Voice Magazines - Alfreton & Villages Edition - October 2024

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From the Editor

*Wind rustling, creepy crawlies scattering, owls hooting and ghosts howling*#settingthescene

“Hello Boils and Ghouls, I’m glad you could make it to my crypt party!” (a directreferenceforanyonewhousedtowatch‘TalesfromtheCrypt’).

We are officially into the season of Pumpkin Spiced Latte and cinder toffee –hurrah!

First things first, I hope you love our front covers as much as we do! We’ve gonewithahorrorcomictheme.OurdesignerLisahadsomuchfuncreating these,andwethinkwe’vebossedtheHalloweenbriefthisyear!Ifyouwant toreadmoreabouthorrorcomicsLauraBillinghamhaspennedagreatarticle inside.

At the time of print I’ve only had a few minor disasters this month, such as the soles of my shoes coming off midway through the dog walk and my tardinessshamingmeagainasweranthroughthelobbyofablack-tieevent wewereattending,injeansandt-shirts,passingeveryoneintheirpenguin suitsandelegantdresses–standard!We’vestillgottheweddingoftheyear toattendasyetbutI’mconfidentthatwillbeasmoothsailingeventforall involved………………….

With the clocks going back this month (27th October in case you haven’t clocked it yet!), I think we can officially mention the Chrimbo word. We’re already working on our end of year editions, so if you need to publicise anythingorboostyoursales,giveusashout.Iknowthatsomeoftheteam atVoiceMagazineshavealreadystartedtalkingtoSantaandgottheirgift shopping underway…..obviously not me….that’s reserved largely for the 20th December. If you’re already thinking ahead then why not enter our ChristmasGiftFairticketscompetition.Seeinsideformoredetails.

Anyhoo, have a spooky October and in the words of the Crypt…. “Just a cheery Crypt Day wish to let you know we’re trusting. But each and every passingyearwillmakeyoumoredisgusting.”

Scaryreadingeverybody, Emily x

WITH 11 MAGAZINES COVERING NOTTINGHAMSHIRE & DERBYSHIRE, WHY NOT ADVERTISE IN ANOTHER AREA?

CAN A COMIC BE SCARY?

such as Thrilling Crime and Crime Does Not Pay”. (Looks like I was right then…)

As we approach the creepiest time of the year – aka Halloween – the topic of “horror comics” arose at Voice HQ.

Now I will admit to being totally in the dark (get it?) about such scary mags, but I agreed to delve deeply into the wonders of online search engines to see what I could uncover about these spine-chilling missives.

First of all I input “horror comics” into the search bar…

This is what I was presented with, “A horror comic is a comic book, graphic novel, or manga that focuses on horror fiction. Horror comics have been around since the 1940s, when they began to emerge from crime comics that included supernatural and macabre elements.”

So far so good…except I am absolutely sure they were around before the 1940s – “penny dreadfuls” springs to mind, and they were around in the 19th century. Penny dreadfuls were stories published in weekly parts of 8 to 16 pages, each costing one penny. The stories were sensational, focusing on the exploits of detectives, criminals, and supernatural entities.

The description of a penny dreadful is so similar to that of a horror comic that I was left with the impression that the former was a particularly British publication, whilst the latter, although touching on the same subject matters, was more widespread and originated in the USA. I will stand corrected if I have misinterpreted this!

I’ve digressed (as per usual) – back to “horror comics”.

My friend Google says, “horror comics have their roots in American crime comics

The first dedicated horror comic books appear to be Gilberton Publications’ Classic Comics (August 1943), with its full-length adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

In January 1947, Avon Publications’ anthology Eerie No.1 became the first horror comic with original content.

We Brits appear to have been rather anti these American horror comics, with panicked headlines in the press such as “Now Ban This Filth That Poisons Our Children,” “Drive Out the Horror Comics.” In fact, in 1955 the (Children and Young Persons) Harmful Publications Act came into force which forbade the importation or publication of horror comics in the UK that were likely to fall into the hands of children.

Perhaps it was the use of the word “comic” in these publications which discombobulated the great and the good in the UK. After all, to us, comics are something children read, and the contents of horror comics were (are) definitely not child friendly!

There were British horror comics, and one, “Misty”, first published in 1978 and aimed at young women, has just had a reboot with an all-new 48 page anthology special published in July.

As someone who has never been a fan of comics, the lure of horror ones passed me by and I can say with certainty that I’ll be passing on any reboots!

These articles are researched and written by Laura

a local content writer and author. Laura moved to the Peak District several years ago to pursue her passion for writing.

For those who are overwhelmed trying to balance caring for relative while managing their work and personal lives.

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THE LITTLE RED HEN HOUSE

NORTHUMBERLAND

STUNNING HOLIDAY COTTAGE IN WARKWORTH, NORTHUMBERLAND

Treat yourself to a luxury break at the 4* Gold Award winning Little Red Hen House. An elegant and cosy holiday home just a 7 minute drive from award-winning and dog-friendly Warkworth beach.

✽ 2 spacious en-suite bedrooms

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✽ 2 small to medium dogs welcome (3 upon request)

✽ Fully equipped kitchen, including an American style fridge freezer

✽ Perfect for exploring the stunning Northumbrian Heritage Coastline

✽ Close to a range of dog friendly pubs, cafes and restaurants in stunning Warkworth

✽ We have fast fibre Wi-Fi and smart TV’s

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IT’S MORE THAN JUST A SHOPPING TRIP, THIS IS THE START OF CHRISTMAS! Join us with your friends and family for an inspiring, great value, fun-filled day at the fabulous FESTIVE GIFT FAIR! Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th November at NEC, Birmingham Open Daily 09.30 – 17.00.

GREAT VALUE! - Advance adult tickets from just £7 (Plus transaction fee) Take advantage of the ‘Buy 3 and get 1 FREE OFFER’ when tickets go on sale on 1st SEPTEMBER! On www.festivegiftfair.co.uk

For list of stallholders, entertainment programme and visitor info, visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk/whats-on

Competition Time!

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets, simply locate the three Christmas symbols in the magazine and email the page numbers along with your number and address so we can send you the tickets if you win to: community@voicemagazines.co.uk with the headline NEC tickets. All submissions to be in by 31st October 2024.

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TJ’S RESTAURANT

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Slimming World Recipe

Chunky Chorizo & Sweet Potato Soup

1. Tip the chorizo into a large non-stick saucepan, put it over a medium heat and cook for 2 minutes, or until the chorizo releases its wonderful red oil. Remove the chorizo with a slotted spoon and set aside.

2. Add the onion, garlic, paprika and thyme to the pan and fry in the chorizo oil for 5 minutes or until the onion begins to soften.

So, October means Autumn has properly arrived, and it really is the season of the senses. So why not tickle those tastebuds with this warming, yummy soup?

3. Pour in the stock and stir in the sweet potatoes, passata and beans. Bring to the boil over a high heat then cover, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

4. Season to taste, reunite the chorizo with the soup and heat through gently. Scatter over the parsley and thyme sprigs to serve.

• 40g chorizo, diced

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (sweet or hot, whichever floats your boat)

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, plus sprigs to serve

• 600ml hot vegetable stock

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into chunks

• 600g passata

• 400g can mixed beans, drained and rinsed

• Chopped fresh parsley, to serve

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3rd Tuesday of each month 9am - 12noon | Blackwell Community Centre

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Anyone that knows me personally or through these articles I’m sure will know my two favourite holidays are Disney and cruising.

At the start of September, I was lucky enough to combine them both, sailing from Southampton for a 7-night cruise onboard Disney Dream.

I don’t have enough superlatives to tell you how much we enjoyed this holiday or enough space on the page.

From the moment we arrived at the cruise terminal it was perfect. Being welcomed onboard by Captain Mickey was a fabulous experience.

Disney Cruise Lines do cruise in the traditional way, but with the magic that can only be Disney.

From the rotational dining, the free ice creams, soda’s, room service and Cabana’s, which is not your average buffet, like any ship, you can eat 24/7 if the mood takes you.

The shows onboard are another highlight of the cruise and they didn’t disappoint. The Golden Mickeys, Believe and Beauty and the Beast were incredible.

Now, it wouldn’t be Disney, if you weren’t having your picture taken with one of the many characters onboard, and we saw them all. My favourite has to be Goofy, whose yours?

Look out for more about my amazing cruise on my socials. I would love to plan your Disney cruise, so you just need to ask.

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“In November 2022, I reached out to Chris, in the worst physical shape of my life, and probably one of the lowest moods too!

Having spent a lot of my childhood and young adult life competing in 2 sports at national level, always being in shape, I found it very hard to accept that I had got so far from my “norm”. I was embarrassed and ashamed, even meeting with Chris was a huge barrier I had to overcome.

We set out clear goals and started working hard. The first 6 weeks were honestly, horrendous. Everything was hard work. I felt uncomfortable training in front of others, felt anxious, and despondent with lack of noticeable changes.

“Trust the process” … is the key takeaway from that. I stayed accountable, stayed consistent and within a few months I had lost 17.6kg in weight and more importantly, gained muscle and lean mass, dropping body fat.

However, I went through a full 6 week period of training where I felt low, I felt like I had gone backwards in strength, for some reason I felt like I looked rubbish, all of this was in my head, but it highlights that, you don’t win every week or every session.

It is consistency that is the key. Now, just 6 months on, I have committed to training for the Outlaw Half Ironman, and have just entered my first running race. Something that would have been a pipe dream in November.

This is thanks to Chris Melhuish and UHF. Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to highlight that despite sub-optimal conditions, feeling low at times, eating the odd cheat meal, injuries, you can still hit your goals, if you trust your process and your coach. I believe you’re in the best environment to achieve your goals” I

PERSONAL REVIEW

It’s fair to say I was not entirely on board with the idea of a personal trainer.

Through a mix of a lack of confidence, a smattering of arrogance (what can a PT do that I can’t do myself?!) and a fear of the unknown I had avoided it for a while, but Emily talked me into giving it a try and I have to say, she was totally right. (ouch, that hurt!)

From the start Chris really listened to us. He found out about our goals, our fitness history and current level and challenges. Then he went away and came back with a programme tailored specifically to each of us and set us on a path to achieve those goals.

One of Chris’ real strengths is his ability to connect on a human level, not just about the training but understanding the whole person and recognising they have lives and will have ups and downs along the way. He picks up on when one of us is struggling and adapts the session, either around injuries or because one of

us wants to improve at something.

I also love that Chris keeps it fresh, we never get a chance to get bored (or too comfortable) as he’s always bringing in a new exercise, a different piece of equipment, or a new focus to push us on to go further than we ever could have gone on our own.

I have absolutely no hesitation recommending Chris. From a simple results perspective we have lost weight, (both of us keep having to buy new clothes), whilst getting stronger and fitter than we have been in years! But I also feel we have become mentally and emotionally stronger during this time and that is no coincidence. I believe that because of his approach and expertise Chris can help anyone achieve their goals.

Liam (Mr Emily)

AMBER VALLEY RUGBY CLUB

MEN AND WOMEN MEMORIAL DAY

On 31st August, Amber Valley RUFC held a special day of Rugby and Remembrance, honouring the club’s history and its cherished members. Over 35 players from six clubs came together, showing the strength of community and rugby values passed down through generations.

Valley Ladies Rugby started by playing Derby RUFC in memory of Alison Axelson. Following that, the men’s team took on the Derbyshire Barbarians in tribute to the late Bob Whitfield, whose connections with teams across the region were fondly remembered. Coach Stuart Artliff came on to play for the Barbarians, leading to some lighthearted banter in the clubhouse later! The day was a true celebration of unity, with familiar and new faces supporting the teams.

Men’s Team - Contact Stuart at 07966 867 946.

Women’s Team - Contact Gareth at 07595 520 537.

Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads

Flake’ s Favourites

Re-walking Rafa’s Rambles

Flake is back! A small grass seed kept him out of commission last month but nothing could have held him back this month and it’s fair to say we all loved this walk.

This walk makes excellent use of the Five Pits Trail and Pheonix Greenways around Holmewood. The walk begins at the Timber lane carpark and then heads north along the Five Pits Trail. The walk circles around Holmewood, through picturesque countryside before passing through the pretty Heath Village and heading back along the Five Pits Trail to the start.

6 MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM TIMBER LANE CAR PARK, NEAR ASTWITH.

A longer but fairly gentle walk for you and your dog. The route should take around 3 hours. There is a small stretch of road so please take care, especially with your dog. The terrain is generally very good but there are fields and undulating paths, so a good pair of boots are always advised. Be careful with dogs around fishing ponds and as always please follow the countryside code.

START: 6 MILE CIRCULAR FROM TIMBER LANE CAR PARK, NEAR ASTWITH. S45 8AL (JUST OFF THE B6039 TIBSHELF TO CHESTERFIELD ROAD)

1. After parking the car walk back towards the car park entrance and bear left to pass a sign for ‘Five Pits Trial Pheonix Greenways’. Pass through a wooden gate and after a short distance at a signposted crossroads of footpaths, turn left into a field.

2. Keeping the hedge on your left continue straight ahead to the far side of the field. At a gap in the hedgerows continue straight ahead, keeping to the left of a hedgerow directly in front of you. Continue with this hedgerow on your right until reaching a gate.

3. Pass through the gate, turn right and continue with a fence on your right. Pass through another wooden gate and continue straight with a hedge on your right. Pass through a wooden gate, over a footbridge and continue straight to cross the middle of an open field. At the far side pass over a stile and turn left back onto the Five Pits Trail.

4. Continue ahead, ignoring any gates and following the path round to the left, then right to reach a road. Go straight across and continue along the trail. Continue and pass over a crossroads of footpaths before passing a large pond on your right *NOTE: NO DOGS ALLOWED IN THE WATER. Immediately after the pond turn right at a T-junction and continue until you pass underneath a road.

5. Continue until the trail splits left and right, take the right split signposted for ‘Williamthorpe’.

6. After some distance pass a large pond off to the right. The trail then descends steeply to cross over a bridge and then begins to climb steeply. Cross over a crossroads of trails and follow the sign for ‘Holmewood’ and ‘Five Pits Trail’.

7. At another crossroads of trails turn left, signposted for ‘Grassmoor’. Follow the trail to a road, cross over this road and continue straight ahead keeping the hedge on your right to cross the field.

8. Pass through a gap and continue straight ahead with the hedge on your right. Pass through another gap and continue straight ahead to the far side of this field. At the far side, bear left to

continue along the edge of the field and then pass over a stile on your right. Continue straight ahead passing by a wooden gate and onto a road.

9. Turn right along the road. After a short distance the road bends sharp right. Continue to follow the road and onto a T-junction. Turn right along the main road and keep to the right-hand side footpath. Before reaching a petrol station look left for a bridlepath, signposted for ‘Holmewood’ and ‘Five Pits Trail’. Cross to take the bridlepath.

10. Continue straight ahead for a short distance and then bear right to continue along the bridlepath. After some distance ignore the footpath to the left signposted for ‘Stainsby’ and continue to a crossroad of footpaths. Turn right onto a footpath signposted for the ‘Five Pits Trail’.

11. Continue straight ahead for some distance, keeping a metal fence on your right. When reaching a footpath on your left that has a wooden chicane, turn left to pass through the chicane and pass over a crossroads of footpaths. Continue straight ahead until you reach another wooden chicane.

12. At this point ignore the footpath signposted for ‘Stainsby’ to your left and continue straight ahead to pass through the chicane and back onto the Five Pits Trail.

13. Continue straight ahead until reaching a road. Cross the road diagonally left and continue along the trail. Continue straight ahead until you reach a fork in the trail. Bear left and continue until you reach the start/finish.

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.

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All Around the Shire

THE IMPORTANCE OF GRAVY

We have several sizes of OXO tin in our collection, all instantly recognisable with the red colour and simple lettering.

This iconic product has been with us since the beginning of Victorian times. In 1840, the liquid form of meat juices was developed as a protein substitute. The OXO trademark was instituted in 1899 and by 1910, affordable solid beef extract cubes were introduced for a penny.

In our house, we always used meat juices, cabbage water and an oxo cube to make gravy, thickened with a bit of flour. Needless to say, the consistency was a bit hit and miss.

We all grew up with the characters from the adverts. In the case of OXO, it was the “Life with Katie” and the “OXO family”.

Bisto, the manufacturers of meat flavoured gravy powder, had “The Bisto Kids”. They were two children sniffing an aroma from a meat pie and sighing “Ahhh, Bisto”.

Many of us enjoy a hot drink of Oxo on a cold day but some of the more unusual uses areOxo to be given to children in warm milk as a healthy, nutritious drink or to aid sleep at bedtime. How about mixing OXO with butter and spread on crackers as an appetiser?

For many people, gravy is about family, tradition and continuity. Long live gravy!

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OCTOBER 2024

ROTARY CLUB OF ALFRETON

THEIR PART IN OUR HISTORY

You may be wondering why a page written by The Alfreton & District Heritage Trust would have a heading devoted to The Rotary Club of Alfreton. Let’s go back to 1983 and begin our story. It was in 1983 that the Rotarians of Alfreton decided that Alfreton’s History deserved to be celebrated. The difficult part of course, was to actually make that happen but make it happen they did, although not without many a setback along the way.

They looked for suitable premises in the town. Alfreton

House was initially identified as a possibility but there were difficulties over length of any lease and the fact that the then Town Council couldn’t offer a rental figure that was viable. There was a very public spat between the two and as no other suitable premises could be found, the project stalled or so it seemed.

The Rotary Club continued to work on the project and on the 15th October, 1984 The Alfreton & District Heritage Trust was Constituted and later that same month

October sees the 40th Anniversary of The Alfreton & District Heritage Trust Celebration at Palmer Morewood Memorial Club, Hall Street, Alfreton, at 19th October 2024. Everyone is welcome.

Talk Sponsored by Medicine Stop, Parkside, Church Street, Alfreton

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BOOK REVIEW

THE WINDING STAIR - JESSE NORMAN

If you think the shenanigans, plotting and crisis of the last few years in politics is something new, a swift look at history shows the exact opposite.

Jesse Norman’s novel The Winding Stair takes us back to the time when Queen Elizabeth 1 was coming to the end of her power, with James waiting in the wings to become King. And as with all periods of uncertainty the bid for influence and position becomes frenetic.

At the heart of the story are rivals Sir Francis Bacon, the greatest scholar of his time and

Edward Coke, said to be the finest lawyer of the period. This is no dusty history book. The research is good, and the book has been compared to Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall series; it’s a clever and gripping political thriller which manages to be entertaining and touches on interesting ideas like the divine right of the monarchy to power. Maybe some things never change…

If you like complex and engrossing historical fiction, it’s well worth a punt.

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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

8 Sacked Moray City’s manager (5)

9 As a result of a layer of the Church (5)

10 Somewhere below a revolting person (5)

12 Some characters will have nothing to do with an elk (5)

Down

2 Fish around while re-supplying liners forsailing away (5)

3 Gas supplied for extension that’s an off-site build (5)

11 Bulge is slightly dented at Little Horn (5)

13 Seoul confused about the flyer (5)

Ox is a blessing in disguise for old train features (6,5)

Chooses power, but victimises (5,2)

Spectacular sort of drinks containers? (7)

It used to make driving a bit flat! (5,6)

Are they boggy, seasonally? (4,7)

To reek, per se, makes shopping his business! (11)

Dispersed or local, it’s a circle of flowers (7)

Bankruptcy,
Blind,

• Dry Verge • Fascias • Soffit • Guttering • Bargeboard • Cladding • Repair Work Undertaken

Avoid the Winter freeze! free guttering and downpipes with all fascia and soffit orders!

Fascias - Soffits

Mike’sMusings

Our resident muser has the mike...

Mike is always glad to hear from you at : mike.musings@outlook.com

Sorry, but I couldn’t miss the opportunity to sound you out on this!

The series of articles on If I was Prime Minister will continue – just wait until you hear what Wendy from Alfreton has been ranting about! - but, with the Paris Olympics still fresh in the memory, I simply had to postpone for a month, to give advance notice of some new events planned for Los Angeles in 2028. These have come from John in Selston, who is encouraging Voice Magazine readers to get training in the hope that we can have plenty of local medal winners in four years’ time.

1. Hanging out the Washing. This would be a timed knock out event with the fastest competitors going through to the next round. Extra time would be required in the event of level pegging.

2. The 100 metres Egg & Spoon Hurdles.

3. Kilted Cartwheeling. NB – this will be the opening event at the Athletics Stadium.

4. The 800 metre Three-Legged Race. In this, participants would face different ways with one facing forwards and the other backwards. The race would be split into two sections of 400 metres with pairs having to return to the start line without turning round.

5. Underwater Origami.

6. The 100 metre Leap Frog Race. Similar to a hurdles race, this would require just one set of evenly spaced statuesque ‘frogs’ on the track. Once all competitors had cleared the ‘frogs’ the heights would be raised, and just like High Jumpers and Pole Vaulters, they’d be gradually eliminated as they failed to clear a ‘frog’.

7. The 1,500 metre Sack Race. In this, rather than the childish version of the sport, contestants would place the sack over their heads as opposed to legs.

8. Two Kilometre Coxless Four Rowing. In this, the four would head one way over the first kilometre and then, like the Three-Legged racers, return to the starting point, without turning the craft around. This requires particular skills and is known in the sport as combined conventional and reverse rowing.

9. Blindfolded Monopoly.

10. Pass the Parcel. In the Olympic version of this age-old sport, once the music stops, the competitor holding the parcel would be asked to head-butt the person to their left. Over a period of time, as competitors are carried out of the Arena, the medal winners emerge. Those found to be keeping hold of the parcel longer than five seconds are automatically disqualified.

11. Caber Tossing.

12. Naked Tug of War. NB - this would be a mixed event.

13. Hide & Seek – This would be a team event held in the Athletics Stadium with eight competitors from each nation seeking to find the opposing eight. Once all eight are found and identified that particular team is eliminated. NB – to encourage spectator participation, nowhere WITHIN THE STADIUM would be off limits.

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on electricity by upgrading your air compressor

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ANNUAL DOMESTIC SERVICES

- excl. parts & tanker, terms and conditions apply, valid until end DEC 2024

The MPC Services team are here to help make sure that your sewage system is working well, properly maintained, up to date with the latest compliance regulations, working quietly and energy efficient. *Energy saving based on simply changing your traditional 85W air blower for a modern efficient FujiMAC 47W Japanese one, with electricity at 55p/kWh, for no loss of performance. Additional efficiency savings are typically possible.

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Proper ty transactions & compliance

Gardener’s Calendar October is a month for tidying up – and looking forward to spring.

Plants such as Buddleia and anything else which you would generally prune back hard in spring can be cut back by about half to stop them being affected by wind rock from winter gales which can weaken plants. Hedges can be trimmed now to neaten their shape and climbing and rambling roses should also be taken back and stems tied in to protect the bush before winter.

Old flower stems on perennials can be cut as low as you can to the ground, but those which have seedheads such as honesty or thistles can be left to provide a bit of shape to the garden at what can be a pretty bleak time.

If you’re in a cold area lift your dahlia and begonia tubers and stripping back dead foliage, store them in a cool dry place over winter. When moving tender plants into a greenhouse or conservatory don’t be tempted to stack too many together – that way lies disease. They need plenty of ventilation around them.

Top Tip:

Give the lawn a last mow before winter and aerate with a garden fork to avoid it getting waterlogged and frozen hard over winter. If there is still some warmth around you can scatter lawn seed where you have aerated and water it in to thicken up any bare patches. Most spring bulbs should be in now, but you can wait till next month for tulips, thus avoiding tulip fire which they can be prone to if planted too early.

If you have used compost from the top three or four inches of pots which you’re clearing out after summer, use it as a mulch on beds.

STARLINGS ARE FLOCKING IN THE PEAK DISTRICT

Throughout the summertime, family parties of starling have been visiting garden feeders and then grouping into larger flocks to visit the moors and bogs of the Peak. From a situation where their numbers were dropping rather sharply a few years back, it seems that these birds are now doing rather well. Certainly, the local breeding birds are thriving, and as we move into the autumn they are joined by large numbers of migrant birds from continental Europe, and the flocks grow in size. Depending on the weather both here and elsewhere, by the later autumn and into winter, there may be a build-up into the famous ‘murmurations’ where in the late afternoon, sometimes millions of birds gather. The lagoons above Stony Middleton are one of the best sites to check out as the birds come in as smaller flocks from every direction.

So, we have both local-bred birds and those from elsewhere in Britain and also from northern Europe. One of the things that does cause confusion is the dramatic differences in plumage between the dark but multi-coloured adult starlings and their juveniles. The latter have distinctive pale grey heads, necks, and mantles, and they are so different that people assume it is another species altogether. Of course, the reason for the differences is that the youngsters are still learning the ropes in terms of how to survive in the wider world, and the other birds need to recognise them as juveniles, still semi-dependent, and not fully fledged adult birds. Soon however, these babies will morph gently into adulthood and moult into their grown-up plumage.

The same processes happen with other birds though not always so dramatically. My garden robins have included juveniles which lack the red breast and sport speckled markings which are rather thrush-like in their appearance. Of course, if the youngsters had bright red breast they would trigger, not the parental response to provide food, but sheer aggression against a perceived rival. Even a small, red ball in the garden can have the same result! Many young birds have a pronounced yellow marking around the base of the bill and called a ‘gape’ which produces an uncontrollable urge by an adult to stick food into it. Herring gulls go a step further where the adult has a red spot on the beak, and this triggers a response from the youngster to peck at it. In reaction to this action, the adult bird regurgitates a tasty meal of warm, part-digested fish or something similar. All this just goes to show how important these differences in markings and behaviour are to bird survival. The wrong markings or plumage will lead to a confused or possibly damaging outcome.

The changes in plumage and markings from juvenile to adult may happen over a number of years for longlived, larger birds like common buzzards and eagles for instance, especially those where the juvenile has much to learn. For these species survival is a craft to be carefully learnt, and success is breeding somewhere down the line. For smaller birds however, they are short-lived, and the changes occur quickly during the first year as juveniles morph into full adults. By next season, so long as they survive the winter, then they will be the new parents and there will be a fresh generation of youngsters

ADULT STARLING
JUVENILE STARLING

Ornamental Engineering

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