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Winners’ Corner Contents
Mary Smith from Belper who has won a bottle of Champagne in the Sudoku competition.
CONGRATULATIONS
Mrs J Harrison from Belper who has won a 2-course Sunday Lunch for 2 people at The Horseshoes, Long Lane Village
WELCOME LETTER
Hello readers
Well, here we are, the April/May issue – we’ve made it through the worst of winter and spring is here again!
It’s certainly been a soggy few months (as we go to print, the rain is still pounding against the windowpanes) but hopefully, by the time you read this, we’ll be enjoying some slightly less damp conditions … and with any luck temperatures will have raised by a few degrees, too!
This time of year is always exciting as, despite the varying weather, nature throws off its winter coat and bursts into technicolour glory … and hopefully we can throw off our winter coats, as well. Thoughts naturally turn to outdoor activities as nature shows us everything it has to offer and we often begin to ‘titivate’ our homes and gardens, too. If you’ve got a house or garden project that you’d like some help with, you can find reliable local experts within our pages who’d be very happy to assist you with your plans and bring your ideas to fruition – whether it’s enhancing your lawn, building a patio or creating a whole new garden room (so you’ve got somewhere to escape the showers!).
Talking of exciting renovations … the big news locally is that planning has been passed for Belper’s East Mill! This is fabulous news for the town and for the stunning historic building which has dominated the Belper skyline for decades, although more recently in a state of decline.
Fingers crossed that we begin to see some progress soon and, like Riber Castle in Matlock, we may one day see lights on again in those derelict windows.
Back to more imminent occasions, Easter this year falls on Sunday 5th April. What does Easter Sunday look like for you? Do you attend a traditional Easter Sunday service? Arrange or
participate in an egg hunt? Enjoy a nice Sunday stroll in the fresh air (maybe to combat all the chocolate you’ve consumed!)? Or do you tuck into a nice Easter Sunday roast? Whatever you’re doing, we hope you have a very happy, hoppy Easter!
April and May see us enjoying a glut of Bank Holidays, too, with Good Friday on 3rd April, Easter Monday on 6th, Early May Bank Holiday on 4th May and Spring Bank Holiday on 25th. Of course, whether or not you get to enjoy these can depend largely on your job – it may be the start of a lovely run of long weekends, or it could be the beginning of a very busy period for you!
To help put a ‘spring’ in your step, we have – as always – got two competitions for you to enter with great prizes up for grabs. This issue’s crossword prize has been kindly provided by Anila Indian Restaurant at Ambergate, who are offering a 3-course meal for two. Turn to page 6 to have a go. Or, if you’d like to celebrate with a bottle of Champagne, try the Champagne Sudoku on page 19. Remember to send your entries in by 8th April to be in the draw.
Whatever you’re up to, we hope you have a lovely couple of months, and we’ll be back soon with our June/July issue by which point, hopefully, summer will be in full swing!
All the best,
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
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Legal Matters
The Family Home in Blended Families: A Delicate Balance
Family life has changed significantly over the past few decades. Second marriages, long-term partnerships, and blended families are now common in modern society. While these situations reflect changing social norms, they can create complexities when it comes to planning for the future, particularly where the family home is concerned.
For many, the family home represents not just financial value but emotional security and stability. In blended families, it often becomes the centre of competing interests. Providing stability for a surviving partner while safeguarding the expectations of children from a previous relationship can require careful planning.
The Competing Interests at Play
It is natural for people to want their partner to be able to remain in the family home after their passing. At the same time, there is often a strong desire to ensure that children, especially those from a previous relationship, ultimately benefit from assets built up over a lifetime.
These objectives can create conflict and uncertainty. Leaving the property outright to a partner may feel appropriate during the relationship but can cause concern for children, particularly where there is no biological connection or where the partner is significantly younger. On the other hand, leaving the home directly to children may threaten the surviving partner’s sense of security and stability at a time of a loss.
Right to Reside Will Trusts in Context
In this situation, right-to-reside Will trusts could be
considered a good option. Generally, this type of trust allows a surviving partner to live in the family home for a specified period, usually for their lifetime or until a specific event occurs. Legal ownership of the property is held by trustees and eventually the property or its value passes to other beneficiaries, often the testator’s children. On paper, this seems like a fair solution. In practice, its success depends on how well the arrangement matches the family’s circumstances and the realities of day-to-day life.
Practical Realities and Long-Term Implications
While a right-to-reside Will trust seems relatively straightforward, the practical implications can be more complicated. Over time, questions may come up about responsibility for maintenance, insurance and other ongoing costs. Circumstances may change, requiring the surviving partner to downsize, relocate or access capital tied up in the property.
Certainty, Flexibility and Change
One of the main considerations in planning around the family home is deciding how much certainty or flexibility to include in the arrangement. Effective planning often involves reflecting on priorities and regularly reviewing them.
Shacklocks LLP provides bespoke advice on Wills & trusts carefully tailored to each client’s individual circumstances. To find out how we can help you please contact Cassandra Worton, Sachini Silva (pictured) at our Belper office on 01773 822 333, Jude Wright at our Allestree office on 01332 559 281 or Thomas Slack, Benjamin Edwards at our Mansfield office on 01623 626 141.
The information in this article is for guidance only and should not be relied upon for the purposes of Legal Advice.
Money Matters
Talking Tax
The new financial year starts on 6 April, bringing a host of changes to rules covering the money we earn and spend. Here’s what you need to know:
Dividends and savings
There’s a shake-up for many forms of income, such as dividends and savings interest. The rate you pay, and any tax-free allowance, depends on which income tax bracket you’re in.
For basic-rate taxpayers, the new rates are 10.75% on dividends (up from 8.75%) and 22% for savings (up from 20%). For the higher rate, it’s 35.75% for dividends (up from 33.75%) and 42% for savings (up from 40%). For the additional rate bracket, the dividend rate is unchanged at 39.35%, with the savings rate rising from 45% to 47%.
Property income
Income from property will now come under a separate category rather than being treated as ordinary income. This new category covers any income from land and buildings, including parking spaces and caravan rentals. The rates will initially match those for savings income. The governments of Wales and Scotland will have the power to set their own rates for property income.
Landlords may need to watch out for the Making Tax Digital rules. These will apply to anyone with revenues of more than £50,000 per year from self-employment and/ or property income, such as rent. Those who qualify will need to report their revenue quarterly rather than annually and must use approved third-party software to prepare and file tax returns and accounts. The threshold will drop to £30,000 in 2027 and £20,000 in 2028.
Working from home
There’s one big change to income tax for workers,
affecting employees who are required to work from home. At the moment, if employers choose to cover costs such as heating or internet subscriptions, the payment is tax-free. If employers don’t pay, the worker can get tax relief (meaning their taxable income is reduced) either by giving receipts to HMRC to show the actual costs or by claiming a fixed rate of £6 per week.
From April 2026, there’s no tax relief available. The only way to get the money back is by the employer choosing to reimburse the worker; this will remain tax-free.
Travelling
Two separate changes are on the way for fuel duty. In principle, the duty automatically rises by the rate of inflation every year, but this rise has been frozen since 2011. Separately, the level was “temporarily” cut by 5p in 2022. The current plan is to reverse the 5p cut from September 2026, then go back to an annual inflationbased increase from April 2027. To soften the blow, the Government will start forcing all petrol stations to report
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Pets: Providing for Your Pet in Your Will
Pets are beloved family members, so it’s good to know that it’s possible to make arrangements for them in your Will if you’re no longer around.
Legal beagle?
In England and Wales, and in Scotland too, pets are legally classed as personal property – or chattels – similar to furniture or cars. This means they won’t automatically go to the person you might choose to look after them unless you specify this clearly in your Will. But it’s very important to discuss it with the potential future caregiver first, to ensure they’re willing and able to take on the responsibility.
Money matters
You can leave a financial gift to the person you designate to care for them, to help with costs such as food, insurance and vet bills. However, it’s worth considering what should happen to any remaining funds if they aren’t used up on your pet’s care.
Some people prefer to create a trust dedicated to ongoing pet-care expenses. This can be helpful for animals with high maintenance costs or long lifespans, such as horses.
Charity care
If you don’t have anyone suitable to name, certain charities offer pet rehoming schemes that can be written into your Will to ensure your pet is safe and looked after. These include Cats Protection and The Cinnamon Trust. Ultimately, the best way to protect your pet’s future is to plan ahead and think of them when you’re drawing up your Will.
Just a Thought... Show and YELL!
Recently I have been enrolled on a program of Nutritional Rehabilitation after a period of severe illness. Whilst participating in the online course I have made several friends and connections which has, in itself, been a huge source of support. One day, someone in the group suggested we run a ‘Show and Tell’ session and of course, me being me, decided to volunteer to lead it. It immediately brought up anxieties for several people (not least of all me!). It harks back to childhood, where you would be requested from the audience of an assembly in a draughty school hall and asked to share something with the rest of the children and staff.
It was usually at this point when whomever was the chosen one would stand aloft the school stage and suddenly transform the space into an arena fit for gladiatorial combat. The gushing sense of pride they would wear to deliver their news from the weekend was palpable. The enthusiasm for the smallest of victories in the school holidays, the discovery of some trinket buried
From Bookshelf to Buffet: Discover Edible
Book Day
Have you ever heard of an edible book festival? I certainly hadn’t, until my latest search of the internet for a quirky event to share with All Things Local readers!
Given the expanse of creativity present in Belper’s population, it feels like an event that would fit very nicely in the local events calendar.
The original idea for Edible Book Day came in 2000, when librarian Judith A. Hoffberg and artist Béatrice Coron decided that books and food are both amazing, and really should be combined.
The 1st of April was chosen as the day of celebration as it marks the birthday of Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin. He wrote The Physiology of Taste, a landmark tome exploring the art and science of food. He is famous for the quote “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.” So, eating a book could either make you a literary genius or a playful child – depending on the genre.
in the back garden or pebble from a beach became a trophy of the most splendorous magnitude. It was this essence that I wanted to capture to catapult my cohort into sharing even the tiniest snippet of their lives with a sense of pride and grandeur.
It is GOOD for our mental and emotional wellbeing to shout about the things that are dear to us, that hold a sense of achievement and that give us that sense of ‘us-ness’. And I can tell you something, it was joyfully contagious as we went around the virtual room exchanging tales from our past and present, unravelling them like the gorgeous gifts they are.
With laughter, tears, gasps and miles of smiles, the afternoon became a real celebration of life. So, my spring-time challenge to you dear reader is this; don’t stay quiet about the things that matter to you, get up, get out there and let the world know what’s important to you. Give it some show and YELL in 2026 and everyone benefits.
By Fliss Goldsmith of Belper
Edible book entries are judged in various categories. These can include the most creative use of food, most comedy value, best pun, as well as the taste of the creation itself. Having trawled the archives of previous entries, it’s clear that most are cake-based. But cakes don’t get to have all the fun. Pretty much any edible medium is fair game.
Some ideas include “The Grapes of Wrath” made from an artfully arranged pile of angry-looking grapes. “Life of Pi” could be an actual pie. “Of Mice and Men” could be a display of chocolate mice and gingerbread men. The beauty is that it can be as simple or complex as you like.
The edible book festival is an excuse to celebrate your favourite stories differently. You still get the imagination and creativity of books, just with a lot more sugar and no overdue library fines.
So, whether you’re a star baker or can’t boil an egg, get creative on April the 1st for Edible Book Day. And if anyone calls you a fool for it? Just hand them a slice and watch them eat their words.
By Jessica White
Pilgrims’ Progress
The concept of people longing to go on pilgrimages in April is famously introduced in the opening of Geoffrey Chaucer’s 14thcentury book, The Canterbury Tales. He wrote that a group of pilgrims from all walks of life gathered in Southwark to travel to the shrine of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral, telling stories as they went. Now, over 600 years later, pilgrimages are once more in vogue.
Travelling today
Today’s pilgrims are heading off on walks in the UK and abroad that offer a chance to reflect, refresh, and challenge themselves physically. Numbers making their way along the ancient Camino to the tomb of St James the Apostle at Santiago de Compostela have rocketed; around 530,000 are thought to have completed it in 2025.
In the UK, around 390,000 people visited the British Pilgrimage Trust website in the first half of last year. Alongside journeys that take in religious monuments and traditional shrines, the Trust advises on non-religious paths and historical landmarks, even pagan sites.
Medieval meanderings
The heyday of the pilgrimage was between the early eleventh and early fifteenth centuries. The aim was to seek repentance or pray for healing. It was also an opportunity to get away from the hard grind of everyday life. The wealthy would go to Jerusalem, Rome or Santiago, but there were plenty of destinations back home accessible to all.
The most popular was the shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk, where an 11th-century noblewoman, Lady Richeldis de Faverches, built a replica of the house in Nazareth where the angel Gabriel had greeted the Virgin Mary after seeing it in a vision. Other
important places of Christian pilgrimage included Canterbury, Durham and Glastonbury.
While some people embarked on gruelling journeys by foot or horseback, staying in monasteries or hospices, their route marked by wayside crosses and chapels, others undertook a short trip to a local shrine. Pilgrimages became big business, from feeding the hordes to selling souvenirs.
All that came to an end with Henry VIII and the split from the Catholic Church. The great monasteries and shrines that drew pilgrims were destroyed.
History repeating itself
In today’s stressful world, we once again value the concept of travelling mindfully to a destination. The appeal of rambling through glorious countryside and connecting with our religious, natural or cultural heritage has grown. These are wellness walks for the modern age. The most popular Pilgrimage Trust routes of 2025 mix the religious and the mystical. In England it was St James’ Way from Reading to Southampton, the start of the Camino de Santiago in Britain; meanwhile, pilgrims in Wales favoured the North Wales Pilgrims’ Way, and top spot in Scotland went to Iona to St Andrews. Bereavement pilgrimages, walks with dogs and one-day micro-pilgrimages are being added to the Trust’s ever-lengthening list. A change is as good as a rest, they say. A pilgrimage, short or long and whatever your motivation, certainly offers that. For more information, visit www.britishpilgrimage.org.
By Susannah Hickling
Lifestyle
Travel: Oh My, Go Thai!
With world-class cuisine, postcard-worthy beaches, glistening temples, jaw-dropping landscapes and welcoming locals, Thailand has it all. To help you narrow down your travel choices, here’s a round-up of the best experiences the country has to offer.
Embrace island life
Fringed by white-sand beaches, swaying palms and turquoise shores, Thailand’s islands are the stuff of dreams.
Phuket is the largest and most visited, making it a convenient gateway to other islands in the archipelago – including Ko Khao Phing Kan (‘James Bond Island’). Fans of the movie ‘The Beach’ might also want to stay on the Phi Phi Islands to soak up the scenery from nearby Maya Bay, reopened in 2022 after a period of ecological recovery.
Thailand’s islands aren’t just for sun-worshippers. Coral reefs teem with marine life, making islands like Koh Tao and Koh Lipe prime spots for diving and snorkelling.
Take a tour of the temples
Buddhism is deeply woven into Thailand’s culture and traditions, and nowhere is this more evident than in its temples. There are over 40,000, but Bangkok houses some of the most famous. These include the majestic Grand Palace and Wat Pho, where you can find the gold-plated Reclining Buddha.
Then there’s Chiang Rai’s dazzling contemporary Wat Rong Khun – otherwise known as the White Temple.
Discover Thailand’s wildlife
From elephant experiences and jungle safaris to birdwatching, Thailand offers plenty of opportunities to
get close to its wildlife. While it used to have a poor reputation for elephant encounters, the country now offers ethical sanctuaries that focus on rescue, rehabilitation and conservation. Stay in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai to watch elephants roam freely, while learning about their care and helping with feeding.
Get out in nature
Thailand’s northern regions are ripe for adventure, carpeted with lush, forested mountains and enjoying a cooler climate than the south. Blessed with stunning mountainous scenery, hot springs and waterfalls, the small town of Pai in Thailand’s Mae Hong Son Province is perfect if you’re looking for a slower pace of life.
If you’re staying further south, take a trip to Pran Buri Forest Park, south of the resort town of Hua Hin. Families will love its kilometre-long boardwalk, which takes you through mangrove forests and pine trees.
Go market mad
Thailand’s colourful and chaotic markets sit at the heart of everyday life. If you’re in Bangkok, don’t miss the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Packed with more than 15,000 stalls, it’s one of the largest in the world, offering everything from vintage clothing and handicrafts to exotic plants and antiques. When hunger strikes, head to Yaowarat Road in Bangkok’s Chinatown, where the air is thick with the aroma of sizzling woks and charcoal grills.
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Why not celebrate a special occasion with a sparkling Afternoon Tea? (48hrs pre-booking required) Find us hidden in the courtyard between prestige and fresh bite, opposite the market place, Belper: Audrey’s at the Courtyard, 8 Market Place, Belper. Tel: 01773 473648 Check our facebook & Instagram pages for news of special menus & evening events – search ‘Audrey’s at the courtyard' YOU’RE ALWAYS GUARANTEED A WARM WELCOME FROM OUR FRIENDLY TEAM OPEN MONDAY TO
Beer: Mild
For brewers, mild is no longer simply an exercise in restraint. While its roots sit firmly in balance and drinkability, the style’s broad definition has always allowed room to interpret and evolve.
What matters most is structure: a malt-forward foundation, controlled bitterness, and a softness that lets flavour settle rather than collide.
That flexibility is exactly why mild is being re-examined by modern brewers. Approached as a platform rather than a relic, it can absorb expressive hopping and contemporary techniques without losing its sense of place. With thoughtful body, fermentation and hop timing, even dry-hopped or double dryhopped versions can still feel unmistakably mild.
CAMRA’s Mild in May arrives at a moment when brewers are confidently reshaping the style. These beers show how intensity and tradition can comfortably coexist.
Beak x Boxcar – Cubed (6.5%)
I was sad when Boxcar, helmed by Sam Dickison, departed the brewing industry, so
Food, Drink & Entertainment
really excited to see the release of this beer: a big dark mild, brewed to celebrate Boxcar’s legacy of excellence in this style. Expect big hits of complex malts, plums and raisins, a smooth creamy body, and a touch of roast for balance.
Word on Wine: M&S Wines
Question: Do you shop at Marks & Spencer, and do you buy your wines from there?
Marks & Spencer have introduced a selection of wines made from grapes not widely known around Europe. This range is called ‘Found’ and is available as red, white and rosé wines. Here, I will be looking at some of the white wines.
The range includes wines such as Dimyat from Bulgaria, Encruzado from Portugal, Feteasca Alba from Romania, Moschofilero Roditis from Greece, and Ribolla Gialla from Slovenia. All these grape varieties are indigenous to the various countries and are widely used locally, but until now have not normally been seen on the wine merchants’ shelves. They all have their own characters and are all reasonably priced.
The wine I would like to share today is ‘M&S Found Lucido’, an aromatic white with fresh notes. It is made using the ‘Catarratto Bianco Lucido’ grape which is the second most planted grape variety in Sicily. It is mainly grown in the western province of Trapani, and used in the production of ‘Marsala’ wine. In years of excess the grapes were declared as ‘surplus’ and, under EU regulations, it was distilled and
By Sean McKeown
Simple Things
Fermentations -
Double Dark MildDookit Collab (6.2%) It’s a proper mild, brewed for the 21st century with cacao husks from Glasgow’s Bare Bones chocolate, a nine-grain grist and a judicious amount of Monroe and Bramling Cross hops. Thick and velvet-smooth with big chocolate and dark fruits notes.
classified as ‘grape concentrate’ which is blended with other wines to help in creating a drinkable wine. Various ‘flying winemakers’ have learnt to respect the grape and now produce fine, crisp, dry wines from the grapes.
Technical Details
Grape: 100% Catarratto Bianco Lucido
Appearance: Clean, clear white wine
Characteristics: Citrus and floral notes with a crisp, mouth-watering feel on the palate. Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 12.5%
Food Match: Light fish dishes, fresh salads and creamy pasta and risotto dishes.
Available from: M&S Stores thoughout the region, £8.00 per bottle (November 2025).
To see the full ‘Found’ range visit –www.marksandspencer.com.
If you like wine and would like to learn more please visit our website www.kilburnwinecircle.weebly.com for our 2026 programme.
By David Savidge Kilburn Wine Circle
Twitter/X and Instagram: @belperbeerclub
Food, Drink & Entertainment
Recipe Salmon and Herb Traybake
Light, vibrant and bursting with flavour, this fantastic midweek one-pot meal can be on the table within 30 minutes.
Serves: 2
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
• 50g butter, at room temperature
• 15g fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 250g asparagus, woody ends trimmed
• 2 salmon fillets
• A handful of fresh radishes, trimmed and halved
• 1 slice of lemon, cut in half
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 courgette
• 100g fresh peas
• 2 tbsp Opies Capers, drained
• A few sprigs each of fresh dill and mint
Method
Preheat the oven to 200°C, fan 180°C, gas mark 6. Using a fork, mash the butter until soft, then add the parsley and season well. Roll the herby butter in greaseproof paper to create a small sausage shape and freeze for 15 minutes. (Alternatively, prepare ahead of time and keep in the fridge until solid.)
Place the asparagus into a large roasting tray and top with the salmon fillets before scattering the radish around the sides. Top each fillet with a lemon slice.
Remove the herb butter from the freezer and cut into four rounds, then divide between the salmon. Season well, cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
Using a peeler, slice the courgette into thin ribbons.
After 10 minutes in the oven, remove the tin and baste the salmon with the melted butter, then add the courgette ribbons and peas to the tin and return to the oven for a further 5 minutes.
Remove from the oven and scatter over the capers, fresh dill and mint and serve immediately.
Opies Capers (120g) are available from most major supermarkets. For more recipe inspiration using the Opies range of products or to buy online, visit www.bennettopie.com.
Health, Beauty & Fitness
Fitness Matters
Mix It Up!
If your workouts have started to feel a little samey, you’re not alone. While consistency matters, mixing up your fitness routine can be the secret to feeling stronger, fitter and happier – preventing injury and supporting long-term health and mental wellbeing.
Try a balanced blend of the following:
Strength: The Foundation of Fitness
Bodyweight exercises, lifting weights or using resistance bands helps maintain muscle mass, bone density and joint stability; increasingly important as we age. Regular strength work can help protect against osteoporosis, improve posture and balance, support metabolism and make daily tasks easier! Just 2-3 sessions a week can make a big difference.
Cardio: For Heart Health
Cardiovascular exercise is essential for heart and lung health. Choose any type of cardio to improve circulation and endurance while helping manage cholesterol and blood pressure. Mixing steady-state cardio with shorter bursts of higher intensity keeps workouts interesting and effective and helps avoid overuse injuries.
Boxing: Power, Confidence and Stress Release
Boxing-based fitness is one of the most effective – and empowering – ways to train. Fast-paced cardio, strength, coordination and agility: boxing delivers a full-body workout challenging body and brain, improving cardiovascular fitness, strength, coordination, balance, reaction time, and relieving stress.
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He can also offer one-on-one boxing sessions for fitness, or as part of combined boxing and fitness session, depending on your requirements.
Please call Alex on 07817 337861
Mindfulness: Fitness for the Mind
Breathing exercises, meditation or body-scan techniques calm the nervous system and reduce stress, helping to improve sleep, focus and motivation and reducing anxiety. Even 5 minutes daily can help.
Pilates or Yoga: Strength, Flexibility and Control
Pilates and yoga are powerful for improving core strength, mobility and body awareness. Pilates focuses on controlled movement and alignment, ideal for injury prevention and rehabilitation. Yoga combines strength and flexibility with breathwork, helping improve posture while calming the mind. Both practices complement strength and cardio training, filling in the gaps that high-impact workouts often miss.
Walking: The Underrated Fitness Hero
Walking is one of the most accessible and effective forms of exercise. Gentle on the joints, it boosts cardiovascular health, supports mental wellbeing and can be done anywhere. Walking regularly has powerful cumulative benefits, supporting fat metabolism, improving mood and keeping the body moving.
The Power of Balance
No single type of exercise can do it all. Mixing up fitness training creates a sustainable routine that supports strength, endurance, power, flexibility, mental health and longevity. Variety keeps motivation high, injuries low, and wellbeing front and centre.
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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Derbyshire Walking:
Hathersage to Stanage Edge Walk
Start/Finish & Parking: Oddfellow’s Road
Car Park, Hathersage (Pay & Display)
Distance: 9 miles
Map: OS Explorer OL1 (Dark Peak)
Starting in the village of Hathersage, this 9-mile walk takes you along the wonderful cliffs of Stanage Edge with superb views of the Derwent & Hope Valleys, Mam Tor and Kinder Scout.
Directions:
1. From the car park go onto the main road (A6187) through the village and take the lane called Baulk Lane which starts on the opposite side of the road to the petrol station, next to the large stone building (formerly the Hathersage Inn). The lane climbs steadily north, passing the cricket pitch. Beyond the buildings it becomes an unsurfaced track. Just short of Cowclose Farm take the signposted left fork, which passes to the right of Brookfield Manor to reach a country lane. Turn right here, then left along a drive to North Lees Hall.
2. After rounding the hall, turn right, climbing some steps that cut the corner to another track. This crosses hillside pastures before continuing through attractive mixed woodland. A stepped path on the left makes a shortcut to a roadside toilet block and mountain rescue post. Turn left along the road for a short distance, then right on a grassy path heading for the rocks of Stanage Edge. After 200yds (183m) you join the path from the nearby car park. A paved path now climbs through Stanage Plantation before arcing left to the cliff top. Follow the firm edge path north westwards (right) to see the summit of High Neb and Crow Chin.
3. When you reach Crow Chin, where the edge veers north, descend to a lower path that doubles back beneath the cliffs. This eventually joins a track from the right, which returns the route to the top of the cliffs. Continue walking towards the south east, along the edge to the bouldery east summit (marked on OS maps by a spot height of 457m), whose rocks are capped by a concrete trig point, until you reach the road at Upper Burbage Bridge.
4. Proceed left along the road for about 150yds (137m), then turn right taking the higher of the two paths which head south to the summit of Higger Tor. From the rocky top, double back (roughly north of north west) on a path to the Fiddler’s Elbow road. Slightly uphill along the road take the path on the left. This descends Callow Bank to a walled track leading down to the Dale Bottom road. Follow the road for 300yds (274m) to a track on the right that traverses the hillslopes to Toothill Farm.
Turn left by the farmhouse on a drive that soon joins a tarred lane taking the route down to Hathersage’s impressively spired church and the Roman fort of Camp Green. Turn right down School Lane to reach Main Road, which leads into the centre of Hathersage. Go left down Oddfellows Road to return to the car park.
Walk kindly supplied by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire (visitpeakdistrict.com). To download a more detailed PDF description, visit visitpeakdistrict.com/trails/ hathersage-to-stanage-edge-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
Review: Kia EV4
Kia has been quickly expanding its line-up of electric vehicles, so what can the EV4 do differently? Jack Evans drives it to find out.
What is it?
Kia now has an electric-car range spanning the compact EV3 SUV right the way up to the sevenseater EV9. Next to enter the gang is the EV4. It’s not another high-riding SUV or crossover, but is offered in hatchback and eye-catching saloon-like ‘Fastback’ body styles.
What’s new?
The EV4 shares a modular platform with the EV3, so you’ll find similarities when it comes to range and interior architecture. However, with the EV4, you’re getting a more traditional shape – with the hatchback, at least.
What’s under the bonnet?
You can get the EV4 with either a 58.3kWh battery or an 81.4kWh version; we’re driving the former. While it can’t eclipse the 362 miles you’d get from the big-battery model, this variant manages 273 miles from a single charge. You get a decent maximum charge speed of 127kW, too, taking the batteries from 10% to 80% in under half an hour.
What’s it like to drive?
In the entry-level ‘Air’, with its 17-inch wheels and big, squishy tyres, the EV4 shrugs off lumps and bumps well, though there’s a bit of a wobble through the bends. It also remains hushed at motorway speeds. While it goes from 0-60mph in 7.3 seconds, it’s the comfort and refinement which shine through.
How does it look?
Our EV4 has a classic hatchback shape. However, with its tall roofline and boxy dimensions, it still has quite a lot of presence. The Fastback version has a completely different look but also stands out, though
its sloped roofline has an impact on rear-seat headroom.
What’s it like inside?
There are plenty of good materials and even this base-spec ‘Air’ car has well-finished areas that feel solid. There’s a great blend of physical and digital controls, too, so that everything feels intuitive. The boot stands at a very impressive 435 litres.
What’s the spec like?
Prices for the EV4 start from £34,695 for this smallbattery car in Air trim. For the bigger battery and longer range, prices begin at £37,695 – and we’re expecting a lot of people to opt for this version. We’d argue that Air trim level is a great place to be: a 12.3-inch infotainment system, heated front seats and steering wheel, and front and rear parking sensors are included.
The range-topping GT-Line S, with features like an upgraded Harmon Kardon sound system and ventilated front seats, comes in at £44,795 in big-battery form.
Verdict
The Kia EV4 does a great job of standing out from the electric vehicle crowd. On the one hand, it’s practical, with a large boot and plenty of space inside, but it also has all the features you need.
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Short Story A Musical Feast
“Watch out, Jayne.” Doreen nudged her friend as they took their balcony seats for tonight’s performance of ‘Sounds of the Seventies’. “We’ve been spotted by Nigel, the food police.”
Nigel was employed by Frog Alley Theatre to take tickets and show people to their seats, but he took the job far too seriously. During tonight’s show there would be no dancing, no flash photography and categorically no food or drink in the auditorium.
Doreen and Jayne had had dealings with him before. In the last year he’d confiscated three boxes of midget gems, a bar of fruit and nut and twelve tubes of extra strong mints. Now he was heading in their direction, waving his torch.
“Nice to see you ladies making the effort for the occasion,” he whispered loudly. The poster for the show said ‘dress to impress’, and Doreen and Jayne had answered the call. Both were wearing sequinned boob tubes, satin flares and huge pink afro wigs.
“Why can I smell vinegar?” He sniffed the air suspiciously. Doreen and Jayne glanced at each other.
“That’s my new perfume.” Jayne sat down gingerly, holding onto her wig. “Are you making up rules about how the audience should smell now?”
“You both have a reputation for food smuggling.” Nigel tapped his torch against his palm. “I’m right to be suspicious.”
“Don’t panic Nigel, we’ve learned our lesson,” Doreen huffed. “Look at us, we’ve nowhere to smuggle anything. Check my handbag if you like.”
Nigel gave the offered purse a cursory glance but there was nothing to be found. Doreen’s wig was slowly starting to slide off her head. He reached out, and, uninvited, straightened it. It made a curious crunchy sound.
“Would you mind removing your wig?” he frowned.
“I certainly do mind.” Doreen shook her head. The wig wobbled precariously. “It’s part of the outfit.”
“It’s obstructing the view, they both are.”
“Whose view?” Jayne turned round. “There’s no one behind us.”
“Besides,” Doreen snorted, “you can’t tell folks to take off their clothes, it’s not that sort of show.”
“I insist you show me what’s under your wig,” Nigel said firmly. The lights went down and audience members started coughing.
“It’s just newspaper.” She lifted the front of the wig to reveal a corner of yesterday’s Evening Post. “See? You fill the wig with scrunched-up newspaper to give it height.”
“Now leave us alone or I’ll be asking for your manager,” Jayne said crossly. “I’m sure you’re not supposed to be manhandling audience members.”
There was the unmistakeable sound of someone opening a can of pop in row G and Nigel’s head snapped round. He scowled and sloped off, his torch beam dazzling everyone as he walked past.
“Has he gone?” Doreen said. She reached beneath her wig and pulled out a newspaper-wrapped bundle.
“Did you get cod or haddock?” she asked her friend, as the curtain went up and the band began playing. “I’ll swap you a piece for some of my chips.”
By Jackie Brewster
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Outdoor living this summer
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Gardening: Beautiful Boundaries
Anticipation is sprouting in the garden. The scene from the window changes every day as plants burst into bud. Blossom is already billowing and bulbs are bringing colour back into our lives. You will see daffodils, hyacinths, fritillaries, lily of the valley, Camassia and even bluebells later in the month.
However, garden boundaries are often ignored. Although basic fences might provide security and privacy, they’re rarely pretty and can create the effect of a cage. This is particularly noticeable if the garden is fairly small or bare of plants. But boundaries can become integral to the attractiveness and style of the outdoor space.
If your property already has a perfectly good fence, the trick is to disguise it, unless it’s a design feature in itself. Shrubs and climbers are the key. Your garden will feel bigger as it’s not so obvious where it ends. Just one fence panel can have the potential to offer up to four square metres of green space, so count up your own panels and you will see the exciting possibilities.
Top climbers for fences:
Clematis
Clematis is hard to beat when it comes to flowering potential. The evergreen Clematis armandii ‘Apple Blossom’ is beautiful in early spring, as is Clematis ‘Frankie’, a cultivar with blue flowers which blooms in
April and May. Many of the C. montana (Himalayan) varieties flower in May and June. Clematis viticella, including ‘Polish Spirit’ and ‘Etoile Violette’, wait until mid to late summer to reveal their beauty. There are winter-flowering Clematis too, including those from the C. cirrhosa group such as ‘Wisley Cream’, ‘Freckles’, and ‘Jingle Bells’.
Take care to give these plants what they need. Many Clematis like full or partial sun.
Honeysuckle
There are many climbing Lonicera varieties from which to choose. It’s important to consider the vigour of the plant, as some honeysuckles grow to heights of around 12 metres, which will probably be too much for your fence. The flowers also have a delectable aroma, particularly varieties such as Lonicera ‘Heaven Scent’ and L. ‘Sweet Sue’.
Ivy
Ivy is an evergreen climber that provides huge benefits for wildlife. Some varieties have variegated leaves, bringing colour and interest to a vertical surface all year round.
Passion flower
Passiflora is a great choice for a sunny, sheltered fence. One of the most reliable is Passiflora caerulea, with large white flowers and contrasting central filaments. It can quickly cover fences and should flower from July to September.
By Caroline Knight
PAINTING AND DECORATING
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CHILDREN’S PUZZLE PAGE
DOG BREED PUZZLE
Can you unscramble the letters to reveal eight popular dog breeds in the UK?
How do snakes sign their letters? With hugs and hisses.
Which animal makes the best pet? A cat... because it’s purr-fect. What is a rabbit’s favourite type of music?
The Diary of a Local Mum
Mum’s Taxi
Throughout much of your child’s life you have to resign yourself to being an unpaid labourer.
This can include cooking, washing, cleaning, helping with homework, offering advice that may or may not be totally ignored, handing out money like it grows on trees, and – yes – one of the favourites, taxiing them here, there and everywhere.
From school runs to extra-curricular activities, sports clubs, social events, parties … you name it, it’s your job to get them there, as well as coordinating the timings in order to do so within the constraints of your own commitments and those of everyone else in your family.
Picking Child A up as you drop Child B off elsewhere? Childsplay. Returning for Child B en route to taking Child A to their next engagement? To be expected. Rejigging your social life to accommodate this? Naturally. Heading in the wrong direction as you forget where you’re meant to be going? Frequently.
The thing I’ve noticed as my kids have got older and moved through various stages is, as soon as you get used to one routine and the journeys all work nicely in sync … it all changes. X club moves to a Tuesday at 7pm and, lo and behold, so does Y activity. The locations move, times change, and your perfectly coordinated schedule (albeit very tight and hectic) goes out of the window.
The other thing I’ve noticed, as children get older, is that these journeys become further … and later. “Where’s your sporting event this weekend? Oh, Liverpool? Great.” “What time do you need picking up tonight? Oh, midnight? Ok.” Gone are the days of a quick 10-minute drive to drop them off or pick them up. While
they become more able to take charge of the shorter journeys – by bus, bike or good old walking – their requirements for lifts go up a notch (or several). If I was charging for this service, my rates would be sky high by now!
Mobile phones have allowed plans to become more ‘fluid’ as well. Back in my day, if you’d arranged to meet your parents for a lift home at 8pm, you were there at 8pm otherwise you’d miss your ride. Nowadays, when you drop off, you’re dismissed with “Thanks for the lift, I’ll let you know when I need picking up!” before the car door slams and they’re off without a backwards glance.
Hmmph. That’s you on tenterhooks for the rest of the evening then, waiting to be summoned.
And yes, I know, for everyone reading this saying ‘You’re soft! Leave them to it!’ I know I could, maybe should, encourage them to make their own way home, but knowing your child is home and safe allows everyone to have a more relaxing evening and a better night’s sleep.
However, if you bide your time, payback is sweet and there will come a day when they pass their driving test and are legally qualified for chauffeur duties! Hurray, you think … now it’s time to reap the benefits of all those lifts! Yeah, right, you’ll be lucky … once they’ve got that taste of freedom, they’re off. “Any chance of a lift tonight?” you enquire, hopefully. “Sorry, Mum, I’m going out. Oh, and could I borrow some money for petrol?”
I’d better book a taxi then…
By Helen Young
School Information
Ambergate Primary School 01773 852204
Anthony Gell School 01629 825577
Belper Long Row Primary 01773 823319
Belper School 01773 825281
Breadsall CofE VE Primary School 01332 831328
Codnor Community Primary School 01773 742537
C of E Controlled
Denby Free C of E Primary 01332 880416
Ecclesbourne School 01332 840645
Fritchley CE (Aided) Primary 01773 852216
Heage Primary School 01773 852188
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 2026/27
All dates taken from www.derbyshire.gov.uk
Term 5: Monday 13 April 2026 to Friday 22 May 2026
Term 6: Monday 1 June 2026 to Thursday 23 July 2026
Term 1: Friday 4 September 2026 to Friday 23 October 2026
Term 2: Monday 2 November 2026 to Friday 18 December 2026
Term 3: Monday 4 January 2027 to Friday 12 February 2027
Term 4: Monday 22 February 2027 to Thursday 25 March 2027
Book Reviews: Come Rain or Shine
As we look forward to warmer spring days, here’s a round-up of books (and other media) on the weather and climate change.
The Climate Book
Greta Thunberg
Activist Greta Thunberg gives us a crash course in how we can save the world as we face an environmental crisis. Produced in partnership with more than 100 climate-change experts, Thunberg’s commentaries and updates reflect the latest research – and why we must act now.
Very British Weather
The
Met Office
Do you know your drizzle from your mizzle? Ever wondered what rainbows are really made of? The Met Office shares the best of almost 170 years of forecasting for the first time in this beautifully illustrated book.
Cloudspotting for Beginners
Gavin Pretor-Pinney and William Grill
Although aimed principally at upper primary school children, this book, artfully illustrated by William Grill, will inspire curious minds of all ages. Clouds come in all shapes and sizes. Learn facts, secrets and stories of all the major types, as well as discovering parts of the sky where they like to hang out, how they play with sunlight and much more.
In All Weathers Matt Gaw
what can any of us do as individuals? In this updated edition, carbon-footprinting expert Mike Berners-Lee offers new material on protests, pandemics, wildfires, carbon targets, biodiversity and more.
Matt Gaw embarks on a series of walks across Britain to explore our weather in all its wild and stormy forms, examining where it comes from, the ways it’s changing and how we can embrace it as a positive presence in our lives. This is a journey through rain, fog, wind, ice and everything in between.
Other media
Video (YouTube) – Climate Extremes: At the Abyss?
There Is No Planet B
Mike Berners-Lee
This is the big-picture perspective on the environmental challenges of our day – but what’s most pressing and
This hour-long documentary explores questions about the Earth’s future, presenting expert perspectives and ongoing scientific research on the rapidly changing Earth system.
Podcast – Weather Geeks
Listen to this podcast for the agony and the ecstasy of the one story that the entire world participates in, and the science behind it. From the people behind The Weather Channel TV network.
TV Series – Weather: Beyond the Forecast
This BBC series (available on iPlayer) takes weather stories beyond the traditional forecast. It includes episodes about flying in a storm and how extreme heat could affect the UK.
Local History
Mr Albert George Hicks: A Missing Medal
This issue’s local history has been provided by Mrs Christine Walker of Broadholme Caravan Park, Belper. Christine recounts the tale of her great grandfather, Albert Hicks, and the rediscovery of his medal.
“I think it was early 2025 when a visitor to our caravan park advised he used to go metal detecting with his father as a young boy and had carried the interest on all his life. He asked, was it possible for him to go on our land near the caravan park and do some metal detecting? Of course, I said, not a problem. Shortly afterwards, I heard my husband shouting, did I have anyone in our family called Hicks? Yes, I replied, it is my great grandparents’ name; they used to live a few houses away in Broadholme in one of the cottages. It was then that I discovered the man with the metal detector had found my great grandfather’s medal, buried in the field! It was such an unbelievable coincidence. I knew the story of my great grandfather saving a man’s life on the railway and had got the newspaper cutting which I was given many years ago.”
The newspaper cutting, from The Derbyshire Times, details the retirement of Mr Albert George Hicks of Broadholme, near Belper, originally from Alderminster near Stratford-on-Avon. Albert was a signalman, obtaining his first signal position in 1892 at the Tibshelf and Newton signal box before moving a few times and ultimately finishing his career at Ambergate, with 50 heavy levers to operate and often 4 trains approaching almost at the same time. Mr Hicks retired from the employment of L.M.S. Railway Co. after 45 years, the day before he turned 65 (because, back in the late 1930s, railwaymen were not permitted to work on their 65th birthday!).
The newspaper article further explains that Mr Hicks was a keen ambulance man and a member of the railway section of the St John Ambulance brigade, being awarded three medals and two bars. “One of the medals is for
grandfather, Jack, was the village barber, cutting the hair of all the local farmers. They also had the only TV in the village so she can recall many people crowding into the front room to watch TV especially on special occasions such as the Queen’s Coronation in 1953. After moving to Bank Cottage in Belper, aged 3, and then Nottingham Road and Laund Hill once she was married, life took Christine back full circle to Broadholme, near the place of her great grandparents’ home, where they operated a plant nursery and then a caravan park, which they still run to this day.
All details and photographs supplied by Mrs Christine Walker
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 Rachael Collins (pictured) from Fleur Florist of King Street, Belper.
This issue, we’re delighted to present the Friendship Blooms bouquet to Diane Cox from Duffield. She was nominated by her daughter Steph Austin, also from Duffield. Here’s what Steph wrote:
“I am nominating my Mum Diane Cox, an extraordinary woman whose kindness and strength touches everyone around her. She is the heart of our family, supporting us all with unwavering love, while also being a devoted wife to her husband of over 30 years, who suffered a life-changing stroke 17 years ago whom she has cared for with a level of compassion, patience and loyalty that is simply remarkable. She never complains, never seeks praise and has no idea how deeply admired she is by all who know her. Her love is constant, her resilience inspiring, and her generosity boundless. Love you Mum x” Steph Austin
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 karyn@allthingslocal.co.uk, putting ‘Friendship Blooms’ as the subject. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number on your nomination.
Closing date for nominations for the next issue is Wednesday 15 April 2026.
All nominations are kept on file and you will be contacted if your nomination has been selected. Contact information is only used by All Things Local; no information is given to any third party.
Advertiser Information
Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert.
All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All Things Local does not officially endorse any advertising/editorial material included within the publication.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise – without the prior consent of the publisher.
Advertiser’s details (other than those provided for inclusion in advertisements) are confidential and will not be given to any third party.
Publisher: All Things Local Limited, 74 Woodhouse Road, Kilburn, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 0NA T: 01332 882882 M: 07977 272770 E: karyn@allthingslocal.co.uk
W: www.allthingslocal.co.uk
Graphic Design: Digital Bear Design
Printer: Buxton Press Ltd
Deadlines for June/July 2026 Edition:
Advertisement Bookings, Editorials, Cancellations and Copy Amendments: Wednesday 15th April 2026
New Advertiser Copy: Monday 20th April 2026
Rachael Collins from Fleur Florist
Diane Cox (right) receives the Friendship Blooms bouquet from her daughter Steph Austin.
Community
Upbeat: Are You Ready for the Biking Season?
Nothing beats the feeling of freedom, the rush of joy and the sense of calm that riding brings.
Bikers want to feel that joy, no matter where they go. We all want to avoid close calls and improve the craft we love.
We know the pull of biking, especially when you live on the doorstep of the beautiful Peak District, with roads which are a magnet to those on two wheels.
Unfortunately, we also see the risks. Each year Derbyshire sees an influx of bikers into the Peak District on sunny bank holiday weekends, and each year not everyone makes it home to their loved ones.
Our police bikers are the ones who pick up the pieces after a collision. They’re bikers themselves, who are passionate about riding and want to support the biking community. That’s why they run BikeSafe; the workshop built by bikers, delivered by bikers, for bikers.
At a BikeSafe workshop you’ll first learn the theory behind advanced riding, such as reading the road, cornering, positioning, braking, hazard perception and rider attitude. Once you’ve grasped this, you’ll then put it to the test during an observed ride with a police biker following you, stopping regularly to give you practical advice on how to push these skills. Afterwards, they’ll give you feedback on how to take this further, with pointers on what you can do next to become the best biker you can be.
Getting ahead isn’t about speed and risky overtakes, we’ll give you the tools to help you ride smarter and make progress quicker. We’re not riding or guiding you as cops; we’re doing it to help you level up your skills.
Find out more about BikeSafe and book onto a workshop at bikesafe.co.uk/Derbyshire.
Community Diary April/May 2026
April:
11th: Souper Saturday: homemade soup, dessert & a drink for £5 at Smalley Church Hall, Main Road, Smalley. 11.30am to 1.30pm. All welcome.
11th: Belper Organ and Keyboard Club concert: Steve Hubble. 2pm, Congregational Church, Church Walk, Belper DE56 1DB. £10 admission. Refreshments available. www.belperorganclub.com.
17th: 3FF Community Dining at No.28 Belper Market Place, DE56 1FZ. 6.30 for 7pm. Two vegan courses, pay what you feel, proceeds to a charity of the cook’s choice. To book, text/WhatsApp 07976126685.
30th: Belper Book Club: ‘May We Feed the King’ by Rebecca Perry. 7-9pm at No.28 Market Place, Belper DE56 1FZ. £2 entry, BYO refreshments/snacks. Supported by Dormouse Books. Enquiries/to book: jennifer.c.allsopp@gmail.com.
May:
4th: Afternoon Tea Dance with Miss ‘Twinkle Fingers’ Carol Bradbury, 2 – 4.30pm at The Congregational Church, Church Walk, Belper DE56 1DB. £6.50 incl. refreshments. To confirm attendance: 07970 115818 or 07790 302749.
6th: Arts Society Derby lecture: “Last Supper in Pompeii” by Paul Roberts. 7.15pm (doors 6.30pm) at Landau Forte College, Fox St, Derby DE1 2LF. Parking free. Cost £6 for non-members/guests. Info: www.theartssocietyderby.com.
9th: Souper Saturday: homemade soup, dessert & a drink for £5 at Smalley Church Hall, Main Road, Smalley. 11.30am to 1.30pm. All welcome.
9th: Belper Organ and Keyboard Club concert: Tony Stance. 2pm, Congregational Church, Church Walk, Belper DE56 1DB. £10 admission. Refreshments available. www.belperorganclub.com.
15th: 3FF Community Dining at No.28 Belper Market Place, DE56 1FZ. 6.30 for 7pm. Two vegan courses, pay what you feel, proceeds to a charity of the cook’s choice. To book, text/WhatsApp 07976126685.
16th: Spring Market 11am - 2pm at Christ Church, The Triangle, Belper DE56 1BA. Lots of stalls including local crafts, bedding plants & tombola. Refreshments available. Free entry.
20th: Belper Book Club: ‘James’ by Percival Everett. 7-9pm at No.28 Market Place, Belper DE56 1FZ. £2 entry, BYO refreshments/snacks. Supported by Dormouse Books. Enquiries/to book: jennifer.c.allsopp@gmail.com.
22nd: 28 Laughs stand-up comedy at No. 28 Belper Market Place DE56 1FZ. 7.30 for 8pm, BYO drinks. Entry £11 plus fee, booking online only: www.wegottickets.com. robcoleman100@gmail.com.
31st: Garden Party for Action Medical Research, 12.30 - 4pm, 57 Ripley Rd, Heage DE56 1HU. BBQ, cream teas, plant stall, bric-a-brac, games, raffle, tombola, entertainment from Aim Excelsum. Free entry. Info: 07443 464619 or 07975 905156. All funds raised for vital medical research.
Please check events with the venue/organiser as the publisher accepts no responsibility if events are changed/cancelled following publication. If you have a one-off event or special excursion for June/July 2026 please email it to helen@allthingslocal.co.uk. Deadline is Wednesday 15th April 2026.
Bereavement Matters
It seems almost incredible to me when I think about it, that this year, I am celebrating a big work anniversary – my 40th year at Gillotts.
And I’m not the only one. Because my fellow funeral director at Gillotts in Heanor, Helen Ellis, is also reaching a landmark, having served 30 years with the company. Elsewhere, the anniversaries continue, with our funeral director, Danni Allen, celebrating 10 years, and Nigel Dore and Tim Ufton marking 23 and 21 years respectively, with us.
While it seems remarkable that all of these landmark anniversaries are falling in the same year, what’s more remarkable, in this day and age, is that one company can have so many long-serving staff still on the books.
Remarkable, but not a surprise. Because there is something about the funeral industry that either makes some people give up after one day or stay with it for decades – as Helen, who had to persevere to follow her dream in those early days, has done.
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Our line of work isn’t for everybody and there is no doubt that some days the sadness and tragedy that we witness can get to you. But it’s on those days when I’m glad that I work alongside other people, like Helen and Amanda (11 years’ service), who support me and, I hope, consider that I support them. And it’s that support, I think, along with the relationships we build with the families who come to us at their time of greatest need, that keeps us all dedicated to our work.
Much has changed throughout the four decades that I have worked here and I’m proud to represent a firm which is so known and trusted to perform what I regard as a special duty. And I know that I can count myself very privileged to have done a job for so long alongside people who are so kind, caring and committed.
I know I can’t go on forever and that one day I’ll be stepping aside, bringing my time at Gillotts to an end. But I will do so knowing that the company and our families will be in safe hands.
By Anthony Topley Partner, Gillotts Funeral Directors, Heanor
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