All Things Local - April/May 2023 - Village Edition

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WELCOME LETTER

Hello readers

Welcome to the spring edition of All Things

Local! This time of year is so magical, filled with new life – the spring flowers, lambs in the fields, leaves on the trees and, now that the clocks have changed, lighter evenings in which to enjoy it all!

Talking of lighter nights … was anyone lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis recently? The phenomenon, known as the ‘Northern Lights’ can usually only be seen over the arctic circle, northern Scandinavia, parts of Russia, Canada and Greenland. Occasionally Scotland has a glimpse but very rare conditions meant that, for a couple of nights, the spectacular show was visible throughout the UK, with sightings in Derbyshire and even as far south as Cornwall and Kent! Team ATL sadly weren’t lucky enough to see them but hopefully some of our readers were.

The weather can be unpredictable in spring but the general trend is towards warmer temperatures and longer, lighter days. We’re beginning to dream of barbecue season, long walks in the countryside and finally getting some colour back in the garden. If you need some help with getting your garden ready for spring and summer, turn to our ‘Homes and Gardens’ section to find local experts who can bring your vision to life!

Talking of barbecues, there are a glut of Bank Holidays throughout April and May, this year with the addition of an extra one on 8th May following the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on Saturday 6th May. The intention is that this will provide an opportunity for communities across the country to come together to celebrate. As ever, our wonderful local community will no doubt do the country proud with each local neighbourhood planning its own street parties and events fit for a King! The coronation is a hugely significant event, and something that many of us have not seen previously in our lifetimes, so it certainly warrants a memorable celebration.

The other Bank Holidays are Good Friday (7th April), Easter Monday (10th April), Early May Bank Holiday (1st May) and Spring Bank Holiday (29th May). These long weekends provide perfect opportunities either for a weekend getaway or to spend some time enjoying all that Derbyshire and the Peak District have to offer. Our walk, on page 36, is a shorter route exploring the grounds of Hardwick Hall, so it’s ideal for families of all ages to enjoy together.

This issue our crossword competition prize has kindly been provided by The Coach at Horsley – you can win Sunday lunch for two people, so turn to page 6 to try your luck! You could also win some celebratory champagne (perhaps to enjoy at your coronation party!) in our sudoku competition on page 29. Both competitions close on 12th April so make sure you send your entries in by then to be in with a chance of winning.

We hope you all enjoy the next couple of months, whatever you’ve got planned, and we’ll be back soon with our June/July issue!

With very best wishes,

Team ATL

Pictured l to r: Karyn Milner (Publisher/Editor), Ruth Brown (Advertising Sales), Helen Young (Editorial Copywriter & Coordinator)

Advertising Enquiries: Ruth Brown

E: ruth@allthingslocal.co.uk

T: 01332 883140 or 07545 261034

W: www.allthingslocal.co.uk

Win Sunday roast for 2 people at The Coach at Horsley, 47 Church Street

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Just complete the simple crossword, cut out and return to: Prize Crossword, All Things Local, 74 Woodhouse Road, Kilburn, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 0NA. Remember to provide your name, address and telephone number. Closing date: Wednesday 12th April 2023. All entries are destroyed after the closing date and no information is given to any third party.

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Legal Matters: Trusts

Legal Matters: Divorce – The Aftermath

In each edition legal advisors from Shacklocks deal with important legal topics. This month Marion Vesey (pictured) invites us to think about making a decision that will benefit future generations.

Legal Matters: Breakdown of a Marriage or Civil Partnership: Dividing the Pensions

Cassandra Worton, Partner with Shacklocks LLP and a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, explains some of the mystery behind Trusts.

You’ve been through a difficult time. The divorce has been finalised and financial matters have been resolved by way of a Court Order. You’re ready to move on but the Order hasn’t been implemented yet, so what’s next?

70 years later the trust is still providing that accommodation.

Making a Will is a serious business. It is a time which gives many people cause to stop and think about how they want to be remembered when they are gone.

Trusts are a very well established part of English law, but are generally not available in many European countries. So what are they, and how did they come about?

When a marriage or a civil partnership breaks down, consideration needs to be given to how the assets of the union are to be divided. Assets can include the home, savings, cars and other valuables but also pensions.

The general view is that divorcing couples should be able to organise their future lives without fear of their divorce settlement being re-opened.

The difficulty is that the CETV for one scheme might produce completely different pension benefits to the CETV in another scheme. You might share a particular pension equally but the reality in terms of what you might each receive in your pocket could be significantly different. The court is generally concerned about the effect of a pension sharing order, especially when people might have been together for a long time.

The CETV provided by a pension scheme might not be a true representation of the value of that pension. In some cases, especially some public sector pensions, the CETV provided can significantly understate the true worth of a pension.

Where you own a house together there may be an Order for Sale. It may be an immediate sale, or a deferred sale where the house will go on the market when a child reaches a certain milestone. Your ex may be given a period of time to buy out your interest in the house and release you from your mortgage obligations, failing which there will be a sale.

Another of the trusts we look after was set up by a client who wanted to help people with particular medical conditions. Her kindness has enabled her trustees to provide financial support to a gifted young musician who has experienced a number of health issues that have interfered with her education, to enable that child to be educated in the most appropriate environment.

Indeed the pensions can be the most valuable asset and care has to be exercised in how they are treated and how they are divided. Usually, pensions are dealt with in one of the following ways:

Many people are attracted by the idea of doing something to help others less fortunate than themselves after they pass away, particularly if their family are adequately provided for or if they have no close family. Whilst some still like the idea of supporting major national charities, there are many who prefer to benefit more local causes or causes close to their heart, possibly where they have had a personal involvement or received support during their lifetime.

Put as simply as possible, a Trust will arise where a person transfers property or assets into the name of their chosen Trustees, for the Trustees to hold that property or those assets for certain purposes and on certain terms, for the benefit of specific persons or a group of people.

1. Pension sharing. This is where one pension is divided to create essentially two pensions, a reduced pension for the member of the pension scheme and a new pension for the other person.

Applications to set aside the Court Order can only be made in limited circumstances. These include non-disclosure of material evidence which resulted in the court granting an Order substantially different from that it would have made if this evidence was known. Orders can be set aside where there is fraud (one party has deliberately mispresented their assets). In cases of mistake the relevant fact exists at the time the Order is made but these are unknown to the parties. Strict conditions must be fulfilled before a court will set aside an Order in these circumstances.

A Charitable Trust can be set up either during your lifetime with savings and investments built up already, or alternatively through a specially prepared Will that will only take effect following your death and will therefore not deprive you of capital or income during your lifetime.

There are obviously many different pension schemes in existence. Each will probably be different to the next. It is very important that you receive the right advice and that the true value of each pension is understood and shared fairly. Often it is necessary to involve other experts, for example pension actuaries, who will produce comprehensive reports to assist in the division of pension assets. The information given above is necessarily general and cannot be relied upon in any particular case.

To better understand Trusts we can take a look back to the times of the Crusades. Trusts first began to take shape in medieval England when men were travelling abroad to join the Crusades. They would transfer their property to a trusted friend for them to look after, manage and protect until their return, which may not be for many years. The moral obligation imposed on the friend is one of the earliest forms of a Trust, which over the centuries has become embedded in our legal system.

Whilst the idea that someone travelling abroad may leave their property in Trust to be managed whilst they are away is still very useful today, Trusts may be used closer to home to protect and manage property or money in other circumstances too. For example, a parent may set up a Trust in their lifetime or through their Will for a child, or for an adult son or daughter who is not able to manage their own affairs perhaps because of disability or mental capacity issues. A married person may provide in their Will for their surviving spouse to have a life interest in their half of the family home thereby protecting that half of the home for the next generation. A Trust may be used where someone receives damages as a result of a personal injury or clinical negligence claim. A couple may set up a Trust to keep their family assets in the bloodline in case of changes in family and marital arrangements which may take the assets out of the family, or someone with a second family may set up a Trust to make special arrangements for their two families. A person with Charitable intentions may set up a Trust in their lifetime or on death for the benefit of those who they particularly wish to help in the future, and by doing so leave a lasting legacy: many of the charities we see now may have been set up in this way. These are all types of Trust.

2. Pension attachment. This is where a court makes an order directing that some of the pension payable to one person is paid to the other.

3. Offsetting. This is where the pensions are left untouched but the share of other assets are adjusted to take into account the value of pensions.

All this sounds great but if your ex won’t agree the sale price, is refusing to allow viewings or is actively putting buyers off and generally delaying matters, then you won’t get your fair share of the family assets without further action. An application for enforcement will need to be made to the Court which will include a claim for costs against your ex because of their failure to comply with the Court Order. If your ex refuses to sign the paperwork needed for a sale then the Court has the power to order the documents to be signed by another person on their behalf (usually a Judge).

Something that our team will discuss with clients in this situation is the idea of setting up their own charitable trust which can continue to provide support for charitable causes of their choosing long after they have passed away. Creating your own charity means that your trustees can provide support to those who need help most. There can be a great sense of satisfaction in knowing that your trustees will carry out your wishes after you have gone and that your name will be associated with such good deeds even after you are no longer around.

Before you even think about dealing with pensions you need to know their value. The starting point is often the provision of a Cash Equivalent Transfer Value (“CETV”). This needs to be provided in all cases. Whilst the CETV is important, further information is often needed in terms of benefit statements so that the full terms of the pension can be considered.

If we fast forward to the present day, the reasons to use a Trust are broadly the same as in medieval England; there are different types of Trusts and there are many different types of situations which may create Trusts. Trusts may be set up in a lifetime, or through a Will following death. Trusts may provide circumstances in which beneficiaries will become absolutely entitled to the Trust Fund, or they may provide flexibility by allowing for discretion to be exercised as to who should benefit.

Events which occur after the Order can be taken into account. These are known as Barder events. These events must invalidate the basis on which the Order was made, they must have occurred within a relatively short time, the application must be made promptly and third parties should not be prejudiced.

Our team at Shacklocks have a particular speciality in preparing arrangements of this kind and also of acting as professional trustees to enable wishes to be fulfilled and instructions to be followed.

If you are thinking of supporting charities through your Will or during your lifetime with a lump sum, why not talk to us about the different ways in which we can help you benefit those good causes, and how to make the most of the tax rules that enable a charitable cause to benefit.

At Shacklocks LLP we are committed to helping you to understand the true worth of pensions and to help you receive a fair financial settlement which will meet your needs. Shacklocks LLP family law team are currently offering all new clients an initial free half hour appointment. To find out more, contact Ben Stubbins and his team on 01773 822333 or email bens@shacklocks.co.uk.

Shacklocks LLP have been dealing with Trusts for many years, though not quite as far back as the Crusades! If you would like to know more about Trusts and how they may be of help in your circumstances contact Cassandra Worton or Richard Farmer at Shacklocks LLP on 01773 822333 or 01623 626141 or email cassandraw@shacklocks.co.uk or richardf@shacklocks.co.uk.

If any of the circumstances above apply to you, you need to act fast. Getting expert advice is crucial so you can move forwards with your life.

It is important to understand the difference between different pension types. Some pensions are pots of money which can sometimes be converted into cash (subject to tax). Other pensions simply give a person the right to receive an income from a particular date until their death.

At Shacklocks we have set up a number of charitable trusts over the 150 years or so we have been in business and we still look after those trusts today. One of the charitable trusts we look after, for example, was established by a will in the 1940’s to provide accommodation for elderly residents.

Maybe a little time has passed, and you find out that your ex did not fully disclose their financial circumstances (whether by accident or design) and you feel you received less out of the marriage than you should have. When can a done deal become undone?

www.shacklocks.co.uk

Call us at Shacklocks to talk about how we can help you to help your favourite local causes.

Telephone Shacklocks on 0845 602 2344 or email me at marionv@shacklocks.co.uk.

Shacklocks LLP currently offer all new family clients an initial free half hour appointment. Why not take the opportunity of speaking to one of our experienced family lawyers to see how we can help you?

Contact us on 01773 822333 or email marcellak@shacklocks.co.uk

Ben Stubbins

Cassandra Worton

Money Matters: 10 Years of Belper IFS: Our First Decade

Money Matters: Too Risky

Money Matters: 10

10 years ago, Belper Independent Financial Solutions was formed after its founder (me, Kevin Glover) was made redundant from The Derbyshire Building Society.

Years of Belper IFS: Our First Decade

The word ‘risk’ is provocative and emotive. Most of us treat the word with alarm and think of loss, but what about gain?

10 years ago, Belper Independent Financial Solutions was formed after its founder (me, Kevin Glover) was made redundant from The Derbyshire Building Society.

Psychologists Tversky and Kahneman suggested that we value losses about 2.3 times more than gains of the same value, while other studies proposed that the true ratio is closer to five.

that the need for financial advice and a solution should not be seen as a one-off. Financial products and solutions were probably right at the time, but just how much has changed since their inception?

rise for the first time in over 10 years; returns of 4% per annum on some bank accounts were not hard to find. However, with inflation running at over 10%, the real return was minus 6%. 6% loss of purchasing power.

that the need for financial advice and a solution should not be seen as a one-off. Financial products and solutions were probably right at the time, but just how much has changed since their inception?

Legislation Risk – a new Chancellor can change the investment landscape. In 2015, pension reforms led to more accessible pensions. This could change again with another Government who may decide to repeal some rules such as reducing or removing the tax-free cash element, or capping ISA allowances.

Since then, Belper has seen the loss of The Derbyshire, Woolworths, Somerfield, Thomas Cook and Britannia Building Society to name but a few long-standing institutions that are now confined to history Generations of people have been served or been customers of these organisations. You are probably one. State Pension Age has changed several times and will most likely do so again. At least interest rates have not changed much! Rubbish then and not much better today.

Since then, Belper has seen the loss of The Derbyshire, Woolworths, Somerfield, Thomas Cook and Britannia Building Society to name but a few long-standing institutions that are now confined to history Generations of people have been served or been customers of these organisations. You are probably one. State Pension Age has changed several times and will most likely do so again At least interest rates have not changed much! Rubbish then and not much better today

Investment funds (whether held in pension wrappers or alternative structures such as Stocks and Shares ISAs), are mostly run by fund managers who are also human beings. As humans they may retire, defect to other companies, or run out of luck! Solutions that may have been right at the start may no longer be suitable or effective. Leading fund managers in 2009 may no longer be leading fund managers as we approach 2020.

Investment funds (whether held in pension wrappers or alternative structures such as Stocks and Shares ISAs), are mostly run by fund managers who are also human beings. As humans they may retire, defect to other companies, or run out of luck! Solutions that may have been right at the start may no longer be suitable or effective. Leading fund managers in 2009 may no longer be leading fund managers as we approach 2020.

There are lots of different investment-related risks. Here are a few:

Interest Rate Risk – historically, low risk assets such as GILTs and Corporate Bonds (bedrocks of many pension schemes, used as a lower risk diversifier in a portfolio) respond when rates change. Interest rate rises (as in 2022) have a negative impact on the capital values of such assets, seeing them behave more like higher risk assets with falls of over 20% not uncommon.

Consider this – joining the EU was considered the right decision once upon a time.

Consider this – joining the EU was considered the right decision once upon a time.

From my dining room in 2009, to an office in Heanor, back to Belper and now to the present location, much has changed including the greyness of my hair and the size of my waistline! Now as a team of 8 we have seen the client base expand over the years. ‘Generous’ successive Chancellors introduce new legislation impacting the public and signposting the need for financial advice.

Market Risk – people understand most investments (bar cash) rise and fall in value daily depending upon various factors. The fund may have invested and made poor decisions, or there could be investor disarray and a general sell off. Good funds don’t become bad funds overnight though; the reason for a sale might be simply because markets and investors are spooked. Fund managers are powerless over investor masses who, following a crowd, start a selling frenzy. I worked for the Derbyshire Building Society in 2008 when the Banking Crisis was in full effect. The former Newcastle Building Society was under pressure and queues of depositors wishing to withdraw funds formed outside branches. At our branch of the DBS a till broke down, forming a queue outside the door. Panicked passing investors put 2 and 2 together and made 5, incorrectly jumping to the conclusion that the DBS was going bust too. Believing they could lose money they behaved with pack mentality.

In April 2015, pension regulations changed. They will almost certainly change again. Pensions from prior to this time may no longer be suitable – but just how would you know? So, as you sit munching your turkey over the festive period, consider how many of these questions apply to you and see what may benefit from having a review

From my dining room in 2009, to an office in Heanor, back to Belper and now to the present location, much has changed including the greyness of my hair and the size of my waistline! Now as a team of 8 we have seen the client base expand over the years. ‘Generous’ successive Chancellors introduce new legislation impacting the public and signposting the need for financial advice.

What about you – what has changed in your lives over the last 10 years? How many jobs have you had? Has your family extended or tragedy struck? How many times have you moved house? How many pension schemes have you been a member of and simply left, through one reason or another? How many cars, partners and other life events have occurred?

Currency Risk – most UK-based investment funds trade in Sterling but can buy shares in overseas currency. Currency rates move which can act favourably, but a good fund can look less if the exchange rate moves in the wrong direction. A holding in the company or the company itself may have fine virtues but the revaluing of currency markets could work against the investor, resulting in losses or gains and the company and investor suffering.

What about you – what has changed in your lives over the last 10 years? How many jobs have you had? Has your family extended or tragedy struck? How many times have you moved house? How many pension schemes have you been a member of and simply left, through one reason or another? How many cars, partners and other life events have occurred?

How many investments have you made and when were they last reviewed and looked at? My point is

Inflation Risk – the real return on your investment needs to be offset against inflation. 2022 saw interest rates

How many investments have you made and when were they last reviewed and looked at? My point is

Liquidity Risk – the ability to withdraw from an investment fund. Sometimes there is no cash in the fund and the manager has to sell assets to cover a withdrawal. This is fine providing there is the ability to sell the assets (and a willing buyer!) to cover the withdrawal … but not so good if there isn’t.

In April 2015, pension regulations changed. They will almost certainly change again. Pensions from prior to this time may no longer be suitable – but just how would you know? So, as you sit munching your turkey over the festive period, consider how many of these questions apply to you and see what may benefit from having a review.

Is 2020 the time to take a look at your financial arrangements once again and get them fit for purpose?

Is 2020 the time to take a look at your financial arrangements once again and get them fit for purpose?

Wishing you a happy 2020 and a prosperous next 10 years.

Timing Risk – sometimes events overtake the necessity to make a withdrawal from an investment fund. Some events are unplanned and, when they occur, there can be little option but to draw monies from investment funds under distress, potentially turning a temporary ‘paper loss’ into a ‘real loss’. Ideally, we plan withdrawals (or deposits) and hope the time is a good time.

Wishing you a happy 2020 and a prosperous next 10 years

By Kevin Glover, Belper IFS

By Kevin Glover, Belper IFS

By Kevin Glover, Belper IFS

This information is general only and is not intended to address your particular requirements. The data above should not be relied upon in its entirety and shall not be deemed to be or constitute advice No individual or company should act upon such information without receiving appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of their particular situation.

This information is general only and is not intended to address your particular requirements. The data above should not be relied upon in its entirety and shall not be deemed to be or constitute advice. No individual or company should act upon such information without receiving appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of their particular situation.

This information is general only and is not intended to address your particular requirements The data above should not be relied upon in its entirety and shall not be deemed to be or constitute advice No individual or company should act upon such information without receiving appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of their particular situation

CARE AND PROTECTION…

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We have years of experience in helping families overcome various legal challenges and complexities relating to children, and are passionate about what we do. Contact us today to find out how we can help you and your family.

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Just a Thought... Definitely May-be

Spring has sprung and I tell you what else has: the commitments. Now, before anyone old enough/cool enough bursts into a rendition of ‘Mustang Sally’ (my late Daddy readily would!), I am not referring to the movie band championing the sensational Wilson Pickett classic (if you don’t know, look up both!).

Rather, I mean that our ‘to do’ lists are likely stacking up before our eyes and, even worse, within our minds.

You know the drill, Monday rolls around and you hope for a ‘less busy’ week and then someone asks you to do something which you agree to. Your inbox floods with messages to answer, questions to research and meetings to schedule. It’s Wednesday and your family requires appointments booking, transportation and feeding (I know, who knew?!).

All the while, you are hoping to get around to that restful period this week promised. Friday hails the weekend

and you descend into the ‘big shop’, ‘the big clean’ and ‘the big socials’, forgetting the big chill-out. Finally, a moment comes where you have cleared that list and you can relax. The only problem is it is 11.58pm on Sunday night so you head to bed and leap right back into Monday with a rinse and repeat cycle subconsciously pre-set.

I am not a Fairy Godmother (magical though I am!), so I cannot stop ‘life’ and the non-negotiables needing your attention. I can offer you this advice, though: add in your own non-negotiable of complete re-charge regularly. Be less human-doing and more human-being, whatever that looks like for you individually. I am rubbish at it, which is why I am holding myself accountable and writing this article. So, let’s do this one together, dear reader; make this merry month of May the time we really make a positive difference. That’s something we DEFINITELY can commit to. Now go slow your Mustang down!

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Barbershop? Why Not!

Did you know that barbershop singing isn’t just about stripy waistcoats and straw boaters? With National Barbershop Quartet Day happening on the 11th April, it’s time to find out more.

With its roots in African American culture, it was associated with a style sung by barbers and their customers for entertainment. Singing is actually a relatively tame pastime for barbers.

The age-old profession has been associated with performing surgery, dental procedures and blood-letting. This history gave rise to the red and white striped pole symbol still used today. It represents the bloodied rags they hung out to dry.

After a decline in the popularity of barbershop singing during The Great Depression, two people set out to change things. Rupert Hall and O.C. Cash invited a group of men to a singing competition in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

This event on April 11th in 1938 kick-started a revival in the style. It led to the development of the organised barbershop movement, which now spans the globe.

Poem: Mixing Bowl

It wasn’t the finest bone china

Or gold plated, to be handled with care

Not silver, with monogrammed lettering

Our bowl was just plain earthenware

A distinctive light brown on the outside

With a pattern embossed you could feel

Cool creamy white was its inner

A magic bowl that made treats or a meal

A huge great big thing and quite heavy

When tapped, a rich sound it would make

Years of aromas of secret ingredients

Home baked pastry, or biscuits or cake

We’d be wondrously watching and waiting

Knowing that sometime quite soon

An angel adorned in her apron

Would let one of us lick clean the spoon

By Carol Brewer www.pencilpoised.com Facebook.com/pencilpoised

So, what is barbershop singing?

• A form of a cappella singing, which means unaccompanied by instruments

• Songs are split into four vocal parts – a melody and three harmony parts

• The four parts closely harmonise creating beautiful chords

• A barbershop chorus has multiple people singing each part

• A variety of genres can be sung in the style including pop and rock

• Sometimes you can hear magical additional notes nobody is actually singing

How can you celebrate National Barbershop Quartet Day? Here are a few ideas:

• Listen to ‘Evolution of Song’ by The Great British Barbershop Boys. This absolute gem can be seen on YouTube and could quite possibly kick-start your new-found love for barbershop.

• Book an appointment at a barbers and ask for a haircut and a song. You never know, they might oblige…

• Play some barbershop and have a good ol’ fashioned sing along.

• Join a local barbershop chorus – did you know there’s a barbershop chorus based right here in Belper called Ignite UK? Of course there is! Whatever your interest, there’s bound to be like-minded folk in Belper!

By Jessica White

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From simply mending beloved but damaged garments, shortening of sleeves and trousers, to restyling, resizing and refitting. This includes outfits for special occasions and creation of new garments.

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Pets Animal Allergies

Just as we humans do, cats and dogs can develop allergies. This is where their immune system overreacts to a foreign material, such as pollen, dust, a specific food protein or an insect bite.

Allergy symptoms in animals are not the same as you see in humans. The most common symptom of an animal allergic reaction is itching of the skin called pruritus. This can be just in one area of their body or all over.

The severity of the pruritus can cause serious scabbing and infections on the skin as well as hair loss and increased skin pigmentation. Furthermore, some animals can show signs of respiratory distress such as coughing, sneezing, and wheezing.

Runny discharge from eyes and nose as well as swelling of the eyes can be seen in cats. Other possible symptoms from animals suffering from allergies include vomiting and diarrhoea.

Allergies are difficult to diagnose and, as a pet owner, you should pay close attention to an animal’s behaviour and surroundings if you suspect it is suffering from an allergy, to see if you can determine the trigger.

Of course, any of the above symptoms could be something else entirely and, if it is an allergy, it could be food or an insect bite, rather than just seasonal pollen. Given that, it’s really important that you get a diagnosis from your vet rather than just guessing at the appropriate treatment.

Travel The Seven Wonders of the World

The first ‘seven wonders of the ancient world’ list was made more than 2,000 years ago, but over the course of many centuries most of these wonders were destroyed. So, in 2001, the New7Wonders Foundation set out to find a new list for the modern era, asking over 100 million people for their votes. The result was seven new wonders of the world, spanning four continents.

Which are on your bucket list?

1. Machu Picchu, Peru

Perched high in Peru’s Andes mountain range, Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel dating back to the fifteenth century. The mysterious maze of buildings, plazas and platforms was only discovered 100 years ago and continues to bewilder historians and archaeologists – who are still to this day struggling to understand its original purpose.

2. Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal is India’s most iconic symbol. Shah Jahan, king of the Mughal empire from 1628 – 1658, employed over 20,000 people to build the mausoleum as a monument to his beloved wife, who died in childbirth. A marble tomb in the centre is surrounded by forty-two acres of grounds, where gardens, a mosque, guest house and pool complete the complex.

3. The Great Wall of China, China

The world’s largest and most impressive man-made structure, the Great Wall was built to protect China from invasion and to guard its Silk Road trade. Taking a staggering 2,000 years to finish, the structure snakes its way along mountain ridges, valleys and hills for over 13,000 miles.

4. Petra, Jordan

Half-carved into vibrant red, white, pink and sandstone cliff faces, the prehistoric city of Petra in Jordan was ‘lost’ to the Western world for

hundreds of years. Once a thriving trading centre and the ancient capital of the Nabataean empire, the city sat empty and in near ruin for centuries before being rediscovered by a European traveller in the 1800s.

5. The Colosseum in Rome, Italy

An impressive feat of engineering, The Colosseum in Rome was built in the first century. The amphitheatre was once capable of holding 50,000 spectators, who watched a variety of events – including gladiator fights. According to some estimates, about 500,000 people died in the Colosseum, and so many animals that some species became extinct!

6. Christ the Redeemer statue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The iconic emblem of Brazil, Christ the Redeemer rises over thirty metres on the top of Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro. Made from reinforced concrete and clad in over six million soapstone tiles, this totemic statue of Jesus is actually the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world.

7. Chichen Itza, Mexico

Deep in the Mexican state of Yucatán lies Chichen Itza, a historic Mayan city built between the ninth and twelfth centuries. Constructed by the pre-Columbian Mayan tribe Itzá, the city includes a series of monuments and temples – the most famous being El Castillo. A testament to the Mayans’ astronomical abilities, the structure features 365 steps, one for every day in the solar year.

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Short Story The Cupboard Under the Stairs

“Whatever you do, don’t open the cupboard under the stairs.”

Those were the final words Tonie’s cousin Shirley said before she left for the airport. Now there was an impatient man from the gas company on the doorstep wanting to read the meter, which, inconveniently, happened to be in the cupboard under the stairs.

Tonie was in a quandary. While Shirley was away, she’d promised to check in on Uncle Norman every day. She’d been doing her best to avoid Norman’s cupboard but the persistent hissing and squeaking coming from within was hard to ignore. Sometimes she imagined the door seemed to move as though something was pushing against it from behind, trying to get out.

“Has Shirley got back into breeding snakes?” she’d asked Uncle Norman cautiously. It had been a regrettable business venture. Nobody spoke of the time poor Norman went to switch on the immersion heater and one jumped out from behind the hot water tank. He had to run out the house in just his shower cap.

Shirley had been acting very secretive lately, keeping unusual hours, her phone always ringing, and now there was suddenly cash to spend on a minibreak. Tonie was certain that whatever was hidden behind the door was the answer.

“Snakes? I don’t think that’s it.” Norman shook his head while holding court in his favourite armchair. “She did tell me what she’s doing but I can’t be expected to remember everything.” Whatever it was, though, Tonie noticed he also avoided the cupboard under the stairs.

“Would it be alright if the man read the meter?” Tonie called through to the sitting room, smiling innocently at the man from the gas company. “He says it’ll only take a minute.”

“Tell him there’s no need,” Norman called back stroppily.

“Tell him I don’t bother with the gas fire very much anyway.”

This was untrue, Norman had the fire on all day long; the sitting room was like the tropics.

“He says he’s got to read it to send you an accurate bill,” she called, playing go-between as usual. “He says it hasn’t been done in over a year.”

“Just send me a guesstimate,” Norman called back dismissively. “I’m happy to pay the going rate.”

The man on the doorstep looked at his clipboard irritably and Tonie grimaced apologetically.

“I’m only trying to do my job,” he tutted. “I’ll soon be out of your hair. Is that the cupboard there?” He took a step across the threshold.

“He’s coming in!” Tonie called to Norman. The situation had escalated, and he still hadn’t got out of his armchair. “What harm can it do?”

If there was a snake in the cupboard, she reasoned it would not be her fault. The gas man had let himself in uninvited and would have to shoulder the responsibility. She quickly grabbed an umbrella from the coat stand, just in case.

“How are you with snakes?” she asked casually as he turned the door handle.

“You’d better not be opening that door; I remember what she’s doing now!” Norman called from the sitting room.

“There’ll be hell to pay!”

The door burst open.

The man from the gas company staggered backwards, protecting his face.

“What’s all this?” he cried. Tonie shrieked and batted the air blindly with her umbrella. It took her a moment to realise that she was not fighting a reptile but a cloud of colourful balloons.

“I told you not to open it,” Norman said gruffly. “Balloon sculptures for events, that’s what Shirley’s up to. Good luck getting them all back in there now.”

By Jackie Brewster

Recipe Raspberry Simnel Cake

This classic bake with a berry twist is the perfect finishing touch when the family gather for a celebratory Easter feast – or just when it’s time for tea!

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 1½ hours

Ingredients:

• 500g ready-made marzipan

• 150g raspberries, plus 11 for the top (about 50g)

• 200g self-raising flour, plus 1 tbsp

• 175g butter

• 175g caster sugar

• 3 medium eggs plus an egg yolk, beaten

• 50g ground almonds

• 150g sultanas

• 1 egg white, lightly beaten to loosen

Method: Line a 20cm loose-bottomed baking tin with parchment. Roll out a third of the marzipan to a 20cm circle – you can use the base of the tin to cut round. Wrap the remainder and any offcuts and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 170°C / fan 150°C / gas mark 3.

Toss the 150g raspberries in the extra 1 tbsp of flour and set aside. Beat together the butter and sugar until pale and creamy, then gradually whisk in the eggs and the extra yolk. If the mixture begins to curdle add 1 tbsp of flour and mix in. Sift the flour over the mix and fold in gently until smooth. Fold in the ground almonds, sultanas and floured raspberries.

Scrape half the cake mixture into the tin and carefully lay the marzipan round on top. Add the remaining mixture, level the top and bake in the preheated oven for around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool in the tin for 15 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Roll out half the remaining marzipan to a circle and sit it on top of the cooled cake. Shape 11 balls from the leftover amount and arrange in a circle on top.

Preheat the grill to medium. Brush the cake all over with the egg white and then place under the grill or use a cook’s blow torch to brown gently. Remove from the grill, leave to cool and then decorate with the fresh raspberries.

The cake keeps well in an airtight container for up to 5 days without the extra berries on top. Alternatively, freeze the cake before adding the marzipan top for up to a month.

The Berry Best

For more sweet and savoury recipes starring British berries – strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and cherries – visit www.lovefreshberries.co.uk

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Beer: Brewery Closures

This year there is, like no other time, a level of uncertainty for pubs, breweries and beer drinkers. 2022 was not a vintage year, with 83 breweries closing their doors for the last time and this year seems to be following a similar trend, with 6 closing during the first 4 weeks.

Many that rode the post-Covid wave, where demand for packaged beer was at its highest, are now seeing an unprecedented increase in the cost of raw ingredients, a reality of having to pay back grants and loans and consumers cutting back on such luxury items.

Breweries closing is not something that we are used to seeing and there have been some notable casualties. Wild Beer probably stands out, having just celebrated a 10-year anniversary, raised over 1.5 million in crowdfunding and had a good presence in supermarkets.

Cloudwater Brewery, from a distance, looks untouchable. It’s seen as one of the market leaders in the UK, yet their CEO announced on the BBC that he is having sleepless nights about running the business and has, on several occasions, considered closing down. Their beer range has evolved; gone are the

Word on Wine

Basically, wine is ‘an alcoholic drink made by fermenting the juice of fruits or berries.’ This general definition also includes the fermentation of sugars from flowers and herbs, but excludes the fermentation of starches from wheat and barley, which become beer.

A narrower definition, accepted throughout Europe, is ‘an alcoholic beverage obtained from the fermentation of the juice of freshly gathered grapes, the fermentation taking place in the district of origin to local tradition and practice.’ This is to distinguish ‘proper’ wine from alcoholic drinks made from imported grape concentrates. These are sometimes known as ‘made wines’ and includes ‘British Wine’ and some homemade wines using canned juice concentrate. In the New World they use the same narrower definition as in Europe, but omit the last phrase, to allow a mixture of grapes to be used from areas miles apart.

Where does the word ‘wine’ come from?

The modern English word ‘wine’ comes from Old English ‘win’, pronounced ‘wean’. Chaucer, however, used the word ‘wyn’ in his texts, while Shakespeare pronounced it similarly to the way we currently say it today.

adventurous beers – what you are more likely to see is lower ABV, more crowd-pleasing ‘safe’ beer styles.

I don’t know what the answer is; there are so many variables at play and every brewery’s struggle will be different. What we are likely to see is an increase in the number of smaller breweries starting up, possibly out of the ashes of those that have fallen. These won’t have any plans for world domination, just a desire to serve their local communities.

By Sean McKeown Twitter: @belperbeerclub

The Old English word is derived from the Latin ‘vinum’, the Romans often wrote it as ‘vinvm’. Around Europe, various countries have similar words. Germany – ‘wein’, Iceland – ‘vin’, France – ‘vin’, Spain – ‘vino’, Welsh – ‘gwin’ and Ireland – ‘f ion’.

From Latin, the Romans used ‘vinea’ to describe a vineyard. Latin also used ‘vitis’, which then created ‘viticulture’, to describe the process of making wine. The Latin also created in France ‘vigne’, which was used by the Normans when they came over to England, but as the English language evolved the French ‘gn’ sound was dropped and replaced by ’n’, giving us ‘wine’. With the spread of wine production from Greece to Italy it was thought that the some of the words came from Ancient Greek, but this has now been disproven.

So now, when you ask for a glass of wine, you know the history behind the word!

If you would like to learn more about wine why not come along to our wine appreciation club at Kilburn Wine Circle? For more details and to see our future programme of tastings visit our website at www.kilburnwinecircle.weebly.com.

By David Savidge, Kilburn Wine Circle

Motoring New EVs to look out for …

Electric cars continue to grow in demand, and customers have greater choice when it comes to EVs than ever. From vans to sports cars, let’s take a look at the exciting new EVs due on sale in the next twelve months.

BMW i7

BMW’s electric i7 has all of its latest technology –including a 32-inch cinema screen for rear passengers. Offering strong performance and an impressive electric range of 388 miles, the first examples arrived in the UK at the start of this year.

Ford E-Transit Custom

The new Ford E-Transit Custom packs a whole host of useful technology for businesses, along with a 236-mile range, one of the longest of any electric van. First deliveries are expected towards the end of the year.

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Hyundai’s new Ioniq 6 is due to arrive in the UK in early 2023 and boasts a 320-mile range thanks to its impressively aerodynamically efficient shape. It will be packed with technology and will be one of the fastestcharging EVs around.

Jeep Avenger

Jeep’s first EV – the Avenger – is set to arrive in the middle of the year. It offers an electric range close to 250 miles and outstanding ground clearance. Initially available as frontwheel drive only, a four-wheel drive version is due later.

Lexus RZ

The RZ is Lexus’s first bespoke electric car. With a sharp design, it introduces a number of new technologies, including the optional ‘One Motion Grip’ yoke steering wheel. Range figures are to be confirmed.

Maserati GranTurismo Folgore

Maserati’s next-generation GranTurismo EV will be known as the Folgore (thunderbolt) and is set to arrive before the end of 2023. It boasts a huge 750bhp and 1,350Nm of torque, giving 0-60mph in 2.7 seconds. 279 miles of range is claimed.

Peugeot e-308

Peugeot’s e-308 will arrive in the second half of 2023 and an e-308 SW will also be offered, being one of few EV estate cars on the market. Peugeot is targeting a 248-mile electric range and the same level of style and quality as the rest of the 308 model line.

Polestar 3

Sharing the same platform as the upcoming Volvo EX90, the Polestar 3 packs a stunning new design and more than 500bhp in the case of top-spec versions. The 3 will use a host of new digital features – including semi-autonomous driving and a new infotainment system – and boasts a range of up to 379 miles. It arrives in late 2023.

Rolls-Royce Spectre

Rolls-Royce’s Spectre will arrive in late 2023 as its very first EV. Rolls-Royce says the Spectre is the ‘world’s first ultra-luxury electric super coupe’. Brimful of technology, it will arrive with a high price and a range of up to 320 miles.

Smart #1

Smart’s #1 SUV is set to go on sale in early 2023 ahead of September deliveries, and is a far cry from the dinky ForTwo. Designed by Mercedes and engineered by Geely, the #1 offers a fun and spacious interior, and is a welcome entry to the compact electric SUV class. There will also be a Brabus version sold with more than 400bhp.

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Derbyshire Walking:

Hardwick Hall Park Walk

Distance: 2.5 miles / 4.1 km

Ascent: 250 feet / 76 metres

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Grade: Easy

Author: Lou Johnson

Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer OL24

Start: Pay and display parking area (grid ref. SK453640)

Suitable for all ages and abilities this short, pleasant walk takes you through the grounds of Hardwick Hall, which is owned by the National Trust. Located close to the M1 Motorway (Junction 29) the start for this walk is reached by a lane from Junction 29 leading to the main entrance of Hardwick Hall. Instead of turning left towards the main hall, continue down the lane and under the M1 to reach a pay and display parking area (grid ref. SK453640).

The Route

1. Park alongside the Miller’s Pond. After parking, walk around the Pond in a clockwise direction. This will lead you to a junction of paths close to the Estate Office.

2. Go straight across and continue around the Great Pond, this time in an anti-clockwise direction. You will immediately get a grand view across the Pond to Hardwick Hall and the ruins of the Old Hall. Continue on the path which closely follows the shoreline.

3. Once you have reached the end of the Great Pond, the path curves to the left and passes through a gate. Turn right here and follow the edge of the trees on your right-hand side.

4. Continue until you reach a road. Turn left up the road using the grass verge for safety (this is the main exit route for cars leaving the main car park). The way ahead starts to climb and bends quite sharply left.

Ahead and to your left are the ruins of the Old Hall. A little further on to your right is Hardwick Hall. You can get a good view through the gate but remember there is an admission fee.

5. Turn slightly back on yourself and follow the descending path at the rear of the Old Hall. To your left is a substantial wall. The route is signed “The Sculpture Walk”.

6. Descend across the park with a good view ahead over the Derbyshire countryside to reach the Row Ponds. Pass between two of these ponds and bear to the left. Continue down to the start.

Walk supplied by Walking Britain (no. 1460). For GPS file or other walks visit www.walkingbritain.co.uk.

It is advisable to carry the relevant OS map when walking the route, and wear appropriate clothing/ footwear. The publisher accepts no responsibility for any injuries caused to readers whilst following the walk

Fitness Matters

Hybrid Fitness Is Here to Stay

A recent survey of industry professionals has confirmed that online fitness is the number-one workout trend of the year.

What seemed like a temporary solution at the start of the pandemic has become a long-term part of the fitness landscape, even now gyms have reopened. Many fitness professionals are embracing a mix of in-person and digital workouts, known as ‘hybrid fitness’, in order to adapt to their clients’ new needs and schedules.

Hybrid fitness allows people to do smaller workouts throughout the day, whenever your schedule allows, instead of carving out time for one long workout. Like many instructors, I started online when we went into lockdown, mainly to ensure my personal training clients could continue their fitness journeys. Now, I offer online PT sessions and have continued to offer online fitness classes for all.

My ‘studio without walls’ is a separate online group that anyone can pay to join, even if you’re not a PT client, with a

varied schedule that includes HIIT, cardio, weights, boxing for fitness, Pilates and yoga. I do, however, get to know all the people in the groups including injuries and obstacles they have, and I feel like they are part of my extended online fitness family. There are loads of fantastic ‘anonymous’ offerings out there but I like the fact that I can motivate by name, and am aware of injuries people may have. I must stress, if you have a medical condition or injuries, please be really careful if you decide to join an online class that doesn’t check on you, as you may injure yourself further. The same goes for live classes; a responsible instructor will always ask if you have any injuries or illness that they need to be aware of. If they don’t, I would be really cautious and choose an instructor that does.

I do think that you have to be careful you don’t isolate yourself too much though, and one thing I do try to encourage is different meet ups if possible and challenges. I intend to introduce a lot more of this into my groups: walks and mountain climbs are achievable by most people, challenging to everyone, but a great way to get fitter.

By Alex Robinson Level 4 Personal Trainer

with additional qualifications in GP referrals – Pre- & post-natal exercise. Personal Trainer for over 15 years, supporting and helping people to meet their goals in fitness and lifestyle changes, from losing weight to running marathons. 01773 512410 • 07817 337861

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Book Reviews Blooming Marvellous Reads

Celebrate spring with our selection of glorious garden-themed books.

Venetian Gardens

Monty Don & Derry Moore

Inspired by Monty’s BBC2 series, Adriatic Gardens, his latest book with Derry Moore is a sumptuous visual journey through the gardens of Venice. Starting in the heart of the city and working their way out to the Veneto, the pair celebrate the beauty of these places and tell some of their remarkable stories. With stunning colour photography throughout, readers will discover new insight into one of the world’s most beloved cities.

The Gardener’s Almanac

Alan Titchmarsh

A month-by-month treasury of gardening advice, inspiration and knowledge, along with illustrations by Alan himself, who has written more than forty gardening books, twelve novels and three volumes of memoirs. As well as what to grow and sow, find out what wildlife to spot, projects to engage in, weather notes, gardens to visit, birds and flowers to celebrate and much more…

Home Harvest: Your Pocket Card Guide to Kitchen Gardening

Bridie Cotter & Tom Gaunt

A practical, fun and easy-to-read deck of cards by organic veggie farmers Bridie and Tom that will help you plant and grow your own kitchen garden. Divided into four sections (Gardening 101, Veggies, Herbs and Flowers), these beautifully illustrated cards will help you start your garden

from scratch, offering helpful guidance and advice on everything from plant health to common pest management.

Gardens for the Soul: Sustainable and Stylish Outdoor Spaces

Sara Bird & Dan Duchars

Whatever the location or size of your garden, a sustainable and eco-friendly ethos can be at the heart of creating a beautiful outdoor space to suit your lifestyle. Glean ideas, tips and inspiration for areas from tiny spaces to larger patios. You’ll find suggestions for choosing garden elements from decor and lighting to furniture and accessories, as well as easy craft projects that add quirky personal touches.

The Little Guide to Wildflowers

Alison Davies

Discover the intriguing world of wildflowers with this handy pocket guide, with each of the featured flowers delicately illustrated by printmaker Tom Frost to capture its individual characteristics. They’re accompanied by information about the plant and where it can be found, plus associated facts and fables. Adding to the charm of this delightful book is an interactive spotter’s guide at the back, where you can tick off each flower you find.

The English Country House Garden

George Plumptre

From the Victorian grandeur of Tyntesfield and Cragside, to the arts and crafts simplicity of Rodmarton Manor and Charleston, from Scampston to new gardens by Dan Pearson and Tom Stuart-Smith, and with favourites such as Sissinghurst and Hidcote alongside new discoveries, this book takes a fresh look at the English country house garden. It starts with the owners and the stories behind the making of the gardens, with glorious photographs capturing the gardens at their finest moments through the seasons.

Dear

Sir / Madam,

Re: Would you like to sell your house this month?

Hi, my name is Amanda I am a local property investor I am buying properties in your area as I am regularly asked by tenants for properties in this area

The differences between selling your house to me and using an estate agent:

• There are no “viewings” - with lots of people visiting your home, bringing with them the possibility of infection.

• I specialise in buying properties very quickly, between 7 and 28 days is my normal purchase period

• I can buy with cash so that you don’t get messed around by mortgage lenders slowing things down

• I pay all your estate agent and solicitor fees - the price I pay is actually what you get

• There is no board outside or advert in the paper, just a fast, smooth, relaxed confidential sale

• To hear how real local people have found our service visit www.ethicalpropertypartners.com

Call me for a guaranteed offer on your property. If you accept my offer before the end of the month then I will either give you £250 cash in advance or pay your mortgage for you until we complete the purchase of your property! This could get the mortgage company off your back immediately!

I hope that you don’t mind my direct approach but I thought that I’d write to ask you if you would like to sell your house quickly? If you are keen to sell within a month with no hassle from agents charging you fees, viewings that waste your time and buyers offering and then backing out, then I can definitely help

I offer a guaranteed purchase of any property which means that all you have to do is give me a call and I’ll give you a price that I guarantee to buy your property at If you decide to sell to me you could have the money in your account within a month.

If you want to sell quickly then give me a call today 01332 289572 I’ll look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards,

Quote

Amanda

Amanda Doyle, Ethical, Local Property Investor

P.S. Call me on 01332 289572 TODAY and have the money for your property in your bank account in only 28 days!

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When is the last time you had your chimney or flue swept?

A clean chimney can make your wood / solid fuel fire more efficient, saving on your heating and fuel bills.

It is recommended that your chimney is swept annually due to the build up of soot, which can cause chimney fires.

I have many years’ experience and provide my services at affordable, realistic rates.

For a professional and courteous service please call Paul 07912 749 910

I always carry out a clean, tidy job.

“I have been using Paul to sweep my chimney for 3 years now. He is reliable, efficient and friendly. He always leaves everything clean and tidy. I highly recommend him.”

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We have our own scaffold so no need to pay out any extra cost on using another scaffold company. We take off all the existing rotten timber. (We never go over the existing wood that leads to even more future rot.)

Licensed waste carriers so the majority of the time there is no need to have any skips on the drive. Our under tiles fascia system is designed to stop birds going in your roof Variety of colours to suit different styles of property.

Warmer Roof - The latest way

Warmer Roof means not only will you be able to get the most out of your conservatory even during the winter, but you can also see significant savings to your energy bills. Designed exactly to the specifications of your existing conservatory, available with roof vents for ventilation and extra light. Fully insulated & building regulations approved. Comes in a choice of colours. Plastered ceilings finish.

Call us to discuss further and start making the most out of your conservatory this winter!

Gardening

Low-maintenance Gardens

Ask anyone what their ideal garden would feel like and the phrase ‘low-maintenance’ will likely be high on the list. Maybe even ‘no maintenance’ from those with little garden knowledge. Does this type of garden exist? In the latter example, the answer is an easy ‘no’. But low-maintenance is definitely achievable. It’s largely down to the choice of plants and ratio of lawn or paving to beds and borders.

No digging

This is exactly as it sounds – gardening without digging. This allows mycorrhizal networks of fungi to spread. Plants require less water and fertiliser because the fungi, in effect, extend the root system of plants so that they have a wider area in which to source nutrients and moisture. It’s good for the environment as the soil develops better drainage. It also contains more carbon and is less prone to lose nutrients in water runoff during rainy periods. You can add mulch to the soil, when required (early winter is best). Plant directly into the soil – you will be surprised how quickly things become established and start growing.

Right plant, right place

A plant in the wrong place will always need attention. If you’re not sure what type of plants are suited to the soil in your area, take a look at your neighbours’ gardens. Evergreens provide year-round interest, but they are not necessarily those with the most interesting flowers. Watering is a high-maintenance requirement, as are the tasks of weeding and deadheading. Gardening is a balance between practical solutions and aesthetic interest, and much of your choice will be based on personal preference.

Can lawns be low-maintenance?

Some say that a lawn represents the most intensive maintenance requirement of any garden feature which explains why artificial grass has become so popular. But, contrary to popular belief, fake lawns are not maintenance-free. Weed seeds will eventually take hold and weeding a lawn of this nature is not easy. Artificial turf also requires washing, on occasion, especially when used as a toilet by dogs and cats. Artificial grass is an emotive topic and there is still a lack of scientific knowledge and a shortage of research when it comes to assessing the environmental impact of such a relatively new product.

Mind the gaps

Fill any blank soil spaces with plants to prevent weeds from growing. Nature fills a void! Plant shrubs for the easiest gardening experience, but be sure to select wisely.

However, there’s no doubt that professionally installed artificial turf will cut down on maintenance when compared to a living lawn that requires regular mowing. The lack of biodiversity on a fake lawn is an obvious drawback, but some say that we should view them as another non-living component of a garden, similar to a patio.

By Caroline Knight

Piazzetta is renowned for setting the pace when it comes to designing stoves.

The latest addition to its range, the E228H, features a remarkable hybrid design that allows you to burn pellets and wood in the same stove, with an integrated storage compartment for the pellets. Manufactured in gorgeous majolica, the model featured here is presented in Bianco Antico – Nero Opaco (other colours are available).

To appreciate just how impressive this stove is, we would love to welcome you to see it in action at our showrooms in Belper where our specialist team are on hand to answer any queries.

Come and see the stunning range of products from the likes of Rais, Girse, Borek and Max & Luuk. They really do set a standard for design, functionality and ultimate enjoyment.

We also have a range of accessories to complement, you're sure to find everything you need.

Rais Wood bag holder – The ‘Woody’

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Please call Jenny 07855 387042 perfectlypressed-horsley.co.uk

Molly Maid Local Home Cleaning Business Scoops Two National Awards!

To kick off the new year, the Molly Maid Support Team host their annual R&R Weekend in Wakefield, designed to catch up with franchisees across the UK, help and re-energise them in a relaxed environment and plan for what’s anticipated to be another recordbreaking year ahead! The weekend always ends with an awards evening to celebrate and recognise top performing franchises in the prior year.

Local Franchise Owners Gill and Rob Dawson of Molly Maid Burton Upon Trent & Derby scooped two awards, the main accolade being the winner of Top Sales Growth 2022. Now approaching their 6th anniversary since purchasing the business in 2017, they have persevered to overcome challenges to completely transform their business, polish their service to their customers, enrich their staff with new roles and responsibilities, and have built a strong family-oriented culture to truly be the Best Employers in the home cleaning industry.

Their sales growth has been incredible, with 50% growth in 2022, and over 120% growth since 2019! Gill & Rob are an exceptional example to the Molly Maid family of what is possible with relentless dedication to their customers and their teams. This is not just limited to their business growth but their extensive contribution to supporting the local community and this approach to marketing their business bagged them the Mop & Bucket Award, for exceptional marketing activity.

Molly Maid is one of the most trusted brands in the home cleaning industry which has been established for nearly 40 years in the UK. They offer a personalised cleaning service following a free in-home estimate, appreciating that every customer’s home and requirements are different.

If you are interested in the service and want to find out more, you can contact Gill & Rob Dawson office-burtonandderby@mollymaid.co.uk or call 01283 351770.

From our family to yours

As a family run, independent business with over 30 years’ experience we pride ourselves on being able to provide a fully personalised and expert service which is unrivalled by larger retailers. Our extensive showroom boasts an impressive range of kitchens, worktops, bedrooms, tiles and accessories. Our team of highly experienced designers and installers are here to help create the kitchen or bedroom of your dreams.

‘A trusted family business built on a solid reputation’

WE NOW SUPPLY AND INSTALL SOLAR PANELS, BATTERIES AND AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS

*With a full 25 year warranty

We supply and install a large range of products

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Paul M Longden Ltd

Kitchen & Bathroom Installation Services

30 years’ experience of Kitchen & Bathroom Design and Installation. All works fully Insured & Guaranteed.

Recommended Installer for Bathstore.com.

Installer of Howden’s Fitted Kitchens

Periodic Inspections, Landlords Certification, Rolec EV Chargepoint Authorised Installer. For a friendly reliable service call Tom 01773 513723 / 07974 798768

email tmeelectrical@live.co.uk

www.tme-electrical.co.uk

All Aspects of Plumbing, Plastering & Joinery

Wall & Floor Tiling • Laminate Flooring

• Wet Floors • Ensuite Conversions

Knock Throughs • Design Service

Contact Paul on 01773 449754

Mobile 07943 237824

Email pm.longden@gmail.com

Web: www.pmlongden.co.uk

I have been in business since 2006. All works are carried out by myself (no subcontractors) ensuring the very best in personal service from start to finish. My reputation has been built on my high quality work

Services include:

Pitch Roofing of all types - Slating/Tiling

Roof Repairs including leaks • Ridge Work

Please feel free to call me on 07960 820978

Darren Harris. Based in Belper

Lee

Jayne Nikki Hadley

Charlie Ben Lucas Jake

The Diary of a Local Mum

Tots to Teens: Tears, Tantrums and Tidying

Despite the 10 – 15 years of difference in age between these two phases, there are a lot of similarities between toddlers and teenagers: they’re constantly hungry yet fussy about food, they need their sleep but never seem to want to go to bed, they’re fiercely independent yet still need parental support, they can be emotionally volatile, irritable, untidy and uncooperative… the list goes on!

One thing’s for certain though, kids are growing and developing at a rate of knots during these years due to a huge spurt in cognitive, physical and emotional development but, although parents may feel pushed away and tested to the limit at times, something they do unequivocally need is your unconditional love and support.

Whether your child is currently in the toddler or teenage phase (or you have one in each!), you may notice they are:

Emotional

Significant neurological development during these stages (and hormonal changes in teens) can affect the way tots and teens see and react to things around them, causing outbursts of temper, mood swings and over-sensitised emotions. They can go from hysterical laughter to tears and back again in a matter of minutes, often triggered by the smallest of things. From your toddler’s favourite orange spoon in the dishwasher to your teen’s favourite black top in the washing machine, minor inconveniences can appear catastrophic. As difficult as dealing with these outbursts can be, reassure yourself that it is a phase, so it will pass (although, if you’re currently in the toddler phase you will have to go through it again in the teenage years, sorry!). As they say, ‘Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain’ (although don’t actually dance, because that’s just, like, sooo embarrassing!)

Untidy

From leaving Lego booby-traps to having a million cups and plates strewn across in their bedroom amongst piles of dirty washing, neither three-year-olds nor

thirteen-year-olds seem to have any concept of tidying up after themselves. They leave a trail of destruction throughout the house but asking them to help clear up this devastation is, apparently, totally unreasonable.

Egocentric

Due to their neurological development, both tots and teens can have a tendency to think the world revolves around them. Tots want your undivided attention on demand, whereas teens generally want your time, money, taxi services and cooking skills as and when it suits!

Fiercely Independent

From getting themselves dressed and feeding themselves (tots) to schoolwork, social lives or dealing with problems (teens) both want to try/feel the need to prove they can do things without assistance. It’s great to encourage their independence while they develop into their own person, but it’s also important that they know you’re unequivocally there to help should it all get too much.

Adventurous

Turn your back on a tot for a millisecond and they’ll probably be halfway up a tree or trying to run their own bath… Likewise, with teens, there can be a tendency to push at boundaries and try new (often ill-advised) things. Neither are particularly responsive to parents’ cautions or safety advice as they try to explore the world on their own terms (but that won’t stop us from trying to offer those words of warning!).

Tired, but not tired

Both toddlers and teenagers get really grumpy if sleep deprived – that’s because they need a great deal of sleep for their physical and neurological development. However, they don’t always recognise this themselves and will often fight against sleep, avoiding bedtime at all costs. When they do sleep though, they can slip into a long, deep fairy-tale worthy slumber!

Challenging

Both phases can be equally challenging for parents and you’re often left feeling bewildered and reaching for that non-existent manual that should come with each individual child. These stages of childhood development can be, in equal measures, exciting, fun, weird, dramatic, frustrating and difficult to navigate but patience, understanding, acceptance and a good sense of humour will get you through*.

*Wine is optional, too!

By Helen Young

What do you call a flock of sheep tumbling down a hill? A lambslide.

Crossword EGG

LAMB BIBLE

CHICK

TULIP BASKET BONNET

EASTER RABBIT

SPRING

DAFFODIL

CHOCOLATE

HOT CROSS

BUN

Cadbury’s make 500 million Creme Eggs every year. If you piled them on top of each other, it would be 10 x higher than Mount Everest.

What proof is there that eating carrots is good for your eyesight? You don’t see rabbits wearing glasses do you?

Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service

• Learn with us to achieve your goals

• Meet new people

• Gain employment skills

• Develop new interests

Scan the QR code or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/adulteducation to see how we can help you Email: adult.education@derbyshire.gov.uk

Phone: 01629 535895

Or if you need to brush up on your numeracy skills for home or work find out more about our FREE courses and initiatives

Term

Term

Term

Parenting

Growing Green Fingers

Helping your child to discover a love of gardening.

Their own little corner

Your child may not have the same taste in plants as you do so, if you can, give them their own mini-plot to experiment with. Let them choose the plants they want (after discussing soil conditions, shade etc.) and give them the responsibility of watering and weeding. Children aren’t known for their patience so try to incorporate some plants that will give instant enjoyment and have a strong fragrance, such as lavenders and geraniums, along with others that are easy to grow and worth the wait, such as sunflowers, sweet peas and marigolds.

Grow your own

Fussy eaters can often be persuaded to try new things if they’ve had a hand in growing them. If you have the space for a raised bed, you could try courgettes, lettuces, or dwarf runner beans. Limited space? Potatoes, carrots and peas can be grown in pots. Tomatoes thrive against a sunny wall, while pepper plants and herbs will be fine on a windowsill.

Wildlife

Encourage your child to hang bird feeders in the garden and fill a shallow bowl for a bird bath. You could also help them to make a bee hotel by tying sections of bamboo canes together, or fixing the canes into a terracotta pot with some modelling clay. Older children might enjoy identifying different birds, bees and insects using a book or app.

Somewhere to play

You may not have room for a football pitch or trampoline, but even small gardens can usually offer some space for play. A few fixed logs can make a fun mini-obstacle course for example, and a swing can provide hours of enjoyment. Why not build a

temporary den over a low hanging branch with some old sheets, clothes pegs and cushions? You could also make a mini-sandpit with a trough, large plant pot or small paddling pool.

A fairy garden

Create a fairy garden together by filling a shallow container with soil and adding a few small plants. You could use a small plant pot for a house, create a miniature lake with a ramekin and make a swing with sticks and string. Add some solar-powered twinkly lights and a couple of small wooden or plastic elves and fairies.

Safety first

Teach children never to eat anything from the garden without checking with you first. Do head to the RHS website (www.rhs.org.uk) to find out what plants to avoid growing though; some are very poisonous and others can irritate skin and eyes. Keep sharp tools, plant food and weed killer safely out of reach at all times. If you have a pond, cover it with a rigid metal grille.

By Kate Duggan

Local History

Something from Strutts: Strutts School Reunion Plans

Since the last Strutts School moved to more modern accommodation in 2008, members of the local community have worked hard to preserve the wonderful building which has been an integral part of Belper’s history for over a century. Although Strutts was purpose built for education, its adaptability for other uses was quickly recognised and it is now a popular community building which regularly hosts meetings, classes, talks, sports and the various disciplines within the Arts.

There has been necessary intervention to secure the safety of the building. The roof has been repaired, a lift has been installed and some classroom decoration has taken place, with more ambitious improvements planned for the future.

The iconic Strutts building retains its charm.

Meanwhile we are always looking for new fundraising ideas to meet the need for further preservation along with opportunities to welcome participants and visitors.

If you were a student of the Grammar School or Middle School you might well be interested in paying us a visit, so we are pleased to announce that a reunion is currently being considered. The proposed plan is to meet at Strutts on Saturday September 2nd in the School Hall, have lunch, a tour of the building and then spend time chatting, sharing memories or browsing the large quantity of memorabilia, including many photographs, which has kindly been donated to us.

This event is also open to Life Members and Current Annual Members of Belper Strutts Society, and further details of ticket costs and times will soon be available on our website (strutts.org.uk) and on our Facebook page.

However, despite these ongoing and necessary changes, the integrity of the building has, we feel, been preserved and its educational legacy has not been forgotten. Those people who attended school here will certainly see changes, but, nevertheless, there is still much that is familiar. The central hall, the honours boards, the stairways, corridors and quadrangles are largely the same; many of the classrooms have hardly changed and the library still has its trademark oak bookshelves and, of course, its magnificent stainedglass windows.

Please come along. If you would like to register an initial interest in attending, please get in touch via bssocnews@gmail.com

By Joan Hardy Strutts Society Committee www.strutts.org.uk

Many thanks to Mr Kenneth Stennett for his donation of Strutts School holiday memorabilia. We really appreciate this.

April:

1st: Jazz with the Sitwell Singers: timeless jazz classics accompanied by award-winning jazz quintet with musical director Dexter Drown. 7:30pm, Shakespeare House, 93 Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1FR. Tickets & info: www.sitwellsingers.org.uk

5th: Belper Historical Society: ‘The History of Silkolene Lubricants of Belper: Derbyshire’s own oil company’ by Cliff Lea. 7:30pm at Strutts Community Centre, Derby Road. Members free, visitors £5

8th: Belper Organ and Keyboard Club concert: Andrew Nix. 2pm, Congregational Church, Church Walk, Belper DE56 1DB. £10 admission. Refreshments available. www.belperorganclub.com

15th: Ship of Fools Stand-up Comedy @ No.28 Market Place, Belper DE56 1FZ. 7.30 for 8pm. BYO drinks. Tickets £10. Booking online only: www.wegottickets.com. Info: shipoffoolscomedy@yahoo.co.uk.

21st: A night of intense musical energy with international stars Omar Puente & Alex Wilson with Latin Jazz Quartet at No.28 Market Place Belper DE56 1FZ. 6pm & 8.30pm shows (doors 5.30pm & 8pm). Tickets £20 from Eventbrite.co.uk or from Sankara Imports, 42 King Street Belper. BYO drinks.

28th: Belper Welcome Meal 12-2pm at No.28 Market Place, Belper DE56 1FZ. Soup/bread & pudding, No need to book, pay what you can.

Welcome Meal Project volunteers supported by Unite, Belper Town Council, Co-op.

22nd: Transition Belper’s Green Exchange with Repair Café, 10am – 1pm at No.28 Market Place, Belper DE56 1FZ. New ‘tech corner’ plus bike repairs, knife sharpening, sewing, electricals and much more. www.transitionbelper.org. Facebook: transitionbelper.

May:

3rd: Belper Historical Society evening visit to the Belper Unitarian Chapel, Field Row, 7:30pm. Park at Field Lane car park.

13th: Belper Organ and Keyboard Club concert: Phil Brown. 2pm, Congregational Church, Church Walk, Belper DE56 1DB. £10 admission. Refreshments available. www.belperorganclub.com

21st: Adrian Farmer’s Belper Talks: ‘New Finds of Old Belper and Milford’, 6pm at No.28 Market Place, Belper DE56 1FZ. £5; booking essential. Email: belpertalks.walks@gmail.com

26th: Belper Welcome Meal 12-2pm at No.28 Market Place, Belper DE56 1FZ. Soup/bread & pudding, No need to book, pay what you can. Welcome Meal Project volunteers supported by Unite, Belper Town Council, Co-op.

Please check events with the venue/organiser as the publisher accepts no responsibility if events are changed/cancelled following publication. If you have a one-off event or special excursion for June / July 2023 please email it to helen@allthingslocal.co.uk. Deadline is Wednesday 19th April 2022.

Friendship Blooms

Show your appreciation for a fellow member of the community; it may be a friend, a family member or maybe someone you’ve come into contact with who provides a wonderful service or who works hard to make a difference. Let All Things Local surprise them with a fresh bouquet of flowers.

The recipient of this issue’s bouquet is Michelle Read from Kilburn. She was nominated by her neighbour Shirley Brown and Shirley’s daughter Zoe. Here’s what Shirley wrote:

“I would like to nominate my neighbour Michelle Read. I came to Kilburn 2 years ago and I met Michelle while out with my dog, we soon became firm friends. Michelle has made my life worth living. She does my shopping every week and calls in every day or night. I suffer from osteoarthritis and I don’t know what I’d do without Michelle’s friendship.” Shirley Brown. Zoe added: “Michelle is like another mum to me, she has helped me to grow into a woman and she really deserves these flowers for everything she’s done for both me and my mum.”

Nominate someone to receive the next bouquet. All you have to do is state, in no more than 100 words, who you are nominating. Include their address and the reasons why you are nominating them. You can nominate more than one person if they are living/ working at the same address… and remember, flowers don’t just have to be for women!

The only rule is that the person receiving the flowers must live or work in the distribution area of All Things Local Village Edition (listed on front cover). Just write your nomination on a piece of paper and send to Friendship Blooms, All Things Local, 74 Woodhouse Road, Kilburn, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 0NA or e-mail your nomination to karyn@allthingslocal.co.uk putting ‘Friendship Blooms’ as the subject. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number on your nomination.

Closing date for nominations for the next issue is Wednesday 19 April 2023.

All nominations are kept on file and you will be contacted if your nomination has been selected. Contact information is only used by All Things Local; no information is given to any third party.

Advertiser Information

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert.

All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All Things Local does not officially endorse any advertising/editorial material included within the publication.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise – without the prior consent of the publisher.

Advertiser’s details (other than those provided for inclusion in advertisements) are confidential and will not be given to any third party.

Publisher: All Things Local Limited, 74 Woodhouse Road, Kilburn, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 0NA T: 01332 882882

M: 07977 272770 E: karyn@allthingslocal.co.uk

W: www.allthingslocal.co.uk

Graphic Design: Digital Bear Design

Printer: Buxton Press Ltd

Deadlines for June / July 2023 Edition:

Advertisement Bookings, Editorials, Cancellations and Copy

Amendments: Wednesday 19th April 2023

New Advertiser Copy: Monday 24th April 2023

Michelle Read (centre) receives her beautiful flowers from her friend and neighbour Shirley Brown (pictured right with ‘Stumpy’) and Shirley’s daughter Zoe (pictured left with ‘Lola’.)

Rachael Collins from Fleur Florist

Upbeat: Volunteer as a Police Cadet Leader

Do you have an interest in supporting the development of future generations, and a passion to try new things? Being a police cadet leader could bring you the excitement and adventure you’ve been looking for. Volunteer as a police cadet leader and experience policing in a new light.

You do not need any policing experience; we’re looking for people who are willing to take on new challenges and can commit to the training and opportunities that being a cadet leader can offer you.

We currently have four sections that meet in Derby, Glossop, Buxton, and Chesterfield.

We are looking for new cadet leaders at all four of our units and hope to open more units across Derbyshire with the intake of our new leaders.

The cadet groups meet weekly in the evenings and are also regularly invited to additional events, awards ceremonies, and day trips. We’d need our new leaders to commit to

Useful Numbers

Doctors & Hospitals, Emergencies

attending and volunteering at a minimum of one session a week.

We would be particularly interested in people who have previously worked with children or young people and are willing to learn new skills. However, no previous experience is necessary, if you have an eagerness to learn, a keen interest in policing and a desire to work with children, please apply.

As a leader, you’d gain experiences and qualifications such as:

• First aid training

• Risk assessment training

• Safeguarding training

• Leadership training

• Youth mental health first aid training

• You’d also experience the Duke of Edinburgh Award as a leader

• You’d learn more about the police

• You could help develop our youth voice within the force

• You’d have the opportunity to attend different ceremonies and events across the county

If this sounds like something you would thrive at, you can find out more and apply to be a cadet leader on our website at www.derbyshire.police.uk/careers.

Bereavement Matters

There have been some calls recently for lessons about grief to be added to the national curriculum, as a way of helping children learn about how death is a part of life.

This idea has been put forward by the National Association of Funeral Directors, of which we are members, and would involve age-appropriate education as part of the compulsory relationships school work.

The NAFD supports the campaign because, on average, 111 children in the UK lose a parent every day and it feels that they may lack the emotional preparedness they need to deal with the grief. And what better industry than our own, whose professionals can speak about death and bereavement while helping to demystify the funeral business, which can only be a good thing.

I can see the positives but, also, I can see some drawbacks which would need addressing because of some of the taboos which still surround death and the way people react to it.

I am very proud of the work I do and part of that pride is how we go about what can be a difficult and challenging

role with professionalism. This often involves dealing with questions from people who are naturally curious about what I might call the practical side of what we do for a living.

I want to be as open as I can, but I am also respectful, and I would be aware that maybe in a classroom of 30 students there might be one who has experienced bereavement and for whom the subject matter will fall too close to home.

There is a delicate line to tread and I’m not sure that we do need to prepare people for every eventuality in life if there is a risk that it will upset others. And, because often it is only when people experience grief first hand that they realise the magnitude of it, maybe it isn’t possible anyway?

These are the questions I’d hope the campaigners address before anything happens and, in the meantime, we’ll continue to ensure that everybody is given all the support they need should they encounter grief, whenever that happens in their lives.

By Anthony Topley Funeral director, Gillotts Funeral Directors, Abbott Street, Heanor

Our Heanor Funeral Home, located just off Ray Street, serves families throughout a wide area.

1a Abbott Street, Heanor DE75 7QD Tel (24 hrs):01773 713921

Our other Funeral Homes: 154 Nottingham Rd, Eastwood NG16 3GG Tel (24 hrs): 01773 713484

Eastwood Selston 133 Nottingham Rd, Selston NG16 6BT Tel (24 hrs): 01773 306909

Kimberley The Old Church, Main St, Kimberley NG16 2LL Tel (24 hrs): 0115 938 6720

Stapleford 136 Derby Rd Stapleford NG9 7AY Tel (24 hrs): 0115 949 1534

Anthony

Helen

Amanda