Grapevine Tips...... Decluttering your home.

Cluttered home? too tired or overwhelmed to declutter, here are some good tips.

Decluttering isn’t just about clearing your home of clutter, period, for many of us, decluttering can have a positive impact on mental health but it can be daunting. People can feel held back by their mess. Long-term mess often reflects our past selves, so decluttering can make us feel we have a fresh start, which can be energising. In contrast, living in a cluttered environment can increase stress and anxiety. If you have a problem with organization, confide in a friend or family member, since your friends won’t have the same attachment to items like you do, it might help you detach yourself from those said items which will ultimately speed up the process to a clutter free home. Firstly, write down a list of rooms that are getting you down, starting with the messiest one first. Start off by allocating some time each day that works within your daily schedule, it could be five, 10 or 30 minutes or even at the weekend.

Tackle one room at a time - have boxes or bags ready and sort. Label boxes or bags1.Keep 2. Donate 3.Throw Away 4. Recycle. Take a photo before you start. It’s going to look worse before it gets better but if you have before and after photos, you will be able to see the progress. Doing one room at a time is more manageable and you can tackle it bit by bit. (Don’t be tempted to move to another room half way through the sorting, or until that room is finished). Switch off your phone and by avoiding distractions you will sail through the task. Start with one cupboard or drawer at a time, take out items that are broken, not used, gone out of date, or just not wanted anymore. Anything not used for 6 months is probably not going to be used anyway.

Invest in some excellent storage boxes to place things in that needs to be saved.

Arrange in subject groups – ie: all out-of-season clothes in one place, and is easily identifiable: labelled or see-through for quick identification. Space-saving options are a must – stackable boxes, vacuum-pack bags, furniture that doubles up as storage, such as an ottoman with lift-up lid. Bear in mind that lids or covers offer better protection from dust, dirt and bugs than open storage, too.

Move your decluttered items out of the area and place them in a car (if possible) or at least by the front door. You should aim to donate/recycle/tip your decluttered items as soon as possible, otherwise just left is defeating the task in hand. Selling unwanted items can be difficult, but remember it is unwanted so it’s not used, get something for it - better the money in your pocket, and a clutter free home. To prevent cluttering in the future, only buy something that is needed and will be used.

The biggest reason why people fall back to clutter is because the items that are used aren’t put back in their proper place. Think about the bathroom, declutter can be done every day. Do you need 5 or 6 shampoo bottles in the shower, or at the side of the bath? The same with shower gels? Get in to the habit of only using one until the bottle is empty. Store the rest in a cupboard, or a basket. Try to keep the bathroom as streamlined and functional as possible. After you’ve decluttered, you’ll be amazed at how much less you will buy as you’ll be aware that you really don’t need lots of things to make you happy. Clutter often blinds us to what we really own. Sorting everything out and giving your home a good declutter can help prevent you from making frivolous purchases in the future. With less junk in your home, there will be fewer things to dust and less stuff to manoeuvre the hoover around. Cleaning and tidying a decluttered home is a breeze

Fionafrankland Legalservices

We offer the following:

• Wills

• Lasting Powers of Attorney

78 Derby Road, Stapleford

Nottingham NG9 7AB

Tel: 0115 9393360 email: fflegalservices.com web: www.fflegalservices.com

• Probate/Estate Administration Services

• Court of Protection

• Advance Directives (Living Wills)

• House Clearance- Full or Part Homes Cleared

• Care Fee Planning

• Also offering services for Conveyancing and Wealth Management

Home visits and hospital visits by appointment

Open every Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm Saturdays 9am -12 mid day

Ground floor offices offering disabled access, on street parking available

Right in the heart of Stapleford

Nottingham began in the 6th century as a small settlement called Snotta inga ham. It was under the direct rule of the Snotingas , an Anglo-Saxon tribe. In the late 9th century the Danes conquered North East and Eastern England. They turned Nottingham into a fortified settlement or burgh, the community became one of the five towns of the Danelaw, along with Derby, Leicester, Lincoln, and Stamford.

The two famous lions at the front of the Council House in the Market Square in Nottingham are officially named after two brothers, kings of Greek mythology, Agamemnon on the left, the right lion is called Menelaus.

The hour bell in the Council House, Market Square , Nottingham was nicknamed "Little John" since the building opened. The bell was cast by the world-famous bell founders John Taylor & Co of Loughborough in 1927.

The bell is the 5th heaviest in the UK and the E-flat tone has the deepest tone in the country.

The first earthquake ever recorded in Nottinghamshire was on April 25th 1180.

Nottingham local Arthur Mee, born in Stapleford and a former editor of the Nottingham Post, is said to have started a myth that lemings commit mass suicide, he incorrectly included this in an edition of his Children’s Encyclopedia, published from 1908 to 1964.

The Caves of Nottingham are a network of winding passages below the streets of the city. Nottingham boasts the UK’s largest network of over 800 subterranean caves that has history chiseled into it’s limestone/ sandstone structure, these were used from the WWII air raid shelters to right back to back to the medieval tanneries. The marsh area of the city was well known for its tanneries and by 1667, there were around 47.Many of the caves were man made, and used for bewing and storing beer, due to the cool temperature throughout the year. The early settlers in the 7th century found that the soft sandstone terrain was easy to carve.

Ibuprofen was discovered in Nottingham by Dr Stewart Adams- as was Tarmac(Nottingham’s Radcliffe Road was the world’s first Tarmac road).

The traffic light was invented by a Nottingham man John Peake Knight 1868.

The first one was placed in Westminster London. His system had a revolving gas-powered lantern with a red and a green light.

HP sauce was invented in Nottingham by David Hoe from Bottesford. The recipe was sold to a grocer named Frederick Garton in Nottingham who registered the name HP sauce in 1895.

The MRI scanner was invented in Nottingham in 1977 by Sir Peter Mansfield. He was born in London in 1933 and moved to Nottingham to become a lecturer at the department of physics at the University of Nottingham in 1964.In 1968, Sir Peter was appointed senior lecturer and it was during this time he and his colleagues were credited with the invention of the MRI scanner.

Nottingham was the first city to install braille signs in its shopping centres.

Mahatma Gandhi visited Beeston in 1931. He was visiting his nephew JV Joshi, who was studying and lodging in Linden Grove Beeston Rylands, a blue plaque can be seen outside the house.

Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) recently hosted another successful taster day where doctors and paramedics showcased the multifaceted aspects of pre-hospital emergency medicine (PHEM) to trainee doctors.

PHEM is a rapidly expanding and evolving medical sub-speciality, and yet it is rarely included in medical school or foundation curricula, making it hard for junior doctors and medical students to identify it as a career option.

LNAA organized this special taster day as a way for trainee doctors to gain an insight as to the role of a doctor working within the Air Ambulance environment.

Shayda Karimi, a doctor with LNAA put the special day together and is delighted with the enthusiasm shown by the delegates. She said: “We showcased a typical shift as a PHEM/HEMS doctor, explaining the relationship between the ambulance service paramedics and colleagues from other emergency services. We also explained the importance of teamwork when working in a stressful environment with critically ill patients.” The simulations that illustrated how difficult it is for pre-hospital teams to treat patients at the scene of an incident showed the stark difference to treating patients in hospitals. The tour of the helicopter allowed everyone to see how much equipment can be carried on each mission, and conversations with the pilots, doctors, and paramedics gave a very real account of the rich rewards if the decided to follow a career as a HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) doctor. Cat Anderson, a year 2 foundation doctor due to start a training post in the Emergency Department at Peterborough City Hospital next year believes the day has strengthened her desire to follow a career in pre-hospital emergency medicine. She said: “The difference between working in a hospital and working for an Air Ambulance was continually highlighted throughout the day. I enjoy being challenged and this role will certainly do that. It is about coming to patients in their homes and communities, working in any type of situation using ground-breaking technology alongside the rest of your team. That is why I want to be a PHEM doctor.”

ABOUT LNAA - LNAA is one of the UK’s leading Helicopter Emergency Service (HEMS) charities, bringing the equivalent of a hospital emergency department to patients at the scene, giving those with the most severe injuries and medical conditions the very best chance of survival when minutes matter. LNAA crews are on call 24 hours of the day, 365 days of the year. The highly skilled doctors, paramedics and pilots help people across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, involved in life-threatening incidents every single day. LNAA receives no regular direct funding from the Government. It needs to raise £8 million this year to deliver its life-saving service every hour of the day. It is thanks to the generosity and goodwill of supporters throughout the area that they can provide such a critical care service. For more details on how to support this vital work, visit www.ambucopter.org.uk

Look after yourself this summer.

As we head into summer be ‘tick aware’ as they enjoy the great outdoors.

Ticks can carry infections and while Lyme disease is more common in the UK, their have recently confirmed a case of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in England.

Where are ticks found?

Ticks live in many different outdoor environments but they are particularly common in grassy and wooded areas. You are therefore more at risk of being bitten if you take part in activities such as hiking, cycling or camping, but they can also sometimes be found in urban gardens.

How to avoid tick borne infections

While walking in green spaces, consider wearing clothing that covers your skin to make it more difficult for ticks to access a suitable place to bite. Use insect repellent such as DEET and consider wearing light coloured clothing so that you can easily spot ticks and brush them off. After spending time outside, check yourself, your clothing, your pets and others for ticks. Remove any attached tick as soon as you find it using a tick-removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers.

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is an infection transmitted by some tick species. The disease can be acquired when bitten by an infected tick, particularly when spending time outdoors in green spaces. Although Lyme disease should not deter you from enjoying the outdoors, you can reduce your chance of infection by following the precautions above.

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?

Symptoms include a spreading circular red rash, which may appear as a bulls-eye rash like the image below, as well as non-specific flu-like symptoms. Although a lot of people associate the disease with the rash, 1/3 of people don’t report seeing one. Other signs to look out for include muscle or nerve pains or a drooping facial appearance when the nerves to the muscles around the upper part of the face are affected.

Where can you catch it?

People are most likely to encounter ticks when doing activities in the countryside or other green spaces such as woodland, some urban parks or gardens.

Ticks are most active in the spring and summer months when the weather warms up but can be found all year round. There are estimated to be around 3000 cases of Lyme disease diagnosed in England each year.

What is the prognosis?

In the UK, Lyme disease is an uncommon infection and can be successfully treated with a full course of antibiotics. This is the case for most people who contract Lyme disease, but if left untreated, the infection can spread to the nervous system and other areas of the skin, joints or rarely to the heart. If the nervous system or heart is affected, then injected antibiotics may be offered. Looking out for symptoms of Lyme disease, and checking yourself for ticks after you go to green spaces where they may be present is very important. Prompt tick removal can reduce your chances of acquiring Lyme disease. Rapidly recognising symptoms can ensure that if you are developing the disease you can receive the earliest diagnosis and treatment from your GP. If you are bitten by an infected tick your symptoms will typically develop 1-4 weeks after being bitten, however, they can appear anytime between 3 to30 days after exposure.

What to do if you have symptoms of Lyme disease.

If you have developed symptoms after being bitten by a tick or spending time outdoors, immediately contact your GP or call NHS 111, mentioning where you have been and if you remember being bitten.A very small number of people treated for early Lyme disease can develop more severe symptoms months or years later, however, this is usually if the treatment they receive is delayed or not completed. If you are exposed to Lyme disease, it’s recommended that you speak to your doctor if symptoms return or don’t improve.

*Animals must be protected and treated from ticks and bites, contact your local Veterinary for further advice and information.

Iron Giant’ celebrated in new exhibition.

A new exhibition will give a fascinating insight into Bennerley Viaduct, one of the most iconic structures in Nottinghamshire, when it opens in June at the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum.‘Bennerley Viaduct, the Iron Giant of the Erewash Valley’ is a pop up exhibition from the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct and charts its incredible history, from the Victorian railway boom, through dereliction, to walking and cycling destination. Learn more about the people and society that created it and the lasting impact it has on the communities Lawrence would have known well. Alongside the exhibition, there will be a programme of workshops and guided walks, bringing together Lawrence, creative writing, and visits to the viaduct as it is today.

Bennerley Viaduct - Rebecca Morris-Buck, Project Manager for the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct said: "We are so thrilled that our support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund is enabling us to work in partnership with the D. H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum for this exhibition. Bennerley Viaduct is a landmark in Lawrence Country: when you stand on the viaduct, you have a clear view of Eastwood in its landscape. As we develop our site as a visitor attraction, and walking and cycling destination, we're delighted to celebrate its connections to a world-famous writer, and to reflect on what life in the local area was like when the viaduct was in use. We hope Lawrence would've approved of our planned walks and creative writing activities."

Carolyn Melbourne, Museum and Collections Officer at the museum said:

“Bennerley Viaduct is a monument of Victorian engineering and this exhibition really brings to life the times in which Lawrence was living. Improvement works at the site are one of a number of projects being undertaken as part of Kimberley’s successful £16.5m levelling up bid so it’s also a great time to learn more about the history of this iconic landmark as we look ahead to its future.”

The exhibition is open at the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum, on Victoria Street, Eastwood from 8th June to 22nd July. Visit www.broxtowe.gov.uk/dhlawrencemuseum for more details and opening times. You can also find out more about the work of the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct at: www.bennerleyviaduct.org.uk The D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum is where this literary legend was born on 11 September 1885. Only 30 minutes from Nottingham city centre, the Museum is a must see for fans of literature, and for those wanting to delve deeper into Nottingham’s literary heritage.Step back in time to experience the traditional Victorian wash house, see the parlour; a room only for special guests, feel the warmth of the fire in the kitchen and have a wander around the parental and other bedrooms. The museum’s permanent exhibition features items from Lawrence’s family and even paintings created by the author himself. Find out more at www.broxtowe.gov.uk/dhlawrencemuseum

Tips from Martin Lewis - Money Saving Expert. -

Find the cheapest supermarket for your groceries.

There is a handy free comparison tool app out now called Trolley. This lets you compare the cost of items at the major supermarkets. You can also set alerts for when the price of your favourite items drop. It looks at the big supermarkets, Tesco, Boots, Asda, Waitrose, Ocado, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Iceland, Co-op, and Wilko.

The prices it shows are online prices, but these are often reflected in stores, so even if you're going in person, it's worth checking to see which is cheapest for you.

Just search for a product to see the price of it at different stores. You can set price alerts – just register (it's free), go to a product page and select 'Add to lists'.

There's also an app for Android and Apple phones so you can compare the data to in-store prices as you shop.

Money saving expert is sponsoring Trolley for one year and its run by volunteers.

Use free supermarket loyalty schemes to unlock discounts of up to 50% off

Sign up with a free loyalty scheme if you regularly shop at a particular supermarket that offers this service.

Schemes such as Tesco’s Clubcard and Sainsbury’s Nectar will give points when you shop that you can convert into money off your shopping or rewards with selected partners. Yet you can also use these schemes to unlock special discounts on a selection of products each week, which could save you £100s on your groceries over a year. Morrisons gives money-off vouchers on items you regularly buy. It occasionally also offers a discount off your entire shop, for example £5 off £40.

Check the My Morrisons app (for Android and iPhone) for your offers, and press ‘Activate’ on any you want to use. The discount will be applied automatically when you swipe your card at the till.

Lidl shoppers get up to 30% off selected products via the free Lidl Plus app. Go to the ‘Coupons’ section and you’ll find four or more digital coupons for selected products or ranges –If you don’t have it already, you can download and sign up to the Lidl Plus app for free at the App Store or Google Play.

For more information go to www.moneysavingexpert.com

Drive away with a brand-new car this summer –and support your local hospice

A brand-new car is up for grabs in the Treetops Hospice summer raffle thanks to a generous donation by local car dealership, Ron Brooks Toyota.

The juniper-blue Toyota Aygo X Edge, complete with new ‘23’ car registration plates, has been donated to help the end-of-life charity celebrate its 40th birthday this year. Ron Brooks Toyota, with dealerships in Ilkeston and Mansfield, is also celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Kevin Slack, Managing Director explained why they wanted to donate the amazing prize.“We’re very proud to have been in the local community for over 60 years and we wanted to celebrate by supporting a local cause.

“It’s really important for us to give something back to the community and Treetops Hospice is a great charity. It makes such a difference for hundreds of local people every year.”The hospice hopes that raffle ticket sales will help raise over £20,000 for the charity which provides end-of-life nursing care and counselling support in the local community.Julie Heath, Treetops Hospice chief executive, is thrilled to be able to offer people the chance to win such an exciting prize:

“We’re so grateful to Ron Brooks Toyota for their very generous donation which we know will raise a significant amount of money for the hospice and means we can care for even more people and families in the future. For just £1, you could be driving away in a fabulous new car on Friday 1st September when the draw takes place. It could be the best £1 you’ve spent all year!” The car is worth around £17,000 and includes features such as 18” alloy wheels, Pre-Collision Detection, and an 8” Toyota Touch® Multimedia system with Smartphone integration. Raffle entries are just £1 each. Ron Brooks Toyota has also donated runner up prizes including £2,000, a pair of tickets to the British GT Championships at Donington Park, and twenty £50 prizes. The raffle will be drawn on Friday 1st September.Raffle tickets can be bought online at www.treetops.org.uk/car The raffle is open to anyone aged 18yrs+ and full terms and conditions can be found online.

East Midlands hospice invites you to explore virtual tour of buildings and grounds

Leading adult hospice, Treetops, is the first hospice in the East Midlands to welcome people to explore inside its buildings and grounds with a new interactive virtual tour. Treetops Hospice, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is wants to showcase the warm and welcoming environment people will experience when visiting the hospice and dispel some common myths about hospices. The 360-degree virtual tour takes you into all areas of the hospice, based in Risley, Derbyshire. The tour includes the drop-in Wellbeing Café, children’s counselling rooms and contemplation courtyard, as well as the assisted bathroom and training areas. Touchpoints located around the tour provide more information on the hospice care available. Treetops Hospice provides nursing care and support for adults with life-limiting conditions, and their loved ones. The hospice also offers counselling for children and adults who are struggling after a bereavement. Julie Heath, Treetops Hospice chief executive, is excited for people to take a look: It’s wonderful to launch this new virtual tour during our 40th birthday year. Since the hospice opened, we’ve cared for thousands of local people and their families at the most difficult time of their lives.“There are a lot of myths about hospices being dark and depressing places where people come to die. This just isn’t the case, and now people can see for themselves what wonderful facilities we have here. The virtual tour can give people a lot of reassurance,” Julie continues. “For example, parents with children who need bereavement support, can show them inside our child-friendly counselling rooms. Patients with a life-limiting condition can see that our rooms aren’t ‘clinical’ and very different to what they might experience inside a hospital.”

The tour is available on the Treetops Hospice website: www.treetops.org.uk/explore

For further information about Treetops, head to the hospice website at www.treetops.org.uk or call 0115 949 1264.

Wellbeing Space

Local Food Banks & Community Shops.

Arena Community Hub Contact: 0115 944 2996 Email: info@arenacommunity.co.uk

Address: Community Hub on Belfield Street, Ilkeston Web: www.arenacommunity.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/502119406528673/

Opening times: Everyday 10am-4pm Referrals: Means-tested food parcel service

Big Kirk Hallam Community Shop - Contact: 0115 8371380 Address: Kenilworth Dr, Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston DE7 4EX Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigKirkHallamCC/

Opening times: Wednesdays 1pm - 4.30pm Referrals: No

Canaan Trust -Contact: 0115 946 4903 - Email: office@canaan-trust.co.uk

Address: 14 Main St, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 1GR

Website: https://www.canaan-trust.co.uk/Opening times: Monday to Sunday 8am-8pm for food parcels

Referrals: Open to all

Cotmanhay Community Network - Community CaféEmail: cotmanhaycommunitynetwork@gmail.com

Address: Beauville Drive, Ilkeston, DE7 8RU

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cotmanhay-Community-Network-1888115467905203/

Opening times: Wednesdays - but check on Facebook Page for updates

Long Eaton and Sawley Foodback (Trussell Trust)

Contact: 07950 547671 - Email: info@longeatonsawley.foodbank.org.uk - Address: 165 Wilmot Street, Long Eaton NG10 3EL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/longeatonandsawleyfoodbank/

Opening times: Tuesday & Friday 10:00 - 12:00, Saturday 09:00 - 11:00

Referals: All Trussell Trust foodbanks use a referal system where you can be refered by your local frontline professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers and Citizens Advice

St.John’s Church, Long Eaton - Contact: 0115 9463820 Email: samtredwell@outlook.com

Address: St John’s Church, Canal Street, Long Eaton, NG10 4GA web: www.stjohnlongeaton.org.uk

Opening times: Tuesdays and Wednesdays Referrals: Please contact project

Christ Church Methodist Church. 1 College Street Long Eaton NG10 4NE

Open Tuesdays and Fridays 10am-12pm - Voucher required e: info@longeatonsawley.foodbank.org.uk t: 0795 054 7671

How to get help

Some foodbanks require a food voucher, to obtain one of these please contact your nearest fodbank and they will advise.

If you are in financial crisis and live in England or Wales, please call 0808 2082138 for free (open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) to talk confidentially with a trained Citizens Advice adviser. They can help address your crises and provide support to maximise your income, help you navigate the benefits system, and identify any additional grants you could be entitled to. If needed, they’ll issue you with a voucher so you can get an emergency food parcel from your local food bank.