Voice Magazines - Swanwick, Riddings, Leabrooks and Somercotes Edition - Dec 2023

DEC ‘23

12 EDITIONS READ BY OVER 162,000 RESIDENTS

SWANWICK, RIDDINGS, LEABROOKS & SOMERCOTES

EMILY THE BOSS

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

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From the Editor Hii 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 CPUKt 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

YOU CAN MERGE SQUARES TOGETHER AND ALL YOU PAY FOR IS THE SQUARES THAT YOU USE Welcome to YOUR community noticeboard. A dedicated space for you to post notices, events

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Swanwick, Methodist Church Tues 19:15

Pam -01773 602 335

Christmas Services at St Andrew’s Swanwick Wednesday 13th Dec, 7.15pm – Swanwick Civic and Community Carol Service Carols, readings and performances, for all from Swanwick, refreshments after Christmas Eve Sunday 24th Dec, 4.30pm – Family Carol Service Family friendly carol service suitable for all ages Christmas Eve Sunday 24th Dec, 11pm – Midnight Communion Mark the start of Christmas Day with carols, talk, prayers and communion Christmas Day Monday 25th Dec, 10.30am – Family Christmas Celebration A Churches Together in Swanwick Christmas service for all ages – all welcome

Also at St Matthew’s Pentrich Sunday 17th Dec, 6.30pm – Carols by Candlelight Christmas Day Monday 25th Dec, 10.30am – Christmas Communion

For Community Advertising Contact Danielle on 01773 549035

NEWS • EVENTS • UPDATES • LOCAL INTEREST

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 find out more visit www.word-witch.co.uk or contact Laura on 07736 351 341

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COMMUNITY NOTICE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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 mention Voice responding to the Ads Contact Richard Godley on 07854 646Magazines 742 • E: when eastpeakcic@gmail.com

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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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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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 To advertise please call the Voice Team on 01773 549 035

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FOOD & RETAIL

Slimming World Recipe Honey-roasted parsnip soup with halloumi

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

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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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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

3

5

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.

FOOD & RETAIL

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

24

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

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ALL HALF BOARD INCLUDING EXCURSIONS & ENTERTAINMENT!

LYTHAM ST ANNES

ISLE OF WIGHT

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FOR A 2024 BROCHURE OR TO BOOK: PHONE: 01773 590 808 01246 604 764 or 07483 357 958 Go online WWW.CLAIRSCOACHES.CO.UK

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

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

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3rd Friday of each month 9am - 1pm | Sutton-in-Ashfield, Portland Square

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To advertise please call the Voice Team on 01773 549 035

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FOOD & RETAIL

COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS

DO OR PIC TO D K U OO P! R

PET SERVICES

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’tSeals forget to mention Magazines when responding Fodder Room, TheVoice 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.

PET SERVICES

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

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to

Tib

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N

Call us on 01773 602 466

www.sealsfodder.co.uk

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elf

Homeme ents Improv

ROOFING PLASTIC VERGES SOFFIT & FACIAS

07946275835

REPOINTING OF WALLS & BUILDINGS BUILDING MAINTENANCE

Residential

Dma.electricalservices@outlook.com

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Commercial

dma.electricalservices@outlook.com www.dmaelectrics.co.uk

Testing

07946 275 835 Excellent work, efficient and reliable and always willing to discuss the project to come up with a solution

CALL STEVE ON 07717 252 896

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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IMAGES of Derbyshire CALL TODAY ON BATHROOM, KITCHENS & FLOORING SPECIALISTS 07843 675 998 TOP-NOTCH PLUMBING AND HEATING SUPPLIES OUR BRAND NEW TRADE COUNTER

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Meet the Rightio Plumbers 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.

To advertise please call the Voice Team on 01773 549 035

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

Workmanship Lifetime Guarantee Walk-in showers Walk-in baths Anti-slip flooring Custom made for people with mobility issues Beautiful bathroom designs Free CAD drawing on every enquiry Wall panelling options

Concessions for over 60’s, Derbyshire Gold Card members and NHS T&Cs: † Calls to our 0800 0855 518 number are free from all UK based landlines & mobiles.

Call freephone† 0800 08 555 18 Or book online: 30

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01773 302 230

www.stone-security.co.uk

Alarm & CCTV Specialists • Full alarm system service £65 with 12 months call-out cover • Brand new alarm systems from £549 fitted • CCTV systems from £649 fitted • Older systems upgraded, faults fixed • Any existing system adopted regardless who fitted it

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WE MAKE YOUR IDEAS HAPPEN!

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WINDOWS & DOORS

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Reputable & Reliable Family Run Business Est 1986 WE WILL BEAT ANY LIKE FOR LIKE QUALITY GARAGE DOOR QUOTE

WINTER PROMOTION UP TO 30% OFF RRP ON ANY GARAGE DOOR

®

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SWANWICK: (01773 483 133)

Find us on

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COLLEDGE AERIALS Established 1965

We have over 30 years in the trade and are a family run business.

Specialists in...

• Full Refurbs • Roofing • Bricklaying • Joinery • Damp Proofing • Plastering • Windows/Doors • Painting & Decorating

...plus much more!

Our quotes are free

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Tel: 01773 605 007 Mobile: 07921 133 945 www.blakeleybuilders.com

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Digital Aerials, Freesat and Sky Multipoint

Digital Aerials, Freesat and Sky Multipoint

• Local

• Trustworthy • Installers • Free Quotes

• All work fully guaranteed

T: 01773 742387 M: 07973 676799

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

VVM1075 (Blakeley Builders Q).indd 1

Electrical Services SPECIAL OFFER Rewires, Extra Sockets, Lights, Fault Finding, Inspection & Testing, Etc. • Consumer Unit Upgrades • Landlord Reports Call Ian for a FREE no obligation quote on

Tel : 01773 306 460 Mob : 07549 617 536

£2,000 +VAT

Includes:

Full installation 10 year warranty Baxi horizontal flue ADEY Magnaclean filter 5 year warranty remote programmable stat

TRUST US TO REPLACE YOUR BOILER Only £1,600

15/02/2018 15:28

+VAT ply

ap *T’s & C’s

Wallpapering & Coving Insulating lining paper (Wall Rock)

400 Combi 2 Includes:

Full installation 5 year warranty Baxi horizontal flue

For quality interior and exterior domestic painting and decorating

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ply

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*800 SERIES INCLUDING 825 AND 830. EXCLUDES 836 SERIES NO TRVS | HORIZONTAL FLUE ONLY | GAS PIPE UPGRADED IF TOO SMALL BOILER MUST BE IN THE SAME LOCATION AS EXISTING

David Draper Painting and Decorating Free estimates Over 35 years experience Local Friendly service

*T’s & C’s ap

Inhibitor to system

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M1338 (Ian Wilson Electrical Q Advert).indd 1

Only

ADEY Magnaclean filter 5 year warranty remote programmable stat Inhibitor to system *NO TRVS | HORIZONTAL FLUE ONLY | GAS PIPE UPGRADED IF TOO SMALL BOILER MUST BE IN SAME LOCATION AS EXISTING

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203414

Boiler Servicing | Heating Systems Plumbing Repairs | Bathrooms

To advertise please call the Voice Team on 01773 549 035

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Ian Wilson

Approved Installer

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Complete

Plastering & Damp Proofing Fast, friendly, reliable service with no mess All plastering work undertaken, including: • Artex cover-ups • Repair work • Drylining 20 YEAR

RIPLEY RUBBER ROOFING WARRANTY Call Derek Bonser

07812 995 634 • 01773 302 222 info@ripleyrubberoofing.co.uk www.ripleyrubberoofing.co.uk

BOOK REVIEW

(PCA

Competitive Prices • Fully Insured For a free, no obligation quote or advice call Anthony on:

01773 512209 07902 272541

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

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• Damp

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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BUSINESS EST SINCE 2015

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

COME & SEE OUR UPDATED DISPLAYS

• Easy Access Bathrooms • Tiles, Mirrors & Taps • Full Bathroom Suites • Space Saving Ideas OUR SHOWROOM IS OPEN TO GR EEN HIL

MIL

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METRO BATHROOMS

16

COAL CHAR ILL GR

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THE N LIO RED

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L LA

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WS S HA

TR E

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TRADE & PUBLIC

ENH ILL LAN E

SERVICE THE TRADE AS WELL AS PUBLIC

OPENING TIMES MON - THURS 9AM - 4PM

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Unit 1, Windmill Business Park (off Greenhill Lane), Mill Lane, Riddings, DE55 4DB (opposite Windlea Road) To advertise please call the Voice Team on 01773 549 0354:00pm Opening Hours: Mon to Thurs - 9:00am until

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

SUDOKU #41

Fill in all the numbers!

This is a sudoku 1 square grid 81 cells 9 3x3 blocks

01623 459891 9!

2

1 4 8 8 2 3 www.first4fascias.co.uk www.first4fa 8 3 5 7 7 2 6 8 1 5 3 9 8 3 7 Fascias - Soffits 2 4 - Bargeboards 1 9 - Claddin Fascias - Soffits - Bargeboards - Claddin 1 4 5 5 7 8

FIRST 4 FA FIRST 4 FA

Bargeboards 1 simple rule: Cladding Use all the numbers Guttering 1-9, with no duplicates Minor Roof Repairs 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

FIRST 4 FASCIAS Bargeboard First• Dry Verge 01623•459891 •Fascias Fascias • Soffit • Guttering

• Cladding • Repair Work Undertaken

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Avoid the Winter freeze! free guttering and downpipes with all fascia and soffit orders!

Please call to arrange a FREE, no obligation quotation and survey

Discount for OAP’s Call Justin on Tel : 01623 459 891 Mob : 07921 08 16 76

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First

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08/11/2016 01

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Double glazing repairs including misted up glass units.

Window and door hinges, locks, handles and general servicing.

Fitting of windows, doors & conservatories.

20 Years experience

Call Andy for a FREE quote T: 01773 748 644 M: 07974 347 107 E: andyrev10@gmail.com

www.andrewrevillglazing.com AVVM1256 (Andrew Revill Q Advert).indd 1

03/11/2017 18

BATHROOMS, BOILERS & HEAT PUMPS

We are a local business based in Swanwick,specialising in:

PLUMBING, HEATING & GAS WORK UNDERTAKEN

For a free no obligation quote call on: T: 01773 540 854 | M: 07968 772 224 E: b.sole@sky.com | www.bsoleplumbing.co.uk REGISTER

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www.derwentwindows.co.uk

Enhance beauty of

WINTER SALE

15

% OFF

ALL TIMBER WINDOWS & DOORS IN DECEMBER & JANUARY

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the value & your home

OF RIPLEY & LNOTTINGHAM OF C IFTON

www.timberwindows.com

O F C& LNOTTINGHAM IFTON OF RIPLEY

VISIT THE STUNNING Ripley & West Bridgford showrooms Visit Our Showrooms The Old Church, 31 Nottingham Road, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3AS

Tel: 01773 747 456 The Old Bank, 1 Radcliffe Road, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, NG2 5FF

Tel: 0115 9818 777 Opening Times: Monday - Saturday 9:30am - 4:30pm stunning ripley showroom

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Beautiful Nottingham showroom

AWARD WINNING timber windows & doors Natural, sustainable, and ethical, our beautiful timber windows and doors are the logical choice. Constructed from engineered timber slow grown in cold climates, their strength, stability and beauty are guaranteed.

Whether your home is a country cottage, a Victorian semi, a modern town-house or a converted barn, enjoy a 15% discount off all timber windows and doors in our Winter Sale until the end of January 2024.* Please visit us to explore our range of beautifully crafted engineered timber doors and windows, and get expert advice on enhancing the value and beauty of your home.

Our showrooms are housed within a fantastic former church building in Ripley, Derbyshire and a former Bank in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire. Both showrooms provide a welcoming and spacious environment to see and experience the full range of timber windows and doors. *15% discount is only applicable on www.timberwindows.com products.

To advertise please call the Voice Team on 01773 549 035

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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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PLUMBING & HEATING Boiler replacements and full central heating systems Installation, servicing and repairs of most domestic gas appliances

Do it Once, Do it Right 07805 384 247

Bathrooms & Log burners fitted

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gbroofingservices@yahoo.com

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• Re Roofs - New Builds • Lead work • Natural & Stone Slating • Velux Windows • Repairs • UPVC Soffit, Fascia & Guttering

4321

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Call MPC Services to arrange an empty, service or clean for your tank!

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Save £££ on electricity by upgrading your air compressor

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

MPC Services (UK) Ltd

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

To advertise please call the Voice Team on 01773 549 035

Company Reg No. 0608117

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BOILER & CENTRAL HEATING PLANS TO SUIT ALL BUDGETS FLAMECARE WILL DONATE YOUR FIRST MONTH’S SUBSCRIPTION TO SUPPORT ASHGATE HOSPICE Also get a FREE Initial Service Worth £85 – when you choose a comprehensive cover plan

Charity number: 700636

OUR PROMISE TO YOU Flame Care endeavour to provide first-class customer service, advice, workmanship and value for money to all our past, present and prospective customers.

British Gas (per month**)

With gas fire Central Heating, Plumbing & Drains & Gas Fire. Includes Annual Service

Complete

£40.81††

(+£60 excess with gas fire) (Homecare 300)

Central Heating, Plumbing & Drains. Includes Annual Service

Standard

£33.00†† (Homecare 100)

Boiler & Controls Cover, Includes Annual Service

£20.50††

APPLYING IS EASY Call freephone† 0800 08 555 18 www.flamecare.co.uk Flamecare (Homeplan) Ltd, 65-67 Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield S40 2AL

SCAN ME

FlameCare (per month**)

FlameCare Over 60s (per month**)

£25.95

£22.95

£19.95

£17.95

£13.95

£12.95

was £27.95

was £21.95

was £16.95

was £24.95

was £19.95

was £14.95

Why Choose FlameCare?

Full Parts & Labour Guarantee.

Free initial service (Worth £85).

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Price guarantee for first 12-months.

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Terms and conditions: † Calls to our 0800 0855 518 number are free from all UK based landlines & mobiles. *Prices may vary depending on the current age and make of boiler, this offer applies to new customers only. **Prices shown are inclusive of VAT. † † Prices correct as of 01-01-21.

Third-party prices may vary.

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father & son team

Ken & Kenny Bexton

UPVC specialists

call us today on:

07977 432 089 A1locksmithsltd.com

a1locksmithsltd@yahoo.co.uk

34 Peveril Drive, Riddings, DE55 4AP

ROOFING Please call us for a

FREE quotation

01773 848477

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A1 Locksmiths ltd

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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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GROWING TO EAT FRESH ALL YEAR

PA RT 3

Preparation and protection may be fundamental to eating fresh all year, but planning and planting are both greatly enjoyable and the key to success.

Variety and lots of it is essential simply because the vagaries of our weather guarantees failures as well as a successes. We have well over 120 different plants on our plot, more including the herbs and salad at home.

Last year was a one of our best ever for swede and green house chillies, and one of the worst for beans.

This year’s chillies are a disaster. If you’re going to go try eat fresh all year you need options, especially in the lean time of early spring.

Although we do freeze some produce, legumes in particular, and store others (squash) we aim to be able to crop something all year. This means planning what’s coming available between February and April as the rest of the year is relatively simple. We achieve this

by deliberately choosing late varieties, especially of brassicas and plants that have multiple uses as they mature. Purple sprouting broccoli is a good example, but most brassicas sprout if left, and these sprouts can used like broccoli, so we over plant! Spinach, chard and chicory can also cope with winter with a little help.

And of course, those plants that are best after the frost and can be left in (if not water logged) brussels, parsnip, swede and if you’re brave, horse radish.

by Pete Whitesmith

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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 forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads blog www.ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/ & Twitter @IanThewildside

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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.

Top Tip:

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.

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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