Voice Magazines - Ripley & Marehay - February 2024

FEB ‘24 12 EDITIONS READ

BY OVER 162,000 RESIDENTS

RIPLE MARE Y & HAY

Julie doesn’t unde

rsta nd why

Fred keeps taking her on dates at night time

as all he does is eat and fall asl eep.

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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. ...||

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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 6,500 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

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.

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.

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

COMMUNITY NOTICE

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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.

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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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Quote ‘VOICE MAGAZINES’ for a FREE consultation!

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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.

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Janet

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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THE LITTLE RED HEN HOUSE NORTHUMBERLAND STUNNING HOLIDAY COTTAGE IN WARKWORTH, NORTHUMBERLAND Treat yourself to a luxury break at the 4* Gold Award winning Little Red Hen House. An elegant and cosy holiday home just a 7 minute drive from award-winning and dog-friendly Warkworth beach.

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& d o o F l i a t e R Vertical Blinds Roller Blinds Roman Blinds Blind Screen

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

2nd Friday of each month 9am - 1pm | Ripley Market Place

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

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CARPETS Wool, Hardwearing, Soft Touch, laminate flooring, LVT Flooring, Vinyl cushion flooring.

Free estimates, free planning, free measuring, free delivering, fitting arranged.

Sofa Bespoke sofa made to order.

Fabric and leather available.

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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

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!

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

Syns per serving: FREE

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Home Improvements 07946275835

Yourlocal builder

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FOOD & RETAIL

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

FOR ALL YOUR JOBS AND SERVICES – USE A TRUSTED TRADER Thousands of Derbyshire residents have found honest, reliable traders and services in their area, thanks to Derbyshire County Council’s Trusted Trader scheme.

From plumbers, electricians, gardeners, joiners and decorators to electric vehicle charger installers, accountants, dog walkers, removal firms and will writers – it’s easy to find a registered Trusted Trader to get your job done. And they’re all checked by trading standards.

Visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/tt or Call Derbyshire on 01629 533190.

Central Heating Installations • Complete energy saving central heating systems – designed and installed • Boiler & radiator swaps • Boiler servicing & landlord’s certificates

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N OW

• Insurance Work • Storm Damage • Extra TV points • FM, DAB aerials • CCTV Systems • Wifi Extenders

• All aspects of plumbing undertaken

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Industrial • Domestic • Commercial

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

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Fast, friendly, reliable service with no mess All plastering work undertaken, including: • Artex cover-ups • Repair work

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Complete RJ ELECTRICAL Plastering & Damp Proofing

s ’ e k a l F s e t i r u o Fav

Re-walking Rafa’s Rambles

This month we revisit a walk that is a regular outing for us. It has all the ingredients of a good walk. We start off at a free car park and go straight onto the Stockley Trail, before diverting around the lovely Carr Vale Nature Reserve. Then, after re-joining the trail, we head off across country, providing us with pleasant views of Bolsover Castle, before finally re-joining the trail to bring us back to the start.

4-MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM CARR VALE VIA THE STOCKLEY TRAIL

A reasonably short walk which should take you and your dog around 2 hours to complete.

Although it is mostly on trails and paths there may be some uneven and muddy terrain, depending on the weather so please wear appropriate footwear. As always, follow the countryside code, keeping dogs on leads where appropriate. There is one brief section of road, so please take plenty of care.

START: STOCKLEY TRAIL CAR PARK, RIVERSIDE WAY, BOLSOVER S44 6GA 1. Pass through a metal width restrictor adjacent to a large metal gate which is opposite the car park entrance. After a very short distance and prior to reaching a large notice board turn sharp right along a well laid path to pass the car park on your right.

2. Continue gently downhill for a short distance until reaching a fork in the path. Take the right split and follow this path as it curls around to the left and then continue straight ahead for some distance, ignoring paths to the left and continuing straight ahead, going gently uphill for a short distance and then continuing straight ahead.

3. Upon passing a sign board reading ‘Carr Vale Nature Reserve’ on your right follow the main path around to the left and continue straight ahead to pass through a metal width restrictor.

4. Continue with a pond on your right to reach a fork in the path, taking the right split to continue with a fence on your left. After a short distance follow the path around to the right and continue with the pond on your right.

5. Continue straight ahead for some distance ignoring a path on the right and at a fork in the path ignore the right split going uphill and keep left. Continue straight ahead for some distance, cross a small footbridge and then pass through a metal width restrictor.

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7. After some distance pass follow the path as it diverts left into a wooded area At a road turn left and continue for some distance until you reach a signposted crossroads with the ‘Stockley Trail’.

Turn right to continue along the Stockley Trail.

8. Continue along the trail until reaching a signposted crossroads of footpaths. Turn left to pass through a gap into a field and continue along a signposted path to ‘Carr Vale’. At the far side cross straight over the road to continue along a signposted bridleway.

9. Continue gently uphill with a hedge on both sides. At the top of the hill when the hedge on the right comes to an end continue ahead and after a short distance pass a small bridge on your right and follow the path around to the left.

10. After a short distance follow the path into a field, then bear slightly to the right and continue along the edge of a field with a hedge on your right until reaching a single-track tarmac road.

11. Turn left along the road and continue for some

HEALTH & BEAUTY

6. Now continue straight ahead with a large pond over to your right. Continue to pass by a footpath with a width restrictor on your left and for quite some distance, leaving the large pond behind, keeping some trees on your left and open views to your right.

distance until the tarmac ends and the road becomes a lane. After a short distance where the lane bends left and into a car park, continue straight ahead along a footpath keeping a pond on your left.

12. At the far end of the pond bear slightly right to continue along the footpath passing close by a telegraph pole on your left. Then pass through a metal width restrictor and turn right onto the Stockley Trail.

13. Continue along the trail for some distance passing beneath a bridge and cross straight over a lane. Continue gently uphill for a short distance and then upon reaching a concrete sculpture on your right, turn sharp left to continue along a footpath going gently uphill.

14. At the top of the hill follow the path around to the right passing several sign boards on both sides.

Continue ahead for a short distance and then begin to descend until reaching a T junction of paths.

15. Turn right along a path until reaching another path on your right. Turn right onto this path and continue until the path splits taking the left split to bear sharp around to the left and continue gently uphill.

16. Continue along this path for some distance passing a memorial on your left and continue straight ahead for some distance until reaching the car park on your left.

This walk is for illustrative purposes Stock only. Voice Magazines Ltd takes ley TR ail no responsibility for anyone who Bolsover chooses to follow this route and Castle encourages all walkers to obey all Carr Du V a ckm le byelaws and signs and to respect the an to er n ov area they are walking in, ensuring s l Bo they pick up all dog mess and obey the countryside code at all times.

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Pitcherwits

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

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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

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

30

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 ToDon’t find outforget more visit or contact Laura on responding 07736 351 341 to the Ads

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Ripley & District: Heritage Trust JANUARY 2024

A RAY OF SUNSHINE

Regrettably, we have become used to the presence of food banks. Yet, in Ripley at least, the food parcel is not new.

In 1943 the Butterley Company signed a deal to distribute agricultural machinery made by the Australian company Sunshine Harvester. Knowing that food was scarce in rationed wartime Britain, the Australian firm’s employees set about raising funds to send food along with the machinery being sent to Butterley.

representatives of the Australian company, the Ministry of Agriculture, the press and the Butterley board. At the same time, the first food parcels were distributed.

The generous gifts went on arriving after the war, as rationing continued. In 1946 and 1948 shipments arrived, to be handed out in a well-publicised manner

by MD Fitzwalter Wright to the longest-serving employee, the most decorated ex- serviceman, and even the workman with the

largest family, among others. By December 1948, a total of 2,058 parcels had been sent, enough to provide one for each Butterley employee.

The food parcels weighed 11lb (6kg) each and contained powdered milk, jelly, ground rice, sultanas, two tins of meat, marmalade, dripping and honey.

How they survived the long journey by sea from Australia is not known, but any extra food in those lean years was, as now, no doubt very welcome.

Sunshine sent 20,000 drills, cultivators, binders and disc harrows to Britain during the war, making a huge difference in the country’s ability to produce food to replace the imports denied us by the German U-boat blockade.

The machines were shipped in parts and reassembled at Butterley by a workforce largely made up of women.

In May 1944, Butterley opened its agricultural department in a ceremony attended by

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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:

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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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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.

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

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