Voice Magazines - Alfreton & Villages Edition - Dec 2023

12 EDITIONS READ BY OVER 162,000 RESIDENTS

DEC ‘23 KEV JO HN T H E DE LIVE RE

THE VOICE TEAM ure have all had a pict e th ng taken whilst enjoyi to d te an w festivities and wish you all a very AS! MERRY CHRISTeM Read mor on page 3

ALFRETON, TIBSHELF, SOUTH WINGFIELD, SHIRLAND, CRICH, STONEBROOM, HIGHAM, WESSINGTON & WESTHOUSES

R

TACKLE EVERY TERRAIN THIS WINTER FUSE LOWLAND TREKKING BOOT Men’s all terrain walking boot

A WORLD TO DISCOVER THE MIDLANDS LARGEST STOCKIST OF HIKING FOOTWEAR FACTORY SHOP Rock Fall UK, Wimsey Way Tr. Est, Somercotes DE55 4LS T: 01773 600078

E: shop@rockfall.com

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

Check out our Facebook Group

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

From the Editor Hi Readers, In the words of the immortal Mr Lennon – “So, this is Christmas and what have you done? Another year over and a new one just begun”.

I cast my mind back to the start of this year and as is the case with everyone I suppose, it is littered with ups and downs. I guess the aim of this ‘game of life’ is to try and have more ups than downs and that each time a down packs a punch, we either learn something or come back stronger. If only it was as simple as a Rocky movie for that to be the case! A punch that Liam and myself felt deeply this year was the loss of our good friend Kevin at Seals. Kev and his family have run Seals for more years than I’ve been around but I always remember visiting that small, family run business when I first started up and he greeted me with a new name – Amber (for those who remember the early incarnation of Voice) which has stuck for well over a decade now!! They didn’t need to but they have sponsored Rafa’s dog walk since virtually day one and that early kindness and continuing support from one local business to another can never be repaid. As an incredibly humble man in life, I have no doubt that Kev would have been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people that attended his funeral – not least because, what were we all doing there when we should have been at work!! I think I’d be extremely proud of my legacy if I achieve half of what he has, including his strong family who continue in his footsteps.

Each Christmas, here at Voice, we always like to bring our avatar characters back out for the yearly Christmas Front Covers. Lisa works hard on them from around July onwards (which is a little strange but that’s print deadlines for you!) to bring something a little different. This year, I tasked her with ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ type theme – so a mash-up between the real world and the cartoon world for those that are old enough to remember! Needless to say, it’s given us a right laugh and is always the highlight of the year – and remember, we all chose our avatars based on our favourite cartoon characters/influences and it always seems to fit our personalities! Have a look for yourself, we’ve laid them all out below and we hope they make you smile when they land on your doorstep this month. After all, before we get into the flap, panic, expense and craziness of this festive period, it is important to remember that as far as we know, we only get one go around, so there really is no point in taking yourself too seriously!

Let’s leave 2023 with the words of Dolly – “If you see someone without a smile, give ‘em yours!”

Merry Christmas from us all at Voice Magazines.

x Emily

WITH 12 MAGAZINES COVERING NOTTINGHAMSHIRE & DERBYSHIRE, WHY NOT ADVERTISE IN ANOTHER AREA? Upcoming Submission Deadline for Advertisers & Contributors: January ‘24 Edition - 8th December ’23 • February ‘24 Edition - 12th January ‘24

To advertise email: info@voicemagazines.co.uk or call us on 01773 549 035 Printed by CPUK Ltd and distributed to 6,600 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

COMMUNITY NOTICE OTHER SERVICES

JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY 1:30pm-2:30pm AT THE ALFRETON CHRISTIAN CENTRE HALL STREET, DE55 7BT

EVERY WEEK, ALL ARE WELCOME! Singing is fun and good for your health.

Why not join us for a great time and get to meet new people. Those with any mental health challenges including memory loss are encouraged to come and enjoy. You don't have to be good at something for it to be good for you.

Give it a go!

Refreshments Provided Voluntary £3pp Carers required to stay

www.thesingingcafe.co.uk 07875378628 thesingingcafe@outlook.com

Charity no: 1119209 Without Walls/New Life Church Martyn - 07526614569

For Community Advertising Contact Danielle on 01773 549035 4 NEWS

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COMMUNITY NOTICE

CLAY CROSS SOCIAL CENTRE MARKET STREET, CLAY CROSS IS THE IDEAL VENUE FOR:

Wedding Receptions • Small or Large Parties Community Events • Public Meetings • Much More...

Find us on Facebook

WE ARE NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR 2024

BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!

For further information contact the Clay Cross Parish Council Office on:

01246 862 812 www.claycross.gov.uk

or email on community@voicemagazines.co.uk

NEWS • EVENTS • UPDATES • LOCAL INTEREST

LTD

CHRISTMAS FEATURE Welcome to our High Street feature!

Your local area boasts a treasure trove of remarkable businesses. This holiday season, make a difference and support local business.

Find unique gifts, savor delightful treats, and experience the warmth of community.

Make this Christmas special while boosting your neighborhood’s spirit.

AT CHRISTMAS PARK ARM MATLOCK F rmpark.co.uk/

Your local store for all pet, animal, wild bird and gardening supplies

lockfa www.mat vents seasonal-e

ck s at Matlo the holiday activities, Celebrate al im an with as Farm Park a Christm ures, and ’s Grotto elf advent ta an S t si nt. Vi treasure hu ive pony rides, play fest ts. and enjoy refreshmen areas, and

Wingfield Mill, Church Lane, South Wingfield & 85 High Street, Alfreton 01773 832631 www.taylorscornstores.com Other Stores at Clay Cross, Eastwood, Ilkeston, Kirkby�in�Ashfield and Ripley

kingstreetbarbersad:Layout 1 15:43 11/02/2020 15:43 Page 1 kingstreetbarbersad:Layout 1 11/02/2020 Page 1

K ING STREE T

RBERS KBIAN G STREE T BARBERS Established 2006

22 King Street, Alfreton Derbyshire DE55 7AG

ProfessionalEstablished Friendly Service 2006

Te l : 0 7 8 7 4 6 5 7 1 7 7

01773 836111

Tue-Fri: 9.30am - 2.00pm Sat: 9.30am - 2.30pm

113B Nottingham Road, Alfreton, DE55 7GR

The areas largest yarn shop for all your knitting and crochet needs

www.cscare06.co.uk cshomecare06@btinternet.com

OPENING TIMES

54a King Street, Alfreton

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS Mon 18th Dec Closed Wed 20th OPEN Fri 22nd OPEN Tues 19th OPEN Thurs 21st OPEN Sat 23rd OPEN Market closed from Sun 24th December RE-OPENING Tuesday 2nd January 2024

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL HIGH STREET

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

22 King Street, Alfreton Derbyshire DE55 7AG

T: 07874 177 Professional 657 Friendly Service T22 e l : King 0 7 8 7Street, 46 5 71 77 Alfreton DE55 7AG

A & S MOTORS

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Genesis Business Centre, Alfreton, DE55 7DQ

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING ON YOUR LOCAL HIGH STREET

COME AN ENJOY IT WITH… A family church which meets in the heart of our community, you’re welcome!

Sunday mornings 10.30 - The Genesis Centre - Midweek evenings we get together in homes.

CHRISTMAS - DECEMBER Wednesday 6th Carols at Costa 6.00pm

(Churches Together) Kick off your festive season in one of Alfreton’s most popular coffee shops!

Saturday 16th Carols by the Tree 11.30am

Shop and Sing! Outside Boots on the High St. (Churches Together)

Sunday 17th Christmas at New Life

For all the Family, mince pies, cake, family quiz, a prize or two etc.

Join us for good news as we celebrate Jesus’ birth this Christmas!

Sunday 24th Carols & Cake, 10.30-11.30

‘tis what it says on the tin!

ENJOY A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS! BEST WISHES FROM ALL OF US AT NEW LIFE! FOR MORE INFO. PLEASE CALL MARTYN ON; 01773 834708 OR EMAIL@NLCND.ORG.UK

WE MAKE YOUR IDEAS HAPPEN!

FOR ALL YOUR DESIGN NEEDS! www.artliffdesign.com

01773 317 148

For Community Advertising Contact Danielle on 01773 549035

NEWS • EVENTS • UPDATES • LOCAL INTEREST

COMMUNITY NOTICE

ALFRETON

COMMUNITY NOTICE

WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

COMMUNITY NOTICE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

44mm 44mm

£6.30

+VAT Per Square

YOU CAN MERGE SQUARES TOGETHER AND ALL YOU PAY FOR IS THE SQUARES THAT YOU USE

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l a n o i s s e f o r P Services 8

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FOOD & RETAIL

Decorations of Christmas Past Does your family bring out the same Christmas tree decorations every year, complete with the ones made by children (and grandchildren) many years ago…a bit tatty around the edges maybe, but full of memories?

Or are you a “buy new each year, depending on décor and trends,” kind of person?

Have you ever wondered what we used to decorate our trees and houses with over the festive period in the dim and distant past, in more “innocent” times before rampant consumerism took hold?

Wonder no more!

The use of “Christmas” decorations is older than I thought. Apparently, 2,500 years ago, the Romans marked a midwinter celebration called Saturnalia by decorating their homes with evergreen wreaths. When the official religion of the Roman Empire became Christianity in 336 AD, the church powers pragmatically decided to embrace the old trimmings of the former pagan celebration and bring them into the church.

Our own pagan ancestors also marked the midwinter solstice by bringing greenery into the home to mark the gradual lengthening of the light towards spring and the promise of new life.

Yule logs – the real wooden kind, not the cake – were common throughout northern Europe and are probably also connected to a pagan midwinter rite. They would be kept burning for 12 days leading up to Christmas (or the solstice) to encourage the sun to rise after the long, snowy season.

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Evergreen trees became part of Christian tradition in Germany very early on, and in the Middle Ages “paradise trees” began to appear. Meant to represent the Garden of Eden, evergreen trees were hung with apples and displayed in homes on December 24, the religious feast day of Adam and Eve. Other decorations, all natural of course, made an appearance and by the 16th century, candles had made an appearance.

And thus, the Christmas tree as we know it today, was born.

It was, of course, German born Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, who brought the tradition of decorated evergreen trees to England. Drawings of the royal family gathered around a bedecked and candle lit tree really sparked a desire in the British public to embrace the idea of a lavishly decorated tree as a centre point of their celebrations.

Unlike the plastic and glass baubles, and tinsel we use today, most early tree decorations were more eco friendly (before such a term was invented!). There would be apples and other fruit, sometimes dried and or crystallised.

Flowers, sweet pastries in the shapes of stars and hearts, and at some point candy canes made an appearance. Handmade decorations of made of paper, and small gifts would also be hung on the tree.

Unlike today there was no fashionable “theme” (this year I gather it is “peachy pink and coral, accented by champagne golds, lilac, or mint green tones”) people used what was to hand and reused what they could.

Whatever you decorate your house and tree with this Christmas, I hope you have lots of fun! x

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. forget mention Voice Magazines when responding To findDon’t out more visit to www.word-witch.co.uk or contact Laura on 07736 351 341 to the Ads

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

WILKINSON BROS LTD Independent Family Funeral Directors Est. 1952

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13

FOOD & RETAIL

WOMEN’S FORAGE CORPS order of seniority) Area Inspectors of Women, Assistant Superintendents, Deputy Superintendents, Forwarding Supervisors, Supervisors of Women Labour, Deputy Assistant Supervisors and Gang Supervisors.

The Women’s Forage Corps (WFC) or Forage Corps (FC) was a British military organisation created during World War 1.

Initially based at army camps and depots in the United Kingdom and working in gangs of six, its women assisted with matters relating to horse transport such as hay-making, forage, checking bales on arrival at railway stations and supervising their loading, stable work, driving horse carts, wire-stretching, making and mending sacks and tarpaulin sheets.

Largely drawn from among women servants but also including some women of independent means with their own horses, normal members earned an average of 26 to 30 shillings a week by 1919, drawing army rations and sometimes with a caravan (as a mess facility rather than housing them) and cook assigned to their gang as a mess.

Their uniform – very similar to the Women’s Land Army that was to be eventually created, it consisted of gaiters, haversack, dark green breeches, hats and jerseys, khaki overcoat, overalls and black boots, with brass shoulder insignia of the initials “FC”. Higher ranks wore a khaki tunic and shirt, shoulder rank badges, shoulder “FC” insignia and a brass badge showing “FC” within the eight-pointed star of the Royal Army Service Corps. This wasn’t always the case, sometimes they simply wore their own work wear.

The WFC numbered 8,000 by 1917, though this had dropped to about 6,000 by 1919.

The WFC did survive alongside the WLA until 1920.

The foundations for the Corps were laid in 1915, though it only formally came into being on 1 March 1917 before being further formalised in early November 1918. Led

by Mrs Atholl Stewart as Superintendent of Women, who reported to Brigadier-General Hill Godfrey Morgan, it consisted of civilian women (known as Industrial Members) but was under the control of the Army Service Corps. Below Stewart were (in descending Please get in touch if you have additional information about the Women’s Forage Corps (WFC) or Forage Corps (FC)

14 Don’t forget to Magazines when responding to the Ads Contact Richard Godley onmention 07854Voice 646 742 • E: eastpeakcic@gmail.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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FOOD & RETAIL

MANDY’S TRAVEL PAGE Hi I’m Mandy your Personal Travel Counsellor.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT ON MY TRAVEL PAGE! As 2023 comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you who has taken the time to explore my travel page and support me in my journey as your local travel agent.

Your enthusiasm for travel and exploration is truly inspiring, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with you.

Whether you’ve taken up my services, or simply enjoyed the content, your support means the world to me.

As a local travel agent with 35 years of experience, it is my joy to curate unforgettable holidays and help you create lasting

memories. Your trust and encouragement motivate me to continue bringing you the best in travel recommendations, tips, and exciting destinations.

Thank you for being a part of this adventure with me. I look forward to continuing to be your go-to source for all things travel in 2024.

Wishing you endless adventures and discovering new horizons!

Merry Christmas!

Travel Counsellors Gift Vouchers (Worldwide) What better gift could you give this Christmas than a travel voucher that can be used for everything from a one-off experience to a worldwide trip?

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MANDY OLDKNOW T: 01773 318 540 mandy.oldknow@travelcounsellors.com Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/mandy.oldknow

ALL HALF BOARD INCLUDING EXCURSIONS & ENTERTAINMENT!

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ISLE OF WIGHT

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MOBILE BOOKING OFFICE LOCATIONS

FOR A 2024 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

2nd Tuesday of each month 9am – 1pm | South Normanton Market Place

3rd Tuesday of each month 9am - 12noon | Blackwell Community Centre

2nd Thursday of each month 9.30am - 12.00pm | Bolsover Market

3rd Thursday of each month 9am – 1pm | Alfreton Severn Square Car Park (Outside B&M)

3rd Friday of each month 2nd Friday of each month 9am – 1pm | Ripley Market Place 9am – 1pm | Sutton-in-Ashfield, Portland Square

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FOOD & RETAIL

COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS

DO OR PIC TO D K U OO P! R

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Aye up mi duck

Did you know about Super Saturday?

CRAFTY SATURDAY

Just £10 a stall

SATURDAY INDOOR

ARE YOU A CRAFTER WHO WANTS TO SELL SOME OF YOUR CREATIONS?

Any items made by yourself are welcome

ARE YOU READY FOR A DECLUTTER? Are you redecorating or do you simply need to create some more space at home?

For more information or to request a pack, visit the market & speak to Vicki or Stuart or call on: 01773 520363 or email: market.towns@ambervalley.gov.uk AlfretonIndoorMarket Institute Lane, Alfreton, DE55 7BP THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES ON THE MARKET FOR PERMANENT TRADERS!

WILLOW TREE CAFÉ / BISTRO

OPEN TUESDAYS THROUGH TO SUNDAYS FROM 9AM

TICK CHRISTMAS FAYRE MENU AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT DECEMBER

PLEASE GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE CHRISTMAS INFORMATION

ETS

Hilcote Ln, Hilcote, Blackwell, Alfreton DE55 5HR

18

STILL

AVA ILA

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T: 01773 811 248

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@THE GEORGE & DRAGON Chef with over 35 years experience Varied Menu Options Sunday Roasts All food freshly prepared All meats sourced locally from Deakins Butchers

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Choose from our carpet samples or remnant warehouse. We measure and fit. Vinyl ends.

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off

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SOLID OAK FURNITURE AT CLEARANCE PRICES

FOOD BILL (when booked in advanced) WEDS - SAT excludes Sundays & Christmas Fayre Menu

Slimming World Recipe Honey-roasted parsnip soup with halloumi

81 WHARF ROAD, PINXTON NG16 6LH TEL 01773 811878  OPEN TUE-SAT 9-3

If some flavours just jump out at you then honey roast parsnips and halloumi cheese must have a spring board! The perfect soup for a cold Decembers day.

Method: 4. Tip the parsnips into the onion pan. Add a splash of stock to the roasting tin and scrape up all the 2. Cook the parsnips in a saucepan caramelised juices from the base of boiling water over a high heat with a spatula. Add the juices to for 5 minutes. Drain well and the onion pan with the rest of the give them a little shake. Tip the stock and bring to the boil. Put parsnips into a large non-stick the lid back on and simmer for roasting tin, spray with low-calorie 10 minutes. Blitz the soup until cooking spray and drizzle with smooth using a stick blender (or the honey. Sprinkle over some use a food processor and return seasoning, toss well and spread to the pan). Remove from the the parsnips out. Roast for 25-30 heat, stir in the fromage frais and minutes, turning halfway. check the seasoning.

1. Get your oven warmed up to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.

3. While the parsnips are roasting, put the onion, garlic and 3 tbsp stock in a large non-stick saucepan over a low heat. Put a lid on the pan and cook for 10 minutes or until the onions are soft and golden.

For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk

5. Spray a non-stick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and put it over a high heat. Add the halloumi and cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden, turning often. Divide the soup between 4 bowls and evenly scatter over the halloumi and parsley to serve.

Serves: 4 Ready in: 1 hour

To advertise please call 01773 549 035

Ingredients: • • 1kg parsnips, peeled and cut into small chunks • • Low-calorie cooking spray • 2 level tbsp clear honey • 1 large onion, • chopped • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 1.5 litres hot vegetable stock

150g fat-free natural fromage frais 90g reducedfat halloumi cheese, suitable for vegetarians, cut into bitesize chunks Chopped fresh parsley, to serve

Syns per serving: 4

19

FOOD & RETAIL

TJ’S RESTAURANT

FOOD & RETAIL

Beautiful Plantation shutters Curtain poles and tracking

Blinds, Curtains or Shutters Bay windows are our speciality

Blinds & Curtains to meet your budget

Choose from a vast selection of fabrics in the comfort of your own home so you can buy with confidence in the knowledge that we have over 30 years of professional experience.

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9-11 Outram Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts, NG17 4BA (Next door to Wilko’s and with Asda car park directly behind us)

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Find us Facebook To advertise please callon 01773 549 035 & Twitter: @DMFurnishings

21

Alfreton & District Heritage Trust DECEMBER 2023

THIS CAKE MAY CONTAIN NUTS! to life. A robin pecks at an unusual egg which emits a buzz of pain and a brilliant light. Another robin turns round to see what’s going on and Santa begins to chop down a tree.

Behind him another tree grows out of the cake, alarming the little man sitting on the sleigh which dashes, as if by magic, across the cake and into the igloo at the opposite side.

A sweep’s brush suddenly pops out of the chimney and scatters soot all over the place. The little man now leaves the igloo with a bag of soot loaded on his sleigh. Returning only to recover his brush which he has left soundly stuck up the chimney.

Not content with all this, anyone getting too close to the cake is met with a volley of rice or a squirt of water depending on which side they are!

Remarkably the cake then moves across the table, leaving its stand, on which is inscribed “Not a crumb, chum. This is the cake which saves the ration.”

We do see some unusual items at the Heritage Centre but nothing quite so unique as the Christmas Cake which arrived last month. Now as many will know our expertise relating to cake is confined mainly to all things Jaffa, indeed our reputation in such matters is unsurpassed!

This cake though requires neither sugar nor fat but ingredients include nuts, worms, the odd current (electric) a cocoa tin, a meat skewer, a pea shooter, an old gramophone record, cycle valve tube and a couple of cigarette lighter springs along with bits of Meccano. Mix all this with a thousand other items (too

odd to mention) enclose a couple of electric motors, cover with imitation icing and place in the centre of a table surrounded with good things to eat and you’re all set to party.

You may have gathered by now this is no ordinary cake. Indeed it was constructed way back in 1948 by Fred Alvey of Wood Street, Alfreton, at a time when post war rationing was in force and the usual ingredients for a normal cake impossible to come by.

In appearance this cake is a fine specimen of a cake but just as the diners are ready to partake strange things happen as the cake comes

If you would like to see the cake, which is truly a work of art, then pop down to Alfreton Heritage Centre or look out for its appearance on television’s ‘The Repair Shop’ on the run up to Christmas.

POP OVER TO OUR WEBSITE TO SEE MORE ABOUT THE ALFRETON HERITAGE SOCIETY ON WWW.ALFRETONANDDISTRICTHERITAGETRUST.WORDPRESS.COM 22 Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads

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Regular supply of branded cakes at discount prices, prices Family sized packs of biscuits & kiddies sweets

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2023 RASCALS 50th ANNIVERSARY YEAR

As 2023 draws to a close, we can report that RASCALS 50th Anniversary year has been no less than exceptional in our club’s history. Travelling the length and breadth of the country supporting their athletes, joint club Presidents Tim and Chris Dening were delighted to relay that, “we have been involved with the club for many years and neither of us can remember a year like this one. International competitors in both swimming and lifesaving, fantastic success in national and county championships but above all a large group of young, and in some cases not so young, people enjoying themselves. Congratulations to our coaches, helpers and parents for all their support. What a great 50th anniversary year!!”

On the swimming front, this year has seen truly amazing individual and team performances. Our swimmers had successful representation in both short and long course Regional Championships, County championships, Arena League, Derwent Series, Diddy League and Leicester League. For the first time, RASCALS swimmers were selected to represent Derbyshire in the National Inter County Team Championships – a fantastic achievement and a very proud moment for our club!

It was also a tremendously exciting year for our lifesavers. In addition to the usual calendar of events for our Competitive Lifesavers in Swansea, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, Bridlington, Blyth, RASCALS held their first ever Lifesaving Open Meet. Three lifesavers competed at the European Lifesaving Championships in Poland as part of Team GBR, and six lifesavers represented England, Scotland and Wales at the Lifesaving Commonwealth Games in Canada! On the Traditional

Lifesaving front, two of our lifesavers successfully represented the East Midlands at the National Lifesaving Competition.

In the midst of a full competitive schedule, Amber Valley Rugby Club was the setting for a club fun day (photo above) where great camaraderie ensured that every swimming coach was suitably splashed and dunked amid a day of fun and games!

Club Chairman, Tom Parr, acknowledges that a successful year such as this one, has actually been 50 years in the making. He reflects that, “none of this would have happened if our founder, Frank Mansey, hadn’t first encouraged the then Town Council to build a swimming pool, train to be a teacher and then start our club. So, we thank Frank, his co-founders and all those along the way for their support and encouragement”. It is truly phenomenal that our local club has produced County, Regional, National and International competitors, and a great credit to our teachers, coaches and supporters, including committees, many of whom have also become officials to enable our teams to compete at all levels.

Every year things change, so to keep the momentum going within national guidelines, is a continuing challenge for ourselves and the leisure centre operators, particularly after covid, so we also appreciate our close working relationship with Places Leisure”.

With all that said, we now look forward to celebrating at our annual Presentation Evening mid-December. Merry Christmas RASCALS – see you back with a splash in 2024!!

If you would like to expand your swimming activities or try something new, please contact us.

contact@ripleyrascals.org.uk | www.ripleyrascals.org.uk 26

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Osteopathy & Sports Massage Claire Bowmar, BSc. Hons in Osteopathy Registered with the General Osteopathic Council

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PET SERVICES

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Re-walking Rafa’s Rambles

I won’t lie to you, this month there was a lot more grumble than ramble on the walk. So, I hope the weather is a lot, lot better for you than it was for us. The thing that always makes it worthwhile though, is the happy dog whizzing around, like mud doesn’t stick to his feet (only his belly!) and that feeling when you are back home, cosy and warm, having earned that tasty treat.

This walk makes good use of the Blackwell and Silverhill Trails, with some nice views along the way. So why not get out there in the rain and mud, make your dog happy and earn yourself a cake, or two?

5 1/2 MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM TIBSHELF PONDS VIA THE BLACKWELL TRAIL Depending on the weather, this could be a muddy but moderate walk for you and your dog. The route will take around 3 hours. There are a couple of tricky stiles and there are roads to cross and walk alongside. The terrain can be uneven so as usual a good pair of boots are essential.

As ever, always follow the countryside code!

START: TIBSHELF PONDS CAR PARK, SUNNY BANK, TIBSHELF, ALFRETON DE55 5PG

1. Park in the free car park at Tibshelf ponds, which can be accessed off Sunny Bank road, which leads off Shetland Road.

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2. Exit the car park and turn right before taking the bridle path on your left beside a house. Follow the track until it meets the road crossing over to the pavement.

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9. Cross the stile on your right and cross the bridge.

At the road cross over and turn left. When the road bends to the left take the bridleway on your right.

4. At the roundabout turn right down Cragg Lane and walk for 1/2 a mile before taking Church Hill on your right. After about 30 meters take the footpath on your left, through a gate and walk down the path past Blackwell Church.

10. Cross the stiles and at the end of the track pass through a gate and walk on a short way before passing through another gate.

5. At the bottom of the path cross & turn right for 20 meters and then cross over the road to take the path through a gate. Carry on down the track until it brings you to the Blackwell Trail, turning left.

6. Walk along the trail past Hilcote and after a bridge, at a split in the path, take the right. Then, before you reach the industrial estate, after a horse stile. Take a path on your left down the steps with a stream on your left at the bottom.

7. Walk along the path, keeping left to take a path that keeps you alongside the stream. Then keep left and cross the bridge over the stream and into the fields.

8. Turn right and walk along the outside of the field and continue along the outside of the next field.

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3. Turn left and pass under a bridge, after a short way take the signposted ‘Newton Link’ path on your right. At the end of the path cross over the road and turn left, heading into Newton.

11. After the gate walk straight across the next field and cross a stile. Turn right, walking around the outside of the field and around to the left. Pass by a gap before a large tree and continue with the hedge on your right. At another gap on your right, turn right and continue into another field keeping the hedge to your left until you reach a stile.

12. Cross directly across the field on the path to reach a stile that will bring you onto the Silver Hill trail.

13. Turn left on the trail. Continue on under two bridges and for some distance before reaching a signpost. Take the path on your right that leads to Tibshelf.

14. Walk along the path, keeping to the left as you meet a junction that has three choices. This path takes you through the Tibshelf Ponds area and onto the car park where you began.

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.

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CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD Every family in the UK will have their own Christmas tradition regarding such things as opening the pressies, how much is spent, how the tree is decorated, what time dinner is served (and what it comprises) etc, etc.

However, we will all do pretty much the same things, irrespective of the order in which they happen. This may lead us to think that all around the world people will be doing more or less the same thing to celebrate Christmas. But is this true?

celebratory meal that day. This feast consists of fish (often a soup made of carp), stuffed cabbage (the leaves are stuffed with rice, mince pork, onion, garlic and other herbs). For dessert, a special kind of poppy bread/cake called Beigli is served.

I decided to have a little dig around online resources to find out how similar, or not, Christmas traditions are around the globe.

In Ukraine Christmas used to be celebrated on January 7th in line with the Russian Orthodox Church. In February this year, Ukraine’s main Greek Catholic church announced a change to December 25th…I’m sure we can all appreciate why the change was made.

Straight away I found my absolute FAVOURITE Christmas tradition – and it’s from the land of ice and fire, Iceland.

On Christmas Eve, Icelanders give the gift of books and spend the rest of the night reading them and eating chocolate, as part of a season called Jolabokaflod, ‘The Christmas Book Flood’.

Now that’s my kind of evening!

In contrast, here is one tradition I could never be on board with.

Christmas in Japan is not a national holiday, less than 1% of the population being Christian, but they do still have a unique way to mark the day, thanks in no small part to Kentucky Fried Chicken. In 1974, KFC started a marketing campaign called ‘Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!’ or ‘Kentucky for Christmas!’ The campaign urged the Japanese to visit a KFC instead of sitting down to a turkey dinner…and they do, apparently in their thousands.

Like many other countries, the main Christmas meal, Sviata Vecheria (Holy Supper) will be eaten on Christmas Eve, and normally has 12 dishes which represent Jesus’s 12 disciples. Presents are brought by Grandfather Frost…but not until New Year’s Eve. However you do (or don’t do) Christmas, I wish each and every one of you a peaceful and happy season of goodwill x

Each to their own.

Our cousins in Oz go to the beach and fire up the BBQ. In Denmark, the big day is December 24th. And here’s something interesting; the irritating “elf on the shelf” could have originated in Denmark. He may be based on the group of Nisse, naughty elves who help Julemanden, ‘The Christmas Man’, Denmark’s Father Christmas. So now we know who to blame.

Over in Norway they don’t decorate their houses until December 23rd, which seems very sensible to me.

The Hungarians leave decorating the tree until Christmas Eve and also eat the main

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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. mention VoiceorMagazines responding to the Ads ToDon’t find outforget more visittowww.word-witch.co.uk contact Laura onwhen 07736 351 341

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SUDOKU #41

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.

These puzzles are devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk

9!

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

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2

8

9 7 5

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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Testing

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BOOK REVIEW

THE FELL - SARAH MOSS

It’s surprising how fast you can forget just what lockdown was like during Covid – for those of us who played by the rules at least.

claustrophobic time, following Kate, a single Mum who can’t stand it any longer and slips out of the house to walk up the fells she knows so well.

It seems difficult to imagine that we couldn’t go for a decent walk out in the fresh air in the countryside or be within two metres of neighbours if we were in the garden. And then there was the 14 days isolation period if you’d been in contact….

What starts as a breath of fresh air and a hint of freedom soon descends into something potentially catastrophic when she slips and falls.

Somehow in retrospect it seems even more difficult when you hear the extraordinary evidence currently being given to the Covid inquiry.

Sarah Moss’s slim novel The Fell takes place over a day and night and totally captures that

46

This is a real page turner but it’s so much more than that. These were difficult times we lived through and the story looks at the effects of a period when a lot of people realised how much they took simple human contact for granted. It’s thoughtful and well written and a reminder of what it was like for a lot of us.

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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

8

4

Across 8 Bid farewell to die, in an astronomical unit (5) 9 Utterly beat with a soapless wash?

(5) 10 Grabbing a bit of a religious teacher (5) 12 Exist as a group and constantly annoy (5)

7

9

10

11

12

13

Down 2 Precocious sounding bugs? (5) 3 Mature painter, not at a good place (5) 11 Being around is an over-indulgence (5) 13 Authority of speaking, as it were (3-2)

14

15

Across

Down

1

Where astronauts head for a reality check? (4,2,5)

1

A hybrid ad., as representing those frustrating times (3,4,4)

5

Make happier, drinking from this here cup (5,2)

4

Shouted at the hens to adopt sotto voce (6,5)

14 Darkness frequency for Keira follower, say (7)

6

Indulge in some form of escaping (7)

15 They hold drawings of bets that are OK to shock (6,5)

9

Arbiter, assumed to be a Welsh one (7)

ANSWERS FOR LAST MONTHS PITHERWITS Across: 1 Casablanca, 7 Ruing, 8 Refloat, 11 Tibia, 13 Inane, 14 Colonel, 16 Inapt, 18 Dissuasive.

Down: 2 Ali, 3 Au gratin, 4 Abel, 5 Abatements, 6 Protracted, 9 Families, 10 Okra, 12 Ball, 15 Opus, 17 A B V.

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nd a s d r o w e Guess th d! ! r o w s s o Fill in the cr

50

These puzzles are devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk

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After:

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Complete

:

Before

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Mike’us sings M

Our resident muser has the mike...

Mike is always glad to hear from you at :

mike.musings@outlook.com

It may be stretching things a little, but there is a Christmas connection to this tale.

Since I left my hometown in Scotland, I’ve kept in touch with a number of old schoolmates. We had a reunion in 2018 with over 50 of the surviving members of our year meeting up for an evening of pure nostalgia.

It’s true what they say kids, you may disagree now, but for most people, schooldays are looked upon as being the best of your life.

It was interesting to note how very few of the early boy/girlfriend relationships formed as 17/18 year-olds had survived the test of time and to hear ‘old flames’ speculate on ‘what if I’d kept going out with him/her?’.

There were two notable examples. One, of a bloke who, if it had lasted, would have ended up the husband of someone who went on to become a prominent and highly paid presenter on BBC Scotland. The other was of a girl who, back in the day, was ‘going steady’ with Angus who, when they split up, went on to become a very successful businessman and multi-millionaire. Talking to her, she had no regrets, as her former boyfriend was now on his fourth wife and had a reputation for being as tight as the rear end of a duck………….. if you get my drift.

Over a few pints of Tennent’s, he told me a tale that partly explained how he had accumulated his wealth.

He and one of his wives (I can’t remember which one) spent two weeks over Christmas and New Year in central London. See, I said there would be a link! He’d driven down in his Rolls Royce Phantom, which, with a number of customised features was, he told me, valued at £200k.

Initially, he went to his bank and asked for a short-term loan of £5k (this was when interest rates were 1.4%), and

52

having provided all the necessary guarantees, asked if he could leave his car in the branch underground carpark for the next fortnight. This was happily agreed to.

Off he went then and spent the next two weeks having a wild time attending many high-class dinners and parties, staying overnight at the Chelsea/Mayfair homes of his similarly wealthy friends.

By 4th January, with life beginning to return to some sort of normality after the festive season, he was required back in Scotland and returned to the bank to a) repay the short-term loan and b) collect his car.

Having dealt with the formalities and repaid the £5,000 (plus interest) he was asked to see the manager. He entered the office and was greeted with a ‘Happy New Year’ and then asked why a businessman, as clearly successful as Angus undoubtedly was, should require such a relatively low short-term loan.

“Ach”, replied Angus, who had never lost his accent, “it’s simple really. Ye see, whaur else in London, can Ah park ma car for a whole fortnight for as little as £15.42?”

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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GARDENS

All Around the Shire STIR UP SUNDAY

The origin of this day was nothing to do with puddings or Christmas but everything to do with the Catholic or Anglican Church. It was traditionally the last Sunday in the year before Advent, when the collect for the day from the book of common prayer began “Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people...”, Over time, this was taken to signify the day that families prepared the Christmas pudding (Stir up) and gave it its first steaming. Dried fruit, spices, flour and all the necessary ingredients had been bought in the weeks beforehand to spread the cost. Each member of the family would take turns to stir up the pudding and make a wish.

As well as the thirteen or so different ingredients in the mixture, trinkets were sometimes incorporated. Popular additions were a silver sixpence or thrupenny bit. You might also find a thimble, a button, a horseshoe, a wishbone, a bell or an anchor. If you were lucky enough to find one of these in your pudding on Christmas day, it could mean anything from a wedding in the coming year to eternal spinsterhood or bachelorhood.

During our reminiscence sessions, a popular talking point has been the “feeding” of the Christmas pudding or cake. This

refers to the regular addition of alcohol by pouring it over the pudding and allowing it to soak into the mixture. Holes are first made using various implements. People tell us they have used everything from a medical syringe, to a cocktail stick or even a knitting needle! The bigger the hole, the more alcohol in the final offering.

Whatever your festive preparations involve this year, I hope you make happy memories to look back on in the years to come.

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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59

GARDENS

amental E Orn ngineering

GARDENS

NATURE NOTES FROM THE PEAK DISTRICT

LADYBIRD AUTUMN The ladybird is one of our most widely known, recognised, and probably liked, insects. Brightly and distinctively coloured these little beetles are regarded as the gardener’s friend because they consume vast numbers of aphids, generally greenfly. However, they are also increasingly known because of the invasive alien species, the ‘Harlequin’ ladybird with its coats of many colours (mostly yellow, red, and black) and an array of sizes and markings. These are the big brutes of the ladybird world and range from quite small to (by ladybird standards) rather large. This species is a recent colonist, boasts a voracious appetite, and being cannibalistic, will consume smaller ladybirds even of its own type. It is this species most often recording as coming into houses to hibernate for the winter.

Ladybird numbers often fluctuate greatly as they follow the populations of greenfly and this is both as they breed, but also as they move or migrate. If summer weather is suitable then greenfly numbers rise in continental Europe to a point where the new-born come with wings and the population rises up to be carried on air currents across the North Sea and the Channel to Britain. The ladybirds then follow although the big ladybirds years of the past, especially the famous invasion of the 1976 drought year, were of the red-coloured Seven-spot not the now abundant Harlequin. As swarms of ladybirds landed on East Coast beaches many people reported being bitten by them! In the winters that followed, it was commonplace to find whole gateposts for example, covered in hibernating ladybirds.

Indeed, the presence of hibernating ladybirds is now a sign of winter on its way. We have had numbers of a rather distinctive yellow and black 14-Spot Ladybird, which because it is tiny, is often overlooked. There

HIBERNATING HALEQUINN LADBYBIRDS BY PHIL HELLIWELL

were swarms of yellow ladybirds reported by Jan Turner and Paul Ardron on one day, and by the next, there were hundreds crammed into every crevice of this old, multi-stemmed elm tree. Probably for safety’s sake, ladybirds often hibernate communally, and these may well spend the next few months in their new home.

Massed together I presume that their hard cases provide necessary protection from both the weather and from would-be predators like the much bigger red and black Harlequin Ladybird pictured next to them.

As noted already, Harlequins are active predators including on other, smaller ladybirds and are a species which readers will see increasingly as in wintertime they come indoors into our homes to overwinter. As their name suggests they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colour patterns ranging from big to quite small. They are mostly either red (or orange) with black spots or black with red spots and the numbers of spots vary dramatically. Like most larger ladybirds they are predatory and feed on insects such as aphids (greenfly) but also other smaller insects like other ladybirds. So, I suspect the one pictured was casing the joint looking for easy pickings but the way the smaller yellow ladybirds were packed in was an effective defence.

It was interesting to see these yellow ladybirds which though fairly common, are one of two yellow-coloured ladybirds with 22-spot being the smaller. The 14Spot Ladybird is bigger and has rounded rectangular markings rather than dots. However, our tiny yellow ladybird is also rather different in that it is an herbivore or more correctly a fungivore, rather than a carnivore generally feeding on mildew on plants. One to look out for!

ANTS MILKING APHIDS BY PETE WOLSTENHOLME

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 60 www.ukeconet.org, Don’t to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads blogforget www.ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/ & Twitter @IanThewildside

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GARDENS

Gardener’s Calendar

Hydrangeas are a bit of a marmite plant – not least because despite their earlier colourful blooms, at this time of year can start to look very bedraggled.

You might feel tempted to tidy them up by cutting back now, but it’s a better idea to leave them until the last of the frosts in spring – the spent flower heads will protect coming buds.

However, it is a good time to prune fruit trees such as pears and apples, trying to keep the shape fairly open so there is room for spring blossom to develop without getting knocked off by branches in the wind. And climbing roses also benefit from being pruned now, removing shoots which are getting leggy and have flowered this year by about half to two thirds. Birches and acers should also be cut back now if you wish – any later and you risk them bleeding which damages the health of the plant.

Dahlias should be lifted after they go black in the first frosts if you’re in a cold spot, although you can possibly get away with leaving them in if you mulch deeply. If you’re lifting, cut off the stems, remove soil carefully, leave to dry in a cool place then bury in soil or compost in a box and put in a cool frost-free place.

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GARDENS

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