Rural Voice - Darley Dale & Villages Edition - April 2022

APRIL ’22

DARLEY BRIDGE • DARLEY DALE • DARLEY HILLSIDE • ELTON FARLEY • HACKNEY • NORTHWOOD • ROWSLEY • STANTON IN PEAK TWO DALES • UPPER HACKNEY • YOULGRAVE.

World Health Day

Earth Day

7th April

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22nd April

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From the Editor Dearest Readers, Spring has sprung and I can eat sugar again!!!! As it happens I’m still sugar-free but that’s another story …..saving myself for all those Easter Eggs! Also, I still haven’t decided what I’m doing for March (it has virtually passed!) and in fact, April but I do appear to have given up sleep for lent! I am reliably informed that this might be hormonal as apparently, I am getting to that age – but let’s not talk about that!!

Remember when, at the start of the decade, everyone was talking about us experiencing the ‘roaring twenties’ again, when in fact it seems more like we have the ‘terrible twenties’. We’ve gone from Brexit chaos to Covid pandemics, a cost-ofliving crisis and now war in Ukraine! Like you I’m sure, my heart goes out to all the people of Ukraine either fighting for their country or being forced to flee for their own safety. My heart has been swelled by all the people and businesses offering help and even opening their homes to refugees. I hope, at least this series of crises have shown us how much better we are when we focus on what unites us rather than what divides us and how much stronger we are as communities, both local and global, when we tackle our problems together.

LTD

VOICE

On a (literally) brighter note, the clocks sprung forward last weekend. I am beyond happy about that tiny win! I always feel like I have more hours in the day when this happens (of course, I am not daft enough to believe this to be the case!).

One last thing… I went to watch the new Batman film last week (how many batmen have there been now?! He has more incarnations than the Dalai Lama). The film was pretty good but Robert Pattinson – blimey, Rafa has brought me sticks with more acting pizzazz!! It’s just as well he has a mask on for most of it!

Barry Norman signing off, see you next month.

PS: Don’t forget to mention the ‘Voice’ when you use any of the companies in this magazine

x Emily And all the VOICE MAGAZINES TEAM

CONTENT Professional Services pg7 Food & Retail pg7

Kids & Families Home

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Garden

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Upcoming Submission Deadline for Advertisers & Contributors: May ‘22 Edition - 8th April • June ‘22 Edition - 11th May

To advertise email: info@voicemagazines.co.uk or call us on 01773 549 035 Printed by Phase Print Ltd and distributed to 5,000 homes in North Derbyshire. Disclaimer: No responsibility is accepted by Voice Magazines Limited for claims, errors or omissions made in advertisements appearing in this issue. All advertisers are accepted in good faith and we are not responsible for views expressed by contributor or other sources. Reproduction of the contents of this magazine is not permitted without the prior consent of the publisher. Voice Magazines Limited, 40 High Street, South Normanton, Derbyshire. DE55 2BP. Registered in England & Wales No: 10550557

Is Time Running Out? Is time running out to “save the planet”?

And is it the planet we are actually trying to save, or simply our (western) way of life? Let’s face it, planet Earth will continue to spin around the sun long after we puny humans have wiped ourselves out (well, as long as any aliens watching the mess we’re making of everything don’t decide to step in and blast us all to smithereens!).

What would you sacrifice if you knew it would make a difference to the planet, make a more sustainable future for your children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren?

Would you stop driving a diesel or petrol car? Could you even afford an electric or hybrid vehicle?

Perhaps you’d consider switching to public transport, or even a bicycle not easy commitments to make in the Peak District National Park, as public transport is sparse and it’s very hilly for bike riding!

Maybe you’d become vegetarian (or vegan) although you would also have to commit to not consuming processed plant-based meals, soy products, almond milk etc., as they can be as bad for the planet as meat - and are not always a healthy option due to the mass of additives. And don’t always believe what you read; there are widely reported stats that it takes 1800 gallons of water to produce 1lb of beef; what is rarely stated is that figure relates to the US industrialised way of rearing beef in feedlots - NOT the way we do things over here.

How about not watering your lawn, or even better re-wilding your garden, or growing your own fruit and veg?

You could turn off your gas central heating and install green energy alternatives - if you could afford to.

Would you be happy for a new

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nuclear power plant to be built nearby?

Contrary to popular belief, they can be a clean source of electricity when designed, built and run effectively.

Plastic anything could be permanently crossed off your shopping list, and charity shops could become your new best friend when it comes to clothing.

Could you live without your mobile phone, laptop, or any other bit of kit that relies on lithium type batteries (including electric cars!)?

When it all comes down to it, yes, all of us could do all of the above and more.

Our way of living would have to change dramatically, and we’d effectively have to adopt a lifestyle that is more akin to the way people lived 100 or more years ago - albeit still with “green” technology! But would that necessarily be a bad thing?

Knowing we could cope however, is a very different thing from wanting to adopt such changes - and I’m afraid that until such ideas become seen as mainstream and normal, not simply “tree-hugging hippy” ideas (and yes, I’ve heard that said!) then we will never do anything.

Bring on the aliens…?

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

Save Our Planet

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Derwent River Fly Fishing Darley Dale Fly Fishing Club

Has limited membership opportunities for 2022 We own one and a half miles of Derwent fishing in Darley Dale Welcome to YOUR community noticeboard. A dedicated space for you to post notices, events and for not-for-profit community groups advertise in.

To place a notice, from a super-low rate of 6+VAT per square

Further information from ddffc.org If interested, contact ddffchonsec@gmail.com

Contact Danielle on 01773 549035 or community@voicemagazines.co.uk

44mm

At this time of conflict - Russia against the Ukrainian people It is so important to pray to our Loving God:-

44mm

£6.00

+VAT Per Square

EVENT TITLE Date & Time Contact Contact Contact

We need You - we always have.

You are our source of strength, and You tell us to give You all our concerns.

Bring protection and healing to the people of Ukraine. Show them that You are with them, and that You hear their prayers.

Please strengthen anyone who is feeling hurt, alone, or broken.

Replace any feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty with Your peace and hope.

Draw near to us as we draw near to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

ANN POWELL - annandgraham29@gmail.com

NEWS • EVENTS • UPDATES • LOCAL INTEREST

Smooth | Responsive Lower Costs | Zero Emissions

Find out more Fuel economy and CO2 results for the ENYAQ IV: CO2 emissions: 0 g/km. Electric range: 256 miles.

Library image for illustration purposes only. Bristol Street Motors SKODA is a trading name of Bristol Street Fourth Investments Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Company registration number 00522856. VAT Registration number 902737238. Registered office: Vertu House, Fifth Avenue Business Park, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0XA

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26/02/2017 00:5

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ŠKODA just went Electric The All-New ENYAQ IV

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Heart of the community for over 50 years Well known for personal & honest service Large selection of carpets & other floor coverings Measuring service & professional fitting available

Call in at the shop or phone us for a free home selection service FREE FITTING • FREE DELIVERY FREE ESTIMATES • HOME SELECTION SERVICE FREE FITTING BUT MINIMUM CHARGE MAY APPLY FOR SMALL AREAS AND STAIRS

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Eclectic Delights of Serendipity Stockists of unique products

• Leather handbags, wallets and purses from Ashwood Leather and Zatchels.

• Large jewellery collections in silver and precious stones including the famous ‘Blue John’.

• Soft toys in all shapes and sizes from Wilberry.

• The Puppet Company, Suki and Jomanda.

• Gifts from some quirky and original British companies including Wot Ma Like coasters and keyrings, enamel pins from Glitter Punk.

• Large range of the award-winning Frenchic paint.

• Educational and fun Children’s products range including Clockwork Soldier, Apples to Pears activity tins, recycle me kits from Inside Out Toys and the fabulous Djeco range.

• My Memento print your own items in store in minutes. Personalised cards, magnets and keyrings from just £2.99.

• We now have a large ladies boutique upstairs and one side of our shop is a fabulous children’s toy area.

• The Curious Pancakes sweary pencils and pens, the beautiful Emma Ball ranges and Waggy Dogz • Huge range of helium balloons and cards for all occasions.

• Arts and crafts from Sweet poppy Stencils, Stencil Studio, Faber & Castell and Creative.

Open 7 days a week from 11am - 5.30pm

Matlock Bath, South Parade. DE4 3NR

Telephone 01629 593 990 or 07506 681 946

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FOOD & RETAIL

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9

World Health Day 2022 Did you know there’s a World Health Day and it’s this month?

With everything that has happened over the last couple of years, I think many of us have decided that now is the time to really begin taking care of our own health. Some of us have lost loved ones and seen people we care about suffer the effects of the pandemic - it’s made us face our own mortality, and for a lot of us, made us realise that ultimately only WE are responsible for our own wellbeing.

Personally, I’ve taken up Pilates and am generally trying to be more active difficult with a sedentary desk-bound job, but I definitely feel the benefit of moving more. I’m also eating healthily, LOTS of vegetables, and everything cooked from scratch, as well as taking a good multivitamin tablet every day.

These are small steps that all of us can take - but what does WHO (World Health Organisation) say about World Health Day on April 7th?

WHO estimates that more than 13 million deaths around the world each year are due to avoidable environmental causes.

This includes the climate crisis, which is the single biggest health threat facing humanity. WHO are seeking to focus global attention on the actions required to keep the planet, and therefore us humans, healthy. They also want to create and foster a movement to create societies focused on wellbeing; because they believe “Wellbeing societies are healthy societies” - I can’t disagree with that… even though the statement itself is a bit of a soundbite!

Reading further through WHO’s literature, I found a statement about the current inequalities of income distribution around the globe; they say that present economic design leads to these inequalities in wealth and power - and again, I agree. But what they don’t say is how they intend to move us all towards their ideal, which is:

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“A wellbeing economy has human wellbeing, equity and ecological sustainability as its goals. These goals are translated into long-term investments, wellbeing budgets, social protection, legal and fiscal strategies. Breaking these cycles of destruction for the planet and human health requires legislative action, corporate reform and individuals to be supported and incentivised to make healthy choices.”

What do you think? Can we ever reach the kind of Utopia that WHO sets out above? Or is it all just words designed to capture the imagination for a few fleeting moments? Do our world leaders even have the capacity, let alone the will, to undo current economic strategies and move towards a more sustainable wellbeing society (I have my doubts - but I can hope!).

Whatever your views or beliefs, surely we can all decide to take appropriate steps to begin to look after the health of our own families AND ourselves this World Health Day. After all, as I said right at the beginning - only WE are responsible for our own wellbeing.

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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FOOD & RETAIL

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FOOD & RETAIL

Slimming World Recipe Pizza Chicken

A Slimming World classic, packed with juicy chicken, tasty veg and a pang of pepperoni!

Method: 1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.

2. Cook the sausages according to the pack instructions, then leave to cool. Thinly slice the sausages, then stir-fry them for a few minutes in a non-stick saucepan with the pinch of paprika. Set aside.

3. Crumble the stock cube into a large jug, add 50ml hot water and stir to dissolve. Add the passata, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano and fennel seeds and blitz until smooth using a stick blender (you could also do this in your food processor). Stir in the basil.

4. Put the chicken in a large ovenproof dish and pour over the tomato sauce. Top with the sausage slices, peppers, onion and tomatoes and cook in the oven for 50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Season to taste and serve hot. This is great with Slimming World chips (although it would no longer be suitable for an Extra Easy SP day) and salad.

For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk

Ingredients: • 4 Slimming • ½ small pack World Pork Sausages • 1 tbsp smoked paprika, plus a pinch • 1 chicken stock cube • 500g passata • 4 garlic cloves, peeled • 1 tbsp dried oregano • 1 tsp fennel seeds

fresh basil, chopped • 4 skinless and boneless chicken breasts • 2 peppers (red and green), deseeded and diced • 1 red onion, diced • 4 tomatoes, diced

Serves: 4 Ready in: 1 hour, 30 mins Syns per serving: FREE

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FOOD & RETAIL

Direct Factory Blinds Ltd

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FOOD & RETAIL

ŠKODA Chesterfield.

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Library image for illustration purposes only. Bristol Street Motors SKODA is a trading name of Bristol Street Fourth Investments Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Company registration number 00522856. VAT Registration number 902737238. Registered office: Vertu House, Fifth Avenue Business Park, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0XA.

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20.25

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FOOD & RETAIL

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2022_V14_FINAL.qxp_

Layout 1 14/10/2021

15:36 Page 1

DAY EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE EARLY BOOKINGS ADVISABLE *ADMISSIONS 2022 INCLUDED BROCHURE ADULT OAP/CHILD NT MEMBERS

Travel

2022

SAT 22 MAY HARROGATE BRITISH COACHING SAT 29 MAY WHITBY

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£596

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WED 2 JUNE CHESTER / CHESTER ZOO (ADMISSION£473 NOT SWITZERLAND INC) £25 AND THE BERNINA EXPRESS 23 - 30 JUL (HB)

COTSWOLDS SUMMER GARDENS 06 - 12 MAY (HB)

WITH LOCAL

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SAT 5 JUNE LLANDUDNO MYSTERY 14 - 15 MAY (HB)

£123

£2814 - 21 SEPT (HB) FRANCE, AUVERGNE

LLANDUDNO 22 - 26 YORK MAY (HB) SAT 12 JUNE

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IRELAND, KILLARNEY £26AND THE RING OF KERRY 26 SEPT - 2 OCT (HB) £727

SCARBOROUGH 25 - 29 MAY (HB)

£347

PORTUGAL, PORTO AND THE DOURO VALLEY 02 - 11 OCT (HB)

LAKE DISTRICT 29 MAY - 02 JUN (HB)

£463

SUN 13 JUNE HARRY POTTER TOUR

SAT 19OFJUNE BBCENGLAND GARDENERS WORLD GARDENS SOUTHERN 03 - 05 JUN (HB)

£270

GREAT -13 JUN (HB) SAT YARMOUTH 26 JUNE 09WHITBY

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MY FAIR LADY MUSICAL 09 - 10 JUN (B&B)

£190

NORTHUMBRIA 12 - 17 JUN (HB)

£503

SAT 3 JULY

COTSWOLDS MYSTERY

SAT 13 10- JULY LIVERPOOL POOLE 17 JUN (HB)

£474

QUEENS PLATINUM CELEBRATION 16 - 17 JUN (B&B) SAT 17 JULY JUBILEE WINDSOR

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TORQUAY 20 - 24 JUN (HB)

£439

SAT 24 JULY TATTON PARK FLOWER SHOW

£817

£77

£69 DAY EXCURSIONS £49

EARLY BOOKINGS ADVISABLE

£28

ADULT

*ADMISSIONS INCLUDED

SAT 07 MAY SAT 14 MAY SAT 21 MAY SAT 28 MAY SAT 29 MAY SAT 11 JUN SAT 18 JUN

RHS MALVERN SPRING FLOWER SHOW* £49 £27 RHS HARLOW CARR* £36.15 WHITBY £29 £25 WINDSOR £32 £30 HARRY POTTER STUDIO TOUR* £82 SCARBOROUGH £29 £50 BBC GARDENERS WORLD AT THE NEC* £52

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K.V.&G.L SLACK LTD. THE TRAVEL CENTRE, UPPER LUMSDALE, MATLOCK DE45LB www.slackscoaches.co.uk E& O.E 16

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FOOD & RETAIL

5 Signs your Dog is Ageing As our dogs age, we begin to see changes in their appearance and behaviour. While many of these changes are normal as a dog enters their golden years, it’s important to be aware of the signs. Here at Scarsdale, we’ve put together a list of 5 signs that your dog is ageing, so you can be proactive and ensure they’re living a full and happy life.

1. Your dog is slowing down and getting stiff • You may have seen from time to time your dog is taking a little longer to get up in the mornings, or they have more trouble with stairs or jumping up onto furniture, this could be a sign of stiffness. This could be a sign they are suffering from arthritis, which is quite common in ageing dogs as 80% of dogs over 8 suffer from it.

2. Your dog has trouble hearing or seeing • It can sometimes be tricky to decide whether your dog is losing their hearing or deciding to ignore you, but it could be a sign if your pooch always comes running for a treat! Loss of hearing isn’t something you should particularly be worried about if they’re not experiencing pain or discomfort, but you may want to take extra care taking them off the lead.

3. Smelly Breath

be a sign of gum diseases, which can become more severe with age. You may also see tartar developing around their teeth if you are in the habit of monthly mouth checks.

4. Sight Loss • Although this may be very gradual over time, you may notice your dog loses track of the ball during a game of fetch, or maybe lose a stick and come back with a completely different one! You may also see their eyes have a bluey white shine in their eyes, this could be nuclear sclerosis and is normal for older dogs.

5. Grey Hairs • Many dog breeds will grow grey hairs and become a ‘silver fox’ as they start to age gracefully. Most commonly this can be seen around the mouth, but this is completely normal for dogs as they age.

• A whiffy breath could be one of the first things you spot as a dog mum or dad, and this could

Article written by Scarsdale Vets 01773 304914 To advertise please call the Voice Team on 01629 364Tel: 015

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KIDS & FAMILIES

Come and learn with us this summer

Bookings for our April to July 2022 courses open on 28 March

We’re here to support you to learn with a wide range of centre-based and online courses.

We have lots to choose from, from starting a new career to gaining new skills, all in centres and other venues local to you. Maybe you want to learn online with a small group of friendly people from across Derbyshire.

Look out for our brochures and find out more at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/adulteducation /DerbyshireAdultEducation @DerbyshireACE Eventbrite: derbyshireadulteducation.eventbrite.com Sign up to Adult Community Education News at www.derbyshire.gov.uk – “subscribe for updates” 18 Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads

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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

Across 5 Manage the end of time (3) 7 Container from Kilimanjaro? Jammy!

(3) 10 A name I take with a lack of vitality (7) 14 Cambridgeshire city to rely on, at last (3) 15 Plus characters from Boyband (3)

4

7

8

9

10

11

12

14

Down 2 It’s later, bluntly, author unknown (4) 3 “Go up to your room, Mr Heath!” (4) 9 Made open overtures from the start (5) 12 No more than bullion, lying inside (4) 13 Request for a bit of simple adjustment (4)

13 15

16

Across

Down

1

Twitter, say, taken as a domicile (6,5)

1

Gamut to keep as an effort at the appearance of acting (5,6)

8

Romance gone sour on Spanish island (7)

4

Racine, drily portrayed as breathing aid (3,8)

11 Opts to go into hut for field event (7)

6

My bases crumbling in diplomatic site (7)

16 Cheap shopping here, but she does sound very odd (5,6)

7

“Did you take her away,” to a place in Java? (7)

ANSWERS FOR LAST MONTHS PITHERWITS Across: 1 Decide upon, 6 Sand, 7 Ago, 8 Bump, 9 Imperial, 11 Borehole, 14 Dash, 15 Sum, 16 Nine, 17 Categories.

Down: 1 Double bass, 2 Inspire, 3 Undue, 4 Omani, 5 Bowler hats, 10 Roe deer, 12 Rumba, 13 Hence.

KIDS & FAMILIES

and Guess the words rd! ! o w s s o r Fill in the c

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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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KIDS & FAMILIES

Stop Food Waste!

Have you any idea how much food you waste on a daily/weekly/ monthly/annual basis? It may be more than you think!

Here’s a mind blowing statistic for you 9.5 million tonnes of food waste in a single year in the UK – even though 8.4 million people in the UK are in food poverty. This equates to an average UK family throwing away EIGHT meals EVERY week.

This level of food wastage not only costs us in monetary terms as individuals, it actually impacts the environment too, with food waste in UK households producing nearly 25 million tonnes of CO2 every year.

Our grandparents and greatgrandparents would be horrified at what we chuck away every single day - as would people living in parts of the world where hunger is an ever present fact of life.

A lot of our wastage could be prevented if only we would use a little common sense, understand how best to store food, know what use by/best before dates really mean, and get clever with our cooking.

In simple terms, “use by” means just that, whereas “best before” is only a guideline. Don’t just rely on the labels though - do your own checks before throwing something away, does the item look OK, smell OK? If so, taste a little - it could still be perfectly fine to use.

If you have a freezer it should become your best friend - so many things can be safely frozen, including stuff you wouldn’t normally think about like milk, cream and cheese. Just make sure you defrost things fully and safely before

using, guidance can always be found online. Microwaves can be great tools for speeding up this process - follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Learning some “leftovers” recipes is a great way to use up food that you may previously have considered binning.

Those limp leeks, crinkly carrots, and a chicken carcass can be quickly turned into a stock or the basis of a soup.

Similarly, the green veg in the back of the fridge can also be turned into a soup, chuck in that bit of cheese that needs using up and turn the bread that you think is past its best into croutons (tear up, put on a baking tray, sprinkle with olive oil and bake until crunchy).

Use ALL the fruit and veg you buy chop and use the stems of herbs as well as the leaves; add the green bits and the stalks of a cauli when making cauliflower cheese; slice broccoli stems and add to stir-fries (or chuck in the soup pot!); use most of the green bits of leeks and spring onions. You can even leave the skins on potatoes as you boil for mash - but make sure they’re clean!

We can all help prevent food wastage - it just takes a little effort, knowledge and imagination.

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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Derbyshire Dales Electrical Services Ltd All Domestic and Commercial work undertaken Security lighting and CCTV systems Inspection and testing Landlords/Buyers Reports

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DAD’S ARMY IN THE NAPOLEONIC ERA PART ONE

In 1810, after seven years of the Napoleonic Wars, the prime minister, Lord Liverpool, penned a memorandum stating that Britain’s military was: “as large a force … as the Population and Finances of the Country could well support”.

The movements of the French military led to the mass mobilisation of a generation of men to defend Britain against revolutionary and then Napoleonic France between 1793 and 1815 is overlooked and largely forgotten. An astonishing one in four men served in some kind of capacity during these wars, a figure that exceeds those of World War I. We all know of the Home Guard of WW2, often immortalised by the TV series, but during the early 19th century these volunteers played a crucial role.

The First Great War At its peak, there were 250,000 men in the British Army, plus 80,000 serving in the militia, a particular form of home defence force raised during wartime, as well as 140,000 in the Royal Navy… These figures were matched by part-time soldiers raised across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland – there were 450,000 of these during the height of the invasion scare in the run up to the Battle of Trafalgar of 1805.

The composition of the Britain’s military was quite different to that in World War I as so many were not in full-time military service but enlisted as parttime soldiers to be used in case of an invasion. As these soldiers were never used in combat, their experience has been mostly forgotten.

But the impact of these part-time soldiers, known as Volunteers, was widespread across the UK. They formed the bulk of Britain’s military effort and were established in almost every town across the country.

As well as meeting up for training (about 20 days a year), they also became involved in the civic and social life of their areas and their members.

As these soldiers still continued in their civilian lives, they tended to be quite representative of the social make-up of their locality. Sometimes, involvement in the Volunteers was a way to improve one’s social standing.

Other units, especially cavalry (often known as the Yeomanry), were particularly exclusive. The additional cost of the uniforms and equipment of some units, beyond what the government provided, meant that being a member of these units was quite a financial commitment.

Many volunteer units participated in the Royal Jubilee celebrations of 1809. Their activities were frequently reported in newspapers. They regularly appeared at weddings and funerals. Given the numbers involved, there’s a good chance that anyone who had an ancestor in the UK during these wars could find something about them – even if it is just records of them getting paid for their time.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Ref :Kevin Lynch, 2015, Leeds University.

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Book Review

The story of an East European in London looking for a living so he can send money to his family is as old as the hills and as new as today.

The Road Home by Rose Tremain was written several years ago, long before current world events. But it clearly depicts how, even in times of peace, it can be a mind-blowingly difficult prospect.

The novel centres around widower Lev, who has left his mother looking after his daughter back home. In London, Lev’s experiences of a new world are largely overwhelmed by the need for his food, shelter and employment.

It may sound like a grim read. And while it’s a serious novel, there’s a great deal of warmth. This is a story about ordinary people in what for them are extraordinary times. Lev is, like most of us, flawed, but that doesn’t stop him building good friendships, doing good stuff and sometimes relying on the kindness of strangers.

There are a few sly digs at society and the kind of social gatherings which bring you out in a sweat just to think about them, but this book isn’t about politics or society, just people, humanity and hope.

The Road Home is a story of survival and aspirations. Above all, it is about the people you meet and how they shape your journey and life.

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All Around the Shire Recollections of a Simpler Time Who doesn’t remember Green Shield Stamps?

I have fond memories of my mum faithfully licking and sticking the perforated stamps into a little booklet with dotted outlines to indicate where the stamps were to be stuck. It was a loyalty scheme, not the first in Britain, where you earned stamps for items bought from participating shops. When you had saved up enough stamps, you could choose a reward from the glossy magazine. The scheme ran from 1958 and petered out from 1973, to be replaced

by Argos catalogues.

You had to spend 6d to get one stamp and each book contained 1,280 stamps. To buy a Kenwood Chef, that would cost you 33 ¼ books.

A Regentone 19” television would be yours for 88 books. In our house, we collected for more modest items like cutlery or a set of glass tumblers. It seemed like any luxury item could be saved up for, even cars, washing machines and foreign flights.

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Green Shield brought out a larger stamp worth 10 standard stamps, to alleviate the sheer number of small stamps that had to be licked and stuck into books, and eventually an even larger stamp worth 40 of the green.

There were other loyalty stamps at the time.

Fine Fare (pink stamps) and Co-op “divvi” stamps amongst others. Today there are similar schemes in almost every shop, café, supermarket and restaurant. I, however, will always have a soft spot in my heart for the humble Green Shield stamp which brings back fond memories of the way we shopped in the past.

Janet

Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire.

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Derbyshire charity is asking for donations to support people struggling to deal with the 400% increase in the cost of heating oil.

Many households in rural Derbyshire rely on oil for heating and hot water. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has meant the cost of oil has risen drastically.

The Oil Bank relies solely on donations, and the charity is hoping to raise as much money as possible to deal with soaring demand.

In the last year alone, the average price of oil has skyrocketed, rising by an astonishing 60% between February 2021 and February 2022. But, since 24th February the cost of heating oil has gone up from about 61 pence per litre (ppl) to over 150ppl.

Emma Simpson, manager of the Community Oil Buying scheme, said: “We started the Oil Bank in 2020, but it’s needed now more than ever. What we have in our oil bank would have helped 3 or 4 households last year but now it will just about help one. We really need to significantly boost funds. Without it some people will be left in the cold, literally.”

The minimum order quantity for heating oil is 500 litres which at today’s prices is around £800! In March 2021 it was only £200. Households struggling to make ends meet just can’t afford it which therefore means no central heating.

Matlock-based Rural Action Derbyshire is asking for donations to its Oil Bank, which provides a delivery of heating oil for those who are struggling to make ends meet.

One beneficiary of the Oil Bank said: “During a very stressful and worrying time, the delivery of oil from the Oil Bank took away the difficult decision to choose between hot water and heating or food and essential personal products for my daughter and myself. I will be eternally grateful for this support.”

Those wanting to contribute to this vital fundraiser can do so by visiting ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk/appeal/oil-bank-appeal or by emailing e.simpson@ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk.

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GARDENS

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Gardener’s Calendar

April - traditionally sunshine and showers – well we’re bound to get some of both, whatever else the British weather throws at us.

We should now be at the stage when you can sow hardy seeds and plants outside. It’s always a good indicator that the soil is warming up enough to give things a good start, when you see the weeds coming through.

Hardy annuals are usually fairly cheap and cheerful and there’s plenty to choose from. They prefer lighter soil, - it warms up faster after winter. And there’s plenty of hardy plants to choose from – the likes of nasturtiums (the easiest seed in the world to grow), marigolds, cosmos, sunflowers, cornflowers and nigella.

If sowing fine seed, get rid of weeds first and lightly firm the soil then mix with sand and scatter. The sand means you can see where you’ve sown and also makes it easier to spread the seed.

You can even grow hardy annuals under glass in a conservatory or greenhouse if you want them to move faster. They will grow in trays with compost or pots. But as soon as they have two pairs of leaves be sure to gently prick them out of their compost (easing out by the leaves) and pot them on into a pot where they have more individual space.

Otherwise they may become leggy and overcrowded and start to collapse.

Also watch out, if growing any seeds indoors or under glass, that the air can circulate as seedlings may “dampen off” if it’s too humid - basically become subject to fungus – and may die.

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As your flowering plants start to grow, pinch out the growing tips. This means a bushier plant and a bushier plant means more flowers.

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GARDENS Cosy Garden Rooms Ltd™ are a small and friendly family run business, based in the East Midlands but operating throughout the UK. We specialise in the design and installation of bespoke insulated no/low maintenance contemporary garden buildings. We know how much the details matter and use only the best materials and skilled tradesmen to ensure quality & longevity for each and every one of our buildings.

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GARDENS

One of springtime’s first flowers – the Primrose The common primrose is a flower which surely brings joy to many people – following as it does from the darkness, cold, and damp of winter chill. The appearance of primroses in woodland edges, glades, meadows, and roadside verges and hedgerows is a messenger that spring is now on its way. The scientific name is Primula vulgaris and it is one of our most familiar and much appreciated wild flowers, the common or English primrose.

I recently saw my first Yorkshire primroses flowering near Whitby just a few weeks back and now they are appearing across the Peak as well. There are many other ‘Primula’ species which often also go under the common name of primrose and garden cultivars or varieties are abundant. In the wild, the closest relatives are the cowslip, the (very rare) oxlip, and the false oxlip (a hybrid of common primrose and cowslip). The latter does cause confusion, although when you see the genuine article in nature it is quite obvious; oxlip is only found in East Anglia and is the county flower of Suffolk.

There is more confusion possible, particularly for the gardeners amongst you, because this flower is not related to the ‘evening primroses’ which are in the genus Oenothera; and so are not really primroses at all! In the case of the actual common primrose, the scientific name of Primula comes from the Latin primus or first i.e. one of the first flowers to bloom in early spring, and ‘primrose’ itself means ‘first rose’. These delicate but gorgeous flowers, spectacular when en masse, are mostly pale yellow but also appear in a range of colours from pink to almost mauve, and

white. It seems that this is usually just natural variation but the more striking colour variants probably result from hybridisation with garden cultivars and escapees. It is worthwhile taking a close view of the flowers as they are particularly interesting as they come in two forms.

Individual plants have either ‘pin’ flowers with the female stigma protruding beyond the male stamens, or ‘thrum’ flowers with male stamens prominent and a female stigma hidden deeper within the flower. Each flower bears one or the other, and each plant has only one type.

Successful fertilisation only occurs between ‘pin’ and ‘thrum’ flowers with pin-to-pin and thrum-to-thrum pollination not working. This is one way nature ensures mixing the genes to ensure evolutionary success, adaptation, and survival.

Primroses thrive in suitable habitats which are moist, sheltered, and low in nutrients. In some cases, they will cover the ground of shady hedgerows, alongside streams, under shrubs, and in meadows, orchards, or open deciduous woods. They do well in ancient woods on lime-rich soils such as in the Dales. It is now generally illegal to pick the flowers or to uproot the plants, as used to be done in the past when they were taken for Victorian gardens or to sell ‘down the market’. Visitation by an early spring butterfly, the Brimstone, seems especially fitting.

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, blog ianswalkonthewildside, Twitter @IanThewildside 38 Don’t forget to mention Voice&Magazines when responding to the Ads

GARDENS

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