Voice Magazines - Broadmeadows, South Normanton, Blackwell, Newton & Hilcote Edition - July 2025
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AUG ‘25 EDITION - 11TH JUL ‘25 • SEPT ‘25
Woohoo, well the lovely BBQ weather certainly continued didn’t it!
It is the British way to talk about the weather in whatever guise, be it too hot, too cold, too wet….Peter Kay made his living out of observing it and pointing it out to us in a comedic way! Personally, I’m with my friend Maggi, we get so few episodes of nice weather, we should take it graciously…..but it probably won’t stop me moaning about it when it’s too hot to sleep though…..I am British after all!
Speaking of nice weather, Wimbledon will put paid to all that, you mark my words!! I’ve played very little Tennis in my life but always fancied taking it up as a sport, especially after 2 weeks of it on the tellybox….not sure I have the time though and I’m getting to that point where I am considering my age and whether I can learn any new tricks?! Although, as I’m frequently reminded, age is just a number and a frame of mind….so maybe I will embrace the newness!
Anyway, in other news, Mr Emily and I went on our 5-years-ago planned bucket list trip to see Paddington in Peru, no not the movie, although we did watch that on the plane over there. It was a significant birthday dream destination until the
- 8TH AUG ‘25
dreaded Cov!d hit.
Needless to say it was a fabulous trip but a lot of travelling and not one to be dramatic, but I’m sure I had a few close shaves with the grim reaper, not least an earthquake and passing out at high altitude but it’s all character building isn’t it!!
With school out for summer, where is everybody going this year? Or, with our friends over the pond being a bit trigger happy at the minute and our summer weather being so lovely, is everyone taking the opportunity to do a ‘staycation’?
In which case, my next bucket list in this country is to head South for the Eden project. I’ve always wanted to go and despite the fact that they don’t have gravy with their chips, I reckon I could stand a week or two sampling the different ways I could enjoy a cream tea….for research purposes of course!!
Have a lovely July everyone,
Happy Reading, Emily x
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WIMBLEDON 2025: WHERE TRADITION SERVES A NEW SPIN
Wimbledon - the home of strawberries, grass courts, and the world’s poshest grunts - is getting a high-tech facelift in 2025. That’s right: for the first time in 147 years, line judges have officially been sent for a permanent tea break. Enter Hawk-Eye Live, the all-seeing electronic oracle that now calls every ball in or out across all courts. While purists might mourn the absence of those eagle-eyed humans with crisp white trousers, let’s be honest - the drama now stays on the court, not on the line.
But that’s not the only thing bouncing in a new direction.
The 2025 Wimbledon Championships, running from 30 June to 13 July, promise both tradition and transformation. At the heart of it, defending champions Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) and Barbora Krejčíková (Czech Republic) are back to defend their crowns - with rackets blazing and millions watching to see if they can repeat their Centre Court heroics.
Speaking of millions watching - in a move designed to woo more fans from North and South America, finals weekend start times have shifted. No longer will players be warming up as Brits polish
off their Sunday roast. The Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Singles Finals will now begin at 4:00 PM, giving international fans more reason to tune in live - and giving UK fans a chance to digest before the tension starts.
Here’s the finals line-up to mark in your diary:
SATURDAY, 12 JULY 1:00 PM
Gentlemen’s Doubles Final 4:00 PM
Ladies’ Singles Final
SUNDAY, 13 JULY 1:00 PM
Ladies’ Doubles Final 4:00 PM
Gentlemen’s Singles Final
So, whether you’re cheering for a Spanish power shot or a Czech backhand ballet, Wimbledon 2025 is serving up change with its usual dollop of charm. Just don’t shout at the line judges - they’re probably watching from home now, too.
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. We have day trips away, also weekends and 4-5 day breaks.
Please come and join us, Men and Women are both welcome. Pop in, first session is free!
Contact Joyce - 07922 829 708
The Post Mill Centre. Market Street, South Normanton, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 2EJ
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).
Running soon:
Thrive Building, 39 High Street, South Normanton, DE55 2BP
For further details please contact Email: admin@sncc.uk.com Tel: 01773 687044
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS AT DRAYCOTTS WITH THE ARRIVAL OF GWM!
Big news at Draycotts - something very special has just arrived, and it’s set to make a real impact. We’re delighted to welcome GWM (Great Wall Motors) to our dealership, introducing a bold new selection of vehicles that combine innovation, style, and outstanding value. From cutting-edge hybrids to fully electric models, the GWM lineup brings even more choice to our customers.
Among the highlights are the Haval Jolion Pro Hybrid SUV starting from £23,995 - perfect for those who want performance with efficiency - and the eye-catching ORA 03 EV from just £24,995, and now available in a sporty GT model. These vehicles represent the future of driving, and we’re proud to be your local destination to experience them first-hand.
GWM is a leading Chinese automaker, which operates in over 60 countries and supports its global presence with 10 full-process automobile manufacturing plants in China and three overseas facilities, achieving a total global production of 1.23 million vehicles in 2024. At Draycotts, we believe buying a car should feel personal, not transactional. That’s why, for over 50 years, we’ve focused on creating a friendly, helpful experience that our customers can trust. As the UK’s longest-serving Kia dealer in the UK, we’ve built a legacy of reliability - and now, with GWM joining the family, we’re taking that promise even further.
Our team is here to support you at every stage - whether you’re looking for a brand-new model, a quality pre-owned car, or tailored Motability solutions. With over 200 vehicles in stock and a range of flexible finance, lease, and fleet options, we’ll help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget.
Our support doesn’t stop when you drive away. Our newly refurbished GWM showroom - located right alongside our established Kia showroom - also houses our comprehensive aftersales and service department. Staffed by highly trained technicians, we’re here to take care of everything from servicing and MOTs to warranty work and accessories, ensuring your car stays in
Discover the future of driving - only
at Draycotts GWM Visit us today to explore the range and take a test drive in your new GWM - you won’t be disappointed!
COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS
Portbyhan Hotel
25th - Fri 29th
Marsham Court Hotel
25th - Fri 29th
Burlington Hotel
25th Aug - Mon 1st Sep 8 Days - £650
Your old flooring uplifted and disposed of if necessary
Carpets and hard floors
We had carpets fitted by Nigel and Ryan and hard floor fitted by Richard and Harry. We were delighted with every aspect of our purchase. The staff at the showrooms were really friendly, helpful and patient. The fitters were punctual, polite, professional and did a meticulous job for us. They were exceptionally skilled, tidy and considerate. We can’t recommend them highly enough. Thanks so much to the whole team.
Customer in Derbyshire Posted on 11/02/2025, work completed 10/02/2025
SHAUNS FRUIT & VEG
From 6am til 2:30pm WE NOW TAKE CARD
Call/Text: 07957 355 494 You can also contact us on whatsapp or Facebook Messenger Market Place, South Normanton
Slimming World Recipe
BBQ Pulled Pork
Method:
1. In a small bowl, mix the passata, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, mustard powder, garlic, sweetener and seasoning. Transfer to a small pan and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
2. Meanwhile, heat a non-stick frying pan until hot, then sear the pork on all sides. Transfer to a slow cooker, coat with the sauce and cook for 8-12 hours on low.
HOLIDAY COTTAGE IN WARKWORTH, NORTHUMBERLAND ✽ 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
Ingredients: EVERY TUES & FRI at Market Place, South Normanton EVERY MON, WEDS & THURS at Kingsmill Hospital
Perfect for a bbq, a picnic, or an evening meal. Sweet, succulent and so tender it falls apart on your fork!
3. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board. Allow the meat to cool for approximately 15 minutes, then shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
4. Remove the sauce from the pan and set aside to drizzle over the meat later.
• 500g passata
• 5 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 level tbsp sweetener
• 1.5-2kg pork shoulder, visible fat removed
Thrive is now a registered 'Warm Welcome space’.
So, why not join us on:
Tuesday Lunchtimes NEW Souper Tuesday, 12pm -1 30pm for free homemade hot soup and a roll
Sunday service 10:45am @ Post Mill Centre Worship s
Children's Activities with DBS checked children’s teams. Sign Language Translation into BSL . Youth Church NEW
Every month on the 3rd Sunday, all our children and young people gather at Thrive for a dedicated session to create a new expression of creative worship and fun. 1030am-1215pm.
Faso Charity Shop 335 Somercotes Hill, DE55 4JX pen Monday-Saturday
South Normanton Pre-School CIC offers care and education for children aged 2, 3 and 4 years.
OFSTED rating ‘Good’ • Call to arrange a visit
Free child care places for 2 year olds with 15/30 hours of funded entitlement (Subject to eligibility)
15 hours universal entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds
30 hours of free child care for 3/4 year olds. (Subject to eligibility)
Fee paying sessions available
September 2025 opening hours will be: Breakfast Club 8am-9am Full days 9am-3pm AM sessions 9am-12pm PM sessions 12.45-3.45pm
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South Normanton Nursery School
Headteacher – Mr Peter Hallsworth
Telephone : 01773 810876
www.southnormantonnurseryschool.co.uk
Playing together, learning together, growing together
We put your child at the heart of the fantastic care and education provided by an amazing team in a wonderful environment.
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.
GLEBE JUNIOR SCHOOL
SUMMER SUMMER CLUB CLUB
CRAFT - BAKING - GAMES - SPORT & MUCH MORE
7:30 - 6:00PM 25 JULY - 5 SEPT TH TH 7:30 - 6:00PM 25 JULY - 5 SEPT TH TH £32 FULL DAY £18 ANY
FREE HAF CLUB FREE HAF CLUB
8:30-12:30 OR 1:00-5:00PM 25 JULY - 15 AUG TH TH 8:30-12:30 OR 1:00-5:00PM 25 JULY - 15 AUG TH TH
Smokies & ‘Pies:
Football, Farce and Fond Memories from Mike Gyles
A football fan’s memoir that spans continents, characters, and comical chaos — all in the name of the beautiful game.
For anyone whose life has been shaped by a love of sport, Smokies & ‘Pies (with a hint of Tartare Tartan Sauce) is a must-read. In this charming and often hilarious memoir, Mike Gyles takes readers on a spirited journey across six continents—all fuelled by a passion for football that began in Arbroath and led him to become a dedicated follower of Notts County.
From thumbing rides across Scotland to smuggling a teasmade into Craven Cottage, Gyles captures the quirky, joyful, and occasionally absurd adventures that sport can bring. He recalls being chastised at school simply for loving the game, escaping a mugging in Malaga, clambering over fences at The Valley, and even an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction before a big match at Elland Road.
This isn’t just a book about football - it’s about the way sport weaves itself into life, from marriage and misadventure to camaraderie and resilience. Gyles’s dry wit and Scottish Presbyterian stoicism (“Wi wirnae put oan this planet to be happy”) shine through even the darkest defeats.
What sets this memoir apart is its unique blend of Northern humour, heartfelt nostalgia, and global perspective. Whether chatting with football legends or confronting hooligans, Mike’s tale is one that every sports fan can relate to—and laugh with.
RUGBY, FANCY DRESS & RIBBONS AT AMBER
Amber Valley RUFC have always known how to throw a party - and Presidents Day was no exception! With glorious sunshine, cracking costumes, and non-stop laughs, it was a day to remember.
The action began with the Heroes vs Villains Minis match - capes flew, kids sprinted, and the sidelines were full of cheers (and giggles). Next, the Lads vs Dads game brought out the competitive spirit - and maybe a few sore muscles the next day! The madness peaked during the Men vs Women showdown—fancy dress in full swing, with men in wigs, women in war paint, and enough dodgy moves and dramatic tumbles to rival a pantomime.
The crowd then gathered to watch the Premiership Final, with a good few cold thrown in at half time. Sunshine, rugby, and
on Saturday 1st June, we celebrated a brilliant season for our youngest stars. The clubhouse was packed with proud
We’re already looking ahead to the 2025/26
Stuart 07966 867 946 for the men, Paul 07790 403 043 for the Minis and Juniors.
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
A dogs Day out
This walk is one of those that just keeps getting better the further you walk along it. There are so many great views and a really nice mix of terrains, along with plenty of lovely paths and trails.
It’s the perfect walk for a pleasant summer’s day. We took a picnic and a plenty of snacks for a very happy Flake who gave a big paws up!
6½ MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM STOCKLEY POND VIA PALTERTON
Most of the walk is on paths and trails but there are some lanes where there might be vehicles. Please wear appropriate footwear, especially if it has been wet! And, as always, follow the countryside code.
START: Stockley Pond Car Park, Stockley Lane, Off The Hill, Glapwell. Chesterfield. Derbys. S44 5LY (Adjacent to Starbucks).
1. From the car park head back through the car park entrance along Stockley Lane towards the main road. Turn right along the road until reaching a pelican crossing. Cross the road and then continue for a short distance taking the next road (Bramley Road) on your left.
2. Continue uphill along Bramley Road. After a short distance take the 4th road on the left signposted for’ Bramley Vale Primary School’. At the very end of this road continue straight ahead along a footpath that threads between the houses signposted for Ault Hucknall, with a fence on your left and a wall on your right.
3. Pass a school on your left, then, ignoring the path off to the left, continue straight ahead with open views on your right and woodland on your left. After some distance pass close by a pylon on your right and then after a short distance cross straight over a crossroads of footpaths. Now begin to climb gently uphill moving away from the open views and going into the woodland.
4. The path becomes steeper. Cross over a 2nd crossroads of footpaths then continue straight ahead for a short distance before following the path around to the left; pass through 2 marker posts and continue to climb. When the path levels out continue straight ahead with a steep drop to your left and a hedge on your right.
5. After some distance pass through a gap in the hedge on your right. Continue along the edge of a field with a hedge on your left. After a short distance you’ll reach a hedgerow in front of you. Go to the left of the hedge and now continue along a track with a hedge on your right.
6. Upon reaching a road turn left to pass a church and a farm on your left. Continue until the road bends around to the left. At this point continue straight ahead along a footpath signposted for ‘Rowthorne’. (The left split of 2 paths). Cross an open field and then cross over a small footbridge and continue straight ahead to cross a second open field. At the far side pass through a wooden gate and onto a road.
7. Turn left along the road and then at a T junction of roads turn right. After a short distance turn left onto a signposted footpath and continue diagonal right across an open field. At the far side of the field pass through a gap and continue diagonal right across a 2nd open field.
8. At the far side of the field pass through a gap and then turn immediate right onto a tarmac footpath. After a very short distance follow the tarmac footpath sharp left and to a road. Turn left along the road and continue straight until the road bends sharp to the right. At this point continue straight on to a tarmac footpath.
9. Follow the tarmac footpath, reaching a fence in front of you. Then turn sharp left, down some steps to a road. Turn right for a short distance and then take the first road on the left called ‘Beck Lane’. Continue for a short distance and then take the first left onto ‘The Pinfold’. After a very short distance the road bends around to the left. At this point continue straight ahead onto a signposted tarmac footpath threading between two bungalows. After a short distance pass through a wooden gate into a field.
gate diagonally to your left. Ignore the small wooden gate and turn 90 degrees right to continue with the hedge on your left. After a very short distance turn 90 degrees to the left and continue along the edge of the field with the hedge on your left. Upon reaching a large wooden gate directly in front of you turn right and continue with the hedge on your left. After a short distance turn left and continue with the hedge on your left until reaching a small wooden gate.
12. Pass through the gate and turn left along a road. Continue along the road for some distance and then just prior to reaching a 7.5 ton weight limit sign turn right along ‘Main Street’ signposted for ‘Sutton Scarsdale’. After a short distance turn left and steep downhill along a footpath signposted for ‘Heath via Stockley Trail’. After a short distance continue diagonal left over a lane and then continue downhill along a signposted footpath.
13. After some distance cross a gate on your right into a field. Continue downhill to cross the open field and at the far side pass through another gate. Cross another field and then over a stile. Pass immediately by a marker post on your right and then follow a farm track around to the left. After a short distance ignore the path straight ahead and follow the track around to the right and continue keeping a small bank and some trees on your right.
14. After some distance the track bears around to the right again. At this point continue straight ahead to cross an open field. Continue winding gently downhill, and then cross over a stile and onto a trail. Turn left along the trail for some distance, then cross a lane to continue straight along the trail. After some distance you will reach a road. Cross diagonal right to pass through a metal width restrictor and continue along the trail with a stream on your left.
15. Continue for some distance and then turn sharp left and cross over a bridge. Continue along the path and then follow the main path around to the right to cross another bridge. Immediately after the bridge turn sharp right, continue for a short distance and then turn sharp left to immediately cross over a crossroads of paths.
16. Continue straight ahead and then at a split in the track keep right, going uphill. Continue over the top of the hill and down the other side. At the bottom of the hill pass a small pond on your left and then continue straight uphill.
17. After a short distance the track turns into a tarmac lane. Pass through a metal width restrictor and then continue straight ahead on the tarmac lane. After a short distance pass by a metal gate and return to the car park.
10. Continue straight ahead to pass some farm buildings on your right and then continue to cross an open field. Pass through a gap in a hedge and continue to cross a second open field. After some distance cross straight over a farm track and continue with a hedge on your left.
11. Continue straight ahead for a long distance with a steep bank to your left and open fields to your right. You will reach a hedge directly in front of you and a small wooden
This walk is for illustrative purposes only. Voice Magazines Ltd takes no responsibility for anyone who chooses to follow this route and encourages all walkers to obey all byelaws and signs and to respect the area they are walking in, ensuring they pick up all dog mess and obey the countryside code at all times.
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Policeman Tom Kettle is nine months into retirement. A widower, he has a new home and a plan for his new life – to be stationary, happy and useless.
A simple story you might think. But Old God’s Time by Sebastian Barry could not be further from a simple story. Nothing is what it seems.
Tom’s life takes another turn when two of his former colleagues turn up investigating a cold case concerning the murder of a priest and looking for a bit of help because Tom had been around at the time.
Tom Kettle is what might be called an unreliable narrator. Not that he means to be. It’s what he remembers. As a reader you’re fed disinformation, then just as you’re thinking you know where this line is going, you find out that you don’t.
Which might sound off-putting. Don’t be put off. It is a stunning book, delving into the bad old days of the Irish priesthood, but also describing with amazing understanding how unstable our memories are and at the same time pinpointing the amazing capacity of love to cut through the dark.
A very powerful book, compelling and beautifully written.
All Around the Shire
APRONS FROM MY CHILDHOOD
One of the first things I made in school needlework class when I was about nine years old was a really useful gingham apron with an embroidered pocket and long ties for round my waist. That little apron saw me right through school and beyond. Nowadays, I wear a wrap-over pinny when presenting our social history sessions. From my childhood, they were worn by women of my granny’s age all day, every day. The only concessions were to put on a clean one for visitors.
They were much more than a humble, practical garment, they symbolised the personality of the person wearing them. The smell, the stains and the feel of the fabric was imprinted on every child’s mind as they hugged or tugged at the person wearing it. Tears were wiped away with it, a grazed knee might be dabbed with a corner, a child might hide in its folds. And the pockets were mysterious caverns, contents known only to the wearer. Possibly a handkerchief, a sweetie and perhaps a cigarette or a shopping list.
In our house, we have many aprons hanging on the back of the pantry door and wear them when cooking, cleaning, gardening and sometimes eating. My granddaughter loves to wear hers when baking or cooking with us. Long live pinnies!
Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information.
WINIFRED MARTIN
1911-2001
While I was thumbing through some black and white photographs recently, I came across this interesting article by Malcolm Bryan. His wife, Rose, was kind enough to allow me to use this article in The Voice magazine. Regular readers may remember that Malcolm and Rose Bryan wrote Passage To Destruction, a book that covered the fatal air disaster over Annesley Forest over 80 years ago.
Named after Winifred CavendishBentinck, the Duchess of Portland, Auntie Win was born and raised in Stanton Hill terraces where she had the same humble background of most schoolgirls of the Great War years and the early 1920’s. With a family of five boys and six girls, father Parry was a colliery fitter and mother Mary-Ann, a hardworking housewife that had left school at ten years of age to work in a Hucknall cigar factory.
When leaving school at fourteen years of age, like most local girls of the time, Winnie acquired employment in a factory, Chevening. However, eye problems put an end to this task, later becoming a telegram girl at Stanton Hill Post Office. But opportunity was waiting just around the corner for our Winnie. Lord Caernarvon’s sister, Lady Victoria Herbert, required a Kitchen Maid at her home in Dorset and fortunately Winnifred Martin was the lucky applicant.
Lady Victoria, to give her full name and title, Victoria Alexandrina Mary Cecil Herbert CBE (1919) D.G.St.J. was born at Highclere Castle on the last day of December 1874. Lady Victoria was the third child of Henry Howard Molyneux 4th Earl of Caernarvon, and his wife Evelyn, daughter of the Earl of
Chesterfield from the Stanhope family which included Tony WedgewoodBenn, and her brother George, an Egyptologist along with Howard Carter they discovered Tutankhamum’s tomb.
Evelyn died soon after the birth of Victoria leaving much of this young girl’s life in the hands of her Godmother, Queen Victoria. Lady Victoria Herbert remained unmarried throughout her life residing at Purse Caundle Manor, Sherborne, Dorset where she died in 1957.
Purse Caundle Manor was allegedly built by Bad King John as a hunting lodge, much later serving the Royalist cause in the Civil War. Supposedly haunted, a ghostly choir was said to sing in the Upper Gallery, and on a Mid-Summer and Christmas Eve King John’s hounds howl on the bowling green. When asked about the hauntings Auntie Win said she never heard a thing. Winnie was to spend six happy years at The Manor, her Ladyship proving a caring and considerate employer. If proof were needed of this fact, Auntie Win received many gifts including a signed prayer book “To Winnie from Victoria HerbertBest Wishes.” dated 1932, and she was also presented with a gold necklace on her 21st birthday. It was indeed a sad and sombre occasion when Winnie left
Purse Caundle Manor, her Ladyship suggesting to Auntie Winnie that the time had come to better herself, with the parting, “Always a bed here if you need one.” Winnie finally left on Lady Victoria’s recommendation to work for the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk.
Indeed, Winnie Martin was employed by many of the Premier Earldom or “higher class” employers up to the beginning of the Second World War. Her memories of being a kitchen maid on the Norfolk’s estate at Everingham near Market Weighton, North Yorkshire, or the one in Scotland were of “visiting nobs” as she called them, and the provision of much food for the shooting parties.
......TO BE CONTINUED
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MIKE’S MUSINGS
English (as spoken by we Brits) must be a nightmare to learn - (Part 2)
Following on from last month’s look at some of the weird words and phrases that we native English speakers use in everyday language and conversation. I’ve been listening out for more examples that will make no sense to those who, whilst they might possibly know the literal meaning of the words they’ve heard, have got next to no chance of understanding the true meaning given the context.
Here’s a few that I’ve heard – as well as days at Trent Bridge, overhearing conversations on bus journeys has provided a rich seam of material!that I reckon you’ll all know and quite possibly frequently used yourself.
Try to put yourself in the position of someone whose command of the language is not as good as yours as they hear someone described:as a curtain twitcher – i.e. a busybody who likes to keep a look out for what’s happening in their neighbourhood.
as being cream crackered – nothing to do with Jacob’s famous biscuits (other brands are available of course!) but a description of someone who is simply, well…………… very tired.
as having made a dog’s dinner of something –unrelated to pets (and their meals!) of course, but a criticism of someone who has made a complete mess of whatever they were doing.
as a wind-up merchant – as you know, this person has nothing to do with clocks but simply likes playing jokes on others.
as going to spend a penny – totally confusing for the foreigner who may be wondering what they might possibly purchase with what has become an almost worthless coin. I’m confident you won’t need an explanation of the true meaning. However, if you do, please get in touch.
even more confusing would be, particularly if heard in the same conversation, someone saying that they’re going to splash out We know of course that it’s got absolutely nothing to do with puddles or swimming but suggests that the person concerned is going to treat themselves and buy something really extravagant.
as having popped their clogs. Now that might suggest to the listener that the person who has ‘popped’ - bit of stereotyping here – may be either Dutch, or in need of a visit to a footwear repairer. If they looked confused you could probably help by explaining that the person had gone to meet their maker, shuffled off this mortal coil, made the ultimate sacrifice, kicked the bucket, gone belly up and are now pushing up the daisies. I’m sure that will help!!
Mike is always glad to hear from you at: mike.musings@outlook.com
HERITAGE TRUST
GREEN GABLES & ALFRETON ROTARY CLUB
Although the most highly decorated member of the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, Group Captain Leonard Cheshire V.C., D.S.O. D.F.C., was not immune from the lasting effects of it or witnessing the disabilities and chronic sickness suffered by others in its aftermath. In 1948, The Leonard Cheshire Foundation was established to provide homes for some of those affected with 76 Residential Homes being opened around the United Kingdom.
Where then does Alfreton Rotary Club fit into the story?
During the early 1960’s, with help from local Chemist Mr. R.E. Axon, a charming Pinxton lady, Miss May Harris, paralysed with arthritis and unable to care for herself, was accepted into the Staunton Harold Cheshire Home just over the Derbyshire border, in Leicestershire. After just a few happy months there, sadly May died but not before she made it clear that such a home was needed in Derbyshire. In 1965 Mr. Axon became President of Alfreton Rotary Club and together with fellow Rotarians and friends went all out to establish a Home in accordance with May’s wishes. Spurred on by a meeting with Leonard Cheshire, a Steering Group was set up and there then followed a public meeting at Swanwick Hall, addressed by Leonard Cheshire, after which support groups were set up across midDerbyshire. community support was overwhelming
with fundraising bringing in over £1000 per month. (The price of a car in the 1960s)
After many unsuccessful attempts to find a suitable site “Green Gables” on Wingfield Road, Alfreton was offered for sale by The National Coal Board and a bid of £10,000 secured the site. The former Area Manager’s house was set to be transformed with architect and Heanor Rotarian, Mr Dara Variarva, drawing up the plans. Building began in Summer 1971 and on 8th October that year Leonard Cheshire laid the foundation stone in the presence of dignitaries, Rotarians and representatives from all the supporting groups. A service of thanksgiving was led by Father Blackwell, Canon R.N. Craig and Rev. Ernest Verill. In July 1972, the Home was handed over by the builders to the Management Committee and in November 1972, the first residents were welcomed by Matron, Mr. Colin Raybould and Assistant Matron Sister Blowers. On 8th December 1972, the Home was officially opened by then Heath Secretary, Sir Keith Joseph, in the presence of residents, staff and the management committee.
Given that the final costs were well in excess of £100,000 this was a huge community achievement of which the Rotary Club should be justly proud.
The Mid-Derbyshire Cheshire Home became a huge part of the Alfreton community before sadly being put up for sale by the Leonard Cheshire Foundation in 2018.
1 Old, cross, shielded cat (or an implant come adrift) (4,7)
5 Lions and tigers, once seen on giant chess board (3,4)
14 Lent an ear to plan that’s timeless (7)
16 Austin to relax and unwind, where there’s no stress? (7,4)
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. These puzzles are devised by
Across
9 Endless line of polo players (4)
10 Shower, with love from judo teacher (4)
11 Scope of the cooker? (5)
12 A tin, opened, of steak, say (4)
13 Link yesterday with murky outcome (4)
Down
2 Brother going up to the ball (3)
3 The passage of time (3)
7 Posher than a big piano? (7)
14 Bird would do better with late following (3)
15 Sloppy sound is missing (3)
Down
1 Egg, all on jar, adopted for ‘barristerspeak’ (5,6)
4 Any deserter, running away from early youth (6,5)
6 Mark on impertinent teen, just walking off (7) 8 Mid-area cultivation on Atlantic island (7)
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GARDENERS CALENDAR
July – height of the growing season – and time when many of our best loved perennials reach their tallest growth.
Which can be a bit of a problem if we get more of the high winds which swept the country early last month. Props, to avoid plants being damaged, can come in a number of forms; but garden centre supports are mostly not very helpful at this stage as they require plants to grow up through them. Home-made canes-and-string versions threaded in or around work pretty well and will soon vanish in new growth.
If you’ve gone for courgettes this year don’t panic if you haven’t got female flowers which produce the fruit yet. A cold early spring and growing period can slow these down, but they do tend to develop more frequently as the summer goes on. Fruit swell behind female flowers, in case you’re wondering. Water the plant at the base, otherwise you may get powdery mildew. If you do, remove the affected leaves. Feed every 10 days with a tomato feed, keep compost moist – they may need watering every day in hot weather - and harvest when the fruit are relatively small, up to about six inches max as this means the plant will produce for longer.
With all veggie crops it’s worth remembering that pollinators such as linaria, which are great self-seeders and fast growers and calendula are great to plant nearby as they will attract the insects you need.
TOP TIP
Cut back salvia spikes once they have gone over and trim the plant back by a third. The plant should then reward you with a second flowering. And cut sweet peas before they go to seed to keep the plant flowering.
BABY BIRDS ARRIVE IN NUMBERS ON THE GARDEN FEEDERS…..
All of a sudden, the baby birds arrive at the garden feeders. The first ones were juvenile starlings recently fledged and desperately demanding food from their anxious parents. These young starlings do cause confusion because their pale gey and buff markings look so different from the adult birds that some readers think they are a different species. At first, they simply sit next to the fat-balls or the mealworm dispensers and loudly demand feeding. However, they soon get the hang of feeding for themselves and still cadging some food off their weary parents. Young blackbirds, robins, and song thrushes soon join the growing throng in queuing for the various feeders. A noisy addition is the local jackdaws which boss the feeders and head back to nearby chimney-stacks where they have nested to supply their own ever-hungry youngsters. These are soon followed by very young greenfinches and goldfinches which quickly discover the sunflower hearts and the peanuts and are joined by adult and young bullfinches too. I hear the chaffinches calling and singing but so far didn’t see any youngsters.
A major change is when the fledged blue tits and great tits appear en masse and seem to favour the hanging fat-ball holders where they crowd in
to peck at fat-balls and especially the soft suetballs. I have noticed this year that these recentlyfledged babies are exceptionally approachable and wonder whether this behaviour will carry on into adulthood. Both of the adults of my pair of robins will come when called if I offer up mealworms or dried calci worms whilst making a chirping noise with my lips. Hopefully, the young robins will learn to do the same. I will have to see if this approach works with the blue tits as well. The great spotted woodpecker is coming to the fat-balls or the peanuts very regularly, but it is only the male at present. It appears to grasp a beak-full of food and then head back across to the woodland close-by. I guess the female and youngsters are still in the nest.
A treat in the local wood was a family party, or possibly two of treecreepers. The young birds are similar to the adults, but their brown and white plumage is more softly marked and less clearly defined. Also known as the ‘tree-mouse’ the brood creeps almost invisibly up and around the trunks of mature trees. Once you spot them, they tend to move around the back of the tree and pretend you aren’t there or at least cannot see them.
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 Bluesky @ianthewildside.bsky.social
