Melbourne Life January 2023

Over the last 35 years our love for lawns has grown and grown (just like our grass!). We combine our passion and enthusiasm with innovative technology as we continue to revolutionise UK Lawn Care. Our groundbreaking 12-month Lawn Treatment Programmes, keep your grass looking its best all year round, ensuring your lawn receives the love and attention it deserves.

Men’s Weight Management can support you to gain control of your health by getting mentally and physically fitter.

The fun and free 12-week programme is delivered locally in Leicestershire.

Join interactive group sessions that focus on preparing and eating healthy meals and support you in finding new ways of thinking and getting fitter.

Editor

Vanessa Preece 01530 417739

Email enquiries

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Part of Ashby Life Ltd

Rockleigh House 37 Burton Road Ashby de la Zouch LE65 2LF

Thank you to Brian Winfield – winner of this month’s front cover competition for his image of a snowy Staunton Harold.

Welcome

Welcome to our first issue of 2023. Over on Ashby Life we are celebrating our 200th issue!!! Can you believe that we have some of the same businesses advertising with us who first appeared in the 2005 issues?

www.melbournelifemagazine.co.uk

www.melbournelifemagazine.co.uk

It’s a great way to start the New Year – with a reminder that despite the challenges of the last few years (and those we may face this year) our magazines carry on, stronger than ever, supporting local businesses, organisations and community groups.

Melbourne Life is an independent publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the editor. The use of this magazine for canvassing or direct marketing is strictly prohibited. Information is included on the What’s On and Community Board pages subject to space being available. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, Melbourne Life cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions or endorse companies, products or services appearing in this magazine. All adverts are published in good faith using information supplied by each company, on the understanding that relevant permissions have been obtained.

January is also the month to think about new beginnings and to look ahead. We’re in the lucky position here in the Melbourne Life office of finding out about all the many events which take place in our area. We’ve compiled a list of key local events to put in your 2023 diary and of course each month we will bring you all the latest news and updates. See pages 26 and 27.

I hope you find some inspiration from this month’s contributors and advertisers to try something new. May the new year bless you with health, wealth, and happiness.

Until next time,

Vanessa

It’s a fantastic way to target potential customers and great value for money. See www.melbournelifemagazine.co.uk or call us on 01530 417739 for details.

www.melbournelifemagazine.co.uk

WIN an Escape Room experience for 4 players, together with pizza and a soft drink!

Yew Lodge Hotel in Kegworth has 113 ensuite bedrooms, a stunning swimming pool and spa, an amazing restaurant and not one but two unique escape rooms. It’s the ideal venue for a spot of lunch, a relaxing spa day, a party or even a wedding.

In 2015 Marco’s New York Italian by Marco Pierre White opened at Yew Lodge. It’s all about good Italian/American food in a relaxed setting. This casual dining experience serves lunch, dinner, bar bites, afternoon tea and cocktails. The menu consists of Italian dishes including mouthwatering Italian sharing platters, fresh seafood, homemade pizza and pasta to American favourites such as succulent steaks and burgers.

Whether you’re a fan of escape rooms ready to tackle a new challenge or a complete novice looking to try it for the first time Houdini’s Escape Room Experience at Yew Lodge is an experience not to be missed. There are two rooms to take on – in each, teams of players work together to find hidden clues, crack puzzles, complete exciting challenges and solve the mystery before the time runs out.

In Houdini’s Last Secret you and your friends have been personally invited to the last ever performance of the great escapologist and

illusionist, Harry Houdini. Can you find your way backstage, solve the clues hidden in Houdini’s famous props and uncover the mystery behind Houdini’s disappearance?

You can find out more about Yew Lodge Hotel online at www.yewlodgehotel.co.uk or call 01509 672518 to make a booking in the hotel, restaurant, spa or escape rooms.

WIN, WIN, WIN!

One lucky person could WIN an escape room experience for four players, together with pizza and a soft drink each in Marcos’ New York Italian. To be in with a chance of winning simply email competition@lifemagazines.co.uk with the subject line ‘WIN with Yew Lodge Hotel’ and let us know your name, address and contact telephone number. Be quick as you only have until midnight on Friday 27th January to enter. See www.melbournelifemagazine.co.uk for full terms and conditions.

The winner will be entitled to one escape room experience for four players followed by four pizzas and four soft drinks at Marco’s New York Italian restaurant. The prize will be given as an e-voucher. The prize must be booked within three months of the closing date of 27th January 2023. The winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries. The winners name will be published on our Facebook page. Multiple or automated entries are not allowed. We will not pass your details on to any third party. Terms and conditions apply.

Is your home registered at HM Land Registry? If not we can help!

Do you have the deeds to your home? In a cupboard, in a drawer, in the loft? The deeds to your home are of a huge significance.

If you have the deeds to your home, Fishers can help you to register the deeds for the first time with the H M Land Registry. This is known as a Voluntary First Registration. This process gives many benefits including protection from fraud, and it will be much easier for your family to deal with your property later on.

If this is you and you may be considering leaving your property to family members, by gift or in your Will, or a sale or even equity release, instructing Fishers to undertake a Voluntary First Registration application will ensure that the deeds to your home can never be lost or misplaced, as copies of the titles are held electronically at the Land Registry and can be easily obtained at any time.

Why else could a voluntary First Registration be beneficial to me?

• A title plan is issued to clearly show the land within your ownership

• Registration protects claims from third parties against your home

• The title register will clearly and concisely set

out any rights that affect or benefit your home

• Prevents the need for deeds to be held in a paper format, whilst you retain your original documents

• Provides greater security of title

Nobody knows your home better than you. Should any queries be raised by the Land Registry, who best to answer them than you. Your knowledge and personal use of your home will provide information on the property that nobody else would know, beyond the facts and statements contained in the deeds. It is important your family or loved ones understand every detail about your property if they go to sell it in the future.

Fishers has extensive experience in dealing with first registrations of unregistered land and property – anything from a terraced house to large and complex country estates.

So, consider protecting your home today! Contact Fishers Solicitors to discuss Voluntary First Registration further on 01530 412167. There is no better time as the Land Registry continue to offer a reduced first registration fee for applications submitted on a voluntary basis.

Beth Abbott, Conveyancer

If you have a question for Fishers Solicitors please send it to enquiries@fisherslaw.co.uk your trusted legal advisers

e National Forest teams up with Aardman to help reach 10 million trees!

We are delighted to announce we’re partnering with the award-winning animation studio, Aardman, for three years to continue to create a greener, healthier and more sustainable future. The much-loved Aardman character Shaun the Sheep is back to help the National Forest reach the planting milestone of 10 million trees.

Our partnership launched during National Tree Week with Shaun and his friends promoting our Dedicate a Tree initiative, in a new animation featuring on the National Forest’s and Aardman’s social media channels, with more animations to follow. Aardman’s red squirrel character, Stash also features, representing a positive vision of the future of the National Forest where maturing woodlands can help restore native species.

The partnership highlights the many benefits of tree planting and how it can help to tackle climate change. Trees have always been a catalyst for change here in the National Forest with over 9 million planted in the last 30 years. With the aim to reach a third of the land area as forest we need the public’s support more than ever.

To celebrate the partnership, a 1.5m tall Shaun the Sheep sculpture was in attendance as a native oak tree was planted at Minorca Woods, the youngest woodland in the National Forest. This new woodland was made possible with funding from the government’s Nature for Climate Fund, which enables more trees to be planted, the creation of more green and wooded spaces for people to enjoy, and new wildlife habitats.

tree milestone. We hope this collaboration with Shaun the Sheep will inspire people to support our tree planting initiative, helping mitigate and adapt to a changing climate as well as benefitting biodiversity and communities for years to come.”

Our Dedicate a Tree initiative allows individuals to grow the Forest by donating to help plant a sapling, creating new woodlands including Minorca Woods, that will be with us for generations to come.

If you would like to support the National Forest, help to grow a positive future and give a greener gift this holiday season please visit: www.nationalforest.org

John Everitt, chief executive of the National Forest Company said: “We’re delighted to partner with such a creative and inspiring brand as Aardman, as we work towards our 10 millionth nationalforest.org

Late Christmas Party

Friday 13th January £19.95pp starting at 7.30pm

Wedding Open Evening Thursday 19th January 5.00pm – 8.00pm

Burns Night Dinner Wednesday 25th January £24.95pp Valentines Dinner

Friday 10th, Saturday 11th and Tuesday 14th February £39.95pp

Wedding Fayre Sunday 26th February 11.00am – 4.00pm

Whistlewood Common project’s 10th anniversary

It’s January 2023 and the start of a whole new decade for our project at Whistlewood Common. We are planning some big celebrations this year for our 10th anniversary, starting with a wassailing on Saturday 14th January at 3pm. Join us for clanging pots and pans through the orchard, singing a wassailing song and toasting the orchard trees with burnt toast and cider. It sounds a bit unusual but is a very old tradition to scare bad spirits from the orchard and wake the trees up from their winter sleep. The toast will entice in robins to help to look after the trees, they are the ancient guardians of the orchard. This will make sure we have a bumper crop of apples next harvest. We’re sure all this works and it’s also a good excuse to sit around the fire with a cider, appreciating winters seasonal delights!

We will be planting some apple root stock trees this year so we will be able to graft our own apple trees to sell and share the amazing varieties we have here at Whistlewood. We must have over

50 varieties of apples and we really encourage anyone to plant a tree in their garden if they have space. At Whistlewood you get a chance to find a variety you like and be confident you will be happy with your choice.

if you need a New Year’s resolution how about making a commitment to grow your own food? It’s fun, affordable, tasty, healthy and will help keep you fit and active all year.

Our review of 2022!

2022 has been a challenging time for most small businesses and Melbourne Assembly Rooms (MARs) is no exception. However, as we reach the end of the year, we can report that the venue is in great shape as the board prepare to commit to a 30 year long lease with the South Derbyshire District Council (the landlords of the building) thus securing the long-term future of the community run venture. It will be a challenge but with the continuing backing of our supporters, one which we are more than ready for.

At the recent AGM, Finance Director Blasé Lambert spoke on how MARs had come through Covid and lockdowns successfully. He went on to stress how the board need to look at a greener source of energy for the building particularly in light of the current energy prices. This project will be at the fore of future developments; with the refurbishment of the Shone Lounge this year and the remaining three rooms high on the agenda for an overhaul.

It’s been quite a year for the venue reflected by the attendance figures. From Glam Rock to Folk Rock, from internationally renowned stars to local up and coming bands, they have all appeared on stage this year with great success.

Summing up the year, Manager of MARs who has just completed ten years in charge, Andy Heafield said; “We are fortunate that the community groups who use us are very loyal; our performances go from strength to strength and, as we build a reputation amongst artists and audiences alike, we are in the lucky position of performers wanting to come to us. Can I

also take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year”

MARs is not resting on its laurels, far from it with their organisation of the Big Village Small Town, a 4-day music event in May and a whole host of performances at the Assembly Rooms including live band tributes to Robbie Williams, Glam Rock, the Beach Boys, Steely Dan, the Searchers & Hollies, Madness; original music from Blackbeard’s Tea Party, comedy with George Egg, theatre with Three Acres and a Cow and a screening of the 1926 Alfred Hitchcock silent film The Lodger complete with live accompanying music and that’s just in the first 4 months.

Tickets online from www.ticketsource.co.uk/mccl

Melbourne Assembly Rooms, High Street, Melbourne Derbyshire DE73 8GF 01332 863522 • info@melbourneassemblyrooms.co.uk www.melbourneassemblyrooms.co.uk

Winter Activity in the House

Every year when the house closes over winter, a buzz of activity takes place behind closed doors. It’s a time when the collections team carry out the big winter clean. This entails cleaning and inspecting every room on the visitor route, from the objects themselves to the walls and carpets around them. This keeps the collections team busy until the end of winter, along with carrying out essential repairs.

However, there’s still an opportunity to venture inside the house this winter and see some of this work in action on a behind-the-scenes conservation tour. Expect to learn all about the important work of the collections team and the difficulties the team face in looking after the House, such as their struggles with humidity and pest outbreaks. You’ll also gain inside knowledge about some of Calke’s key collection items and see the house ‘put to bed’, as the collection is concealed with dust covers. This is to protect the objects and furniture from being exposed to unnecessary light or dust and offers you a unique and atmospheric view inside the house.

For those who prefer a tour with a twist, Calke Unlocked tours will also be running, offering a slightly wacky, interactive, fast-paced flavour of the historic House. Along with your tour guides, you’ll whizz around the house uncovering behind-the-scenes snippets, sharing scandalous

secrets and backstories, discovering the weirdest collection items, and exploring the forgotten nooks and crannies of the un-stately home. To find out more information on all of these tours, please visit the Guided Tours web page on our website.

This winter, you’ll also have the chance to walk in the footsteps of the servants on an exclusive tour around the ‘below stairs’. Enter through the West Door and explore rooms and spaces where the servants lived and worked, giving you the opportunity to see areas that aren’t open to general visitors on the visitor route. Learn about their life and listen to stories of the servants themselves. In The Steps of Servants tours will be coming soon, so keep your eyes peeled on the website to find out more.

There’s also the chance to enter the downstairs Family Apartments this winter. We’re working with Derby Embroidery and Textiles Group to put together two displays in the Little Dining Room and Sitting Room around the theme of curiosity. Expect to see a few quirky objects from Calke’s collection, as well as artwork and textiles produced by the Derby Embroidery and Textiles Group for no additional charge.

Main and inset: A tour with a twist @ National Trust/Sally Thearle See the work of the collections team on a conservation tour

@ National Trust/Susan Guy

Winter interest and owers

A garden which still holds interest and looks good at this time of the year is hard to find. There are places where the gardens do still look rather magnificent though. One of the best ones I have been to is Anglesey Abbey, a National Trust property in Cambridgeshire, where there is a large winter garden area open in January which is colourful, scented and structured. Closer to home the Trentham Gardens in Staffordshire are still inspirational at this time of year. Here the combination of neat clipped hedges and vast swathes of ornamental grasses standing proud against a cold blue winter sky is a perfect picture. A rather beautifully placed modern glass walled cafe within the gardens offers a warm viewing spot if you start to feel too chilled.

A striking tree in winter is the Silver Birch. The form of Birch called Betula jacquemontii is clean bright white with the trunk and branches getting whiter and more striking with age. A shock of lipstick red is achieved by groups of Cornus (Dog woods) which look fantastic in the bright low winter sun. Other plants good for winter scent which you could consider using, include the winter flowering honeysuckle with its combination of crisp white and yellow flowers and Sarcococa confusa grown as individual shrubs or hedging in shady areas. A valuable brighter burst of yellow scented flower can be achieved also by growing Mahonia, which also has a strong architectural evergreen leaf.

The flowering plants mentioned here are valuable for wildlife, as the scent of the flowers encourages insects which pollinate over the winter out into the cold air. Also valuable are berries on shrubs and trees, which give a festive decoration and provide food for birds.

Winter interest is also achievable in a small domestic garden. A strong garden structure in the form of a neatly trimmed hedge, particularly an evergreen one, a brick or stone retaining wall and crisply cut lawn edges, all make for focal points transformed into an icy seasonal picture with a hard frost. Choosing a deciduous tree with an attractive pretty bark of cool white or mahogany red will stand out and bring interest in winter months. Similarly, if you have placed a section of pretty trellis, an arbour to sit under or a pergola to walk through it will become even more of a feature at this time of year now the perennial and deciduous plants are dormant.

Plan thoughtfully, and you can have an interesting garden all year round. A symmetrical garden, potentially with classical lines, topiary, architectural pots will all come into their own at this time of year.

Happy gardening.

By local garden designer, Francesca Sinclair

For bespoke contemporary and traditional garden design www.francescasinclair.co.uk 07901 547 360

Later Life Planning – Part 2

Why plan?

Last month we covered some of the areas you might need to consider as we move into older age. This month we are continuing with some more of these areas:

Making a will

If you haven’t already made a will you should definitely see a professional Will Writer. If you have made a will, you should keep it updated as a matter of course, but in later life it becomes even important as it ensures your beneficiaries will inherit your estate according to your exact wishes.If you die without a will, the wrong people may inherit your wealth. It will also take far longer for any beneficiaries to inherit.

Estate planning

When you die, your estate could be subject to inheritance tax (IHT) if it is worth more than the inheritance tax threshold. Currently the tax rate is 40%, however - by planning aheadyou may be able to reduce the amount your family must pay.

You can reduce the size of your taxable estate using various methods such as: Lifetime Gifts; placing capital into Trusts; payments into your pension (as your pension is not subject to IHT) and charitable giving. These are just a few and there are other forms of planning.

You can also take out a life insurance policy to pay any likely IHT bill. It’s vital that you seek the advice of a Financial Adviser who will be able to give you all the help you need with estate planning.

Long term care

Many people will need some form of long-term care in their final years; this may be in a residential home or may simply involve a visiting carer. If you do end up needing long-term care, you may qualify for local authority funding to pay some or even all of your care. If your savings and assets are above a certain level (assessed via a means test), however, then you will have to pay for all your care yourself. This will involve your income being used (e.g. private and state pensions), your investments be used or you selling your home. This is

another area where it’s vital that you seek the advice of a Financial Adviser, who will again be able to give you all the help and advice you need.

With any kind of Financial Planning, estate planning, making a Will, Lasting Powers of Attorney or Long-Term Care planning it is essential that you take the correct advice from a suitably qualified Financial Adviser.

Next month we will conclude this area covering what happens if a close family member should die and what responsibilities fall on their loved ones.

Local Events for 2023

Donington Historic Festival

29th & 30th April

A spectacular weekend of historic races will take place at Donington Park Circuit, Castle Donington. On-track action spans seven decades, from 1920s sports cars to 1980s Touring Cars. Add some quite exceptional sports cars from the 1950s and 60s, glamorous 1960s GT cars and two dedicated races for original factory Group C1 cars – and for this weekend Donington Park becomes a living motorsport museum. For more details head to www.doningtonhistoric.com

Big Village, Small Town 27th, 28th, 29th May New for 2023, the bank holiday weekend in Melbourne will see the launch of this fantastic music event across several venues including Amalfi White, Creative Melbourne Gallery, Melbourne Sporting Partnerships, The Spirit Vaults and more. With national broadcaster Mark Radcliffe as patron of the event and Melbourne Assembly Rooms manager Andy Heafield as manager, the weekend will see a number of ticketed and free events as well as additional ‘fringe-style’ performances. Follow Melbourne Assembly Rooms Facebook page and of course future issues of Melbourne Life for more details as they are released.

Derbyshire Sausage and Cider Festival 22nd – 25th June

The festival returns to Catton Park for its eighth year with an amazing 4 nights of music and family entertainment. Over 50 top tribute acts

and entertainers will be taking to the stage including Young Elton, Killerz, Guns 2 Roses, Little Fix and many more. With over 20 flavoured ciders and a huge selection of food vendors there’s plenty of choice for refreshments. All weekend tickets give you access to the festival across 3 or 4 days. Day tickets will become available when the full line up has been announced. Follow www.facebook.com/ DerbyshireMusicFestival

Melbourne Festival Art & Architecture Trail 16th & 17th September

Timber Festival

7th, 8th, 9th July

Timber Festival is back with another 3 days of music, forests, arts and ideas. Gather with artists, musicians and writers in a joyous celebration of nature. Enjoy for one day or camp for the weekend, the choice is yours. There’s even boutique camping options with Tinker’s Bell Tents. Unplug, walk in among the trees and fall under Timber’s spell. Tickets are on sale now at https:// timberfestival.org. uk/tickets/ with 25% off for anybody who lives in the National Forest.

Eagerly anticipated by 1000’s of dedicated followers this event offers a great opportunity to see work by approximately 150 of the best artists and makers from the East Midlands all in one place. Even after eighteen years the Art & Architecture Trail always brings something new; whether this is new artists, entertainment or venues. The artists exhibit in 70 venues from the Assembly Rooms and Melbourne Hall to private houses and amazing gardens. Save the dates for a great weekend enjoying art for every taste and live music, along with a generous helping of delicious food! Look out for Melbourne Festival on social media or pop into Creative Melbourne Gallery to find out more!

We always recommend you check with the event organiser before you visit to confirm details.

It’s FREE to feature your event on this page or on our website. Please submit your full event details online at www.castledoningtonlife. co.uk/submit-event.html. Deadline for submissions for the February issue is Thursday 12th January. Life Magazines cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. For any queries, please email info@lifemagazines.co.uk

Please mention MELBOURNE LIFE when responding to adverts

Community Board

Soroptimist International, Derby

Happy New Year! Soroptimist International, Derby is part of a global women’s volunteer movement. They meet on the first Thursday of the month at 7pm at the hotel behind The Kings Highway, Kingsway Retail Park, Derby, DE22 3NH. If you would like to make friends with like-minded women, with a social conscience; have fun and work on projects that help improve the lives of women and girls, then please get in touch. Email soropsderby@gmail.com, visit www. sigbi.org/derby or find them on Facebook.

Derby German Group

This group of German speakers both native and non-native, with a shared interest in or a connection to the German language meet for a monthly Kaffee und Kuchen get together on the 2nd Saturday of the month upstairs at The Carnero Lounge on St Peter’s Street, Derby. Other events are organised that have a connection to a German speaking country or the language. You do not need to be a fluent speaker but at least a basic understanding of the language would be helpful. New members always welcome. Wir freuen uns auf Euch! For more info email derbygermangroup@gmail.com or visit derbygermangroup.wordpress.com

Recycle your Old Bikes

Did Santa bring a new bike to your household? Recycle your old and unwanted bikes whilst helping a number of local causes such as Treetops Hospice and the Rotary Club of Long Eaton (who in turn donate to Air Ambulance, Rainbows Hospice, Guide Dogs for the Blind etc). Email Pushbike Paul at pushbikepaul4treetops@ gmail.com He will arrange for the bikes to be collected and a member of his team of volunteers will repair them where possible or use any parts

for future renovations. The bikes are then sold to raise funds as part of this fantastic local scheme.

Gresley Male Voice Choir

Nothing to do or to look forward to after Christmas? Do you like singing or are you looking to return to singing? Why not consider joining Gresley Male Voice Choir? They are on the look out for new members to join their 35 strong choir for 2023. They meet every Friday night at 7pm at Newhall Methodist Church, 21 Chapel Street, Newhall, Swadlincote. To find out more contact Robert, their Public Relations Officer on 07736 932 923 or email pro4gmvc@gmail.com

The Carers Centre – Leics & Rutland

This Leicestershire based charity are a well known local charity, dedicated to supporting unpaid carers across the diverse populations and communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. For over 30 years they have supported thousands of carers who provide vital support to family members or friends in many differing ways. As well as an advice and information helpline they also hold a wide range of social groups and activities for carers to meet and take time out, many via Zoom. For details, follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/TheCarersCentreLLR

Winter Giving Campaign

South Derbyshire Community Voluntary Support (CVS) are currently in need of the following items for their food hub: tinned potatoes, tinned fruits and custard, tinned rice pudding, jams, cereal and long life milk. The food hub is located at Sharpe’s Industrial Estate in Swadlincote. Contact Petra on 07458 305314 for details. Your monetary donations to their winter giving campaign are also enormously appreciated. Donate online at www.justgiving.com/campaign/sdcvswintergiving

Did you know you can put community information on this page free of charge (subject to space)? So, whether you are looking for new members, volunteers or just have some information that you’d like to let local people know about simply email the details over to us at info@lifemagazines.co.uk We’d love to hear from you.

Breedon 2023 Dates & Oral History

January is named after Janus, the two-faced Roman god of gates and transitions. With one face looking to the future and the other to the past, it seems an appropriate time to reflect on the project so far and look forward to this year’s events.

One of the most important activities taking place in 2023 is the collection of oral histories from people with a connection to Breedon church and parish, such as memories of playing on top of the hillside or of a significant event such as weddings or baptisms. We will also collect old photographs of the church and village to form the basis of a heritage archive, please contact breedonheritage@gmail.com if you have memories or photographs you would like to share. If you would like to help collect this material, please get in touch as you would be more than welcome to get involved.

Other key events planned are our ‘Take a Pew’ event around Easter - encouraging visitors to take

a different view of the church - and in July we will be launching our ‘Building Detectives’ trail to help families unravel the mysteries of Breedon’s past. Another important date for the diary is Saturday 2nd September when the hillside will be taken over by a medieval encampment to celebrate the Breedon Wake, traditionally held on this date for centuries. As always, to keep up to date with the latest project news, follow us on Facebook (breedonheritage) and we hope to see you at Breedon very soon!

Happy New Year from Rural Action Derbyshire!

“Derbyshire is a beautiful county, full of contrasts - from the rugged beauty of the Dark Peak to the farming lowlands around the south of the county and the former coalfields to the east.” This message from our CEO Beverley Parker, in our latest Annual Review, sums up what makes rural Derbyshire such a brilliant place: a wide range of people, lifestyles and locations are all part of one connected community.

Whether it’s farmers in Hartshorne or dry-stone wallers in Chatsworth, shopkeepers in Castleton or charity workers in Matlock, we all come together with the same grit and resilience that defines us. In the toughest times, rural people have always stayed strong - through wars, pandemics and economic crises.

This is what we at Rural Action Derbyshire would like to focus on at the start of this new year, which brings fresh opportunities for change, growth and compassion. After a challenging end to 2022, we’re aiming to get on with things in the best way we can. It’s what we do, after all.

So, what will 2023 look like for rural Derbyshire?

Well, we will see community buildings continuing to act as a place for friendship, activities and support for those in need. There are some fantastic projects such as Gussie’s Kitchen in Chesterfield and Footsteps in Whaley Bridge, providing ‘warm spaces’ and free food and drink this winter. Many will also be offering a place for celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III in May.

Of course, we at RAD will work hard to contribute to rural society too, from ramping up our efforts to get more people online - ensuring no-one is left behind in this increasingly digital world - to expanding our network of community pantries to make sure everyone can afford healthy, nutritious food. We will also continue to support those aiming to find work, struggling with their mental health, suffering from domestic abuse or facing costly energy bills. Simply put, we’re here for everyone in countryside communities.

While there is a lot of uncertainty at the moment and the future may look pretty bleak, one thing that rural folk always do is stick together and support each other. It’s what makes rural communities so special.

To get regular updates on how Rural Action Derbyshire is helping people across the county, subscribe to our newsletter at ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk.

Architecture

Making Plans Architecture 17

Arts, Crafts, Gifts, Jewellery & Toys

Ashby Bears 19

Cathy Stephens Jewellery 40 Childcare, Clubs, Schools & Tuition

Repton Prep School 7 Chiropodists

Ashby Chiropody & Podiatry Clinic Ltd 34 Cleaning, Ironing & Laundry Services

Molly Maid 31 Dental Services

Beautiful Dentures 25 Electricians

The Power Couple ......................................... 13

Estate Agents & Housing Cameron Homes 39 Financial Services

Great British Finance 24

Furniture Repairs & Restoration

Hopgood’s Re-Upholstery & Restoration 17

Garden Maintenance

Arctic Cabins Ltd 33

Charnwood Tree Services 32

E D Paving 14

Eden Tree Care & Fencing Ltd 34 & 37

Green Thumb (Ashby) 2 Silvan Tree Specialists ................................... 5

Home & Interiors

Birch Bedrooms Ltd 19

Derby Bed Centre 11

FABCO Interiors 20 & 21

Gliderobes Ltd 28

Hunters Furniture 35

IT Services

Code & Evolve Ltd 17 Kitchen & Bathroom Dream Doors Derby 37 Elite Spray Tech 29

Holme Tree 9 Locksmiths

Hazlewood Locksmiths 19 Plumbing, Heating & Gas Services

Gas Assist Heating and Plumbing 31

Pubs, Restaurants & Hotels

The Priest House Hotel 13 Roofing

RSJ Roofing 34

The Roofing Company (Leicestershire) Ltd 25

Slimming Services

Mens Weight Management 3

Solicitors & Will Writers

Fishers Solicitors 10

Smith Partnership 23 Travel & Holidays

Maple Retreat Holiday Lodge 5 Skills Holidays 15 Windows & Doors

Capital Windows Derby Ltd 38

DESIGN SPACE HOME

A place to come together, beautifully designed, spacious and light, energy efficient, low maintenance.

Endless value in the perfect environment. Sleep well.

cameronhomes.co.uk