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Hello Readers!!
Did everyone enjoy October, which was over in the blink of an eye? Just one more blink and it’ll be Christmas!!
Couple of bits to update you on this month. First things first, forget Kate and Wills, the wedding of the century went off without a hitch – well except their hitch!! Sarah and Neil had a wonderful day, much food and drink was consumed by all and we certainly felt very honoured to be a part of their special day. They were even lucky enough to bag the only day in the whole week, that it didn’t rain. That’s got to be a good omen for the
I often find November to be quite the poignant month, not only because of the changing of the season but because of Remembrance Sunday. ‘Lest We Forget’ continues to be an important reminder to us all and our freedom today is only assured because of the bravery of many yesterday. With this in mind, I’ve included a lovely article in all editions this month from Bakewell Heritage. Like all our Heritage articles, it is written by a wonderful volunteer local to that area but I wanted to share it with everyone this month. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Right, I’m off to hold my eyelids open, Clockwork Orange style as I’m really really really not ready for it to be Christmas just yet!!
Usual busy month here both at work and personally but I don’t suppose anything is new with that! But what is new, coming in January, is a new look and revamp to the magazines, and yet still more newness before that, we are putting together a lovely 4-page Christmas pull out in December. This is not like a feature we have done before. This is going to include lots of Christmas silliness and a chance to win a rather special prize!! Make sure you tune in next month
Happy Reading,
PS: Don’t forget to mention the ‘Voice’ when you use any of the companies in this magazine
This month, our magazine covers are based on a unique art style…layered paper art. It’s bold, textural, and for some, quite polarising. People like Emily, MD of Voice Magazines, who has visual misophonia, find these kinds of visual stimuli incredibly off-putting…in fact they make her shudder.
Visual misophonia is triggered by certain patterns, repetitive movements, or high-contrast visuals, and it’s fascinating how it affects one’s perception of art. To Emily, these layered pieces evoke a sense of agitation and discomfort rather than appreciation.
On the flip side, there are those who find this layered art quite soothing, almost like a visual version of ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response). Just as some experience “tingles” from soft sounds like whispering or tapping, certain visual patterns can create that same calming sensation. The intricate details and layering of paper art can feel almost hypnotic, giving viewers a sense of peace and relaxation.
So why do people react so differently? It all comes down to how we’re wired. For someone like Emily, these designs trigger a heightened discomfort, almost like nails on a chalkboard but for the eyes! For others, this type of art can feel serene, like watching waves ripple or leaves fall—drawing them into a meditative state.
Just like ASMR isn’t for everyone (see below), neither is layered paper art. While some find comfort in these complex visuals, others are more likely to feel irritation or sensory overload. It’s a testament to how diverse our responses to art can be.
Personally, I find the layered paper art intriguing. It might not hit the mark for everyone, but there’s something beautiful about how art can evoke such strong, contrasting reactions. Whether you love it or can’t stand it, it’s certainly a conversation starter!
What do you think? Do these kinds of designs make you feel relaxed, or do they grate on your senses?
And how about the trend for ASMR focused videos? I may appreciate the idea of layered paper art, but I really don’t understand why anyone would want to watch a video of someone whispering into a microphone, or chomping and crunching through food, or tapping a nail on a countertop (or any of the other things ASMR video makers create).
Quite the opposite, in fact, I find them incredibly irritating, and people with auditory misophonia (often triggered by the sounds of others eating) would find a sound clip focused on someone chomping and crunching the very reverse of therapeutic and calming.
So, whilst ASMR videos do nothing for me, I know people who find some relief from these videos and I’m all for personal choices. Somewhere out there, right now, someone is making another video aimed at soothing someone else… and that’s actually kind of nice…isn’t it?
A note to the Voice design team though…maybe, stay away from layered paper art for future covers!
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
Whether
NOVEMBER 2024
‘Yes lad, I was part of the allied invasion of France, the D-day landings, as it became known. It began on 6th June 1944. Troops set off from the south coast of England and landed on the French beaches. We needed to repel the German army, stop them from coming over here. D-day was a real turning point in WWII.’
Grandad sits in a chair his walking stick tapping on the floor. He chuckles, ‘I was only a young ‘un when I joined the Allied forces.’
‘Who were the Allied Forces?’ asks the boy.
‘The countries who didn’t agree with what the German forces were doing, the ones who supported Britain. Many countries joined the allies, but the forces involved in the D-day landings, were Britain, Canada and America. There were two plans, the D-Day landings, code name Operation Overlord, but we had a second one called Fortitude. Operation Fortitude was meant to fool the Germans into thinking we would cross the channel and land at Calais.’
‘Fool them?’
‘Yes, Fortitude was devised deliberately to mislead the Germans. The British transmitted and broadcast false messages from radio stations in Kent. We built fake army camps with dummy tanks and aircraft, to give the impression the invasion was going to be across the channel to Calais. It worked. The Germans concentrated their most powerful force, the 15th Army, in the
Calais area. That left the Normandy coast that we intended to go to protected by the smaller, 7th Army.’
‘What happened?’ the boy whispers.
‘Oh, we was all on edge. The Normandy coast is further south and that was our real target you see.’ Grandad leans forward. ‘It was dark when my convoy set off. Packed in like sardines we were, tossed all over the place, I was thinking that any minute we’d capsize.’
‘Were you frightened?’
‘Lad, I were terrified, but we were soldiers. We arrived, the ramps dropped, and the doors opened. We were supposed to land on the beach, but we were yards away. We had to wade chest deep holding our guns in the air through swirling waves. Flashes of mortar bombs, bursting shells, gun fire, erupted around us as we reached the beach. Heavy black smoke hung in the air, choking us and blotting out the early morning sun.’
Grandad pauses and shakes his head.
‘There were so many casualties, in places the sea ran red with blood. A shell exploded right next to me, the blast knocked me right off my feet. I was covered in sand. The smell of explosive was all round. I’ll never forget that smell. I ran past bodies of the lads who beat us ashore. It dawned on me then that a few seconds or just a few steps can mean the difference between life and death.’ He pauses.
‘They fought us hard on the beach where I landed, but we did it.’
He laughs.
‘Then about 5 o’clock, we were resting waiting for orders when a woman came out of a house at the top of the beach. She collected her washing from the line, then disappeared inside again, calm as you please. We all burst out laughing. The house stood right in the middle of the fighting. She must have been in there all that time.’
The boy sits, his head full of images of the D-day landings and all his Grandad has told him. He thinks about the beaches in France, the fierce battles, the brave soldiers fighting for their country and the terrible casualties on the day the sea ran red.
Bakewell Old House Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 4pm. You can contact us on 01629 813642 or go to our website www.oldhousemuseum.org.uk Please see the website for opening hours and prices. Alternatively contact the museum to book or for details of tours.
Your community needs more foster carers. Currently there are over 3,314 children in care across Derby City, Derbyshire, Nottingham City, and Nottinghamshire, with only half finding foster homes. There is a high demand for long-term carers, short-term carers, and specialists for children with special needs. Carers for sibling groups and teenagers are also critically needed.
In April 2024, a regional fostering hub was launched through a collaboration between local councils to boost recruitment and support for foster carers. The “Foster for East Midlands” hub guides prospective carers from enquiry to application and enhances support for existing carers. YOUR SUPPORT CAN TRANSFORM A CHILD’S LIFE! To learn more about
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The market at Alfreton was granted, in 1251, to Robert de Latham and Thomas de Chaworth. Originally the market was to be held every Monday, together with a fair for three days at the festival of St. Margaret.
This charter was renewed in 1551 when Thomas Babington of Dethick got permission to hold the market Monday to Friday.
Best
Today Alfreton holds an indoor market on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The market also includes the Alfreton Market Café where refreshments can be enjoyed, and customers can sit a while and take a break from their shopping in the new communal area adjacent to the cafe. Sat 23rd Nov FREE FACE PAINTING
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Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.
2. Spread out the potatoes in a large non-stick baking tray, spray with low-calorie cooking spray and roast for 25-30 minutes or until cooked and browned all over. Season lightly.
3. At the same time, put a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the beef and cook for 8-10 minutes or until browned, stirring to break up any lumps. Drain off any fat, then transfer to a plate.
4. Add half the onions and half the carrots to the saucepan and cook for 4 minutes, stirring
What the world needs now is love, sweet love. That and a whole pile of comfort food. The tasty dish will fill you up and you can stay on plan. Enjoy!
occasionally. Add the garlic, tomato purée, stock cube and 600ml boiling water. Bring to the boil then turn the heat down to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Blend the mixture until smooth with a stick blender (or use a food processor and return to the pan).
5. Return the beef to the pan, add the rosemary, swede and the remaining onions and carrots, and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Stir the balsamic vinegar and soy sauce through the beef mixture and cook for 10 minutes more. Check the seasoning, pile the potatoes on top and serve with your favourite veg.
Ingredients:
• 1kg potatoes, cut into small chunks
• Low-calorie cooking spray
• 500g lean beef mince (5% fat or less)
• 2 large onions, diced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 beef stock cube, crumbled
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 small swede, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 4 tbsp dark soy sauce
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2nd Tuesday of each month 9am – 1pm | South Normanton Market Place
2nd Thursday of each month 9.30am - 12.00pm | Bolsover Market
2nd Friday of each month 9am – 1pm | Ripley
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Imagine stepping into a world where ultra-modern cities soar with futuristic skyscrapers, yet just around the corner, you'll find centuries-old temples and feudal castles rich with history.
This is Japan—a mesmerizing fusion of the old and the new, waiting for you to discover.
I have a sublime 7-night tour that offers a perfect blend of modern marvels and timeless traditions—ideal for first-time visitors eager to experience Japan's unique culture.
Tour Highlights:
• Stay in four-star accommodations.
• Visit Tokyo’s Imperial Palace and Shibuya Crossing and Sensoji.
• Ride the high-speed bullet train.
• Admire Mount Fuji from Lake Yamanaka and Lake Kawaguchi.
• Explore Kyoto on a guided tour including Kinkakuji, an incredible golden temple, Honmaru Gardens, and the famous rock garden of Ryōan-ji.
• Visit Kamakura’s grand Buddha and temples.
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Here’s 5 things to apply to the festive period so you head into 2025 at your best…
Have a plan.
Split your social occasions into heavy/moderate/ light.
Set 2-3 “heavy” occasions where you let your hair down completely. Guilt free.
On your “moderate” & “light” days, set yourself a drinks limit of 5-6 lower calorie drinks. Drink a cup of water between every drink & have two main meals per day.
Fast until the afternoon and backload the calories for where they’re most necessary.
Win the morning.
Aim for 1L of water as quickly as possible after wakening and delay caffeine for 90-120 minutes.
Get out a walk. Aim for 30-60 minutes if possible so you can enjoy downtime throughout the rest of the day. If you have a family, get them involved!
If that time frame isn’t possible, get in what you can.
Aim to get 2-3 sessions / week
These will be some of the best sessions you’ve had. With the additional calories from your fun going to good use.
Focus less on the food and more on the occasion.
Everyone you speak to about Christmas is tunnel visioned by the food.
Slow down how quickly you eat. Speak to people between mouthfuls and try and take as long as possible to finish a meal.
Take 30 minutes before going for seconds so you become more in tune with what you want.
Usually, the emotional response to overeating tends to drive the want to overeat more.
Give yourself a chance to breathe.
If you’re very social and have a lot of plans, make better choices
Ask restaurants to steam or grill your meats, leave out the sauces and oils, opt for a jacket potato instead of fries.
Focus on thin crust pizzas or tomato-based pasta’s instead of anything cream based.
People don’t often order something they can have at home from a restaurant but trust me, it’s way better!
HAVE FUN!
Despite three tough defeats, the spirit of Amber Valley remains strong. The team’s resilience and determination are a testament to our community’s unwavering support. Each match has only fuelled our drive to improve, and we know success is just around the corner. A special congratulations to Luke Robinson, our September Player of the Month sponsored by Seven Stars Pub, Riddings, whose outstanding performances and relentless dedication on the pitch have been a true inspiration. Luke’s hard work shows what Amber Valley is all about—perseverance and heart. Together, we will bounce back stronger and continue to fight for every victory! Onwards and upwards, Amber Valley!
The taster session we had in September was a real success! Over the past two weeks, we’ve welcomed four new people, and while they couldn’t all make it that night, it’s great to see our articles in the Voice Magazines and social media posts paying off. Even better, two ex-players rejoined us, adding to the excitement and energy on the evening. It’s so encouraging to see both new and returning faces! With this momentum, we’re already planning another taster session on October 28th. Let’s keep the positivity flowing and build on this—great things are happening, and we’re just getting started!
Our 4-week recruitment drive was a massive success with over 200 kids participating in final matches alongside Mansfield and Ashfield, showcasing incredible energy and community spirit. The kids had an absolute blast, not only competing but also making new friends and truly enjoying the spirit of rugby. The U13s/U14s had their first match of the season against Chesterfield on September 27th, with several players experiencing their first-ever game. Although it was a tough defeat, the talent on display was undeniable, and there’s so much promise for the future. A great start, with plenty more exciting moments to come! Keep it up, team!
Don’t
I have been trying to dig this walk out for a while and eventually found it! It’s a great walk for this time of year with a lovely mix of trails and cross country walking, with some cracking views. The Teversal Visitors Centre is a good stop for a drink and maybe a bite to eat.
Flake is back and firing on all four furry cylinders (paws) after his recent injury and gave the walk four paws, big licks and a waggy tail. I’m not sure exactly what that means but I’m pretty sure he loved it!
A moderate walk which should take you and your dog around 3 hours to complete. There is a section of road so please take care, however most of the walk is on paths and trails. Please wear appropriate footwear, especially if it has been wet! And, as always, follow the countryside code.
STARTING POINT: TEVERSAL TRAIL VISITOR CENTRE, CARNARVON STREET OFF FRACKLEY ROAD, TEVERSAL, SUTTON IN ASHFIELD, NOTTS. NG17 3HJ.
1. With the visitor centre on your left, walk through the car park and on through the ‘Teversal Coal Garden’. After a short distance bear right adjacent to a metal gate and continue along a footpath.
2. After a very short distance at a ‘T’ junction of paths turn right along a trail signposted for ‘Skegby’. After some distance pass underneath a metal bridge and then continue straight along the trail.
3. Further on you will pass over a road bridge and then after some distance you will pass a wooden signpost on your right reading ‘Link Trail’. At this point bear left and continue along another trail.
4. After some distance you will pass underneath a metal bridge and then further on you will cross over a road bridge. Continue along the trail until reaching a road. Cross straight over the road, pass through a width restrictor and bear left to continue uphill. After some distance pass through a width restrictor beside a wooden gate and turn left onto another trail.
5. After a short distance pass over a crossroads of trails. Continue straight for some distance, ignoring a stile on your right, until reaching a crossroads of footpaths. At this point turn left onto a path alongside a field, with a hedge on your left.
6. Continue to cross the field and reach a road. Continue straight along the road, keeping your eyes peeled for a signposted footpath and a gap in the hedge on your left. Turn left along the footpath and continue straight to cross a field with a hedge on your right. At the far side of the field pass through a gap to cross straight over a road and through a gap into another field.
7. Continue straight to cross an open field, pass through a gap to cross another open field and then pass through another gap to cross another open field. At the far side enter a small wooded area and cross over the ‘Rowthorne Trail’. Then take a slight diagonal left to cross an open field.
8. Continue to cross a wooden footbridge into some woodland. Continue along the woodland path and uphill through the woodland area. At the top of the hill you will come out of the woodland. Continue straight ahead to cross an open field. At the far side of the field pass through a gap in a stone wall and continue along the path between two houses.
9. Pass through a large wooden gate and onto a lane. Turn left along the lane for a short distance and then turn right over a stile onto a signposted footpath.
10. Continue straight to cross an open field and upon reaching a hedge bear left keeping the hedge on your right. Continue straight for a short distance and then pass through a gap to continue with a hedgerow on either side. At a split in the path bear left and continue until you reach a brick built bridge. Just prior to crossing the bridge turn left and down some steps onto a trail below.
11. Turn right along the trail and after some distance pass underneath an arch bridge. Further on you will cross over a road bridge and then after a small distance you will see a finger board signpost on your right. At this point bear left and then right to cross over a wooden footbridge. Continue ahead and back to the visitor centre car park.
This walk is for illustrative purposes only. Voice Magazines Ltd takes no responsibility for anyone who chooses to follow this route and encourages all walkers to obey all byelaws and signs and to respect the area they are walking in, ensuring they pick up all dog mess and obey the countryside code at all times.
In every group we meet on our travels there will be at least one person who worked in the hosiery trade either as a seamer, a finisher, a dyer, an examiner or someone who sewed the seams into stockings. People still remember the shops or market stalls which provided the service of invisible mending for fine stockings. They were too expensive to discard just for a ladder.
A question I always ask is “What did you do if you couldn’t afford stockings?” People invariably answer and tell me about drawing a line up the back of your leg with a pencil or dying your legs to make them look like you were wearing stockings.
We have heard a multitude of things used for staining the legs: gravy browning, coffee, tea, soil and, the strangest of all, rubbing in red sand. I often wondered if dogs would come and lick your legs, but no one remembers that.
Talking about suspenders also provokes many memories: if you lost the little white button, you could replace it either with an aspirin, or a coin, usually a
sixpence. I had a story from a woman who used to hold her stockings up with three sixpences, so she always had one and six for her bus fare home! They have never completely gone out of fashion, and we met a man at Tibshelf a couple of weeks ago who still repairs the machines used for manufacturing stockings.
The wearing of nylon stockings still evokes a feeling of postwar euphoria. They have always stood for the opposite of scarcity, austerity and making do.
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NOVEMBER 2024
This inscription appears on the grave of Sgt. Air Gunner Raymond Searston (Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve) who is buried in Alfreton Cemetery and whose grave is marked by a CWGC Headstone of Portland Stone. The words were chosen by his family.
As we, this month, remember all those killed in the service of our country it is perhaps appropriate that one son of Alfreton be especially remembered.
Raymond Searston was the son of Stephen Searston, a Coal Miner Contractor, and his wife Lucy (nee Kirkland). He was the youngest of a family of seven, having been born on
the 26th of August 1922. The family lived at Lorne Cottage, King Street, Alfreton and later at 16A Lincoln Street. Prior to joining the R.A.F. in February 1943, Raymond was employed at Riddings Iron Works by British Ironworks Limited. He was obviously held in great esteem by his workmates as they commissioned a memorial to him which can be found by his grave,
Following initial training Raymond was posted to 23 Operational Training Unit at RAF Pershore as an Air Gunner, flying on Wellington Mk III twin engine bombers. He was part of a crew of six, the others five being members of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
On the evening of Friday, 6th August 1943 the crew took off from RAF Pershore on a ‘Bullseye’ bombing training mission carrying a full load of sand filled practice bombs. The crew reached their operational height of 10,000 feet when the starboard engine began missing. The pilot descended through cloud to 2,500 feet with the engine on fire. The fire appeared to be spreading, and the aircraft was seen very low, circling near the village of Bronington, near Whitchurch,
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Zadie Smith is best known for critically admired novels such as White Teeth and Swing Time.
With The Fraud she’s travelled back to the 1870s when all London was gripped by the Titchborne inheritance court case – a true case - involving a cockney born butcher who claimed to be the lost heir to a wealthy Hampshire estate.
This tale of early identity theft is interwoven with the story of an enslaved man on a sugar
plantation who supports the butcher’s claim. It’s also, surprisingly comedic in a sharply satirical way – not something you can often say about a book featuring slavery as one of its themes.
And it’s about how we present what seem like facts depending on what side of an argument we are on. Will the Jamaican version win or the British one? Who decides the truth?
The Fraud is quite a complex book, but a satisfying read.
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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
5 Antelope harvesting nuts to store (3)
6 Go down with sauce, not style (3)
10 Nothing with vanilla in it! (3)
11 Well set in when ace ends the play (7)
12 Basmati recipe generates fury (3)
16 Take in estimated arrival time at first? (3)
17 An individual from Indonesia (3) Down
2 Encamps, with men leaving for the tops (4)
3 Each upset is a pain (4)
8 Old cinema, with a square screen in Spain? (5)
14 Sketched in a good reward (4)
15 Assumed the shielded ones to be offside (4)
Set to a previous time when tacked on to
planning (4-5) 7 Balls! And that’s not being rude! (7)
Had a bio-op. against Jezebel (7)
Drew clear plans for sticky gear? (3-6)
Dubai-led horticulture of butterfly bush (8)
Sends seers mad for style awareness (5,5)
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After last month’s revelations regarding new Olympic sports to be featured in Los Angeles in four years’ time, I’ve been inundated with many more. Some I’ve had to discard – this is a family publication after all – but here are a few of the better suggestions.
1. Sheep Dog Trialling. As indigenous breeds only can be used, and taking account of quarantine measures, the number of competing nations is strictly limited. Qualifying for 2028 has already taken place and the following nations, along with their dogs, are already located in a training camp just outside San Bernadino.
Mexico – Chihuahua/China – Shih Tzu/France – Poodle/ Australia – Dingo
Switzerland – St Bernard/Ireland – Kerry Beagle/ Germany – Rottweiler/Canada – Husky
Unfortunately, the Great Britan & Ireland team were disqualified in the final eliminator when their highly fancied Jack Russell cocked his leg against one of the Argentinian judges.
2. Running a Bath. This fast-growing sport is particularly popular in South America and requires speed, skill and good judgement (the Peruvians are currently world champions). Essentially, contestants have to operate both hot and cold water taps simultaneously until a certain level is reached, ensuring that the temperature of the bath water passes the ‘elbow’ test. Points are deducted for each degree of Celsius above or below the standard, splashing of the surrounding area and the reaction of the baby when dropped in.
3. Tandem cycle racing. Following complaints about how difficult it was for spectators and viewers to understand what was going on in the Keirin,
Madison & Omnium cycling events in Paris, the IOC have agreed to introduce the Tandem to the 2028 schedule. In this, pairs representing different nations will mount a customised bike with handlebars at both ends and try to out muscle the rider sitting behind them to reach one of either 20 metre finishing lines at either end of the track. Much easier to follow, the Sun newspaper has dubbed this the Push Me Pull You race.
4. Supermarket Sweep Tandem. Roughly based upon the 1990’s TV programme fronted by Dale Winton, there are three categories, viz. male, female and mixed, in this fast-growing sport which originated in Japan. In all three the principle remains the same.
Exactly five minutes prior to their individual start time, pairs, consisting of a ‘pusher’ and a ‘loader’, are given a list of 20 specific items to collect. They cannot see where these are stored until the starting pistol is fired, simultaneously opening the huge shutters to reveal the store layout.
A bit like showjumping, points are awarded for time and clear rounds. Getting round in the fastest time and picking up the fewest penalty points, wins the gold medal.
Judges may deduct points for any number of faults. The most common are a) missing or incorrect items in the trolley b) pusher assisting the loader c) items subsequently found to be past their sell by date and d) any broken eggs.
Aldi, in their quest for world domination, have been granted official Olympic Partner status, and consequently, their main Los Angeles store will be the location for this eagerly anticipated event. As a result, the UK teams are already in training hoping to be able to quickly find the likes of wetsuits, memorial plaques, plastic colanders and Des O’Connor CDs in the infamous middle aisle.
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This is a good time for pruning most types of roses, including climbers which will flower on shoots grown the same spring. You can cut them back fairly hard.
Tulip planting time is on us. Plant them deep if you want them to flower year after year, but even if they’re just going in for one glorious show, do plant them at least six inches and if you have heavy or clay soil add sand for drainage – they don’t like sitting in clag.
November is also clear-up and prep time. Bubble wrap your terracotta pots. Terracotta absorbs moisture which means in freezing conditions they’re quite liable to crack as the water expands into ice. Gather leaves for leaf mould – a good element of compost. Run the mower or shears over them to give them a head start and pile into a heap, a simple container from chicken wire would do. Cut back oregano and chives which have gone to seed to give them room to grow early.
Don’t leave old plastic pots lying around in the garden unless you’re a lover of slugs. They make a great winter hiding place for the voracious little beasties and you’ll regret your lack of housekeeping come the spring.
Wet weather and falling temperatures, make Autumn the mushroom season. Though hugely important as they breakdown dead organic matter, recycling nutrients into new life, fungi are frequently unseen biodiversity. Now, often following early frosts, fungal fruiting bodies (mushrooms or toadstools) suddenly appear in grasslands, woodlands, and gardens. The latter may be particularly rich if you use forest-bark or woodchip-mulch which fungi love. The mushroom or toadstool is just the fruiting body like fruit on a fruittree. The business end of the fungus is the almost invisible massed hyphae, which power the ecological world. Some of these unseen fungi form so-called mycorrhizas with great trees to help their nutrition and survival. Fungi scavenge soil around old trees and pass vital mineral nutrients into their roots; by way of return fungi gain sugars from arboreal photosynthesis. Neither plants nor animals but are a separate kingdom of fungi, they are probably more closely related to animals than to plants. Because of these remarkable relationships, searching under old oaks, beeches, birches, and pines, is a good way to find autumn mushrooms. When they appear, depends on weather with frosts, warmth, and moisture, all important.
I spotted a fungus or mushroom known as Spindleshank (one of the ‘toughshanks’) or scientifically, Collybia fusipes in a local ancient woodland. This parasitic fungus grows on the basal roots of deciduous trees like oak, and identification was by my friend Dr Paul Ardron. As explained, the ‘mushroom’ is merely the fruit-body of the fungus the hyphae of which are inside the wood of the roots breaking them down. Underneath the cap of this mushroom, the gills bearing reproductive spores, are distinctively widely spaced. This parasite potentially causes root-rot in deciduous trees, especially oaks and beeches, both of which are in this woodland. It may cause dieback of the tree’s crown, and occasionally they also attack conifers. The spindles (with stems swollen but then tapering sharply towards the base) and which give the fungus its common name, are generally hidden under soil and root-wood. When young mushroom clusters emerge, they look rather like a mass of copper nails. Mushroom enthusiasts are frequently interested in finding and eating them (which can be risky) and whilst the Spindleshank is noted in guidebooks as ‘edible’ it is also described as ‘not worthwhile’ on account of its toughness.
Another find was a southern Bolete toadstool (Boletus radicans) and it has turned up abundantly under beech trees. This is a spectacularly large, colourful, but sadly inedible mushroom. The massed growths on the tree-roots look almost brain-like when they emerge en masse. The Boletes are characterised by incredibly complex organic chemicals, some of which are hallucinogenic and others seriously (sometimes deadly) poisonous. This particular species turns bright sky-blue when cut open as the organic chemicals react with the air’s oxygen to oxidise and change colour. This toadstool is spreading northwards perhaps driven by climate change. Whatever the reason, it is becoming more common. As we head into November, more and more exciting and interesting mushrooms will appear, although heavy frosts may bring things to a close rather sharply.
Growing in mown grassland and feeding on animal dung are a range of fungi called the ‘Inkcaps’ including the ‘Lawyer’s Wig’. These auto-digest their own mushroom cap to produce a black spore-rich black fluid once used as ……. ink.
Professor Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer, broadcaster on wildlife and environmental issues in the Peak District and elsewhere, is contactable on ianonthewildside@ukeconet.org. Follow his website www.ukeconet.org, blog www.ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/ & Twitter @IanThewildside
