Voice Magazines - Swanwick, Riddings, Leabrooks and Somercotes Edition - December 2021 by Voice Magazines

DECEMBER ‘21

SWANWICK, RIDDINGS, LEABROOKS & SOMERCOTES

competition time!

Merry Christmas from all of us at Voice Magazines Other Services Food & Retail Professional Health & Beauty

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CODNOR KITCHEN WIN!

Afternoon Tea for 2 SEE PAGE 11

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Shouting about businesses in the heart of your community

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AWARD WINNING - INDEPENDENT - FAMILY RUN

Wishing Everyone a very Merry Christmas and much happiness for the coming New Year! Here at RF&O we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful clients for their continued business and loyalty and wish them the very best for 2022!

Why not enter our Christmas Hamper Competition and win this amazing Chatsworth Hamper worth £100! ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN! @RFOPROPERTIES

01773 609 446 07530 298 948 enquiries@rfoproperties.co.uk

www.rfoproperties.co.uk

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From the Editor Season Greetings Readers! I’ve been wracking my brain trying to figure out how to round up this year. Whilst it has been turbulent again at times it is still significantly better than last year!! As a business, we’ve continued to grow and bring you more quality advertisers & content and reach more areas (which has put many more wrinkles and grey hairs upon myself) but personally speaking, I like to think that I have had a very fortunate year. I’ve personally achieved some of my major goals and targets that I’ve had set for years, we’ve travelled again (both within the UK and abroad), I’ve reignited my netball passion and made some wonderful new friends in the process, who are becoming much like family! I’ve also spent lots of quality time with my family – which is awesome after spending most of 2020 with them via a screen or through a window! But what I’ve really valued, more than anything, because it’s easy to get back onto the hamster wheel without noticing – are the little trips for a coffee & being able to walk the dogs further afield (can you remember when you weren’t allowed to drive anywhere?!) and escaping on a little break to London with friends to watch a show. This year has made me realise, more than most, what is taken for granted – so onwards and upwards for 2022 but my resolutions for next year are going to be much more grounded than their grandiose predecessors!!

LTD

VOICE

we each have our own front cover. But as you won’t receive all the magazines here is the whole team below and the magazine they feature on! As you look at it from L-R: Hayleigh (Darley Dale), Lisa (Broadmeadows), Danielle (Selston), Paul (Ripley), Liam (Kirkby), Neil (Sutton & Huthwaite), Maggi (Bakewell), Jude (Clay Cross), Michelle (Alfreton), Me (Swanwick) & The Dogs of Voice Magazines (Hope Valley). How talented is our Lisa to create all these avatars in different styles for us to use going forward… of course, if you would like your own avatar in a particular style for your business, our sister company at Artliff Design & Print is here to help (merciless plug!!). We’ve achieved some great things both individually and together throughout 2021 and I don’t think I’m alone when I say that we all look forward to what 2022 will bring for us all. Anyway, the last thing left to say is “ Merry Yuletide to each and every one of you” – enjoy the novelty of the festivities with your family, raise a glass to 2022 and we’ll see you next year. Happy Partying,

x Emily And all the VOICE MAGAZINES TEAM

Onto the Voice family! I always said that I’d introduce you all to the team and we’ve cracked it this month as

Emily

Liam Lisa gh Haylei

Danie lle

Paul

Neil

Maggi

Jude Miche lle

Upcoming Submission Deadline for Advertisers & Contributors: January ‘22 Edition - 3rd December • Feburary ‘22 Edition - 10th January

To advertise email: info@voicemagazines.co.uk or call us on 01773 549 035 Printed by Warwick Printing Company Ltd and distributed to 6,500 homes in North Derbyshire. Disclaimer: No responsibility is accepted by Voice Magazines Limited for claims, errors or omissions made in advertisements appearing in this issue. All advertisers are accepted in good faith and we are not responsible for views expressed by contributor or other sources. Reproduction of the contents of this magazine is not permitted without the prior consent of the publisher. Voice Magazines Limited, 40 High Street, South Normanton, Derbyshire. DE55 2BP. Registered in England & Wales No: 10550557

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OTHER SERVICES

Was Santa a Viking? Dear old Santa Claus, or Father Christmas as most of us in the UK would say, a cheerful chubby chap with white facial hair sporting a fetching red outfit and shiny black boots. Isn’t that how we all see him in our mind’s eyes? We’ve all heard the stories about the origins of Father Christmas, including the one that says Coca Cola ‘invented’ the red outfit (the jury is out on that one because there are earlier images of a red-clothed gift giver). Let’s have a quick look at the myths and legends that surround the man himself…including one that may surprise you! Most people assume that Father Christmas is a modern-day version of Saint Nicholas, born in the 3rd century in what is now Turkey. He was famed for his generosity to many people but in particular to children. His feast day, 6th December, is still widely celebrated in parts of Europe and could be the origin of gift-giving, as children were (are) given small presents if they have been good throughout the year. The Dutch figure, Sinterklaas, an old man with a white beard wearing red robes and carrying a big red book that records whether a child has been naughty or good, is surprisingly similar to how we portray Father Christmas today. Midwinter festivals existed long before the Christianisation of Europe of course, and lots of the traditions we now associate with Christmas originate from that time. Yule or Yuletide was a period of feasting and drinking; a Yule log would be brought in, which would be burned on each of the 12 days of Yuletide. Greenery such as holly, ivy, mistletoe, and pine boughs were also brought inside to remind everyone that Winter would not last forever and Spring would return. Wreaths of greenery,

pinecones, holly, and the like would adorn homes; bells would be rung to keep evil spirits away, and children would sing songs. All very reminiscent of what goes on today! Now to the idea that Father Christmas was a Viking… Who has heard of Odin - king of the gods and former ruler of Asgard? Odin was also known as Jólfaðr (Yule Father); he had many disguises but was particularly fond of an old, whitebearded man wearing a cloak and hood…sounding familiar? Odin was believed to lead a pack of elves, spirits, and frightening beasts across the sky, especially at Yule, punishing the bad and rewarding the good. He rode upon a flying eight-legged horse called Sleipnir and sometimes pulled a sleigh behind him - it’s all very Santa like, isn’t it? And to add icing to the cake (or icing sugar to the mince pie) old Nordic stories say that children would leave straw and carrots in their boots as a gift for a hungry Sleipnir, who would reward them with presents! So back to the original question - was Father Christmas really a Viking god? Who knows, and actually, who cares!

Have a wonderful Christmas. These articles are researched and written by Laura Billingham, a local content writer and author. Laura moved to the Peak District several years ago to pursue her passion for writing. To find out more visit www.landgassociates. co.uk or contact Laura on 07736 351341

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Welcome to YOUR community noticeboard. A dedicated space for you to post notices, events and for not-forprofit community groups to advertise in. To place a notice, from a super-low rate of £6+VAT per square Contact Danielle on 01773 549035 or community@ voicemagazines.

Alfreton Male Voice Choir Bass, Baritone or Tenor singers Join us at 6.30pm Thursdays at Palmer Morewood Social Club, Alfreton No audition. Visit www.alfretonmvc.co.uk

TREE OF LIGHT APPEAL The Tree of Light which stands in the Hospice gardens throughout the Christmas season Is decorated with hundreds of tiny white lights, dedicated to those we remember. The lighting ceremony and dedication service for those who sponsor a light will be held on Friday 3rd December at 6.30pm in the hospice grounds. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS AN OUTDOOR EVENT AND SEATING WILL BE LIMITED To sponsor a bulb, please contact us on 01623 622626 or contact@johneastwoodhospice.org.uk Extra measures will be taken to keep our staff and the community safe. We will closely monitor legislation however please be aware that we may find it necessary to cancel this event at short notice to comply with Government guidance or Hospice health and safety procedures. www.johneastwoodhospice.org.uk

co.uk

contact@johneastwoodhospice.org.uk John Eastwood Hospice, Mansfield Road, Sutton in Ashfield NG17 4HJ

In 1993, members of the Mansfield Lioness Club came up with a new fundraising initiative for the Hospice. With the help of donations from local companies, the first “Tree of Light” was erected and dressed in the Hospice Grounds, raising an amazing £1840.00. The Mansfield Lioness Club disbanded after several years and some members decided to continue dedicated fundraising for the Hospice, they became appropriately known as SHINE. The lighting ceremony has changed considerably over the years, developing from a small group of people attending a chaplain-led service at the hospice to a very busy event at Queen Elizabeth’s School hall and after that at the Eastwood Suite at Portland College. Because of the Corona virus pandemic, last year we were unable to hold a Tree of Light service in the traditional manner and so winged our way through an online event viewable on Facebook. Some years ago we created a Tree of Remembrance which enables sponsors to write a personal message on a tag and attach it to our symbolic tree, which stands in the Hospice reception. This proves very popular with bereaved families. The tree of Light began as a fundraising event and has raised almost £200,000, however it has become much more. It is a way of remembering those we have loved and lost at a special time of the year.

We are very grateful to Collis Engineering who arrange delivery of the tree and erect and dress it for us. We hope the tree will remain a symbol of light and hope for many years to come and that it continues to bring comfort to us all.

To find out more or to sponsor a light, please contact us by the methods below.

John Eastwood Hospice Trust, Mansfield Road, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 4HJ Web: www.johneastwoodhospice.org.uk email: contact@johneastwoodhospice.org.uk tel: 01623 622626

NEWS • EVENTS • UPDATES • LOCAL INTEREST

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Please quote THE 50 PLUS VOICE when ringing or bring this advert to get FREE delivery OR FREE arm protectors 8

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FOOD & RETAIL

CLAIR’S OF DERBYSHIRE IS EXPANDING!

20 22 OU BROC T N HU OW RE !

Don’t worry we’re still small and we’re still family-run, but we will now have a stationary office for you to call in and make your bookings as well as the mobile office that will continue to visit local town centres. Here at Clair’s of Derbyshire we thoroughly love taking people on holiday, putting smiles on their faces, helping them to have a great time, and making lasting memories, we really hope that it shows in the work that we do. Our 2022 brochure is out now, and you can call into the mobile booking office to pick up yours if you haven’t already had one through the post, they are also available at Alfreton Market, Sutton indoor Market and in the new booking office after our grand opening, which will be

FOR A 2022 BROCHURE OR TO BOOK: PHONE 01773 590 808 or 07483 357 958 VISIT OUR MOBILE BOOKING OFFICE GO ONLINE WWW.CLAIRSCOACHES.CO.UK

held Wednesday 5th January between 10am and 2pm, join us for this special occasion, all of the team will be there, including Graham (Clair’s husband), Matthew (their son), Pam (Clair’s Mum), The Infamous Matt (coach driver extraordinaire) and, of course, Clair herself.

STATIONARY OFFICE

MOBILE OFFICE

STATIONARY OFFICE: PARK VILLA, 124 MARKET STREET, CLAY CROSS, CHESTERFIELD, S45 9LY

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FOR A 2022 BROCHURE OR TO BOOK: PHONE 01773 590 808 or 07483 357 958 VISIT OUR MOBILE BOOKING OFFICE • GO ONLINE WWW.CLAIRSCOACHES.CO.UK 2nd Tuesday of each month 9am – 1pm | South Normanton Market Place 2nd Thursday of each month 9.30am - 12.30pm | Bolsover Market 1pm - 2pm | Market Street, Clay Cross 2nd Friday of each month 9am – 1pm | Ripley Market Place

3rd Thursday of each month 9am – 1pm | Alfreton Severn Square Car Park (Outside B&M Bargains) 3rd Friday of each month 9am – 1pm | Sutton-in-Ashfield, Portland Square

To advertise please call the Voice Team on 01773 549 035

FOOD & RETAIL

Slimming World Receipe Beef Jalfrezi

Slimming World are famous for their Fakeaways and this recipe is no exception. Packed full of flavour to set your tastebuds tingling!

Method:

1. Spray a large non-stick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a high heat. Add the garlic, chillies, canned tomatoes and curry powder and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables have softened.

Ingredients: • Low-calorie cooking spray • 3 garlic cloves, crushed

2. Add the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning regularly. Pour in 200ml boiling water, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes or until the beef is tender and the sauce has reduced by about one-third, stirring occasionally.

• 2 green chillies, deseeded and chopped, plus sliced chilli to serve

3. Meanwhile, spray another non-stick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a high heat. Stir-fry the onions and peppers for a few minutes or until lightly browned. Add the tomato wedges and fry for a few minutes more, stirring often.

• 400g lean beef steak, visible fat removed, cut into thin strips

4. Mix the cornflour with 1 tbsp cold water to form a smooth paste, then stir it into the beef and simmer for 1 minute to thicken the sauce, stirring constantly. Add the onions, peppers and tomato wedges, then remove from the heat and stir in the yogurt. Serve with plain boiled rice (we sprinkled a little chopped fresh coriander over ours). For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk

• 200g can chopped tomatoes • 2 tbsp curry powder*

• 2 large onions, cut into wedges • 2 large peppers (1 red, 1 yellow), deseeded and thickly sliced • 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges • 1 level tbsp cornflour • 2 tbsp fat-free natural yogurt

Serves: 4 Ready in: 35mins Syns per serving: ½ syn

DKJ (THE FRIENDLY MILK PEOPLE) Ltd

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CHRISTMAS GIFTS NOW AVAILABLE!

Cheese Hampers, Fruit and Veg Hampers & Dairy Diaries.

ALL DELIVERED FREE TO YOUR DOOR!!

Areas we deliver to: Lea Hollloway, Crich, Fritchley, Ambergate, Sawmills, Belper,Heage, Nether Heage, Ripley, Alfreton, Swanwick, Riddings,Leabrooks, Somercotes, Jubilee, Selston Save the Environment and change to Glass Bottled Milk-locally produced in the Peak District

All deliveries completed by 7.30am

www.dkjmilk.co.uk

TO PLACE AN ORDER PLEASE CONTACT JULIE ON T: 07971 530 069 10

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FOOD & RETAIL

CHRISTMAS AT Alfreton Indoor Market Mix of stalls selling everyday goods and gift ideas Card Payments

Orders Taken

Click & Collect

Delivery Service

Café with spacious seating area

Christmas Opening Hours:

Monday 20th - Friday 24th December - 08:00 - 16:00

Market Closed from Saturday 25th December – reopening Tuesday 4th January 2022 AlfretonIndoorMarket

To advertise please call the Voice Team on 01773 549 035

FOOD & RETAIL

TJ’S RESTAURANT

@THE GEORGE & DRAGON

07941 517 730 • 07526 825 219 • jueanne63@hotmail.com • DE55 5TN Another review on Tj’s Restaurant @ The George & Dragon: how could we resist? Tony & Julie invited the Voice Magazines Team back to

sample the superb delights of their

‘PROPER HOME COOKED GRUB’ We were made to feel part of the family, and nothing was too much to ask. We all made different meal choices each full of flavour and obviously cooked with passion and pride. All portion sizes were extremely generous, and the menu had something for everyone.

For starters we had: Creamy Garlic Mushrooms served with dressed salad and warm crusty bread. Prawn Cocktail served with salad and soft brown bread and butter. Spicy Vegetable Soup with a warm crusty Roll. Lightly grilled Seabass served with dressed salad, lemon, and tarragon butter.

And for Mains: Pie of the Day (steak pie), large pieces of tender beef in homemade gravy surrounded with shortcrust pastry and served with homemade chips, and seasonal selection of fresh vegetables. Lasagne served with garlic bread, dressed salad, homemade thick cut chips and peas. Fish & Chips served with either peas or mushy peas we opted for mushy a traditional English plate of fish & chips. Braised Steak which came in a big chunk of beef served with mash or chips, seasonal veg and onion gravy. Cajun Chicken burger served with home cooked chips, Onion rings & side salad.

ALL THE TEAM AT VOICE MAGAZINES HIGHLY RECOMMEND TJ’S RESTAURANT. YOU CANNOT

10/10 Thank you so much for having us TJ’S @ THE GEORGE & DRAGON

BEAT THEforget PRICE,to AND THE HOSPITALITY. 12 THE FOOD, Don’t mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads

FOOD & RETAIL

MANDY’S TRAVEL PAGE

Hi I’m Mandy your Personal Travel Counsellor.

It’s still not too late for some last-minute Christmas shopping, Travel Counsellors style.

Christmas is just around the corner, and we all have that one friend or relative for whom we just don’t know what to buy.

Because it’s Christmas ….. Would you like to win a Molton Brown gift set?

To be in with a chance all you need to do is follow me on Instagram or Over the last two editions I have talked Facebook and send me a message about unique gift experiences, and they quoting VOICE CHRISTMAS to let me have proved very popular. know you are there. You can choose from relaxed spa days to a full on extreme bungie jump and anything in between. If you are unsure, then what about a Travel Counsellors gift voucher?

mandyoldknow_travelcounsellor Mandy Oldknow Travel Counsellor Alfreton

A winner will be picked at random from each platform on the 19th of December The vouchers start at a value of £50 and and your gift will arrive in time for can be used for a short break, a part Christmas. payment on your holiday or even one of the experiences mentioned above. I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and thank you for reading my page each month.

See you all again in 2022!

MANDY OLDKNOW 01773 318540 mandy.oldknow@travelcounsellors.com To www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/mandy.oldknow advertise please call the Voice Team on 01773 549 035

With us.. its personal13

FOOD & RETAIL

Fleet Scooter

Community Scooter

Power Chair

Boot Scooter

Ground Floor Multi-Storey Car Park New Beetwell Street Chesterfield, Derbyshire. S43 3YR 01246 559 331 Membership - £8.00 per year Daily Hire - £3.00 for 4 hours A daily hire service which you can hire a mobility scooter, powerchair or wheelchair to go into Chesterfield Town Centre to the shops, for appointments or just to get out.

Opening Times are Mon - Fri: 10.00am - 4.30pm Sat: 10.00am - 3.00pm

You can hire mobility equipment on a short term hire, from a full day, overnight, week or a month

Mobility Scooters & Power Chairs £6.00 per full day & overnight £15.00 per week £60.00 per month

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FOOD & RETAIL

Enchanted Rose Florist AWARD WINNING FAMILY FLORIST

Weddings Funerals Gifts Dried Flowers Personalised Balloons Flowers for all occasions CHRISTMAS RANGE AVAILABLE INCLUDING CHRISTMAS WREATHS, TABLE DECORATIONS AND GIFTS.

www.enchanted-rose.co.uk

01773 836 534 or 07944 071 888

TUMBLE WASH LAUNDERETTE

WASHING • DRYING • IRONING COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE FREE WITHIN 2 MILE OR SELF SERVICE

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We clean bedding, duvets, bedspreads, sleeping bags, curtains and sports kits OPENING TIMES Monday & Tuesday 9am - 5.30pm Wednesday 9am - 1.30pm Thursday & Friday 9am - 5.00pm Saturday 9am - 4.00pm Sunday 9am - 1.00pm

Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day

42 Nottingham Rd, Ripley DE5 3DJ

Tel: 01773 745 122

81 WHARF ROAD, PINXTON NG16 6LH TEL 01773 811878  OPEN TUE-SAT 9-3

To advertise please call the Voice Team on 01773 549 035

CHESTERFIELD CANAL TRUST: SANTA SPECIAL CRUISES

All our trip boats will be running Santa Special cruises in December. All children get a present; all adults get a seasonal drink and a mince pie or similar. All fares are £8. Booking is essential. Schedule as below: John Varley ll Santa Special Cruise from Tapton Lock in Chesterfield on Saturdays and Sundays, 4th/5th, 11th/12th and 18th/19th December plus Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd December. To book, please ring 01629 533 020.

Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd December. To book, please email hughhenshall@ chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk or ring 0114 360 0460 and leave a message. Seth Ellis Santa Special Cruise from the Chequers Inn at Ranby on Saturdays and Sundays, 4th/5th, 11th/12th and 18th/19th December plus Wednesday 22nd, Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th December. To book, please email sethellis@chesterfield-canaltrust.org.uk or ring 07925 851 569.

Madeline Santa Special Cruise from Hollingwood Hub on Saturdays and Sundays, 4th/5th, 11th/12th and 18th/19th December. To book, please ring 07708 050 171. Hugh Henshall Santa Special Cruise from Shireoaks on Saturdays and Sundays, 4th/5th, 11th/12th and 18th/19th December plus

www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk/santa-specials 16 Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads

AT HO HO

HOME

SCAN TO GET YOUR FAVOURITE BIRDS PRODUCTS

Delivered Straight to Your Door!

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PLACE YOUR ORDER To advertise please call the Voice Team on 01773 549TO 035

l a n o i s s e f Pro Services Michael Penn Bookkeeping

If there was something that would stop your children from inheriting after you pass away would you want to know? To find out what, call your local Honey Legal consultant, Mike Waterfall on 0800 993 0930 for your free consultation. Quote VMS04 for a 10% Discount

HMRC deadline for online filing 31 January 2022 Self Assessment Tax Return Service Prices from £125 Info@michaelpennbookkeeping.co.uk

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Merry Christmas

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

There's no such thing as 'home alone' this Christmas Our family is your family, so come and join in with the festivities! Enjoy our homemade festive menu from our onsite chef, drink sherry aplenty at our parties, engage in activities galore or show off your Slade skills on the karaoke.

END OF LIFE CARE

DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL QUALITY PREMIUM DEMENTIA AWARD

DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Besides the traditional celebrations, you can also be assured of Milford Care’s Montessori practice, where we support residents to enjoy meaningful activities that reflect their unique interests and retain independence – whether that be tending to the garden like Titchmarsh, baking a batch of Berry’s finest, or toe tapping to the 70s like Travolta! We also have a 24-hour personalised care service, over 30 years of care home experience and backed by the Derbyshire Quality Premium & Dementia Award.

QUALITY PREMIUM AWARD

Nursing care | Dementia care | Long-term care | Residential care | Respite care

01773 520 491 | meadows@milfordcare.co.uk 19 76 Mansfield Road, Alfreton, DE55 7JL

To advertise please call the Voice Team on 01773 549 035

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

WILKINSON BROS LTD Independent Family Funeral Directors Est. 1952

From the Wilkinson family to your family: We wish you a Merry Christmas and after another difficult year, let’s hope 2022 brings health and happiness to all. Happy New Year! A completely professional 24 hour service, covering all areas Private Chapel of Rest in peaceful surroundings We will provide you with a personal and sympathetic service, looking after all your needs and wishes Pre-arranged Funeral Plans, tailored to your specific wishes, are available

Our Family Looking After Your Family

Wills • Probate • Powers Of Attorney

• Qualified Lawyer • Over 30 years experience • Local, friendly and professional service • Covid19 Safe Appointments available-Telephone-Garden-Zoom

Contact : Jill Hallam Tel : 01773 549 037 or 07523 963 026 Email : jill@jhlegal.co.uk 111 Market Street, South Normanton, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 2AA This Firm Complies with the IPW Code of Practice

Email: info@wilkinsonbros.co.uk Web: www.wilkinsonbros.co.uk

TEL: 01773 811371 10 Church Hill, Old Blackwell, DE55 5HN

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THE KEY TO BUTTERLEY new police headquarters, and the stone disappeared. Fast forward over 50 years, and RDHT received information that the keystone had been salvaged by an employee and moved with him around the country. He had recently died and his family wanted to return the stone. A journey into the wilds of Herefordshire recovered the stone.

The first blast furnace and casting house was built at Butterley soon after The Butterley Company was founded in 1790. It was the start of an industry that transformed Ripley. The Butterley Company went on to provide jobs for more and more people as the town grew. They built houses for workers,and the first schools for children of working people. Their constructions changed the face of Britain.

It had been sliced in half, presumably to make it lighter, but the inscription was still there: “B.O. & Co. 1791”. It has now been put on permanent display in the offices of Ripley Town Council on Grosvenor Road, at least until such a time as the Butterley site is redeveloped and the two Trusts, Ripley and District Heritage and Butterley Ironworks, can occupy the Heritage Centre that we hope to have there. The stone will then truly have come home!

Over the years, buildings, including the blast furnaces, were demolished and replaced, but the original keystone was kept and displayed in the Company’s headquarters in Butterley Hall. A keystone is a “locking” stone at the top of an arch that locks all the other stones in place. Because it is so central, it is often used by builders to record their initials and the date of the building: in this case, the initials of the founder, Benjamin Outram, and the date 1791. Following a takeover in 1968, the Hall was sold to Derbyshire County Council for the Pop over to our website to see more about the Ripley & District Heritage on www.rdht.org.uk/ To advertise please call the Voice TeamTrust on 01773 549 035

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SUDOKU #17

Fill in all the numbers! This is a sudoku 1 square grid 81 cells 9 3x3 blocks 1 simple rule: Use all the numbers 1-9, with no duplicates allowed, in any row, column, or block. This puzzles has been devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk

1! 7 2 8 9 4 7 4 6 9 3 5 4 6 8 2 3 5 5 8 2 3 4 1 2 9 8 7

5 8

7 9

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Charlotte Groom Jumping for Joy! We are excited to share an interview with Charlotte Groom, 14 years old competitive horse rider from Peak District At Voice Magazines we like to shout out about the young people in our distribution areas who are making their way in various sports, this festive season is no different and we’d like to introduce you to Charlotte Groom… Charlotte is 14 years old and lives in the small Peak District village of Foolow near Eyam, she has been a keen horse rider since the age of 5 and, as part of a team of four from Lady Manner’s school in Bakewell, she recently took part in the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) Championships in Keysoe, Bedfordshire. Charlotte and the team managed to finish fourth overall out of a field of 43 other school teams. We asked Charlotte how she was introduced to the world of riding, and she told us that whilst she was at primary school a lot of her friends began to ride so she decided to have a go herself. The rest, as they say, is history and now she has not one, but two beautiful horses, a black pony named Tilly and Una who she has had for only a few months. Una is “warm blood sports horse”, and her sires are Grand Prix showjumpers; she’s 15.2 hands and is brown and white (known as ‘coloured’ in the equestrian world). You can in the picture where Una is leaning over the stable door, just what a bond they have developed already. Charlotte was very keen that her family be mentioned in this article, as without their support, she would never have been able to develop her riding skills to the level where she is able to compete. Looking after horses is a big commitment for the entire family - especially as we move into the dark winter nights - Groom family, we salute you!

So what’s next for Charlotte and Una? The plan is for them to move into one day eventing which includes dressage, and a round of show jumping followed by cross country and, as a result of their successes in 2021, the equestrian team from Lady Manner’s school has qualified for the NSEA Eventers Challenge final which will be held at Hickstead in May next year. We have a feeling that we’ll all be hearing a lot more about Charlotte Groom and Una over the course of the next few years!

om Charlotte Gro Horse Rider 26

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RASCALS RIPLEY AMATEUR SWIMMING CLUB AND LIFESAVERS www.ripleyrascals.org.uk

RASCALS Lifesavers back with a Splash in Leeds! needed to jumpstart the training once pools reopened - the athletes were keener than ever to build on the skills and fitness developed online and at their summer Bridlington beach training sessions. With focus back on competition, training sessions soon extended to using a 50m pool in Loughborough.

It was with great anticipation that the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) announced that their Lifesaving Sport Challenge would be going ahead in October 2021. Heading into the competition, RASCALS lifesavers were riding a successful winning streak, coming top of the leader boards in Yorkshire and Sheffield RLSS National Speed competitions. But that was March 2020, and the covid pandemic was yet to wield its grip on the world, not least, the sporting world. In early 2021, RASCALS lifesaving coaches used the rising popularity of ZOOM to provide weekly virtual training sessions for five different groups of athletes during lockdown. With topics covering fitness to nutrition, it was a welcome distraction for the athletes, enabling them to maintain contact with their coaches and friends on screen. It was to prove just the motivation

October 2021 saw RASCALS Lifesavers travel to Leeds to compete in the RLSS Lifesaving Sport Challenge. The 30 strong team ranged from twelve-year-old lifesavers competing for the first time to the more experienced, seasoned competitors. Over two days, individual obstacle races led to manikin carrying, line throwing led to the very popular relay events –a fabulous demonstration of team spirit with support from all the parents and coaches watching on. Scores were in – RASCALS top of the points leader board and highest number of medals won in the competition, 50 in fact! Coming second place in both male and female categories, RASCALS attained most points overall due to, what team manager Dawn Lockwood referred to as “strength in depth across the entire team with each and every child contributing to that success”. Lead coach, Daniel Woodthorpe congratulated the team saying, “I know I speak for all the coaching team when I say how pleased we are for the athletes and most importantly, that they all had a good time”.

RASCALS attained top 10 positions across a number of categories:

RASCALS attained top 10 positions across a number of categories: Open Age: Male 15/17 : Female 15/17: Male 12/14: Female 12/14: Masters:

3rd Thomas Rackham; 10th Jacob Screeton 1st Daniel Waterfall (National record in 100m manikin tow) ; 2nd Luke Waterfall 2nd Heather Watson; 3rd Abi Kerr; 7th Becky Pollicot; 8th Isobel Briggs 4th Jake Allsop; 5th Cillian Lamont 1st Georgie Whysall; 2nd Mimi Fisher; 5th Elenor Quinn; 8th Ella Brough Male 1st Terry Fox; Female 1st Rachel Healey

Back at Ripley, medals in hand, smiles on faces….and already back in action training for

Back at Ripley, hand, smiles on faces….and already back in action training for the Wor themedals Worlds in Lifesaving Championships to be held in Italy 2022! Lifesaving Championships to be held in Italy 2022!

If you would like to expand your swimming activities or try something new please contact us. Our club to allswimming government COVID-19 guidelines. If you would like to adheres expand your activities or try something new, please contact us.

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Santa Claus is coming to town! THIS CHRISTMAS Ripley Town Council Present

Family Christmas Market Sunday 5th December 2021 Ripley Market Place 10am - 3pm FREE carousel rides - FREE face painting Costumed Characters - FREE kids' rides Gifts, food & drink to buy Newstead Brass Ripley Academy School of Dance Father Christmas Star Generation Music

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This classic ramble takes us back to March 2017. As this is a shorter walk I thought it would work well for these colder winter months. We begin and end near Portland Country Park, which just so happens to have a dog friendly visitors centre. Perfect for a cuppa after a good walk, and maybe a snozzage for your pup! Just check the opening times to avoid disappointment. The walk itself is lovely with a nice range of scenery, including some beautiful views. Well worth braving the weather!

3.5-MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM PORTLAND COUNTRY PARK

A steady walk for you and your dog, which should take around 1½ hours to complete. There is a range of terrains and a couple of steep inclines, along with the seasonal mud and puddles so make sure you wear appropriate footwear. There are also a couple of sections of road, so please take plenty of care.

START: PORTLAND COUNTRY PARK, LINDLEY’S LANE, KIRKBY IN ASHFIELD. NG17 9AL. ACCESS TO THE CAR PARK IS BEST DOWN LINDLEY LANE, WHICH CAN BE REACHED FROM THE B6020 IN KIRKBY-IN-ASHFIELD TOWN CENTRE.

Continue straight ahead until the path passes into some trees, bends around to the left, and then to a T junction of footpaths. At this point turn right and continue along a footpath with a steep drop to your left.

Continue along this path for some distance, ignoring any paths leading off. Eventually the path bears slightly to the right and away from the railway line. Continue straight ahead until reaching a T junction of paths. At the T junction turn left, climb up some steps, and cross over a railway bridge.

A little further on, the path begins to descend. At the bottom of the hill you will reach a T junction of paths with a metal fence, and railway line directly in front of you. Turn right to continue along a footpath, keeping a metal fence and railway line on your left.

As you climb down the steps from the bridge, continue straight ahead, ignoring the path on the right. Continue straight ahead for some distance until passing through a metal width restrictor. Continue straight ahead staying close to some trees on your right.

Continue straight ahead until passing through a

Standing with your back to the car park entrance, continue straight ahead, along a well laid footpath, passing a signboard on your left.

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Continue until you reach a cream coloured house on your left. At this point, keep right and begin to climb gently. Follow the path into a field, and now continue to climb with a hedge on you left.

After a short distance, turn right, pass close by a pylon on your left, and continue to cross an open field. Continue straight ahead until passing a grave yard on your left. After, continue straight ahead to pass by a metal gate and into a church yard.

Continue along a path and pass the church on your right. Pass through a wooden gate, out of the church yard, and onto a road. Turn left along the road, and begin to head downhill.

10. Continue along the road for some distance. After passing a bus stop on your right, and just prior to a bus stop on your left, turn left along ‘Laburnum Avenue’. 11.

Continue along ‘Laburnum Avenue’ until the road bends sharp around to the right. At this point, continue straight ahead along a road for a short distance, and then continue as the road turns into a lane.

12. A very short distance along the lane, bear slightly left to continue along the lane with a wall on your

KIDS & FAMILIES

gap in a fence. After, ignore a path to the left, and continue straight ahead with a fence on both sides.

right and a fence on your left. Upon reaching a metal gate directly in front of you, bear slightly left again to continue along a footpath with a fence on both sides. 13. After a very short distance the path splits in two. Take the right hand split and continue with a fence on both sides. Continue for some distance until reaching a metal gate directly in front of you. Pass by the gate, and then, turn immediately right, heading downhill across a field. 14. At the bottom of the hill cross over a wooden footbridge, pass through a gate, and then continue uphill to cross another field. 15. At the top of the hill, pass through a metal gate, cross over a railway line, and then pass through another metal gate. Continue straight ahead along a tarmac footpath. After a short distance pass by a sign board on your left, and begin to gently climb uphill. 16. Continue straight ahead for some distance until passing ‘Portland Country Park Visitor Centre’ on your left. The tarmac footpath now turns into a single track road. 17. Continue straight along the road passing ‘Kirkby Kennels’ on your right. After a short distance the road bends sharp to the left. At this point continue straight ahead along a lane. 18. After a short distance you will pass a farm on your right. Shortly after the farm the lane bends around to the right. Continue straight ahead to pass by a metal gate, and then continue straight ahead along a lane. 19. Follow the lane for some distance until reaching a road. Turn left along the road for a short distance, and then, just prior to a bus stop, turn left through a gap in the hedge, into a field. Continue to cross the field with the hedge on your left. At the far side of the field continue straight ahead, along a lane, for a short distance, until reaching a road. 20. Turn left along the road for some distance until reaching a T junction of roads. Turn left again and after a short distance turn right, back into the car park, and starting point.

This walk is for illustrative purposes only. Voice Magazines 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.

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Pet Safety During the Festive Season Christmas can often be a busy time of year. Whether you’re out and about visiting friends and relatives, or you have family and friends coming over to your house, the change to your pets’ routine can be pretty stressful. Take a look at our 10 festive tips to ensure your pet remains happy and content during the Christmas period. Friends and family Visitors can sometimes be a little unnerving for pets. If your pet is usually concerned with visitors, it’s important to ensure your pet has a safe place they can retreat to where they won’t be disturbed. Having a familiar sound on such as the TV or radio may help to make them feel much more at ease too. Stick to your routine Stick to your usual routine as much as possible. Keep mealtimes roughly the same, and ensure your dog gets their usual amount of exercise. If you usually walk your dog twice a day, then it’s a good idea stick to this, even during the busy Christmas period. Travelling with your pet Travelling can be a stressful experience for your dog. If you are planning to travel with your pet, it’s a good idea to take their toys and bedding to provide some extra comfort. Store gifts away safely Don’t leave presents under the tree – pets may be tempted to investigate and unwrap gifts. Keep gifts safely stored aware until Christmas morning and keep a close eye on your pet when opening your gifts. Keep pet’s busy Kong toys and other interactive feeders are a great way to keep your pet distracted and their mind active, especially if you’re expecting lots of guests. Away for Christmas? If you’re away over the festive period but your pet is staying at home, allow them time to get used to whoever is looking after them before you leave. If your neighbour has kindly offered to look after your cat, let them both meet a few times beforehand.

Be aware of the Christmas tree A real Christmas tree looks beautiful, yet the oils in trees can be mildly toxic if consumed. The needles can also get stuck in your pet’s throat or in their paws. Regularly sweep up any needles that have dropped onto the floor and try not to leave your pet unattended around the tree. Cats climbing trees may also present a risk of injury, so help to keep them safe. Decorations Decorations may appear to look like tempting new and shiny toys to play with yet tinsel and angel hair can cause serious illness if consumed. Instead, help keep your pet’s playful side occupied by spending time playing with appropriate pet toys with them. Lights may also be a very tempting toy. Make sure lights aren’t dangling, wires are tucked away safely, and lights are turned off when leaving your pet unattended. Visiting children Ensure you supervise children and dogs together at all times. Children can get very excited over Christmas, and to a dog, this can be very unpredictable behaviour and can cause them stress. Ensure your pet has somewhere safe they can retreat to at all times. Tempting treats Keep an eye on chocolates, fruit cake and mince pies. Grapes, raisins and chocolate are all toxic to dogs, therefore, avoid leaving any food unattended. If you suspect your pet has ingested something that could cause harm, please contact your vet immediately. We’re here for you and your pet 365 days a year, 7 days a week. If you’re concerned about your pet over the Christmas period, call us via

01332 678333

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Alfreton & District Heritage Trust

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY(Part Two) Christmas Cards The custom of sending Christmas cards, as we know them today, was started in the UK in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole. Sir Henry had the idea of Christmas Cards with his friend John Horsley, who was an artist. They designed the first card and sold them for one shilling each. Having been involved in the introduction of the “Penny Post” in 1840, Henry Cole realised that the postal service could offer a commercial opportunity to enable people to send Christmas messages cheaply. Was this the start of the commercialisation of Christmas as we know it?

Advent Calendars Some traditions are not as old as we believe – take Advent Calendars for example: Advent calendars have become a staple tradition of Christmas, helping us to count down the days from the 1st to the 25th December. Since their invention, they have evolved from having little doors which concealed a picture or a bible verse and now include gifts such as chocolate, alcohol, make-up or even cheese!

an Advent calendar – a pamphlet which included images with swastikas and tanks being blown up. After the war, Richard Sellmer of Stuttgart created a calendar based on a more traditional winter town scene. It was called “The Little Town”. By 1946, Sellmer had taken up commercial production of Advent calendars and was producing them en masse. In the 1950s, his calendars were exported and had become more affordable.

Chocolate Calendars The first chocolate Advent calendar appeared in 1958, but it was in 1971 that Cadbury joined the race and launched its own version in the UK. Cadbury produced Advent calendars intermittently from 1972 to 1986, but it wasn’t until 1993 that they finally became a mainstay. I do hope that you have enjoyed our articles throughout 2021. May I, on behalf of the Alfreton and District Heritage Trust wish you all a very Merry Christmas and we’ll see you all in 2022.

The word ‘Advent’ is derived from the Latin word for ‘coming’. Advent calendars can be traced back to the 19th century when families would mark every day in December until Christmas Eve with a chalk line. Originally, the four-week period known as Advent began as a time for converts to Christianity to prepare for baptism. It is now more commonly associated with the celebrated anniversary of Christ’s birth. German-born Gerhard Lang is considered to be the producer of the first printed Advent calendar in the early 1900s. However, with the outbreak of World War II, cardboard became rationed in Germany and Lang was forced to close down his business. When war broke out in 1939 It was forbidden to produce calendars with pictures, Instead, the Nazis produced their own version of

Pop over to our website to see more about the Alfreton Heritage Society on www.alfretonanddistrictheritagetrust.wordpress.com

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W E I V ' A 'C I sometimes wonder what goes on in people’s heads. Let me explain... If my boiler needs a service I’ll call a qualified expert to do it... and if he/she says it needs replacing I’ll take their advice and get it sorted. Why? Two reasons... I don’t understand boilers and the law says I have to. If the brake warning light comes on in my car I’ll take it to a qualified/experienced mechanic; I’ll accept their advice and let them sort it out. Why? Because I don’t fully understand brakes and faulty brakes put me and everybody else at risk. But suddenly we have hundreds of tap room experts on vaccinations, men and women who know more about medicine than the most qualified and respected academics throughout the world.

Vax or no vax?

There are some strange views about. I’ve never heard this level of opposition to the flu jab... have you? Hospitals are now full of “anti vaxers” who have COVID-19 and refused to protect themselves. More than that they are enabling the virus to proliferate and impact on the rest of society. I have two potential solutions to this issue. One is to make the vaccine compulsory... e.g. it would be a criminal offence to refuse a vaccination. That might sound a bit draconian so I offer an alternative. If you refuse a vaccination then you are legally housebound. No shops, no work, no pubs or places of entertainment. Nothing. That gives everyone a choice... and makes the sane majority much safer.

You must have heard them... “I’m not having a vaccination, I don’t know what’s in it”. Well, I don’t know what’s in a doner kebab but I still like them... “I’m not having a vaccination...they’re injecting you with a chip so they know where you are”. Really? If you have a mobile phone or use a chip and pin card “they” know where you are anyway. “I’m not having a vaccination... it’s personal choice and the government isn’t telling me what to do”. Really? They tell you how fast you can drive and that you have to wear a seatbelt.They tell you it’s illegal to rob a bank or murder your neighbour.

Jim Coyle I would love to hear from you, so please drop me an email on jacoyle213@outlook.com

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It’s Time to ‘Travel Light’ Living in a rural community in the Peak District National Park is wonderful, and the residents in these areas are well aware of how lucky they are. However, this rural idyll comes at a price; it’s rarely possible to just ‘nip to the shops’, easily visit a cinema, doctor or dentist surgery, or indeed do many of the things a city dweller (thanks to the close proximity of such facilities and good public transport links) takes for granted. Most people in the area rely on private cars in order to be able to go about daily life, and in the Hope Valley, two-thirds of regular journeys by adults are more than five miles. The public transport infrastructure is patchy, unreliable, and not currently perceived as a viable alternative for most people. Local residents are joined by between three and five million visitors each year, and numbers have been growing during the pandemic. 90% of journeys to the National Park are made by car, as current public transport often does not serve the tourist attractions people wish to visit. Cycling uptake in the Derbyshire Dales is also extremely low, only 2.6% of people cycle for travel once a week. This could be due to the terrain (this IS the Peak District) but also the lack of defined and maintained cycle routes. Cyclists from outside the area will often drive and park up before heading out on their bikes, as the routes into the area are perceived as unsafe. Something as simple as changing the speed limit to 20mph in villages and narrow lanes, could make walking and cycling feel safer and more attractive. Given that transport is the UK’s largest greenhouse gas emitter, responsible for 27% of total emissions, what can be done in this region to work towards lowering the impact? Here are some ideas from Hope Valley Climate Action groups ‘Travelling Light’ report; you can read more about the initiative on their website. The group is making a bid to Department for Transport for the Hope Valley to be a national beacon of sustainable travel for the future.

What if… • people could travel safely by bike and on foot to reach local services, schools and workplaces • people took fewer journeys, working from home more • there were simple ways to share journeys or even the ownership of vehicles • some spaces were car-free, reclaimed for communities, cyclists and walkers • there were more public on-demand services available to get people where they want to go • more people had access to e-bikes, so they could travel further by bike • public transport was easy to understand and use with one network, one ticket and one timetable • there was a Hope Valley Mobility Hub, integrating all travel options into one welcoming place • it was convenient to charge an electric vehicle, even without a private driveway Ask yourselves if there is anything you can do NOW to reduce the car journeys you make.

These articles are researched and written by Laura Billingham, a local content writer and author. Laura moved to the Peak District several years ago to pursue her passion for writing. To find out more visit www.landgassociates.co.uk or contact Laura on 07736 351341

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Mike’us sings M

I think he might be having us on you know... Mike is always glad to hear from you at mike. musings@outlook.com

‘Tis the season to be......jolly Well, despite everything...... let’s try

The last time I saw George, he said he felt he’d become a bit of a local celebrity – for a modest fee he’ll happily come and open a new supermarket near you! – and other than stories from the glory days of Hilcote Hacademicals, he’d tell me a few tall tales of another sort. They made me smile. What do you think?

in his frustration took a big kick at the snail and sent him ‘on his way’. He thought no more about it until around eight months later when, after another knock, he opened the door to find the snail once more on his step. “Sorry to interrupt you again sir”, the badly bruised snail began, “but have I offended you in some way?”

An Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman were all sentenced to death by firing squad.

Three Mansfield Town fans were recently in the pub moaning just how bad their team had been this season.

The Englishman was brought out first and as the firing squad took aim, he quickly hatched a plan and shouted out “AVALANCHE!!” In the confusion that followed, he managed to make good his escape. The Irishman came next, and having watched his English colleague, decided to try something similar. This time, as the squad took aim, at the top of his voice, he yelled “FLOOD!” Again, this ploy worked, and in chaotic scenes he was able to slip away undetected. Finally, wee Jimmy, having seen how his comrades had managed to escape, was the next to be brought out. Smiling inwardly as he watched the firing squad take aim for the third time, he confidently shouted “FIRE!” Having heard a knock, George went to his front door and found a snail looking up at him from the front step. The snail smiled and asked “Have you got a few minutes to take a survey on behalf of the local radio station?” George was fed up with the number of ‘cold calls’ he’d been getting, and

The first said that he blamed the manager, Nigel Clough, claiming that “...he’s not a patch on his Dad.” The second blamed the players suggesting that “... they just don’t seem to put in the effort.” “I blame my parents”, said the third. “If I’d been born in Chesterfield, I’d be supporting a decent team right now.” Ouch! Finally, George told me of his difficult upbringing in Hilcote and of the abuse he had to take from the local gang, ‘The Blackwell Boys’. They would regularly hurl verbal abuse at him, but the worst humiliation was the day they smothered him in cream and stuck cherries up his nose. “Yes Mike” he told me with a wry smile, “it was really tough growing up in the gateaux.” On that fitting note, George (& myself) hope you all have the merriest of times at Christmas, and assuming we survive the New Year, look forward to bring you more tales in 2022.

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Pitcherwits

Pitcherwits® are crossword puzzles where some of the clues are in pictures. Sound easy? It’s not called “Pit-yourwits” for nothing!

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Book Review

Crime writer Ann Cleeves is having a moment, you might say. She’s the pen (or keyboard) behind two recent major TV events – the latest Shetland series and The Long Call, broadcast over autumn. And she also wrote the books on which Vera, previously turned into very successful TV, were based. But of course she was a writer of books first and if you’ve been hooked by the TV series it’s always interesting to read the books they came from. – For instance Jimmy Perez was described in the Shetland books as having Spanish heritage and being olive skinned with wild black hair! A far cry from gingery Dougie Henshall, even if he is perfect on TV. In any case, fans of The Long Call, will no doubt be pleased to know that the second book in the Two Rivers series, The Heron’s Cry, is now in bookstores. It features detective Matthew Venn again, is set in a hot Devon summer (always a mood enhancing factor at this time of the year) and as always with Ann Cleeves books is driven as much by strong characterisation alongside twisty plotlines and plenty to keep the grey matter working. It’s a traditional mystery, but no less enjoyable for that. Seems like another chapter in the Ann Cleeves success story.

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And you can still see the footprint of existing plants before they disappear under snow and heavy frost. So you’ve got a head-start if you want to make changes next year. If you’re outside, this is a good month to plant bare root roses and trees. Prune apple and pear trees while they are dormant and the same with acers and birches to avoid them bleeding as this weakens them. Oriental poppies and Japanese anemones can be propagated by taking root cuttings now. Gently dig down to the roots and cut pieces off, gently brushing the soil off. Cut pieces of root 1-2 inches (2.5-5cms long) and push into small pots or a tray of loose well drained compost. You need to put them in the right way up, so think of it as the way they were growing in the soil – i.e. thickest at the top. Store in a cool but frost free frame – even a home-made frame from a box with a bit of glass over next to the house will do. And wait for shoots before planting out.

Top Tip:

Birds need lots of energy at this time of year. You can provide that through your feeders with fat balls, suet and peanuts. They need water even in winter, and a bird bath lets them wash and keep their feathers oiled. Even an upturned bin lid would do. And for hedgehogs leaf piles provide easy habitats.

If you’re using a paraffin heater in your greenhouse, do also keep it ventilated during the day as the fuel produces moisture which can encourage mould and rot. You’ll use more fuel, but your plants have a better chance of thriving.

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Christmas across the Peak District I have written previously about both deer in the Peak and surrounding areas and about fungi such as the fly agaric ‘magic mushrooms’. The latter take us seamlessly into the Christmas and New Year celebrations since the hallucinogenic mushrooms gave us leaping and flying reindeer, perhaps Rudolph’s red nose, and various other aspects of the Santa Claus myth. All parts of the fly agaric are toxic or at least hallucinogenic but the effects vary with the part of the fungus, its condition, and with the recipient. However, on the bleak semi-tundra landscape of Lapland with nomadic reindeer herders and the persistent mushroom lasting into the winter cold, the bright red-and-white cap attracted attention. Both Laplanders and reindeer consumed the mushroom with predictable effects. A mix of deer and viewers both ‘high’ led to the stories we have today. The aspect I still find hard to imagine is that Laplander shaman realised that the active hallucinogenic chemical passed through into reindeer urine intact and therefore they could get the desired effect by imbibing this. Therefore, the wise men of Lapland drank reindeer pee! Our region’s deer are fallow (but very localised), red (widespread now on the high moors and surrounding areas), and roe deer (increasing in farmland and low-lying woodlands). We do not actually have reindeer except maybe a few around Christmas. However, I do recall an article in the Guardian newspaper many years ago, that suggested how reindeer might be re-introduced to the Peak and Pennines as part of a rewilding programme. The article was a bit bonkers then I and I think remains so today! Wrong species, wrong habitat, and above all, wrong climate.

Nevertheless, Christmas and New Year are a season to rejoice and to take stock of lives, landscapes, and of places. Head out to the Peak’s high moors and you are back in a land of prehistory, of Bronze Age and Iron Age farmers. The wonderfully rich landscapes tell of people who venerated the seasons and especially summer and winter solstices. The barrows, cairns, and especially stone circles stand as testament to this lost culture of our ancestors. Often today, these monuments are unseen and hidden for the many recreational visitors to the region. Yet it is worthwhile to stand quietly in these special pre-Christian places and to ponder our ancestors celebrating the death of one year in the winter chill and the darkness, and then the hope of a new year to come. This is a nod to the endless cycle of life and death and new life again. In amongst the modern hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, endless playing of ‘Jingle bells’ or ‘Last Christmas’ in shops and garden centres across the land, perhaps head out for the loneliness of the hills, moors, and bogs and simply take time to wonder what it is all about. Stand on the Peak District edges and look westwards from the Eastern Moors, or maybe eastward from around Goyt or Buxton, and imagine prehistoric communities and settlements on each of the high points you can see. What, I wonder, was their midwinter celebration like.

Professor Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer, broadcaster on wildlife and environmental issues in the Peak District and elsewhere, is contactable on info@hallamec.plus.com. Follow his website www.ukeconet.org, blog ianswalkonthewildside, Twitter @IanThewildside 60 Don’t forget to mention Voice&Magazines when responding to the Ads

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Our allotment shop is shut now until the Saturday morning before Christmas ,when brussels sprouts and some other greens and maybe some parsnips will be on sale. Considering this is the first time the Leabrooks (Bridle Lane) Allotment Association has opened a vegetable shop it has been a roaring success, thanks to the hard work of some committee members. It will open again in the spring. On our plot there are still carrots, parsnips, and leeks to dig as well as Swiss chard, cabbage plus purple and curly kale to harvest. Do you ever think about the origins of the vegetables you eat? I recently read a fascinating article about the evolution of carrots. It was entitled ‘Dr Carrot, the Children’s Best Friend’ after a character invented in 1941 by the Ministry of Food to encourage people to eat more carrots because they provide beta-carotene, which our bodies convert to vitamin A. In its wild state the carrot is a tiny bitter rooted plant but 2000 years of cultivation and domestication have turned it into the carrot we know today. Carrot evolution can be traced back to a time when dinosaurs became extinct. Then carrots acquired genetic advantages so they could thrive in a range of environmental conditions. Apparently the orange carrots we have now are derived quite recently from mutations of yellow carrots, aided by human selection. So now we can grow orange, yellow and even purple-rooted carrots. The latter are rich in anthocyanins, potent antioxidants. It’s a pity when all the mutations were going on that the carrot gene didn’t acquire resistance to carrot fly larvae. Carrot fly is a nasty small black-bodied fly which got to our carrots this year even though they were growing in raised beds. The larvae from the eggs burrowed into the roots causing them to crack and become unusable. Next year I plan to wage biological warfare on the carrot fly larvae by attacking them with nematodes. This is a good time of year to get an allotment ready for the 2022 season, so call our plot bailiff Mick on 07725 402 033 for details. Our allotment rentals include insurance and water and must be the cheapest in the country at £5.00/100 sq yards/year. What a bargain. Happy Christmas!

Martin Rumsby

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Voice Magazines - Swanwick, Riddings, Leabrooks and Somercotes Edition - December 2021

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