Voice Magazines - Swanwick, Riddings, Leabrooks and Somercotes Edition - December 2024
We
Boiler Breakdowns
Boiler Servicing
Radiators & Pipes
Tanks & Cylinders
Toilets & Taps
Leaks & Bursts
Showers
Clearing Blockages
Pipework Replacement
Gas
CanIhaveahorse,aMrFrostyIceDrinksMakerandamassiveboxofToffifee…hangonthat wasmyletterwhenIwas8!!ThisyearSantaIwouldloveitifyoucouldmakesureeveryone enjoysoursuper-duper,mega,fullyChristmas,Christmassyedition!!!Thisyearwe’vegoneall out, we wanted to embrace a slightly different direction from our features of previous years and really just celebrate with our readers, spread the ‘Shop Local’ message and make sure thatwewaved2024offwithallthetinselandglitterwecouldfind!!
So, to make sure we make it onto your ‘good’ boys and girls list, we’re giving away some fantabulous prizes via a couple of fun competitions, and they really do need to be won!!! We really hope everyone enjoys doing them as we put in lots of work and laughs into our little Christmas Movie skit, featuring the whole team (Sarah, Liam, Myself, David, Michelle, Lisa, Jay, Flake and Roger)! So Santa, can you make sure that everyone enters, it’s in the centre pagesofthemagazineandcanyouremindthemall,“you’vegottobeinittowinit!”
On a personal note Santa, it’s fair to say that Myself, Liam and the rest of the team haven’t hadtheeasiestyearthroughout2024,foranabsolutemultitudeofreasonsanddespitethere beingsomeverydifficulttimes,we’veworkedtogetherandgotthroughbecause,asI’msure you’llagree,badtimesdon’tlast!Iknowwearen’taloneinfeelinglikethisthroughout2024, we’ve had so many of our advertisers as well who have enjoyed better times previously and thisreallyhighlightedtoustheimportanceofgivingsomethingback.Afewofourwonderful advertisers have joined in with us, of their own volition, and offered some fantastic prizes to be won as well. So, please can you remind our readers to shop local, it won’t matter to Jeff Bezos if they buy another gift from Amazon but it will really matter to their neighbour who runsthelocalmagazine/shop/plumbingservice/electricalcompanyetc.
Finally Santa, I would like to truly wish everyone and their loved ones a wonderful festive periodfromallofusatVoiceMagazines.Andwewouldliketothankthemallfortheirsupport overthepastyear.We’llbebackin2025withashinynewlooktokeepshowcasingthebest,
It’s nearly Christmas, that special time of year to show loved ones how much they mean to you—by spending hours wrestling with cheap wrapping paper that tears if you so much as look at it.
If you enjoy a little arm workout with your gift-wrapping, flimsy wrapping paper is for you. Picture it: you carefully cut a piece, wrap it around your present, only to discover it’s torn on the corner. So, you try again, re-wrap, add more tape, and just when you think you’re done—it rips again. It’s as if this paper was designed by someone who enjoys frustrating people.
And this thin paper doesn’t just rip either; it rejects tape, too. It’s as if it’s saying, “You really thought I’d stick to that?” By the time you’ve mummified your present in enough tape to make it structurally sound, you’ve likely used up any money you saved buying the cheap stuff, plus lost a few hours of wrapping time. And then, to add insult to injury, as you move it under the tree, you stick your finger straight through one of the few areas you haven’t smothered in sticky tape.
Cheap wrapping paper is a bit like that one flashy friend — you know the one—looks great from a distance, but up close, the, errrm, flaws, are revealed. It may be glittery, shiny, and gorgeous in the shop, but the moment you roll it out, the illusion shatters. You might as well be wrapping with a festive paper napkin.
Dropping the humour for a minute, many of us are trying to be a bit more eco-friendly these days, so it’s worth noting that thin wrapping paper and sustainability are not exactly best friends. While you’re trying to use minimal paper, you will end up needing more of it just to get the job done! Plus, if it has glitter or shiny coatings, it’s headed straight for the landfill, as it is not recyclable.
Cheap wrapping paper might save a few quid up front, but by the end, you’ll probably find yourself asking, “Was it worth it?” Quality paper, on the other hand, sticks to tape, doesn’t rip every five seconds, and makes wrapping easier. Not that there is any guarantee you won’t manage to poke a hole in it as you pile the presents under the Christmas tree.
Beautifully wrapped presents under the tree are the stuff of magazine photo shoots and “influencer” videos. At the end of the day, the recipients, particularly children, are far more interested in what the wrapping paper is concealing—not how aesthetically pleasing the bow and ribbon is, or how well the colour of the paper matches the room décor.
So, spend less time on prettifying those gifts. After all, the paper is only going to be ripped off and screwed into a ball (unless you are really, really, good at carefully flattening out used gift wrap!). But perhaps for your own sanity, give the flimsy wrapping paper a miss?
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 fostering in the East Midlands, call 03033 132950, email hello@fosterforeastmidlands or visit fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk.
Kia (Sutton-in-Ashfield)
Draycotts
SPORTS THERAPY
Physio & Massage
AMBER VALLEY RUGBY CLUB
AMBER VALLEY RUGBY CLUB: HIGHLIGHTS AND COMMUNITY
The Senior Team have displayed impressive resilience and teamwork despite a challenging month. They secured a hard-earned victory against Dronfield 2s, demonstrating growth and determination. Every match was an opportunity to refine skills and build synergy, with the coaching staff’s guidance boosting morale. Contact Stuart at 07966 867 946
The AV Tigers are excelling, bringing energy both on and off the field. Despite a tough match, they showed heart, and their recruitment social in Ripley was a great success.
Contact Gareth at 07595 520 537.
Minis and Juniors first matches in new kits with a Halloween-themed party. Players also joined Ripley’s Memorial Day parade, honouring the day with pride and embodying the club’s values of community and respect.
For those interested in joining, call Paul at 07790 403 043.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas Happy New Year, as we look forward to more memorable moments in 2025!
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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All work carried out by our own skilled craftsmen with over 20 years of
Home visits a pleasure for a FREE QUOTATION for re-upholstery or furniture repairs.
Monday 9th December at 7.15pm – Civic & Community Carol Service
Carols and Readings hosted by Swanwick Parish Council at St Andrew’s church
Thursday 12th December 7.30pm – The Gate Inn Swanwick
Churches Together in Swanwick, Beer & Carols
Mulled Wine & Mince Pies, Hot Chocolate and Marshmallows. Collection for 'Embrace The Middle East'
Swanwick Baptist Church
Sunday Dec 8th 10.45am Toy and Gift service
New toys & small gifts we receive will be distributed to disadvantaged families by Derby City Mission
Sunday December 15th at 6.00pm
Carols & Readings for Christmas, by candlelight
Sunday December 22nd at 10.45am - 'Jesus, God's big announcement to the world’
St Andrew’s Church, Swanwick
Christmas Eve Tues 24th Dec 4.30pm
Family Carol Service
Family friendly carol service for all ages
Christmas Eve Tues 24th Dec 11.00pm
Midnight Communion
Mark the start of Christmas Day with carols, talk, prayers and communion
Swanwick Methodist Church
Sunday 15th December at 10:45am
All Age Worship Christmas Jumper and gift Service led by Rev Simon. Everyone welcome
Sunday 22nd December at 3.00pm
Traditional Carol Service with Nine Lessons led by Jacque Tea & Mince Pies to follow
St Matthew’s Church, Pentrich
Sunday 15th December 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight
Christmas Day Wed 25th Dec 10.30am
Christmas Celebration with Carols & Holy Communion
Christmas Day Wednesday 25th Dec 10.00am
Family Christmas Celebration
Churches Together in Swanwick Family Christmas service for all ages at Swanwick Methodist Church
D.M. FURNISHINGS
All our BRITISH MADE sofas, chairs & recliners are made to order and normally delivered within 6-8 weeks. Choose from over 2000 fabrics and leathers.
Reupholstery, repairs & cushion replacement service available - call for appointment
COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS
Give the gift of travel this Christmas!
Looking for a Christmas gift that will truly delight? Forget the last-minute dash and choose something unforgettable—a Travel Counsellors gift voucher!
This isn’t just a gift; it’s a passport to lasting memories. Let your loved ones pick their perfect escape, whether it’s a family adventure, a cosy city break, or a luxury cruise. A Travel Counsellors voucher opens a world of travel, allowing them to create the journey they’ve always dreamed of.
This Christmas, give the gift of adventure, relaxation, and endless horizonsbecause nothing says “I care” quite like the freedom to explore.
Voice Magazines were delighted to be invited to an Afternoon Tea treat at The Orangery at St Elphins Park this month. Many of us had experienced ‘The Orangery’ so we knew that we had a treat in store for us.
As is always the case with this truly superb restaurant, set in picturesque surroundings, the team were incredibly attentive and never missed a beat. Firstly, we were offered a selection of 10 teas to take with our Afternoon Tea, presented quirkily in test tubes. Once the teas had been chosen, a fresh pot for each person was brought out along with our food. With delicious finger sandwiches of, Ham and Tomato, Mature Cheddar and Pickle, Egg Mayonnaise and Salmon and Cream Cheese, homemade scones (fruit and plain) and a selection of delicious homemade cakes. There was ample food and if you can’t manage it all (unlike us), there is an option for a doggy bag for later!!
Whether for a special occasion or a relaxing afternoon, Audley Villages provides a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable experience. We certainly found that there is more than meets the eye with Audley Villages. Whilst it does offer luxury retirement living, there are many facilities open to members of the public, as we found out. Of course,
we already knew about the restaurant but there is also a gym/beautician/swimming pool and much more. In addition to this, we also discovered that the team at Audley Villages can offer a venue for low key special occasions and set in those beautiful grounds with sensational food at your fingertips, why wouldn’t you consider this location as a celebration destination?! Contact them today to find out more.
Thanks again for having us Team Audley, we can all say that we had the best time and we will be back! Don’t take our word for it though, you can WIN an Afternoon Tea Experience for yourself, enter our competition on the back page of the central Christmas pull out. at St Elphins
Alfreton & District Heritage Trust
DECEMBER 2024
Do something about Christmas they said! Well, what is more associated with Christmas than the humble Brussels Sprout? Love them or hate them they are part of our traditional Christmas and a firm favourite of generations of children. I say firm, unless they’re overcooked of course, then they tend to look and taste disgusting.
We have to blame someone for making us eat them so let’s have a look at the history of the Sprout and how it came to our shores.
Brussels sprouts are descendants of a wild cabbage-like species native to the Mediterranean. The cabbages grew wild for several years, and, over time, civilizations throughout the Mediterranean selected the cabbages for domestication and cultivation. Several improved selections of the wild plant were introduced to northern Europe sometime during the 5th Century. By the 13th Century the plant was
BLOW, BLOW, THOU WINTER WIND
being cultivated in Belgium although the first written reference to Brussels Sprouts wasn’t recorded until 1587. They were extremely popular in Holland and most of Europe by the 16th Century although we were spared until the mid to late 19th Century.
It was fashionable to put a cross on the base of the Sprouts but why?
In Medieval Europe, Legend had it that demons lurked in Brussels Sprouts, hiding inside of the sprouts and within their leaves. Europeans also thought that flatulence was often a sign of a demon living inside of a body, thus leading them to believe that the gassiness that Brussels Sprouts caused stemmed from demonic possession. Many Europeans refused to consume Brussels Sprouts for fear of consuming a demon as it was thought that eating a demon would cause sickness within the body, sometimes leading to illnesses or death. Carving a cross was said to
expel the demon from the sprout, making them safe to eat.
There are alternative uses for Brussels of course:
Dip a handful in melted chocolate and place them in a box, ready to be presented to your least favourite relative or even thread some together and make a wonderful alternative to a classic pearl necklace. You could of course just springle them with glitter and dangle them from the Christmas tree – they make great decorations. For a couple of days at least!
Whatever you decide, have a great Christmas and New
Alfreton & District Heritage Trust wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The Heritage Centre will be closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day but open as usual each Sunday. Saturday, 11th January 2025 sees our talks begin again at Palmer Morewood. First one is all about the Discovery of Oil at Pye Bridge. Don’t miss it!
Merry Christmas Everyone!
We wanted to spread a bit of extra Christmas cheer this year, so we have produced this special pull out, filled with Christmas fun, including recipes, events, puzzles, competitions and some very special prizes to be won!
The sharp eyed amongst you may notice some unusual characters dotted around… these are our special Christmas cartoon characters and more will be explained over the page. These are just part of the fun we had putting this special feature together and we hope you have as much fun too!
SHOP LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS
Although this Christmas special is advert free it doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten the importance of supporting local businesses… and neither should you.
If you make a special effort to buy some of your gifts, or stock up on Xmas supplies from local shops instead of online or from big chain stores it can do wonders for the local community. That money goes straight to local people and families, who in turn will spend a proportion of that money again in the local community and that cycle goes around again and again and again!
And as everybody who shops local already knows, local business are always the best, giving you better service and better products at better prices. So, let’s all do something good this Christmas and shop local!
Jack and the Beanstalk
Fri 6 Dec 2024 –Wed 1 Jan 2025 BUXTON OPERA HOUSE
Brought to you by the incredible team behind Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, join Jack and a talented cast for another year of festive fun, For more information or call our Box Office team to book 01298 72190
Mercatum Artisan Christmas Market
HADDON HALL
WED 27TH NOV – SUN 1ST DEC
WED 4TH – SUN 8TH DEC
WED 11TH – SUN 15TH DEC
VISIT HADDONHALL.CO.UK FOR MORE INFO AND TO BOOK.
CHATSWORTH ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS HAMPER LTD
Competition Competition GUESS THE MOVIE GUESS THE MOVIE
We’ve created a showreel of our favourite Christmas movies, starring cartoon characters of the team here at VOICE HQ. We’ve put ourselves in iconic images from nine famous films. CAN YOU GUESS THE MOVIES?
*Down
You can play for fun or you can enter the prize draw for a chance to win one of the fabulous prizes on the Christmas Tree, including our star prize, A LUXURIOUS CHATSWORTH HOUSE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS HAMPER! Here’s a clue… Home Alone doesn’t feature twice.
To enter the prize draw, simply send your 9 movie names via email to community@ voicemagazines.co.uk with the subject line: ‘Christmas Competition’. Please provide your full name, address and telephone number, so all winners can be notified. Closing date: Friday 13th December 2024. Competition winners will need to collect their prizes from the Voice Magazines office at 81 High Street, South Normanton, Derbyshire, DE55 2BP between Monday 16th – Friday 20th December.
Get ready to make some super tasty Christmas Oreo cookie balls that are as fun to decorate as they are to eat! With just a few simple ingredients and loads of toppings, you’ll be whipping up a treat everyone will love!
What You’ll Need:
28 OREO COOKIES – regular ones
150G CREAM CHEESE – full-fat and soft (room temperature)
Prepare Baking Sheets: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
Crush Cookies: Crush Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor (or put them in a bag and smash them with a rolling pin!).
Add Cream Cheese: Mix the softened cream cheese with the crumbs until it forms a dough-like ball.
Roll Into Balls: Scoop out 1-inch portions and roll into balls; place
on the baking sheet.
Chill the Balls: Pop the tray in the fridge for 1 hour to let them firm up.
Melt Chocolate: Melt the chocolate in the microwave or on the stove until smooth.
Dip & Decorate: Dip each ball in chocolate, then decorate with your favourite toppings, like sprinkles, crushed cookies, or you can roll them in coconuts or crushed nuts.
FIND FLAKE Win
FIND FLAKE
Where has Flakey gone? The team at Voice Mags have lost Flake amongst a pile of presents. Can you help us find him?
To enter the draw for the Afternoon Cream Tea circle where you think Flake is on the picture and send it back to us as a picture via email, to community@voicemagazines. co.uk by Thursday 19th December 2024 with the subject: Afternoon Tea Competition.
Tea
Guess the words and Fill in the crossword !
Pitcherwits® are crossword puzzles where some of the clues are in pictures. Sound easy? It’s not called “Pit-your-wits” for nothing! The mixture of cryptic and picture clues, combined with Professor Rebus’ unique sense of humour, will keep you entertained for hours.
Across
1 Pup, muddling its way to a Crimble treat! (4,7)
5 Non-brew recipe is for the seasonal king (7)
14 Sheared off sticks, but not stones (7)
16 Truckers can be prepared for getting colonels, say (11)
Down
Across
9 Drink, about to be brewed for leader Douglas-Home (4)
10 Only fair? (4)
11 Bigwig looking in Inuit quarters (5)
12 Tighten a nut for a relative who’s a great one (4)
13 Practiced finally for the state of the Christmas cake (4)
Down
2 Tea store removed from the backburner (3)
3 Fell-running, ending up back in the pub? (3)
7 Direct approach, in order to wish away the wheelie bins (7)
14 Cunning way to express oneself! (3)
1 Christmas dinner requisite presented on an iron parapet (11)
4 Adding gilts to your equity plan is Carol’s good news (4,7)
6 Fired up by deceit that’s a little dodgy! (7)
8 Wild trajectories start off with what to do this season (7)
15 Bishop’s place in the greenhouse effect (3) ANSWERS FOR LAST MONTHS PITCHERWITS
These puzzles are devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles
D S D &S &
NEW ROOFS FLAT ROOFS
RUBBER ROOFS ROOF REPAIRS
NEW ROOFS FLAT ROOFS
FASCIAS & SOFFITS DRY VERGE SYSTEMS
RUBBER ROOFS ROOF REPAIRS
CHIMNEYS
FASCIAS & SOFFITS DRY VERGE SYSTEMS
GUTTERS & DOWNPIPES
RIDGE TILES CLADDING
BOOK REVIEW
Lewis is the largest island in the Outer Hebrides. It’s a dark, beautifully rugged place, with more than its share of social problems and a culture which reflects the landscape. Tradition still rules. It is appropriately insular and secrets lie buried deep.
The Black House is the first thriller in a trilogy set on Lewis by Scots writer Peter May. Our protagonist CID detective Fin Macleod is called back to home turf which he thought he had turned his back on by a murder similar to one he was investigating on the mainland.
But this is so much more than a murder mystery. The crime unfolds through Macleod’s memories of a brutal and troubled upbringing. As he says - he feels like a ghost haunting his own past.
It’s a story of grim family secrets and betrayal and is admirably direct in its language – and you may even know a few Gaelic words by the end of it. And overlying the tale are wonderful descriptions of the atmosphere and culture which draw you in and hug you tight. A dark story for dark nights.
your home the value &
VISIT THE STUNNING
VISIT THE STUNNING Ripley
Ripley & West Bridgford show rooms
&
Visit Our Showrooms
The Old Church, 31 Nottingham Road, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3AS Tel: 01773 747 456
The Old Church, 31 Nottingham Road, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3AS
Tel: 01773 747 456
The Old Bank, 1 Radcliffe Road, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, NG2 5FF Tel: 0115 9818 777
The Old Bank, 1 Radcliffe Road, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, NG2 5FF Tel: 0115 9818 777
Natural, sustainable, and ethical, our beautiful timber windows and doors are the logical choice. Constructed from engineered timber slow grown in cold climates, their strength, stability and beauty are guaranteed.
Natural, sustainable, and ethical, our beautiful timber windows and doors are the logical choice. Constructed from engineered timber slow grown in cold climates, their strength, stability and beauty are guaranteed.
Whether your home is a country cottage, a Victorian semi, a modern town-house or a converted barn, enjoy a 15% discount off all timber windows and doors in our Winter Sale until the end of January 2025.* Please visit us to explore our range of beautifully crafted engineered timber doors and windows, and get expert advice on enhancing the value and beauty of your home.
Whether your home is a country cottage, a Victorian semi, a modern town-house or a converted barn, enjoy a 15% discount off all timber windows and doors in our Winter Sale until the end of January 2025.* Please visit us to explore our range of beautifully crafted engineered timber doors and windows, and get expert advice on enhancing the value and beauty of your home.
Our showrooms are housed within a fantastic former church building in Ripley, Derbyshire and a former Bank in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire. Both showrooms provide a welcoming and spacious environment to see and experience the full range of timber windows and doors.
Our showrooms are housed within a fantastic former church building in Ripley, Derbyshire and a former Bank in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire. Both showrooms provide a welcoming and spacious environment to see and experience the full range of timber windows and doors.
*15% discount is only applicable on www.timberwindows.com products.
*15% discount is only applicable on www.timberwindows.com products.
Mike’sMusings
Our resident muser has the mike...
Mike is always glad to hear from you at : mike.musings@outlook.com
Christmas? Well, for me, it just ain’t what it used to be.
From the comments I occasionally receive by email, I reckon that most of the dozen or so – if I’m lucky! - regular readers of my monthly musings, no longer have youngsters at home, who are this month, in a state of nervous anticipation as they count down the number of ‘sleeps’ until Santa arrives.
My correspondents may have grandchildren, but their own kids have either ‘flown the nest’ or, if still at home, are possibly in their teens and at secondary school or working whilst enjoying the benefits of living in heavily discounted rented accommodation where they have very little in common with the landlords………. if you get my drift!
I make the point because, for those who like me, now have a child free home, Christmas has lost a bit of magic, and I wonder how many of you look back nostalgically at these reminiscences from years gone by when the children were aged………
3 – appearing in the Nativity at Nursery playing a sheep that said “Moo” instead of “Baa”.
4 – insisting on Christmas Eve that a whisky and mince pie be left for Santa and a full bag of carrots for Rudolf and his mates.
5 – in the Infant School version of Nativity but now promoted to a non-speaking part viz. a tree.
6 - getting up on 25th December at ten past midnight, complaining about being unable to sleep and asking, “Has he been?”
7 – having to be reassured that “Yes. He is real.”
8 – same conversation this year after Saxon, at school, had apparently revealed, “My brother says he doesn’t exist and it’s your Mum & Dad.”
9 – being asked on 24th December if we can log on to the Nasa website to track Santa’s movements.
10 – being told by an incredulous child that Santa would have to climb down approximately 45,833 chimneys a minute to cover the entire UK before daybreak. Before being able to provide a plausible explanation on the hoof, her sister, who is a year younger, chips in with “….and what about those houses that don’t have chimneys, and, and, and……. all the houses in the rest of the world???”
15 – having to abstain from drinking alcohol on Christmas Eve as I’ve had a request to pick a child up from her mate’s house at 11.00pm.
17 – shouting upstairs “He’s been!” at a socially acceptable 08:00 on Christmas morning and hear nothing decipherable in response other than possibly a few groans. That does suggest that the child is probably still alive, but confirmation is delayed for a few hours, when the aroma of a roast turkey dinner climbs the stairs and does the job as he/she is eventually tempted to show their face.
22 – being told “Dad, I’ll be at my boyfriend’s house for Christmas”, followed by……
26 – “Dad, why don’t you and Mum come to ours for Christmas?”
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THE CHRISTMAS SIDEBOARD
When I was a child visiting family homes around Christmastime, there was always a display of seasonal goodies on the sideboard. First, there sat a Christmas cake, iced and decorated with fat robins, deer, Santas, sprigs of holly and proudly surrounded by a frilled tartan collar. Other goodies involved boxes of chocolates, jellied orange and lemon slices, Turkish delight, liqueur chocolates, Scottish shortbread and after dinner mints. There was always a bowl of nuts with a nutcracker.
These were offered around after a meal. Some rather rich and not really to a child’s taste. The not-so-popular delicacies would be the last to go.
This might also be the place where the Christmas trifle might stand, decorated with silver balls, dribbling with too much sherry, and containing a can of tinned fruit cocktail with its two halves of cherry. But the best you’ve ever tasted.
There might also stand bottles of Christmas tipples: Ginger wine (my particular favourite), Advocaat for making snowballs, a small jar of maraschino cherries for finishing off the snowball, Sherry, Port and Babycham. The best glassware would be
available, including sherry schooners and the posh cutlery would come out of its hinged box.
Wallpapering & Coving
Insulating lining paper (Wall Rock)
A box of Hamlet cigars would also grace the sideboard, an annual treat for the men.
We also were able to entertain in the front room which was only ever heated and used at this time of year.
Everything was special and memorable. Heartwarming memories made.
I WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY AND PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS
Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information. Janet
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Gardener’s Calendar
It can feel like there’s nothing to do in the garden at this time of year, but a few plants can give you colour through the dark days.
Best, easiest and cheapest are winter pansies which are bred to withstand the worst of the cold and make the most of low light. Cyclamen are also shiny happy plants and have the added advantage of naturalising over the years, particularly among shrubs and trees. But make sure you buy hardy cyclamen – the smaller variety. Big super showy ones won’t survive the cold. Hellebores can flower as early at Xmas and they and winter flowering heather are great for providing pollen for bumblebees which may be buzzing around on warmer days.
Protection is also important – bubble wrap your best terracotta pots as they absorb the wet and will crack with the frost. Tender shrubs can be helped through the cold by being wrapped in old fleece and straw or sacking. Remove if we get a warm spell to stop rotting and replace when it’s colder again. If you’ve bought a fig tree be careful to bundle up any tiny buds of fruit, figs are usually advertised as hardy but the buds are tender. Japanese maples should be pruned now if needed – any later and they will bleed and become weakened. Succulents and rockery plants have been popular in garden centres this year. Now is the time to put fresh grit round them to stop them rotting in wet soil.
JAYS AND MAGPIES IN ABUNDANCE
Autumn and winter are seasons when members of the crow family form flocks and also roam the countryside in search of easy pickings. Oak trees with abundant crops of acorns draw in jays and magpies from across the area. Jays in particular, have specially adapted claws to carry a number of acorns at once. They gather these up and take them up to a mile or perhaps more, to plant them in the ground. These food caches are hidden away for when the cold weather comes, and supplies are scarce. However, although the jays remember most of the hidden acorn sites, they do forget some. These forgotten acorns will survive to germinate and maybe grow into new oak trees. The jay is ‘nature’s forester’, and this is how oak woods and oak forests spread in the wild. You don’t need to plant trees, simply let nature and the jays plant the acorns for you! Carrion crows and magpies will also do this, but they lack the ability to carry so many acorns at once.
It seems that this autumn, the jays have been very abundant and are coming to garden feeders much more frequently than they once did. In part, this is because of our changing attitudes to these very pretty birds. A few decades ago, they were ruthlessly persecuted by gamekeepers and in urban areas, by park-keepers too. Because of this troubled existence they quickly learned to avoid contact with people whenever possible. In larger tracts of
woodland, you might hear a jay in the distance, and even catch a fleeting glimpse, but that would be all as they disappeared into dense cover. Today they are doing well, and you see them frequently flying out from woodland to plant their acorns and flying also between woods. In the garden now, they will come to feed on peanut holders, but also on fat-balls and on suet dumplings. These also prove irresistible for the magpies which are also on the up, although not everyone is keen because of their predation of nestlings and bird’s eggs. At this time of the year the magpies tend to flock up and go to communal roost sites, which is typical ‘corvid’ behaviour, the corvids being the crow family. Jackdaws, carrion crows, and rooks, often form vast winter flocks, especially during cold weather. Having gathered at a number of select ‘pre-roost’ sites, the birds then move into a favoured, usually warm and sheltered location for the night. Numbers can be up to ten thousand or more. The biggest of the crows is of course the raven, and they too may gather in decent numbers and sometimes join up with carrion crows and other smaller cousins. One of the big advantages of a large winter roost site is that the birds can learn from the behaviour of their peers, where to go for the best foraging for food. At the start of each day, if a bird has fed well the previous day, then it will probably head back out directly and confidently. So, if the other birds are unsure then they just follow!
MAGPIES
WOODLAND JAY
GARDEN JAY
OAK SEEDLING
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