“My dear friends, this is your hour. This is not victory of a party or of any class. It’s a victory of the great British nation as a whole. We were the first, in this ancient island, to draw the sword against tyranny.”
Winston Churchill, Victory Speech, on May 8th 1945.
It wasn’t my parents who fought in the war but rather my grandparents and with the 80 year celebration of VE day, as the generations roll on, it becomes harder for us to understand exactly what was sacrificed for us to live as we do today. Having researched it a fair amount for this months’ editions, you cannot help but feel in awe of the people who stood tall and fought for their beliefs, freedoms, families or in whatever way they found the strength to battle onwards both at home and abroad. Political parties did not matter, only ‘right and wrong’. If you could truly take ‘self’ out of the equation and put yourselves in those mud entrenched shoes, what would you do if this happened today?
I don’t think I’m alone in acknowledging that this feels closer today than it has in a long time, and
I often wonder, if our ancestors who experienced it first-hand, would recognise the patterns? The famous quote from Hegel springs to mind – “We learn from history that we do not learn from history”. We can only hope that this is the generation which breaks the mould and we educate ourselves and hope that our morality is as strong as our resolve. VE Day, as much as it is a celebration of our Victory, it is also a reminder of what could have been for me, if a brave contingent from different backgrounds, countries and religions, hadn’t all worked together to defeat a common enemy. I often wonder what my grandparents would think if they were still with us today?
Anyway, onto a brighter note, Mr Emily took a lovely phone call from Glenys this month, who, whilst she always reads the magazine, struggled to read ‘From The Editor’
page last month with the small writing and the green writing on the black background (like an old computer). The message has been relayed and received, this is a shorter one this month to enable us to make it larger and we loved the fact you called, so any readers are very welcome to call and provide us with feedback, we always take it on board.
I was also going to relay a lovely little story which involved Mr Emily locking us out of the house, me unhappily walking through Riddings in my slippers, the mad aunty and uncle and the parentals all involved but Glenys has saved Mr Emily further embarrassment on this matter!!
Have a wonderful May everybody, Happy Reading, Emily x
VE Day 80 Years On Remembering the Day That Changed History
On May 8th, 1945, the world awoke to the news that Nazi Germany had surrendered, marking the end of the Second World War in Europe. Victory in Europe (VE) Day was met with an outpouring of relief and joy and millions celebrated after six years of devastating conflict.
On May 8th, 1945, the world awoke to the news that Nazi Germany had surrendered, marking the end of the Second World War in Europe. Victory in Europe (VE) Day was met with an outpouring of relief and joy and millions celebrated after six years of devastating conflict.
80 years later, we reflect on that historic moment, its significance, and why it remains as important as ever.
The announcement of Germany’s surrender came on May 7th, but it wasn’t until the following day that people across Britain, the Commonwealth, and the Allied nations could officially celebrate. In London, enormous crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace, where King George VI and Prime Minister Winston Churchill appeared on the balcony to wave to the cheering masses. Churchill’s famous radio address captured the spirit of the moment,
declaring: “My dear friends, this is your victory.”
Beyond London, cities and towns across the UK, including our local towns and villages, erupted in celebration. However, alongside the celebrations, there was also mourning. The war in the Pacific raged on, and many families grieved lost loved ones, knowing that peace had come at a significant cost.
The Derby Evening Telegraph featured extensive coverage of the VE Day celebrations. The front page of the May 8th, 1945 edition highlighted the surrender of Germany and included reports on local reactions and events. Interestingly, alongside the news of victory, the newspaper also published the first weather forecast since the start of the war, symbolising a return to normalcy, as weather reporting had been banned during the hostilities. I think there is something uniquely
British in this… “the war is over…back to talking about the weather”!
But VE Day was not just a moment of relief—it was the beginning of a new chapter. Europe faced the challenge of rebuilding shattered nations, reuniting families, and ensuring such a conflict would never happen again. The end of the war led to the formation of international alliances like the United Nations, aimed at promoting peace and diplomacy. The division of Germany, the rise of the Cold War, and the rebuilding of war-torn countries all stemmed from this momentous day.
As we mark the 80th anniversary, the lessons of VE Day remain crucial. It reminds us of the sacrifices made by the wartime generation, very few of whom still survive, and the resilience of those who rebuilt in the aftermath.
To many of our younger generation, WW2 is an abstract historical event. The atrocities committed before, during and after the war, are just entries in their history books. Marking events like VE Day helps us keep the memories alive and ensures such global carnage never happens again.
VE Day is an opportunity for us to honour veterans, educate younger generations, and reaffirm our commitment to peace. A peace which hangs in the balance right now thanks to our “friends” across the pond.
“We shall never forget.”
These articles are researched and written by Laura Billingham, a local content writer & author. Laura moved to the Peak District several years ago to pursue her passion for writing. To find out more visit www.word-witch.co.uk or contact Laura on 07736 351 341
Actual picture used on front cover of Daily Mirror on VE DAY
How Farmers and Business Owners Could Be Affected New Inheritance Tax Rules:
By Laura Cowan, Head of Private Client at Graysons Solicitors
Big changes are coming to inheritance tax planning from April 6th, 2026 — and they could have a major impact on farmers, business owners, and high networth individuals.
Currently, Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) offer up to 100% inheritance tax relief on qualifying assets. APR typically applies to farmland used for agriculture, while BPR applies to land or business interests used to generate profit.
But from April 2026, the rules are being tightened. The first £1 million of qualifying assets will still receive 100% relief — but any value above that will only receive 50% relief. And that £1 million allowance isn’t transferable between spouses (though that could change in the future).
For instance, if someone gifts £200,000 of business shares to their daughter in 2024, and then dies in 2026, that gift will
count towards their £1 million allowance — even though it was given before the changes take effect. Any gifts made after 30 October 2024 will be counted if the donor dies after April 6th, 2026.
This means many people making lifetime gifts now may inadvertently be using up their new allowance — even if they didn’t realise it.
There are options. In some cases, a Deed of Variation (a legal adjustment to a will after death) could be used to maximise reliefs across a couple. For example, a wife could redirect part of her late husband’s estate to their children, using up his unused allowance before it’s lost.
Specialist advice is essential. Correct valuations (ideally by a RICS-accredited professional) will be vital to understand what qualifies for relief and what doesn’t.
shares, for example — which were previously eligible for 100% BPR — will now only qualify for 50% relief, though they won’t count towards the £1 million limit.
Tax planning, particularly involving trusts, lifetime gifts, or business sales, is becoming more complex. The potential for capital gains tax (CGT), clawback, and HMRC scrutiny means careful advice from accountants and legal professionals is more important than ever.
If you’re unsure how these changes affect you or your family, seek expert legal guidance now — not after it’s too late.
AIM (Alternative Investment Market)
All Around the Shire
CHIPPY DAYS
Wherever we lived as I was growing up, there always seemed to be a local chippy which we patronised regularly. The smell of the vinegar made me salivate in anticipation of a cheap, hot, delicious meal. It never tasted any better than when newspaper was used to wrap the contents. You might buy a cone of chips or a bag which you could eat while walking along.
And what did you call the crispy bits of fried batter you could buy for a penny? Batter bits, scratchings, scraps or something else? Some chip shops would offer a “thruppenny mix” which was a scoop of batter bits with a few mushy peas.
The fishcakes would be home-made by the owner’s wife, or you might have a battered sausage. One chap ran a small chippy from the front room of his terraced house. He only had two fingers on one hand. I used to whisper to my brother “Don’t have the battered sausage!”
Paul knew of a very bad-tempered chippy owner who battered a customer’s watch and fried it because the customer was complaining about waiting too long.
Did you ever order a giant pickled onion or a pickled egg which floated in the great glass jars on the counter?
Even when I was too young to see over the counter, I could warm my hands on the hot cabinets. The chip shop was a comforting place to be.
Happy days.
COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS
LLANDUDNO
Tynedale Hotel
Tue 3rd - Sat 7th Jun
5 Days (HB) - £575
Livermead House Hotel Mon 9th - Fri 13th Jun
5 Days - £499
LOOE, CORNWALL
Portbyhan Hotel
Mon 9th - Fri 13th Jun
5 Days - £625
FATHER’S DAY
Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel Sat 14th - Sun 15th Jun
2 Days - £199
Seabank Hotel Wed 9th - Sun 13th Jul
MOBILE BOOKING OFFICE LOCATIONS
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 B&M)
3rd Friday of each month 9am - 1pm | Sutton-in-Ashfield, Portland Square
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.
Slimming World Recipe
All-In-One Pasta Bolognese
Method:
1. Spray a large non-stick saucepan or casserole pan with low-calorie cooking spray and put it over a medium-high heat. Add the bacon, onions, carrots, celery, garlic and 2 tbsp water and cook for 7 minutes.
2. Add the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes or until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
3. Add the tomato purée and dried herbs and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in the chopped
tomatoes and stock and add the bay leaf, stirring to combine. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Tip in the pasta and simmer for another 15 minutes or until it’s tender, stirring occasionally. Season to taste.
4. Ladle into 4 bowls and scatter over the basil leaves to serve.
All the joy of a regular Slimming World bolognese but just one pot to wash up after... Count me in!
Ingredients:
• Low-calorie cooking spray
• 4 back bacon medallions or rashers, visible fat removed, roughly chopped
• 2 medium onions, roughly chopped
• 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
Serves: 4 Syns per serving: FREE
• 500g lean beef mince (5% fat or less)
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 2 tsp dried mixed herbs
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 1.2 litres boiling beef stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 300g dried small pasta shapes (we used conchigliette)
• Fresh basil leaves, to serve
Ready in: 55 Minutes
ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY
Do 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
CLAY CROSS SOCIAL CENTRE
Clay Cross Social Centre has one of the finest dance floors in the area. It is spacious and comfortable, with a furnished lounge area adjacent to the bar and a fully equipped kitchen.
In good weather there is an outdoor seating area and during the evening and weekends a large car park. We are fully licensed for entertainment with a maximum capacity for 200 persons.
A dogs Day out
With the spring quickly turning into summer, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore some of the wonderful countryside our region has to offer!
Unbelievably It has been around 10 years since we last did this walk and I am sure it won’t be that long again as this is a cracker, with a great range of countryside and lovely views! Flake loved every step and he took a great many more than we did!
7.5 MILE CIRCULAR FROM POULTER COUNTRY PARK
A moderate walk which should take you and your dog around 3-4 hours to complete. There are sectiona of road so please take care, however most of the walk is on paths and trails. Please wear appropriate footwear, especially if it has been wet! And, as always, follow the countryside code.
Starting Point: Poulter Country park car park, South Whaley Road off the A632, Langwith. (South car park is situated at the Langwith end of Whaley Road).
1. Standing in the car park with your back to the road, pass through a wooden gate on your left adjacent to a sign reading ‘Country park walks’. Continue straight along a footpath passing a pond on your left. After a short distance ignore the path that splits right and uphill and continue straight ahead.
2. A little further on the path takes a slight detour left and then right. After, continue for some distance and then pass through a wooden gate, a car park and onto a road.
3. Turn right and continue along the road for some distance. Follow the road around to the left signposted for ‘Whaley’ and then a short distance after passing a house on your left, turn left along a lane and signposted bridleway.
4. After a short distance and just prior to reaching a large wooden gate, bear left away from the lane keeping a stone wall on your right. After a short distance and just prior to another large wooden gate, bear right to cross an open field.
5. At the far side continue straight into some woodland. Continue along this path for some distance crossing over 2 crossroads of footpaths, both with a marker post on your left. At the 2nd footpath cross diagonally, ignoring the private paths left and right.
6. Eventually you will reach a T junction of paths. Turn right and follow this path out of the woodland to continue with a hedge on both sides.
7. Continue straight ahead until you reach a farm house on your right. When you draw level with the farmhouse, turn left onto a signposted footpath for ‘Whaley Thorns’. Continue for a very short distance with a fence on your right. Where the fence ends, ignore the path to the right and continue straight ahead to cross an open field.
8. At the far side continue for a short distance along a stone lane. Upon reaching a large metal gate turn sharp right and back on yourself to continue uphill with a fence on your right.
9. After a short distance pass through a width restrictor and then cross over a metal bridge. Continue straight ahead passing houses on your left. After leaving the houses behind you will pass over a short concrete section of the path with a large wooden gate on your right. After this bear left and gently uphill along a path running parallel.
10. At the top of the hill pass through a width restrictor and then turn left. Continue straight and cross over a railway bridge. Further on cross straight over a crossroads of footpaths and then continue with a hedge on your right and trees on your left.
12. Continue for some distance and then pass a farm on your left. Upon reaching a road cross straight over to continue along ‘Limes Avenue’.
13. Continue straight ahead and when the road bends sharp left, turn right along a lane and sign posted footpath. Continue straight along the lane and then when the lane bends sharp left continue with the lane around to the left. After some distance the lane bends sharp right. At this point continue straight ahead, over a stile and continue with a stone wall on your left.
14. Continue until reaching a large opening in the stone wall. At this point turn left and continue with a hedge on your left. Continue with the hedge on your left until passing through a wooden gate onto a road. Turn left along the road and then take the 1st right into ‘Woodland View’.
15. Continue along this street for some distance. Continue when the street narrows and then cross straight over a road to continue between the houses and up some steps. At the top of the steps turn left.
16. Continue straight to pass through a width restrictor and then pass by a metal gate onto a road. Continue straight ahead and turn right at a mini roundabout.
17. Continue straight ahead along a tarmac path with a car park on your left. Continue straight along the path to cross over a railway bridge and into Poulter Country Park.
18. Once in the park, turn left following a red arrow on a marker post. After a short distance, turn right uphill. Continue straight ahead until arriving at a sharp left turn. Take the path left following the path with the trees on your right for a short distance before bearing right.
19. Continue straight ahead to pass by a viewpoint, indicated by a ‘Rhino Horn’ sculpture, up to your right and at a split in the path bear around to the left.
20. Further along, following the red arrow on another marker post on your left, bear right to follow the path downhill. After continuing to bear gently to the left, keep to the path, bearing right, to follow the red arrow and return to the car park.
11. Continue and pass a short yellow marker post on your left. After a short distance, keep your eyes peeled for a path off to the left into some woodland. Take the path. After a short distance, the path splits. Take the right hand split and continue to reach a T junction of paths. Turn right and continue until coming out of the woodland to a lane. Turn left and then straight along the lane.
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.
A brand-new football opportunity is kicking off – and it’s being run by New Tupton Ivanhoe FC!
Squad Sessions are open to girls aged 12–14 and will run every Monday from 5–6pm on Pitch 2 at Tupton Rec.
These fun, friendly sessions are perfect for girls of all abilities – whether they play for a team already or have never kicked a ball before.
The focus is on having fun, building confidence, and enjoying the game in a safe and welcoming space. It doesn’t matter if your daughter is already football mad or just wants to try something new – Squad Sessions are all about giving it a go.
Delivered by qualified coaches at New Tupton Ivanhoe FC, the sessions will help girls develop their skills, stay active, and make new friends. Best of all, it’s football with no pressure and no limits.
Let’s get more girls enjoying the beautiful game – sign up for Squad Sessions with New Tupton Ivanhoe FC today!
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, Club Secretary on 07759 048 037
PRECIPICE BY ROBERT HARRIS
You always know that you’re going to get a brilliant yarn from Robert Harris. His novel Conclave, about the death of a Pope and the shenanigans that followed that event, has just been intriguing movie audiences. And his latest book, Precipice is just as crammed with suspense and intrigue.
It combines fact and fiction – never forget that Harris was formerly a journalist, used to digging out things that others would often rather keep hidden. In this case the secret affair between the then British Prime Minister Herbert Asquith, later Lord Asquith and a young aristocratic socialite less than half his age. This was going on in the summer of 1914, just before the start of the First World War.
The evidence lies in true letters a besotted Asquith wrote to his young lover Venetia, disclosing juicy information about the inner workings of a government on the precipice of war. Information which should never have been revealed outside that inner circle. Letters, telegrams and coded documents which Asquith was tossing from car windows to impress Venetia.
They wrote to each other incessantly and although Asquith destroyed her letters, Harris supplies the deficit by creating hers in order to tell the story. The story is partly fiction after all.
The book is fantastically well researched – Harris was given access to Asquith’s letters by the Bonham Carter family and it’s quite a story. And because it’s Robert Harris, it’s a fast read.
Whatever we think of modern politics across the globe, we have to remember that it’s almost certainly always happened before.
WHY NOT WRITE A BOOK?
by Roger West
You’ve probably heard the saying, “There’s one good book in everyone.” If that’s true, why not write yours?
For years, I struggled with writing, convinced that only Oxford or Cambridge-educated minds could produce books. My poor 11-plus results reinforced that belief. Writers’ guides always advised, “Write what you know.” But what if, like me, you don’t know much?
Fiction eluded me—creating characters, dialogue, and drama felt impossible. Even my granddaughters could probably teach me! Once, I wrote to Spike Milligan for advice. His reply? “I just take my pen in my hand and stare at a blank sheet of paper until I bleed at the temples.” I still have his letter.
Eventually, I found my subject—coal mining. Our mining industry shaped landscapes, fuelled the Industrial Revolution, and provided livelihoods. Yet, many today don’t even know what coal is. I once sat by an open coal fire in a Welsh hotel when a family entered, shocked at the sight. That moment reinforced my desire to write.
This passion led me to write Red Blood for Black Gold, a book that ensures our mining heritage is never forgotten. The sacrifices of miners, the harsh conditions they endured, and the industry’s role in our nation’s history deserve to be remembered. My articles on Derbyshire mining, including South Normanton’s 1937 disaster, reached many—so why not a book?
Three years of research, setbacks, and perseverance later, Red Blood for Black Gold was born. Expect
rejection—mine came 13 times before Spiral Publications believed in my idea.
If you’ve ever thought of writing, take the leap. Red Blood for Black Gold proves that with passion and persistence, a book can become reality.
ROGER WEST
Roger West is a writer and researcher who has written for various provincial newspapers, publications and county magazines for many years. He has also worked with Mansfield 103.2 FM, Centre FM and BBC Radio Derby Sport as a football reporter, broadcaster, and co-commentator. He is determined to keep alive the memory of King Coal and believes that if we do not, then it will soon be forgotten by the generations of today and tomorrow. In Red Blood for Black Gold, Roger sets out to do just that, to never forget a once great and proud coal mining industry.
•
• Great location
•
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
7 Live just to stick an oar in (2,3)
8 Volume of tiler’s work (5)
9 Stand for the unreasonable terms of the lease (5)
11 Pale hen’s a bad layer (5)
Across
1 A secret perhaps, with inside rent? (7,4)
5 Awful sound of an instrument with a throat problem (7)
12 Play, ending with swansong deed (4,3)
13 Set the limit with a pencil and ruler? (4,3,4)
Down
Down
2 Pre-fix the burial term? (5)
3 Scruffy little goat plays it largo (5)
10 Itemised composer? (5)
11 Conscious of a weak organisation (5)
1 Colonel had deft plans, but gave no passion. (4,3,4)
These puzzles are devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk
GARDENERS CALENDAR
The pace of change in the garden at the moment is incredible. So much stuff to do, but quite a bit is controlled by the weather.
Hardening off seedlings and plug plants is probably at the front of most of our gardening thoughts. We can still get sneaky frosts even now. One idea if you don’t have a cold frame in your garden is to use a warm south-facing sheltered spot, preferably at the base of a wall or hedge. If it’s still cold when you read this, then bringing plants indoors at night is a good idea for the first week of hardening off. If it’s not that cold at night cover with fleece, then on warmer nights leave the fleece off, still keeping it handy just in case.
It’s also unfortunately pest time, because tender shoots and roots are especially attractive for grubs and snails. Given that most of us won’t want to use toxic slug pellets, it’s worth trying anything organic, spreading wool pellets or spiky straw around vulnerable plants and shoots. One suggestion my local nursery expert swears by, is taking your pepper grinder out of the kitchen and grinding mixed peppers around target plants. She says it’s totally stopped the slugs around her hostas!
You can use nematodes to fight vine weevils. You’ll know you’ve got adult weevils by seeing the round chomps on the edge of leaves. Visual checks and picking them off will usually work with the fully grown weevils which are unlikely to be fatal. The real killers as we go through spring into summer are vine weevil grubs, which have the ability to totally eat their way through an entire root system. They are a particular problem in pots and baskets and look like little white grubs. If you find any in spent compost make sure there are no others in other tubs and get rid.
Beyond physical removal, nematodes are the best bet. These can be bought in garden centres or online. They are biological and need to be used within 10 days of being made active by adding water according to instructions. Then water them into the soil and keep the soil moist for a couple of weeks after watering. Good luck!
Lift and divide overcrowded clumps of daffs – (those which didn’t flower this year).
Deadhead, but don’t bend the leaves to tidy them, they need to take the goodness from the leaves back into the bulb for planting next year.
SPRING BRINGS ON THE WOODLAND FLOWERS
Warm, dry weather has triggered a bursting forth of spring flowers in woodland and hedgerow. Suddenly the countryside is full of wildflowers jostling for position, as wave after wave of flowers emerge. Ancient woods are especially rich and full of wood anemones, primroses, bluebells, lesser celandine, and then the pungent wild garlic. Trees and shrubs also burst into life with the glorious white flowers of blackthorn followed by the sweet heavy fragrance of common hawthorn or ‘May Blossom’. The brilliant white of blackthorn flowers en masse contrasts with dark black stems to light up the landscape. The earliest spring flower in woods or shady places is the diminutive lesser celandine, a cousin of the buttercup, with folk name of ‘pilewort’ because of the shape of its nodulelike roots. According to the medieval doctrine of symbols, this was an indication that you could use the plant to treat that medical complaint! Following close behind is the pretty wood anemone whose white or pinkish ‘petals’ are really the sepals that normally encircle the petals. Also known as wood crowfoot on account of the shape of its leaves, its Latin name is ‘nemorosa’ which simply means ‘woodland’. This innocent-looking plant is actually poisonous though herbal medical practitioners did recommend its use. Culpepper for instance suggested it to ‘purge the head mightily’, and a decoction of the leaves was used to bathe the body in an attempt to cure leprosy. In France the extract of the leaves was applied externally as mustard is sometimes used to ease muscular problems. In Roman times it was believed that the anemones only flowered when the wind blew and called it the ‘windflower’. For the Greeks, ‘Anemos’ or the Wind, sent the Anemones to herald the coming of spring, and this often coincided with March storms. In some European countries, the flower is taken as a symbol of bad luck, of ill-omen. Today in the UK we see this plant as a good indicator of an ancient woodland site, i.e. a wood that goes back to the medieval period.
Also, out in many shady, damp woods is the wild garlic a plant that is easy to grow in a shady garden
if you like garlic and want to cook with it. This plant has a subtle garlic flavour and fragrance combined with a texture rather like cooked spinach. It is best to grow it for the pot rather than collecting from the wild. Indeed, commercial collection for restaurants etc is strictly forbidden unless you have permission from the landowner – it is theft! In its natural habitat deep in a humid, shady woodland, the wild garlic brings a heavy and distinctive scent hanging over the whole area, which is wonderful if you like garlic but less so if you do not! Mrs Grieve was clearly not a fan as she states ‘Ramsons, the wild Wood Garlic, but for its evil smell would rank among the most beautiful of our British Plants’, and ‘…. Many [woods] are to be avoided when it is in flower, being so closely carpeted with the plants that every step taken brings out the offensive odour’. In amongst the garlic and anemones are patches of bright purple dog (or common) violets bringing an extra radiance to the woodland scene.
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
LESSER
CELANDINE
WOOD ANEMONE
We work in Clay Cross, Danesmoor, Lower Pilsley, Old Tupton & Pilsley & all surrounding areas
