Voice Magazines - Selston, Pinxton, Jacksdale & Westwood Edition - February 2024

FEB ‘24

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av id told Ba rbara, “Just wait to ‘til I take you see my peda lo at Kingsmill Res”.

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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 Image2print Ltd and distributed to 5,000 homes in Selston, Pixnxton & Jacksdale 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.

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

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FEBRUARY 2024

PINXTON’S MYSTERIOUS MAN - PART ONE I am referring to someone who was born in 1747. His story is equal to any character featured in a Catherine Cookson novel.

He was baptised ‘D’Ewes’, after his grandfather D’ Ewes of Suckley and Stapenhill, Burniston, Fenny Bentley, Alsopin-le-Dale.

In 1720 he also inherited the Parishes of Pinxton and Kirkbyin-Ashfield, when he married his cousin Frances, the co-heiress of William Coke of Trusley. They had one son who survived infancy; baptised George, who was the father of the main character of this article.

According to the official history of Coke of Trusley, George’s father ‘was at one time the maker of the fortunes of the branch, and afterwards, ruined it. He was opulent, and careless, indolent, and no economist.

After the death of wife Frances, George’s father re-married and had four children by his second wife. Just to confuse things he also named of eldest son with his second wife ‘D’Ewes’, (commonly referred to as D’Ewes of Poole, where he eventually settled). D’Ewes of Poole was a contemporary with D’Ewes of Pinxton.

D’ Ewes of Pinxton was only eight years old when his mother died. His father resigned his commission in the army, as he intended to go and seek his fortune on the West Coast of Africa, prospecting for gold, leaving his son with his neighbours, Robert Lillyman and his sister Sarah, of Brookhill Hall.

Although he did not know it, he was never to see his father again.

George arrived back in England two years later having been robbed of his gold by French pirates and died in London. Our subject was an orphan.

The Lillymans’ were left to bring up young D’ Ewes. Being single and presumably set in their ways, we are given the impression the Lillymans’, were not particularly good at parenting.

Shortly after the death of Robert Lillyman, young D’ Ewes was enrolled at Repton school, and Cambridge University where he studied theology.

Although the former Coke holdings had been sadly depleted by his grandfather,

D’ Ewes had inherited the advowson of Pinxton Church, together with Kirkby Old Hall (variously known as Sacheverell and Red Hall, and a small farm called ‘Melbourne’, which, it is believed to have been at the far end of Brookhill Lane.

In 1771 and he appointed himself to the incumbency of both Pinxton and South Normanton Parishes, the latter being purchased for him by his father-in-law, Reverend George Heywood of Brimington, Chesterfield. His father-in-law purchased the living of South Normanton from Tristram Revell of Camfield Hall. He took up residence in South Normanton Rectory, where his three sons and a daughter were born between 1774 and 1780.

The first big mystery; Reverend Coke was Rector of both Pinxton and South Normanton for forty years, yet he only officiated at a handful of baptisms, marriages or funerals at either Church; WHY? All will be revealed in our next issue.

Article submitted on behalf of Pinxton and South Normanton Local History Society. Monthly meetings 7.15 pm Third Monday at South Normanton Post Mill Centre. All welcome POP OVER WHY TONOT OURGIVE FACEBOOK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE TO SEE PAGE MORE A VISIT? ABOUT THE SUTTON PINXTON HERITAGE AND SOCIETY SOUTH NORMANTON ON WWW.SUTTONHERITAGE.ORG.UK HISTORY GROUP. To advertise please call Voice Team on 01773 549 035

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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.

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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.

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FOOD & RETAIL

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FOOD & RETAIL

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FOOD & RETAIL

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

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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ly slimmingg- frboielnd spa Contact your local Slimming World Consultant and join a friendly and super-supportive group today!

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

11. Turn left along the road and continue for some distance until the tarmac ends and the road

This walk is for illustrative purposes only. Voice Magazines Ltd takes no responsibility for anyone who chooses to follow this route and encourages all walkers to obey all byelaws and signs and to respect the area they are walking in, ensuring they pick up all dog mess and obey the countryside code at all times.

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Colemans Est 1982

KITCHENS AND BEDROOMS LTD

Colemans have been manufacturing bespoke kitchen and bedroom furniture for over 40 years.

We are a family run business with a belief in great quality products and service at sensible prices.

All our products are built specifically for you and your needs, we can manufacture in any colour and style your heart desires.

With Colemans the possibilities are endless.

Visit our showroom 178 Victoria Road, Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8AT Tel: 01623 751239 ǁ Web: colemanskitchensandbedrooms.co.uk *see in store for details

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

Specialists in...

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

LOG BURNERS FITTED CALL RITCHIE

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

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WINTER PACKAGE DEAL

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01623 459891 SUDOKU #43

Fill in all the numbers!

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

!

FIRST 4 FASCIAS FIRST 4 FASCIAS

ww.first4fascias.co.uk www.first4fascias.co.uk

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

Bargeboards - Cladding - Guttering - Minor Roof Repairs

cias - Soffits - Bargeboards - Cladding - Guttering - Minor Roof Repairs These puzzles are devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk

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

• Cladding • Repair Work Undertaken

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

RJ ELECTRICAL Industrial • Domestic • Commercial

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

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

Discount for OAP’s Call Justin on Tel : 01623 459 891 Mob : 07921 08 16 76 24

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One of the largest showrooms in Nottinghamshire established over 30 years MODERN DESIGNS & FULLY FITTED

BESPOKE SERVICE

From supply only to full installation we offer the full package. Our experienced and knowledgeable design teams are here for you, offering a full, free of charge planning and design service. If you’re after a bathroom or kitchen we are serious about creating the best design possible to suit your budget.

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Why not see if we can save you the VAT on your brand new Wet Room / Walk in bathroom

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FIND OUR SHOWROOM Bathroom & Kitchen Warehouse, 50 Newcastle Avenue, Worksop, S80 1LA

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Bathroom and Kitchen Warehouse

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Mike’us sings M

Our resident muser has the mike...

Mike is always glad to hear from you at :

mike.musings@outlook.com

Part 2 of what does 2024 have in store for you?

Leo (the Lion) – 24th July to 23rd August As Jupiter aligns with Uranus around the time of your birthday, you can expect a range of feelings, some of which you will find a little unsettling. As a ‘lion’ this will not frighten you. Besides, it will soon pass and for the rest of the year you’ll be enjoying life to the full and will unexpectedly meet someone who will change your life for the better.

Virgo (the Maiden) – 24th August to 23rd September Having taken your first breath all those years ago, just as the leaves began to change colour, 2024 will coincidentally see 12 months of change in your life.

There will be turbulence in the early months of the year – be assured though, your GP should quickly sort that out – and the summer will see you blossom and bloom, partly as a result of changing partners. Importantly, just like those autumn leaves changing colour, so will you, as you become part of a mixed-race relationship.

Libra (the Scales) – 24th September to 23rd October Whilst you were pleased to see the back of 2023, this new year is one full of welcome opportunities. You are advised to keep an open mind as you read the personal columns in local media outlets. There will be a message in there mentioning harpoons, crabs and a wetsuit. This may appear strange but will be targeted specifically at you, and providing you follow it up, will lead to a life changing event.

26

Scorpio (the Scorpion) – 24th October to 22nd November Having felt somewhat lonely during the past twelve months, you can look forward to increased companionship in 2024. There are indications of the arrival of a baby. The signs are not 100% clear on this however, although they do most definitely suggest the patter of tiny feet. As a result, you should be prepared for the possibility of a friend treating you to a pet hamster for your birthday. However things turn out, your house will be a place of joy in the coming year.

Sagittarius (the Archer) – 23rd November to 21st December As a Sagittarian, you are pre-destined to be useful with a bow and arrow. Well, whilst you’ve never been compared to a 21st Century Robin Hood, you will, in an unlikely manner, demonstrate your skills as an archer in 2024.

You will fire Cupid’s Arrow, and introduce your best friend, who has lost in love more times than Sheffield United recently, to an old schoolmate and they’ll be eternally grateful to you as matchmaker.

Capricorn (the Goat) – 22nd December to 20th January 2025 With Saturn as your ruling planet, and pansy as your flower, there have been times in the past when you have struggled with your identity. Those uncertain days are gone now and 2024 will see you develop both inner strength and belief. Your list of achievements by the end of the year will both astonish, amaze (& occasionally embarrass) your family and friends.

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

BUSINESS EST SINCE 2015

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

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Unit 1, Windmill Business Park (off Greenhill Lane), Mill Lane, Riddings, DE55 4DB (opposite Windlea Road) To advertise please call Voice onThurs 01773 549 035 Opening Hours:Team Mon to - 9:00am until 4:00pm

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

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

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Call freephone† 0800 08 555 18 Or book online: 28

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

Tel : 01773 306 460 Mob : 07549 617 536

BOOK REVIEW

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• Video door bells

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M1338 (Ian Wilson Electrical Q Advert).indd 1

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Ian Wilson

MAKE SURE YOUR HOME IS SECURE CALL JONATHAN GEE NOW!

LET THE GREAT WORLD SPIN - COLUM MCCANN 15/02/2018 15:28

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.

To advertise please call Voice Team on 01773 549 035

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12 MAGAZINES...

70 AREAS...

162,000 READERS!

LIGHT UP YOUR BUSINESS ADVERTISE HERE TODAY!!

01773 549035

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&D S&D

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NEW ROOFS FLAT ROOFS RUBBER ROOFS ROOF REPAIRS ROOFS FLAT ROOFS FASCIASNEW & SOFFITS DRY VERGE SYSTEMS RUBBER ROOFS ROOF REPAIRS CHIMNEYS GUTTERS & DOWNPIPES FASCIAS & SOFFITS DRY VERGE SYSTEMS RIDGE TILES CLADDING CHIMNEYS GUTTERS &ALL DOWNPIPES WORK IS

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08/06/2022 09:31:35 Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads

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

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

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

Third-party prices may vary.

To advertise please call Voice Team on 01773 549 035

31

and Guess the words d! ! r o w s s Fill in the cro

Pitcherwits

®

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

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

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

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)

4

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

5

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

6

Surprised like cartoon Olive? (7)

ANSWERS FOR LAST MONTHS PITHERWITS Across: 1 Bit of a lad, 5 Boo, 6 Awn, 7 Gyrates, 10 Has, 11 Hacksaw, 12 New, 13 Raw silk, 16 Ago, 17 Woe, 18 Draw a veil.

Down: 1 Boatshow, 2 Tang, 3 Aura, 4 Damson wine, 5 Big hearted, 8 Yokel, 9 Tawny owl, 14 Stow, 15 Kale.

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

32

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Replacement Glass Units Glass Units • Misted Faulty Locks/Handles/Hinges Locks/Handles • Broken Prices from Hinges • Faulty Composite Doors Doors • Composite UPVC Windows & Doors • Conservatories • Porches & Conservatories UPVC/Aluminium & windows plus VAT doors anddoors windows • UPVC

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GARDENS

34

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GARDENS

Four Winds Landscaping

Local family run business providing a friendly reliable service that guarantees quality. quality Fully insured and with years of experience, experience we provide a wide range of landscaping and garden maintenance services for both domestic and commercial proper ties, ties everything from cutting grass or removing trees to landscaping large building projects.

GROUNDS MAINTANENCE: • Lawn Mowing • Cutting Banks • Edging & Strimming • Lawn Care • Bed Planting • Weed Control • Tree Surgery • Stump Removal • Hedge Cutting, Reduction & Removal • LANDSCAPING: • Driveways • Patios • Pathways • Fencing • Sleeper Beds • Turfing • Planting • Ponds We offer a FREE NO OBLIGATION quote service!

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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.

To advertise please call Voice Team on 01773 549 035

35

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

MALE BLACKBIRD

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

GARDENS

10 Ye ee

ture fac r’s

Manu ar

Guarant

Create your own

perfect space

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S CA N M E

Bespoke Garden Rooms to meet your needs...

Visit our open-air show site just off junction 25 of the M1 to see our wide range of buildings. Bring the whole family to our dog friendly show site, wander through our village and chat with our team about our extensive range of building sizes and finishing options. You can also explore our range of popular BBQ Cabins and visit our Hydropool Midlands showroom, with a range of Self-cleaning Hot Tubs and Swim Spas on display.

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GARDENS

Does your septic tank need an empty?

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Save £££ on electricity by upgrading your air compressor

Let our team know that you heard about us in THE VOICE when you book for your chance to WIN one of 10 ANNUAL DOMESTIC SERVICES - excl. parts & tanker, terms and conditions apply, valid until end DEC 2024

The MPC Services team are here to help make sure that your sewage system is working well, properly maintained, up to date with the latest compliance regulations, working quietly and energy efficient. *Energy saving based on simply changing your traditional 85W air blower for a modern efficient FujiMAC 47W Japanese one, with electricity at 55p/kWh, for no loss of performance. Additional efficiency savings are typically possible.

Ask us about:

MPC Services (UK) Ltd

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DRB

Company Reg No. 0608117

HARRIS FENCING

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38

Please contact Paul for a free no obligation quote!

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VM0862 (Dale Beuford Waste Recycling Q Advert).indd 1

20/01/2017 05:37

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GARDENS

40

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