Voice Magazines - Broadmeadows, South Normanton, Blackwell, Newton & Hilcote Edition - Dec 23

DEC ‘23

12 EDITIONS READ BY OVER 162,000 RESIDENTS

THE VOICE TEAM have all had a pict ur taken whilst enjoyi e ng the festivities and wan ted to wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTM AS! Read more on page 3

LISA

THE DE SIGNE R

BROADMEADOWS, SOUTH NORMANTON, BLACKWELL, NEWTON & HILCOTE

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Scan TO VISIT

BSITE

OUR WE

01623 782 787 enquiries@hopkins-solicitors.co.uk

“9.6 out of 10 clients highly recommend us”

Managing your personal affairs is important It’s all about finding a local expert that you can trust, that will keep your best interests at heart, whilst giving you straightforward advice.

No matter what twists and turns life throws at you, our legal team are here to help. But we are more than legal experts, we love to help people. > Wills & Property Trust Wills

> Divorce or Children Matters

> Lasting Powers of Attorney

> Employment Advice

> Injury or Illness Claims

> Financial Disputes

Appointments by voice-call, video-call, in-person at one of our offices or if you are unable to leave the hospital our staff are happy to visit you at your bedside.

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Our Nottingham office is located on the corner of Regent St & Ropewalk Chambers.

Most of our departments offer a free initial telephone consultation to ensure we can help you.

Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines responding the Ads To request a call back or book an appointment call us on 0115 906 8962 or visit our when website and use our enquiryto form.

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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 5,200 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

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.

CHRISTMAS AT RK MATLOCK FARM PA park.co.uk/ www.matlockfarm seasonal-events

MERRY CHRISTMAS www.pitstopj28.co.uk admin@pitstopj28.co.uk

idays at Matlock Celebrate the hol mal activities, elf Farm Park with ani re a Christmas treasu adventures, and Grotto and enjoy hunt. Visit Santa’s play areas, and festive pony rides, refreshments.

TODAYS EXPRESS Off Licence/General Store

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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.

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.

To advertise To please 549 035 find outcall more01773 visit www.word-witch.co.uk or contact Laura on 07736 351 341

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7 SESSIONS COVERING GRIEF

Welcome to YOUR community noticeboard. A dedicated space for you to post notices, events

This is for anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one, even if it was years ago. (There is no charge for this course.) Topics include: Attachment, separation and loss, The pain and responses of grief, Anger and Guilt, Coping with others’ reactions, Delayed and suppressed grief, Adjusting to Change, Moving forward healthily and Faith questions (optional).

and for not-for-profit community groups advertise in.

To place a notice, from a super-low rate of £6.30 +VAT per square Contact Danielle on 01773 549035 or community@voicemagazines.co.uk

Running soon: Thrive Building, 39 High Street, South Normanton, DE55 2BP For further details please contact

Email: admin@sncc.uk.com Tel: 01773 687044

Get In Touch What's On?

Thrive is now registered as a 'Warm Welcome' space. Come in and join us on Friday mornings in the market place and enjoy free hot drinks and snacks. We are open all summer as being warmly welcomed byanother person still helps overcome lonliness.

Friendly Bench Friday 9:30-12:30, 39 High Street, DE55 2BP Join us for a cuppa and chat.

Faso Charity Shop 335 Somercotes Hill, DE55 4JX Open Daily

Whether to know more, get support or just chat.

We would love to hear from you Phone: 01773687044 Email: pastors@sncc.uk.com Facebook: @SNCommunityChurch

SOUTH NORMANTON’S

CAROL CONCERT What’s Christmas without carols!

Join us for the annual Christmas Carol Concert, hosted by South Normanton Community Church. With the Matlock Brass Band, SNCC choir, plus children’s choir, you’ll be left feeling warm and fuzzy, ready for Christmas!

WEDNESDAY 20TH DECEMBER | 7 PM AT: THE POST MILL REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED AFTER THE CONCERT

Sunday service 10:45am @ Post Mill Centre Songs and a Bible Talk Children's Activities Sign Language Translation

For Community Advertising Contact Danielle on 01773 549035

NEWS • EVENTS • UPDATES • LOCAL INTEREST

Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service ■ Learn with us to achieve your goals ■ Gain employment skills ■ Meet new people

■ Develop new interests

Scan the QR code or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/adulteducation to see how we can help you Email: adult.education@derbyshire.gov.uk Phone: 01629 531241 SCAN ME

To advertise please call 01773 549 035

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l a n o i s s Profe s e c i v r Se

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LOOKING TO SELL OR RENT YOUR HOME FAST WE SOLVE PROPERTY PROBLEMS

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Typically we charge a fee of £399 for arrangement of your mortgage, however the actual fee will not exceed 1.5% of the mortgage amount. The fees may be waived subject to the terms of the fee waiver agreement.

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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

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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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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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2

8

9 7 5

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MOBILE BOOKING OFFICE LOCATIONS 2nd Tuesday of each month 9am – 1pm | South Normanton Market Place 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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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)

To advertise please call 01773on 549 035 646 742 • E: eastpeakcic@gmail.com 15 Contact Richard Godley 07854

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WOMEN’S FORAGE CORPS

LOCAL HARDWARE STORE TOOLS • PAINT • HOMEWARE & CONVENIENCE STORE

Alcoholic beverages • Sweets • Confectionery • Household appliances • Cards for all occasions • DIY • Pet foods • Gardening Tools • Chilled Foods • Snow Shock Slush • American soft drinks & candy • Pound shop plus SERVICES: Payzone • Lottery • Parcel services for in post drop off & collection

Go Local Extra • Tel: 01773 462 618 High Street, South Normanton, Derbyshire, DE55 2BP

16 Don’tTIMES forget- Mon: to mention Voice Magazines responding -to the Ads NORMAL OPENING Sat 08:00am - 7:00pmwhen | Sun:10:00am 6:00pm

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South Normanton Convenience Store

FRIENDLY SERVICE AT YOUR LOCAL SHOP

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NORMAL TIMES Mon - Sat: 6:45am -10pm | Sun: 8am -10pm Christmas Opening Times: Christmas Eve: 6:45am - 10pm Christmas Day & Boxing Day: 10am - 6pm New Years Eve: 6:45am - 11pm To advertise please call 01773 549 035 New Years Day: 6:45am - 10pm

01773 583 245 Come and browse our huge new range of DIY Tools & Hardware in-store now!

NEW FREE TO USE CASH MACHINE

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FOOD & RETAIL

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

Slimming World Recipe Honey-roasted parsnip soup with halloumi

STILL

AVA ILA

BLE!

T: 01773 811 248

www.willowtreebistro.co.uk info@willowtreebistro.co.uk

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

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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

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

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POST OFFICE

FOOD & RETAIL

SOUTH NORMANTON OPEN

Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm • Sat 8.30am-3.00pm

10% off all Christmas cards at South Normanton post office We also have a massive range of wrap , gift bags , decorations , gift ideas and novelties for the festive season. wishing you all a very merry Christmas from your local post office

To advertise please call 01773 549 035

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FOOD & RETAIL

D.M. FURNISHINGS

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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WE CURRENTLY HAVE OVER 150 PIECES OF FURNITURE ON DISPLAY

WE ALSO SELL BEDS & MATTRESSES No high pressure sales tactics, only friendly, helpful advice.

Full range of mattresses including orthopaedic, memory foam, latex & pocket sprung.

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Electric adjustable beds available in all sizes.

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Mon: 9.30am - 5.00pm | Tues: 9.30am - 5.00pm | Wed: 9.30am - 1.30pm Thurs: 9.30am - 5.00pm | Fri: 9.30am - 5.00pm | Sat: 9.00am - 1.00pm.

Sunday - Closed for family time

Tel: 01623 440448 • www.dmfurnishings.co.uk sales@dmfurnishings.co.uk 20

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ASHDALE FLOORING LTD

A family run business

Carpets • Vinyls • LVT

Domestic & Commercial work undertaken

01773 591 441

WE NOW TAKE CARD PAYMENTS

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EVERY TUESDAY & FRIDAY

Flint’s Florist

Retail supplied also with wholesale orders eg cob shops, nursing homes, bars, restaurants

Traditional & Modern Floral Designs for • Weddings • Funerals & Sympathy • Birthdays & Special Occasions

85 High Street, South Normanton Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 2BP

Market Place, South Normanton

01773 58 11 38 www.flintsflorist.co.uk

VM0498 (Flints Florist 8th).indd 1

Call/Text: 07957 355 494 You can also contact us on whatsapp or Facebook Messenger

Blinds, Curtains or Shutters

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Beautiful Plantation shutters Curtain poles and tracking

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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.

Roller Blind

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email:premiersales@hotmail.co.uk www.premierblindsandcurtains.co.uk To advertise please call 01773 549 035

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FOOD & RETAIL

SHAUNS FRUIT & VEG

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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.

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FOOD & RETAIL

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To advertise please call 01773 549 035

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Sarah’s Mobile Hair Bay

& h t l a He y t u a e B

Professional Hairdressing

Est 2005

In The Comfort of Your Own Home Complete Range of Ladies & Gents Hairdressing Fully Qualified Children’s Hair Cuts & Style Wedding & Bridal Packages Prom Hair Styles Available

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10% off on the first appointment to voice customers.

Call Sarah on Tel: 07866 180 686

Merry Christmas FROM ALL OF THE GLENDAIR TEAM!

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MOBILE FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER • • • • •

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Contact Sarah 0115 849 2386

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www.prioritystairlifts.co.uk 25

FOOD & RETAIL

s ’ e k a l F s e t i r u o Fav

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.

Sponsored by

26

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.

Mon to Fri – 9am – 4.30pm

Sat – 8:30am – 12pm

Don’t mention Voice Magazines when responding Sealsforget FoddertoRoom, The Mill, High Street, Swanwick, Derbyshire to the Ads

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.

FOOD & RETAIL

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.

Tibshe lf Ponds Silverhill TRail Blackw ell TRail

n

to

Tib

sh

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N

Call us on 01773 602 466

www.sealsfodder.co.uk

To advertise please call 01773 549 035

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elf

Pets

With 30 years experience and as a qualified trainer for the Ins�tue of Modern Dog Trainers I offer science based, force free, posi�ve reinforcement training. From one to one puppy lessons to dealing with more complex behaviour issues give me a call to discuss your individual needs. I also offer Dog Walking, Pet Visits, House Si�ng and Pet Taxi services for all small animals.

Call Sco� on 07929 208507

sco�@ssw.training

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• emulsioning, painting, wallpapering, fences, fascias & soffits

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Colemans Est 1982

KITCHENS AND BEDROOMS LTD

Colemans have been manufacturing bespoke kitchen and bedroom furniture for over 40 years.

We are a family run business with a belief in great quality products and service at sensible prices.

All our products are built specifically for you and your needs, we can manufacture in any colour and style your heart desires.

With Colemans the possibilities are endless.

Visit our showroom 178 Victoria Road, Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8AT Tel: 01623 751239 ǁ Web: colemanskitchensandbedrooms.co.uk *see in store for details

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Let our team know that you heard about us in THE VOICE when you book for your chance to WIN one of 10 ANNUAL DOMESTIC SERVICES - excl. parts & tanker, terms and conditions apply, valid until end DEC 2024

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

To advertise please call 01773 549 035

MPC Services (UK) Ltd

1 Heanor Gate Rd, Derbyshire, DE75 7RJ

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

Company Reg No. 0608117

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Approved Installer

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Boiler Servicing | Heating Systems Plumbing Repairs | Bathrooms

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Rightio is a home repair service provider. From tackling your leaking toilets to broken boilers, we specialise in providing expert repairs in gas heating, plumbing, drainage, electrics and locks. We have a team of locally based Gas Safe accredited engineers and highly experienced plumbers dedicated to providing an expert local service to the residents of the East Midlands.

Rightio blends local engineering expertise with the backing of an established professional company. This combination ensures that all our services come with the added security of being fully insured with a 12-month guarantee, complete job tracking through SMS and email notifications. We offer quick reaction times – often within 1-2 hours, clear and

transparent pricing and over 11,000 trust pilot reviews rating us ‘Great’.

Additionally, the opportunity to access our exclusive membership options through our sister company, Care Club, which guarantees comprehensive peace of mind for your home all year round.

Our commitment to the local roots of our engineers is shown through our locally employed workforce, allowing us to support the local economy.

This is complemented by the strength and resources of our national presence, offering our clients the best of both worlds.

Rightio Plumbing & Heating 01773 843 258 We work in Broadmeadows, South Normanton, Blackwell, Newton, Hilcote & all surrounding areas

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Meet the Rightio Plumbers

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Pinxton & South Normanton: History Group DECEMBER 2023

UNCLE BILL AND THE TOYS In the run-up to Christmas, I thought a topical story would be appropriate. It is taken from a publication produced in 2009 based on the childhood memories of a former Pinxton resident, George Sheldon.

He was a young lad and was at his grandma’s when Uncle Bill mentioned he had been up Wharf Road and the shops had all been decorated for Christmas, 1909. The two fruit shops were full of piles of rosy apples and oranges, and the sweet shop window

was full of white sugar mice and chocolates. Barratt’s shop window was filled with all kinds of brightly coloured and exciting looking toys.

All the shop windows were garlanded and tinselled and there was much holly and mistletoe about and in the butcher’s shop window was the head of a pig with an orange in its mouth.

Uncle Bill asked Georgie if he would like to go and have a look. Most of the shops had candles burning to keep condensation off the shop windows.

George was wearing boots and socks knitted by his mother and he had a woollen muffler to keep out the cold.

They walked up the street looking at the windows of Stanhope’s, Jacque’s and Elliott’s before reaching Barratt’s shop. It was full of gleaming-coloured toys. There were teddy bears, dolls, prams, footballs, games like Ludo and Snakes and Ladders and toy ducks and geese. He gazed in amazement at the wonderful display. Then he heard his Uncle Bill say, ‘I want you to look very carefully and see if anything takes your fancy?’ It was impossible to describe Georgie’s feelings when he heard he would buy a toy of his choice. It took his breath away; he was speechless; didn’t know what to say. He looked this way and that, at the goodies in the window. He looked at Uncle Bill’s face, and he could see that he was not joking; that he really meant it. Without any hesitation he silently pointed to a brilliantly red painted monkey.

It was a warm feeling of love and admiration that Georgie felt for his uncle as they walked back down Wharf Road.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! Dedicated to the memory of George Henry Sheldon, born on Wharf Road, opposite the former New Inn public house, on Wharf Road in October 1905.

He died in 2000.

Abstract from a booklet produced by the Pinxton and South Normanton Local History Society - ‘Stories of Childhood Days in Pinxton’.

POP OVER WHY TONOT OURGIVE FACEBOOK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE TO SEE PAGE MORE A VISIT? ABOUT THE SUTTON PINXTON HERITAGE AND SOCIETY SOUTH NORMANTON ON WWW.SUTTONHERITAGE.ORG.UK HISTORY 32 Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines whenGROUP. responding to the Ads

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COLLEDGE AERIALS Established 1965

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Glass Units • Misted Replacement Glass Units Broken Locks/Handles • Faulty Locks/Handles/Hinges Prices from Hinges • Faulty Soffit/Fascia & Guttering Doors • Composite Composite Doors • Conservatories UPVC Windows & Doors • Porches & Conservatories plus VAT • UPVC doors and windows

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RJ ELECTRICAL Industrial • Domestic • Commercial

✔ Partial or full rewire - landlords & domestic ✔ Electric Car charging points ✔ Experienced Electrician ✔ Testing & Inspection

01773 512 407 or 07773 433 055 rj.electrical@yahoo.co.uk • www.rj-electrics.co.uk

Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads 08/06/2017 17:43

VVM1075 (Blakeley Builders Q).indd 1

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D Cheshire Painting & Decorating Fully Qualified, Independent & Ex-Police Emergency Locksmith No call out charge - Beat any written quote Free security consultations available

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Guttering cleaned (inside & out) Solar panels Conservatory roofs Guttering repairs / replacements House roofs cleared of moss & treated with biocide.

FREE QUOTES AT YOUR HOME OR OVER THE PHONE! See our reviews ASGutterCleaning on Trustpilot!

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35

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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and s d r o w e h t Guess d! ! r o w s s o Fill in the cr

36

These puzzles are devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads

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AHM is rated Excellent To advertise please call 01773 549 035

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Ian Wilson FIRST 4 FASCIAS Electrical Services Rewires, Extra Sockets, Lights, Fault Finding, Inspection & Testing, Etc.

Bargeboard First• Dry Verge 01623•459891 •Fascias Fascias • Soffit • Guttering

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First

M1338 (Ian Wilson Electrical Q Advert).indd 1

AVVM077215:28 (First 4 Fascias Q Advert).indd 1 15/02/2018

Fascias

08/11/2016 01:4

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Vacuum cleaner repairs carried out by our experienced engineers

We can collect & return your vacuum cleaner from local areas Belts • Bags • Filters • Hoses Cables • Consumables Approved dealer Fascias - Soffits

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BUSINESS EST SINCE 2015

Considering changing your bathroom? VISIT our SHOWROOM IN RIDDINGS for inspiration & expert advice • Shower rooms & Ensuites • Bathroom Furniture & Storage

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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

40

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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Living Made Easy with Bathroom Adaptations Family-run business established 20 years

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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….

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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.

Top Tip:

Mulching borders can help to protect vulnerable plants as the worst of winter comes in. You can use bark chips or spent compost or even cuttings from fir tree – anything with a loose structure.

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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 48 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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