Staffordshire Guardian issue 4

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 1.

my What’s On - Page 18 | Education - Page 24

Staffordshire

Weddings 2015

p22

SEE PAGE 5

45p Where Sold

www.staffordshireguardian.co.uk

• • • •

l

Business - Page 26 | Home Improvements - Page 34

Business Training Business Security Auto - Enrolement Employment Law

library card

l

Sports - Page 46

OUR TOP

P26

NTS RESTAURA or

by tripadvis PAGE 21

INSIDE ELECTION RESULTS

P6

MOTORCYCLE SHOW

P16

FIRST TIME BUYERS

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT FOR SHERRY COUNSELLORS

I P34

MAY’S CAR REVIEWS

P42

magine the feeling you get when you are about to go out on stage, guitar in hand, ready to give the screaming crowd exactly what they want. And then there’s nobody there. Except for one extremely unimpressed man, standing by himself, bored and disappointed.

This is exactly what happened to Stoke-on-Trent indie-rock band Sherry Counsellers when they were first starting out. “We once played a gig to one person in a bar who booed us the whole night,” laughs lead vocalist Keith Mellor.

“It had snowed and nobody could get to the venue, but we struggled through like the professionals we are and he thought we

were a blues band. He was not impressed.”

But it has not always been doom and disaster for the five-piece outfit. The Sherry Counsellors boast a selection of songs they have penned themselves, as well as having their name in lights playing at the O2 and Liverpool’s Cavern and providing part of the soundtrack to an episode of Hollyoaks.

The band is made up of five average guys from Stoke and was founded in September 2010.

Keith Mellor takes on the lead vocals with the help of Chris Dunleavy who also plays the guitar, alongside Matt Lewis.

Chris Reynolds takes the stage with both the bass and the

trumpet, with newest addition Steve Handley on the drums.

Their sound is alternative indierock, with an electric mix of influences, supporting The Hoosiers on tour. Keith said: “I met Chris Dunleavy and we started writing some acoustic tracks together and then we decided to expand and some more instruments involved. We asked Matt to join, initially as a drummer, but when he played the guitar solo to Sweet Child of Mine, he was our new guitarist.

“We drafted Chris Reynolds in later down the line, as we knew from way back and he brought much needed energy, a trumpet and a kilt to the party. Steve is our very new recruit who has

definitely added old school rock into the Sherry Counsellor sound.

“The reason to be in a band for me is that writing and performing your own songs was a dream since I was a small child, so to get to live out your dreams is very special.”

The Sherry Counsellors have racked up a number of credible experiences and impressive performances both in and out of Staffordshire. Keith said: “We have enjoyed many gigs for many different reasons. Playing the O2 was very special due the size of the gig. We have played in a bombed out church in Liverpool, as well as the Cavern, which for me as a Beatles fan was very special indeed.

“I think that playing to your homecrowd in Stoke is always very special. Our favourite venue in Stoke-on-Trent is without question The Sugarmill – always a massive show and it brings out the best in us, especially with all your family and friends in the audience.”

With plans in the pipeline for a summer festival appearance, new music releases and a huge homecoming show at The Sugarmill, things are looking bright for the band.

To find out more about the Sherry Counsellors, hop onto their Facebook page www.facebook. com/sherrycounsellorsuk.

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue2.4Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN 2 Page

STOKE-ON-TRENT MUSIC LOVERS

CELEBRATE NATIONAL RECORD STORE DAY

Customers queue outside of Rubber Soul Records

BY JACK FURNESS Music fans in Stoke-on-Trent queued at local shops from 3am to celebrate National Record Store Day! Rubber Soul Records, on High Street in Stoke, opened its doors at 8am – but punters had been queuing since the middle of the night to get their hands on special releases.

Independent record stores up and down the country sell limited edition records which are made especially by artists for National Record Store Day, as well as putting on shows and events to encourage new customers.

This week, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry reported that vinyl sales in the UK had risen more than

60% in 12 months.

And last year, record sales in the UK hit an 18-year high.

Robert Barrs, 39, owner of Rubber Soul Records, told StaffsLive: “I have seen a rise in record sales over the last year probably, they are slowly increasing which is good.

“I think it’s because of the sleeves and the artwork and that the sound is warmer.

“The last ten years have been really hard, with people downloading music through iTunes.

“But it’s good today anyway.”

Special items on sale at Rubber Sole included records from David Bowie, Metallica, and Jonny Cash.

Patient customers queuing outside the shop were treated

to a live performance from the Jake Leg Jug Band – a five-piece playing 20s and 30s style jazz and blues.

One customer in the queue Phil Simpson, 23, said: “The first record I ever bought was a Bjork one, a long time ago “I like records as a physical artefact, you get the booklets which you can read and you have to physically sit through it, you can’t skip a song so you discover more music.

“I think Record Store Day is good but I was talking to somebody earlier and he said if it becomes more and more popular the prices are going to rise.

“But it’s a good thing because this is how record stores survive.

“They can sometimes survive just on one day of sales.

“I like how the new wave of bands are bringing their music out on vinyl.”

Kaz, 48, said: “I buy records because they are a better quality

than CD. “You can’t fault them for quality.

“I think there should be more days like this, so you don’t have to queue up!

“I think it’s going mad again [popularity of records]you can see that people want them again because with anything else you don’t get the quality.

James Wemyss, 18, said: “It’s nice to have a physical copy of music.

“It’s good to get business to all of the independent record shops.

“The surge in popularity means things get more expensive but it’s a good thing I guess.”

To round the day off, Rubber Soul Records put on a gig at The Underground in Hanley with performances from Poliptik, Desperate Journalist, Luxury Stranger and The Longwave, to showcase emerging local talent.

You can visit Rubber Soul Records Monday to Saturday, 10.20am- 5.45pm.

EAST MIDLANDS HAS THE THIRD HIGHEST RATE OF ASSULTS ON SHOPWORKERS an Usdaw survey says

Shopworkers trade union leader John Hannett has today released survey results which show that last year, on average, over 27 shopworkers were assaulted every day in the East Midlands. The survey also reveals that 35% of shopworkers were threatened by customers and over half were verbally abused.

John Hannett – Usdaw General Secretary says: “Our survey shows that life on the frontline of retail can be pretty tough for many shopworkers and there is still a lot to do to help protect them. So we welcome Labour’s manifesto commitment to ensure staff who work with the public are given greater protection, with tougher penalties for those who assault them.

“We launched our Freedom From Fear Campaign in the face of growing concerns amongst retail workers about violence, threats and abuse.

The campaign works with retailers to promote respect and make workplaces safer for staff and customers alike.

“All too often criminals who assault staff are not even sent to court, and those who are can receive derisory sentences.

In other cases, where the offender often isn’t charged at all victims are left feeling that no one cares that they were

assaulted.

“Retail crime remains too high and there needs to be action to protect shopworkers. On four occasions in the current Parliament, Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs combined to defeat Labour amendments to legislation that would have provided stiffer penalties for those who assault shopworkers.

“It is time for the Government to act and the record shows that a Labour Government will deliver. Retail staff have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected.”

Yvette Cooper – Shadow Home Secretary says: “I’m a big supporter of Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear campaign, raising awareness and ways to make people feel safer at work.

I can assure everyone that a Labour Government will make sure staff working with the public get greater protection from attacks, with tougher penalties for criminals.

“Labour proposed this measure in the last Parliament on four occasions, but Conservative and Lib Dem MPs voted against us. So the choice is clear, for workers to get additional protection from violence, threats and abuse at work they will need to vote Labour.”

Inside Rubber Soul Records

Stafford man locked in box raises £2,300 for Caudwell Children charity

BY AMY WALKER A Stafford man who was locked inside a glass box in a supermarket has raised more than £2,000 for charity.

Jordan Bond, 26, stepped into the 3 x 2m room on Tuesday, April 21 with little more than a sleeping bag, jigsaw and bouncy ball to keep him company for the next 50 hours.

The box was set up at the front of the Stafford Tesco store and was surrounded by volunteers who were aiming to help Jordan reach his £2,000 goal for Caudwell Children which helps children who suffer with life-altering disabilities, including autism.

Jordan, who works in the phone shop section of the shop, volunteered to do the challenge as he is on the autism spectrum and wanted to help raise awareness.

He came out of the glass box at 2pm on Thursday., April 23, to be

Jordan Bond waiting to go into the box in Tesco

Debbie Green and Andy Bailey presenting Jordan with a hamper greeted by all of his colleagues and customers and raised £2,300.

He said: “It was a bit weird as everyone was staring at me but hopefully it can make people

empathise with sufferers as this situation amplifies the feelings that a sufferer can have.

“It’s great to be out, I’m just very tired.”

Debbie Green, community champion of Tesco, said: “We’ve mothered him and have made sure he has enough to eat. We also put a hamper together of all his favourite foods to give him when he comes out.”

Caudwell Children was founded in 2000. It provides service

including family support services, equipment, treatment and therapy.

Andy Bailey, media campaigns manager, said: “We are very proud of his achievements and the sacrifice he has made for the charity.

“All money will stay local to

Stafford to support autistic children and their families.”

To learn more about Caudwell Children and its Locked in for Autism project, follow their Facebook page: www.facebook. com/lockedinforautism

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 Issue : Page4 3.3 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

1 AWARD WINNING Clinical Dental Technician Matt Burnell

The Award Winning Denture Centre as voted for by patients

“MAKING DENTURES BETTER “

Smiles

Many people struggle every day with ill-fitting, uncomfortable or unflattering dentures. Matt Burnell is an industry recognised expert in his field of cosmetic dentistry. To many of us, cosmetic dentistry means veneers or implants, where replica teeth are secured by means of a pin that’s set into the jaw, but how many of us consider a denture as a purely cosmetic procedure?

Dentures start from as little as £550 and can last for up to 15 years. If you’re struggling with an old or ill fitting denture, or want to explore replacing lost teeth, Smiles would be delighted to talk you through your options. They’re lovely people and their work is second to none.

Before

Smiles is the only Clinical Dental Technician’s Practice in Lichfield.

Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Out of hours appointments by arrangement.

The Award Winning Smile Centre

“Excellent service, I will have no problem with recommending Smiles to anyone including my friends.”

- John

After

> natural looking dentures > ultra suction dentures > implant dentures > stable dentures > denture cleaning

“Matt has bent over backwards to att Burnell BSc Hons Dip enquiry through to when they received ensure is beyond. perfect.

Itof CDT RCS that (Eng), my leadingdenture their denture and The winner Clinical Dental Technician at this award had one patient quote ‘he The Smile Centre has been awarded treats you with great kindness, respect has made an exceptional difference the British Association of Clinical and dignity, he is so professional and Dental to Technology (BACDT) Award true to his word.’ And the Winner my comfort andalways confidence.” for Best Patient Experience. In is: Matt Burnell.” addition to winning this prestigious - Doris award, Matt and The Smile Centre Matt and the team at The Smile

M

were also Highly Commended in the Best Member Award category. The BACDT is the highly regarded organisation for professional Clinical Dental Technicians and the awards are a way of marking outstanding performance amongst the BACDT’s entire membership.

What makes the award so meaningful, is that Matt and The Smile Centre gained their award solely on the volume of votes given

by Smile Centre customers from all over the UK, who ensured that The Smile Centre gained the recognition it deserves.

Centre are experts in dentures and dental prosthetics. Many people struggle every day with ill-fitting, uncomfortable or unflattering dentures.

Matt Burnell BSc Hons Dip CDT RCS (Eng) is an industry recognised expert in his field of cosmetic dentistry. To many of us, cosmetic dentistry means veneers or implants, where replica teeth are secured by means of a pin that’s set into the jaw, but how many of us consider a denture as a purely cosmetic procedure?

Matt Burnell, Dental Matt Burnell, BScClinical Hons Dip CDTTechnician RCS (Eng) GDC No. 123633 Clinical Dental Technician GDC No. 123633 Some recent comments from Smile Centre clients…

“Matt you we wouldsmile like to wish :you all For a free no-obligation chat, just ring the lovely people who make

01543 415288 During the Awards Ceremony the President of the BACDT commented:

lichfield@smiles.uk.com

l

Dentures are cosmetic. In one fell and painless swoop they transform the smile.

When clients first visit The Smile www.smiles.uk.com Centre, Matt talks through with them

the very best for the future. Keep up the excellent work. In your profession you are the best. Also, thank you to Julie for always making you feel comfortable and welcome while you are waiting to be seen.

Good cup of tea too!” R.B.

what they would like to achieve, and

“I wish I had found out about you

upsetting a lost tooth, or an ill-fitting denture can be. They understand that our teeth and our smile are very sensitive subjects and deal with each customer or enquiry with discretion as

“Excellent service, I will have no problem with recommending The Smile Centre to anyone including my friends.” J.B.

“The Best Patient there’s no rush or hard sales involved. ago.” J.S. 46 Upper St. John Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 years 9DX Experience award is Matt and his team understand how given to the person who has shown that they have taken time to consider the patient’s needs from

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue4.4Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN 4 Page

COUNCIL SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTES ENVIROMENTAL OFFENCES On 15th April 2015, East Staffordshire Borough Council successfully prosecuted three individuals in relation to a series of environmental offences.

The offences - failure to remove domestic refuse from a residential address, a littering offence in a public place, and a failure to remove dog fouling were all successfully enforced at Stafford Magistrates Court.

Carl Goddard and Colin Doyle of Wellington Street, Burton upon Trent were each prosecuted for a failure to act when required to remove a large amount of bagged domestic waste from the rear of their property following the issue of a notice served under the Prevention of Damage of Pests Act 1949. After the Council carried out works in default, each offender received a £250.00 fine, costs of £277.89 and a victim surcharge of £25.00.

Furthermore, Goddard was also convicted for a littering offence contrary to the Environmental Protection Act 1990 having been witnessed by a Council Civil Enforcement Officer depositing a cigarette end in Oak Street, Burton upon Trent. After failing to pay the £75.00 Fixed Penalty Notice, which would have discharged criminal liability for the offence, Goddard was prosecuted.

His fine, costs and victim surcharge were each included when dealt with for the first offence.

Barry Godfrey of King Street, Burton upon Trent, was prosecuted for the offence of failing to remove dog fouling, an offence contrary

to the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.

Witnessed by a Council Civil Enforcement Officer, Godfrey made no attempt to remove his dog’s faeces after it had fouled on the Washlands.

Having failed to pay the £75.00 Fixed Penalty Notice, which would have discharged criminal liability for the offence, Godfrey was convicted. He received a fine of £200.00, costs of £180.00, and a victim surcharge of £20.00.

A spokesperson for East Staffordshire Borough Council said that the Council is committed to providing a cleaner and healthier environment for its residents.

Part of this includes the Council spending nearly £1 million annually keeping the Borough clean and tidy be removing litter, rubbish and other detritus from our streets and open spaces.

When offences such as these are committed by irresponsible individuals, the Council will take action; such behaviour is anti-social and unacceptable.

Over the last year a total of 396 fixed penalty notices have been issued for littering offences and over 30 successful prosecutions have been taken against those that failed to pay their fixed penalty.

We work hard to promote civic pride in the Borough, it’s a great place to live and work, but can be spoiled by a small minority that drop litter or fail to pick up after their dogs.

The majority of residents and visitors are though responsible and we would thank those that do behave responsibly helping to keep the Borough clean and tidy”.

STAFFORDSHIRE HAIR AND BEAUTY SALONS IN ALLERGIES WARNING!!

Two thirds of hair and beauty salons in Staffordshire and Cheshire are not testing for allergies.

The shock figures were revealed in a study by the British Association of Beauty Technicians and Cosmetology.

The ingredient in hair dye causing most allergic reactions is paraphenylenediamine

(PPD) and is found in more than 99% of permanent hair dyes.

Mild reactions to PPD include dermatitis, while severe cases could involve swelling of the scalp and face.

On very rare occasions, PPD can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis.

North Staffordshire YMCA to feature in BBC Panorama documentary

YMCA reception in Hanley, BBC Panorama documentary

BY HATTIE HARRISON North Staffordshire’s YMCA is to feature on BBC1′s Panorama to show how the centre has coped in a derived area.

A Panorama team is filming for five weeks to show what goes on at the charity.

After receiving YMCA of the year award 2014, the North Staffordshire facility on Harding Road, Hanley, has been recognised for improvements after a £12 million renovation.

Panorama’s Duncan Staff, a freelance cameraman and journalist, has been impressed with the changes made in such a financially deprived area.

The 49-year-old said: “The documentary will be a fair and accurate representation of the

successes and challenges the YMCA faces.”

It aims to document individual life stories and the relationships and support found at the centre.

Senior documentary producer Margaret Vrublevskis is heading the film team.

Samm Holmes, 46, from Leek, who works at the YMCA, said: “I’ve been on placement here for just over a month.

“I plan to get a summer job here part-time and return to my studies in September.

“I love it here, the atmosphere is homely and you feel like you’re making a difference.

“It’s completely changed my mind on what I want to do with my degree, I’d love to stay here fulltime.”

The 98 rooms of accommodation

YMCA residents make their mark on the reception window. are fully equipped with en suites rather than previously sharing one bathroom between 14 people.

Each room costs £25 a week, which includes two daily meals.

Additional flats have been built to support the demand.

Duncan and Margaret said they have been impressed with the motivation of staff and the facilities.

The date for the Panorama show is not yet known but is expected to be over the summer.

Bucknall woman to hike Peru’s Inca Trail for Donna Louise Children’s Hospice

BY LAURA O'CALLAGHAN A mother-of-two is gearing up to hike the Inca Trail in aid of the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice Trust and Cancer Research UK. Joanne Machin, 31, from Eaton Park in Bucknall will jet off to Peru this Saturday, April 25 for the 26mile hike.

Joanne, along with 15 others, will spend five days trekking and camping on the way to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.

The claims team leader, who works for Towergate Insurance in Stoke-on-Trent, praised her colleagues for helping her to raise £3,000.

She said: “We had a big Valentine’s Day event and we sold raffle tickets and we raised about £500.

“It’s been a really joint effort.

“A lot of our bigger clients have made big donations.”

Joanne has previously volunteered at the Donna Louise

Bucknall woman, Joanne Machin, to hike Inca Trail for Donna Louise Children's Hospice Children’s Hospice in Trentham, which is Towergate’s nominated charity.

Cancer Research UK will also benefit from Joanne’s fundraising efforts as it is a charity close to her heart.

Her father Gary Whiston, 54, survived the disease.

She said: “He had cancer in his tongue which they did get rid of.

“They cured him with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“I think the research is the most important thing because, in my mind, that’s obviously what made my dad survive his cancer.”

Training for the hike involved Joanne doing 14-mile walks accompanied by her husband Lee, 35, for moral support.

But it is not the tough hike that Joanne, mum to Amelia, 8 , and Harrison, 5 , is dreading.

She said: “The thing I am most nervous about is leaving my

family.”

This will be the longest period of time away from her childhood sweetheart husband.

Joanne said she “used to roughing it” and is optimistic about the gruelling trip.

She said: “I don’t want to miss opportunities and I think that everybody should just do things like this in their lives.

“I want to be able to say, ‘Oh, I’ve done that’”

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 Issue : Page4 5.5 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

BottleCraft beer shop opens in Hanley

BY MOLLY ANDRUSKEVICIUS Hanley’s first craft beer shop has opened its doors.

Friends Chris Wilson, Richard Amison and Tom Rushton set up BottleCraft on Marsh Street because of their passion for craft beer and what they believe is a gap in the market.

The shop stocks hundreds of

beers from Britain, America and other parts of the world.

Former Sugarmill promoter Chris Wilson, said: “I think sometimes Hanley has a negative image but its right in the middle of a revival.

“We have 12 different local breweries and we’re looking to expand that and have the largest single collection of breweries on site.

“We want to use only local businesses for all out fliers and all of our promotional material.

“Any products we can get from local businesses we will be doing so.

“We just made a contact so we can recycle all of our bottle caps with a local artist, which is great.”

Stafford councils raise money to support Nepal earthquake

SBC Chief Exec Ian Thompson, Capt Amrit, Sgt Major Laxman and SCC Chief Exec John Henderson.

BY STEPH SHIEL Stafford councils have joined forces to raise money for the Gurkha Welfare Trust to support thousands hit by the devastating Nepal earthquake.

Thousands of pounds in donations have been sent from people across Staffordshire and the West Midlands.

Stafford Borough and County Council raised more than £1,500 between them to aid the charity.

They have strong links with the Gurkhas on Stafford’s Ministry of Defence site and asked staff to donate money in return for dressing down for the day.

Stafford Borough Council chief

executive Ian Thompson, said: “Our hearts go out to all those affected by this awful tragedy.

“This really hit home with our staff because of the strong friendship we have had for many years with the Gurkha regiment and their families living in our borough.”

Chief executive of Staffordshire County Council John Henderson, added: “It is at times such as this that our community comes together and are united in their support for those from the Nepalese community.

“We are proud to have our Gurkha families in Stafford and staff at both councils were more than willing to support the fundraising event and give generously on the

day.”

The Queens Gurkha Signals (The QGS) operate the latest communication systems.

They have troops deployed all over the work in Kabul, Afghanistan and in Sierra Leone, as well as Stafford.

The 248 Gurkha signal squadron is one of the field squadrons serving with 22-signal regiment based in Stafford, with a number of families living in the town.

Gurkha Welfare Trust supports nearly 7000 retired Gurkha soldiers in Nepal who have no other form of income.

The county council raised £1,194.72 and borough council £432.30.

Men’s and Women’s Accessories Shop Buy Hats, Walking Stick and Canes, Umbrellas, Grooming accessories, Bags and many other useful and unique gifts for Men and Women.

IDEAL GIFTS FOR FATHERS DAY!!

10% off

any purchase before 30th June when you bring this advert into store

T: 01543 418030 W: www.additions-lichfield.co.uk Additions of Lichfield, 10 Tudor Row, Wade Street, Lichfield, WS13 6HH

Parents and nursery workers’ shock at sudden closure of Biddulph’s Nursery

BY HANNAH BURGESS Parents and workers have been left in shock after a Biddulph nursery closed suddenly.

Nursery Thymes, on Craigside, closed it’s doors on Tuesday, April 28.

Parents only found out when they saw a sign left in one of the windows, that advised them that the nursery was closed ‘permanently.’

The nursery opened 23 years ago, and was rated as good in it’s last Ofsted inspection.

Manager Claire Sladen said she received a phone call from owner Christine Wojciechowski telling

her she would be out of work.

She said: “Even though I was obviously devastated, I had to continue to do my job, under all of that upset.”

She said she was told the nursery had to close due to financial reasons.

Workers at the nursery has also been told they will not be paid this month.

Mike Lawrence, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for children and community safety said: ” We are working with private and voluntary sector providers to identify alternative childcare for the people affected.”

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue6.4Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN 6 Page

The General Election 2015 Results Labour hold seats in Stoke-on-Trent

BY GRAINNE MULLEN Labour’s Tristram Hunt has held onto his seat at Stoke-on-Trent Central in last night’s General Election.

The Shadow Education Secretary will remain an MP for a second term.

Dr Hunt received 12,220 votes, beating off competition from UKIP, who came second.

Dr Hunt said: “Now is not the time to think about the future but to pay tribute to the tens of thousands of hard working activists.

“They delivered the leaflets, they knocked on the doors, they talked to voters in their millions and I know whatever the future holds the Labour party’s prospects are safe in the hands of the people that work so hard for its success over the last few months, not least here in Stoke-on-Trent.

“So let me reiterate my thanks to the people of Stoke-on-Trent Central for giving me the enormous privilege of continuing to represent their interests in the Westminster Parliament.”

Dr Hunt thanked his wife and his three children for their support.

Across the Potteries, there was no major change as Labour held seats across the city.

David Cameron has headed back to Downing Street, as the Tories have won a majority.

The Labour Party has been left in crisis as it lost seats across the country and Ed Miliband stepped down as leader.

Dr Hunt has been tipped as a contender for party leader.

The results for Stoke-on-Trent are as follows: Stoke-on-Trent Central Labour: Tristram Hunt – 12,220 Conservative: Liam Ascough – 7,008 UKIP: Mick Harold – 7,041

Lib Dem: Zulfiqar Ali – 1,296 Green: Jan Zablock – 1,123 Independent MP: Mark Breeze – 2,120 Ubuntu Party: Paul Toussaint – 32 Cannabis is safer than alcohol: Ali Majid – 244 Turnout: 51.5% Majority: 5,179 / 16.7% Stoke-on-Trent North Labour’s Ruth Smeeth polled 15,429 votes and won her first election as candidate for Stoke North after veteran MP Joan Walley stepped down, following more than 20 years representing the constituency.

Labour: Ruth Smeeth – 15,429 Conservative: Ben Adams – 10, 593 Lib Dem: Paul Roberts – 1,137 UKIP: Geoffrey Locke – 9,542 Green: Sean A Adams – 1,091 Independent MP: John Millward – 508 Independent MP: Craig Pond – 354 Turnout: 53.2% Majority: 4,836 / 12.5% Stoke-on-Trent South It was a victory for Labour Rob Flello held his seat.

Mr Flello said: “Thank you to the people of Stokeon-Trent South. I really appreciate the vote of confidence and I will do my utmost to live up to what you’ve asked me to do.”

Labour: Rob Flello – 15,319 Conservative: Joe Rich – 12,780 Green: Luke Bellamy – 1,029 Lib Dem: Peter Andras – 1,309 UKIP: Tariq Mahmood – 8,298 Trade Unionist + Social Coalition: Matthew Wright – 372 Turnout: 57.31% Majority: 2,539 / 6.5%

Labour’s Paul Farrelly retains

Newcastle-under-Lyme seat in close race

BY EMMA JAMES Labour’s Paul Farrelly celebrated his fourth consecutive term representing Newcastle-underLyme in Parliament.

Mr Farrelly won the seat by the skin of his teeth, beating his Tory rival with just 650 votes.

Mr Farrelly polled 16,520 votes, while his close Conservative rival Tony Cox polled 15,870.

Third place went to UKIP’s Phil

Wood with 7,252 votes, which was followed by Ian Wilkes of the Liberal Democrats, having 1826 votes.

The Green Party’s Sam Gibbons came in fifth with 1,256 votes and Independent candidate David Nixon had only 283 votes and did not even attend the count.

Paul Farrelly told StaffsLive his Tory competitor had spent more on his election campaign.

Mr Farrelly said: “I was calm, I

wouldn’t say confident, I wasn’t complacent.

“We’ve faced an onslaught from the Conservatives in this election, they’ve outspent all the other parties altogether “They spent over £150,000 pounds in this area compared to our £10,000.

“But what we’ve done is have a great ground campaign the best I’ve ever experienced, with more volunteers than ever.”

CONSERVATIVE JEREMY LEFROY HOLDS SEAT IN STAFFORD

BY STEPH SHIEL A joyous Jeremy Lefroy has held onto his seat in Stafford for the Conservative party after fives years as the constituency’s MP. Mr Lefroy polled 23,606 votes in the General Election with a majority of 9,117.

This General Election saw him win a majority by 3,657 more than 2010.

He saw off competition from Labour candidate Kate Godfrey who polled 14,429 votes and the UKIP candidate Ed Whitfield who polled 6,293 votes.

National Health Action Party candidate Karen Howell polled 1,701 votes and Liberal Democrat Keith Miller received 1,348 and Green Party candidate Mike Shone polled 1,390 votes.

A victorious Mr Lefroy said: “I thought I had a chance but I thought it would be very close, I was quite surprised by the size of the majority.

“What I was particularly pleased about was that I actually received the support of more voters in this

election then I did in the previous election, which is encouraging.”

Vote turnout for Stafford was 71.

23%.

Mr Lefroy has served as a cabinet member for resources in Newcastle-under-Lyme before fighting the 2005 General Election in the seat. He was selected for Stafford constituency in 2007 and was elected MP in 2010.

He has served on the International Development Selected Committee, and on the Health and Social Care Bill Committee.

He said: “We live in a world where the economy is fragile, we could be faced with difficulties in the UK despite the strength of our economy, what we need is a period of stable government ensuring steady fair growth and that’s what I want to do.

“I also want to look wider at the long-term future of health and social care and work together with other parties. I’ve suggested during the course of this campaign that we need to use this Parliament to really come

up with a long term solution for health and social care in the UK.” Kate Godfrey had also spoke out earlier of the importance of supporting health care in Stafford she said: “It’s really important that we protect the hospital, but we know people vote on a national issues not local, and my heart will break for the hospital.”

“We always knew that the size of Jeremy Lefroy’s majority meant this was not a target seat for labour but what we are seeing are signs that we’ve done much better here than across the rest of the midlands, and that’s probably because of the hospital.”

UKIP candidate Ed Whitfield said: “Last time the party had 1,700 and the party went dead, it got reconstituted about last September from a standing start I’ve got over 6000 which is a clear third, I am pleased with that result.

“It’s a platform in which we can build for the future.”

UKIP leader Nigel Farage was defeated in Thanet South this morning.

Conservative Karen Bradley holds Staffordshire Moorlands seat

BY JOE FARRAR Conservative Karen Bradley held onto her seat for Staffordshire Moorlands.

Ms Bradley won by a majority of 10,174 votes, smashing Labour out of the park.

Labour’s Trudie McGuinness gained 11,596 votes while Ms Bradley pulled in 21,770.

UKIP’s George Langley-Poole

almost doubled the votes for his party from 2010 with 6,236 votes.

Liberal Democrat Paul Redfern received 1,759 votes, although the candidate left some time before the results were announced, perhaps echoing the poor night for the party across the country.

And despite only forming the Green Party in the Moorlands four months ago, Brian Smith won

1,226 votes.

Despite the competition, there was a friendly atmosphere at Brough Park Leisure Centre, with the Green and UKIP candidates posing together for photos, with pipes and pizza.

There was a good turnout for the constituency, with 67.66% voting in the Parliamentary elections, with only 126 spoilt ballots.

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 Issue : Page4 7.7 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

Chernobyl Children’s Project in Stoke-on-Trent celebrates 20th anniversary

BY LAUREN MASKREY Staffordshire families who host youngsters affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster are celebrating their 20th anniversary.

The Chernobyl Children’s Project, based in Stoke-on-Trent, marked the event at a Lord Mayor’s reception in Manchester – the same way they launched the charity back in 1995.

The CCP UK group, which has around 20 host families, arranges holidays for teenagers, children and mothers who have been affected by the Chernobyl disaster 29 years ago.

Local families have hosted more than 5,000 children from Belarus, some of who have disabilities or life-changing illnesses caused by the disaster.

They have also delivered hundreds of lorry loads of aid to

Teenagers from Belarus come for recuperative holiday

those in need.

Stafford couple Suzan Kerridge, 63, retired and Clive Kerridge, 64, a university lecturer, have hosted teenagers, children and their mothers for six years.

“We decided to host in 2009 after I had been seriously ill and felt we wanted to do something worthwhile and hands on, not to just write out a cheque to a charity,” said Suzan.

“We came across CCP, but did not know at that time that the nuclear disaster of 1986 was still affecting so many people through illness and genetic disorders.

“It was quite scary to meet our first guests, three teenagers – one had learning difficulties.

“We took them to Llandudno, Gladstone Pottery Museum and also to Stafford Castle.

“The weather was dreadful but the girls liked doing puzzles and

playing Rummy Uno and card games.

“They were polite, and in spite of the fact we could not really have a conversation, they became part of our family.

“We have two grown up daughters who both live in London, but some years they would be around while we were hosting.

“They helped out by making a meal from time to time or would join into the activities or outings.

“One of my daughters persuaded her college’s charity group to donate money to CCP.” The couple have also encouraged more families from their neighbourhood to get involved.

They even held a “Pimms Party” in their garden to raise awareness and funds for the charity.

Children affected by the Chernobyl disaster “One of the teenagers was in tears after a trip in an open top car, saying it had been the best day of her life, which moved us to sentence or two. tears as well!” added Suzan.

“Hosting is a very intense “When they arrive they look pale experience, but the memories and are shy, but within 48 hours that we have are so special for you have got used to each other. us, but also for them.”

“The cheeky ones and the more CCP co-ordinator Julie Gater reserved ones all become part of said: “Doctors say that four your family.” weeks of clean air, fresh food Suzan said they stay in touch with and a happy holiday improves the many of the youngsters they have children’s health for at least two hosted over the years. years.

“Only this morning I wrote to a “It is also a great psychological boy’s mother who we had hosted. boost for the teenagers, as they “His name was Danil, he had arrive as strangers and return a great gift for acting and just home as family.” thinking about his cheeky face The Chernobyl nuclear accident makes me smile. happened on April 26, 1986 at the “Facebook helps with keeping in Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in touch even if it is only the odd Ukraine.

April 25 marked the 29th anniversary of the world’s worst nuclear disaster.

The accident killed 31 people and affected more than seven million, due to polluted land and contaminated food.

For more information on the CCP UK click here The charity is looking for more local host families to provide recuperative holidays for children in Belarus.

If you would like to host or be involved in any way contact John and Julie Gater: 01782 535000, 078168423, email julie.ccp@ gmail.com

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

8 Page Issue8.4Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

Is the East Midlands more charitable than the rest of UK? New survey from the BHF reveals what our favourite sport says about us A new ‘sports personality’ study from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has found that hiking is most popular in the East Midlands, which could reveal a lot about the locals. The analysis shows that walkers are likely to be the least materialistic, are more likely to give to charity and like their own company. The research celebrates the launch of the BHF’s 2015 events series, which offers ‘sporting personalities’ a wide range of events to get involved in across the region and beyond.

The psychological study, conducted by Mindlab, surveyed 2000 adults across the UK and highlights that the type of sport we choose uncovers a lot about our personality traits and can reveal how charitable we are, the type of newspapers we are most likely to read and show how we will vote in the next general election. The survey also revealed that almost half (52%) of adults in the East Midlands were keen to take on

a challenge for charity, whatever their ‘sports personality’ type.

Dr David Lewis, Neuropsychologist and founder of Mindlab, explains: "It has long been known that exercise is not only good for your body, but also your mind. Past research has shown that exercising can act as a mood-enhancer, can be used to treat and possibly even prevent anxiety and generally has a positive effect on mental health. The results from this study show that no matter what kind of person you are, there is the right kind of exercise for everyone."

Olympic Heptathlete Louise Hazel, who is taking on a cycling challenge for the BHF in September, explains: “Whatever your sports personality or level of fitness I would encourage everyone to sign up to a BHF event. Heart disease devastates too many lives, killing over 12,000 people across the East Midands every year. I lost my father to

heart disease, he was just 50 years old. This is why I’m taking on a cycling challenge for BHF. “Taking on a challenge can help you to get fit, enjoy the sport you love and also help to raise funds for vital research which could help save more people like my dad.”

Tristam Jones, Head of Events at the BHF, adds: “This research highlights some interesting differences in the types of people who choose to take on different sports challenges. It’s great to see that so many people across East Midlands want to take on a challenge for charity and with so many events available for all fitness levels, there’s many ways to get invlolved and join the fight.”

To see a copy of the BHF’s latest events calendar and to sign up for a challenge visit : www.bhf.org.uk/events

The ‘sports personalities’ Cyclists Vote Liberal Laid back and calm Least likely to be depressed or suffer stress Materialistic Runners Vote Labour Extroverts Love being the centre of attention Listen to lively upbeat music Swimmers Make the best lovers Charitable Happiest Tidy Walkers (Trekkers) Like their own company Charitable Don’t like drawing attention to themselves Least materialistic

McDonalds confirms interest in new Leek restaurant McDonalds has confirmed it is looking to open a restaurant in Leek.

The company says there are no fixed plans, but that the town is one they would like to invest in.

News that the fast food giant could open up sparked reaction from residents on social media, with some threatening to protest against any potential move.

Floristry supervisor Jonathan Astles, 31, said he felt the town needed more national shops rather than a McDonalds.

“Leek doesn’t really need a McDonalds but it does need some more national shops.

“Partly to bring in some shops the younger generations might want to shop at and partly to help bring the prices down in Leek.”

Nutritional biochemist Rachell Hipkiss is also against the restaurant, saying the town had far better restaurants already.

“We have great places to eat that serve real food, locally sourced and good for you,” she said.

Ben Jackson, 23, a volunteer at Churnett Valley Railway, said:

“Leek already has Subway and takeaways which offer similar food.

“I think McDonalds would be used in Leek but there is already one on the way to Stoke.”

Other concerns raised included whether local contractors would be used to build the restaurant and the quality of jobs McDonalds could provide.

Staffordshire Moorlands was recently rated the fifth worst area in the West Midlands for people earning below the living wage, according to figures from the Trade Unions Congress.

The company already has 19 restaurants in Staffordshire, including one in Sneyd Green, less than ten miles from Leek, which opened in late 2014.

A spokesman for McDonalds told StaffsLive: “We are always looking for new sites and can confirm that Leek is an area where we would like to invest, open a new restaurant and create jobs.

“We are looking at several potential opportunities in the area but currently have no confirmed plans.”

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 Issue : Page4 9.9 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

10Page Issue10.

4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY UNVEILS 40 MILLION INVESTMENT IN STOKE-ON-TRENT AND STAFFORD

Staffordshire University has revealed plans for a £40 million investment to revamp its facilities in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford.

Plans include new computing labs, gaming labs and state-ofthe-art TV and music technology studios.

The announcement comes just three months after Vice Chancellor Michael Gunn announced a £5 million cost-cutting plan which left staff facing redundancy and cuts on department budgets.

The university has also started the task of closing its Beaconside campus in Stafford, which will see about 3,000 computing and entertainment technology students move to its Stoke-onTrent by 2016.

Planning applications as part of the latest revamp announcement are to be submitted to Stoke-onTrent City Council between now

and April.

Margaret Monckton, director of finance and infrastructure and deputy chief executive, told StaffsLive: “There has been a full review of our estate and how buildings are used which has helped determine where money will be spent.

“There is also a need to replicate some of the facilities we currently have at Stafford.

“The campus move will happen over the summer of 2016 to limit disruption to students.”

The other Stafford campus on Blackheath Lane, which supports nursing, midwifery and health courses will remain open and is set to be revamped with a four million pound investment.

Mel Ramsay, President of Staffordshire University Student Union, said: “We have two members of our officer team who

sit on the board of governors, the Student Union wasn’t directly involved but we do attend the meetings and they get to hear the student voice.

“I’ve understood that the students at Blackheath Lane campus feel a bit left out in the past.

“This money will allow them to get a whole range facilities they’ve wanted, they have been banging on this door for a long time.”

Mel explained that although the plans for improving accommodation and sports facilities are a year away, the fact that the university is recognising the need to improve these areas is a fantastic step forward.

Members of the public can view and comment on the planning applications through a public access page available on the planning section of the Stoke-onTrent City Council’s website.

Festival Park Barista whips up superhero-themed coffee

TRADE UNIONS TO LEAD BIRMINGHAM PRIDE PARADE The 2015 Birmingham Pride Parade will be led by the original members of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM), who recently returned to public prominence with the film PRIDE. They will also be joined by hundreds of trade unionists from across the Midlands.

The Parade will assemble in Victoria Square at 11am. Following the parade at 2.00pm, the Birmingham LGBT centre will host a showing of the original film made by LGSM "All out! Dancing in Dulais" Midlands TUC Regional Secretary, Lee Barron, said “It is an honour that Midlands TUC and hundreds of trade unionists from across the Midlands will join LGSM in leading the 2015 Birmingham Pride

parade. The support of LGSM in the miners strike is a moving story of solidarity. It is now 30 years since hundreds of miners joined the London Pride march. The miners who went on the London Pride march were reciprocating the solidarity LGBT people had shown throughout the 1984/85 miners strike. The Miners never forgot this solidarity and went on to support the campaigns for LGBT rights that have now been passed into law today.”

“And this history is instructive, for we today need similar solidarity in order to give hope, belief and support to working people who are now facing hardship and difficulties, fighting for better pay, safer workplaces, decent jobs and greater equality.”

An Iron Man themed cappuccino Kieran Nolan, 27, creator of the superhero coffee

BY DANE PAVITT A coffee shop in Festival Parks is serving up superhero-themed brews – thanks to an artistic barista.

Kieran Nolan, 27, of Fenton, has created home-made stencils based on Marvel Comic Book characters to create shapes in the coffee he serves.

The idea was based on a previous promotional stencils the Costa Coffee had received for a superhero-themed charity event, representing Batman and

Superman.

Kieran said: “We couldn’t get hold of any stencils this time around, so my manager just said why don’t you just make them?”

The team leader at the Costa Coffee based at the Festival Park Odeon cinema originally trained as a signwriter, and made the stencils by laminating sheets of paper and hand-cutting the shapes with a knife.

The stencils include Iron Man’s mask, Captain America’s shield, Thor’s hammer, and the Avengers badge.

Kieran said it took an hour to make them all.

Border Collie Trust rescues and rehomes Border Collies and collie crosses throughout the UK.

For help, advice and information:

Registered Charity (1053585)

info@bordercollietrustgb.org.uk

0871 560 2282

Festival Park Odeon is the only Odeon cinema, which has taken part in this home-made promotional material, sparking wild enthusiasm from other cinemas in the chain.

Kieran added: “They’ve all contacted us saying, ‘They’re brilliant! How have you done them?’

“We keep it a little bit of a secret, but I think anyone could work it out. It means we can show off.”

Some screenings of Avengers: Age of Ultron at the Odeon have sold out tickets, marking the beginning of the lucrative summer movie season.

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 : Issue Page 411.11 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

Poor internet connections cost East Midlands economy £1.1bn a year According to the study, more than a third (34%) of respondents said that their home internet connection was ‘much faster’ than the one they use at work. This is despite the government’s effort to roll out fibre broadband across the UK and offer free grants to subside the costs of upgrading a connection.

Jan Wielenga, Product Manager for Data Networks at Daisy Group, said: "Too many businesses are still relying on basic ADSL connections that are aimed at the residential users. These are businesses that struggle to cope with the high-bandwidth demands of software and apps that workers use.

“It is simply unacceptable for businesses that rely heavily on the internet to experience periods of downtime, particularly at a time when fibre and dedicated Ethernet connections have never been more affordable and available.

“The internet going down or running slowly for 56 minutes per week doesn’t sound much, but the result of any loss of productivity is that businesses

• Workers lose 49 hours every year due to slow internet access • 34% of employees say internet at home is faster than at work • Workers look for other jobs during periods of IT downtime Despite a growing reliance amongst businesses on the internet, recent research has discovered that slow internet connections are costing the East Midlands economy £1.1bn a year in lost productivity, as more than a million are left unable to work during periods of IT downtime.

The research commissioned by business communications firm, Daisy Group, found that the average worker is unable to complete their normal job responsibilities for up to 56 minutes every week due to poor broadband speeds, while 11 per cent admitted that their internet connection grinds to a halt more than 13 times in any given seven day period.

suffer.”

During periods of slow internet access, half (50%) of those surveyed admitted that they turn to their smartphones for non-related work activities, such as online shopping and checking social media.

Worryingly, six per cent of respondents admitted to using their smartphones to look for other jobs when they have no internet access.

The research suggests that the average worker loses 49 hours of productivity a year through slow internet access or IT downtime. Taking the UK’s average wage of £13 per hour, and 77% of the East Midlands’ workforce of 2.2 million that use the internet in their job roles, it is estimated that £637 worth of productivity is lost per employee per year, which across the region mounts up to a staggering £994m.

The research was conducted to assess the takeup of the government’s SuperConnected Cities scheme that helps subsidise the cost of a superfast connection upgrade for SMEs. Businesses located

within a defined postcode in 22 cities are currently eligible for a grant of up to £3,000, with more cities due to be added to the scheme in April 2015.

“A strong digital infrastructure has become the backbone of any forward-thinking organisation because it ensures that they are prepared for the future. However, there is a lack of awareness amongst SMEs that the SuperConnected Cities scheme exists which is hindering the UK economy.

Now really is the time to upgrade to avoid being left behind the competition,” added Wielenga.

To assist SMEs decide which connectivity solution meets their requirements, in conjunction with the CBI, Daisy is hosting a free webinar on the subject on 26th March. The event is being hosted by one of Daisy’s data network experts and will also feature the CBI’s Tom Thackray, Head of Enterprise and member of the CBI’s digital team.

Information on the event can be found here: www.daisygroup.com/superfast-connectivitysme-webinar/

Budget-loving residents in the Midlands are saving up to £400 each month by simply keeping an eye on their spending Once a stigma for being poor, being ‘on a budget’ is now saving residents in the Midlands up to £400 each month as it becomes an everyday method of money-saving.

A study by TopCashback.co.uk, released today, reveals 60 per cent of residents are now on a weekly or monthly budget with more than half (57 per cent) doing so to prevent overspending rather than to save. A further 26 per cent say they budget to feel in control of their outgoings, compared to the 10 per cent who are tightening their belts in a bid to reach a savings goal.

stick to their budget, common ‘budget-busters’ include grocery shopping, eating out, socialising with friends and buying clothes.

Other key findings reveal: 72 per cent of residents say budgeting is ‘easy’, whilst the other 28 per cent find it ‘challenging’ Women overspend on eating out and buying clothes, whereas men blow their budget on socialising with friends 70 per cent of residents would happily tell their friends, family and colleagues they’re tightening their belt in a bid to manage their money Budgeting tools Natasha Rachel Smith, Consumer Affairs Editor More than a quarter (26 per cent) of residents in for TopCashback (www.topcashback.co.uk), says: the Midlands say they use a budgeting tool with 46 “Being on a budget was once seen as something per cent keeping a record of their incomings and that would hold consumers back from doing what outgoings on a monthly basis, whilst 20 per cent say they wanted and enjoying themselves. However, our they’re able to budget by simply checking their bank research shows that Brits have become savvy to the idea of setting aside money each month to increase balance.

Residents who keep a record of their spending or their spending power for the long term. 58 per cent use a budgeting app say they save between £50 of residents in the Midlands now assign budgets and £100 each month, whilst those who keep a for different categories, which simply sets sensible separate bank account for their ‘everyday spending’ guidelines to prevent overspending and landing in the red. save an average of £300 to £400 each month.

“When setting budgets, we would encourage consumers to look for ways to reduce their spending Budget-busting in each category – whether it’s using voucher codes 40 per cent of residents in the Midlands do or earning cashback. Signing up to TopCashback for not budget, with around a third (31 per cent) instance can save shoppers around £356 a year.” overspending into an overdraft, using a credit card or taking out a loan each month. A quarter admit to The key statistics for the East and West Midlands overspending by £50 to £100. are displayed in the infographics on the right: For the 18 per cent who do not or only sometimes

Border Collie Trust rescues and rehomes Border Collies and collie crosses throughout the UK.

For help, advice and information:

Registered Charity (1053585)

info@bordercollietrustgb.org.uk

0871 560 2282

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

12Page Issue12.

4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

EAST MIDLANDS WEALTH LEAGUE IS HEADED BY FIVE BILLIONAIRES Triumph for John Bloor as motorcycle business helps him become a billionaire Mike Ashley, the founder of the Sports Direct retail empire, is the richest man in the East Midlands, according to The 2015 Sunday Times Rich List, to be published this Sunday, April 26. The 128page special edition of The Sunday Times Magazine reveals the wealth of the 1,000 richest people in Britain.

Although he remains the richest person in the region, Ashley is in fact its biggest financial loser over the past 12 months. While his Newcastle United football business made a £19m profit, Ashley, whose fortune derives primarily from the Sports Direct sporting goods empire, has seen his fortune drop by £250m overall during the year. Sports Direct is headquartered in Shirebrook, Derbyshire. The 50-year-old has a 55% stake in the business which is now valued at £3.7bn, down in value from £4.7bn a year ago. He once made £929m in a

day through the sale of some of his shareholding in the business when it floated in 2007. Ashley also has stakes in Debenhams, JD Sports, Tesco and MySale and significant property investments.

He is still a billionaire three and a half times over and worth nearly three times more than the next richest person in the East Midlands.

Will Adderley and family, in second place in the region, have cemented their billionaire status in the past 12 months with a further £80m gain in their overall wealth, carrying the family to £1,280m. Their fortune is derived from the success of Dunelm, which began life with Bill and Jean Adderley’s market stall in 1979 but today encompasses 137 stores. The Leicester-based curtains-to-cushions business recorded a 17% rise in sales to £180.6m in the first quarter of 2014-15. The company is worth

£1.76bn and the family’s stake in it runs to £973m.

Tony Langley remains in third place in the East Midlands with a £1,097m fortune which has grown by £47m in the past year. He is one of the select band of billionaires who actually makes things. His company manufactures cement cooling machines, printing presses and dockside cranes. Retford-based Langley Holdings recorded £78.2m profit in 2014 and is worth more than £1bn. Langley, 60, founded the company in 1976, teaching himself engineering.

Two new names join the list of East Midlands billionaires this year.

John Bloor, like Tony Langley, is in manufacturing. Bloor rode to the rescue of Triumph motorbikes 32 years ago when the company was on its knees, buying the Triumph name from the receivers.

Today it is a massive success story. He bought the name for just

£150,000, spent £80m on a new factory and last year the prestige marque sold more than 52,000 motorcycles. Bloor, 71, also owns a housebuilding business. Bloor Holdings, the parent company of both the housebuilding and Triumph businesses, made profits of £65m last year and is worth £975m, allowing for the hefty brand value in the Triumph name.

Bloor owns it all and with other assets is now worth £1,025m, a huge £275m more than last year.

David Ross, one of the founders of Carphone Warehouse, is the fifth East Midlands billionaire.

Last year’s merger of Carphone Warehouse with Dixons to create a new high street electronics and telecoms giant was good news for Ross, 49 and born in Grimsby, whose holding in the new combined business Dixons Carphone, stands at £647m. With property and private equity gains, Ross is now worth £1bn.

THE SUNDAY TIMES RICH LIST 2015: THE RICHEST IN EAST MIDLANDS

Regional rank

Regional rank

2015

2014

Name

2015 wealth

Wealth increase/

National Rank

1

1

Mike Ashley

£3,500m

Down £250m

22=

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9= 9= 11 12= 12= 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

2 3 6 4 5 7 10 8= NEW 8= 12 11 13 14 15 22 18 16 17

Will Adderley and family Tony Langley John Bloor David Ross The Duke of Devonshire Freddie Linnett and the Murphy family David Wilson and family Michael Cornish and family Ashish Thakkar Sir David Samworth and family Leon Max Mel Morris Tony Wilkinson and family William Parente and family John Kirkland and family Robin Faccenda and family Michael Gregory Sir Paul and Lady Smith

£1,280m £1,097m £1,025m £1,000m £850m £580m £515m £500m £500m £455m £400m £400m £350m £320m £315m £314m £295m £290m £280m

Up £80m Up £47m Up £275m Up £108m Up £50m No change Up £65m No change n/a Down £45m No change Down £30m Up £10m Up £5m Up £15m Up £101m Up £35m No change Up £2m

78 96 105= 108= 128= 193= 213 217= 217= 243 262= 262= 287= 319= 330 331 352 353= 357=

decrease

Lord Heseltine and family

WANTED

All foreign and British coins Sovereigns and other gold coins British pre 1947 silver coins US silver dollars & half dollars Gold and silver jewellery and any silver items such as cigarette cases, vesta cases, cutlery ect CALL PAUL 07999869897 dsm-st14@hotmail.co.uk

3 QUICK TIPS FOR CHEAPER LIFE INSURANCE Its a fact – people are living longer. Advances in medical care and safety have ensured each generation a better quality of life – and a longer life too. Because of this, fewer people are making life insurance claims and the cost of insurance is falling. However if you have been signed up to a premium for a few years you may not have benefitted from this fall in cost.

Listed below are 3 of our best tips designed to help you save money on your policy today!

Tip 1 – Use Online Comparison Services Online comparison websites can give you a ball park figure for what the latest good quotes should look like. Websites such as MyMoneyQuote provide a free online quote service that can give you a range of competitive deals for you to use as a benchmark when finding the best price to suit you.

MyMoneyQuote use a few basic details to search a range of providers to get you the best deal.

Tip 2 – Speak to someone – it helps!

Talking to someone can really expand the range of quotes you will receive. Some providers only operate offline and can therefore provide unique offers you may not otherwise see.

Fill in some basic details with MyMoneyQuote and they will provide you with the opportunity to talk to an FCA Authorised Advisor who can take you through the options available to you.

Tip 3 – The earlier you start, the better The earlier you take life insurance out, the better. Prices increase the older you become so don’t delay in finding out your options. You will need life insurance for a variety of reasons so it’s best to get started early. MyMoneyQuote can provide you with a really simple form to get a fast easy quote.

Get a quote now.

Remember, as with anything, switching providers can save you money both in the short and long term. Enquire now and see what you could be saving.

This advice is given only for guidance and should not be considered regulated financial advice.

TSB LAUNCHES ITS LOWEST EVER PERSONAL LOAN RATE TSB is today launching its lowest ever personal loan rate for existing customers at 3.9%* on amounts between £7,500 and £20,000 and 4.4%* for loans over £20,000.

The rates are applicable for all loan terms between one and five years.

A key initiative at TSB is to help people to ‘borrow well’ by enabling them to borrow money in a way that makes the best financial sense for them. It is essential that people not only use the right kind of product, but also that they are borrowing an amount they can

afford to repay at a competitive interest rate.

Nick Smith, Head of Loans at TSB says: “By reducing our personal loans to their lowest ever rates, we’re helping TSB customers to borrow well, giving them access to a competitive loan rate and helping them to make plans as they look to the future.”

Customers who have been a TSB current account customer for three months or more can apply for a loan in branch, online or over the telephone and will receive a personalised quote instantly

without leaving a credit footprint.

Customers’ bank accounts are credited instantly with the loan amount when they apply in branch, or online between 9:00 am and 8:30pm.

Customers with a TSB loan can request up to two repayment holidays a year, should they need some financial flexibility.

Customers are also welcome to make overpayments so they can reduce the term and amount of interest paid should they so wish.

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 : Issue Page 413.13 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

For more information call

0800 612 4655 COMPLETE WORKING AND SPORTING DOG FOOD

100% NATURAL INGREDIENTS GUNDOG MIX UTILITY ENDURANCE AGILITY MIX RIVERSIDE MIX FARMERS MIX GAMEKEEPERS MIX ULTIMA TRACKER MIX RANGER MIX COUNTRYSIDE MIX SALMON MIX OBEDIENCE MIX TURKEY AND VEG HUNTER MIX

British Sourced and Made

50% Trout, lamb 50% Vegetables/ Fruits 50% Fish and 50% Vegetables/ Fruits 50% Turkey and Duck and 50% Vegetables/ Fruits 50% Pork, Beef and Tripe 50% Vegetables/ Fruits 60% Duck and Trout 40% Vegetables/ Fruits 60% Turkey, black Aberdeen Angus Beef, Pork 40% Vegetables/ Fruits 60% Salmon, Venison, Trout & Rabbit 40% Vegetables/ Fruits 60% Pork, Salmon and Beef 40% Vegetables/Fruits [High Fat] 60% Trout, White Fish, with Tripe 40% Vegetables/ Fruits LOW FAT 60% Turkey, Lamb and Tripe 40% Vegetables/ Fruits 70% Lamb, Duck & Rabbit 30% Vegetables/ Fruits 70% Scottish Salmon, 30% Vegetables/ Fruits 70% Trout, Lamb, Salmon, 30% Vegetables/ Fruits 70% Turkey and 25% Vegetables/ Fruits/ White Potato Free 80% Multi Meat/ Fish 20% Vegetables/ Fruits/ White Potato Free

*all prices include UK mainland delivery Charges apply for Highlands/ Islands and Channel Island + overseas

Millies Lionheart Complete Cat Food NOW AVAILABLE

12kg 12kg 12kg 12kg 12kg 12kg 12kg 12kg 12kg 12kg 14.5kg 14.5kg 14.5kg 14.5kg 14.5kg

MULTI BAG DEALS AVAILABLE

£36. 99 £36.99 £37.99 £37.99 £39.99 £41.99 £43.99 £42.99 £42.99 £41.99 £49.99 £49.99 £49.99 £52.99 £56.99

Rated one of the UK’s Top Dog Food

Millies Wolfheart is completely Gluten Free No grain, rice, boot pulp, additives or synthetic preservatives.

No chicken and eggs, completely natural, hyoallergic and glutent free, suitable for all working & suporting Dogs

A new generation of quality without compromise

Tel: 0800 612 4655 or 01535 280319 email: info@millieswolfheart.co.uk www.millieswolfheart.co.uk

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

14Page Issue14.

4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

PENSIONS LEGISLATION CHANGES IN 2015 If you are at least 55, from the 6th April, you will be allowed to access your pension benefits in any way you choose, giving you freedom to take some or all of your pension fund as a lump sum and, subject to paying income tax on three quarters of your fund, at your highest marginal rate, you can do with as you please.

For anyone with a small pension fund, were providing an income by annuity purchase or directly from the fund, is not practical this new freedom is likely be a welcome.

The greater flexibility afforded to the majority will also be a welcome change. Importantly though, in order to work out how best to utilise your pension accounts, and what is best to do, you will need to carefully weigh up a number of factors ~ these being the impact of income tax, the immediate and long term effects on personal cash flow, your lifestyle and future plans, life expectancy, expenditure and inheritance tax etc…

A less publicised yet significant improvement from April will be how pension benefits are treated after death.

Passing pension fund wealth down to future generations is an extremely tax efficient estate planning solution.

Restrictions on who you can nominate will be removed allowing you to nominate anyone at any age to benefit from your pension on death.

If you die after age 75, payments will be taxed at

the beneficiary’s marginal rate. But if death occurs before age 75, the nominated beneficiary has a pot of money they can access at any time completely tax free.

In either case, the funds are outside the beneficiary’s estate for IHT while they remain within the drawdown account and will continue to enjoy tax free growth.

And it goes on and on…..

The ability to pass on pension wealth doesn’t stop there. The nominated beneficiary can nominate their own successor who will take over the drawdown fund following their death – unlike the current rules where lump sum death benefits are the only option for non-dependants.

This will allow accumulated pension wealth to cascade down the generations, whilst continuing to enjoy the tax freedoms that the pension wrapper will provide.

Tax rate determined by age at last death Each time a pension fund is inherited by a nominee or successor, the tax rate will be reset by the age at death of the last drawdown account holder.

Where the pension fund is not essential to meet an older survivor’s needs, it may well be better for the original pension member to nominate their much younger adult child, grandchild or other family member as the death benefit nominee, thereby avoiding the capital falling into account for inheritance tax and permitting them to take tax free income for years.

PENSIONS ARE NO LONGER BORING “ I HAVE SEEN MANY

We can start to appreciate the benefits of a pension (savings plan). But, as with most things in life, nothing is “black and white” and there are pitfalls. Many pensions cannot be regarded as savings plans because they remain traditional pensions, and changing to a newer scheme might be the wrong thing to do. Most of us will soon be “auto-enrolled” (another boring phrase) into workplace pensions whether we like it or not, and this may also affect what we can or cannot do. Taking the pot in one go sounds great, but most of it could then be taxed at higher rates. And We sometimes feel we should do something pensions aren’t much good if you want to save about “a pension”. But it’s boring. We ask for for middle age – other savings or investments information. We receive a string of figures which could then be more appropriate. could be in Chinese. Put aside a few pounds a So what should you do? Robert Nix, an month and then in the dim and distant future, independent financial advisor with over 30 years’ we’ll get a trickle of cash for the rest of our life. experience in the financial industry and director The figures don’t tell us what we will get, just of Norrix Financial Services Ltd, says: “I have what we might get. seen many changes in pensions legislation over The first thing to do is to forget the word the years and the latest are probably the most “pension”. Thanks to changes in legislation, fundamental. Past experience tells me how many of the newer pensions are now simple, important it is for people to have good advice.” long term savings plans. We normally think of Robert recommends that you seek advice from a pension as an income, so much a month, so proper channels before starting a pension or much a year, or (for the state pension), so much making changes to what you already have. Even every four weeks. A savings plan is different. It though most pensions are now savings plans, produces a pot of cash available from 55 years’ they can last a long time. It is better to get it right of age. You can then do what you like. Leave the from the start. pot alone or take chunks out.

CHANGES IN PENSIONS

LEGISLATION OVER THE

YEARS AND THE LATEST ARE PROBABLY THE

MOST FUNDAMENTAL”

Norrix is a small independent financial adviser specialising in pensions.

As director of the business, I offer an initial meeting at your home or my office free of charge.

You can then meet me and I can see how I can help.

Norrix Financial Services Ltd is an Independent Financial Adviser which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority reference 224577.

01782 92 67 07 robert@norrix.co.uk

Federation House, Station Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 2SA

We provide a full range of services to suit your requirements. These include: • Pensions (including advice on Transfers from other schemes) • Investments • Savings • Life and health insurances • Mortgages (including equity release)

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 : Issue Page 415.15 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

16Page Issue16.

4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

at its current base at Buxton’s Farm on the A34 since 2009.

ponies to suit every level of ability. From the lovely 13hh New Forest pony, ‘Sparky’ Although initially the to 16.3hh Irish Sports centre concentrated horse ‘Basil’, a total of The Dressage Secret is who meet the highest aThe small, friendly ridof Dressage Secret is astandards small, level ofsafety, ability.

From lovely 16 equines, mostthewith on riders bringing The Dressage Secret is who meet the highest ing centre, based justbased horse andNew coachfriendly centre, justcare 13hh Forest pony, ‘Sparky’ ariding small, friendly ridstandards of safety, their own horses for specialist training help outside Penkridge on ing. outsideing Penkridge the edge to 16.3hh Irish Sports horse centre,onbased justof horse care and coachbeginners. at training, the demand the dedicated the edge of Cannock Cannock Chase.

It was founded ‘Basil’, a total of coaching 16 equines, outside Penkridge on ing.

Chase.

It was founded They now have a wide ise for Denise atspecialist The Dressage in proprietor, 2004, hasof been at its team most with training help theand edge Cannock in 2004,Chase. and at has beenfounded range horses and coaching ItBuxton’s was They now have a wide current base Farm on of the dedicated team at Senior coach, Denally O’Reilly, to provide Secret meet their goal at its current base to suitof every 2004, and at has ponies been range horses and meet their the A34insince 2009.

The Dressage Secret ise O’Reilly feels that com Buxton’s Farm on the level of ability.

From horses for people to of making learning at its currentthebase at ponies suit every Although initially centre goal ofto making learning to do A34 since 2009. Farm onthe lovely 13hh New From Buxton’s the level of ability. their riding centre op ride soon onbegan to pony, todressage do dressage fun concentrated riders bringing fun and accessible for Forest the ‘Sparky’ A34 since 2009. lovely 13hhthat New their own horses for training, all, whilst those are improving change business. and Althoughthe initially the to 16.3hh Irishaccessible Sports‘Sparky’for all, offers something a lit- dre Forest pony, the demand for proprietor, their a dressage have advanced concentrated horse ‘Basil’, total of Sports Incentre 2012, the centre bewhilst those that are tle different to most ing Although initially the to 16.3hh Irish Denise O’Reilly, to provide levelmost horses available to learn on riders bringing 16 equines, with centre concentrated horse ‘Basil’, a total of dres- places. The centre spe- tur came aforfully their horsesown people licensed to ridespecialist soon improving the morehelp exciting demands at their on horses riders for bringing 16 training equines, most with began to change the business. the higher levels of the sport. cialises beginners. at most in schools. adults Denand and training, the demand the dedicated coaching and insured riding sage have advanced their own horses for specialist training help In 2012, the centre became aat The Dressage Secret also takes ise explains re- 9 Denfor proprietor, Denise team beginners. at most“we schools. children older than per training, the demand the dedicated coaching school, and in July last level horses available have specialist riders training Senior coach, Birt, Den-both ally hope fully licensed and insured riding meet a limited number of complete O’Reilly, provide Secret their goal ise that explains “we refor to proprietor, Denise team at The Dressage and doesn’t do large ties year they gained apto learn the more exinthat rider biomechanics. isecoach, O’Reilly feelscoach, come horses for people toprovide of they making learning school,O’Reilly, and in Julytolast year beginners.

Denise Senior Den- here ally will hopedevelthat riders Secret meet Senior their goal their riding centre op further than they The horses are also pretty special; ride soon began to to do dressage fun gained approval status from the O’Reilly feels that their riding groups in one lesson (4 we proval horses statusforfrom the citing demands ise the O’Reilly feels that come here will develpeople to of making learning at offers something a lit- which dreamed possible, owthose areop placid enough to they change the business. and accessible for all, something Association of British Riding centre offers a littleriding their centre further than ride soon began to to do dressage fun is theing maximum in have one rid Association of beBritish higher levels of the tle places. different to teach most the to the specialist naIn 2012,change the whilst those that toare novice rider all Schools – ancentre award only given to and different most The offers something a litdreamed possible, owthe business. accessible for all, group).

The two main ly places.

The centre speture of our coaching, came a fully licensed improving their dresRiding Schools – an sport.

The Dressage Sedressage abd nathose riding centres centrethose specialises in adults and additional tle different to most ing totraining the specialist In 2012, the centre be- whilst that are cialises in adults and and the amazing temand insured riding sage have advanced are capable of executing some places.

The centre speture of our coaching, who meet the highest standards children older than 9 and doesn’t coaches, Denise O’Reiltho came a fully licensed improving their dresaward only given to cret also takes a limitchildrencialises older in 9 higher peraments and abili- temschool, and inhorse July last level available ofadults the movements, and level and the amazing of safety, care andhorses do large in one lesson (4 than and insured riding sage havegroups advanced ly and collegue, thi those riding centres ed number of complete and doesn’t do older large ofher our year they gained aplearnlevel the more experaments and abiliisties not 9the normhorses. at all We school, and in Julytolast horses available coaching. is the maximum in onechildren group). which than groups and in onedoesn’t lesson (4 welcome all levels of proval status from the citing demands at the Nicola Birt, both have and do large ties of our horses.

We yearhave they gained ap-of toThe learn more exThey now a wide range twothe main coaches, Denise at most schools. Denise explains the maximum one riders, but particularAssociation ofstatus British higher levelsdemands of the is the groups inin one lesson (4 welcome levels of the citing “we really hope that ridersall come specialist training in rid horses proval and ponies tofrom suit every O’Reilly and heratgroup). collegue, Nicola main inlyone enjoy working with Riding Association Schools – of an British sport. The Dressage Se- of the isThe the two maximum higher levels here will developriders, further but than particularthey rider biomechanics. of coaches, Denise O’Reilriders withworking a real with award Riding only given to –cret takesThe a limittwo those main ly enjoy Schools analso sport.

Dressage Se- group). The dreamed possible, owing to the ly and her collegue, thirst for knowledge those award riding only centres ed number complete for O’Reilthose riders with a real given to cretof also takes a limit- coaches, Denise nature of our coaching, Nicola Birt, both specialist have and who really wantknowledge to collegue, thirst for those riding centres ed number of complete ly and her and the amazing temperaments The horses are also specialist training in ride for thereally goodwant to Nicola Birt, both havewell and and abilities ofhorse ourwho horses.

We rider biomechanics. of the as well those For specialist pretty training inspecial; ride well for as the good welcomeforallthemselves”. levels of riders, but rider biomechanics. of the horse as well as which are working placid abo enjoy with The horses are particularly also for themselves”. enough to informal the nee with ateach real thirst for pretty The special; those For chat horses areriders alsoan knowledge and who really want to chat which pretty are special; placid about your riding novice rider allinformal have those For an enoughwhich to teachare thewell needs... ride for the about good of the horse riding placid your additional dressage Con novice enough rider alltoas have well as the for themselves”. teach needs... additional Denise on training are capa078 For an Contact informal chat about your novice dressage rider all haveabd trainingadditional abd are capa07814 286988 Nikki riding needs... dressage Contactor some Denise on ble of executing on ble of executing some on Denise 07968 830654 oror Nikki Contact on286988 07814 training abd are capa07814 of higher level vis of the blehigher level the visit website 286988 or our Nikki on www.

07968 of executing some on 07968 830654 or movements, thedressagesecret.com movements, the of the which higher level our which website 830654 or visit visit our website www. www. is not the norm at all which thedressagesecret.com movements, thedressagesecret.com is not the norm at all

Come and try aa new approach Come and trytry new approach Come and a new approach

is not the norm at all

British Jewellery Workshops British

Jewellery Workshops

is

a

long

established jeweller selling beautiful bespoke jewellery in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter. Creating jewellery for Birmingham and beyond, they specialise in handmade jewellery with a difference.

From pretty pendants and delicate charms, to wedding bands and earrings, their product range is diverse. With a whopping 2500 different products in stock, there really is something for everyone. Are you looking for a one-off piece for that special anniversary?

Or perhaps a birthday gift that will guarantee smiles all round? The team strive to produce gorgeous, unique presents that are a pleasure to give and wear.

Their jewellery is the very best of British and is made in their Hockley factory a stone’s throw away from their showroom. British Jewellery Workshops’ key talent is creating handmade jewellery and the team constantly aim to make your gift special, either by intricate engraving or hand polishing and finishing stunning designs.

Call British Jewellery Workshops now on 0121 523 1660 to see how they can help you with your jewellery needs.

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 : Issue Page 417.17 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

COME VISIT LOUGHBOROUGH CAT SANCTUARY For more than 27 years Joyce Harris has been looking after cats and kittens from her home in Loughborough, Leicestershire.

During that time she has cared for more than 5,000 cats and now, at the age of 82, she has decided to retire.

Cat lover Joyce founded Loughborough Cat Sanctuary, whose slogan is ‘rescue - don’t buy’, in 1987 and she has been looking after cats and kittens in the area ever since.

She started off offering a spaying service but soon people were knocking on her door with unwanted cats of all ages for her to look after.

“ Would you, or anyone you know, be interested in fostering current or future resident moggies? ” Loughborough Cat Sanctuary is a registered charity and is not currently taking on any new animals as Joyce wants to retire and concentrate on looking after her own eight pet cats.

The Sanctuary is located in the large rear garden of her home and there are currently around 30 cats and eight kittens in need of loving homes.

Mrs Harris wrote on the Sanctuary’s website: “The Sanctuary is currently downsizing…however, there are still many cats in our care that are patiently waiting to become a part of a new family.

“We are looking to relocate the Sanctuary in order to continue her legacy of caring for, and re-homing, homeless cats and kittens.

“Please contact the Sanctuary if you know of any land or property in the local area that would be suitable for our relocation.”

Mrs Harris said she would love to pass the Sanctuary on to someone younger who had a genuine love of cats and both the time and the energy to look after

after is becoming more urgent.

The Sanctuary website explains: “As we are still yet to find appropriate new premises for the Sanctuary to relocate to, we would like to explore the option of expanding into fostering.

“Would you, or anyone you know, be interested in fostering current or future resident moggies?

“The Sanctuary would provide food, bedding,

“ Come and meet these lovely cats. If you have the time and patience to give them a second chance, they will provide you with love and enjoyment in return. ”

them and run the charity.

She said: “This is a lot of hard-work but if you love cats it is very rewarding indeed. I really want someone to take on this Sanctuary because the work still needs to be done.

“This is a long-term commitment for the right person or people who want to take this on. It requires someone who is able to get a long with cats and also someone who is able to get along with other people too as showing the cats to prospective new owners is a big part of the work.”

Over the years Mrs Harris has worked tirelessly to raise funds to help bring in the cash to keep the Sanctuary going. There have been countless jumble sales, sponsorship, donations - both online and offline - and cat sponsorships to name but a few.

Events organised by the Sanctuary have been publicised on its Facebook page - https://www. facebook.com/loughcatsanctuary - and supporters have also donated cat toys such as scratching posts, bedding, towels, blankets and food.

Also as the Sanctuary is looking to relocate if someone can be found to take it over, the need to find good homes for the current cats being looked

litter, vet bills, and anything else necessary for the fostered cat(s). Fosterers would require their own transport for collecting food and for access to vets surgeries. We would hope that, if successful, fostering would provide us with the means to be able to carry on the charity's work. Please get in

touch if you are interested, know someone who might be, or if you have any questions.”

There are a number of semi-feral cats at the sanctuary at the moment. These cats have often been abandoned at some point and left to fend for themselves in the wild.

The website says: “They are no less worthy of a loving home and certainly no less of a pet... but they may require just that little bit of extra patience and love whilst they adjust again. Come and meet these lovely cats. If you have the time and patience to give them a second chance, they will provide you with love and enjoyment in return.”

If you require any further information about giving a home to the cats who are currently at the sanctuary or are interested in taking it over then call 01509 263 357 (Closed Mondays, Tue-Sun 14:00-17:00) or call the Sanctuary Assistant Emma on 07871 593 347 (phone or text 9am-5pm) You can also check out the Loughborough Cat Sanctuary website at: www.loughboroughcatsanctuary.co.uk

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

18Page Issue18.

4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

Whats On www.staffordshireguardian.co.uk

Rescues and rehomes Border Collies and collie crosses throughout the UK Registered Charity (1053585)

0871 560 2282 email: info@bordercollietrustgb.org.uk

Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Show at Stafford a roaring success

BY SINEAD BALLESTER Stafford County Showground played host to thousands of classic bike enthusiasts at the 35th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Show.

Fans from across the globe flocked to the showground for the biggest running classic motorcycle show in the world, organised by publishing firm Mortons.

One of the highlights was an auction organised by Bonham’s which included personal bikes from Top Gear presenters James

May and Richard Hammond, who were both looking to downsize their motorcycle collections.

One of May’s motorcycles, ‘Grievous Angel’, a Yamaha SR400 which was valued in the region of £8,000-£12,000 sold for £10,350.

Hammond’s Norton Commando 961SE, which goes over 130mph and was valued in between £14,500 – £18,500, sold for £15,180.

Both presenters made an appearance with Hammond leaving to participate in the Shropshire Air Ambulance charity

bike ride the same day.

The show’s guests of honour were TT racing brothers Nick and Tony Jefferies who have more than three decades of racing experience between them.

The Yorkshiremen took part in several interview sessions hosted by fellow TT champion Steve Plater and brought in two of their individual winning machines to

showcase.

These days the retired duo’s focus is on The David Jefferies Memorial Fund, which was set up in honour of Tony’s late son David, affectionately known as DJ. DJ, also a TT champion racer, was killed during a race practice in 2003.

Tony said: “It’s great to see so many people and so many

beautiful bikes.”

Other elements of the show included the live band “Itchy Fingers”, cavalcade and the new restoration theatre, which was a big success according to event organisers.

Nick Mowbray, exhibition manager, said: “We have a core crowd of enthusiasts who come to every show and then a varying

group of visitors who are attracted depending on what we have going on and what star guests we have attending.”

The 22nd Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show will be held at Staffordshire County Showground in October, with current TT racer John McGuinness as guest of honour.

Rattlesnake Canyon 5 STAR RATED BY 99% OF CUSTOMERS

Sepcialist in Reptiles, Aquatics and Pet Supplies & Information.

Breeders of Top Quality Reptiles.

We are the only shop in Birmingham approved to sell DWA species and have various species on display.

With out vast network of contacts we are able to source many products and animals on demand and will always strive to fulfil any customer requirments where possible.

T: 0121 382 7451

We offer a wide range of: • Snakes • Lizards • Tarantulas • Hamsters • Rabbits • Birds • Fish

W: www.rattlesnakecanyon.co.uk

574 Kingstanding Rd, Birmingham, West Midlands, B44 9SD

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 : Issue Page 419.19 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

Jazz and Blues Festival returns to Newcastle-under-Lyme

BY REBECCA HEYES Newcastle-under-Lyme will host dozens of live performances as the annual jazz and blues festival returns for its tenth year.

The event, from May 22-25, will take place in 20 different venues across the town with 60 bands of both local and national talent lined up to perform.

The venues include Bar Social, Roebuck Shopping Centre, Lymstone Vaults and The Greyhound.

Bad Soul Buskers, Barrelhouse Jukes and Dan Budd as Robbie

Williams are among the acts set to showcase the festival.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Centre Partnership Manager Matt Taylor said: “Jazz and Blues is back with a vengeance for 2015 and we have added some great new elements to an already successful event.

“We now have an outdoor stage on the Saturday along with some performances by bands from as far afield as Holland.

“And we have just had it confirmed that blues Big Boy Bloater – referred to as “one of the great blues men of our time” by Jools

Bank Holiday Blues: is there really such a thing?

Perisha Kudhail delves into the luxury that is Bank Holiday.

Bank Holiday weekends are the perfect excuse to get up later than 8am and a joy that we all love and cherish.

We love Bank Holidays and with good reason too. From schools to small businesses, Bank Holidays equate to a long weekend and an extra day off to do whatever we please. With the world outside of retail enjoying the luxury of a workless day, it’s no surprise that shopping fever will set in.

The idea of clothes and shoes at lower prices is allure enough

for all bargain fiends to make guilt-free purchases. Satisfying goods are purchased and Bank Holidays are brilliant for everyone.

The customer gets a bargain and the retailer gets the dough – result.

Win-win scenarios always boost good morale, and with a positive mindset being at the forefront of our minds, a day off can’t be a bad thing. Good morale is what can be expected from a Bank Holiday, and people always seem more generous and smiley. Nice. Bank Holidays not only seem to induce positive thoughts, but positive actions too. From experience, it

can be said people are more likely to do what you want on a Bank Holiday (so it’s probably a good time to ask for jewellery).

From good morale to good food, the national day off somehow triggers a culinary interest in the hearts’ of families around the country. Mums’ and Grandmothers’ alike seem to get some kind of Bank Holiday zap, which means all food tastes good. We have the time to make good meals and sit down and eat with the family.

Huzzah for Bank Holidays.

Holland – will join the festival at The Freebird.

“The majority of the gigs over 20 venues are free and there will be a record fair on the Sunday, as well as free dance sessions at The Kiln in High Street. So there is something for everyone to enjoy over the bank holiday weekend.”

The event will run until 4pm each day over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend with markets, Jitterbug dance sessions and a record fair to accompany the live performances.

Cafe 80’s retro restaurant opens in Hanley

BY SAMANTHA NASH A retro restaurant which takes diners Back to the Future has opened in Hanley.

Cafe 80’s is a celebration of the pop-culture from the 1980s and is inspired by the time-travelling classic film Back to the Future II, in which the main character Marty McFly, played by Michael J Fox, beams into 2015.

Situated at the sight of former Pink nightclub in Picadilly, Cafe 80s is owned and run by Burslem couple Tyris Louise Flare and Martyn Rose.

The self-confessed nerds said that they love 80s pop culture and always wanted to open a restaurant together.

The restaurant, which took just six weeks to be decorated and running, is crammed with1980s memorabilia, including retro arcade machines and vintage American diner-style furniture.

It even has a hover board, as featured in the Back to the Future films.

All the decorating and electrical work in Cafe 80’s was done by Tyris and Martin with a bit of help

from their friends.The floor had been painted with black emulsion which Martyn took off himself and repainted in a classic 80s black and white check pattern.

Tyris said: “We’ve had messages of good luck from all over the word including Italy and Argentina.

“The Facebook page has only been up for about a week and we’ve already got nearly 500 likes.”

They have even had a request to host a wedding reception on October 21, the exact date Marty McFly visited 2015 in the film.

Tyris said that they have had a lot of support from the surrounding businesses, especially Peter’s Tavern, a Slovakian eatery across the street from Cafe 80’s.

The grand opening on Saturday, April 25 included a visit from a DeLorean car, just like the one which transported Marty MdFly through time in the Back to the Future movie.There was also a visit from 1980s Star Wars characters Darth Vader and a Storm Trooper.

The restauraters are part of ‘Team Fox‘, a charity created by Michael J Fox to help raise money

for Parkinson’s Disease research, so Darth Vader carried a charity bucket around for donations.

Cafe 80’s serves a variety of food including homemade Burgers, with names like The Biff and The Clocktower, inspired by the Back to the Future films, as well as more than 30 flavours of ice cream.

The couple’s hope, once Cafe 80’s is fully established, is to open the upstairs of the building as a live music venue inspired by the nightclub from the Terminator film, TechNoir.

Have something to advertise?

Call our sales team:

01283 499689

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

20Page Issue20.

4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

Buddy Holly comes to town!

Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company are working hard on their next production of The Buddy Holly Story.

This lively story tells of the meteoric rise to fame of Buddy Holly from local boy to top selling recording artist.

A tragically short story that takes the audience through his early years, to fame recognition and his tragic death at the age of just 23.

Packed full of well know classics from Buddy Holly and the Crickets, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens, such as “Peggy Sue’, “That’ll Be The Day”, “Oh Boy”, “Everday”, “Rave On”, “Heartbeat” , “Johnny Be Good”, “Chantilly Lace” and La Bamba, there is something for everyone.

Dates and Times

Stalls

Circle

Tuesday 2nd June 7:30pm

£15.00

£15.00

Wednesday 3rd June 7:30pm

£17.00

£17.00

Thursday 4th June 7:30pm

£17.00

£17.00

Friday 5th June 7:30pm

£17.00

£17.00

Saturday 6th June 2:30pm

£17.00

£17.00

Saturday 6th June 7:30pm

£17.00

£17.00

Cafe 80′s retro restaurant opens in Hanley

BY SAMANTHA NASH A retro restaurant which takes diners Back to the Future has opened in Hanley.

Cafe 80s is a celebration of the pop-culture from the 1980s and is inspired by the time-travelling classic film Back to the Future II, in which the main character Marty McFly, played by Michael J Fox, beams into 2015.

Situated at the sight of former Pink nightclub in Picadilly, Cafe 80s is owned and run by Burslem couple Tyris Louise Flare and Martyn Rose.

The self-confessed nerds said that they love 80s pop culture and always wanted to open a restaurant together.

The restaurant, which took just

six weeks to be decorated and running, is crammed with1980s memorabilia, including retro arcade machines and vintage American diner-style furniture.

It even has a hover board, as featured in the Back to the Future films.

All the decorating and electrical work in Cafe 80s was done by Tyris and Martin with a bit of help from their friends.

The floor had been painted with black emulsion which Martyn took off himself and repainted in a classic 80s black and white check pattern.

Tyris said: “We’ve had messages of good luck from all over the word including Italy and Argentina.

“The Facebook page has only been up for about a week and we’ve already got nearly 500

likes.”

They have even had a request to host a wedding reception on October 21, the exact date Marty McFly visited 2015 in the film.

Tyris said that they have had a lot of support from the surrounding businesses, especially Peter’s Tavern, a Slovakian eatery across the street from Cafe 80s.

The grand opening on Saturday, April 25 included a visit from a DeLorean car, just like the one which transported Marty MdFly through time in the Back to the Future movie.

There was also a visit from 1980s Star Wars characters Darth Vader and a Storm Trooper.

The restauraters are part of ‘Team Fox‘, a charity created by Michael J Fox to help raise money for Parkinson’s Disease research, so Darth Vader carried a charity bucket around for donations.

Cafe 80s serves a variety of food including homemade Burgers, with names like The Biff and The Clocktower, inspired by the Back to the Future films, as well as more than 30 flavours of ice cream.

The couple’s hope, once Cafe 80s is fully established, is to open the upstairs of the building as a live music venue inspired by the nightclub from the Terminator

Local Lichfield lad Dan Anketell takes on the title role, and both he and the three Crickets play their own instruments on stage. With a strong supporting cast of over 50 people, this show promises to take you on a fun filled 2 hours of live music and stunning dance numbers, a toe tapping and exciting trip down memory lane.

The Buddy Holly Story will be on at the Lichfield Garrick, Tuesday 2rd June – Saturday 6th June 2015 including a matinee. Tickets from £15 (£10 for children under 16) available from The Lichfield Garrick box office 01543 412 121 0r www.lichfieldgarrick.com.

OUR TOP

TS N A R U A T S RE dvisor by tripa>> >>> >>>>>>>>

Staffordshire and the surrounding area offers a diverse array of restaurants to suit every possible taste and budget and the range of different establishments and types of cuisine is increasing all the time.

There is everything from finedining establishments, traditional pub menus, established restaurant chains and many individual establishments where the focus is on the quality of the food served and the experience of their guests.

Whether it is traditional fish

and chips, British, American, Continental, Indian, Chinese, Italian or more then Staffordshire has it all.

There is also a range of venues from traditional country pubs, traditional tea rooms, high-end establishments, trendy city bars and small family-run businesses, to name but a few.

There has never been a better time to enjoy Staffordshire’s diverse restaurant culture and it looks like things are going to only get better as news spreads that this is a great area for eating out.

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 : Issue Page 421.21 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

THE NORTON A restaurant and bar in the Midlands is receiving rave reviews through a winning combination of delicious food and engaging foodie competitions.

The Norton Coleshilll based on Station Road in Birmingham serves scrumptious dishes made with only locally sourced, fresh produce and hosts a fun challenge of a Man Versus Food Competition every month.

If you’re feeling adventurous, put on your loosest jeans and get on down to The Norton Coleshill where you can munch your way through a 50oz steak, mega mixed grill, bucket of inferno hot wings, or the aptly named Norton Tower Burger. Winners get their photos plastered onto the Wall of Fame and are handed a certificate and voucher for their next visit. Are you game?

If leisurely dining is more your thing, check out their regular menu. The Lemonade Battered Halloumi served with fresh rocket and watercress is inspired and zingy, whilst the Baked Camembert is creamy luxury baked in a pot.

The Norton Coleshill are burger connoisseurs who also make their own burgers from scratch. Sink

your teeth into the Chicken and Chorizo Burger for a subtle Spanish twist. Herbivores are also shown TLC through the delicious Spicy Bean and Feta offering. This fine independent restaurant and bar also serves a wide variety of world class wines. If you’re celebrating something special, bubbles are the order of the day; toast the occasion by sipping Prosecco, which at £18 a bottle, doesn’t break the bank.

Sunday Carvery from a pocket-friendly £6.95 is the jewel in the crown at The Norton Coleshill. Fist sized Yorkshire puddings, succulent roasts and velvety mash are just a few of the heavenly components that make up your traditional Sunday Roast. You can also tuck into homemade quality foods made to order, from a sizzling grill selection to house classics and weekly specials. As one Trip Advisor reviewer said: “The chips were delicious and the steak was very good indeed.”

Don’t just take their word for it. Whet your appetite and visit The Norton Coleshill now by calling 01675 464260 to make a booking.

“Absolutely amazing food and service” Username: DANIELLEA

“Cannot wait to go back for more” Username: NM4JD

“Absolutely great value and should not be missed ” Username: ENGLANDMANIJ

“Best meal we have had this year ” Username: NM4JD

WATERS ON THE SQUARE Waters on the Square is a relaxed bistro- style restaurant offering modern British cuisine. Located in leafy Edgbaston, the cosy 28-cover restaurant offers casual dining with a touch of class. Diners can expect expertly crafted classic dishes and a very warm welcome from the Waters team.

Dishes at Waters on the Square are created using the best British, seasonal ingredients that budget will allow; its suppliers are local, independent and

have a commitment to ethical sourcing. The restaurant offers a weekly changing set price lunch menu for £20 Tuesday to Saturday, a seasonal a la carte menu and a 3-course Sunday lunch menu for £21.95. The team can cater for bespoke private dining events on request.

Waters on the Square is located a short walk from Harborne High Street and just a couple of minutes drive to Birmingham city centre. Free car parking is available directly outside the restaurant.

“Harbornes hidden gem” Reviewed 10 January 2015

“Affordable luxury” Reviewed 5 February 2015

“Simply outstanding first visit!”

Reviewed 23 February 2015

“One of the best restaurants in Birmingham” Reviewed 28 February 2015

“5 course surprise menu - amazing! ” Reviewed 19 March 2015

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

22Page Issue22.

4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

Staffordshire SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS

Weddings 2015 Auctioneers & Valuers Antiques | Jewellery | Watches

An auction of Antique & Modern Jewellery Thursday 14th May at 11am The UK's wedding industry is worth more than £10 billion a year which makes it an expensive and often stressful occasion for which to plan.

It should go without saying that planning is key… from sorting out everything from the engagement announcement to the big day and the honeymoon could take many months or planning…or even more.

One of the most important considerations is the location that the wedding itself and a lot of thought and planning must go into getting the right venue.

According to the weddings website Hitched W.I.F.E. here are some top tips for choosing the perfect wedding venue: -Ensure it fits within your wedding budget -View the venue to make sure it will fit the capacity of your guest list -Sign a contract once you’re happy with the terms and conditions being offered -Don’t hand over a deposit unless you’re 100% sure of your wedding date and the details of your day and finally -Be sure that you are both happy and comfortable

with your chosen wedding venue choice The same website also revealed that when it comes to UK weddings, we are a nation of traditionalists with 78 per cent of brides surveyed saying they would follow the “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” tradition for their big day.

It is thought that wearing something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue will bring good luck to the bearer and can include anything and everything from jewellery to headwear, an old wedding dress, a blue garter and more!

The 2014 Wedding Report from confetti.co.uk showed that the top three venues were churches, hotels and castles followed by registry office weddings and then weddings abroad.

The average age for a groom is 30 with the bride 28 and, on average, UK couples will have spent 2.5 years living together before tying the knot.

The most popular wedding tradition is cutting the cake and the most popular honeymoon destinations are Mexico, Mauritius and the Maldives.

A selection of items featuring in this upcoming monthly auction.

Visit www.fellows.co.uk to view the full catalogue and for further information about buying & selling at this specialist auction.

0121 212 2131 Jewellery Quarter Saleroom 19 Augusta Street, Birmingham B18 6JA Mayfair London Office 2nd Floor, 3 Queen Street, London W1J 5PA fellowsauctions

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 : Issue Page 423.23 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue24.

4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN 24Page

SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS

Arrange a visit If you would like to come and visit the school, contact us to arrange a visit

“ We are extremely proud of what we have achieved over the last 10 years. It has and continues to be an exhilarating and humbling experience.”

Pace Education is an independent education provider whose focus is on helping children with challenging behavioural problems. With a simple, noble need in mind, Pace aims to help young people who may have a statement of special educational needs, or who have been excluded or face exclusion from school, to access education like any other young person.

Headquartered in Staffordshire with schools across the Midlands, the majority of students at Pace are in KS3 and KS4. GCSEs and key qualifications such as ASDAN are achieved alongside extra-curricular activities, which ensure young people are engaged and motivated to learn whilst having fun.

The range of awards is diverse and there is something for everyone at Pace. If a young person sees a future working as a vet, then the Animal Care Award is perfect for them. Budding chefs or those who want to be the next Jamie Oliver are encouraged to look into the Foodwise Award.

Functional Skills qualifications in English, Maths and ICT are also available at different entry levels, meaning all young people have their needs met as part of a continuous educational process.

Inclusion, equality and nurturing talent for all students who pass through the doors is key at Pace’s school and education centres in Newcastle-UnderLyme, Staffordshire, and Bilston, West Midlands.

Courses are designed with the student in mind and Pace strives to empower students and instil confidence in them through a structured plan from the outset. Every young person has a Personalised Education Plan (PEP), Individual Education Plan

(IEP) or a Personalised Learning Plan (PLP) where appropriate.

Pace was founded by the dynamic team of Cherri Felton and Clare Harper in 2005. It was their caring and ground-breaking vision of wanting to provide young people with a brighter future by breaking down educational barriers, that Pace was established.

Extensive research by Felton and Harper led them to discover that looked after children were not getting the right type of education fit for purpose. Their initial thoughts of providing education solely for looked after children quickly expanded after talks with local authorities. This bolstered the pair’s belief that other young people had unmet educational needs and the provision to cater for those marginalised, was born.

Felton and Harper work tirelessly to create a nurturing environment where students feel happy, comfortable and want to learn. Acquiring a ‘good’ report in a recent Ofsted inspection is testament to their passion and commitment for providing high quality education for all, and which has also cemented Pace’s reputation for being an excellent education provider. Pace’s education service is led by a dedicated team of educational professionals and like-minded individuals passionate about making a difference. Their drive and determination is to unlock a young person’s potential and ultimately help them lead more enriched, fulfilling lives.

Felton said: “We are extremely proud of what we have achieved over the last 10 years. It has and continues to be an exhilarating and humbling experience, which could not have been achieved

We are getting pupils back on track

Signing up for a brighter future

Opportunities to learn & grown... at your PACE without the wonderful support and guidance of the local community and educational authorities. Allied with dedicated staff, supportive parents and intrepid pupils past and present, we strive to build upon our success and help enhance the prospects of all of the young people that pass through our door.”

Transparency is key and Pace have laid out a 10 point pledge that underpins their values and ethics.

Treating all with respect and understanding, to ensure no-one is disadvantaged educationally, is at the crux of what Pace stand for. By encouraging students to persevere, and tailoring education to meet people’s needs, students are uniquely placed to get on the right track where a brighter future awaits.

Learning takes place in a well-structured setting with clear rules and boundaries that efficiently and effectively harness a student’s potential. This encouraging environment is conducive to learning and students are given the chance to digest information at a pace suited to their abilities. There is no “one box fits all” approach at Pace where students are seen as individuals who are on a wonderful journey of self-improvement. For some disengaged students it’s a much-needed lifeline guiding them through the disillusionment of the regular educational channels.

With options to study either full or part-time, educational and placement programmes can be tailored to suit a diverse range of needs. This considerate, flexible learning approach is popular amongst young people who like the option of

choosing what fits best with their lifestyle. From a full-time five day placement to studying one day a week, Pace’s diverse range of qualifications and award schemes are set up specifically to enable young people to participate no matter how many days they are in attendance.

Finding a new educational establishment can be a worrying time for parents and carers, who are encouraged by Pace to play a more active role in their child’s life. Pace works to foster excellent relations all round by encouraging open communication between all parties. Parents and carers are therefore informed of their child’s progress at every stage, to allay any fears and nurture honest and transparent conversation.

The staff to young person ratio is 2:1. This means young people are typically taught in small groups of four ensuring attentive teachers provide stellar support for their charges. One-to-one teaching is also an option offered. This highlights the commitment of Pace in building the confidence of young people and thus of their future too by providing a solid educational foundation. By going the extra mile, Pace really make a difference that resonates throughout a young person’s life.

The majority of students reside in the Midlands and Pace also welcomes people from outside these areas to enrol on a course or placement. If you are interested in visiting Pace, or want to find out how to obtain a placement, please get in touch by calling 01782 616660 or emailing info@pace-education. co.uk.

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 : Issue Page 425.25 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

Who are we?

Welcome to Portland School and Specialist College! We are a Stoke on Trent community school for pupils aged from 4 to 16 years old, all of whom are experiencing social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. All our pupils have a full educational statement, or Education, Health and Care plan which states a specialist provision is the best way our children will access appropriate and quality education. Pupils are placed at Portland through the Stoke on Trent SEN monitoring and assessment service.

Where are we?

Our school is in Blythe Bridge, on the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent border, and has very recently been completely refurbished and extended. It lies in extensive grounds, which are used to support learning across all areas of the school.

Our community: Our 95 pupils come from all over the city of Stoke on Trent, and also from neighbouring counties. Our 55 strong team of skilled and dedicated staff are led by Mr. Robert Faulkner, Headteacher. At Portland we love our strong sense of community, and are very proud of the progression our pupils make from one Key Stage, and year group to the next. Our school, of course, allows both space for each class to grow separately, learn and play appropriately, and also to take part as members of our whole school community. At Portland we have a strong Pupil Voice, and have a

National Curriculum as a base, with a focus on learning both in and out of the traditional classroom environment. In KS4 pupils have bespoke timetables, with GCSE English and maths at the centre of all learning pathways, with opportunities for wider curriculum access through external college providers too. We are passionate that access to quality education will provide our pupils with opportunities for happy, safe and successful futures. Portland pupils are taught empathically, in a supportive and caring environment. Our pupils are also appropriately challenged as they journey towards security, self-belief and self-regulation.

Primary at Portland: we have two separate areas to meet the differing needs of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, and separate classrooms within these areas. Each classroom across the whole school has pupil computers, an electronic white board, and a chill out area. In primary, there are separate playgrounds with sand and water play, and a trim trail with safety flooring. There is a separate primary dining hall and break out spaces for one to one and separate group work.

Secondary Portland: there are two distinct areas for key stage 3 and key stage 4 and additional shared specialist classrooms for ICT, food technology, design technology, science, art and PE. High School outdoor space includes several courts, a large playing field and outdoor gym equipment.

All classrooms have access to libraries, tablets, sensory and self-regulatory equipment.

Our ethos: At Portland, we practise with an understanding that the majority of our pupils have

Universally, we provide a nurturing environment and a therapeutic approach, in order to allow top quality learning and teaching to take place. fantastic school council: our school councillors come from across the four key stages, and are involved in decision making at lots of levels. Portland School Council always forms part of the interview process for any appointments made at school, and also help organise events such as our first, and hugely successful, summer fayre last year. We are fully supported by our Governors, parents, carers and strong multi agency teams.

Our learning: At Portland, we provide full access to the National Curriculum, GCSEs, BTECs and other additional vocational qualifications. The curriculum is taught creatively and thematically in Primary with an explicit focus on literacy and numeracy. This drive for excellence in key skills of course continues throughout the school as a whole. In KS3, pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum, using the

reactive attachment difficulties. As a staff we are proud to be attachment aware, and are involved in cutting edge research and practice. At Portland our fundamental ethos is an holistic approach. Our pupils, each and every one of them, are unique and wonderful. Universally, we provide a nurturing environment and a therapeutic approach, in order to allow top quality learning and teaching to take place. Individually, we tailor our lessons and activities to offer a bespoke package to each of our children: these are based on specific advice from Educational and Clinical psychologists, and each pupils’ EHC plan / statement objectives. In addition to our attachment aware practice we also tailor our practice to pupils diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, OCD, and our pupils with ASD. Wider opportunities: Portland pupils have amongst

other opportunities, swimming and music lessons, extra-curricular sports club, and have successfully participated in city-wide fishing and athletic competitions. Curriculum enrichment opportunities in school this year have included courses run by Challenger Troop, Grafitti Dave, and Progressive Sports. Trips have included Cadbury World, Awesome Walls climbing, cinema visits, orienteering at the Downs Banks, and pottery painting at Emma Bridgwater. Pupils also have opportunities for residential visits including geography visits to the Conwy Valley and coast, BTEC visits to Edinburgh,

and PSHE visits to the Gambia, to help build a school.

Want to see more?

At Portland, we are proud of our school, our pupils and our work. If you would like to come and see what we do, then ring us on 01782 882020, and arrange to visit. We are very interested in hearing from graduates in education, psychology or health who feel a period of work experience would be beneficial to their career paths.

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

26Page Issue26.

4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

Business www.staffordshireguardian.co.uk

STOKE-ON-TRENT TO STAGE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE GAMES EVENT

BY ALINA VILCANE The world’s largest multi-sport festival for businesses and organisations will take place in Stoke-on-Trent.

The Corporate Games has been running for more than 25 years, with the first one held in San Francisco in 1988.

Now in 2015, the games are coming to North Staffordshire – with some of the region’s biggest employers lining up to enter.

The multi-sporting event is the largest of its kind worldwide and is set to take place June 25-28.

Teams from businesses and organisations across the region will compete in a range of sports such as badminton, football and even dragon boat racing and

poker!

Chris Austin, events and commercial manager at Stokeon-Trent City Council, said: “More than 100 companies and 3,700 participants have signed up so far.

“The city council and county council are also looking to enter teams.”

It is open to any age, experience level and is sponsored by some of the largest corporations in the world.

There are more than 70 sports, 22,500 organisations and 1,000,000 participants involved in the Corporate Games internationally.

The games this year are being held at venues across Stoke-onTrent, including Keele University,

Trentham Gardens and Newcastle-under-Lyme College.

Stoke-on-Trent charity ‘Donna Louise Children’s Hospice’ will be raising money at the event to support children with life-limiting conditions.

Hannah Molloy, fundraising manager, said: “Hopefully we can raise lots of money, we have a text to donate campaign running and will be holding various fun activities across the weekend.”

Registration for the event is taking place at Sir Stanley Matthews Sports Centre at Staffordshire University’s Leek Road campus, the final deadline is June 3.

Anyone can enter to represent their business, company or organisation for a fee of £75.

Consultants play a valuable part in modern business They usually hold a specific expertise and can take that speciality from firm to firm, confidentiality assured at all times if they want to keep working.

From a business perspective, it means smaller companies don’t need to employ staff to look after one part of their affairs.

For example, accountants tend to work in a consultancy-type capacity. They are not on the firm’s payroll but are paid on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly retained rate.

Many firms retain public relations and advertising consultants on the same basis.

Although consultancy fees may seem dear compared with full time employment, the employer doesn’t have to worry about holiday cover, national insurance contributions, income tax, sick pay, maternity pay or

any of the other on-costs normally associated with employment.

If, for example, a small or medium-sized company wanted to investigate and adopt low carbon sustainability initiatives – DNCC has a conference on this very topic scheduled for 10 October, keep watching www.dncc.co.uk for details – they could employ a consultancy to undertake the work for them.

The consultants would either have knowledge of or investigate the best ‘green’ initiatives for the size of the company, bearing in mind growth plans, suggest a course of action, identify the long term savings to the business, oversee adoption of the initiatives and then leave the firm with no sacking or redundancy or final payoff unless one was included in the contract at the beginning.

The contract would normally be specific to that one task and on

completion, the consultancy costs end. It clean, it’s simple, it’s flexible and it’s tax deductable.

If you want to bring that down to everyday life, think about food shopping. You can either take time out of your day to drive to the supermarket, walk round choosing what you want, queue at the checkout, pack your bags, pay, load the car, drive home, unload the car, carry your bags into the house and put everything away, or you can press repeat order on your smart device, pay, and at a prescribed time your shopping is delivered, leaving you time to, well, go clothes shopping, perhaps.

That, in essence is how consultancy works. It frees up your time to focus on more important things, like running your business.

Protect your investment by extending your lease A leasehold property is one where someone else owns the land on which the property sits. There are rules, called covenants, written into the lease that say what you can and cannot do. A freehold house or flat with an extended lease is much easier to sell than a leasehold house or a flat with a short lease.

A long lease is a valuable asset, but as the number of years originally granted diminishes, so does the value of the lease. Put simply, over time, the value of a leasehold property decreases and this can affect the ability of the homeowner to sell or remortgage.

Therefore, the ownership of a leasehold property can have very serious implications. Julie Tomasik, head of residential conveyancing at Ansons Solicitors, says “for this reason, it is essential for property owners to protect their investment by buying the freehold of their house, or, if the property is a flat, by extending the lease. This should ideally be

done whilst there is at least 80 years remaining.”

You only have the right to buy the freehold or extend the lease when you have owned the property for more than two years. This means that if you have found a property that you would like to buy, but are put off because it is leasehold, it is the seller who must deal with the problem.

However, there is no reason why the sale and purchase of the freehold or extension of the lease cannot take place simultaneously.

It is quite easy to find out how many years are remaining on your lease. The first place to look would be in your property’s title deeds. If you do not have these, then often the freeholder, or their agent who you pay the ground rent to, can tell you. This information can also be obtained from the Land Registry very quickly and at a minimal cost.

It is possible to buy the freehold of a flat, but only if you get together with the other flat owners in the block. This is called ‘collective

enfranchisement’. If there is an insufficient number of people willing to purchase, then you can apply to just extend the lease of your flat.

Your solicitor will deal with the legal transfer of the freehold to you or the terms of a new lease if you are extending. They will also register the change at the Land Registry.

The property team at Ansons Solicitors has extensive knowledge of leasehold property, including purchase of freehold and lease extensions. We can also put you in touch with experts who can help you negotiate the purchase of your freehold or lease extension for the correct price.

For further information on extending your lease, please contact Julie Tomasik on 01543 267988 or email jtomasik@ ansonsllp.com. Ansons Solicitors has offices in Cannock and Lichfield, Staffordshire.

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 : Issue Page 427.27 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

28Page Issue28.

4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN BUSINESS SECURITY

It has been said that locks and bars will keep out only an honest man If a crook is determined to get into your business premises, he will do all he can do so.

The Easter weekend robbery at London’s Hatton Garden safety deposit vault, which included drilling through six feet of concrete, is a case in point.

So what can the good guys do to keep them out?

The level of security businesses need depends partly on the value of goods or equipment stored at their premises and partly on the cost of restoring the business after a break-in and theft, according the Andy Watterson, the Chamber’s Business Crime Manager.

He said: “If a newsagent’s shop is broken into, the stock loss may equate to a morning’s sales. It would be likely thieves would be looking

for products, such tobacco, which are easily sold and have high value.

“But, as far as day-today disruption is concerned, once the police have done their bit, the shop could carry on trading – the long-term disruption risk is relatively low.

“However, an accountancy firm which doesn’t make use of cloud-based technology or have other means of backup, for example, could lose its entire database if all its computers were stolen, and that might be impossible to restore.”

He said businesses had to determine the protection needed based on the impact of an attack.

Andy added: “In the case of the newsagent, even with thousands of pounds of stock, CCTV, decent locks and a

good burglar alarm might be enough.

“For the accountants, locks, bars and a burglar alarm wouldn’t save the business and although the material damage might be slight the long-term damage would be irreparable.

“And, the reputational damage to each of these businesses couldn’t be more different.

“Nobody would hesitate about buying a newspaper from a shop after it has been broken into but how many businesses would continue to use an accountancy firm which lost clients’ data.”

Andy’s recommendation is always to discuss security with experts, fit the best possible within budget and do everything possible to identify and mitigate longterm damage.

!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!! ! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!! !

DON’T JUST STAND UP STAND OUT WEB / APP / PRINT / BRAND / W: COLDFIREDESIGN.CO.UK / M: 07968911054

PESCADO HELPS BUSINESSES GO SUPERFAST Businesses in Birmingham are taking advantage of a Government voucher scheme that enables them to install superfast broadband.

Birmingham is one of more than 120 locations around the UK to be eligible for the vouchers aimed at helping companies to grow and develop.

In addition to SMEs, registered charities, social enterprises and sole traders can all qualify for the Connection Vouchers scheme which offers up to £3000 per customer to install dedicated superfast circuits to their business.

Fraser Watson, Managing Director of Pescado, one of the scheme’s approved suppliers, said: “The Connection Vouchers scheme is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to upgrade their broadband and gain real business

benefits.

“A better broadband connection enables businesses to improve their services, enhance their customer experience and reduce software and hardware costs.”

In December, Chancellor George Osborne announced that the Government was making £40million available from April 2015 to March 2016 to help more cities roll out the Connection Vouchers scheme.

Fraser added: “We have already helped a number of businesses across the UK take advantage of the vouchers which can be worth up to £3000 to businesses.

“The impact of upgrading to superfast broadband can be transformational for a business.”

Business communications specialist Pescado provides clients across the UK with

communications services, mobile office and converged, IT and cloud services. .

Clients include national brands such as Crabtree & Evelyn, Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club and Lexmark International as well as SMEs across the UK. Fraser added: “We have a unique offering in being able to make a business’s technology work seamlessly from connectivity such as business grade fibre, server maintenance and support right through to mobile handsets.

Customers love the fact we talk about their business technology in a language they understand and which is focussed on helping them achieve their own business growth objectives.”

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 : Issue Page 429.29 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN EMPLOYMENT LAW

The Two Year Rule

by Sarah Daniels, Managing Director, HR Response Ltd 6th April 2012 saw a change in employment legislation that meant workers employed on or after this date have to accrue two years continuous service with their employer before they receive full employment rights.

Those employed before this date only had to wait one year.

Full employment rights means a number of things but significantly, workers cannot claim ‘unfair dismissal’ until they have earned these rights. However, there are some caveats in the system that employers must ensure they are aware of.

If a worker is dismissed within the first two years of employment and the employer has broken the

terms of the employment contract, i.e. failed to pay the contractual notice period, the employee could claim ‘wrongful dismissal’.

Additionally, if a worker believes they have been ‘constructively dismissed’, this may also be deemed as a ‘wrongful dismissal’.

If a worker claims they have been discriminated against, any claim to an Employment Tribunal could be regarded as ‘automatic unfair dismissal’ even if the employee has not achieved two years’ consecutive service.

In short, whilst we have the ‘two year rule’, it certainly does not keep the employer out of the firing line at an Employment Tribunal.

Care needs to be taken, certainly when contemplating dismissing an employee, but when dealing with Employee Relations

in general.

So, what’s the answer? Ensure you have robust policies and procedures for all areas of HR Management.

Train your managers in how to handle difficult situations, and the effect what they say and do may have on a situation. Treat all your employees fairly and consistently, in accordance with your policies and best practice. If you do these three things, you should

significantly reduce the prospect of being taken to an Employment Tribunal for ‘wrongful’ or ‘unfair’ dismissal.

Any questions?

Email us at: info@hrresponse.co.uk We will be happy to answer them for you!

W: www.hrresponse.co.uk T: 0115 972 8708 E: info@hrresponse.co.uk

TWO STAFFORDSHIRE CONSTITUENCIES AMONG THE WORST IN WEST MIDLANDS FOR LIVING WAGE

BY TOM BURNETT More than a third of people in two Staffordshire constituencies earn less than the living wage, shocking figures show.

Stoke-on-Trent North was third highest in a study of all West Midlands constituencies, with 36.6% of people earning below £7.85 an hour.

Staffordshire Moorlands was fifth with 34.4% below the wage.

The study is based on the cost of living in Britain, which is higher than the national minimum wage currently at £6.50 an hour.

Staffordshire Moorlands was also the second worst constituency in the West Midlands for women earning below the living wage, with 45.5% earning less.

The figures, published by the Trade Unions Congress, show Stoke-on-Trent Central faring better with just 15.8% of people and 18.5% of women paid below the living wage.

Karen Bradley, Conservative MP for Staffordshire Moorlands, said: “Low pay is of course an issue that needs to be taken seriously.

“That’s why the Chancellor has already raised the personal allowance twice, taking three million people out of income tax altogether and saving others hundreds of pounds a year.”

Trudie McGuinness, Labour candidate for the Staffordshire Moorlands at this year’s General Election, said low wages were a massive issue for the Moorlands and that higher pay for lowest

paid workers was important for a strong economy.

“It is simply not acceptable that so many people who are working in the Moorlands are trying to survive on such a low wage,” she told Staffslive.

“There is a gross inequality in terms of wages,” she said, adding that women had been hit disproportionately by austerity over the past four years.

“Unemployment is relatively low in the Moorlands, but the type of work that is available is often insecure and low paid.

“The Labour Party is going to outlaw zero hours contracts in the life-time of the next Parliament.”

Midlands TUC regional secretary Lee Barron said extending the living wage was vital to combat

in-work poverty in the Midlands.

“Working families have experienced the biggest squeeze on their living standards since Victorian times,” he said.

“These living wage figures show women are disproportionately affected.

“Pay has been squeezed at all levels below the boardroom, and the government’s mantra about ‘making work pay’ is completely out of touch with reality.

“The number of living wage employers is growing rapidly and unions are playing their part in encouraging more employers to sign up and pay it.

“But we need to see a far wider commitment to pay the living wage.”

We caught up with David Barker of Relevant Business Solutions, which is about to launch its services across the Midlands, to find out what makes this new company different from other “Quality Consultants..”

Q: Who are Relevant Business Solutions?

We offer Quality Systems maintenance and a wide range of Quality Improvements, to Midlands based companies, on a Retained Management basis. Phase two coming up shortly is Environmental Systems support.

Q: So you don’t put in Quality Systems such as ISO9001 as a traditional consultant, you maintain them instead?

We can of course first help a client to develop their existing systems to comply with standards such as the upcoming update to 9001, but to answer your question, our aim is to build up a longer term relationship with our clients rather than hand them an “off the shelf system” and walk away.

Q: A “Retained Management” service”?

Yes. We aim to support local businesses by acting as a cost effective alternative to hiring permanent staff, interim managers or contractors, to undertake tasks which sometimes slip in resource challenged organisations.

For example, maintaining internal audit schedules and associated procedure updates /improvements.

We can also help with Product Quality initiatives including Supplier Development, or project work such as New Product Introduction in a range of industries.

Q: Will not potential clients be put off by the old adage: “You cant get rid of a consultant once they are in”?

Hopefully not! The business model is built around regular contract reviews to ensure we are providing the right type and level of support the client needs at any given point in their business cycle. By only charging for resources the client requires helps us to deliver a very cost effective, yet professional, service.

To find out more, please visit the company website: relevantbusinesssolutions.co.uk

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

30Page Issue30.

4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN BUSINESS TRAINING

Businesses Encouraged to Invest in Employee Training objective and in the best interest of your company.

To discuss how Chamber training courses can help meet your own training needs, contact the training team today.

Developing and upgrading your employee skills makes business sense. That’s why Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has developed an extensive programme of courses designed to boost productivity and enhance skills in your company.

Investing in training and development will help your employees achieve their potential, adding flexibility and efficiency into your organisation as employees can be crosstrained in more than one aspect of your business.

A well trained workforce will have far reaching benefits for your business and the importance of

investment in skills cannot be overstated. Your staff will be better equipped to handle the everyday challenges that the modern, highly technological workplace throws at them.

A training and development programme is a vital component for businesses of all shapes and sizes, especially for those looking to grow.

Investment in people shows them

that they are valued part of your business and the skills that they will acquire will have a tangible benefit on your company’s bottom line through increased productivity levels.

Achieving the best possible return on any training investment is crucial and this is where Chamber training delivers.

From social media in business to customs procedures and a

RISK MANAGEMENT

“There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don’t know we don’t know. ” - Rumsfeld Risks occur across all areas of business and where easy to identify and understood often well managed but in a world where change happens rapidly some risks are unknown.

To be resilient to the impact of these risks is a challenge. It is almost impossible to be prepared for every eventuality but development of good management practices can reduce vulnerability and support business continuity.

One of the greatest risks to all organizations – small or large, public or private - is the loss of reputation. This is a very difficult area to manage in isolation but good quality, environmental, occupational health and safety and IT security systems can go a long way towards mitigating risks. Integration of such systems is an area of expertise for iMS Risk Solutions who have pioneered some of the developments in this area as technical authors

of PAS99 2006 and subsequent revisions.

We focus on facilitating coherent systems for organizations, the absence of which can itself lead to risk. iMS Risk Solutions support organizations achieving risk management results for those who: • Want to add value to their business • Want to plan for the future • Want to demonstrate good governance • Want to demonstrate they care Risk management results for organizations who care For more information please contact us by: W: www.imsrisksolutions.co.uk T: 01332 856354 E: risk@imsrisksolutions.co.uk

whole lot more in between, the Chamber has a wide selection of training courses that have been designed to imbue your people with the skills and confidence that they need to make a valuable contribution to the future success of your business.

Our approach is consultative.

We listen to what you want and advise you accordingly. Rest assured that all of our advice is

Call 01782 202222 or email training@staffordshirechambers. co.uk.

For more information visit www.staffordshirechambers. co.uk.

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 : Issue Page 431.31 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN AUTO - ENROLEMENT

Workplace pensions and auto-enrolment Automatic Enrolment is ‘one of the biggest reforms to UK pensions in decades’ according to the National Association of Pension Funds.

No employer – however small – can afford to ignore these changes.

The first phase of reforms got underway in October 2012, and employers will be coming into the scheme over the following six years.

For the first time, employers will be obliged to pay into pensions unless employees opt out.

There will be extra

administration, involving satisfying the Pensions Regulator.

The process of introducing automatic enrolment into an organisation is not something that can be left to the last minute.

Almost all employers are affected.

The change also affects all ‘workers’ between ages 16 and 75 who work, or usually work, in the UK. ‘Workers’ includes employees and others who are contracted to work for you, except as part of their own business.

Every employer has a ‘staging date’ between 1 October 2012

and 1 February 2018.

The ‘staging date’ is determined by the size of the PAYE scheme at 1 April 2012, the PAYE reference number or, for businesses started since 1 April 2012, when they first paid PAYE income.

The Pensions Regulator recommends that employers start planning for automatic enrolment 12 to 18 months before their staging date.

Complying with autoenrolment obligations is a complex process, and it’s important that businesses develop an action plan.

There are many decisions to be made and potential pitfalls

at every stage.

There is then the ongoing process of ensuring that the business complies with the legislation.

The Pensions Regulator has produced detailed guidance, but many companies value the expertise of an adviser who can look at their particular circumstances and recommend solutions.

To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement planning or Inheritance Tax planning, contact Matthew Colton, Financial Adviser on 0114 3980413 or email Matthew.colton@sjpp.co.uk

Are you dealing with HR issues instead of focusing on growing your business?

Are you ready for Auto Enrolment and the change in legislation concerning the Workplace Pensions?

Will your payroll software or payroll provider comply and produce the following?

Pay period audits; uploads direct to your pension provider; your declaration; and the correspondence required for enrolments, opt ins, those choosing to join, opt outs, postponement?

Are you aware of the changes proposed by The Pension Regulator this April?

SGW Payroll have a wealth of experience providing payrolls to over two thousand clients throughout the UK

If you are unsure of any of the above and wish to know more, why not call SGW Payroll? We are a payroll provider based in Cheshire, and whilst working with The Pension Regulator on strategic forums and with Friends of Auto Enrolment, we

T

01270 500599

W

have become fully versed and equipped to help your organisation tackle the administration burdens that are being levied at small businesses concerning Auto enrolment.

SGW Payroll have a wealth of experience providing payrolls to over two thousand clients throughout the UK, having worked on a referral basis for a major high street bank and several large accountants, we would not have had their endorsement if we were not accurate, reliable and cost effective.

We are members of the Payroll Alliance and The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals and have a dedicated team of payroll professionals who will be able to service any payroll needs from micro and small businesses right through to large organisations. Our smallest customer has one employee.

If you wish to know more, just call us on 01270 500599 or visit our website on www.sgwpayroll.com.

But don’t take my word for it, check us out and experience our service for yourself.

www.sgwpayroll.com

Do you get your contract templates and HR advice from the internet and don’t know if your business is really protected?

Introducing the Spring Offers from ConciseHR – the leading HR consultancy for small businesses in Staffordshire and Derbyshire…..

Evergreen contracts – let us create a bespoke employment contract for you… and keep it up to date in line with legislation – from £300 (normal price £500) Virtual HR Manager – Same day phone response on all your people issues - from £75 / month (normal price £100 / month) Tweet - @concisehr Visit our website www.concisehr.co.uk See testimonials from the companies we help.

Call us now on 01332 242407 or email info@concisehr.co.uk

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

32Page Issue32.

4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

Tinsdills Solicitors announce their new service for employers.

Staffordshire Guardian – (April 2015) In order to help local businesses minimise the potential for employment disputes and their consequences, Tinsdills are now offering their Resolve Employment Law Service.

Employees are more aware of their legal rights under the employment legislation than they ever were. It is therefore imperative that employers maintain their internal HR documents, contracts, policies and procedures to ensure they are properly equipped to deal with any potential employment disputes. The employer who is not up to date with their obligations is at a higher risk of facing an employment tribunal claim.

The new fixed price service is intended to help businesses avoid employment disputes by ensuring that their clients are operating to the best standards of employment practice and procedures. Tinsdills will undertake an annual review of key employment

documents and procedures. In the event of an issue arising, Tinsdills will provide expert advice by telephone on HR issues when it is needed, enabling companies to deal with any employment disputes swiftly and effectively.

Tinsdills’ service includes an insurance policy which will provide cover for legal costs and most awards and settlements of up to £250,000 per claim if, after all of the support and advice provided, an employment tribunal claim should occur, Elaine Goodwin, Employment Law Solicitor at Tinsdills comments: “Any claim issued against your business by an employee can be very costly both financially and to the reputation of your business. At Tinsdills we believe that prevention is better than cure and this service offers you expert advice and support to minimise these risks and all for a competitive fixed fee”.

To find out more about how Tinsdills can support, advise and protect your business against

employment disputes, please contact Elaine Goodwin on 01782 652 300..

About Tinsdills Solicitors Tinsdills Solicitors are one of the largest and most experienced firms in North Staffordshire and South Cheshire with offices in Leek, Hanley, Newcastleunder-Lyme and Sandbach.

Our specialised departments offer an expert and

friendly legal advice service for personal and business clients including residential property, family law, company and commercial, wills trusts and probate, professional negligence and personal injury.

For more information call 01782 652300 or visit http://www.tinsdills.co.uk

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 : Issue Page 433.33 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

Confined Space Training

Consultancy

Rescue Cover

Mines Rescue specialise in providing confined space training to all industries. Based on the requirements we help to support all our clients gain the correct certificates.

Our consultancy services provide industry leading advice, training and guidance to support all sectors with their health and safety requirements.

The Mines Rescue accredited emergency response team and industry specific equipment can be provided to help all companies carry out work in confined spaces.

E: minres@minesrescue.com T: 01283 819555 For further information visit our website at www.minesrescue.com

Units 1–3 Marquis Drive, Rawdon Business Park, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6EJ

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

34Page Issue34.

4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

Home Improvement www.staffordshireguardian.co.uk

COLD WATER COULD HEAT 1 MILLION HOMES At least 1 million homes and businesses across England could be tapping into clean renewable heat hidden in our waterways, a new online tool for communities has revealed.

The innovative and interactive online map has revealed the secret energy in over 4,000 rivers, estuaries, canals and coastal sites across the country that together could provide over six gigawatts of low-carbon heat to communities. By installing a water source heat pump people can help eliminate the need for dirty gas-fired domestic heating and a typical household could slash its carbon footprint by up to 50 per cent.

Launching the new map at Battersea Power Station in London today, Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey said: “We need to make the most of the vast amount of clean, renewable

heat that lays dormant and unused in our rivers, lakes and seas.

“Doing this will help contribute to an energy mix that maximises clean, reliable home-grown resources rather than relying on foreign fossil fuels. It also provides a system that bolsters growth in our local economies, protects the natural environment, and creates resilient communities that are capable of producing sustainable power systems.

“This is exactly why we’re giving local people, developers and councils the keys they need to unlock the enormous potential of our waterways.”

Battersea Power Station is the latest developer to announce that it will be looking into installing a water source heat pump.

Today, energy company SSE was appointed to carry out a full heat pump feasibility study. The company will also investigate the

re-use of existing engineering infrastructure that was built 80 years ago to connect the Power Station to the Thames when it was generating power. If a heat pump is installed at the site, it would be one of the energy sources used to provide heat to around 4000 new homes, shops, offices and public amenities being provided at the Power Station.

Phillip Gullett, chief operating officer at Battersea Power Station, said: “We are looking at a range of options to deliver the energy required for the homes, shops, restaurants and leisure facilities being created here at Battersea Power Station.

“Being located on the banks of the River Thames in central London we are ideally placed to investigate what role water source technology may play in supplying our energy needs and we are delighted that SSE will be

undertaking a feasibility study to establish the options available to us.”

Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, the charity that cares for 2,000 miles of waterways in England & Wales, said: “We very much welcome today’s announcement, which recognises the huge potential of water sourced heat pumps to deliver a low carbon solution to the UK’s heating and cooling demands.

“We have a number of innovative projects already underway, or in development, on our canals and rivers. These are delivering benefits for waterside businesses and the environment and proving again that, 200 years after they were built, the waterways are still bringing a whole range of benefits to the nation.”

ALMOST TWO THIRDS OF SECOND STEPPERS IN THE EAST MIDLANDS WANT TO MOVE UP THE HOUSING LADDER BUT CAN’T • Almost two in three (61%) Second Steppers living in the East Midlands wanted to move but couldn’t do so in the last year.

• Second Steppers in the region need to find an extra £44,400 to fund the move to their second home.

• This means the estimated cost of desired a second home for people in the East Midlands is now £227,200, 24% more than they estimate their current property is worth.

Second Steppers in the East Midlands are finding that they have an equity shortfall of £44,400 to make the next move to their second home, with the cost of moving increasingly holding them back from moving up the ladder.

Second Steppers were yesterday's first time buyers and they are today's first time sellers, looking to move up the ladder. They are living in the homes that the first time buyers need to buy to keep the market moving. Without movement from Second Steppers, the whole housing ladder comes to a standstill on

the second rung.

Almost two thirds of the region’s Second Steppers (61%) wanted to move in the last year but couldn’t do so. With an average funding gap of £44,400 in the East Midlands, the size of the jump between their current property’s estimated sale price (£182,800) and the price they expect to pay for their new house (£227,200) is considerable.

In the East Midlands, a combination of savings and equity are funding the move Nine in ten Second Steppers (90%) in the East Midlands feel it is important to save to help fund the next property move, to help build up a deposit. Almost half (45%) of people in the region are increasing the amount they are saving year-on-year for their next house, higher than the national figure of 37%.

Nationally, over four in ten (41%) Second Steppers have over-paid on their mortgage in the last 12 months but in the East Midlands this figure is higher at 45%. In addition, residents in the East Midlands are confident about house price rises in the next year, with 77% saying prices will go up.

Andy Hulme, Mortgages Director

at Lloyds Bank, said: "Second Steppers are increasingly looking to move into bigger family homes for their next move, and those in the East Midlands will have to find £44,000 now to jump the gap between their current property’s value and the price of their desired second house.

“This means many Second Steppers in the region have been held back from moving up the ladder. However, it is clear that people in the East Midlands are keen to save, and confident about house price rises. This will give them larger savings pots and higher levels of equity, allowing them to put more down in deposits to help them make this big jump up the ladder.”

Almost a quarter (22%) of people in the East Midlands are concerned about the size of deposit they require to move house and almost half (48%) believe that potential interest rate rises are one of the key challenges facing first time sellers.

Second Steppers are staying put for just under two years longer than planned.

Second Steppers in the East Midlands are, on average, spending 22 months longer in

their first property than they expected as they continue to build up equity. The average Second Stepper in the East Midlands spends four years and ten months in their first home. Only 13% intended on staying put for over six years, however in reality, over a third (52%) have done this.

Second Steppers delaying their move may impact on first time buyers.

Second Steppers are the link between first time buyers and the rest of the housing ladder.

They are living in the homes that the first time buyers need to buy to keep the market moving. With Second Steppers taking longer to move from their first house up the housing ladder, supply of existing first time buyer homes is reduced, potentially increasing the difficulty for many to get on the housing ladder in the first place. Without movement from Second Steppers, there is increased importance of a good supply of new homes being built to ease pressure on the first rung of the ladder.

3 MONEY SAVING TIPS FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS Buying a house for the first time can be a daunting prospect. How do you know if you are getting a good deal? Will you be able to buy in the area you want? Is your credit score going to affect your mortgage?

Based on our experience, we’ve put together these tips to help get you started. Remember – these should be used a guide only and proper financial advice should be taken before entering into agreements.

Tip 1 – Check your credit score A poor credit score can make a first time buyer unable to achieve the best possible mortgage rate and even ensure that mortgages can be turned down altogether. There are steps you can take to improve your credit score and check how it has been affected over the previous years. It can also show if you have been a victim of identify theft. Service such as Credit Expert from Experian offer a free 30 day credit credit report trial where you can check out your credit history for free. You will be asked for a credit/debit card but will not be charged anything if you cancel in the first 30 days. Get a detailed professional credit report at Credit Expert for free now Tip 2 – Get a range of mortgage quotes Sounds simple doesn’t it? However you need to be careful when applying for mortgages. Some providers will perform credit checks upon you that, if done too often, can impact your credit score for a short time. Ensure that providers do not perform full credit checks unless you are looking for a mortgage promise – a guarantee of a mortgage. To get an idea of what you could borrow, check out this free comparison service to find out what deals could be available for you. www.mortgage.soswitch.com/monetise/mortgage-quote Tip 3 – Many mortgage providers need you to have a life insurance policy …or at least will try to sell you their own. At this point you may feel trapped and not have an idea of the cost of a policy and so could be tricked into buying a more expensive policy than is necessary. You will need a life insurance policy that will cover you for the entire mortgage (and possibly beyond) so a “whole life” policy is advisable. Life insurance protects your mortgage payments in the event of yourself or partner passing away. Banks can require this to ensure that mortgages will not default and it helps to lower the risk of them lending to you, the customer. Get an idea of how much this will cost by comparing quotes quickly and easily using MyMoneyQuote’s free comparison tool. They compare prices over a range of providers to get you the cheapest quote.

We hope this gets you started in buying your dream first home but remember qualified financial advice should always be taken to inform important decisions. Good luck!

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 : Issue Page 435.35 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

Are your Windows Energy Efficient?

When it comes to saving you money by increasing the energy efficiency of your home then Eco Homes are the experts in this field.

highest of standards, the quality of the windows is constantly checked and all of the products they supply come with a no nonsense 10 year insurance backed guarantee for peace of mind.

This Certass registered and Trustmark certified local company has a vast experience in the improvement of energy efficiency through manufacture, supply and installation of high quality, ‘A’ Rated Pilkington energy saving glass alongside reinforced uPVC and aluminium home improvement products.

Eco Homes ‘A’ rated replacement windows, uPVC and composite doors, French and patio doors all meet the increasingly demanding energy-efficient requirements to help cut energy consumption and reduce energy bills.

Their Swish uPVC Windows are made at their own factory to the

The energy-efficient replacement windows come in classic white, elegant rosewood, stylish golden oak and a full range of specialist heritage colour effect frames with a choice of clear, decorative patterned, leaded or georgian bar effect and coloured leaded light glazing.

Whether it’s outward opening casements, inwards opening tilt and turns, French doors, patios doors or even vertical sliding sash windows all types are available.

All windows and doors are high quality and feature the very best in reliable modern operating hardware and high security locking systems.

Eco Homes also offers free energy efficiency surveys and energy saving product demonstrations with absolutely no obligation.

For more information visit their website www.ecohomesuk.com or call 0800 566 8775

J E LINDSAY BUILDING CONTRACTORS Service & Quality guaranteed

ALL ASPECTS OF BUILDING WORK UNDERTAKEN

BATHROOMS KITCHENS PLUMBING ELECTRICS

FASCIS SOFFIT’S BRICKWORK PLASTERING

Replacement doors and windows in UPVC

WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON PRICES OR SERVICE !

Tel: 01283 295659 Mobile: 07770786896 jelindsayltd@gmail.com Over 20 years experience as a NHBC registered house builder

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

36Page Issue36.

4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

Spring Gardening Gardening can be highly rewarding, fun and utterly addictive hobby and the best way to do it is to jump right in and start experimenting.

You don’t need to sit down and read up on an entire manual on gardening before getting started but these few pointers should get you off to a good start.

Also remember that there is a wealth of information about the subject online, in books and magazines and on specialist gardening programmes on television.

The key is not to become daunted at the sheer amount of information available, but just to get started at a pace which is good for you.

So here are some top tips for ensuring that you get your gardening hobby off to the best possible start.

It is very important to know your soil type. Different plants grow better in different soil types so matching plants to soil type is very important indeed. There

are three main soil types - sand, silt and clay and staff at your local gardening centre will advise you on which plants are best for which soils.

Different types of plants also need different amounts of light and nutrients, so plant similar plant types together for best results.

Also take time to learn to identify common pests and diseases which may attack your plants so that you can take appropriate action. Note that reaching for the nearest chemical spray is not always necessary and more eco-friendly alternatives should always be considered.

Talking of being environmentally friendly, don’t forget that you can make your own compost from kitchen scraps and prunings which you can use to start a compost heap.

Don’t forget to remove dead flowers from flowering plants every few days as this will prolong the flowering season.

This is especially important in the case of flowering annuals but it

also applies to many flowering shrubs.

Just like humans, plants need regular watering but different plants need different amounts of water. Take time to know how much water your plants need and how often they need to be watered. Under or over watering plants could lead to disastrous results so understanding this is very important indeed.

When it comes to gardening there are many common mistakes which people make such as planting in the wrong spot, such as an area which is too dry, too moist, to hot or too cool for the species being grown.

It is also quite common for people new to gardening to pull up plants instead of weeds so ensure that you know your plants from your weeds.

In all gardening can be a really rewarding hobby and as you get more skilful then you will be rewarded by ever better results.

P & M Edwards Johnson Hall and Bury Bank garden centres are familyrun businesses in the heart of Staffordshire with more than 60 years experience in the world of horticulture.

They produce top quality plants at affordable prices and have everything from small shrubs to large trees.

Customers regularly praise their friendly and experienced staff who are always happy to advise on anything from plant selection, growing and care tips and any other matters to do with gardening.

Johnson Hall Garden Centre is located just outside Eccleshall on the A519 Newport Road. It is set in the delightful surroundings of a Victorian walled garden and the nursery was formally the gardens of Johnson Hall.

Bury Bank Garden Centre is located in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside, on the A51 just a mile from the A34 Darlaston Inn roundabout.

It was established in 1991 growing shrubs, trees & hardy

nursery stock while the plant centre was added in 1998 to serve their retail customer base.

By growing onsite they are able to offer their customers a diverse range of plants not always found in a typical garden centre.

One of the services which is proving very popular at the moment is plant hire for weddings and special events.

Almost any plant from the nursery can be hired and can also be supplied with decorative pots to suit your theme.

Plants can transform any venue, are perfect for adding that finishing touch and provide structure and colour.

They also have a very popular Greenhouse Emporium which features new and vintage items for the home and garden.

Be sure to check it out if you are looking for something interesting or collectable for your home and garden, old or new, vintage/ antique and industrial items.

For further information see the website: www.plants4life.co.uk

AWARD WINNING HANGING BASKETS

Plant Hire for Weddings and Special Events Johnson Hall Nurseries, Newport Road, Eccleshall ST21 6BD 01785 850400

Greenhouse Emporium

Refills or make your own from our extensive range of basket plants

Open 7 Days a week - Monday to Saturday 8:30am - 5:00pm and from 9:30am - 4:00pm on Sundays

Bury Bank Plant Centre, on the A51 at Darlaston ST15 0QA 01782 796353

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 : Issue Page 437.37 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

Healthy Living www.staffordshireguardian.co.uk

RACE FOR LIFE LAUNCHES THE UK’S Meir mum Natalie Eckert runs London Marathon in high heels FIRST FEMALE-ONLY MARATHON

Natalie Eckert with her medal from the London Marathon.

A mum-of-five from Meir completed the London Marathon wearing three-inch heels.

Natalie Eckert, 37, finished the 26-mile race in 7 hours, 7 minutes and 3 seconds on Sunday April 26.

The fitness fanatic failed to break the world record for taking part in a marathon in high heels.

Natalie, who was wearing a pair of fuchsia stilettoes from Marks

WOMEN in the East Midlands are being offered the unique opportunity to take part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life Marathon - the first female-only marathon in the UK. Every hour, 3 people are diagnosed with cancer in the East Midlands*. And that’s why Cancer Research UK is calling on women to help make history by signing up for this exciting new event as soon as possible.

As well as raising funds for lifesaving research, taking part in Race for Life Marathon is the perfect opportunity for women of all ages, shapes and sizes to tackle the marathon challenge even if they’ve never done one before.

The event will take place at Lee Valley Park, London on Sunday, October 4. Participants can choose to run a full or half marathon course.

Lea Blake, Cancer Research UK’s Event Manager for Race for Life Marathon, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching the first ever Race for Life Marathon.

“Race for Life events are all about inclusivity, fun and female camaraderie - and the Marathon is no different. Whether you’re a marathon pro or running novice, this brand-new event offers an accessible and supportive environment for women of all abilities.

“It’s not about how fast you run.

It’s about creating an unstoppable force of women who are united

in the bid to beat cancer. The Race for Life Marathon is set to be an inspiring and exhilarating event and we urge ladies to sign up now. With their trainers at the ready, we know women are up for the challenge.”

Race for Life Marathon is a new addition to the Race for Life family, which also includes the muchloved 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events, which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner by funding lifesaving research.

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across the East Midlands.

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and

Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress. But more funds and more supporters are needed to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Lea continued: “Twenty years ago Race for Life changed the face of women’s running in the UK, and we’re delighted to be trail-blazing once again with the UK’s first ever female-only marathon. We’re calling on the ladies to challenge themselves and achieve something amazing as they unite against cancer, the common enemy. Every pound raised at the Race for Life Marathon will help to fund our life-saving research to help beat 200 types of cancer.”

To enter Race for Life Marathon today go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

& Spencer, was forced to have treatment on her feet at around the seventh mile, making the world record attempt void, as she had to remove her heels.

She said: “I’m a little bit disappointed to not have got the world record.

“When I had to stop and take the shoes off and get treatment in the ambulance, I knew at that point that because I’d taken them off and walked to the ambulance, the

world record was gone.”

But, Natalie is still pleased with the money she has raised for two charities, which currently stands at just over £2,000.

Natalie will donate the cash to Asthma UK and Winston’s Wish but says she like to earn more money. She said: “I’d still like to raise a little bit more.

“People can still donate, I’ve got another six weeks after the event to raise the cash, so I’m looking to bring in a bit more if possible.”

Despite having achieved something most of us can only dream of, Natalie said she had received some criticism on social media. She added: “It’s been, ‘You didn’t complete the whole marathon in heels, you walked a little bit.’

“But you just let it go over your head.”

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

38Page Issue38.

4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

Footherley Hall Shenstone, Nr Lichfield T: 01543 480253

W: www.sistershospitallers.org

Footherley Hall is a unique residential home in an idyllic countryside location nestled on the edge of the village of Shenstone. Set in extensive well-kept gardens with accommodation and facilities for up to 50 residents, the home is owned by the Sisters Hospitallers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Here at Footherley we give a very warm welcome to people from all denominations.

The Sisters and staff are fully committed to caring for the elderly, taking a holistic and person centred approach with a strong passion for endeavouring to make a difference in the lives of those we care for.

The home is led by myself, an experienced residential home manager who has been in post since 2014. I am driven by strong values and a passion for caring for those who have physical or psychological needs.

Our founders and the congregation today, ‘The Sisters Hospitallers’ had a specific vocation to serve the physically and psychologically needy, and those at risk of being excluded.

Today, as a united team we feel strongly that we are continuing to support that vocation, along with the mission and the values of our founders. Our particular passion, in this current prevailing trend in increasing numbers of people being diagnosed with dementia, is being able to support their ever changing daily living and needs. What we also feel is paramount is giving the support to the families and friends of those with dementia, helping them to understand and not be afraid of what the future may hold. With that in mind we are ardent about the inclusion of all and showing compassion to others.

We embrace and offer pastoral care both day and night whenever it is required.

Footherley Hall also has a strong committed group of people known as the ‘Friends of Footherley’, a registered charity in their own right. These are people who have predominantly had loved ones at some point in their lives at Footherley Hall, and now have a passion to support the home. They work

“

Footherley Hall, Footherley Lane, Shenstone, Staffordshire, WS14 0HG

environment I was more than happy to accept their invitation for a monthly column.

I personally feel that dementia is a disease that demands a greater awareness and understanding in our society. No life affected by Alzheimer’s disease will ever be just a statistic. However, the facts and figures around dementia reveal the shocking impact it has on us all.

• Over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today, a number forecast to rise rapidly as the population ages • Predicted figure are 1 million by 2025 • 80% of people living in care homes have a form of dementia • 163,000 new cases in England and Wales each

year. That equates to one diagnosed every 3.2 minutes • Globally one new case is diagnosed every 7 seconds

42% of the UK population are affected by dementia

through knowing a close friend, a relative, a work colleague with dementia. tirelessly in the name of Footherley to raise funds to further improve the quality of life of those who reside in our home. Just one example is enabling the residents to have an extensive entertainment programme with numerous concerts, shows, outings and other social events.

The Friends of Footherley annual Summer Fete is their biggest fund raising event of the year. This year it will be held on Sunday the 7th June, so please put it in your calendar, we would love to see you there.

The Guardian has asked me to write on the subject of dementia for its readers. As this is a subject that is very close to my heart as well as my work

”

42% of the UK population are affected by dementia through knowing a close friend, a relative, a work colleague with dementia. For this reason alone we should not shy away from the disease, we should embrace the chance to learn a little more about it.

As the statistics tell us, one day not only I, but you may have to support a loved one with dementia.

You may wonder, what is dementia? Who can get dementia? At what age could someone get the onset of dementia?

Dementia is a disease that is progressive and destroys brain cells that control memory, mood,

communication and reasoning.

Alzheimer’s is the most common cause. During the course of the disease the chemistry and structure of the brain changes, leading to the brain cells dying.

First signs are short term memory loss.

Vascular disease is the second most common.

This is when there is a lack of oxygen to the brain, causing brain cells to die. This usually will follow a stroke or a series of mini strokes, called TIAs (transient ischemic attacks).

Anyone can get dementia. However there are statistics that show at what age groups the likelihood to develop the disease.

• 1 in 100 aged 65-69 years of age • 1 in 25 aged 70-79 years of age

• 1 in 6 aged 80 plus • Two thirds of sufferers are women I hope that this information, albeit alarming, helps you to understand the importance of raising the profile and perception of the disease.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article.

I look forward to writing for you again next month.

Don’t forget our Summer Fete!

(Raffle tickets will be also available to purchase before the date!)

I hope to see many of you there.

Tina Boyland – Footherley Hall manager.footherley@hsc-uk.org

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 : Issue Page 439.39 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

You’re entitled to FREE chlamydia testing kits Claim yours now

Text kit to 88010 Or visit www.get tested free.com

E E L R A I F T N E D I F T E N E O R C C S I D

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

40Page Issue40.

4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN Page 46. Issue 25: Derbyshire Guardian

Dumping My Excess Weight Raspberry Ketones My Name is Emily, and I am an editor at The Derbyshire Guardian this is “My Story” Why I Used Raspberry Ketones And the Science Behind it?

The human body normally stores fat around the body and burns it as energy whenever you need it. Unfortunately, my body had a little more fat than my body required more like an unwanted spare-tire. The quantity of food and calories I was eating determined just how much fat my body stored, which explains why exercise and dieting is easily the most frequent means of dumping excess weight. But I just did not have the time to add in a visit to the gym with my busy work schedule and family commitments? But how many of us have broken the “diet” we’re on because we couldn’t resist a dessert or some other treat? Many individuals turn to fat burners to assist them eliminate surplus belly fat. There are many supplements available on the market, but how did I choose Raspberry Ketones and how did I know they would be successful or safe?

Well after a little research I found out Raspberry Ketones are the compounds giving red raspberries (Rubus idaeus) their pleasant fragrance, and are carefully extracted from the fruit and marketed in the form of a supplement. According to my research Raspberry ketones are reportedly similar in construction to capsaicin (a natural compound found to transform fat metabolism in lots of preliminary studies). Advocates maintain the compounds help activate the breaking down of fat cells.

The ketones produced from red raspberries are considered to activate the generation of adiponectin, when consumed in considerable quantities. Adiponectin is a polypeptide hormone which is created from the fat cells found within your body’s fatty tissue. After creation, adiponectin is discharged in the cells in the bloodstream.

Once within the bloodstream it facilitates lipid metabolism and assists your body in processing glucose.

The issue is the folks who need to create the most adiponectin are usually those who produce the smallest amounts. The more adipose tissue

an individual has, the less adiponectin the cells will generate.

This makes it hard for overweight people to shed weight and may cause other medical issues, like diabetes and high blood sugar.

Dieters must find a method to raise their natural generation of adiponectin to dispose of excess weight.

This is the place where raspberry ketones are involved. These organic substances naturally stimulate the generation and release of adiponectin, even in persons with excessive adipose tissue. Besides causing weight loss, adiponectin functions as an agent in enhancing cholesterol levels, reducing blood pressure, and preventing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Ketones are not perfect just for dieters, but also for any person who would like to enhance their health.

“After being asked by my best friend to be a bridesmaid at her wedding I wanted to lose some excess weight, as this was a very special day for me and I wanted to look my best. It was an emotional time for me as I was struggling with my weight and really did have an issue with how i looked, even to the point of really being worried how I would look in the wedding photo’s. The stress of helping with the wedding planning was not helping me as I would find myself grabbing a lot of food I know I should not be eating but made me feel better. A friend recommended Raspberry Ketones to me and after reading the reviews online, and doing some research I decided to order their Raspberry Ketones. I took them as instructed and in 10 weeks I lost 19 lbs, this of course was an amazing result for me and eased a lot of the stress. Some weeks I would lose more than others, but in time for the wedding I was back down to the same weight I was when I was happy with my body. I was so proud to be at the wedding and to see my friend having the best day of her life and I am pretty sure everyone at the wedding was doing a double take of how good I looked.”

“I am sure there are many different stories regarding Raspberry Ketones and in my research

I have to say the majority I found were all positive, and more to the point after explaining the science behind the supplement above all I can do is give you my honest opinion based on my experience.

I am of course writing this to give our readers an informed and honest opinion on the product as Christmas and New Year are best known for lots of Drinking & Eating, thus putting us in a position of feeling guilty in the New Year and looking for a solution to shedding those extra pounds gained throughout the festive period.”

“I am sure that most people will be saying use a gym or go for a walk or a jog, well the reality is most of us find it hard to find the time or the motivation to do this. I chose to use Raspberry Ketones for this exact reason, it allowed me to live my life as I normally would without the stress of trying to find the time for a gym or a jog. “ “This is of course my personal experience and the supplements may not be for everybody, but as customer I can only give a positive review based on that experience.”

Written By Emily (Healthy Living Editor)

Raspberry Ketone Plus is available exclusively from Evolution Slimming and is priced at £19.99 for 1 month supply.

Visit www.Evolution-Slimming.com or call free on 0800 043 0434 for more information.

Holidays Almost everyone looks forward to going on holiday… whether it is a quick weekend break to a couple of weeks or more in some foreign destination, holidays are a time to relax and enjoy yourself.

However the lead up to the annual vacation can be stressful as there is a lot you will need to remember to get right. In fact the better prepared you are in the months and weeks leading up to your getaway, the more enjoyable it will be.

There can be few things worse than arriving at the airport only to discover that you don’t have the correct visa, that your passport has expired or that you have left your ticket receipts on the kitchen table.

Sadly things like this happen to people every year and it can totally ruin their holidays…so ensure that it does not happen to you.

Spend time to ensure that all your documentation is in order, that you have enough travel money, that you know what clothes you need for your destination and that your holiday insurance is up to date.

If you are going to exotic locations then you may need to get the appropriate vaccinations and no matter where you go then you may have to make arrangements for your pets to be looked after or for a neighbour to keep an eye on your home while you are away.

Plan now to ensure your holiday is one that is remembered for all the right reasons.

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 : Issue Page 441.41 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

My Travel Cash gives top tips for keeping money safe abroad According to research carried out by my Travel Cash, almost one in four Brits (23%) has been stranded abroad without access to cash, with 30% of those reporting that this was as a result of being a victim of crime.[1] Myles Stephenson, CEO of my Travel Cash, offers advice to travellers to avoid typical pitfalls when heading abroad: Carrying cash “To avoid repeatedly paying for ATM charges, travellers often opt to withdraw lump sums of cash when abroad, which could make them vulnerable to loss or theft. Using a prepaid currency card means that ATM charges can be avoided, removing the need for holidaymakers to carry lots of cash with them and giving them peace of mind.”

Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) “When using a credit or debit card for shopping abroad, tourists are often given the option to pay for the transaction in their own currency rather than the local one – which is portrayed as being more convenient. Rather than DCC simply showing the customer what the amount translates to in their domestic currency, it usually uses a less favourable exchange rate meaning the traveller pays extra. Tourists are better off paying in local currency or with a prepaid currency card to avoid paying these additional charges, as this kind of expense can add up during the course of a trip.”

What to do with your bank card “Prepaid currency cards, such as those offered

by my Travel Cash, also come with the added benefit that if the card were to be stolen, the customer’s personal bank account is not linked to it in any way. We advise customers to take out two cards on their account, so a stolen card can be blocked as soon as the theft is reported and any unused balance can then be transferred to the spare.”

Spread the load “A good tip for keeping valuables safe is to make sure they are not all in the same place. When out and about it’s advisable to carry only what you need. Keep valuables you don’t require, in a secure place such as a hotel safe. When you are out keeping some spare cash in various different places other than in your wallet could help if you were to run into trouble, it is never a good idea to keep valuables in your back pocket.”

Be discrete “It is easy to see how tourists draw attention to themselves rifling through the unfamiliar bank notes of another currency when making a payment. It’s best not to make a scene when doing this and carrying a prepaid currency card means it can be avoided altogether.

“We would always advise all tourists to be aware of their surroundings when on holiday, and to make sure they take the necessary precautions to ensure that their trip goes off without a hitch.”

For more information, visit www.mytravelcash.com

CYPRUS VILLA

4 bedroom 4 bathroom Villa set in extensive well maintained garden. A two storey 4 double bedroom modern villa 2 with ensuite. One family bathroom. 2 reception rooms. Spacious kitchen diner. Guest cloakroom. Decorated and equipped to an excellent spec. The property has deep verandas on both floors.This Villa mirrors 58a and sit round the pool area. matu gardens and small orchard to the rear seclude The mature the property and gives you the privacy to enjoy your holiday.

Situated outside the village of Frenaros, you are a short distance away from local amenities eg a 24hr convenience store, the local supermarket, butcher and wonderful bakery and patisseries.The Villas are fully airconed for the summer heat and centrally heated in the winter.

Owner Martha Behiri 07812073165 www.homeaway.co.uk/p1103644

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

42Page Issue42.4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

Motoring www.staffordshireguardian.co.uk

This months car reviews

By Syd Taylor

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso

With a futuristic look, the Citroen Grand Picasso MPV is one of the most highly rated classic designs in its field. It combines a modernistic concept with a dash of class and an invigorating dose of taste.

In associating the design with the twentieth century maestro of the brush, Citroen have done

much more than pickaback on a painters fame. Rather they have canvassed the market and produced a masterpiece which if it was not a practical automobile - would surely grace a sculpture salon in the Louvre.

Having won the hearts and minds of many, in its latest incarnation, the Grand Picasso that starts at

boot, with everything folded flat has as much space as a van - and when the ingeniously designed rear two seats pop up, has all the attributes of a perfect family MPV. There's a 'Star Trek' touch screen that replaces knobbly knobs and levers to control most functions all set in an attractive dashboard beneath a huge windscreen.

Visibility is panoramic. You enjoy the motoring equivalent of the observation car on the Canadian Pacific Railroad: it's 'Big Sky' country in this Citroen.

'How comfy is it?' You ask. Well - I'm pleased to say it's very comfortable. A supple ride,

supportive seats, good quality materials and lots of luxury touches all combine to make it a most pleasant environment for a long trip. Hand in hand with this quality goes safety: five star.

You're protected by all the usual airbags plus a magic function that calls you to heel by tugging on your seatbelt should you drift over a white line.

Improvements are many but Citroens canny designers have had the good sense not to throw out 'Le baby avec le bath water'.

Every change is for the better with nothing lost but much gained.

There's more rear headroom and

there's elbow room aplenty for the maracas shakin' minors 'But most charabancs are disastrously dull to drive' I hear you say.

Not a bit of it. The 2.0 litre 148bhp diesel is just the job. You easily get 50 mpg if you drive it like it should be driven and if you really must know what its top speed is it's probably 125mph if you pedal hard.

Tidy handling means that it copes with bends and undulations with the deftness of the tip of one of Pablo's fabled brushes leaving an indelible mark on the consciousness: that 'je ne sais quoi' feeling of pure felicity.

Kids will clamour to be driven in it and swanky Parisienne Grande Dames will go weak at the knees at its sophistication. With one of these as your family car you signify to the world that you are a far-reaching, enterprising and out-going team of tenacious gogetters. The family of the future in other words.

Is the Grand Picasso a mere style excercise? Not a bit! This is the MPV that excercises style - pushing taste and practicality to unprecedented limits.

tap a magic seam of pleasure and surge forward in a tidal flood as if Mercury himself had reached down from above and given a push. Huge power and great tranquility can share the same moment.

With silken muscle and a chassis renowned for its balance, poise

and wonderful ride, the Spur floats like a butterfly on its air suspension and stings like...a supercharged bee: almost absurd in its contradictions as you journey down the long highway to perfection. You don't just drive a Bentley - you become as one with the machine in a virtuous

amalgam of mile-devouring magnificence.

The Flying Spur represents an edifice to engineering excellence which will weather time and space together. When the last glimmering star goes out in the galaxy this car surely still will shine.

£19,460 and rises to £28,055 for the top of the range Blue HDi 150 Auto Exclusive+ (Tested here) reaches out, making itself accessible to the new upand-coming market of family orientated orienteers of the great high road.

It's a seven seat MPV that in five seat configuration has a huge

Bentley Flying Spur V8 When the twenty first century has receded into memory and our happy descendants of future millennia look back on venerable moments of historic import, they would surely rank the automobile alongside whatever remains of Stonehenge.

Among the thousands of automobiles, one princely carriage in particular must stand apart from the crowd. Monolithic in magnificent resonance, peerless in poise and indubitably proud and dignified - the Bentley is more than a car.

The brand 'Bentley' and the appellation 'Flying Spur' have long represented a prestigious marriage in the car stakes. We're talking here of machines that ooze the sort of quality that only 'proper' money can buy. Having said that, no car comes close to the £136,000 ultra-luxurious Flying Spur saloon in providing pleasure per pound.

Doubtless there are writers better qualified than I to muster the genuine magic embraced by this Bentley, but for the moment

you'll have to make do with me.

For one thing I've never met even distant members of W.O. Bentley's family and for another my dad never raced against Woolf Barnato. Clearly I've never had the opportunity to hear from them what makes these cars so special.

But it has been my business to test the Spur with the insight of personal experience and to make value judgements about qualities which, some contend, are beyond value.

Inside there's impressive room, with quality that knows no bounds. Wood veneers, hand-

stiched hides and an infotainment system the equal of Symphony Hall sound quality. Luxury doesn't come better than this. In the back it's more comfy than your favourite armchair at your club.

Powered by the latest 500bhp twin turbo V8 that shuts down four cylinders when you're cruising and that drives through a seamless eight speed transmission - you can reach near 190mph, yet this four-wheel-drive, 2.5 tonne saloon can return 25mpg should you wish to tootle along regally.

488lb/ft of torque though, lets the driver of this supersonic sculpture

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 : Issue Page 443.43 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

The new MG6

The MG marque has been an institution since the 1920s when it lit a spark of enthusiasm that has never gone out. That the name, bolstered by a sporting reputation, has survived in the turbulent cauldron of an everchanging motor industry is testament to its resilient heritage.

It clearly regards its provenance as something much more than a few stories in the annals of motoring, for MG is still primarily about enjoying driving and enjoying cars.

Always punching above its weight, the brand values that have defined it endure to this day

as the ghosts from its rich history can be seen in the new models - and in none more so than the new MG6 - a car good enough to revive memories of how MG used to do things in its earlier days.

Now thoroughly improved with revised exterior styling, an upgraded interior and even better

motive power, the new MG6 looks and feels like a different car that has been honed to a level whereby one could justifiably claim that it is in a class above.

With change and upgrades comes, of course, increased cost - but MG have somehow successfully held back the tide and actually reduced prices, while at the same time giving you more MG for your money. Prices start at just £13,995 and rise to only £17,995 so it's not surprising that MG is the fastest growing car brand in Britain.

The new look is striking - and distinctive daytime LED running lights make the car stand out.

Inside the tremendously spacious cabin there are improved levels of comfort, convenience and quality.

It's hugely practical, well crafted and neatly laid out.

Vigorous development by engineers at MG's Birmingham operation on MG's own 1.9 150PS diesel engine, has reduced CO2

levels to 119g/km and improved fuel consumption to 61.4mpg.

Quite simply it's a lovely engine mated to a delightful six speed gearbox.

Smooth and punchy it's perfectly suited to the cars dynamic capability that is in keeping with the true tradition of the marque.

This is a car that 'goes where you point it', running rings around stodgy amorphous rivals and putting an ability into the hands of the driver to let him or her

touch a seam of pleasure. An electronic differential (E-Diff) works in conjunction with the sophisticated stability control system to give an 'involved' feel and, of course, increase safety. In one of these - dare I say it - some fun is put back into driving.

The revised MG6 says a good deal for the deep foundations on which it is built. It is testimony to the integrity of the new operation that the marque has survived with its reputation so high.

It certainly does all those things and more, striking a chord to be entertaining and unselfconsciously contemporary: the Fabia estate is most impressive.

The interior has been updated to improve the feeling of style and quality and the general sensible design and control ergonomics make it easy to drive. You get 530 litres of luggage space with the rear seats in use and a whopping 1395 litres with the seats folded.

It's a comfortable and surprisingly spacious place to be with plenty of room for four people. (Five at a bit of a squash). The SE L specification is generous and

includes cruise control, speed limiter, rear parking sensors and climate control.

There are several engine options available for this estate but if you want one that gives you sufficient zest and liveliness to match the cars excellent dynamics, the petrol 1.2 TSI 110PS mated to the delightful six speed manual gearbox (The auto. DSG is available should you wish) is probably the best choice.

It's a lovely smooth and willing engine with muscular characteristics that belie the small capacity. It's nippy enough to make you a happy driver as you whizz along B roads or

motorways enjoying the essential tautness, agility, precise steering and secure roadholding - and not forgetting the good ride quality Near 125mph is surely more than enough for most choosers of this type of car and despite the lively performance you get a 'real world' near 50 mpg overall. I've no doubt that Skodas very honest claim of 58.9mpg overall could be achieved with gentle driving.

There can be no doubt that the new Fabia Estate is a powerful and attractive player which will have rival manufacturers scratching their heads.

Skoda Fabia Estate SE L 1.2 TSI 110PS

The new, third generation, Skoda Fabia Estate is without doubt, already acknowledged as at the top of the small estate car class.

It's a democratically minded motor offering special access to a motoring experience of all-round versatility coupled with economy.

As a 'sixties' super spy might say - 'It's truly a fab car baby!' A tickety boo turnstile to premier league motoring - but at a price that brings a smile to the face.

In other words, at £16,035 this 'top-of-the-range' SE L version is yours for less than the customary 'bung' and will keep on scoring with the family.

It proves that Skoda can produce a small estate which has brio and zest - call it what you will - yet at the same time meet stringent, self-imposed standards of detail design, build quality and structural integrity of granite - and offer real value and practicality too.

VW Passat Estate 2.0 TDi 150 SE Business 5Dr It's not often that one hears about 'double whammy wonders'. Today, as we reel from one disasterprone economy to another, the head is in such a spin, as spin doctors try to deliver a prescription for the pain and angst of twenty first century motoring.

So my relief was profound when I came across a car that is much more than the sum total of its parts - the £26,665 VW Passat Business Estate: a Passat in its eighth incarnation.

It's a business class conveyance designed to serve multifunctional needs with the poise and precision of a deft maitre d'. Class oozes from the brilliantly integrated marriage of form and function that is so characteristic of this most enviable of manufacturers.

VW is indeed the architect of desirable delight when it comes to motoring. Everything fits, feels, opens and shuts as it should and the ingenious combination of practical load carrying

capacity of 650 litres (1780 with the seats down) with high levels of passenger comfort and refinement makes for a relaxed confidence of approach. This is much more than a simple estate car, appealing as it does, both to practical necessities and family pleasing prerogatives.

It looks as sharp as a smart business suit yet knocks spots off stuffy rivals with its classless sense of empowerment.

Eschewing cheap gimmicks and modish flashiness of style this VW, nonetheless, is demanding of respect: its lines are elegant yet without any touch of vulgar ostentation.

'But what's it like inside and what's it like to drive?' I hear you ask.

Well I'm pleased to report that inside the high perceived quality is backed by real top quality.

There's slightly more room than in the previous version and as you settle on the comfy seats you notice that this 'Business'

specified model is packed with convenience features. There's a big central touch screen for music, camera, action and a host of other things - and at the poke of a digit you can electronically select a driving mode from normal, mean spiritedly economical, to sporty - when every thing sharpens up a little bit. (But don't expect it to be like full afterburner on your Typhoon).

The lovely six speed gearbox is well suited to whichever mode thanks to the wide torque spread of the 148bhp 2.0 diesel that will smoothly fly you to 135/140mph, exhales cleanly at 109 g/km of CO2 and, we're told, returns 68.9mpg. (But you will get near 60mpg if you tootle - which you won't want to do - and the tank range is easily over 600 miles). So - it's a smooth, quiet, comfortable-riding, excellent handling, relaxing long distance express.

'Is it safe?' I should say so. You

get enough airbags to re-float the Titanic. 'Is there anything you don't like?' You ask. Well... yes there jolly well is. It is cursed with one of those infuriating electric parking brakes.

A weeks use drove home to me the good sense of this sort of car. Eminently practical, oozing

the versatility of a pentathlete and without the hurrahs and hullabaloos of seekers of sensation, motoring along was sensation enough. I found myself actually unwinding while unspooling the miles ahead. It was like a constantly unrolling carpet of exceedingly good

quality. Mr. Kipling might decree that this VW is the motoring equivalent of having ones cake and eating it.

I envied those who would spend hours behind the wheel, for if there is a sweet spot to perpetual motion VW have found it. .

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

44Page Issue44.

4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

Located in Wilnecote, Angels of Tamworth is a local and friendly shop with a wide range of adult products from brands such as Smiffys, Doc Johnson, Dreamgirl and Leg Avenue.

One of their main product lines is clothing, with wedding lingerie, corsets, body stockings and other assorted lingerie alongside costumes, fancy dress, hosiery and fetish clothing.

Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or need an outfit for a party or a night out, Angels have something for every occasion.

They also sell a wide selection of adult toys, lubricants and

adult entertainment. If you’re looking for an adult board game to spice up a party or erotic books and DVD’s, their stock is constantly updated to ensure you plenty of choice.

Their toys are designed for both men and women, with a range that varies from props for Hen Nights and Stag Do’s to more intimate bedroom aids.

Angels of Tamworth also have many ‘Lotions and Potions’ available, with organic, silicon based and water based lubricants on offer alongside play enhancement products.

For customers with more specific interests, bondage kits and restraints are stocked

as well as many other pieces of equipment.

With free click and collect (on items in stock)available from the store combined with free UK delivery on orders over £30, Angels of Tamworth look to offer excellent value for money whilst maintaining a high standard of quality.

Free car park For more information or a closer look at the products on offer, why not take a look at our website ,www. angelsoftamwor th.com or alternatively, visit the Angels of Tamworth store in Wilnecote, Staffordshire.

angels of tamworth We have a wide variety of adult toys, lingerie, costumes, lotions and potion, lubricants, hen/stag night We have something for everyone.

Opening Hours mon-sat 10am-6pm sunday 10am-4pm Why not like us on facebook to keep up to date on what’s happening in store.

Visit our website on:

why not try our click and collect on items in stock: 01827 265551 Unit 9, Roman Park, Claymore Tamworth B77 5DQ

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 : Issue Page 445.45 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

Russell Grants Monthly Horoscopes MAY 2015 ARIES March 21st - April 20th The Full Moon on the 4th forces you to juggle your finances. A big bill must be paid and won’t leave you with much spare cash. Fortunately, a fresh source of income will arrive soon after. This new opening or opportunity will draw upon your leadership skills. Be very direct and precise in your communications to avoid confusion. By demonstrating a clear vision, you will win the loyalty of the entire team. The New Moon on the 18th brings more money and just in the nick of time. This is a good time to create a budget so you can make the most of your increased income. Organisation won’t be your strongest suit around the end of the month. Make sure to check and double check your work before handing it in. Above all, don’t send emails until you are sure exactly who you are sending them to. You wouldn’t want confidential information being broadcast to an entire mailing list.

TAURUS April 21st - May 21st The Full Moon on the 4th forces you to make some radical changes to a close relationship. You simply can’t keep giving everything to a demanding partner. It’s time to carve out more time for your favourite activities. Stop apologising for having different wants and needs than those of your closest friend. If you’re single, it may be because you are too closely involved with your family. Create a separate identity from your kin. Taking a short trip for pleasure is strongly advised for the first half of May. This journey will allow you to get your priorities straight. The New Moon on the 18th is perfect for improving your appearance.

Change your look or update your wardrobe. The results will be very impressive. Don’t get in a power struggle with a religious or academic leader in late May. You can’t afford to make an enemy of such an influential person.

LIBRA September 24th - October 23rd The opening days of April prompt someone special to make a declaration of love. This is an opportune time to get engaged or married. Alternatively, you might decide to move in with your amour, or launch a business with an entrepreneur. A Lunar Eclipse on the 4th brings a satisfying conclusion to a contract.

This agreement has enriched you, both personally and professionally. Easter could be tense, thanks to an argument between your relatives and best friend. It may be best to keep the two parties separate. The chance to write a book or study abroad will arrive in mid-April. Prepare to expand your horizons. The New Moon on the 18th is perfect for entering into a business agreement or signing legal papers. Resist the urge to rush a physical relationship in the closing days of April. Patience and understanding will help your partner overcome some childhood taboos.

SCORPIO October 24th - November 22nd The Full Moon on the 4th forces you to do battle with a relative. You need to set stronger personal boundaries with a family member who keeps invading your privacy. Your personal pull is at an all time high on the 6th. Take this opportunity to ask for a favour, apply for a grant, or go on a first date. The New Moon on the 18th finds you celebrating an engagement, wedding, or commitment ceremony. Alternatively, you might become business partners with a powerful executive. The road to romance will be rocky in late May. Arguments over money, intimacy and obligations will threaten your domestic tranquillity. Don’t resort to personal insults when you’re fighting, or the damage will be permanent. If you’re single, it will be impossible to find a person who shares your interests. Be content with going solo. You can’t afford to lower your standards when it comes to love.

GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st The opening days of May find you going against the grain. The establishment won’t be receptive to your radical ideas, so you might want to keep a low profile. Then, when all other methods have failed, you can come forward with your suggestions. The Full Moon on the 4th brings an end to a difficult work assignment. This job will probably cost more than you anticipated. It will be difficult to make a logical decision on the 9th; choose your heart over your head on this confusing day. The New Moon on the 18th invites you to rest, relax and rejuvenate. Spend some time by yourself, enjoying solitary activities that give you joy. If you have to take a day off from work or hire a babysitter, so be it. It will be impossible to get a straight answer from a government agency or bureaucratic institution in the final days of the month. Wait until mid-June for clarity.

CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd Don’t discuss your private life at work in early May, or a hidden enemy could spread some terrible rumours about you. The Full Moon on the 4th marks a turning point in a romantic relationship. Arguments about money are putting undue strain on a relationship. The two of you need to have a serious discussion about your individual attitudes in regard to spending and saving. You won’t get much help from colleagues during the first half of the month. If you need to do something, you’d better tackle the project yourself.

The New Moon on the 18th is ideal for social pursuits of all kinds. You’re sure to meet a powerful executive at a party or professional gathering. Keep some business cards on hand, as you’ll want to pass on your contact information. Don’t let your best friend or lover push you around during the second half of May. You have a right to your tastes and opinions.

LEO July 24th - August 23rd The Full Moon on the 4th forces you to take care of some domestic problems. You can’t afford to spend all of your time at work any longer. Be honest in assessing the changing needs of a child or parent. Your boss will have high praise for you during the first half of the month. Your willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty will result in a raise or promotion. If you’re unemployed, take this opportunity to apply for work. Go for positions that will put you in the spotlight, like public relations. The New Moon on the 18th will find you assuming a different role than you have played in the past. You’ll enjoy implementing efficient systems and organising a chaotic situation. Use the second half of May to work towards a cherished dream.

Friends with good connections can help you reach this goal. Don’t hesitate to ask for their help.

VIRGO August 24th - September 23rd The first days of May find you over obsessing over your career. Don’t neglect your family during this busy time, or you’ll drive a wedge between you and a relative. The Full Moon on the 4th finds you pressed for time. It will be hard to finish all of your errands on time. This may result in a fine for a late payment. Keep a careful eye on the time as you go about your tasks. You’ll be in great demand at work as mid-month approaches. Juggling your personal and professional lives will be a continued source of strain. The New Moon on the 18th is ideal for scheduling an overseas trip. If you’re single, you will find love on this exciting journey. Don’t be surprised if you have to revise a legal agreement in the second half of the month, when unforeseen circumstances change your situation. A wonderful work assignment arrives as May turns to June.

SAGITTARIUS November 23rd - December 21st Don’t inflict pessimistic thinking on your best friend or lover in early May. The Full Moon on the 4th brings an embarrassing secret to light. If you don’t have as much expertise in a certain area as you pretended, go ahead and admit it. Move quickly to close a deal in mid-May or a rival will steal your thunder. The New Moon on the 18th is perfect for landing a steady job. This job may not be especially stimulating, but it will improve your financial situation. Be more attentive to your best friend or lover as May draws to a close. You might have to assume some of their responsibilities or help them through a difficult emotional situation. It is possible your loved one will have to relocate during this time, due to flood damage or an unforeseen natural disaster. Just remember that when one door closes, another will open.

CAPRICORN December 22nd - January 20th May finds you in a rather gloomy mood, possibly because you feel isolated and alienated. Reaching out to friends will relieve this depression. The Full Moon on the 4th prompts you to leave an organisation that no longer reflects your values. Fortunately, your love life will shimmer with excitement on the 5th, when someone confesses a crush on you. Do you already have a partner? Take this opportunity to show your devotion with a beautiful gift. A holiday package to a country known for its natural beauty will be a high spot of your year. The New Moon on the 18th is ideal for launching a creative endeavour. Give yourself permission to experiment with paint, fabric, wood, or any other material of your choosing. Jealousy could rear its ugly head at the end of May, when a rival tries to steal your amour away. This is a potent reminder to keep the passion alive at all costs.

AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th The Full Moon on the 4th brings about an aggravating situation at work. You’re tired of being passed over for a flashier colleague. The only way to put this trend to an end is having a talk with your boss. If you’re self employed, there will be difficulty with an employee who continually defies authority. You’ve got to issue an ultimatum and be willing to follow it through. Money for a household purchase becomes available on the 6th, thanks to a powerful benefactor. The New Moon on the 18th is ideal for buying a home, signing a lease, or expanding your current abode. You’ll resent a loved one’s attempts to make you settle down on the 25th. The two of you need to have an honest discussion about the future. Don’t mince words.

Confusion over finances at the end of May forces you to review bank accounts with a fine toothed comb.

PISCES February 20th - March 20th The first Don’t waste your time trying to change your employer’s mind at the beginning of May. They won’t be willing to accommodate technological innovations. The Full Moon on the 4th forces you to cancel a trip or settle a lawsuit. Try not to dwell on your disappointment. There are better days ahead. For instance, the 16th will prove wonderfully romantic, when your amour gives you a beautiful token of their appreciation.

The New Moon on the 18th will be equally gratifying, thanks to good news about a class or writing project.

You’ll feel pressured to spend a lot of money on home improvements during the second half of May. Go ahead and do some emergency repairs. Postpone a redecoration project for later in the year, when you’ll have more funds. Seemingly inexpensive purchases will add up to a tremendous amount. Sit down and make a list of your priorities. Plumbing and electricity should trump new sheets and towels.

Sport

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

46Page Issue46.

4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

www.staffordshireguardian.co.uk

Stoke Superstar Canoe Champion Storms Brazil for Gold A superstar Staffordshire canoeist is celebrating an historic win by clinching gold at the World Championships in Brazil. Adam Burgess, 22 years old, from Stone trounced his rivals and Italian contestant Paolo Ceccon in Brazil by winning the slalom event by a breath-taking 1.87 seconds.

Burgess finished with a swift, clean and confident run in the U23 C1M final – doubly impressive when starting from the fifth position. This meant Burgess had to wait an agonizing 10 minutes before his champion win was confirmed. Burgess said: ‘It was a nervous wait, but it was all good. It's my first ever time I've put a clean run down in a final. I was just happy with that. I then started to think I was on the podium. I would have been happy with that, but as I started coming down I started to think, yeah, I can win this.’

Burgess stormed to victory after Ceccon was hit with a two second penalty after clipping a gate. This set up a winning margin of 1.87 seconds for Burgess who also achieved the quickest time in the class for the second time at the championships. This is no mean feat and one which Burgess and his trainers can be proud of.

Burgess trains at the London 2012 Olympic Canoe Slalom course in Lee Valley with the GB

“ It’s not quite set in yet, I’m just super proud all my hard work has paid off today. ” squad, but started out at the more local Stafford and Stone Canoe Club. The Stafford and Stone Canoe Club was established in 1973; currently, more than 40% of the club’s paddlers are part of the GB and England teams.

It is now one of Europe’s most popular Canoe Slalom Clubs with a history of producing world class paddlers adding Burgess to their stellar list.

Champion canoeists undergo years of rigorous training ensuring an optimal physical and mental state that will stand them in good stead against rival competitors.

The competition saw the crème de la crème of new generation athletes battle it out for the coveted gold medal, with over 380 participants from 36 countries worldwide.

Winning the 2015 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in Foz do Iguassu, Brazil is just an illustrious start to the year for Burgess. He now has qualifying for the 2016 Olympics in Rio to

look forward to. Burgess said: ‘It’s not quite set in yet, I’m just super proud all my hard work has paid off today.’

To those who need a crash course in canoe slalom, it is deemed as the ultimate water-based challenge. Whitewater slalom, which was originally modelled on ski slalom, began in Switzerland in 1932. Slalom canoeing began on flat water, but soon switched to white water rapids.

The aim is to run a rapid river course marked by "gates" fast, and without touching. Paddlers tackle numerous obstacles

and the excitement of whitewater rapids, testing speed, agility and precision. Paddlers must skilfully navigate difficult waters with strategically placed gates set up over challenging rapids and waves. It may sound straightforward but harsh penalties are meted out if a paddler touches a pole, clips a gate or misses a gate altogether.

The penalties (2 seconds for touching a pole with any part of their body, boat or blade and 50 seconds for missing a gate) can mean the difference between a win and a loss.

This was Adam’s first individual international medal win in a singles event and one that is undoubtedly the first in a long line of many to come. With confidence high, Adam will be looking to push senior teammates David Florence and Ryan Westley all the way. An important season follows, which will see a home senior World Championships at Lee Valley White Water Centre in September 2015 and the 2016 Olympic places decided by the end of October.

Port Vale manager Rob Page signs two year contract

BY DAN BRENNAN

support since I took over and I’m looking forward to building on

Port Vale boss Rob Page has

what we have already achieved

agreed a new two-year deal to

next season and beyond.”

remain at Vale Park.

Chairman Norman Smurthwaite

The

Welshman

guided

the

is also looking for the team to

Valiants to safety in League

develop and improve next season

One this season and his current

under the 40-year old’s leadership.

contract was due to run out this

“I’ve been very impressed with

summer.

how he has performed in the role

Page is now looking to build his

so far and I am looking forward to

own squad over the summer

seeing the team develop under

as he looks to improve on this

his leadership.”

season’s league position of 18th.

Page

He said: “I’m extremely proud to

who resigned from the post in

have agreed a deal to remain

September.

as manager of this great football

He had previously been the

club.

assistant manager since July

“I’d like to thank the chairman,

2014 and a youth team coach for

the players and the fans for their

three years before that.

replaced

Micky

Adams

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 : Issue Page 447.47 STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

DONINGTON PARK Experience tells in the BBTC

Young-guns Josh Cook and Aron Smith put on a great show in the final race

Race 1 podium: Colin Turkington (third), Jason Plato (first) and Gordon Shedden (second).

Turkington leads the start of race 1 as Plato (behind) slips inside Shedden.

With a big shuffle in the established order, and a host of exciting young drivers flexing their muscles, the 2015 British Touring Car Championship season Is predicted to be the most open for years. Exciting it certainly was, at Donington Park in April, and the fans flocked to the circuit in huge numbers, but it was the experienced old guard that still prevailed on this occasion.

BTCC’s wining-most driver, and twice-champion, Jason Plato won the opener taking his win tally to 89 while reigning champion Colin Turkington took race 2. The old master Matt Neal scored his 55th victory in the third race, in his 25th year in the championship.

Tamworth’s Andrew Jordan looks competitive, after his move to the Triple 8 MG6, taking two fourth places before a very close second in the final race.

It was always going to be close at Donington, with less than a second covering the top 13 in qualifying, Colin Turkington (Volkswagen CC) taking pole by 0.056 from Gordon Shedden in the new Honda Civic Type R and Jason Plato (Volkswagen CC) just a whisper behind.

Turkington held the lead into turn 1, but Plato slipped inside Shedden for second and passed Turkington for the lead before the chicane. After two laps Plato had stretched the lead to 2 seconds over Shedden, who pushed Turkington back to third, and went on to win race 1 by 1.4 seconds.

Shedden had pole for race 2, by virtue of his race 1 fastest lap, but Turkington was off the line fastest to lead at the first turn. Jordan was up to second on lap 2 before Warren Scott’s off brought out the

safety car. Turkington got the jump at the restart to establish a gap to the field but Shedden, on the softoption tyre, fell through the field to finish 14th. Team-mate Matt Neal, on a charge, took second ahead of the Mercedes A-Class of Adam Morgan with Jordan fourth.

Rookie Josh Cook (Chevrolet Cruze) was handed pole in the draw for the final reverse-grid race, one that would be a touring car classic. Rob Collard’s BMW got the better start to lead the first couple of laps, but Cook showed great maturity, at the sharp-end for the first time, to regain the lead. Jack Goff (MG 6) and Sam Tordoff (BMW) tangled at the chicane on lap 6, bringing out the safety car, but Cook held his nerve at the restart to lead from Collard and Aron Smith.

Having missed the opening race altogether, Smith had worked his Volkswagen through the field and now passed Collard to challenge Cook for the lead. As Cook made his move the pair touched and ran wide though the Craner Curves, allowing the chasing pack past - Collard, Neal, Jordan and Shedden, having a great drive back through the field now he was back on harder rubber.

When Neal made his decisive move on the penultimate lap, Jordan and Shedden followed through and, with Dave Newsham’s Chevrolet stranded in the gravel at the chicane, there was no opportunity to challenge Neal at the final corner. Neal, seeking a fourth title, became the first driver to win twice this season, taking the flag by 0.157 seconds from Jordan, with Shedden a further second back.

Martin Depper gave Tamworth’s

Andrew Jordan makes a pass on Jason Plato.

Colin Turkington celebrates his race 2 victory.

“

It was certainly all going off right from start to finish. ”

Eurotech team, now run by Jeff Smith, their best result of the day with ninth in the Honda Civic.

Matt Neal was delighted with Honda’s third win of the season “It was certainly all going off right from start to finish,” he said. “I’m over the moon – another win for the Type R is brilliant, and Flash (Gordon) getting onto the podium too is even better. It was pretty slippy out there especially at the start and end of the race, but the car was so quick through the fast stuff it was really a case of hanging on and making the moves wherever you could.”

Neal leads the standings by 2 points from Turkington with Shedden 5 points further back as they head for round 3 at Thruxton.

Ant Whorton-Eales has made a great start to his season in the supporting Renault Clio UK Cup series. Now in his fourth year in Clios, Ant took the win in the only race in the Brands Hatch opener before a great weekend at his local circuit. Two second places and a win in race three have put the Lichfield youngster firmly at the top of the standings with 126 points, 22 clear of Ash Sutton.

Andrew Jordan makes a pass on Jason Plato. Martin Depper was the highest placed Eurotech driver.

Gordon Shedden (left) congratulates team-mate Matt Neal on his race 3 win.

Sport 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

48Page Issue48.

4 Issue STAFFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN

DONINGTON PARK

Experience tells in the BBTC p47

STOKE SUPERSTAR

Canoe champion storms Brazil p46 for gold

www.staffordshireguardian.co.uk

JUST CHAMPION FOR BREWERS!

John Mousinho shows the championship trophy to the fans.

Burton Albion clinched the League 2 championship title in style with a win in their final match at Cambridge United. In the end a win was academic in sealing the title as closest rivals, Shrewsbury Town, lost at home to Plymouth Argyle, but 2000 travelling Brewers fans were in party mood

as goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin brought down Elliott while trying to get to a back-header from George Taft. McLoughlin was shown the red card and Robbie Simpson scored from the spot to put Cambridge ahead with 20 minutes remaining. This was the first time Burton had conceded

Kevin Stewart turned in Nasser El Khayati’s low cross to send the Burton fans home celebrating.

Chairman Ben Robinson was delighted. “To come back from 2-1 down, with ten men and clinch the championship, it was amazing, and we had a great following from our fans who travelled to Cambridge. Superb!”

Ben’s association with the club, in a professional capacity stretches back over 40 years. After nine successful years as chairman, Ben stood down in 1984 to concentrate on his business interests, but the club’s fortunes fluctuated and Stan Clarke persuaded him to return in 1995.

Three years later he appointed Nigel Clough as manager and there has been a steady progression ever since. Clough’s ten years in charge brought the Brewers to the brink of promotion into the Football League, with

“ To come back from 2-1 down, with ten men and clinch the championship, it was amazing. ” and a win was just what they were looking for.

Player-of-the-Year Stuart Beavon headed Burton into the lead in the 11th minute before Tom Elliott levelled for Cambridge mid-way through the first half.

After the break disaster struck

two goals since Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink replaced Gary Rowett in November, but the Brewers were determined to end the season on a high.

Phil Edwards capped a great season with a 30-yard drive to equalise after 77 minutes before

Roy McFarland seeing the job through in 2009.

Over three years Gary Rowett built a side with serious promotion ambitions, just missing out in the Wembley play-off last year.

Following Rowett’s departure to Birmingham City, Hasselbaink is

the latest in a string of promising young managerial talent to shine at Burton and he will now lead the team into new territory as the face the likes of Wigan and Blackpool, so recently playing in the Premiership.

The day after the Cambridge game, the fans gathered, once more, in glorious sunshine at the Pirelli Stadium to see Ian Sharps and John Mousinho lift the League 2 trophy high before the team did a lap of honour.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink thanked the fans “for being part of the great journey of this season.” He continued “It’s been an amazing journey every week. Without you we would not have been able to have done it, so thank you very, very much.” Also addressing the fans, chairman Ben Robinson added “This is a season we will be talking about for years ahead and share with our children and grandchildren. We wanted to win this championship, and not through Shrewsbury losing.

At 2-1, ten men, the players produced a wow! performance to win 3-2, so well done to Jimmy and the players. A big thank you to the sponsors and supporters through many seasons and now we can look forward to life in League 1 with some big clubs coming here. I’m looking forward to going to Blackpool!”

A lap of honour around the Pirelli Stadium

Billy Brewer leads the celebrations.