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JAN ‘26 EDITION - 5TH DEC ‘25 FEB ‘26 EDITION - 9TH JAN ‘26
Merry Christmas Readers!
I’ve had my thinking cap on as to what was 2025… and I have struggled! I mean, we all know what 2020 was….and 2021….and a bit of 2022 to be fair. That was all about people coming together and pan banging. 2023 and 2024 was the big economic rebuild after the aforementioned years (well, that was the intention!). But 2025? I also asked the team how they would describe 2025 and much wasn’t writeable! However, after much discussion, I think 2025 was the year of TITLES! Whether it was titles being removed, titles being long coveted and then finally being awarded, some titles being denied despite their best efforts to influence the awarding committee and some titles being revealed through the most strange circumstances…..like the people on the Coldplay jumbotron #awkward, and Alan Carr being the ultimate Traitor – who knew??!! (except that Joe Marler is the true winner of Traitors, obviously, we all know it!!).
Anyway, some things never change and true to form, as yet, I have zero gifts purchased and ergo; wrapped. In fact, not even a teeny tiny thought of what I might consider purchasing for gifts for people. No discussions have been held about the day itself either BUT I don’t want you to think that I’m totally disorganised. I did pop on the local auction several Fridays ago, after a bottle of wine one evening and purchased a Christmas Tree. Yep, we are the proud owners of ‘Terry – the Treerannosaurus Rex’ … yep, you read that right. I haven’t dressed him yet but isn’t he glorious!!!
In other news, our Christmas giveaway was such a success last year, that we decided to do it all again, and
yet again we’re giving away the Ultimate Christmas Hamper from Chatsworth! We have also had some lovely donations from our sister company, Artliff Design and Print and some of our fabulous advertisers; S42 Café, DM Furnishings, Greenstripe Innovations, Rock Fall and Goodwins – thankyou for your generosity! Yet again readers, you have to be in it to win it!! We published our winners in the Feb edition last year, so you can see that real people did actually win the prizes and much to our family’s annoyance, not one of our family members won even a golden coin!!!
Thankyou for all your love and support this year. We have had fantastic feedback all year round for the magazines and in particular, we had fabulous feedback from our November edition. It is always lovely to hear and we do get our fair share of people who ring in or email with the negatives (isn’t that always the way!), so it was lovely to have some positive affirmations both for us and our advertisers… so thankyou to those of you who do sing our praises, you are truly appreciated.
See you all in 2026
There’s something wonderfully magical about giving at Christmas. It’s not just the twinkling fairy lights, the smell of mince pies, or the rustle of wrapping paper — it’s that heart-warming moment when someone’s face lights up because of a gift chosen just for them.
Of course, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos: crowded high streets, endless online delivery updates, and mysteriously vanishing rolls of festive tape. But real Christmas giving isn’t about how much you spend — it’s about the thought behind it. Whether it’s a homemade treat, a heartfelt card, or even a novelty gift, gifts from the heart always mean the most.
Think back to the best present you ever received. Chances are, it wasn’t the priciest. Maybe it was a hand-knitted scarf that wasn’t quite even, a mug with a silly slogan that still makes you laugh every morning, or the inevitable socks from Aunt Maureen — always the socks! These are the gifts that remind us we’re loved — and that’s the real spirit of Christmas.
Giving can take many forms. It might be a surprise tin of chocolates for a neighbour, a donation to a local food bank, or simply making time for someone who’s feeling lonely. Sometimes, the greatest gift is
our presence — not presents! And let’s face it, no one minds a cup of tea and a mince pie shared with a friend or family member, especially when the kids are busy unwrapping mountains of toys.
And let’s not forget the festive quirks that make Christmas so memorable: the office Secret Santa disasters, children proudly presenting slightly wonky homemade decorations, or that one relative who insists on wrapping gifts in last week’s News Paper to “save the planet.” Or the chocolate that disappears mysteriously before Christmas Day — we all know who’s guilty!
So, this year, when you’re braving the postie queues, the Christmas markets, or yet another trip to the supermarket that feels like a winter endurance test, take a breath and remember why we give. It’s not to fill space under the tree — it’s to fill hearts with love, laughter, and togetherness. Because at the end of the day, the best gifts are the ones that can’t be wrapped.
Hard to believe that the Christmas Season is almost here. Where has the year gone? They do say that as you get older the days pass more quickly so perhaps that’s it. I certainly qualify on that score!
Looking back to my own childhood just one present was the norm, nothing electronic of course! An apple or orange, perhaps a box of dates to share and some nuts if you were lucky. The nut crackers were lethal, and the bits of shell flew everywhere! One present and not a battery in sight and no adverts bombarding youngsters with the must haves!
Of course, Christmas is still a magical time for children and for most of us to be with family and friends. For those less fortunate it isn’t always the case so perhaps we all need to reflect a little and help others where we can.
Looking back on 2025 it has been a very busy year for us down at the Heritage Centre with lots of visitors, some from as far away as the United States. Needless to say, we welcomed them in traditional Alfreton fashion with Jaffa Cakes which none had ever seen or tasted before!
In April we welcomed the family of Jack Baynton, the co-founder of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, along with Club representatives for the unveiling of a plaque on his previously unmarked grave. We were delighted to also welcome Cllr
John Walker to the ceremony, representing Alfreton Town Council. This was followed by a buffet at Palmer Morewood Club.
Our 1p.m. Saturday afternoon talks down at Palmer Morewood continue to be hugely popular and it’s hard to believe we’re into our third year with speakers already booked until June 2026. The programme can be found on our website alfretonanddistrictheritagetrust.wordpress. com or pop down to Palmer Morewood. You are sure of a warm welcome and good company. There is even a buffet and 50/50 Raffle. Entry is free.
A huge thank you is due to all at Palmer Morewood who have supported our programme from the start. Special thanks must go to Cherrylyn who truly is our “Hostess with the Mostest.” To the Heritage Team and everyone who supports us, thank you. I mustn’t forget to thank the Voice Team as well. Their patience knows no bounds!
So, from everyone at Alfreton and District Heritage Trust. Have an enjoyable Christmas and all the very best for the New Year, 2026.
www.alfretonanddistrictheritagetrust.wordpress.com
Older readers of The Voice will recall a damn good night at the pub or club: especially in South Normanton.
Unlike today, with the closure of so many “watering holes” in the village, there was a time when, “where shall we go for a drink tonight” presented so much variety. Either the pub itself, or the preferred amber nectar was often the deliberation of the day after a shift of hard graft.
Drinking and driving was never any issue, people walked to their favourite boozer because motor cars were, at the time, unaffordable transport for most villagers, it was Shanks’ Pony, or stay at home.
Weekday evenings were a constant source of both “snap” and sporting entertainment in the pub, remember darts and dominoes nights?
Monday til Friday you could supper out on black pudding, fritters, cheese and onion sandwiches, savoury duck, vinegar soaked cucumber, mushy peas, dripping, OH the list was endless.
There’d be a darts match on somewhere in one of our village pubs.
I well remember these hotly contested gentlemen’s favourites were not to be considered lightly. Even away fixtures where well represented with Trent singledeckers fully loaded with passengers transporting folk to pubs outside of the South Normanton boundary, my, even as far away as Riddings and Newton.
The smartly attired mine host who presided behind the bar wore waistcoat, collar and tie, or a dickie-bow, and his wife always adorned with her best diamanté sparklers.
This was before The Shoulder of Mutton down the Bottom End with compère’ Les Jones and his star studded international cabaret. Very much a favourite Monday night retreat of unknowns from beyond the parish boundary: however, the “Showder” is a worthy topic for another edition.
Come the weekend on a Friday and Saturday nights, all thoughts of the coal face, the factory floor and every other form of employment were put on the back-burner.
It was cheery social banter and awash with friendship in every tap room and the best room too where drinks cost either a ha’penny or a penny a pint more.
I recall some hard nosed colliers wearing their best bib and tucker, who took their smartly dressed wives into the best room on a weekend night for a Port & Lemon. These blokes were often ridiculed by some work colleagues who preferred their special seat in the tap-room.
Much derision being exchanged through a noisy bar.
Music wasn’t the piped in variety of today, as the nights wore on and the best bitter or mild, and whisky macs took their toll, the piano tinkle came to life through the rising fug of tobacco smoke and songs of the 1950’s yesteryear came belting out from contented ruddy cheeked men and women alike.
If you were lucky, some chap would produce a harmonica from his waistcoat pocket and regale you with a Larry Adler number or two.
Nostalgic songs from the Second World War were all too frequent, and why not.
These are the much mourned pubs of my youth, the sort of place you would pop in for a swift latch-lifter, or better still, huncker down for a proper session.
Yes, I’m afraid for me, a social night at the pub is not what it once was.
A get together. Courtesy of Geoffrey Gration.
The discovery of oil at Hardstoft in May 1919 was more than a curiosity – it was Britain’s first true step into commercial oil production. Within weeks of the strike, crude oil was flowing naturally to the surface, without the need for pumps. For four years, from 1919 to 1923, the well yielded a steady supply of fuel.
The oil itself was of surprisingly high quality. Dark brown with a green fluorescence, it resembled Pennsylvanian crude, one of the most valuable grades in the world. Tests showed it was ideal for lubricating steam engines and contained a paraffin base suitable for refining into burning oil and wax. In fact, between June and December 1919, production averaged six barrels a day – comparable with many wells operating in the United States at the time.
Initially, the oil was channelled into a pond near the well head, before being bailed into barrels for storage. Later, a proper holding tank was built, and the oil was transported by cart and lorry to Pilsley station. From there, it travelled by rail to a refinery in Scotland. A gravity-fed pipeline was also laid across the fields, though this proved short-lived.
By June 1919, the Hardstoft project had already cost £15,435 – a significant sum for the time. Yet the well continued to flow under its own pressure, drawing oil and water from more than 3,000 feet below. The main difficulty was waxing and silting, which gradually restricted flow. A government pumping test in 1920 temporarily doubled production to almost 15 barrels a day, but this was not pursued further.
The real challenge was not technical, but legal. The wells had been drilled under emergency wartime powers granted by the Defence of the Realm Act. When hostilities ended, ownership of the oil became a matter of dispute. The Government wanted petroleum reserves vested in the Crown, but the Petroleum Production Act of 1918 failed to pass after Labour MPs objected to landowners receiving royalties.
The Duke of Devonshire, whose estate owned the land at Hardstoft, took the matter to court. After lengthy negotiations, the Government conceded. On 26th March 1923, the Hardstoft oil well, along with its plant and equipment, formally became the property of the Duke.
Written by Ivan BRENTNALL
Asia is full of contrasts—bustling cities, stunning landscapes, and incredible traditions just waiting to be explored. But the most unforgettable moments come when you go beyond the surface.
Sip sake with locals at an izakaya in Japan. Feast on authentic Korean BBQ in Seoul. Cycle through Battambang’s villages and meet master weavers. Play cards roadside with locals in Vietnam. These are the experiences that make your trip truly unique—but they’re not always easy to plan.
That’s where I come in. With the help of InsideJapan and InsideAsia, I will design a trip that blends must-see sights with hands-on cultural moments and authentic local life.
Ready for your next adventure? Get in touch with me today and let’s make it unforgettable!
To see some wonderful itinerary ideas scan the QR code
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Method:
1. Line a 24cm x 11cm x 7cm deep loaf tin with cling film, then line the base with baking paper.
2. Using a fork, lightly crush 100g raspberries with the 1 level tbsp sweetener, if using.
3. For the custard: Spoon the fromage frais, custard and quark into a large bowl and whisk well.
4. Put the egg whites in a large, clean glass bowl and beat with an electric hand whisk on a medium speed until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold
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the whites, lemon zest and sweetener into the fromage frais mixture, then fold in the remaining raspberries.
5. Add the crushed raspberries and pour into the tin. Cover with cling film, then foil, and freeze for 6-8 hours, or until firm. Transfer to the fridge 1 hour before serving.
6. Remove from the tin and peel off the baking paper. Decorate with extra raspberries and cut into 8 equal slices to serve.
• 400g raspberries, plus extra to decorate
• 1 level tbsp sweetener granules (optional)
For the custard:
• 100g fat-free natural fromage frais
• 200g reduced-fatand-sugar custard from a can/carton
• 200g plain quark
• 2 large egg whites*
• Finely grated zest of ½ unwaxed lemon
• 2 level tbsp sweetener granules
* Pregnant women, the elderly, babies and toddlers are advised to eat eggs showing the British Lion stamp if eating raw or partially cooked eggs
Ready in: 20 mins + 6-8 hours freezing time
Across 1 Greet in t’ North, making cake for a pud? Yum! (2,2,2,4)
9 US male, say, to sort palette out (4,1,6)
11 Ants’ suppers are a mystery drug (11) 16 Dairy product unlocked in tumbler kit (10)
Pitcherwits® are crossword puzzles where some of the clues are in pictures.
Sound easy? It’s not called “Pit-your-wits” for nothing!
Across
7 Freezing the baker’s bonus? (5)
8 Metal said to ban rubbish? (5)
14 Snow home logo with an eye, say, for detail (5)
15 Include second person, say, in farewell? (5)
Down
2 Tunis is not ideal for singles (5)
3 Fool of the Beaker People? (3)
5 Biscuit is not cooked to old length (5)
12 Rice made from peanut oil with an ‘off’ tone (5)
13 A libido, at first used as an excuse (5)
15 Melody herd, say, in dairy farm? (3)
Using pittas as bait is rather over the hill (1,3,4,2)
Nerds all in a tizzy about meals (7)
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Hair, portrayed as a bit of a landing spot (7)
The mixture of cryptic and picture clues, combined with Professor Rebus’ unique sense of humour, will keep you entertained for hours. These puzzles are devised by
COME AN ENJOY IT WITH…
A family church which meets in the heart of our community, you’re welcome!
Sunday mornings 10.30 - The Genesis Centre - Midweek evenings we get together in homes.
Wednesday 3rd Carols @ Costa 6.00pm
Saturday 13th Carols by the tree 11.00am
Sunday 14th Christmas at New Life 10.30am
Sunday 21st Christmas at New Life 10.30am
Kick off your festive season in one of Alfreton’s most popular coffee shops! (Churches Together)
Shop and Sing! Outside Boots on the High St. (Churches Together)
Just what is Christmas all about? ... Come and find out!
For all the family, mince pies, cakes, family fun quiz, a prize or two. Join us for good news as we celebrate Jesus’ birth this Christmas!
WE’D LOVE TO SEE YOU. EN JOY A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS! BEST WISHES FROM ALL OF US AT NEW LIFE! FOR MORE INFO PLEASE CALL MARTYN ON; 01773 834708 OR NEW_LIFE_CHURCH@HOTMAIL.CO.UK
&
•
‘We have to go to pay our taxes Mary, it’s the law,’ Joe told her.
‘And how are we supposed to get there, answer me that? If you think I’m walking in my condition you’ve got to be joking.’
Joe sat quietly. When Mary was like this he knew there was no point interrupting her. His mind drifted to the cupboard he had just completed. Ben was a good customer, if he was pleased it could mean more work, and with a young mouth to feed they would need the extra money. Convinced the baby would be a boy he let his imagination fly free, visualising a new sign above the workshop, Joseph and Son.
Are you listening to me?’ Mary barked.
‘Of course I am,’ he lied.
‘So, what’s the answer? How are we going to get there? And don’t you dare say that rusty tandem because I am not pedalling that rickety old thing.’
‘I wouldn’t expect you to.’ Joe smiled, ‘I have spoken to Simeon, from the big house, he says we can borrow his donkey.’ He waited, hoping she’d be pleased.
She wasn’t. ‘A donkey? Unbelievable? You expect me, eight and a half months pregnant, to ride all that way on a donkey? Incredible.’ The door slammed behind her as she left.
Joe smiled uncertainly. ‘She’ll come round. It’ll be like a holiday, an adventure,’ he said out loud, more to convince himself than anything.
The journey was uneventful, though Mary moaned constantly about the daytime heat and the discomfort of sitting on the donkey. She complained about the star keeping her awake at night. In fact it was Joe, awoken by her snoring, who lay all night staring at the beautiful bright star guiding their way.
Eventually, an exhausted Mary, Joe and the sturdy little donkey arrived. Joe hadn’t thought to reserve a room. Who knew it would be so difficult? Everywhere was fully booked. By now Mary was almost crying with fatigue, she had stopped complaining hours ago. It was unlike her to be so quiet and Joe was uneasy, worried that something was wrong. ‘Are you alright, my love?’ he asked. She just snarled through gritted teeth.
He knocked on the door of the last inn, on the road out of town. If there was nothing here, they were done for.
‘We’ve no room if that’s what you’re after,’ the man told them, before Joe had time to speak. At that point Mary cried out and clutched her stomach.
‘Sir, my wife,’ pleaded Joe. ‘She is with child, please, she has to rest, a cellar, a corridor, there must be something you can offer us?’
The inn keeper scratched his flea-ridden head.
‘I suppose you could use the stable, it’s round the back. At least you’ll have shelter. I mucked it out this morning so there’s fresh straw. It’s not much but...’
‘Thank you sir.’ Joe shook the man’s hand before leading the donkey round to the stable. Mary moaned and flinched as her husband helped her down from the saddle. Joe gathered straw to create a makeshift bed. As soon as she lay down, Mary fell asleep. Joe tethered and fed the donkey, then he settled on the fresh straw next to his wife.
Tired as he was, he lay watching the bright star that had accompanied them throughout their journey. It seemed to be directly overhead and was even brighter now.
I wonder what tomorrow will bring? he thought. Then, he laughed at himself. What could happen to a poor carpenter and his wife? Nothing out of the ordinary that’s for sure.
Joyce Janes on behalf of Bakewell Old House Museum
BAKEWELL OLD HOUSE MUSEUM WILL BE CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE FROM 12TH NOVEMBER 2025 TO 25TH MARCH 2026
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What a fantastic Big Weekend it’s been down at Amber Valley RUFC! Things kicked off on Friday 7th November with a brilliant Bonfire Night celebration. Huge flames, cracking fireworks, and plenty of smiles made it a night to remember. A massive thank you to everyone who came along — and an even bigger thank you to all the volunteers who put in the graft to make it happen.
Saturday 8th kept the momentum going with a rare and exciting double-header for the men’s section. Both the Mens First Team and a combined Vets/2nds team took to the pitch — the first time in a long while we’ve fielded two men’s teams on the same day. The atmosphere around the club was buzzing, with spectators enjoying the rugby, the camaraderie, and of course, a few well-earned beers. A true testament to the incredible work happening behind the scenes.
On Sunday, our Minis, Juniors, senior players, coaches, and club members represented Amber Valley in the Ripley Memorial Parade. Marching alongside the wider community is always an honour, and our players did the club proud.
The weekend wrapped up with the women’s home game, supported by a brilliant crowd. The team showed huge determination, passion, and team spirit on the pitch, and the sidelines were full of cheers, friendly faces, and plenty more post-match beverages. A perfect finish to a brilliant club-wide weekend!
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year forward to more memorable moments in 2026!
Interested in giving rugby a try? call Stuart 07966 867 946 for the men, Gareth 07595 520 537 for the ladies and Paul 07790 403 043 for the Minis and Juniors.
More than just a club, we are the #ValleyFamily. You can visit our website www.ambervalleyrfc.co.uk, Facebook & Instagram pages to contact us or follow what we do. You can find us at Lower Somercotes, Somercotes, Alfreton DE55 4NQ
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Some Christmassy tales which you can believe or, well………… make your own mind up.
I had a troubling experience in Nottingham last Christmas. Since our children arrived, my wife and I have simply given each other token presents every year and, with this in mind, I called into John Lewis in the Victoria Centre early in December to see if I could find a suitably priced gift.
The delightfully attractive Mrs Musings does like a nice perfume, and my first port of call was the appropriate department.
There, having explained what I was looking for, the young lady asked me to sniff a sample of what she thought would be perfect. It seemed fine to me, but when she brought out a box containing a bottle of this product and explained that it would cost £85.99, I turned a whiter shade of pale. “Bit expensive,” I stammered, and off she went to find another sample.
Again, I thought that my wife would like it, but, with me having baulked at the price (£49.50), the perfumery assistant, undaunted, came back with another sample. “This might do,” she said, “and it’s only £18.99.”
“Still too much,” I replied, adding, “can I not see something that’s really cheap?”
The cheeky salesgirl, now clearly exasperated, came back with a mirror!!
Whilst in the John Lewis store, I was intrigued by a conversation at a ‘pop-up’ section selling Christmas decorations. There, a beautiful young girl had asked the spotty youth behind the counter, probably on a short-term contract, how much the gold tinsel was.
“We have a special offer this week. We’re actually giving it away on the basis on one kiss per metre.”
“Wow, that’s great,” said the girl, “can you please wrap up 12 metres in total for me?”
Thinking that his Christmas had arrived early, and with expectation/anticipation clearly showing on his face, the young guy accurately measured out 12 metres, carefully wrapping it up before expectantly handing over to the pretty customer.
“Many thanks,” was her response, before beckoning an oldish looking guy who was leaning against a pillar.
“Grandad,” she shouted, “can you come over and settle the bill please?”
Mike is always glad to hear from you at: mike.musings@outlook.com
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As we are about to begin our All Around the Shire “Traditions of Christmas” presentations, my mind travels back through the decades to when I was a young girl.
At school, small children would be tasked with licking and sticking or pasting endless paperchains to festoon classrooms.
Paper snowflakes adorned the high classroom windows. Gummed paper lanterns dangled from the ceiling.
Growing up in a pub, decorations were everywhere: fairy lights, tinsel, foil hangings, trees groaning with baubles. Years later, my parents donated to me these pub decorations in my first home. They had absorbed years of smoke and smelled so strongly that they couldn’t be used.
I grew up during the glory days of Blue Peter when John Noakes, Valerie Singleton and Peter Purves presented the children’s programme. I had a go at making an Advent Crown using coat hangers, tinsel, candles and baubles.
Needless to say, it was not a success.
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Whether your decorations are home-made, shop-bought or second hand, I wish you all a peaceful Christmas filled with happy memories.
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Lies, traitors, fake news, corruption and spies. Some things never change. Except that SJ Parris’s Traitor’s Legacy is not set in 2025, but Queen Elizabeth’s Tudor Britain.
It’s historical fiction of the highest quality – the author blends fact and real characters from the period, including William Shakespeare and the Queen’s spymaster, Robert Cecil, alongside atmospheric descriptions of the freezing winter of 1598 in the murky back streets of a violent city.
The story centres around the murder of a young girl of 13, due to be married against her will into a rich and high born family. There are powerful religious and political forces at work which pull in Sophia de Wolfe, a woman of a complex and dubious background who finds herself at the heart of the killing and with desperate personal reasons to find out who is responsible and why. As we know from a different group of traitors – trust no-one.
It’s cleverly plotted, tense and an intelligent and very immersing read. SJ Parris - also known as journalist Stephanie Merritt and also the writer of the much admired Giordano Bruno novels -seems to be embarking on a new series with Sophia de Wolfe and if this book is anything to go by, we’re in for a regular treat.
Although most fungal fruit-bodies (i.e., mushrooms) appear in the autumn months, some like brackets on trees are year-round, and others such as the hallucinogenic (aka poisonous) ones like the classic red-and-white pixie toadstool, the Fly Agaric, persist well into the winter period. These fungi do include the most remarkable and frequently under-appreciated ‘biodiversity’, their ecology being vital to planetary ecosystems including our own survival. The mushrooms and toadstools with their mostly transient fruitbodies are often all that is seen, whereas the hardworking fungal mycelia are largely hidden from view. Nevertheless, some fungi like the ‘Yellow Brain’ (pictured) are remarkable and grab the attention when you spot them. Yellow Brain has the scientific name of Tremella mesenterica which means trembling and ‘mesentery’ or folded tissue usually attached to intestines or gut. Its peculiar appearance has led to evocative and descriptive common names such as ‘Yellow Brain’, ‘Golden Jelly’, ‘Yellow Trembler’, and finally ‘Witches’ Butter’. Its habitat is to be found on dead wood, with a fruiting season (i.e., when this yellow fruit-body appears) all year-round. However, this is a species that is especially seen during winter. Interestingly too, Yellow Brain is not itself a wood-rotter, but a parasite which feasts on the mycelium of what are known as Crust or Corticoid Fungi which do breakdown dead wood like fallen branches and litter. Yellow Brain lives by parasitising the wood-decomposers, with a common victim being the Rosy Crust Fungus (Peniophora incarnate), often totally enveloped by its parasite.
The common names reflect this peculiar fungus’s appearance. Essentially it lacks the obvious structures of most other woodland fungi, and looks like an orange, quivering, gelatinous blob. The smooth fruit-body has characteristically irregular shape, with soft jelly-like texture. The yellow lobes are actually quite tough, greasy, and slimy when wet. They are hard when dry. Colour ranges from pale yellow to bright orange, changing to
rusty orange if dried out. Because of its weird appearance, Yellow Brain has gained mythological, superstitious connections. Across Europe, if the Yellow Brain (‘Witches’ Butter’) appeared on your door or house-gate, the local witch had cast their spell on your family. However, this problem seems easily solved since the spell was removed by repeatedly piercing the fungus with straight pins, until departed. Related to this superstition, in Sweden for example, the dried fungus was burnt to ward off evil spirits. Described as ‘inedible’, flavourless with little substance, in China it provides texture in soups. Like many fungi, it may have medicinal properties with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic uses. Of course, hallucinogenic fungi and mushrooms such as the Fly Agaric are frequently associated with the Christmas season and celebrations.
Professor Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer, broadcaster on wildlife and environmental issues is contactable on ianonthewildside@ukeconet.org. Follow his website www.ukeconet.org, blog www.ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/ & Twitter @IanThewildside Bluesky @ianthewildside.bsky.social
Colour in the garden during these cold months can be a great antidote to the winter glooms.
Luckily there are a selection of container plants which will brighten things up even if you haven’t managed to get any bulbs in. So we’re talking about the likes of winter pansies and violas, cyclamen (the small ones, not the showy indoor variety), winter heather and ivy and polyanthus. If you’re creating a few pots it’s worth clumping them together in a sheltered part of the garden even though all these plants should be frost resistant.
If you have room to plant in the ground, winter honeysuckle gives you a very pretty creamy flower and a beautiful scent. Hellebores can be pretty vibrant and will usually flower in early spring but in sheltered spots even as early as Christmas. And the beautiful mahonia bush with its spikes of bright yellow flowers is wonderful. The advantage of these three is that they are also great for winter-active bees.
You can prune apple and pear trees before Christmas – along with acers and laburnum. There’s less chance of sap bleed if you do it now.
Most herbs lose their leaves in winter, but you can still grow your own by buying a pot of your favourites in the supermarket then dividing and re-potting into smaller pots for a window sill. Most supermarket pots have loads of seeds crammed into a pot, so can be easily split and thus very economical.
