a lie, despite it arriving at precisely the same time each year, it genuinely does feel like it has sneaked upon us (again) this year! As last year though, we have some wonderful prizes donated by ourselves and our generous advertisers and supporters which will be up for grabs, so please keep a look out for that edition – as I always say, you’ve got to be in it to win it!!
On that note, if you want to give your business one last push for 2025, don’t delay and get in touch today! We still have space and I must say our Christmas editions have traditionally been one of my favourites! We always try to do something special and this year will be no different!
Happy Reading,
GOODWINS
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BASED IN WIRKSWORTH, GOODWINS ARE A TEAM OF KITCHEN, BEDROOM AND BATHROOM CONTRACTORS THAT MANAGE YOUR PROJECT FROM START TO FINISH. GET IN TOUCH TODAY. OUR VALUES
• WE TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN WHAT WE OFFER AT GOODWINS, AS WE’RE ABLE TO HELP YOU CUSTOMISE YOUR HOME EXACTLY HOW YOU WANT IT.
• WE’LL ALWAYS TAKE THE NECESSARY TIME TO TRULY UNDERSTAND YOUR VISION TO ENSURE THAT WE’RE OFFERING YOU EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AT ALL TIMES.
• USING THE LATEST 3D DESIGN SOFTWARE, WE’RE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH BESPOKE PLANS THAT GIVE AN ACCURATE IMPRESSION OF HOW YOUR ROOM WILL LOOK.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY, WE’LL ALSO PUT FORWARD MULTIPLE OPTIONS AND IDEAS TO HELP YOU DECIDE ON A FINAL LOOK.
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SUPPLIERS OF HIGH PERFORMANCE CAR, VAN, 4x4 TRUCK & FARM TYRES
LOCAL WAR TALES
Aircraftsman 1st Class Clifford Hawkins (1921–1945)
Born on 17th August 1921, Clifford Hawkins of 580 Pilsley Road, Morton, enlisted in the RAF Volunteer Reserve in December 1940. After training in Blackpool and Wiltshire, he joined 769 Home Defence Squadron, later posted overseas to Singapore. Their arrival coincided with the fall of Singapore, forcing evacuation to Java, where Clifford was captured by the Japanese at Tasik Malaja on 8th March 1943.
He was taken to Kuching, then to Sandakan, Borneo, where prisoners were forced to build an airfield under appalling conditions. The camp commandant, Captain Hoshijima Susumi, was later executed for war crimes including starvation, torture, and neglect of prisoners.
In 1945, as Allied forces advanced, the Japanese forced prisoners on the infamous Sandakan death marches. Those too weak to march, including Clifford, were left behind when the camp was burned. He died there on 15th June 1945, aged 24, officially of gastroenteritis. Clifford has no known grave and is remembered on the Singapore Memorial. Of 3,200 prisoners held at Sandakan, only six Australians survived. WINTER TYRES NOW
From 17 November 2025, the fee for registering a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) with the Office of the Public Guardian will rise from £82 to £92. While a £10 increase may not seem dramatic, it is a useful reminder of just how vital this document is – and why delaying could end up costing you and loved ones far more than a small fee increase in the long run.
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis recently described an LPA as more important than a will. While a will protects your estate after death, an LPA safeguards your interests during your lifetime, ensuring the people you trust can step in if you lose the capacity to manage your own affairs.
There are two types:
• Property and Financial Affairs LPA, which covers everything from bank accounts to property sales.
• Health and Welfare LPA, which allows decisions about your care, medical treatment, and living arrangements.
Attorney
Without LPA’s in place, even close family cannot automatically help. They would need to apply to the Court of Protection – a process that is stressful, time consuming, lengthy and costly, and could result in someone you wouldn’t have chosen being appointed.
The good news is that the system is being improved. The new Lasting Powers of Attorney Act 2023 is expected to slash the registration process from 20 weeks to around two, while also introducing new safeguards against fraud and abuse.
Laura Cowan, Head of Private Client Team at Graysons Solicitors in Hathersage, said:
“Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney is one of the most important decisions you can ever make. Without it, your loved ones face a complicated legal process at the very time when straightforward and effective support are most needed.”
While it’s possible to draft LPAs yourself, the forms can be complex. Errors in
the application can lead to delays and rejection, necessitating resubmission and incurring additional fees.
To create an LPA, you must have mental capacity. A solicitor can assess this, ensuring you understand the implications of what you are doing and that you are not acting under undue pressure.
Graysons’ private client team has extensive experience in drafting LPAs that protect your future interests. Contact our experts today to discuss your needs and ensure your affairs are in order.
STRENGTH . CONFIDENCE . COMMUNITY.
SMALL GROUP PERSONAL TRAINING
We are more than just a gym, we specialise in Small Group Personal Training (SGPT) and 1-1 Personal Training, giving you expert coaching, real results and a no nonsense approach to fitness.
For over 10 years, we’ve been helping people become stronger, fitter and healthier in a supportive and motivating environment.
Whether you thrive in a group setting or prefer a fully personalised plan, we’ve got you covered.
No matter where you’re starting from, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
CHOOSE ONE OF OUR MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
We will arrange a consultation by phone call or alternatively, arrange a time for you to pop down and visit the gym before purchasing your membership
Members typically purchase the 30 Day Start Up initially, before committing to one of our Monthly Memberships.
After purchasing a membership, an Onboarding Session will be scheduled, during which we will meet in person if that has not already occurred.
Mobility, stability, any restrictions, and current fitness level will be assessed during the Onboarding session and goals such as building strength, endurance, or fat loss will also be determined.
This will provide a clear starting point and allow training to be tailored accordingly.
2 spacious en-suite bedrooms
A fully enclosed garden
Fast fibre Wi-Fi and smart TV’s ✽ 2 small to medium dogs welcome (3 upon request) ✽ Fully equipped kitchen ✽ Perfect for exploring the stunning Northumbrian Heritage Coastline ✽ Plenty of dog friendly pubs, cafes & restaurants in stunning Warkworth
We will be running several competitions on the day including "Best Dressed Elf" and "Best Dressed Santa's Little Helper" otherwise known as Pet. 10k Timed Race Start: 10.00am 5k Family Fun Run & Timed Race starts 11.00am Mental Elf is a timed 10k, 5K and Family Fun Run at Elvaston Castle, Derbyshire
Country Park, Borrowash Road, Elvaston DE72 3EP Mental Elf 2025
What better way to kick off the festive season than to don an elf costume and raise money for your local Mental Health charity, Derbyshire Mind?
Bespoke blinds, curtains & shutters
Free temporary vertical blinds with any shutter order X3 Verticals fitted from £90 • X3 Rollers fitted from £120 (Size and fabric restrictions apply)
Services We Offer
• Blinds • Shutters
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Slimming World Recipe
Pizza Pasta Bake
1. Spray a non-stick saucepan with low-calorie cooking spray and put it over a medium heat. Add the onion, pepper and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened.
2. Stir the tomatoes and oregano into the mixture, and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to pack instructions, and heat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/ gas 6.
4. When the pasta’s cooked, drain and stir it through the tomato sauce. Spoon the mixture into a shallow ovenproof dish and top evenly with the pepperoni and mozzarella. Bake for 1520 minutes, or until bubbling and golden.
5. Divide between 4 plates, and serve with the salad or Speed veg.
• Salad or your favourite Speed vegetables, to serve Autumn and pasta bakes go together like... well... pizza and pasta! Which makes this the perfect combo. Enjoy!
• Low-calorie cooking spray
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and diced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 300g dried pasta shapes
• 50g pepperoni slices
• 200g mozzarella, roughly torn
Celebrating 10 Years as a Which Trusted Trader with T Nutt & Sons
We’re thrilled to celebrate a remarkable milestone with T Nutt & Sons - ten years as a Which? Trusted Trader!
This isn’t just a badge. It’s a mark of trust and excellence. Only companies that consistently deliver the highest standards of service and professionalism earn it. With verified reviews and ongoing checks, it’s a true sign that a business goes above and beyond for its customers. Having previously won the Certificate of Distinction in 2019, this milestone shows T. Nutt and Sons continued dedication to unmatched quality for their customers
T Nutt & Sons have been part of our local community since 1869. What started as a small shop in Clay Cross has grown into one of the region’s most respected flooring businesses. And despite over 150 years of success, it’s still family-run and still guided by the same values of uncompromising integrity and unrivalled personal service.
Managing Director David Nutt said: “We are immensely proud to have reached ten years as a Which? Trusted Trader. This recognition is a testament not just to our products, but to the dedication of our entire team, many of whom have been with us for decades. Our customers place great trust in us, and we work hard every day to ensure that this trust is well founded.”
Here at Voice Magazines, we’ve been working with T Nutt & Sons since 2017, and as recent customers ourselves, we can honestly say they’re just as fantastic as their reputation suggests. Friendly, professional, and reliable — they made everything easy, and the results were brilliant. We are proud to wholeheartedly reccomend them.
Owners David and Kevin Nutt
If you can’t make it into the store, we can offer a FREE home selection service, where we bring the store to you.
Our beds are the only approved trading standards manufactory in the UK.
All beds carry a 5yrs Warranty. Lots of choice of mattresses, Storage Bases & Head Board also Electric beds.
Delivery service available with old bed removal.
Durabed are the only company in the UK that is trading standards approved & a member of the National Bed Federation We are Stockists of
A NATION REMEMBERS
Each year in November, communities across the country pause to reflect, to honour, and to remember. Remembrance is more than a tradition; it is a deeply rooted moment of gratitude and reflection for those who have served, and continue to serve, in our Armed Forces.
From the battlefields of the First World War to the conflicts of today, men and women have stood in defence of our freedoms, often at great personal cost. They have faced danger, endured hardship, and in too many cases, given their lives so that others might live in peace. Their courage and sacrifice form part of the very fabric of our nation’s story.
As we gather at memorials, wear our poppies, or simply take a moment of silence in our daily lives, we join together in unity to say thank you. Thank you to those who have gone before us, and thank you to those who still serve today, at home and overseas.
The words of the traditional Ode of Remembrance, taken from Laurence Binyon’s poem For the Fallen, continue to resonate with us all:
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.”
These lines remind us that remembrance is not confined to one day in November but carried in our hearts always. Each name etched on a memorial, each wreath laid, and each moment of silence speaks of a nation’s enduring gratitude.
As we bow our heads this Remembrance Day, we acknowledge the debt we can never repay but must always remember. Their service, their sacrifice, and their unwavering commitment to duty remind us of the true cost of freedom.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.
MUSEUM
AT THE 11TH HOUR
In July 1914, WW1 was declared and men flocked to sign up as volunteers to fight for ‘King and Country.’ The general belief was, that Britain, such a powerful nation would go to war, fight for peace and, ‘it would all be over by Christmas.’ Sadly, that is not what happened, the war lasted for four terrible years.
By 1915 opposing sides had dug trenches stretching from the coastline of Belgium to Switzerland. This became known as the Western Front. Conditions for soldiers were harrowing. The trenches were filthy, rancid, rat-infested ditches with little or no shelter from the weather. The once fertile fields that had surrounded the trenches were shelled, the ground churned up, leaving a bleak barren landscape which became known as ‘No Man’s Land.’ Along with the constant sound of gunfire they had to cope with horrendous sights, friends mowed down in front of them, with their bodies left to rot on ground between the two sides. Being on the front line was a miserable existence.
Despite all the despair of this war, poppies began to grow. They filled desolate fields with a sea of red. Soldiers picked them, pressed them and sent them home to wives and sweethearts.
One Canadian soldier, a medic called John McCrae, was working close to the front in Ypres. McCrae was so moved by the sight of poppies growing all around the battlefield, that he wrote a poem. He named it, In Flanders Fields. The poem speaks of fields where ‘poppies blow between the crosses, row upon row.’ That poppies would thrive in such a place gave him hope that a better future lay ahead. Sadly, John McCrae did not survive the war, but his poem, and the poppy, became a symbol of remembrance.
The war ended, and in 1921, the Royal British Legion was formed, its aim to support service men and women. That same year the British Legion introduced the tradition of a two minutes silence at the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month, when we pause to remember those who died in wars then and throughout the intervening
years. The poppy was established as a symbol of remembrance. The money raised from the sale of paper poppies, sold during the weeks in the run up to 11th November, is used to support serving members of the armed forces, veterans and their families.
Unlike most people Lawrence Binyon, a poet, did not believe that the war would end quickly and as early as 1914 Binyon wrote ‘Poems on the Great War.’ Published in the Times was a poem named, For the Fallen. The fourth verse of this poem will sound familiar to many of us as it is often recited at services of remembrance.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
We should, and we do remember them for their courage and bravery.
As a tribute to all those fallen in wars, Bakewell Old House will host a Remembrance Installation to be displayed 8th to 11th November, 10am to 2pm. Entry to the museum during this time will be free of charge.
Joyce Janes on behalf of Bakewell Old House Museum.
IS NOW OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 11AM TO 4PM FOR THE 2025 SEASON. ALONG WITH OUR OWN WONDERFUL COLLECTIONS WE HAVE EXHIBITIONS BY CHESTERFIELD EMBROIDERERS AND THE LEVEL CENTRE.
BAKEWELL OLD HOUSE MUSEUM
ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY
Lots of people do fantastic things in their lives but very often they go unrecognised. Derbyshire’s Lord Lieutenant asks, ‘can we change things in Derbyshire?’ They may be doing amazing voluntary work in the community, working tirelessly to safeguard the environment, creating lots of employment in a local company, achieving incredible sporting triumphs or helping people face and overcome health problems.
The aim of the King’s Birthday and New Year Honours is to celebrate all these selfless types of activity. Anyone can be nominated for an Honour at any time.
All you need to do is fill out the nomination form, gather evidence of the impact of the person’s activities and get letters of support from people who know them or have benefitted from their activities.
Why not have a go at a nomination. You might help the person get the recognition they deserve and it will give you a warm glow in doing so!
More information is available at www.gov.uk/honours. and the Derbyshire Lord Lieutenant’s Honours Panel is here to help as well. They can be contacted by emailing Debra.Heaton - Lieutenancy@derbyshiredales.gov.uk
Elizabeth Fothergill Lord Lieutenant
MBE (M) Ladies
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
9 Seep out from menagerie sent back to the Orient (4)
10 It marks the spot in beer for holding wheels (4)
11 Mate’s attempts at vapour (5)
12 Fortunately it’s a bit of fish? (4)
13 Feline with legless plumage (4)
Down
2 Grimacing slightly at the coat (3)
3 It’s rubbish going up the hill (3)
7 Prude is taken aback and is speechless (5,2)
14 Moose spotted in Selkirk (3)
15 Indefatigably, it’s a bit of a gift, talking (3)
Mirth at the Hubble telescope is a low
(6,5) 5 Behaviour in front of an orchestra? (7)
Sad, lone pig running away (7)
Blake to mutate and have a fall (4,1,6)
All Around the Shire
MY GRANDFATHER’S BEDSIDE TABLE
As a child I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. They lived two streets away and my mum was busy with the twins, so it was my home from home.
In my grandparents’ bedroom, as well as a piddle pot there was a small, wooden table next to his pillow which, among other things, held an ashtray with a half-smoked woodbine and box of England’s Glory matches. Smoking in bed was not unheard of, nor was the bottle of bronchial mixture for his persistent cough set next to it. His dentures were in a glass of steradent close by.
There was no lamp because the light could be turned on and off by pulling the string which hung from the ceiling. What he did have was a folding travel alarm clock which is what sparked this memory. Today, we performed a session called “My dad had one of these” and one of our latest acquisitions proved very popular and recognisable. It was one of these clocks. They were so popular in many homes and could be taken on holiday.
This clock woke him for the early shift at Ley’s foundry until he retired with a gold watch. He only lasted for three years after retirement but the memories of a kind, loving grandfather endure.
Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information.
Tom Lucking: 07581 070 916 tom@deluxewindowcleaning.co.uk www.deluxewindowcleaning.co.uk
My name is Paul Booth. I am an autistic 43 year old man. I have rediscovered my talent for writing recently. It is something that has always been with me since childhood. I have had a busy life, as such my poetry and writing skills remained hidden and forgotten over the years. Now I have written over 30 poems in the last few months. With a take on the world, from an autistic point of view. Poem for Remembrance Sunday:
TAKE THE HARD ROAD
Sometimes in life we have all followed roads filled with dirt.
Paths filled with sorrow, with great pain, great sacrifice and hurt.
What i would say if those that have past didn’t follow these paths, would we be facing such an untold wrath?
More often than not, these paths create a sense of freedom and humanity, for a society to be free against those who don’t stand for democracy.
But against those that only stand for pain, suffering and untold tyranny.
The hard road of sorrow and pain most often creates the humble, strong, and the oh so brave.
For those are the ones, who shall not ever forgotten, nor betrayed.
They fight for our liberty, for our freedom to be saved.
They fight for country, kings and queens and for all of the beautiful things that freedom brings.
With this In mind, don’t ever be ashamed to say what dark path you walked upon, when you walked that hard road to our freedom.
For this is the place that you defended.
Our home, our place our proud foundation. A place if you look, that you will find a great proud nation.
A place we are all so grateful that you chose to defend, even until the bitter end.
A place of great beauty and such wisdom.
Our great, beloved United Kingdom.
LEST WE FORGET
Full Chimney Sweep and Stove Cleaning Services
• Professional clean & maintenance of chimney & fireplaces
• Bird nest removal
• Installation of chimney bird guards
• Complete installation of log burners, stoves and fires
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We also offer Roof Cleaning & Moss Removal
Kate Atkinson’s new novel, Death at the Sign of the Rook, is good fun; the perfect book antidote to the autumn blues. It keeps you on your toes mentally, has some brilliant characters and is a smart and knowing detective story which gives you the clever chills and some proper funny moments.
We’re back in Jackson Brodie country, the grumpy detective hero of some of her earlier books. Now a private detective almost dying of boredom in his search for a stolen painting he arrives at Rook Hall, which seems like the setting for the perfect murder mystery – in fact it’s a hotel where they put on murder mysteries weekends to entertain the guests.
So we have all the Agatha Christie favourites, the butler, the policeman, the vicar. Kate Atkinson may have quite a bit of fun with the classic Cluedo idea but the story soon spirals off into a real murder and a blizzard – literally - of loose ends and diversions.
It’s a lark, but one where you need the little grey cells on high alert and as with all her books the characters are at the heart of things. And again, as always, the book entertains us with thoughts on politics, TV, violence – you name it. You won’t be bored.
MISSING MURAL DISCOVERED BAKEWELL TOWN & COMMUNITY TRUST
On Thursday 18th September at Bakewell Town Hall, dignitaries and guests learnt about the ‘Mystery of the Missing Mural’.
In 1945 Private John Blake, an Army soldier who had been stationed in Bakewell during WWII, painted a huge mural on the rear wall of the Assembly Room in the Town Hall, the Mural was some 30ft wide by 16ft tall and took Mr Blake 146 hours.
He dedicated the painting to the people of Bakewell as a ‘Victory Gift’, particularly thanking the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Services Recreation Club who had done so much for the troops stationed there.
Controversially in 1958, the Urban District Council decided to ‘obliterate’ the mural without consultation, and in recent years it had become almost a myth.
However, thanks to the research of Stephen Coates, President of Bakewell & District Historical Society; and Archaeological
Research Services Ltd, the missing mural has been rediscovered.
A small area has been revealed and a special interpretation panel, designed by Jenny Doole from Archaeological Research Services, has now been installed.
Bakewell Mayor, Cllr Alyson Hill, unveiled the panel and guests were entertained with talks on the Mural’s history, along with details of the ‘Stitches in Time’ embroidered panels, created by members of Bakewell U3A and now on display in the Town Hall.
The evening also celebrated 135 years since the official opening of Bakewell Town Hall.
The rediscovered portion of the Missing Mural and the ‘Stitches in Time’ panels can be viewed at the Town Hall.
Photo: Stephen Coates, President, Bakewell & District Historical Society and Bakewell Old House Museum – Gives a detailed presentation of John Blake and his work.
LOCAL WAR TALES
Albert Keir, from Bakewell, joined the Royal Navy in 1943 after serving in the Local Defence Volunteers. He was assigned to HMS Potentilla, a Flower-class corvette, where he carried out essential ship and gunnery duties.
On 6 June 1944, he took part in D-Day, ferrying US troops onto Utah Beach amid gunfire, rough seas, and the chaos of invasion. His courage and determination helped secure a foothold for the Allies in Europe, contributing to the liberation from Nazi occupation.
Slightly before the war ended, Keir was discharged to support postwar reconstruction, using his skills as a painter and decorator to help rebuild homes for returning service personnel.
In later life, he returned to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, meeting King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and was awarded France’s Legion d’honneur, a lasting testament to Derbyshire’s wartime heroes and their enduring legacy.
LOCAL WAR TALES
This month let us not only remember the fallen but also all those who served and for whom the scars of war would never heal. Never mentioned, the horrors of war remained with them to the grave.
William Fearnley went to war in 1914 with two pals. He came home but what of his friends? They were to die, one missing presumed dead and the other K.I.A.
Hear the full story from his Grandson at PALMER MOREWOOD CLUB, ALFRETON at 1p.m. on SATURDAY, 8TH NOVEMBER.
PREMIUM FIREWOOD
LOCALLY SOURCED FROM SUSTAINABLE WOODLAND
WE DELIVER TO ALL LOCAL & SURROUNDING AREAS. YOU CAN ALSO VISIT OUR SHOP AT HOLLY GRANGE FARM FOR: FIREWOOD COLLECTIONS, A RANGE OF SMALL BAGS & NETS OF KILNDRIED LOGS, KINDLING, ECO FIRELIGHTERS, SMOKELESS FUELS, LOG BASKETS & STOVE ACCESSORIES.
All types of new and reclaimed paving available; Yorkstone, Sandstone, Indian sandstone, Porcelain.
We also stock; Building Stone, Walling Stone, Setts, Coping, Bricks, Sealers, Jointing, Heads & Cills, Kerbs, Reclaimed Sleepers and much more…
WINTER ROBINS ACROSS THE PEAK
As autumn and winter blend together, the region’s gardens provide habitat and sustenance for local Robins. After a hectic breeding season, these highly territorial birds are quiet during late July and August but begin singing again in early September. At this time of year, the song is subtly different from the breeding season singing. The change is hard to define but perhaps less tuneful and slightly harsher. It is also delivered by both males and females which hold separate and independent territories. Territory size and quality are vital to Robins as the chosen area must provide food in the form of insects and other small invertebrates sufficient to support the individual in possession. The boundaries between adjacent territories are lines invisible to our eyes but discernible to the birds, so that dominance and subservience generally change as the birds move from their patch and into the neighbour’s. However, if one bird intrudes into the adjacent territory but doesn’t follow protocol, in other words makes displays of dominance, then a fight may result. Indeed, territorial Robins may battle to the death and be so preoccupied with the conflict that they can be picked up whilst still engaged.
The trigger for their aggressive behaviour is the bright red breast which leads to response for the birds, especially during the breeding season. When hyped up, a Robin will even attack with a degree of vigour, a tennis ball marked with a red circle! Garden mirrors can also play havoc with this territorial behaviour for both Robins and Dunnocks, and this is because the mirrorimage sees an aggressive intruder. Moreover, the response from the reflection is increasingly provocative the more irate the owner of the home-patch. So, the more excited and combative the intruder then the more energetic the reaction and the process goes on.
Despite the high octane behaviour of our garden Robins, this contrasts with their interactions with us, where they are the gardener’s friend. Particularly if offered dried mealworms or calci worms then the local Robin will approach and
follow the gardener around the plot. Making a pursing noise with your lips whilst putting food out helps train the Robin to know what you are doing. Association of the sound with food availability will soon be learned, and furthermore this understanding and expectation can be passed down to the next generation during the summer months. Such behaviour develops from Robins following the gardener at work in the garden when they are watching for insects and worms being disturbed. This probably evolved from the birds simply following large herbivores blundering through the ancient forest!
Professor Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer, broadcaster on wildlife and environmental issues is contactable on ianonthewildside@ukeconet.org. Follow his website www.ukeconet.org, blog www.ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/ & Twitter @IanThewildside Bluesky @ianthewildside.bsky.social
WINTER ROBIN
WINTER ROBINS
SCAN ME
SCAN ME
GARDENERS CALENDAR
Hopefully the sunny summer has given us good crops from our fruit bushes, and now is a good opportunity to prune them back. This applies to blackcurrants, blueberries and gooseberries. Take out old wood and keep healthy looking young shoots and branches. Cut above a bud with a sloping cut so that water runs away from the wound.
November is also probably the prime time for tulip and other spring bulb planting, although you can go into early December. Twice as deep as the height of the bulb is the minimum rule, although you can go deeper with tulips and quite a bit deeper with the likes of fritillaries and anemones. If you haven’t got your daffs and narcissus in yet, do it now. They mostly don’t like late autumn planting.
Last grass cut should be around now before the frosts set in. Do it on a higher cut and on a dry day and don’t leave clippings on the grass. Earlier in the year they can provide nutrients but this time of year they’re likely to matt and block air and light from the roots.
It’s always tempting, once you’ve got the secateurs in your hand, to remove all this year’s dead growth from perennials, but if you do have some with good seed heads like teasels it’s a nice thought to leave some for the seed-eating birds over winter. And they can look interesting in a bare winter landscape.
