All Things Local - Belper Edition - October/November 2025

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Winners’ Corner Contents

WELCOME LETTER

Hello readers

Welcome to the October/November issue of All Things Local.

Once again, the months seem to be flying by and we’re saying goodbye to yet another summer as autumn rolls in. While many of us may mourn the long, warm days of summer, autumn also offers a lot to look forward to, not least the sheer beauty of the autumnal countryside. While it’s noticeably cooler than the height of summer, we’re often still treated to some glorious sunshine during the autumn months, and when the sun shines on the changing leaves the effect is stunning!

We’re very lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country with some wonderful countryside right on our doorstep. This issue’s walk takes us on a little exploration of the countryside surrounding the nearby town of Matlock. It’s very easy to get there on public transport, too, either by bus or by train – so why not go on an autumn adventure? Turn to page 22 for full details of the route.

Of course, at this time of the year the nights do start to draw in, especially after the clocks ‘fall back’ an hour on Sunday 26th October (don’t forget!). Darker evenings can take us by surprise (it happens every year, and yet still seems to come as a shock!) but please remember to be ‘safe and seen’ when you’re out and about after daylight hours – wear reflective clothing when walking or running and always use lights when cycling in the dusk or dark.

On 31st October it’s Halloween, followed by Bonfire Night on 5th November. While many of us enjoy these celebrations, please be aware that not everyone does, so be mindful of friends, neighbours and pets who may not be quite so keen to mark these occasions. Usually, a good

rule of thumb is to only go ‘Trick or Treating’ at houses that are decorated for Halloween or displaying a pumpkin. If you want an extra special Halloween experience, why not visit the locally renowned ‘Halloween House’ at 17 Rawson Green? For the past 10 years, Gary and Lesley Harris have transformed their garden into a spooktacular Halloween walk-through, entertaining 100s of local families and raising thousands of pounds for Children in Need. All are welcome to go and enjoy the spooky fun, from 4pm – 8.30pm on Halloween. Donations to Children in Need are welcome.

Talking of treats (but not tricks!) … why not try your hand at this issue’s Prize Crossword or Champagne Sudoku competition to be in with the chance of winning a prize? You could win a 2-course Sunday lunch for two people courtesy of Bistro Duffield at the Kings Head in the crossword competition on page 6, or a bottle of Champagne in the sudoku competition on page 23. Remember to get your entries in by 15th October to make sure you’re in the draw. We hope you enjoy this autumn issue of All Things Local and we’ll be back in a couple of months with our December/January issue … as we look forward to the festive season and the New Year! Wow, time flies!

With 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: 07545 261034

W: www.allthingslocal.co.uk AllThingsLocalMagazines

Business & Professional

Shacklocks Solicitors

Legal Matters: Trusts

Legal Matters: Managing a Trust? Feeling Lost?

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.

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.

The need for Trusts is becoming more common in our ever-changing modern society. An increasing number of people are now faced with the pressures of being a Trustee, left with the responsibility of managing the transfer of wealth down to future generations and safeguarding assets for vulnerable beneficiaries.

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?

70 years later the trust is still providing that accommodation.

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.

Trusts can be created for a variety of purposes. The following list is by no means exhaustive but represents some of the everyday scenarios where a Trust may be created:

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 beneficiary struggles to manage money, and it may not be suitable for them to receive monies outright. The Will can leave the inheritance in a Trust which can then be managed by Trustees and distributed to the beneficiary when they are in an appropriate position to receive it.

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.

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.

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:

1. Inheritance by children: Where a child is left an inheritance but can only receive it at a specified age.

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.

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.

Many people experience some of the above scenarios in life, often appointing a family member, friend, professional or a combination of all three as their Trustees. These individuals have a lot to think about. How must decisions be made in order to be valid decisions? Are there any legal documents that I need to draft? What do I do if one of the Trustees loses mental capacity? What insurance do I need in place? What are the tax implications and the legal requirements for registration with HMRC? These are just a few of the questions that should be on the mind of every Trustee.

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.

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.

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.

2. Second marriages or children from previous relationships: Where a couple own their residence together and have children from previous relationships, their Wills may create a Trust which on the first death provides the surviving spouse with the right to live in the deceased’s half of the property, whilst still protecting the deceased’s share of the sale proceeds for their children in the future.

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.

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.

Advising on Trusts is a complex area. We are encountering an increasing number of clients who are struggling with a Trust set up in lifetime, or have dealt with an estate of a loved one, either on their own or with the assistance of a professional, but are then left in the dark about what to do next with the Trust.

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.

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.

3. The Cost of Care: Similar to number 2, in appropriate cases a Will Trust may be used to protect the deceased’s half of the property from the surviving spouse’s care fees or third-party claims.

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.

4. Inheritance by Vulnerable Beneficiaries: Where beneficiaries are vulnerable, for example, suffering from addiction, or in an abusive relationship, or in cases of disability or where

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

At Shacklocks LLP we advise clients on all aspects of creating Trusts and Trust administration. To find out how we can help you, contact Cassandra Worton and her team on 01773 822333 (Belper), 01332 559281 (Allestree) or 01623 626141 (Mansfield).

The information in this article is for general guidance only and advice must be obtained for your particular circumstances.

Ben Stubbins

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

Cassandra Worton

Jackie Abbott Senior Conveyancer Commercial Property

Joanne Wilbraham Solicitor Family Law

Business & Professional

Money Matters

Money Matters:

The Provocative Word: ‘Risk’

10 Years of Belper IFS: Our First Decade

Which asset classes represent the best return, in order, over the last 100 years?

A) Cash

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

B) UK Property

C) Gold

D) Global Balanced Portfolio

E) The Emerging Markets

Of the same assets, which had the greatest average volatility over the same 100 years?

E to A was the order of answers to the first question. C and D was the answer to the second.

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

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

We need to think about repositioning what we mean by the word ‘risk’. In the dictionary, it is defined as ‘Noun: the possibility of something bad happening’. What about reversing the position, and thinking about the possibility that something good may happen? What if there was overwhelming long-term evidence that something good was likely to occur by taking some risk?

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?

Humans are 4-5 times more sensitive to loss than we are to gain. I speak to new clients every day and, over the years, I have heard some belting comments. Clearly the issue is perception and understanding, or the fear of harmful consequences. “I worry I may lose money”. New clients often declare “I’m very cautious”. And it is true to them – they outwardly, and maybe inwardly, feel they are cautious. But here’s the irony: I analyse their pension or investment portfolio and conclude ‘here is a portfolio that is anything but cautious’. In fact, it’s invested in a fund of Global Equities, so very high risk. I point this out and it is usually met with a response like: “Yes, but I like it, and it has made me a lot of money”. The instinctive cautious investor now likes the returns associated with a high-risk

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

investment, without understanding the risk they are taking! I might say – “Well do you want potential higher returns or lower risk, as long term you cannot have both?” Risk is often measured by volatility (the gaps between the low and high points and the frequency). Much has been said and written about investment risk. An alternative to taking risk is the perception of the ‘no risk’ safety of cash. Cash does not fluctuate in actual value, true. But only to an extent. The big myth is that cash is secure. Long term, it has an awful history and, as an asset class over the last 100 years, is the worst asset class. Inflation erodes the value of cash over the long term.

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?

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.

In 10 years, £20,000 in cash saved and returning 2.75% p.a. interest would grow to £25,500. Unfortunately, inflation of 4.3% p.a. means £20,000 would need to be £28,600 in real terms to maintain its spending power. In real terms, then, the cash has lost £3,100 in value. We can conclude that it is vital to beat inflation to maintain or improve the real return on monies otherwise the value is declining*.

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?

*Based on 5-year average interest rate of 2.75% p.a. (January 2020 - December 2024, Bank of England base rate) and inflation of 4.30% (January 2020 - December 2024, CPI inflation data from Office for National Statistics).

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

Please note: When you take out an investment product your capital is at risk, and you may get back less than you have put in. Investing is not suitable for everyone, and advice ought to be sought. Investment returns are not guaranteed.

By Kevin Glover, Belper IFS

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.

ation is general only and is not intended to r particular requirements The data above should d 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

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY’S FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE

Disputes over private wealth can be challenging, but you don’t have to face them alone.

Our expert legal support tailored to your unique situation, helps to safeguard what matters most to you and bring you peace of mind.

We can help you with:

ƒ Disputes over wills & managing estates

ƒ Conflicts involving trusts

ƒ Professional negligence claims

ƒ Property co-ownership disputes

ƒ Disagreements about lifetime promises

Call a member of the team on 01332 226 158 or scan the QR code for more information.

Why the Hagfish Deserves a Day

Since acquiring a fish tank, I’ve spent countless hours researching. Little did I realise that creating a small aquatic ecosystem in the living room would be so complex.

Not only have we gone deep into the nitrogen cycle, but there’s also a surprising amount to learn about different varieties of fish and other aquatic creatures.

Naturally, for me anyway, this led me down the rabbit hole of deep-sea life and underwater beings. Granted, none of these will make it into a home aquarium, but it’s fascinating, nonetheless.

One of the strangest creatures I came across was the hagfish. If you haven’t seen one before, imagine an eel that’s essentially a tube of slime with teeth that wouldn’t look out of place in a horror film.

And, you guessed it, there’s even a special day to celebrate them. The 15th of October shines a spotlight on this 300-million-year-old survivor. With multiple rows of sharp teeth, it feeds on carcasses at the bottom of the sea.

Just a Thought... Freedom

It seems apt that I am musing upon freedom at the moment. We are all starkly aware of the wars raging in the Middle East and Ukraine, not to mention in countless other places across the globe. The scenes of poverty, starvation and despair etched unfairly on so many pleading faces.

We are privileged to have our physical freedoms and safety, and yet at times we don’t feel very free. The freedom we crave is an emotional one in which we are free from the chains of anxiety or depression. Make no mistake, these dictators are as real as any war and can leave us depleted and downtrodden. I read a beautiful verse from a hymn recently that spoke to me of what it is we are looking for:

‘A freedom that reveres the past, But trusts the dawning future more. And bids the soul, in search of truth Adventure boldly and explore.’

Hagfish are often branded as “ugly.” So why do they deserve a day in their honour? The answer is simple: people are quick to protect dolphins, turtles, or clownfish. But what about the less photogenic inhabitants? The truth is every species has a role to play in keeping ecosystems balanced.

In fact, their slime is so unusual that scientists are studying it as a possible alternative to plastics. Hagfish may not be pretty, but by feeding on carcasses and keeping the ocean floor clear of decay, they’re vital members of the marine cleanup crew.

This mirrors something I’ve noticed in my own aquarium. After adding a piece of driftwood, a strange slime appeared. At first, I thought I’d be scrubbing it away myself. But within days, a population of tiny snails appeared and happily munched through it. What looked like a mess was simply another part of the ecosystem finding balance.

Snails, to me anyway, are irresistibly cute. Hagfish… less so. But both remind us that beauty isn’t the measure of importance. Whether in a home aquarium or the deep ocean, even the oddest, slimiest creatures keep their worlds ticking over.

By Jessica White

I was captivated by the sentiment that true emotional freedom sits in a place that sees the value in the past, but unlike depression does not ask us to dwell or wallow there. Equally, the excitement of the oncoming future is the antithesis to the fear and dread proffered by anxiety.

I think we all want our lives to feel a little more like an adventure rather than a chore – it’s about finding how we do that. I certainly don’t have all the answers, but I do know that being more mindful and present is a great starting place. Also, gratitude for what we already have is an essential practice for nurturing freedom of ourselves.

So, I would like to urge you to make a start today in trying to free yourself from any unwanted and unhelpful emotional shackles and begin the journey to emotional freedom. And, while we are at it, let us hope that the safety and physical freedom of those unfortunate souls in the grips of warfare comes sooner rather than later.

By Fliss Goldsmith of Belper

Lifestyle

Travel Pop to the Shops

Travelling is the perfect opportunity to indulge in a little retail therapy. Whether you’re on the hunt for luxury brands, traditional crafts, eclectic street markets or a touch of window shopping, here are five of the world’s best shopping destinations.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Home to one of the world’s largest malls –and the ‘world’s first shopping resort’ – Dubai is undoubtedly one of the most exciting shopping destinations on the planet.

At Dubai Mall, expect theme parks, a waterfall, fountains, an indoor souk and designers including Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Valentino. Check out the Mall of the Emirates, which houses the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort, and the Gold Souk’s jewellery stores.

New York, USA

Many people travel to New York for the shops alone. With dozens of enclaves spread out across the five boroughs, it’s well-nigh impossible to cover them all. You could spend a whole day browsing the department stores of Barneys, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s!

Shop high-street brands in SoHo or head to Fifth Avenue for designer brands and some of the world’s most striking window displays. There are plenty of shopping hotspots outside Manhattan too; hop over to Brooklyn for antique shops with vintage-chic vibes and markets galore.

Tokyo, Japan

Japan’s capital has it all: high-end fashion, vintage wares, traditional handmade crafts and gadgets you didn’t know existed.

For a spot of luxury, make your way to Ginza, which is bursting with designer boutiques and luxury brand

outlets. Watch out for wacky Japanese street style in the Harajuku district and get lost in the shopping jungle of Shinjuku, where the department store Isetan has its mammoth flagship store, spread across eight buildings. Here you’ll be treated like royalty from the moment you step inside.

Milan, Italy

Many of fashion’s most famous design houses are Italian, so it’s no wonder many luxury brands (including Gucci, Prada and Versace) all have flagship stores in Milan.

This legendary fashion capital is known for housing potentially the world’s most important fashion district – Quadrilatero d’Oro. Admire the jewellers and fashion boutiques of the ‘golden neighbourhood’ and treat yourself to Italy’s famed high-quality leather and cashmere goods. There are shopping opportunities for bargain hunters too. Il Salvagente is Milan’s best-known and oldest outlet, with three floors of discounted goods.

Istanbul, Türkiye

Türkiye’s cultural capital has arguably some of the best shopping in the world. The Grand Bazaar – the oldest and largest covered market in the world – should be your first stop. Amongst its 4,000-plus stalls, you’ll find everything from handwoven scarves and jewellery emblazoned with precious stones, to fragrant spices, ceramics and carpets.

Explore the city’s shopping centres, including İstinye Park and the avant-garde Kanyo outdoor shopping mall.

1331 Matlock Road, Ambergate, Belper DE56 2EL

(On A6. Bottom of A610 on right)

Tel: 01773 462631

Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 5pm-10.30pm

Takeway & delivery available

Jonathan Davies MP for Mid Derbyshire

With Black Rod sealing the doors to the House of Commons, temporarily silencing its debates and heckling, this gave me a wonderful opportunity to spend several weeks in the constituency.

Like the old tradition of “beating the bounds”, I walked point-to-point across Mid Derbyshre in August, meeting with residents, businesses, and community groups, exploring the fantastic scenery that often gets overlooked in the shadow of the Peak District.

Around every corner, we are blessed with a wealth of local history and heritage that you could only discover on foot. There are so many things that you only notice when you have the time to stop and look around.

My route on the second day cut a line right through the heart of the constituency - from Duffield to Breadsall.

Here, I crossed the disused railway - one of several in Mid Derbyshire whose trains are long gone.

From there, I pressed on through Morley Smithy, Stanley village, and Dale Abbey, where the 13 century hermitage stands as a relic of an even more distant past.

Layers of history are held in our landscape - medieval stonework, industrial embankments, and footpaths worn by centuries of wanderers.

Traversing the constituency on foot reminded me how rootedness builds fascination and pride in one’s local area. Knowing the past - and the lay of the land which carries the reminders of that past - gives us a more rounded perspective on change and development.

This year I crossed Mid Derbyshire west to east, and back again, but there are many places I didn’t cover. In future years, I will walk north to south along the Derwent, and visit those places I did not get to this time. On a lovely autumn day, I couldn’t recommend more dusting off the Ordnance Survey map and pottering across our beautiful constituency.

Jonathan on the fields overlooking Duffield.

Food, Drink & Entertainment

Beer: Stannary Brewing Co. – A Brewery in Focus

Based in Tavistock, Devon, Stannary Brewing Co. has carved a niche for itself since 2016 by crafting sessionable beers full of character.

Founded by Mark Stephens, Chris John and Garry White, the brewery began life in a garage before moving into its current base at the Pixon Trading Centre, where it now combines modern kit with a passionate local ethos.

One of its flagship beers, All That Jazz (4.2% ABV), is a session strength pale ale hopped with Azacca, Centennial and Simcoe. It pours hazy light gold with a long-lasting white

Word on Wine

With Autumn upon us, it’s time to look at wines to go with winter foods.

If you think of South African red wine, you immediately think of ‘Pinotage’. In 1925 a viniculturist, A.I. Perold, at Stellenbosch University, created a new variety by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault vines originally from France. They called it ‘Hermitage’ before having to change it, due to ‘Hermitage’ from France, to ‘Pinotage’.

In 1961 the name ‘Pinotage’ first appeared on a label. The wines were initially course with sweetish, paint-like pungency but over time they were improved to give a rich, long-lasting deep red wine while retaining wild fruit flavours. This has been achieved by prolonged, cooler temperate fermentation and aging the wine in a mix of French and American oak barrels.

Majestic Wines stock a good example of the wine. Kanonkop ‘Kadette’ Pinotage 2023, from Stellenbosch, is made on a 4th generation family-owned estate, now run by Paul and Johann Krige. The wine is fermented in open top concrete fermenters at 28°C, with the skins allowed to float on the surface. These are mechanically pushed down to mix with the juices every 2 hours. After 3 days, the juice is drained off and after further malolactic fermentation the wine is matured for 12 months in French oak barrels. The name ‘Kanonkop’ is derived from hillock (kop) in Simonberg, where in the 17th and 18th centuries a cannon was sounded

head and delivers an aroma of bright citrus and grapefruit with a hint of pine. On the palate, grapefruit and light tartness mingle with smooth malt and a clean, dry finish.

The bittersweet Winnie & George (4.5% ABV), brewed with Brook House hops, offers a different style. It pours amber with rich foam and presents tropical fruit, lime zest and a gentle malt sweetness.

Then there’s Wallowa, a pale ale brewed with Oregon hops like Luminosa and Audacia at around 4.5% ABV. Loads of citrus brightness, peachy sweetness and a redcurrant backbone. It is soft, vibrant, and sessionable, and shows this brewery at its best.

From its core range to occasional anomaly releases, Stannary Brewing Co. continues to deliver bold flavour packed into light, drinkable brews, anchored in community spirit and hop driven creativity.

By Sean McKeown

Twitter/X and Instagram: @belperbeerclub

to notify local farmers that sailing ships would be arriving 50km away in the harbour, to allow them to barter their fresh fruit and vegetables.

Technical Details:

Grape: 100% Pinotage

Appearance: Bright purple wine

Characteristics: On the nose cherries, red and black plums, strawberries, vanilla and spices. Taste of raspberries, plums, cranberries, chocolate, cedar and spices with a long finish and tannins.

Alcohol by Volume: 14.5% Food Match: Pizza, pasta, barbequed meats and hearty stews.

Available from: Majestic Wines, Ashbourne Road, Derby. £15 per bottle, or £14 as part of a Mix Six.

For more information visit majestic.co.uk or visit the store. If you like wine and would like to learn more, please visit our website www.kilburnwinecircle.weebly.com for our 2025 programme.

By David Savidge, Kilburn Wine Circle

Food, Drink & Entertainment

Recipe Spiced Beef Bourguignon

A traditional French dish of slow-cooked beef in a red wine sauce, this stew is the ultimate comfort food – and well worth the wait!

Serves: 4-6

Preparation time: 25-30 minutes

Cooking time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1kg diced braising steak (or chuck steak)

• Sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tbsp plain flour, seasoned

• 4 tbsp Borderfields Gold Infusions Aromatic Thyme

Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil

• 200g smoked streaky bacon lardons

• 6 small shallots, peeled and diced

• 2 leeks, trimmed, washed and diced

• 6 cloves garlic, crushed

• Half a bulb of garlic, cut in half horizontally

• Half a 750ml bottle of Merlot red wine

• 2 tbsp tomato purée

• 750ml rich beef stock

• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary and thyme, leaves finely chopped

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 star anise

• 200g wild and chestnut mushrooms, roughly chopped

To serve:

• Chopped fresh parsley

• Creamy mashed potato

Method

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

Season the beef well with salt and pepper and toss in the seasoned flour.

Heat half the oil in a frying pan and fry the beef in batches over a medium-high heat until browned on all sides, turning now and then. Once browned, using a slotted spoon, transfer to a large flameproof casserole.

Add a little more oil to the pan and fry the bacon lardons for 2-3 minutes. Using a

slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to the casserole.

Add a splash more oil to the pan and cook the shallots and leeks over a low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring until softened. Add the garlic and half garlic bulb (face-side down) and cook for a further minute.

Transfer to the casserole, pour over the wine and stir in the tomato purée, stock, herbs and star anise. Bring to a simmer, stir well, cover with a lid and cook in the oven for 1½-1¾ hours.

Add the remaining oil and mushrooms to the frying pan and cook for 2-3 minutes over a high heat until golden brown, turning often.

Remove the casserole from the oven, stir in the mushrooms, return to the oven and cook for 25-30 minutes more until the sauce has thickened and the beef is completely tender. (If the sauce is too thin, add a little cornflour paste and simmer for another couple of minutes.)

Scatter over some chopped parsley and serve immediately with some creamy mash.

For more recipe inspiration using the Borderfields range of Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oils, visit www.borderfields.co.uk. Recipe created by Rachel Green (Rachel-green.co.uk) with photography by Michael Powell (www.michaelpowell.com).

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Health, Beauty & Fitness

Fitness Matters

Making Time for Health: A Mindset Shift

We often think the biggest barrier to healthy living is time … but you don’t find time for your health, you make it.

Reframing health as a non-negotiable part of your day, like brushing your teeth or going to work, is the first mindset shift. Eating well and moving regularly aren’t optional; they’re essential habits to support long-term energy, strength, and vitality.

1. Rewrite the stories

Beliefs like “I don’t like exercise” or “I’m not a healthy person” are stories we tell ourselves, and they can change. Change your internal dialogue from: “I have to work out” to “I get to move my body”, or from “I’m on a diet” to “I’m choosing foods that fuel me” for a positive, empowered approach.

2. Progress over perfection

Ditch the all-or-nothing approach. One workout doesn’t make you fit, while one off-plan meal won’t ruin everything. Consistency is key – make some positive changes and keep them up. A 20-minute walk instead of doing nothing is a step forward, as is swapping some snacks for healthier options.

3. Build routines, not willpower

Motivation and willpower fade, but routines and structure become non-negotiable. Try meal planning and prepping

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or putting movement in your calendar as an appointment. Don’t wait to ‘feel like it’, instead rely on commitment and discipline. Action creates momentum, so just begin.

4. Find your “why?”

Changing habits is hard. Think about ‘why’ you want to eat better and move more. To have more energy for your kids? Feel confident in your body again? Reduce your risk of illness? Focus on this.

5. Shift from restriction

Healthy eating is about nourishment not punishment. Shift your mindset from “What should I cut?” to “What can I add?” Add colour with more veggies, hydration with more water, balance with more protein or healthy fats. Focus on providing what your body needs and food will feel empowering, not stressful.

6. Movement as medicine

Exercise isn’t just about burning calories—it boosts mood, improves sleep, supports mental clarity and strengthens your heart. You’re not moving to make up for what you’ve eaten, you’re moving to feel good.

You don’t need a total life overhaul, just a shift: one thought, one choice, one habit at a time. Small actions, repeated with intention, create lasting transformation.

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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Health, Beauty & Fitness

Derbyshire Walking:

Matlock to Darley Bridge via White Peak Loop

Start & End Point: Bakewell Road, Matlock, DE4 3AU; What3Words: ///downturn.inspected. stretch. Town centre parking is available, or several bus services run to Matlock. For info visit travelderbyshire.co.uk.

Distance: 5.1 miles (8.2km)

Darley Bridge. Turn left and walk on the pavement, crossing the bridge over the River Derwent. Bear right and stay on Main Road through the village.

This lovely walk starts and ends in Matlock’s bustling centre, yet very quickly takes you out into peaceful countryside.

The Route

1. Start on Bakewell Road in Matlock. Heading west away from the town centre, walk along the main road for approx. 1.4 km, going straight ahead when you reach a small roundabout.

2. Soon after the Premier Inn on your right, cross the road and take the footpath almost directly opposite, signposted ‘White Peak Loop to Darley Dale and Rowsley’. Cross the railway line (taking care!) and turn right to follow the White Peak Loop path alongside the railway line.

This is a heritage line serving the Peak Rail steam railway so it is rarely busy - although you might see a steam train billowing through from Rowsley to Matlock!

3. Stay on the path alongside the railway, ignoring footpaths off. Enjoy the beautiful views across open countryside and the River Derwent to the left.

4. After approx. 1.6 km at the crossroads of paths, just after a signal point, turn left through a metal kissing gate. Cross over a stream and go straight on through a small wooden gate into grassy fields.

5. Continue straight on for approx. 100 metres, then go through a second wooden gate on the right. Walk diagonally left through the field, towards a squeeze stile in a stone wall. After the squeeze stile, turn immediately right along the field edge towards houses, passing through another two squeeze stiles.

6. At the houses, follow the path through the large metal gate and walk straight on the main road through

7. After approx. 500 metres, at the fork in the road at Cross Green, take Kirby Lane on the left, signposted to Oker and Snitterton. Stay on this road for approx. 200 metres, heading gently uphill.

8. Just past the last house, take the public footpath on the left. This starts out as a narrow track, becoming a field path then crossing a step stile into open countryside. Follow the clear path straight on, passing between two stone barns. Stay on this path for approx. 1km through open countryside, over several stiles and through gates, until it becomes a lane leading down into Oker.

9. When you reach the T-junction with the main road through Oker, turn left and walk downhill with beautiful views ahead. Take care on this road as there is no pavement. Continue on this road, ignoring Aston Lane to your left. After the post box, the road bears right. On the bend, look out for a public footpath in the hedge on the left, signposted Oker to Matlock. Cross over the step stile and follow the path straight on across the field, eventually meeting up with the River Derwent on your left.

10. Cross another step stile to follow the Derwent Valley Heritage Way footpath for approx. 1.75km back into Matlock, the river on your left. Stay on this path until you emerge into the town centre close to a set of traffic lights. At the traffic lights, turn left and walk across the bridge, then left again at Crown Square roundabout, to your starting point on Bakewell Road.

Walk kindly supplied by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire (visitpeakdistrict.com), written by PeakLass (peaklass. com). Go to visitpeakdistrict.com/trails/matlock-todarley-bridge-and-oker-via-white-peak-loop to download a PDF of the walk.

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

Motoring

First Drive: Dolphin Surf

Has BYD cracked the affordable electric vehicle sector? Cameron Richards finds out.

What is it?

The Chinese firm BYD only arrived in the UK in 2023 and has previously focused on big saloons and SUVs. However, with its smallest car, the Dolphin Surf, it’s chasing after the Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03 at the budget end of the EV market.

What’s new?

The Dolphin Surf has a new body and interior, and sits on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 architecture, allowing a choice of battery packs.

The firm’s Blade Battery technology uses fewer precious metals and is claimed to be stronger and tougher than standard lithium-ion units.

What’s under the bonnet?

This compact city car comes with either a 30kWh or a larger 43.2kWh battery pack. Our test car has the latter, plus an electric motor that pumps out 154bhp and 220Nm of torque. The car manages 0-60mph in 11.9 seconds and 93mph.

What’s it like to drive?

The Dolphin Surf slips through gaps in traffic, while the tight turning circle makes manoeuvring a doddle.

The steering is nicely weighted and the electric motor is peppy enough. It’s also very efficient, with our test car averaging 4.9 miles per kWh.

It’s only let down by a fidgety ride and ineffectiveseeming regenerative braking.

How does it look?

The rather tall and boxy design is accompanied by sharp lines and edges that run down the side profile, with black plastic wheel arch mouldings and more black plastic across the front bumper.

At the back, the C-pillars feature black trim that runs seamlessly into the back window, creating a floating roof effect.

What’s it like inside?

The interior is more than acceptable. All cars come with a rotatable touchscreen, which is easy to use on the move; it’s a pity the climate control settings are buried within the screen.

The hard plastics feel cheap, but it still feels more upmarket than a Dacia Spring.

Space in the back is where this little car excels, with lots of head and legroom. However, the two rear seat belts make it a strict four-seater.

Boot space stands at 308 litres or 1,037 litres with the rear seats folded down – roomier than a Leapmotor T03 and on par with the Spring.

What’s the spec like?

It has three trim levels and all models come with a decent amount of standard equipment. The entrylevel Active model is priced from £18,650 and there’s a 10.1-inch rotatable touchscreen infotainment system and rearview camera.

The Boost starts at £21,950 and boasts extras such as 16-inch alloy wheels and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

Flagship Comfort models come in at £23,950, with toys such as a 360-degree camera, wireless smartphone charger and heated front seats.

Verdict

Judging by the Dolphin Surf’s upsides – good around town, funky exterior, efficiency and ample interior space – BYD has undoubtedly cracked the budget EV market.

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Home Interiors: Pattern Perfection

Our guide to adding different designs to your interior will give you the confidence to get it right.

Whether it’s a textural geometric, a country-style floral or a bold, retro/modern design, introducing pattern always adds character. It could be a few simple pieces that feature understated designs for subtle interest, an eye-catching, oversized pattern as a focal point or a complex combination of patterns for real impact.

Find your inspiration

Look at books, magazines and websites for ideas, and then look for inspiration in the pattern books created by fabric and wallpaper designers, where everything is already coordinated, for example, stripes with damasks, spots with florals.

Create a mood board

This allows you to assess how colours, patterns and surface textures work together. There are websites that will help, or you can pull together swatches of fabric, wallpaper and so on. Swap samples in and out, and, if you have large samples, hang them and live with them for a few days.

Consider scale

In general, bigger patterns are better suited to bigger rooms and smaller patterns to cosier rooms – though

Cambridge chair in Kinsham Stripe Ochre Yellow, £750; Bernwood wallpaper in Ochre Yellow, £48 per roll; Bernwood eyelet curtains, from £85; Hedingham cushion in Seaspray Blue, £40; jute rug, from £80; all Laura Ashley. next.co.uk/laura-ashley

there’s something to be said for the occasional use of a huge pattern in a small space. A downstairs cloakroom is the obvious place to try out a large-scale wallpaper. Beware: very bold patterns used extensively may date or you could get sick of them.

Layer patterns for dynamic effect

Think of starting with the most dominant pattern and adding in secondary and tertiary patterns (and maybe more). Remember that stripes and very small patterns can be brilliant at coordinating with more intricate patterns. And don’t forget textures – the slub of raw silk, the herringbone of woven linen, chunky knitted wool.

Choose coordinating tones

A cautious approach would be to match colours exactly, but it may become dull. You can achieve excellent coordination and sophistication by working with tones. Colours with similar tonal values will work together, making it easier to combine patterns. Density, too, is a factor, as loose, open patterns give a visual ‘breather’, while intricate patterns with closely placed designs have more drama.

Mix and match styles

You could choose everything from the same ‘genre’, for instance, florals or geometrics, but a mix-andmatch approach can be extremely successful, provided there is some cohesion in terms of colour, tone, scale or style.

By Katherine Sorrell

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Putting Nature First Transforming & Maintaining Outdoor Spaces

Two local landscape gardeners, Ciaran Donohoe and Mikey Foulds, have been working to assist in efforts to increase bio-diversity and wildlife habitats within Little Eaton.

As part of re-wilding efforts within the area, Millenium Way (the stretch running from Outrams Wharf to Little Eaton island) has been allowed to grow out to encourage wildlife, insects and birds to thrive. A pathway is maintained through the middle, offering an interesting and unique perspective to pedestrians.

Recently, some unique handmade birdboxes were added to the various copses of trees which feature along the pedestrian pathway. Ciaran, owner operator of Bottle Brook Gardens said, “It’s been great to work on an interesting project like this, and I hope it will also encourage people to walk along the pathway!”

Year round outdoor services

Mikey Foulds, owner operator of Henmore Vale Landscapes, said “It’s been great to incorporate my passion for sustainability and using natural products, into a local project”.

If you fancy a local walk with a different perspective and an insight into rewilding, why not take a stroll down Millenium Way, Little Eaton?

If you are looking for a local landscaper, you can contact Mikey Foulds at Henmore Vale Landscapes. For garden & grounds maintenance, contact Ciaran at Bottle Brook Gardens: bottlebrookgardens.com.

Gardening: Enjoy the Show!

While we can’t do anything about the changing seasons, we can alter the way we look at them. Most people feel a little sad that summer has passed but now is the time to appreciate one of the greatest performances staged by nature –completely free of charge.

While we humans add on a few layers of warm clothing, plants do the opposite. They cast off their seasonal mantles. This means we are privy to some wondrous colours, improving in intensity as October progresses. Leaves are a type of food processing factory and, as they wind down, they shed layers. First to go is the outer chlorophyll and when it fades, we can see yellow, orange and red anthocyanin.

Star performers

Some of the best autumn colour comes from Japanese maples. In fact, most of the Acer family excel at this time of year, offering gold, red, orange or scarlet hues. The Juneberries, or Amelanchiers, and Liquidambar, known as the sweetgum tree, also put on a great display.

It’s a good time to note your favourite trees and shrubs, as the planting season looms. Perhaps you have room for just one more?

There is still some flowering interest in October, including Nerines, with bright pink blooms, autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), Asters, Chrysanthemums and Dahlias.

Jobs for October

Before the clocks go back on Sunday, 26 October, there are tasks to tackle.

• Plant spring-flowering bulbs and remember that flowers in casual groups are far more effective than singles or straight lines. Plant as early in the month as possible, so that the soil is still warm and roots have a chance to sprout. Don’t be tempted to plant tulips just yet, however. The warm, wet soil conditions that can be normal for October mean that the risk of fungal disease is high.

• Divide perennials that are outgrowing their space and exchange interesting clumps with friends.

• Prune back shrubs that look too large or untidy, bearing in mind that winter seed heads are invaluable for birds. Take care not to prune anything that might be a bit tender, because frost gains access through new cuts.

• Prune roses now, so that they don’t rock in the winter winds, which can loosen their roots.

• Scarify and aerate the lawn to get rid of dead grass and open up the airways.

• Set the lawnmower blades high and give the lawn a final trim.

• Aim to achieve contrast with evergreens, placing maroon and dark-leafed shrubs next to variegated or yellow-leafed specimens. We are about to enter the season when foliage comes first.

Enjoy this season of transition; it can be a magical time.

By Caroline Knight

The Diary of a Local Mum

The Grass is Always Greener…

The trouble with modern life is we often only see half a story. Carefully curated realities are posted online and this can lead to envy and dissatisfaction … and this is something that both adults and children struggle with!

As parents, as we navigate the difficulties that life throws at us, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking things will be better or easier when we reach X,Y or Z point. When the baby starts sleeping through, when they’re weaned, when they can get themselves dressed, when we’re not paying for childcare, when they’re at school, when the kids are older, when we’ve got a bit more money … whatever it may be, there’s always a goal – the next stage when we’re over the current hurdle and things will miraculously become easier. In reality, these are moving goalposts. As soon as one challenge is overcome, life has a habit of throwing another one our way. These difficulties are all part of the ride!

When we’re following accounts on social media, whether they’re from friends or family, influencers or celebrities, we often see a glimpse of these people’s ‘lives’ and think, ‘Oh, it’s so much better/easier for them! If only my life was like that!’ But remember, we’re only being shown the shiny side; the carefully selected and edited highlights that they’re willing to share. Most people face challenges of some sort; they just choose not to show them. But there are no prizes for presentation when it comes to life; there’s really no need for a showreel.

Being constantly bombarded with images of ‘perfection’ breeds a tendency to focus on what’s lacking or, more accurately, what we perceive to be lacking in our own lives – rather than what we have. Spoiler alert: the people whose lives we’re coveting are probably also dissatisfied and may well be looking back at your life with envy, too!

‘The grass is always greener on the other side’ is a well-known idiom that has been around for many years, so it’s not a new phenomenon by any means, but the situation is definitely exacerbated by modern lives. It feels increasingly difficult to even stay present in your own life, let alone appreciate what you have, when you’re being constantly bombarded with online videos and images which imply that your life would be soooo much better if you had this, did that, or went there…

The thing that worries me is, as an adult I can catch myself doing this, give my head a wobble and keep the thoughts in check. I’ve got enough life experience to be able to rationalise these thoughts … but children don’t have age and wisdom on their side. These thoughts and feelings are very real and can easily become overwhelming for them. And, if they start on this path from a young age, will they spend their lives chasing that elusive greener grass? When we breed a culture of idealising other people’s constructed realities, we’re encouraging a constant desire for change and leading kids into an inevitable cycle of disappointment because, as we all know, the grass rarely turns out to be greener after all.

Of course, to take the analogy a little further, your grass will start to yellow if you don’t tend to it! If you’re spending all your time coveting your neighbour’s luscious lawn rather than tending to your own, then your grass will start to wither.

So, let’s all try, for our own sakes and that of our children, to stay present in our own reality and be grateful for what we have and what we can do, rather than spending our lives jumping fences for greener-looking grass … which may well turn out to be fake anyway!

By Helen Young

Children & Education

Belper School Perfect Autumnal Reads

This Autumn, as an alternative to doomscrolling, you could be picking up your new favourite book! With the hectic nature of day-to-day life, for many of us curling up with a good read can easily end up forgotten or overlooked and, commonly, a reading slump can begin. Here are some seasonal book recommendations to get lost in and help you get out of that slump!

If you are unsure of where to start, classic books are always a good place to begin, full of wonder and bygone experiences, they are often intriguing in the best way possible! Personally, I would recommend works such as Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, which I really enjoyed for its depth and rich storytelling which really brought the diverse cast of characters to life, especially the charming character of Jane. I would also recommend checking out some of her sister’s works, such as Anne Bronte’s Wuthering Heights for its complex yet haunting story. Another classic novel I would recommend is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. This story follows four sisters during Civil War America. This story is populated with a wide range of emotions such as joy, grief and determination which balance the story and creates emotional depth that, when picked up, could lead to a more thoughtful read this Autumn.

In contrast to this, Young Adult or more recent publications are always worth looking into! Some enigmatic reads that perfectly fit the season include Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. This book is the first in an immersive duology, a series I remember reading when I was in a reading slump and it really motivated me to pick up a book again! This book stands out because of its lavish worldbuilding, and unique setting – a blend of Victorian and European aesthetics which give it a darker, grittier vibe. The central plot focus is on a group of roguish teens who attempt the impossible… The Raven Cycle is a set of four books by author Maggie Stiefvater and similarly, focuses on a group of teens in the small town of Henrietta in which they are constantly

surrounded by the supernatural, including dead kings, ghosts and a family of psychics; perfect reading for older teens nearer Halloween.

Moving on into the genre commonly associated with Autumn, mysteries! Starting off strong with the well-known books, recently adapted for TV, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is always worth a read. In this series we follow Pippa ‘Pip’ Fitz-Amobi in her mission to uncover the truth on the closed case of a disappearance in her neighbourhood, and the trials and tribulations that come with it. As a mystery/ thriller, this a great choice for anyone who wants to be caught by surprise in a complex web of lies and deception. Another amazing choice can be found from the author Karen M McManus, who recently had a breakthrough with her hit series One of Us Is Lying. I would recommend this series as it still fits thriller/mystery but a personal favourite of mine, and possibly more seasonal, is the standalone novel Nothing More to Tell, with its intense private school setting, cryptic characters and slower plot unravelling this makes for a more accessible yet colder read. Finally, this section would not be complete without mentioning Agatha Christie, renowned for her skill in creating works full of mystery and real page turners. Popular titles include the intriguing And Then There Were None, amongst other titles such as Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile.

By Sarah Hathaway, Year 10, Belper School and Sixth Form Centre

CHILDREN’S PUZZLE PAGE

What did the bird say on Halloween? Twick or tweet.

Why didn’t the skeleton go to the party? He didn’t have any “body” to go with.

What do ghosts give out to trick or treaters? Booberries!

Can you help the Trick-or-treater find the right path to the haunted house?

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School Information

Ambergate Primary School 01773 852204

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Heanor Gate Science College 01773 716396

Herbert Strutt Primary 01773 822771

Holbrook C of E Primary 01332 880277

Horsley C of E Primary 01332 880782

Horsley Woodhouse Primary 01332 880403

John Flamsteed Community School 01332 880260

Kilburn Infant & Nursery School 01332 880449

Kilburn Junior 01332 880540

Langley Mill (CE) Controlled Infant School & Nursery 01773 713429

Little Eaton Primary 01332 831471

Mapperley CofE Primary School 0115 9325386

Meadows Primary 01332 840305

Milford Primary 01332 841316

Morley Primary 01332 831295

Pottery Primary 01773 823383

Richardson Endowed Primary School 01332 880317

Ripley Junior School 01773 742281

Scargill CE Primary, West Hallam 0115 9320005

St Andrew’s C of E Primary School 0115 9324252

St Benedict 01332 557032

St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary 01773 822278

St John’s CE Primary, Belper 01773 822995

Stanley Common Primary School 0115 9322437

Street Lane Primary 01773 742717

Swanwick Hall School 01773 602106

Turnditch CE VA Primary 01773 550304

William Gilbert Primary 01332 840395

School Terms 2025/2026

All dates taken from www.derbyshire.gov.uk

Term 1: Thursday 4 September 2025 to Friday 24 October 2025

Term 2: Monday 3 November 2025 to Friday 19 December 2025

Term 3: Monday 5 January 2026 to Friday 13 February 2026

Term 4: Monday 23 February 2026 to Friday 27 March 2026

Term 5: Monday 13 April 2026 to Friday 22 May 2026

Term 6: Monday 1 June 2026 to Thursday 23 July 2026

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

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Graphic Design: Digital Bear Design

Printer: Buxton Press Ltd

Deadlines for December 2025/January 2026 Edition: Advertisement Bookings, Editorials, Cancellations and Copy Amendments: Wednesday 22nd October 2025

New Advertiser Copy: Monday 27th October 2025

Make sure of what you wish formake a will

Most of us have an idea of what we want to happen after we have gone. Who will look after things in the first few days, who will arrange our funeral and most of all, who we would choose to inherit after our death.

Without a will, legislation decides who is entitled to your money, and that may not be who you would want it to be.

Trust us to advise you on such important arrangements. Make sure you have a Will in place - later may be sooner than you think.

Short Story

What’s in a Name?

Wally put his tools away in the van and then went back into the house to collect the bag of offcuts and rubbish. He handed the customer his final invoice and the lady enthused over the fine job he had done.

As he climbed back into his van, he was reminded that tomorrow would be both his sixty-fifth birthday and the day on which he had chosen to retire. All the way home, a journey of just under half an hour, thoughts of his long and active working life filled his mind.

He had first watched a carpet being fitted when he was just ten years old. He was totally enthralled and decided there and then to take up that profession when he left school.

At the age of sixteen, he was extremely pleased to secure a job with a local carpet company.

Starting as a general assistant, within a few years Wally had graduated to being a fullyfledged fitter. He had stayed with that outfit for just four more years before starting his own one-man company.

He had always thoroughly enjoyed the job: the process of first cutting and fixing the edging strips, fitting the underlay and finally putting down the carpet itself, stretching and trimming it to ensure a perfect fit. The sense of achievement when he stood back and eyed up a finished job had never left him.

Arriving home, he completely unloaded the van, all his tools and everything to do with the carpet business and put them away in the garden shed. The empty van reversed into the

garage and the offcuts he’d collected earlier were put to one side, to be taken to the dump in due course.

He went indoors, had a cuddle with his wife Mary, who put the kettle on to make a cup of tea. While she was doing that, he changed out of his work clothes for what he sincerely hoped was the very last time. OK, it was not unlikely that he might do some fitting for friends now and again, but not for a living.

When the tea was made, he sat down in the kitchen to drink it. He patted Mary’s hand and asked, “Are we all packed then, sweetheart?” She, with a mouthful of tea and biscuits, merely nodded and smiled. They would be flying to Spain in a couple of days to visit their son and his family. It would be their first flight anywhere and they were both a little apprehensive.

He breathed out, sat back, relaxed and, as he did so, reflected for the umpteenth time that his parents may well have been under some psychic influence when he was born. Perhaps they’d predicted what he would do with his life when, at the age of eight months, they had had him christened in the local church and thus he had become, would you believe, Walter Wall!

By Eric Godley

Community

Local History People of the Past

Thomas Crofts – Belper Poet: 1815 - 1904

Thomas Crofts was a Belper businessman who owned a drapery shop on the lower side of the Market Place opposite the Black Swan. Thomas was born in Woolley Moor near Ashover where his father was a wheelwright. He came to Belper as a young man in his twenties and spent the rest of his life in the town.

There were a number of draperies in the Market Place in the nineteenth century, and it must have been a competitive business, especially after the 1850s with the decline of cotton-spinning. Among rivals for business would have been Loverock’s (where the Premier shop is today) and another drapery at Waterloo House (damaged by fire and demolished in 1900). Market Place traders got together in 1855 to set up a soup kitchen for the relief of the poor “to continue weekly for as long as trade continues in so depressed a state”.

However, he must have found some spare time to write poetry. His poems making fun of elections and local politics were popular; he also wrote verses for special occasions such as the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, celebrating the longest reign of any British monarch. His poetry readings were always popular. A typical example of his poetry is a piece from 1850 praising the town’s nail making industry and it is interesting to learn the names of different nails used for horseshoes:

“It has nail shops past my counting, where men and women toil, making Roundheads, Forties, Clinkers, for the tillers of the soil.”

Crofts was a family man – and a large family at that. Around 1840 he married Martha Walker, the girl next door and daughter of another prosperous businessman. Her father James was a currier who carried out his leather-processing business in a Market Place workshop nearby. Thomas and Martha went on to have fourteen children: Martha, Elizabeth, Maria, John, Oliver, James, Caroline, Selina, Charles, William, Mary, George, Annie and Alfred. Thomas also took on apprentices and offered them board and lodgings. It makes one wonder how the family crammed themselves into the house! Census records show it as a property of three storeys.

Thomas was a devout churchgoer and deacon at the newly-built Congregational Church at the top of Field

Lane and he also carried out a number of civic duties. He served on committees organising the well dressings, the Wakes (held on The Coppice and Market Place), was chair of the Savings Bank and in 1886 was selected as a candidate for the local election. He was considered a radical and was a member of the Liberal Party throughout his life. A supporter described him as “a veteran in the cause of Liberalism”.

In 1892 a collection of verses was published in a volume entitled “Castles in the Air and Other Poems”, and although his poems are no longer read today, a copy is still available on the internet.

Thomas distinguished himself in nineteenthcentury society as an upright citizen who contributed a great deal to the local community and left behind a large family with many descendants. On his death in 1904 he was interred in a family grave in our cemetery. He is largely forgotten in Belper today.

By Viv Scott

Thomas Crofts’ grave in Belper Cemetery, also commemorating his wife Martha (buried at the Congregational Church) and two of their daughters, Caroline and Selina.

Upbeat: Changes Bring Police Closer to You

Local policing in England and Wales is changing – meaning it is now easier than ever to contact your local team in Amber Valley.

Derbyshire Constabulary is bolstering its Safer Neighbourhood teams as part of a national commitment placing policing at the heart of our communities.

The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, launched over the summer, aims to promote visible, responsive policing, with a renewed focus on community safety, strengthening trust between residents and local officers.

Under the national scheme, every neighbourhood will benefit from named and contactable officers, dedicated to tackling the issues that matter most to local people. These officers will spend the majority of their time on the beat—patrolling town centres, engaging with residents and businesses, and responding to concerns raised at regular local meetings.

The Guarantee also introduces a dedicated antisocial behaviour (ASB) lead, tasked with developing tailored action plans to address persistent problems such as vandalism, noise disturbances, and street-level crime. These plans will be

public to interact with their neighbourhood teams, with a commitment to respond to queries within 72 hours. This digital access is part of a broader effort to make policing more transparent and accountable.

The force website will also promote neighbourhood events, where local people can meet their safer neighbourhood team and discuss community issues, including what priorities should be focused on.

To support this work, Derbyshire is set to see an additional 35 new officers joining local policing teams over the next year. You can find your local officers in Amber Valley by visiting our website and putting your postcode into the ‘find your area’ search. This will show you who is on the team, upcoming events and a contact link to use for policing questions about your local area or team. If you want to report a problem or incident, see the website’s ‘report’ section for all of your options.

We look forward to working more closely with residents in Amber Valley.

Community Diary October/November 2025

October:

11th: Souper Saturday: homemade soup, dessert and drink for £5. All welcome. Smalley Church Hall, Main Road, Smalley. 11.30am to 1.30pm.

11th: Belper Organ and Keyboard Club concert: Michael Carter. 2pm, Congregational Church, Church Walk, Belper DE56 1DB. £10 admission. Refreshments available. www.belperorganclub.com.

11th: Alex Wilson and Omar Rios Melendez ‘The Art of Deep Connection’ – Latin Jazz & Nicaraguan music at No.28 Market Place, Belper DE56 1FZ. Tickets £25 www.eventbrite.co.uk. BYO drinks.

18th: 28 Laughs Stand Up Comedy, 7.30 for 8pm, No.28 Market Place Belper DE56 1FZ. Tickets £10 plus fee, booking online only: www.wegottickets.com. Info: robcoleman100@gmail.com. BYO drinks.

19th: Messy Church: fun afternoon for the family, 3-5pm. Crafts, music, stories, activities & family meal. St Matthew’s Church, Church Lane, Morley. Info: Jean 01773 768229.

22nd: Belper Book Club: ‘Tender is the Flesh’ by Agustina Bazterrica. 7-9pm at No.28 Market Place, Belper DE56 1FZ. £2 entry, BYO refreshments/snacks. Supported by Dormouse Books. Enquiries/booking: jennifer.c.allsopp@gmail.com.

31st: Charity Halloween Spooky Walk-though at 17 Rawson Green, Kilburn, DE56 0LN, 4pm – 8.30pm. All welcome. Donations to Children in Need gratefully received.

November:

6th: Language Soirée, 7-9pm at No.28 Market Place, Belper DE56 1FZ. Conversation in a different language at each table. BYO drinks & nibbles. All languages welcome. £6 on the door (£3 u18). Native speakers free! Info: twentyeightbelper@btinternet.com.

8th: Souper Saturday: homemade soup, dessert and drink for £5. All welcome. Smalley Church Hall, Main Road, Smalley. 11.30am to 1.30pm.

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

15th: Christmas Market 11am - 2pm at Christ Church, The Triangle, Belper DE56 1BA. Variety of stalls, prize draw. Refreshments including turkey cobs, mulled wine & cakes. Free admission. All welcome.

16th: Messy Church: fun afternoon for the family, 3-5pm. Crafts, music, stories, activities & family meal. St John the Baptist Church, Main Road, Smalley. Info: Jean 01773 768229.

22nd: Jingle and Mingle: Creative Christmas Event, 9.30am to 1pm at Church Hall, Main St, Horsley Woodhouse, DE7 6AT. Flower arrangements, pop-up shops, crafts, drinks, cakes, raffle & more. Proceeds to Salvation Army & Heanor Floral Art Group.

22nd: Winter Fayre at St Matthew’s Church, Morley, 10 am – 12 noon. Seasonal stalls, raffles and refreshments. Admission Free. All Welcome! 22nd: 28 Laughs Stand Up Comedy, 7.30 for 8pm, No.28 Market Place Belper DE56 1FZ. Tickets £10 plus fee, booking online only: www.wegottickets.com. Info: robcoleman100@gmail.com. BYO drinks.

27th: Belper Book Club: ‘The Bees’ by Laline Paull. 7-9pm at No.28 Market Place, Belper DE56 1FZ. £2 entry, BYO refreshments/snacks. Supported by Dormouse Books. Enquiries/booking: jennifer.c.allsopp@gmail.com.

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 December 2025 / January 2026 please email it to helen@allthingslocal.co.uk. Deadline is Wednesday 22nd October 2025.

Useful Numbers

Doctors & Hospitals, Emergencies

Beautiful

Funeral enquiries handled respectfully and sensitively in our comfortable consulting area

Post Offices

Travel

Friendship Blooms

‘Say it with flowers’ and spread some happiness within the community! Let All Things Local help you to put a smile on the face of someone who truly deserves it.

Perhaps a friend or family member is always there for you through thick and thin, or someone in a local business always goes above and beyond to provide an exceptional service. There could be a volunteer who doesn’t realise how much their support is valued … or, maybe, someone you know has had a tough time and deserves a floral ‘pick me up’.

Whatever the reason, let All Things Local help you to show your appreciation by surprising them with a beautiful bouquet supplied by Beverley Kennedy (pictured) from Floraline, Gregory’s Way, Belper.

This issue, we’re delighted to present the Friendship Blooms bouquet to Susan Munn of Belper. Susan was nominated by her sister, Christine Bacon, of Belper:

“I would like to nominate my sister as she has supported me for the last six years to hospital with cancer. But now they have signed me off. Susan and Chris, her husband, take me shopping every week.”

Do you know someone who deserves a bouquet? Send in your nomination and let us surprise them! Simply state (in 100 words or fewer) who you are nominating and why you’d like them to receive the Friendship Blooms bouquet. Please include your contact details as well as their name and address (or where we can find 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! Please note, the only rule is that the person receiving the flowers must live/work/volunteer within the distribution area of All Things Local (see front cover for details).

Send your nomination by post to: Friendship Blooms, All Things Local, 74 Woodhouse Road, Kilburn, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 0NA or e-mail it to helen@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 22nd October 2025.

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.

Susan (left) receives the Friendship Blooms bouquet from her sister, Christine.

Beverley Kennedy

Community