Anyway, July is always a busy one for us, social gatherings, birthdays and sports tournaments and this year has proven to be no exception. I played in a Netball tournament at the start of the month, it had rained of course, so the outdoor courts were slightly slippy and I went down like a sack of spuds! My team were very impressed with my splits….so was I tbf, didn’t know I could still do that!! It got me thinking whether I could have a goatgeriatricgymnasticsintheOlympics? (I know there isn’t such a thing but there should be, gives us all something to aspire to rather than watching the very talented butexceedinglybendyyoungsters).
Atthetimeofsendingtoprint,theOlympics haven’t quite started yet but I’m games ready…..bought myself some earplugs to blockoutMrEmily’swittering!!
HappyReading,
PS: Don’t forget to mention the ‘Voice’ when you use any of the companies in this magazine
Friday 23rd August
11am2:30pm
Dungeons and Divisions
Do you live in Derbyshire?’ Multiply invites you to join us on a quest. Can you become a true fantasy hero by completing maths-based challenges to gain your fantasy character points and win real prizes?
This 3-hour workshop will include games, puzzles and physical challenges for teams to complete as well as free lunch. Teams can be made up of just adults or adult and child combinations (all children must be accompanied by a participating adult at all times and children must be aged 7 or over).
-Navigate through the dungeons to earn human points
-Become champion of the treasure mine game to earn dwarf points
-Solve puzzles and riddles to earn thief, druid and knight points
-Master archery and boulder throwing to earn ranger and barbarian points
-Develop skills in magic and potions to earn sorcerer and healer points
-Make dragon crafts to earn dragon tamer points
Anyone 19+ who does not hold a Level 2 maths qualification (GCSE C Grade or above) or has a C grade but feels low in confidence with maths will get a £20 gift card just for attending.
Places are limited so please scan to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Friday 23rd August 11am-2:30pm
The Whistle Stop Centre, Dale Rd, Matlock Bath, Matlock DE4 3PT
PostcardsThe Text Messages of Their Day
We are so used to the instancy of our 21st century text messaging and social media we forget that until fairly recently, handwriting a note on a postcard and dropping it in a post-box was actually the fastest way to reach out to someone.
The postcard as we know it today has its roots in the mid-19th century. The first known picture postcard was sent in 1840 by Theodore Hook, a British writer and practical joker, who apparently posted a hand-painted card to himself. However, it wasn’t until 1869 that postcards began to be officially issued by postal services. The Austrian government was the pioneer introducing the “Correspondenz-Karte,” a simple, pre-stamped card intended for short messages.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked the Golden Age of postcards. Advances in printing technology made it possible to produce cards in large quantities, and they quickly became a popular means of communication. Postcards featured everything from scenic views and portraits to humorous cartoons and advertisements. They were an affordable way to send a quick note, share travel experiences, and stay in touch with loved ones.
One amusing aspect of early postcards was their use as a form of social media. Much like today’s Instagram, people would send postcards to boast about their travels, share snippets of their lives, and even engage in a bit of oneupmanship. “Wish you were here” became more than just a phrase—it was a way to showcase exotic destinations and adventures and make your friends and family jealous.
And who can forget the “saucy” seaside picture postcards? Full of cheeky innuendo and double entendre.
Postcards also played a significant role during wartime. Soldiers sent them from the front lines to reassure their families, and patriotic themes and propaganda were common on the cards. During World War I and II, postcards provided a vital link between soldiers and their loved ones.
With the advent of telephones and the internet, the postcard’s popularity waned. Why wait days for a message to arrive when you could just pick up your mobile and send a photo or an email? Yet, despite these technological advances, postcards never truly disappeared. In recent years, they have experienced a nostalgic revival. Collectors seek out vintage postcards, some of which can fetch a hefty price.
Picture postcards can also be a great way to remember the trips you make—tangible images you can stick in an album instead of scrolling through your mobile phone. With the added bonus that the images are taken by professionals, not the out of focus, skew-whiff shots you may have managed to take.
As we hurtle through the digital age, the postcard remains a cherished means of communication. A reminder that sometimes, the old ways are the best ways. So, the next time you’re travelling and want to brighten someone’s day, consider sending a postcard. A small gesture with a big impact that could really cheer someone up.
These articles are researched and written by Laura Billingham, a local content writer and author. Laura
SUDOKU #49
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.
These puzzles are devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk
Slimming World Recipe
Chilli-loaded wedges
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6. Put the wedges on a non-stick baking tray, spray with low-calorie cooking spray and season lightly. Bake for 25 minutes, then turn, spray again and bake for a further 25 minutes until golden.
2. At the same time, spray a nonstick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and put it over a medium-high heat. Add the mince and stir-fry for 10 minutes, then add the onion and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until softened. Add the pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the canned tomatoes.
What a combination...tasty chilli, gooey cheesy and crispy wedges! Perfect as a meal with some salad or as a side with a bbq. Yum!
3. Sprinkle in the cumin, fajita seasoning, paprika and a few twists of black pepper. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the fresh tomatoes. Remove from the heat.
4. Preheat your grill to high. Tip the wedges into an ovenproof dish, spoon over the mince and sprinkle over the cheese. Add the chillies, if using, and grill for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese starts to brown. Divide between 2 plates and serve.
• 2 baking potatoes, cut into wedges
• Low-calorie cooking spray
• 250g lean beef mince (5% fat or less)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
230g can chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp fajita seasoning*
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 80g reduced-fat Cheddar
• Fresh green jalapeno chillies, finely chopped (optional)
*Spice blends are Free so long as they’re made from herbs and spices only and don’t include any Synned ingredients, like sugar, flour or oil. Check the label to be sure and count the Syns as necessary.
“Visited T Nutt and Sons showroom to look for new carpet for our lounge/dining room. We were met with a warm welcome and invited to browse the extensive collection on display. The staff were very attentive and invited us to take samples home if required. We duly made an appointment for a measure up and quote and placed our order. At no time were we pressured or asked to pay money up front - which is refreshing in today's market. The fitting team arrived promptly on the agreed date and were polite and professional throughout. They made a terrific job and we were highly satisfied with the work. It makes a change to deal with a such a friendly efficient company who are happy to deal with you. We would certainly go back for more.”
Maintenance free Timber Alter native Windows & Doors from Evolution. With all the beauty of traditional timber, our wood effect windows and doors
Maintenance free Timber Alternative Sash Windows from the Bygone Collection. The most energy efficient, authentic, timber alternative sash window on the market.
Exceptional build quality, with an unprecedented 12 year guarantee.
Open Monday To Saturday 9.30am - 4.30pm
Aluco manufactures iconic steel replica, heritage, Art-Deco or industrial-styled glazing solutions. Aluco delivers expertly crafted, cleverly designed, and above all, authentic in style, steel-look windows and doors.
HERITAGE PAINTING: PRESERVING HISTORY WITH CARE
Heritage painting encompasses the careful restoration and enhancement of historical features, from buildings to toys and steam engines. This practice requires a keen understanding of both the existing state and historical context of the item being painted, aiming to conserve or sympathetically improve its aesthetic and character.
For properties in conservation areas or listed buildings, obtaining consent from local authorities is often necessary, especially if the work alters the building’s appearance. Changing color schemes or treating previously untreated areas might need specific permissions to ensure harmony with local architectural styles.
Traditional Paints and Regulations
Using traditional paints, such as those containing lead or high solvent content (VOCs), may be appropriate for Grade I or II* listed properties. These materials are regulated, and Historic England oversees their approval. The process involves necessary paperwork through material suppliers, often taking several weeks for approval.
Historical Wall Paintings
Historically, wall paintings have adorned architectural surfaces, ranging from plain colours and decorative patterns to figurative schemes and narrative storylines. These decorations highlighted architectural features and often imitated more expensive materials.
Gilding Techniques
Gilding, used for luxurious finishes, involves applying gold leaf to prepared surfaces. Water gilding, found occasionally in architecture, involves applying gold leaf to damp gesso, then burnishing it to a brilliant finish. Oil gilding, more common, requires a slightly adhesive surface for gold leaf application, followed by polishing to perfection.
Trompe l’Oeil
This technique, meaning “trick of the eye” in French, creates painted illusions that deceive the viewer. Popular since the Renaissance, these decorations enhance architectural spaces by adding a sense of depth and light.
Conservation of Plasters
Lime and gypsum plaster conservation involves cleaning, reinstating, and remodelling decorative plasters. Traditional moulding and casting techniques are used, often with new materials to ensure longevity.
Marbling and Graining
Marbling imitates marble using paint, building layers of pigments for depth and translucency. This technique dates back to Ancient Egypt and became popular in Europe during the Georgian, Regency, and Victorian periods. Graining mimics exotic wood grains on non-wood surfaces, providing a cost-effective alternative to expensive timbers.
Heritage Painting Tips
• Avoid painting over unpainted brickwork and stonework.
• Preserve unpainted and varnished interior elements.
• Retain evidence of previous paint layers for historical reference.
• Ensure some paint is left for future touchups.
Heritage painting is not just about aesthetics; it’s about preserving history and ensuring that the beauty and character of historical items endure for future generations.
Guess the words and Fill in the crossword !
Pitcherwits® are crossword puzzles where some of the clues are in pictures.
Sound easy? It’s not called “Pit-your-wits” for nothing! The mixture of cryptic and picture clues, combined with Professor Rebus’ unique sense of humour, will keep you entertained for hours.
Across
1 Hit the ground running on raft of styling details (6,5)
5 Spot members for a walk on deck? (3,4)
14 Carroll’s sky flyer used as drinks holder (3,4)
16 Prevent from passing lbw at hockey? Ridiculous! (5,3,3)
Across
9 Throw it up to where the organ is (4)
10 Leave out of my inclusive talk firstly (4)
11 Log growth of Northern tree (5)
12 Resonant, and sent out as colours mixed (4)
13 Tackle the terrible rage (4)
Down
2 Positive reply, but a bit slowly established (3)
3 Donkey to arrive in the passage of time (3)
7 Omitted when caught underside (4,3)
14 Also sounding like a pair (3)
15 Goodbye willow, less the tree! (3)
1 Crustacean violin player? (7,4) 4 Reserve yurt in the attic? Bonkers! (11) 6 Tenet, loosely held, points to an alliance (7) 8 ‘Garbage in, garbage out’ era now in such a state (7)
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray is a hefty book. Shortlisted for last year’s Booker Prize, winner of any number of other prizes and scoring highly in many book of the year recommendations, it’s a 650 page immersive dive into a well-to-do Irish family trying to recover from the 2008 financial crisis.
Make no mistake, the Barnes are in deep trouble. From running the biggest company in the area, they’re now on the edge of bankruptcy, children are going astray, marriage on the edge and to
make things worse, because they had a position in the local community, everyone knows what’s going on.
It’s great entertainment, funny and tragic at the same time and great on the human condition, the writing is sharp and clever and stylistically quite different. Mr Murray is also very good at pulling the rug from under readers so you never know quite what to expect.
It might be long but it’s a real page turner and full of insight into what makes people tick.
Premier Blinds , Curtains and Shutters.
I met with Grant and Linda of Premier Blinds at their beautiful home in Eastwood, where they told me all about how their business began.
At 17 years old, Grant began his soft furnishing life at a furniture shop called “Charles Brown & Sons of Eastwood”, who specialised in commercial blinds and curtains. Grant worked there for many years and gained a lot of experience and knowledge about the industry.
In 2006 Grant, and his wife Linda, combined forces, and started Premier Blinds & Curtains. They opened a showroom on Grosvenor Road in Ripley, where they stayed for 10 years. The showroom was a place to showcase the wide range of soft furnishings with ‘made to measure’ curtains and blinds as well as cushions and bed throws etc on show and a range of stunning Café style, Tier on Tier shutters which come in an array of colours. The showroom also displayed their ‘make-up service’ where customer could bring in their own fabrics for Premier Blinds to make bespoke Roman blinds, curtains etc.
9 years ago, Grant and Linda decided to run their business from home this was the best decision they ever made. Premier Blinds are still a professional, friendly business offering the same services with the same high standards
who, no longer have the costs of a showroom so can pass these savings on to their customers.
This husband and wife team work side by side offering the complete package Grant is the expert in the soft furnishing, whereas Linda, is the expert in organising the whole business. She deals with all aspects from the first call in, taking all the enquiries, to arranging fitting of the completed product. Linda, also based from home, will be your contact, she makes sure everything runs smoothly and that you are completely happy with the product and service. Grant, being the specialist will come to your home to measure and quote, and then to fit your new purchase. Grant has 30 years’ experience in the soft furnishing industry so, if you are unsure what you are looking for, Grant can definitely help.
SUMMERTIME SWALLOWS
It is said that ‘one swallow does not a summer make’, but of course these summertime visitors are one of our most evocative birds of the Peak District. There are two cousins of the swallow which are also stunning little birds but perhaps less widely known. These are the sand martin and the house martin, the former occurring in nesting colonies along rivers like the Derwent at Chatsworth. There they establish colonies of nests in holes made in soft, sandy riverbanks. With white undersides and dull, brown plumage on the back and upperparts, this is the least known of the swallow tribe. The house martin nests in constructions of clay and other material that cling to the undersides of house-eaves and structures such as bridges and the like. These little birds have brilliant white undersides and strikingly white rumps, with blue-black upperparts. They are very noticeable as they fly around houses and other buildings. The most obvious difference between swallows and martins is the long tail streamers so characteristic of the former.
Swallows are also closely associated with human habitation as they build their nests on rafters and beams or shelves in buildings, and so need easy access to fly in and out. The adults become very tolerant of people being nearby as they come to feed the increasingly demanding youngsters. Once the baby swallows leave the nest, with a diet made up entirely of flying insects, they are still dependent on their parents for a regular supply of food. Of course, this is becoming a problem since aerial
insect populations are generally plummeting and this is an issue for insect-feeders such as swallows, martins, and swifts during daytime, and bats in the evening and nighttime. Such a situation is now compounded by extreme weather and this year, long periods unseasonably cool and wet, which are bad conditions for insects like moths.
We can help all these iconic birds by supporting initiatives for more wildflower meadows to aid the flying insects. So, ideas like ‘no mow May’ are great but of course this also needs to include not mowing until late July so that butterflies, moths, and other insects can thrive and hatch as adults. The other key to success is in leaving areas a little more untidy in both gardens and the countryside, again so insects can survive. Being a member of the local Wildlife Trust is good in supporting nature reserves, and the National Trust also manages wonderful flower-rich meadows, for example, on their Longshaw Estate behind the Grouse Inn at Froggatt. Take a look there and you will see how groups of swallow and martins hawk the insects over the flowers.
If you have space, then allowing swallows to nest in outbuildings is essential for their future, or perhaps putting up house martin nestboxes under eaves etc also helps. You can even make a difference by allowing or creating areas of wildflower meadows and wildflower lawns. Indeed, every little helps and we can all do our bit to secure the future of these lovely birds with benefit to us too, as their presence tells us of summertime.
Beat the Summer Rain!
We all know how unpredictable a British summer can be and the feeling of disappointment when those long-planned events must be deferred due to bad weather or the spontaneous gettogethers turn into damp squibs.
There are two companies, however, who have a solution to solve those problems and make hosting possible, whatever the weather.
Cabin Master and Arctic Cabins create high-quality garden rooms and BBQ cabins, featuring exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs, so that you can enjoy the outdoors in comfort - all year round.
The ultimate garden luxury, you can find a timber cabin which suits your lifestyle perfectly.
From a new office space, gym or dedicated hot-tub room, to a relaxing garden room or kitted-out BBQ cabin to enjoy your favourite food with friends and family, there are so many ways to enhance your everyday with these multi-functional garden features.
And it’s easier than ever to find out more at the duo’s openair show site in Stapleford, Nottingham - which is also the location of an exciting event coming this August.
Ambassador of Arctic Cabins and a proud owner of one of its designs, celebrity chef Aldo Zilli is coming to the Nottingham site to demonstrate how you can transform your outdoor get-togethers and everyday meals.
Sunday 4th August from 11am to 3pm, Aldo will cook his favourite BBQ recipes for guests to see and sample.
While you’re visiting the site, you can also explore the Hydropool Midlands showroom to find out more about its selfcleaning hot tubs and swim spas to add another element of relaxation to your garden.
Gardener’s Calendar
Top Tip:
Your containers will be stuffed with roots by now, especially with all the rain, so it’s a good idea to keep them looking good by feeding them a little more, and keep up with the deadheading and watering – they’ll get dry very quickly.
If individual plants in the pot start to suffer, ditch them and replace with new space fillers in a bit of new compost.
Cut back faded perennials and take out straggly stems. You may find new growth already coming on behind and in any case the new growth when it does come through will look much brighter.
This is the last chance to cut back this year’s flowering philadelphus to ensure you’ll get flowers next year. Also cut back rambling roses, taking back about a third of stems once they’ve flowered, making room for next year’s growth.
If you’ve had a wildflower area this year, this is the time to mow it – plants will have scattered their seed ready for next year’s display.
Pinch out the growing tip of your tomatoes. You might get more flowers now but the fruit is unlikely to ripen before cold weather comes along - plus it means the plant puts more effort into existing trusses.
GOODWINS
KITCHENS, BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS
DESIGN, SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF KITCHENS, BEDROOMS AND BATHROOMS
BASED IN WIRKSWORTH, GOODWINS ARE A TEAM OF KITCHEN, BEDROOM AND BATHROOM CONTRACTORS THAT MANAGE YOUR PROJECT FROM START TO FINISH. GET IN TOUCH TODAY. OUR VALUES
• WE TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN WHAT WE OFFER AT GOODWINS, AS WE’RE ABLE TO HELP YOU CUSTOMISE YOUR HOME EXACTLY HOW YOU WANT IT.
• WE’LL ALWAYS TAKE THE NECESSARY TIME TO TRULY UNDERSTAND YOUR VISION TO ENSURE THAT WE’RE OFFERING YOU EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AT ALL TIMES.
• USING THE LATEST 3D DESIGN SOFTWARE, WE’RE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH BESPOKE PLANS THAT GIVE AN ACCURATE IMPRESSION OF HOW YOUR ROOM WILL LOOK.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY, WE’LL ALSO PUT FORWARD MULTIPLE OPTIONS AND IDEAS TO HELP YOU DECIDE ON A FINAL LOOK.
