Voice Magazines - Clay Cross & Surrounding Villages - February 2022

FEBRUARY ’22

CLAY CROSS, DANESMOOR, LOWER PILSLEY, OLD TUPTON, PILSLEY

Valentines Day 14th February

Professional Food & Retail Health & Beauty

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Mansfield, Sutton, Kirkby & Nottingham

01623 782 783 info@hopkins-solicitors.co.uk

Buying or Selling YOUR HOME? Conveyancing Legal Support Buying or selling property can be a very stressful time. Whether you are a seasoned buyer or a first time home owner, our staff are here to support you face-to-face through the process.

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From the Editor

for me (and anyone in my vicinity) …..but it did break the cycle for a bit and a good exercise in self-discipline for me personally – wish me luck! *please note, that at the time of writing, designer Lisa has just brought the biscuit barrel downstairs and wafted lemon drizzle chocolate digestives under my nose – February is going to be very long month*

Happy New Year Readers!

Just to re-cap, we got through Christmas and New Year relatively unscathed from the dreaded ‘C’ word but upon reflection I think that’s probably down to a massive reduction of parties that we attended – mind you, I think I’ve put on a good stone in weight, you wouldn’t believe the amount of wine and cheese there was at the work meetings that took place!! Anyway, that’s enough of that talk.

Love is in the air this month, what with February being the month of love. There are lots of caring and considerate awareness days this month and we’ve selected a few, of which, the lovely Laura has obliged and written an article for most of them. It’s nice to be nice and it’s a rare commodity seemingly these days.

Month 1 of New Year’s Resolutions and I’m doing quite well so far. I forgot how much I love reading and I will read anything & everything pretty much.

So much so, Kev-John from our distribution team read my column last month and is sending some Jack Reacher books my way. Apparently, I just have to disassociate the book from the film, as the main character has a different stature to what was portrayed on screen!

Anyway, I’m off to grab another one/ six of those digestives before Jan ends …see you in March!

Emily

Anyway, being the all or nothing person I am, I subsequently decided over New Year that, rather than set Resolutions for the year, I would do 1 mini-challenge a month (that’s the theory at least). For Feb, I am going with ‘no sugar’ Feb. I will confess, I am a sugar addict! I would literally be half the size if I stepped away from all the refined sugar that migrates its way into my mouth most hours of the day! I did this once before about 3 years ago and it was absolute purgatory

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Natio Your Penal Love t Day 20th Feb

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Fuel consumption in mpg (I/100km) for the model shown: Combined not applicable, CO2 emissions 0 g/km and electric combined range of up to 328 miles, to a city range of 459 miles. These figures were obtained after the battery had been fully charged. The EV6 is a battery electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. MPG figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. The figures shown here are for limited comparison purposes; electric range and CO2 are tested using WLTP. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. For more information about WLTP please refer to kia.com/uk. Model shown: EV6 ‘GT-Line’ 77.4kWh lithium-ion 226bhp RWD 1-speed auto at £44,620 including premium Steel Matte Grey paint at £675. Kia EV6 range available from £40,945. Specification is subject to change without notice. 7 year / 100,000 mile manufacturer’s warranty. For full terms and exclusions visit kia.com/uk/owners.

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Put YOURSELF First this Valentine’s Day February - the forgotten month, or perhaps the month we want to forget - it’s usually wet, grey and cold, Christmas is long gone, the New Year resolutions already abandoned, and the summer hols seem aeons away…

What better month to celebrate L.O.V.E.? Valentine’s Day - the annual love fest beloved by manufacturers of fake red roses and schmaltzy greeting cards. Who remembers NOT receiving cards from secret admirers and feeling crushed because of the lack?

I certainly do, albeit many years ago!

These days my other half and I have a pact; we don’t send each other a card, flowers or chocolates - in fact, we don’t even acknowledge the day, we’re secure in our feelings and don’t need extravagant demonstrations of affection - it’s so much less stressful!

I have an alternative idea for you this Valentine’s Day - instead of sending your love outwards via cards and flowers, turn the love back onto yourself! How often have you put yourself last on your personal to-do list? How often have you prioritised someone else’s needs above your own? And how often have you thought it selfish to do things just for you - things that make your heart sing?

Sharing your love with others IS important; I’m not saying it isn’t, but giving yourself time for self-care, selfappreciation - and YES, self-love, is equally vital. We’ve all heard the phrase “you can’t pour from an empty jug”, keeping YOU happy, content and fulfilled is key to you being able to share yourself and your love with the world. It ISN’T selfish to take time out just for you, and it’s time more of us realised that and stopped acting like

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martyrs at the beck and call of family, friends and work colleagues.

Take time to go for a solo walk, swim, shopping trip - whatever floats - your boat do it and enjoy it! Buy something frivolous just for you. Buy yourself flowers, a frothy coffee in a nice café, get a new hairstyle, a new outfit (visit charity stores if you’re on a budget, there can be some amazing finds if you take the time to browse). And don’t be afraid to say NO. It’s your life, your time and if someone asks for something that you don’t want to do - tell them - that doesn’t mean turning into a grouch; it just means you introduce a new set of boundaries for others to respect. I’m not saying, “don’t help others” - I am saying “it’s not always your job to”.

This may all take some getting used to, especially if you have always been a giver, but persevere. Eventually, doing things for YOU will become more natural, second nature even, and I bet you will feel better for respecting your own wants and needs - and we all know that when WE feel good, we are better equipped to deal with everything the world throws at us. Win. WIn. These articles are researched and written by Laura Billingham, a local content writer and author. Laura moved to the Peak District several years ago to pursue her passion for writing.

To find out more visit www. landgassociates.co.uk or contact Laura on 07736 351 341

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Book Review

American writer Richard Ford writes about relationships – mostly between men and women, but others too. He explores big themes, but makes his stories intimate. These are people you can care about, for all their flaws and imperfections and for simply being human.

His latest book, Sorry For Your Trouble is a series of short stories – a form which people either like or don’t - and as with his longer novels they’re shot through with a wry humour at the absurdities of life and compassion for those of us who quite often make a mess of things.

They aren’t necessarily an easy or quick read and they’re probably not the thing to save for a beach read (yes of course it will happen this year!!), but they are thoughtful and rewarding.

If you don’t like the idea of short stories Mr Ford also wrote a brilliant series about fictional sportswriter Frank Bascombe – starting with The Sportswriter, then Independence Day, The Lay of the Land and Let me be Frank With You, which are also really worth a dive into and which may well get you hooked.

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Food l i a t e &R

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FOOD & RETAIL

Slimming World Recipe Salt and Pepper Chicken Chow Mein

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Ingredients:

Method: 1. Spray a non-stick wok or saucepan with low-calorie cooking spray and put it over a medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, put the garlic, ginger and 100ml water in your food processor and blitz to a smooth paste.

3. Add the garlic-ginger paste to the onions along with the five-spice powder and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper and cook for 5 minutes.

Stir in the tomato purée and 200ml hot water, then add the carrots and bring back to a simmer. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.

4. Stir in the soy sauce, Marmite and peppers and cook for 5 minutes.

Add the chicken, cover again and cook for 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally.

5. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the noodles according to the pack instructions and drain well.

6. Add the noodles, bean sprouts, spring onions and coriander to the chicken and cook for 3 minutes, then serve hot with the coriander sprigs for scattering over and with your favourite Speed veg.

For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk

• Low-calorie cooking • 4 skinless and spray boneless chicken • 2 medium onions, breasts, thinly sliced diced • 4 dried noodle • 4 garlic cloves, nests roughly chopped • 300g fresh bean • 5cm piece fresh sprouts, rinsed root ginger, peeled • Bunch spring and roughly onions, chopped chopped • Small pack fresh • 1 heaped tbsp coriander, chopped, Chinese five-spice reserving a few powder* sprigs to serve • 2 tbsp tomato purée *Watch out for spice/ • 1 carrot, cut into seasoning blends that batons have added ingredients • 4 tbsp dark soy (like sugar, oil or sauce starch). To protect your • 1 tbsp Marmite weight loss, count ½ • 2 peppers (red and Syn per level tsp/1½ yellow), deseeded Syns per level tbsp. and sliced Serves: 4 Ready in: 45mins Syns per serving: FREE

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

THREE STRIKES AND YOU’RE OUT…

I came across this question recently and it really challenged me: “what if you could only complain about 3 things per day?”. The question requires you to put yourself in some parallel universe where each day you are gifted 3 complaints, criticisms or judgements and then once they are used up, you are struck dumb for the rest of the day. How long would it take you to? Breakfast?

Lunch? It certainly made me think.

Revisiting a typical day I have to concede that I typically use up my 3 ‘strikes’ quite early and also waste them on some insignificant little things like the driving habits of pretty much everyone else on the road, what’s in the news and typically (because I’m British aren’t I?)… the weather. This bothers me.

You see I am an optimist; an encourager, and I hope a compassionate person, well known by my friends and family (and clients) as having a sunny, bright disposition. And yet, despite this, run a ‘complaints audit’ on what’s coming out of my mouth on a typical day and it seems that I can be pretty grouchy and liberal with my complaints and criticisms.

We all know someone who can pee on every bonfire; find some fault even with something that is essentially good: “ it was a good film although I didn’t like x actor”. These people are usual in a permanent state of discontent, usually comparing everything and everyone with others and finding them wanting in some way. I say ‘these people’ but maybe the truth is that often that’s my behaviour too. One of my sisters sees something of this in herself, a need, almost a drive to give balance by giving multiple points of view. She doesn’t see it as coming from a place of negativity and certainly I don’t see her as someone always wanting to find criticism. But it’s tricky …. I challenge you to take a listen to yourself, not just to see how quickly you use your 3 ‘strikes’, but also to see if you can recognise the negative ‘counter’ added in to something that is essentially good: “it was a really good meal… not the best I’ve ever had, but good non the less”.

We see this at work in Social Media all the time.

I can’t count the number of Facebook groups I’ve left because of the constant air of criticism.

One that springs to mind is a group for people who like using Chalk Paint for projects in their homes. Some householder would innocently post a picture of their newly painted front door with a comment about how happy and proud they are of it. Like a shot the replies come in , “yuck that colour is dreadful” or “are you going to leave your windows like that?”. Opinions, opinions that NO ONE asked for! Thankfully they’ll usually be some kind souls who celebrate with the householder (even if it IS hideous).

So tomorrow as you wake, I challenge you to set yourself 3 Strikes and see how long you last before you’re out! I’d love to know. Drop me a note and let me know would you?

Article written by Sarah Kallend.

Sarah is an Emotional & Mental Health Therapist offering a variety of therapies at her base at Ogston Reservoir. You can find out more about Sarah at 14 www.sarahkallend.com Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads or get in touch at sarah@sarahkallend.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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KIDS & FAMILIES

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! NEW TUPTON IVANHOE FC Do you want to make people’s life’s better? Help young people build confidence and develop new friendships?

F.A. Cup final. The team has now developed and grown, and they won their league last season.

If the answer is yes, you should get involved with grassroots football.

Antony Maidens, U11’s manager got involved due to his son wanting to play football.

I have been involved in coaching for two years and can happily say it was one of the best decisions I have made.

Antony said “4.5 years later I can honestly say it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Helping the kids grow as both players and people whilst most importantly having fun.”

I did not know what to expect and was a bit apprehensive about giving it ago. There was no need to worry The New Tupton Ivanhoe coaches are a supportive bunch, and the club sorted all the paperwork and paid for the F.A.’s Introduction to Football course.

Michelle Briddon, U7’s team coach, got involved when her son joined the club.

“I loved the set up and the family vibe and not long after I saw a post asking for new coaches and I went from there. I’d always been put off coaching due to overbearing parents and the stresses that come with running a team, but the club are so supportive that my job is purely to coach and the kids are an absolute joy.”

Michelle continued “I couldn’t imagine not coaching now and I’m looking forward to being able to progress. As a female coach in a male dominated environment, the club have been nothing but supportive.”

Coaching is about helping players develop their skills and improve whatever their starting ability. One of my highlights was celebrating a draw with the team after they had lost every game until that point! To those players it was like winning the

Former player, Dave Martin was approached to return to the club in 2011- 12 to manage the first team. He said, “It was a no brainer; this club is everything to me.”

The club is about so much more than football. You will create friendships, support the local community, contribute to local events, and be helping to develop an excellent grassroots level facility for all to use.

Antony added “You make so many friends within the club with both the other coaches and parents.”

Being a coach does take a commitment but the smiles on those young people’s faces and watching them develop is one of the most rewarding things in the world.

Still thinking should I get involved? Well Antony sums it up perfectly “People outside of grassroots football always ask, “why do you do it?” His response “do it for a week and you’ll understand why.”

If you would be interested in coaching please contact Dave Hoult, Club Secretary on 07759 048 037

If you are interested in Little Ivanhoes, The Wildcat Centre or joining a team please message the clubs facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/newtuptonivanhoefc/ visit: https://www.newtuptonivanhoefc.com 18 Don’torforget to Dave mention Voice Magazines when contact the Hoult, Club Secretary on 07759 048 037responding to the Ads

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FOOD & RETAIL

It takes a stout heart to brave a cold winters day for a dog walk but once you get going it’s amazing how much better you feel with a lung full of fresh air and a few miles under your belt. This month’s walk was first featured 3 years back but ranked highly as a winter walk because of its length, varied terrain and good paths, although there are a few muddy bits but try and find a walk without some mud at the moment!

A moderate walk with a varied terrain. The route should take around 2 1/2 hours. There are some stretches along roads, so take care.

And of course, as usual at this time of the year there are some uneven and muddy parts so a good pair of boots or wellies is highly recommended.

4 1/2-MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM RINGWOOD

START: RINGWOOD PARK CAR PARK, HOLLINGWOOD. S43 2JH (CAR PARK ENTRANCE AT JUNCTION OF CHESTERFIELD ROAD & INKERSALL GREEN ROAD)

1.

Standing with your back to the car park entrance continue straight ahead to the far end of the car park to bear left to climb some steps. Keep straight ahead, firstly with a fence on your right then a lake.

2.

Continue ahead, staying close to the lake for some distance. Eventually you will continue with a tall metal fence on your left. After a very short distance and where a smaller metal fence on your right begins, pass through a gap on your left and continue ahead with a metal fence on your right.

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3.

Keep ahead, going through woodland and the footpath will begin to climb. As the path begins to level off you come out of the woodland, continue with trees on your right and pasture on your left. After some distance continue back into woodland.

4.

Cross over a wooden footbridge, climb some steps and then continue straight ahead to climb a 2nd set of steps. At a major intersection of footpaths ignore the path on the left and straight on and instead bear slightly right to take the footpath going down some steps. Continue down a 2nd set of

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Climb some steps then continue straight ahead ignoring a path to the immediate left.

Continue ahead and keep left staying close to a chain link fence on your left.

6.

Continue until reaching a split in the path.

Then keep right and continue along the same level passing a marker post on your left.

Continue straight ahead for some distance along the same level passing another maker posts on your left.

7.

At a third marker post ignore the footpath going steep downhill to your right and continue straight ahead, then at a split in the path ignore the path to the left going uphill and keep right staying on a path that is relatively level.

8.

9.

Keep ahead for some distance to pass another marker post on your left and then a little further on, continue to pass another marker post on your left. After this marker post, ignore a path to the left and then continue for a short distance before dropping downhill to a cross a bridge.

Continue uphill through woodland. Eventually the footpath levels with a stream in the small gully on your left. The footpath begins to climb once more and you will pass a farm building on your right. Upon reaching a large metal gate directly in front of you, pass through a gap to pass by the gate, ignore a marked footpath on your left and continue straight ahead onto a road.

10. Continue along the road and then take the 1st road on the right called ‘Brooke Drive’.

Continue along ‘Brooke Drive’ for some distance and then around to the left. At a T-junction turn right along the road for a very short distance and then take the 1st road on the left called ‘Recreation Road’.

11. Continue along Recreation Road as it becomes a lane. At the end of the lane bear slightly right of some double gates along a marked footpath with a hedge on your right and a wall on your left.

12. After a short distance pass through a metal chicane and to a T-junction. Turn right along the lane, ignore a marked footpath on the left and continue ahead. After some distance you will come to 2 houses one on each side of the lane. Immediately after passing the house on the right, turn right along a signposted footpath.

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steps and cross over a wooden footbridge.

5.

13. Continue to enter a field and keep ahead with a hedge on your left. At the far side of the field to pass through a gap in the trees.

Continue straight ahead across the centre of another field to pass through a gap adjacent to a large metal gate.

14. Keep ahead to reach a main road. Cross over and turn right and continue for some distance until reaching house number ‘151’ on the left and immediately after turn left onto a lane and signposted footpath.

15. After some distance pass by a telegraph pole on your left keep ahead to head gently downhill. Immediately after passing beneath some power cables and just prior to entering some woodland turn left onto a footpath.

16. Keep on the footpath to pass a pylon on your left. Then pass a marker post on your left and enter the woodland. Follow the footpath and pass another marker posts on your right.

After a short distance cross over a stile and into a field with open views to your right.

17. Continue ahead ignoring a marked footpath going uphill to your left. Keep ahead to drop steep downhill and cross over a footbridge.

Climb some steps and continue along the edge of another field passing by an aerial/ mast on your left.

18. Just just prior to reaching some houses turn right and head downhill along the edge of the field. Near the bottom of the hill and then upon reaching a stone structure on your left, turn left to exit the field. Turn left along the lane and then turn right along a main road.

19. Continue along the main road past a bus shelter and then downhill to reach a large metal gate on your right. Pass through a gap next the metal gate and follow a footpath going downhill. Pass by a BMX track on your left and continue until you have a lake directly in front of you. Follow the tarmac path to keep the lake on your right and cross over a bridge back into the car park.

This walk is for illustrative purposes only. Voice Magazines takes no responsibility for anyone who chooses to follow this route and encourages all walkers to obey all byelaws and signs and to respect the area they are walking in, ensuring they pick up all dog mess and obey the countryside code at all times.

21

Thinking about getting a new dog?

Introducing a new pet to the household is a big commitment, so follow these do’s and don’ts to make sure you get it right!

Please do:

Please don’t:

1.

Research your breed! The average dog lives for around 13 years, so making sure that you choose a breed that will fit in with your lifestyle is essential before you start looking at puppies that you read up on the breeds you are interested in to make sure you know what to expect.

1.

Buy online without seeing the puppy or its mother!

Whilst it may seem convenient to pick a puppy from a picture and order it for delivery once weaned, these puppies are usually very poorly bred (often abroad) and are most likely to have serious health concerns.

2.

Check out your local rescues. Rescue centres have dogs of all ages and breeds, including puppies occasionally. At any one time, there are over 110,000 dogs in rescue in the UK, with almost 8000 being euthanised each year. Good rescue centres, like good breeders, will want to make sure that any dog you are interested in is a good fit for you and your family and so you should expect them to carry out home checks and meet all household members prior to adoption.

2.

Buy from anywhere that are selling lots of different breeds of dogs. They are likely ‘puppy dealers’, who are selling for puppy farms or buying puppies from puppy farms to sell on. Puppy farm puppies may have a pedigree certificate but does not mean that they are well bred! These dogs are bred too often and purely for profit, with no regard for their health.

3.

Buy from a pet shop. Good breeders will NOT sell their puppies via a shop.

4.

Buy from anywhere that you cannot see the mother with the pups. This is usually a good indication that something is amiss!

5.

Buy a puppy because it is cheap. Usually there is a reason for this – buyer beware!

6.

Buy a puppy with a known health issue unless you know exactly what you are taking on and the costs involved. If you are considering doing this, get a history from the breeder’s vet and then discuss the implications with your own vet so that you can make an informed decision. Any health problems that have been noted prior to you buying the puppy are highly unlikely to be covered by insurance.

3.

If you decide to buy a puppy, find a reputable breeder.

There are many breeders out there and many are not as trustworthy as they may lead you to believe.

A good breeder should be as interested in you and your home life as you are in their puppy. You should ALWAYS be able to see the puppy with its mother, as this will give you some indication of what the puppy is likely to grow up like, both physically and in temperament. A good breeder will provide you with information about the breed, ensure that their puppies are healthy with at least their first vaccinations done before going home, and will be there to support you through puppyhood and the rest of your dog’s life.

Don’t forget to book in with one of our Nurses for a new pet check and advice on looking after your new arrival.

4.

Ensure that if you choose a breed with known health problems, that the breeder you go to makes use of the health testing schemes available e.g. testing for hip and eye problems. Certain hereditary health problems can cost thousands of pounds in vet bills and cannot necessarily be cured.

5.

Ask lots of questions! The RSPCA have compiled an excellent list of questions to ask which can be found on their website: http://www.rspca.org.uk/

6.

Take out pet insurance. Get estimates for the breed you are thinking about buying before you buy to make sure that you can afford the insurance. Whilst it may not seem necessary whilst your puppy is still young, taking out lifelong health insurance ensures that your dog will be covered in later years should the worst happen, and may also help you cover the costs of any cost issues that may arise in their early years (although always check the policy for exclusions, particularly in breeds that are predisposed to problems!

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Article written by Scarsdale Vets Tel:when 01773responding 304914 to the Ads Magazines

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Pitcherwits

®

Pitcherwits® are crossword puzzles where some of the clues are in pictures.

Sound easy? It’s not called “Pit-your-wits” for nothing!

The mixture of cryptic and picture clues, combined with Professor Rebus’ unique sense of humour, will keep you entertained for hours.

1

2

5

3

6

9

7

Across 9 There’s merit in a big teapot, they say (4) 10 Overtake in mountain gap (4) 11 Crouching, yet hung out for the bloomers (5) 12 Land mass allegedly in church centre (4) 13 Dice throw back to a line (4)

4

8

10 11

12

13

14

Down 2 Wearying little illness, caused just by a bit of reflux (3) 3 Can you believe it? He started with a Big Bang! (3) 7 Story from the bank? (7) 14 Way in which Eisenhower did it (3) 15 Award received in odd socks! (3)

15

16

Across

Down

1

An angrier self could hear reports from these places (5,6)

1

Soaring, while tucking rope inside (9,2)

5

Pushed, in a way that’s really bendy!

(1-6)

4

Suitors less suited to being truly understanding, ladies!

(4,7)

6

Nieces are right about being genuine (7)

8

Atone for ape’s clumsy exit (7)

14 He noted, curiously, that his feet pointed in (3-4) 16 Freshen up the place where the prows are moored badly (6,5)

ANSWERS FOR LAST MONTHS PITHERWITS Across: 1 Brainwaves, 5 Aromatic, 9 Arch, 10 Omen, 11 Arson, 12 Tamp, 14 Aver, 15 Pick-me-up, 18 Signet ring.

Down: 1 Break it up, 2 In a heap, 3 Arm, 4 Ski, 6 One’s due, 7 Tam, 8 Cantering, 10 On paper, 13 Mac, 16 Its, 17 Men.

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This puzzles has been devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk

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Carbon Footprints In the aftermath of COP26 there has been lots of talk about the best ways to reduce our carbon footprints and the spotlight has shifted from the demons of road and air travel to the way our food is produced and the impact of our diets. Lots of people are moving to vegetarian and vegan diets in the hope of reducing their impact on the climate and biodiversity loss.

Of course, there are many health, ethical, and cultural connections to our diets, which may sway our thinking over that of carbon emissions reduction. There are far too many regional complications to provide a single ‘perfect’ diet choice for an individual, but a move away from meat at each meal would certainly lead to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

But it’s not all about what we eat.

The carbon storage capacity of forests has been a given for many years now, so HVCA have been involved in several initiatives to stop cutting down trees and grow a lot more. We have recently become much more aware of the carbon storage capacity of healthy peat bogs.

Britain’s peat bogs hold more carbon than all the forests of Europe so we are very supportive of the work of Moors for the Future to restore degraded upland peat bogs in the Dark Peak. We are much less aware of the carbon storage capacity of our humble farm soil but it seems to make sense that healthy well managed farm soils will be species rich, carbon rich and productive.

Mob grazing (short duration, high density grazing with a longer than usual grass recovery period) has been shown to increase stored carbon in the soil because the practice of intensively

grazing then resting the field encourages strong growth of the grass. On the other hand, ploughing decreases stored carbon by disturbing the soil organisms and exposing nutrients to the oxidising effects of the atmosphere.

Paradoxically, the carbon footprint of intensively reared food is lower per weight of meat produced. A steak or chop from extensive, nature-friendly farming has a higher carbon footprint per kg, although the extensive farm probably has lower annual carbon emissions while producing less food.

Including livestock in an arable rotation increases stored carbon in the soil. So increasing biodiversity and storing more CO2 involves some intelligent trade offs.

Similarly, we have to be careful about where we plant our trees. Tree planting in the wrong place can lead to species and carbon loss, for example on moorlands and grasslands due to soil disturbance during preparation and planting. It is still a good thing to do in the right places, such as land which has been forested in recent history. That often means bracken covered hillsides which were mostly deforested in the First World War. There is no one size fits all when it comes to reducing our carbon footprint, but we CAN all do our bit.

HVCA was established in late 2019, and as their name suggests, it is based in and around the Hope Valley in the Peak District; its aims are to address the climate emergency by reducing carbon emissions and increasing biodiversity. The group was granted Charity status at the end of 2020 and is run by a board of trustees. The work they are doing, and the messages they are sharing, are just as relevant to the rest of the Voice Magazine distribution areas, and we’re delighted to have them on board.

www.hopevalleyclimateaction.org.uk 28

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W E I V ' A 'C

One rule for them... one rule for us Sad to say...it was always thus.

The theory of democratic government is quite a simple one.

The people are governed by the people. Representatives of the masses take decisions and pass laws for the good and wellbeing of the masses. Everyone gets a voice; everyone gets a fair crack of the whip and everyone follows the rules.

How have we strayed so far away from that straightforward idyllic premise?

We are now governed by billionaires and millionaires who ride roughshod over the very rules that they have created and frankly don’t give a toss about the majority of the public.

We’ve seen it with bedroom tax, universal credit, privatisation of schools, the demolition of the police force....I could go on and on and on. But nowhere has it been more apparent than during the Covid19 pandemic.

It started with total disinterest. For the first few months of the crisis our Prime Minister couldn’t even be bothered to attend the high level meetings which had been called to formulate a response. He had other priorities...holidays etc Since then it hasn’t stopped.

PPE contracts for mates and contributors, scandals over track and trace, ministers and or their friends and family cashing in.

Depending upon your view some believe that the government applied draconian rules from the outset.

I have absolutely no issue with that. It was a novel situation, and nobody could be certain of the best way forward. However, once a decision was taken then the rules are applicable to EVERYBODY. However that was never the case.

The despicable Dominic Cummings totally ignored the rules by driving north with his family showing flagrant disregard for the regulations he helped to formulate.

His infantile excuse about driving to Barnard Castle and back to “test his eyes” was readily accepted by a laughing PM. The Health Secretary Matt Hancock came to visit Pinxton Vaccination Centre last May. We all knew that it was a pre-election publicity stunt but nonetheless he came. He told us how proud he was of us and the way we had rallied to the cause. A few days later he was exposed as yet another rule breaker. I don’t care who he has an affair with and have no interest in his bedroom habits but he, the Health Minister, was flagrantly ignoring his own Covid rules.

Then the Xmas party... totally denied by the PM. Some might say that he told barefaced, overt lies. Others say that he lies every time he opens his mouth. Whether you believe them is up to you but what is without doubt is that while old people were dying alone, while grandparents weren’t allowed to see grandchildren and while hospitals were at crisis levels with doctors and nurses totally exhausted, the millionaires of government were having a party.

It disgusts me.

And finally, we have a petty minded, childish tennis player.

At the time of writing there is no definitive decision as to whether Djokovic will be allowed to compete in Australia. It looks like he may have completed a fraudulent visa application form. Whatever, he’s another one who thinks that money can buy privileges and bypass the rules.

Is democracy dead?

Not quite...but it’s on a life support machine.

Jim Coyle

I would love to hear from you, so please drop me an email on jacoyle213@outlook.com

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Mike’us sings M

I think he might be having us on you know...

Mike is always glad to hear from you at :

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Yet Another Footballing Tale from George...

George popped round to our house for a mince pie, a bottle (or two) of Old Speckled Hen and a natter over the recent Christmas period.

We got to talking about how bad behaviour at football grounds was a serious problem years ago, but now, thankfully, was much less so. He recalled going to a Nottingham Forest v Derby game some 50 years ago when, after a 4-2 defeat for the home side, some of the victorious Rams’ fans were ‘ambushed’ by home supporters as they left the City Ground. They’d apparently been hiding under Trent Bridge, and watching from above, George swore that he’d seen a number end up in the water.

Unsurprisingly, and as is generally the case with George, our conversation led to a tale on a similar topic, that he’d heard as a boy from his grandad, Horace Twigg.

As Saturday 4th March 1893 dawned, there was a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation amongst followers of Hilcote Hacademicals. They were two points clear at the top of the league and were due to face their closest rivals, Newton Athletic, that afternoon. In recent years there had been a number of unsavoury incidents when these two clubs played. There was certainly no love lost between them.

In the reverse fixture earlier that season, Hacademicals had scored a very late and controversial equaliser to ensure a share of the points. Athletic had complained, not without some justification Horace had agreed, that the goal should not have been allowed.

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Apparently, Billy McKay, the big brute of a Scottish defender, had unfairly ‘brushed aside’ seven Athletic players as he charged through on goal and then, as he looked Clarence Wilson, the home goalkeeper in the eye, shouted “Clarrie, yir wife’s jist a wee hedgecreeper!” (NB – like me you’ll probably have to look that up). Well, as you’ll now understand if you’ve done that straight away, this so incensed Wilson that he came rushing from his goal, and with a right hook, attempted to knock McKay’s head off.

According to Horace, who at the time was a young lad watching from the touchline, all the home goalkeeper had succeeded in doing was a) break three fingers in his right hand b) give away a clear penalty and c) end up having an ‘early bath’ as the umpire sent him from the field. McKay himself took the penalty kick and blasted it past the replacement custodian - the kind of language they used back then – and celebrated wildly with his Hilcote teammates.

Anticipating possible trouble, on the day of the return fixture, all police leave in Derbyshire was cancelled and anyone found walking down from Newton past St Werburgh’s Church that Saturday, was politely requested to ‘go back to your dwelling house’ by one of over 500 bobbies. This, claimed Horace, was the first ever instance of police led intelligence averting football hooliganism.

Surely, yet another footballing ‘first’ for Hilcote Hacademicals who, for the record, won 4-0 that day, en route to becoming league champions!

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Gardener’s Calendar

No hard and fast rules for February in the garden.

Everything depends on the weather and if there is a promise of really cold weather it is best to err on the cautious side.

Still, there will be good signs of the approaching growing season – snowdrops in abundance. Once they’ve flowered you can lift and divide while they still keep their green foliage and they’ll reward you with more plants next year.

Speaking of bulbs this is a good time to start getting many summer bulbs in the ground. Alliums planted now should still be in time for late spring/early summer flowering and anemones are good to go, but do soak them overnight to give them a head start. Check how hardy the plants will be, this info is on the packet to ensure you don’t risk frost damage.

Prune climbing and shrub roses if you haven’t already and cut back old growth on sedums as you see the new growth starting to come through.

Top Tip:

Strawberries, surprisingly being hardy perennials will have survived the winter but may be looking a bit bedraggled by now. Take off old brown growth to encourage the plant to put out new shoots and if you want an early picking, put them under a cloche from the end of this month and into early March, remembering to keep them watered.

If you’ve got over-crowded perennials and grasses, lift divide and re-plant now and you’ve got new plants for free.

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The First Signs of Springtime At this time of year nature emerges from the challenges of winter season with the optimism of spring and summer ahead. Changing winter weather patterns mean seasonal fluxes are no longer as predictable as they once were.

Many wildflowers have remained in bloom throughout the colder months. Some plants are frosted back but many survive for much or all of the winter. On the high moors for example, green bracken fronds have turned golden-brown, and deciduous purple moor-grass (Molinia) has turned pale straw colour across extensive areas of wet moor and bog. Both these plants are now viewed as ‘problem species’ by conservation managers as they have spread and this has implications for wildlife. However, what most people including site managers often don’t realise, is that this is a quirk of history and of what I have called ‘cultural severance’. This is the ending of traditional management and countryside usage by local people like farmers (and historically peasants). In this case, purple moor-grass was harvested as ‘moor hay’ from moors and heaths across and around the Peak.

Bracken was also cut and harvested as animal bedding and every farm in the upland zone had a ‘bracken stack’ close by the farm and its cowsheds. It was this use of local plants and vegetation which kept ‘pest’ species in check. Ending that usage combined with air pollution especially nitrogen fallout from powerstations and car exhausts triggered a modern-day crisis of moorland management; maybe we need to learn from history.

on waste or disturbed ground look for the yellow dandelionlike flowers of coltsfoot. At the same time, birdlife is responding to longer days and shorter nights. An early breeding species is the tawny owl active in woods, parks, and gardens across the area. Breeding tawnies are highly territorial and hence very vocal from December through until March. But don’t approach too close to a nest-site as they will defend it against all comers – including you!

Also in woods and gardens there are blackbirds, robins, and others all singing and displaying. On rivers, canals, and lakes, waterbirds are holding territories and forming pairs; some like mallards already have ducklings in abundance. The beautiful little grebes or dabchicks are paired and actively displaying and foraging within their chosen patch. Worth looking for along the Peak District rivers such as the Wye, Derwent, and Lathkill for example, there is a rather special bird of the area, the dipper. During the breeding season with their distinctive white breasts, these birds fly up and down stream to patrol their territory; every so often stopping to bob or dip on a suitable stone or rock. However, listen for the distinctively sweet, rippling warble of the male dipper, from October to July but most easily heard around February or March.

Nevertheless, spring will soon be on its way and bracken-beds will show green shoots of recovery. Lower down the hill, woodlands start to burst into life with the first spring flowers such as the white wood anemone and golden yellow lesser celandine. Along watercourses, the peculiar flowers of great butterbur emerge and Professor Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer, broadcaster on wildlife and environmental issues in the Peak District and elsewhere, is contactable on info@hallamec.plus.com. Follow his website www.ukeconet.org, ianswalkonthewildside, & Twitter @IanThewildside 36 Don’tblog forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads

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