Voice Magazines - Kirkby-in-Ashfield & Annesley Edition - July 2025
Boiler
Boiler Servicing
Radiators
Tanks
Toilets & Taps
Leaks
Showers
Pipework
AUG ‘25
UPCOMING SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISERS & CONTRIBUTORS:
- 11TH JUL ‘25 • SEPT ‘25
Woohoo, well the lovely BBQ weather certainly continued didn’t it!
It is the British way to talk about the weather in whatever guise, be it too hot, too cold, too wet….Peter Kay made his living out of observing it and pointing it out to us in a comedic way! Personally, I’m with my friend Maggi, we get so few episodes of nice weather, we should take it graciously…..but it probably won’t stop me moaning about it when it’s too hot to sleep though…..I am British after all!
Speaking of nice weather, Wimbledon will put paid to all that, you mark my words!! I’ve played very little Tennis in my life but always fancied taking it up as a sport, especially after 2 weeks of it on the tellybox….not sure I have the time though and I’m getting to that point where I am considering my age and whether I can learn any new tricks?! Although, as I’m frequently reminded, age is just a number and a frame of mind….so maybe I will embrace the newness!
Anyway, in other news, Mr Emily and I went on our 5-years-ago planned bucket list trip to see Paddington in Peru, no not the movie, although we did watch that on the plane over there. It was a significant birthday dream destination until the
- 8TH AUG ‘25
dreaded Cov!d hit.
Needless to say it was a fabulous trip but a lot of travelling and not one to be dramatic, but I’m sure I had a few close shaves with the grim reaper, not least an earthquake and passing out at high altitude but it’s all character building isn’t it!!
With school out for summer, where is everybody going this year? Or, with our friends over the pond being a bit trigger happy at the minute and our summer weather being so lovely, is everyone taking the opportunity to do a ‘staycation’?
In which case, my next bucket list in this country is to head South for the Eden project. I’ve always wanted to go and despite the fact that they don’t have gravy with their chips, I reckon I could stand a week or two sampling the different ways I could enjoy a cream tea….for research purposes of course!!
Have a lovely July everyone,
Happy Reading, Emily x
WITH 11 MAGAZINES COVERING DERBYSHIRE & NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, WHY NOT ADVERTISE IN ANOTHER AREA
WIMBLEDON 2025: WHERE TRADITION SERVES A NEW SPIN
Wimbledon - the home of strawberries, grass courts, and the world’s poshest grunts - is getting a high-tech facelift in 2025. That’s right: for the first time in 147 years, line judges have officially been sent for a permanent tea break. Enter Hawk-Eye Live, the all-seeing electronic oracle that now calls every ball in or out across all courts. While purists might mourn the absence of those eagle-eyed humans with crisp white trousers, let’s be honest - the drama now stays on the court, not on the line.
But that’s not the only thing bouncing in a new direction.
The 2025 Wimbledon Championships, running from 30 June to 13 July, promise both tradition and transformation. At the heart of it, defending champions Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) and Barbora Krejčíková (Czech Republic) are back to defend their crowns - with rackets blazing and millions watching to see if they can repeat their Centre Court heroics.
Speaking of millions watching - in a move designed to woo more fans from North and South America, finals weekend start times have shifted. No longer will players be warming up as Brits polish
off their Sunday roast. The Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Singles Finals will now begin at 4:00 PM, giving international fans more reason to tune in live - and giving UK fans a chance to digest before the tension starts.
Here’s the finals line-up to mark in your diary:
SATURDAY, 12 JULY 1:00 PM
Gentlemen’s Doubles Final 4:00 PM
Ladies’ Singles Final
SUNDAY, 13 JULY 1:00 PM
Ladies’ Doubles Final 4:00 PM
Gentlemen’s Singles Final
So, whether you’re cheering for a Spanish power shot or a Czech backhand ballet, Wimbledon 2025 is serving up change with its usual dollop of charm. Just don’t shout at the line judges - they’re probably watching from home now, too.
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS AT DRAYCOTTS WITH THE ARRIVAL OF GWM!
Big news at Draycotts - something very special has just arrived, and it’s set to make a real impact. We’re delighted to welcome GWM (Great Wall Motors) to our dealership, introducing a bold new selection of vehicles that combine innovation, style, and outstanding value. From cutting-edge hybrids to fully electric models, the GWM lineup brings even more choice to our customers.
Among the highlights are the Haval Jolion Pro Hybrid SUV starting from £23,995 - perfect for those who want performance with efficiency - and the eye-catching ORA 03 EV from just £24,995, and now available in a sporty GT model. These vehicles represent the future of driving, and we’re proud to be your local destination to experience them first-hand.
GWM is a leading Chinese automaker, which operates in over 60 countries and supports its global presence with 10 full-process automobile manufacturing plants in China and three overseas facilities, achieving a total global production of 1.23 million vehicles in 2024. At Draycotts, we believe buying a car should feel personal, not transactional. That’s why, for over 50 years, we’ve focused on creating a friendly, helpful experience that our customers can trust. As the UK’s longest-serving Kia dealer in the UK, we’ve built a legacy of reliability - and now, with GWM joining the family, we’re taking that promise even further.
Our team is here to support you at every stage - whether you’re looking for a brand-new model, a quality pre-owned car, or tailored Motability solutions. With over 200 vehicles in stock and a range of flexible finance, lease, and fleet options, we’ll help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget.
Our support doesn’t stop when you drive away. Our newly refurbished GWM showroom - located right alongside our established Kia showroom - also houses our comprehensive aftersales and service department. Staffed by highly trained technicians, we’re here to take care of everything from servicing and MOTs to warranty work and accessories, ensuring your car stays in
Discover the future of driving - only at Draycotts
WINIFRED MARTIN
1911-2001
While I was thumbing through some black and white photographs recently, I came across this interesting article by Malcolm Bryan. His wife, Rose, was kind enough to allow me to use this article in The Voice magazine. Regular readers may remember that Malcolm and Rose Bryan wrote Passage To Destruction, a book that covered the fatal air disaster over Annesley Forest over 80 years ago.
Named after Winifred CavendishBentinck, the Duchess of Portland, Auntie Win was born and raised in Stanton Hill terraces where she had the same humble background of most schoolgirls of the Great War years and the early 1920’s. With a family of five boys and six girls, father Parry was a colliery fitter and mother Mary-Ann, a hardworking housewife that had left school at ten years of age to work in a Hucknall cigar factory.
When leaving school at fourteen years of age, like most local girls of the time, Winnie acquired employment in a factory, Chevening. However, eye problems put an end to this task, later becoming a telegram girl at Stanton Hill Post Office. But opportunity was waiting just around the corner for our Winnie. Lord Caernarvon’s sister, Lady Victoria Herbert, required a Kitchen Maid at her home in Dorset and fortunately Winnifred Martin was the lucky applicant.
Lady Victoria, to give her full name and title, Victoria Alexandrina Mary Cecil Herbert CBE (1919) D.G.St.J. was born at Highclere Castle on the last day of December 1874. Lady Victoria was the third child of Henry Howard Molyneux 4th Earl of Caernarvon, and his wife Evelyn, daughter of the Earl of
Chesterfield from the Stanhope family which included Tony WedgewoodBenn, and her brother George, an Egyptologist along with Howard Carter they discovered Tutankhamum’s tomb.
Evelyn died soon after the birth of Victoria leaving much of this young girl’s life in the hands of her Godmother, Queen Victoria. Lady Victoria Herbert remained unmarried throughout her life residing at Purse Caundle Manor, Sherborne, Dorset where she died in 1957.
Purse Caundle Manor was allegedly built by Bad King John as a hunting lodge, much later serving the Royalist cause in the Civil War. Supposedly haunted, a ghostly choir was said to sing in the Upper Gallery, and on a Mid-Summer and Christmas Eve King John’s hounds howl on the bowling green. When asked about the hauntings Auntie Win said she never heard a thing. Winnie was to spend six happy years at The Manor, her Ladyship proving a caring and considerate employer. If proof were needed of this fact, Auntie Win received many gifts including a signed prayer book “To Winnie from Victoria HerbertBest Wishes.” dated 1932, and she was also presented with a gold necklace on her 21st birthday. It was indeed a sad and sombre occasion when Winnie left
Purse Caundle Manor, her Ladyship suggesting to Auntie Winnie that the time had come to better herself, with the parting, “Always a bed here if you need one.” Winnie finally left on Lady Victoria’s recommendation to work for the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk.
Indeed, Winnie Martin was employed by many of the Premier Earldom or “higher class” employers up to the beginning of the Second World War. Her memories of being a kitchen maid on the Norfolk’s estate at Everingham near Market Weighton, North Yorkshire, or the one in Scotland were of “visiting nobs” as she called them, and the provision of much food for the shooting parties.
......TO BE CONTINUED
Policeman Tom Kettle is nine months into retirement. A widower, he has a new home and a plan for his new life – to be stationary, happy and useless.
A simple story you might think. But Old God’s Time by Sebastian Barry could not be further from a simple story. Nothing is what it seems.
Tom’s life takes another turn when two of his former colleagues turn up investigating a cold case concerning the murder of a priest and looking for a bit of help because Tom had been around at the time.
Tom Kettle is what might be called an unreliable narrator. Not that he means to be. It’s what he remembers. As a reader you’re fed disinformation, then just as you’re thinking you know where this line is going, you find out that you don’t.
Which might sound off-putting. Don’t be put off. It is a stunning book, delving into the bad old days of the Irish priesthood, but also describing with amazing understanding how unstable our memories are and at the same time pinpointing the amazing capacity of love to cut through the dark.
A very powerful book, compelling and beautifully written.
BOOKREVIEW BOOKREVIEW
COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS
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Mon 25th Aug - Mon 1st Sep
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- £299
Slimming World Recipe
BBQ Pulled Pork
Method:
1. In a small bowl, mix the passata, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, mustard powder, garlic, sweetener and seasoning. Transfer to a small pan and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
2. Meanwhile, heat a non-stick frying pan until hot, then sear the pork on all sides. Transfer to a slow cooker, coat with the sauce and cook for 8-12 hours on low.
Perfect for a bbq, a picnic, or an evening meal. Sweet, succulent and so tender it falls apart on your fork!
3. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board. Allow the meat to cool for approximately 15 minutes, then shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
4. Remove the sauce from the pan and set aside to drizzle over the meat later.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
• 500g passata
• 5 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 level tbsp sweetener
• 1.5-2kg pork shoulder, visible fat removed
Ready in: 8 hrs 25 mins
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A dogs Day out
This walk is one of those that just keeps getting better the further you walk along it. There are so many great views and a really nice mix of terrains, along with plenty of lovely paths and trails.
It’s the perfect walk for a pleasant summer’s day. We took a picnic and a plenty of snacks for a very happy Flake who gave a big paws up!
6½ MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM STOCKLEY POND VIA PALTERTON
Most of the walk is on paths and trails but there are some lanes where there might be vehicles. Please wear appropriate footwear, especially if it has been wet! And, as always, follow the countryside code.
START: Stockley Pond Car Park, Stockley Lane, Off The Hill, Glapwell. Chesterfield. Derbys. S44 5LY (Adjacent to Starbucks).
1. From the car park head back through the car park entrance along Stockley Lane towards the main road. Turn right along the road until reaching a pelican crossing. Cross the road and then continue for a short distance taking the next road (Bramley Road) on your left.
2. Continue uphill along Bramley Road. After a short distance take the 4th road on the left signposted for’ Bramley Vale Primary School’. At the very end of this road continue straight ahead along a footpath that threads between the houses signposted for Ault Hucknall, with a fence on your left and a wall on your right.
3. Pass a school on your left, then, ignoring the path off to the left, continue straight ahead with open views on your right and woodland on your left. After some distance pass close by a pylon on your right and then after a short distance cross straight over a crossroads of footpaths. Now begin to climb gently uphill moving away from the open views and going into the woodland.
4. The path becomes steeper. Cross over a 2nd crossroads of footpaths then continue straight ahead for a short distance before following the path around to the left; pass through 2 marker posts and continue to climb. When the path levels out continue straight ahead with a steep drop to your left and a hedge on your right.
5. After some distance pass through a gap in the hedge on your right. Continue along the edge of a field with a hedge on your left. After a short distance you’ll reach a hedgerow in front of you. Go to the left of the hedge and now continue along a track with a hedge on your right.
6. Upon reaching a road turn left to pass a church and a farm on your left. Continue until the road bends around to the left. At this point continue straight ahead along a footpath signposted for ‘Rowthorne’. (The left split of 2 paths). Cross an open field and then cross over a small footbridge and continue straight ahead to cross a second open field. At the far side pass through a wooden gate and onto a road.
7. Turn left along the road and then at a T junction of roads turn right. After a short distance turn left onto a signposted footpath and continue diagonal right across an open field. At the far side of the field pass through a gap and continue diagonal right across a 2nd open field.
8. At the far side of the field pass through a gap and then turn immediate right onto a tarmac footpath. After a very short distance follow the tarmac footpath sharp left and to a road. Turn left along the road and continue straight until the road bends sharp to the right. At this point continue straight on to a tarmac footpath.
9. Follow the tarmac footpath, reaching a fence in front of you. Then turn sharp left, down some steps to a road. Turn right for a short distance and then take the first road on the left called ‘Beck Lane’. Continue for a short distance and then take the first left onto ‘The Pinfold’. After a very short distance the road bends around to the left. At this point continue straight ahead onto a signposted tarmac footpath threading between two bungalows. After a short distance pass through a wooden gate into a field.
gate diagonally to your left. Ignore the small wooden gate and turn 90 degrees right to continue with the hedge on your left. After a very short distance turn 90 degrees to the left and continue along the edge of the field with the hedge on your left. Upon reaching a large wooden gate directly in front of you turn right and continue with the hedge on your left. After a short distance turn left and continue with the hedge on your left until reaching a small wooden gate.
12. Pass through the gate and turn left along a road. Continue along the road for some distance and then just prior to reaching a 7.5 ton weight limit sign turn right along ‘Main Street’ signposted for ‘Sutton Scarsdale’. After a short distance turn left and steep downhill along a footpath signposted for ‘Heath via Stockley Trail’. After a short distance continue diagonal left over a lane and then continue downhill along a signposted footpath.
13. After some distance cross a gate on your right into a field. Continue downhill to cross the open field and at the far side pass through another gate. Cross another field and then over a stile. Pass immediately by a marker post on your right and then follow a farm track around to the left. After a short distance ignore the path straight ahead and follow the track around to the right and continue keeping a small bank and some trees on your right.
14. After some distance the track bears around to the right again. At this point continue straight ahead to cross an open field. Continue winding gently downhill, and then cross over a stile and onto a trail. Turn left along the trail for some distance, then cross a lane to continue straight along the trail. After some distance you will reach a road. Cross diagonal right to pass through a metal width restrictor and continue along the trail with a stream on your left.
15. Continue for some distance and then turn sharp left and cross over a bridge. Continue along the path and then follow the main path around to the right to cross another bridge. Immediately after the bridge turn sharp right, continue for a short distance and then turn sharp left to immediately cross over a crossroads of paths.
16. Continue straight ahead and then at a split in the track keep right, going uphill. Continue over the top of the hill and down the other side. At the bottom of the hill pass a small pond on your left and then continue straight uphill.
17. After a short distance the track turns into a tarmac lane. Pass through a metal width restrictor and then continue straight ahead on the tarmac lane. After a short distance pass by a metal gate and return to the car park.
10. Continue straight ahead to pass some farm buildings on your right and then continue to cross an open field. Pass through a gap in a hedge and continue to cross a second open field. After some distance cross straight over a farm track and continue with a hedge on your left.
11. Continue straight ahead for a long distance with a steep bank to your left and open fields to your right. You will reach a hedge directly in front of you and a small wooden
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.
HERITAGE OF
THE WYVERN CLUB
Most weekends, we would walk from the Frankfort House Social Club, Victoria Road and down Police Station Hill towards Urban Road.
Over the bridge where one of the many railway lines that led out of Kirkby and the freight yard, then a low building set back, a club for the British Rail Workers B.R.S.A.. We were told that Grandad had helped set it up in the early 60’s, as he was the local A.S.L.E.F. representative. A large area of land was behind it, stretching towards Southwell Lane, sometimes as part of training the sportsmen would run around the full site.
Some dark brown buildings were just off the main road, built earlier than the Club, they may have been used during World War II, then as changing rooms for all the teams who used the sports facilities. In December 1989 the Chad did a piece on the club being sold from British Rail to the members, stating the field was 5 acres for Golf and Football, hence the change to The Wyvern Club. It seems British Rail sold off lots of Sports Clubs to raise funds for the new Channel Tunnel link!
Over time, the Club was used by many people, dances were held, social events, special nights. The Sports side was very active, and the Cricket and Football Clubs well attended. My Uncles kept up the family connection, until modern life affected a gradual decline in traditional evening and weekend sports. He recalls one older Chairman
of the Football team, Mr P requesting his ashes to be scattered on the football touchline.
Since 2020, Kirkby development has become important for regeneration and both sides of Police Station Hill were being looked at for a Gateway to Kirkby. We had the Train Station, a new Leisure Centre all on the same side of the town. A proposed new pub for the Community was drawn up and discussions with The Wyvern as to how make improvements to the Club buildings within the development. It seemed that nothing could be done to stop the demolition of the Club, despite newspaper appeals. By 2025 the site was cleared, then the new pub proposal was not followed up, and last month it was announced, flats were being built on the site.
I kept some of the cuttings for my history projects and would love to find any other pictures or stories of yet another Kirkby loss.
BEING INTERESTED IN LOCAL AND FAMILY HISTORY, I HAVE A FACEBOOK PAGE “ANNESLEY OC HERITAGE EXTRA”, WITH MANY EXCITING FACTS ABOUT THE AREA WITH PICTURES AND COMMENTS. WHY NOT TAKE A LOOK? EMAIL: SPOOKYSUE2014@OUTLOOK.COM OR CALL: 01623 721 905
Football Team. Back Row 3rd in Roy Copson, family.
December 2024
Guess the words and Fill in the crossword !
Across
1 Old, cross, shielded cat (or an implant come adrift) (4,7)
5 Lions and tigers, once seen on giant chess board (3,4)
14 Lent an ear to plan that’s timeless (7)
16 Austin to relax and unwind, where there’s no stress? (7,4)
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. These puzzles are devised by
Across
9 Endless line of polo players (4)
10 Shower, with love from judo teacher (4)
11 Scope of the cooker? (5)
12 A tin, opened, of steak, say (4)
13 Link yesterday with murky outcome (4)
Down
2 Brother going up to the ball (3)
3 The passage of time (3)
7 Posher than a big piano? (7)
14 Bird would do better with late following (3)
15 Sloppy sound is missing (3)
Down
1 Egg, all on jar, adopted for ‘barristerspeak’ (5,6)
4 Any deserter, running away from early youth (6,5)
6 Mark on impertinent teen, just walking off (7) 8 Mid-area cultivation on Atlantic island (7)
One of the first things I made in school needlework class when I was about nine years old was a really useful gingham apron with an embroidered pocket and long ties for round my waist. That little apron saw me right through school and beyond. Nowadays, I wear a wrap-over pinny when presenting our social history sessions. From my childhood, they were worn by women of my granny’s age all day, every day. The only concessions were to put on a clean one for visitors.
They were much more than a humble, practical garment, they symbolised the personality of the person wearing them. The smell, the stains and the feel of the fabric was imprinted on every child’s mind as they hugged or tugged at the person wearing it. Tears were wiped away with it, a grazed knee might be dabbed with a corner, a child might hide in its folds. And the pockets were mysterious caverns, contents known only to the wearer. Possibly a handkerchief, a sweetie and perhaps a cigarette or a shopping list.
In our house, we have many aprons hanging on the back of the pantry door and wear them when cooking, cleaning, gardening and sometimes eating. My granddaughter loves to wear hers when baking or cooking with us. Long live pinnies!
Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information.
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
GARDENERS CALENDAR
July – height of the growing season – and time when many of our best loved perennials reach their tallest growth.
Which can be a bit of a problem if we get more of the high winds which swept the country early last month. Props, to avoid plants being damaged, can come in a number of forms; but garden centre supports are mostly not very helpful at this stage as they require plants to grow up through them. Home-made canes-and-string versions threaded in or around work pretty well and will soon vanish in new growth.
If you’ve gone for courgettes this year don’t panic if you haven’t got female flowers which produce the fruit yet. A cold early spring and growing period can slow these down, but they do tend to develop more frequently as the summer goes on. Fruit swell behind female flowers, in case you’re wondering. Water the plant at the base, otherwise you may get powdery mildew. If you do, remove the affected leaves. Feed every 10 days with a tomato feed, keep compost moist – they may need watering every day in hot weather - and harvest when the fruit are relatively small, up to about six inches max as this means the plant will produce for longer.
With all veggie crops it’s worth remembering that pollinators such as linaria, which are great self-seeders and fast growers and calendula are great to plant nearby as they will attract the insects you need.
TOP TIP
Cut back salvia spikes once they have gone over and trim the plant back by a third. The plant should then reward you with a second flowering. And cut sweet peas before they go to seed to keep the plant flowering.
BABY BIRDS ARRIVE IN NUMBERS ON THE GARDEN FEEDERS…..
All of a sudden, the baby birds arrive at the garden feeders. The first ones were juvenile starlings recently fledged and desperately demanding food from their anxious parents. These young starlings do cause confusion because their pale gey and buff markings look so different from the adult birds that some readers think they are a different species. At first, they simply sit next to the fat-balls or the mealworm dispensers and loudly demand feeding. However, they soon get the hang of feeding for themselves and still cadging some food off their weary parents. Young blackbirds, robins, and song thrushes soon join the growing throng in queuing for the various feeders. A noisy addition is the local jackdaws which boss the feeders and head back to nearby chimney-stacks where they have nested to supply their own ever-hungry youngsters. These are soon followed by very young greenfinches and goldfinches which quickly discover the sunflower hearts and the peanuts and are joined by adult and young bullfinches too. I hear the chaffinches calling and singing but so far didn’t see any youngsters.
A major change is when the fledged blue tits and great tits appear en masse and seem to favour the hanging fat-ball holders where they crowd in
to peck at fat-balls and especially the soft suetballs. I have noticed this year that these recentlyfledged babies are exceptionally approachable and wonder whether this behaviour will carry on into adulthood. Both of the adults of my pair of robins will come when called if I offer up mealworms or dried calci worms whilst making a chirping noise with my lips. Hopefully, the young robins will learn to do the same. I will have to see if this approach works with the blue tits as well. The great spotted woodpecker is coming to the fat-balls or the peanuts very regularly, but it is only the male at present. It appears to grasp a beak-full of food and then head back across to the woodland close-by. I guess the female and youngsters are still in the nest.
A treat in the local wood was a family party, or possibly two of treecreepers. The young birds are similar to the adults, but their brown and white plumage is more softly marked and less clearly defined. Also known as the ‘tree-mouse’ the brood creeps almost invisibly up and around the trunks of mature trees. Once you spot them, they tend to move around the back of the tree and pretend you aren’t there or at least cannot see them.
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
