Rural Voice - Darley Dale & Villages Edition - January 2024

JAN ‘24

E 12

DITIONS READ

BY OVER 162 S RE 00 ,0

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

Rightio Plumbers 01629 628 004 OUR SERVICES Boiler Breakdowns Boiler Servicing Radiators & Pipes We work in Darley Bridge, Darley Dale, Darley Hillside, Elton, Farley, Hackney, Northwood, Rowsley, Stanton in the Peak, Two Dales, Upper Hackney, Youlgrave & all surrounding areas

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From the Editor Happy New Year Readers!!!

2024 – let’s see what you’ve got in store for us all in the continuation of this crazy decade?!

It can’t be any worse right??!! To be fair, I’d be ecstatic with interest rates coming down anytime soon (thanks Liz #eyeroll) to make my mortgage into a number that doesn’t spell words upside down on a calculator! It’s only a Semi for crikey’s sake, I reckon I’d get a tasty property in Bel Air for the same monthly cost currently!

Anyway, with that in mind, no predictions from me this year (unlike our resident writer Mike, who has turned into Mystic Meg – God rest her soul).

There is absolutely no point because the way 2023 has unfolded, it’s all a bit beyond my imagination!

Personally speaking, I think I will go back to my resolutions this year – well, for January at least!!

Laura (our other resident writer) is with me on the resolution thing but she is going for ‘finding your inner child’, which is brilliant. My only trouble with that one is, my child is quite ‘outer’ already, so I’m back to the drawing board on what I want to do.

I need to find something that challenges me but is low on cost. Maybe something like decluttering the house – that would be very challenging in our house! Nah, Mr Emily would never go for it!

Oooh, I remember reading about Flo Meiler who is 84 and keeps winning medals at pole vaulting. She didn’t’ start until she was 60! I mean, how inspirational is that! Maybe there is hope for me yet? Although, I’m far too clumsy for pole vaulting. I did consider parkour

(the jumping across buildings thing, not the winter jacket) but I ruled it out for the same reasons…...oh and I’m not that balanced and my head for heights is diminishing as the years pass by!!

As a more sedate but equally as challenging undertaking for me, I have briefly considered taking up ‘knitting’ in honour of my late Grandma. She was fantastic at it and knitted me various garments and even one of those knitted scarecrows that everyone had in the late 80’s/early 90’s. In a bid to try and pass on her knowledge and no doubt, I chewed her ear off about teaching me, she bought me my very own yarn selection and child size knitting needles from Alfreton Market one day. I was very excited about this! She dutifully sat me down on many occasions to try and teach me the knit and purl of this forgotten art. Turns out that the only thing I was any good at was ‘dropping’ stitches. It tested our relationship and sufficed to say (no doubt feeling murderous towards me on more than one occasion), the needles were ‘lost’! So instead we spent our Saturdays watching Bullesye and eating cake! Happy times.

Anyway, I’ll let you know what I decided in the Feb edition – if I can settle on anything, this might be the theme of this year – new monthly hobbies!!

Happy Reading.

x Emily

LEISURE CENTRE

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WITH 12 MAGAZINES COVERING NOTTINGHAMSHIRE & DERBYSHIRE, WHY NOT ADVERTISE IN ANOTH- ER AREA? Upcoming Submission Deadline for Advertisers & Contributors: February ‘24 Edition - 12th January ‘24 • March ‘24 Edition - 10th February ‘24

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

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

NEW YEAR – NEW YOU EMBRACE YOUR INNER CHILD! I celebrated a milestone birthday just before Christmas, and it’s got me thinking “about life, the universe, and everything” (a Hitchhiker’s Guide reference), and how as we grow older we often lose touch with our inner child.

As a writer, I spend a lot of time researching and reading, and I came across an analogy the other day that I would like to share with you. It doesn’t matter if you are 87, or 17, I think the sentiment will resonate with you.

Here it is…

You are like a book - your ages are like the pages. You might be on page 78, but page 7 is still right there, unchanged and accessible to you. The 7-year-old you never went away, they are there, inside you still, so it’s a simple shift of focus to connect with the child you still are, not the child you ‘were’.

Deep, right?

But yet, very simple.

As we grow older, we become enmeshed in the practicalities of living; have the bills been paid, the shopping done, beds made, clothes washed…and so on, ad infinitum. If we’re not careful, we can lose the joy in our lives, as we become subsumed by simply surviving.

Your task for 2024 and beyond is to reconnect with the childlike part of yourself.

Remember how it felt to be a small child, curious, inquisitive, fearless? Allow yourself to live fully in each moment, feel the rain on your upturned face, try something different – a new food, drink, or activity.

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Marvel at the way dew glistens on a spider web, as if hundreds of tiny diamonds had been captured in the sticky strands.

Catch snowflakes on your tongue.

Eat candyfloss at the seaside and giggle as it dissolves in your mouth.

Go for a stroll in the countryside and jump in puddles (wellies essential).

Reconnecting with your inner child doesn’t mean you absolve all your responsibilities – we still have to “adult” (sadly!), but give yourself time to play too. What’s that old adage? “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” But allowing yourself to have fun whilst adulting is a something we should all embrace.

Even mundane tasks can be made more fun.

Put some music on whilst doing the housework and dance whilst you clean. As an added bonus, you’ll be getting some exercise too!

This January, forget New Year resolutions that you will probably give up by the time February appears, and instead take a vow to remember and reconnect with your inner child.

Why not see if you can dig out an old photo of yourself and stick it on the fridge – or some other prominent place? Better yet (if you are a gadget geek like me) turn that photo into your computer or phone’s screen saver. You will have a constant visual reminder of the beautiful child you were, and still are inside…no matter how many love lines now adorn your face.

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.

Don’t towww.word-witch.co.uk mention Voice Magazines whenonresponding To find out forget more visit or contact Laura 07736 351 341to the Ads

COMMUNITY NOTICE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

**DO YOU KNOW JESUS?** HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO CHURCH? WOULD YOU LIKE TO FIND OUT WHAT GOING TO CHURCH IS ALL ABOUT? Well - church isn’t a building.

Has that statement surprised you?

Church is where two or more Christians meet together in Jesus’ name - He is there in their midst.

Welcome to YOUR community noticeboard. A dedicated space for you to post notices, events and for not-for-profit community groups advertise in.

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

Would you like to ask Jesus into your life?

It’s so easy to do and it doesn’t take long and it is such a blessing.

If you want to do this - all you need to do is say “Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. I believe you came to Earth and died and rose again for me. I ask you to become Lord of my life today. Thank you for your sacrifice on the cross for my sins.

If you prayed this prayer, you have now become a Child of God. Congratulations.

ANN POWELL - annandgraham29@gmail.com

NEWS • EVENTS • UPDATES • LOCAL INTEREST • NEWS • EVENTS • UPDATES • LOCAL INTEREST

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

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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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.

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF DRIVING. • Powerful SUVs • 100% electric cars • Innovative city cars

Sales | Servicing | Parts | Motability NISSAN CHESTERFIELD

1 Discovery Way, Whittington Moor, Chesterfield, S41 9EG

01246 796270 | bristolstreet.co.uk/nissan

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

All Around the Shire DASHING AWAY WITH THE SMOOTHING IRON….

If Monday was washing day, then Tuesday was ironing day. One of our recent acquisitions is a small iron with a fabric flex and a bayonet-type plug designed to be connected into a pendant light fitting. I well remember in the early sixties, my very tall dad reaching up to plug in the iron for my mum to iron shirts or for him to press his army uniform. He wouldn’t let mum do it because the only time she did, Dad was put on jankers (confined to barracks) because his trouser leg creases were not straight.

We didn’t have an ironing board, so mum lay a thick blanket covered with a sheet on the table and used a damp tea towel for very crumpled shirts. There was always a certain warm, slightly frazzled smell which I still remember today.

When I was small, my mum taught me to iron, starting off with hankies and tea towels, eventually progressing to shirts which had to be approached in an unchanging sequence: back of collar, front of collar, cuffs, arms, button side front and so on. Even now, I follow the same pattern and find pleasure and relaxation in doing so.

We come across many people during our reminiscence sessions who have living memories of flat irons (sometimes called sad irons) being

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used on a day-to day basis. Two were usually required: one to heat up on the range and the other to press the clothing. Some people even remember using paraffin irons or ones filled with hot coals.

The 1960’s saw many new, manmade polyester-based fabrics such as crimplene and easy-care polycottons. Not so much to iron.

Nowadays, our flat iron is a door stop and our bayonet fitting iron is a curiosity. But I still iron with pleasure and smile to myself when I remember….

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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FOOD & RETAIL

There's a ŠKODA model for everyone.

Find yours at ŠKODA Chesterfield.

Sales | Servicing | Parts | Motability ŠKODA Chesterfield

1 Discovery Way, Whittington Moor, Chesterfield, S41 9EG

01246 796272 | bristolstreet.co.uk/skoda

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

Slimming World Recipe Cowboy Hotpot Method: 1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/ fan 180°C/gas 6.

2. Cook the potatoes in a saucepan of boiling water over a high heat for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside to cool.

4. Stir the stock cube into 200ml hot water, then add to the sausage pan along with the mixed beans, baked beans, sweetcorn, Marmite, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar and spring onions. Simmer for 5 minutes, then transfer to an ovenproof dish and top with the potatoes. Spray with low-calorie cooking spray and cook in the oven for 30 minutes. Serve hot, with your favourite Speed vegetables.

3. Meanwhile, spray a large non-stick saucepan with low-calorie cooking spray and put it over a medium heat. Brown the sausages on all sides for 5 minutes, then add the garlic, onion and peppers and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the tomato purée and smoked paprika and cook for 5 minutes.

For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk

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It’s pretty miserable outsaide.

So what you need is something warm and comforting to fill you up on cold winters nights.

Serves: 4 Ready in: 1 hour

Ingredients: • 500g floury potatoes, • such as King Edward or Maris Piper, thinly • sliced • • Low-calorie cooking spray • • 12 Slimming World Pork Sausages, chopped into chunks • • 4 garlic cloves, • chopped • • 1 large red onion, diced • • 2 red peppers, deseeded and diced • 2 tbsp tomato purée •

2 tbsp smoked paprika 1 chicken stock cube 400g can mixed beans in water 400g can baked beans 325g can sweetcorn kernels, drained 1 tbsp Marmite 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp white wine vinegar Bunch spring onions, sliced

Syns per serving: FREE

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Slacks Travel

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2024_V12_PRINT

1 31/10/2023

1

16:25 Page

ing Holidays

ental Coach

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2024

ALL TOURS

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WITH LOCAL

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CORONOVIRUS STATEMENT Please note that all vehicles will be thoroughly disinfected prior to every trip and new BRITISH air purification COACHING systems have been installed

DAYS

DESTINATION BRITISH COACHING

DAYS PRICE

19 FEB- AHARROGATE -INCL. EVENING NORFOLK ROYAL RETREAT 27-31 MAY HBDRINKS PACKAGE (HB) 5

£394 £454

DURHAM BEAMISH 28-31 03 MARINCMYSTERY BREAKMAY ???HB(HB)

2

£358 £165

ISLE WIGHT 31 MAY - 04(HB) JUNE HB 06OF MAR WEYMOUTH

5

£346 £389

5

£283

16 MAR BLENHEIM PALACE & THRIPLOW DAFFODILS (HB) 2

£197

17 MAR SCOTLAND, INVERNESS - DIAMOND ALL INCLUSIVE 5

£528

17 MAR ISLE OF WIGHT (HB)

6

£468 £408

01OF APR OFJUNE MANHB(HB) ISLE MANISLE 22-27

5

£534 £514

BABBACOMBE, TORBAY 25-30 JUNE HB 08 APR EASTBOURNE (HB)

5

£342 £534

SIDMOUTH JULY HB (HB) 15 APR 04-08 BARNSTAPLE

5

£412 £525

7

£567

22 APR CUMBRIAN ADVENTURE (HB)

5

£575

29 APR SCOTLAND - CRAINLARICH (HB)

5

£586

03 MAY LOOE (HB)

7

£765 £410

06 MAY WALES - LLANDUDNO (HB)

5

£553

11 MAY LONDON - ROYAL ALBERT HALL (BB)

2

£242

12 MAYROMANTIC HAMPSHIRE (HB) GERMANY RHINE 29 JULY-04 AUG HB

5

£649 £807

17 MAY PORTO LONDON PORTUGAL ANDWEEKENDER DOURO VALLEY(BB) 05-14 SEPT HB

3

£308 £1057

IRELAND 12-19 SEPTOSBOURNE HB 19 MAYCOAST ISLETOOFCOAST WIGHT - INCL. HOUSE (HB)

5

£759 £549

ITALY DOLOMITES 25 SEPT-05 24 MAY SIDMOUTH (HB) OCT HB

5

£956 £562

6

£625

GARDENS OF SOUTHERN ENGLAND 04-06 JUNE HB

11 MAR BOURNEMOUTH - 50% OFF BAR (HB)

PENNINE EXPLORER 07-11 JUNE HB GREAT YARMOUTH 10-14 JUNE HB

WARNERS CRICKET ST THOMAS 14-18 JUNE HB HAMPSHIRE HIGHLIGHTS 17-21 JUNE HB

HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW 10-12 JULY HB

21 APR CROMER (HB)

CHESTER AND THE WIRRAL PENINSULA 11-16 JULY HB SCOTLAND, ORKNEYS AND THE CASTLE OF MEY 19-24 JULY HB LAKE DISTRICT STEAM & CRUISE 25-30 JULY HB COLCHESTER AND CONSTABLE COUNTRY 25-30 JULY HB

EUROPEAN COACHING

IRELAND CAUSEWAY COASTER 27 JUNE-02 JULY HB

BELGIUM BRUGES XMAS MARKETS 29 NOV-02 DEC B&B

26 MAY WALES - TENBY (HB)

DAY EXCURSIONS

03 JUN HAYLING ISLAND

EARLY BOOKINGS ADVISABLE *ADMISSIONS INCLUDED SAT 22 MAY HARROGATE SAT 29 MAY WHITBY

ADULT

£266 £403 £424 £480

£175 £450 £642 £446

£568

£308

5 NT £474 MEMBERS

OAP/CHILD

£26

CONTINENTAL COACHING £28

WED 2 JUNE CHESTER / CHESTER ZOO (ADMISSION NOT INC)

£25

£580

SAT 12 JUNE YORK

09 JUN, SPAIN - CANTABRIA (HB) SUN 13 JUNE HARRY POTTER TOUR

£26

10 £1167 £69

SAT 19 JUNE BBC GARDENERS WORLD

£49

15 APR LLANDUDNO FRANCE - CHANTILLY & PARIS BB+ 1 EVENING MEAL 4 £28

SAT 5 JUNE

OCT WHITBY ITALY - TUSCANY (HB) SAT08 26 JUNE SAT 3 JULY

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DEC LIVERPOOL BELGIUM - BRUGES XMAS MARKET (BB) SAT06 10 JULY £25 SAT 17 JULY WINDSOR

£30

SAT 24 JULY TATTON PARK FLOWER SHOW

£50

11 £1398 4

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

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FOOD & RETAIL

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

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Chesterfield Shop Mobility Ltd Ground Floor, Multi-Storey Car Park, New Beetwell Street, Chesterfield, S40 1QR. Company No: 07106728

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North Derbyshire Foot Clinic For friendly and professional treatment of: Routine Care Cutting Nails Corns or Callus Heel, Foot & Leg Pain Thickened Nails Verrucae

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GARDENS

NEW YEAR, NEW ME… SERIOUSLY? Ah, the New Year—a time when we boldly declare our intentions to become the best versions of ourselves. Then realise that maybe, just maybe, the sofa, a bar of chocolate, and a good book are more appealing.

Let’s go on a comical journey through the land of resolutions, where good intentions meet reality, and the gym membership card hides in shame.

First up, the fitness frenzy. January 1st marks the grand opening of the “Gym of Good Intentions,” where so many of us transform into temporary fitness gurus. Fast forward to February, and the gym resembles a desert island, with tumbleweeds rolling across the abandoned yoga mats.

Then there’s the kale conspiracy. Every year, kale emerges as the superhero of resolutions—a leafy green beacon of health. We (try to) convince ourselves that kale crisps are a tasty alternative to regular potato ones, only to realise that, in reality, they taste more like disappointment seasoned with regret.

And don’t get me started on dropping the carbs, it simply isn’t possible to go through life without potatoes, bread, and cake…is it? I mean maybe cutback a little, but a roast dinner without roasties and Yorkshire puds is simply unthinkable.

run, or gym workout in the cold, when there’s the cosy warmth of bed?

Those mindset “gurus” have a lot to answer for.

Resolutions are like fine wine—they take time to get right, need a lot of patience to perfect, and there will be spills and along the way. So, whether you’re chasing fitness dreams, embracing kale with a smile (or a grimace), or attempting to befriend your alarm clock, remember: the laughter shared in the pursuit of these resolutions is the true reward.

If you are going to set yourself some resolutions for 2024, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t succeed at the first attempt. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you (and me!) won’t magically transform into svelte, fit, catwalk models simply because we make a few promises to ourselves on January 1st.

Finish the chocolate, eat the cakes, snuggle under your duvet – Spring is a much better time to start something new!

The battle of the bulge extends to the fridge. The New Year brings forth a wave of health-conscious shopping and we stock our fridges with loads of veggies. However, amidst the sea of greens, the leftover Christmas chocolate strategically hides, waiting for the midnight cravings. The quest for a healthier lifestyle becomes a game of hide-andseek with the hidden treats.

And let’s not forget those who pledge to become early birds in order to conquer the world – or at least their corner of it. The plan is flawless, set the alarm for 5am, meditate, go on a run, make a healthy breakfast etc, etc. But many of them will quickly become best friends with the snooze button, realising that their inner night owl is not so easily tamed. After all, who needs the morning

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These articles are researched and written by Laura Billingham, a local content writer and author.

Laura moved to the Peak District several years ago to pursue her passion for writing.

Don’t forget mention Voice Magazines responding to the Ads To find out moreto visit www.word-witch.co.uk or contact Laurawhen on 07736 351 341

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With over 24 years’ experience creating accessible bathrooms, AHM Installations Ltd, a family-run company, guides customers through the process of finding a bathing solution to improve daily life and overall wellbeing. With a foundation in caregiving and mobility, their mission is rooted in easing challenges, always finding solutions regardless of budget constraints.

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• info@ahminstallations.co.uk Towww.ahminstallations.co.uk advertise please call the Voice Team on 01629 364 015 23

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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Third-party prices may vary.

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Pitcherwits

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Pitcherwits® are crossword puzzles where some of the clues are in pictures.

Sound easy? It’s not called “Pit-your-wits” for nothing!

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Across 5 Disapproval, so booted Edward out (3) 6 Bristle cut at the dawning of the day (3) 10 Possesses, with a small part (3) 11 Journalists’ alternative, say, to metal cutter (7) 12 One way to be a bit fresh! (3) 16 It used to be part of Gog and Magog (3) 17 We have no grief (3) Down 2 Taste, at a slight angle (4) 3 Austria? It’s back from the atmosphere (4) 8 Bumpkin has a bit of egg left (5) 14 Pack in on the Wold? (4) 15 Vegetable ruined by leak (4) Across

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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GARDENS

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To advertise please call the Voice Team on 01629 364 015 russells.uk.com 27

GARDENS

NATURE NOTES FROM THE PEAK DISTRICT

WINTER BIRDS FLOCK TO THE GARDEN FEEDERS By early December, the cold weather had tipped large numbers of smaller birds towards the garden feeders. A combination of the reduction of the autumnal glut of fruit and berries in hedgerows and woodland edge, means our garden feeders assume a greater importance.

Furthermore, this is where feeding the birds in the summertime really pays dividends because the birds immediately know where to come. The young birds from this year’s garden broods of blue tits and great tits, are already hard-wired to recall where those easy supplies of sunflower seeds, fatballs, and peanuts are to be found. From August through to late October, the numbers of visiting birds certainly dropped as foraging mixed flocks of titmice or of finches roamed the wider countryside.

But since early November, the garden visiting has increased dramatically. In my own case, we have had flocks of around thirty blue tits and good numbers too of great tits and coal tits, alongside the occasional long-tailed tit.

This is all good to see and the party has been joined by finches too, with chaffinches, goldfinches, and now, good numbers of greenfinches. The latter is great to see back, with ten or more visiting at once. This is a species which declined sharply due to a nasty disease probably in part spread through dirty garden feeders causing infection. Absent where I am for about ten years, they are now back, and several pairs bred here last summer. In these days of so much doom and gloom in the news, it is nice to have even small things to celebrate!

The smaller birds are joined by some larger ones too such as the now super-abundant woodpigeon and the stunning, ring-necked parakeet. The former hoover up any seed scattered on the ground or falling from hanging feeders and have even taken to trying an assault on the feeders directly. However, being large and cumbersome, they do struggle with nut-holders, fat-balls, and hanging seed dispensers.

The parakeets on the other hand are amongst the cleverest and most adept of our garden birds.

These are spreading across the region from the first recorded sightings back in the 1980s. They feed on peanut holders and sunflower seed, but simply love spiked apples on the feeders. These are also favoured foods of blackbirds and other thrushes such as fieldfares and mistletoe thrushes.

However, blue tits, coal tits, and great tits also relish the apples.

Another wintertime treat for the birds comes in the form of dried mealworms. The robins love these and become very tame if they are offered regularly. But the other bird to really benefit from the mealworms is the starling. I have spherical wire holders which are filled with small suet pellets and dried mealworms, and these are attracting flocks of twenty or more starlings at any one time. Bearing in mind that this was a bird under threat just a few years ago, and this is quite remarkable; hopefully, another once declining species now on the up.

GREENFINCH

GOLDFINCH

GREAT TIT GREAT TIT

BLUE TIT

WOOD PIGEON

RING-NECKED PARKEET

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

GARDENS

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29

GARDENS

Gardener’s Calendar

There’s truly not lots to do in January in the garden, beyond cleaning tools and pots and leafing through garden catalogues with a mug of something hot in your hand.

But if you do want to brave the elements there’s a few tasks to keep you warm. Prune your apple and pears if you haven’t done so already, plant bare root roses, prune overgrown honeysuckle back hard, deadhead flowering winter pansies so they don’t set seed and give up the ghost.

If you have any forgotten tulips in a bag in the depths of the greenhouse they will probably put on a decent show even if you plant them now – so long as you can get them into frozen ground!

Try not to walk on frozen lawns as it can damage grass.

Top Tip:

If you have a heated greenhouse or propagator you can sow lobelia and begonias and pelargoniums now, but make sure there’s some ventilation so they don’t get damped off. Paraffin heaters can produce a lot of moisture which can be too much for tender shoots.

Feed the birdies. Fruits berries, mealworms, suet pellets or fat balls. All high energy content. Bread is not the best idea. But a water bowl is. Dirty feathers lose a lot of their insulation so a clean bird is a warm bird.

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GARDENS

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