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Inside This Issue
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Message from the Editorial TeamWelcome to the 2007 winter edition of the Rufford Review. We hope you all had a great summer. Once again we are pleased have many contributions from local residents including some interesting information from our regular beauty columnist on how best to get rid of unwanted blemishes, some sound advice if you are thinking about installing a wet room and information about current exhibitions at Mere Sands Visitor's Centre. If after reading this month's newsletter you are inspired to start writing yourself then we would love to hear from you. We hope you have a great Christmas and New Year. David & Roslyn |
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Rufford 1st Rainbows, for girls aged 5-7, are looking for a new leader to help at meetings. They meet at the Scout Hut on Flash Lane on Tuesdays from 6pm-7pm, term-time only. If you are interested then please let David or Roslyn know on the numbers below and we will pass on your details |
RUFFORD DIRECTORY UPDATE Just to let you know that the plan is to get the next edition of the Rufford directory (providing useful local contact details and advertisements from local businesses) out early next year. If you have already forwarded an advert then we will contact you before publication to make sure it is still valid. If you have not registered your interest but would like to place an advert in the next edition then please fill in the Rufford Directory Advertisement Interest Form on the bottom of page 11 and return it to: The Editorial Team, Rufford Review & Directory, 193 Liverpool Road, Rufford or call David on 01704 821 415 or Roslyn on 0870 9043681 (email: please click here). Please note there is a £5 charge to place an ad in the Directory. |
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Have you got any comments on this newsletter or anything to contribute to the next Rufford Review? If you have then please contact one of the editorial team David: 01704 821415 Roslyn: 0870 9043681 |
Information supplied for the Rufford Review and Rufford Directory is for the purpose stated and subject to the Data Protection Act. It will not be given, sold or distributed to other persons or bodies. |
The 'Other' Rufford
As a resident of Rufford village in West Lancashire, did you know that there is another Rufford in England too? The village of Rufford was in Nottinghamshire, in the heart of Sherwood Forest about two miles south of Ollerton. The name of Rufford comes from the old English or Anglo Saxon and means 'rough ford' This 'other' Rufford, which appeared in the Doomsday book, was at the site of the 'rough ford' over Gallow Hole Dyke. The first recorded owner of Rugforde or Rumford was a Saxon called Ulf, and it was one of twelve hereditary estates on the eastern boundary of Sherwood Forest. After the Norman Conquest, William I gave Ulf's estate of 'Rugforde' to his nephew, Gilbert de Gant, as a reward for his loyalty.
But Rufford village 'disappeared' circa 1145-7 when it was removed to make way for the establishment by Gilbert of the Cistercian Rufford Abbey. When the Cistercian monks came from Rievaulx Abbey in North Yorkshire, they created the kind of rural seclusion they demanded by buying out the villagers of Rufford and commenced construction of the abbey. The displaced peasants planned a new fortified village for themselves at nearby Wellow, which remains today. And the nearby church in Edwinstowe, is the supposed site where Robin Hood, the legendary medieval outlaw, married Maid Marian.
Between the 12th and 14th centuries, Rufford Abbey founded 21 outlying granges or farms, on which the most important crop was wool from which it made most of it's income. But the combined effects of the Black Death of 1348-1349, the stretching of the abbey's finances from buying too much land, and reduced profits in the wool trade meant that Rufford started a long period of decline. Throughout the 15th century, Rufford Abbey was often excused from paying a tenth of its income as a tax to the king, because of its "notorious poverty".
When Henry VIII broke away from the Church of Rome in 1530 he was eager to stake his claim to the assets of the great Catholic religious orders. The dissolved Rufford Abbey, with its estates, was granted by Henry VIII in 1537 to George Talbot, fourth Earl of Shrewsbury. On the death of Edward, eighth earl, in 1618, it passed to Sir George Savile through his marriage with Lady Mary Talbot; and it remained in the possession of the Savile family, until the Depression of the 1930s and English Heritage later acquired it.
The Abbey and its grounds were finally designated a Country Park by Nottinghamshire County Council in 1969. After years of neglect, Rufford Abbey was at last looking forward to a brighter future, and today it is a popular visitor attraction with the picturesque remains of the monastery and later country house, surrounded by 150 acres of gardens, meadow and woodland.
Michelle Quinlan
Wet! Wet! Wet!
The latest trend is to turn your shower room into a wet room. The concept was brought to the UK from Scandinavia where they don't have shower trays, but instead install a waterproof membrane underneath the floor and wall tiles. Even if the product sealing the tiles perishes, water should not pass through the impervious membrane. Wet rooms look stunning but they can be a nightmare if not correctly installed. Being watertight is the key to a successful wet room, and it is quite a time-consuming and expensive process to get it right. There must also be suitable drainage, and sufficient structural support to take the weight of the materials. it's best to employ one expert rather than the separate trades involved (plumber, electrician, tiler and general builder). This will ensure a clear line of responsibility.
Golden Rules
1. Layout - Place the shower area in the far corner, away from the door so you don't have to walk across a wet floor to get to the basin or WC. Never try to fit too much in 'less is more'.
2. Watertightness - The technical term is tanking. The floor is primed and special reinforcing tape is applied to any joins and vulnerable areas, such as corners. The whole floor, the walls around the shower area and the lower section of the other walls are then covered with a thick waterproof membrane. Once it's set the area is tiled using a waterproof adhesive and grout. The biggest problem area is where the walls meet the floor and it is vital to have a completely watertight seal here. Use of the best quality flexible, waterproof adhesives can make all the difference to the long-term water-tightness of the wet room.
3. Floor drainage - The floor may need to be strengthened and will need to be raised by around 5 cm to accommodate the waste fittings. The sub-base must be absolutely rigid and the floor must slope gently towards the waste outlet to ensure the water drains away. The flooring material you choose must be non-slip. And make sure your waste can cope with the flow of water from the shower.
4. Power shower - Your choice of shower is dependent upon your heating system and vice versa. 'Combi' boilers will not run high-volume body jet showers but are ideal for standard showers if the pressure is good. If you have a hot water cylinder and cold water tank in the loft then you will need to install a shower pump, and then you can run a body jet shower or 'drencher' rainfall-effect shower. However, these will empty the hot water cylinder in a very short time and therefore the system needs designing to suit.
5. Lighting - It's important to consider how you are going to light your wet room before you start. You'll need to have a system suitable for a wet room installed. To be totally on trend you could also consider fitting a 'sun pipe', which brings in natural daylight.
6. Condensation - As with all shower and bathrooms, condensation can build up very quickly and can create dampness and damage the room. You will need to fit an extractor fan to comply with current building regulations, and I'd recommend a 'high-flow' type.
7. Sanitary fittings - Wall-hung fittings might be preferable. It's important to make sure the sanitary fittings and furniture for the room are suitable for a permanently wet area.
8. Tiles - Choosing the same surface for walls and floor will give you the sleekest look. Avoid small tiles and dark colours. Mosaic features will create a contemporary feel. Obvious contrasts between walls and floor do not work in wet rooms. Ceramic or porcelain tiles are non-porous and require the least maintenance. Ceramic tiles are quick to fit but their non-porous finish is only surface deep, so they can damage easily. Porcelain tiles will take longer and so cost more to fit than ceramic tiles, but they are non-porous all the way through and are far superior for a wet room. Limestone and marble or other porous tiles like Travertine are a tried and tested look ideal for small, contemporary wet rooms, but are more expensive and it's vital that they are properly sealed. These porous materials will require a lot of maintenance.
9. Heating - I'd recommend installing underfloor heating, as it will keep the tiles warm underfoot and also help dry out water left on the floor. Electric systems are generally easier to fit than water systems. A conventional, good-quality towel radiator is also recommended.
10. Shower Screen - You can choose not to have one, but it will prevent splashes. Large frameless or minimally framed panels are now available. In smaller rooms, watch out for soggy towels and loo roll caused by spray, especially if you choose not to fit a screen.
11. Cost - Although basic tanking will set you back around £1,500, the total cost could add up to at least £6,500 upwards by the time you have tiled the floors and walls and added sanitaryware. Don't be tempted to cut corners as if you skimp on the tanking, you will be storing up problems for the future. If you're working to a tight budget, you could use a low-profile shower tray with a frameless surround to give a standard shower room a wet-room feel without going to the expense of tanking.
12. Adding Value - If you are converting your only family bathroom into a wet room then this will probably not add value to your property, but if you plan to create an additional or ensuite wet room then I've read reports that they can increase property value by up to £10,000, obviously depending on the area and property type.
Article provided by Derek Quinlan of Rufford Property Maintenance, who specialises in wetroom installations. Tel. 821312
Rufford Scouts
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Rufford 14th return to Waddecar Scout Base after finishing 4th in the Bowlander, a physically demanding and challenging 18 mile hike and map reading skills competition. |
Celebrating Founders Day Centenary in Jubilee Park, Ormskirk with a giant catapult and water balloons. |
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Scouts is open to all boys and girls from 10½ -14 years of age, a chance to learn many new skills. Activities include kayaking, pioneering, camping, climbing wall and moonlight expedition |
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News from St Mary's Church
On Monday 6th August, Fr Nicholas Davis, was licensed by the Bishop of Burnley as Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of Rufford with Holmeswood. He continues to be Priest-in-Charge at Tarleton and also of Hesketh with Becconsall. Canon Jim Burns retired on 1st July but is working part time at Hesketh Bank church.
St Mary's Church was open to the public on six summer Sunday afternoons and also on the afternoon of Saturday 8th September to coincide with the Heritage Open Day at Rufford Old Hall. This proved very popular, especially with people researching their own family history or interested in local history, and we had over 260 visitors. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped with this.
A Royal Coat of Arms, dated 1763, which we believe was originally displayed in the Georgian church here, has recently been restored beautifully and now hangs in the south aisle. The restorer is Laurentiu Nechita a specialist iconographer, fresco painter and art restorer. For most of the year he lives with his wife and daughter in his native Romania where he is employed by the Archbishop of Iasi (pronounced Yash) to restore and decorate churches. As well as heading a team of nine trained artists Laurentiu is himself a very devout Christian and three of his brothers are priests in the Romanian Orthodox Church. Some of the commissions that Laurentiu has undertaken have involved painting frescos covering up to 400m. He works in Tuebrook for part of the year and this is where our work was done. The work was funded by generous donations from villagers and from visitors at the summer open afternoons.
On the evening of Sunday 7th October, Fr Nicholas held a party at Hesketh Bank Church Hall for young people recently confirmed from the parishes of Rufford, Tarleton and Hesketh Bank. Fr Nicholas is hoping to start a monthly Youth Group for young people in the three churches.
Harvest Festival was held on Sunday 14th October. The children of Rufford School joined us for the Family Eucharist when Class 1 gave their Harvest presentation. Sung Evensong at 6.30pm was followed by a cheese and wine evening at Tarleton Rectory hosted by Fr Nicholas. Much of the food donated to church was given to Queenscourt Hospice and a Coffee Morning was held in the Church Hall on 17th October to sell the remaining produce.
Church Fabric St Mary's Church is a Grade II listed building and, like all property, needs constant attention. Starting at the top: the ladder that you have probably noticed is not a new play area for the jackdaws, but for the inspection of the spire. This showed that pointing and brickwork needed repair and that vegetation needed to be removed, all of which will be carried out soon. Despite mesh inside the louvers of the tower, the cunning jackdaws continue to build nests and multiply in great numbers between the mesh and the louvers. We are currently investigating some ?invisible? mesh to be applied to the outside of the louvers. Volunteers have treated the metalwork inside the tower recently.
The clock requires considerable attention to repair the mechanism and refurbish the exterior. As it is currently losing time, it may be stopped until we have sufficient funds for the repair. Most urgent, is the roof. This is the original Victorian roof, which is leaking and there are a few loose slates and broken ridge tiles, which may soon present a health hazard. It is uneconomical to continue to ?patch it up?, so we are sourcing funds for the re-roofing of the two upper areas. This will involve reusing the present slates as far as possible. The two lower areas over the north and south aisles have been re-roofed. We are also looking for some original Victorian encaustic tiles to fill a gap in the chancel flooring.
A few months ago, WLDC condemned four trees in the old churchyard as unsafe. These will be removed very soon and other trees will be pruned. We are obliged by the council to replace these trees. If anyone would like to donate a tree, for instance in memory of a loved one, please contact the Churchwardens.
During the summer the volunteers have repainted the outside doors of the church and also treated the exterior of the church hall. All contributions in time, talents and resources, however great or small, to help with the upkeep of the church buildings and grounds are very gratefully received by Fr. Nicholas, the Churchwardens and the PCC.
Mrs Alex Garden
Mere Sands Nature Reserve
It is a good time of year to visit Mere Sands Nature Reserve for the fantastic autumn colour of the trees and the great displays of many different varieties of fungi. Remember there are also exhibitions on in the visitors centre. The current ones are on until the 26th November and then there is an exhibition by the photographer Stew Ellett over the festive period running from 1st December to the 6th January. Below are some details on the artists.
Felicity Ireland
Felicity lives in the Snowdonia National Park and finds inspiration from the Welsh countryside. She enjoys painting landscapes, still life and flowers, using water colour paints and occasionally acrylic. Artistic creativity runs in the family. Her mother and father were also prolific painters and sisters, Sarah and Felicity, frequently sketch together. Felicity has been painting for 20 years, and successfully exhibits annually in the Conwy Area.
Sarah Thompson
Sarah is a self taught artist who like
her sister, has been influenced by the family artists since childhood. She
enjoys using Watercolour or Pen and Wash because it suits the subjects she
paints, using wet in wet to paint the soft colours of the British and Australian
countryside. Recently she has been able to express herself using stronger
colours as she has travelled abroad to Spain and Abu Dhabi where she has had
three successful exhibitions. She also regularly exhibits in Blackburn
Eyes of the Wild Photography (Stewart & Jan Ellett)
Both Jan and I have had a long interest in conservation and animal welfare issues. We have spent a great deal of time in the last ten years travelling around the world to see all types of wildlife in their natural habitat. Some of the places already visited include Kenya, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa, India, Peru, The Galapagos, Canada, USA, The Azores and Finland.
We have seen and done a wide variety of things and met some wonderful people from all walks of life. These have included dog sledding in Canada, working on a research projects with cheetah in Namibia and whales and dolphins in the Azores, Completing a Games Rangers course in South Africa photographing brown bear in Finland, tiger in India, not to mention the African animals, including the Big Five and much more. We also spend a lot of time photographing wildlife and landscapes within the UK.
For the first few years of travelling we had no great interest in Photography, other than taking the usual 'happy snaps'. After about three years we bought a reasonable camera and started taking wildlife photography a little more seriously. Since then our interest has grown, as has our knowledge of animals and photography. Now photography and animal welfare issues have taken up a great part of our spare time. When we both started photography we would never have realised that we are now taking photographs of such diverse subjects.
We have also been lucky to have photographs and articles published in magazines such as Outdoor Photography, Travel Photography, and Photography Monthly, as well as several successful wildlife photographic exhibitions. We hope that our images will bring some enjoyment and maybe inspire you to take up photography or more importantly make you more aware of the need to preserve our wildlife that is such an important part of our life.
ALL THE BEST, Stewart & Jan Ellett (www.eyesofthewild.co.uk)
Unwanted Blemishes?
Many people have skin blemishes that they would like to be without but do not know how to go about having them removed. Traditionally doctors have tended to cut away certain lumps such as Seborrhoeic warts leaving a wound needing stitches. Treatments for other skin blemishes have included liquid nitrogen, Laser and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light).
Although these treatments have a place with some conditions, Advanced Electrolysis or Advanced Cosmetic Procedures is an alternative, quick and economical method to treat facial red veins, skin tags, Campbell de Morgan's, Warts, Spider Naevus and Milia and many other skin conditions. Electrolysis is more commonly associated with hair removal, being the only medically recognised method for the permanent removal of unwanted hair. It has been around since 1875 when it was first used to treat ingrowing eyelashes. Interestingly methods such as Laser and IPL can only be promoted as hair reduction and not permanent removal as they rely on the pigment in the hair to work and although useful to reduce large areas of dark hair such as on the legs; as the hair becomes weaker it also becomes paler and so these treatments become less effective and cannot remove the hair permanently.
Also with IPL and Laser there can be associated risks of hyperpigmenting (darkening) or hypopigmenting (whitening) of the skin due to the pigment (melanin) in the skin also being affected. An experienced electrologist targets only the unwanted individual hair and so the skin is unaffected. Red/thread veins often occur around the nose or cheeks and can run in families. Other possible causes can include the capillaries weakening due to ageing, sun/wind damage, exfoliation with hash products, acne rosacea, smoking and extremes of temperature.
Advice is given during consultation on how to discourage further appearing. A fine needle is placed just under the skin and a tiny amount of galvanic current combined with a little heat cauterises the dilated capillary. This results in the capillary drying up and disappearing. One electrologist I know compares electrolysis with using a trowel rather than a JCB to dig up daisies; as the needle is so accurate at targeting just the capillary. The following common blemishes can be successively removed - blood spots or raised blood spots (Campbell de Morgan's) and Spider Naevus (small capillaries radiate from a central blood vessel like spiders legs).
There are many types of warts besides the common wart found on hands. All warts are viral except Seborrhoeic warts which are caused by the thickening of the skin due to ageing. They look like brown crusty lumps stuck on the skin and are completely harmless. They are sometimes known as Seborrhoeic Keratosis or Basal Cell Papillomas. Age spots or liver spots look like brown flat spots and occur on the backs of hands, forearms, face and shoulders; in other words, areas of highest sun exposure.
Skin Tags are very common on fibrous growths and look different to moles in that they have a stem a bit like a mushroom. They appear on the face, neck and often in areas of friction such as underarms or where a bra rubs and vary in size. Milia (whiteheads) appear mostly around the eye. They lie just under the surface of the skin and are tiny, pearly, hard lumps containing keratin. The exact cause is unknown but is often related to a diet with a high in cholesterol or using products on the face which are too strong. T
here are a number of other conditions and blemishes that can be treated. Please contact me for further details.
Did you see the programme on the television about avoiding toxic chemicals in skincare and toiletries? For those who already know me, know I have been advocating the very same thing for a number of years. I am somewhat different, I think, in that as a beauty therapist I do not offer certain treatments at Rufford Beauty Spot because of the toxins in products for example false nails and the associated fumes.
Also I am convinced that given time, most people are able to achieve perfectly good looking natural nails, with a regular manicure and some effort. I searched for and tried many products before finally finding four years ago a skincare that met with my ethos. In the salon I use a certified organic range of skincare and toiletries which are sensibly priced and have no petro-chemicals (mineral oils), parabens, harsh toxic ingredients, artificial colours and fragrances in them. It's the same old story, just because something is expensive, it doesn't make it a better product, many contain Propylene Glycol, a wetting agent found in antifreeze and brake fluid and Polyethylene Glycol which is a caustic degreaser and is found in oven cleaners.
I advise that you scrutinise skincare products which state natural or organic, as many contain these hidden toxic ingredients. The same applies to make up. The one I use is 100% pure minerals with nothing else added and therefore no toxic chemicals are absorbed by the skin. In fact Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide are healing, helping to improve the skin texture and provide a natural SPF 15 protection from the sun. There are many other companies starting to promote mineral make-up.
My advice is to read the label very carefully as though some avoid parabens and mineral oils, many still contain things like dimethicone which is a cancer suspect as is tocopherol, which also has links with dermatitis and talc, which is used as an inexpensive filler, gives an unpleasant, dry, chalky, powdery look and blocks pores. Talc is also closely related to the potent carcinogen asbestos. Talc particles have been shown to cause tumours in the ovaries and lungs of cancer victims. Frightening isn't it?
I have a wonderful book in the salon listing many of the toxic ingredients. It makes for fascinating reading. 60% of what you put on your skin is absorbed. It is thought that small doses of chemicals can build up in the body and disrupt hormones, affect the immune/nervous system and may trigger cancer, allergies or other health problems. Why take the risk?
In 1989 I became an Advanced Electrologist after originally qualifying for the advanced Higher Diploma in Beauty Therapy and Electrolysis in 1986 which later became the BTEC HND. I have continued to remain a well informed therapist by attending regular training courses and updates including Spa therapy and further Advanced Cosmetic Procedures.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about any blemishes or other concerns. All treatments are private and in the strictest confidence.
Pauline Hill at Rufford Beauty Spot on (01704) 821694. A full member of BABTAC since 1986.
Fancy a place in the sun?
Do you dream of
escaping the cold English winters? Would love to buy a property abroad, maybe in
Spain, but don't think you can afford it? Are not sure where to start looking or
where to find out information? Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Find the right property for you: One of the best ways to find a property which is right for you is to use a property specialist such as DB Spanish Properties. With a wealth of experience we can help you select the right area taking into consideration your individual needs - eg schools, quiet location etc. We currently have over 30,000 properties on our books. So whatever type of property you are after and whatever your budget we can help you make the right decision.
Be Legally Informed: Buying a property abroad is a very important decision so it is very important that you are legally informed while buying a property in Spain or in another county. Contrary to popular belief, Spanish Notary and Land Registration is one of the most efficient and modern in Europe. If you decide to use a property specialist such as myself I will guide you through the process. Once you find your ideal property you need to pay a deposit to reserve it.
Next the paper work and conditions of the contract are agreed which generally takes between 1 and 2 weeks. Following this a second deposit will be paid, the amount will be agreed upon by both parties. Under Spanish law if a buyer does not fulfill the signed contract they will lose the deposit amount. If the seller defaults they will have to refund the deposit, plus any expenses incurred by the buyer. Finally, at the agreed date for the signing of the (Escritura) Title Deeds, the lawyer, if engaged, will accompany the buyer to ascertain that all of the procedures are carried out correctly.
Once the Title Deeds have been signed the property belongs to the purchaser. The Notary immediately after the signing of the deeds will fax the Property Registrar, informing that the property has changed hands and all the details of the new owner.
Know the Costs: It is important to understand all of the possible expenses incurred in the purchasing of a property. The following are the main ones to bear in mind: Notary fees: The fees are based on a pre-fixed scale. If we are talking about a cheaper property the fee is between 300 Euros up to 1.200 Euros for a higher priced property. Property Registrar: Generally their fees are 20% less than the notary.
Taxes: If you buy a resale property you have to pay a 7% transmission Tax; if you buy a new-build or a house under construction from the promoter/builder, you will have to pay 7% VAT, and also a judicial document at 1%; and 16% VAT would have to be paid if you are acquiring plots, commercial properties or garages.
In addition to the above you will have to pay Enhanced Value Tax. This is a tax emitted by the Town Hall where the house is situated. The amount of this tax depends on the size of the plot and build, and the number of years the previous owner has had the property. If it is a small plot or a village house the tax could be just a few hundred Euros, but if we are talking of a large plot/property it can run into thousands of Euros. Normally this tax is paid by the seller but it can be agreed to be split by both buyers and sellers.
Make sure your healthcare needs are covered: Emergency treatment in Spain is available free of charge to anyone on short term visits to Spain through Spanish National Health Hospitals and Doctors as long as you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
The EHIC cam be obtained free of charge either at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers or by phoning 0191 203 5555. Although it should be noted that dental care is not covered by the EHIC.
If you are planning to move to Spain permanently then you can pay into the Spanish Social Security system.
There are many other factors you will need to consider if you are planning on moving to Spain permanently or even just buying a second home but I hope I have given you a brief insight.
Feel free to drop in and see me if you'd like to explore the possibilities further.
Dave Bradshaw, DB Spanish Properties, Holmeswood Rd, Holmeswood (01704 823334/07774192563) (The above is for information only. Please seek legal advise before purchasing a property abroad)
Do you have anything to contribute to this newsletter? Maybe some old photos or memories that you could share with us or news abour what is happening in the local area? If so please get in touch with either David on 01704 821415 or Roslyn on 08709043681 (email: please click here)
If you have a business that would like to advertise please contact: The Editorial Team, Rufford Review and Directory, 193 Liverpool Road, Rufford. Alternatively call either David on 01704 821415 or Roslyn on 0870 9043681. There will be a £5 charge for half A5 page adverts which will go towards the cost of producing the Rufford Review and Directory.