Voice Magazines - Swanwick, Riddings, Leabrooks and Somercotes Edition - November 2024
We
Boiler Breakdowns
Boiler Servicing
Radiators & Pipes
Tanks & Cylinders
Toilets & Taps
Leaks & Bursts
Showers
Clearing Blockages
Pipework Replacement
Gas
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!!
Happy Reading,
PS: Don’t forget to mention the ‘Voice’ when you use any of the companies in this magazine
ASMR - A BALANCE OF REACTIONS
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.
Heritage of Bakewell
NOVEMBER 2024
GRANDAD WERE YOU IN THE WAR?
‘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.
Rowsley War Memorial
Kia (Sutton-in-Ashfield)
Draycotts
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AMBER VALLEY RUGBY CLUB
STRONG SPIRIT, NEW BEGINNINGS AND RISING STARS
Despite three tough defeats, the spirit of Amber Valley remains strong. Our team’s resilience and determination shine through, backed by unwavering community support.
Congratulations to Luke Robinson, our Player of the Month, for his outstanding efforts on the pitch. Luke’s dedication reflects the heart of Amber Valley, and we’re confident we’ll bounce back stronger!
Contact Stuart at 07966 867 946.
Our September taster session was a great success! We welcomed four new players, and two ex-players rejoined us, adding to the excitement. With growing interest from our Voice article and social media, we’re thrilled to plan another session on October 28th. The future looks bright!
Contact Gareth at 07595 520 537.
Our 4-week recruitment drive was a huge hit, with over 200 kids joining matches against Mansfield and Ashfield. The U13s/U14s also had their first game against Chesterfield, showing great promise despite a loss. Exciting moments are just around the corner!
For those interested in joining, call Paul at 07790 403 043.
More than just a club, we are the #ValleyFamily. You can visit our website www.ambervalleyrfc.co.uk, Facebook & Instagram pages to contact us or follow what we do. You can find us at Lower Somercotes, Somercotes, Alfreton DE55 4NQ
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Icons of Japan: Tradition Meets Innovation
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.
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• 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.
Ready to immerse yourself in Japan’s magic? Your adventure awaits!
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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
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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
Sunday Lunch
• 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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Alfreton & District Heritage Trust
NOVEMBER 2024
HIS DEATH WAS SUDDEN, THE BLOW SEVERE, WE LITTLE THOUGHT
HIS END SO NEAR
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,
Shropshire where, at 11.40pm, the aircraft came down killing all on board.
Raymond’s death was reported locally as follows:
ALFRETON GUNNER KILLED: “A few days before he was expected home on leave news has been received by his mother, Mrs Lucy Searston, of Lincoln Street, Alfreton, that her 20 year old son Sgt Air-Gunner Raymond Searston had been killed. Preparations were going ahead at his home for his 21st Birthday Party which would have taken place on August 26th.”
Raymond Searston was just one of over 55,000 casualties in RAF Bomber Command. All volunteers who gave their lives for our Freedom.
Lest We Forget
The Camp
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Flake’ s Favourites
Re-walking Rafa’s Rambles
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!
61/2 MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM TEVERSAL VISITORS CENTRE
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.
Rowthorne
Stanton Hill
Guess the words and Fill in the crossword !
1 Set to a previous time when tacked on to bad planning (4-5)
7 Balls! And that’s not being rude! (7) 13 Had a bio-op. against Jezebel (7)
Drew clear plans for sticky gear? (3-6)
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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)
October 5th saw a very early start for our 42 Lifesavers competing at the Yorkshire Speeds in Leeds. Our RASCALS squad had an incredible showing of first-time competitors and seasoned Lifesavers. Many of our 11 year olds were competing for the first time gaining valuable experience as they prepare for the RLSS Nationals next March. Encouraging the young athletes throughout the day, keeping them focused and motivated was Head Coach Daniel Woodthorpe, supported by Dawn Lockwood and Paul Postlethwaite. For the more experienced competitors, the Yorkshire Speeds marked a return to competition after a six-month break and it was clear they were eager to gauge their current performance. After a very long day of competition, the RASCALS squad did not disappoint with numerous PBs recorded! Their stellar performance not only clinched the top spot on both the points and medal tables, but saw Harry Pollicott set a national record in the process. Exceptional results!
• Top club for points: 2191 (winning by over 700 points)
• Top club for medals: 32 Gold, 23 Silver, 18 Bronze
• Ranked Top in age group: Terry Fox, Freddie Postlethwaite, Harry Pollicott, Sally Carter, Heather Watson, Elena Quinn
• Ranked Top 5 in age group: Riley Baxter 2nd, Tobi Watson 3rd, Dylan Nightingale 5th, Luke Waterfall 2nd, Cillian Lamont 3rd, Rachel Healy 3rd, Mimi Fisher 2nd, Aydrian Cope 3rd, Hannah Murphy 3rd, Sophia Frogatt 4th
But this versatile bunch of Lifesavers are not only impressive in the high adrenaline speed races but also in the slower, more
methodical Traditional competitions. September saw 19 intrepid Lifesavers heading to Retford for the Traditional Lifesaving Regional Championship. This competition has a very different feel to the usual fast and furious speed events - it is designed to test the lifesavers skill, knowledge, ability to prioritise and work as a team during simulated emergency scenarios. Team manager on the day, Karen Clark was pleased to see that all the lifesavers kept a cool head and showed sound judgement and CPR / First aid skills. Congratulations to pairings Sophia Froggatt/Hariett Moores and Harry Pollicott/Tobi Watson who qualified for the National Finals in November along with individual qualifiers Rachel Healy and Thea Bednall who both topped the scoreboard in their categories.
RASCALS lifesaving achievements extend well beyond national borders and 2024 was no exception with Heather Watson selected for team GBR (Youth) at the Lifesaving World Championships in Gold Coast, Australia. Accepting her third GBR cap, Heather was also honoured with the role of Vice Captain (Youth). With RASCALS/GBR coach Daniel Woodthorpe not far from the action, Heather reached the finals in all five of her relay events, the “A” finals in three of her four individual events showcasing her exceptional talent. She secured a silver medal in the Female Line Throw (Youth) and a Bronze medal in the Team SERC (Youth), cementing her place as a top competitor. Congratulations to Daniel and Heather for their accomplishments on the international stage.
If you would like to expand your swimming activities or try something new, please contact us. contact@ripleyrascals.org.uk • www.ripleyrascals.org.uk
RASCALS Yorkshire Speeds squad 2024
Heather Watson
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BOOK REVIEW
THE FRAUD - ZADIE SMITH
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.
This is a sudoku
1 square grid
81 cells
9 3x3 blocks
1
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Mike’sMusings
Our resident muser has the mike...
Mike is always glad to hear from you at : mike.musings@outlook.com
This series might (and please excuse the pun) just run & run.
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.
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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A GLIMPSE OF STOCKING TOP
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.
Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information. Janet
THE WONDERS OF THE UK COASTLINE
The UK coastline stretches over an impressive 22,000 miles, offering some of the most diverse and spectacular landscapes in the world. (Note this measurement varied depending what sites I looked at – this calculation is from The Marine Conservation Society).
From towering cliffs and sandy beaches to rugged rocks and hidden coves, our coastline is a treasure trove of natural beauty and wildlife.
Given that the UK is only the 11th largest country in Europe and the 80th in the world, it may come as a surprise that the coastline is so huge. But look at a map and it becomes easier to understand. The UK is an irregular shape, and has many inlets, bays, and islands. Scotland alone boasts thousands of islands, contributing significantly to the length of the overall coastline.
One interesting fact I uncovered is that, thanks to the wiggliness (technical term!) of our coastline, all of us are within 70 miles of the coast. The location identified as being the most landlocked is right here in Derbyshire. Coton in the Elms, with a population of less than 1,000 (2011) is 70 miles from the mean low water line at Fosdyke Wash, on the edge of The Wash, south of Boston, in Lincolnshire.
But it’s not just about the size—what really sets the UK coastline apart is its variety. From the chilly waters and towering sea stacks of northern Scotland to the warm, sandy beaches of Devon and Dorset in the southwest. From windswept cliffs in Cornwall to pebble beaches in Brighton, and the white sands and crystal clear waters of the Western Isles of Scotland.
The geology of the coastline is just as diverse. You’ll find dramatic limestone cliffs, volcanic rock formations, and chalky white cliffs like those at Seven Sisters and Dover. Each coastal stretch tells a unique story, shaped over millions of years by natural forces.
The UK coastline is also a haven for wildlife, thanks to its wide range of habitats. It’s home to seabirds, seals, dolphins, and a rich marine ecosystem. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a basking shark—the world’s secondlargest fish—cruising through the waters off the Cornish coast. Coastal nature reserves, such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland, famous for its puffins, attract thousands of migratory birds each year.
The shores of the UK are also home to seals, both grey and common, with colonies scattered along the east coast of England and in Scotland.
As you would expect, the UK’s coastline experiences a variety of climates! In the far north, places like the Shetland Islands are known for their cold, rugged conditions, while the southwest of England, especially Cornwall, enjoys a relatively mild and even subtropical climate in some areas. The Isles of Scilly are the warmest place in the UK with an average annual temperature of 12.0°C, as opposed to the UK average of 10.89°C.
We may be heading into winter now, but any time is a good time to enjoy a trip to the coast…mmmm – fish and chips!
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.
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Gardener’s Calendar
Top Tip:
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.
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THE FUNGUS SEASON
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
