I can’t really write anything other than such a sombre message this month. What a truly terrible start to the month. Our beloved Queen unfortunately passed on the 8th September and we find ourselves in turmoil, as a nation, once again.
Whether you are a monarchist or not, the majority of us have only ever known her as our Head of State and nobody can cast any doubts on her commitment and impartiality to the role. For that alone, we will all be eternally grateful for her service to her country.
Of course, as is inevitable, a new chapter has begun and we find ourselves in unchartered territory. I must admit, the thought of never singing ‘God Save the Queen’ again has left a lump in my throat.
As a nation, I suppose we should be getting used to all this upheaval and uncertainty after the last few years but losing a constant steadying hand
in the background has sent tremors through our core and we find ourselves with a new Sovereign and a new and similarly inexperienced Government, in the midst of a financial crisis, after barely recovering from a pandemic. These years will certainly go down in the history books for us, no doubt. Yet that is little comfort for many of us currently but as our stoic Queen told us during the pandemic in 2020 – “we should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return”.
The day was inspired by the odd fact that black-and-white, and pure black cats and kittens were usually the last to be adopted –waiting up to an additional seven days before finding a home.
Now, having been the owner of a black-and-white cat, I find it hard to believe that monochrome moggies are any less lovable than tabbies, tortoiseshells, gingers, calicos, or any other colour of feline.
But Cats Protection have the stats so who am I to disavow them?
I started to wonder WHY black cats are perceived as less desirable, I mean if a black cat crosses our path, we say we’re in for some good luck – and apparently, the same is said in Japan. However, the rest of the world (America?!) associate black cats with BAD luck, they are seen as harbingers of doom.
Could this be because of the association of black cats with witches and witchcraft?
To be honest, the only thing I have been able to find online linking witches and black cats, is that Pope Gregory issued a Papal Bull in the 1230s in which black cats are mentioned in a description of a so-called Satanic Ritual!
Tenuous connection isn’t it? However, in 17th Century America, the first Pilgrim settlers were highly suspicious of anything connected with supposed witchcraft, and the black cat served as a handy symbol for all things “evil”. Quite why they would select
symbolism from Roman Catholicism evades me.
Anyone who has heard of the Salem Witch Trials will recognise the mass hysteria surrounding the belief that witches, warlocks, and the devil himself, were active in Massachusetts in the late 1690s. It’s a small step from believing your next door neighbour is a witch, to accepting her black cat is actually a “familiar” and not just a vermin killing machine. So strongly felt was the connection of black cats to satanic practices that those found harbouring one could be punished, even put to death. Extreme, right?
Whatever the origin story, black cats were regarded as “evil” in the USA and that belief found its way over the pond, in literature, and later TV and movies. Our acceptance of their Halloween traditions wouldn’t have helped either.
I happen to love black cats (and black-and-white ones) and even wrote a short story about one which features in an anthology. There’s something about the contrast of their eyes against the jet black fur that I find really appealing. I do however remember many, many years ago being absolutely petrified after watching a “horror” movie where a beautiful black cat transmuted into an Egyptian mummy and went around killing people.
So – if you are looking to buy or adopt a cat or kitten, why not choose a monochrome mog’ and save them from extra time in the re-homing shelter?
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.
or contact Laura on 07736 351
Originally created in 2011 by Cats Protection, National Black Cat Day is held every year on October 27th.
Very little is known in Pinxton or South Normanton of the man who had the biggest influence on the development of Pinxton; The Reverend D’ Ewes Coke.
He served both Parishes as Rector. He was ordained as Rector in December 1771 and straight away appointed himself as Rector of Pinxton, having inherited the power to do so from his father, George Coke of Kirkby Old Hall. According to the records in the Lichfield Register, he was also appointed to the living of South Normanton at the same time, thereby holding the office of the neighbouring Parishes in plurality. He held both offices until his death in 1811; a total of forty years.
D’ Ewes was born in 1747, the only surviving child of George and Elizabeth, nee Ellis of Brampton. He was only five when his grandfather died, nine when his mother died. He was left under the guardianship of Robert Lillyman of Brookhill Hall while his father went to Africa to seek his fortunes in the newly discovered gold fields there.
Young D’ Ewes was orphaned two years later; never again seeing his father.
Due to his grandfather’s extravagant lifestyle with his second wife and his abysmal business sense he basically bankrupted the former affluent branch of the Coke family.
The formative years he spent under the roof of his guardian appeared to be very harsh, according to the official history of the family. He confided as much to his son John, who later stated: ‘My father’s guardian was a most remarkable character. Having been bred to the law he had acquired a degree of confidence and boldness in matter of business, which joined with a strong intellect, a stem temper, and an authoritative manner, caused him to be
Brookhill Hall from the West across the half-moon pond create by reverend Coke in the early 1780’s after inheriting the estate from Miss Sarah Lillyman
5 Hindu holy man in this ad.? Hurrah! (5)
Toff, always hiding the cheap meat (5)
Infinite ordinal, yet ending at the seventh! (3)
Midweek, in short, is the time to be married! (3)
Now it could be broken (2,3)
Asian republic from within diagram (5)
2 Harden thin urethane edging (5)
3 It takes a superego not to see the band (5)
10 Seen in the end to be poetically level (3)
14 Scent of a romantic interlude (5)
Skaters’ place delayed (2,3)
FRIDAY 9am & 10:30am
SELSTON PARISH HALL
Mansfield Rd, Selston, NG16 6EE Sue: 07738 118 130
THURSDAY 5:30pm & 7pm
SELSTON PARISH HALL
Mansfield Rd, Selston, NG16 6EE Maria: 07860 830 095
slimmingworld.co.uk
This classic Slimming World recipe is a favourite amongst members for a very good reason. Syn free and full of flavour!
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.
2. Cook the sausages according to the pack instructions, then leave to cool. Thinly slice the sausages, then stir-fry them for a few minutes in a non-stick saucepan with the pinch of paprika. Set aside.
3. Crumble the stock cube into a large jug, add 50ml hot water and stir to dissolve. Add the passata, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano and fennel seeds and blitz until smooth using a stick blender (you could also do this in your food processor). Stir in the basil.
4. Put the chicken in a large ovenproof dish and pour over the tomato sauce. Top with the sausage slices, peppers, onion and tomatoes and cook in the oven for 50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Season to taste and serve hot. This is great with Slimming World chips (although it would no longer be suitable for an Extra Easy SP day) and salad.
For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk
4 Slimming World Pork Sausages
1 tbsp smoked paprika, plus a pinch
chicken stock cube 500g passata
garlic cloves, peeled
tbsp dried oregano
tsp fennel seeds
small pack fresh basil, chopped
skinless and boneless chicken breasts
peppers (red and green), deseeded and diced
red onion, diced
tomatoes, diced
Voice Magazines were invited to dine with husband and wife team Tony and Julie of TJ’s restaurant set within the ever popular George & Dragon public house in the heart of Newton, Derbyshire. Regular readers will know this is not our first visit to TJ’s restaurant probably because when we go, we have to shout about it, and this visit was no different.
Tony, the chef, and his wife Julie have been in the trade of entertaining people with their flavoursome creations in the kitchen for many years. Sharing their hospitality and flare for producing perfection on a plate with all who join them. Knowing Tony’s reputation as a chef, the owner of the George and Dragon offered Tony and Julie the opportunity to open their own restaurant within his pub. Then, just before the first lockdown, TJ’s restaurant opened. With hindsight, probably wasn’t the best time to open a restaurant but not even a crystal ball could have predicted what would happen! Set with the covid challenge, Tony and Julie adapted their business plan and offered a takeaway service. This service went down so well, it continues to this day. When the lockdowns ended the doors finally opened on TJ’s restaurant, it blossomed.
As always, the Voice team were greeted by friendly and attentive staff in a comfortable, warm environment. As you can see by the images around the article, we were lavished with a plethora of sumptuous dishes which everyone devoured and enjoyed. There was something for even the fussiest of us, such as Emily with her Dianne sauce (which she wouldn’t share)! A great night was had by all. Well, you can’t really go wrong with homecooked food cooked to perfection and presented beautifully, Tony really does have an eye for presentation.
Get in there quick TJ’s is growing from strength to strength and are currently promoting their Christmas Fayre Menu, The Voice Team recommend booking quick to avoid disappointment.
What a brilliant, exciting, entertaining joy of a book Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead is.
It’s the story of Marian Graves, a girl then a woman determined to wring every possible drop from life. As a child in the backwoods of Montana at the time of Prohibition, she is almost thrown from her horse when low flying barnstorming planes appear overhead. For Marion it is love at first sight and flying becomes her passion.
Half a century later she goes missing on a flight that’s her life’s ambition – to circumnavigate the globe, Pole to Pole. Her story – and it’s so engrossing that this reader started checking the internet to see if she was real – is entwined with that of the somewhat flaky Hollywood star who plays her in a film in the present day.
So, with Marian we travel to the ice shelf of Antarctica, the glitz of wartime London and the terrifying glacial deserts of Alaska, mixed in with marriage to a crazy, and flying bootleg whisky. With film star Hadley, consumed with a need to play Marian Graves, it’s private jets and sex, poolside parties and questionable substances.
It is superb storytelling, clever, funny and moving and it is beautifully written. Its 600 pages fly by far too fast till you finish up rationing it so you don’t finish it. Prepare to be swallowed up in another world.
FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF WHY SO MANY PEOPLE LOVE SHOPPING AT THE FESTIVE GIFT FAIR AND RETURN EVERY YEAR… BRING ON THE CHRISTMAS CHEER!
Christmas isn’t just about buying gifts; it’s making sure every corner of your home looks fabulous and your table is set for a festive feast! All of which can be found at this much loved Christmas Shopping Fair returning to the NEC, 17-20 NOVEMBER for its 26th year!
Get your Christmas off to a cracking start at THE FESTIVE GIFT FAIR and you’ll see how fun and easy Christmas shopping can be!
Explore 300 stalls overflowing with thousands of clever gift ideas and decorations at affordable prices, while enjoying a whole line-up of fantastic musical entertainment.
Back by popular demand is David Julien, finalist of The Voice UK,The Grinch,The Stilt Jazz Band, choirs and more! And of course, Santa will be there along with his fabulous sleigh…plenty of photo opportunities!!
It’s no wonder THE FESTIVE GIFT FAIR is the most popular Christmas shopping event in the heart of the country… here’s a little sneak preview of some of the goodies you’ll see …
EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY!...
Christmas is the one time of year when everyone can overindulge a little. At THE FESTIVE GIFT FAIR you’ll find a whole array of delicious artisan food and drink to sample, before you buy.
The Panettone Store will be selling mouthwatering panettone in beautiful Dolce & Gabbana designed tins.
Leithal Hot Sauces hot, tangy and fruity sauces and even a mojo rub!
The Cherry Tree pick your own chutneys, jams and curds from a huge selection of flavours ranging from Christmas pickle with mead to Cherry curd, plum and mulled wine jam to bloody mary chutney.
Drury & Alldis build your own gift of bottle stacked oils and vinegars…black garlic vinegar, oak smoked oil and mango vinegar are many more!
O’Donnell Moonshine, as seen on BBC Dragons’ Den, will tempt your taste buds with roasted apple moonshine, wild berry, tough nut and blood orange …wow!
Natural Cone & Fruit Company seasonal dried fruit wreaths, swags and garlands.
1 Stop Christmas Shop has it all, from gonks galore to magical unicorns and Christmas stockings.
Turan Mosaic Arts & Craft colourful, beautifully crafted handmade mosaic table lamps and ceramic wall décor.
Lanke Kade with fair trade wooden toys & gifts and distinctive range offers bright, bold colours and natural wood finishes.
TwirlySkirts stall for a special party dress for your little Princess!
The Little Shop has cuddly and fun plush toys and inflatables for boys and girls.
Books 2 Doors with1000’s of books for kids from fiction to fantasy.
Diamond Art Studio stall. discover the inner artist in you by assembling beautiful crystals on canvas using a new amazing technique called diamond painting.
PERSONALISE YOUR GIFT FOR A TRULY UNIQUE PRESENT… UK Print Studio will personalise your family prints.
Delightful Decorations have your choice of name on a huge selection of baubles.
Spinney Cottage can personalise a range of wooden items from keepsake boxes to bookmarks and stools to keyrings
The Perfume Shop, have a range of 130 brands of women’s perfumes and men’s aftershave.
Feel Good CBD with sports recovery aids, flavoured oils, creams & lotions.
Rock Home & Leisure has home fragrance and candle gift sets available. Rokamar Indulge in some self pampering with their whipped body butters.
The Handbag Company with genuine leather bags, purses & wallets. Twilly & Hyde for hide bags, fedora hats, ladies jumpers and gloves.
Kingdom Threads for the magic of Disney in a range of embroidered Disney themed apparel.
Lucido Boutique offer a gorgeous range of knitwear from casual to smart.
This month we bring you a walk which has lived long in the memory. The route is fabulous with some amazing views but where there are views there are hills and this walk comes with some steep climbs, so is definitely not one for the feint hearted. The first time we did this walk, back in 2015 it left us a little out of breath and we definitely felt we had earned our drink at the end. This time we sent out the lovely Michelle and Dean who have brought the walk up to
A tough but highly rewarding walk for you and your dog. Despite the medium length this walk should take 21/2 – 3 hours as there are some slow uphill sections. As ever be careful on roads, make sure you wear appropriate footwear for the conditions and as always, follow the countryside code!
1. Standing on Church Street, with your back to the church, turn right and head uphill. After passing a post box in a stone wall, turn right along a signposted footpath. Continue straight for a short distance and then pass through a metal gate and beneath a metal archway signposted for ‘High Tor Grounds’.
2. Continue uphill for some distance keeping a metal fence on your left. Eventually the metal fence peels off to the left. At this point continue straight uphill. Nearing the top of the hill you will reach a wooden sign board on your right. Turn right just in front of the signboard and take the steps leading uphill.
3. At the very top of the hill turn left. Immediately the path splits into two. Take the left split through some trees and up some more steps. Pass by a large telecoms mast on your left and begin to descend.
4. Further on you will climb down some steps and arrive at a small picnic area with picnic tables. Turn 90 degrees left keeping a wooden fence on your left. After a short distance you will reach a tarmac path. Turn right onto the path and continue downhill.
5. The tarmac path bends sharp left and then continues on to a large wooden gate. Just prior to the gate turn sharp right at a marker post on your right. Follow this path until reaching a T-junction of paths and turn left down some steps. Continue to twist and wind downhill until passing through a metal gate, down a few concrete steps and turn right onto a tarmac path.
6. Continue downhill for a short distance and then pass through a gap adjacent to a wooden gate. After a short distance go under the bridge and turn left onto the tarmac pedestrian walkway.
7. Follow the pedestrian walkway until you reach the zebra crossing adjacent to the train station car park. At the zebra crossing turn right and cross over the bridge to reach the A6. Cross directly over the A6 and continue uphill on ‘Holme Road’.
8. Stay on ‘Holme Road’ as it bends to the left. Continue to pass ‘Masson Road’ on your right and ‘Waterloo Road’ on your left. Further on you will pass a footpath on your right signposted for ‘Matlock’ and then ‘West Lodge’ on your right. The road becomes very narrow and steep. On your right is a stone wall with a hand rail. Where the hand rail ends turn right onto a signposted footpath going steep uphill into some woodland.
9. Continue uphill until you reach two metal posts. At this point ignore the path that bears right and continue bearing slightly left and uphill. Upon reaching a T Junction of paths turn left and continue uphill avoiding the fallen tree. When nearing the top of the hill you will reach a fence and open views on your left. After a very short distance turn right back into the woodland and onto a footpath signposted for ‘Matlock’.
10. Continue along this path with a steep bank down to your right. After some distance at a marker post on your left the path splits into two. Take the left split going uphill. After a short distance pass through a wooden gate and then a marker post on your right. Continue along a lane passing a sign for ‘Tinkers Shaft’ on your
11. After a short distance bear right off the lane and head to the left of the viewing platform at ‘Tinkers Shaft’. Continue on this course passing through a wooden gate then turn right onto the lane.
12. After some distance along the lane pass through a wooden gate to bypass a cattle grid. After a short distance, keep your eyes peeled for a right turn at the crossroads of footpaths into a field. Continue downhill keeping some trees on your right.
13. Continue to pass through a small wooden gate adjacent to a large metal gate. Continue to the bottom left hand corner of the next field and pass through a wooden gate. Continue downhill and pass a marker post on your left. After a very short distance, pass through a gap in a wall and continue downhill with a hedge on your right. Pass through another wooden gate and continue downhill with a hedge on your right. Now pass through a wooden gate to continue with a hedge on both sides.
14. Pass through a gap and continue straight downhill. Pass through two stone posts and after a short distance cross over a stile. Immediately after the stile bear right and continue along a path to a tarmac lane. Cross straight over the lane and into another field to continue downhill.
15. At the bottom of this field pass through a metal gate, down some steps and then downhill along a tarmac lane with a stone wall on both sides. Upon reaching a road turn right downhill until reaching a main road.
16. Cross the main road and continue straight to cross over a river bridge. Immediately after the bridge turn right into Matlock Park. Continue along a broad tree lined path to the very far side of the park where you reach a road. Continue along the road for a short distance and then turn right onto a path signposted for ‘Pic Tor’.
17. Cross over a footbridge and at a T-junction of paths turn right. Continue straight ahead and just prior to entering a tunnel turn left along a path signposted for ‘War Memorial’. Follow this path uphill ignoring the path that descends to the right.
18. The path twists and winds to the top of the hill where you will find the Memorial. Just past the Memorial, turn left down some steps and pass through a wooden gate to return to the church.
This walk is for illustrative purposes only. Voice Magazines Ltd takes no responsibility for anyone who chooses to follow this route and encourages all walkers to obey all byelaws and signs and to respect the area they are walking in, ensuring they pick up all dog mess and obey the countryside code at all times.
In April 2023, Sutton Community Academy will be taking a small group of students on an expedition to Mount Everest Base Camp in the Nepalese Himalayas. Our students are working incredibly hard to make this happen, but they can’t do it alone. We need donations and support from our local community to help realise this trip.
Our students need your help. We are fundraising to take a group of young people on an expedition to Everest, where they will be trekking incredible landscapes, immersing themselves in the language and culture of local communities, and learning about the fascinating history of the region. This might be called a once in a lifetime opportunity, but we think it will be a platform to many more amazing adventures, experiences and achievements throughout their lives.
Our students are working incredibly hard to make this trip happen; show that you believe in their ability to inspire and achieve by donating to our fundraiser today, by scanning the QR code or contact us on.
When times get tough, a warm bath can help to soothe body and mind.
During the dark winter months, we naturally look for the things that bring us comfort. A hot cup of tea, a good book, or spending time with loved ones. Evidence shows that kindness and compassion, to ourselves and to others, actually improve our mental health.
Many people find a warm bath helps to melt away their worries. And in fact, baths also help to relieve muscle pain and tension, lower blood sugar and improve heart health.
Being in a warm bath can diminish feelings of depression and pessimism, giving you a sense of comfort that allows your mind and body to relax. It can also help you to sleep better at night.
Bathing can become difficult for all sorts of reasons, but the issue we hear most commonly is people struggling to get out of the bath. This is easy to solve with a walk-in bath. They usually have a low step and door to get in and out easily. Some walk-in baths have a powered seat that lifts, lowers and even reclines you into the water. You can have anti-scald taps, slip-resistant floors and shower attachments.
Some baths can be fitted in just one day, although many customers decide to make other changes in their bathroom at the same time such as adding new flooring, tiles or grab rails.
Walk-in baths are just one of the many ways we help people every day at AHM Installations. We can provide showers and shower trays, wet rooms, raised toilets, sinks and bidet seats, all complemented with beautiful flooring and wall panelling.
Installing a new, accessible bathroom isn’t something you do every day, and understandably people worry about the cost.
There are all sorts of bathroom options to suit your budget. You might only need grab rails by your toilet, for example, or a low-level access shower.
We guide our customers carefully through the installation of new bathroom equipment within their home.
We’re always happy to answer your questions. Please call us on 0115 936 1804. We also offer discounts for military veterans and for those with dementia.
October 1st each year is International Coffee Day and it presents a good opportunity to think about the people who work hard to bring us our morning cuppa. You may not know about the difficulties they experience, but life can be hard for the farmers who produce the beans that go into this delicious beverage. Today they face many challenges, from climate change to volatile prices they receive for their crop. The Fairtrade movement was in fact established as a reaction to an earlier coffee crisis in 1992 when farmers protested and campaigners were outraged by the rock bottom prices paid to coffee farmers.
Today, the industry has a greater understanding of the need for sustainable and environmentallyfriendly coffee production but many farmers are still vulnerable to poverty. Climate change increasingly threatens the future of coffee because changing weather patterns affect the growth of the delicate plant, plant funguses and diseases are more common and disasters like storms and floods can destroy entire crops.
But there is hope. When you Choose Fairtrade it makes a significant difference to the farmers who grow coffee and also to their communities. Fairtrade certification represents social, economic and environmental Standards and supports farmers and workers to receive better wages and decent working conditions. The model also encourages long-term relationships between businesses in the UK and farming communities all around the world, so co-operatives can be sure of future purchases and the ability to invest in their farms.
Key points & facts about Fairtrade (gathered in 2019 when we celebrated our 25th anniversary)
• In 1992 the Fairtrade Foundation was established by a group of charities including Oxfam, Traidcraft, Christian Aid and CAFOD two years later the following brands launched the first Fairtrade products in the UK in 1994.
• Today there is still huge exploitation in the world and the price of coffee has been incredibly volatile for farmers, who are at the front line of the climate emergency and for whom Fairtrade offers a lifeline.
• The C price, which sets the prices for Arabica coffee, has historically been volatile. As recently as 2018, the market price fluctuated around US $1/lb –making it unsustainable to stay in farming for many smallholder farmers.
• The iconic FAIRTRADE Mark was held by four brands; Cafédirect, Percol Coffee, Clipper Tea and Green & Blacks (chocolate). There are now thousands of products available to buy in shops in the UK.
• Fairtrade is 50% owned by farmers, and primarily works with small-scale farmers who often face the hardest conditions and the highest levels of poverty.
• The FAIRTRADE Mark represents people and planet. The blue sky of potential is connected to the green of growth, representative of the producer with an arm raised in celebration of human endeavour.
Although she lived to a remarkably great age of 96, she had understandably become a more private person after the death of her husband Prince Philip in 2021. Nevertheless, she was still there at the most important moments, despite her increasing mobility problems, and who can forget the wonderful four-day celebration of her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year in June?
The Queen notched up some remarkable achievements during her 70-year reign. In pure numbers alone they would have required immense stamina, focus and fortitude. Since 1952 she travelled to more than 100 countries and made more than 150 visits to Commonwealth countries including 82 state visits. She worked with all 15 UK Prime Ministers, met 13 US Presidents and 7 Popes. She attended 21,000 public engagements, including 39 Royal Variety Performances, posed for 1,000 official photographic and painted portraits, sent 300,000 birthday messages to centenarians, vetted over 1,000 new laws, and owned 30 corgis.
Those closest to her often talked about her wicked sense of humour, which became apparent to the rest of us during some big national moments. The 2012 Olympics opening ceremony featured a skit in which she accompanied Daniel Craig as James Bond from the palace to the Olympic Stadium; her own idea, which she had kept secret from the rest of her family. This year, her Platinum Jubilee celebrations included her playing
herself in a short video with a CGI version of Paddington Bear, bonding over a shared love of marmalade sandwiches – finally revealing the secret of what she’d been keeping in her handbag for all those years!
And let us not forget she was also a mother and grandmother, a matriarch as well as a monarch. She was married to Prince Philip for 73 years, had four children, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. For them as well as us, she was a symbol of stability, resilience, and wisdom. During times of national strife, she provided comfort and reassurance. It’s difficult to summarise her legacy in just a few words, other than to say that we’re grateful for her grace, humour, and tireless support in helping Britain navigate its way through the 20th century and onto the 21st. She was an extraordinary figure, and we feel proud and very, very lucky to have had
Like the whole of the UK and many people around the world, the team at Voice Magazines were stunned and saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 8th September. For all of us here she was a constant and steadfast presence in our lives, and the one person we could rely on to hold true to her values as the world around us underwent epoch-defining changes.
I think he might be having us on you know Mike is always glad to hear from you at : mike.musings@outlook.com
I got an unsolicited email recently. I can’t remember the exact wording but it was something like: -
“Have you ever been asked to walk 500 miles.............. and then asked to walk 500 more?”
If so, YOU could be entitled to compensation. Get in touch immediately. Contact the Pro Claimers at...........
OK, it did make me chuckle – if not you, then you should just have a quiet reflective moment –but it also got me thinking about the number of annoying things we have to put up with these days.
How many of you, particularly if you still have a landline, have to stop whatever you’re doing to answer the phone only to hear either:-
a) a click at the other end and nothing else
b) someone with a faux American accent claiming to be from Microsoft asking about your computer
c) a cheery chap claiming that he’s from a company who ‘just happen to be on your street this week and......’
d) someone who may well be the cheery chap’s wife, asking you to take part in a survey or e) the daddy of them all, have you been in a car crash?
Well, as I reckon I’m not alone, and as a freely provided service to Voice Magazine readers, here are a few responses you can use.
They might not put a permanent stop to such calls, but you’ll feel a bit better:-
1 – “Oh hello, thanks for ringing but I can’t talk privately right now. Can you call me back on this number?” .......which just happens to be that of the local undertaker.
2 – “You’re from Microsoft are you? Calling about a problem on the system?” then just play along with them for about fifteen minutes before asking, “Sorry. Did you say that I needed to turn the computer on?”
3 – Just ask them to hang on for a minute or two as first you’d like to read them a passage from the Bible.
4 – “Car crash you say? Oh, that was just after Christmas, many years ago. It certainly appeared serious at the time, but it was my little brother’s fault and he accepted full responsibility. The problem was it just took him ages to get the hang of the Scalextric controls. How did you get to hear about it?”
5 – “Can you just wait a minute please? I’m his/ her (as appropriate) carer. You’ll have to be quick though, the ambulance is due soon.”
6 – “Hello. Did you say you wanted me to take part in a brief survey? Well, I was just on my way to the toilet. I may be some time, but can you hang on until I come back?” and before they have time to respond, just leave the phone off the hook.
And finally, you can always fall back on the classic
7 – “Hi there – would you like to know what I’m wearing?”
Let’s talk about leaf mould. Great for mulching around plants in spring and early summer and can also be sieved and added to compost.
And if you have trees shedding onto your garden it’s a no brainer. You can rake up and collect in bin bags – but do remember to put lots of holes so air can get up and you don’t end up with a gooey mess. Or create a bin out of a bit of chicken wire and four posts. Simples.
The garden can start to look a bit of a mess at the moment, so basically you can cut back perennials which die off in winter. This includes the likes of phlox, delphiniums, catmint, and hardy geraniums. It can be a good idea to leave some ornamental grasses and honesty and alliums which continue to provide structure over the winter and can look good with a bit of frost on them. Plus leaving some remainders in place is good for wildlife. Other perennials which might be thought to be on the edge of tender should also be allowed to keep their existing growth over winter as it will protect the growing base of the plant.
Top Tip:
If bringing tender plants into a conservatory or greenhouse make sure you water only sparingly throughout winter. Brown or yellow tips on leaves don’t mean your plant needs more water – it needs humidity, so mist leaves and push plants closer together as that also helps to create a humid atmosphere.
Top tip: remove this year’s summer bedding from containers and borders and add to your compost heap. You don’t have to take all the existing compost out of containers, just the top few inches.
The long, hot summers has caused many problems and concerns and not least have been the effects of searing and scorching weather on wildlife. However, some species have done well and especially particular butterflies for instance, have thrived. Late summer has proved a boon time for species like the spectacular ‘red admiral’ though its close cousin the longdistance migrant, the painted lady has been thin on the ground. The red admirals I have pictured were a group of several that were basking in the September warmth of a sunny glade in the woods at Padley Gorge. Close by, in a garden in Nether Padley a buddleia bush, a sprawling sweet pea, and a nearby dogwood bush had attracted a stunning ‘brimstone’ butterfly. Dogwood and its relatives are the larval foodplant for this species which currently seems to be expanding its range. With the native distribution of its foodplants rather restricted, it is likely that garden and roadside plantings are helping it spread to new haunts. The one pictured is a ‘second brood’ adult, the first brood being out and about in early spring. The name of ‘brimstone’ refers to the animal’s brilliant sulphur-yellow colouration.
Another butterfly which has had a bumper year is the pretty ‘speckled wood’, a member of the ‘brown’ family that includes widespread species such as ‘meadow brown’ and ‘hedge brown’. Speckled woods have increased in numbers and range of occurrence dramatically over recent decades and now occurs in woods, parks, and gardens all across the region. This is a remarkable turn-around from its position of being uncommon and only found in southern England. This summer especially, it has been ever-present in woodlands especially where it flits across glades
in search of shafts of dabble sunlight. The speckling of white on brown of the wings must be important in camouflaging the butterfly and protecting it from potential bird predators. Other late butterflies in woodland rides and glades have included the browns as mentioned earlier; and hedge brown in particular has done very well. The green-veined whites have also been abundant and favour sprawling bramble patches where they are joined by ‘peacocks’ and ‘small tortoiseshells’.
In gardens, late flowers such as verbena, lavender, mint, echinops, passionflower, honeysuckle, and some buddleia varieties are magnets for these late summer visitors. Earlier in the year, species like red valerian, marjoram, and others are a draw for butterflies, bumblebees, honeybees, and other insects such as hoverflies. Ice-plant is another late-flowering perennial garden favourite that is excellent for butterflies, but the season can be extended with easy-to-grow annual flowers such as nasturtiums. The climbing and trailing nasturtium varieties are excellent and both flowers and leaves are also good in salads too! Other good plants to grow in the longer-term include native ivy which flowers late, is great for insects, has late berries for birds, and provides cover for all sorts of wildlife species. Ivy, along with holly and berberis, is also the foodplant of another butterfly with a late summer brood, the ‘holly blue’. This is another one that has done well this year and is found in both woodland and in gardens.
when responding to theProfessor 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
