Rock Fall UK Wimsey Way, Somercotes, Alfreton DE55 4LS
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we’ve been playing with our front covers of late and this month had us all in stitches because you can’t help but read ‘Vole’. We considered this deeply and thought it was too amusing to change and as such, as the famous song now goes, “Vole is all around us”!
We hope you all enjoyed your Christmas and New Year and our new look magazine. The feedback on the street is that it looked so different in Jan, you didn’t recognise us (in a good way of course)!! Hopefully, our spangly new website
Anyways, I’m not usually one to talk about TV with you guys but what do we all think to ‘The Traitors’ on BBC 1? Apart from the walking fringe, which has me manically swooping my hair back from my eyes (I honestly don’t know how it doesn’t annoy her!), is the herd mentality irritating anybody else? *Spoiler alert* A good half of the Faithfuls had enough evidence to be able to get Linda out far earlier, but because some of the more ‘extroverted’ in the group spoke loudly about how they ‘felt’, with little to no evidence to back it up, the others got carried along with the crowd and it resulted in the eviction of multiple Faithfuls instead. I suppose the resounding message is that sensible people prevailed in the end but at what cost? I honestly don’t know why I watch this programme, it is not good for the blood pressure. Bring back ‘Bake Off’ it’s much gentler
So, I’m off to declutter some more (new years resolution, you’ve got to haven’t you!!). See you in March when it’s hopefully a lot less cold and we see much more of the yellow shiny thing in ooops ….. Reading!
The Language of Flowers For Valentine’s Day & Beyond
In the Victorian era, flowers were more than just beautiful gifts. They were a secret language, a way for people to express emotions and sentiments without speaking a single word. Known as floriography, this “language of flowers” gave symbolic meanings to different blooms, creating a romantic and subtle form of communication.
Roses: The Eternal Symbol of Love
Among the most iconic flowers, roses carried a multitude of meanings based on their colour. Red roses signified passionate love, making them the timeless favourites for romantic gestures such as at Valentine’s Day. Pink roses conveyed admiration and gratitude, while yellow roses represented friendship or jealousy, depending on the context. White roses, often called bridal roses, stood for purity and new beginnings.
Daisies: Innocence and Purity
Simple yet charming, daisies symbolised innocence, purity, and loyal love. Their association with youth and honesty made them popular tokens of affection among close friends and family. To receive a daisy was to be reminded of someone’s genuine and heartfelt care.
Tulips: Deep Affection and Perfect Love
Tulips, especially in red, symbolised deep affection and perfect love. Their elegant shape and vibrant colours made them a bold choice for expressing devotion. A bouquet of tulips was often a declaration of sincere and lasting feelings.
More Floral Meanings
Floriography extended far beyond romance, capturing a wide range of emotions and messages.
Ivy: Fidelity and eternal life, a symbol of strong and enduring bonds.
Lily of the Valley: Sweetness, humility, and the return of happiness.
Forget-Me-Not: True love and remembrance, a simple yet powerful sentiment, and the reason the flower is the symbol of Alzheimer’s UK.
Peony: Prosperity, romance, and good fortune.
Lavender: Devotion, calmness, and purity.
Snapdragon: Strength or grace under pressure.
Less positive emotions were also expressed through flowers:
Yellow Carnation: Rejection or disdain.
Marigold: Grief or jealousy.
Anemone: Forsaken or fading hope.
Though the practice of floriography has faded and few of us these days are aware of the meanings ascribed to flowers, its charm endures. Today, understanding the meanings behind flowers can add a thoughtful touch to gifts for loved ones. Whether it’s a bouquet of roses for a partner, daisies for a friend, or tulips for someone you admire, the language of flowers offers a unique way to communicate emotions.
But be aware, during Victorian times, the way you presented flowers also mattered. Giving flowers upside-down could reverse their meaning entirely, turning a romantic gesture into a rejection! Who knew a bouquet could carry so much weight?
This Valentine’s Day, why not bring a little floriography into your life? Share a bouquet with someone special and include a note explaining the symbolism of each flower.
After all, flowers speak a language all their own—and it’s one worth reviving. Just be careful to choose the right flowers for the emotion you are trying to convey. Sending a loved one a bunch of yellow carnations may not necessarily be a good move!
From the 1st April 2025, the amount you pay in Stamp Duty is changing. The amount you pay depends on: when you bought the property? how much you paid for it? whether you’re eligible for relief or exemption.
Our team can assist you in understanding how the changes in stamp duty may affect you.
Derwentside Belper
Buttercup Fields Belper
The Standings Crich
Outseats Farm Alfreton
Resolve Your Civil Disputes with Elliot Mather LLP: Your Trusted Legal Partner
Are you facing civil challenges? Elliot Mather LLP is here to guide you toward solutions. As your local solicitors, we specialise in achieving the best outcomes for our clients.
Our expertise covers a wide range of civil matters:
• Challenging a Will.
• Disputes with builders and other tradespeople.
• Disputes concerning your business.
• Land Disputes.
• Disputes between unmarried couples.
• Consumer claims.
• Residential Property Repossession for Landlords.
• Business Tenancy Disputes.
• Settlement Agreements.
Led by seasoned solicitor Peter Kidd, our Mansfield Team represents clients not only locally but also nationwide!
Whether you’re in Nottinghamshire, Clay Cross, or North East Derbyshire, we’re ready to assist you.
Ready to Resolve Your Civil Matters? Contact Us Today! Call 0330 333 2613 or email peter.kidd@elliotmather.co.uk to see how we can help you find the best legal solutions.
For more info visit elliotmather.co.uk
Slimming World Recipe
Teriyaki Chicken Bake
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/gas 7.
2. Put the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, spring onions and vinegar in a large mixing bowl, then add the chicken and mushrooms and toss well. Tip it all into a non-stick roasting tin (about 30cm x 20cm), spray with low-calorie cooking spray and roast for 15 minutes.
When I saw this recipe was a ‘one pan’ meal I was all in... simple to prep, easy to bake and tasty to eat... the perfect bake/fakeaway!
3. Add the pak choi, edamame and sesame seeds to the roasting tin and return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until everything is cooked. Stir through the carrots and mint and serve with the lime wedges for squeezing over.
Ingredients:
• 4 level tbsp teriyaki sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 4 spring onions, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar or cider vinegar
• 300g skinless and boneless chicken mini fillets
• 200g exotic or chestnut mushrooms
• Low-calorie cooking spray
Serves: 2 Syns per serving: 3
• 2 pak choi, roughly chopped
• 250g frozen soya beans (edamame)
• 2 level tsp sesame seeds
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded lengthways
• ½ small pack fresh mint, leaves picked
• Lime wedges, to serve
Ready in: 30 Minutes
To all staff of T. Nutt & Sons
“After having a living room carpet fitted and then vinyl flooring in our hall and kitchen diner, we had to write to express our thanks.
All staff were polite, helpful, knowledgeable and professional. In this day and age it is refreshing to have such excellent service.
A few unforeseen glitches (no one’s fault!) were sorted promptly and to our satisfaction.
Once again everyone, thank you – it has been a pleasure doing business with you. You get a big gold star from us.”
All Around the Shire
VICTORY VS AND THE LIKE
It’s that time of year when coughs, colds and sore throats are all around us.
My grandad used to ward them off by always having a packet of Victory Vs in his jacket pocket. Invented as a throat lozenge in 1864 in Lancashire, they originally contained Ether, Liquorice and Chloroform. No wonder both lozenges and gums were popular.
The following year, again in Lancashire, Fisherman’s Friend were developed.
Menthol and Eucalyptus Oil were the main ingredients to help fishermen with respiratory problems when enduring savage winter trips on the North Sea. Many versions are now available and in numerous countries. They are easily identifiable as the packaging has remained essentially the same: a paper packet bearing the image of the trawler Cevic. Recognisable to a small girl rummaging around in her grandfather’s suit pocket.
Smaller still were liquorice imps. Teeny tiny black squares of strong liquorice laced with menthol. A mighty assault on your taste buds. Advertised as beneficial for singers “For clarity of voice” was the slogan.
Sweet shops would stock bronchial mixture sweets, Army and Navy, Tunes, Halls and Hacks. There was something for everyone.
In our latest talk by All Around the Shire, we will be covering these splendid little pieces of social history. I am sure our audiences will have lots of stories about these and many other winter warmers.
Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information.
STUNNING HOLIDAY COTTAGE IN WARKWORTH, NORTHUMBERLAND
Treat yourself to a luxury break at the 4* Gold Award winning Little Red Hen House.
An elegant and cosy holiday home just a 7 minute drive from award-winning and dog-friendly Warkworth beach.
✽ 2 spacious en-suite bedrooms
✽ A fully enclosed garden
✽ 2 small to medium dogs welcome (3 upon request)
✽ Fully equipped kitchen, including an American style fridge freezer
✽ Perfect for exploring the stunning Northumbrian Heritage Coastline
✽ Close to a range of dog friendly pubs, cafes & restaurants in stunning Warkworth
✽ We have fast fibre Wi-Fi and smart TV’s
A dogs Day out
This walk is perfect for this time of year as it makes really good use of quiet country roads and paths such as the Linby Trail and the area around Newstead Abbey to combine beautiful scenery with a good leg stretch and more reliable terrain.
7 MILE CIRCULAR FROM NEWSTEAD VIA NEWSTEAD ABBEY AND THE LINBY TRAIL
A moderate walk for you and your dog. This medium length walk should take around 2½ - 3 hours. There may be some sections of uneven terrain depending on the weather and there are a couple of road sections, so take plenty of care and make sure you wear appropriate footwear for the conditions. And, as always, follow the countryside code.
Starting Point: Car park adjacent to the Newstead Centre, Tilford Road, Newstead Village, NG15 0BS
1. Walk back through the car park entrance, turn left and then immediately right to cross over a level crossing. After the level crossing take the first road on the right.
2. Continue along the road until it bends sharp left. Continue around to the left, pass under a bridge pass by a metal gate and between two stone pillars. Continue straight for some distance and pass between two more stone pillars. Continue straight to eventually pass a pond and waterfall on your left.
3. Further on you will pass Newstead Abbey on your right and then a car park on your left. Continue straight and cross over a crossroads. After a short distance turn right onto a footpath.
4. Continue into the woods along the path until reaching a tarmac road. Turn left along the road and continue straight for some distance.
5. Upon reaching a large pair of metal gates directly in front of you, take a footpath to the right of the gates and continue straight with a tall hedge on your left. Continue to pass through a metal gate and then continue straight along a farm track for some distance, ignoring any farm roads off to the right until reaching a junction with a main road.
6. Turn right along the road signposted for ‘Village Centre’. After the road bends sharp right and then sharp left, turn immediately right along a tarmac lane signposted for ‘Linby’.
8. Continue to pass through a metal gate, over a stone bridge and pass by a pond on your left. Continue along the path until reaching a road. Turn right along the road into Linby village.
9. Pass the Horse and Groom pub on your right and continue along the road until reaching a roundabout. At the roundabout, turn right and join ‘Linby Trail’.
10. Continue along the trail for quite some distance until eventually passing a wooden signboard on your right reading ‘Linby Trail’. After the signboard, continue straight to cross over a bridge and then after a short distance bear left away from the trail and onto a playing field.
11. Head diagonally across the playing field towards the clubhouse building, near the clubhouse pass through a wooden gate onto a road. Turn left along the road and cross over a level crossing back to the car park.
7. Pass by a large wooden gate and then before reaching a double metal gate take the first wooden gate on the left and follow the path until passing through a gap in a hedge and then turn immediate right onto another footpath.
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.
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.
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LITTLE IVANHOES FOOTBALL COACHING: FUN FOR KIDS IN CHESTERFIELD AND NORTH DERBYSHIRE
Are you looking for a fun activity to get your little one moving and making friends?
Little Ivanhoes Football Coaching is here to help boys and girls aged 3, 4, 5, and 6 take their first steps into football. Based in New Tupton our sessions are all about having fun, building confidence, and learning the basics of the beautiful game.
For many parents, finding the right activity for young children can be tricky. Little Ivanhoes makes it easy by creating a friendly, safe environment where kids can enjoy being active, meeting new friends, and learning new skills. Whether your child is naturally energetic or needs a gentle nudge to get involved, our sessions are designed to include everyone.
These sessions are a great way to keep your child active, build their confidence, and help them make friends. And there’s nothing better than seeing your son or daughter pick up a football and enjoy the game you love.
Our sessions run every Friday with two time slots to fit your schedule. Each session costs just £4, making it an affordable way for your child to start their football journey. Little Ivanhoes is more than just fun – it’s the start of a journey. We prepare young players to progress into our Under 7 teams, helping them develop both on and off the pitch.
Find out more and enquire at www. newtuptonivanhoefc.co.uk/footballteams/little-ivanhoes/
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
Aluminium
Windows, doors and bi folds
Soffit, fascia and guttering
Cladding
Flat
Conservatory
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.
1 simple rule: Use all the numbers 1-9, with no duplicates allowed, in any row, column, or block. These
Gardener’s Calendar
Some of us will have been gifted houseplants – or have used them to cheer the house during the winter months, so they deserve a little TLC to keep them fit for the rest of the year.
Amaryllis are a particular Xmas favourite, but you don’t need to throw them after just one season. Deadhead the flower, and let the stalk die naturally. If you keep feeding and watering you may actually get a second flowering in summer and they should flower again next winter. Azaleas don’t like tap water – use rainwater if possible. Indoor cyclamen can be very sensitive to the wrong kind of watering. Always water from the bottom – i.e. from the saucer. Don’t ever overwater – their stems rot very easily, if the plant has not drawn water from the saucer in an hour, it doesn’t need it so empty the saucer... And finally don’t leave any houseplants behind a curtain on a windowsill at night. Frosts can be deadly even through glass.
If you missed the boat and didn’t get round to planting allium bulbs in autumn, it’s not too late now. They will flower a bit later – late spring/early summer, but they’ll still give a good show. Likewise with lilies. Plant the bulbs about 8 inches deep in fairly light soil or compost. But remember they are poisonous to cats.
Strawberries are hardy, so to give them a good start for this year and clear away dead foliage. If you cloche them they’ll give you an earlier crop. Top Tip:
A COLD SNAP AND HEAVY SNOW BRINGS THE BIRDS IN
I wrote previously about the birds in autumn ranging around the countryside, particularly along woodland edge and hedgerows, but by December being drawn back to garden feeders. Although we had a generally mild, damp autumn and early winter, the suddenly plunging temperatures quickly pushed smaller birds back into gardens and to garden feeders. Indeed, the early mornings following a particularly cold night have been characterised by feeding frenzies and birds feverishly stocking up on food in order to replenish their vital stores of body-fat. The ability to keep warm relates to body mass and surface area so that a larger bird has more mass and greater surface area, but in proportion by comparison to a smaller bird, the ratio of area to mass is less. With a greater area to body mass ratio, small birds lose heat very rapidly and overnight can burn up their body-fat levels to a point which is critical. In severe circumstances, run out of energy and you perish! So, feeding becomes of the utmost urgency, and early morning after a nighttime chill is a key time when competition for space on the feeders is at a premium.
peanut holders, sunflower heart dispensers, and fat-balls. More occasional visitors have included a female blackcap, the only one so far this winter, a pair of collared doves, a single stock dove, and a reasonably regular nuthatch. They have been joined, mostly on a mixed suet dumpling and fat-ball dispenser, by a male great spotted woodpecker. This latter visitor comes over from the nearby woodland to the big oaktree and then down to the feeders. Sometimes joining the communal feasting are magpies and these are occasionally in flocks of twenty or more, but also a carrion crow and a jackdaw, both of which struggle on the hanging feeders – simply because of their bulk. They are noticeably cagey and watchful and tend to leave as soon as the camera is pointed their way. Or maybe they are just shy. Our visiting jay is now quite regular too.
The result of the above is more birds visiting gardens and a greater variety of species. I have had eight or more male greenfinches along with several females, and similar numbers of goldfinches. These have been joined by a pair of chaffinches and of bullfinches, and a host of blue tits, great tits, and coal tits, all eagerly seeking the
Another major change in recent weeks was the sudden appearance of a good numbers of migrant blackbirds with up to eight males, three or four females and two or three of what look like immature males. I do wonder if the latter were latefledging birds because of the climate-induced, extended summertime. These migrant birds may be from northern Britain, but mostly they will have come here to escape the deep-freeze in northern Continental Europe. These individuals are relatively comfortable with flocking together whereas our resident, breeding pairs are on territory and quite aggressive to intruders.
MALE BLACKBIRD
COCK HOUSE SPARROW
MALE BLACKBIRD
MALE GREENFINCH
We work in Clay Cross, Danesmoor, Lower
Pilsley, Old Tupton & Pilsley & all surrounding areas
