before Christmas and

dropped 2 dress sizes before the end of January.

Being overweight or obese is one of the major health hazards facing us today.

According to figures from the National Audit Office in the UK, being obese can take up to nine years off your life. It also makes you far more likely to develop a range of health related problems.

There are a number of ways to work out if your weight is putting your health at risk. Two of the most popular and reliable indicators are your Body Mass Index (BMI) and your waist measurement.

Cambridge Weight Plan provides flexible weight management programmes for men and women.

Cambridge Weight Plan is a successful weight loss programme, offering a series of flexible eating programmes ranging from 440kcal – 1500kcal per day. It includes Cambridge products, which can be used as the sole source of nutrition for weight loss.

Our delicious soups, shakes,

bars, savoury rice, spaghetti bolognese, vanilla rice pudding and porridge can be used as the sole source of nutrition or can be combined with conventional food for more gradual weight loss and weight management.

- We offer friendly one-to-one support - Our programmes are flexible, convenient and easy to use - You’ll enjoy our great tasting products As an Independent Cambridge Consultant I will motivate and encourage you throughout your weight loss journey and once you reach your target, they’ll be there to help you maintain your fantastic new look!

Throughout the process, you’ll also get the support of one-toone sessions from me and I have experience of losing weight with Cambridge, so I’m perfectly placed to offer friendly advice and support when you need it.

Make 2015 all about you! It’s time to Change Your Life!

Cambridge Weight Plan was

created following many years of research by biochemist Dr Alan Howard and his colleague Dr Ian McLean-Baird, as they sought to develop the “perfect diet”. Their formula produced excellent weight loss and the first commercial version of Cambridge Weight Plan, known as The Cambridge Diet, was launched in the UK in 1984. More than 25 million people from all over the world have used Cambridge Weight Plan since its launch and it is exported to more than 25 other countries.

Cambridge Manufacturing, makers of Cambridge Weight Plan, are the proud recipients of a 2012 Queen’s Award for exports.

For a FREE no obligation appointment please contact me: Mandy Smith Telephone: 079606 45505 Email: mandysmith.cwp@gmail.com Website: www.cambridgeweightplan. co.uk/mandysmith

RNIB urges smokers to ‘kick the habit’ and save their sight for New Year’s resolution New research reveals smokers in the Midlands are in the dark about link to sight loss The UK’s leading sight loss charity RNIB is warning the nation’s smokers that their habit is doubling their risk of developing a sight-threatening condition.

The advice comes as new research released by the charity reveals that 72% of smokers in the Midlands have no idea that it can lead to sight loss.

The research also revealed that 2 in 5 smokers in the region said they would consider stopping after being told it could lead to sight loss. The charity is

hoping that by raising awareness of this link smokers will consider ‘kicking the habit’ as part of their New Year’s resolutions.

Clara Eaglen, RNIB’s Eye Health Manager, said: “Most people know that smoking can lead to lung cancer, but very few are aware of the link between smoking and sight loss. People still don’t seem to understand the risks.

“People who smoke not only double their risk of developing the sight condition age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but they also tend to develop it earlier than non-smokers do.”

Clara added: “The good news is that you can make a New Year’s

resolution to quit smoking, eat fresh fruit and vegetables and have regular eye tests – all lifestyle changes which can help save your sight.”

For more information about smoking and sight loss call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk The NHS Smokefree website www.nhs.uk/smokefree is full of tools and advice to help people quit and stay smoke free.

For help and advice on how to quit ring Quitline on 0800 002200 and speak to a trained QUIT counsellor.

ALICIA SMEDLEY PERSONAL TRAINER My Personal Training is offered at different levels and we provide the Ultimate Packages such as:• Standard • Bronze • Silver • Gold • Special •

Personal trainer Alicia Smedley offers a unique perspective on her training which puts enjoyment and customer satisfaction at the top of her agenda.

With over six years of personal training experience, Alicia gives every client the personal care and attention necessary to achieve their goals and focus on long-term results, not superficial short-term gains.

She said: “When I offer personal training, it is not just about the sessions themselves but about helping people attain the right mental attitude needed to achieve their goals.

“My personal goal for all my clients is to make them understand how to train right, and eat right for when I'm not there you can still do it a safe way.

“The personal training I offer is totally adjusted to fit the lifestyle of my clients and I aim to make every session interesting and different.”

Alicia is also qualified in sports massage and has

room to take on a few more clients. She offers her personal training services in people’s homes (or in local parks if people prefer) and has a wide range of equipment including kettle bells, sandbags, mats, balls and boxing gloves.

She is based in Derbyshire and mainly covers Chesterfield, Bakewell, Matlock and Buxton.

Currently she has a special offer available until the end of February where clients can receive ten hour-long personal training sessions for a discounted price of £175.

Alicia said: “I really enjoy my job and it is very rewarding for me to see my clients make progress to achieve their goals.

“I don’t want people just to lose weight one month and then put it on the next but to give them the knowledge required to make the lifestyle choices to lose weight and keep it off.”

For further information check out Alicia’s website - http://www.aliciasmedleypt.co.uk/

Page 30. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

Local woman meets Actress and LighterLife Ambassador Denise Welch

“

My favourite piece of the whole collection is the mesh leggings!

They are the perfect piece to keep you cool in the gym when you’re doing an intense work out but they are stylish enough to go for lunch with my friends or to go shopping.

“

“

The collection is the perfect mixture for any woman either starting their journey of getting fit and looking fabulous or for the woman who is just wanting to get even fitter.

“

“

I love the whole collection, there is something for every woman, the busy woman who has children and is running to the gym before the school run who wants to look stylish as well as the pieces being practical.

The health fan who is going for lunch with their friends after a work out.

The personal trainer who is fashion conscious and in appointments all day, the variety is unlimited!

“

“

I was really keen that the range was colourful and had lots of different styles of pieces because I wanted everyone to feel like there was something for them. I really wanted to get in to fighting shape last year and I felt that this range would be exactly what I would have worn to the gym to work out in.

I wanted promote pieces that everyone will feel comfortable and confident in, but still with all the benefits of an amazing set of sportswear.

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

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

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

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

A West Bridgford woman, Kelly Rasoki who has herself lost 4 stone and has helped hundreds of people in Derby and West Bridgford achieve a healthy weight and lifestyle has been recognised for her outstanding service to weight losers.

New to the area and mum of two was invited to attend a very forward-thinking conference in Guernsey in May. Kelly Rasoki said: “I was honoured to be selected to attend the company conference and so thrilled to meet the LighterLife Ambassador, Denise Welch.

She really is a living and breathing advert to how great LighterLife is and how much the programme can change someone’s life, for the better. Since moving to the West Bridgford in December 2014 I have helped hundreds of clients lose weight and become the people they want to be.”

Denise Welch added: “I have lost 2 stone on the LighterLife Programme, but for me it is more than that – it has changed my attitude to life as a whole. Everyone comments on how positive my outlook is now and of course, I feel great too. So going to Guernsey for the first time to meet some of LighterLife counsellors has just been such a humbling experience – these people are so good at what they do and I love being in their company.

And of course, we had to have a laugh, we all did the Conga down the high street – it absolutely put a smile on my face.”

Bar Hewlett, Co-Founder of LighterLife added: “Guernsey has been home to me and the other founders for years, so it seemed only natural to share this beautiful island with our incredibly hardworking counsellors, such as Kelly Rasoki. My highlight so far has to be the ‘Mission Impossible’ task we set everyone, so people could see the sights of the island and what a day to do it on – a beautiful sunny day in May. We certainly got the streets buzzing.”

Everyone knows that controlling weight is a matter of moving more and eating less but knowing this simply doesn’t help you take action and do it.

If it did far fewer people would have problems with their weight.

Most diets don’t work! They give you a short term solution to a long term problem. Chances are after dropping the pounds you revert back to your old unhelpful habits and the pounds creep back on.

Most people who want to lose weight will have physchological hungers as well as physical triggers such as: snacking, constant thoughts about food, eating when not physically hungry, eating more than needed, low self esteem, binge eating, eating when

bored, lonely, stressed or using food as a treat or reward.

The good news is becoming aware of the reasons why you overeat and developing new helpful habits can help you make changes on the inside which in turn will help you maintain changes on the outside.

At LighterLife we help give you the tools to deal with all the issues as part of a group process combined with eating plans and meal replacement programmes. It doesn’t matter whether you want to lose a few pounds or several stones the issues are often the same. LighterLife offer you the ongoing support to get you to where you want to be, proving that anything is possible.

WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT?

“

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 31.

10 WAYS TO BEAT IRRITATED SKIN

The cold, damp winter weather, and high central heating, can play havoc with sensitive skin.

It can quickly dry out, becoming irritated, sore, inflamed, and even flaking, cracking, and weeping.

Many millions battle sensitive skin, but winter can be particularly challenging for the 1 in 12 that suffer with eczema or those prone to intimate irritation, which over half of women have experienced.

According to a survey by Eau Thermale Avène, itching ranked is the biggest struggle for sufferers (81%), closely followed by dryness (60%) and redness (43%).

Although the environment and genetics play their part, our lifestyles can make the problem much worse. Simple changes

to routine can help break the scratch-itch cycle and give you back your winter glow.

Here are the top 10 tips to help you beat irritated skin: 1) Don’t over cleanse Our skin has a protective barrier called an ‘acid mantle’ made up of natural oils, which help lock in moisture, and block pollution and bad bacteria.

Soaps, strong facial toners or over-washing can damage this, particularly on the face and even if you have oily skin!

2) Use the right wash for the right job Regular soaps and shower gels can be too harsh for the delicate area of the vagina. “If you’re prone to irritation or infections, you could try using a feminine wash specifically developed to cleanse

the delicate skin of the intimate area and help maintain its pH balance”, says Diana Mansour, Consultant in Community Gynaecology and Reproductive Healthcare. New feminine wash Canesfresh Soothing Wash Gel provides up to 12 hours of comfort, and is available from all good pharmacies and the healthcare aisle of grocery stores.

3) Banish bacteria from your bathroom Old razors can be breeding grounds for bacteria, which can lead to irritation and scratching. It’s best to change them regularly and to never share with partners or housemates.

The same goes for sponges and flannels – cleaning your body with your hands is always more hygienic.

American Tribal Style ® Belly Dance Dance instructor Sandra Freeman has brought a new and exciting way of keeping fit, making friends and learning something new to Spondon.

Sandra teaches American Tribal Style ® Bellydance, which is a largely improvised dance format based on oriental bellydance, Spanish flamenco and classical Indian dance.

Sandra said: “Despite the name you don’t need a belly to bellydance! I prefer to quote the founder of ATS® and director of FatChance Bellydance®, Carolena Nericcio....

“Imagine, a time when the bounce and sway of a woman’s hips was thought to be so beautiful it was put to music.”

And that is where the idea of skimpy costumes and fake tan ends and turns into an image of women of all shapes, ages and abilities dancing

together for fun and fitness.

Classes take place on a Wednesday evening at Edmund Hall, Edmund Road, Spondon from 8.15pm – 9pm. Prices are £26.00 for a four week course and Sandra also offers private 1hour 1-2-1 tuition and workshops for groups of six or more.

Dancers should wear a long loose skirt or yoga pants and a vest top or fitted t-shirt. We dance barefoot but soft dance slippers are allowed. No Trainers. Students are also encouraged to bring water and Zils (finger cymbals) if they have them but there are spares available to borrow.

For further information check out the website http://moonhareatstribal.vpweb.co.uk/ or call Sandra on 07539 930131.

4) Spring clean your make-up bag Bacteria can also breed in your make-up bag: generally the lifespan is 6 months for facial liquids, two years for face powders – but a shorter shelf life of just 3 months for mascara and liquid eyeliner! To prolong their life, never store your beauty products in the bathroom as the humidity can increase bacteria growth.

5) Play detective with ingredients Do your bath and beauty products any contain nasties which could be irritating your skin? Watch out for perfumes, colorants, preservatives and alcohol: generally less is more when it comes to ingredients!

Watch out for less common culprits like the dye in your toilet tissue, whitener in sanitary products and biological washing powder.

6) Break the itch-scratch cycle Scratching causes more itching, which causes more

scratching, which causes more itching! Excessive scratching can thickening the skin, which then becomes even itchier, and sometimes it can cause infection.

Keep nails cut short and don’t wear nail varnish.

7) Don’t let itching ruin your sleep Consider wearing cotton gloves at night to stop yourself scratching in your sleep. If getting to sleep is difficult at night because of itching, take an antihistamine before bed, or try the herbal supplement Valerian, available from www.naturesbest. com, which studies have shown reduces the time it takes to get to sleep and improves the quality of the sleep you get.

8) Moisturise to protect and restore Use a bland emollient with no perfume or parabens, such as aqueous cream or emulsifying ointment. The Eau Thermale Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-

Replenishing Balm and Cream works to keep skin hydrated to help prevent skin itchiness and irritation. You might also want to consider investing in a humidifier for your home.

9) Ban the bath A steamy bath may seem like bliss on a cold day, but the intense heat and temperature change can damage and dry out the skin. Bubble baths can also disrupt the pH of the vagina, making us more prone to irritation. Opt for a warm shower and always moisturiser afterwards, and don’t put your clothes on until you are totally dry.

10) Speak to a doctor If you have a new or unusual rash, or one that persists, changes colour, oozes, becomes infected or painful or you suffer with additional skin symptoms, always speak to a healthcare professional. If you are experiencing intimate irritation and notice any changes in discharge, make sure you speak to your doctor.

Why Are New Year’s Resolutions So Hard To Keep?

Smokers, choc-eaters, nail-biters, gym-goers and the rest – listen up - don’t you find this scenario familiar? You’re consciously telling yourself you want to change, but your body seems to have a ‘mind of its own’. Most of us have some habit that

DERBYSHIRE TENNIS CENTRE Located five minutes from Derby City Centre, Derbyshire Tennis Centre offers a range of indoor courts and floodlit outdoor courts.

Coaching sessions for people of all ages are offered to help players improve their game (the first session is half price when booking in advance over the phone) and mini-tennis is available for younger players and children can start from aged four.

All the equipment needed to let children play tennis from a young age is provided.

Only approved, licensed and qualified coaches are used and they can work in group sessions or offer one-to-one coaching for a more personal experience.

Derbyshire Tennis Centre is located at Ashe Place, Vincent Street, Normanton, Derby, DE23 8BF, its website is http://www.derbyshiretenniscentre. co.uk/ and its phone number is 01332 273770.

we’d prefer to drop, or a new one we’d like to take up. We’re determined to make the change this time … but by February, we’ve given up trying. The trouble is, we’ve hard-wired our brains to have us act a certain way. Those hard-working brain cells, called neurons, reach out to make connections with each other. Habitual thoughts and behaviours are associated with particular patterns of connections, and the more we repeat them, the stronger those connections become.

So it takes more than just a wish to change our habits. Driven by programmes in the sub-conscious mind, the body automatically does the habitual thing. This is, in fact, very useful for most of what we do in life – most habits are useful habits, but some are less than helpful.

There’s no point beating yourself up about your collapsed resolve. It’s just the way the human mindbody system works.

Jan Haley Brightwood, an advanced hypnotherapist and life coach based in the Derbyshire Peaks, says, “The good news is, it really need not be such a struggle to make the changes you want. It takes about 30 days to establish a new habit, during which time the brain literally re-wires to accommodate the change in behaviour – and after that the body knows what to do.”

There are thinking tools and techniques which can help during that change-over time.

“One good tip is to focus on the outcome you want, not what you don’t want – it’s amazing how much difference just that one simple adjustment can make,” says Jan. For really entrenched problems, dynamic hypnotherapy can reach into the subconscious mind and unhook the old programme, freeing people to enjoy life. Jan is available to give talks on the subject of lasting change and offers one-to-one sessions.

Written by Jan Haley Brightwood (01298) 937 095

Derbyshire Tennis Centre offer a range of coaching courses for all ages. We only use approved coaches to work at the centre on a group or 1 to 1 basis.

At Derbyshire Tennis Centre we have both outdoor and indoor facilities to cater all types of weather.

We also offer a range of coaching courses for all ages. We only use approved coaches to work at the centre on a group or 1 to 1 basis.

Coaching sessions for kids 4+ and adults are offered to help players improve their game (the first session is half price when booking in advance over the phone). w: www.derbyshiretenniscentre.co.uk t: 01332 273770 e: derbytennis@hotmail.co.uk a: Derbyshire Tennis Centre, Ashe Place, Vincent Street, Normanton, Derbyshire, DE23 8BF

Page 32. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

- Do you love to dance and looking for a fun way to get fit in 2015?

- Do you always make New Year's resolutions to lose weight and do some exercise, then join a gym and find it boring and give up after only going a few times?

- Do you fancy an hour of escapism each week and learn how to reveal your inner show girl and 'dance like no one is watching'?

‘On Broadway’ is a dance, fitness class themed on routines from popular West End & Broadway musicals such as ‘Top Hat’, ‘Chicago’ & ‘Sweet Charity’ Guaranteed Fun & Fitness!

Katy Robinson is a dance and fitness specialist and choreographer and her company, Katy Robinson Fitness Fusion, enables women of all ages who have a passion for dance to improve their fitness, confidence, co-ordination and stamina, whilst having fun and learning to dance ‘On Broadway’. Katy believes that every woman should have a bit of ‘me’ time each week and be able to escape into make believe for a little while and do something they love doing to get fit! The company’s motto is ‘dance like no one is watching!’

This is what some of Katy’s current clients have to say about On Broadway: “Get fit without realising it because you’re having so much fun” - Dr Maxine Bilton “The best ‘stress buster’ in the world - it’s so much fun and a great way to exercise and get fit!”

- Carol Hunt “ I’ve been discharged by my physio as my mobility has improved tremendously” - Carol Hunt “I forget all my trails and tribulations and leave with a smile on my face and a great sense of accomplishment” - Miranda “Fitness, Posture & Flexibility have definitely improved.

I can definitely kick higher than when I started and I have met some lovely women” - Debbie

Worthington “I feel young for the hour” Suzanne Lee Katy trained at Constance Grant Dance Centre in Sheffield and was taught and inspired by the late Judith Silvester.

Katy offers FREE taster sessions for her unique ‘On Broadway’ classes - so why not reserve your place now and make 2015 the year you reveal your ‘inner show girl!’

Contact Katy to find out more or book your place on a FREE taster class by calling her on 07803906114 or email Katy at info@katyrobinson fitnessfusion.co.uk or visit her website www.katyrobinson fitnessfusion.co.uk

Shape Fitness has been keeping people of the East Midlands fit since 1978 and as people improve their fitness they also get more healthy and feel better about themselves.

Fitness classes include aerobics, circuit training, body conditioning, pilates and the increasinglypopular Latino Vibe workout and they are all delivered by a team of fully-qualified friendly and dedicated instructors.

Classes cater for people of all ages - currently there are people from 20 to 70 attending Shape Fitness sessions which are held throughout the East Midlands, including many locations in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire.

As well as group classes, one-to-one personal

training is offered and the instructors want everyone to have fun and enjoy their workouts.

Area manager Dawn Kiddie has been teaching since 1989 and loves helping people meet their fitness goals.

Dawn, who is a keen mountain biker, skier and hiker, said: “We are not at all formal and you can come along regardless of what you look like or how old you are and you can work out at your own level.

“Everyone is made welcome and we make it all doable so that nobody feels the pace is too much or that they are falling behind.”

For more information, including where to find a class in your area, check out the Shape Fitness website - http://www.shape-fitness.co.uk/

Body Tone

A Hi/Lo impact toning class suitable for all.

Pilates

Greater body awareness, relief from stress general fitness

Fitness/Pilates Best of both worlds, some fat burning tone with core stability.

SUNDAY Body Tone

Bramcote, Memorial Hall Church St.

5 - 6 p.m.

Spondon Village Hall

11.30 -12.30 a.m. Margaret 7.30 - 8.30 p.m. Anne

Tracie

MONDAY Pilates

Fitness/Pilates Strutt’s Centre Belper Pilates Breadsall Village Hall Body Tone Breadsall Village Hall Body Tone Littleover, St. Peters Church Hall

7 - 8 p.m.

8 - 9 p.m.

Margaret

7 - 8 p.m.

Tracie

Margaret

TUESDAY Pilates

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall

9.15-10.15 am

Dawn

Pilates

6 - 7 p.m.

Anne

Body Tone

Chester Green Methodist Church Hall Mansfield St. Western on Trent Village Hall

7.30 - 8.30 p.m.

Keeley

Body Tone

Trefoil House, Stanley Close. Ilkeston

7.30 - 8.30 p.m.

Tracie

Body Tone

Spondon Village Hall

7.15 - 8.15 p.m.

Dawn

Body Tone

Derby Women's Institute, Sherwin Street

7 - 8 p.m.

Margaret

Pilates Body Tone

Derby Women's Institute, Sherwin Street.

Oakwood Community Centre

8 - 9 p.m.

7.15 - 8.15 p.m.

Margaret

Pilates

Spondon Village Hall

9.45 - 10.45 a.m. Margaret

Body Tone

Allestree, St, Johns Church Hall

7- 8 p.m.

Body Tone

Mickleover, Our Lady of Lourdes, Parish Hall 7 - 8 p.m.

Dawn

Body Tone

Mickleover, Our Lady of Lourdes, Parish Hall 8 - 9 p.m.

Dawn

WEDNESDAY

Dawn

THURSDAY Margaret

SATURDAY Pilates

Derby Women's Institute, Sherwin Street.

10.30 -11.20 a.m. Margaret

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 33.

REMINDER FOR ELIGIBLE RESIDENTS TO GET FLU VACCINE Derbyshire County Council is urging vulnerable, older and pregnant residents to get their free flu vaccination.

Latest figures from Public Health England (PHE) show that levels of flu are still high and the virus is continuing to circulate.

Flu is a highly infectious disease that comes on very quickly. The most common symptoms of flu are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness.

In most cases, the symptoms are quite mild, but it can be more serious for certain people such as: • people aged 65 or over

• people who have a serious medical condition • pregnant women Healthy people usually recover within two to seven days, but for some flu can lead to hospitalisation.

Councillor Dave Allen, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said: “Prevention is better than cure when it comes to the flu virus and we’re encouraging eligible people to get their free flu vaccine.”

People who are eligible for the free vaccination include pregnant women, young children aged between two and four, people with health conditions such as

asthma and diabetes and older people.

Anyone in these groups who has not yet a flu vaccination should get in contact with their GP. Councillor Allen added: “Apart from vaccination, basic hygiene is the main method to help prevent the spread of flu.

“This means simple things like using tissues to catch coughs or sneezes, binning the used tissues as soon as possible and then washing hands to kill the germs.”

Independent hearing expert and audiologist Stephen Toon advises and helps people on a whole range of hearing-related problems in order to improve their quality of life.

Stephen, who worked with the BBC as audiology consultant for the “Don’t Die Young” TV series, offers home visits to clients throughout Derbyshire.

His wife Kate is severely deaf so he knows to emphasise with and give the very best advice and treatment to his clients.

Stephen said: “I have naturally always provided Kate with the very best hearing aids available, in order to give her the best hearing

possible and my philosophy is to offer my patients the very same choice, and bespoke care and attention that she receives.”

One of the main services he offers is ear wax removal for clients in their own homes. When too much wax builds up it can cause a blockage and lead to hearing loss. Stephen uses the latest micro suction techniques to remove this excess wax safely and painlessly.

Stephen is also an expert on the often bewildering variety of hearing aids on the market.

He can advise clients whether hearing aids would help improve their hearing and, if so, which

ones would suit them best.

He said: “Getting to know my patient is the most important thing I do when trying to restore someone’s hearing.

“I look at the lifestyle and needs of the client, as well as their chosen budget, to help determine which hearing aids will best meet their needs.

“Once the aids are fitted I offer many follow up visits during the initial months so that I can do the fine tuning necessary to ensure they work as well as possible.”

To find out more about the flu vaccination visit www.choices.nhs/flu

Stephen Toon Hearing Care

For further information check out Stephen’s website http://www.stephentoon.org/

Stephen Toon Hearing Care

The Best Advice The Best Hearing Aids The Best Aftercare The Best Prices

Get on the road to weight loss!

At LighterLife we’re passionate about helping people – it’s what we’re all about. Because LighterLife isn’t something dreamt up by a group of marketeers; it’s the result of real women’s experiences of overeating and obesity.

make sure that with LighterLife you’re getting the best quality food replacements on the market. And did we tell you they taste great, too?

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.

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 successful weight management is as much to do with what’s going on in your head as it is with what’s going into your mouth.

Your health and wellness is our passion

Do you suffer from excessive ear wax?

Have it removed in the comfort of your own home by a qualified Audiologist, using the latest equipment and techniques.

One ear £40* Both ears £60* *Home visits normally £20 extra. Special offer for Derbyshire Guardian readers

If you need Hearing Aids, I promise you will be delighted by; How you look! How you feel! How comfortable they are! How they suit your lifestyle!

At LighterLife, we totally understand the risks of being overweight and obese. That’s why we’ve developed a programme that helps you get the weight off as quickly and effectively as possible, and then helps you keep it off, so you can enjoy the health benefits that sustainable weight loss brings – for good.

Two decades of research We’ve been researching weight loss and weight management for over 20 years, with our evidence regularly published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at major obesity conferences around the world, so you can be sure we’re bringing you scientifically-proven health and wellbeing benefits that really do change lives.

Nutritious plans

To arrange your free consultation, wax removal, or if you just require some help and advice, please contact us on: Telephone: 01246 900993 or 01246 766912

website: www.stephentoon.org

Email: Kate@StephenToon.Org or Stephen@StephenToon.Org

All our plans – from weight loss to weight management – utilise our nutritious food-replacement Foodpacks.

They’re each full of essential nutrients for good health, including 28 key vitamins and minerals, as well as being high in protein and a good source of fibre, and we’re continually developing them to

Change your mindset, change your life

Credentials you can trust We’re committed to following national and international standards, guidelines and best practice for weight loss, weight management and behavioural change to ensure the LighterLife Programme is the best it can be to help you live your lighter life. We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk – so find out who we’re walking (and working) with!

People with a passion for weight management and wellness There’s a fantastic team at our Central Office supporting our Counsellor network to deliver our life-changing LighterLife Programme. We all live and breathe LighterLife – it’s not hard to be so passionate when you know that, whatever your role, you’re helping to make an amazing difference to so many lives. We also make sure we have the very best experts and talent in every department – ranging from highly qualified scientists and nutrionists to IT bods with decades of experience of turning computers on and off again!

Page 34. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

NEW RESEARCH REVEALS THAT FAMILIES CONTINUE TO START THE DAY ON A SUGAR HIGH are missing out on a significant opportunity to start the day well too, given that one in five do choose foods for breakfast which are high in sugar and /or fat.

The findings, which come ahead of National Breakfast Week (2531 January), aim to highlight the importance of overall family heart health – including starting the day with the right nutrition - as new donation packs of Warburtons wholemeal hit shelves nationwide. From 19th January until 20th February, for every loaf of Warburtons wholemeal sold, 5p, will be donated to the British Heart Foundation (BHF) as part of Warburtons pledge to raise £1million and help keep British families hearts healthy.

Victoria Taylor, Senior Dietician at the BHF, comments: “Breakfast is a great opportunity for people to start the day well. There’s a job to be done in terms of helping parents see the importance of a good breakfast for themselves as well as their children. A nutritious meal doesn’t have to be a time consuming to prepare.

Wholemeal toast, porridge or wholegrain cereals, low-fat yoghurt and fruit are all great options that are quick and easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by the whole family.”

Carb confusion: Research indicates that people are eating poorly at breakfast and

- 31% of children in the East Midlands start each school day with a bowl of sugary cereal - One in ten parents (15%) admit that their own breakfast consists of pastries, chocolate and even crisps - People are most confused about the nutritional benefits of carbohydrates (19%) than any other food group, followed closely by refined grains (19%), dairy (12%) and whole grains (11%) respectively - In response, Warburtons has teamed up with the British Heart Foundation to promote the benefits of eating well 26 January 2015: Research released today by Warburtons, Britain’s number one bakery brand1, has revealed that as a nation we no longer consider breakfast to be the most important meal of the day as one in ten parents (15%) admit that their average weekday breakfast consists of pastries, chocolate and even crisps2.

However, what’s more alarming is that 31% of parents state their child starts each school day with sugary breakfast options and a further 21% of children eat a cereal bar or breakfast biscuit in the morning - despite recent health warnings regarding over consumption of sugar.

In addition, the research also supports the notion that UK adults

not choosing healthy and filling alternatives such as Wholemeal toast, because they’re confused about the options available, given that more people (19%) cited they’re confused about the nutritional benefits of carbohydrates than any other food group.

What’s more, this lack of understanding around carbs is most prevalent amongst 35-44 year olds – the group most likely to have children at home.

Victoria Taylor continues: “It’s often sugar that gets a lot of attention when we talk about carbohydrates but while we need to be reducing our intake of sweet foods to help us watch our weight, we mustn’t forget the positive contribution that starchy carbohydrates make to a healthy and balanced diet. Starchy foods provide us with energy, fibre and a range of vitamins and minerals and should make up about a third of the food we eat.

What about wholegrains: In addition to carbohydrates, there is also confusion and a lack of understanding around the nutritional benefits of refined grains (19%) and whole grains (11%) respectively. There are multiple benefits linked to the consumption of wholegrains such as gastrointestinal health and supplying dietary nutrients as well as being associated with

N NE EW W YE CO AR UR SE

Art Class Starts Soon

ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS TO IMPROVERS WILL LOVE THIS COURSE!

NEW YEAR COUR

GREAT NEWS for all our readers looking for something fun to do over the next few months! Our current class is full but we are now taking enquiries for our next part-time Art Class, which starts soon. The classes are held once a week for three hours.

ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS TO IMPROVERS - JUST LIKE YOU! The course is designed to be fun for absolute beginners who have never picked up a brush before through to improvers.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDANCE We adapt to each student’s needs and give them all the guidance and help they need to develop their artisitc skills. The curriculum is fun, comprehensive and interesting. Over the course we will explore four different media;

pencil drawing & sketching, oil, pastel painting and techniques painting and blending with water colours and acrylicis.

Step by step tuition in the basic techniques and secrets needed to create beautiful pieces of art.

STILL LIFE TO LANDSCAPES

SE!

Now taking enqu iries for ou r next cour se.

This really is a fu n course and a grea t way to meet new friends and deve lop new skills. Plea se call now for details.

MEET NEW FRIENDS, LEARN NEW SKILLS This part time course is over 3 months, so will give you plenty of time to master your new hobby.

By the end of the course, students have created a minimum of 8 pieces of their very own original art they can enjoy LIMITED PLACES To maintain a high standard to forever, from simple still life and flower our classes and the tuition you will studies to beautiful countryside receive, classes are kept to small landscape scenes. numbers - so places available are YOUNG AT HEART limited! We recommend that if This course is a brilliant way to learn you are interested you call us new skills you will be able to enjoy now for details. forever. It is also a great way of meeting new friends and to have a For information on dates, course fun experience you will always fees and bookings, call now on remember and cherish! It is open to adults of all ages.

01332 460 909

Bring out your inner artist

Beginners to Intermediates

ART CLASS PART-TIME COURSE, 3 HOUR CLASSES, ONCE A WEEK LITTLEOVER, DERBY LIMITED SPACES - STARTS SOON

protection against, and reduction in risk of, various diseases including coronary heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers as recognised by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN).

Megan Harrison, Brand and Portfolio Director at Warburtons said, “At Warburtons, families and their wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do.

This is why we’re working with the British Heart Foundation, to help show parents of the 31% of children who are starting the day with sugary breakfasts, that there are easy and quick alternatives.”

Warburtons and BHF’s Wear It Beat It campaign Over the next two years, Warburtons and the BHF will work together to raise awareness

of the importance of healthy eating and share essential, and sensible, information on health and nutrition. Warburtons will also display the iconic BHF logo and share key nutritional information all Wholemeal bread packaging and through social media.

Look out for special packs of Warburtons 400g and 800g Wholemeal bread in store.

The Seasons Art Class If you have always wanted to take up art but have never got round to it before, then now is the time to start.

The Seasons Art Class has spaces for beginners where you will learn new skills in a fun and friendly environment The next 14 week course starts in Derby on March 5 at the Grange Banqueting Suite, Burton Rd, Littleover.

There are two classes in a day - morning (10am until 1pm) and afternoon (1.45pm until 4.45pm).

They are the same class, but you can choose which one best fits with your schedule.

Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided on arrival,

there is a break half way through the class. The whole thing is very informal with the emphasis on having fun.

The course includes all materials and tuition on pencil drawing, oil and soft techniques, painting and blending with watercolours and acrylics.

Their Facebook says: “We are very informal and fun and want you to feel at home at all times, but we are very much a teaching class, and we go through the techniques of each medium and project step by step.”

For more information call 01332 460909 or check out the website www.theseasonsartclass.com/

COSMETIC SURGERY

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 implant – 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 life-threatening 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 super-rich 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.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 35.

Webs Training

Sam Cox

Apprentice Wood Machinist

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,

Highfields Nursery feels like home

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.

Located just off London Road, Highfields Day Nursery is set within the wooded grounds of Highfields School. With a large outdoor play area and access to the rest of the school’s parkland, children here enjoy the natural environment every day as part of their routine.

The Nursery is registered with OFSTED for children aged 0-5 years and is open 51 weeks a year, five days a week from 7.30am for those coming in for breakfast until 6pm. Nursery Manager, Mrs Sandra Neil, believes this is a huge attraction to many families.

“With so many parents both working and needing a longer day, we can give them that support with flexible dropping off and picking up times.”

Each child has a designated key worker who monitors the children closely to ensure they are making

good progress. The Nursery follows the EYFS Framework Curriculum. In addition, the children enjoy a variety of activities including art, music and PE, led by the specialist teachers within Highfields who come into Nursery every week. This gives the children a taste of new and different experiences as part of their normal day.

All children are given a hot cooked lunch which is freshly prepared each day and served by the same friendly dinner lady who gets to know each child individually.

The feel is very much home from home.

Mrs Sue Rudkin has been serving lunch at Highfields Nursery for many years. “I love getting to know the children and making sure they enjoy their home-cooked lunch. Sitting down together establishes good eating habits

and is an opportunity to introduce them to all sorts of exciting food and it’s sociable too!”

As the Nursery has grown, it now offers a dedicated pre-school area where the rising 4s can enjoy a more structured day to prepare them for the transition into school. “Children in our preschool year are starting to get ready for the move up and we can help to make that transition as smooth as possible,” explains Mrs Neil. “Many children in this year group join in activities with Reception such as assemblies and Forest Schools which they really enjoy. This prepares the children well for the step up to Reception, and many choose to stay here at Highfields.”

Highfields Day Nursery accepts Early Years Funding as well as employer childcare vouchers.

To arrange a visit, please contact Cleo Staniforth in Admissions on 01636 704103 or at cstaniforth@highfieldsschool.co.uk

We are an independent preparatory school on the outskirts of Nottingham, with a familiar feel and a passion for enabling children to do their best. Our pupils learn in a safe, rural environment where they are able to enjoy our beautiful surroundings and develop their learning through discovery and guided curiosity. We strive to develop talents and personalities in a positive and productive way throughout the school, providing a superb grounding for the years ahead. Since opening our doors in 1981, we have continued the belief that every child matters, having small class sizes to encourage and nurture, we teach music, sport and drama as well as the mainstream curriculum subjects to ensure a wide range of experiences.

www.salterfordhouseschool.co.uk

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.

Apprentice wood machinist Sam Cox initially wanted to be a PE teacher. This is what he had set his heart on while he was at school and studying sports was one of his subjects while at sixth form college.

He had planned to go on to university to pursue his chosen career but when he heard there was an opening as an apprentice wood machinist with DFS he thought again.

Sam, 19, from Swanwick, Derbyshire, was working part-time at McDonald’s when a friend there told him about the apprenticeship.

He said: “Up until that point I had only really thought about becoming a PE teacher but I decided to apply to see what it was all about.

“I was really impressed when I learned more about what the apprenticeship would involve and I was delighted when I was taken on.

“I think it is important to be flexible and realistic about the job situation and I am really pleased that I decided to make this switch in careers.”

The factory where he works is only five minutes away from his home and he is now one year into his two year apprenticeship.

For one day a week he attends Webs Training where he is working on a Level 2 NVQ course in component manufacturing.

While at work he uses a bandsaw to cut components for the frames and arms of sofas and said he enjoys learning new skills.

Sam added: “I really didn’t have any interest in working with wood until I started the apprenticeship but I really like this apprenticeship and I think it is something I am quite good at.

“I love the fact that it is real hands-on work from the start and it also nice to get the training offered by Webs once a week.

“While at DFS I just work on the bandsaw, it is good that the training I get at Webs involves a lot of different machines, together with classroom work and practical work too.”

He is one of four DFS apprentices who will be replacing older workers as they come up to retirement and both the young trainees and more experienced staff all get along really well.

Sam said: “They call us ‘the future of DFS’ because

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

we are the ones who will take over when the older generation retire and we have a really good work atmosphere where we all get on and have a laugh.

“All four of us have become good mates and the other workers are always happy to help us out if we have a problem and take the time and trouble to show us how to do things more quickly and more efficiently.

“I was quite nervous when I started but that soon disappeared as I settled into the job and now I am really comfortable with what I do.”

Page 36. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

ENGINEERING LEADING OUT OF RECESSION 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 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.

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.”

PENSION AUTO ENROLMENT

Facts for smaller companies As we enter 2015, many smaller companies will be reaching their Auto Enrolment staging date, here are a few facts that all smaller businesses should be aware of: Auto Enrolment is compulsory for all businesses All UK businesses regardless of size are required by law to comply with the new auto enrolment rules by their staging date.

Contact The Pension Regulator today to nd out when this is for your business.

It is important to start now Your staging date has already been determined and even smaller companies may nd the process complicated and more lengthy than you initially anticipated. Starting early and planning your approach is key to completing in time.

Some pensions providers may not want to work with you

It may become more difcult to get help

Many pensions companies are reviewing their provision and some may now nd smaller companies insufciently protable. NEST is open to all UK employers but if you wish to use an alternative you need to act now to ensure that you can use your preferred scheme.

From spring 2015, 40,000 companies per month will be receiving the 12 months’ notice of their staging date from The Pension Regulator**. This means there may be reduced assistance available from pensions providers and advisors who are dealing with record numbers of companies joining Auto Enrolment. If you think you may need advice or assistance, act now to ensure you aren’t disappointed.

Fines for non-compliance can be heavy The Pensions Regulator can issue penalty notices to punish persistent and deliberate non-compliance, these can be heavy and followed with prosecution and court action.

It really pays to ensure that you are ready for the changes Auto Enrolment bring.

Find out how we can help you. Call us today on 01604 588293.

First consultation FREE* www.pensionhouse.org.uk *Terms and conditions apply. First consultation may be by telephone. Please see our website for full details. **Figures provided by The Pensions Regulator.

The Pension House Company Ltd is an appointed representative of Financial Ltd (www.nancial.ltd.uk) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA No. 595635 Auto Enrolment is regulated by The Pensions Regulator.

The

Pension House Company Limited www.pensionhouse.org.uk

Jane Stevens is the lead consultant at The Pension House. With many years in the nancial services industry, she is an expert at nding the best solution for your business. Jane helps companies understand the complex nature of the Auto Enrolment process and how to avoid the potential costly impact by getting it right rst time.

The Pension House advisors provide a totally independent advice service.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 37.

Page 38. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

Rowan Dartington: How we do it?

Welcome to the third article in the series of three about Rowan Dartington. So far we have covered who we are and what we do; this instalment will explain how we do it.

There is a lot of competition, so how do we deliver award winning returns? There can be an unfair image depicted of a stockbroker, tie askew, feet on desk, throwing darts at the latest edition of the Financial Times to select the next “investment” on behalf of his hapless clients. We do not do this. Instead we combine exhaustive research to form part of our investment process, which is then implemented through market leading software with oversight from highly qualified investment professionals.

Research starts with an in-house analyst delving into the balance sheet of a company prior to meeting the management, attending results

presentations and perhaps even arranging site visits. This can provide insight into the company, its management, operations and outlook before a single share is purchased. Once a company has been researched in detail and found favour it can be added to the Rowan Dartington “core list” of actively researched shares rated Hold, Buy or Conviction Buy. Rowan Dartington’s proprietary bespoke software, the Portfolio Management System, can then be used to identify clients for whom the purchase of such a share is appropriate given

their investment objective (i.e. capital growth, income or a balance between the two) and risk appetite, before a qualified investment manager identifies the most apposite time to execute the purchase. Doing so can be preceded by the sale of another security which is less favourably viewed than the subsequent purchase.

This whole process is shaped by a combination of Rowan Dartington’s Investment Committee and Asset Allocation Committee. The former provide

Commerical and Industrial Photography

Phil Wells is passionate about his photography and in getting the right shots for his clients.

Whether he is working for an individual, a small business or a large multinational company, the care and attention to detail he puts into each commission is exactly the same.

Phil owns and runs Derby-based Cameraworks Photography and specialises in commercial and industrial photography.

He said: “No matter how large or small the commission, I always want to use my skills as a photographer to show their products or services in the best

possible light.

“No two jobs are ever the same and I want to bring out the uniqueness of each client in the photographs I take.”

Phil holds a degree in photography and also teaches City & Guilds Photography for Adult Education His specialist areas include architectural, product and corporate image making as well as civil engineering and construction.

Images are normally made using digital equipment but can also be made on medium and

large format film cameras depending on the individual requirements of the client.

Phil added: “I always take time to find out exactly what the client wants to achieve and what they want the images to showcase or highlight.

“Great care is taken to produce images of the highest quality in the most cost effective way.”

Phil can be contacted on 01332 361968 or 07850 028214 or by email to info@cameraworksphotography.co.ukor philipwells@ntlworld.com

“bottom up” guidance at a security level while the latter give “top down” direction at an asset allocation level and the team was recently

enhanced by the hiring of John Betteridge, who had previously been with Prudential and while there was responsible for the management of around £150bn

of assets.

All of this may seem rather academic and perhaps aloof, and overlooks one of the most important aspects of wealth management; knowing and understanding the client, their requirements and expectations, and building a working relationship that persists for many years. This approach, combined with our ability to understand and manage our clients’ requirements and expectations, gives our proposition a very promising future.

If you would like to discuss how Rowan Dartington can help achieve your investment goals then contact David Archer in the Nottingham Office to arrange an appointment.

David Archer

Nottingham Branch Manager Telephone Number:

0115 896 9996

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 39.

TOP SKILLS FOR BUSINESS LEADERS IN 2015 The skills that will become more important in 2015 for business leaders who really want to grow their businesses and positive reputation are those that will create a better working environment to support their employees to find their place and thrive.

We can be so focused on growing our business, selling more and getting more customers to buy, that we can forget one of the main areas of your business that will have an immediate impact on whether a customer stays with your business or a prospect uses your business. This all important resource is your staff. And what affects your staff is their working environment, their relationship with you, their colleagues and their understanding of the role they play in your business.

Gone are the days when the working environment was just limited to physical health and safety.

Nowadays the working environment includes the mental/psychological wellbeing, levels of stress and whether people feel they are valued and respected at work. To get all of this right the business owner and managers of even SMEs need to develop better people skills: the ability to work with people at high levels and adjust their own

behaviours to get the best from them.

To make your business stand out, to hold onto your people, instil loyalty and commitment in 2015 there are a few areas you may need to be able to demonstrate, not only to your customers, but to your staff. These areas are Humility, Recognition, Praise, Acknowledgement, Listening, Flexibility, Longtermism and Genuine care. Over the next couple months I will be sharing some on my thoughts on each of these areas, but today I’ll start by looking at Humility and Recognition.

Humility I start with humility because it is frequently misunderstood within leadership circles and largely forgotten or seen as unnecessary at middle management level. For leaders it is the recognition and acceptance that you have achieved all you have through the hard work of others, as well as that of yourself.

Even if we’re fortunate enough to invent the best product or service that everyone wants to buy, this product or service could never be developed, delivered, marketed or sold without the help of others. The profit we make is only possible through the support of others. The fame we achieve is only as a result of someone else raising our profile for us.

Good business leaders keep in mind and remain grateful to those around them who have helped them and their businesses to grow and achieve great things. Humility is about having a modest view of ones importance

in the true face of things and not being afraid to demonstrate that.

Recognition This trait sits alongside humility and is proof of the other. Lack of recognition is the evidence that differentiates insecure leaders from those not threatened by the abilities of others. Insecure leaders take all the praise of good results for themselves. They are far too anxious to openly acknowledge that even some of the ideas, actions or even results came from other people. Another trait of an insecure leader is their inability to take responsibility for failure.

This behaviour creates a culture of blame, fear, frustration and powerlessness for employees and does not support or encourage them to have the desire to even want to give of their best to develop the business. Why bother when you will not receive any recognition for it?

Leaders who are prepared to give recognition will reap the benefits of greater loyalty, creativity, better service delivery and improved customer satisfaction, which should all result in higher profits.

True recognition is about really acknowledging, accepting, admitting and conceding the importance of others in our rise and success.

Employees are far more transitory than they used to be and people are not only looking for decent pay, but in more and more cases they are looking for additional benefits that meet their personal needs and ambitions. Benefits which will help them to live a more balanced life. If you want to get and keep

the best staff, you’re going to have to work a little harder on demonstrating these traits.

In my next piece I will look at praise and acknowledgement.

Sandra Pollock Director, Executive Coach, Open Mind Coaching UK Sandra is an award winning Business Coach with 20+ years of experience, having

set up Open Mind Coaching 2008 providing Management Consultancy and training. She is also a Growth Accelerator Coach with PERA, a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Consulting and a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.

Contact Sandra and get coaching support to

develop your business, leadership or staff management.

Email: sandra@ openmindcoaching.com Website: www. openmindcoaching.com Tel: 07977227872 https://www. facebook.com/ openmindcoachinguk Twitter: @ OpenMindCoach

OPEN MIND TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Page 40. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

ARE YOU SURE YOU DON’T EMPLOYEE ANYONE? EMPLOYEE OR SELF-EMPLOYED?

Many employers will seek to engage contractors who work on a selfemployed basis in an attempt to avoid the minefield of employment law rights and benefits.

Unfortunately, even where the parties agree to a self-employed relationship, it is open to both the Tribunal and HMRC to argue they are actually an employee.

The courts will consider a multitude of factors in deciding whether there is in fact an employee relationship including: • the level of control over the contractor - the greater the control the less likely

they are to be seen as an independent selfemployed individual; • the level of workplace integration - again the greater the integration of the contractor the more likely they are to be seen as an employee; • whether a substitute can be provided – if a contractor can send a substitute to perform the works they are likely to be selfemployed; • who owns the assets used to carry out the job - if the assets are owned by the contractor it is more likely they will be held to be self-employed ;and

• the level of mutuality of obligation - where there is an obligation for work to be offered by the company and accepted by the contractor it is more likely the contractor will be self-employed.

Does it matter?

Crucially, different employment benefits and protection are attached to employee status.

Therefore, by simply being an employee an individual gains extra rights. These include: statutory sick pay; maternity, paternity and adoption leave and pay; minimum notice periods; protection against unfair dismissal;

the right to request flexible working; time off for emergencies; and statutory redundancy pay.

Employees in comparison to contractors carry significant protection from dismissal or detriment.

IFAs One particular profession gaining increased attention are independent financial advisors (IFAs). Through the title ‘independent’ it is often automatically assumed that they are self-employed. However, this is not always the case and recently a number of IFA’s who have claimed to be self-

employed was in fact an employee. Here the tribunal believed that the training and supervision obligations contributed to a sufficient degree of ‘control’ by the company so as to mean the IFA was in fact an employee.

Workers Employers should also be aware of an emerging class known as workers. They sit between employees and self-employed individuals. Whilst not gaining the full raft of employment law rights, workers are entitled to holiday pay and rest breaks.

An important factor to consider

is whether personal service is required by a contractor. If they are not permitted to provide a substitute the likelihood of being seen as a worker increases. The lower “pass mark” to be seen as a worker means many contractors, whilst not qualifying as employees may still be workers with a right to holiday pay and to be paid the national minimum wage.

It is advisable for employers to look carefully at contracts with contractors to see if there is a risk of being held to be a worker or an employee. Advice should be sought where the position is unclear.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 41.

INTERESTING LEGAL CHANGES FOR PARENTS (OR PARENTS-TO-BE!) FROM APRIL 2015 If you have a new arrival scheduled for any time from 5th April this year, including by adoption, there is a new system of parental leave during the first year of the child’s life. Whilst mothers will still take the initial two week period following the birth of the child, after that, the new child’s parents can, as they decide, share the remaining parental leave.

It is also proposed that the husband, civil partner or partner should be allowed (unpaid) time off to attend up to two antenatal appointments.

Statutory pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared

parental leave will increase to £139.56 per week.

There are improvements for those adopting, in terms of statutory adoption leave and pay, where the 26 week qualifying period disappears and where adoption pay will be aligned with maternity pay at 90% of normal earnings for the first six weeks.

Another plus for parents:from April, the right to parental leave (unpaid) is extended to parents of children under 18 (previously, the age limit was 5!).

Finally, on parental leave, there are new

arrangements coming into force in April extending rights in terms of unpaid time off to those about to become parents by way of surrogacy.

Both new parents will be entitled to attend up to two antenatal appointments with the surrogate mother and be entitled to parental leave, statutory pay and so on as long as they meet eligibility criteria (which are too complex to go into here).

Other points of interest For those suffering from long-term sickness (either now or in the future), note should be taken of a new system

of free occupational health assessments for employees, employers and general practitioners where the employee has already been off sick for four weeks or more. It remains to be seen how this will work.

Since April 2013, the Employment Tribunals have for the first time charged fees for issuing a claim (a few hundred pounds) and for taking a claim to a full trial (almost a thousand pounds).

There has been a vigorous debate (and applications to the High Court) about this.

Is the undisputed drop in claims to the Tribunal because potential

claimants cannot afford the fees? Are people excluded from obtaining justice breaching their Human Rights? The most recent ruling suggests it is not down to people not being able to afford the fees but because they prefer to spend the money on something else! The Courts believe it is speculative or insubstantial claims which are being excluded and that worthwhile claims are still being brought.

The regulations remain in place, but the jury is still out and future challenges can be expected. The message must be:- take early

advice to see whether a claim is viable and worth the investment of paying the Court fees or not.

We have been increasingly asked to advise employees ahead of an internal disciplinary process.

This applies across both the private and public sectors.

Some feel unhappy with advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau or their trade union and prefer to consult a solicitor, even at this early stage, particularly where they are keen to rebut the charges and retain their job at any cost. Naturally we are always happy to talk to people in these circumstances!

Page 42. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

Consultants play a valuable part in modern business 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 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 either 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.

LESS THAN A THIRD OF UK ADULTS USED ISAS THIS TAX YEAR

Billions of pounds potentially lost through unnecessary taxes 19 January 2015: Just under a third of UK adults (31 per cent) saved or invested in an ISA in the current tax year – and of those, more than a fifth (22 per cent) have saved or invested £1,000 or less with just a few weeks to go until the end of the tax year, according to new research carried out on behalf of AXA. Last year, the Government increased tax efficient ISA limits to £15,000, intending to kick-start a savings culture.

However, this new AXA study* reveals alarming levels of disengagement towards saving money and misunderstanding of the basics about ISAs: · Seventy four per cent of adults don’t know what the ISA limit (£15,000) is – including 54 per cent of those who have saved or invested money in an ISA. · Over a quarter of people (26 per cent) who have saved or invested in the current tax year

through an ISA do not know in which month the tax year ends (April). · On average, those people who have saved or invested through an ISA have only used 38 per cent of their tax-free allowance with just a few weeks to go until the end of tax year (£5,645 of the available £15,000 limit). · Twenty two per cent of savers have £1,000 or less in their ISA. · Only 33 per cent are aware you can invest in Stocks and Shares into an ISA. · Outside of London (£7,297), people in the north of England and Scotland have, on average, the most money in their ISA, totaling £6,037 and £6,065 respectively; whereas those in the Midlands (£4,595) have the least. · People in the East of England are those most likely to have £1,000 or less in their ISA (27 per cent). The majority of savers are nowhere near using

their ISA allowance for the year.

Adrian Lowcock, head of investing, AXA Self Investor, said: “Households across the UK could be paying billions in needless tax, because they are not using their full ISA limit.

While interest rates for savers are so poor, no one needs to lose this money. January is typically a time for families to kick-start their financial planning and put in place those new financial resolutions, so I’d encourage people to consider the options that ISAs offer, investing in both cash and Stocks and Shares and maximising the use of the limits to help them make their money go as far as possible.”

company, with venture capital and bank finance.

Subsequently acquiring its competitor six years later, he then exited two years after that very successfully.

Since 2009, he has been using all this experience and expertise to provide business consultancy to small businesses. These have included projects in a trouble-shooter role to rescue a failing business, which was returned to profit. In

other cases, he has provided operational due diligence to support businesses in the process of acquiring another, or post-acquisition with support on integrating the new activity and sorting out issues. More commonly, the usual situation is just helping businesses growth their profits, sales and efficiency.

Interested business owners can find out more by looking at David’s website. So what are you waiting for?

To learn more about ISAs visit: https://www.axaselfinvestor. co.uk/isas-and-more/

FREE BUSINESS CONSULTING SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES Many small businesses in Staffordshire and Derbyshire are benefiting from free, topclass business consultancy.

Even more are unaware that they are missing out. Several business support schemes are aimed at providing business owners with subsidised access to experts in all the key areas of marketing, lean manufacturing, business planning, project management, new product development etc.

The various different schemes are funded by the UK and EU governments.

David Brands of local firm, Coppenhall Consulting (www.coppenhall.com) is

an Authorised and Approved Consultant with these schemes. Since 2009 he has been providing SME owners and staff with advice, guidance, training and tools which have helped them improve, and in some cases, transformed their businesses.

Business owners and managers are normally very focussed and motivated to make their business a success. Quite often they have either been the person who started the business, or a family member, or perhaps someone with many years experience with the same firm who has risen to take charge.

This usually means that

the person in charge knows every little thing going on in their business. This can also sometimes mean that their experience outside of that business is not wide, and they may not be as knowledgeable about other methods, commonly used elsewhere with great success.

Business Consultants are therefore fantastic ways of bringing in some real expertise, but just for a short time, sometimes just a few days, to inject some new knowledge and techniques which can be tailored to that business. But this is often not as common or as straight forward as it should be. As David Brands says, “Business owners are understandably proud of their achievements, perhaps scornful that “some guy in a suit”, without years of experience in their business can show them how aspects of their business can be better than they already are, and they are rightly sceptical

of anyone who claims they may be able to do so. I too was once the MD of a successful small business, so I completely understand their position. The simple fact is that there are usually always better ways of doing things, and it doesn’t cost much to check them out, adopt the ones you like, enjoy the benefits, and park the others perhaps for a later day.”

David has had an impressive and varied career, which enables him to quickly understand a business and suggest improved methods and processes. Starting as a young high-voltage design engineer with GEC in Stafford, he quickly rose through the ranks to eventually become a Group Managing Director of what was by then called Alstom, and managed several large companies on every continent. He then left to perform a Management Buy In of a small midlands automotive components

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

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

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

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

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

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

the business.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 43. counselling from qualified business growth coaches is available through the scheme.

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY BUSINESS COACHING

what is it and how is it effective?

In an age of economic and time pressures in both small businesses and large organisations what benefits can coaching bring?

Critical factors for organisations bringing in coaching are twofold, firstly for the business where research shows that benefits include greater employee engagement, better understanding of business goals, less absenteeism, greater efficiency and enhanced business results.

Secondly, for the individual being coached the opportunity to have protected time, which is confidential, strictly contracted and ethically underpinned by codes of ethics, and has shown to have benefits which include

improved psychological health, higher resilience, a greater understanding of themselves and their colleagues and better communication skills.

Coaches bring a wealth of skills and tools to the business environment which include aspects of strategic planning, business diagnostics, a focus on customers and an emphasis on the senior leadership team, be it large or small. As coaches we can challenge leaders on how they are taking the organisation forward and on that impact for the business.

The chemistry between a coach and an organisation is critical and those procuring coaching services should ensure that coaches have the experience that best matches their business, that they understand their specific needs and goals and that they have a range of interventions and methodologies that are suitable.

Equally, procurers themselves should be clear on how they will work with coaches and what they want to achieve. Goals should sit within the broader strategic development of the company and the approach is one of improved performance and personal development for all staff.

Lynne Walley With over 20 years experience in designing and delivering

engaging and innovative delivery style.

She is a highly qualified coach holding a Masters degree as well as a post graduate qualification in business coaching. As a psychometric administrator is able to administer a range of tools including Myers Briggs Type Indicator, 16pf and occupational leadership assessments such as OPQ32 and the Emotional and Social Intelligence model. Lynne firmly believes that responsible and ethical leadership is underpinned by self-awareness, a sound value system and ethical behaviour.

A successful author, including Maximizing People Potential: A coaching perspective for Leaders and Managers (2014) being her latest co authored book, and conference speaker on coaching and coaching techniques.

Lynne can be contacted on mobile 07881 912900, hello@coachingand.co.uk or at www.coachingand.co.uk Celia Payne

corporate coaching and leadership programmes she has worked with a wide range of organisations including local authorities, the police, the RAF, Housing Associations and the Independent School sector.

Her passion and commitment to continued professional development is reflected by an

Celia is a highly experienced and qualified coach and coach trainer who has been actively involved in coaching since 2006. She provides a supportive but challenging coaching environment based on mutual trust and openness and quickly develops strong rapport with her clients.

Her coaching philosophy is that people can find the answers within themselves given the right coaching and time to reflect and she takes a flexible approach to coaching drawing from a range of disciplines. Celia’s clients include the oil and gas industries, the RAF, the NHS and registered charities.

Celia also uses a range of coaching tools including 360 feedback reports, the psychometric 16pf and MTQ48 (which is designed to evaluate an individual’s mental sensitivity in the workplace). She draws from the extensive knowledge she has developed writing and facilitating ILM Coaching and Mentoring Programmes at Levels 5 and 7, which she co-delivers with Professor Jonathan Passmore, an internationally renowned coach and author of leadership and coaching books.

Celia can be contacted on mobile: 07976 683742 celia@zest4development.co.uk Both of these highly experienced coaches can move your business forward!

Page 44. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

Let’s Talk Consultancy Ltd is a Christian based business services provider who partner with companies to enable them to fulfil their purpose by providing professional and effective HR, Training and Conflict Resolution solutions.

As a former Director of HR with over 15 years of strategic and operational Human Resource management experience gained in the public, not-for-profit sector and private businesses.

I established the company to unite my work related passions with Christian principles to bring ethical and effective solutions to businesses.

One area that I find companies underestimate the true value of is the terms and conditions of employment. Here are two reasons why your terms and conditions of employment should

be fit for purpose.

The Legal Requirement: All employers must provide their employees with a written statement of main Terms and Conditions within the first eight week of employment as required

by Employment Rights Act 1996 (section 1).

The Business tool: A modern

Extra eyes see more opportunities day set of terms and conditions need to be flexible enough to enable the business to operate in times of business growth or consolidation, as the company flexes to meet fluctuations in the economy, in funding, in customer demand etc. A useful tool to attract and retain staff, manage the employment relationship and if necessary bring it to an end.

Do your terms and conditions simultaneously support business movement and good employment practices?

Call 079 0562 7439 now to arrange a no-obligation company visit or email me at letstalk@ letstalkconsultancy.co.uk Bye for now, Lindsey-Jayne Trueman, Chartered MCIPD, PGDip and Accredited Workplace and Community Mediator.

CALL 079 0562 7439 NOW

to arrange a no-obligation company visit or email me at letstalk@letstalkconsultancy.co.uk

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

from Lloyds Bank. All ten most expensive streets in the Midlands have an average property value of at least £1,000,000.

After The Ridgeway, the next

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

Andy Hulme, Mortgages Director at Lloyds Bank, comments: “The Ridgeway in Leicester takes the title as the most expensive residential street in the Midlands.

Most of the expensive streets are well known hotspot for those who aspire to have it all. All of these areas have outstanding homes, excellent schools, good shopping facilities and are on the edge of the countryside – but still close enough to the one of the leading cities in the region.”

Focus on specific targets can result in missed opportunities.

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

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

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

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

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

They use their business skills to

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

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

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

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

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

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

a business and offer end-to-end solutions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

and share the load.

The position is very similar for many Companies and tradesmen, as often there is a shut down for 2 weeks over the holidays to resume in the New Year. The problem though, they do not get paid for the December invoices until February too late for the January tax payment and VAT. The December receipts reflect work in October again a short month due to half term, so as you can see there are factors that can affect the cashflow of even the sturdiest of businesses. The planners amongst you will have this covered by retaining profits throughout the year, but not everyone can do that. There are snags that happen, jobs that don’t get delivered on time and issues beyond the best of planning.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 45.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOUR THE WINNING FORMULA CUSTOMERS ACTUALLY FOR BOTH YOU AND SPEND ONLINE THESE DAYS? The amount is staggering According to Google, 97 % of consumers search for local businesses online Your customers are online and you should be too So, how do you enhance your web presence?

The following are elements that will help you to improve your web presence: - A clear market definition - Understandable and appropriate keywords - Website and/or social media pages that are properly optimized for the search engines - A website and/or social media pages that are aesthetically appealing and properly organized so that any of your visitors immediately understand what your business offers - Complete social media profiles - A clear focus on your target connections and target market - A strategy on how to gain fans, followers and business connections - A strategy on how to promote yourself and/or your business and disseminate your marketing messages - Compelling content and effective calls-to-action - An effective social media marketing campaign for your business - A high volume of traffic on a consistent basis - Effective lead capture and conversion strategy If you review this list and find that any of the concepts are missing,

in all likelihood, you just have a website and not a web presence.

With some adjustments, you can make your web presence more effective.

On occasion websites and online presence are sometimes mistakenly taken to mean the same thing. A website is one medium through which one’s online presence can be delivered, but online presence is the collective online existence of any company or brand.

The first thing you will want to do as an organisation is get your website designed so that it has a look and feel which is customised for your business.

There are literally millions of websites out there which follow this formula, some of them are very simple, some of them are very complex.

However, so many of us have used websites that we pretty much all know what purpose it serves. Websites truly are a great first step to generating and online presence.

The next step is to design and build a compelling blog.

Once the concept of the web presence has been established, it is time to start building on it, including the all-important keywords.

Keywords are important they

are used by search engines determine the relevance of your website to their users.

It is important to understand that it takes a lot more than a beautifullooking website to cultivate the success of a particular business through its online presence.

Another way is to capitalize on your existing web presence and enhance it with additional social media marketing interactions.

Social media platforms are a cost effective and expedient way to increase the reach of your business.

This enables you to engage with your customers on a personal level, and allows your customers to actively sell your brand for you. A ‘like’ on Facebook is a visual endorsement from people that your brand is worthy of their time, generating curiosity from other social media users and developing further growth and greater exposure on the internet.

Once you have established yourself on Social Media and have an effective website then driving people to your website is critical.

This can be done through ensuring that your keywords and phrases are appropriately selected. If this is done correctly people will visit and you will receive repeat visitors interested in your site.

YOUR BUSINESS! The term Website Design covers many different skills and disciplines in the production and maintenance of websites. The different areas of web design are basically graphic design, functionality and search engine optimisation to name a few.

When designing a website many factors and functions need to be juggled and arranged in order to make the who experience logical and engaging to the user. Always making sure the site remains true to the values and standards provided by the company/ website.

With the demise of the traditionally printed yellow pages, its easy to see why the internet has taken over and now provides the bulk of business enquiries and customers.

Gone are the days when a company proudly explained they had a website. In days of old just having a website was impressive enough.

Now businesses invariably need a website and it also needs to work well and look good.

Why? because guaranteed a competitor is just a click away who has a more attractive and functional website that could give a potential customer more confidence to make an enquiry.

If a company looks keen to keep up to date then a potential customer may think the whole

buying experience would be more convenient and hassle free.

Companies need to be quicker to respond to market changes and requirements, website designers need to take into account the users experience but also the ease of which products and services are changed or adjusted.

Nowadays a website can also act as a form of business partner.

Automated shopping on line is now common place, again a website designer makes sure the design of the shopping experience is simple and straight forward.

Websites are now essentially full colour, interactive company brochures. For the first time ever a potential customer can view a companies products and services 24 hours a day in the comfort of their own home. Best of all there is no printing involved, also companies can make changes to stock and prices at the touch of a button with minimal effort and without worrying about the shelf life of an expensive printed brochure or catalogue.

As much as a website designer needs to know about the parameters surrounding the functionality of a site or a brief.

The mechanics of the site are put together by what’s known as a Web Developer. You and I look at a website and see images and text. A web developer has the

ability to make these elements work on the internet. A website is made up of various types of codes, set formats and various types of language only relevant to website design principles.

Website developers are basically the builders of a site where the designer is the architect. Without one you can’t really have the other. Each one has to have a working knowledge of the others discipline however the actual application is left to the experts.

This is why Designers and Developers work closely to make sure aesthetics and functionality don’t hinder the mechanics and vis versa.

The cost of the website varies depending on the number of pages and functions required.

Whether a website has 3 or 30 pages, the site needs to take into account your present and future business plans, ensuring the website has a decent shelf life.

This will help to make sure your investment has longevity.

In summary an experienced designer has the ability to represent your business accurately through your shop window or your website. This means replicating your style, colours, fonts, products and services professionally and clearly. And also making sure the design and functionality matches the customers needs.

Page 46. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written By Emily (Healthy Living Editor)

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

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

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 47.

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Page 48. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 49.

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Page 50. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

This Months Car Reviews

Toyota Land Cruiser Invincible 5dr auto Rugged off-roaders are de rigueur for the ‘ Chelsea ‘ set who like to pose down the Kings Road - but, of course, the really sensible money doesn’t follow fads and sticks to the essentials. If a reliable offroader is what you’re after there are few more reliable models than a Land Cruiser. You might get more style and maybe a more indulging interior but preeminent among truly capable

off-roaders, the Land Cruiser makes plain sailing of customer satisfaction. And it’s not just the ‘day-to- day’ satisfaction. It’s the satisfaction that comes from being in THE chosen vehicle for use in the ‘outback’ where life actually DEPENDS on it.

Big and imposing, the massively capable Land Cruiser is the vehicle to be driving when the road runs out, the natives are hostile and there’s no AA man

about. Built on the toughest chassis this side of a battle tank, yet plushly accoutred, its saloon class refinement is excellent without being too posh. The top spec. £54,050 Land Cruiser Invincible (Really good value value when you compare it to a Range Rover) struts its stuff in an uncompromising fashion and with ‘hit-the-trail’ off-road ruggedness it lives up to the ‘invincibility’ tag - a real ironclad

of innovation that subjects rough terrain to contemptuous treatment.

Delivering nuts and bolts ‘go anywhere’ utility with comfort aplenty so that truly, regardless of land surface and land contours, you cruise to your destination with all the cosseting a modern sybarite could ask for. Leather seats, top sound system - you name it and it’s there.

Whether you’re the owner of a five hundred acre country estate, a sheep station north of Dingo Creek, the manager of a three-bed semi in Peckham or just looking for Dr. Livingstone, the Land Cruiser will see that the minute you hit the road you won’t be mistaken for a member of the proletariat. Or to put it another way - one of those plebs our politicians are so fond of talking about.

There’s nothing ‘plebeian’ about such practicality: nothing unsophisticated about such cleverly engineered underpinnings. This is a seven seat off-roader for those in the know. Those who are already familiar with the Land Cruiser will nod sagaciously in affirmation of the outstanding

attributes coupled with the value for money that Toyota pack into every motoring chromosome of its conception.

In one of these you ride high and drive proud - and the ‘feel good’ factor stretches to encompass everything you could possibly think of, from acceptable economy (For such a big vehicle) to attractively styled and ergonomically efficient contours within and without the cabin.

At its heart is a ‘big bruiser’ 3.0 litre, 188bhp, 4 cylinder diesel that drives through a 5 speed auto box. There are low ratios, of course, and a lockable centre differential for when you tackle the sort of situations you’ll be unlikely to encounter in this country. Those more used to silky smooth lightweight engines in rival off-roaders might criticise the big diesel for being gruff. But that’s failing to see the whole point of this vehicle. The gruffness reflects its tough indestructibility. You could never ‘break’ this engine - just as you’ll never ‘break’ the drive train.

For on-road use you select either sport or comfort settings and enjoy an easy gait. Once

By Syd Taylor. up to cruising speed you just back-off the throttle and relax, tuning in to the top notch sound system. It will reach 110mph and driven gently you’ll get near 30mpg.

Never less than staggeringly good, the Land Cruiser Invincible is the essential ‘real deal’ of the 4x4 world for wise-headed ones - and it’s as though it has a mind of its own, enjoying nothing more than convincing you that the impossible is a ‘mere bagatelle’.

So in the fading light of a winters afternoon I took it offroad along a muddy track deep into The Wildwood. A watery shaft of sunlight picked out the Land Cruiser - and it gleamed like the crown jewel of big 4x4s which indeed it is.

SsangYong Korando ELX4, manual, 4 wheel drive If it’s a feast of motoring bargains you want and you relish individualism, then the advice on the street is to ‘go east young man’ (or woman) where the sun is rising on real bargains.

The highly competitive 4x4 ‘Crossover’ market has, indeed, been rocked to its foundations by the SsangYong Korando - a cracker of a compact crossover that does all you would wish and more to an astonishing degree, given the particularly attractive price of just under £20,000 for the highly specified ELX variant tested. Not yet a mainstream marque in this country, SsangYong is - for the moment - a bit of a secret.

A car like this is a must for the ‘guess how much’ neighbourhood quiz. Expect jaws to drop on the discovery that a brand new Korando can be yours for the price of a railway season ticket these days. (The range starts at just £14,995). And if that’s not enough to tempt you there is the very stylish Giugiaro design that is attractive and non-agressive - so you get a fine blend of Italian form and Korean function.

There’s a box-ticking bonanza of all-inclusive attributes inside and outside.

The redesigned very roomy interior - with ‘fold flat’ rear seats - is modern and well laid

out. Heated leather seats, air conditioning, a top line audio/ satnav unit, cruise control, plenty of airbags, heated

good comfort and lots of kit.

When it comes to performance and handling the strong monocoque design gives car-

door mirrors and, of course, power windows, contribute to a feeling of well being that belies the price. And there has certainly been no corner cutting to keep the price down.

Well put together sober and durable materials underpin a five year ‘drive to the moon and back’ limitless mileage warranty - which could be suicide for a manufacturer if the product was not bomb proof. So there you have it: engineering competence,

like characteristics that ensure nary a rattle or squeak on-road or off-road and the handling is light and lively enough to let you proceed with confidence.

In normal conditions drive is to the front wheels but the ‘Torque on Demand’ system talks to itself many times a second and makes lightning decisions about power and braking, only switching to 4WD when sensors detect loss of grip - and there’s a diff.lock should you want to

tackle challenging off-road conditions.

Korando’s new 149PS diesel is clean and efficient and

can let you tow two tonnes if you wish. (Caravan Club tow car of the year in its category). Able to reach over 115mph yet genuinely return approximately 40/45mpg overall, it drives through a six speed manual box. Work it hard and you realise that there’s a ‘proper’ engine under the bonnet - unlike some installations where manufacturers have striven to make their diesels whisper quiet hair dryers at the expense of the sound of reassuring ‘beefy’ engineering. (Remember that unlimited mileage warranty).

SsangYong has a big challenge in assaulting this competitive market but they have produced a vehicle that

is competent and impressive.

Quite frankly it’s an SUV aimed squarely at the real world. A finely fettled motoring tool of all-encompassing versatility. You won’t get more than this for your money but you could easily pay more for a rival and end up owning less.

I conclude that the Korando represents ‘can do’ manufacturing at its best, offering as it does, a compelling argument for the thrifty and a serious argument for the sensible. It has the brains to do the sums and the brawn to tackle motoring challenges.

In a nutshell, it’s the kernel of exactitude - the ‘Tom Parker’ of perfection.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 51.

Page 52. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

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Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 53.

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Page 54. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

TRANSFORM YOUR HOME WITH NATURAL STONE

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.

AXA urges homeowners to keep on top of home maintenance during the colder months 14 January 2015: Home insurer AXA offers its top tips for homeowners looking to protect their home from inclement weather and save costly repair bills. Sean Walkden, Head of Household Claims at AXA, comments: “After warmer than average temperatures at the end of last year, we’ve certainly been eased into winter*, but it’s important that homeowners don’t forget to ensure their home is kept in good condition in case inclement weather occurs – be that a cold snap or severe winds.

“A few simple checks could save policyholders hundreds of pounds – many insurers require homeowners to keep their home well-maintained and won’t cover policyholders for natural wear and tear, which can be exacerbated by bad weather, so it’s advisable to take time out to check for signs of damage to ensure you’re covered in the event of a claim.”

Sean Walkden advises: 1. Protect your pipes “To help protect pipes in cold

weather, ensure they are insulated well by wrapping them in lagging. The heating should be timed to come on regularly and it’s a good idea to leave the loft hatch open if there is a cold water tank in the loft to allow some heat into the loft space.”

2. Check the exterior of your home “Small cracks in the exterior brick may seem harmless, but actually they can lead to additional damage if not filled in; water can seep into the cracks and cause damp or mould inside the home.

In more serious cases, water can freeze in the gaps during frost, ultimately widening the cracks when it thaws.”

3. Check your gutters & downpipes “Gutters and downpipes are a haven for leaves to collect in, and if you haven’t already, now that the seasons have changed, it’s the perfect time to check them to prevent blockages and overflow. Maintaining gutters is very important – it will prevent

damage to your exterior walls or fascia, as well as preventing water from penetrating through to interior walls.”

4. Inspect the roof “It’s important to keep your roof in good condition so you can protect your home from inclement, stormy weather, especially in gale-force conditions. Ensuring your roof is well maintained will also help to prevent rain water from coming into the loft space, which can damage your contents or even the building’s structure.”

5. Get the chimney swept “Make sure your chimney is regularly swept by a reputable chimney sweep if you have a working fireplace and intend to light a fire. Blockages such as birds’ or squirrels’ nests can cause smoke and carbon monoxide to enter your home, as well as chimney fires.”

For more home maintenance advice, visit http://www.axa. co.uk/help-and-advice/myhome/

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The first few months of a New Year herald lots of resolutions; you try new diets, join the gym and change your lifestyle but more and more people are also choosing to change the interiors of their homes.

With the trend of ‘improve rather than move’ continuing to grow at the end of 2014 many homeowners find that the first three months of a New Year spur them into action in ditching dingy curtains, peeling paint or tired flooring.

If you’re looking for ideas for your kitchen, living room, outdoor space or new tiles for your bathroom, then mrsstone-store.com can inspire you to bring your ideas to life.

Founded in 2007, Mrs Stone Store is a family business that aims to provide a natural product at a very affordable price. All products can be viewed online at www.mrsstone-store.com - but we also have a local Hilton-based showroom if you wish to view the options up close to fully appreciate their beauty and textures.

Our extensive range aims to cover all tastes, lifestyles and budgets – from intricate, designer split face panels which create amazing feature

walls through to large format tiles and paving slabs, all available in a variety of colours and finishes.

Our knowledgeable customer service team can guide you through all the options available and, as we also sell all the adhesives, grouts and sealers to complete your project, you need look no further than Mrs Stone Store.

If you’ve never used stone in your home before then you may need a bit of a helping hand in making your choice; after all it is an investment and one you should take time to research based on your own requirements and the room you are re-decorating.

One stone many customers consider is Moleanos Limestone – this limestone is available in a honed, polished, brushed and a bush hammered finish and is offered in a variety of colours from an off white, neutral beiges right through to beautiful warm creams. Some of the stones have distinct quartz veining and a carry a kaleidoscope of shells and fossils giving the stone a very stylish look.

Various different sizes are available and the tiles can be installed indoors and outside,

creating a stunning natural surface that’s really easy to look after – and ideal for installation over underfloor heating.

Mrs Stone Store’s online retail experience is focused on us helping you, every step of the way to creating your perfect space at an affordable price.

Being a family run business, with six family members employed in the business, we really do go that extra mile and are committed to giving our customers a first class, full-proof service. This dedication to customer service saw Mrs Stone Store achieve the Highly Commended Award at the prestigious Midlands Family Business Awards in Nottingham and have been honoured with being shortlisted again for the Midlands Family Business of the Year for 2015.

Natural stone is a beautiful and sound investment for your home.

To find out more about ‘the store’ on your doorstep, visit mrs-stone-store.com, email sales@mrs-stonestore.com or tel. 01283 730388.

You can also find us on Twitter @mrs_stone_store.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 55.

STYLE YOU CAN AFFORD QUALITY YOU CAN FEEL THE UK’S LARGEST SUPPLIER OF

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Page 56. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

Oceanico Faldo Golf Course Oceanico O’Connor Golf Course Algarve, Portugal Algarve, Portugal

The Oceanico Faldo Golf Course was designed by golfing legend Sir Nick Faldo with strategic play in mind as the objective.

This is a 6,598 metre par 72 championship course which is testing for players of all abilities and will require careful positioning in order to score well.

The course makes full use of the beautiful undulating terrain, especially the back nine which

are quite hilly, and there are amazing views from each of the 18 holes.

The facilities include a magnificent clubhouse, pro shop with an extensive range of products, greenside bar & café, bar and restaurant and luxurious changing rooms.

It also features the Oceanico Academy which is a nine hole, par 3 floodlit course and there

are also practice putting greens, a driving range and both long and short game practice areas.

The course is just 35 minutes drive from Faro Airport and 4 km inland from the beach resort of Armacao de Pera.

Villa in Algoz, Silves, Central Algarve, Portugal

Designed by Christy O’Connor Junior, this course complements the neighbouring Oceanico Faldo Course and also takes full advantage of being situated in a fertile valley.

It has varied water features - both

lakes and watercourses - spread throughout the entire course so this will test the accuracy of all golfers. The course has also been planted with mature palm trees, affording a lush, ornamental setting.

The overall distance, water hazards and big greens provide this course’s challenge and golfers must be prepared to read

La Casa Rosada

Luxury Villa With 2 Private Pools & Panoramic Sea Views Private Property In The Most Peaceful Surroundings 4 Bedroom Villa And 2x2 Bedroom Cottages Superb holiday rental in Manilva, Spain Sleeps (16+2).

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For further information please contact Peter on (UK) 07834285286 or visit us on Owners Direct - Property code (P16409)

the subtly-contoured putting surfaces that are strong features.

Holes 7, 8 and 9, average length par 4’s, offer a particular challenge as all three run alongside lakes.

Christy’s 18th hole brings the course to a fantastic finish, a gentle climb with the river running along the right hand side. This final hole will require players to drive with pinpoint accuracy to set up the approach shot to a two-tier green benched into the hillside.

Housekeeper and Groundsman live in. This all comes complete with a private main infinity swimming pool and a second private pool available for guests, along with a poolside ba bar, garden bar, chiringuito & outside dining area, luxury sun loungers, day beds & outdoor lounge furniture & private lawned gardens.

Bedrooms: 4 Bedroom Villa & 2x2 bedroom cottages (Sleeps 18) Bathrooms: 8 Living Rooms: 4 Property Type: Villa

For further information please contact Mark or Holly on (UK) 07831172306 or visit us on Owners Direct - Property code (S28228)

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 57.

Palmares Golf Boavista Golf Course, Lagos, Course, Lagos, Algarve Algarve This course has been totally transformed by the American course designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. who has created a mixture of parkland with authentic Links style.

The 27 holes are laid out on the side of a southfacing hill overlooking the Bay of Lagos. It is questionably the most attractive location of all the golf courses in the Algarve. The views as you play your round are quite breathtaking.

On the Palmares Course there are three 9 hole circuits the Alvor Course, the Lagos Course, and the Praia Course. The first nine holes run through woodland and then down to the beach with lovely views of the Alvor Estuary and the ocean.

The Lagos nine take the player down to the beach and again with superb view while the last nine holes are mainly located on the actual beach among the sand dunes with a par 5 of 550 metres creating a good challenge.

Course facilities include a driving range, putting green, pro shop, restaurant and bar.

Villa with Private Pool, Overlooking Palmares Golf Course

The course at Boavista Golf Resort opened in January 2002 and quickly became established as one of the Western Algarve’s premier courses. This impressive 18 hole championship course offers exceptional playing conditions and was designed

by Howard Swan a renowned UK based architect.

Boavista offers two distinct parts – the Resort Section (the 1st to the 3rd and the 13th to the 18th) and the Country Section (the 4th to the 12th) – which provide a variety of attractive and interesting holes.

From the first tee shot to the last putt, the course offers an enjoyable range of very individual golf holes which offer varying challenges for all levels of golfer. The par 3’s are particularly strong and no golfer who has played over the ravine at the 194 metre 6th will ever forget the experience.

From holes 13 to 17, water features, which form part of the irrigation system, have been added and they provide a safe haven for the wildfowl which now abounds in the area. Breathtaking views, spectacular scenery and the crystal clear Atlantic Ocean, which is visible from most holes, all combine to make this course a delight for the golfer and visitor alike.

Apartment Nr. San Pedro, Nr. Marbella, Cost del Sol, Spain

If you are looking for a golfing holiday in a brilliant location where you can relax and unwind then the area around Marbella in Spain’s Costa Del Sol must be high on your list.

The private La Zagaleta golf course opened at the end of 1993 and offers golfers splendid views over Gibraltar. However the course is strictly private to you will either have to already be a member or be the guest of a member to play there.

Other courses include La Quinta which has three 9 hole golf courses that allow you to play different variations of 18 holes. The golf course was designed by Antonio Garcia Garrido and Manuel Pinero.

Every hole at Real Club de Golf Las Brisas has been designed to be challenging to even the most experienced of players. Numerous water hazards, prudent bunkering and subtle dog legs add to the challenge.

Other golf clubs in the region include Las Naranjos, El Paraiso, Los Flamingos, El Coto, Aloha, La Dame de Noche, Marbela Club, Monte Mayor and Monte Paraiso. The world famous Valderama Ryder cup course is 30 minutes away.

Property owner Geoff Lewis has a luxury beachside apartment near near Puerto Banus, in the Costa del Sol which would be an ideal base for those planning a golf holiday in the area. It sleeps up to six people in two bedrooms and has a pool, on site gym, saunas and a jacuzzi.

Contact Geoff on 01278 760035

Villa in Meia Praia, Lagos, Western Algarve

The Villa, Casa das Tres Palmeiras is on a gentle sloping hillside with gorgeous views overlooking the Bay of Lagos and Palmares golf course. It is approx 2 miles from Lagos.

Bedrooms: Sleeps 8 with 4 twin bedrooms.

Bathrooms: 1 en- suite bathroom, one en-suite shower and a shared bathroom.

Living Rooms: Brand new sofas, dining table/chairs, music system, flat screen The villa has three sets of French windows TV/DVD, internet, a supply of books, leading onto the terrace, that surrounds two games and tennis racquets. sides of the house. The swimming pool is above the house with lovely views over it Kitchen: New fitted kitchen containing a to the sea beyond. The maid prepares the dishwasher, fridge/freezer, electric oven, microwave, kettle, toaster and seperate bedrooms and changes the sheets/towels washing machine. during the week.

Amenities/Facilities: Barbecue, Private Pool, Parking, Garden.

For more information please visit Owners Direct with the property reference: P1836

Apartment Nr San Pedro, Nr. Marbella, Costa del Sol, Spain

Luxury, beachside apartment with pool view, on site gym, saunas and jacuzzi, near golf, 200m to the beach, beach Bars, watersports and scuba centre.

A large, luxury 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, designer furnished, ground floor apartment situated between the 5*Marriot and Crown Plaza hotels. It is on an exclusive and secure gated development with lifts and underground carpark. The apartment is furnished to a very high standard.

The prestigous site of Hacienda del Sol is only a few minutes away from Puerto Banus and Marbella with their marinas of luxury yachts and designer boutiques. It is in an enviable position being next to the sea but within walking distance of many bars restaurants and shops and surrounded by golf courses.

Bedrooms: 2 (sleeps 4/6) Amenities/Facilities: Dishwasher, Fridge/Freezer, Hob/Stove, Iron, Microwave, Oven, Tumble Dryer, Washing Machine.

Shared Pool, Parking, Garden.

Air Conditioning, Central Heating, Cot, High Chair, Internet Access, Room Fans, Telephone, TV For more information please contact: 07730585416 g.lewis901@btinternet.com

Page 58. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

VILLA IN CALAHONDA, COSTA DEL SOL

Mijas Golf Apartment

location has the benefit of a lawn in front for extra sun-bathing, and somewhere for the children to run about safely in a secure community. There is a swimming pool which is heated during the main holiday periods and the location is quiet and peaceful.

The property is just a 30 minute drive from Malaga airport and 10 minutes from Fuengirola’s beaches, shops and nightlife.

There are also some excellent restaurants nearby.

The two Mijas Golf course are just minute away and other courses within a 20-minute radius include Santana, La Cala (3 courses) and El Chapparal.

Owner Chris Spearing said: “I am a keen golfer, and when playing in Spain fell in love with this apartment and its fantastic location.

“I wanted a golf-related location, and this is front-line with a fantastic view over the two Mijas Golf courses.

“Not many apartments enjoy this superb view and the fact that the pool is heated is very unusual for this area. Also being ground-floor it has the advantage of leading straight from the patio to the lawn.”

Casa Lousada is a superb modern villa situated on the Pestana Vale da Pinta golf course near Carvoeiro, Portugal, in a gated complex with 9 other villas.

It has three air conditioned double rooms all en-suite while the master bedroom has a sun terrace overlooking the third green.

The three double doors lead onto the large south facing terrace and surrounding lawns and there is a

large shared pool with children's paddling pool is situated close to the villa, providing fun for youngsters and security for parents.

This is a beautiful new luxury villa which sleeps six people in three bedrooms and given its location is obviously a must for those who want a base while on a golfing holiday in the region.

Casa Lousada is situated on the 3rd green of the prestigious

Pestana Vale da Pinta course while the Pinta clubhouse is less than two minutes from the villa.

The sister course, Gramacho, is also a very short distance from the villa and the Pestana Golf Academy is also within walking distance.

Owners, Jill and Steve, are happy to make bookings on your behalf before your arrival.

This modern luxury apartment is situated on the seventh hole of the prestigious Pestana Vale da Pinta Golf Course in Carvoeiro, Western Algarve. It sleeps four to six people in two airconditioned bedrooms and is part of a new development which has been completed to the highest standards with quality modern furnishings. The apartment is fully fitted with all that you could

need for a luxury holiday including wifi and British TV. There are 2 air-conditioned twin bedrooms.

It is ideally situated for activity holidays, such as golf, family holidays or simply to get away from it all. The apartment is ideal for children as it provides a safe environment for younger children as it is on a fully secured complex.

Pestana Golf Resort is located between Lagoa and Carvoeiro,

and almond trees. The Pestana Golf Centre is on site, with a golf school, driving range and practice green. The Par 71 Pinta Course has been open since 1992 and has earned and excellent reputation. It has Bermuda grass on the fairways and Penn Cross Bent greens. Gramacho Course, the sister course to Pinta, is an 18 hole championship course. It is a par 71 and is 6107m long.

If you are looking for a great place to stay while on a golfing holiday in Spain’s Costa Del Sol then this air-conditioned apartment looks absolutely ideal.

It is located in Mijas Golf, Mijas Costa, right beside Los Lagos Golf Course, which is one of two Mijas Golf Courses.

As you might expect from its location, it features stunning views of both courses including the greens, fairways, trees and lakes. In addition the ground-floor

For more information contact Chris on 01235 820430

Villa on Pestana Vale da Pinta Golf Course

Apartment on Vale de Pinta Golf Course, two courses are laid out over Carvoeiro, Western Algarve the the most scenic undulating terrain amongst olive groves, carob, fig - Bedrooms: 5 - Bathrooms: 4 - En-Suite: 3 - Living Rooms: 1 - Property Type: House/Villa For further information please contact Peter on (UK) 07834285286 or visit us on Owners Direct - Property code (P16409)

Villa on Pestana Vale da Pinta Golf Course, Nr. Carvoero

For further information please contact Jill by telephone on (PORTUGAL) +351 963447338 or by email at lousada_villas@yahoo.co.uk

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 59.

Sabinillas lies about 6km west of Estepona, and 10km east of Sotogrande on the CN 340. It is half way between Marbella and Gibraltar.

Marbella and Puerto Banusare mi about 25 / 30 minutes drive.

Renowned as one of Spain's 'white villages', the Casares area stretches from the coast into the mountains, and apart from the coastal strip is rugged and unspoilt. Malaga airpo airport is a 60 minute drive, Gibraltar is a 30 minute drive and Jerez airport a 90 minute drive. Sabinillas is an old fishing village.

For further information please contact Kevin on (UK) 07812032520 or visit us on Owners Direct - Property code (S4147Y)

Page 60. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 61.

The Almenara Golf Course is located on the Sotogrande urbanization, on the Mediterrean, so you can enjoy magnificent views.

The field consists of 27 holes, in which the designer and player, Dave Thomas, has created a challenge for the best golfers with undulating fairways and deep bunkers.

Almenara is a noble field, on which you must play in an intelligent and and accurate form.

The tour highlights the generous spread of water and presents its three distinct path forms. The

first part runs along the forested area of Sotogrande, the second flows through an open zone that features a spectacular lake, and the third part contains some of the most impressive holes in Europe, which runs along a series of large lakes as well.

Almenara reopened its doors in April 2005 after a major renovation to improve its facilities. The club house is a multifaceted building in the middle of the estate, which houses the reception and concierge, a piano bar and an elegant fine dining restaurant on the top floor, facing the seventh

Villa in Sotogrande, Spain

- Has a lounge/dining area with a double sofa bed, kitchen, double bedroom, bathroom and outside patio on the ground floor. A spiral staircase leads to a second lounge & dining area with kitchenette, double sofa bed, double/twin bedroom, single bedroom, bathroom and large balcony.

- The complex has 15 apartments in total with private, secure parking at the rear of the property and a shared swimming pool and grass area.

- Water parks, golf courses, tennis courts, small, sandy beaches and other popular resorts all within easy reach by car.

- A meet and greet service is provided; airport transfers can be arranged on request. Wi-Fi now available.

For further information please contact Debbie on (UK) 07730965063 or visit us on Owners Direct - Property code (P14105)

British-American rock band Pure Love filmed much of their 2012 single Beach Of Diamonds around the pool of this stunning property in Spain’s Costa Del Sol. This bright, stylish villa in Sotogrande sleeps 14 in four bedrooms, features a large pool and is set in a very quiet, peaceful location with amazing mountain and sea views.

It is close to the beach, polo fields and the world-famous Valderrama Golf Course is one of five golf courses which are just minutes away.

This is an open plan, bright and fully-equipped Moroccan-style villa located in a quite cul-de-sac with complete privacy.

The living area on the ground floor has easy access to the outdoor pool and bedrooms and the villa features extensive terraces on two different levels with barbecue and seating areas.

The master suite comes with its own living area, terraces, bathroom and dressing area while the exquisite garden features fruit trees, exotic flowers, freshly

grown herbs for cooking, a pond and a fountain feature This all air-conditioned property is ideal for families and is very safe and secure with 24/7 guarded entrance and patrols.

There is also a separate driveway entrance for cars with secure automatic steel gate and access from the lower drive to main house.

It is kept tidy by a maid and gardener twice a week (more if required) and no bottled water is needed because water softening and purification systems have been installed.

The property is wheelchairfriendly with the garden, pool, living areas and two of the bedrooms all on the same level.

There is no more than a six-inch step anywhere on this level and the bathrooms on this floor are wetroom-type bathrooms with lots of room.

There is Sky HD TV and an Apple TV with Netflix & Hulu for internet, TV and free UK channels if you have iPad or iPhone via Airplay.

There is also PSP3, XBox360,

Villa Lorien, Sotogrande

COSTA DEL SOL SPAIN

Sleeps: 14 (4 bedrooms) Bright, Stylish Villa With Large Pool In A Peaceful Location With Mountain And Sea Views Close To Beach, Polo Fields And All Amenities With Valderrama, Almenara And 5 Other Golf Courses Minutes Away www.ownersdirect.co.uk/accommodation/p8107373 - Quote Derbyshire Guardian for an extra 10% off

Tel: (UK) 07738184313

email: Andrew.tait@mansion.com

green surrounded by pine trees.

If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, whether for dinner, lunch or breakfast, it’s worth taking a short walk to the VeinTeeOcho restaurant with its views of the golf course, the Mediterranean and the Sotogrande mountains, where in the evenings a barbecue silhouetted against the Sotogrande mountain range lights up the night.

In addition, access to the Almenara Golf facilities, including the Caddie Master, the Pro Shop and the golf cart parking area have been improved.

DVD player, etc. and WiFi is also available.

Owner Andrew Tait said: “The immediate vicinity of Sotogrande is an exclusive, peaceful, secure and immaculately maintained resort famous throughout Europe for its Polo tournaments in August and 5* golf courses.

“It offers all the usual facilities such as great restaurants, bars, shops, sports, etc without the crowds and hassle of the mass tourist resorts closer to Malaga.

Its access is also excellent with direct link 5 minutes away to the main A7 coast motorway, but far enough away to have no traffic noise and instead great views.

“The villa is modern, spacious and open-plan with high ceilings and has a contemporary feel - not at all cluttered or fussy.”

As a special offer for Easter (March 26 - April 9) Andrew is offering a 25 per cent discount from his normal rates and as an extra special Derbyshire Guardian readers, he is offering an additional 10 per cent discount on top of this.

For more information contact Andrew on 07738 184313.

Page 62. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 25: Page 63.

FORMULA E – ROUND 4 DA COSTA WINS AFTER ARGY-BARGY

Da Costa celebrates his first victory

Di Grassi remains series leader despite failing to finish

Antonio Felix da Costa (Amlin Aguri) took victory in the Buenos Aires ePrix after three race leaders failed to capitalise on their position. Championship front runners Lucas Di Grassi and Sebastian Buemi both suffered suspension failures whilst Nick Heidfeld picked up a drive through penalty for pit-lane speeding.

The Buenos Aires street circuit looked particularly difficult as the cars were squirming around in qualifying, searching for grip. Round 3 winner Buemi (e.dams-Renault) was quickest from Virgin Racing’s Jaime Alguersauri with Nick Heidfeld (Venturi) third. Heidfeld made a great start to snatch second place from Alguersari, around the outside at the first corner hairpin. Di Grassi was also on the move passing the Sam Bird (Virgin Racing) and his team

mate Alguersauri, before closing in on Heidfeld who had been unable to get by Buemi.

Further back, Da Costa, who started eight, was having a great scrap for sixth with F1-refugee Jean-Eric Vergne. Di Grassi squeezed by Heidfeld at the right-hand hairpin and suddenly Heidfeld was falling back and fighting with Da Costa, but then the safety car was deployed

after Karun Chandock’s Mahindra broke its suspension on this unforgiving track.

A mad rush for the pits, to change cars saw Buemi hold on to his lead from Di Grassi, Heidfeld and Da Costa. Buemi looked set to be the first to win two races, but clipped the wall going into the chicane breaking his front suspension. With Di Grassi leading, Sam Bird eased past Da Costa into third only to pick up a penalty for leaving the pitlane passing a red light.

Di Grassi then suffered his own suspension failure, handing the lead to Heidfeld, only for the German to be penalised Buemi leads at the stat whilst Heidfeld takes second

Buemi looked comfortable in the lead

for pit-lane speeding. With two laps remaining Da Costa found himself in the lead ahead of Vergne and Alguersauri, but the frantic action continued to the flag. A mistake by Vergne allowed Prost (e.dams-Renault) to pass them both for second before Alguersauri collided with SaAm Bird, Nelson Piquet Jr gratefully accepting the final place on the podium.

Alguersauri recovered to take fourth ahead of Bruno Senna and Vergne.

Antonio Felix da Costa was a little disappointed with his qualifying place, but happy with the race pace of his cars.

“I knew we had the pace this weekend and the cars felt really good. I finished the race with some energy left, so I was ready to attack Nic (Prost) at the end if

I had to. We worked hard to get here and now we have to keep working hard.”

Di Grassi still leads with 58 points from Sam Bird (7th place and fastest lap) 48 points. Third is Buemi (43) ahead of Prost (42), Piquet (37) and Da Costa (29). Formula E next heads to North America for races in Miami (14 March) and

Page 64. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

Ward back to first team action and delighted “I have got to work my way back into things; I need to get more match sharpness and establish myself with my performances.” J Ward The 28-year-old Northern Ireland international returned to fitness earlier in the new year after two and a half months out of action with a thigh problem.

Ward sustained the injury in Derby’s 3-0 win at Reading in October and it proved to be a setback for the forward, who had started the season in excellent form.

He scored five goals in the early stages of the campaign, as well as providing a number of assists.

He has started two of the Rams’ last three matches, against Nottingham Forest and Blackburn

Rovers, with his comeback quickened as a result of Jordon Ibe’s return to Liverpool and Johnny Russell’s hamstring injury.

Ward is now determined to regain his match sharpness and have a big say in the Club’s promotion push.

He told dcfc.co.uk: “It has been nice to get some minutes under my belt in the last few weeks.

“It has been a bit fortunate for me in some ways with Jordon Ibe going back to Liverpool and Johnny Russell being injured.

“They are both quality players and there’s nothing better than having good players pushing each other, so it’s a shame to lose them.

“I was happy pushing them to get my place back and willing them

on when they were in the side, that’s what it is all about.

“I have got to work my way back into things; I need to get more match sharpness and establish myself with my performances.

“I want to hit the ground running but I know I have to be patient to get back to the form I was in earlier in the season.”

Ward admits he has missed the buzz of being involved in firstteam action.

“I certainly missed the buzz of being in the squad, mentally preparing for games and little things like that,” he said.

“There’s no better feeling that going out onto the pitch and trying to get three points with your mates.”