Rural Voice - Bakewell & Villages Edition - February 2024

FEB ‘24

Judy is questionin

ASHFOR D IN THE • BAKEW WATER ELL • BA SLOW • • C R ES S B CHELMO R O OK • RTON GREAT L • LITTLE ONGSTO NE LONGST ONE • L • MONYA ITTON SH • OV ER HADD • SHELD ON • PIL ON • STO SLEY NEY MID DLETON • TADDIN GTON • CALVER • C UR B A R • WAR DLOW

g her life choices

when Derek keeps taking her to Kingsmill Res

but just wants to play ‘Ring-a

ring-a-roses’

12 EDITIONS READ BY OVER 162,000 RESIDENTS

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From the Editor ...A few of the crew mates have embarked on ‘dry January’, many HMS Voice have fallen by the wayside and not Star Date: 300th January followed the course, the rest are either despairing daily or behaving We are enduring... erratically. I understand that the ...The storms are coming thick leftover Kirsch Liqueurs have and fast, abandoned trampolines provided comfort to some. are found in the strangest places, everyone is out of cash and patience ...There is some positive news though, last week, I was able to get is at a premium. into the gym again as all resolutions ...The ship had another unexpected of ‘beach bodies’ are re-adjusted. bill fly our way this month, as is and upwards January’s want! The potholes are ...Onwards shipmates, Spring so large that we feared we had been swallowed by a black hole is just around the but alas, just another suspension corner! spring has bitten the dust. It’s hard to differentiate between road and hole currently. Each journey is now ...Captain Emily (lost in undertaken with the utmost caution Space) and an agreed in principle loan ...|| arrangement.

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WITH 12 MAGAZINES COVERING NOTTINGHAMSHIRE & DERBYSHIRE, WHY NOT ADVERTISE IN ANOTHER AREA? Upcoming Submission Deadline for Advertisers & Contributors: March ‘24 Edition - 9th February ‘24 • April ‘24 Edition - 8th March ‘24

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

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A Historical Journey of Love Valentine’s Day is a day dedicated to love and affection. While modern celebrations often involve flowers, chocolates, and romantic gestures, the history of Valentine’s Day is a fascinating journey that spans centuries and intertwines with various cultures.

The roots of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to ancient Rome, where mid-February marked the celebration of Lupercalia. This pagan festival was dedicated to fertility and the coming of spring. During the festivities, young men would draw names of women from a jar and become their companions for the duration of the festival.

These matches sometimes led to marriages, and the celebration became known for its romantic associations.

The true origin of Valentine’s Day, however, is believed to be associated with the Christian martyr St. Valentine.

The Catholic Church recognises several saints named Valentine or Valentinus, but the most commonly referred to is a priest who lived during the third century in Rome.

The story goes that Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers.

St. Valentine, sympathetic to the plight of young lovers, defied the emperor’s decree and continued to perform marriages in secret. Eventually, St. Valentine was discovered, imprisoned, and executed on February 14th, around the year 269 AD. Various legends surround St. Valentine, further adding to the mystery of his life. One popular tale suggests that, while in prison, Valentine sent a love note to the jailer’s daughter, with whom he had developed a close bond. The note was signed “from your Valentine,” a phrase that would later become synonymous with expressions of love on Valentine’s Day.

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Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, began to evolve during the Middle Ages. Chaucer, the English poet, is credited with associating the Day with romantic love in his work “Parliament of Fowls.” By the 17th century, exchanging handwritten notes and small tokens of affection became a common practice among friends and lovers on Valentine’s Day. In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution paved the way for mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards. Esther A. Howland, known as the “Mother of the American Valentine,” began producing elaborate handmade cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and colourful illustrations.

These cards became immensely popular, and the commercialisation of Valentine’s Day was well underway.

Over time, Valentine’s Day spread beyond European borders and became a global celebration of love. Today, people around the world exchange cards, flowers, and gifts to express their affection for loved ones. The Day is not limited to romantic love; it also celebrates friendship and familial bonds.

Valentine’s Day, with its roots in ancient customs, Christian martyrdom, and literary influences, has transformed into a day dedicated to expressing love and affection. Whether through handwritten notes, elaborate cards, or thoughtful gestures, the celebration of Valentine’s Day continues to evolve, reminding us of the enduring power of love throughout history.

I however, believe we should demonstrate our love for someone EVERY Day – and not just February 14th – how about you?

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.

ToDon’t find outforget more visit or contact Laura on responding 07736 351 341 to the Ads to www.word-witch.co.uk mention Voice Magazines when

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The mixture of cryptic and picture clues, combined with Professor Rebus’ unique sense of humour, will keep you entertained for hours.

Across 7 Vision, allegedly on the web (5) 8 Huge, but excellent nevertheless (5) 9 Arm bone reset after lunar accident (5) 11 “My, the problem one has with seasoning!” (5) Down 2 Representative is bit of a nice guy? (5) 3 Leans (on paper) to help shoppers? (5) 10 Rustic type from the Upper Urals (5) 11 It holds tomatoes (or Major Tum!) (5) Down

Across 1

Men at ballet could be training for this seven a side? (7,4)

5

Makes tea in a ferment? (5,2)

12 On guard, but sloppily: not how a boat should be run!

(7) 13 Dodgy sideline in lab for escargot! (6,5)

1

Nothing to assuage NATO concerns (3,1,7)

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Small point of oldtimer in a muddle (5,6)

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A big one to sort out in the garden! (7

6

Surprised like cartoon Olive? (7)

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

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Slimming World Recipe Chicken tikka masala dirty fries Method: 1.

Preheat your oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/gas 7.

2.

Cook the potatoes in a large saucepan of boiling water over a high heat for 10 minutes, then drain well.

3.

Once the potatoes are on, mix 3 tbsp yogurt with the curry powder, chopped coriander and some seasoning in a wide bowl. Add the chicken and toss well, then set aside to marinate for at least 5 minutes.

4.

Spread out the chicken in a non-stick roasting tin and spray with low-calorie cooking spray.

Roast on the middle shelf of the oven for 20 minutes or until just about cooked through, then add

This recipe made my mouth water as soon as I saw it. Comfort food? Check. Tasty? Check, Filling? Check… and it’s on plan? Check!

the tomatoes and cook for another 10 minutes.

5.

At the same time, spread the chips out in a large non-stick roasting tin, spray with low-calorie cooking spray and toss well. Cook on the top shelf of the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chips are golden and crisp, giving the tin a shake halfway.

6.

To make the sauce, mix the rest of the yogurt with the tomato purée, vinegar and extra curry powder in a small bowl.

7.

Top the chips with the chicken strips and drizzle over the sauce.

Scatter over the red onion, chilli and coriander leaves and serve with salad.

For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk

Serves: 4 Ready in: 45 hour

Ingredients: • 800g floury potatoes, • 150g cherry tomatoes, such as Maris Piper, halved cut into chips • 3 tbsp fat-free natural • 1 tbsp tomato purée Greek yogurt, plus • 1 tsp red wine 150g for the sauce vinegar • 3 tbsp tikka curry • 1 medium red onion, powder, plus 1 tbsp very thinly sliced, to for the sauce* serve • Small pack fresh • 1 red chilli, deseeded coriander, a few and thinly sliced, to leaves reserved serve to serve, the rest *Watch out for spice/seasoning chopped blends that have added • 4 skinless and ingredients (like sugar, oil or boneless chicken starch). To protect your weight breasts, cut into strips loss, count ½ Syn per level • Low-calorie cooking tsp/1½ Syns per level tbsp. spray

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

All Around the Shire THE CORNER SHOP We were brought up with the ever-open local corner shop. Not always located on the junction of two streets, sometimes they could be found in the middle of a terrace. In our case, it was known as Mrs Stewart’s and sold an array of goods from tuttoos to potatoes, cigarettes to dolly blue bags. The shelves were floor to ceiling in height and, despite being located in Mrs Stewart’s front room, boasted everything that would ever be required. A bell on the front door would alert her to prospective customers if she was elsewhere in the house.

She had a fearsome meat slicer and a chilled cabinet offering bacon, tongue that she had prepared herself, corned beef, buns and cheese which was cut with a wire and wrapped in paper.

To a small child, the spectacle seemed comforting yet thrilling, with the added bonus of green shield stamps.

The process of buying goods from Mrs Stewart’s was accompanied by an easy exchange of conversation about important events concerning neighbours. On the stool sat those who were elderly or infirm or who simply needed to chat a while.

While the bigger shops on the high street closed on a Wednesday and Saturday afternoon and all-day Sunday, Mrs Stewart’s really did seem to be open all hours.

Payments could be spread over the year for those who needed to save up for a hamper of meat or groceries at Christmas. There was also a tab or a slate available for those who were “a bit short until Thursday”. You could also buy single cigarettes with a match.

In many of our reminiscence sessions, people remember local corner shops and the characters who used them with great fondness.

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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FEBRUARY 2024

ALL CHANGE AT BAKEWELL OLD HOUSE

It’s 2024, a new year for us all and, for the first time in centuries, there are big changes afoot at Bakewell Old House Museum. Since Tudor times until the early 1950s the premises on Cunningham Place were occupied.

By 1952 the building was in such an advanced state of dilapidation it was condemned as a slum.

Back then Charles Bradbury, a local builder and amateur historian, considered buying the Old House.

He knew a little of the history of the building and envisaged spending years restoring it, eventually transforming it into two cottages. Of course, all this depended on him getting a stay on the demolition order.

He drew up plans for restoration, which he intended using to apply for the demolition order to be removed.

In the meantime, the owners gave him free range to begin to investigate

the building. As Charles cleared out the temporary partitions, along with years of filth and rubbish, he exposed beams, windows, woodwork and much of interest. A wattle and daub wall emerged, and an ancient vestment cupboard, almost unrecognisable, which had been used to form part of a partition wall. When he discovered a huge fireplace in the largest room, the Houseplace, Charles knew the building was of more architectural and historical interest than he had first imagined.

Charles and a group of likeminded people contacted the Urban District Council who granted a temporary reprieve on the demolition order. They also agreed that if a definite scheme was put forward for preservation of the building, and funding was raised, they would reconsider the situation.

Meetings were held and in October 1954 a plan of action was created, one of the first actions being to form the Bakewell and District Historical Society. The society still thrives today.

The owners of the building on Cunningham Place, Mr B M Harrison and Miss V K Harrison, generously made a Deed of Gift to the Historical Society and Bakewell Old House was born.

features of the wonderful room with its amazing fireplace, instrumental in saving the whole building from demolition.

Over winter 2023/24 Bakewell Old House will be transformed. A new entrance will be created via the courtyard, to the left of the original building. The ticket office and shop will be rehoused in the small industrial gallery. Entry to the museum will be through the Buttery with its eclectic collection of farming implements. A video about the Old House will play in the Parlour where Mr Plant sits writing. The new easy route leads you into the Houseplace. Set out as an authentic Tudor dining room it will be complete with table and banquet. The room and fireplace can be viewed, as it should be, in fact it looks as if Henry VIII might just stroll in to enjoy one of his renowned feasts.

The Old House has always been Bakewell’s best kept secret and the changes we have made will enable visitors to transport themselves back to Tudor times to enjoy their visit even more.

For years those involved behind the scenes at the museum, and one person in particular, has had a vision of how our lovely Old House should look.

Since we opened way back in the late 50s the entrance has been through the front porch. This meant the first room people saw was the Houseplace, where the business part of a visit took place, payment of the entry fee, our shop and learning about the layout etc. The Houseplace became a kind of corridor to access the rest of the museum. This meant visitors didn’t fully appreciate the We will be open and happy to welcome you from 25th March 2024. And don’t forget our popular group tours of the town, tours of the museum and ghost tours are all available as are museum tours for schools. Please see the website for opening hours and prices. Alternatively contact the museum to book or for details of tours.

JOYCE JANES ON BEHALF OF THE OLD HOUSE MUSEUM. To advertise pleaseWWW.OLDHOUSEMUSEUM.ORG.UK call the Voice Team on 01629 364 015

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Heritage of Bakewell

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

SUDOKU #43

Fill in all the numbers!

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

!

1 simple rule: Use all the numbers 1-9, with no duplicates allowed, in any row, column, or block.

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

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LET THE GREAT WORLD SPIN - COLUM MCCANN

Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann is a book to savour if you’re looking for something thought-provoking and serious to start your reading year.

It takes a true event – an acrobat called Philippe Petit who walked an inch thick tightrope wire between the newly built Twin Towers in New York in 1974 – and spins a web of lives which intersect and collide at the same time in the same place.

The tightrope walker represents a running theme through the book – that so many people are on their own kind of tightrope – maybe just

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about keeping their balance, some walking their own rope with brilliance. We’ve got a range of characters from prostitutes to trendy artists, a photographer, a middle-class woman grieving the death of her son, a holy man who needs to try to save people.

All human life is there as they say and McCann shows us what human beings are capable of, both high and low.

It is extraordinarily written and may not be for you if you dislike a few cuss words but it is certainly memorable. You may find it heartbreaking in places but it’s also full of hope.

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DRAGON DAYS & A LEAP YEAR! On February 10th, the Chinese New Year ushers in a new zodiac cycle. Unlike Western traditions, China relies on lunar cycles to determine the start of the new year, leading to a fluctuating date. In 2024, we welcome the Year of the Wood Dragon, renowned as the most creative and visionary among dragon breeds – the others being Water, Fire, and Metal.

Predictions suggest that 2024 will be dominated by visionary leaders, innovators, and adept problem solvers – qualities desperately needed in our current times, don’t you think?

2024 is also predicted to be a great year to start new projects, explore new opportunities and create value for yourself and others. So go for it, because the next Year of the Wood Dragon in the Chinese zodiac isn’t until 2084!

If we look back a year, regular readers of this magazine may remember I wrote an article in the January 2023 issue about the year of the Water Rabbit, which ends on February 9th. I was born in another Water Rabbit year, and in the piece, I wrote about a prediction I had read based on my Chinese sign, “You are predicted many challenges with frequent life changes. You’re advised to be more careful about all aspects of your lives in 2023.”

And oh boy, was that right! The past 12 months have seen some real ups and downs. There have been times of great forward and upward momentum sandwiched between lows so low that I wasn’t sure I would be able to scramble out of the dips. I wore the red knickers (which were said to bring good luck) most of the year – obviously, I washed them – but

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who knows, perhaps without them, life in 2023 could have been even trickier!

In case you are wondering, the “lucky colours” for 2024 are apparently emerald green, golden yellow, and rich red…it looks like I’ll be wearing the red knickers for a bit longer then.

This February, we are doubly blessed: Chinese New Year and a leap year to boot! That’s right; this month has 29 days – it’s the four-yearly let’s stick another 24 hours into the year to make our Gregorian calendar work. The Chinese are onto something following the lunar cycles!

Leap years are not generally something I notice; I mean, what’s one more day in the bleakest of months? Now, if the extra day was in May, June, or July, it would be more appreciated…wouldn’t it?

However, this year will be the first time since 2020 (the last leap year) that I will be able to correctly mark the anniversary of the death of my dad. Being an awkward and somewhat belligerent Yorkshire bloke, he decided to shuffle off this mortal coil on February 29th, 2020! This year, I will raise a glass of his favourite red wine, remember the good times he and I shared and tell him another great-grandchild is on his or her way.

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

LauraDon’t movedforget to the Peak District several years ago to pursue her passion for writing. to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads To find out more visit www.word-witch.co.uk or contact Laura on 07736 351 341

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NATURE NOTES FROM THE PEAK DISTRICT

BLACKBIRDS ARRIVE IN ABUNDANCE For some months now, flocks of winter-visiting thrushes have been pouring across the peak and North Derbyshire on migration from northern Europe to the warmer climes of southwest England. Many of these flocks are made up of two species I regard as the ‘Vikings’ of our bird world, the Fieldfares and Redwings, also known as the ‘winter thrushes’. These flocks of from tens to hundreds of birds at a time fly through but also pause for a while to feast on the berries of hawthorns, hollies, and rowans. However, often not noticed as migrant birds are the hundreds of Blackbirds, one of our common resident species of thrush. Yet there are large numbers of European Blackbirds arriving from autumn onwards. These drop down into parks, woods, and gardens across the region, and unlike our territorial resident birds are happy to flock up into small groups. The British residents are generally aggressive towards any incomers to their patch. What’s more, the local birds breed early and specially so if there is a mild winter, and so they really take a dim view of any incursions to their territory.

In the wildlife garden, the Blackbirds have been gathering over a few months and numbers built in recent weeks. Once the autumnal berries have been exhausted in the wider countryside then the birds head for parks and gardens. As attractants then garden berry bushes like cotoneasters and pyracanthas will prove to be magnets for visiting thrushes. However, the Blackbirds also love fruit such as apples and windfall fruit scattered on the ground. This will be irresistible for Redwings, Fieldfares, Mistle Thrushes, and of course

for the Blackbirds too. If you don’t have apple trees in your garden then apples spiked onto specially pruned bushes for the purpose or else onto bird-feeders, will work a treat. I have been seeing up to ten male Blackbirds and several females at any one time.

Another good way to encourage visiting Blackbirds and other thrushes, is through spreading a layer of chipped forest bark or compost across borders and edges in the garden. This helps keep a warm layer over the ground and this organic material is rich in invertebrates such as earthworms and insects for the birds to feed on. Watch carefully as the Blackbirds turnover bits of wood and bark as they search for food. Another surefire approach to attract the winter Blackbirds is to scatter composted leaf-mould across suitable parts of the garden. In larger gardens and in parks too, the birds will seek out shrubberies such as large rhododendron beds or similar places where the shelter combines with leaf litter to create good feeding areas. Then, late in the afternoon chill, the thrushes will gather from across the region at favoured roosting sites. These are often in sheltered spots and with larger rhododendron beds and other shrubberies where they can roost in warmth and safety overnight.

Then, as winter draws to a close and the weather warms, the European birds will depart back whence they came. Fieldfares, Redwings, and many of the Blackbirds will head back north and east to Scandinavia, to continental Europe, and in some cases, northwest to Iceland.

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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

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If you planted bulbs such as narcissus or hyacinth indoors for Xmas time flowering, you can give them a new lease of life by re-planting them outside in the garden where they will flower next spring.

Remove the old flower heads, but don’t cut back leaves. They will appreciate a potash feed once replanted. Plant the hyacinths in gritty soil, narcissus will take ordinary soil.

It’s not really worth sowing hardy flower seeds yet as the low levels of natural light mean they will grow straggly and weak unless you provide artificial warmth and light. Better to give them another month to get a stronger start.

But you could start rocket and other half-hardy lettuces such as mizuna under cover to give you some spring salad greens. And while you’re in planting mode you can push lily bulbs in now, but as they start to grow watch out for the dreaded red lily beetle which overwinters in soil and leaf mould.

Top Tip:

This is the time for pruning evergreen shrubs, hydrangea, cornus, buddleia and climbing and bush roses. Buddleia will welcome what seems like pretty harsh pruning – right back to two or three feet. Cornus can be taken back to two to three inches. Roses you can take back by a third of their original length to keep the same height. But if it’s very cold leave roses until early March.

Remove dead stems from evergreen grasses to give the new stems room to grow. You can usually pull them out by hand, combing through with your finger and giving a good tug.

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