UseLocally Magazine January 2023

elcome to 2023 and hopefully some respite from the turbulence of the past couple of years. Here at UseLocally we have big plans for this year, and we are determined to face it with the renewed strength to overcome any challenges that come our way. Our resolutions are to turn negative thoughts into positive ones, and focus on the things we can control, not the things we can’t. There are always new things to learn, problems to solve, and good outcomes awaiting – if you keep an open mind. Positivity breeds positivity, after all! January is the month to think about fresh starts and new beginnings, so here’s to another chance to do things right. May the new year bless you with health, wealth, and happiness.

The Use Locally Team

Publisher

Christa Hallam Tel 07827 015170 christa@uselocally.co.uk

Advertising

Michella George Tel 07415 751157 michella@uselocally.co.uk Michelle Priestley Tel 07436 626550 michelle@uselocally.co.uk

DISCLAIMER

All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith. UseLocally cannot take responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of the publication may be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher.

Magazine would like to thank all our advertisers for their continued support, without which we would not have a publication.

Please remember, if you have enjoyed reading UseLocally and are looking for a trades person or service, we have a whole range of fantastic local businesses promoting themselves each month.

YMCA charity shop comes to Newark

YMCA England & Wales were delighted to announce the opening of its new charity shop in Newark back in October. As well as providing local employment and volunteering opportunities, the shop helps to generate much needed funds locally, with some proceeds feeding directly into YMCA Newark & Sherwood.

Selling everything from furniture to clothing and electricals, the store is situated at 23 St Marks Place, Newark, NG24 1XP and is open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday-Sunday.

Todd Cauthorn, Executive Director, YMCA Newark & Sherwood, said: “We know that charity shops provide a lifeline to people who are unable to afford items at their recommended retail price, and this option is especially vital during the ongoing cost of living crisis. We look forward to

adding to the growing profile of YMCA England & Wales charity shops, and welcome the store opening to the local community this week, which we hope will be a hub of activity for people in the area.

“When you buy goods from the YMCA charity shop the benefits are two-fold, as you are also effectively making a donation to our local organisation and allowing us to continue our essential work to improve the life chances of young people in the region.”

YMCA England & Wales is launching a drive for more volunteers to work at the shop on a part-time basis, working alongside a manager, assistant manager and other volunteers. Responsibilities include processing donations, merchandising and selling and further information can be found at www.ymca.org.uk/shops

Work on new community garden has begun in Newark

Newark and Sherwood District Council has now started its work on a new community garden on land adjacent to the library in Newark.

The new garden will be a local hub for activity, and the District Council is looking forward to when local groups, including schools and disability gardening groups, can start to use the space. The District Council has started work on various elements of the plans, including the creation of a gentle pebbled rain garden water feature. Built with safety in mind, the feature will run through the garden and attract insects and wildlife. Water butts will also feature to allow rainwater to be collected.

Local graffiti company ImageSkool also started work on the creation of a colourful piece of artwork on a pavilion area which will be installed at the back of the garden. The plans for the site focus on creating an environment full of biodiversity, with areas for leisure and learning, and environmentally focused additions.

The final plans for the site include:

l A hard standing area to the back of the space which would be accessible for a range of local disability gardening groups. It would feature raised beds, the height of which will be carefully considered to

ensure they can be accessed by wheelchair users.

l A winding path will lead visitors through the garden and will join up with existing footpaths. The path will lead to a container-like-pavilion, complete with a green roof and clad with a living wall. It will have a decking area outside for the District Council’s environmental team to run talks, workshops and activities with local community groups and school children.

l Clear park signage, a suggestion taken from the consultation.

l A gentle pebbled rain garden water feature to attract insects and wildlife, built with safety in mind, will run through the garden, with a pedestrian bridge built across allowing access to the entire space. Water

of rainwater.

l Planting around the space will include wildflowers, a bulb meadow, and a further purple haze wildflower meadow.

l Fruit bearing species will be incorporated into the hedges on the site, again another addition following the consultation.

l New trees, one Rowan and two flowering Cherry Trees, will be planted in addition to those currently on the site.

l Appropriate seating to allow visitors to enjoy the new garden. Following the consultation, the Acacia tree seats will be kept but the proposed ring seat will not be included.

butts will also be added to the garden to allow for the harvesting

Come and be Inspired at Newark Buttermarket in 2023

Inspire Culture, Learning and Libraries have taken up residency on the upper floor of the Buttermarket, in the heart of Newark Town Centre, off Middlegate. The beautifully refurbished venue opened in October and has already welcomed hundreds of visitors and learners through its doors.

Newark Buttermarket is an inspirational hub for education and training, and you can also find workshops, events and more inside. We are working in partnership with Newark Library, the YMCA Activity Village, Newark Town Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council to help make Newark a trailblazer for cultural and learning activities across the county.

COURSES AVAILABLE TO BOOK NOW:

Course Start date Times

Lino Printing for Beginners

Number of weeks

Tuesday 10 Jan 1.15 – 3.45 pm 5

Silver Choir Wednesday 11 Jan 1.00 – 2.00 pm 11

Everyday English (ESOL – English for

Wednesday 11 Jan 1.00 – 3.00 pm 10 Speakers of other languages)

Adult Orchestra – Blow Off the Cobwebs

Creative Writing for Beginners

Photo Editing

Italian for Beginners

Vision Boards for Beginners

Journal Making for beginners

Bobbin Lace Making (Braid) for Beginners

Puzzle Busters Open Day

Gelli Plate Printing

Jewellery Making for Beginners

English Functional Skills

Sewing for Beginners

Creative Writing for Beginners

Italian for Beginners

Spring Crafts

Working with Children – An Introduction

Preparing to Work in Schools, Level 1 Award

Volunteering, Level 2 Award

Wednesday 11 Jan 6.00 – 7.00 pm 11

Thursday 12 Jan 2.00 – 4.00 pm 5

Thursday 12 Jan 10.00 – 12.30 pm 5

Thursday 12 Jan 1.00 – 3.00 pm 5

Friday 13 Jan 10.00 – 1.00 pm 1

Saturday 14 Jan 11.00 – 1.00 pm 3

Saturday 14 Jan 2.00 – 4.00 pm 3

Wednesday 8 Feb 10.30 – 11.30 am 1

Tuesday 21 Feb 10.00 – 12.00 noon 4

Tuesday 21 Feb 1.00 – 3.00 pm 6

Wednesday 22 Feb 9.30 – 12.30 pm 19

Thursday 23 Feb 10.00 – 12.00 6

Thurs 23 Feb 2.00 – 4.00 pm 6

Thursday 23 Feb 1.00 – 3.00 pm 6

Tuesday 21 Mar 10.00 – 12.00 noon 2

Friday 31 Mar 10.00 – 12.00 noon 1

Fri 21 Apr 9.30 – 2.00 pm 12

Thurs 8 June 10.00 – 12.00 noon 6

Many of our courses are FREE and all are low cost. Non-accredited courses are free for those in receipt of certain benefits or will be charge at £3 per hour. Courses that lead to a qualification are no or low cost, depending on your circumstances. The full price for the course can be found in the course listings on our website www.inspireculture.org.uk

To book and enrol on our courses or for any enquiries about the Buttermarket facility you can call Ask Inspire 01623 677 200 or visit inspireculture.org.uk/buttermarket We look forward to welcoming you to the site.

New Year Health MOT

Get into gear this new year by giving yourself a DIY health MOT that will power you into and through 2023.

We book our cars in for an annual MOT, yet rarely show the same level of care for our bodies… which often take on more stress than our trusty motors. So this January, why not start the year with a health checklist to set you on the road to wellbeing success.

Calculate your BMI

One of the most effective ways to see where you are weightwise, is to work out your BMI. You can do this using an online calculator, a visual chart or with the following formula:

weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared

This will tell you whether you are underweight, healthy, overweight, obese or extremely obese. And, while you may not be thrilled with the result, it is a helpful tool to plot where you want to get to as the months go by.

Measure your habits January is the month we allow ourselves to get really honest about the effects our lifestyles are having on our bodies. So, while you may tell the odd white lie to your doctors, try to be frank with yourself.

Put your best foot forward, whilst accepting it may take a few goes to get your pistons firing again.

Check your diet

If you’ve had a decadent festive period, you may want to embark on a strict regime to reset your metabolism. Studies show that national wellbeing initiatives such as Dry January

NHS health check. This a simple check of your heart health which tests your vascular or circulatory health, and works out your risk of developing some of the most disabling – but preventable –illnesses. It is free of charge, including any follow-up tests or appointments.

Make a plan

Make the next 12 months count by setting yourself achievable goals.

or Veganuary make us more likely to stick to our personal goals thanks to the comradery and exposure they provide us. So bite the bullet (or butternut squash) and devote at least 31 days to the new you.

Run a risk assessment

Anyone over the age of 40 – but under 74 – is entitled to a free

Perhaps you want to run your first 10K by the start of spring, or be down a dress size by summer. Maybe you are determined to quit smoking once and for all or are keen to get your five-a-day on a regular basis.

Whatever your aim, make life easier by plotting a course to success and by giving yourself small rewards along the way.

NEWARK

Collingham Memorial Hall

Mondays at 5:30pm

67 High Street

Collingham, NG23 7LB

Call Ann on: 07845 128448

NEWARK

Bridge Community Centre Tuesdays at 9:30am Lincoln Road, NG24 2DQ Call Ann on: 07845 128448

BALDERTON

St Giles Church Hall

Mondays at 5:30pm & 7:00pm Main Street Balderton, NG24 3LG Call Shannon on: 07934 378203

NEWARK

Christ Church School

Tuesdays at 5:30pm & 7:00pm Flaxley Lane Middlebeck, NG24 3XB

Call Natalie on: 07940 768782

Why Use a Dental Hygienist?

Are you aware of the importance of regular dental hygiene visits? Dental hygienists play a crucial role in maintaining good oral health. Their job involves cleaning teeth, removing plaque, and preventing fillings.

Dental hygiene has become very important these days. People want their teeth cleaned regularly because they believe that good oral health helps them look younger and healthier. The problem is that some people don’t realise that regular brushing isn’t enough to prevent problems.

Tooth decay and gum disease are two of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. If left untreated, both conditions can cause pain, infection, and bleeding. Fortunately, dental hygienists play a key role in spotting and treating these issues.

A visit to the hygienist every 6 months or so for a deep clean will keep your mouth in top condition, but you may need more frequent visits if you have ongoing problems or any health conditions such as diabetes. Your dentist may recommend more regular hygienist appointments for children too.

What does a dental hygienist do?

A dental hygienist cleans teeth by removing plaque from tooth surfaces using special tools and techniques. They may also remove tartar (calcified deposits) and polish teeth to improve their appearance. They may sometimes work closely with dentists or orthodontists to address issues related to tooth decay or gum disease.

You should consider using a dental hygienist if you suffer from gingivitis or periodontal disease. These conditions cause inflammation of the gums and bone around the teeth. Regular visits to a hygienist can help treat these problems. However, it may be too late by then for your mouth to heal completely. A dental hygienist will be able to detect any signs of gum disease before your condition worsens.

It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly help reduce the risk of developing fillings and periodontal disease. To avoid these conditions, make sure to brush and floss after meals and at bedtime. When brushing, focus on areas where food collects. For example, try to reach into spaces between your teeth and along the gum line. Also, pay attention to the back sides of your molars.

Flossing helps remove bacteria and debris that collect around your teeth. Use an interdental cleaner to gently loosen plaque and food particles. Then, carefully slide the floss between your teeth to remove the material. Brush your tongue too! Tongue cleaning is another effective method of keeping your mouth healthy. Brush your tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush, making sure to brush all parts of it.

It’s important to keep up with routine dental exams. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums during each visit. During this time, he or she will also take X-rays to determine whether you need additional treatments. If you’re not sure when your next dental exam is due, contact your dentist’s office.

About the Author: Helen Say is a freelance copywriter and blogger www.cblservices.co.uk

How can I make my hygienist visits less….. painful?

ARIES

March 21st - April 20th LEO 24th - August 23rd

2023 begins on a lovely career note for you; a raise, promotion, or plum position should land in your lap on the 1st. If you've been thinking of leaving a dull position for your dream job, go for it. A social gathering on the 3rd is worth attending; a friendship could quickly develop into a romance on this magical day. On the 5th, a professional opportunity could unexpectedly raise your income by quite a bit.

2023 begins on a highly romantic note for you when several love offers are made on the 3rd. Pick the suitor who excites your imagination. An unusual work opportunity falls into your lap on the 5th. You'll be happy to express your originality in this high-profile position. The Full Moon on the 6th urges you to indulge in self-care. Take a day off to rest and relax. The good news about your health will arrive on the 7th; your decision to break bad habits is paying off handsomely.

SAGITTARIUS

November 23rd - Dec 21st

A big windfall could change the entire course of the year on the 1st. This is a wonderful time to land a lucrative job or start your own business. An unusual work opportunity brings the financial stability you crave on the 5th. On the 6th, the Full Moon creates an emotional breakthrough with someone who has been closed off and indifferent. This begins a beautiful new phase in your relationship.

The 1st inspires you to take a trip or class that could transform your life for the better; it's an opportune time to expand your horizons. All eyes will be on you in the professional arena on the 3rd; a job interview or audition will go swimmingly. If you get a chance to learn something new, seize it with both hands. On the 6th, the Full Moon brings an exciting brainwave that improves your outlook.

The New Year begins on a romantic note when a secret admirer confesses their love for you on the 1st. This could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship. It's possible you'll be travelling to see someone special on the 5th. The Full Moon on the 6th is perfect for attending an impromptu social gathering; if someone invites you to dinner or a party, you should accept. You could find a lastminute discount on transportation and hotel rates.

Your commanding personality draws admirers from every corner on the 1st. It will be easy to make romantic and professional connections on this pivotal day. Your finances get a considerable boost on the 3rd; take this opportunity to buy yourself a lavish gift. The Full Moon on the 6th is perfect for making a romantic commitment. Getting engaged, exchanging vows, or embarking on a relationship among the exciting possibilities.

Your expertise turns you into a love magnet on the 3rd. Someone who is impressed by your depth and breadth of knowledge will want to get closer. A financial matter will be resolved to your satisfaction on the 6th, thanks to a supportive Full Moon. Taking the initiative with a love interest is strongly advised on the 9th; your confidence paves the way to a passionate encounter.

Home comforts give you a stronger sense of self on the 1st. Take this opportunity to enjoy quality time with your nearest. Your love life gets a tremendous boost on the 3rd; don't be surprised when someone who was once indifferent becomes obsessed with you. On the 6th, the Full Moon marks a turning point in your professional life. Signing a high-profile client, joining a prestigious company, or starting your own business are among the possibilities.

Your natural good looks turn heads on the 3rd; it's easier than ever to attract the romantic attention you want. A hidden benefactor helps you find your dream home on the 5th. The Full Moon on the 6th helps you realise a fitness goal. You'll feel and look better than ever on this fateful day. Happy news about a domestic matter arrives out of the blue on the 8th; this marks a new phase of security for you.

A powerful romantic or professional alliance allows you to do more of what you want on the 1st. Don't hesitate to ask your partner to help you achieve a cherished dream. On the 6th, the Full Moon finds you reaching an exciting turning point. Reaching a fitness goal, landing your dream job, or finishing a creative project are among the lovely possibilities. Your hard work will get praise from some surprising sources.

Someone could melt your heart with warm praise and lavish compliments on the 1st. Let these loving communications uplift and inspire you. The Full Moon on the 6th allows you to advance to a higher position; you're finally being recognised for your expertise. Support from a surprising source arrives on the 8th; thanks to this person's recommendation, you could land a great job or work assignment.

The Full Moon on the 6th marks a happy turning point in a relationship. This is a wonderful time to get engaged, exchange vows, or embark on a passionate relationship. A home improvement project is favoured for the 9th. Alternatively, you may decide to sign a lease or purchase a new place on this fateful day. Stalled negotiations about a domestic matter will surge forward on the 12th, much to the relief of everyone involved; patience and persistence pay off in mid-January.

Don’t forget YOU now choose the winning photograph of our beautiful area from the shortlist shown.

To vote you can either email competitions@uselocally.co.uk or check out our Facebook page where the photos will be pinned at the top of the page. We will close voting on the 20th of each month.

All entries are chosen from the Newark on Trent Photographs Facebook page and the winner will receive a £25 CASH PRIZE courtesy of UseLocally Magazine.

Newark on Trent Photographs

Nick Roulstone

Bob Warriner

Last Months Winner Bridgit Pitcher

Bridgit Pitcher

New Year, New Book!

This month, four books that will lead you into 2023.

A Nation of Shopkeepers: The Unstoppable rise of the Petite-Bourgeoisie by Daniel Evans

Lifting the lid on the UK’s modern class structure, Daniel Evans’ forthcoming book, A Nation of Shopkeepers: The Unstoppable Rise of the Petite-Bourgeoisie, focuses on the class of people existing between the working class and the bourgeoisie – those shopkeepers, small-time landlords and self-employed artisans who were expected to be swallowed up by monopoly capitalism, but who’ve actually grown in recent years.

Referring to them as a “mysterious class”, he investigates what their seemingly unstoppable rise might mean for the Left.

Published by Repeater Books on February 14th

You Are Not Alone by Cariad Lloyd Cariad Lloyd losing her father at 15 inspired her awardwinning podcast, Griefcast, in which she talks to celebrities about navigating their own experiences of loss.

In You Are Not Alone, the comedian and writer explores society’s reluctance to talk about death and its impact. Amid stories from those she’s interviewed, including Stephen Mangan, Sara Pascoe, and Adam Buxton, are Lloyd’s

own thoughts on therapy and friends as, amongst other things, she debunks ‘the five stages of grief’ in appraising loss and heartache in all its unexpected forms.

Published by Bloomsbury on January 19th

8 Rules of Love by Jay Shetty

Jay Shetty, author of the no.1 New York Times bestseller Think Like a Monk, offers a revelatory guide to every stage of romance, drawing on ancient wisdom and new science.

Instead of presenting love as an ethereal concept or a collection of cliches, Shetty lays out specific, actionable steps to help you develop the skills to practise and nurture love better than ever before.

He shares eight rules, each teaching and empowering, detailing how

to win or lose together, how to define love, and why you don’t ‘break’ in a break-up, and more. Published by Harper Collins on January 31st

Look Both Ways by Linwood Barclay

The latest breakneck thriller from powerhouse writer Linwood Barclay introduces us to Sandra Montrose, who hasn’t been the same since her husband died after he fell asleep at the wheel of his car, leaving her a single mother to Archie and Katie.

When, in an experiment, the cars on Garrett Island are switched for driverless vehicles called Arrivals. Sandra is hesitant. Sure enough, as the day of the big reveal gets underway, a member of the press has gone missing and there are rumours of industrial sabotage.

Shortly afterwards, the sleek driverless cars stop taking orders. In fact, they have rules of their own and start targeting the trusting residents of Garrett Island. Published by Harper Collins on February 3rd

What’s On

IN AND AROUND NEWARK IN JANUARY

For anyone who loves singing and loves musicals

I have performed in the West End and on film and have loved musicals for 35 years from Phantom and Les Mis to brand new writing! - Alan Bradshaw www.facebook.com/groups/musicaltheatrechoir

Community Breakfast

Winter Craft Fair

Friday 4 November, 4-8pm & Saturday 5

The Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic

Saturday 7 January - Sunday 8 January

A kick-start to the new classic motorcycling year, the Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic takes place at Newark Showground. With a good mix of traders, dealers and autojumble plots, it’s the perfect place to grab a box of parts and spares, as well as finding that inspiration needed to finish your restoration for a summer of riding… or perhaps pick up a new project. It offers a welcome respite from the hectic holiday season and a chance to get lost exploring the hundreds of stunning classic machines on display. Newark Showground, NG24 2NY www.newarkclassicbikeshow.com

Balderton Community Breakfast

Saturday 14 January 9.30am

Come to the popular Community Breakfast. We have a team of volunteers who provide breakfast/brunch in the Church Hall. Just 60p per item. Anyone from the local community is welcome to join us for food and a chance to have a natter.

Balderton Methodist Church, Main Street Church Hall, Newark NG24 3LG

Newark Quilt Show

Friday 13th & Saturday 14 January 10:00am – 4:00pm

Feature quilt displays from well-known quilters and textile artists

New Musical Theatre Choir

Starting Friday 13 January

Inclusive Adult Musical Theatre Choir. All levels welcome

Friday Nights 6:45pm-7:45pm

Term-Time Only Newark Venue Tbc

A variety of exhibitors selling patchwork & quilting supplies for all your needs

Workshops available on a first come, first served basis at the show

The Lady Eastwood Centre, Newark Showground, Lincoln Road, Newark NG24 2NY

Top Tip

Add in a handful of chopped jalapeño chillies for an extra kick!

Ingredients

(serves 6-8)

Nigel Slater’s Lamb Hotpot

Introduction

We’re getting to that time of the year when rustic food comes packed with extra appeal. Perhaps it’s the warmth, perhaps the fullness to see us through the winter months, or maybe we just want to treat ourselves when the weather outside is cold and inhospitable.

Whatever it is, this lamb hotpot is simple to put together and a perfect cosy dinner for two on a cold day. Serve with some simple greens and you have something resembling perfection!

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C/350°F/Gas mark 4.

2. Lightly dredge the lamb chops in the flour. Heat the oil in a shallow ovenproof pan with a lid, then add the lamb chops and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the lamb from the pan and set aside. Add the onions, parsnips and garlic

to the same pan and cook for 2-3 minutes. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper and add the rosemary.

3. Return the lamb chops to the pan, tuck the potatoes around the chops, season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper and pour in just enough water to cover the pan

• 4 thick lamb neck chops

• plain flour, for dredging

• good glug of fruity olive oil

• 3 onions, peeled and cut into wedges

• 2-3 large parsnips, peeled and cut into sixths

• 6 large, juicy garlic cloves, peeled, cut in half

• salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 6-8 fresh rosemary sprigs

• 6-8 small potatoes, cut in half

contents. Cut out a circle of greaseproof paper the same size and shape as the inside of the pan. Place the paper circle over the lamb and vegetables, then cover the pan with the lid.

4. Cook in the preheated oven for an hour or so, until the meat is tender.

The RSPB shares top birds to spot for annual Big Garden

Birdwatch event

This winter, the RSPB are sharing their top tips for identifying the birds that may visit your Nottinghamshire garden as their popular Big Garden Birdwatch is set to return for its 44th year.

Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK will celebrate their love of nature and unite to watch and count the nation’s garden birds in January for the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch weekend. This year’s event takes place on 27, 28 and 29 January 2023. Members of the public are asked to spend just one hour watching and recording the birds seen from their garden, balcony or window, then send their results to the RSPB. Taking part in the survey helps the RSPB in monitoring how the UK’s garden birds are faring. Close to half a million people join in the Birdwatch every year.

HERE ARE FIVE BIRD SPECIES TO LOOK OUT FOR IN YOUR NOTTINGHAMSHIRE GARDEN, BALCONY OR LOCAL GREENSPACE:

1. House sparrows:

The house sparrow is one of Britain's most well-known and best-loved birds. Males and females are easily distinguished as males have a grey head and black bib whilst females are pale brown with a pale stripe behind the eye. House sparrows are noisy and gregarious, often sticking together in small flocks, and they’ll repeatedly congregate in big hedges where they can all hide

together. They socialise by taking dust or water baths, as well as “social singing” where they call together in bushes.

2. Blue tits: Streaked with a colourful mix of blue, yellow, white and green plumage, blue tits are one of our most attractive garden visitors. This species feeds on a diet of insects, caterpillars, seeds and nuts. They will happily take all kinds of bird food too, so keep an eye on your bird feeders for this vibrant garden bird.

3. Robins: Singing nearly all through the year, the nation’s favourite bird is often

Robin

Blackbird

Ray Kennedy (rspb-images.com)

Eleanor Bentall (rspb-images.com)

Ben Hall (rspb-images.com)

Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

one of the first to start in the morning and found to be one of the last singing at night –sometimes near a street light too. With its red chest that earns it the name “robin redbreast”, look out for this garden favourite darting through shrubs or perching on tree branches this winter.

4. Blackbirds: They may be called blackbirds

but it's actually only males that are black and with bright orange beaks. The females are brown with spots and streaks and brown beaks. They primarily eat insects and worms but favour in-season berries and fruit too. They are found everywhere in gardens and the countryside so this bird might be a sure spot.

5. Goldfinches:

A much-loved little bird, the goldfinch announces its arrival with a tinkling, trilling call. Vibrantly coloured, goldfinches have red faces, black crowns and bold yellow wing patches. If you're lucky, you may even be visited by a small flock of them, appropriately known as a “charm”.

To help you tell a house sparrow from a goldfinch check out the RSPB’s bird identification guide

To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2023 and help nature in the process, simply spend an hour watching the birds in your garden or local green space, and record what you’ve seen. Whether you see lots of birds or none at all, every recording is useful information.

To register to take part in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey, visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

Blue tit

Ray Kennedy (rspb-images.com)

Goldfinch Nigel Blake (rspb-images.com)

House Sparrow Ray Kennedy (rspb-images.com)

Greenfingers…

The Alan Titchmarsh Column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and all-round horticultural inspiration. is month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses his move to incorporate horticulture into the National Curriculum, and a sidestep into novels.

I’ve wri en three autobiographies and people have expressed surprise that I do sometimes, even now, lack confidence in my work. I always wonder if it stems from my childhood and my parents who were very much realists. I wouldn’t swap them for the world, but in their very blunt Yorkshire way they would say ‘he’s not that bright,’ and I wasn’t then. I suppose it has been a bit of a curse and given my success I probably should have more confidence, but then again it has made me who I am. When you’re not that good when you’re young, there is the fear that you won’t get be er, and it came as a kind of revelation when I did.

Even in the 11 novels I’ve penned, I’ve never had faith in my prose; in secondary

school I remember doing ‘when composition becomes essays’. I don’t think my English teacher was particularly convinced about my capabilities; I’ve still got my essay book and it’s got some very harsh comments at the bo om in red ink.

Yet my English teacher, bless her, I was in touch with her a few years ago and she said she felt she hadn’t been a particularly good teacher, and I wrote back saying ‘well whatever it is you did, I’ve ended up doing the job I do now, writing pre y much for a living, so you can’t have got it all wrong’. I thought it was terribly generously spirited of her to admit that she was wrong.

I think my point here is that I was no more a gardener at school than I was a novelist, and I became both; but I did that through exposure and opportunity, and this is what we need to give our children.

And in my mind, there is no greater exposure to the world than you will find in the garden on a frosty Sunday morning, so get your kids and grandkids out there, and let’s really inspire the next generation!

Nurturing a garden can give you a real sense of achievement, and connection to the earth; I always say it is an escape to reality, or a di erent reality… and for our young people, that’s where real inspiration can emerge.

HappyNewYear!

Welcome to my January column.

At the time of writing my January column it is unusually mild for the time of year Hellebores which do not show flower until January or February are well into flower and also the trees are desperately hanging onto their leaves, which should have dropped weeks ago Make sure once the ground has warmed up that you give these early flowering plants a good feed with Fish, Blood & Bone

After the glut of food over the Christmas period it's time to plan our veg plots

Most plots start with the sowing of early Peas and Broad Beans along with cabbage and brassicas, which can be a veg plots staple food

You should start to see some early growth on your purple sprouting Broccoli plants early in the season as these were sown and planted out last year. Please look out for my veg sowing guide and crop rotation plan on my website or message me for details

PLEASEDONTFORGETTHEWILDLIFE!

Wildbirdsdoenjoyadditionalfoodduringwinter

It's so easy to prepare our own fat feeders for our wild birds. Simple melt down some lard or hard block vegetarian fat and add seed and mealworms to taste! Birds only please...You're looking for a consistency which will hold together when set. Simply place outside whenthefathassetandplaceinyourfeedersforthebirdstoenjoy. Hedgehogswon'tbearoundmuchbutwhenyoudoseeactivityplace out some cat food and fresh water and don't forget to unfreeze any waterinyourbirdbathsaslotsofwildlifedrinkfromyourbirdbaths.

DoyougrowPampasgrass?ifyoudotakeofftheseedheadfluffand place in a bird feeder. The birds will use this as nesting material, or youcanplaceinthecornerofyourgardenifyou'reinthecountryfor theharvestmousetomakeitsnestwith. ThereisstilltimetoWinterprunePommefruitlikeApplesandPears. This needs to be done in winter to help produce strong productive trees.

Inthegarden!

IfyougrowHydrangeasinthegarden,itisimportanttokeeplast years flower heads on, this protects the new shoots from some frostdamage Removetheseheadswhenthelastchanceoffrost haspassed

Be Ready! have some fungus and disease spray on standby especiallyifyougrowroses Ifyouhavesufferedwithblackspot inthepast,youknowhowuglyanddamagingitcanbe Spraying your bushes before they even bud up can prevent the black spot from attacking Continue with about 3 treatments a year to keep itatbay

Onions and Shallots will start to appear in the garden centres soon Have a look online and research some varieties Shallots arereallyfuntogrowespeciallyifyougardenwithchildren

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COLOURFENCE - no painting or repairs for 25 years!

Despite many coats of preservative, the structure of the wooden fence in our front garden rotted, and a recent storm sent it off down the road, thankfully missing the neighbour’s car. However, every

As autumn takes hold, we hear from customers who choose ColourFence because their old fences have blown down or rotted through, causing anxiety about pets escaping or even unwanted intruders. This, paired with the fact that there is no need for ongoing maintenance allows them to break the expensive, monotonous cycle of painting, repairs and replacement. ColourFence is guaranteed not to warp, crack, shrink, rot or peel for 25 years†. Making it one of the world’s best maintenance-free fences. And, unlike other fences, ColourFence can withstand gusts of wind up to 130mph. There’s a choice of colours to harmonise and enhance your garden’s design. You’ll find our prices surprisingly competitive too. Why wait until an urgent replacement is needed? To see the full product range, call us today and find out why it makes sense to choose ColourFence.

Guaranteed† not to warp, crack, shrink, rot or peel Withstands wind gusts of up to 130mph

cloud has a silver lining, and we couldn’t be more pleased with our new ColourFence. It looks great, and we are looking forward to years of summers with no fence paint or algae treatments.

Mr & Mrs P. Glamorgan

are a family run business with over 40 years’ experience in the furniture and upholstery trade.

re-upholster old furniture. We are well established for providing a personal service to all our customers. We have an extensive range of fabrics available, or alternatively you can provide us with your own.

Accommodation

Atkin Tree Services 42 Clarkes Trees .............................42 D W Tree & Landscapes ...........42 Fullers Forestry and Landscaping 39

Panurgy Solutions 44 Car Maintanance Coach Painters ..........................31 Cleaning

Peachy Clean 17 Clearances & Removals Vale Clearances Ltd ..................44 Computer Repair Denton Retailer Systems Ltd 42 Construction L J Anderson Facilities ..............42 Curtains & Blinds Interiors 2020 33 Bespoke Shutters & Blinds Ltd 17 Cycling

Pedal Electric Cycles ................13 Dental Care

Bupa Dental Care Newark 15 Collingham Dental Practice ......11 Complete Care Dental Clinic ....12 Digital Hearing Aids Claire Armitage RHAD Ltd 12 Embroidery & Personalisation Newark Embroidery ..................21 Events Kelham Hall & Country Park 1 Fascias & Soffits Newark Fascias & Conservatory Roofs..........................................34 Football Clubs Newark & Sherwood United 47 Garage Doors Garolla Holdings Limited ..........23 Pro Glide Lincoln 35 Garden Buildings Cabin Master .............................16 Garden Services/Supplies

Newark Garden Care ................42 Taylor Landscaping ...................39 Woodland Tree and Landscaping 39

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Colour Fence Ltd ......................41 Health & Fitness