Voice Magazines - Broadmeadows, South Normanton, Blackwell, Newton & Hilcote Edition - November 2025

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We work in Broadmeadows, South Normanton, Blackwell, Newton, Hilcote & all surrounding areas

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From the Editor

Hello Readers,

This month the team and I really wanted to focus on Remembrance Day. The local heritage groups across all the mags have been exceptional with their kindness and generosity in supporting us with local stories of war veterans and their historical articles, we are grateful to them as always. We also have a local poet in our midst, who has come to poetry later in life and sent us one of his poems regarding the fallen.

Our intention is not to be macabre this month but rather to highlight where we have come from as a nation and take a moment to give thanks to all those who gave their tomorrow for our today. One of the interesting facts that we found when we were researching was that commemorations around Remembrance Day were not always as well observed, with interest amongst the general public fading over the post war years. Indeed, it was the 50th anniversary celebrations around D-Day in 1994 and of VE and VJ Day in 1995 that reinvigorated interest in the wars and a desire to commemorate the sacrifices made. Following this the Royal British Legion and other organisations pushed for a renewed observation of the 2 minutes silence on 11th November. That isn’t to say it wasn’t observed locally in some cases and obviously was carried out at the cenotaph but it still surprised me that it wasn’t always an important part of our countries commemoration. Just goes to show that everyday is a school day!

Here at Voice HQ, as soon as the November mag goes out, we begin feverishly trying to get our Christmas edition into place. I can’t tell

a lie, despite it arriving at precisely the same time each year, it genuinely does feel like it has sneaked upon us (again) this year! As last year though, we have some wonderful prizes donated by ourselves and our generous advertisers and supporters which will be up for grabs, so please keep a look out for that edition – as I always say, you’ve got to be in it to win it!!

On that note, if you want to give your business one last push for 2025, don’t delay and get in touch today! We still have space and I must say our Christmas editions have traditionally been one of my favourites! We always try to do something special and this year will be no different!

A NATION REMEMBERS

Each year in November, communities across the country pause to reflect, to honour, and to remember. Remembrance is more than a tradition; it is a deeply rooted moment of gratitude and reflection for those who have served, and continue to serve, in our Armed Forces.

From the battlefields of the First World War to the conflicts of today, men and women have stood in defence of our freedoms, often at great personal cost. They have faced danger, endured hardship, and in too many cases, given their lives so that others might live in peace. Their courage and sacrifice form part of the very fabric of our nation’s story.

As we gather at memorials, wear our poppies, or simply take a moment of silence in our daily lives, we join together in unity to say thank you. Thank you to those who have gone before us, and thank you to those who still serve today, at home and overseas.

The words of the traditional Ode of Remembrance, taken from Laurence Binyon’s poem For the Fallen, continue to resonate with us all:

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.”

These lines remind us that remembrance is not confined to one day in November but carried in our hearts always. Each name etched on a memorial, each wreath laid, and each moment of silence speaks of a nation’s enduring gratitude.

As we bow our heads this Remembrance Day, we acknowledge the debt we can never repay but must always remember. Their service, their sacrifice, and their unwavering commitment to duty remind us of the true cost of freedom.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

We have been established for over 40 years and are still going strong. Helping the Community. Giving our elderly members support, live entertainment, quizzes, guest talks, bingo and much more. We meet at the Post Mill Centre every, Tuesday 1pm - 3.30pm. Free tea, coffee, biscuits and cakes at every session. Free raffle every last Tuesday of the month. Please come and join us, Men and Women are both welcome. Pop in, first session is free!

My

and forgotten over the years. Now I have written over 30 poems in the last few months. With a take on the world, from an autistic point of view.

Poem for Remembrance Sunday:

TAKE THE HARD ROAD

Sometimes in life we have all followed roads filled with dirt.

Paths filled with sorrow, with great pain, great sacrifice and hurt.

What i would say if those that have past didn’t follow these paths, would we be facing such an untold wrath?

More often than not, these paths create a sense of freedom and humanity, for a society to be free against those who don’t stand for democracy.

But against those that only stand for pain, suffering and untold tyranny.

The hard road of sorrow and pain most often creates the humble, strong, and the oh so brave.

For those are the ones, who shall not ever forgotten, nor betrayed.

They fight for our liberty, for our freedom to be saved.

They fight for country, kings and queens and for all of the beautiful things that freedom brings.

With this In mind, don’t ever be ashamed to say what dark path you walked upon, when you walked that hard road to our freedom.

For this is the place that you defended.

Our home, our place our proud foundation.

A place if you look, that you will find a great proud nation.

A place we are all so grateful that you chose to defend, even until the bitter end.

A place of great beauty and such wisdom. Our great, beloved United Kingdom.

LEST WE FORGET

Celebrating 10 Years as a Which Trusted Trader with T Nutt & Sons

We’re thrilled to celebrate a remarkable milestone with T Nutt & Sons - ten years as a Which? Trusted Trader!

This isn’t just a badge. It’s a mark of trust and excellence. Only companies that consistently deliver the highest standards of service and professionalism earn it. With verified reviews and ongoing checks, it’s a true sign that a business goes above and beyond for its customers. Having previously won the Certificate of Distinction in 2019, this milestone shows T. Nutt and Sons continued dedication to unmatched quality for their customers

T Nutt & Sons have been part of our local community since 1869. What started as a small shop in Clay Cross has grown into one of the region’s most respected flooring businesses. And despite over 150 years of success, it’s still family-run and still guided by the same values of uncompromising integrity and unrivalled personal service.

Managing Director David Nutt said: “We are immensely proud to have reached ten years as a Which? Trusted Trader. This recognition is a testament not just to our products, but to the dedication of our entire team, many of whom have been with us for decades. Our customers place great trust in us, and we work hard every day to ensure that this trust is well founded.”

Here at Voice Magazines, we’ve been working with T Nutt & Sons since 2017, and as recent customers ourselves, we can honestly say they’re just as fantastic as their reputation suggests. Friendly, professional, and reliable — they made everything easy, and the results were brilliant. We are proud to wholeheartedly reccomend them.

Owners David and Kevin Nutt

COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS

Venetian

Curtain

Perfect

Vertical

Roman Blinds

SHAUNS FRUIT & VEG

Place, South Normanton

WEDS & THURS at Kingsmill Hospital

From 6am til 2:30pm

Slimming World Recipe

Pizza Pasta Bake

1. Spray a non-stick saucepan with low-calorie cooking spray and put it over a medium heat. Add the onion, pepper and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened.

2. Stir the tomatoes and oregano into the mixture, and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to pack instructions, and heat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/ gas 6.

✽ 2 spacious en-suite bedrooms

✽ A fully enclosed garden

✽ Fast fibre Wi-Fi and smart TV’s

✽ 2 small to medium dogs welcome (3 upon request)

✽ Fully equipped kitchen

for

the stunning Northumbrian Heritage Coastline

Plenty of dog friendly pubs,

Autumn and pasta bakes go together like... well... pizza and pasta! Which makes this the perfect combo. Enjoy!

4. When the pasta’s cooked, drain and stir it through the tomato sauce. Spoon the mixture into a shallow ovenproof dish and top evenly with the pepperoni and mozzarella. Bake for 1520 minutes, or until bubbling and golden.

5. Divide between 4 plates, and serve with the salad or Speed veg.

• Low-calorie cooking spray

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 red pepper, deseeded and diced

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes

• 2 tsp dried oregano

• 300g dried pasta shapes

• 50g pepperoni slices

• 200g mozzarella, roughly torn

• Salad or your favourite Speed vegetables, to serve

SOUTH NORMANTON POST OFFICE

OPEN

Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm • Sat 8.30am-3.00pm

10% off all Christmas cards at South Normanton post office

We also have a massive range of wrap , gift bags , decorations , gift ideas and novelties for the festive season. wishing you all a very merry Christmas from your local post office

JOIN US FOR CHRISTMAS AT ST MICHAELS

Advent Sunday Holy Communion Sun 30th November | 4.30pm - Church

Kids Cafe Service Sun 7th December | 10:30am - Church Hall

Christmas Tree Festival Weekend Sat 13th & Sun 14th December

Viewing both days 10:00am - 4:00pm - Church

Coffee Morning Sat 13th December

10:00am - 12noon | Church with Christmas music

Church Street, South Normanton O COME LET US ADORE HIM, CHRIST

Village Carol Service Sun 14th December 4:30pm | Church

Christmas Eve Family Crafty Nativity & Lunch 10:30 - 12noon | Church

Christmas Eve Midnight Communion 11:30pm | Church

Christmas Day Family Praise 10:30pm | Church

If you can’t make it into the store, we can offer a FREE home selection service, where we bring the store to you.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Mon - Wed: 9am - 5pm • Thurs: 9am - 7pm Fri: 9am - 5pm • Saturday: 9am - 5pm Sunday: 11am - 3pm

Our South Normanton Store Unit

Our beds are the only approved trading standards manufactory in the UK. All beds carry a 5yrs Warranty. Lots of choice of mattresses, Storage Bases & Head Board also Electric beds.

Delivery service available with old bed removal.

Durabed are the only company in the UK that is trading standards approved & a member of the National Bed Federation We are Stockists of www.bmcarpets.co.uk

THE BRIGG INFANT SCHOOL

Open Evening

11th November - 5:00pm 8 th January - 3:45pm For children born between 01/09/2021 and 31/08/2022

Are you looking for a great school where your child will achieve well in an extremely caring, highly motivating environment? Then visit The Brigg Infant School on our open evenings. You will meet the dedicated staff and headteacher, tour our lovely learning environment, see our pupil’s work on display, have the chance to ask any questions and see our starting school presentation.

Learning together, Growing together, Always trying our best.

• Hard skin reduction

• Corn removal

• Verruca treatment

• Diabetic advice

To

Complete

Fully

Children’s

Wedding

THE FOOT L ADY

Mobile Foot Health Spe cialist

• Ingrowing / Thick Nails

• Fungal Nail Infections

• Hard Skin Reduction

£21 per appointment

• 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

A dogs Day out

This classic ramble takes us back to March 2017. We begin and end near Portland Country Park, which just so happens to have a dog friendly visitors centre. Perfect for a cuppa after a good walk, and maybe a snozzage for your pup! Just check the opening times to avoid disappointment. The walk itself is lovely with a nice range of scenery, including some beautiful views. A special thanks for Michelle and Dean for refreshing the walk and keeping us all on track!

3.5-MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM PORTLAND COUNTRY PARK

A steady walk for you and your dog, which should take around 1½ hours to complete. There is a range of terrains and a couple of steep inclines, along with the seasonal mud and puddles so make sure you wear appropriate footwear. There are also a couple of sections of road, so please take plenty of care and as always, follow the countryside code.

START: Portland Country Park, Lindley’s Lane, Kirkby in Ashfield. NG17 9AL. Access to the car park is best down Lindley Lane, which can be reached from the B6020 in Kirkbyin-Ashfield town centre

1. Standing with your back to the car park entrance, continue straight ahead, along a well laid footpath, passing a signboard on your left.

2. Continue straight ahead until the path passes into some trees, bends around to the left, and then to a T junction of footpaths. At this point turn right and continue along a footpath with a steep drop to your left.

3. A little further on, the path begins to descend. At the bottom of the hill you will reach a T junction of paths with a metal fence, and railway line directly in front of you. Turn right to continue along a footpath, keeping a metal fence and railway line on your left.

4. Continue along this path for some distance, ignoring any paths leading off. Eventually the path bears slightly to the right and away from the railway line. Continue straight ahead until reaching a T junction of paths. At the T junction turn left, climb up some steps, and cross over a railway bridge.

5. As you climb down the steps from the bridge, continue straight ahead, ignoring the path on the right. Continue straight ahead for some distance until passing through a metal width restrictor. Continue straight ahead staying close to some trees on your right.

6. Continue straight ahead until passing through a gap in a fence. After, ignore a path to the left, and continue straight ahead with a fence on both sides.

7. Continue until you reach a cream coloured house on your left. At this point, keep right and begin to climb gently. Follow the path into a field, and now continue to climb with a hedge on you left.

8. After a short distance, turn right, pass close by a pylon on your left, and continue to cross an open field. Continue straight ahead until passing a grave yard on your left. After, continue straight ahead to pass by a metal gate and into a church yard.

9. Continue along a path and pass the church on your right. Pass through a wooden gate, out of the church yard, and onto a road. Turn left along the road, and begin to head downhill.

10. Continue along the road for some distance. After passing a bus stop on your right, and just prior to a bus stop on your left, turn left along ‘Laburnum Avenue’.

11. Continue along ‘Laburnum Avenue’ until the road bends sharp around to the right. At this point, continue straight ahead along a road for a short distance, and then continue as the road turns into a lane.

12. A very short distance along the lane, bear slightly left to continue along the lane with a wall on your right and a fence on your left. Upon reaching a metal gate directly in front of you, bear slightly left again to continue along a footpath with a fence on both sides.

13. After a very short distance the path splits in two. Take the right hand split and continue with the fence on your right. Continue for some distance and after passing a ‘managing grasslands’ info board on your left continue straight along the path until reaching a wooden post on the right-hand side. Turn right immediately after the post through the hedge heading downhill across the field.

14. At the bottom of the hill cross over a wooden footbridge, pass through a gate, and then continue uphill to cross another field.

15. At the top of the hill, pass through a metal gate, cross over a railway line, and then pass through another metal gate. Continue straight ahead along a tarmac footpath. After a short distance pass by a sign board on your left, and begin to gently climb uphill.

16. Continue straight ahead for some distance until passing ‘Portland Country Park Visitor Centre’ on your left. The tarmac footpath now turns into a single track road.

17. Continue straight along the road, after a short distance the road bends to the left continue past the Portland Country Park Visitors Centre sign. Turn left around the bend back into the car park at the starting point.

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.

AMBER VALLEY RUGBY CLUB

SEASON IN FULL SWING!

Amber Valley Men - The men’s team are showing great progress, improving every game. It’s been brilliant to see new players joining the squad and keeping training lively on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The effort, spirit, and banter are all top-notch – bring on the next fixture! Amber Valley Women - The ladies have had a tough start to the season, but the mood is positive and the numbers at training are fantastic – slow and steady wins the race, after all! The team is building momentum and ready to make their mark going forward. Big congratulations to Karen, our longest-serving women’s player, and to long-standing men’s player Scott Morgan, who’ve just tied the knot – proof that love really does conquer all, even rugby training nights!

It’s been a brilliant start across all our junior age groups, with plenty of energy, smiles, and mud flying about! The U10s are thriving after a summer of rebuilding and had an impressive 14 players out this weekend. The U9s are on the lookout for new recruits to join the fun, while the brand-new U7s have made an amazing start under the guidance of ex–first team coach Chris Locke. The U9s even had their first-ever home contact match, complete with a pre-match team talk – and every player got stuck in, with no one shying away

So whether you’re mini, mighty, or somewhere in between, there’s always room for you at Amber Valley — and the clubhouse fridge is always stocked for a post-training pint!

All I Want fo Christmas

As a child I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. They lived two streets away and my mum was busy with the twins, so it was my home from home.

In my grandparents’ bedroom, as well as a piddle pot there was a small, wooden table next to his pillow which, among other things, held an ashtray with a half-smoked woodbine and box of England’s Glory matches. Smoking in bed was not unheard of, nor was the bottle of bronchial mixture for his persistent cough set next to it. His dentures were in a glass of steradent close by.

There was no lamp because the light could be turned on and off by pulling the string which hung from the ceiling. What he did have was a folding travel alarm clock which is what sparked this memory. Today, we performed a session called “My dad had one of these” and one of our latest acquisitions proved very popular and recognisable. It was one of these clocks. They were so popular in many homes and could be taken on holiday.

This clock woke him for the early shift at Ley’s foundry until he retired with a gold watch. He only lasted for three years after retirement but the memories of a kind, loving grandfather endure.

MIKE’S MUSINGS

What

would you rather have, a wife, husband, live-in partner or………. a pet dog?

You may remember that earlier this year, much publicity was given to a study carried out by economists at the University of Kent into ‘the value of pets.’ Now normally, that sort of thing wouldn’t catch my eye, and were it not for the headline claiming that pet ownership was worth the equivalent of a £70,000 a-year pay rise, those groundbreaking findings would probably have passed me by.

NB – if you were unaware of this important (?) research at the time, I imagine that as you read this, you’re probably weighing up the benefits of swapping he/she, or whoever you currently share your living space with, for a pet dog, cat, terrapin, goldfish or whatever. You won’t be alone!

As for myself, when our two girls were very young, we had a budgie, which soon fell off its perch, a hamster which died in mysterious circumstances and a gerbil, which my wife, to this day, claims that I murdered. Look, it’s a long and complicated story, but I can tell you that our loving relationship was sorely tested when I heard her say the following morning to a pair of crestfallen little girls, “Gary has gone to Heaven because Daddy killed him!” Since then, as our various houses have remained pet free, I’m in no real position to query the repercussions of the Kent University study.

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

However, thinking specifically about our traditional relationship with man’s (or woman’s) best friend, how many of you can confirm that: -

• You’ve never been woken by the dog snoring?

• Your partner is always happy to let you rub their tummy?

• Whenever you return home, does your partner get excited, run around in circles and try to lick you clean?

• Does your dog sulk when he/she has been told that ….’you’ve been a very naughty boy/girl?’

• When you’re about to go out, does your partner get very excited and rush to the door and look up at you with expectant eyes?

• Does your partner chase cats, squirrels, pigeons, other dogs or, more worryingly, other men/women?

• Does your partner play nicely with other humans and NOT jump up at children?

• Does your partner do his/her toileting inside or outside?

Once you’ve answered all these questions then, and only then, will you be able to determine whether or not you’re happy to swap or………………. be prepared to forego the extra £70k/annum!

ON EVERY JOB

✓ EXPERTISE and advice on a range of floor coverings.

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

✓ FREE estimates, with no obligation to

✓ PROFESSIONAL quality fitting service with clean and tidy workmenship.

✓ Full manufacturer’s GUARANTEE.

✓ UNRIVALLED customer service.

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL WORK UNDERTAKEN

• Electric adjustable bed expert • Divans with and without storage • Headboards in all sizes

• Full range of mattresses inc. orthopeadic, pocket sprung, memory foam & latex in all sizes • Ottoman beds • Sofa beds • Childrens beds

Kate Atkinson’s new novel, Death at the Sign of the Rook, is good fun; the perfect book antidote to the autumn blues. It keeps you on your toes mentally, has some brilliant characters and is a smart and knowing detective story which gives you the clever chills and some proper funny moments.

We’re back in Jackson Brodie country, the grumpy detective hero of some of her earlier books. Now a private detective almost dying of boredom in his search for a stolen painting he arrives at Rook Hall, which seems like the setting for the perfect murder mystery – in fact it’s a hotel where they put on murder mysteries weekends to entertain the guests.

So we have all the Agatha Christie favourites, the butler, the policeman, the vicar. Kate Atkinson may have quite a bit of fun with the classic Cluedo idea but the story soon spirals off into a real murder and a blizzard – literally - of loose ends and diversions.

It’s a lark, but one where you need the little grey cells on high alert and as with all her books the characters are at the heart of things. And again, as always, the book entertains us with thoughts on politics, TV, violence – you name it. You won’t be bored.

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.

Across

9 Seep out from menagerie sent back to the Orient (4)

10 It marks the spot in beer for holding wheels (4)

11 Mate’s attempts at vapour (5)

12 Fortunately it’s a bit of fish? (4)

13 Feline with legless plumage (4)

Down

2 Grimacing slightly at the coat (3)

3 It’s rubbish going up the hill (3)

7 Prude is taken aback and is speechless (5,2)

14 Moose spotted in Selkirk (3)

15 Indefatigably, it’s a bit of a gift, talking (3)

Mirth at the Hubble telescope is a low

(6,5) 5 Behaviour in front of an orchestra? (7)

Sad, lone pig running away (7)

Blake to mutate and have a fall (4,1,6)

LOCAL WAR TALES

The Toronto Star newspaper dated 1945 told the story of how Lieutenant Harry Shardlow, fighting with the Canadian forces in the Second World War, visited Ripley on leave and left a watch to be repaired. Upon his return to the jewellers to pick up his watch he was given his father’s watch, which his father had left at the same jewellers, Browns of Oxford Street, for repair back in 1916.

His father, also Harry Shardlow, was a Ripley man who had previously been in the Sherwood Foresters but had emigrated to Canada in 1912 and died at Arras fighting with the Canadian forces.

FIXING ROOFS, KEEPING HOMES SAFE

www.jproofingservices.co.uk jppropertymaintenance12@gmail.com

22a Back Lane, Huthwaite, Sutton-in-Ashfield, NG17 2LL

ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY

Lots of people do fantastic things in their lives but very often they go unrecognised. Derbyshire’s Lord Lieutenant asks, ‘can we change things in Derbyshire?’

They may be doing amazing voluntary work in the community, working tirelessly to safeguard the environment, creating lots of employment in a local company, achieving incredible sporting triumphs or helping people face and overcome health problems.

The aim of the King’s Birthday and New Year Honours is to celebrate all these selfless types of activity. Anyone can be nominated for an Honour at any time.

All you need to do is fill out the nomination form, gather evidence of the impact of the person’s activities and get letters of support from people who know them or have benefitted from their activities.

Why not have a go at a nomination. You might help the person get the recognition they deserve and it will give you a warm glow in doing so!

More information is available at www.gov.uk/honours. and the Derbyshire Lord Lieutenant’s Honours Panel is here to help as well. They can be contacted by emailing Debra.Heaton - Lieutenancy@derbyshiredales.gov.uk Elizabeth Fothergill Lord Lieutenant MBE (M) Ladies 01623 782 278 01159 017 778

Hopefully the sunny summer has given us good crops from our fruit bushes, and now is a good opportunity to prune them back. This applies to blackcurrants, blueberries and gooseberries. Take out old wood and keep healthy looking young shoots and branches. Cut above a bud with a sloping cut so that water runs away from the wound.

November is also probably the prime time for tulip and other spring bulb planting, although you can go into early December. Twice as deep as the height of the bulb is the minimum rule, although you can go deeper with tulips and quite a bit deeper with the likes of fritillaries and anemones. If you haven’t got your daffs and narcissus in yet, do it now. They mostly don’t like late autumn planting.

Last grass cut should be around now before the frosts set in. Do it on a higher cut and on a dry day and don’t leave clippings on the grass. Earlier in the year they can provide nutrients but this time of year they’re likely to matt and block air and light from the roots.

It’s always tempting, once you’ve got the secateurs in your hand, to remove all this year’s dead growth from perennials, but if you do have some with good seed heads like teasels it’s a nice thought to leave some for the seed-eating birds over winter. And they can look interesting in a bare winter landscape.

WINTER ROBINS ACROSS THE PEAK

As autumn and winter blend together, the region’s gardens provide habitat and sustenance for local Robins. After a hectic breeding season, these highly territorial birds are quiet during late July and August but begin singing again in early September. At this time of year, the song is subtly different from the breeding season singing. The change is hard to define but perhaps less tuneful and slightly harsher. It is also delivered by both males and females which hold separate and independent territories. Territory size and quality are vital to Robins as the chosen area must provide food in the form of insects and other small invertebrates sufficient to support the individual in possession. The boundaries between adjacent territories are lines invisible to our eyes but discernible to the birds, so that dominance and subservience generally change as the birds move from their patch and into the neighbour’s. However, if one bird intrudes into the adjacent territory but doesn’t follow protocol, in other words makes displays of dominance, then a fight may result. Indeed, territorial Robins may battle to the death and be so preoccupied with the conflict that they can be picked up whilst still engaged.

The trigger for their aggressive behaviour is the bright red breast which leads to response for the birds, especially during the breeding season. When hyped up, a Robin will even attack with a degree of vigour, a tennis ball marked with a red circle! Garden mirrors can also play havoc with this territorial behaviour for both Robins and Dunnocks, and this is because the mirrorimage sees an aggressive intruder. Moreover, the response from the reflection is increasingly provocative the more irate the owner of the home-patch. So, the more excited and combative the intruder then the more energetic the reaction and the process goes on.

Despite the high octane behaviour of our garden Robins, this contrasts with their interactions with us, where they are the gardener’s friend. Particularly if offered dried mealworms or calci worms then the local Robin will approach and

follow the gardener around the plot. Making a pursing noise with your lips whilst putting food out helps train the Robin to know what you are doing. Association of the sound with food availability will soon be learned, and furthermore this understanding and expectation can be passed down to the next generation during the summer months. Such behaviour develops from Robins following the gardener at work in the garden when they are watching for insects and worms being disturbed. This probably evolved from the birds simply following large herbivores blundering through the ancient forest!

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

WINTER ROBIN
WINTER ROBINS

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