Rural Voice - Darley Dale & Villages Edition - February 2024

12 EDITIONS READ BY OVER 162,000 RESIDENTS

FEB ‘24

Jessica is hoping

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

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From the Editor CAPTAINS LOG:

...A few of the crew mates have embarked on ‘dry January’, many have HMS Voice fallen by the wayside and not followed Star Date: 300th January the course, the rest are either despairing daily or behaving erratically.

We are enduring...

I understand that the leftover Kirsch ...The storms are coming thick Liqueurs have provided comfort to and fast, abandoned trampolines 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 into the is at a premium. gym again as all resolutions of ‘beach ...The ship had another unexpected bill bodies’ are re-adjusted. fly our way this month, as is January’s want! The potholes are so large that ...Onwards and upwards Spring we feared we had been swallowed shipmates, by a black hole but alas, just another is just around the suspension spring has bitten the dust. corner!

It’s hard to differentiate between road and hole currently. Each journey is now undertaken with the utmost ...Captain Emily (lost in caution and an agreed in principle space) loan arrangement. ...|| LEISURE CENTRE POST OFFICE

OPEN

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 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

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

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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.

6

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

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.

the tomatoes and cook for another 10 minutes.

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

2.

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

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

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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!

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

Syns per serving: FREE

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FOOD & RETAIL

Heritage of Bakewell JANUARY 2024

TAXES FOR ALL PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS PAID TAXES

The first recorded taxation was in Egypt 5000 years ago.

Coin money didn’t exist, so the Pharaoh claimed approximately 20% of all grain harvested by the people. It wasn’t long before the idea of taxation spread round the rest of the world.

In the 16th century the Diocese of Coventry and Lichfield covered a vast area of land. Ralph Gell was charged with collecting the taxes, tithes, for the Diocese on behalf of the church and clergy.

Ralph lived at Hopton Hall. He appointed Christopher Plant as his agent and to supervise collection of tithes. He owned a cottage in Bakewell that we now know as the Old House Museum.

Christopher was installed there to carry out his work. His task was to collect tithes for our area.

A tithe was one tenth of a worker’s income for the year.

This tax was paid with livestock, grain, vegetable, dairy products or money and barns were erected specifically to hold the produce until it could be moved on. An original tithe barn still stands today in Ashford in the Water, near the lovely packhorse bridge. Paying tithes was considered a legal and moral

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obligation as the money went to support the church and clergy.

Anyone who didn’t pay their tithe could be pursued through the courts, though cheating God and the fear of excommunication would have horrified people.

Nowadays, Christopher would have been known as the tax collector and I imagine he will not have been the most popular person about town.

Ever present throughout history wars were, and still are, expensive. To raise funds for soldiers and weapons Pharaohs, Tsars and Kings taxed their people. Over the centuries various taxes were introduced, some sensible, others more ridiculous than you can imagine.

Around 1535 a beard tax was introduced by King Henry VIII. He had a beard which became a sign of high social class and status. Sporting a beard and paying your tax showed you were wealthy. In Russia the Tsar imposed a similar tax but for the very opposite reason.

He considered beards to be extremely uncultured.

In 1696 King William III ordered that duty be put on the glass in windows. The king taxed people

for having windows and people actually bricked up some of their windows to avoid paying.

There are still houses where you can see an old frame filled with bricks. Ever heard the phrase daylight robbery? Guess where it came from.

In the 1700s a tax was introduced on the number of bricks used.

Of course, this just encouraged builders to use bigger bricks in an effort to pay less tax. It worked for a while.

A hat tax was introduced around 1784. This meant hat salesmen had to buy a license then display the amount of tax to be paid on every hat they wished to sell. As wealthier people bought more hats, they were heavily taxed whereas the poor, only owning one hat, faired a little better.

Between the 16th and 17th century playing a game of cards was popular. King James I, decided this might be a good opportunity to raise revenue. A law was made that an emblem be placed on the Ace of Spades to prove the tax had been paid.

Who knew?

Taxes, tithes, we all hate them, but pay we must.

JOYCE JANES ON BEHALF OF THE OLD HOUSE MUSEUM. WWW.OLDHOUSEMUSEUM.ORG.UK Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

QUEEN VICTORIA BOER WAR CHOCOLATE TIN - A NEW YEAR’S GIFT

The Second African War or Second Boer War was fought between 1899 and 1902, and was between the United Kingdom and Ireland against the South African Republic and Orange Free State.

This tin was given out by Queen Victoria to all of her soldiers in celebration of New Year’s, 1900. On the top of the box, under her portrait, are the words “I wish you a happy New Year, Victoria Reg.” [Reg. most likely representing Regina, Latin for Queen]. Many soldiers appear to have kept theirs until the end of the war as a keepsake. Some even sent theirs home during the war to keep it safe, sometimes never to follow their boxes home. Indeed, sometimes after a soldier was killed in battle, their comrades would send whatever personal effects they could fit into the fallen soldier’s chocolate tin.

Queen Victoria commissioned Cadbury to create the tins, but the owners of Cadbury were Quakers, a group who are pacifists. So as not to refuse a

commission from the Queen but also to prevent any accusations of supporting the war, the Cadbury owners invited two other prominent Quaker chocolate companies to join them, J. S. Fry and Rowntree. The companies did not want to put their logos onto the chocolate tins, but the Queen wanted to show that she was purchasing quality chocolate for her soldiers. They stamped their names on the chocolate bars which from the example from my collection is a Cadburys tin. Each of the three chocolate companies had a different company produce their tins. Tins were manufactured to a die and template but three variations of them exist. Ones in the picture are a Cadbury tin and a Fry version. The Cadbury tin is slightly smaller 81mm whereas the Rowntree and Fry ones are 92mm. A Rowntree tin, which is identifiable because of its size, the slant of Queen Victoria’s writing, and the placement of her bust within the medallion plus the clean dots circling the medallion make this easily identifiable.

The Cadbury blue line around the tin is a more intense blue enamelling.

Information gathered from www.samwallermuseum.ca Please get in touch if you have any community history projects in your area, we might be able to help!

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GARDENS

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.

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

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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!

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

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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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BOOK REVIEW

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

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.

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GARDENS

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GARDENS

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.

GARDEN BLACKBIRD

MALE BLACKBIRD

BLACKBIRD MALE BLACKBIRD

BLACKBIRD

FEMALE BLACKBIRD

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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

GARDENS

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GARDENS

Gardener’s Calendar

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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