Snow and Arctic winds on the way

ARCTIC winds, frost and snow will force us to turn up the heating this  week that is if you can afford it!

It will be warm today but in a sign the October heatwave is truly at an end,  the Met Office predicts snow will hit the ­Pennines and Peak District by  Tuesday.

Also, the dry autumn has left East Anglia and the Midlands facing drought warnings,  meaning they are likely to be hit by water restrictions in the new year.

Heage Windmill to open for free!

HEAGE Windmill is to open for free as part of National Heritage Weekend.

The 200-year-old, Grade II listed six sail windmill – which was restored in 2002 – will open on September 10 and visitors won’t have to pay a penny.

I've been, and it's well worth a visit (even when you have to pay).

There is adequate parking on the site, off Chesterfield Road, in Heage.

Heritage open days celebrate the country’s architecture and culture by offering free access to properties.

Is Derby the happiest city in the Midlands?

In a new survey conducted by First Direct bank, Derby has been named the happiest place in the Midlands.

The bank polled more than 6,000 across the country, asking them if they were happy, which in actual fact is pretty vague isn't it.

75 per cent of people questioned in Derby said they were whilst the other 25 per cent didn't know they were in Derby having just arrived from eastern Europe.

Bournemouth was the happiest place with a massive 82 per cent saying they were happy. This is not surprising since Bournemouth could regarded as a place like the legendary "Elephants Graveyard". Therefore I suppose the incumbents would be happy that they had made it.

Chris Williamson, leader of Derby City Council, said: "I'm not surprised to hear about the results because it's a great place to live and Derby is the gateway to the Peak District.

"Wherever you are in the city, you're a stone's throw away from some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain." You can sense the delirium in his speech.

The poll found relationships with partners, friends and family were the biggest influence on happiness. There was no mention of NOT getting a letter from the bank telling you that you have strayed 0.01p overdrawn and that your account would be debited 30 quid.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-10 08:16:08