Voice Magazines - Alfreton & Villages Edition - January 2025
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Happy New Year Readers,
Perhaps you didn’t recognise me and the mag as it landed on your doorstep with everything being so different!! We’ve overhauled the design and added some new features to give it a fresh new feel for the new year.
Psychologically, I love the changing of the year. It just feels so cleansing and myself and the team very much feel like that with the magazine changes. We thought that as we had so much turbulence last year, why stop there! It’s hard to believe that this little magazine will have been going for 15 years this September, but it has survived all that has been thrown at it so far. We’ve had some wonderful feedback over the last year in particular but we are determined not to rest on our laurels, so we are going to get back to our roots, with a real focus on championing local businesses and community groups.
Our Christmas give away was one example of this and it was a huge success with tons of entries. The winners will be announced in the February edition as this edition has to go to print earlier than usual. But don’t be disappointed if you missed out, we’re planning more special giveaways throughout the year.
More big news… we’ve (finally) got a live website again! It’s been about 6 years in the
making and has evolved so much without ever going live, but we’re really pleased with the end result, and we hope you like it too.
One of my personal traditions is to start each year with some resolutions/targets/bucket list items/whatever you want to call them! Strangely, I don’t think I set any last year as I somehow seemed to know that it wasn’t going to be a goer!! However, this year feels different, I feel more hopeful – so plans are afoot for us! In the meantime, we’re off to see out 2024 in style, travelling at 100+mph face first down a zipwire in Wales! I wonder what 2025 has in store for us all?
Happy Reading,
PS: Don’t forget to mention the ‘Voice’ when you use any of the companies in this magazine
ONWARDS AND UPWARDS IN 2025
Every great success story starts somewhere, and Voice Magazines is no exception.
The very first edition in 2010 was a 32-page magazine, targeted at a handful of homes in Swanwick, Riddings, and Leabrooks. Fast forward to today, and the magazine is a must-read across 11 editions, from Bakewell to Selston, Ripley to Kirkby and everywhere in between, and reaching a whopping 152,000 residents every month.
But let’s take a trip back to 2010. Picture this: Emily, the founder of Voice Magazine, is staring at her first edition. It’s 32 pages long, and every one of those pages represents blood, sweat, and probably more cups of tea and coffee than anyone should consume in a week. Delivering to 2,500 homes was no small feat either—especially when you’re also holding down another job.
In 2012, Emily took the leap, moving to premises in South Normanton, marking a major milestone. Having an actual office meant fewer late-night sessions at the kitchen table and more room to dream big. From there, things started snowballing (in a good way, not the “rolling downhill in winter” kind).
The magazine’s reach grew, the pages multiplied, and Emily’s vision for Voice Magazine as a community resource really began to take shape.
But everything has to keep developing and changing in order to flourish and grow, and you may have already noticed that this January 2025 issue looks a little different from previous magazines.
Yes, that’s right—Voice Magazine has had a New Year Makeover!
The brilliant covers are still the stars of the show—it’s the inside that has changed. You’ll notice:
• TOP TIP’S (This month on how to stay healthy)
• DID YOU KNOW? (This month has little known facts about health and fitness)
• SPOTLIGHT ON (An advertiser is spotlighted throughout all 11 editions for the month)
• WHAT’S ON? (This month is about Park Runs near you)
I see this New Year, New Voice Mags edition as a gym membership for your brain—packed with all the things you need to kick-start the year without actually making you sweat ��
Voice Magazine’s journey from humble beginnings to a monthly staple is proof that with a bit lot of determination, gallons of tea and coffee, and maybe a few “what am I doing?” moments, you can achieve amazing things.
A small army of people now deliver the 11 editions across 70 towns and villages, and Voice has a team of people all working to create the best magazine they can.
Emily and her nearest and dearest no longer have to do everything themselves. Let’s be honest, even superwoman Emily would struggle to produce and deliver all those mags by herself… although I bet she’d have a go.
So, here’s to (at least) another year of connecting communities, sharing stories, and maybe even sneaking in a few more jokes along the way.
Because if you can’t laugh at life—or your first attempt at a Park Run—what’s the point?
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URGENT CALL FOR FOSTER CARERS IN THE EAST MIDLANDS
The need for foster carers in the East Midlands has reached a critical level. Over 3,300 children in care across Derby City, Derbyshire, Nottingham City, and Nottinghamshire are in urgent need of foster homes, yet only half are currently placed with foster families. There is a significant demand for long-term and short-term carers, as well as those experienced in supporting children with special needs. Additionally, carers for sibling groups and teenagers are desperately needed.
To address this demand, Foster for East Midlands, a collaborative regional fostering hub has been established by local councils. This hub supports new and existing foster carers, providing guidance from the initial inquiry stage through to application, and offers continuous support to current carers.
YOUR SUPPORT COULD MAKE A LIFE-CHANGING DIFFERENCE FOR A CHILD IN NEED.
If you’re interested in learning more about fostering, please call 03033 132950, visit fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk, or join us at one of our informal information events Details are available on our website.
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Customer in Derbyshire Posted on 21/09/2024 , work completed 19/09/2024
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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.
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✽ Perfect for exploring the stunning Northumbrian Heritage Coastline
✽ Close to a range of dog friendly pubs, cafes & restaurants in stunning Warkworth
✽ We have fast fibre Wi-Fi and smart TV’s
TUESDAYS
Slimming World Recipe
Pasta Cauliflower Cheese
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.
2. Put the pasta in a large bowl, pour over 800ml boiling water then set aside to soak.
3. Put the cauliflower florets and sage in a non-stick ovenproof dish (about 23cm x 20cm), spray with low-calorie cooking spray and bake for 15 minutes. Add the cauliflower leaves and roast for 5 more minutes.
4. Drain the pasta and add to the cauliflower along with 100ml of the stock. Stir well and cook for another 5½ minutes.
Slimming World Slimming
January is all about comfort food, whilst staying on plan and this recipe ticks both boxes by combining two classics, mac ‘n’ cheese and cauliflower cheese. Cheesetastic!
5. At the same time, put the cottage cheese in your food processor and add the remaining stock and half the Parmesan. Season lightly and blitz to form a smooth sauce, then add the egg yolks and give it another quick blitz.
6. Stir the spinach through the cauliflower and pasta and put the dish back in the oven to cook for 2 minutes. Give everything a good stir, then pour over the sauce and mix well.
7. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top and return to the oven for a few minutes to brown. Divide between 2 plates and serve with a mixed salad.
Ingredients:
• 200g fresh fusilli pasta
• 1 small cauliflower, cut into little florets, small leaves reserved
• 10 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
• Low-calorie cooking spray
• 1 vegetable stock pot, dissolved in 150ml water
• 300g fat-free natural cottage cheese
• 60g grated fresh Parmesan cheese or vegetarian alternative
• 3 egg yolks*
• 100g baby spinach
*Pregnant women, the elderly, babies and toddlers are advised to choose eggs showing the British Lion stamp if eating raw or partially cooked eggs.
Ready in: 40 Minutes
New Year Adventures and Escapes
Happy New Year! Can you believe how quickly 2025 has come around? It feels like we were just celebrating the start of last year, and now it’s time to look forward to the adventures this one will bring.
From cowboy adventures to breathtaking stargazing escapes, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of extraordinary travel experiences. If you’re curious about the biggest travel trends for the year ahead, you’re in the right place! I’ve rounded up my top predictions to help you get inspired and stay ahead of the curve.
Visit my website or socials to explore these trends in detail and see how we can work together to plan your next unforgettable adventure. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember!
COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS
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ISLE OF WIGHT
Burlington Hotel – Sandown Mon 17th - Fri 21st Feb
Discover Quality and Comfort at BM Carpet & Bed STORE
Since its opening on August 1, 2023, BM Carpet & Bed Store has quickly become a go-to destination for flooring, beds and mattresses in South Normanton.
Owned by Billy and Maria, proud Hilcote residents, this local gem offers a diverse selection of high-quality carpets, laminate flooring, and beds to suit every taste and need. Whether you’re after luxurious wool carpets, durable hardwearing options, or the sleek appeal of laminate, LVT, or vinyl cushion flooring, BM Carpet & Bed Store has you covered. And now, with their new free home selection service, you can browse their extensive range from the comfort of your living
room—a perfect blend of convenience and personalised service.
Don’t forget about your mattress! Experts recommend replacing yours every eight years. Why? Over time, it can accumulate the equivalent of a bathtub of sweat and a dachshund’s weight in dead skin cells— yikes! At BM Carpet & Bed Store, they’ll help you find the perfect replacement, offering a 5-year warranty on all beds, including electric options
Support local and visit BM Carpet & Bed Store today for quality Fooring and a better night’s sleep.
CARPET & BED STORE
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Our beds are the only approved trading standards manufactory in the UK. All beds carry a 5yrs Warranty. Lots of choice of mattresses, Storage Bases & Head Board also Electric beds.
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Inside UHF we’ve created the platform, the support and the environment to enable ‘you’ to thrive and win. So, you can truly live your healthiest and most fulfilling life.
Without putting your own health and fitness goal to the bottom of the priority list. You’re just one message/step from being in a room where you can finally take back the reins on your own health and fitness.
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“It was a proud moment for me realising that two years after a knee bone graft operation, then two months of non weight bearing and starting again with walking, let alone fitness, that today I’m the strongest I’ve ever been.”
“In November 2022, I reached out to Chris, in the worst physical shape of my life, and probably one of the lowest moods too! 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”
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Why slog it out in a gym when you can tackle your fitness goals on the rugby field?
Rugby is the ultimate workout—cardio, strength, and teamwork, all while having fun. At Amber Valley Rugby Club, rugby is for everyone, whether you’re looking to get fit, make friends, or try something new.
This season has been full of excitement. Our men’s team has battled hard in some gripping matches, while the women’s team continues to grow and thrive, showcasing skill and camaraderie. Meanwhile, our Minis and Juniors are having a fantastic time learning the game and building confidence. A special shoutout goes to Lewis Terry, named November’s Men’s Player of the Month, sponsored by the Seven Stars Pub in Riddings, for his outstanding commitment on and off the field.
Lewis Terry
At Amber Valley Rugby Club, we’re more than a team - we’re family. Join us in 2024 and tackle your goals with us!
Interested in having a try call Stuart on 07966 867 946 for the men, Gareth 07595 520 537 for the ladies and Paul 07790 403 043 for the Minis and Juniors.
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
A dogs Day out
This walk is a true Classic! We first featured the walk in 2016 but since then they have built a new Visitors Centre at Sherwood Forest. Well behaved dogs (what’s one of those?!) are permitted in the cafe.
The walk takes you past the Major Oak, a true beauty itself but there are many other beautiful old, gnarled and majestic oaks to see. A real treat for dendrophiles!
6-MILE CIRCULAR FROM EDWINSTOWE VIA THE MAJOR OAK
A moderate walk for you and your dog! This walk is fairly flat and should take around 2½ hours to complete. There is a range of terrain, with some possibly muddy and uneven sections. There are a few sections of road, so take plenty of care. And, as always, follow the countryside code.
Starting Point: Jubilee Park, Trinity Road, Edwinstowe. Notts. NG21 9RW.
To find the car park take the first right-hand turn off Trinity Road, just before some flats. Pass through the flat’s car park into the ‘Jubilee Park’ car park.
1. From the car park take the tarmac path heading towards a recreation ground and passing by a sign board on your left reading ‘Jubilee Park’. Follow the tarmac path until reaching a circular children’s play area directly in front of you. Follow the tarmac path around to the left of the play area and at the far side bear right along a path until reaching a gap in the hedge.
2. Pass through the gap and onto a lane. Turn left along the lane and continue until the lane bears sharp right. Continue around to the right and now continue straight ahead with a hedge on your right.
3. Continue until you reach some trees and then pass by a yellow marker post on your right. Continue straight ahead with trees on your left and open fields on your right.
4. After some time you will reach a T junction with a lane. Turn right and go gently uphill along the lane. At the top of the hill pass some stables on your left and then ‘The Archway House’ on your right. After, continue straight along the lane for some distance until reaching a main road.
5. Cross the road diagonal left, pass through a gap and then turn immediately right along a trail signposted for ‘Sherwood Forest’. For a short distance the trail runs parallel with the road and then a very short distance after passing over a crossroads of paths the trail bends sharp to the left.
6. Follow the trail around to the left and then continue for some distance and pass over a crossroads of paths signposted for ‘bridleway’ and ‘Sherwood Forest’.
‘Visitor Centre’. Ignoring all other footpaths to the left and right continue for a long distance following the signs for ‘Major Oak’. Upon reaching a T junction of paths turn right and pass by The Major Oak on your left.
8. Follow this path staying close to a wooden fence on your left. Continue ahead along the path, following signs for the ‘Major Oak Trail’. Continue straight ahead and eventually pass the cricket ground on the left and the Visitor Centre on your right. Continue straight to pass through a small car park and onto a road.
9. Turn left along the road until reaching a T junction with a main road. Turn right along the main road and continue straight ahead to pass through a set of traffic lights onto Edwinstowe High Street.
10. Continue straight along the road for some distance until crossing over a river bridge. A short distance after the bridge turn right along ‘Mill Road’. Continue along Mill Road for some distance and then just prior to a ‘national speed limits’ sign and railway bridge turn right along a signposted ‘Bridleway’.
11. Continue along the bridleway with a river on your right. After some distance cross over a wooden river bridge and then continue straight ahead until reaching a hedgerow directly in front of you. At this point turn right along a lane and continue with the hedge on your left.
12. After a very short distance the lane bends sharp to the left. Follow the lane around to the left and continue straight ahead until reaching a gap in the hedge on your right. Pass through the gap and back into Jubilee Park. Retrace your steps back to the carpark.
7. Continue straight to the top of a hill and then at a crossroads of footpaths turn right signposted for
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.
All Around the Shire
In the days before central heating, fitted carpets and double glazing, it was a hard job heating the house in the cold months.
Bedrooms were chilly and ice often built up on the inside of windows during the night to greet us on winter mornings.
Continental quilts were a distant invention and we made do with sheets, blankets, eiderdowns and sometimes coats over the bed. Children often slept in the same bed for warmth. Topping and tailing was not unknown. We would sometimes snuggle in with mum and dad in the middle of the night when the hot water bottle had lost its heat.
Only the living room was heated. The front room only at Christmas. My memories involve early mornings when we children were brought downstairs and bundled up on the settee under a blanket watching mum light the fire. She would roll sheets of newspaper into either log shapes or doughnut rings around her hand and place them in the grate with a firelighter to kindle a flame. She would then gradually add sticks and bits of coal to build up the fire.
The spectacular part was when she held up a sheet of newspaper to draw the fire and create a blaze. Sometimes, she wasn’t quick enough to pull away the paper and it caught alight. Funnily enough, I don’t remember ever feeling cold even when trudging through snow to school. We must have had a lot of love to keep us warm.
Alfreton & District Heritage Trust
JANUARY 2024
THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS.
What a year 2024 was for the Heritage Trust, not least because October saw us mark the 40th Anniversary of its founding by Alfreton Rotary Club. The start of the year saw us continuing our highly successful series of talks down at Palmer Morewood Memorial Club financed by the National Lottery Community Fund. They have attracted huge audiences throughout and our first talk on the 13th January was no exception with over 100 people present. 17th January saw our first outside presentation at Newton W.I. with “It’s a Bobby’s Job” and
the 24th a visit to the Heritage Centre by Croft School (Year 2) who were learning about Robert Watchorn. Always a delight to welcome them and fellow visitors from Christ The King, Alfreton. Not just because they come bearing gifts of Jaffa Cakes of course!
We were busy at Palmer Morewood with talks throughout February, March, and April and we even found our way to Newton Pensioners’ Club for “It’s a Bobby’s Job” once again. Two large boxes of Jaffa Cakes swung the deal, and the talk was well received. May saw our Saturday talks continue and there were a number of Heritage Centre group visits which are always popular. We were also out and about giving talks as well. Our final Palmer Morewood talk for the season was on the 1st June when we had a talk on the local Textile Industry, a subject which drew another large audience.
In July we and other local groups held a Heritage Day
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& West Bridgford
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.
2025 & BEYOND
When I was a child, the year 2025 seemed like forever away. I imagined people living on the Moon and Mars, regular space travel, and the ability to travel anywhere in the world using a Star Trek like transporter…beam me up, Scotty!
Now 2025 has arrived, and I thought I would have a quick look at where we actually are in respect of some of my far-fetched imaginings.
First thing to note, clearly there are no humans currently living on the Moon or Mars. Unless there are, and we mere mortals have just not been kept in the loop.
Intergalactic space travel and instant travel are also still sci-fi dreams.
So what could be on the cards for 2025 and beyond?
Asteroid Mining Could Begin: Several companies are working to make asteroid mining a reality. It may not happen this year, but the technology is evolving and it could make economic sense as Earth’s resources run out.
A New Mars Rover: NASA’s next-generation rover could help in the search for life on Mars, setting the stage for future human missions…eventually.
Fusion Energy Breakthroughs: Scientists hope to demonstrate practical nuclear fusion as a clean and near-limitless energy source. If this works, it could be a huge breakthrough.
Brain-Computer Interfaces: Devices like Neuralink (Elon Musk) could allow people to interact with technology using just their thoughts - mind-controlled typing, anyone?
Flying Taxis: Dubai will test a flying taxi service by the end of 2025!
AI-Generated Entertainment: Expect movies, music, and art created by AI to challenge our perceptions of creativity and originality. I’m all for innovation, and
there is no doubt AI can be useful and enhance human creativity, but do we really want to give up our imaginations in favour of AI generated entertainment?
Food Innovations: Lab-grown meat and seafood may become widely available, catering to sustainabilityconscious foodies. Personally, I’d prefer the real thing, but I suppose lab grown meat could have a place…in my bin!
Suborbital Space Flights: Companies like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin are making space tourism more accessible, allowing passengers to experience weightlessness and a view of Earth from the edge of space. This I could go for, but I’m sure it would cost an arm and a leg.
Pet Cloning: Cloning beloved pets is expected to grow in popularity, offering people a chance to “extend” their time with furry friends. This freaks me out more than a little. What if something goes wrong in the process and you end up with a Gremlin instead of a Mogwai? (Check out the film Gremlins if you don’t get the reference.)
Technology is moving at an ever increasing rate. Who knows what will happen in 2025, but I hope you have found this quick trawl through the possibilities interesting.
My wish would be to see us all reconnecting as people and communities, much as we did in the lockdowns when, bizarrely, most people seemed so much nicer! How about you?
HAPPY 2025!
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
5 Foolishly ran out of bean curd three times! (5)
7 Pet to turn ‘quiet’ (5)
11 Bothering to get rid of tedious article (3)
12 Brief invitation (on paper at least) to burgle? (1,1,1)
16 They have a thousand containers of seasoning (5)
17 Tree, say, where the sunworshippers are? (5)
Down
2 Last ‘ouch’ to bestow (5)
3 Ill-fitting, and/or gassy! (5)
10 The injurious bits of a credit (3)
14 Teacher, talking about a bit of silica (5)
15 From the 26th onwards, bear can be African ‘horse’ (5)
9 Relaxes as weathered by wind and sun (7)
13 Bubble bath for Jack? Who’s he to talk? (7)
18 Hoarder hits out at Terriers (11) Down
Entrances have gasket twice replaced (6,5)
1 Preparation, 2 Urn, 3 Inn, 4 Glad tidings, 6 Excited, 7 Beeline, 8 Rejoice, 14 Art, 15 See. Across 1 Raw, sea-green ingredients that bring in the bacon? (4,7)
If you’re looking for something funny and clever to wake your brain up after a diet of Christmas telly, turkey leftovers and too much mulled wine and chocolate, you could try a dose of Unruly by comedian David Mitchell
This book, subtitled A History of England’s King and Queens, is for anyone who sat, bored out of their mind in school history lessons through turgid recitals of battles, civil wars, princes, beheadings and revolting peasants. Mitchell studied proper history at Cambridge, but as he says, the past is largely unknowable, - an
infinity of former “nows,” And so if you think of how little we today really understand about what’s going on now… Plus we always have to look at who related the stories – and what purpose they were serving.
Described as Horrible Histories for grown-ups, it’s funny and sweary, full of narcissists and crazies and interesting and amusing analogies to the present day – from their now to our now. It will be interesting to see what the history books will say about us in 400 years’ time, but we can only hope they have a sense of humour.
Mike’sMusings
Our resident muser has the mike...
Mike is always glad to hear from you at : mike.musings@outlook.com
To continue where we left off - if I was Prime Minister I would……...? (Part 8)
After last September’s offering, I reckoned this particular series of articles had run its course. I was wrong! Wendy, from Alfreton, has been in touch, with a number of observations about the current practices of concert goers.
Wendy recently saw the Drifters on tour, and despite being astounded by the number of walking sticks and other mobility aids within the auditorium – to be honest, I thought she was a bit naïve with that comment. After all, what age group were listening to this sort of music as they grew up? - enjoyed the show. She would have enjoyed it even more, however, were it not for what she described as the selfish actions of others.
Firstly, and this makes me wonder if Wendy has not been out and about much over the past 25 years, she couldn’t believe how many of the audience were videoing parts of the performance on their mobile phones. She describes the lady in front repeatedly lifting her phone up to get a clear view, partly obscuring Wendy’s. As a result, she could only see part of the stage, albeit supplemented by a fuller picture from the miniscule screen in front.
The question Wendy asks, and she’s probably not alone in this, is do these people go home and regularly watch the video footage that they’ve taken? I reckon we all know the answer to that. The other point Wendy makes is, why don’t these people just give the act some respect and simply enjoy the show?
The solution is easy claims Wendy. All attendees are warned in advance that this practice will not be tolerated. To back this up, seats at concert venues will be individually electrically charged, and a member of staff detailed to operate a high flying and silent drone to look out for audience members filming the performance. Once spotted, the offender receives a mild electric shock, is brightly illuminated and subsequently shamed as their transgression is made public.
The other complaint that Wendy raised was the disruption caused by people getting up to go for drinks during the show. She has no problem with people bringing a drink into the auditorium, providing it is kept safe – although I do! - but thinks it unreasonable if the audience member has to then go to buy a ‘refresher’ while the act is on stage. What exacerbates the problem, she says, is that invariably, before the show ends, these people are repeatedly having to go to the toilet. Now, who’d have thought that?
Wendy is convinced that she’d be less inconvenienced if a) there was a pre-show announcement, ten minutes before the start, along the lines of ‘Who needs the toilet?’, and b) anyone leaving the auditorium during the performance, not be allowed back in until the interval, or indeed at all, should they leave during the second act. She accepts that it’s a bit draconian but is convinced it would have the desired effect.
What do you think?
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Top Tip:
If your de-decorated Xmas tree is still standing forlornly down the bottom of the garden, it is possible to do something useful with it.
Local authorities will usually collect for their garden composting schemes, but you can also chop it into bits and stack it. It will rot down and disintegrate in a couple of years but in the meantime provide a good habitat for wildlife.
Compost the decomposing stems of perennials and cut the leaves of hellebores back so you can see the drooping flowers more clearly. Upright hellebores are on the market if you’re looking to replace established ones, but a judicial trim can have a similar effect. If any of the hellebore leaves have black spots, bin them, otherwise the disease will spread.
Hardy dwarf fruit trees such as apples can be planted now. The advantage of dwarf fruit trees is that you can get a good crop in a couple of years –and that you can plant them in a good-sized pot and they don’t take up so much garden space. But make sure they are genuine dwarfs. Always plant where they can stand in full sun.
Prune apple and pear trees while they are still dormant.
WINTER ROBINS BRING SEASONAL CHEER TO THE GARDEN
The humble robin is perhaps the most quintessentially ‘Christmas’ bird in the garden. Both male and female hold territories throughout the winter and therefore both sing, and the song is subtly different from that of spring and summer. Associated with Christian Christmas celebrations, the red breast is supposedly symbolic of Christ’s blood on the cross. In a more mundane, day-today connection, the robin soon learns to follow the gardener around the garden in case a possible prey item is disturbed and easy pickings become available. From such behaviour, the garden robin easily adapts to taking food if offered, and quickly will come to bird-food such as dried mealworms or calci worms for example. Given such treats as bait, they learn to come when called and if you make a twittering noise with pursed lips, it works a treat. In recent years, I have also noticed how robins are adapting to different types of feeders, including hanging dispensers of sunflower hearts or peanuts, and especially fat-balls and suet dumplings. Whilst not yet accomplished feeders like say blue tits and great tits, they are nevertheless becoming more daring. Another adaptation to modern living is their habit of nipping indoors during cold weather, and favoured places seem to be garden centres and other glasshouses. I have seen this in both the more commercial big store style garden centres and in the more focused horticultural premises. Do let me know if you have observed this too.
However, when I go in the garden and ‘talk’ to my favourite robin whilst offering mealworms, there is an evolutionary background to the behaviour. So, whilst I like to think the bird understands me, and the neighbours probably think I am barking, the real reason is that the robin reacts to me as a large animal blundering through the bird’s natural forest habitat. A grazing herbivore disturbs vegetation and soil which makes insects and other min-beasts available to the sharp-eyed robin. In other words, when a robin follows you around the garden it is adapting its long-evolved behaviour to the modern world and the opportunities afforded by our twenty-first century lifestyles. At this time of
year, the availability of food can be a vital matter for insectivorous birds such as robins, and a prologued cold snap means two things. Firstly, if weather is frosty then available food is in short supply, and secondly, particularly overnight, the smaller birds lose body heat and therefore stored body-fat. Then, if they cannot replenish the lost energy source, they can easily die. The food put out in our gardens across the region then makes a huge difference to survival rates of these and of other garden birds. As I mentioned earlier, mealworms, calci worms, and either suet dumplings or fat-balls, are ideal. A lowcost food can be made with vegetable suet, lard, and birdseed. Also, during cold weather a frequent cause of death in smaller birds is a lack of water when the usual source are frozen solid, and so provision of available water is important.
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
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