Monthly Archives: April 2014

12 months of the Volvo V40 D2

Posted on April 27, 2014 by

I’m now just over 12 months in my Volvo V40 D2. I’m past the honeymoon period and starting to do some serious mileage. My 12 month warranty has expired and I’m starting to see some bills. What’s the verdict now? … Continue reading →

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The Value of local food

Posted on April 27, 2014 by

Sometimes it is worth paying a little extra for things. If price was the only consideration we would all drive the same type of car and wear clothes from the same shops. There is no real difference between electricity or … Continue reading →

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Day 219: Best Bib and Tucker

Posted on April 26, 2014 by

Originally posted on travels in my own country:
A Journey Around the British Isles … Part 107 If set the task of choosing which of Dovedale or the Manifold Valley I like the best I would have to go for…

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The Trees, My neighbours

Posted on April 26, 2014 by

Originally posted on Moorland Observations:
Although I don’t have my own tree, I can see a line of five beauties between the road and the field beside my house. They are quite old, sycamores planted and spaced carefully many years…

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Totally…Locally…Successfully? Lessons from Leek

Posted on April 21, 2014 by

Ashbourne’s High Street succeeds against the odds. With high parking charges, poor signage, and no coordination it’s a tough life for a retailer in our town. But we do have some excellent independent retailers who have learnt to look after … Continue reading →

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The Sounds of Ashbourne

Posted on April 21, 2014 by

Close your eyes and think about where you live. What do you hear? The better you know a place, the more familiar the distinct sounds become. As I was writing this blog I realised that most of this can go … Continue reading →

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Why don’t we love our markets any more?

Posted on April 19, 2014 by

I grew up in a market town not unlike Ashbourne. It had cobbled streets and the market stalls ran up either side of the main road every Thursday and Saturday. At the top was a market square which, oddly, never … Continue reading →

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