Voice Magazines - Broadmeadows, South Normanton, Blackwell, Newton & Hilcote Edition - April 2025 by Voice Magazines and Artliff Design & Print

EASTER GIVEAWAY

SEEPAGESCENTRE

Hello Fellow Minecrafters!

This month, we’re taking you all into the blocky world of Minecraft. With the film release and the fact that this is one of the most successful games of all time, we couldn’t ignore the theme for this month but in our true style, we’ve built our own characters and brought the Easter feels to it as well, it is “a world where anything is possible”, after all!

So, we’ve made this month into an Easter Eggstravaganza and we’ve got some lovely giveaways from some fabulous local companies! We’ve got S42 Café giving away a grazing board and a glass of fizz for 2, family tickets for a visit to Heights of Abraham, Midland Railway & Crich Tramway Museum and £20 off camping/events at Golden Valley Caravan Park! We are also giving away a Cadbury Ultimate Easter Egg Chocolate Basket for one lucky winner too! As I said at Christmas, you’ve got to be in it to win it, so check out our centre pages and send us your answers!

Myself and Mr Emily are actually low level gamers, we love everything from platformers and kart racers to RPG’s and everything in-between, we have played since our Uni days but we’ve never partaken in Minecraft, it was always SIMS back in our day! The Nieces and Nephews are partial to these types of games though and I’m definitely not adverse to playing, given enough time. I love the idea that it is completely down to your imagination and I think we need more of that, in today’s world more than ever!

It’s been quite a busy month in our house, I feel like we’ve barely been home! Anyway, based on some of the activities I have undertaken, here are some burning questions… if you want to send us some answers over, always happy to discuss!!

1. Why do Easter Eggs taste better than ‘normal’ chocolate?

2. If heat pads work so well, why has nobody invested in a full heat suit? (A sauna doesn’t count!)

3. If Bingo is supposed to be relaxing, why don’t they shout the numbers slower?

4. As mini-golf and golf are essentially the same, why isn’t Tiger Woods (insert pro golfer name) a World Champion of Mini Golf with an unbeaten score?

5. If Tomatoes are fruit, who classified it as such and why don’t we have it in a fruit salad?

6. So, scientists discovered that we evolved through genetic changes to our DNA, then why have I evolved so that Coriander tastes like washing up liquid?!

As always, I really hope you have a fabulous Easter, whatever your plans. Happy Reading, Emily x

Minecraft: A Grand Adventure in Blocks

When the team asked me to write about Minecraft for this month’s edition, I confessed I was more than a little worried. I’d heard of it – but genuinely had absolutely NO idea what it was. Unlike my other half, I am no “gamer” – well, apart from Wordle and a gloriously infuriating “bottle filling” game on my phone!

So, I did what I always do: I turned to “Mr Google” …and was directed to the official Minecraft website.

This is how the game is described: Minecraft is a game made up of blocks, creatures, and community. You can survive the night or build a work of art – the choice is all yours. Still no clue? Me neither!

So I read on and discovered that Minecraft can be played however you like – that is, there are no set goals, no set in stone missions to complete. This is why it’s sometimes called a “sandbox game” – there are lots of things for you to do and lots of ways that you can play. If you like being creative, you can use the blocks to build things from your imagination. If you feel brave, you can explore the world and face challenges. Blocks can be broken, created, and placed to reshape the landscape, or used to build fantastical creations straight from your imagination. You can even share your creations with other players or play in community worlds.

OK…so what I am deducing is that Minecraft is akin to online Lego building, sprinkled with a vast amount of imagination and, dare I say it… ”world building”, and here’s where it gets really interesting. In a world where AI-generated games and hyper-realistic graphics are the norm, this simple, blocky game has somehow maintained a massive

audience across all age groups. Why? Because of its very simplicity. Minecraft gives the players’ minds a break from the overload of fast-paced, complex games and lets them build something entirely their own.

It’s creativity at its purest.

And let’s not forget Minecraft’s impact outside the game itself. It was one of the first games to become a YouTube sensation, with millions of people tuning in to watch others build their own worlds. This phenomenon then paved the way for a whole new genre of online content – people streaming themselves playing games, unboxing products, and sharing their hobbies. Minecraft was a pioneer, not just in gaming but in online entertainment.

Absolute respect to anyone who regularly plays and enjoys Minecraft. From what I’ve gathered, it’s certainly less aggressive and far more creative than many computer games, and that has to be a good thing.

Having been around since 2011, Minecraft obviously isn’t going anywhere. It’s a simple game with an extraordinary impact – and that’s something worth celebrating. So, play on all you fans, and enjoy your blocky worlds, and maybe, just maybe, one day I’ll have a go myself – or perhaps encourage my eldest grandson to give it a try!

Welcome to Hair & Beauty at Slimming World a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ salon experience based in Alfreton and open to all

Our skilled, friendly and experienced team are ready to pamper you from head to toe while you relax in total comfort. With free on-site parking, a deluxe complimentary drinks menu and a luxurious atmosphere, we’ll make sure you leave us looking and feeling fabulous.

Are you ready for prom 2025?

Whether it’s you, a friend, your teenager, a sibling… it’s a night to remember forever. We’re here to help, with all the Prom glam essentials:

Spray-tans

Lash extensions

Gel or acrylic nails

Brow care: laminations or tint and wax

Hairstyling: Up-do’s, curls, you name it – we can do it!

Make-up appointments

Quote ‘Voice’ to book your appointment

Did you know at our salon, we have hair specialists who are able to provide advice and solutions around hair loss and thinning?

Around 50% of the population will deal with hair loss at some point in their lives, so we hope we can help you with any concerns you may have! Through the right products and treatments, we could help you achieve a healthier scalp, leading to thicker, fuller hair.

For more information on our full range of services or to book, call 01773 546 382 or visit hair-and-beauty-salon.co.uk

We stock industry-leading hair care and beauty products

Opening hours: Monday 9.30am – 6pm • Tuesday 9am – 6pm • Wednesday 11am – 8pm Thursday 10am – 7pm • Friday 10am– 6pm • Saturday 9am – 2pm • Sunday Closed

Clover Nook Road, Somercotes, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4SW

South Normanton Nursery School

Headteacher – Mr Peter Hallsworth Telephone : 01773 810876

Playing together, learning together, growing together

We put your child at the heart of our fantastic care and education , provided by an amazing team in a wonderful environment.

Open Morning – Saturday 17th May 2025, 9am to 12noon. Contact us to make an appointment

Places available for 3 year olds in September 2025. Places also available for 2 year olds with working family funding or 2 year funding, the term a child turns three. Contact us to ﬁnd out more.

Places available for 3 year olds in September 2025. Places also available for 2 year olds with rking family funding or 2 year funding, the term a child turns three. Contact us to ﬁnd out mo

Like us on Facebook

Have a look at our virtual tour on our website www.southnormantonnurseryschool.co.uk tour

Have a look at our virtual tour on our websit www.southnormantonnurseryschool.co.uk

As specialists in end of life care, our caring team strive to ease the toughest process for pet

- ensuring you and your pet receive the utmost care and respect. Our other services include...

Derwentside Belper

Buttercup Fields Belper

The Standings Crich

Outseats Farm Alfreton

Whether

D.M. FURNISHINGS

All our BRITISH MADE sofas, chairs & recliners are made to order and normally delivered within 6-8 weeks. Choose from over 2000 fabrics and leathers.

Only 100% genuine leather used on all our Italian suites, which are made to order in any colour and normally delivered within 8 - 10 weeks

Reupholstery, repairs & cushion replacement service available - call for appointment

Full range of mattresses inc. orthopaedic, pocket sprung, memory foam, etc in ALL sizes

Great service at a very affordable cost. We needed to replace our lounge carpet but were daunted by the prospect of having to move the suite, sideboard, bookcase and tv as they are too heavy for us and we have nowhere to move them to while the old carpet was removed and the new one fitted. Then I remembered seeing an advert in one of our local free magazines which said that T Nutt offered a service of removing the old carpet, moving furniture as necessary and fitting the new carpet before returning the furniture to its correct place - this seemed perfect for us so we paid them a visit. From our first visit to paying the bill on completion it was a real pleasure dealing with them. They have a good range of carpets, provide valuable advice based on their years of experience and arranged the supply and fitting on the date we requested. Their quote (a very competitive one) was a single price for everything with a promise of no added extras - they delivered to it. We were completely satisfied and would have no hesitation in recommending them.

This is a sudoku

1 square grid

81 cells

9 3x3 blocks

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

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

7 SESSIONS COVERING GRIEF

This is for anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one, even if it was years ago. (There is no charge for this course.) Topics include:

Attachment, separation and loss, The pain and responses of grief, Anger and Guilt, Coping with others’ reactions, Delayed and suppressed grief, Adjusting to Change, Moving forward healthily and Faith questions (optional).

NEXT COURSE STARTS: MONDAY 28TH APRIL 7PM AT THRIVE

Running soon:

Thrive Building, 39 High Street, South Normanton, DE55 2BP

For further details please contact Email: admin@sncc.uk.com Tel: 01773 687044

SHAUNS FRUIT & VEG

Retail supplied also with wholesale orderseg cob shops, nursing homes, bars, restaurants

Market Place, South Normanton

Call/Text: 07957 355 494

You can also contact us on whatsapp or Facebook Messenger

Slimming World Recipe

Spanish-style chicken and rice

Opening Times: Mon-Wed 5.30am-10pm Thurs-Sat 5.30am-10.30pm Sun 8am-9pm

1. Spray a large, deep, non-stick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and put it over a medium-high heat (use a pan you can cover with some sort of lid). Add the chicken and brown all over for 5-6 minutes, then set aside on a plate.

2. Tip the onion into the pan along with 3 tbsp stock, then cover and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft. Remove the lid and add the garlic, paprika and chilli and cook for 1 minute, stirring often. Stir in the tomatoes, turmeric, the remaining stock and a little salt, then bring to the boil.

One pan dishes are always a win and this paella style recipe combines loads of flavour with satisfying simplicity.

3. Sprinkle the rice evenly around the pan and add the chicken, then simmer vigorously over a medium heat for 6 minutes. Scatter the red peppers on top of the rice and shake the pan to mix them in slightly, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 12 minutes, or until all the stock has been absorbed.

4. Cover the pan, turn off the heat and leave for 10 minutes before serving (this will help unstick any rice on the bottom of the pan). Top with the chopped parsley and sprigs, then serve with the lemon wedges for squeezing over.

Ingredients:

• Low-calorie cooking spray

• 600g skinless and boneless chicken thighs, visible fat removed, cut into large chunks

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 750ml boiling chicken stock

• 6 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Large pinch dried chilli flakes

• 400g can chopped tomatoes

• ½ tsp ground turmeric

• 300g dried paella rice

• 300g roasted red peppers in brine from a jar, cut into thin strips

• Chopped fresh parsley, plus sprigs to serve

• Lemon wedges, to serve

COMMUNITY

Easter Sunday celebration

WALK OF WITNESS - APRIL 20TH

We shall be joining with all the churches in the village, gathering at J28 CHURCH at 10.30am then walking to THRIVE (on the High street) from 11.45am and having a short time of SINGING and PRAYER in the MARKET PLACE AT 12.15PM

Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding

COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS

EASTBOURNE

Haddon Hall Hotel

Mon 28th Apr - Fri 2nd May

5 Days - £420

WESTON SUPER MARE

Smiths Hotel

Mon 5th - Fri 9th May

5 Days - £450

SOUTHEND ON SEA

Radisson Park Inn

Mon 12th - Fri 16th May

5 Days - £475

FOR A 2025 BROCHURE OR TO BOOK:

PHONE: 01773 590 808 01246 604 764 or 07483 357 958

Go online WWW.CLAIRSCOACHES.CO.UK

MORECAMBE

Auckland Hotel Mon 12th - Fri 16th May

5 Days - £425

Queen Hotel

Sun 1st - Mon 2nd Jun

2 Days - £140

TORQUAY

Livermead House Hotel Mon 9th - Fri 13th Jun

5 Days - £499

NEW BOOKING OFFICE: Parkvilla,124 Market Street, Clay Cross, Derbyshire S45 9LY

Hotel Mon 9th - Fri 13th Jun

5 Days - £625

FATHER’S DAY

Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel

Sat 14th - Sun 15th Jun

2 Days - £199

Hotel Sat 21st - Wed 25th Jun

5 Days - £520

2nd Tuesday of each month 9am – 1pm | South Normanton Market Place

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

3rd Tuesday of each month 9am - 12noon | Blackwell Community Centre

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

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

Mr Jonathan Harper BSc(Hons) Podiatry. HCPC registered Podiatrist/Chiropodist, Member of the Royal College of Podiatry (RCPod)

20 Years NHS/private practice experience treating foot and ankle disorders for adults and children.

• Offering treatment for the following:

• Corns, calluses, other problematic skin problems. Thickened/fungal nails

• Infected ingrowing toenails ingrowing (Nails surgery under local anaesthetic available)

• Verrucas and warts (hands and feet)

• Fungal skin and nail infections

• High Risk group foot care and diabetic foot assessments

• Foot and ankle pain and sports injuries including injection therapy

Week day and Saturday appointments available. See our reviews on yell.com

Alfreton. DE55 7JJ (Formerly James Matthews Chiropody Clinic)

THE FOOT L ADY

Mobile Foot Health Spe cialist A

per appointment

• Ingrowing / Thick Nails

• Fungal Nail Infections

• Hard Skin Reduction

• Corn Removal

• Athlete’s Foot

• Fully Insured and DBS Checked

Professional treatment for those with Diabetes, Peripheral Ar terial Disease, Rheumatoid Ar thritis & the “High Risk” Foot.

For a p pointments, c all Ann a on : 0 77 9 8 6 2 3 1 0 9

Contact Sarah on 0115 849 2386

@Prioritystairlifts /prioritystairlifts

Local Installation, Repairs and Servicing of Stairlifts

■ Local, family-run business

■ Almost 20 years’ experience

■ New, reconditioned and rental available

■ Friendly, personal service

■ Free, no obligation survey

■ 24/7, 365 days call-out

■ Repair and service all makes of stairlifts

■ Members of Age UK

info@prioritystairlifts.co.uk

www.prioritystairlifts.co.uk

AMBER VALLEY RUGBY CLUB

VALLEY RUGBY CLUB ROUND - UP

The men’s team put in a brilliant performance on March 8th, securing a 24-19 victory against Matlock 2s RUFC. With fantastic teamwork and some outstanding tries, they showed true determination to come out on top. The team spirit was strong both on the pitch and in the clubhouse, where celebrations reflected the camaraderie that makes this squad so special.

It’s been a long time coming, but Valley Ladies finally secured their first two wins of the season in a tense league and cup double-header against Ashfield RUFC With sheer determination, they scored in the final play of the game to take the victory. This result all but guarantees their league position and highlights the effort put in behind the scenes.

A huge thanks to Lee Bown at Amber Valley MMA Gym for providing training space during frozen - pitch weeks. Our Minis & Juniors continue to thrive, with young players developing their skills every week. We’re always on the lookout for new players and coaches across all age groups - whether you’re experienced or completely new to the game, there’s a place for you at the club. Get in touch and be part of something special!

Interested in having a try call Stuart on 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,

•

Complete

Fully

Children’s

EGG-CELLENT EGG-CELLENT EGG-CELLENT EGG-CELLENT EGG-CELLENT EGG-CELLENT EGG-CELLENT EGG-CELLENT EGG-CELLENT EGG-CELLENT EGG-CELLENT EGG-CELLENT EGG-CELLENT EGG-CELLENT EGG-CELLENT EGG-CELLENT EGG-CELLENT EGG-CELLENT EGG-CELLENT

EasterGiveaway

MINEVERSE EASTER WORDSEARCH

THE TEAM HERE AT VOICE MAGAZINES ARE GIVING AWAY

A CADBURY ULTIMATE EASTER EGG CHOCOLATE BASKET

Simply complete the wordsearch to find which of the items is missing from the grid. Then follow the instructions below to enter.

To celebrate Easter we have continued our fun Minecraft theme to bring you this eggstra special 4-page Easter giveaway! So, get puzzling and send in you answers to be in with a chance of winning one of our fabulous prizes! Easter April Chocolate Egg Chicks Spring Basket Bunny Grass Sunday Egg Hunt Lily Holiday

To enter, email the missing item, which is NOT in the wordsearch to community@voicemagazines.

co.uk Please ensure you give your full name, address and telephone number so all winners can be notified. Closing date – 21st April 2025. Prizes are to be collected from Voice Magazines Ltd offices at 81 High Street, South Normanton, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 2BP.

The Voice Magazines Team have been transported into the Mineverse for this puzzle. We’re having a great time hanging out with our cube shaped pals but can you spot the 10 differences between the two pictures?

We have some fabulous prizes to give away from some of our very generous local businesses which can be seen on the next page! If you want to enter the prize draw to be in with a chance of winning one of these prizes simply follow the instructions below:

FAMILY DAY OUT SPOT THE DIFFERENCE ON OUR TEAM DAY OUT SPOT 10 DIFFERENCES

To enter the FAMILY DAY OUT PRIZE DRAW, email A PHOTO OF PICTURE No: 2, INDICATING WHERE YOU THINK THERE IS A DIFFERENCE, to community@voicemagazines.co.uk. Please ensure you give your full name, address and telephone number so all winners can be notified. Closing date – 21st April 2025. Prizes are to be collected from Voice Magazines Ltd offices at 81 High Street, South Normanton, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 2BP. 1

WIN A FAMILY TICKET FOR 2 ADULTS & UP TO 2 CHILDREN

Ride iconic cable cars over Derwent Valley to a historic hilltop park. Explore fascinating caves, scenic woodlands, and uncover hidden history!

WIN A FAMILY TICKET FOR 2 ADULTS & UP TO 3 CHILDREN

Step back in time with vintage tram rides, scenic trails, a cozy café, pub, play areas, exciting events, and more fun!

WIN A FAMILY TICKET FOR 2 ADULTS & UP TO 3 CHILDREN 2

Enjoy heritage train rides, a railway museum, signal box, Victorian church, model railways, shops, playground, country park, and free parking!

£20 VOUCHER (TO BE USED FOR ONSITE CAMPING/ EVENTS)

Golden Valley Caravan & Camping Park offers a peaceful Derbyshire retreat, surrounded by historic woodlands and the scenic Cromford Canal.

BETWEEN THE TWO PICTURES

FLAKES EGGVENTURES IN THE MINEVERSE

EGG DYEING & CRAFTING

Gather supplies for dyeing eggs, try natural dyes or paint the eggs with intricate designs for a personal touch. You can also make Easter crafts, like bunny masks or wreaths, to entertain guests or kids.

PLAN EASTER EGG HUNTS EARLY

Organise a scavenger hunt or Easter egg hunt for kids. Choose a location, prepare the eggs (plastic or real), and hide them strategically. For extra fun, use clues or riddles to guide the search.

CATCH FLAKE!

Flake has run away again and made it through the maze....! Which route, A, B or C, takes one of our Voice team to Flake through the maze!

GOOD LUCK!

To enter the draw for the and glass of fizz for 2 to community@voicemagazines.co.uk ensure you give your full name, address and telephone number so all winners can be notified. Closing date – 21st April 2025. Prizes are to be collected from Voice Magazines Ltd offices at 81 High Street, South Normanton, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 2BP. You must be aged 18 or over to enter.

Prepare Easter baskets filled with chocolates, candies, small toys, and personal items. You can personalise them with the recipient’s favourite treats or themes.

FLAKE SAYS STAY SAFE WITH CHOCOLATE

I can’t eat chocolate, please don’t leave it lying around, it is poisonous to me.

DECORATE WITH SPRING THEMES EASTERCREATEBASKETS

S42 Cafe is a cozy gem located at 184A Queen Victoria Road, Tupton. Serving high quality, locally sourced produce with a smile and offering specialty coffee, tea, treats, breakfast, brunch and lunch.

Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM WIN! A GRAZE BOARD & A GLASS OF FIZZ FOR 2 AT S42 CAFE

Use pastel colors for Easter decorations, such as table settings, floral arrangements, and even painted eggs. You can also make bunny ears, spring flowers, and chicks part of your décor.

WHY NOT WRITE A BOOK?

by Roger West

You’ve probably

For years, I struggled with writing, convinced that only Oxford or Cambridge-educated minds could produce books. My poor 11-plus results reinforced that belief. Writers’ guides always advised, “Write what you know.” But what if, like me, you don’t know much?

Fiction eluded me—creating characters, dialogue, and drama felt impossible. Even my granddaughters could probably teach me! Once, I wrote to Spike Milligan for advice. His reply? “I just take my pen in my hand and stare at a blank sheet of paper until I bleed at the temples.” I still have his letter.

Eventually, I found my subject—coal mining. Our mining industry shaped landscapes, fuelled the Industrial Revolution, and provided livelihoods. Yet, many today don’t even know what coal is. I once sat by an open coal fire in a Welsh hotel when a family entered, shocked at the sight. That moment reinforced my desire to write.

This passion led me to write Red Blood for Black Gold, a book that ensures our mining heritage is never forgotten. The sacrifices of miners, the harsh conditions they endured, and the industry’s role in our nation’s history deserve to be remembered. My articles on Derbyshire mining, including South Normanton’s 1937 disaster, reached many—so why not a book?

Three years of research, setbacks, and perseverance later, Red Blood for Black Gold was born. Expect

rejection—mine came 13 times before Spiral Publications believed in my idea.

If you’ve ever thought of writing, take the leap. Red Blood for Black Gold proves that with passion and persistence, a book can become reality.

ROGER WEST

Roger West is a writer and researcher who has written for various provincial newspapers, publications and county magazines for many years. He has also worked with Mansfield 103.2 FM, Centre FM and BBC Radio Derby Sport as a football reporter, broadcaster, and co-commentator. He is determined to keep alive the memory of King Coal and believes that if we do not, then it will soon be forgotten by the generations of today and tomorrow. In Red Blood for Black Gold, Roger sets out to do just that, to never forget a once great and proud coal mining industry.

All Around the Shire

SUNDAY TEATIMES

One of the warm memories I have is having family tea on a Sunday afternoon. Sandwiches were always involved. Probably spread with meat or fish paste and always white, sliced bread. Mother’s pride had been a staple since before the war.

We would also have tinned fruit, usually fruit cocktail in heavy syrup, with evaporated milk. On special occasions we might have Nestle tinned cream instead.

If we had family for tea, we might have a little ham salad with lettuce, tomato, and a dish of cucumber and onion in vinegar. Do you remember Heinz tinned vegetable salad? “Bought cake” by Mr Kipling became available in the 1960s. Cherry Bakewell and jam tarts didn’t last long in our house.

Children might have vividly coloured pop which had been delivered by Corona “the pop man”. Dandelion and Burdock and Cream Soda were my favourites.

Every family had their own Sunday traditions. What were yours?

Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information.

ON EVERY JOB WE PROVIDE:

✓ EXPERTISE and advice on a range of floor coverings.

✓ Superb ATTENTION TO DETAIL from time-served flooring installers.

✓ FREE estimates, with no obligation to buy.

✓ PROFESSIONAL quality fitting service with clean and tidy workmenship.

✓ Full manufacturer’s GUARANTEE.

✓ UNRIVALLED customer service.

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL WORK UNDERTAKEN

Mike’sMusings

Our resident muser has the mike...

Mike is always glad to hear from you at : mike.musings@outlook.com

If I was Prime Minister I would……………..?

(it’s nearly time to move on – Part 1)

Following last month’s suggestion from Swanwick’s Callum, in which he had a go at those pensioners who, in his own words, appeared to have forgotten how lucky they really were, I gave notice that this particular theme had gone as far as it could go. In fact, thanks to readers’ contributions from out there in Voice Magazine land, it had probably gone much further than I had thought possible. However, as over the past twelve months, many of you had got in touch to tell me of things in modern life that really annoy you but without saying what you would do as PM to solve the problem. I’ve decided to do it for you and share your gripes in April and May before finally bringing this theme to an end. NB – as none of the contributors wanted ‘naming or shaming’ they will remain anonymous but…………… I’ll take credit (?) for the suggested remedy.

1. Cyclists who think traffic lights don’t apply to them. Every time CCTV catches them cycling through a red light, a loud siren is activated giving pedestrians the right to make a citizen’s arrest.

2. Passengers on a flight who drop the back of their seat without having the courtesy of notifying whoever may be sitting behind them. Seats to have a button installed, and as part of the pre-departure fight safety demonstration, passengers informed that they must press this to summon a steward who will then ensure that dropping the seat does not inconvenience anyone. Those failing to follow

this reasonable request will hear the captain, from the cockpit, announce their name and seat number.

3. Those who repeatedly leave the toilet seat in the raised position (you can hazard a guess at who SHE was referring to!) after use. This to be deemed grounds for divorce.

4. Being asked if you would like to donate 25p to charity when you pay for a purchase/service by credit card. The guy who raised this with me feels that it is a not very subtle form of coercion. He accepts that it may only be 25p but, and you can have a guess at his age, he claimed “Blimey, that’s two half-crowns!! He also objects to not knowing which charity will benefit and of exactly how much of his donation it will receive. The software systems driving this recent irritating development to be amended to give two options viz. would you like to donate 25p to charity or, alternatively, would you like a discount of the same amount? Retailers, restaurants etc., would soon abandon the practice.

5. Drivers hogging the middle lane. Qualified lorry drivers – and only those who have passed a strictly managed training programme! - to be given immunity from prosecution if they tailgate the offending vehicle whilst giving a loud ppppppaaaaaarrrrrrrpppppp!! on their horn at regular ten second intervals until the idiot in front moves over.

Guess the words and Fill in the crossword !

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.

5 Come across motor in Monte Carlo (3)

6 Jewels, bedecking woolly one (3)

10 The lady’s a bit crushed (3)

11 No saints could be in such states (7)

12 Add up then drink, right? (3)

16 Meadow owned by Local Education Authority? (3)

17 A bit ignorant (and not the answer!) (3)

2 Ended in poverty (4)

3 Protocol accepted generally for having a drink (4)

8 Dialogue log-off becomes final farewell (5)

14 How the rain can whip you? (4)

15 Prayer for some simple action (4)

1 Bringing fourth, say, not fifth (9) 7 Escaped form a war, any old how (3,4)

13 Enlarge point in order to upsell (5,2) 18 Actively resist an attempt at retaliation (5,4)

1 Just being there will do instead of gifts, say (8) 4 For thinking about a retreat to the gym! (4,6) 5 Takes from list all the kisses backstage (7,3)

Newt to bask in style on Jordan’s l.h.s. (8)

At Metro Bathrooms we are very proud to be approaching our 10th anniversary of supplying and fitting bathrooms in Amber Valley and surrounding areas.

For all of those (nearly ten) years we have advertised our services in this fabulous magazine and fitted bathrooms for many of voice magazines loyal readers, so a big thank you to everyone who has chosen us to work in your home, and to all our friends at voice magazines who work hard in keeping the magazine both relevant and enjoyable to read.

After a brief spell in our first showroom in Alfreton in 2015 to our current home in Riddings we have continued with the same high

standard of customer care, before and after installation.

Our showroom continually changes as trends and new products enter the market so we can offer you a great choice of bathrooms.

Our online reviews are a testament to the quality of work that our team of fitters produce week in and week out.

We run our business with great pride and a huge amount of hardwork that’s seen us find our way through some uncertain times, changes of government, brexit, large suppliers going bankrupt overnight, and of course the dreaded covid years in which we proudly retained all of our employees throughout.

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GARDENERS CALENDAR

We’re still keeping tender plants indoors. Garden centres are full of lovely looking plug plants around Easter but there’s too much of a risk of frost yet to put them straight into the soil or containers. Grow on indoors or in a warm greenhouse.

But April is a great time for sowing hardy annuals such as nigella, indestructible nasturtiums, Ammi majus which gives you lovely white lace heads and is really attractive to bees, and sunflowers, (though you seriously need to protect the latter from slugs)

It’s also a good time to think about wildflower areas, which you can sow direct into prepared soil. If the soil is compacted fork it over and rake and if you’re adding new soil to a patch, tread it down lightly. Water lightly before sowing to give the seed a head start. You can broadcast seed easily with a sweeping motion – mix the seed with some sand then you can see where you’re spreading. Then rake over and water again. If you have a lot of birds visiting your garden it may be an idea to peg some horticultural fleece over the area to stop the birds getting first dibs. As the seedlings grow don’t be tempted to let the plants become overcrowded, it’s more likely to hinder growth, so pull out the weakest looking seedlings. Keep watering as they become established.

Prune lavender but don’t cut into the woody part of the plant. Deadhead winter pansies and they’ll keep flowering into the summer. Prune back Cornus hard, to within a couple of buds of the base and they’ll give good colour next year.

TOP TIP

As you grow on bedding plants nip out the growing tips to provide bushier plants and more flowers later and avoid leggy plants as the season moves on.

SPRING BUTTERFLIES EMERGE FROM THEIR WINTER SLUMBERS

With a few weeks of warmer, sunnier weather the early butterflies are out and about. Some of the earliest species to emerge are the pretty Small Tortoiseshell, and the splendid Peacock, and these can be seen on warm days in late February and early March. However, another quite stunning butterfly is the appropriately named Brimstone, the male being a bright sulphur yellow. This species, the Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) is a brilliantly-coloured butterfly seen in local gardens, along woodland edges, on old country lanes, and in or around parklands. This large, quite stunning species tends to be spotted on warm, early spring days when they emerge from their winter hibernation. Regarded as one of the heralds of springtime, this species appears to be increasing, perhaps with climate warming. This rather spectacular butterfly, which is actually a member of the ‘White’ butterflies, is also an early species, already out and about in February and March this year. The Brimstone has two broods with the first being early emergent adults that overwintered, and then a second in summer through until around September.

They are most common in the south and in areas with limestone vegetation such as the Dales. Their restricted distribution is related to the occurrence of their favoured food-plants for egg-laying which are purging buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula). These are both quite uncommon except in woods and hedges on

limestone areas and also in urban planting schemes such as around shopping centres. Especially in early spring, they are flying in woodlands, wetlands, and gardens, across suitable areas of habitat and they are easy to spot. As I said earlier, the males are bright sulphur-yellow (hence the ‘Brimstone’ name), and the females, also distinctive and pretty, are pale green. Small amounts of alder buckthorn, one of the food-plants, were grown in some coppice woods associated with the manufacture of highquality charcoal.

The Brimstone is pretty much unmistakeable with perhaps one exception for the beginner. There is one other ‘White’ butterfly that sports some yellow, and this can look quite bright in sunlight. This is the ubiquitous Large White or Cabbage White. This has very yellow rear underwings and a patch on the underside forewings. Again, this is a large species, but the wing shape is very different from Brimstone which has distinctive points in the wing-tips. Once you have seen a Brimstone, then you really won’t mistake any other species for them.

Planting buckthorn in gardens and other greenspaces may help this stunning insect spread. You can help their conservation by planting buckthorn in your garden but don’t eat the berries. It is well-named ‘purging buckthorn’ because of its strongly laxative properties formerly employed in herbal medicine!

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 www.ukeconet.org, blog www.ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/ & Twitter @IanThewildside

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