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!
Happy Reading,
Emily x
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.
& Chubb Solicitors are now part of the DJF Solicitors Group and have also merged with JH Legal Ltd.
From 17 November 2025, the fee for registering a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) with the Office of the Public Guardian will rise from £82 to £92. While a £10 increase may not seem dramatic, it is a useful reminder of just how vital this document is – and why delaying could end up costing you and loved ones far more than a small fee increase in the long run.
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis recently described an LPA as more important than a will. While a will protects your estate after death, an LPA safeguards your interests during your lifetime, ensuring the people you trust can step in if you lose the capacity to manage your own affairs.
There are two types:
• Property and Financial Affairs LPA, which covers everything from bank accounts to property sales.
• Health and Welfare LPA, which allows decisions about your care, medical treatment, and living arrangements.
Attorney
Without LPA’s in place, even close family cannot automatically help. They would need to apply to the Court of Protection – a process that is stressful, time consuming, lengthy and costly, and could result in someone you wouldn’t have chosen being appointed.
The good news is that the system is being improved. The new Lasting Powers of Attorney Act 2023 is expected to slash the registration process from 20 weeks to around two, while also introducing new safeguards against fraud and abuse.
Laura Cowan, Head of Private Client Team at Graysons Solicitors in Chesterfield, said:
“Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney is one of the most important decisions you can ever make. Without it, your loved ones face a complicated legal process at the very time when straightforward and effective support are most needed.”
While it’s possible to draft LPAs yourself, the forms can be complex. Errors in
the application can lead to delays and rejection, necessitating resubmission and incurring additional fees.
To create an LPA, you must have mental capacity. A solicitor can assess this, ensuring you understand the implications of what you are doing and that you are not acting under undue pressure.
Graysons’ private client team has extensive experience in drafting LPAs that protect your future interests. Contact our experts today to discuss your needs and ensure your affairs are in order.
All Around the Shire
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.
Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for
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
Poem
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 My
BY PAUL BOOTH, ALFRETON - COMWONDER@GMAIL.COM
Opening Times: Mon Fri 9am - 3pm • Sat 9am - 1pm
VOTED BEST CAFE
IN CHESTERFIELD & DERBYSHIRE
Luxury catering specialists creating beautifully styled grazing tables, platters, and bespoke spreads that taste as good as they look.
FIND US ON - S42CAFE, KEEP A LOOK OUT FOR OUR EVENTS AND GROUPS
07380 956 325
184A Queen Victoria Road, Tupton, Chesterfield, S42 6DU
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.
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
Ready in: 50mins Ingredients:
• 300g dried pasta shapes
• 50g pepperoni slices
• 200g mozzarella, roughly torn
• Salad or your favourite Speed vegetables, to serve
COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS
BABBACOMBE
Babbacombe Hotel
Mon 12th - Fri 16th Jan 26
5 Days - £299
Five Lakes Resort, Essex Mon 2nd - Fri 6th Feb 26
5 Days - from £575
Haddon Hall Hotel Mon 9th - Fri 13th Feb 26
5 Days - £299
TO BOOK A HOLIDAY PHONE 01773 590 808, 01246 604 764 or 07483 357 958
2nd Tuesday of each month 9am - 1pm | South Normanton Market Place 2nd Thursday of each month 9.30am - 12.00pm | Bolsover Market
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 Poundstretcher)
3rd Friday of each month 9am - 1pm | Sutton-in-Ashfield, Portland Square
UPDATE:
CLAY CROSS PARISH COUNCIL
WARM SPACE IS BACK!
Our Warm Space at Clay Cross Social Centre is back every Monday from 10AM – 1PM. Our team of volunteers will be serving hot drinks and food; there will even be a couple of games of Bingo and a prize winning raffle! Come along to have a chat in warm, safe environment. Jo from Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centre will also be in attendance if you need help and support maximizing your income along with making sure you are receiving the benefits you are ENTITLED to.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS AT CLAY CROSS SOCIAL CENTRE!
Top Female Vocalist, Lottie T’Vay will be making her Social Centre debut on Saturday, 22 November 2025. Doors/Bar Open from 7PM. Tickets priced at just £7 Each including Hot Food Supper are on sale NOW from the Clay Cross Parish Council office, Clay Cross Social Centre, Market Street S45 9JE (payment in CASH only please).
Our ever-popular Clay Cross Christmas Market will be held at the Social Centre on Saturday, 29 November 2025 from 10AM – 2PM. Santa will be in attendance in his Grotto along with charity, craft and trade stalls. Gifts and stocking fillers for all ages – prices to suit every budget. Admission FREE! Come along and support this community event!
If you can’t make it into the store, we can offer a FREE home selection service, where we bring the store to you.
Family Business
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.
Our South Normanton Store Unit 34, Market Street, South Normanton, DE55 2EL
Our Heanor Store Unit 2, Sawmills Industrial Estate, Longbridge Lane, Heanor, DE75 7GH 01773 462 826 01773 462 461
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
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.
Christmas Services 2025
Christingle Services
Sun 7 Dec, 4pm - St Barnabas, Danesmoor
Sun 14 Dec, 4pm - St Lawrence, North Wingfield
Sat 20 Dec, 4pm - St John’s, Tupton th
Sun 21 Dec, 4pm - St Mary’s, Pilsley st
Carol Services
Wed 17 Dec, 6pm - St Bart’s, Clay Cross
Sun 21 Dec, 11.15am - St Bart’s, Clay Cross
Sun 21 Dec, 4pm - St Barnabas, Danesmoor
Sun 21 Dec, 6pm - St Lawrence, North Wingfield
Mon 23 Dec, 7pm - Village Green, Pilsley rd
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
4pm - Crib Service - St Lawrence, North Wingfield
Midnight Communion Services: Tupton (9pm), North Wingfield (11pm), Pilsley (11pm) and Clay Cross (11:30pm)
Christmas Day: Family Christmas Praise - 10am (St Mary’s, Pilsley and St Lawrence, North Wingfield)
For full service details, please visit achurchnearyou.com or email admin@northwingfieldteam.org.uk
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.
Do
ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY
you know an unsung hero who you think should be put forward for a National Honour?
There are many brilliant people across Derbyshire who do amazing things in our communities but they very often go unrecognised.
Honours lists are published twice a year at New Year and on His Majesty King Charles’ Official Birthday in June.
The national media often showcase celebrities receiving medals but the lists are certainly not about celebrities. In fact nearly all are unsung heroes from every corner of the land who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and done something special for their community.
They may be doing amazing voluntary work to enhance the lives of others, working tirelessly to safeguard the environment, creating lots of employment in a local company, achieving incredible sporting triumphs or helping people to face and overcome health problems.
Elizabeth Fothergill CBE, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Derbyshire says “Nominating someone for an honour is relatively easy. As well as completing a nomination form, applicants are expected to provide evidence of the impact of the individual’s activities together with letters of support from people who know them or have benefitted from their work.
which is why you should do this in confidence and without telling the person you are nominating, but why not have a go.”
“You also need to be patient. From a nomination being submitted to the Cabinet Office to the nominee being notified of the outcome often takes a year or so, but the wait can be worthwhile for the individuals involved and the local communities they serve”.
“If you know someone whose efforts deserve to be recognised, please think about nominating them. You might help the person get the recognition they deserve and it will give you a warm glow in doing so”.
“Of course not every nomination is successful
Elizabeth Fothergill Lord Lieutenant
A nomination form can be downloaded from the Government’s websitewww.gov.uk/honours. It’s a fairly straightforward form but if anyone is a bit bewildered please contact the Derbyshire Lieutenancy who will be more than happy to give help and advice. They can be contacted by emailing Debra.Heaton - Lieutenancy @derbyshiredales.gov.uk
MBE (M) Ladies
Sunday 14th December 2025
Community Centre, Valley Road & Rose Court
6:00pm
FAMILY NATIVITY SERVICE
Sunday 21st December 2025
All age service, with children taking part!
10:30am CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
Sunday 21st December 2025
Mince pies served afterwards
6:00pm CHRISTMAS MORNING
Thursday 25th December 2025
Come and celebrate the birth of Jesus!
10:30am
Mental Elf 2025
Mental Elf is a timed 10k, 5K and Family Fun Run at Elvaston Castle, Derbyshire
What better way to kick off the festive season than to don an elf costume and raise money for your local Mental Health charity, Derbyshire Mind?
We will be running several competitions on the day including "Best Dressed Elf" and "Best Dressed Santa's Little Helper" otherwise known as Pet. 10k Timed Race Start: 10.00am 5k Family Fun Run & Timed Race starts 11.00am
Festive Elvish fancy dress is encouraged! 30th November 2025
Elvaston Castle and Country Park, Borrowash Road, Elvaston DE72 3EP
www.derbyshiremind.org.uk/mental-elf-2025/?utm
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.
TUPTON IVANHOE FC
Chairman Andy Fox shares his vision for the future.
New Tupton Ivanhoe FC is entering an exciting new chapter under the leadership of its newly appointed Chairman, Andy Fox, who brings over a decade of grassroots football experience and a deep passion for the club’s community values. Andy’s journey with the club began when his children joined the Ivanhoes setup. “I first got involved in grassroots football around 12 years ago,” he explains. “When my son Charlie joined Little Ivanhoes, they needed a manager, so I decided to step up. I’ve never looked back.”
Now, as Chairman, Andy is eager to build on the strong foundations already in place. “I can see how much has already been built here, and I believe I can bring fresh ideas alongside others to continue developing the club,” he says. “Ultimately, my motivation is simple, I want to ensure every child involved in Tupton has the best possible experience in grassroots football.”
Looking ahead, Andy’s focus is on strengthening the club’s structure and sustainability.
“My main priority this year is to put solid foundations in place, reviewing our ambitions and ensuring we have the right systems to achieve them,” he says.
His longer-term vision is ambitious but grounded in the club’s values. “In five years’ time, I’d love to see improved facilities, a dedicated winter training area and improved toilet facilities,” Andy explains. “And I want to see our girls’ football continue to grow with more all-girls teams.”
Above all, he wants to preserve what makes the club special. “Tupton will always be a big part of the community,” Andy concludes. “We’ll keep making sure football here remains accessible, welcoming, and something everyone can be proud of.”
If you are interested in Little Ivanhoes, The Wildcat Centre or joining a team please message the clubs facebook page at: www.facebook.com/newtuptonivanhoefc/ visit: www.newtuptonivanhoefc.co.uk
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)
Fill in all the numbers!
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
• Hand-made Christmas wreaths, made to personal specification.
• Churchyard wreaths also available to order.
• British Christmas Trees, Nordman Fir Potted Tree.
• Plus much more, Winter Shrubs, Garden Pottery, Bird baths etc.
• Fresh flowers available daily, Orders for Christmas, please call the shop.
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
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
Don’t forget to
WINTER ROBIN
We work in Clay Cross, Danesmoor, Lower
Pilsley, Old Tupton & Pilsley & all surrounding areas
