All Things Local - Belper Edition - October/November 2023

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WELCOME LETTER

Hello readers

Hello readers! Welcome to the autumn 2023 issue of All Things Local.

It’s been quite a varied summer, hasn’t it – who knows what weather autumn will have in store for us!

One thing’s for sure, whatever the weather is doing the hours of daylight are slowly dwindling … on the subject of which, don’t forget to turn your clocks back an hour on Sunday 29th October. This accelerates the loss of the evening light but, if you’re a morning person, it does mean you gain a little more daylight earlier on for a short while!

As this season progresses, an autumnal nip appears in the air in the evening and our thoughts turn to bonfires, fireworks, Halloween and all the seasonal events and delicious foods that accompany this time of year. It’s time for toffee apples, hot dogs, toasted marshmallows and hot chocolates around a warm fire. As is tradition in the local area now, the ‘Halloween House’ at Rawson Green will be open for visitors on 31st October from 4pm –8.30pm, raising money for Children in Need. Their spooktacular display gets better each year and raises valuable funds for this wonderful charity, as well as providing a fabulous Halloween experience for local families. There’s no admission fee but all donations are gratefully received. Fancy dress is encouraged but not compulsory!

Since we last wrote our women’s football team, the Lionesses, have been out in Australia doing us proud at the World Cup! They made it all the way to the final and, while we’d all have been absolutely cock-a-hoop if they’d managed to bring it home, their achievement is nonetheless incredible and should rightfully be celebrated. The ladies will go down in history and hopefully they’ll inspire more girls and young women to pursue their dreams – in sport or any area of life – as they’ve proven that the right attitude, hard work and determination to succeed really can take you anywhere.

Talking of competitions… while we can’t offer you a World Cup trophy, we can give you the chance to win some celebratory fizz with our Champagne Sudoku competition on page 17 or Sunday lunch for two, courtesy of The Kedleston Country House, in our Prize Crossword on page 6! Get your entries in by 11th October to be in the draw. Good luck!

From competitions to features and articles from brilliant local contributors, we hope you enjoy all that our October/November issue has to offer. Of course, as always, it’s packed full of local businesses who can help you out with everything from motoring needs to food and drink, home and garden upgrades and repairs to health, beauty and fitness … and much more besides. If you’ve read about a business in All Things Local please do let them know!

We’ll be back in a couple of months with our Christmas and New Year issue, as we prepare to welcome in 2024! Until then, take care.

With very best wishes,

Team ATL

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

Advertising Enquiries: Ruth Brown

E: ruth@allthingslocal.co.uk

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Legal Matters: Trusts

Legal Matters: Money, Mortgages, and Marriage Breakdown

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

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.

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

70 years later the trust is still providing that accommodation.

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.

After practising in family law for 20 years I have a fairly well trodden set of questions that I ask in order to get the information needed to best advise a client of the likely financial outcome following the breakdown of a marriage or civil partnership.

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

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

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

This is a situation that requires constant monitoring. Resolving financial issues following a divorce often takes around a year to resolve. With an ever-changing financial landscape, it is important to review the facts of a case regularly and, if necessary, to modify the advice. It could easily be that a financial outcome which looked likely a year or six months ago might look less likely or impossible to achieve now. Of course, future changes are also relevant and, whilst no one has a crystal ball, having an eye on how mortgage markets and the housing market might move is important.

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.

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.

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

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

Because of changes in the wider economy there are now additional questions I am routinely asking. “Are you on a fixed rate mortgage?” If so, “When does it end?”

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.

The changes in mortgage interest rates have had a profound effect on the personal finances of many. I would say that the majority of clients I deal with have a mortgage, and the changes in the mortgage market have certainly impacted the resolution of cases that I deal with.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The first consideration of the court when dividing assets following a divorce is the needs of the children. The main need that children have is for a home. This often means that the housing needs of the parent with whom the children live are dealt with as a priority, over the parent with whom the children spend less time. The noticeable effect of mortgage interest rates increasing is that mortgage capacities have gone down. If mortgage capacities have gone down, then a person in a divorce situation may require a greater or different share of the capital assets in order to meet their housing needs. Where the needs of one party are prioritised, it follows that the other party might get less.

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.

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.

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.

Another area where the wider economic conditions have had a significant impact on financial outcomes in divorce is in relation to pensions. In the last 12 months or so the transfer values of many defined benefit pensions have reduced and sometimes significantly. Given that the transfer value of pensions can easily amount to hundreds of thousands of pounds this again has significantly altered the financial landscape for many divorcing couples. The need for expert advice in this area is crucial, especially when dealing with families who have different types of pension assets, for example a mixture of public sector or defined benefit schemes and other money purchase pension pots.

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.

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.

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.

Hopefully the issues raised above, however briefly, illustrate why it is so important to have the right expert advice when dealing with the financial consequences of relationship breakdown and the need to review and re-evaluate potential outcomes in a changing economic climate.

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.

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

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

Shacklocks LLP are currently offering all new family clients an initial free half hour appointment. Why not take the opportunity of speaking to one of our experienced family lawyers to see how we can help? Contact Ben Stubbins or Marcella Kilbane on 01773 743513 or 01773 822333 or email marcellak@shacklocks.co.uk

Cassandra Worton

Ben Stubbins

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Money Matters: Retirement Choices

Money Matters: 10

Years of Belper IFS: Our First Decade

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?

Business & Professional

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

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

In 2015, pension rules were reformed by the Chancellor of the time. The new rules were a surprise as not even The Financial Conduct Authority or The Pension Regulator were consulted. Indeed, many pension providers were also caught off-guard too and had no plans and technologies capable of meeting or implementing the new rules.

bad news for those with mortgages, it’s good news for the cash savers and also good news for annuity rates which are indirectly positively impacted by rises in interest rates and GILT Yields. £100,000 today (23/08/23), would buy the same 65-year-old man an annuity with a level rate of income that is guaranteed for the rest of his life (or 10 years, whichever is longer) of £7,299 per annum (paid monthly in advance) assuming he resides in the DE56 postcode, is in good health and a non-smoker.

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

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

However, given informed choices and the annuity rates of the time many pensioners in investment-related (sometimes referred to as either Money Purchase or Defined Contribution) pensions, decided to choose flexi-drawdown rather than buy an annuity. With flexi-drawdown comes many risks including market risk and new risks, such as longevity risk and sequence of return risk. These tables highlight longevity risk, in other words how long will the fund last given making regular monthly withdrawals. Here are some examples.

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

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

£100,000 pension fund at aged 65 with 1% per annum charge applied:

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

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.

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

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

The next table is based upon a negative market correction or further withdrawal. £100,000 pension fund at aged 65 and £10,000 reduction in value at 67 with 1% p.a charge applied:

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

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

Since January 2022, the Bank of England has responded to inflation concerns by increasing central interest rates many times. Whilst

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

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

By Kevin Glover, Belper IFS

Kevin Glover, Belper

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.

Whilst the income is very different to the incomes in these tables, the annuity guarantees not to exhaust and be paid for a lifetime. Flexi-drawdown income depends upon a ‘safe level’ of sustainable withdrawals plus investment conditions to maintain the income which, of course, cannot be guaranteed. There are disadvantages to annuities though and these need to be considered carefully as would accessing flexi-drawdown. Flexi-drawdown provides flexibility whereas most annuities are subject to strict irreversible and binding terms that cannot be unwound. A few exceptions do exist such as Fixed Term Annuities, which are almost a hybrid of an annuity and flexi-drawdown.

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 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.

When thinking about your options in retirement it is important to consider not just the financial numbers but the duration, investment risk and also sequence of investment returns. The shape of returns when in Flexi-drawdown can also have a big impact on the longevity. Investments do not grow in a uniform curve or lines so the 4%, 6% and 8% in the tables previously are hypothetical.

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?

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

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

Wishing you a happy 2020 and a prosperous next 10 years

B K in Glover, Belper IFS

By Kevin Glover, Belper IFS

Kevin Glover, Belper IFS

mation is general only and is not intended to your particular requirements The data above should ed 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

By Kevin Glover, Belper IFS

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

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

10 Chapel Street Belper DE56 1AR

FACING THE BREAKDOWN OF A RELATIONSHIP IS AN EMOTIONAL AND OFTEN CONFUSING TIME, AND SEEKING LEGAL ADVICE CAN SEEM LIKE A DAUNTING PROSPECT.

OUR FAMILY TEAM ARE ON HAND TO SUPPORT YOU THROUGH THE DIFFICULT MOMENTS IN LIFE, EXPLAINING EVERYTHING IN A PLAIN SPEAKING WAY TO HELP PUT YOUR MIND AT EASE.

Just a Thought... It’s About Time…

What causes us the most stress, worry and fear? Being late to a meeting? Getting older? Perhaps it is not being able to get through your daily to-do list? What strikes me is that underneath all of this is our relationship to time.

Watching children at play it is instantly obvious that they are present, in the moment and more carefree than any adults we may encounter. It has been said that children are less stressed because they have less responsibility, fewer ‘must do’s’ and less restrictions. It strikes me that it is children’s concept of time that really sets them free.

Ever told a child to ‘wait a minute’? They will ask the same question less than 20 seconds later. Often, they relate to major events like birthdays or Christmas but other than that it is all about now. Our very linear concept of time focuses on it running out – like a finish line on a 100m race. Children conceptualise it

more as an endless pool of opportunity to move around in.

I am aware that our society runs on time and there are certain elements that require it to function (I am thinking trains and toasters rather than TikTok!). I do believe, though, that there is a happy middle ground we can seek to move towards. A space that will see us less fearful about how long things take and how long we have left.

I urge you to think about your own relationship to time and consider how healthy it is. Ask yourself this – don’t you deserve a life with more freedom and a sense of presence? Don’t you deserve to put your contentment first?

I hope you will, after all – it’s about time.

By Fliss Goldsmith of Belper

Be More Sloth

Did you ever think a day dedicated to sloths would be a thing? Well, hold onto your branches because October the 20th is International Sloth Day. It’s time to embrace the slow and steady pace of the masters of relaxation.

When it comes to taking it easy, sloths have truly perfected the art. They spend most of their lives hanging around in trees, munching on leaves and taking the occasional slow stroll.

Their pace is so unhurried – just a few metres a day – that algae takes the opportunity to grow on their fur. This acts as a built-in ecosystem as the sloth’s fur is an ideal environment for the algae to grow. The sloth takes advantage of the algae for camouflage and a little bit of yummy nutrition.

So, how can you make the most out of International Sloth Day? Here are a few ideas to help you get your sloth on:

• Sloth film night: Reach slowly for your favourite snacks, sink into a cosy, leafy nest and watch something sloththemed. I’m thinking of Zootopia, Ice Age and a chilled documentary.

• Sloth yoga: Channel your inner sloth with some ultrarelaxed yoga poses. Stretch out slowly and mindfully, embracing the tranquillity of Savasana (corpse pose).

• Sloth crafting: Get your creative juices flowing by making some sloth-related crafts. Sew a sloth-shaped cushion or paint a sloth. Whatever you do, do it slowly.

• Learn some sloth facts: Did you know that sloths can rotate their heads 270 degrees? Or that they only come down from trees to go to the bathroom?

• Hang in a tree: Find a comfy spot in a tree and let yourself unwind in true sloth style. Just keep health and safety in mind.

The International Sloth Day was created by a wildlife organisation called the AIUNAU Foundation. Sloths are rescued, rehabilitated, then released into the wild to roam once more.

On International Sloth Day, it’s time to pause, take a deep breath and embrace the slow life. Whether you fancy lounging around like a sloth in pyjamas or want to enjoy a moment of zen, it’s perfectly okay to slow down every now and then.

By Jessica White

Poem: Remembrance Day

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

Pets Pet Pain – Symptoms and Causes

While you may not be aware of some discomfort in your pet, if their pain is more severe it’s likely there will be some symptoms.

• Changes in breathing: Any difficulty breathing, particularly if you can hear them, panting when they aren’t hot or an irregular respiratory rate.

• Unusual noises: Whining, crying or other sounds you haven’t noticed them making before.

• Sensitivity: Avoiding or flinching from normal touch, or hiding, particularly if it’s somewhere they wouldn’t usually go.

• Irregular movement: Limping, struggling to stand, jump, use stairs, or sitting or walking differently.

• Moving more than usual: Appearing agitated without cause. Pacing or irregular movement patterns.

• Not themselves: Being aggressive, irritable or seeming fearful.

• Appetite: Eating less, losing weight or vomiting.

You will know your pet and their personality, and any behaviour that’s out of character needs to be investigated.

Causes

Injuries and acute pain will be fairly easy to spot. A fractured limb, earache, toothache or an eye infection will present symptoms that don’t come and go.

But it might be that their pain has developed over time. For example, if they have an age-related disease such as arthritis or cancer, they might only show behaviour changes intermittently.

Other than a genuine ‘off-day’ – we all get them – you should consult your vet before it develops into an emergency call.

Travel Discovering Japan

Steeped in ancient tradition, with everything from temples and tranquil countryside to thriving cosmopolitan cities, Japan represents a harmonious balance between old and new. This is a country that has it all, so whether you’re looking to get lost in the dazzling lights of Tokyo or while away your days beneath the cherry blossoms, here’s a breakdown of what not to miss.

Experience the energy of Tokyo

Tokyo is a city that never sleeps. Often coined the ‘Times Square of Japan’, Shibuya is the beating heart of this metropolis. Lose yourself amongst the district’s towering skyscrapers and walk across the famous Shibuya Crossing – a mesmerising spectacle of humanity in motion.

For a taste of tradition visit the city’s Meiji Jingu, a tranquil Shinto shrine nestled within 70 hectares of sprawling forest, or explore the historic Asakusa district, home to the Senso-ji Temple and bustling Nakamise shopping district.

Explore the ancient city of Kyoto

Having served as the country’s imperial capital for over a thousand years, a visit to Japan wouldn’t be complete without exploring the historic city of Kyoto.

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you wander through the city’s treasure trove of temples, shrines and gardens. The Kinkaku-ji Temple (also known as the Golden Pavilion) is not to be missed. Adorned with gold leaf, this ethereal Zen Buddhist temple is surrounded by manicured gardens, designed for practising deep meditation.

Soak up the beauty of Japan’s cherry blossoms

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, hold a special place in Japanese culture, ushering in the arrival of spring and

the beginning of the farming season. So much so that many Japanese even hold parties to celebrate hanami – the practice of watching the blossoms and contemplating life.

Fortunately, there are lots of viewing spots across the country, from late January all the way through to early May. Some of the most renowned are Ueno Park in Tokyo, Maruyama Park in Kyoto or Hirosaki Castle Park in Aomori Prefecture.

Visit Mount Fuji

At 3,776m tall, Mount Fuji, also known as Fuji-san, is the tallest peak in Japan and perhaps its most sacred. Having long been a site of spiritual importance and source of artistic inspiration, it remains an active volcano to this date, with its last eruption dating back to 1707.

Visit Japan during the climbing season (July to September) to hike to the summit. Or, for a more leisurely approach, visit one of the five lakes at the foot of the mountain, where you can capture the reflection of Mount Fuji on the water.

Pay your respects at Hiroshima

While it carries a sombre history on its shoulders as the site of the World War II atomic bombing, Hiroshima has risen from the ashes to become a symbol of resilience and hope. Visit this now thriving city to pay your respects at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which is dedicated to promoting peace and honouring the city’s victims, while offering a glimpse of the indomitable spirit of the Japanese people.

Win a bottle of Champagne courtesy of All Things Local!

Just complete the Sudoku grid above, cut out and post to Sudoku Competition, All Things Local, 74 Woodhouse Road, Kilburn, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 0NA. Closing date Wednesday 11th October 2023. Remember to include a piece of paper with your name, address and contact telephone number. The winner will be notified by telephone initially. Entrants must be aged 18 or over. All entries are destroyed after the closing date and no information is given to any third party.

Recipe Pork, Porcini and Lentil Stroganoff with Braised Rice

Once you have the ingredients prepared, this is a wonderfully quick and easy recipe to make, ideal for both a midweek or special weekend meal.

Serves: 2

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Method: Put the dried mushrooms into a measuring jug and pour in boiling water until it reaches 450ml. Set aside and leave the mushrooms to rehydrate.

Preheat the oven to 180°C / fan 160°C / gas mark 4.

Ingredients:

• 25g dried porcini mushrooms

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, finely sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed or peeled and grated

• Pinch of cayenne pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• 300g pork fillet, cut into slim strips

• 1 x 400g tin brown lentils, drained

• 2 x Cooks&Co Roasted Red Peppers, cut into thin strips

• 80g baby spinach leaves

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 200ml sour cream

• Flaked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the rice

• 40g butter

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 bay leaf

• 250g basmati rice

• 500ml chicken stock

Recipe created by celebrity chef Jo Pratt in partnership with Cooks&Co. For more recipe inspiration, visit cooksandco.co.uk.

For the rice, melt the butter in a heavy-based braising casserole dish with a lid. Add the onion and bay leaf and cook gently for about 10 minutes, until the onion has softened but not coloured. Stir in the rice. Once it is coated in the butter, pour in the stock, increase the heat, bring to the boil and cover with the lid. Put in the oven and cook for 20 minutes without removing the lid. Once cooked, remove from the oven and leave to stand for about 5 minutes to continue to absorb any moisture in the pan.

Meanwhile, make the stroganoff. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and cook the onion for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, cayenne pepper and paprika. Cook for about 30 seconds. Increase the heat, add the pork and stir-fry for a couple of minutes until the pork is starting to cook through.

Stir in the lentils, roasted red peppers, and the soaked porcini mushrooms and all the liquid. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the spinach, a little at a time, and stir until wilted. Finally, stir in the Dijon mustard and sour cream, and season with salt and pepper.

Remove the lid from the rice pan, run a fork through the rice to separate the grains and serve alongside the stroganoff.

Celebrate with us for a Christmas to remember

Enjoy the perfect Christmas this year at Horsley Lodge. From a well-deserved delicious Christmas meal for all your work colleagues to a magical treat for the children, we can cater for your every need.

FESTIVE DINING at Horsley

For your festive family get together or just celebrating with colleagues or friends, our festive menus have a feast for every occasion

HOLLYWOOD PARTY NIGHTS

Party like a movie star as you pose for photos, sip your festive fizz and stroll down the red carpet as we bring you the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA

With views of the picturesque golf course and crisp frosty meadows beyond, get together with friends or family with a Festive Vintage Afternoon Tea.

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH with Santa

Treat your little ones to a delicious festive breakfast or brunch with Santa and a gift for all children on the nice list.

Beer: Shandy & Radler

The mere mention of shandy and I’m sure you are reminded of the malty sweet ‘Shandy Bass’ drink, which contained no less than 8% Bass beer.

The original name for shandy however, was shandygaff, which referred to a beer mixed with ginger beer or ginger ale. Traditionally, shandy was a mixture of beer and lemonade, with the ratio of beer to lemonade varying depending on personal preference. A more recent trend is where the lemonade is substituted with other citrusy sodas, such as lemon-lime soda or grapefruit soda. Some people even add a splash of fruit juice to their shandy, for an extra kick.

A versatile drink that can be made with different types of beer, the popular choices are to use lagers or pilsners, while others opt for ales or stouts.

Word on Wine

While stocking up at the local supermarket, I came across an interesting wine. It was a white Malbec Reserve 2022 from Argentina made by Trivento Bodegas y Viñedos S.A.

Malbec is a black grape variety, once popular in Bordeaux, but now widely grown in Argentina and other South American countries. Malbec from this region is best known as a robust and fruity red wine.

The vineyard name, Trivento, comes from the three winds that blow around Argentina: Polar, Zonda and Sudestada. It was founded by the Vina Concha Y Toro group in 1996 and has created a portfolio of wines distinguished for preserving the characters of the Mendozan terroir. The vineyard is in the eastern foothills of the Andes, in the shadow of Mount Aconcagua, with vines planted on average 600 > 1100 m above sea level.

By lightly pressing, they have managed to create a clear white wine from these red grapes, in the same way that French winemakers make Champagne from red grapes. The winemaker, Maximilliano Ortiz, has retained all the red fruit aromas of cherry and raspberries, with notes of green apples and fresh citrus acidity on the palate. Fermentation is carried

In Germany, the name for shandy is ‘radler’ and what we are seeing here in the UK is a trend to release radlers as a beer in most breweries’ seasonal range.

Newbarns – Radler Shandy

A 2%, unfiltered lager base infused with Sicilian lemon, blood orange and Seville orange from Square Root Soda in London.

Abbeydale – Unbeliever (Lemon Radler)

Packed with oodles of lemons for a citrussy bite in the finish, it’s light, refreshing and crushable. 2.8%.

Exale – Chrono

Pineapple and mango Radler, 2.5%. Light, tropical and super easy drinking.

Paulaner – Lemon Radler

Super refreshing light beer with natural lemon, orange & lime juice. 2.5%.

By Sean McKeown Twitter: @belperbeerclub

out in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine is produced and bottled in Mendoza by Trivento Bodegas y Viñedos S.A. It can be drunk now or will keep for up to 2 years.

Technical Details

Grapes: 100% Malbec.

Appearance: Clear with a light lemon / yellow tint.

Nose / Aroma: Cherry and raspberries.

Taste: Green apple with fresh citrus finish. Alcohol by Volume: 10.5%

Food Match: Fish dishes, salads or just on its own.

Available from: Sainsbury, Tesco, Asda and Coop stores. Currently, prices vary between £6.50 - £8.50 per bottle.

For more information, visit the Trivento website www.trivento.com.

If you like wine and would like to learn more, please visit our website www.kilburnwinecircle.weebly.com for our programme.

By David Savidge, Kilburn Wine Circle

“Shiatsu is a physical therapy that supports and strengthens the body's natural ability to heal and balance itself. It works on the whole person - not just with the physical body, but also with the psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects of being.” (Shiatsu Society 2023)

Treatment Benefits

• Deeply relaxing • Helps aid sleep

• Relieves tension and stress • Provides long term benefits and preventative care

Alan Hatton-Perkins MrSS

Shiatsu Shin Tai Diploma • Zen Shiatsu Diploma

Located in Belper

Tel: 07450 065275

www.shiatsuhealing.space

info@shiatsuhealing.space

Registered and Insured Professional Practitioner

YOGA AND PILATES STUDIO

Yoga Classes Yoga Classes

Pilates Classes Pilates Classes

Beginners Classes Beginners Classes

Pre and Postnatal Classes

Pre and Postnatal Classes

Yoga for Children Yoga for Children

Stretch Classes

Stretch Classes

Tai Chi Classes Tai Chi Classes

Yoga Workshops & Courses Yoga Workshops & Courses

THE OLD LIBRARY, THE OLD LIBRARY, BRIDGE STREET, BELPER BRIDGE STREET, BELPER

Fitness Matters

The Hot Topic: Menopause

The period of time when a woman’s hormones are fluctuating and your body is transitioning towards menopause is known as ‘perimenopause’ and has various symptoms:

Menstrual Changes: Your cycle may become shorter, lighter, longer, heavier, or vary each month. Spotting or irregular periods are likely.

Night Sweats: It’s common to wake up with sweaty pyjamas or sheets.

Hot Flashes/Flushes: You may feel random and unexpected surges of heat in your chest or face.

Changes in Sleep Patterns: Many have trouble sleeping and experience insomnia.

Changes in Mood. You may feel depressed or irritable for no explained reason.

Weight Gain. When your oestrogen is out of control, you may notice weight gain. It’s important to note that HRT does not cause weight gain, it is your body’s hormones.

Difficulty Concentrating. Many experience problems focusing at this time of transition.

Headaches. Fluctuating hormones can cause headaches or migraines.

Joint Discomfort. As oestrogen drops, joints may feel stiff and achy. This is when women are often misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia, especially if you’re showing no other menopause signs/symptoms.

Perimenopause can last for up to ten years so often women aren’t aware it’s happening; understanding and recognising the symptoms means you can get help earlier.

Menopause is the point when you have not had a period for 12 months so it is something that you can only know in retrospect. You may still have all the same symptoms as before; they don’t just stop as soon as you hit the menopause. Each person is different, which I think this is the most frustrating part.

Menopause isn’t just a rough time for women – it’s also hard for the men who love them. If your spouse or partner is in the throes of ‘the change’, symptoms will probably affect you and your relationship. Often men feel like they are stepping on egg shells, although I have to admit I really didn’t think about how my moods were affecting my husband as I couldn’t even get my head round how they were affecting me!

There are many things you can try to help you with the symptoms, from HRT to exercise and eating healthily, but there is no magic potion that will miraculously make it all better; what works for one person might not work for another. Information is key – read, research and try things yourself. Talking to friends or professionals really helps. Be assured: there is light at the end of the tunnel.

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

Hatton Boxing

Fitness Classes

A fantastic class to help get you fit while having fun!

Suitable for all fitness levels

Tuesday 7.30pm

Thursday 7.30pm

Booking is essential as places are limited

• Over the years I have competed in various amateur sports to a high standard, including 24 hour endurance running to cross training events.

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Strictly by appointment only. All measures possible will be taken to protect the safety of our patients with the guidelines provided.

Derbyshire Walking:

Greasley and Moorgreen Reservoir from Eastwood

Distance: 5.9 miles / 9.6 km

Ascent: 400 feet / 121 metres

Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Grade: Easy

Author: Lou Johnson

Photographer: Garth Newton

Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer 260

Start: Car park at Colliers Wood Nature Reserve (grid ref. SK480480)

Just over the border in our neighbouring county of Nottinghamshire, the town of Eastwood and the surrounding area has many associations with the author D H Lawrence. This walk explores the countryside to the east of the town and uses paths and tracks that are generally well trodden. The start is the small car park at Colliers Wood Nature Reserve (grid ref. SK480480).

The Route

1. After parking turn right (east) out of the parking area and follow the clear path. After 300 metres turn right and walk south-west again on a clear well-surfaced path.

2. After 500 metres (grid ref. SK479475) turn left onto a path. This path follows the field boundary on your immediate left, does a left-right dogleg and continues as an enclosed path to the B6010.

3. Turn left and, in less than 100 metres, turn right onto a signed path to Greasley. Reaching the Parish Church, bear left to the B600 (grid ref. SK489472).

4. Turn right along the B600 and just after the driveway to a large house on the left, take the footpath on the left (grid ref. SK491471). The path crosses fields and, after just over a mile, reaches a road just north of Brookbreasting Farm (grid ref. SK500483).

5. Turn left (north) along this road to reach a small parking area on the right (grid ref. SK498488). Note this can be used as an alternative starting point for this walk.

6. Turn right here onto a clear path/track running along the right-hand side of a field to reach the M1. Stay on the clear path/track as it parallels the motorway before entering woodland. Continue through the woodland following the waymarked path to reach a clear track

along the northern edge of the woodland (grid ref. SK496499).

7. Turn left on the clear tarmac track and follow the northern perimeter of the woodland. Just before Felley Mill (grid ref. SK486499) go left and follow the track heading south through High Park Wood, with Moorgreen Reservoir on your right. This track leads out onto the B600 at Beauvale Lodge (grid ref. SK481485).

8. Bear left along the B600, taking care, and at the first junction reached after 300 metres, turn right and the car park used at the start is a short way down this road on your left.

Walk supplied by Walking Britain (no. 2823). For GPS file or other walks visit www.walkingbritain.co.uk.

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

Motoring The Best Cars for a Range of Different Lifestyles

Having the right car for your lifestyle and needs should never be underestimated, and thanks to the sheer variety of new cars on offer, there’s highly likely to be a suitable car. We’ve picked out some of the more popular lifestyles and recommended the best cars for the job.

Golfing – Mercedes

E-Class Estate

Maximum boot space is the top priority for golf and it’s hard to beat the Mercedes E-Class Estate, which boasts a huge 640 litres of boot space.

That’s enough for several golf bags and trollies, while a flat, low loading bay makes for easy access. The E-Class’s supreme long-distance comfort also makes it ideal for golfing holidays. Though a new generation E-Class is arriving shortly, there’s still a lot going for this outgoing car.

Cycling – Ford Transit Custom Trail

If you want a vehicle to go biking with, it’s hard to beat a van. One of the best choices is Ford’s Transit Custom Trail, which offers a huge amount of cabin space, and the option of having built-in bike rails. The chunkier looking Trail model boasts a limited-slip differential to maximise traction, ideal for going off the beaten track without needing a 4×4.

Gardening – Honda Jazz

A car that truly excels for this nation of gardeners is the Honda Jazz. It might be a relatively compact car, but the practicality that it offers is superb.

‘Flip-up’ magic seats allow taller plants to be stood upright in the rear footwells, while flat-folding rear seats are ideal for tip runs. The Honda Jazz is packed with safety equipment and has a very efficient hybrid system.

Off-roading – Jeep Wrangler

There’s a network of legal off-road trails (‘green lanes’)

across the UK that let you explore parts of the country in an entirely different way, and 4x4s don’t get much more capable than the Jeep Wrangler.

It’s equipped with features to maximise its capability and, with a host of personalisation options, the Wrangler is a vehicle like no other on sale today.

Dog walking – Skoda Superb Estate

If you need a more suitable ‘dog’ car, we highly recommend the Skoda Superb Estate. With a huge 660-litre boot, there’s room for a couple of large dogs, while a low load lip makes access easier. Skoda also offers a dedicated ‘Pet Pack’ for its range of cars, including a dog guard, rear bumper protector and a double-sided boot mat.

Camping – Land Rover Defender

Camping is increasingly popular and an option requiring less effort is a roof tent. One of the best comes from Autohome, which through a partnership with Land Rover offers a bespoke roof tent for its rugged and hugely capable Defender, at a cost of £3,775.

Surfing – Volkswagen ID.Buzz

Volkswagen’s vans –especially the Transporter –have long been the choice of vehicle for surfers, and we reckon the ID.Buzz is now a great option.

This funky electric MPV (or van, if you choose the Cargo model) is a modern interpretation of the classic T1, and has a vast amount of space ideal for surfboards, wetsuits, etc. A claimed range of 258 miles provides scope to head further afield.

Short Story For the Sake of the Cat

“Dean, act natural, I’m going to pass you something through the hedge.”

Dean had been minding his own business pruning the privet, wondering what the terrible smell from next door was, when a sausage on a barbecue fork appeared through the branches.

“Would you say it’s nearly done?” his neighbour Jeremy whispered from the other side.

“Not even close. What are you doing over there? You’ve been at it for an hour.”

“Priorities, mate. Priorities. Stacy’s invited her cousin Mandy over and I volunteered to do a barbecue.”

“Not THE Mandy?”

“The one and only. They’ve just started on their second bottle of prosecco.”

Stacy’s voice called from the house, “Jez, have you seen my Dirty Dancing DVD?”

“No, love,” Jeremy called back. “Not seen it.” It was never a dull moment living next door to Jeremy and Stacy, but when Mandy arrived, things got wild. The last time she’d visited the girls convinced themselves they could recreate the famous Dirty Dancing lift scene. There had been hoots of laughter followed by a crash that sent the coffee table flying onto the patio, after which the cat refused to come out from behind the fridge for a fortnight. If Stacy was looking for the DVD it could only mean one thing. “Hang on,” Jeremy whispered, “didn’t you borrow Stacy’s DVD?”

“Certainly not. Can’t you just bung the sausages in the oven?”

“And do the walk of shame? No, thanks. Don’t suppose your oven’s available? Tell you what”, he continued, “why don’t I pass the sausages under the hedge? You finish them off in your oven and pass them back.”

Dean had some sympathy for Jeremy. Doing a barbecue was a skill not all men were born to. By the smell, he’d guess Jeremy had only succeeded in melting his spatula. “Alright,” he sighed.

“Wait, we’ve got incoming.”

Dean heard Stacy’s familiar footsteps.

“Are you chatting to Dean while me and Mand are inside starving?”

“No, Stace. Talking to myself.”

Dean found himself in the peculiar situation of having to pretend he wasn’t in his own garden, holding a plate of someone else’s sausages.

“How’s them bangers?”

“Nearly there.”

“Let’s have a look.”

“Got to keep the lid shut, the wind keeps blowing the coals out.”

“How long will they be?”

“Five minutes.”

Dean coughed discreetly.

“Maybe ten minutes.”

“I’m still looking for Dirty Dancing, are you sure you haven’t seen it?”

“I’ve just remembered – Dean borrowed it.” Dean’s ears pricked up.

“I’ll go and ask him for it then.”

“You can’t, he’s away for the weekend.”

Dean heard Stacy sigh and walk off. Not only was he holding her sausages, he absolutely didn’t have her DVD, and now he was going to have to hide in his own house for the next 48 hours. Jeremy had completely stitched him up.

“What’s really cooking on the barbecue, Jez?”

Dean asked flatly. “It’s the DVD, isn’t it?”

“Priorities mate, it’s all about priorities. We’re doing this for the sake of the cat.”

By Jackie Brewster

Top Quality Painter

& Decorator

Reasons to choose me:

◘ I am experienced in ALL ASPECTS of painting and decorating and am HAPPY TO GIVE ADVICE.

◘ I can carry out all of your INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR decorating needs - domestic, commercial or industrial.

◘ I offer a CLEAN and RELIABLE service which is why people RECOMMEND ME.

◘ I employ an experienced FEMALE decorator to offer PEACE OF MIND in certain situations

◘ I’ve been established SINCE 1986 so you can be rest assured of a PROFESSIONAL JOB.

◘ I CARE about my customers and RESPECT their property

◘ I offer a friendly FREE estimate with NO OBLIGATION

WHY CHOOSE HOLTAMS?...

• Best value for money • Free design and planning service

• Quality 18mm colour co-ordinated cabinets

• Extensive door styles to choose from

• Granite, solid surface and laminate worktops

• Latest CAD 3D design software • No pressure selling

• Large car park • Experienced friendly designers

AUTUMN SALE

Choose from the following:

Option 1

Slide & Hide Oven for £99*

Option 2

Range Cooker £99*

Option 3

USA Fridge/Freezer £99*

Option 4

Quooker boiling tap £99*

Option 5

£1000 towards Granite, Quartz or Corian Kitchen top*

*Offer ends 30th November or whilst stocks last. Book early to avoid disappointment. Ask in-store for details. (minimum spend applies)

From our family to yours

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

‘A trusted family business built on a solid reputation’

BEDROOM SALE NOW ON

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

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

These beautiful new roofs will flood your home with natural light and bring your home a new contemporary feel. There’s excellent energy efficiency too, not to mention a wide choice of colours.

NEW scan our QR CODE for our full range of composite doors

Book Reviews

Murder, Mystery and Suspense

This autumn, why not settle down with a spine-chilling tale of murder, mystery and more, perfect for cold days and dark nights?

Murder on the Dance Floor

Shirley Ballas

The first novel in the sensational ‘The Sequin Mysteries’ series, from world-renowned dancer and Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas. Behind the sequins and sparkle of Blackpool Tower Ballroom’s famous Dance Festival, the competition is about to turn deadly…

Out 26th October – available for pre-order

Dead Man’s Grave

Neil Lancaster

Fast-paced, compelling and deeply authentic, this thriller sees Detectives Max Craigie and Janie Calder turn against their closest colleagues in the Scottish Police Service to solve a case that could cost them far more than just their lives.

outsiders – or young women who speak their mind.

Just Between Us

Adele Parks

Lost. Missing. Murdered? How do you find a woman who didn’t exist? Kylie Gillingham’s disappearance has gripped the nation: the woman with a shocking secret – married to two men at the same time – is missing, presumed dead. And both her husbands are suspects…

The Invited

Jennifer

McMahon

A chilling ghost story with a twist. Helen and Nate begin the ultimate, aspirational do-it-yourself project: building the house of their dreams. But, as the project progresses, the house will become a place of menace and unfinished business: a new home, now haunted, that beckons its owners and their neighbours toward unimaginable danger.

How To Sell a Haunted House

Grady Hendrix

Death at the Dolphin

Gretta Mulrooney

London, VE Day, 1945. Daisy is at a crossroads. Racked with guilt over her mother’s tragic death, she needs a job and somewhere to live. She’s offered a lifeline, working at the Dolphin Hotel in a quiet village. However, the villagers aren’t keen on

When Louise finds out her parents have died, she dreads going home. She doesn’t want to deal with her brother, Mark, but she’ll need his help to get the house ready for sale – but some houses don’t want to be sold, and their home has other plans for both of them.

Dear Sir / Madam,

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

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

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

• There are no “viewings” - with lots of people visiting your home, invading your privacy

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

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

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

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

• Find out more visit www.wedoproperty.co.uk

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

If you would like to sell your house quickly? If you are keen to sell within a month with no hassle from agents charging you fees, viewings that waste your time and buyers offering and then backing out, then I can definitely help

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

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

Amanda

Amanda Doyle, Ethical, Local Property Investor

Quote the code below when you call and I will pay you £250 cash in advance if you decide to sell ATL250

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

P.P.S Don’t delay take advantage of my special offer accept my offer before the end of the month and I can start paying your mortgage for you IMMEDIATELY! Don’t miss out, CALL NOW on 01332 289572 RIGHT NOW!

Introducing the new Hybrid range of Wood Burning and Pellet stoves from Piazzetta. Hand finished majolica ceramics boasting beautiful colours, constructed to the highest standard with amazing attention to detail.

These stoves are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also boast high efficiency ratings, ensuring that you get the most heat output with minimal wood/pellet consumption. This superb Piazzetta range is available to view now in our extensive showroom.

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

Gardening Late-flowering Joy to Lift the Spirits

Daylight hours during October are shorter than the hours of darkness and this trend will continue for the next few weeks. However, the time of year doesn’t need to fill you with gloom. You can fill your garden with plants that bring zest and vigour, in the form of flowers and colour to provide a visual feast.

Perennials that perform in autumn

Perennials can surprise us the most at this time of year, often giving more in the way of flowers than we have experienced during midsummer when the bright sun and dry soil can create challenges. Some naturally save their burst of colour until late in the season.

Asters

Asters are a diverse family, also known as Michaelmas daisies, but now classed as Symphyotrichum. They come in an astonishing range of sizes, from just 10cm through to 2m tall. The colour palette is equally as impressive, from white and pink through to the darkest purple and even red.

Japanese Anemones

Despite their common name, Japanese anemones mainly originate from China. They begin flowering right at the end of summer and continue until the first frosts. They love sunshine and part-shade and send up white or pink flowers held on tall, wiry stems that rise high above the foliage. Perfect for the back of the border, they will reward you by gradually spreading outwards to form a magnificent clump ready to delight every autumn.

Nerines

Often known as Guernsey lilies, although not strictly a member of the lily family, nerines are hardy perennials originating from South Africa. They love the sunshine and need a south-facing position, where they will brighten up autumn days by sending up strong, pink, lily-like flowers in delightful clumps of joy.

Rudbeckia

To bring the colour of sunshine into any planting scheme, never underestimate the delightful charms of rudbeckia, also known as black-eyed Susan. They produce bright yellow, dazzling flowers with a dark centre from July through to the first frosts, getting better and brighter as the autumn progresses. They look magnificent when planted through ornamental grasses, which are also looking stunning in October and beyond.

Helianthus

Helianthus are also stars of the October garden. Not all sunflowers are the single-stemmed giants that children love to grow! The perennial variety, which can grow in a drift reaching 2m tall, brings a long-lasting splash of sunshine throughout the autumn. Bees also appreciate this rich source of nectar late in the season and, once again, they look wonderful next to grasses.

Penstemon

Penstemon, sometimes known as beardtongue, are cottage-garden favourites that can bloom for an impressive six months of the year. They happily flower right through October, if frosts stay away. Keep deadheading the tubular flowers, which range in colour from blues to purples and pale pinks and enjoy watching bees escape from the weather into the safety of the bell-shaped blooms where they can feast on nectar. Don’t be tempted to prune once colder weather has arrived, however, as they need the protection of their foliage over the winter.

By Caroline Knight

Parenting

What to Do If You Think Your Child Is Being Bullied

While we all like to think that our child will tell us if something is wrong, there are lots of reasons they might keep quiet about being bullied. They may feel ashamed, or worried that you’ll be disappointed in them. They may have been threatened to keep quiet. Or, they could be concerned about what you’ll do. You can’t rely on your child to tell you in words what’s happening, but you can look for any signs, such as:

• A reluctance to attend school.

• Acting more withdrawn, anxious or moody.

• Clothing becoming torn or dirty more frequently.

• Items going missing.

• An increase in bruises or scratches.

The above signs may not indicate bullying. But if you are concerned, talk to your child. Try to choose a time when neither of you need to do anything else, when you’re both well-rested, well-fed and in a good mood. Your child may find it easier if just one parent talks to them to start with, so they don’t feel outnumbered.

What should I do?

The key thing is to listen to your child, take their concerns seriously and make sure they know the bullying is not their fault. Comments such as ‘You need to learn to stand up for yourself,’ will not help your child, but may mean they don’t trust you to help them in the future. Your child also shouldn’t be expected to change their appearance, hobbies or interests to placate a bully.

It’s certainly tempting to go into the school ‘all guns blazing’. You will need to speak to the school, but try to do it calmly and in private. Speak to your child’s teacher or form tutor first, but if you’re not happy with the response make an appointment with the head of year or head teacher. You’ll want to be able to give details of the bullying, ideally including times, dates and names, if your child will provide them. All

schools should have an anti-bullying policy, so ask to see it. You may want to ask for a written response, detailing how the school plans to address the bullying.

Most schools should work with you to improve the situation, but if you don’t feel that your concerns are being taken seriously, you may need to take the matter further, to the Chair of Governors, or the police.

What if my child is being bullied through their phone?

Home should be a safe haven, but with the advent of mobile phones and social media, bullying can go on around the clock. Cyberbullying includes texts and phone calls, the sharing of photos, social media comments and more. It’s best not to respond to any messages, but do save them, or take screenshots as proof. Your child could block the number of the bully, and unfollow or unfriend them. You can also speak to the phone service provider’s malicious calls team, or the social network itself. If the bullying is being done by someone at your child’s school, make an appointment to speak to a teacher. The school should be able to offer support, even when the bullying is taking place off school grounds. Threats of violence may need reporting to the police.

Where can I go for advice?

There are several websites and helplines that can offer both you and your child support and advice. These include:

www.childline.org.uk / 0800 1111

www.bullybusters.org.uk / 0800 169 6928

www.familylives.org.uk / 0808 800 2222

By Kate Duggan

Belper School

This issue, as Halloween approaches, Belper School pupil Gracie Martin has written a horror story… brace yourselves for this excellent but scary work of fiction!

“Go home then,” Mr Reed grunted from behind the counter of the butchers’ shop. I nodded, reaching for the knot at the back of my apron.

Like every day before, I slowly put it on the rusted metal hanger. Today though, something else caught my eye. A rough and revolting silhouette grew from the shadows in the corner of my vision. I felt its eyes staring down upon me. Its breath was a treacherous plague that filled my senses with horror and regret.

I turned to confront the beast, but it vanished. Had it ever been there? Had I really seen something?

Confusion filtered into me, doubts and fears filled with ideas of the supernatural. Whatever creature had presented itself was of a horrifying breed; one that wasn’t meant to be ever seen under the sun. Shaking off the feeling, I grabbed my keys and whisked myself out of the building, keen to get home to my tea.

Outside the shop, the cobbled streets were unwelcoming and cold. Puddles scattered themselves along the street, reflecting the clouded night sky. The moon cast a dewy glow onto the city, guiding me when the street lamps couldn’t.

My bike leant against a bollard opposite the store, ready to ride home. I clutched onto the handles, hoisting myself onto the seat. It wobbled slightly, but once I began pedalling, the rusted machine propelled itself through the streets. I felt every bump in the road; the tyres were so deflated I could hear the scraping of the frame against the floor.

Suddenly, the dark beast appeared before me, sending me plummeting off the bicycle. My face smashed into the floor, making my ears ring and my head buzz. Gingerly, carefully, I lifted my face from the floor to stare up at it. It wasn’t there. Once again, it had vanished. Rising to my feet, wobbling slightly, I spun my head around, frantically searching for the figure in the dark.

I ran, my head spinning, running through the streets, not caring where I was or who I found.

Exhausted, I stopped. To my left, a dark house towered above me. Windows were dark voids, replacing the

glossy glass that would have been there. Dark, menacing ivy trailed across the building, making the brickwork invisible beneath. Twisted iron gates blocked my view of the rest of the structure.

Hissss…

“What is that?” I wondered, the images of that creature reappearing in my head.

“Who’s there?” I called, my voice shaking from within my throat.

Hissss….

It was here.

The creature stood before me. It had white, patchy skin that I could see right through. Its mouth was lined with etches of scratches. A scar traced itself throughout the creature’s face. It had a pungent smell of metal and rotting meat. It wore no clothes, but had no need to. Its body was a smooth plane of flesh. Its ribs stuck out, leaving the skin below dangling off.

Hissss…

I saw its sharp teeth within its mouth. All of them took the form of canines.

It pounced on me suddenly, like a vicious predator. I could feel it clawing at me as if I was nothing but a slab of meat.

Sharp pains shot from my wounds, leaving me helpless.

A final hissss….

Then darkness. No breath. Lifeless.

By Gracie Martin Year 9 pupil, Belper School (Year

8

at the time of writing)

Did you hear about the twin witches?

You can’t tell which witch is which.

What’s a vampire’s favourite fruit?

Neck-tarines.

A bank robber witch escaped on her broomstick. She made a clean getaway.

Studies reveal that people born in the autumn are more likely to reach 100 years old.

Match up all the emoji pairs and find which one doesn’t have a twin.

ACORN

BRISK

CRISP

CONKER

GOLDEN

LEAVES

ORANGE

SEASON

SPOOKY

HARVEST

OCTOBER

SWEATER

HIBERNATE

The Diary of a Local Mum Methods of Communication

We all know the importance of communicating with our kids, or trying to, at least. It’s vital that they always feel they can speak to us about the big things and the little things.

We should keep the lines of communication open, being there to listen or talk with them when they need us. Communicating with children from a young age not only helps them to develop their own communication skills but it can help to build their confidence and self-esteem, and allow them to feel heard and understood. Yep, communicating with children is vital … but crikey, they don’t always make it easy for us!

From the first moment they enter the world, trying to ascertain what they’re telling us becomes a guessing game and, little do we know it, it’s a game we’ll be playing for the next couple of decades, at least!

Without language to rely on, babies – as we know all too well – communicate by crying. After a while, you’re able to slightly distinguish some of these cries and you can confidently say: ‘Oh, that’s a hunger cry!’ or ‘They’re tired.’ Of course, it’s not always quite so clear cut (if only!). Some cries just go on, and on, and on for seemingly no reason whatsoever and you’ve no clue what your squawking little bundle is trying to tell you. It’s incredibly frustrating for everyone.

Then, your baby starts to learn a few words and you can proudly announce ‘Yes! I know what you want!’. While for the majority of the time you become adept at interpreting some, let’s face it, quite questionable pronunciations (as if you’re learning a whole new individual language), some of these don’t sound anything like words you might recognise. Even with contextual clues and hysterical pointing, you can be left drawing a total blank while your toddler grows increasingly frustrated about your lack of understanding. Cue paddy from the toddler, while you’re left frantically trying to work out what’s just kicked off!

As children get older, their vocabulary increases exponentially but, paradoxically, they gradually begin

to use fewer words to communicate! As a parent, you become adept at reading other clues like body language or behaviour to work out what’s going on. Whilst sitting down and having a face-to-face conversation isn’t always easy, we have to find ways of extricating information from tweens and teens on a level that they’re comfortable with. This can result in some strange scenarios where you’re communicating via message or social media with someone who’s actually just a few feet away from you!

Now, the rules of communicating via phone, message or social media with your own children are very long, complex, and continually shifting –and woe betide any parent who breaks these mysterious and unwritten rules! You must be available to respond at any given moment, on their terms, but if you deem to initiate contact you should be prepared for a response within 7-10 business days (or never). The platform you choose to communicate on – usually Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp (text messaging is for oldies) – is entirely determined by what you’re asking but the communication should NEVER be public without prior authorisation (which may be withdrawn at any given moment).

You should also always be prepared for communication to cease entirely, mid-conversation, for no apparent reason despite the fact that you can SEE the phone is still in their hand. Actual phone calls are a no-go unless it’s an absolute emergency and, even then, they may well go unanswered. Phone calls to you, however, should be answered immediately but if you have 47 missed calls, do not fear the worst – it may just be an enquiry about what’s for tea rather than a life-threatening situation.

However, there are things that technology can’t replace and, sometimes, communication isn’t just about what’s said. If all else fails, at any age, you can often convey much more than words can express with a good old-fashioned hug (if you’re allowed, of course!).

By Helen Young

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.

Local History

Belper People of the Past: Dr George Alexander Heyworth and Emilie Marie Koop

The Hollies on Bridge Street is a house well known to local people because until recently it housed our library, but before that it had been the home of both doctors and solicitors. It’s a large house on three floors with attic rooms for servants and it even had a butler’s pantry and a ‘dumb waiter’ to lift the food from the kitchen to the dining room. It was a house for prosperous Belper citizens.

I discovered the grave of George Alexander Heyworth in Belper Cemetery. He was a medical doctor here in the early twentieth century and both he and his wife have interesting stories.

Born in Rangoon in 1885, Emilie’s parents came from Bremen, Germany. During their time in Burma her father Paul worked as an East India merchant, probably for the British Government which had taken over the East India Company in 1858. In 1891 the family moved to Sydenham in Kent and the following year, with their four children, became naturalised British citizens.

George Alexander Heyworth was born in Liverpool in 1881 and qualified in surgery at Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he excelled at sport and was especially keen on hockey. He and Emilie married in London in 1909 and soon the couple moved to The Hollies on Bridge Street where he set up his medical practice. He was a great supporter of the St John Ambulance and appreciated the valuable work it was doing long before the national health service was set up. His strong Christian faith led him to also work for the church and he was appointed Superintendent of St Peter’s Sunday School.

During the First World War he served in the Royal Army Medical Corps in Belgium and former Mesopotamia (now parts of Iraq, Turkey and Syria). But he must have been at home in 1917 as the Belper News of 3 March describes a ceremony when he was presented with an engraved oak smoking cabinet in recognition of his Belper lectures to promote St John Ambulance.

The couple had five children born over the first twelve years of their marriage: John, Dorothy, Peter, Constance and Alexander. Then, in 1928, when their children were grown up, they did a surprising thing – they set off for a year in China, leaving for Hong Kong from Liverpool on the Blue Star Line. A year later they returned from Shanghai to London. How they spent the year was beyond my limited research resources to discover, so it remains a mystery, but it was most likely to be missionary or medical work.

Tragedy hit the family in 1934 when Dr Heyworth collapsed during a hockey match between Nottingham and Belper. He was taken to hospital in Nottingham but did not recover; he was only 53. His obituary in the Derby Evening Telegraph on 1 October showed the photograph above.

Emilie inherited about £25,000 (a considerable sum in the thirties) from her late husband, to be hers during her lifetime and then to be passed to the children. Emilie decided to sell The Hollies and move to Liverpool where she spent the next few years in comfortable retirement. Eventually, she moved to a flat in Derby. Her great-great grandson James has kindly sent me this photo of Emilie and tells me that the family believes that she died in 1965 but her place of burial is not known, so there is more research to be done.

By Viv Scott

Derby Evening Telegraph obituary and photo

Dr Heyworth’s grave in Belper Cemetery

Emilie Heyworth in Liverpool probably in the 1950s or 1960s

Photo by kind permission of James Heyworth

Bereavement is a time when careful guidance and advice is needed most. Allow our fully trained and professional staff to carry out your wishes to the very highest standard while offering comfort and support.

We offer:

• Modern & Traditional Services

• Private Chapel of Rest

• 24 Hour Personal Service

• Professional, Friendly & Caring Service

• Here to guide you every step of the way

Pre-paid Funeral Plans with

Upbeat: Don’t Leave Burglars in the Dark This Autumn

Darker nights can be a haven for burglars, who can more easily go unnoticed and spot who’s not at home.

Amber Valley continues to be a safe place to live and we’re working hard to keep it that way. But there are things we can all do to make a criminal’s life more difficult.

Burglars prefer not to be seen or heard, so using security lighting, keeping hedges trimmed low and even noisy gravel paths put people off when they’re up to no good. Criminals are normally looking for an easy target, so anything you can do to make your home more secure really helps.

While energy bills have made us all conscious of what we’re using, leaving a low energy light on won’t cost much – but it could save you a lot of hassle in the long run. Dark houses are a dead giveaway, so think about an automatic timer if

you’re often not home until the later in the evening.

Car keys are something to be particularly careful of, since thieves often target them. Make sure they are kept away from cat flaps, letterboxes and downstairs windows so would-be thieves can’t go fishing.

Although sadly there are people out there who look to profit from crime, our communities are full of people looking out for one another too. You can be our eyes and ears – home CCTV and smart doorbells are great tools and often capture things which are useful in our investigations. But the old-fashioned way works as well, so keep an eye out for your neighbours and report anything which doesn’t feel right.

If you see a burglary happening you should call 999 straight away, as there’s a chance we could catch the offender in the act. If it isn’t urgent but you need to report suspicious behaviour, there are lots of ways to do it and you don’t have to call – you can make a report on our website or even social media.

www.derbyshire.police.uk

Community Diary October/November 2023

October:

4th: Belper Historical Society ‘What do we really know about Jedidiah Strutt?’ by Rosemary Annable. 7.30pm, Strutts Community Centre, Derby Road. Members free, visitors £5.

6th: Belper Voices: Victorian Belper in readings & pictures. 6.30pm for 7pm start at No.28 Market Place, Belper DE56 1FZ. £5. Booking essential: 07784 875333/dvmwhseducationtrust@gmail.com

14th: Belper Organ and Keyboard Club concert: Claire Greig. 2pm, Congregational Church, Church Walk, Belper DE56 1DB. £10 admission. Refreshments available. www.belperorganclub.com

19th: Creative Conversations – create, relax, connect – at No.28 Market Place, Belper DE56 1FZ. Free to attend. Book via Eventbrite/Facebook/ 07951 637264/info@createandconnectworkshops.co.uk

27th: Belper Welcome Meal 12-2pm at No.28 Market Place, Belper DE56 1FZ. Soup/bread & pudding, No need to book, pay what you can.

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

28th: Ship of Fools stand-up comedy at No.28 Market Place, Belper DE56 1FZ. 7.30 for 8pm, BYO drinks. £10 book online at www.wegottickets.com. E: shipoffoolscomedy@yahoo.co.uk.

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

November:

1st: Belper Historical Society ‘Everything but the cotton … the industrialisation of Ambergate’, by Steve Hill. 7:30pm, Strutts Community Centre, Derby Road. Members free, visitors £5.

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

16th: Language Soirée 7-9pm at No.28 Market Place, Belper DE56 1FZ. Conversation in a different language at each table. All languages welcome, fluent to beginners. £6 on the door (no booking req’d). BYO drinks & language-themed nibbles.

18th: Christmas Market at Christ Church, The Triangle, Belper DE56 1BA. 11am - 2pm. Stalls for Christmas shopping, raffle, refreshments including turkey cobs & mulled wine. Free admission, all welcome.

22nd: Age UK Derby & Derbyshire Fundraising Fashion Show, 7.30pm at The Stuart Hotel, 119 London Road, Derby DE1 2QR. Tickets £7 incl. glass of wine. Pre-book via email: fundraisingteam@ageukdd.org.uk.

24th: Belper Welcome Meal 12-2pm at No.28 Market Place, Belper DE56 1FZ. Soup/bread & pudding, No need to book, pay what you can.

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

25th: Winter Fayre, St Matthew’s Church, Morley, 10am – 12noon. Stalls, raffles, light refreshments. Admission free. All welcome.

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 2023/January 2024 please email it to helen@allthingslocal.co.uk. Deadline is Wednesday 18th October 2023.

Friendship Blooms

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

All Things Local has joined forces with Beverley Kennedy (pictured) from Floraline, Gregory’s Way in Belper, to offer readers the chance to show their appreciation for a fellow member of the community.

The recipients of this issue’s bouquet are Rhoda and John Mabbott of Belper. Rhoda and John were nominated by Julie Harrison, also of Belper. This is what Julie wrote:

“I would like to nominate a special couple that live on my road, Rhoda and John Mabbott. I got to know them over 3 years ago whilst clapping for the NHS in lockdown. Since then, they got me through cancer treatment by making special handmade cards, flowers and checking on my disabled dad. More recently they have driven me to hospital, done shopping for me and they deliver a newspaper every day. Recently, they came to the rescue when I was attending a family funeral and my dad fell over. After one call they, rounded up neighbours and got my dad up off the floor. They are always there for my dad and I and I am so grateful for our friendship.” Julie

Harrison

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

The only rule is that the person receiving the flowers must live or work in the distribution area of All Things Local Village Edition (listed on front cover). Just write your nomination on a piece of paper and send to Friendship Blooms, All Things Local, 74 Woodhouse Road, Kilburn, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 0NA or e-mail your nomination to 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 18th October 2023.

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

Advertiser Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

W: www.allthingslocal.co.uk

Graphic Design: Digital Bear Design

Printer: Buxton Press Ltd

Deadlines for December 2023 / January 2024 Edition: Advertisement Bookings, Editorials, Cancellations and Copy

Amendments: Wednesday 18th October 2023

New Advertiser Copy: Monday 23rd October 2023

Julie (left) presents the Friendship Blooms bouquet to Rhoda and John.

Beverley Kennedy