From the Editor
Hello Readers,
So, this year is zipping by isn’t it! I remember my Grandmother telling me about how time gets faster as you grow older. I obviously ignored her as she was possibly older than the dinosaurs…but as usual, she was right!
Anyway, speaking of time zipping by, we’ve gone with quintessentially English summer holidays on our front covers this month, 1950’s style. Ah the memories… Grandad with a hanky on his head, trousers rolled up ready for a paddle and those absolutely massive steps at Mablethorpe, which felt like climbing Everest! Oh and the fun fair – happy memories – or not so much to be honest. My Grandparents just took me and my Brother around the Funfair to “have a look”…. I think they were inspired by Jim Bowen and Bullseye… “look at what you could have won”.
Anyway, the other thing I like to do in the summer months, is to have a good clear out of some old bits and bobs, furniture, clothing etc (I don’t know why I prefer summer to spring?!). I’ve posted some bits on Facebook Marketplace etc and I’ve scheduled to do a car boot (which Mr Emily really hates!!). I love doing stuff like this. However, I don’t know if it’s just me getting older but are there more scammers these days? Posting items online is an absolute minefield, from the time wasters who are ‘definitely not time
wasting’, to the ‘can I pay on Paypal friends and family’ (which protects them and not you when they don’t pay).
It does make you realise why so many charity shops are inundated with items, because most people prefer to donate rather than have the faff of scammers! Not to mention the much-needed degree in research needed to be able to buy online, with all the dodgy websites, and poor ratings even if they are real!! Don’t get me wrong, digital platforms have their place, Pandora isn’t going back in that box for sure – the Tech Bro’s have us by the short and curlys!! Perhaps an answer will present itself, but for now I spend much of my time cynically guarding my data like a squirrel and their nuts!
Anyway, back to the clear out……might have a cheeky Vimto outside in the sunshine first….it’d be rude not to wouldn’t it!!
Wish You Were Here!
A NOSTALGIC LOOK AT RETRO SEASIDE POSTCARDS
There’s something utterly charming about retro seaside postcards. Bold colours, cheeky humour, and scenes that capture the golden age of British beach holidays – these little cards packed a punch. Before texts and selfies, a saucy postcard with a stick of rock was the ultimate “wish you were here” message.
First popular in the early 1900’s and booming through the 1950’s to 70’s, these cards became holiday staples. Many featured cartoon illustrations – often with a hefty dose of double entendre. Think knobbly knees contests, overstuffed swimsuits, and hen-pecked husbands snoozing behind windbreaks. They were cheeky, yes, but rarely offensive, offering a gentle giggle for all ages.
The classic British beach scenes – donkey rides, striped deckchairs, pier amusements, and overflowing ice cream cones – were lovingly (or sometimes ridiculously) exaggerated. Postcards from Blackpool, Skegness, Margate, and Brighton filled racks outside newsagents, waiting for sunburnt holidaymakers to pick one out, scribble a quick note, and send it off to friends and family back home.
Beyond their humour, these postcards also offer a slice of social history. They reflect how
we dressed, holidayed, and saw the world. In an era before mobile phones and social media, sending a postcard was a key part of the holiday ritual. It showed you were really away.
Today, retro postcards are collected, framed, and celebrated for their kitsch charm. They spark memories of soggy chips on the prom, buckets and spades, and chasing wasps away from your jam sandwich. And while you might not post one now (the postbox is always too far away), their spirit lives on in seaside shops and novelty gifts.
So next time you’re by the coast, take a moment to flick through a postcard rack. Among the faded puns and punchlines, you’ll find a little time capsule – a laugh from the past, wrapped up in a glossy 6x4.
HERE TO HELP
Based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, Priority Stairlifts is a small, family-run business offering fast, friendly
“We know how personal this decision can feel,” says Sarah. “Our job is to take away the stress and guide you through your options. There’s no hard sell, just thoughtful advice.”
It’s not just about the installation. The team offers 24-hour aftercare and support, so help is always on hand if needed.
Priority Stairlifts are proud members of Which?, Trusted Traders, Checkatrade and Derbyshire Trusted Trader with over 100 five-star reviews from happy customers.
Whether you’re considering a stairlift for yourself or a loved one, or simply want to understand your options, Priority are here to help.
As I write this, we are experiencing heatwave conditions and my mind turns back to how we kept cool years ago. Many people we come across in our talks tell us their traumatic memories about the knitted bathing costumes they had to wear as children. A kind friend has knitted us a couple of swimsuits from original patterns and when we show these, people explain how the costumes, weighed down with water, would reveal all as they stood up!
For myself, I remember going out for the day with grandparents and paddling in a stream or shallow river wearing just a pair of pants. Of course, grandad had his knotted hankie on his head, but we didn’t know about the dangers of sunburn in those days.
who sat atop a raised chair, so he had a good view of all the misdemeanours. He used a piercing whistle and was quick to scold anyone who was having too much fun. After our swim, we queued for the vending machine and hungrily devoured a packet of crisps or a drink of hot chocolate. Great times. MAKING A SPLASH!
In the local swimming pool, the sharp smell of chlorine assaulted your nose as soon as you walked through the changing room door. On the tiles were signs about “petting” and “bombing” not being allowed. Plasters floated in the water and everyone had to wade through the disinfectant foot bath. There was usually a stern attendant
Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information.
Tailored
Custom-designed
Scenic
Honeymoons
Multi-destination
Bucket
Luxury
Once-in-a-lifetime
Slimming World Recipe Fish Pakoras
Method:
1. Heat your oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/gas 7 and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Spray a non-stick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and put it over a medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, chilli and spices, and cook for 10 minutes. Add 2 tbsp water and cook for about 30 seconds or until the water has been absorbed.
3. Tip the onion mixture into your food processor and add the fish and flour. Chop 2 tbsp coriander and set aside, then add the rest to the food processor along with a pinch of salt. Pulse until you have a thick mixture. Spoon the fish mixture into 16 equal-size
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Fancy something a bit spicy for your alfresco dinning?
These cod pakoras pack the perfect punch!
Ingredients:
mounds on the prepared baking tray, spaced apart. Spritz the tops with low-calorie cooking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden.
4. Once the pakoras are in the oven, make the dip: Put the yogurt in a bowl and stir in most of the mint and reserved coriander. Season lightly with salt, then chill.
5. Sprinkle the pakoras with the remaining herbs and serve with the yogurt dip, lime slices or wedges and lots of chunky Speed veg (plus rice if you’re making a bigger meal of it).
Makes: 16 Syns per serving: 1/2
• Low-calorie cooking spray
• ½ medium onion, grated
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp medium curry powder*
• 600g skinless and boneless cod fillets (or another firm white fish)
• 4 level tbsp selfraising flour
• Small pack fresh coriander
• Lime slices or wedges, to serve
• For the yogurt dip:
• 200g fat-free natural yogurt
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
*Watch out for spice/ seasoning blends that have added ingredients (like sugar, oil or starch).
To protect your weight loss, count 1½ Syns per level tbsp.
Ready in: 45 mins
Fantastic firm!! What a discovery!!
We found T.Nutt and Son Ltd after a very disappointing time with another dealer. Walking in to the shop we were shown exactly the sort of carpets samples we needed - and their pricing was brilliantly simple. Ordering and measuring went through without any problems, and the fitting date was arranged. When it came to the time, the fitters turned up on time - a great team. They took care to look after the premises, even to moving a heavy piano - fitted expertly with attention to detail and left only after they were convinced that we were happy with their workWHICH WE WERE! We cannot recommend T.Nutt & Sons Ltd highly enough. Thanks for your help.
COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS
TORQUAY
Riviera Hotel Mon 8th - Fri 12th Sep
5 Days - £445
Mystery Hotel Sat 13th - Sun 14th Sep Sat 11th - Sun 12th Oct
2 Days - £130 WARNER LEISURE
Nidd Hall, Harrogate Mon 15th - Fri 19th Sep
5 Days - £550
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NEW BOOKING OFFICE: Parkvilla,124 Market Street, Clay Cross, Derbyshire S45 9LY
2nd Friday of each month 9am - 1pm | Ripley Market Place
3rd Tuesday of each month 9am - 12noon | Blackwell Community Centre
3rd Thursday of each month 9am - 1pm | Alfreton Severn Square Car Park (Outside B&M)
3rd Friday of each month 9am - 1pm | Sutton-in-Ashfield, Portland Square
Charlie’s Place Needs You: Become a Hero for Animals…
Nestled in the Derbyshire countryside, CHARLIE’S PLACE ANIMAL SANCTUARY is more than just a rescue centre - it’s a haven for animals and a thriving volunteer community. A SANCTUARY WITH HEART
Founded in 2018 by animal advocates Claire and Wil, following many years of taking in, rehabilitating and caring for a plethora of species. Now a registered charity, it’s home to around 100 rescued animals, many from the egg and meat industries.
WILDLIFE RESCUE AND REHABILITATION
Charlie’s Place also operates an on-site wildlife hospital, treating over 100 injured or orphaned wild animals a year - from owls to hedgehogs. Once recovered, they’re released back into their natural habitats, helping protect local biodiversity.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Charlie’s Place thrives thanks to the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of supporters. Ways to get involved:
• VOLUNTEER – Help with animal care, wildlife transport, or fundraising.
• DONATE – Regular donations give the sanctuary long-term stability and help provide food, shelter, and medical care.
• SPONSOR OR ADOPT – Support an enclosure or symbolically adopt an animal.
• FUNDRAISE OR JOIN EVENTS – Run a race, bake cakes, or attend events like quizzes or yoga.
Check the Charlie’s Place Facebook page or www.charliesplace.org.uk for more information.
WHY VOLUNTEER?
VOLUNTEERS’ THOUGHTS:
“I chose to volunteer to help protect and rehabilitate wildlife. This provides a fulfilling opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of animals while supporting broader conservation efforts.”
“Volunteering gives many of us purpose, moments of calm and an opportunity to connect with others who we might not normally interact with, helping to shape lives and broaden horizons.”
GET INVOLVED
You’ll meet like-minded people, learn new skills, and make a real difference in the lives of animals. Whether you can offer a few hours a week or just help out at events, your support is invaluable. Go to our website and fill out a volunteer form. IF YOU CAN HELP WITH TIME, SKILLS, OR SUPPORT - GET IN TOUCH: INFO@CHARLIESPLACE.ORG.UK
“Ilovefeelinglike Ihaveapositiveinfluenceonthelives oftheanimalshere,Charlie’splace reallymakesadifference.”
COMPASSION, AND COMMUNITY - AND THEY NEED PEOPLE LIKE YOU
A dogs Day out
This month’s walk starts in Ollerton and around the beautiful countryside before taking you through the grounds of Rufford Country Park. Somehow, we managed to pick the only wet day for weeks and halfway round the heavens opened and we got absolutely soaked! Hopefully, you get better weather to stretch those legs and maybe make a full day of it. Perhaps you could take a picnic or perhaps stop off at the café?
7½ MILE CIRCULAR FROM OLLERTON VIA RUFFORD ABBEY.
A longer but highly rewarding walk for you and your dog. It should take around 4 hours but there are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore so you may want longer. Be careful on roads and as ever make sure you wear a good pair of boots or wellies particularly if it has been wet.
START: St Giles Church, Ollerton, Notts, NG22 9BL.
1. Standing at the junction of Wellow road and Station Road, whilst facing the church, turn right to climb gently along Wellow road, signposted for Newark. At the T-junction, at the top of the road, turn left along a road signposted for Tuxford. After a short distance turn right onto Middlefield Lane and a sign posted footpath.
Continue straight along the lane until the lane bears right. Follow the lane to the right and cross over a railway bridge. Immediately after the bridge turn left keeping a caravan site on your right. Continue straight and pass a footpath sign on your left. Continue and pass between a fence on your right and a hedge on your left.
3. Continue along this path until it bends to the right. After the right turn, ignore the stile turning sharp left and take a shallow left to continue along a footpath with a fence on either side. When the fence on your right ends and at a T Junction of paths, turn right. Follow this path to a road and cross the road diagonal right to continue along a signposted footpath.
4. Continue straight to cross an open field and then pass through a gap in the hedge. Turn immediately left and continue with the hedge on your left. Upon reaching the boundary of the field turn 90 degrees right and continue with the hedge on your left. Upon reaching the far side of the field turn 90 degrees right and continue with the hedge on your left.
5. Upon reaching a footpath sign, cross over a road diagonal right and pass through a gap in the hedge to follow a signposted footpath. The footpath heads gently uphill. Upon reaching the top of the hill and at a T junction of paths turn sharp left and head towards a yellow marker post.
6. Cross over a horse canter trail and continue climbing down some steps, over a wooden footbridge and back up the other side. Continue straight ahead crossing over 3 stiles and onto a recreation ground. Continue along the recreation ground, keeping the hedge on your right and passing 3 marker posts on your right. At the far side, turn right through a metal gate and onto a road.
7. Turn right along the road passing ‘Potter Lane’ on your left and upon reaching ‘Maypole Road’ on your left, turn right onto a lane and signposted footpath. Continue straight for some distance and when the lane bends sharp left, continue straight through a large metal gate. Turn immediately left keeping a hedge on your left and trees on your right. After a short distance turn right to cross over a metal bridge.
8. After the bridge turn left and continue with a hedge on your right and a steep bank on your left. After a short distance, turn right to cross over a wooden footbridge and then continue to cross a field. Cross another wooden footbridge and then continue straight to cross another field. Pass through a gap in the trees into another field and now continue with a hedge on your right.
9. Continue to pass through a wooden gate and continue with the hedge on your right. (Dogs on leads due to Chickens in field). Continue to pass through a metal gate and then onto a lane. Turn right and continue for some distance along the lane.
10. At a fork in the lane, bear left and pass through an electric gate. (Use the button on the right-hand side to open the gate). Continue along a concrete lane and pass through a metal kissing gate adjacent to a large metal gate.
straight to a T-junction and turn right keeping a tall wall on your left. The lane becomes a road with large houses on either side.
12. Follow this road for some distance until reaching a main road. At the main road turn right. After a short distance turn right into ‘Rufford Park’.
13. Follow a path alongside the road into the park. At the bottom cut diagonal left across a large carpark, following signs for ‘The Abbey’. At the far side of the car park, pass a large signboard on your left and continue to a T-Junction of paths. Turn right and immediate left through an archway following signs for ‘Craft Centre’. (Dogs on leads)
14. Pass through 2 courtyards and a café on your right. Enter a small 3rd courtyard and bear right to pass through a metal gate and down some steps. At the bottom of the steps, turn sharp left passing the Orangery and the Gardens on your right.
15. Follow a path with 4 trees on either side and signposted for ‘Animal Graves’. Continue straight with the Abbey on your left and then take the second path on your left, signposted for ‘Animal Graves’. After a very short distance turn right along a footpath with the animal graves on your left. Immediately after the graves turn left onto a footpath through the trees and eventually into a clearing (Broad Ride). Turn right along Broad Ride.
16. Continue for a short distance and then turn left off of Broad Ride onto a footpath signposted for ‘Ice House’. Upon reaching the Ice House turn right onto a footpath signposted for ‘Woodland Walk’. Continue along this path and just prior to reaching a car park, turn right to head back down Broad Ride towards the Abbey. Halfway along Broad Ride, turn left along a footpath signposted for ‘Lakeland Walks’.
17. Upon reaching a T-junction of paths turn right keeping a lake on your left. After a short distance bear left and then turn left to cross a wooden footbridge, keeping the main lake on your left. Continue to skirt around the lake, crossing 3 more wooden footbridges and then continue straight until reaching a road.
18. Cross straight over the road and continue straight over a signposted Bridleway with a hedge on your left. When the hedge on your left ends continue now with a hedge on your right. Continue to pass trees on your right and then cross an open field until reaching a main road.
19. Turn right along the main road and pass immediately underneath a railway bridge. Continue along the road until reaching a right fork in the road, signposted as ‘Station Road’. Take the right fork and continue until reaching the church.
11. Continue for some distance along a concrete lane whilst passing through a golf course. When the concrete lane bends left follow it, passing a sign for ‘Hole 16’ on your right. Pass by a metal and brick-built bridge. Continue
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.
Activities include
FREE Bouncy Castle and Inflatable Slide
FREE Kids Face Painting with ‘Funtastik Glitterz’
FREE Birdbox Making with Councillor Ted Mansbridge
FREE ‘Animal Encounters’ creepy and fuzzy petting zoo
FREE Kids Mini Beach Sand Play Area with Deckchairs for Parents/Carers!
FREE Health Checks with ‘Live Life Better Derbyshire’
FREE Kids Decorate and Plant a Flowerpot with Woolley Moor Nurseries
FREE Fruit Kebabs stall with Tesco and Rykneld Homes
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 6 Unkind? Average? (4)
7 Gem, uncut as yet, revealed in nonflyer (3)
8 Cab to travel on the runway (4)
14 Northern organ to close (4)
15 Woman of habit? (3)
16 Require to make bread, say (4)
Down
3 Final, on a bad loan, is sectional (5)
4 Taped around a skilful answer (5)
12 Incorporate a queen, by the end (5)
13 Work end opened up into martial art (5)
Across
1 Bash the razzledazzle, it’s writing on the wall for him! (10)
9 Beat the plot maker at the eating place (5-3)
11 Shiner resulting from a thumping lot of mascara? (5,3)
17 Tax on the way out, but unlikely to be cancelled! (6,4)
Down
1 Re-cyclists’ site, where the abbot knelt down in remorse? (6,4)
2 Wrongly cites, “I’m from Shem” (7)
5 Leap ecstatically for born free lady? (4,3,3)
10 Corrected, and virtually repaired? (7)
1 Legal jargon, 2 Orb, 3 Age, 4 Tender years, 6 Imprint, 7 Grander, 8 Madeira, 14 Emu, 15 Lax.
rampant, 5 Big game, 9 Loop, 10 Dote, 11 Range, 12 Anti, 13 Inky, 14 Eternal, 16 Neutral axis.
These puzzles are devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk
The New Tupton Ivanhoe F.C. Summer Festival of Football has once again been a success on and off the pitch.
One of the largest grassroots football tournaments in the region, the festival this year attracted over 175 teams taking part in age groups from under 7s to under 16s. Clubs travelled from across the region with winners of the various tournaments vowing to return to defend their titles in 2026.
Dave Hoult, President of New Tupton Ivanhoe F.C. said, “The Summer Festival of Football is the biggest event in the club’s calendar. We aim to provide the best experience to the teams taking part, and it is lovely to receive the positive feedback we have. The festival allows us to continue to invest in the facilities for the club.”
Antony Maidens, Chairman, added: “The tournament could not happen without the many volunteers from the club and the local community who give up three weekends of their summer to ensure the tournament runs smoothly. From supporting the teams taking part to setting up and taking down the pitches, and from helping with parking and road management and running stalls, all play an integral part in the success of the festival. We thank you all.”
“We are also grateful to Wilkins Vardy, our headline sponsor. Their kind financial support not only ensures the tournament happens but means that the money raised from the festival can be invested back into improving the footballing facilities for the community of Tupton.”
The headline sponsor for the tournament is Wilkins Vardy Estate Agents.
The winners at each age group at the Summer Festival of Football were as follows:
f U7s – Dronfield AFC Whites
f U8s – Spire Rangers
f U9s - Brampton Rovers
f U10s - Rawmarsh St Josephs
f U11s - Matlock Gladiators
f U12s - Somersall Stingers
f U13s - Somersall Bulldogs
f U14s - Staveley Trojans
f U15s - Dronfield Town FC
f U15s Girls – Notts County Women U14s
f U16s - Barnby Dun Colts
The New Tupton Ivanhoe F.C. Summer Festival of Football will return in 2026, and details will be available at newtuptonivanhoefc.co.uk/summerfestival-of-football early next year.
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 the Dave Hoult,
Sheffield Blitz Secrets Finally Uncovered After 15 Years of Research
Like many of her generation, Dorothy Glover never spoke about her experiences during the war.
But the chance discovery of an unpublished memoir following her death in 2009, at the age of 93, triggered a chain reaction that culminated in her grandson, former Chesterfield resident Neil Anderson, dedicating 15 years of his life to uncovering what actually happened in Sheffield 85 years ago.
Now, after a decade and a half of painstaking research, Neil’s work has resulted in the launch of ‘Sheffield Blitz – The Definitive Collection’ — a groundbreaking four-book set that reveals the untold war secrets Sheffield families believed had gone to the grave.
“I started this journey with one question: What really happened to my family during the Sheffield Blitz?” said Anderson. “Like so many people, my grandparents lived through the bombings but never spoke about them. I had to find the answers for myself — and for everyone else still wondering.”
The Sheffield Blitz wasn’t just two nights of bombing in December 1940 — it was the devastating culmination of years of fear, resilience, and survival. Anderson’s research included interviews with hundreds of survivors, weeks spent in archives in both the UK and Germany, and collaboration with the Imperial War Museum. The result is a vivid and unprecedented insight into the city’s wartime trauma.
Thousands of Derbyshire residents watched in horror as the nearby city burned – the flames lit up the skies for miles. Scores of fire crews were sent to help the stricken city from the region and then hundreds of builders and joiners helped the rebuild
project for years after – nearly a tenth of the Sheffield population were made homeless in the raids.
Neil Anderson officially unveiled the collection at a special event at Sheffield Central Library.
He shared the inside story of his 15-year quest — from why Sheffield had one of the lowest evacuation rates in the country, to why bombs were still falling four years after the Blitz, including a V1 rocket strike on Christmas Eve 1944.
Among the collection’s most remarkable discoveries is a set of original German bombing maps, smuggled out of Germany after the war. They reveal that the Luftwaffe’s objectives extended far beyond industry — with schools, hospitals, and densely populated suburbs clearly marked as primary targets in a campaign of psychological warfare.
The limited-edition collection includes:
• Four large-format, first edition coffee table books, all signed by the author
• Hundreds of rare and unseen photographs
• Copies of three original German bombing maps of Sheffield
• Full lists of every civilian casualty in WWII
• A detailed bomb map showing where every device landed
• Access to the Sheffield Blitz Walk App and Guided Memorial Walk
• A certificate of authenticity and luxury gift box
Neil Anderson added: “This isn’t just history. It’s a time machine into your family’s hidden past — and a record to ensure their stories are never forgotten.”
‘Sheffield Blitz – The Definitive Collection is available from www.dirtystopouts.com and Amazon.
The Moor in Sheffield after the blitz in 1940
Neil Anderson
The new Sheffield Blitz - The Definitive Collection
Dorothy Glover on her wedding day: Dorothy Glover on her wedding day on Christmas Eve, 1938.
Dorothy Glover as a child: Dorothy Glover (right) with her father, Harold Glover, member of the Sheffield PALS Battalion in World War One
•
• Great location
•
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
by upgrading your air compressor
The MPC Services team are here to help make sure that your sewage system is working well, properly maintained, up to date with the latest compliance regulations, working quietly and energy efficient.
Ask us about:
Annual maintenance, call-outs or repairs
Tank emptying
Any bad smells, noises or other sewage issues
Proper ty transactions & compliance
KS TIMBER
I started KS Timber midway through lockdown after spotting a gap in the market for scaffold boards, thanks to the rising popularity of the rustic look. Before that, I spent 20 years as a sales manager in the construction industry, where I built a reputation for great service - being late is one of my biggest pet hates!
Since launching, I've supplied everything from movie sets to local projects, with customers ranging from furniture makers and farmers to restaurants and allotment holders. My most regular visitors, though, are members of the public creating all sorts of unique pieces. The boards are made from European whitewood spruce, sourced from the UK, Germany, and Austria. They’re especially popular for home bars and man (or woman ��) caves - which really took off during lockdown.
TREE CARE
Landscaping & Driveway Specialist
GARDENERS CALENDAR
Lots of heat, not much rain, beautiful summer. But conditions which can be pretty challenging for our gardens.
Lawns will recover, so don’t feel you have to keep watering them all the time. A little water every day just makes the grass – and other established plants - develop shallow roots and makes them more vulnerable. If you are going to water make it deep. Bedding plants – i.e. in containers - need water early morning and/or evening so they don’t get “sunburnt” by water drops and splashes.
Tomatoes need a weekly potassium feed once a week, but try to reduce watering unless it is really hot as it may cause the fruit to split. But cut back lower leaves to keep ventilation good and allow the plant to focus on fruit.
You can continue to feed most things – the same feed you give tomatoes is also acceptable for most other plants – high potassium is helpful for producing flowers and fruit for bedding plants.
Back to the slugs. They’re still around, especially if we get sudden downpours. Garlic seems to be gaining ground (pardon the pun) as a deterrent. One head of garlic, crush or blitz in a food processor with 200 mls of water. Soak overnight with an extra 700 mls of water and strain. Use direct on particular problem plants, - either spray leaves or around base, or dilute in a watering can for an upkeep dose once every few days or after rain. Slugs don’t like the smell and it acts as an irritant to their skin. Doesn’t harm wildlife or pets. Worth trying?
TOP TIP
Prune lavender back after flowering to an inch of new growth above the wood for a good show next year.
SUMMERTIME BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS
Hot sunny weather and even drought pose many problems for a lot of our wildlife species. However, the insects such as butterflies and moths can find benefit, at least in the short-term, in the scorching conditions of recent months. Many of these creatures have had a bad time in recent decades with pollution and habitat loss compounding the vagaries of climate change. Yet with this year’s dry spring and now blistering hot summer, quite a number have come into their own, and this includes both regionally resident species and increasingly, new arrivals from the south. I will look at damselflies and dragonflies in a later article but for now I want to focus on butterflies and moths, the former exclusively day-flying and the latter predominantly, but by no means totally night-flying.
For butterflies, garden buddleias are a real treat attracting large numbers of spectacular species like red admirals, small tortoiseshells, peacocks, painted ladies, commas, and various whites. However, a brambly woodland edge, woodland ride or glade, or a sheltered wild spot in a garden can be a rich place for butterfly spotting. Watch out in particular for the moth-like fat-bodied, darting ‘skippers’, the now ubiquitous speckled wood, late brood brimstones, or the increasingly frequent silver-washed fritillary. Some of these like the speckled wood were very uncommon and limited to southern England only a few decades ago
but are now found north to the tip of Scotland. Moths are also doing well this year and mix local species with ones migrating in their thousands from Europe and across the North Sea. Warm and humid evenings provide ideal conditions for many of these insects which mix myriads of tiny species known as ‘micros’ and large numbers of bigger ones called ‘macros’. Identification of some commoner species like the beautiful swallowtail moth is pretty easy, but for many of the others this is something for the specialist and ‘mothing’ enthusiast. [And there are a surprising number of them!] At least today it is possible to get to grips with these beasties with help from internet websites and discussion groups, digital photography, and excellent, illustrated handbooks. For most of us though, I think simply appreciating the beauty and enchantment of these wonderful insects is probably enough. Visitors to gardens and night-time kitchen windows include huge numbers of yellow underwings, silver-Y’s, pugs, footmen, carpets, magpies, and many others. Spectacular individuals include huge hawk-moths, eggars, emperors, and fox moths found on moors and heaths. Some of these insects are resident in the south but in hot summers are spreading northwards, and worth watching out for!
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
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