Ghost hunting at Staveley Hall with MJL Paranormal. Cr: MJL Paranormal.
By Kayleigh Northall.
MJL Paranormal is a dedicated team of ghost hunters who approach their investigations with a scientific point of view.
The group, primarily composed of family members, was formed out of a shared interest in the paranormal. Michael, James, and Lisa, along with Keith, have been enthusiastic about exploring haunted locations for over 20 years.
Their investigations are known for being fluid and adaptable, allowing them to cover different sites and gather comprehensive evidence.
MJL Paranormal’s approach sets them apart from other groups that tend to be more structured. They aim to uncover the truth behind paranormal activities by using various equipment and techniques. Their dedication to the field has led them to numerous haunted locations, including the infamous Staveley Hall.
MJL Paranormal continues to explore the unknown, leaving no stone unturned in their quest to understand the supernatural. The group continues to explore haunted locations in the Derbyshire area, inviting the public to have their own experiences.
Wiktoria riding the ups and downs at York University. Cr: Wiktoria Midgley.
By Kayleigh Northall.
Wiktoria made a bold decision to leave her hometown of Chesterfield and pursue her dream of studying law at York University.
“I chose York for a few reasons. The first time I visited was when I was seventeen and I instantly fell in love with the city.” “There is so much history, and I learn more the longer I live here.”
The worst thing is being so far away from my family and familiar surroundings, making York my familiar has been strange. I know Chesterfield town centre like the back of my hand.”
“Being fully dependant on myself has also been something I’ve had to learn while living away from home; I do enjoy it though.”
“Learning how to cook for myself, making sure I eat enough and healthy meals, food shopping, financial decisions. Living at home made me realise how much I did depend on my parents.”
Her favourite item that she brought with her is her stuffed dog, Benji. She has had Benji for as long as she can remember, and he was the first thing she packed to take to York with her.
“I’d tell other students moving away from home to not stress themselves out too much, don’t let your own mind and worries stop you from meeting new people.”
The lack of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis services in Derbyshire has become a pressing issue, leaving many individuals and families struggling to find the support they need. Despite the increasing awareness of the disorder and its impact on people’s lives, the resources available in Derbyshire remain insufficient, leading to long waiting times and inadequate care.
The demand for ADHD services has surged in recent years, but the healthcare system has not kept pace with this growing need. As a result, individuals often have to wait months, or even years, to receive a diagnosis. This delay can have significant consequences, particularly for children and young adults, who may struggle with their education and social interactions without the appropriate support.
The shortage of specialist services in Derbyshire further exacerbates the problem. While there are some dedicated clinics and support groups, they are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of referrals. The ADHD Centre in Derbyshire, for example, offers comprehensive assessments and personalised treatment plans, but the high demand means that people are left waiting for extended periods.
The lack of timely intervention can lead to a deterioration in mental health and well-being, as individuals often experience anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. These mental health disorders can be treated individually with multiple medications, but the lack of a formal diagnosis leads to a lack of appropriate medication. Those individuals who are formally diagnosed, can access medication specifically designed to alleviate the symptoms of the disorder. This in-turn can mitigate the symptoms of anxiety and depression. They can also access further support from professionals who are specialised in this field, schools, councils, and therapy. Without the diagnosis of ADHD, these support systems are frustratingly just out of reach, leaving a feeling of being in limbo and unable to live their life to its full potential.
Parents and caregivers are also affected by the lack of diagnosis services in Derbyshire. Many parents report feeling frustrated and helpless as they navigate the complex and often confusing process of seeking a diagnosis for their child. The Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust provides some support through its specialist Nursing Ser vice, which collaborates closely with the Community Paediatrician Service to offer assessments and medication management. However, the limited availability of these services means that families are left without the help they desperately need.
The impact of the lack of ADHD diagnosis services in Derbyshire is not limited to children and young adults. Adults also face significant challenges in accessing the support they need. A numberless amount of adults go undiagnosed for years, struggling with symptoms that affect their work, relationships, and overall quality of life. The ADHD Centre in Derbyshire offers services for adults, including diagnostic assessments, medication management, and psychological therapies. However, the high demand for these services means that many adults are left waiting for help, often feeling isolated and misunderstood.
The lack of ADHD diagnosis services in Derbyshire is a critical issue that needs urgent attention. The long waiting times and shortage of specialist services are leaving individuals and families without the support they need to manage the challenges of the disorder. It is essential for healthcare providers and policymakers to address this gap in services, ensuring that everyone in Derbyshire has access to timely and effective diagnosis and treatment. By doing so, we can improve the lives of those affected and create a more inclusive and supportive community for all.
Late diagnosis of autism in female adults is a topic that has been gaining attention in recent years. Women with autism often present differently than men, leading to misdiagnosis or under-diagnosis. This can result in a lifetime of social difficulties, sensory sensitivities, and mental health issues. However, receiving a diagnosis can have a positive impact on their confidence and self-esteem, helping them understand their past and navigate their future with better support and resources.
Women with autism tend to camouflage their symptoms, a phenomenon known as “masking.” This can make it difficult for family, teachers, and primary care physicians to recognise the signs of autism. As a result, many women go undiagnosed until later in life, often after their children are diagnosed. This late diagnosis can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can bring relief and validation, helping women make sense of their past struggles. On the other hand, it can also bring up feelings of regret and anger for not being diagnosed earlier.
One of the main reasons why women begin to wonder whether they have autism, is through a lifetime of social difficulties. Women with autism often find it difficult to read and respond to social cues. They may feel socially anxious, ruminate on their social interactions, and end up feeling left out and lonely despite their best efforts to be sociable. This can lead to a cycle of social failure and self-judgement, further exacerbating their mental health issues.
Sensory sensitivity is another common trait among women with autism. They may have a heightened sense of awareness when it comes to smells, light, sounds and touch. This can make everyday activities like going shopping or crossing roads overwhelming and exhausting. Understanding and accommodating these sensory sensitivities can improve their quality of life.
Receiving a diagnosis can be a turning point for many women. It can help them understand their past and navigate their future with better support and resources. Women who receive a diagnosis often find that it has a positive impact on their confidence and self-esteem. They may even become advocates or mentors for other women with autism. However, it is important to seek help for any childhood trauma they may have suffered due to their undiagnosed autism.
Late diagnosis of autism in female adults is a complex issue that requires a greater awareness and understanding. By recognising the unique ways in which autism presents in women, we can ensure that they receive the support and resources they need to thrive. This can lead to a better quality of life and a more inclusive society for all.
Wildfires in the Peak District National Park: A Growing Concern.
By Kayleigh Northall.
The Peak District National Park, spans parts of five counties: Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and Greater Manchester, and covers over 550 square miles. Renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, the moorlands have suffered from extensive wildfires over the years. These fires have not only threatened the natural beauty of the park but also posed significant risks to the local communities and wildlife. Since 1976 there have been over 448 reported wildfire incidents in the Peak District National Park.
Data collected is since 2008 as the resources were not available to collect the data prior to this. The available data shows that the number of wildfires fluctuates each year, making it challenging to assess their environmental impact. The fires have far-reaching consequences, impacting biodiversity, carbon storage, water resources, flood prevention, economic costs, and social impact.
Wildfires in the Peak District have caused extensive damage to the flora and fauna. The park’s unique ecosystems, which include rare species of plants and animals, have been severely affected. The fires have led to the destruction of habitats, making it difficult for wildlife to survive and thrive. Additionally, the loss of vegetation has increased the risk of soil erosion, which can further degrade the environment.
The wildfires have also had a profound impact on the local communities. Residents have been forced to evacuate their homes, and many have suffered property damage. The economic repercussions are significant, with businesses in the area facing losses due to the disruption caused by the fires. Tourism, a major source of income for the region, has been adversely affected as visitors are deterred by the ongoing threat of wildfires.
Several factors have contributed to the increase in wildfires in the Peak District. Climate change has led to hotter and drier conditions, making the area more susceptible to fires. Human activities, such as campfires and discarded cigarettes, have also played a role in igniting these fires. To mitigate the risk, it is crucial to implement stricter regulations and raise awareness about fire safety among visitors and residents.
Efforts to combat the wildfires have been ongoing. Firefighters and volunteers have worked tirelessly to contain the fires and prevent them from spreading. The use of advanced technology, such as drones and satellite imagery, has aided in monitoring and managing the fires. Additionally, reforestation projects are being undertaken to restore the damaged areas and promote the recovery of the park’s ecosystems.
The wildfires in the Peak District National Park serve as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change and human activities. It is imperative to take proactive measures to protect this precious natural resource and ensure the safety of its inhabitants. Through collective efforts and increased awareness, we can hope to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of the Peak District for future generations.
Type 2 diabetes in children is a growing concern in the UK, reflecting a broader global trend. This condition, once predominantly seen in adults, is now increasingly diagnosed in younger populations. The rise in type 2 diabetes among children is closely linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity.
Recent data indicates that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in children in the UK has been steadily increasing. According to the National Health Service (NHS), there has been a significant rise in the number of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes over the past decade.
This trend is alarming, as type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
One of the primary drivers of this increase is the rising rate of childhood obesity. Statistics show that nearly one in five children in the UK is classified as obese.
Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, as excess body fat can lead to insulin resistance, a key component in the development of the disease. Additionally, sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits, such as high consumption of sugary foods and beverages, contribute to the growing incidence of type 2 diabetes in children.
Efforts to combat this issue are underway, with various public health initiatives aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among children. Schools are implementing programs to encourage physical activity and educate students about nutrition. The government is also taking steps to address the issue, such as introducing measures to reduce sugar content in food and beverages and promoting healthier food options.
The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in children in the UK is a serious public health concern. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including promoting healthy eating, increasing physical activity, and raising awareness about the risks associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. By taking these steps, it is possible to reverse the trend and improve the health outcomes for children across the country.
On a beautiful spring morning during the Easter weekend, I went on a hunt. It was not an egg hunt, as you would expect, but on a ghost hunt.
Driving through the peak district fills me with serenity at the best of times. Still, today I’m on a journey to find a little hidden gem.
Cromford in Derbyshire.
Cr: Kayleigh Northall.
Meandering through Matlock and on through the high-cliffed valley of Matlock Bath you arrive at a village called Cromford. find more information about Cromford and the surrounding area https://visitpeakdistrict.com/locations/cromford
The Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
Cromford famous for its mills and it’s connection to Richard Arkwright. Cromford is known as the cradle or birthplace of the industrial revolution.
Via Gellia Mill, built by Richard Arkwright.
Cr: Kayleigh Northall.
This area of Derbyshire is known for its cotton mills. The industry is long gone but the structures still continue. Some of the buildings have been adapted into museums, some stand empty, vulnerable to the elements. Most of the mills have been split into smaller units and repurposed into smaller industries. Ironically, this can be seen as an extension to the cottage industry which the mills and industrial revolution decimated.
Via Gellia mill, Cromford. Cr: Kayleigh Northall.
The building is said to be as haunted as the ghostly creations inside. The mill has seen centuries of history. It was originally a cotton mill built by Richard Arkwright in the late 18th century. In 1890, Hollins & Company took over the mill. They began producing the famous Viyella fabric. This fabric is a blend of wool and cotton. Many people have walked the wooden floors. Creaks are said to be heard in places where no living person has tread. As producing cotton was a heavy manual labour industry which famously had child labours, fatalities and industrial accidents were prevalent. Deaths would occur in the mills; some would say leaving an imprint on the fabric of the building. The spirits of some have remained and you feel their presence in this shop.
In the old Via Gellia Mill, there is a ramp at the side of the mill pond. Up this ramp lies the Matlock Ghost Emporium of Spirits and Secrets.
Little Shop of Cute Horrors.
A quaint little shop which sells handcrafted apparitions, shelf after shelf and row after row of ghosts all different creations. No two are alike.
Matlock Ghost Emporium
Cr: Kayleigh Northall.
Picking your ghost to take home is a daunting challenge. You are faced with hundreds of little ghosts. They all want to find a home with you. I refused to look at their website. I wanted to find one that I felt an affinity with. That was a task, like walking through a dog adoption facility. I wanted to give them all a home.
A Myriad of Spooks and Spectres.
I scanned the shelves, only glancing at first to see if I relate to any of the hauntings. I realised I was overwhelmed by the choice. It was akin to standing in a forest looking for a tree. Bookshelves full of little ghosts, some friendly, some not, stare out at you. Whilst you study them, you get the overwhelming feeling that they are studying you. On my second round of the little emporium, I found my spook to give a home. I wanted one that embodied or disembodied me. As a lover of books, reading, and writing, I searched for that perfect match. Staring at me was a pastel-coloured ghost with glasses and it was reading a book, perfect.
After picking her out from the rest, I was ushered to the ghost’s photography studio. I positioned my new housemate in the scene and took my photos. This was a cute idea made up by the keeper of the apparitions.
Photography shoot for my ghost.
Cr: Kayleigh Northall.
Possession of a Shy Kind.
I was then asked if I wanted to get my ghost possessed in the S.H.A.D.E machine, spectral holding and displacement equipment. A perfectly decorated machine in which I placed my new friend and closed the door. I pressed the cog, and lights came on and spooky noises were heard coming from the machine. The colour of the light denotes what spectre I have to take home. Blue is a shy ghost. She is my possession. Maybe over time, she will come out of her shell and feel comfortable around me.
The gift wrapping was perfect for the setting. It featured a snuggly box sealed with wax and a complimentary ghost holding an easter egg for Easter. I also received an information leaflet about my ghost, telling me all about her. The shop also has a reward scheme, collect the stamps and get a free ghost. The whole experience was fun, warm, and welcoming, the staff were friendly and knowledgeable about their creations.
Walking back outside, I was transported from the world of whimsical and fun, back into the current day. Walking back through the mill towards the car park, I found myself smiling. I was slightly embracing the inner child in myself.
Back home. My new housemate has been introduced to the rest of the family. She has found her space on a shelf in my living room. Hopefully she won’t be shy for long. After the fantastic journey I went on, I know she won’t be lonely for long. I am already planning my next trip.
How to Find your Very Own Ghost.
Find your spooky friend at Matlock Ghost Emporium, a worthwhile and fun experience. If you can’t visit the emporium please visit http://matlockghostemporium.com or look them up on Facebook, Instagram or Threads and read the story behind this collection of apparitions.
Firefighters from across the county arrived in Chesterfield today. Their colleagues from the neighbouring County, Nottinghamshire, also responded. They were called upon on Thursday, the 17th of April, to extinguish a blaze. The fire erupted on a quiet dead-end street in Chesterfield.
The fire which quickly engulfed a bungalow in the Old Whittington area of the town, left residents shocked and shaken. The fire started just after 1pm. Passersby were called into action. An elderly couple were trapped at the front of their house. The front window was soon broken into and the couple were pulled to safety.
The fire service have said they do not know what caused the fire at this early stage. Concerns grew as gas cylinders were found in the garage. The surrounding houses were evacuated for safety.
The couple received treatment at the scene for smoke inhalation. They were then transported to the local hospital by the ambulance service.
Neighbours were quick to share their concern. Plans were drawn up to start a GoFundMe page for the couple. It has been said that they have lost everything in the fire.
The fire was extinguished 2 hours after it started.
The history of Halloween, from around the world. all things spooky from witches, ghosts, ghouls, skeletons, pumpkins, turnips, and black cats.
Halloween is a celebration with deep historical roots, blending Celtic, Roman, and various cultural traditions. It involves customs like dressing up, trick-or-treating, and honouring the dead. Symbols like jack-o-lanterns, black cats, and witches are integral to the festivities, which vary around the world.
Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, has origins in Celtic traditions. The Celts worshiped nature and gods, including Samhain, the god of the dead. They believed Samhain controlled spirits, allowing them to rest or go wild on October 31st. The festival for Samhain lasted three days, with people parading in animal costumes. The Romans invaded Britain. They brought their customs, including All Saints’ Day on November 1st. This day was later known as Hallowmas or All Hallows. This day honoured saints, and November 2nd became All Souls’ Day to honour the dead. Over time, these holidays merged into Halloween.
The History of the Jack O’Lantern.
Irish customs included collecting food and money for St. Columbus Kill and begging for soul cakes in exchange for blessings. Fairies were believed to be around on Halloween, and offerings were left for them. Irish and Scottish immigrants in America continued these customs, with boys causing mischief and households bribing them with treats. The legend of Jack, who tricked Satan and carried a burning ember in a turnip, evolved into the modern jack-o-lantern. This tale originates from Irish folklore. Jack, a notorious trickster, managed to deceive Satan multiple times, ensuring that his soul would not be claimed by hell. Nevertheless, when Jack died, he was denied entry into heaven due to his deceitful nature. He was left to wander the earth. Only a burning ember inside a hollowed-out turnip lit his way. In mid-19th century New York, children dressed as ragamuffins and begged for pennies on Thanksgiving, later shifting to Halloween.
Halloween is celebrated differently around the world. In India, Diwali is marked with candles and lamps. Austria and Bavaria commemorate All Souls’ Week. In South America, Halloween traditions vary by country, while Mexico celebrates Los Dias de Los Muertos with picnics in cemeteries. In Brazil, Halloween is called “Dia das Bruxas” (Day of the Witches). People celebrate with costume parties. They also take part in various events. In Argentina, Halloween is gaining popularity, especially among younger generations, with costume parties and trick-or-treating becoming more common. In Chile, Halloween is celebrated with costume parties, haunted houses, and trick-or-treating, particularly in urban areas. In Peru, Halloween is celebrated alongside the traditional “Día de la Canción Criolla” (Day of the Creole Song). People enjoy costume parties and various events. In Wales, Halloween is Nos Galen-gaeof, and Finland has its version of “Jack.” In Japan, Halloween has become increasingly popular, with people dressing up in costumes and participating in parades and parties. In the Philippines, Halloween is celebrated with Pangangaluluwa. Children go door-to-door singing. They ask for prayers for the souls of the dead.
Halloween also involves games and rituals to foretell the future. Witches, believed to gather on All Hallows Eve, have been linked to Halloween for centuries. Legends of witches spread to North America, mixing with Native American and African beliefs. The church and civil courts created hysteria around witches, leading to executions. Symbols of Halloween include black cats, skeletons, ghouls, banshees, and will-o’-the-wisps. Black cats were believed to be people transformed by evil magic. Skeletons represent the dead, and ghouls were grave robbers. Banshees, ancestral spirits, warned of death, appearing in various forms and emitting a terrifying wail. Will-o’-the-wisps enticed victims in swamp areas.
The spooky tales of witches and the playful mischief of trick-or-treating make Halloween special. The honouring of ancestors is another cherished aspect. Halloween continues to be a beloved and evolving tradition. It brings people together in celebration of the mysterious and the macabre.
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