Killamarsh Heritage Society looks at the history of why we change our clocks in Spring and Autumn

As everyone knows we change our clocks twice a year – In Spring, the clocks go forward one hour and British Summer Time begins.   In Autumn the clocks go back as British Summer Time comes to an end and the UK reverts back to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).  

In the United States, daylight saving time was first used in&nbsp;1918&nbsp;when a bill introduced the idea of a seasonal time shift. 

It lasted seven months before the bill was repealed. During World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt re-established the idea of daylight saving time.

British Summer Time, also known as Daylight Saving Time, was the brainchild of a builder from Kent called William Willett. The story goes that one day on his way back from riding his horse in Petts Wood near his home in the early 1900s, he noticed many of the blinds and curtains in the neighbouring houses were still drawn, even though it was light. This led him to consider the idea of adapting the time to better fit daylight hours. Back then the clocks were set all year round to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), meaning it was light by 3.00 am and dark around 9.00 pm in the summer.

His original proposal was for the clocks to be put forward by 80 minutes in total, in four steps of 20 minutes each Sunday at 2.00 am during April and turned back in the same way in September. He argued that this would mean longer daylight hours for recreation, improving health and also saving the country money in lighting costs.

The ritual owes its origins in the UK to the first world war. The annual hourly changing of the clock was first established in the UK more than 100 years ago under the Summer Time Act 1916 and was introduced by an Act of Parliament as it was thought that lighter evenings might preserve fuel for the war effort.  The idea was first entertained because&nbsp;some people thought that by sleeping through daylight in the summer, the day was being wasted.

Through his vigorous campaigning, in 1908 Willett got the support of the MP Robert Pearce who championed the idea, albeit unsuccessfully, in the House of Commons.

The idea resurfaced during World War One when the need to&nbsp;conserve coal&nbsp;made the suggestion of daylight saving more pertinent. Germany had already introduced a similar scheme when the Summer Time Act was finally passed in the UK on 17th May 1916. The clocks went forward one hour on the following Sunday, 21st May.

The time changes were widely advertised in the press. To return to GMT on 1st October 1916, people were advised to put their clocks forward by 11 hours rather than turning the hands back an hour, as in those days this would break the mechanism.

Sadly William Willett died of the&nbsp;flu&nbsp;in 1915 aged 58 and never lived to see his daylight saving ideas become law. Rather  fittingly, in Petts Wood there is a memorial sundial, set    permanently to Daylight Saving Time, to honour him.

During the Second World War, in&nbsp;1941&nbsp;Britain adopted British Double Summer Time, which saw clocks being put forward two hours ahead of GMT. The clocks were turned back to GMT at the end of summer 1945. However because of severe fuel shortages resulting from the harsh winter of 1946/47, the UK returned to British Double Summer Time during the summer of 1947.

Since its introduction, Daylight Saving Time has had both its advocates and critics. Advocates for the system claim the lighter summer mornings save energy, reduce traffic accidents and get people out and about and 

Critics however claim that if adopted all year round (known as British Standard Time), this would result in darker winter mornings which would be more dangerous for children going to school and for those in the north and Scotland.  The sun would not rise until well into the morning leaving farmers working for several hours in the dark each morning in the winter. The Harold Wilson government adopted British Standard Time between 27th October 1968 and 31st October 1971 as a trial but after a free vote, the House of Commons chose to end the experiment.

Several attempts to amend or repeal British Summer Time have been brought to the House of Commons in recent years,  however currently the UK retains the system first advocated back in the Edwardian era by William Willett.

Why we change our clocks in Spring and Autumn

On a cool October evening, I popped into the warm and welcoming Corner Playhouse to see the City Players latest production of an Alan Ayckbourn classic.

‘Confusions’ is a series of five, one act plays - Mother Figure, Drinking Companion, Between Mouthfuls, A Talk In The Park, and Gosforth’s Fete. Within these plays the audience meet 22 characters, some who are inextricably linked. With five different sets to build this sounded like a challenging production for any Amateur      Dramatic Society! There’s another twist though - the 22 characters are played by only 8 actors, half who have never acted with City Players before, and 2 who’ve never been on stage!

Nick Di Nitto, who co-created the City Players in 1954, welcomed the audience and joked, “If it looks like we know what we doing, don’t be fooled!”

Well, I’m happy to be the fool, as the society staged a flawless     performance throughout the five acts and certainly knew what they were doing.

Not only did the actors manage the multiple roles seamlessly but, had I not known some of the performers, I couldn’t have told you who was new to the stage.

Even with the challenges facing them, another decision was made to change the sets with the curtains open, meaning the audience could see this throughout the act breaks!

I must admit I thought beforehand that this would detract from the production and it would distract me from the stories within the play. However I loved it and those around me felt the same.

It was fascinating to see what would normally go on behind the curtains and how all the volunteers and performers had their well    rehearsed individual tasks.

To see the sets and props folding, swinging and moving to unveil   completely different backgrounds was incredible.

After the play ended the          performers and volunteers chatted with members of the audience,  invited them back stage and      on-stage, and the atmosphere was exceptionally friendly.

I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great evening’s entertainment, and also to any budding performer (young or old). We really are lucky to have this place on our doorstep!

Confu?ions by Alan Ayckbourn

Britain's best curry houses have been crowned in a national awards ceremony celebrating South Asian cuisine. 

After being chosen by 700,000 customers, the country's best   restaurants, takeaways, and chefs were unveiled. More than 2,300 eateries were nominated for the awards, which were held at a   red-carpet event in London, and The Vine Indian Cuisine took home the title of Regional Restaurant of the Year for the North East!

Away from the glitz and glamour of the ceremony, The Vine has  recently undergone a total       refurbishment.

Adding to the warm and stylish atmosphere the restaurant looks impeccable, with charming      artwork and statuettes carefully placed throughout the interior. There’s also space for the array     of awards The Vine has won - with a trophy cabinet and framed     certificates proudly hanging in view.

The restaurant holds over 75, and there are a variety of      tables for large parties, as well as smaller     tables tucked away in corners and alcoves, meaning that an intimate meal for 2 is possible while still soaking in the atmosphere.

As always, any guests are warmly greeted by Mohammed, who takes charge of front-of-house. I’ve known Mo for many years and he has always been prompt        and helpful, taking time to      recommend foods and wines.

For the awards show, restaurants that made it through were judged and invited to participate in a Cook-Off Competition. The scoring was based on flavour, appearance, texture, hygiene, and aroma.

Having dined at The Vine many times I can attest to these values. Muktar Ali (known as Ali) the chef at The Vine holds great pride in his dishes, and is delighted he and his staff are being recognised for this dedication. The Chicken Naga, a house special, is my personal    favourite.

Housed within a remarkable 18th century building with ample    parking outside, The Vine is     certainly a restaurant we would recommend!

With Christmas drawing ever nearer the restaurant has recently announced their Christmas menu. They are taking advanced        bookings only so get in touch now and secure your table for the big day.

Mosborough’s The Vine wins Regional Restaurant of the Year!

Aside from the tourist hotspots such as Bangkok and Phuket, there are plenty of other cities across Thailand which are    perfect places to visit and explore. Let me introduce to Thailand’s secondary cities so that you can truly see the unspoilt and  natural beauty of this country.

This small city has a relaxed atmosphere, good-value accommodation and great local food! Set in a mountainous region with  rivers and jungles, this really is a stunning area and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists. The cool season is the perfect time to visit Chiang Rai with the opportunity for stunning mountain views. Those looking for culture can visit Mae Fah Luang Art &amp; Cultural Park which hosts an amazing  collection of Lanna artefacts as well as   Buddhist temples and other structures. A trip to the Hilltribe Museum &amp; Education Centre is a must for anyone wanting to learn more about Thailand’s various tribes.

While the capital has developed into a   relatively modern town, much of Phayao remains unchanged with unspoiled natural beauty and substantial mountains. Phayao town features ornate gardens and parks, perfect for picnicking, and there are bars, restaurants and nightclubs to enjoy. Aside from the large lake, temples and parks, there is little to do here so it’s the perfect place for relaxation and exploring the local countryside and neighbouring provinces.

This is the third biggest province in Thailand and its magnificent landscape and charming beauty mean it has become very popular with tourists. Attractions include waterfalls, caves, pristine national parks, forests and several large reservoirs. Together, these  attractions offer an amazing experience for all visitors with fishing, canoeing, mountain biking, star gazing, golfing, jungle trekking and bird watching all available.

Most of Sukhothai’s attractions relate to its historical background such as Phra Mae Ya Shrine. For naturalists, the Khao Naria  peak, 1,160 metres above sea level, gives breathtaking views of Sukhothai city and the nearby Pitsanulok. At night, the      beautiful lights from the city can be seen from the cliff. There are also lots of festivals with traditional performances and parades. Loi Krathong and Candle Festival is held in Sukhothai Historical Park and features  floating krathons, traditional performances and stunning parades.

There are lots of attractions across Chumphon including Soldier Youth World War II Monument and Mu Koh Chumphon National Park where visitors can walk along mangrove forest nature trails. There are plenty of exciting activities available      including white-water rafting in Amphoe Phato or snorkelling and diving in Koh Ngam with its beautiful underwater world and varied   marine life. With more than 200km of  coastline featuring numerous unspoiled beaches, Chumphon is also a great       destination for those looking to relax, with swimming, yachting, diving and snorkelling all available.

Why book with a Travel Counsellor?

You are fully protected under the Travel Counsellors trust and we are ATOL licensed. The in-house technology available to me is incredible too. It means I can search through thousands of suppliers for my   clients, getting the right flight times,     booking your hotel and parking the night before to arranging the tours when you’re in your chosen destination. No other person will care about your holiday like I will do – why risk booking it all online when I can do all the hard work and ensure you have a wonderful trip? 

So, let me take the stress out of booking your next adventure. All you need to do is pack! I can’t wait to hear your ideas so please give me a call.

Discover more in Thailand

Laterlivingnow! – the only independent Equity Release specialist company based in Chesterfield and         Derbyshire, have appointed Sue Wilmot Rowe as their 4th ‘Laterliving Planner’, at a time when they are     experiencing unseasonably high demand for advice from homeowners over 55.

On joining Laterlivingnow! Sue said; “I believe with a passion, that those who have worked hard for much of their lives, raising families and paying vast sums in tax, deserve much better than a meagre retirement. Later life is to be enjoyed, not worried over, so I feel very privileged to be able to help our clients live better and more comfortable lives by releasing part of the value tied-up in their homes.”

The Equity Release market can usually rely on the summer months being a fairly steady, relatively quiet time. Not so this year, with enquiries at Laterlivingnow! up 22% over the corresponding period in 2021. The soaring cost of living is having a real impact on many people, with those in retirement in particular finding that their   pension income (much of which can often be fixed) no longer covers the necessities, let alone the niceties.

Laterlivingnow! - Chesterfield and Derbyshire’s leading Equity Release specialist is expecting an even busier time ahead, as the UK Energy Price Cap rises 80% in October, with the prospect of energy bills hitting £3,549 or higher for millions of households.

The increasingly popular drawdown style of Lifetime Mortgage, established by taking a modest £10,000   minimum sum initially, can allow homeowners over 55 to take much smaller regular sums, from as little as £500 a time in some cases. This way of taking some of the value locked-up in property, may be particularly     well-suited for anyone needing a bit more ‘income’ to meet the bills and live free from worry.

Laterlivingnow! is well placed to support many more clients through this turbulent, uncertain time, whilst pointing out that Equity Release may not be suited to everyone. In offering homeowners over 55 a free initial consultation, the company’s advisers can help people to understand their options, and together explore possible alternatives, such as means-tested benefits, before making recommendations.

“The Equity Release market has grown enormously since the pandemic, with many inexperienced advisers     suddenly claiming to be ‘specialists.’ People regularly tell us that they feel confused by guidance on the   internet, hate being sold something that might be wrong for them, and sometimes just don’t know where to turn for experienced, independent advice. 

We can usually work out in under an hour, whether releasing equity is worth considering, or whether           it’s simply not right for someone – all within a free    initial consultation by home visit, phone, or video-call such as Zoom, Teams, or WhatsApp. Our small team      of 4 advisers are highly skilled, well qualified and        have years of experience as advisors on Equity Release, so are well placed to help homeowners explore their options”

Laterlivingnow! appoints Sue Wilmot Rowe as Laterliving Planner

A study commissioned by The FA, UEFA and UK Sport to measure the impact of UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 has shown that Sheffield as a host city of the tournament has benefitted from an £8.3million boost to the local economy.

The tournament generated £81m economic impact across cities nationally.

In line with the aims of the tournament UEFA Women’s EURO delivered on every level in Sheffield, bringing in thousands of fans from across Europe, inspiring hundreds more women and girls locally to get in to football, uniting communities, setting new records, broadcasting the city across the world and bringing millions into the local economy.

Sheffield hosted three group C fixtures, between Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden plus that amazing semi-final between England and Sweden which gave spectators one of the most memorable moments of the tournament ‘that back heel’.

The city was awash with colour as thousands of visiting fans took over bars and pubs and gathered for the pre-match fan parties at Devonshire Green, before taking their spectacular fan walks to the stadium.

Testament to the city’s stacked up credentials as the home of football, three new tournament attendance records were made at WEURO2022 fixtures in Sheffield – highest attendance for a non-host nation fixture – twice – and highest ever semi-final attendance.

On the weekend of Sheffield’s opening fixture between Netherlands and Sweden, city centre footfall increased by more than 10,000 (22%) and all of the city’s hotel rooms were fully booked.

A resident’s survey was also carried out by The FA to find out what people from Host City areas felt about the tournament. A whopping 95% of those surveyed locally said they’d be supportive of future major sports events being held in Sheffield.

Across all host cities 85% said they felt proud that WEURO was taking place in their city/town, 76% said hosting WEURO made them feel positive about where they live and 72% said hosting WEURO made them feel happier.

Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “When we bid for events like UEFA Women’s EURO, we’re making a huge commitment on behalf of the city and some people wonder why we do it. Well, here’s eight million reasons, and that’s on top of the many other benefits we’ve all seen first-hand over the summer.

“Exciting and inspiring world class sport live in our local stadium, three new attendance records set by Sheffield, thousands of visiting fans enjoying the city, Sheffield shown on TV screens across the world’s media, people coming together to celebrate the list goes on.

“More importantly though is the many women and girls who’ve now been inspired to get in to football either playing, coaching, refereeing or just watching for the fun of it. We couldn’t be happier or prouder to have been a part of this and achieving such a significant boost to our local economy, more than double what we had hoped for, makes it even sweeter.

“With the cost-of-living crisis and over-stretched budgets we’re often asked about the future of events in the city. But we’re ambitious for Sheffield and we understand how culture, sport and leisure go hand in hand to strengthen our economy and improve the health and wellbeing of our population. Being able to back that up with the findings of this study supports our approach and inspires us to keep striving to attract the highest calibre of events to Sheffield.”

The FA published the flash impact report last week, sharing the following highlights from their findings nationally:

£81m economic impact to cities (vs £54m predicted in the pre-tournament report)

552,000 overnight stays in host cities from England and overseas visitors

84% of legacy participants said participating had increased their confidence and self-esteem

More than half of local residents and 2 in 5 spectators and tournament volunteers have been inspired to do more sport and physical activity as a result of WEURO

Fully on track to hit 500,000 opportunities to participate in host cities by 2024, with 416,000 opportunities already provided.

UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 boosts Sheffield’s economy by more than £8million

In response to the ‘cost of living crisis’, Sheffield City Council has created a package of support for anyone facing financial hardship.

Response arrangements are in place at the council and an action plan, informed by feedback from our communities, is already in place supporting people around the additional cost of living pressures this winter.

Working together with the voluntary, community and faith sector, the council is providing help, advice, and support at www.sheffield.gov.uk about money issues, energy costs, paying bills, applying for financial support and the role of family centres and libraries as ‘welcome places.’

Watch: Councillor Julie Grocutt talks about what we're doing to help

Citizens Advice Sheffield’s trained advisers are giving tailored information and advice to help people to find a way forward to cope with increases in costs. The council has set up a community support helpline on 0114 2734567 for callers to ask questions about any aspect of the cost-of-living crisis. Voluntary Action Sheffield is supporting local community action, including the city’s network of welcoming places https://www.vas.org.uk/what-we-do/communitysupportforcostoflivingcrisis/

The council’s household support fund has been set up to help those who are struggling to afford essentials including food, telephone and broadband and gas and electricity.  Anyone who applies for support through this fund will also be offered ‘income maximisation’ support, and if people choose this they will be assessed to see whether they are eligible for other financial support or benefits. Individuals and organisations can also do their own online checking to find out what they are eligible for at www.entitledto.co.uk.

At www.sheffield.gov.uk/benefits/help-money-issues there is more information about the local assistance scheme, energy bills rebate, warm home discount, help around energy saving improvements, winter fuel payment, help with water bills, council tax support, housing benefit, carers’ benefits, pension credit, debt advice including National Debtline and Community Legal Advice.

Councillor Terry Fox, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “These are difficult times for many people who are facing hardship this winter. We’ve put in place a range of measures and support and I’d urge anyone who is worrying about how they are going to manage, to contact us. You are not alone; many people are worried about paying their bills through the winter and beyond and we want you to feel supported. We have people who are trained to listen, advise on what support is available to you and provide what you need. I’m grateful for the support and expertise of the voluntary, community and faith organisations in the city. Their contribution is invaluable.”

Libraries and family centres are among the first public buildings to be formally deemed ‘welcome places’ which will provide convenient spaces for people to access help or just call in to be warm, have a cup of tea and a chat in their local communities. Other public buildings will be added to this network of welcome places. Frontline workers in welcome places and those who work in the voluntary and community sector are currently receiving a help and support postcard so that they can easily signpost the people they help to the information that they need. A toolkit for frontline workers across the council and the community and voluntary sector is also in development.

This cost of living guide outlines both the local and national organisations that are working to help with this crisis in relation to money, saving money, housing and the South Yorkshire Community Foundation’s Cost of Living Fund.

City-wide response to cost of living crisis

Killamarsh Active to re-open after £1.9m
investment
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

North East Derbyshire District
Council are delighted to announce that the newly refurbished Killamarsh Active
leisure centre will open its doors to the public on 30 September after an
extensive £1.9m overhaul of the facility.

The centre will be a bright,
modern, open-plan facility for all the community to enjoy with a brand new
on-site café, soft play centre and much more.

The project see’s the library
being relocated into the centre which will be the hub of the community and
marks the start of a wider transformation of the town which is seeing further
investment in the refurbishment of the skate park.

On the opening day, the facility
will be open to all to come and have a look around, grab a coffee and speak to
some of the instructors and staff who can help you with signing up to
memberships and answer any questions.

North East Derbyshire District
Council Councillor for Leisure, Cllr Alan Powell said, “We really are delighted
to announce the opening date for this fantastic facility.

It’s one where all the community
can come and enjoy – be that just a cuppa and catch up in the café or bounce
around in the soft play or taking part in a spinning class.

The centre is exactly what the
community needs and is just the start of the transformation in the town as the
skate park will also be refurbished and an additional play area installed –
subject to a government bid being granted.

You can find out more about what
is on offer at the centre, opening times, membership offers and to take a
virtual look on the council’s website <a href="http://www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/killamarshactive">www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/killamarshactive</a> or you can follow the centre's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/killamarshactive">Facebook page</a>.

September 2022 Council News

Council prepares £20m bid to transform
Eckington town centre

North
East Derbyshire District Council is preparing a bid for up to £20m to transform
Eckington town centre as part of the government’s levelling up agenda.

If the
bid is successful, it could see the centre having improved public spaces and
parking, new housing and commercial property.&nbsp;
Improvements to Lansbury Road park are also part of the proposals.&nbsp; 

A range
of possible options have been prepared, showing how the proposals could look
and there is a public consultation drop-in event at Eckington Civic Centre on
10 June (between 1pm and 7 pm) where residents and businesses can have their
say and view the proposals.

North
East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Cllr
Jeremy Kenyon said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for residents to share
their views with us on what improvements they would like to see in the town. 

“Residents
and businesses input is key to shaping the future of Eckington and this could
be a transformational opportunity for the town”.

Following
the consultation event, a bid for the funding will be submitted this summer. 

If you
are unable to attend the drop-in event in Eckington, you can also find out
about the options and have your say online at <a href="http://www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk">www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk</a>

June 2022 Council News

This month Killamarsh Heritage Society takes a look at the history of gin. It is now available in many different flavours and has now become trendy and is the popular drink of choice for many but we look at why it is referred to as ‘Mother’s ruin’.

In the mid-eighteenth century the effects of gin-drinking on English society makes the use of drugs today seem almost benign.

Gin started out as a medicine – it was thought it could be a cure for gout and indigestion, but most attractive of all, it was cheap.

In the 1730’s notices could be seen all over London - ‘Drunk for 1 penny, Dead drunk for tuppence, Straw for nothing’!!

Gin was hawked by barbers, pedlars, and grocers and even sold on market-stalls. Gin had become the poor man's drink as it was cheap, and some workers were given gin as part of their wages. In London alone, there were more than 7,000 ‘dram shops’, and 10 million gallons of gin were being distilled annually in the capital.

Duty paid on gin was 2 pence a gallon, as opposed to 4 shillings and nine pence on strong beer. The average person could not afford French wines or brandy, so gin took over as the cheapest, and most easily obtained, strong liquor.

Gin rendered men impotent, and women sterile, and was a major reason why the birth rate in London at this time was  exceeded by the death rate.

The gin obsession was blamed for misery, rising crime, madness, higher death rates and falling birth rates.  Gin joints allowed women to drink alongside men for the first time and it is thought this led to many women neglecting their children and turning to prostitution, hence gin       becoming known as ‘Mother’s ruin’.

The government of the day became alarmed when it was found that the   average Londoner drank 14 gallons of spirit each year!  They decided that the tax must be raised on gin, but this put many reputable sellers out of business, and made way for the ‘bootleggers’.  Overnight, gin sales went underground!   Dealers, pushers and runners sold their illegal ‘hooch in what became a Black Market.

Gin was the opium of the people, it led them to the debtors’ prison or the     gallows, ruined them, drove them to   madness, suicide and death, but it kept them warm in winter, and allayed the terrible hunger pangs of the poorest.

In 1736 a Gin Act was passed which   forbade anyone to sell ‘Distilled spirituous liquor’ without first taking out a licence costing £50.  On the last night, as the last gallons of gin were sold off cheaply by the retailers who could not afford the duty, more alcohol was drunk than ever before or since.   The authorities believed there would be trouble the following day but nothing happened. The mob lay insensible in the streets, too drunk to know or care.

In the seven years following 1736, only three £50 licences were taken out, yet the gallons of gin kept coming.

The thirst for gin appeared insatiable. People sold their furnishings and even their homes to get money to buy their favourite tipple.

Once again the government was forced into action. A new ‘Gin Act’ was passed which raised the duty on drink and forbade the distillers, grocers, chandlers, jails and&nbsp;workhouses&nbsp;from selling gin.  Gin was never again quite so much of a scourge and consumption fell dramatically through the rest of the  eighteenth century.

In 1830 the Duke of Wellington’s administration passed the Sale of Beer Act, which removed all taxes on beer, and permitted anyone to open a Beer Shop on payment of a two-guinea fee. This Bill virtually ended the traffic in gin smuggling.

By the end of 1830 there were 24,000 beer shops in England and Wales, and six years later there were 46,000 and 56,000 Public Houses.

Britain has witnessed a growth in the   popularity of gin over the past few years, but happily it is nowhere near as popular as it was in history!

April 2022 History

Aside from the tourist hotspots such as Bangkok and Phuket, there are plenty of other cities across Thailand which are perfect places to visit and explore. Let me introduce to Thailand’s secondary cities so that you can truly see the unspoilt and  natural beauty of this country.

This small city has a relaxed atmosphere, good-value accommodation and great local food! Set in a mountainous region with  rivers and jungles, this really is a stunning area and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists. The cool season is the perfect time to visit Chiang Rai with the opportunity for stunning mountain views. Those looking for culture can visit Mae Fah Luang Art &amp; Cultural Park which hosts an amazing    collection of Lanna artefacts as well as   Buddhist temples and other structures. A trip to the Hilltribe Museum &amp; Education Centre is a must for anyone wanting to learn more about Thailand’s various tribes.

Thailand's Secondary Cities

Most of Sukhothai’s attractions relate to its historical background such as Phra Mae Ya Shrine. For naturalists, the Khao Naria peak, 1,160 metres above sea level, gives    breathtaking views of Sukhothai city and the nearby Pitsanulok. At night, the beautiful lights from the city can be seen from the cliff. There are also lots of festivals with traditional performances and parades. Loi Krathong and Candle Festival is held in Sukhothai Historical Park and features  floating krathons, traditional performances and stunning parades.

There are lots of attractions across Chumphon including Soldier Youth World War II Monument and Mu Koh Chumphon National Park where visitors can walk along mangrove forest nature trails. There are plenty of exciting activities available including white-water rafting in Amphoe Phato or snorkelling and diving in Koh Ngam with its beautiful underwater world and varied marine life. With more than 200km of coastline featuring numerous unspoiled beaches, Chumphon is also a great destination for those looking to relax, with swimming, yachting, diving and snorkelling all available.

You are fully protected under the Travel Counsellors trust and we are ATOL licensed. The in-house technology available to me is incredible too. It means I can search through thousands of suppliers for my   clients, getting the right flight times, booking your hotel and parking the night before to arranging the tours when you’re in your chosen destination. No other person will care about your holiday like I will do – why risk booking it all online when I can do all the hard work and ensure you have a wonderful trip? So, let me take the stress out of booking your next adventure. All you need to do is pack! I can’t wait to hear your ideas so please give me a call.

Contact details

April 2022 Travel

At the last Killamarsh Parish Council meeting councillors received a report from Derbyshire County Councillor Mark Foster detailing the roads in Killamarsh which are due to be resurfaced in the coming year (2022/23).

A £58 million investment in the county's roads and pavements has been put forward by Cabinet at Derbyshire County    Council. The work, due to be carried out from April 2022 to March 2023, will include resurfacing roads and pavements, traffic safety schemes, draining improvements and maintenance to bridges and retaining walls. This is the second year of a £120 million three year programme spent across the county.

Much of this work will need road closures to make sure it can be done safely and where possible work will be carried out at off-peak times. Derbyshire County Council apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused to all those affected by these improvements.

Cllr Mark Foster “This is an unprecedented figure, the largest investment in the County's highways infrastructure ever. I would like to ask residents for their patience while this work is carried out ”

Residents are reminded that potholes can be reported to their local councillor or directly to the county council on derbyshire.gov.uk/doitnow.

Foxcroft Chase, Foxcroft Grove, Oak Close, Forge Lane, Long Lane, Westthorpe Road, Nethermoor Close, Walkers Lane, Boiley Lane, Mallinder Close, Netherthorpe Close, Bryony Close, Munro Close, Ivyside Gardens, Ivyside Close.

B6052 Church Street, Rotherside Road, Berry Avenue, Castle Hill, Park Hill, Marsh View, Pipworth Lane, Poplar Road,    Ducksett Lane, Station Road, Stead Street, Billam Street,   Curlew Avenue, Kestrel Drive.

April 2022 Council News

Debbie Cundy &amp; Richard Hepworth

Weston Park Cancer hospital is one of only four  designated centres in the UK that specialise in cancer research. Like so many individuals &amp; businesses the charity sector was hit hard with the pandemic. The Weston Park Cancer Hospital in Sheffield celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020. With the passion dedication of all of the medical staff facilities staff and everyone else associated with the hospital they have made it the iconic hospital it is today.

I have been a fundraiser for the Weston Park Cancer Charity for over 27 years. Richard is also very passionate about supporting great causes. In 2020 I had an idea to celebrate the 50th anniversary with a bed push across the city of Sheffield, to raise vital funds and to remember all the staff and patients past &amp; present and especially the ones who are no longer with us.

Due to the pandemic it had to be put on hold but I’m absolutely delighted to say with the support of Richard Hepworth and many others the bed Push is going to take place on the 23rd of April 2022.

The first 50 donations of £25 or more onto the  sponsorship page with your personal message, will be transferred onto the bed.

The starting point of the event is, The Sheffield Wednesday football club and it will then make its way along Peniston Road stopping at various locations on route including Napoleon’s, Sheffield United football club and finishing at Endcliffe Park. I welcome you all to support this amazing event, one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime.

wpcc-register-fundraiser.raisely.com/debbie-cundy

April 2022 Community

Black Tie Charity Fundraising for Chesterfield Royal Hospital Neo-Natal Unit in Memory of Mac Oldfield

Jo-Anne Oldfield, from The Sitwell Arms Hotel, has raised the bar once again with her incredible night of fundraising for Chesterfield Royal Hospital Neo-Natal Unit. Over the last 8 years, Jo-Anne has managed to raise a staggering £100,000 through various fundraising channels in memory of her late son, Mac Oldfield. 

Mac was born premature at just 25 weeks and lived for a precious 17 days. The money raised by Jo-Anne is to help other premature babies and their families, by enabling the Neo-Natal unit to provide lifesaving equipment for the babies in their care. So far, the money raised has contributed towards new Saturations Mats, Breathing Machine, and a Double Incubator designed for premature twins to share. 

The most recent Annual Black-Tie Charity Dinner in February came after almost two years of delays due to the pandemic. The event was a roaring success as predicted, with over £9,000 raised from ticket sales, various raffles, and auction prizes, all kindly donated by the local community and businesses. The event was generously sponsored by Philip James Butchers, who has been incredibly supportive of Jo-Anne and her fundraising over the years. 

This is an outstanding achievement for Jo-Anne, and her hard work and dedication deserves to be recognised for all she has        accomplished. You can find out more about future fundraising events through the Sitwell Arms Hotel website, or you can contact them directly to see how you can get involved in contributing towards such an incredible cause.

April 2022 Charity

This month Killamarsh Heritage Society mark 10 years since the three sculptures were erected on the Trans Pennine Trail just above Forge Lane in Killamarsh.

The sculptures were unveiled on the 12th of March 2012 as part of a Connect2 project by Sustrans including the two foot bridges over the River Rother and linking the Halfway tram terminus with the Trans Pennine Trail at Killamarsh bypassing the busy B6058 Station Road.

Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity launched its five year Connect2 project in August 2006 and it involved the creation of new cycle and walking routes, bridges and other facilities in 79 locations around the UK. It aimed to create new networks of local paths, improve cycling and walking access and to connect local areas.

The scheme provided a link for Killamarsh residents to the tram terminus and Morrisons at Halfway and also provides a safe route for Halfway residents to access the Trans Pennine Trail both north towards Rother Valley Country Park/Sheffield and south towards Staveley/Chesterfield. The scheme comprises of a 33 metre bridge over the River Rother, a 31 metre bridge over the railway line and tarmac 3.5 metre paths linking to the new bridges from Old Lane (in Halfway) and Forge Lane (in Killamarsh).

The sculpture installation is one of several created as part of a national portrait bench co-ordinated by Sustrans.  Local people were chosen to be part of the tableau – one to represent Killamarsh (North East Derbyshire), one to represent Sheffield and one to represent Rotherham. They were chosen on the basis of their individual contributions to the community.  The selection was made from public nominations and a subsequent vote.

The silhouettes were reproduced from photographs cut from sheet steel which were left untreated so as to attain a weathered appearance. The wooden bench has a small round plaque set into one end describing the contributions of the three chosen people.

The final three which you will see today are:

A British Army soldier with the 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment who was tragically killed in Afghanistan aged 21 whilst trying to safe a friend’s life.

IBF light heavyweight World Champion Boxer 2005-2008.  He now works to motivate young people in Sheffield.

A champion of local causes who has worked tirelessly for the community and local people throughout his life.

So next time you are out walking or cycling go and check them out.