GOODWINS
KITCHENS, BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS
DESIGN, SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF KITCHENS, BEDROOMS AND BATHROOMS
BASED IN WIRKSWORTH, GOODWINS ARE A TEAM OF KITCHEN, BEDROOM AND BATHROOM CONTRACTORS THAT MANAGE YOUR PROJECT FROM START TO FINISH. GET IN TOUCH TODAY. OUR VALUES
• WE TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN WHAT WE OFFER AT GOODWINS, AS WE’RE ABLE TO HELP YOU CUSTOMISE YOUR HOME EXACTLY HOW YOU WANT IT.
• WE’LL ALWAYS TAKE THE NECESSARY TIME TO TRULY UNDERSTAND YOUR VISION TO ENSURE THAT WE’RE OFFERING YOU EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AT ALL TIMES.
• USING THE LATEST 3D DESIGN SOFTWARE, WE’RE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH BESPOKE PLANS THAT GIVE AN ACCURATE IMPRESSION OF HOW YOUR ROOM WILL LOOK.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY, WE’LL ALSO PUT FORWARD MULTIPLE OPTIONS AND IDEAS TO HELP YOU DECIDE ON A FINAL LOOK.
TUESDAY -FRIDAY : 09:00 - 17:00 SATURDAY : 09:00 - 16:00 SUNDAY - MONDAY : CLOSED OPENING TIMES
From the Editor
Hello Readers,
…..And Breathe!!! All the kids are back at school this month, pumpkin spiced latte’s are back on the menu and big jumpers and boots are brought to the front of the wardrobe!! Gotta say, as much as I enjoy the light evenings and long days of Summer, Autumn has got to be my season – ask my friend Sarah, who thinks my spirit animal is the colour ‘Brown’ #eyeroll! A nice traditional Autumn is what I’m looking for though - crisp, colourful and snuggly – not some wet abomination that we endured last year all the way through to March (with small pockets of ‘freeze’ in and around the wet, if I remember rightly?). Anyway, that’s what me and the animals are hoping for!
Speaking of the animals, do you like our ‘Season Changeover’ edition this month? We’ve got some lovely articles including one about Hedgehog Healthcare submitted by one of our fabulous readers – Tracy – Thankyou for sending that in. As always, Lisa has worked hard on the front covers and I have to say, they are up there as one of my all-time faves.
On the theme of all time faves – this month me and Mr Emily partook in our friends hockey tournament last month. It was a fabulous day, as it always is and I have to give a massive shoutout to our friend Holly, who organises it each year to raise money for her charity. If you have a few minutes, have a look at the Facebook page for ’Leon’s Legacy’. This is all about Holly’s story
FOR ADVERTISERS & CONTRIBUTORS: OCT ‘25 EDITION - 12TH SEPT ‘25 NOV ‘25 EDITION - 10TH OCT ‘25
and how she has committed to building up the charity to be able to provide first aid training and put defibrillators in local communities. At last count, she has put 75 defibs in local communities and plans to provide many more in the future, to spare others the tragedy which she and her family faced. So please check out her page and support in any way you can, even if it’s as simple as liking and sharing the page. Needless to say, lots of fun was had and as it was my first year playing in it with my team –Ilkeston Hockey Club – we had the best time….. you could even support by joining our hockey club and playing in the tournament next year –it’s worth it for the cakes and ice cream alone!!!
Anyway, see you all next month for the Halloween edition!
Happy Reading,
If you’ve been appointed as an executor (where there is a will) or administrator (where there isn’t), you are legally known as a personal representative (PR). Your role is to administer the estate of the deceased, which can be a complex and timeconsuming process.
Your duties include notifying relevant organisations, collecting and valuing all assets, paying debts, and completing tax returns. One of the first steps is to assess the value of the estate and determine whether inheritance tax (IHT) is payable. If it is, the tax must be paid within six months of death, and an IHT return must usually be submitted before probate can be granted.
What
By Laura Cowan, Head of Graysons’ Private Client
You may also be responsible for dealing with life insurance policies, trusts, and any outstanding income or capital gains tax liabilities. Probate itself — known as a grant of representation — allows you to legally administer the estate. A fee of £300 applies for estates over £5,000.
Where estates include property or business interests, the work can be significantly more involved. Some assets may generate income during the administration period, triggering further tax obligations. For example, capital gains tax on property sales must be paid within 60 days of completion.
Debts such as mortgages, loans, and credit cards must also be settled in a legally prescribed order. If they are not dealt with correctly, personal representatives can be held personally liable — even for unknown creditors.
Only once all liabilities have been discharged and legal duties fulfilled can
the remaining assets be distributed to beneficiaries. If there is no will, strict intestacy rules apply.
Given the complexity and potential risks, many personal representatives seek help from experienced probate lawyers to ensure they meet their obligations.
Laura Cowan is head of Graysons’ private client department and leads an accomplished team. She is a chartered legal executive, with around 25 years’ experience in estate administration. She is a full member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and is a member of Lifetime Lawyers (previously Solicitors for the Elderly).
Contact Laura or her team now for advice on 01433 520012. Graysons Solicitors: Brunel House, Heather Lane, Hathersage, Hope Valley S32 1DP.
Tailored Travel Planning - Just for You!
Cruises
Scenic rail journeys
Honeymoons
Multi-destination getaways
Bucket list adventures
Luxury escapes
Once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Every holiday is custom-built using trusted suppliers. You’ll enjoy a seamless experience with full ATOL & ABTA protection giving you total peace of mind when you travel
Custom-designed holidays and tours
Get in touch or scan the QR code to enquire: claire@bondstourandtravel com
@bondstourandtravel
Bonds Tour & Travel
JAMES STREET, LEABROOKS
This stylish three-bedroom semi-detached property offers well-planned living over three floors, with modern finishes and a beautifully landscaped rear garden - perfect for families, first-time buyers or anyone looking for a comfortable, move-in ready home. Modern 3-Bed Semi-Detached Home
• Modern fitted kitchen with integrated appliances
• Ground floor cloakroom, main family bathroom, and master ensuite
• Spacious lounge with French doors to rear garden
• Off-road parking plus garage with power & lighting
Expert Guidance for Your Future
Planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones, your assets, and your peace of mind. At Horsepools Estate Planning, we make the process simple and stress-free.
Wills
Ensure your wishes are clearly defined and legally protected. A professionally drafted Will helps you provide for loved ones and chosen causes.
Trusts
Gain greater control, flexibility, and protection for your assets – both now and in the future. Trusts complement your Will to strengthen your estate plan.
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
Appoint trusted individuals to manage your health, welfare, and finances if you’re unable to do so. We handle the paperwork and process for you, making it simple and stress-free.
Estate Planning & Inheritance Tax (IHT) Advice
Protect your legacy with expert advice on tax allowances, exemptions, and strategic estate planning that reduces unnecessary loss to Inheritance Tax.
Plan with Confidence - Try our innovative App Whether you’re ready to get started or just exploring your options, our friendly team will guide you every step of the way. QUOTE “HORSEPOOLS15” FOR A 15% AVAILABLEDISCOUNT ON ALL OUR SERVICES - GET IN TOUCH TODAY
After an initial conversation, you can take control of your future from the comfort of home using our simple, innovative app – or choose to book a personal one-to-one appointment.
Your local, reliable garage for over 25 years
Hope Valley College
Direct Factory Blinds Ltd
Bespoke blinds, curtains & shutters
Free temporary vertical blinds with any shutter order X3 Verticals fitted from £90 • X3 Rollers fitted from £120 (Size and fabric restrictions apply)
Services We Offer
• Blinds • Shutters
• Curtains • Trade
Direct Factory Blinds is the name you can rely on for made-to-measure
Free Call Bakewell - 0808 155 8256 dfblinds@hotmail.co.uk • www.directfactoryblinds.co.uk
Noel Coward once wrote that it’s extraordinary how potent cheap music is. And wow was he right. We’re talking about good, heart-on-their-sleeve songs that whisk you in a time machine to a different place or remind you instantly of someone and connect immediately with your emotions, so that just the opening bars make you want to get up and start dancing, or saying God I remember that, or have you reaching for a hankie to wipe away the tears.
Well these are the songs that music journalist and DJ Stuart Maconie has written about in The People’s Songs – The Story of Modern Britain in 50 Songs.
He’s not saying they’re the same for everyone. But you’d have to be pretty unusual not to have a reaction to a lot of them and he’s using them to tell stories from our shared history, starting with We’ll Meet Again and running through the likes of Another Brick in the Wall, Radio Ga Ga, Do they know it’s Christmas, Brimful of Asha, Can’t Get You Out of My Mind, Wannabe, Merry Xmas Everybody. You get the idea…
As Stuart Maconie says, they’re a soundtrack to our lives. He’s giving us a picture of what was going on at the time because these songs relate to a particular period in our lives and our country’s life.
It’s a great idea. The writing is sparky and intelligent and fun and very thoughtful without being in any way pretentious. There’s lots of good pictures and it’s very easy to read and dip in and out of. What’s not to love…? It’s our story.
If you can’t make it into the store, we can offer a FREE home selection service, where we bring the store to you.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm
Hardwearing,
Vinyl cushion flooring.
Free measuring and home selection service, free estimates, free planning, free delivering and fitting arranged.
9am - 4pm | Sun: 11am - 3pm
Our beds are the only approved trading standards manufactory in the UK. All beds carry a 5yrs Warranty. Lots of choice of mattresses, Storage Bases & Head Board also Electric beds.
BE A HEDGEHOG HERO
Hedgehogs need our help, these charming little creatures are vanishing from our neighbourhoods, but we still have time to reverse the trend and together we can make a big difference!
Feeding our little hogs is a great place to start but it’s vital we provide them with the right food sources, see the infographic below for the Wildlife Trusts top tips on Hedgehog hunger.
Small actions like leaving a hole in your fence for hogs to roam, ditching harmful slug pellets, adding a hedgehog house to your garden and come November, checking unlit bonfires before lighting will all hugely help our prickly pals. So, rally your neighbours, share this message, and let’s turn our community into a sanctuary for hedgehogs. Their future depends on us - let’s give them a fighting chance!
This article was supplied by Tracy, one of our local readers who regularly helps Hedgehogs in her local community.
All Around the Shire
As a child of the 60s and 70s, I was lucky enough to experience both the “proper” old fashioned puddings and the new “convenient” puddings which arrived with the advent of supermarkets.
These would include Arctic Rolls and bricks of ice cream kept in the ice box at the top of the fridge. Angel Delight or Instant Whip and a blob of Dream Topping made them especially luxurious. You can still get trifle in a box today I was amazed to find. Tinned fruit and evaporated milk were a staple of Sunday afternoon teatimes.
School puddings tended to come in two varieties: milk puddings and sponge based with thick custard. Chocolate concrete and pink custard, still popular today!
As the cooler nights draw in, I will always have a special place in my heart for puddings made with love and care. Apple and blackberry crumbles, pies and tarts. Fruit from the garden, the hedgerows, fresh and in season. Rice puddings baked for ages in an enamel dish covered with a thick skin. So comforting!
Do you remember eating stewed plums and putting the stones around the outside of the dish? Then working out who you were going to marry… Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor, rich man, poor man, beggarman, thief.
Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com
The Gentle Shift: NATURE’S CHANGEOVER FROM
SUMMER TO AUTUMN
As the long, golden days of summer start to shorten, nature quietly begins its transformation into autumn. The air turns crisper in the early mornings and evenings, and a subtle shift in light gives the landscape a softer, more golden hue. This gradual change signals a period of preparation, rest, and reflection across the natural world.
Trees are among the first to show signs of change. As daylight hours decrease, chlorophyll — the pigment responsible for summer’s lush green leaves — starts to break down. This reveals the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows that have been hidden beneath, creating a breathtaking display of colour in woodlands and hedgerows. The falling leaves begin to carpet the ground, providing shelter and food for insects and fungi.
Animals also respond to the changing season. Birds such as swallows and swifts gather in flocks, preparing for their long migration to warmer climates. Meanwhile, squirrels can be seen busily collecting acorns and nuts, instinctively storing them to see them through the leaner months. Hedgehogs and other small mammals begin to fatten up, readying themselves for hibernation.
In the countryside, fields that once bustled with crops are harvested and begin to lie fallow. Grasses and wildflowers fade, making way for fungi like toadstools and mushrooms to flourish in the damp, leafstrewn undergrowth. The soundscape changes too—where once there was buzzing
and chirping, now the rustle of dry leaves and the distant call of migrating geese fill the air.
Despite the cooling temperatures and the fading light, autumn is far from a time of decay. Instead, it is a period of rich abundance and natural beauty. Nature pauses, slows, and prepares. It is a time of gratitude for the bounty of summer and anticipation for the peaceful slumber of winter.
Whether walking through a forest, tending a garden, or simply watching the sky, the transition from summer to autumn offers a chance to reconnect with the rhythms of the natural world—and to savour its quiet, graceful shift.
ONWARDS AND UPWARDS IN 2025
Every great success story starts somewhere, and Voice Magazines is no exception.
The very first edition in 2010 was a 32-page magazine, targeted at a handful of homes in Swanwick, Riddings, and Leabrooks. Fast forward to today, and the magazine is a must-read across 11 editions, from Bakewell to Selston, Ripley to Kirkby and everywhere in between, and reaching a whopping 152,000 residents every month.
But let’s take a trip back to 2010. Picture this: Emily, the founder of Voice Magazine, is staring at her first edition. It’s 32 pages long, and every one of those pages represents blood, sweat, and probably more cups of tea and coffee than anyone should consume in a week. Delivering to 2,500 homes was no small feat either—especially when you’re also holding down another job.
William Cavendish and his wife, Bess of Hardwick, bought the Chatsworth Estate in 1549. From 1551 to 1584 they set about building one of the grandest country houses in the north of England. Included in the vast estate they bought were villages in and around the area, one of them being Ashford in the Water.
MUSEUM WILLIAM, BESS AND ASHFORD MARBLE
was used to decorate tables, candlesticks, inkwells, paperweights and even jewellery.
In 2012, Emily took the leap, moving to premises in South Normanton, marking a major milestone. Having an actual office meant fewer late-night sessions at the kitchen table and more room to dream big. From there, things started snowballing (in a good way, not the “rolling downhill in winter” kind).
This tiny village had become known for its Ashford Black Marble. It was said that this jet-black bituminous limestone could be polished until it shone ‘as bright as any mirror.’ Used to create monuments, fireplaces, vases, tables and other decorative items Ashford Black Marble was collected extensively to embellish William’s newly built Chatsworth House.
The magazine’s reach grew, the pages multiplied, and Emily’s vision for Voice Magazine as a community resource really began to take shape.
But everything has to keep developing and changing in order to flourish and grow, and you may have already noticed that this January 2025 issue looks a little different from previous magazines.
Yes, that’s right—Voice Magazine has had a New Year Makeover!
The brilliant covers are still the stars of the show—it’s the inside that has changed. You’ll notice:
• TOP TIP’S (This month on how to stay healthy)
• DID YOU KNOW? (This month has little known facts about health and fitness)
• SPOTLIGHT ON (An advertiser is spotlighted throughout all 11 editions for the month)
• WHAT’S ON? (This month is about Park Runs near you)
It’s clear Bess loved the effect as she also ordered Ashford Marble for her house at Hardwick. Successive Dukes of Devonshire continued to favour the marble using it in many of their other properties. Over the years Ashford Marble continued to be used on their estates and examples could be found in Ashford Hall, Devonshire House in London, Holker Hall, Chiswick House, Lismore Castle in Ireland and Bolton Abbey. Churches on the Dukes estates were also adorned with font’s, pulpits and flooring all made of the black marble.
I see this New Year, New Voice Mags edition as a gym membership for your brain—packed with all the things you need to kick-start the year without actually making you sweat ��
Voice Magazine’s journey from humble beginnings to a monthly staple is proof that with a bit lot of determination, gallons of tea and coffee, and maybe a few “what am I doing?” moments, you can achieve amazing things.
Queen Victoria’s beloved husband, Prince Albert, wanted to hold an exhibition to celebrate British achievements in the arts, science, technology and architecture. With this in mind the magnificent Crystal Palace was built. Designed by Joseph Paxton, former Head Gardener at Chatsworth House, the Great Exhibition took place in 1851. The exhibition was a huge success drawing thousands of visitors to London. Proudly displayed there, was an Ashford Marble table inlaid with the finest pietra dura decoration.
A small army of people now deliver the 11 editions across 70 towns and villages, and Voice has a team of people all working to create the best magazine they can.
Originally all work on the marble was done by hand, but as time passed inventive techniques were developed even a turning lathe for making vases. When Henry Watson was planning the fabulous black and white floor in Chatsworth Great Hall, he developed a machine which revolutionised the processes of sawing and polishing stone and marble. He installed this new machine at his marble works on the outskirts of Ashford village. By using waterpower from the river Wye, his invention became known as one of the modern ‘wonders of the Peak.’
Emily and her nearest and dearest no longer have to do everything themselves. Let’s be honest, even superwoman Emily would struggle to produce and deliver all those mags by herself… although I bet she’d have a go.
A technique called pietra dura, became popular. This was a method of using thinly sliced slivers of different coloured semi-precious stones that were inset into the black marble to make delicate patterns. Pietra dura
So, here’s to (at least) another year of connecting communities, sharing stories, and maybe even sneaking in a few more jokes along the way.
Some examples of Ashford Black Marble can still be seen at Chatsworth House, but the place to get close enough to really see the intricate workmanship is, of course, at our own Bakewell Old House Museum. In the museum we have paperweights and decorative items and best of all our own beautiful pietra dura table.
BAKEWELL OLD HOUSE MUSEUM IS NOW OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 11AM TO 4PM FOR THE 2025 SEASON. ALONG WITH OUR OWN WONDERFUL COLLECTIONS WE HAVE EXHIBITIONS BY CHESTERFIELD EMBROIDERERS AND THE LEVEL CENTRE.
Because if you can’t laugh at life—or your first attempt at a Park Run—what’s the point?
Guess the words and Fill in the crossword !
Pitcherwits® are crossword puzzles where some of the clues are in pictures. Sound easy? It’s not called “Pit-your-wits” for nothing! The mixture of cryptic and picture clues, combined with Professor Rebus’ unique sense of humour, will keep you entertained for hours.
Across
5 Blow a fuse at end of exercise! (3)
7 Dr.s’ club sitting on back of Lambretta? (3)
10 Spread it carefully, me dears! (7)
14 Badger sett, say in anagram form (3)
15 At heart, truth can be a groovy thing (3)
Down
2 Lily’s from a rum joint! (4)
3 Invoke no loss around Ukrainian city (4)
9 Took a piece from a shorty giraffe! (5)
12 Moreover, it’s ever away from the heath (4)
13 Film is of iron construction (4)
1 Disapprove (apparently!) of a broken cook’s ankle (4,7)
8 Taking away morale that’s ruined in opposition (7)
11 Mine, in no way is a candidate (7)
16 Difficulties can intersperse with undertakings (11)
1 Louse, in quiz fiddle, becomes ruler in France (5,6)
4 Freeze! allegedly, and put on spaceman tie (11) 6 Rubbing out virtual lift? (7)
7 Led bard to a conclusion that it can be filled with air (7)
1 Belshazzar, 6 Mean, 7 Emu, 8 Taxi, 9 Table-top, 11 Black eye, 14 Near, 15 Nun, 16 Need, 17 Export duty. Down: 1 Bottle bank, 2 Semitic, 3 Zonal, 4 Adept, 5 Jump for joy, 10 Emended, 12 Annex, 13 Kendo.
9
9 Full
9
9 Tailored solutions for arthritis, mobility issues and chronic pain.
9 ‘Bath out, shower in’ service in as little as two days. 9 Walk-in baths, wetrooms, bidets and toilet lifters also available.
• Professional clean & maintenance of chimney & fireplaces
• Bird nest removal
• Installation of chimney bird guards
• Complete installation of log burners, stoves and fires
ROADSWEEPING
• Septic Tank Emptying & Repairs
• Drain Jetting
• Drain Repairs
• Groundswork
• Road Sweeping
• Gully Emptiying
GARDENERS CALENDAR
• Dust Supression
• High Pressure
Drain Jetting
• CCTV drain inspection
ESTABLISHED OVER 25 YEARS NOW OFFERING A NEW SERVICE! DRAIN INSPECTION CAMERAS
Andy: 07831 310731
Ashley: 07787 074414
email: jandasweep@tiscali.co.uk
office: 01629 815222
Ashford in the Water, Bakewell, DE45 1PY
September. Okay… autumn. Although given our eccentric summer, who knows? But that doesn’t mean the show’s over. First, even if things are starting to look a big shell-shocked after a freezing spring followed by drought, heatwave and storms, you can keep the colour going with a bit of judicious planting. Dahlias are a winner this time of year and will keep flowering easily through till the first frosts. Anemones are particularly good growers for autumn and are easy, showy and perennial. To keep the bees and other pollinators productive as long as possible, sedums and echinacea are excellent and also very colourful.
Prune roses lightly now to get them ready for winter and help prevent problems such as wind rock which can weaken them. Deadhead as always and bring down the height if possible – don’t prune back to base - you can leave that for the spring. Cut out diseased or dead wood and cross branches and if mulch applied earlier in the season has worn away, add some more. Don’t fertilise or feed. It will encourage new growth and weaken the plant going into winter,
Keep on watering new plants. They’ll still be very vulnerable to drought as the roots are less established. You can use grey water – i.e. from the sink or bath – if you’re being eco conscious. Household washing cleansers won’t harm plants.
TOP TIP
Bare root wallflowers should start to become available either by post or in garden centres. They’re far cheaper to plant now than fully grown plants in spring. Soak the roots for at least an hour before planting. The promised scent of wallflowers makes getting through winter possible.
DRAGONS AND DAMSELS MARK THE END OF SUMMER
As summer drifts into Autumn, nature gradually changes and the long, hot summer months slip away. Bird song has long since ended and the young birds are morphing into adult plumage, and small birds gather in groups and then flocks to forage through the countryside. Insects especially follow the autumnal trend and prepare to overwinter as hibernating adults, as nymphs, as pupae, or even as eggs depending on the species. Damselflies have largely gone now, at least as adults, since these are creatures of the spring and summer months. Of course, the aquatic larvae or nymphs are still there, if out of sight, in ponds, streams and lakes. Their larger cousins the dragonflies, may still be around later in the season as they roam the wider landscape in search of prey on the wing. Voracious hunters with hearty appetites, several of the bigger species will still be active until the first heavy frosts. Brown Hawkers, Common, Migrant, and Southern Hawkers and Emperors, along with Chasers, Darters, and Skimmers will all have been seen during the summertime and are frequent visitors to garden ponds and similar places. Many of these persist into at least September and the Hawkers and Emperors may be around into October, weather depending. One of our most spectacular species is the very distinctive Golden-ringed Dragonfly, a creature
of moorland bogs and rivulets. This is very much a summer insect and the adults will have gone before the end of August.
At first sight many of these quick-flying insects are difficult to identify, but rather like bird species , with practice they can be easily sorted. Birdwatchers describe the appearance and behaviour of different species as ‘jizz’ and with a little effort and experience this gives away their identity. The same applies to dragonflies though perhaps less so to the damsels. Handbooks will have ‘helpful’ guidance and notes such as ‘did the third abdominal segment have two blue dots or a single blue stripe?’, and this is for an insect that won’t land, stay still, or otherwise cooperate! Having reliably identified the different species so you can observe their behaviour, makes identification so much easier – eventually. Digital photographs of the insects at rest can help enormously and then you can look in detail and if necessary, zoom in to the key features. Behaviour also helps separate the different species based on their flight, their territorial use of things like perches, and their hawking along the water’s edge of maybe a hedgerow and the like. Sheer size and colour of the wings or body are often the giveaways.
We work in Ashford in the Water, Bakewell, Baslow, Chelmorton, Cressbrook, Flagg, Great Longstone, Little Longstone, Litton, Monyash over Haddon & all surrounding areas
Highly Experienced
Boiler Breakdowns
Boiler Servicing
Radiators & Pipes
Tanks & Cylinders
Toilets & Taps
Leaks & Bursts
Showers
Clearing Blockages
Pipework Replacement
Gas Safe Certified
