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From the Editor
Hello Readers,
…..And Breathe!!! All the kids are back at school this month, pumpkin spiced latte’s are back on the menu and big jumpers and boots are brought to the front of the wardrobe!! Gotta say, as much as I enjoy the light evenings and long days of Summer, Autumn has got to be my season – ask my friend Sarah, who thinks my spirit animal is the colour ‘Brown’ #eyeroll! A nice traditional Autumn is what I’m looking for though - crisp, colourful and snuggly – not some wet abomination that we endured last year all the way through to March (with small pockets of ‘freeze’ in and around the wet, if I remember rightly?). Anyway, that’s what me and the animals are hoping for!
Speaking of the animals, do you like our ‘Season Changeover’ edition this month? We’ve got some lovely articles including one about Hedgehog Healthcare submitted by one of our fabulous readers – Tracy – Thankyou for sending that in. As always, Lisa has worked hard on the front covers and I have to say, they are up there as one of my all-time faves.
On the theme of all time faves – this month me and Mr Emily partook in our friends hockey tournament last month. It was a fabulous day, as it always is and I have to give a massive shoutout to our friend Holly, who organises it each year to raise money for her charity. If you have a few minutes, have a look at the Facebook page for ’Leon’s Legacy’. This is all about Holly’s story
FOR ADVERTISERS & CONTRIBUTORS: OCT ‘25 EDITION - 12TH SEPT ‘25 NOV ‘25 EDITION - 10TH OCT ‘25
and how she has committed to building up the charity to be able to provide first aid training and put defibrillators in local communities. At last count, she has put 75 defibs in local communities and plans to provide many more in the future, to spare others the tragedy which she and her family faced. So please check out her page and support in any way you can, even if it’s as simple as liking and sharing the page. Needless to say, lots of fun was had and as it was my first year playing in it with my team –Ilkeston Hockey Club – we had the best time….. you could even support by joining our hockey club and playing in the tournament next year –it’s worth it for the cakes and ice cream alone!!!
Anyway, see you all next month for the Halloween edition!
Happy Reading,
The Gentle Shift: NATURE’S
CHANGEOVER FROM SUMMER TO AUTUMN
As the long, golden days of summer start to shorten, nature quietly begins its transformation into autumn. The air turns crisper in the early mornings and evenings, and a subtle shift in light gives the landscape a softer, more golden hue. This gradual change signals a period of preparation, rest, and reflection across the natural world.
Trees are among the first to show signs of change. As daylight hours decrease, chlorophyll — the pigment responsible for summer’s lush green leaves — starts to break down. This reveals the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows that have been hidden beneath, creating a breathtaking display of colour in woodlands and hedgerows. The falling leaves begin to carpet the ground, providing shelter and food for insects and fungi.
Animals also respond to the changing season. Birds such as swallows and swifts gather in flocks, preparing for their long migration to warmer climates. Meanwhile, squirrels can be seen busily collecting acorns and nuts, instinctively storing them to see them through the leaner months. Hedgehogs and other small mammals begin to fatten up, readying themselves for hibernation.
In the countryside, fields that once bustled with crops are harvested and begin to lie fallow. Grasses and wildflowers fade, making way for fungi like toadstools and mushrooms to flourish in the damp, leafstrewn undergrowth. The soundscape changes too—where once there was buzzing
and chirping, now the rustle of dry leaves and the distant call of migrating geese fill the air.
Despite the cooling temperatures and the fading light, autumn is far from a time of decay. Instead, it is a period of rich abundance and natural beauty. Nature pauses, slows, and prepares. It is a time of gratitude for the bounty of summer and anticipation for the peaceful slumber of winter.
Whether walking through a forest, tending a garden, or simply watching the sky, the transition from summer to autumn offers a chance to reconnect with the rhythms of the natural world—and to savour its quiet, graceful shift.
Groundbreaking Heritage Project Celebrating the ‘Father of Railways’ Officially Launched
Chesterfield’s pivotal place in the story of the birth of the modern railway was officially celebrated at Holy Trinity Church – the final resting place of railway pioneer George Stephenson.
Stakeholders gathered to mark the launch of a major new heritage initiative.
The ambitious project, made possible by a £240,600 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, will see Newbold Road’s Holy Trinity Church transformed into a visitor destination and educational hub celebrating Stephenson’s legacy and Chesterfield’s rich industrial history.
Attendees at the event heard about plans to enhance visitor facilities, develop interpretation materials, and deliver an engaging programme of school activities, community events, and skills-based volunteering.
The project is further supported by EMR, Cross Country Rail, Raymond Ross Fund, Graysons Solicitors, and Holy Trinity Church.
Reverend Jilly Hancock of Holy Trinity Church said: “Today marks the start of something truly special for Chesterfield. This project will not only celebrate George Stephenson’s remarkable achievements but also reconnect our community with the wider industrial story that helped shape the town. We are so grateful to
The National Lottery Heritage Fund, our partners, and everyone who has backed the project.”
Alongside commemorating Stephenson’s contribution, the project will explore Chesterfield’s wider Victorian expansion, the growth of the Clay Cross Company, the region’s railway and coal mining heritage, and the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike.
Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the project comes at a time of renewed interest in railway history, with 2025 marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway.
It was on 27 September 1825, that George Stephenson’s steampowered Locomotion No. 1 travelled 26 miles between Shildon, Darlington, and Stockton, carrying hundreds of passengers to great fanfare.
Guests gather at the launch event
The project group and supporters gather to celebrate the launch
AMBER VALLEY RUGBY CLUB
GEARING UP FOR AN EXCITING SEASON
Pre-season at Amber Valley Rugby Club has been buzzing with energy, as both the men’s and women’s squads have welcomed new faces each week. Training sessions have been well attended with players showing real commitment and enthusiasm as they prepare for the season ahead.
The men’s pre-season friendlies have offered a fantastic opportunity for new players to experience the game for the first time. Supported and guided by the long-standing squad members, these matches have helped the team grow together both on and off the pitch. The camaraderie and encouragement shown highlights what grassroots rugby is all about.
Attention now turns to competitive action, with the men’s league season kicking off on 6th September home against Matlock 2s. The women’s team will begin their campaign with an away game on 21st September away against Tupton/Rolls Royce, while the future of the club gets its chance to shine with minis and junior trials starting on 7th September.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh challenge, a way to keep fit, or simply want to be part of a welcoming community, Amber Valley Rugby Club could be the place for you.
WHY NOT START A NEW SPORT AND JOIN THE VALLEY FAMILY THIS SEASON?
Interested in giving rugby a try? call Stuart 07966 867 946 for the Gareth 07595 520 537 for the ladies and Paul 07790 403 043 for the Minis and Juniors.
More than just a club, we are the #ValleyFamily. You can visit our website www.ambervalleyrfc.co.uk, Facebook & Instagram pages to contact us or follow what we do. You can find us at Lower Somercotes, Somercotes, Alfreton
If you can’t make it into the
we can offer a
selection service, where we bring the store to you.
FEEL FREE TO COME ALONG!
A church family which meets in the heart of our community, you’re most welcome! We represent a wide cross section of the community, from young families, to 20s-30s, to more senior years, with a variety of nationalities
We meet on Sunday mornings, 10.30am The Genesis Centre, King St. Alfreton and midweek evenings we meet in homes around the area.
ALPHA starts Tuesday 30th Sept 7pm
if you have a little faith, no faith or are just curious about faith, about life, about God and want to explore what it’s all about, in a friendly atmosphere, ALPHA is for you! Please do get in touch for details.
ENJOY A WONDERFUL SUMMERTIME!
Best wishes from all of us at New Life!
Wool, Hardwearing, Soft Touch, laminate flooring, LVT Flooring and Vinyl cushion flooring. Free measuring and home selection service, free estimates, free planning, free delivering and fitting arranged.
BEDS
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.
Slimming World Recipe
Citrus chicken with garlic and honey
Method:
1. Heat your oven to 190°C/fan 170°C/ gas 5.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, honey, lemon juice and soy sauce.
3. Put the chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and pour over the sauce. Add the
For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk
Now we’re back into the regular routine after summer, this quick and appetising meal is a must try if you want tasty, satisfying food without the fuss.
Ingredients:
lemon slices and roast for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove from the oven, sprinkle over the lemon zest and parsley. Serve with your favourite Speed veg and roast potatoes.
Serves: 4 Syns per serving: 1 1/2
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 level tbsp honey
• Juice of 2 unwaxed lemons, zest of 1, plus lemon slices
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 8 skinless and boneless chicken thighs, visible fat removed
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Ready in: 40 mins
ARE YOU A CRAFTER WHO WANTS TO SELL SOME OF YOUR CREATIONS? Any items made by yourself are welcome
ARE YOU READY FOR A DECLUTTER? Are you redecorating or do you simply need to create some more space at home? SATURDAY INDOOR
For more information or to request a pack, visit the market & speak to Vicki or Debbie or call on: 01773 520363 or email: market.towns@ambervalley.gov.uk Institute Lane, Alfreton, DE55 7BP THERE ARE
HERITAGE TRUST
THE PREMIER ELECTRIC THEATRE
A passionate community campaign is underway in Somercotes to save one of the village’s most cherished landmarks – the Premier Electric Theatre. This historic building, once the heart of entertainment in the area, holds a special place in the heart of many local residents. From silent films and Saturday matinees to community shows and live performances, the theatre now stands neglected and since 2016 the site has been offered for redevelopment. Many feel that it should be restored as a community space of some sort hence the current campaign. Time will tell whether this will succeed. So then, what of its history?
The Premier Electric Theatre opened on 1st January 1912. Although it initially held only 300 patrons, it was soon extended to almost fill the original plot of land and held over 1,000 people. The proprietor was local Wine & Spirit Merchant, Mr. George Beastall and the first projectionist was Charles Lewsley.
Cinemas in the early 1900’s not only screened silent movies but also showed newsreels and educational films. An advertisement in the Derbyshire Courier on 9 January 1912, just days after its opening stated: “NEXT WEEK’S GREAT ATTRACTION – The Delhi Durbar –Special Pictures of the King and Queen’s Indian Tour – Don’t Miss It. Other Interesting and Amusing Pictures”.
The centre of the proscenium arch had a crest containing the initials “A.B.B” which stood for Annie Bertha Beastall, the wife of the proprietor, who presided over the cash desk. Admission prices were 2d for plain seats, 4d for leather seats and 6d for velvet armchairs. [An original bench seat from the Premier can be seen at the Alfreton & District Heritage Centre, on Rodgers Lane, Alfreton].
In 1927 the first feature length motion picture with synchronised sound, The Jazz Singer, was released in the United States. Within a short time, cinemas all over England were being updated with the latest technology to allow them to show “talkies”. In 1930, the Premier was closed so that a sound system could be installed, but at the same time substantial alterations to the façade of the building took place, and extensions and internal modifications were made to increase the number of seats. The frontage of the building was rebuilt in a brutalist art-deco design, which although at the time modern, still managed to blend in with other premises on Nottingham Road. On the 10th of November 1930, the Premier Electric Theatre re-opened, having been closed for twelve weeks for the alterations and the installation of talkie pictures.
The Cinema was owned by George Beastall until the mid-1940’s when it was sold and re-sold a number of times over the years, before Ollerton Cinemas acquired the premises. They installed a stereo sound system and cinemascope in 1954. The significance of this development cannot be exaggerated. The Premier Cinema became, for a while, the only cinema in the area outside of Derby to have this facility, and people travelled over considerable distances to experience this new technology. In an age when there was only one black and white television channel, cinema audiences were much larger than today, and the Premier Cinema regularly sold out at all performances during this period.
Sadly, on 5th November 1960 a fire, thought to have been caused by a firework, gutted the building and the Cinema closed for good. Perhaps the Premier will rise from the ashes, and this isn’t the end of our story after all.
www.alfretonanddistrictheritagetrust.wordpress.com
Unforgettable City Breaks: Classics, Hidden Gems & Big Adventures
I’m not a fly-and-flop kind of traveller; it may be because I never come back with a tan. I love the excitement of a city break. Places we once spent a week exploring because of the once-a-week flights, can now be the perfect short escape.. Think Venice, Prague, Porto… all easy to reach and full of character.
This year, I’ve helped people discover all sorts of amazing cities — from the culture and history of Berlin to the coastal beauty of Split, the charm of Valletta, the northern magic of Reykjavík, and the bright lights of New York and even Toronto. Because city breaks aren’t just the obvious ones — they’re wherever food, culture, and adventure come together.
Ready to plan your next escape? Scan the QR code and let’s find the city that’s calling you.
Check out our brochure:
mandy.oldknow@mytc.com
travelcounsellors.com/mandy.oldknow
Tailoredblinds&curtains
FREEHOMESURVEY"ATION
Chooseyournewblinds&curtainsfromthecomfortof yourownhomewithourfreehomesurveyorvisit ourshowroom(Just2minsfromIKEA)
Noel Coward once wrote that it’s extraordinary how potent cheap music is. And wow was he right. We’re talking about good, heart-on-their-sleeve songs that whisk you in a time machine to a different place or remind you instantly of someone and connect immediately with your emotions, so that just the opening bars make you want to get up and start dancing, or saying God I remember that, or have you reaching for a hankie to wipe away the tears.
Well these are the songs that music journalist and DJ Stuart Maconie has written about in The People’s Songs – The Story of Modern Britain in 50 Songs.
He’s not saying they’re the same for everyone. But you’d have to be pretty unusual not to have a reaction to a lot of them and he’s using them to tell stories from our shared history, starting with We’ll Meet Again and running through the likes of Another Brick in the Wall, Radio Ga Ga, Do they know it’s Christmas, Brimful of Asha, Can’t Get You Out of My Mind, Wannabe, Merry Xmas Everybody. You get the idea…
As Stuart Maconie says, they’re a soundtrack to our lives. He’s giving us a picture of what was going on at the time because these songs relate to a particular period in our lives and our country’s life.
It’s a great idea. The writing is sparky and intelligent and fun and very thoughtful without being in any way pretentious. There’s lots of good pictures and it’s very easy to read and dip in and out of. What’s not to love…? It’s our story.
A dogs Day out
This month we bring you one of our favourite walks. The fabulous Michelle and Dean made use of the fine weather, whilst Flake kept cool (it’s very important to assess the weather before taking a dog out on a long walk). This was more tasking than most of our walks but it is well worth the effort to see some of the fantastic views and on cooler days, there are plenty of opportunities to let your dog off the lead.
7.5 MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM AMBERGATE TO CRICH MONUMENT
A more difficult but highly enjoyable walk for you and your dog. The route should take around 3 to 4 hours. There are some steep and prolonged accents and the terrain is varied with some uneven and potentially muddy parts. As ever a good pair of boots is highly recommended. There are a few stretches of road so take care and use pavements when possible.
1. Park at Ambergate train station car park (pay and display), located near the junction of the A610 and the A6. Leave the car park by the main entrance and take the steps on your left. At the A610 cross the road and turn left to pass under the bridge. At the A6 turn right towards Matlock.
2. Shortly up the road turn right up Chase Road and follow the path until you reach a public footpath on your left signposted “Cromford 5 Miles” walk along the footpath with the canal on your right towards Matlock.
3. After a short walk, pass under a stone bridge and immediately turn left through a gate. Turn left again to crossover the canal. Pass through the 2nd gate on the left and walk along the footpath to the remains of a stile.
4. Follow the path uphill through the woods (it is very steep and has the potential to be very muddy during winter months). Keep to the main path until you leave the woods. As you do you will have a fence on your right. Cross an old broken wall and immediately turn right over a stile.
5. Walk up for two fields keeping a wall close on your right. Cross a stile and turn right up Chadwick Nick Lane. Go over the top of the hill as you are walking downhill turn left by a footpath post up a flight of steps. Pass through a stile.
6. Continue ahead along this path by the Tors. Follow a wall on your right across fields and stiles until you reach a gate to the right and a squeeze stile straight ahead. Take the path through the squeeze stile ahead with trees on your left. Follow this path until you reach a stile with some steps follow the footpath with the road to your left and go down the steps to the main road into Crich.
7. Carefully follow the road downhill into the centre of Crich, looking to use the pavements where possible. From the centre of the village carry on up Bownes Hill passing a pub on your right and follow the road up and round to the left onto Cromford Road.
8. Carry on along the road, passing St Marys Church and at the T-junction, turn right following Plaistow Green Road. Follow the road turning left through a gate onto the public footpath. At the end of the footpath go through the gate and turn left towards the monument.
9. As you approach the monument, take the signposted path on your right. Keep to the path for quite a way until you reach the tram line. Cross the tram line and head downhill on the path, passing around the side of a gate and continue straight to the bottom of the hill. Go through the gate and turn left walking along the path passing the house on your right. Turn right onto the footpath provided to avoid the locked gate.
10. At the main road, cross over, turn right after a very short walk on your left take the signposted path slightly hidden by foliage. Follow this path down through the fields, pass in and out of a wooded area and then through another field before entering Oxhay Wood.
11. In the woods keep to the main path as it winds down through the woods, go through the wooden gate and cross over a country road. Carry on downhill through a metal gate and along the path to Cromford canal.
12. Carry on along this path until you arrive at a bridge on your right. Cross the bridge and turn left and walk along the path until reaching the canal. Turn right onto the canal path and follow this all the way back to where you initially began at point 2. From here, re-trace your steps back to the car park.
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.
BE A HEDGEHOG HERO
Hedgehogs need our help, these charming little creatures are vanishing from our neighbourhoods, but we still have time to reverse the trend and together we can make a big difference!
Feeding our little hogs is a great place to start but it’s vital we provide them with the right food sources, see the infographic below for the Wildlife Trusts top tips on Hedgehog hunger.
Small actions like leaving a hole in your fence for hogs to roam, ditching harmful slug pellets, adding a hedgehog house to your garden and come November, checking unlit bonfires before lighting will all hugely help our prickly pals.
So, rally your neighbours, share this message, and let’s turn our community into a sanctuary for hedgehogs. Their future depends on us - let’s give them a fighting chance!
This article was supplied by Tracy, one of our local readers who regularly helps Hedgehogs in her local community.
WWW.WILDLIFETRUSTS.ORG/ACTIONS/WHAT-FEED-HEDGEHOGS-AND-BADGERS
Ian Wilson Electrical Services
Guess the words and Fill in the crossword !
1 Disapprove (apparently!) of a broken cook’s ankle (4,7)
8 Taking away morale that’s ruined in opposition (7)
11 Mine, in no way is a candidate (7)
16 Difficulties can intersperse with undertakings (11)
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
Across
5 Blow a fuse at end of exercise! (3)
7 Dr.s’ club sitting on back of Lambretta? (3)
10 Spread it carefully, me dears! (7)
14 Badger sett, say in anagram form (3)
15 At heart, truth can be a groovy thing (3) Down
2 Lily’s from a rum joint! (4)
3 Invoke no loss around Ukrainian city (4)
9 Took a piece from a shorty giraffe! (5)
12 Moreover, it’s ever away from the heath (4)
13 Film is of iron construction (4)
1 Louse, in quiz fiddle, becomes ruler in France (5,6)
Freeze! allegedly, and put on spaceman tie (11)
Rubbing out virtual lift? (7)
to
conclusion
All Around the Shire
As a child of the 60s and 70s, I was lucky enough to experience both the “proper” old fashioned puddings and the new “convenient” puddings which arrived with the advent of supermarkets.
These would include Arctic Rolls and bricks of ice cream kept in the ice box at the top of the fridge. Angel Delight or Instant Whip and a blob of Dream Topping made them especially luxurious. You can still get trifle in a box today I was amazed to find. Tinned fruit and evaporated milk were a staple of Sunday afternoon teatimes.
Bargeboards
Cladding
School puddings tended to come in two varieties: milk puddings and sponge based with thick custard. Chocolate concrete and pink custard, still popular today!
As the cooler nights draw in, I will always have a special place in my heart for puddings made with love and care. Apple and blackberry crumbles, pies and tarts. Fruit from the garden, the hedgerows, fresh and in season. Rice puddings baked for ages in an enamel dish covered with a thick skin. So comforting!
Do you remember eating stewed plums and putting the stones around the outside of the dish? Then working out who you were going to marry… Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor, rich man, poor man, beggarman, thief.
Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more
WINIFRED MARTIN 1911-2001 -
Part 2
CARRYING ON FROM LAST MONTHS ARTICLE
Before the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, Winnie was living in the shadow of the great cathedral in the service of Canon Carnegie, Dean of Westminster. The Canon’s wife being a sister to Neville Chamberlain of the Munich agreement fame; indeed, Winnie came into contact with many politicians and hierarchy of the period.
A further position secured by Winnie was in the Hyde Park household of the Honourable Mrs. Beckett, Auntie to Sir Anthony Eden and the eccentric racehorse owner, Dorothy Paget. This must surely have been the ultimate in London’s high society at this time.
In 1937 Winnie was recommended, at a wage of £45.00 per annum, to a position at Clarence House with the Queen Mum’s brother, the Duke of Connaught, but for whatever reason the position was not accepted.
Wartime Britain interrupted Winnie’s high society service, and despite the advice to come back home, she volunteered for war work being sent to the College of Domestic Subjects. Undaunted by Herr Hitler’s attempts to blow her up, Winnie continued her efforts in hospitals at Camberwell and Bethnal Green. Both of these institutions were destroyed by German bombs resulting in a horrific number of casualties. There was an occasion once where Winnie became fascinated by a passing rocket and had to be hustled into a nearby shelter at Victoria Station. On returning home once, Winnie was to say, “Bombs are one thing, you hear them coming, but doodlebugs are something else.”
Sometime after the cessation of hostilities, Winnie returned to her first love, London. Her final working years, and indeed some of her happiest come from the mid 1950’s until her retirement in1972. She became a Housekeeper
in luxury flats overlooking the Cenotaph were occupants included, Irene Handel, Barbara Cartland and Wilfred Hyde-White (good with tips apparently) plus many high-ranking military gentlemen including Group Captain Peter Townsend and General Broomhall, the latter becoming famous for his impersonation of a German General when he attempted walk out of a POW camp.
Mistakenly, in Winnie’s mind, she returned back to Sutton-in-Ashfield and the inevitable Council flat existing on her many memories. Her latter years sadly became fraught with ill-health, blindness, deafness and increasingly frail needing much medical attention. Never giving up or changing her life-style Winnie never wanted to be considered a burden. Eventually terminally ill, a nasty fall saw her into hospital with no strength to fight her final battle, sadly she succumbed into rest on November 17th, 2001. Her ashes placed in the form of a cross at the site of her brother Jim who was laid to rest in 1968.
Malcolm Bryan ended his article by saying, “Remembering Auntie Winnie brings to mind the number of times she allowed me to stay with her in London on my nefarious escapades, always a hot meal to hand. “Her love of any get togethers, and parties at Christmas where she was an enthusiastic card player and of her generosity to all her family.”
The following words from a card sent by sister Marion seem appropriate. No matter where our paths may wind. Those days left behind are with us. In our hearts and minds We remember you. The End.
By Malcolm Bryan, kindly reproduced by Roger West with approval from Rose Bryan
MIKE’S MUSINGS
Even more examples of how the English that we speak must confuse others - (Part 4)
I did think, after last month’s article, that this particular theme had come to an end. However, I hadn’t reckoned on Sue remembering things that her grandma used to say and then sending me an email, or Dorothy, who got talking to me at the South Normanton Gala in July, and both of them providing me with some crackers. If there are any of you out there in Voice Magazine land who think you can add more, I’d be delighted to hear from you. There might just be enough material for a ‘Part 5’.
PUT A SOCK IN IT – regardless of the fact that most non-native English speakers, hearing this for the first time, will immediately be thinking that surely a sock should go ‘on’ something – a foot? - as opposed to ‘in’ anything, the phrase, as you well know, has absolutely nothing to do with your feet. Alternatives such as put a bung in it, put a cork in it or, as they say in Scotland haud yir wheesht would be equally confusing. However, the Pinxton variation of SHUT YER GOB, providing it was delivered with the right emphasis, is likely to be clearly understood.
CHEESED OFF – we all know that this is a simple, and somewhat polite way – you can think of the other options yourself! - to indicate a high level of frustration. However, what would an Italian tourist, sitting in a café or restaurant make of you commenting “Ah’m reet cheesed off with the service in here!”
TICKLED PINK – I can imagine Peter Kay, in his early days, using this phrase in his act. Can’t you picture him now addressing his audience as he shouts “Tickled??” “Pink???” “WTH does that mean????” OK, we know what it means and would have a laugh, but our friends who are over on holiday from Greece would just look confused.
DO YOU TAKE ME FOR A MUG? – imagine you’re on holiday in Morocco, happen to spend some time in Casablanca and end up in the famous Souq where persistent street traders are trying to sell you all sorts of goods. You come across a guy trying to convince you that the handcrafted pottery he’d like you to take home is excellent value at 150 dirhams. Recognising that this is the opening gambit in a haggling ‘contest’ you come back with, “Do you take me for a mug?” With his limited command of English, just how will the trader react to that?
TIP ME THE WINK – without thinking, I used this myself a few weeks’ ago and then had one of those ‘light bulb’ moments. What a strange thing to say!
Can you imagine the look on the face of your newly recruited French workmate who, as you were printing off a number of documents, informed you that the printer was nearly empty and you then gave her the thumbs up and thanked her for tipping you the wink?
Mike is always glad to hear from you at: mike.musings@outlook.com
DRAGONS AND DAMSELS MARK THE END OF SUMMER
As summer drifts into Autumn, nature gradually changes and the long, hot summer months slip away. Bird song has long since ended and the young birds are morphing into adult plumage, and small birds gather in groups and then flocks to forage through the countryside. Insects especially follow the autumnal trend and prepare to overwinter as hibernating adults, as nymphs, as pupae, or even as eggs depending on the species. Damselflies have largely gone now, at least as adults, since these are creatures of the spring and summer months. Of course, the aquatic larvae or nymphs are still there, if out of sight, in ponds, streams and lakes. Their larger cousins the dragonflies, may still be around later in the season as they roam the wider landscape in search of prey on the wing. Voracious hunters with hearty appetites, several of the bigger species will still be active until the first heavy frosts. Brown Hawkers, Common, Migrant, and Southern Hawkers and Emperors, along with Chasers, Darters, and Skimmers will all have been seen during the summertime and are frequent visitors to garden ponds and similar places. Many of these persist into at least September and the Hawkers and Emperors may be around into October, weather depending. One of our most spectacular species is the very distinctive Golden-ringed Dragonfly, a creature
of moorland bogs and rivulets. This is very much a summer insect and the adults will have gone before the end of August.
At first sight many of these quick-flying insects are difficult to identify, but rather like bird species , with practice they can be easily sorted. Birdwatchers describe the appearance and behaviour of different species as ‘jizz’ and with a little effort and experience this gives away their identity. The same applies to dragonflies though perhaps less so to the damsels. Handbooks will have ‘helpful’ guidance and notes such as ‘did the third abdominal segment have two blue dots or a single blue stripe?’, and this is for an insect that won’t land, stay still, or otherwise cooperate! Having reliably identified the different species so you can observe their behaviour, makes identification so much easier – eventually. Digital photographs of the insects at rest can help enormously and then you can look in detail and if necessary, zoom in to the key features. Behaviour also helps separate the different species based on their flight, their territorial use of things like perches, and their hawking along the water’s edge of maybe a hedgerow and the like. Sheer size and colour of the wings or body are often the giveaways.
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5
September. Okay… autumn. Although given our eccentric summer, who knows? But that doesn’t mean the show’s over.
First, even if things are starting to look a big shell-shocked after a freezing spring followed by drought, heatwave and storms, you can keep the colour going with a bit of judicious planting. Dahlias are a winner this time of year and will keep flowering easily through till the first frosts. Anemones are particularly good growers for autumn and are easy, showy and perennial. To keep the bees and other pollinators productive as long as possible, sedums and echinacea are excellent and also very colourful.
Prune roses lightly now to get them ready for winter and help prevent problems such as wind rock which can weaken them. Deadhead as always and bring down the height if possible – don’t prune back to base - you can leave that for the spring. Cut out diseased or dead wood and cross branches and if mulch applied earlier in the season has worn away, add some more. Don’t fertilise or feed. It will encourage new growth and weaken the plant going into winter,
Keep on watering new plants. They’ll still be very vulnerable to drought as the roots are less established. You can use grey water – i.e. from the sink or bath – if you’re being eco conscious. Household washing cleansers won’t harm plants.
TOP TIP
Bare root wallflowers should start to become available either by post or in garden centres. They’re far cheaper to plant now than fully grown plants in spring. Soak the roots for at least an hour before planting. The promised scent of wallflowers makes getting through winter possible.
