EASTER GIVEAWAY
SEE CENTRE PAGES
Hello Fellow Minecrafters!
This month, we’re taking you all into the blocky world of Minecraft. With the film release and the fact that this is one of the most successful games of all time, we couldn’t ignore the theme for this month but in our true style, we’ve built our own characters and brought the Easter feels to it as well, it is “a world where anything is possible”, after all!
So, we’ve made this month into an Easter Eggstravaganza and we’ve got some lovely giveaways from some fabulous local companies! We’ve got S42 Café giving away a grazing board and a glass of fizz for 2, family tickets for a visit to Heights of Abraham, Midland Railway & Crich Tramway Museum and £20 off camping/events at Golden Valley Caravan Park! We are also giving away a Cadbury Ultimate Easter Egg Chocolate Basket for one lucky winner too! As I said at Christmas, you’ve got to be in it to win it, so check out our centre pages and send us your answers!
Myself and Mr Emily are actually low level gamers, we love everything from platformers and kart racers to RPG’s and everything in-between, we have played since our Uni days but we’ve never partaken in Minecraft, it was always SIMS back in our day! The Nieces and Nephews are partial to these types of games though and I’m definitely not adverse to playing, given enough time. I love the idea that it is completely down to your imagination and I think we need more of that, in today’s world more than ever!
It’s been quite a busy month in our house, I feel like we’ve barely been home! Anyway, based on some of the activities I have undertaken, here are some burning questions… if you want to send us some answers over, always happy to discuss!!
1. Why do Easter Eggs taste better than ‘normal’ chocolate?
2. If heat pads work so well, why has nobody invested in a full heat suit? (A sauna doesn’t count!)
3. If Bingo is supposed to be relaxing, why don’t they shout the numbers slower?
4. As mini-golf and golf are essentially the same, why isn’t Tiger Woods (insert pro golfer name) a World Champion of Mini Golf with an unbeaten score?
5. If Tomatoes are fruit, who classified it as such and why don’t we have it in a fruit salad?
6. So, scientists discovered that we evolved through genetic changes to our DNA, then why have I evolved so that Coriander tastes like washing up liquid?!
As always, I really hope you have a fabulous Easter, whatever your plans. Happy Reading, Emily x
Minecraft: A Grand Adventure in Blocks
When the team asked me to write about Minecraft for this month’s edition, I confessed I was more than a little worried. I’d heard of it – but genuinely had absolutely NO idea what it was. Unlike my other half, I am no “gamer” – well, apart from Wordle and a gloriously infuriating “bottle filling” game on my phone!
So, I did what I always do: I turned to “Mr Google” …and was directed to the official Minecraft website.
This is how the game is described: Minecraft is a game made up of blocks, creatures, and community. You can survive the night or build a work of art – the choice is all yours. Still no clue? Me neither!
So I read on and discovered that Minecraft can be played however you like – that is, there are no set goals, no set in stone missions to complete. This is why it’s sometimes called a “sandbox game” – there are lots of things for you to do and lots of ways that you can play. If you like being creative, you can use the blocks to build things from your imagination. If you feel brave, you can explore the world and face challenges. Blocks can be broken, created, and placed to reshape the landscape, or used to build fantastical creations straight from your imagination. You can even share your creations with other players or play in community worlds.
OK…so what I am deducing is that Minecraft is akin to online Lego building, sprinkled with a vast amount of imagination and, dare I say it… ”world building”, and here’s where it gets really interesting. In a world where AI-generated games and hyper-realistic graphics are the norm, this simple, blocky game has somehow maintained a massive
audience across all age groups. Why? Because of its very simplicity. Minecraft gives the players’ minds a break from the overload of fast-paced, complex games and lets them build something entirely their own.
It’s creativity at its purest.
And let’s not forget Minecraft’s impact outside the game itself. It was one of the first games to become a YouTube sensation, with millions of people tuning in to watch others build their own worlds. This phenomenon then paved the way for a whole new genre of online content – people streaming themselves playing games, unboxing products, and sharing their hobbies. Minecraft was a pioneer, not just in gaming but in online entertainment.
Absolute respect to anyone who regularly plays and enjoys Minecraft. From what I’ve gathered, it’s certainly less aggressive and far more creative than many computer games, and that has to be a good thing.
Having been around since 2011, Minecraft obviously isn’t going anywhere. It’s a simple game with an extraordinary impact – and that’s something worth celebrating. So, play on all you fans, and enjoy your blocky worlds, and maybe, just maybe, one day I’ll have a go myself – or perhaps encourage my eldest grandson to give it a try!
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Derwentside Belper
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All food freshly prepared All meats sourced locally from Deakins Butchers
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2nd Thursday of each month 9.30am - 12.00pm | Bolsover Market
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3rd Thursday of each month
9am - 1pm | Alfreton Severn Square Car Park (Outside B&M)
3rd Friday of each month
9am - 1pm | Sutton-in-Ashfield, Portland Square
Slimming World Recipe
Spanish-style chicken and rice
1. Spray a large, deep, non-stick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and put it over a medium-high heat (use a pan you can cover with some sort of lid). Add the chicken and brown all over for 5-6 minutes, then set aside on a plate.
2. Tip the onion into the pan along with 3 tbsp stock, then cover and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft. Remove the lid and add the garlic, paprika and chilli and cook for 1 minute, stirring often. Stir in the tomatoes, turmeric, the remaining stock and a little salt, then bring to the boil.
One pan dishes are always a win and this paella style recipe combines loads of flavour with satisfying simplicity.
3. Sprinkle the rice evenly around the pan and add the chicken, then simmer vigorously over a medium heat for 6 minutes. Scatter the red peppers on top of the rice and shake the pan to mix them in slightly, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 12 minutes, or until all the stock has been absorbed.
4. Cover the pan, turn off the heat and leave for 10 minutes before serving (this will help unstick any rice on the bottom of the pan). Top with the chopped parsley and sprigs, then serve with the lemon wedges for squeezing over.
• Low-calorie cooking spray
• 600g skinless and boneless chicken thighs, visible fat removed, cut into large chunks
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 750ml boiling chicken stock
• 6 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Large pinch dried chilli flakes
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• 300g dried paella rice
• 300g roasted red peppers in brine from a jar, cut into thin strips
• Chopped fresh parsley, plus sprigs to serve
• Lemon wedges, to serve
Great service at a very affordable cost. We needed to replace our lounge carpet but were daunted by the prospect of having to move the suite, sideboard, bookcase and tv as they are too heavy for us and we have nowhere to move them to while the old carpet was removed and the new one fitted. Then I remembered seeing an advert in one of our local free magazines which said that T Nutt offered a service of removing the old carpet, moving furniture as necessary and fitting the new carpet before returning the furniture to its correct place - this seemed perfect for us so we paid them a visit. From our first visit to paying the bill on completion it was a real pleasure dealing with them. They have a good range of carpets, provide valuable advice based on their years of experience and arranged the supply and fitting on the date we requested. Their quote (a very competitive one) was a single price for everything with a promise of no added extras - they delivered to it. We were completely satisfied and would have no hesitation in recommending them.
Good Friday Service
Meeting together around the Lord ’ s Table. A time for reflection. Friday 18th April 2025, 7:30pm.
Easter Treasure Hunt
Journey around the Holmgate Estate looking for clues. Suitable for all. Saturday 19th April 2025 10am - 2pm .
Easter Sunday Morning
Come and celebrate the RISEN Jesus Christ! Family friendly. Sunday 20th April 2025, 10:30am .
www.holmgatechurch.org Valley Road, Clay Cross, S45 9QF
Don’t forget
EasterGiveaway
MINEVERSE EASTER WORDSEARCH
THE TEAM HERE AT VOICE MAGAZINES ARE GIVING AWAY
A CADBURY ULTIMATE EASTER EGG CHOCOLATE BASKET
Simply complete the wordsearch to find which of the items is missing from the grid. Then follow the instructions below to enter.
To celebrate Easter we have continued our fun Minecraft theme to bring you this eggstra special 4-page Easter giveaway! So, get puzzling and send in you answers to be in with a chance of winning one of our fabulous prizes! Easter April Chocolate Egg Chicks Spring Basket Bunny Grass Sunday Egg Hunt Lily Holiday
To enter, email the missing item, which is NOT in the wordsearch to community@voicemagazines.
co.uk Please ensure you give your full name, address and telephone number so all winners can be notified. Closing date – 21st April 2025. Prizes are to be collected from Voice Magazines Ltd offices at 81 High Street, South Normanton, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 2BP.
The Voice Magazines Team have been transported into the Mineverse for this puzzle. We’re having a great time hanging out with our cube shaped pals but can you spot the 10 differences between the two pictures?
We have some fabulous prizes to give away from some of our very generous local businesses which can be seen on the next page! If you want to enter the prize draw to be in with a chance of winning one of these prizes simply follow the instructions below:
FAMILY DAY OUT SPOT THE DIFFERENCE ON OUR TEAM DAY OUT SPOT 10 DIFFERENCES
To enter the FAMILY DAY OUT PRIZE DRAW, email A PHOTO OF PICTURE No: 2, INDICATING WHERE YOU THINK THERE IS A DIFFERENCE, to community@voicemagazines.co.uk. Please ensure you give your full name, address and telephone number so all winners can be notified. Closing date – 21st April 2025. Prizes are to be collected from Voice Magazines Ltd offices at 81 High Street, South Normanton, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 2BP. 1
WIN A FAMILY TICKET
FOR 2 ADULTS & UP TO 2 CHILDREN
Ride iconic cable cars over Derwent Valley to a historic hilltop park. Explore fascinating caves, scenic woodlands, and uncover hidden history!
WIN A FAMILY TICKET FOR 2 ADULTS & UP TO 3 CHILDREN
Step back in time with vintage tram rides, scenic trails, a cozy café, pub, play areas, exciting events, and more fun!
WIN A FAMILY TICKET FOR 2 ADULTS & UP TO 3 CHILDREN
Enjoy heritage train rides, a railway museum, signal box, Victorian church, model railways, shops, playground, country park, and free parking!
£20 VOUCHER (TO BE USED FOR ONSITE CAMPING/ EVENTS)
Golden Valley Caravan & Camping Park offers a peaceful Derbyshire retreat, surrounded by historic woodlands and the scenic Cromford Canal.
BETWEEN THE TWO PICTURES
2
FLAKES EGGVENTURES IN THE MINEVERSE
EGG DYEING & CRAFTING
Gather supplies for dyeing eggs, try natural dyes or paint the eggs with intricate designs for a personal touch.
You can also make Easter crafts, like bunny masks or wreaths, to entertain guests or kids.
PLAN EASTER EGG HUNTS EARLY
Organise a scavenger hunt or Easter egg hunt for kids. Choose a location, prepare the eggs (plastic or real), and hide them strategically. For extra fun, use clues or riddles to guide the search.
CATCH FLAKE!
Flake has run away again and made it through the maze....! Which route, A, B or C, takes one of our Voice team to Flake through the maze!
GOOD LUCK!
To enter the draw for the and glass of fizz for 2 to community@voicemagazines.co.uk ensure you give your full name, address and telephone number so all winners can be notified. Closing date – 21st April 2025. Prizes are to be collected from Voice Magazines Ltd offices at 81 High Street, South Normanton, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 2BP. You must be aged 18 or over to enter.
Prepare Easter baskets filled with chocolates, candies, small toys, and personal items. You can personalise them with the recipient’s favourite treats or themes.
A GRAZE BOARD & A GLASS OF FIZZ FOR 2 AT S42 CAFE
FLAKE SAYS STAY SAFE WITH CHOCOLATE
I can’t eat chocolate, please don’t leave it lying around, it is poisonous to me.
S42 Cafe is a cozy gem located at 184A Queen Victoria Road, Tupton. Serving high quality, locally sourced produce with a smile and offering specialty coffee, tea, treats, breakfast, brunch and lunch.
Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
DECORATE WITH SPRING THEMES EASTERCREATEBASKETS
Use pastel colors for Easter decorations, such as table settings, floral arrangements, and even painted eggs.
You can also make bunny ears, spring flowers, and chicks part of your décor.
START THEM YOUNG
Football is a great way for young children to stay active, make friends, and learn new skills. The earlier they start, the better.
At four or five years old, it’s all about having fun. Running, kicking a ball, and playing together helps children grow in confidence. It also improves balance, coordination, and teamwork.
Football isn’t just good for fitness—it helps in school too. It teaches listening, following instructions, and working with others. Regular exercise can also help children focus better in class.
For parents, football is a great way to get little ones outdoors and away from screens.
It’s also a chance to meet other families and be part of a community.
If your child wants to give football a go, Little Ivanhoes is the perfect place to start. This fun and friendly football coaching is for boys and girls aged 3, 4, 5 and 6. It runs every Friday evening and costs just £4 per session.
Little Ivanhoes is all about enjoying the game. With experienced coaches and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great way to learn the basics.
Come along on Friday night and see for yourself!
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 or contact
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Guess the words and Fill in the crossword !
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We’re still keeping tender plants indoors. Garden centres are full of lovely looking plug plants around Easter but there’s too much of a risk of frost yet to put them straight into the soil or containers. Grow on indoors or in a warm greenhouse.
But April is a great time for sowing hardy annuals such as nigella, indestructible nasturtiums, Ammi majus which gives you lovely white lace heads and is really attractive to bees, and sunflowers, (though you seriously need to protect the latter from slugs)
It’s also a good time to think about wildflower areas, which you can sow direct into prepared soil. If the soil is compacted fork it over and rake and if you’re adding new soil to a patch, tread it down lightly. Water lightly before sowing to give the seed a head start. You can broadcast seed easily with a sweeping motion – mix the seed with some sand then you can see where you’re spreading. Then rake over and water again. If you have a lot of birds visiting your garden it may be an idea to peg some horticultural fleece over the area to stop the birds getting first dibs. As the seedlings grow don’t be tempted to let the plants become overcrowded, it’s more likely to hinder growth, so pull out the weakest looking seedlings. Keep watering as they become established.
Prune lavender but don’t cut into the woody part of the plant. Deadhead winter pansies and they’ll keep flowering into the summer. Prune back Cornus hard, to within a couple of buds of the base and they’ll give good colour next year.
As you grow on bedding plants nip out the growing tips to provide bushier plants and more flowers later and avoid leggy plants as the season moves on.
SPRING BUTTERFLIES EMERGE FROM THEIR WINTER SLUMBERS
With a few weeks of warmer, sunnier weather the early butterflies are out and about. Some of the earliest species to emerge are the pretty Small Tortoiseshell, and the splendid Peacock, and these can be seen on warm days in late February and early March. However, another quite stunning butterfly is the appropriately named Brimstone, the male being a bright sulphur yellow. This species, the Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) is a brilliantly-coloured butterfly seen in local gardens, along woodland edges, on old country lanes, and in or around parklands. This large, quite stunning species tends to be spotted on warm, early spring days when they emerge from their winter hibernation. Regarded as one of the heralds of springtime, this species appears to be increasing, perhaps with climate warming. This rather spectacular butterfly, which is actually a member of the ‘White’ butterflies, is also an early species, already out and about in February and March this year. The Brimstone has two broods with the first being early emergent adults that overwintered, and then a second in summer through until around September.
limestone areas and also in urban planting schemes such as around shopping centres. Especially in early spring, they are flying in woodlands, wetlands, and gardens, across suitable areas of habitat and they are easy to spot. As I said earlier, the males are bright sulphur-yellow (hence the ‘Brimstone’ name), and the females, also distinctive and pretty, are pale green. Small amounts of alder buckthorn, one of the food-plants, were grown in some coppice woods associated with the manufacture of highquality charcoal.
The Brimstone is pretty much unmistakeable with perhaps one exception for the beginner. There is one other ‘White’ butterfly that sports some yellow, and this can look quite bright in sunlight. This is the ubiquitous Large White or Cabbage White. This has very yellow rear underwings and a patch on the underside forewings. Again, this is a large species, but the wing shape is very different from Brimstone which has distinctive points in the wing-tips. Once you have seen a Brimstone, then you really won’t mistake any other species for them.
They are most common in the south and in areas with limestone vegetation such as the Dales. Their restricted distribution is related to the occurrence of their favoured food-plants for egg-laying which are purging buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula). These are both quite uncommon except in woods and hedges on
Planting buckthorn in gardens and other greenspaces may help this stunning insect spread. You can help their conservation by planting buckthorn in your garden but don’t eat the berries. It is well-named ‘purging buckthorn’ because of its strongly laxative properties formerly employed in herbal medicine!
Professor Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer, broadcaster on wildlife and environmental issues in the Peak District and elsewhere, is contactable on ianonthewildside@ukeconet.org. Follow his website www.ukeconet.org, blog www.ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/ & Twitter
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