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
Lasting Power of Attorney Act Set to Speed Up Vital Legal Process
Most people have heard of a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), but many still don’t know the full extent of what it involves.
Either way, a new piece of legislation has radically overhauled this vital legal process, which allows someone, the attorney, to look after your affairs if you’re unable to do so.
The Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) Act 2023 is set to slash the registration process time from 20 weeks to nearly two. There are also new safeguards to protect people against fraud and abuse.
There are two types of LPA: one for property and financial affairs, which covers things like managing bank accounts, paying bills, and handling welfare benefits; and another for health and welfare, which allows your attorney to make decisions about your healthcare, living arrangements, and even who you should have contact with.
Setting up an LPA is crucial for peace of mind, ensuring your affairs are in trusted hands if you lose the ability to manage them. However, the process has long been criticised for being outdated, slow, and bureaucratic.
Laura Cowan, head of Graysons’ private client team in Hope Valley, welcomes the changes: “The process has long been outdated, and I very much welcome this move towards making it faster and safer, providing peace of mind for our clients. There is nothing more important than knowing your affairs are in trusted hands if you lose the ability to manage them. A Lasting Power of Attorney is the only way to ensure this.”
The new system detects errors earlier and, as a result, minimises delays caused by paperwork being sent back and forth.
Laura Cowan added: “Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney often involves in-depth discussions between family members and potential attorneys, but I’d always recommend taking independent legal advice from someone like Graysons.”
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)
1 Raw, sea-green ingredients that bring in the bacon? (4,7) 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)
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.
LAST MINUTE OFFERS NOW
STUNNING HOLIDAY COTTAGE IN WARKWORTH, NORTHUMBERLAND
Treat yourself to a luxury break at the 4* Gold Award winning Little Red Hen House. An elegant and cosy holiday home just a 7 minute drive from award-winning and dog-friendly Warkworth beach.
✽ 2 spacious en-suite bedrooms
✽ A fully enclosed garden
✽ 2 small to medium dogs welcome (3 upon request)
✽ Fully equipped kitchen, including an American style fridge freezer
✽ Perfect for exploring the stunning Northumbrian Heritage Coastline
✽ Close to a range of dog friendly pubs, cafes & restaurants in stunning Warkworth
✽ We have fast fibre Wi-Fi and smart TV’s
(Managing
“After looking around for a floor fitter for the kitchen and utility area in our old house we came across this company. While others were all about the problems, T.Nutt were really positive and professional. Great range of products across the whole design and price range. We got great advice on suitability, preparation and fitting. Nothing was too much trouble. The fitting service was excellent, from the laying of the screed to level the old floor to the tidying after. The fitters were prompt, professional and really considerate. The finished room is superb. Highly recommend this company. .”
Customer in Derbyshire Posted on 21/09/2024 , work completed 19/09/2024
Ladies Fashions and Lingerie
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.
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.
Serves: 2
Syns per serving: 6
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
LIME PLASTERING
Lime plaster is the original type of plaster used in historic buildings. A simple mixture of quicklime, water, horsehair, and sand it creates a durable and workable plaster that can stand the test of centuries. When compared to gypsum based plasters, lime plaster requires a thinner base coats and subsequent coats, while possessing much of the same attributes of traditional three-layer plaster applications.
Making quicklime is a simple and ancient tradition. Lime (either from ground limestone, or pulverized oyster shells) is ‘burnt’ in a Lime kiln to produce quicklime. This process produces high Calcium Oxide Quicklime. Mixing water and Quicklime hydrates the powder and this process is said to “slake” the mixture. Once the lime and water has cooled, it is mixed with sand, long animal hair, and additional water until it reaches an appropriate consistency. From there, it can be trowelled on to the substrate which is commonly wood or metal lath, brick or stone. The scratch layer for lime plaster is considerably thinner than that of gypsum; about 1/8” for lime and 3/8” thick for gypsum. The brown and white layers also differ from other plaster types.
Lime plaster often used two coarse coats, which together are referred to as “coarse stuff”. The final layer is called the “setting stuff”. The top layer is made of extra lime, less water, less sand, and no animal hair. This mixture will result in a soft, brilliantly white surface than can be easily manipulated to add in designs. While malleable prior to setting, once the plaster has set and the surface is dry, the result is a durable final layer that will stand up to both time and daily use.
Much of the artistry of lime plaster is exhibited in the “setting stuff”. Skilled plasterers can create unique designs in the surface and alter the way light plays off the surface by using different mineral compounds. Designs popular in many early American colonial homes included swirls made by moving a trowel, or brush, in a circular motion. Similarly, a brush could be used to create a striping pattern. Given its easy application process and thin layers, lime plaster could be used on curves, and frequently progressed from the base of the wall and carried onto the ceiling. Any pattern could be easily carried throughout a space and often, at a time when interior decoration was expensive and hard to come by, plaster art served as ornamentation.
Other common modifications to the “setting stuff” in historic lime plaster included modifying the composition of the top layer to include pulverized marble, glass, or other unique elements. Many of these variations carried light into otherwise dark spaces, while simultaneously providing decorative interest to the finished surface. Addons to the plaster mix typically slowed the drying process, so to combat this plaster of Paris was added to expedite drying—this is called “gauging”.
Though it produced a beautiful and distinctive final product, the popularity of lime plaster declined in the early 1900s. Both the mixing and application of lime plaster takes professional knowledge. However, in recent times Lime plaster is having a renaissance as it is more environmentally friendly than modern Gypsum plaster and because of the process it uses to “set” is a net carbon retainer. Therefore, being useful in the fight against climate change.
Lime plaster is a great period characteristic worth repairing and restoring back to its original grandeur. Unique to each historic building, shimmering marble dust and hand applied patterns helps create character that endures. If lime plaster needs repairing or restoring it is best to have a professional who is experienced in this industry.
Common conditions for failing plaster are:
• moisture/water intrusion.
• structural movement/deterioration; and/or
• poor workmanship.
Water
• Unchecked moisture/water intrusion are the most common problems – leaking roofs,
• leaking windows, moisture in substrate, water wicking from foundation into masonry,
• humid environments. Structural repairs and climate control should be addressed before
• surface repairs.
Evidence of moisture/water damage:
• Subtle discoloration of paint at ceiling edges/windows.
• Drip/streaking stains on paint.
• Efflorescence (the plaster surface will appear as white, powdery stain).
• Flaking paint - in decorative painting, fine-art murals, and flat walls.
• Mold and other micro-organism growth.
• Peeling paint.
• Efflorescence.
Structure
• Structural movement occurs for a variety of reasons, among them are:
• The natural settling of a building,
• Vibrations from nearby construction or railway,
• Expansion and contraction from temperature changes,
• Deteriorating lath and fasteners,
• and/or weight overload.
Evidence of structural movement/overload/substrate deterioration:
• Long diagonal stress cracks.
• Horizontal stress cracks.
• Falling plaster.
• Bowing and sagging in ceilings and beams.
Workmanship
This can vary even over time tradesmen of the past had varying degrees of skill.
Some of the issues of failing plaster, in addition to structural causes, could be due to a poorly proportioned mix of materials, incompatible base and finish coats, improper application and attachment, and even improper curing/drying.
your home the value &
VISIT
THE
STUNNING
VISIT THE STUNNING Ripley
Ripley & West Bridgford show rooms
& 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
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.
Heritage of Bakewell
CHRISTMAS IS OVER, IT’S BACK TO SCHOOL FOR SOME…
Christmas is over and it’s back to school. Lucky children.
Back in 1771, when Cromford Mill opened child labour was considered acceptable. Profit came first for the mill owners and children were agile, could crawl under the machinery with ease and had nimble fingers to gather up threads that otherwise would be lost. The fact that children as young as seven toiled for endless hours and were subjected to unbelievably dangerous working conditions, isn’t in dispute. As employees children were cheap earning a fraction of that paid to an adult. Best of all for an employer, they were easily replaceable should they suffer injury or death in one of the all-too-common accidents. Orphans, found in all major towns, were easily persuaded to sign up as apprentices when offered warmth, food and chance to learn a trade.
During the 1800s, questions were asked in parliament. Concerns were raised when reports showed that children working in factories were suffering from ill health, stunted growth and a lack of education. The ‘Health and Morals of Apprentices Act’ 1802, brought in regulations
pertinent to the employment of children. Over the following century various Factory Acts laid down stricter guidelines for employers, making provision for some schooling to take place.
A few mill owners locally such as Richard Arkwright and Jedidiah Strutt, set up Sunday Schools for their child workers, allowing them time off to learn how to read and write and to study the bible. Working 12 hours a day children must have looked forward to Sunday, their only time off.
Grace, Lady Manners of Haddon Hall, was years ahead of her time. She provided funds to employ a teacher to offer free education to boys from Bakewell and Rowsley. The first school in her name school was opened on South Church Street in Bakewell during 1636. At that time there was no provision made for educating girls. Of course the wealthy either employed home tutors or sent their children away to school.
A general a lack of education on offer led various individuals to open, what became known as, Dame Schools. Unqualified teachers, usually women
the scriptures, reading and writing. Attendance was voluntary and parents who could, paid modest fees. The first National School for Girls in Bakewell was opened on Buxton Road in 1848.
When the Liberal government passed the 1870 Education Act, the Duke of Rutland provided land for a new school on Bath Street, now Bakewell C of E Infants.
Again, education was still not compulsory, so attendance was sketchy to say the least. It appears to have taken little to distract children from attending. Excuses were feeble, absences explained as ‘Soldiers passing through town’ or a ‘Wild Beast Show’ and my favourite, ‘gathering blackberries.’ Some teachers even offered children incentives to attend, rewards of ‘nuts and sweetmeats.’
At Bakewell Old House Museum, if you visit our toy room, you will see slates used by children in those days. You might even meet one of those original ‘Dame’ teachers… pretty fearsome she is too.
Bakewell Old House Museum is now closed for winter. We can be contacted via our website www.oldhousemuseum.org.uk
The museum will open for the 2025 season around Easter time 2025
Lady Manners School, South Church Street
The building today
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?
•
BOOK REVIEW
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.
• Professional clean & maintenance of chimney & fireplaces
• Bird nest removal
• Installation of chimney bird guards
• Complete installation of log burners, stoves and fires
All Around the Shire
WINTER MORNINGS
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.
Residential
Working on installation, maintainence, upgrading and rennovation electrics in residential properties.
✓ Electric Cookers
✓ Electric Gate Wiring
✓ Electric Heating
✓ Electric Radiators
✓ Electric Showers
✓ Electric Smart Thermostats
✓ Electric Sockets
✓ Electric Vehicle Charger Installation
Commercial
With several years experience in commercial electrics, I am confident and experienced in all ranges of tasks and projects.
Whether it may be a job involving lighting, home electronics, security systems, outdoor buildings & more, I am ready for the job.
✓ Fuseboard / Consumer Unit Installation
✓ Fuseboard / Consumer Unit Repair
✓ Garden Lighting
✓ Hot Tub Wiring
✓ House Rewiring
✓ Immersion Heater Installation
✓ LED Lighting
✓ Smoke Alarms
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
GARDEN ROBIN
ROBIN
Create your own perfect space
Garden Rooms to meet your needs...
Visit our open-air show site just off junction 25 of the M1 to see our wide range of buildings. Bring the whole family to our dog friendly show site, wander through our village and chat with our team about our extensive range of building sizes and finishing options. You can also explore our range of popular BBQ Cabins and visit our Hydropool Midlands showroom, with a range of Self-cleaning Hot Tubs and Swim Spas on display.
SCAN ME
Gardener’s Calendar
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.
