Voice Magazines - Clay Cross & Surrounding Villages - November 2023

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CLA Y PIL CROSS SLE Y, O , DANE LD S TUP MOO TON R, LO , PI LSL WER EY

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16 LANE TENPIN BOWLING CENTRE WITH A LICENSED BAR, SNACK BAR, AMERICAN POOL TABLES AND ARCADE GAMES AREA.

GLOW IN THE DARK BOWLING EVERY THURSDAY AND WEEKEND (SELECTED TIMES ONLY)

FREE AMPLE ON SITE CAR PARKING SITUATED JUST OUT OF THE TOWN CENTRE AUTOMATIC BUMPERS TO ALLOW ALL AGES AND ABILITIES TO PLAY

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CHER • VOUCHER CHER • VOUCHER • VOU

• VOUCHER • VOUCHER

• VOUCHER •

ONE HOUR BOWLING WORTH £30 for up to 8 people

visit ilability, only 1 voucher per These are subject to ava . www.chesterfieldbowl.com site web our to r refe and HALF TERM HOLIDAYS. EXCLUDES DERBYSHIRE er 2023 ns. USE BY 15th Decemb further terms & conditio For

A LEAGUE PROGRAMME AVAILABLE MOST EVENINGS FOR THOSE WHO TAKE IT A LITTLE MORE SERIOUSLY

A WIDE RANGE OF DRINKS, SNACKS AND FOOD AVAILABLE

FANTASTIC OFFERS EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK, ALL ON OUR WEBSITE! Storforth Ln, Chesterfield S40 2TU • Tel: 01246 550 092

Check out our Facebook Group

Read our Magazines online https://issuu.com/ambervalleymedia

From the Editor Howdi Readers, So, one of the fun things we get to do with the magazines and have done for a while is find out about the many National Days that we have in place.

This month, Laura has written about ‘British Pudding Day’ which fits in beautifully with the return of Noel, Prue, Blue Eyes Hollywood and now Hammond (Alison, not the Hamster for Top Gear!). I have to say, I’m fairly late to the ‘GBBO’ party, having only started watching it when it moved to Channel 4 but nothing symbolises winter better than ice-cream week during the summer heat wave (remember those heat waves and how we craved the cooler weather #carefulwhatyouwishfor!). I do wonder whether I’m drawn to that programme in particular because I have a bit of a sweet-tooth? It’s fair to say, I do lose interest a bit on bread week!

Anyways, I think everyone has their ‘go to’ winter TV programme don’t they? Whether it is ‘Dancing on Ice’, ‘Strictly’ or one of the talent shows but for me – Tuesday night is my guilty pleasure, vicariously eating all those wonderful, delicious calories through the screen!!

Whilst we’re talking about the swift move to winter, seeing as Autumn has been bypassed this year! And we’re into the year of the floods already. Some of our team have been hit and our heartfelt commiserations go out to everyone who has been affected.

Meanwhile, the man in the red suit is donning his boots as I type! It’s clearly Christmas!!! Well, not quite but it feels like it at Voice HQ as we have already been busily working on our Christmas editions for the last month or so. So, for us Christmas is already old (Santa’s) hat, but for the rest of you it’s last chance if you want to get something in the magazine in time for Christmas.

So if you have a fair, fayre, fete, festival, feast, fiesta, messages of good will to your customers or just a plain old party don’t forget to let us know.

Finally, for all those wondering, my much-feted finger is (I know it was the reason you picked up the magazine this month!), the good news is it’s just about healed (as much as it’s going to be!). So, I’m back, terrorising the pitches and courts of Hockey and Netball with renewed vigour! Well, at least for the first few games before my old bod gets a bit tired and achy and the deep heat/tiger balm and ibuprofen/paracetamol/ glucosamine ritual begins again – it’s not much fun getting older is it?

But like my dad says “it’s better than the alternative”!!!

Have a good month, Happy Reading.

x Emily

WITH 12 MAGAZINES COVERING NOTTINGHAMSHIRE & DERBYSHIRE, WHY NOT ADVERTISE IN ANOTHER AREA?

Upcoming Submission Deadline for Advertisers & Contributors: December ‘23 Edition - 10th November ‘23 • January ‘24 Edition - 8th December ’23

To advertise email: info@voicemagazines.co.uk or call us on 01773 549 035 Printed by Phase Printing Ltd and distributed to 5,000 homes in Clay Cross and surrounding villages. 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

COMMUNITY NOTICE

Toddler Group: Meets every Wednesday during term time between 10am -11:30am.

Craft, drinks and biscuits provided.

Explorers: Meets every Thursday evening during term time between 6pm -7:15pm.

Suitable for all primary aged children.

Who Let the Dads Out?: Meets on the last Saturday of each month at the Holmgate Community Centre from 10am -11:30am.

Come Along, Christmas!

All age service, with children taking part!

Sunday 17th December 2023, 10:30am.

Carols by Candlelight Refreshments and mince pies to follow.

Sunday 17th December 2023, 6:00pm.

Christmas Morning Come and celebrate the birth of Jesus!

Monday 25th December 2023, 10:30am.

Why not visit us at www.holmgatechurch.org

For Community Advertising Contact Danielle on 01773 549035 4NEWS

• EVENTS • UPDATES • LOCAL INTEREST

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

BRITISH PUDDING DAY 9TH NOVEMBER I didn’t know there was a day set aside in celebration of the British pudding…so naturally I had to investigate.

I also didn’t know about “National Roast Dinner Day” on November 4th – what have I been doing to not be aware of special days set aside to celebrate two things I enjoy immensely? And, as a note to whoever sets the dates for these days, why didn’t you have Roast Dinner day and Pudding day at the same time? I mean, who wants to wait four days for pudding after the roast beef and yorkies?

Shall we have a brief look at the loveliness that is the British pudding?

Top of my list has to be sticky toffee pudding. Who can resist the sweet, sticky unctuousness of a traditional STP? There has to be lashings of toffee sauce – thick and gooey, never runny – and a wellplaced scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts and blends with the fudgy deliciousness.

Steamed treacle sponge is another favourite. I like to add a tiny bit of lemon zest to my steamed sponge – trust me, it adds a bit of “je ne sais quoi”.

Smother your portion with custard – not crème anglaise – good old-fashioned custard (made with powder from a tin), and dive in. Heaven.

Veering off piste to cold puds, there are Sherry Trifles and Eton Messes to be consumed. I mean, what’s not to like about lashings of whipped cream accompanying fruit (and booze)?

OK, that’s enough of fridge puddings, it is November after all. What else is there in the lexicon of British puddings?

How about a good old-fashioned crumble? Apple, apple and blackberry, or my favourite, rhubarb.

One of the quickest and easiest puddings to make, the biggest decision is what to serve with it, pouring cream, ice cream, or custard. Such a hard life!

Delving into the realm of “nursery room puds”, aka as still served to Jacob Rees Mogg by his nanny (probably)! We have spotted dick, jam roly poly, and Eve’s pudding. I accepted I was working class when I realised jam roly poly did not mean a slice from a shop bought jam roll cake covered in Bird’s custard. Delicious certainly, but not as served to Little Lord Fauntleroy’s around the land!

I suppose rice pudding falls into the category of nursery room food but, done properly, it can be a thing of joy. Forget the stuff that comes in cans (nice though that is) and make your own. Easy peasy, especially in a slow cooker – add the ingredients, stir and leave it alone. Beloved of school dinner cooks, who can forget tapioca (frogspawn) and semolina? Now, oddly, I used to really enjoy tinned semolina; I think because it tasted of evaporated milk. The stuff served at school though…urgh…it was often so thick you could slice it!

If I’ve overlooked some of your personal favourites, I apologise, but I hope I’ve given you the excuse to get cooking up some puds!

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 advertise To please 01773 549 035 find outcall more visit www.word-witch.co.uk or contact Laura on 07736 351 341

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EATURE F T E E R T S H HIG CLAY CROSS PARISH COUNCIL ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT THE CLAY CROSS HIGH STREET can For further information of how you book Clay Cross Social Centre, on: contact the Parish Council office

01246 862 812 www.claycross.gov.uk

Crystal Upholstery UPHOLSTERY SPECIALISTS: Caravans, Motor Homes, Camper Vans, Boats & Soft Furnishings

07914 381 825

www.crystalupholstery.co.uk Unit 15, Midway Business Centre, Bridge Street, Clay Cross, S45 9NU

r High Street Welcome to ou cal area boasts feature! Your lo e e of remarkabl a treasure trov ay lid ho is businesses. Th d a difference an season, make nd Fi . ss ne si bu support local vor delightful sa , fts gi ue uniq rience the treats, and expe munity. m warmth of co tmas ris Make this Ch g your tin os special while bo irit. sp ’s neighborhood Beauty Treatments Hairdressing

Hairdressing Training CACI

MERRY CHRISTMAS

T: 01246 862 315

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39 Market Street, Clay Cross S45 9JE

01246 864 427 TOOL HIRE - Mixers, Compactor Plates, Breakers, Mowers, Rotavators, Drills, Ladders, Mini Excavators, Etc BUILDING AND LANDSCAPING MATERIALS Wood, Bricks, Blocks, Sand, Cement, Drainage, Patio Slabs, Etc

www.walkerhire.co.uk

3 Bridge Street, Clay Cross, S45 9NU

FREE SET UP and COVER LIFTER with any hot tub purchase with the advert (worth £55 0)

01773 875 081

CARPETS

RIGHT PRICE VINYL, RUGS & ROLL ENDS

NOW STOCKING BEDS Tel: 07976 320 250 87 High St, Clay Cross, Chesterfield S45 9DZ

Bluebells & Balloons Florists

We have a large selection of flowers, plants and gifts to suit any budget this Christmas

012 46 86 14 94 www.blue

bellsandballoons.co.uk

111 High Street, Clay Cross, S45 9DZ

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING ON YOUR LOCAL HIGH STREET

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HOLIDAY PROPERTY FOR RENT IN SPAIN Situated on the Costa Calida, close to the Mar Menor.

FULLY QUALIFIED & INSURED DOG GROOMER, SERVING CLAY CROSS & SURROUNDING AREAS. PUPPY PACKAGES • BATH & BLOW DRY • LUXURY WASH • FULL GROOM • INDIVIDUAL TREATMENTS

07988 310 635

info@nataliesdogsalon.co.uk

To advertise please call 01773 549 035

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

l a n o i s s e f Pro Services

Overlooking Saurines Golf Course and close to many more.

In easy reach of local towns and major cities.

The apartment is serviced

by Alicante Airport, to the North and Murcia Airport a few minutes away.

The apartment comprises of 2 x twin bedrooms, 1 x bathroom, with kitchen/ diner and large terrace.

Facilities on-site include, Pro Shop, Bar, Restaurant and local Spar.

The apartment has central air conditioning.

A communal pool is situated only meters away.

CONTACT LIAM FOR MORE INFORMATION: 07485 616 246 • liamb2051@gmail.com

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Call us for a free, no-obligation property valuation from a local expert.

Has your property gone up in price?

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* If you are under contract with another agent you may still be liable to pay their fee.

Homes

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

UPDATE:

CLAY CROSS PARISH COUNCIL

CLAY CROSS ACTIVE LEISURE CENTRE GETS BACKING FROM SPORT ENGLAND Clay Cross Active Leisure Centre, has recently received £1.9M in funding from Sport England as part of the development of the new Centre.

The £1.9M funding will go towards delivering the project, which will replace Sharley Park Leisure Centre and will boast: • 6 Lane x 25M Pool (with spectator seating) • Teaching Pool • 4 x Badminton Court Sports Hall • 100 Station Fitness Suite • 2 Studios (1 group exercising, 1 group cycling) • 1 Treatment Room • Soft Play & TAG Active • Multi-purpose room • Full size, floodlit 3G pitch • Citizens Advice Andy James, Lee Hickin, Cllr Kathy Rouse, Cllr Nigel Barker, Chris Mills, Lisa Dodd-Mayne and Matt Broughton on the Clay Cross Active construction site

• Clinic Facilities • Café

• Wellness Suite to cater for people of all fitness levels, those less mobile, suffering from illness or undergoing post-operative rehabilitation.

The facility is set to open in the winter of 2024 (timings estimated at this stage) and is part of the wider Clay Cross Town Deal regeneration and developments which will transform the town.

Clay Cross Parish Councillor Kathy Rouse, who is also North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Health & Leisure said, “we are genuinely delighted to have Sport England on board as a partner and are grateful for their funding contribution to help deliver this fantastic project. You can see the progress being made on site and I can’t wait for Clay Cross Active to open”.

If you want to keep track of progress or see information about what’s included in the facility visit www.claycrossactive.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AT CLAY CROSS SOCIAL CENTRE Clay Cross Parish Council PresentS …

Tickets are on SALE NOW for our

FEATURING TOP FEMALE VOCALIST

Blue Savannah

PLUS BINGO AND RAFFLE!

TICKETS JUST £5 EACH INCLUDING HOT FOOD SUPPER!

16 SATURDAY

AT CLAY CROSS SOCIAL CENTRE, MARKET STEET, CLAY CROSS DOORS/BAR OPEN FROM 7PM BLUE ON STAGE FROM 8PM

DEC 2023

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM:

CLAY CROSS PARISH COUNCIL OFFICE CLAY CROSS SOCIAL CENTRE, MARKET STREET, CLAY CROSS S45 9JE

TEL: 01246 862812 FIND US ON FACEBOOK! CLAY CROSS SOCIAL CENTRE!

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…

NEW YEARS EVE DANNY & DISCO

Christmas Party Night on Saturday, 16 December 2023 and our New Years Eve Danny & Disco on Sunday, 31 December 2023

31 SUNDAY

AT CLAY CROSS SOCIAL CENTRE, MARKET STEET, CLAY CROSS DOORS/BAR OPEN FROM 7PM ENTERTAINMENT STARTS AT 8PM

DEC 2023

Get your tickets from the Clay Cross Parish Council Office, Clay Cross Social Centre, Market Street, Clay Cross S45 9JE

TICKETS ARE A BARGIN AT JUST £3 EACH! CHILDREN UPTO 12 YEARS FREE! - BRING YOUR OWN BUFFET – - FANCY DRESS OPTIONAL – (PRIZES FOR BEST DRESSED ADULT & CHILD)

GET YOUR TICKETS EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT! TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM:

CLAY CROSS PARISH COUNCIL OFFICE CLAY CROSS SOCIAL CENTRE, MARKET STREET, CLAY CROSS S45 9JE

TEL: 01246 862812 FIND US ON FACEBOOK! CLAY CROSS SOCIAL CENTRE!

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FOOD & RETAIL

WOMEN’S ROYAL AIR FORCE (WRAF) 1918 – 1920 By 1920 over 50 trades were open to women including tailoring, Female fitter working on the Liberty engine of a De Havilland D.H.9A photography, catering, pigeon keeping and driving. The work of these women released men for combat and proved that women could equal men in the workplace.

During the First World War, members of the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) and the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) worked on air stations belonging to the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). WRNS and WRAFs at Warsash Air Station, 1918 when the decision was taken to merge the RFC and RNAS to form the Royal Air Force (RAF), concerns were raised about the loss of their specialised female workforce. This need for a separate women’s air service led to the formation of the WRAF on 1 April 1918.

Personnel of the WAAC and WRNS were given the choice of transferring to the new service and over 9,000 decided to join. Member Alexandra Moxey, circa 1918 Civilian enrolment swelled WRAF numbers. They were dispatched to RAF bases, initially in Britain and then later in 1919 to France and Germany.

In April 1920, the WRAF, a wartime force, was disbanded.

In only two years, 32,000 WRAFs had proved a major asset to the WRAF Motor Transport drivers hosing down a tender, Gullane, 1919 RAF and paved the way for all future air service women.

The work of the WRAF was divided into four basic trades: Clerks and Store women, Household, Technical and NonTechnical. Initially little training was given with wages based on existing experience and skills.

The majority of women were employed as clerks, Members of the Household Section at work in the WRAF hostel kitchen, RAF Turnhouse, April 1919, with shorthand typists the most highly paid of all airwomen. Women allocated to the Household section worked the longest hours, doing back breaking work for the lowest pay.

The Technical section covered a wide range of trades, most highly skilled, including tinsmiths, fitters and welders.

The minimum age for joining the WRAF was 18 and the selection process complex. Stringent health checks often excluded many poor candidates from polluted cities.

Those from educated, upper class families were enrolled as officers, whilst the majority were known as ‘Members’ and became the backbone of the service.

WRAFs fell into two categories.’Immobiles’ lived at home and were attached to their local station. ‘Mobiles’ lived in quarters on or near their workplace and could be transferred elsewhere if required.

Behaviour was strictly monitored with the WRAF constitution and rules laid-out in an official booklet. The published Standing Orders included a ban on smoking on duty and in the street, as well as uniform requirements and the procedure for complaints. The high standards achieved by the WRAF led them to being viewed as the most professional and disciplined of all the women’s services.

On 24 March 1919, the first group of WRAFs arrived in France to begin their overseas service. Later in the year a decision was made to send a contingent to Germany.

Their purpose was to assist the army of occupation and to replace men demobilised from the forces. Based in Cologne, they were employed as domestics, clerks, telephonists, nurses and drivers and became known as the ‘Ladies of the Rhine’. Dedicated and diligent, they also helped raise RAF morale by staging sports days and dances.

When the order came to finally close down the WRAF contingent on the Rhine in August 1919, RAF sections, unwilling to lose their airwomen delayed the disbandment until the last possible moment. Once again WRAFs had shown themselves to be an invaluable asset to the RAF.

Please get in touch if you have additional information about the early RNAS (Royal Naval Air Service), RFC (Royal Flying Corps) or early RAF (Royal Air Force)

To advertise please call 01773on 549 035 646 742 • E: eastpeakcic@gmail.com 11 Contact Richard Godley 07854

COMMUNITY NOTICE

News & Events 01246 250 599

Pilsley Road, Danesmoor, S45 9BU

www.stbarnabascentre.co.uk

If you are a community group who is looking for a home, email events@stbarnabascentre.co.uk

VISIT our n ew websit e!

Book your next party at the Centre, get in touch today

Children’s Party Packages from £89

Evening Functions from £160

St. Barnabas is the ideal venue for your next celebration!

Our Centre offers high quality spaces and equipment, friendly customer service, fantastic catering and great value packages. Take a look and get in touch - we look forward to helping you bring your next party or function to life.

For Community Advertising Contact Danielle on 01773 549035 12 NEWS

Don’t forget to •mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads • EVENTS UPDATES • LOCAL INTEREST

FOOD & RETAIL

01246 559331 Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 10am - 4pm Saturday: 10am - 3pm

Wheelchair & Electric Scooter Hire & Service

Daily hire, short & long term hire 30 POINT SERVICE including: Battery, Charging Points, Tyres, Lights & much more, helping you stay safe.

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Ask about our scooter and equipment repairs and maintenance service.

Safety checks and driving test available

To advertise please call 01773 549 035

Chesterfield Shop Mobility Ltd Ground Floor, Multi-Storey Car Park, New Beetwell Street, Chesterfield, S40 1QR.

Company No: 07106728 Registered Charity No: 1136369 13

FOOD & RETAIL

Slimming World Recipe Chicken Curry Noodles Method:

Partial to a pot of instant noodles?

Then grab your fork, because there’s no such thing as a guilty pleasure at Slimming World – especially when you can create this Free version, taken from the Air Fryers and Friends cookbook!

1. Break up the noodle 2. Add the peppers, garlic, nests so they fit into a curry powder, turmeric, 2.5-litre microwaveable stock, peas, sweetcorn and chicken to the bowl or container. Cover with boiling water and noodles and stir well. microwave on high for 3 Cover and cook on high for 6 minutes. Stir again, minutes or until almost scatter over the spring tender. Drain and put the noodles back in the onions, season to taste same bowl or container. and serve.

Ingredients: • 2 dried egg noodle • 200ml hot chicken nests

• 100g frozen peas peppers, deseeded • 100g canned and finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

To cook this on the hob: Spray a non-stick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and cook the peppers, garlic and spices over a low heat for 2 minutes. Add the stock, peas, corn and chicken and cook for 10 minutes over a medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook the noodles separately, drain and stir them through.

For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk

stock

• 2 large red

• 2 heaped tsp

medium curry powder* • ½ tsp ground turmeric

Serves: 2 Ready in: 20 mins

sweetcorn kernels, drained • 2 cooked skinless and boneless chicken breasts, shredded • Sliced spring onions, to serve

Syns per serving: FREE

WILLOW TREE CAFÉ / BISTRO

OPEN TUESDAYS THROUGH TO SUNDAYS FROM 9AM

CHRISTMAS FAYRE MENU AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT DECEMBER

Breakfasts Brunch + Light Lunches Hot Drinks & Cakes Menu Afternoon Teas Bistro Evening Menu PLEASE Sunday Lunches GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE CHRISTMAS Doggy menu INFORMATION inc. Puppuccino any treats & much more

WALK-INS WELCOME / DOGS WELCOME Hilcote Ln, Hilcote, Blackwell, Alfreton DE55 5HR

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T: 01773 811 248 www.willowtreebistro.co.uk info@willowtreebistro.co.uk

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FOOD & RETAIL

Direct Factory Blinds Ltd

Bespoke blinds, curtains and shutters Free temporary vertical blinds with any shutter order X3 Verticals fitted from £90 X3 Rollers fitted from £120 (Size and fabric restrictions apply)

Services We Offer

Blinds • Shutters • Curtains • Trade Direct Factory Blinds is the name you can rely on for made-to-measure

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YOUR SPECIALIST BED COMPANY BEDS • HEADBOARDS BEDROOM FURNITURE 43 KNIFESMITHGATE, CHESTERFIELD, S40 1RL

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Read our reviews on Yell

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CELEBRATING

YEARS OF SERVICE

4 MARKET STREET, STAVELEY

01246 471 344

COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS

DO OR PIC TO D K U OO P! R

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Sinah Warren Hotel Mon 29th Jan - Fri 2nd Feb Local Pick 5 Days • £325 Up Points

MORECAMBE MISTLETOE & WINE Auckland Hotel Mon 11th - Fri 15th Dec 5 Days • £299

LYTHAM ST ANNES Inn on the Prom Mon 22nd - Fri 26th Jan 5 Days • £275

EASTBOURNE

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Haddon Hall Hotel

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LYTHAM ST ANNES - MOTHERS DAY Inn on the Prom Sun 10th - Mon 11th March Local Pick 2 Days • £130 Up Points

FOR A 2023 BROCHURE OR TO BOOK: PHONE: 01773 590 808 01246 604 764 or 07483 357 958 Go online WWW.CLAIRSCOACHES.CO.UK

NEW BOOKING OFFICE: Parkvilla,124 Market Street, Clay Cross, Derbyshire S45 9LY

To advertise please call 01773 549 035

FEBRUARY

Local Pick Up Points

MARCH

Local Pick Up Points

Burlington Hotel - Sandown Mon 12th - Fri 16th Feb Mon 19th - Fri 23rd Feb 5 Days (HB) • £215 (£1.50 Bar)

Channel View Hotel, Shanklin Mon 4th - Fri 8th Mar 5 Days • £260

MOBILE BOOKING OFFICE LOCATIONS

2nd Tuesday of each month 9am - 1pm | South Normanton Market Place 2nd Thursday of each month 9.30am - 12.30pm | Bolsover Market 2nd Friday of each month 9am - 1pm | Ripley Market Place

3rd Tuesday of each month 9am - 12noon | Blackwell Community Centre 3rd Thursday of each month 9am - 1pm | Alfreton Severn Square Car Park (Outside B&M) 3rd Friday of each month 9am - 1pm | Sutton-in-Ashfield, Portland Square

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FOOD & RETAIL

THE LITTLE RED HEN HOUSE NORTHUMBERLAND STUNNING HOLIDAY COTTAGE IN WARKWORTH, NORTHUMBERLAND Treat yourself to a luxury break at the 4* Gold Award winning Little Red Hen House. An elegant and cosy holiday home just a 7 minute drive from award-winning and dog-friendly Warkworth beach.

*SALE* PRICES REDUCED ON 2023 BOOKINGS! *SALE*

✽ 2 spacious en-suite bedrooms ✽ A fully enclosed garden ✽ 2 small to medium dogs welcome

(3 upon request)

✽ Fully equipped kitchen, including an

American style fridge freezer

✽ Perfect for exploring the stunning

Northumbrian Heritage Coastline

✽ Close to a range of dog friendly pubs,

cafes and restaurants in stunning Warkworth

✽ We have fast fibre Wi-Fi and smart TV’s

Search ‘The Little Red Hen House’ at:

Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads www.coquetcottages.co.uk

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COMMUNITY FOOD &NOTICE RETAIL

Contact Sarah 0115 849 2386

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FOOD & RETAIL

BOOK REVIEW

SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE - CLAIRE KEEGAN

The true story of the Magdalene laundries is not new. Each one a convent, a training school and a laundry where young women lived and worked.

They were unmarried girls, the subject of much gossip, hidden away after giving birth.

It’s estimated that 30,000 Irish women were treated to this form of “training” and servitude between the 18th and 20th centuries, in a fiercely Catholic Ireland. The fate of many of their babies has never been known.

In Claire Keegan’s beautifully written short novel Small Things Like These, coal and timber merchant Bill Furlong lives a simple

compassionate life of hard work providing for his wife and five daughters. He delivers coal to one of the laundries and during one of these deliveries a young girl asks him to drive her to the river where she intends to drown herself. He doesn’t, but the experience starts a train of events which explores how communities across Ireland dealt with what they knew about the laundries.

It’s a nuanced story, no unnecessary words but plenty of human frailty and it doesn’t give pat answers – just the idea that this is the way it was.

It may be short but it packs in a powerful tale and is long enough to say what needs to be said.

FOR ALL YOUR JOBS AND SERVICES – USE A TRUSTED TRADER Thousands of Derbyshire residents have found honest, reliable traders and services in their area, thanks to Derbyshire County Council’s Trusted Trader scheme.

From plumbers, electricians, gardeners, joiners and decorators to electric vehicle charger installers, accountants, dog walkers, removal firms and will writers – it’s easy to find a registered Trusted Trader to get your job done. And they’re all checked by trading standards.

Visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/tt or Call Derbyshire on 01629 533190.

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19

PET SERVICES

s ’ e k a l F s e t i r u o Fav

Re-walking Rafa’s Rambles

Flake continues his forays into the local countryside.

Re-walking some of Rafa’s best loved rambles. As you can see he has been working on posing for the photo’s.

This month’s walk we return to the Maun Valley Trail which runs alongside the river Maun. So, if your furry friend likes a swim then prepare for a soggy doggy! A couple of miles into the walk the trial takes you past some fishing ponds so please make sure your dog doesn’t disturb the fishermen.

After this the route diverts up a lane towards Clipstone and then around the edge of Forest Town providing some fantastic views before taking you back to the beginning along convenient lanes and byways.

7-MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM MAUN VALLEY PARK

A mid-distance walk which should take you and your dog around 3 hours to complete. The walk is mostly on trails and paths but there are a few short stretches of road so please take care. Even with the improving weather there may be some uneven and muddy terrain, so please wear appropriate footwear and as always, please follow the countryside code!

START: MAUN VALLEY PARK, OLD MILL LANE, MANSFIELD WOODHOUSE. NOTTS. NEAR TO: NG19 9AL 1. Pass through a metal swing gate that is opposite the car park entrance and then continue straight ahead on a well laid path. After some distance cross over stone bridge and then immediately after at a fork in the path take the right fork.

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2. After a short distance at a T junction of paths turn right and continue straight ahead until reaching a metal swing gate. Pass through the gate, cross over a road and then carry on ahead to take the wider, right fork, signposted as a public bridleway.

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4. Continue ahead for some distance. Pass a pond on your left, and then after some distance cross straight over a crossroads of footpaths. Pass over another crossroads of footpaths with a yellow marker post on your right.

5. After the path narrows, with trees on your left and a hedge on your right, continue ahead for quite some distance until reaching a T-junction with a lane. At the T-junction turn right going downhill.

Pass through a gap adjacent to a metal gate.

Continue to the bottom of the hill and follow the lane around to the left to keep a pond on your left and a river on your right.

6. Continue for some distance to pass by a breezeblock built pump house on your left and then continue with the river on your right. After some distance pass a yellow marker post and a concrete bridge on your right and continue with a river on your right.

PET SERVICES

3. Continue for a short distance and pass through a gap adjacent to a metal gate. After some distance ignore a lane/path to your left and then further on, ignore a lane bearing to the right and downhill.

13. Continue along the edge of the field going downhill. At the bottom of the hill pass a yellow marker post on your right and then, ignoring the path and swing gate straight ahead, turn left to continue along the edge of the same field, going uphill with a hedge on your right.

14. At the top of the hill, continue straight ahead out of the field and onto a lane. Continue straight ahead along the lane for quite some distance until reaching a main road. Turn right along the main road for a short distance and then turn left onto a signposted byway.

15. Continue along the byway going uphill for some distance and then continue down the other side until reaching a main road. Turn right along the main road and continue for some distance until reaching the car park and starting point of your walk on your right.

7. Continue until reaching a T junction of lanes with a yellow marker post on your right. Turn right to pass over a river bridge and along the lane going uphill. After some distance at a fork in the lane take the right fork passing a yellow marker post on your left and continue uphill.

8. At the top of the hill bear around to the right passing a yellow marker post on your left. After a short distance bear to the right again passing another yellow marker post on your left.

9. Continue straight ahead for some distance and then pass a yellow marker post and a lane on your right. After further distance pass a yellow marker post on your right and a footpath on your left. Continue to pass a lane on your right and a little further on a signed footpath on your left.

10. After a short distance pass through a gap adjacent to a metal gate and then continue straight ahead along the lane. Eventually the lane turns into a road. Continue along the road for some distance until reaching a T junction with a main road.

11. At the T junction turn right and then turn immediately right again along another main road going downhill. Continue along the road for some distance and then turn right onto a signposted public footpath to cross an open field going downhill.

12. At the bottom of the hill, standing in the middle of the open field, ignore the path straight ahead and bear left to go uphill. At the top of the hill pass through a gap adjacent to a metal gate and now cross a field with a hedge on your right.

To advertise please call 01773 549 035

This walk is for illustrative purposes only. Voice Magazines Ltd 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.

Maun Valley Park MansfIe Woodho ld use ne

o st

Forest Town

Riv Ma er un

ip

Cl

21

COMMUNITY NOTICE

Midland association for aMputees and friends Charity Number: 700058

We aim to help amputees, their families and friends to adjust to the loss of limbs. We aim to help our members to meet up and support each other and also to provide social and educational activities.

THE SERVICES WE OFFER: • We work in partnership to promote independence • Support service – supporting people • Promoting independence, confidentiality, rights, equal opportunities • Review services • Liaise with family, other agencies, older people, young people, people with a disability • Improve quality of life • Provide opportunities for involvement and access to activities • newsletters • monthly meetings

Come and join our monthly meetings: 28th Nov - 6pm - 9pm Meetings held at - Derbyshire Fire & Rescue North Area Office, Braidwood Way, Chesterfield. S40 2WH.

www.midlandsamputees.org.uk

Email: maaf234@gmail.com • 01773 872 922 For Community Advertising Contact Danielle on 01773 549035 22 NEWS

forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads • Don’t EVENTS • UPDATES • LOCAL INTEREST

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REMEMBRANCE DAY DO WE REALLY REMEMBER?

The horrors of World War I ended “at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month” of 1918, with the signing of the armistice of Compiègne in a railway carriage. The First World War didn’t officially end until the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on 28 June 1919.

Today we remember the dead of that war, and the countless other wars that have followed the so called “war to end all wars” on the Sunday in November falling nearest to the 11th. This year Remembrance Sunday takes place on 12th November.

A two-minute silence is observed on the 11th of November (whichever day it falls), and also on Remembrance Sunday itself.

The tradition of Remembrance Day evolved out of Armistice Day, the first of which was observed at Buckingham Palace, with King George V hosting a “Banquet in Honour of the President of the French Republic” during the evening hours of 10 November 1919. The first official Armistice Day was subsequently held on the grounds of Buckingham Palace the following morning.

It isn’t only here in the UK that this special day is marked; around the globe commonwealth countries from Canada in the north, to Australia and New Zealand in the southern hemisphere, people gather to mourn the dead and give thanks for the services the armed forces have provided.

the armistice was signed. I have also visited the site of the Battle of the Somme. Both are eerie places where I could swear the echoes of the dead, and mutilated still linger, and if I’m honest, I couldn’t wait to leave the area.

Visiting those places, and reading the history of the Great War, leaves me with a deep sadness, almost a despair, that today, 115 years later, there are still wars raging around the planet. A quick internet search revealed a web page which asserts there are 32 ongoing conflicts in the world right now, ranging from drug wars, terrorist insurgencies, ethnic conflicts, and civil wars.

32 conflicts!

These include the war in the Ukraine, and numerous conflicts on the African continent.

The question I ask myself, and perhaps the question we should all ask our governments, is WHY. Why are battles being fought? Why are soldiers, and innocent civilians, still being killed in the name of national this, that, or the other? Have we learned nothing at all from the past?

Several none commonwealth countries such as France, Belgium, and Serbia have their own version of Remembrance Day on 11 November, and in the US they hold Veterans Day on the same date.

It sickens me that in the 21st century, humans are still killing one another in the name of power and money. Not the power and wealth of the individual citizen, but that of the ruling class in whichever country conflict arises.

I’ve been to the woods at Compiègne, where there is a replica of the carriage in which

Will we ever change?

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 advertise please call 01773 549 035 To find out more visit www.word-witch.co.uk or contact Laura on 07736 351 341

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All Around the Shire MEMORIES OF A SIMPLER TIME

GREEN SHIELD STAMPS stamps: Fine Fares were pink.

A strong memory I have from my childhood is sticking the green shield stamps we obtained from our shopping into the little orange books provided. 40 stamps on each page. I remember the gum getting on my fingers and face.

But then there was the excitement of choosing which item to send away for. In our house, it was usually glass tumblers or cutlery. However, if you had a spare 81 and a half books, a twin tub washing machine could be yours!

The stamps were introduced into the UK in 1958 from America and were given to shoppers by retailers who participated in the scheme to encourage shoppers to spend money in their filling station, supermarket, or corner shop. The first loyalty scheme in this country had been the Co-op Dividend. Can you remember your or your mum’s divvi number?

Green shield stamps were the first scheme involving stamps. Seeing its success, other retailers followed suit using different coloured

28

Larger stamps were also introduced, for example a stamp worth 40 small stamps.

After a period when customers were allowed to use a mixture of cash and stamps to purchase catalogue goods, the company eventually became Argos stores in 1973 and cash only was required.

I came across a woman during one of our reminiscence sessions who told me that she still uses a casserole dish her mother bought using stamps. Do you have any green shield memories or items you still use from its catalogue?

Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire.

Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information.

Janet

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Pitcherwits

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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.

Across 7 Spoil the force, and regretting it! (5) 11 Literati, biassed about bone (5) 13 Maintain a new section that’s mindless (5) 16 A pint construed as unsuitable! (5)

Down 2 Bit of normality in front of Baba (3) 4 Able to be changed first, brother (4) 10 Stew veg. kept in barn’s crook rafter (4) 12 Well rounded dance event? (4) 15 Work on soup recipe (4) 17 All Blacks’ vests beginning to show tipple strength (1,1,1)

Across

Down

1

Scan a cabal suspiciously in Morocco (10)

3

For Monsieur? This is so cheesy! (2,6)

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Stock market to sail again? (7)

5

Respites, of a sort, for batsmen at tea (10)

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It’s drawn out when trod on carpet pattern (10)

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Social groups unfortunately in a misfile (8)

14 Military person said to be a bit of a nut? (7)

18 Visa issued is strangely unconvincing (10)

ANSWERS FOR LAST MONTHS PITHERWITS Across: 1 Giant Hyssop, 5 Nylon, 7 Arson, 9 Why is it, 11 Ear, 12 Tax, 13 Illegal, 16 Overt, 17 Forge, 18 Exasperates.

Down: 1 Gentle slope, 2 Tinny, 3 Yeats, 4 Pony Express, 6 Low rise, 8 Settler, 10 Ice, 14 Let-up, 15 Go for.

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

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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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GARDENS

Gardener’s Calendar

This is a great time for taking stock – what has worked?

Have your salvias flourished in that slightly shaded corner of the garden, has the abundant rain proved too much for your salad leaves which have been continually eaten by slugs? How can you work out a way to stop that happening again?

Keeping a diary of these thoughts can be invaluable next season so you can adjust your plans. You might imagine you’ll remember the changes you want to make; but an aide memoire doesn’t harm.

If you haven’t used all your spring bulbs, or maybe haven’t got round to starting to plant them with the amount of rain and then warm weather we’ve been having, don’t despair. Most bulbs will survive fine so long as you get them in before the ground is really frosted. And if you have any spares you can always make a container bulb lasagne – (garden not oven!) and to be honest the more variety you can get into the container the better as they’ll probably flower at different times and you get a constant show of colour.

Top Tip:

The general rule for bulbs is plant at a depth three times their height. Tulips like to be deep so they go bottom then daffs and narcissus then dwarf iris, snowdrops and crocus and if you have any, add ranunculus or fritillaries. It’s always worth experimenting. A layer of compost of soil goes between each layer topped with compost and grit to stop the rodents or birds digging up what you’ve just planted!

Raise containers off patio level so they don’t get waterlogged and frosted.

Terracotta pots if you have them are vulnerable to frost cracking and they are expensive to keep replacing.

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YOU CAN ALSO VISIT OUR SHOP FOR: • A range of small bags of kiln dried logs • Kindling • Woodwool Firelighters • BBQ Charcoal • Smokeless Ovals • Log Baskets • Stove accessories • Derbyshire made candles and lanterns, and other unique products

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NATURE NOTES FROM THE PEAK DISTRICT

OWLS ACROSS THE PEAK I think the most exciting of our owls is the ghostly barn owl or ‘screech owl’ so named because of how they hiss, yap, and snore. In summer they will often hunt well before nightfall along riversides, field edges and the like. Once almost extinct in the Peak this species has recovered thanks to conservation action by wildlife groups and importantly by individuals too. Nationally we now have around 5,000 breeding pairs and up to 25,000 birds overwintering. I know quite a few people who have put barn owl boxes in old trees, in large out-buildings, and even in their garages. Since the 1990s, these actions have been hugely successful in bringing this bird back from the brink and it is now doing really well.

In Derbyshire alone, there are now over 150 breeding pairs of these gorgeous birds. It really is marvellous to once again have the almost spectral apparition of nearwhite barn owls gracing farmland, moorland edge, and around our Peak District villages.

BARN OWL

Our most familiar and common owl is the tawny which is seen wherever there are trees such as in parks, gardens, woods etc. They also hunt over the Peak District moorlands where they scour the evening landscape for small mammals. In car headlights they can appear very pale and may cause confusion with barn owls but they are much larger. In fact there are five main species of owls which you might see or hear across the Peak District. These are the familiar little owl, tawny owl, and barn owl, and the less obvious short-eared owls and long-eared owls. These latter two are more localised as breeding birds and also as winter visitors. Their numbers fluctuate dramatically from year to year because they follow peaks and

troughs in small mammal populations. Short-tailed voles are one of their main prey items and have ‘boom – bust’ populations with large numbers crashing to very few and when this happens, the owls move out to pastures new.

Of the more noticeable species, the little owl is an exotic (or non-native) bird and long-known to countrymen as the ‘Frenchie’; introduced to England from France in the early 1900s. You can look out for them on telegraph poles, near tumble-down buildings, and around rocky areas on the moorland edge.

However, being tiny, they are easy to miss. The first time I saw one was on the Peak’s moorland fringe west of Sheffield near Bradfield. I spotted this whilst chatting to an elderly ‘countryman’ (complete with deerstalker hat). He was the one that introduced me to the name ‘Frenchie’. Little owls are busy little birds which, feeding on large insects, small mammals, and the like are ever active. Introduced in the late 1800s by ‘acclimatization societies’ of enthusiasts for releasing exotic species into the countryside ‘Frenchies’ were not always popular with farmers and landowners. They worried about possible impacts on baby game-birds.

However, in the 1930s, there was a national enquiry established by gamekeepers, the shooting fraternity, and ornithologists. This showed the owls to be innocent of the charges and today we just enjoy them as a delightful addition to local avifauna. There is one other species I have heard of in the Peak and this was undoubtedly an escapee from a collection and which was reported to me by a local farmer, an eagle owl.

Sadly this flew into an overhead cable and ended its time in a local taxidermist’s!

LITTLE OWL

EAGLE OWL TAWNY OWL

Professor Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer, broadcaster on wildlife and environmental issues in the Peak District and elsewhere, is contactable on ianonthewildside@ukeconet.org. Follow his website 36 www.ukeconet.org, Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads blog www.ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com, & Twitter @IanThewildside

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GARDENS

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01773 767 612

by upgrading your air compressor

The MPC Services team are here to help make sure that your sewage system is working well, properly maintained, up to date with the latest compliance regulations, working quietly and energy efficient. *Energy saving based on simply changing your traditional 85W air blower for a modern efficient FujiMAC 47W Japanese one, with electricity at 55p/kWh, for no loss of performance. Additional efficiency savings are typically possible.

Ask us about: ✓ Annual maintenance, call-outs or repairs ✓ Tank emptying ✓ Any bad smells, noises or other sewage issues ✓ Property transactions & compliance

MPC Services (UK) Ltd

1 Heanor Gate Rd, Derbyshire, DE75 7RJ

enquiries@mpcservices.co.uk www.mpcservices.co.uk

Company Reg No. 0608117

SUDOKU #40

Fill in all the numbers!

This is a sudoku 1 square grid 81 cells 9 3x3 blocks 1 simple rule: Use all the numbers 1-9, with no duplicates allowed, in any row, column, or block.

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

38

! 8

7 1 3 6 3 2 4 3 8 7 9 1 6 2 9 4 8 5 5 4 2 4 1 3 2 9 8 9 5 3

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GET ALL WEATHER READY MEINDL MERAN GTX Men’s hill walking boot

MEINDL MERAN GTX Women’s hill walking boot

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E: shop@rockfall.com

MON-FRI 08:00-16:30 SAT 08:00-14:00

GARDENS

40

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