Voice Magazines - Alfreton & Villages Edition - March 2021 by Voice Magazines and Artliff Design & Print

MARCH ‘21

ALFRETON, TIBSHELF, SOUTH WINGFIELD, SHIRLAND, CRICH, STONEBROOM, HIGHAM, WESSINGTON & WESTHOUSES

Other Services

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Food & Retail

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Professional Services

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28th March

Pets pg31 Health & Beauty pg35 Kids & Families pg38 Home

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Garden pg56

Mother’s Day 14th March

Voice in the Community Shouting about businesses in the heart of your community

www.VOICEMAGAZINES.co.uk

Direct Factory Blinds Ltd

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From the Editor Hi Readers, Well, aren’t we all giddy at the prospect of relative freedom after Boris’s recent announcement?! Things are looking up, Spring is here and finally, at long last, we all have something to look forward to! I’m not being blasé about it – I am genuinely happy about the prospect of some normality resuming. My first question to anyone I speak to is (and it usually stumps them!), what will be the first thing that you choose to do? For me, I will drive somewhere remote with the dogs and go for a lovely long walk in the countryside, where hopefully we can stop in a lovely local café for a coffee and cake (probably still take away at that point!). Then in April a lovely haircut to look forward to – my barnet is developing its own personality daily! I’m extremely envious of all these gentlemen who shave it off…. many more months and I would be tempted! After that, I’m also looking forward to a nice meander around the shops and going out for a meal somewhere. Thankfully our esteemed leaders have created a lovely spaced-out roadmap, for obvious reasons. However, after 1 year of the most exciting place to visit being my own garage – it’s a good job, as the excitement of all that in 1 day could be catastrophic ,had they decided to unleash all at once! No, much better to space it out a bit! Oooh, holidays – I know we don’t exactly have an answer on this yet but sunshine and sandy feet are calling…..might have to be Skeggy in the interim but later this year, I have everything crossed! Anyway, in other news, Rafa and Flake had a bit of an incident this month – the Vet has booked her holiday to Barbados based on how much we’ve spent on those pair in recent months! Sooo, we fancied a change to the daily walk and took them to Riddings

Woods, just off Church Lane – all fine, lovely walk – 2hrs later, Flake starts shaking like he is going to fit , Rafa can’t really be raised and neither of them can walk properly. I honestly thought they had been poisoned. Of course this is on a Sunday night *eye roll*, emergency vets for us is in Derby. Long story short, looks like they had a taste of somebody’s left over cannabis and the vet said that they are basically stoned and they need to get it out of their system as quickly as possible but mostly, sleep it off! Honestly, it gave us such a fright and after doing 4 hour feeds supplemented with charcoal liquid for 12hrs, they are all fine. We can laugh about it now and particularly the bit where the Vet was trying to ask discreetly about whether it was ours (he asked in several different ways, about 6 times before the penny dropped!) ….. but I just thought that all our other 4-legged friends should be aware. The Vet said that there has been an increase in animal intoxication over the last year, which tells its own tale of how tough this last year has been on everyone! Fingers crossed for more movement at the end of this month,

Emily x P.S Don’t forget to mention the ‘Voice’ when you use any of the companies in this magazine

Upcoming Submission Deadline for Advertisers & Contributors: April edition – 15th March May edition – 5th April

To advertise email info@voicemagazines.co.uk or call us on 01773 549 035 Printed by Newman Thomson Ltd and distributed to 6,500 homes in Alfreton and surrounding villages. Disclaimer: No responsibility is accepted by Voice Magazines Limited for claims, errors or omissions made in advertisements appearing in this issue. All advertisers are accepted in good faith and we are not responsible for views expressed by contributor or other sources. Reproduction of the contents of this magazine is not permitted without the prior To advertise please call Limited, 01773 549 035 3 Voice Magazines 81 High Street, South Normanton, Derbyshire. DE55 2BP. Registered in England & Wales No: 10550557 consent of the publisher.

Other Services Alfreton & Somercotes Electoral Division

Over 30 years experience

All types of body work

Councillor Steve Marshall-Clarke

Alloy wheels refurb

Service and repairs

Call us for a quote on

Due to the Covid restrictions I am unable to hold my usual Members Surgery but I’m always available via email:

T: 01773 521428 • M: 07963 507662 Unit 1, Wood Street Nth, Meadow Lane Ind. Est., Alfreton, Derbys

Tel: 07969 144 909

E: steve.marshall-clarke@derbyshire. gov.uk

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OTHER SERVICES Registered Charity Number: 1061812

You make the difference Donations and fundraising for the charity help to provide the “extras” that make a real difference to our patients and staff.

@derbyburtonhospitalscharity

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Support your local hospital For more information:

Tel: 01332 785731 Email: uhdb.charity@nhs.net Visit: www.dbhc.org.uk

Making Lives Better

To advertise please call 01773 549 035

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OTHER SERVICES

VISIT OUR FOUR LARGE SHOWROOMS Customers Own Car Park or RING FOR FREE HOME SELECTION SEVICE We Specialise In Supply & Fitting of all Domestic & Contract Carpets Supply & Fitting of all Domestic & Contract Vinyls Supply & Fitting of RealWood & Laminate Floorings Supply & Fitting of Karndean Floorings Supply & Fitting of Sisal & Natural Floorings Supply & Fitting of Border Work for Carpets & Carpet Runners

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OTHER SERVICES

We are recruiting! • Clinical Lead - Long Term Ventilation (Band 8a) • Band 5 Nurses • Hospital Palliative Care Nurse Specialist – Neonatal (UHL) (Band 7) • Clinical Skills Facilitator • Hospice Care Assistants

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OTHER SERVICES

PHOENIX BOWLS CLUB

T: 01773 438077 WWW.PHOENIXBOWLSCLUB.CO

SOMERLEA PARK, SHERWOOD STREET, LEABROOKS, DERBYSHIRE. DE55 1LB

PHOENIX FLAT GREEN LAWN BOWLS CLUB ARE NOW SEEKING NEW MEMBERS, ANY AGE ANY EXPERIENCE FOR THE 2021 LEAGUE BOWLING SEASON We are now about to re-start our coaching programme for beginners new to the great game of flat green lawn bowls, no experience? No problem? We provide 3 hours of free training with our own club coach. We even supply the bowls while you are learning, free of charge. So (enjoy the clubs 4 f’s), fun, friendship, freedom and fresh air. You get all that in the game of outdoor bowls, We also have our own clubs regular weekly roll-ups for all club members, again free of charge. We believe you will love our friendly and welcoming environment, so come and have a go!

FURLOUGHED SCHEME

ARE YOU AN EXPERIENCED PLAYER?

Come and help us win this seasons league matches, after all what have you got too lose? You could have a lot to gain by joining us us at the Phoenix.

COME TO AN END! OUT OF WORK, UNEMPLOYED?

We currently have a grant for a limited number of places totally free. Please contact Trevor for details on the tel: number above.

Food l i a t e &R OPENING TIMES Mon-Fri 9.30am - 1.30pm Sat 9.30am - 2.30pm

Alfreton’s only wool shop, for all your knitting and crocheting essentials at less than RRP. 54a King Street, Alfreton Inbetween (and behind sanam and signature hairdressers)

T: 07715 532791

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FOOD & RETAIL

ALFRETON INDOOR MARKET Opening Times – Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 08:30 – 13:00 (during Tier 4 restrictions) Covid-19 Compliant – in line with Government guidelines Fruit & Veg and Butchery offering over the counter service, pre orders for collection or deliver Café open for take-away. Opening Hours will be amended post Tier 4 – please visit the market Facebook page for updates.

For all the latest news and offers:

Alfretonindoormarket

SHOP LOCAL LOVE YOUR LOCAL MARKET

Want to start a new business? New trader incentive available. For more information contact Vicki England on: 07971 126363 or email: vicki.england@ambervalley.gov.uk

To advertise please call 01773 549 035

FOOD & RETAIL

Slimming World Recipe Crispy Chilli Beef I love this meal from the local Chinese takeaway, so I was amazed to see it could be done as a ‘fakeaway’. YUM!

Serves: 4

Method:

Ready in: 1hr, 5mins

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/gas 7. 2. Beat the egg with a fork, then stir in the cornflour and bicarbonate of soda until combined and season lightly. Toss the beef in the egg, then spread out on a large nonstick baking tray in a single layer and spray with low-calorie cooking spray. Cook for 30-40 minutes, until dark and crispy, turning halfway. Reduce the oven to its lowest setting and leave the beef inside while you make the rest of the dish. 3. Make the sauce by mixing together the brown sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, squash, Worcestershire sauce, tomato

Syns per serving: 1.5

purée, chilli flakes and stock cube. Set aside.

4. Spray a large, non-stick wok or frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a mediumhigh heat. Add the onions, peppers and carrots, and stir-fry for 7-8 minutes until starting to soften. Add the sauce and corn. Increase the heat and simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce is reduced and syrupy, and the vegetables are just soft. 5. Add the beef to the stir-fry with the bean sprouts and bring back to a simmer. Cook the noodles according to the pack instructions, then drain. Divide the noodles and beef mixture between 4 bowls, and scatter over the chilli to serve.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium egg • 2 level tbsp cornflour • 1 level tsp bicarbonate of soda • 500g lean beef frying steak, visible fat removed, cut into thin strips • Low-calorie cooking spray

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 2 tbsp tomato purée • ½ tsp dried red chilli flakes • 1 beef stock cube, crumbled • 2 onions, thickly For The Stir Fry sliced • 4 level tbsp brown • 2 red peppers, sauce deseeded and thickly • 3 tbsp dark soy sliced sauce • 200g carrots, cut into • 2 tbsp rice vinegar matchsticks • 4 garlic cloves, • 150g baby crushed sweetcorn, halved • 5cm-piece fresh root lengthways ginger, peeled and • 50g bean sprouts, grated rinsed • 3 tbsp orange and pineapple no-added- • 250g dried medium egg noodles sugar squash diluted • Sliced red chilli, to with 400ml water serve

For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk

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FOOD & RETAIL

MANDY’S TRAVEL PAGE Hi I’m Mandy your Personal Travel Counsellor.

Destination: Staycation With the latest announcement that we can at least get a break away in this country in the next few months, is it time to start thinking about locations? If you like walking, this one is for you.....

THE LAKE DISTRICT TRAIL 7 Days & 6 Nights 80km’s/50 miles total Inn to Inn walking Available from April to September 2021 From £555.00 per person based on two people sharing

•

Walk in the footsteps of Wainwright to admire Lake Windermere from Orrest Head

•

Breathtaking panoramic view of Ullswater from the Grisedale Valley

•

Wander “as lonely as a cloud” as you traverse dramatic mountain passes • Enjoying the famous Cumbrian hospitality

The Lake District Trail takes you on an adventure from the shores of Lake Windermere through the rugged Central and Eastern Lakeland fells to the market town of Keswick. Starting in the bustling Lake District town of Ambleside, take in views from wonderful vantage points such as Orrest Head which Wainwright described as the “introduction to a dream”. Continue along the Grisedale Valley amidst the imposing, craggy, mountain peaks of the Helvellyn range, to the village of Patterdale, perfectly situated at the head of tranquil Ullswater Lake. Finish in the market town of Keswick nestled on the shores of Derwent Water where the rugged peak of Skiddaw dominates the skyline. With 2 nights spent in each of the three classic Lakes villages of Ambleside, Patterdale and Keswick, this tour gives you time to immerse yourself fully in this beautiful part of England.

Alternatively, if you would like a less active holiday, more luxurious, self catering, a spa break or anywhere other category you can think of give me a call, I can help.

• The rugged peak of Skiddaw which dominates the skyline

MANDY OLDKNOW 01773 318540 mandy.oldknow@travelcounsellors.com To www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/mandy.oldknow advertise please call 01773 549 035

With us.. its personal13

FOOD & RETAIL

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‘Making access a reality’ ‘Making access a reality’

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FOOD & RETAIL

Alfreton & District Heritage Trust

Police visit to Munster Thirty years ago this year saw two Alfreton Police School Liaison Officers, myself, Constable John Rayson and colleague, Constable Ian Loomes, jet across the Atlantic to the small town of Munster, Indiana, which is situated on the Illinois/Indiana State line about 30 miles outside Chicago. The visit was part of a student school exchange programme and like the students, we were paying our own way. With a population of around 20,000, Munster has its own Police Department which includes an Officer Friendly responsible for their school liaison work and in particular the American D.A.R.E. programme. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) which was of particular interest to us.

We were called upon to do newspaper, radio and T.V. interviews during our visit as well as talks to a number of local organisations, many of which weren’t originally planned, along with visits to numerous schools. Every request we honoured and we didn’t turn anyone down. Our time spent in the local schools was most enjoyable, having an English bobby visit was something of a novelty it seems, although in one respect the Munster children were exactly the same as those over here, they thought my jokes were terrible too ! Memories: • A Civic reception and the warmth of our welcome from our host, Sgt John Tsolakos and family • Seeing Junior age children with their own Credit Cards ! • A visit to Wrigley Field, Chicago, to see the Cubs (although being told to sit back in the passenger seat • At traffic lights in Chicago, so our driver could get a clear shot should anyone attempt a Car jacking was a little off putting!)

The reception we received during our three week stay was outstanding, we were made welcome wherever we went particularly when out on patrol with the Munster Police Department. Probably the most frequent question we were asked was why we weren’t armed, the Americans couldn’t seem to grasp the concept that this country’s attitude to guns was rather different to theirs. That didn’t however stop the MPD. briefing us on the use of the weaponry carried in their patrol vehicles should we need to use them !

• Last but not least, being out on a lake in a canoe with Officer Terry Jostes, of the Munster Police Department who I assumed knew how to steer it ! Needless to say he hadn’t a clue, having assumed that I actually had!

Pop over to our website to see more about the Alfreton Heritage Society on www.alfretonanddistrictheritagetrust.wordpress.com To advertise please call 01773 549 035

FOOD & RETAIL

Sales . Spares . Repairs . Servicing

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14:48

Stockists of unique products

• Cheryl, Saffy and Shannon all • Leather handbags, wallets and slippers from Ashwood Leather look forward to you visiting us and enjoying our lovely shops • Huge range of Helium Balloons full of fabulous products in • Jewellery from Silver Cavern, beautiful surroundings. Tide and Pageant Pewter. • Proud stockists of Frenchic • Soft toys and puppets from Suki, Furniture Paint and keep all The Puppet Company, Wilberry ranges and colours. plus Jomanda • We open 7 days a week 11am • Arts and crafts from Sweet until 6pm weather permitting. Poppy Stencils, Stencil Studio, • We source quirky and individual Faber and Castell and Creativ items for those who like • Wide range of children’s something a little different. products, both educational and • Proud stockists of Frenchic fun including Clockwork soldier Furniture Paint and keep all and Apples to Pears gifts in a tin. ranges and colours. • Gifts and cards available for • My memento print your own everyone including animal lovers items in store in minutes starting with Waggy Dogz , Emma Ball, at £2.99 for personalised cards, History and Heraldry through to magnets and keyrings. Santoro and Xpressions gifts.

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FOOD & RETAIL

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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Local Residents Unite to Oppose Proposed Solar Farm Near Alfreton

The fight to Save Alfreton Countryside from a massive 325-acre solar farm has been backed by an array of local politicians including Amber Valley MP Nigel Mills, Marlene Bennett, a Labour councillor in Alfreton, and Valerie Thorpe, Conservative councillor for Wingfield, Alfreton Town Council and Derbyshire County Council leader Barry Lewis have also voiced their concerns. The proposed solar farm would be split across two areas, with the largest area to the north of Alfreton Park and the other to the east of Shirland golf club. Kronos Solar, the company behind the proposal, hope to start construction next year to bring the site online by Summer.

COMMUNITY

FOCUS

Alfreton & Villages

location for solar panels. ‘I have never been a fan of solar farms; instead, solar panels should be on every building we can put them on. ‘Otherwise, we should be developing brownfield sites. ‘This application does not look to be a very attractive use of the land and my instinct is that this is a very bad idea. This is countryside and the idea of countryside is we keep it open. Cllr Barry Lewis, leader of Derbyshire County Council, is also backing the fight against the scheme. He said: “The very significant scale and landscape impact this will have on the local area.

Town and borough councillor Marlene Bennett, who has served 10 terms as Alfreton mayor and been a councillor in the town for 36 years, described the proposed solar farm as ‘the most ludicrous application I’ve ever known’.

“My concern the developer chose a disingenuous route to making this single large c.400-acre application the subject of three smaller ones that look as if they are not related on paper.

‘There has been no proper consultation. I’m totally against the size of it. It’s far too big and is taking away an amenity local people have enjoyed for years. They say they’ll keep the paths open but, if this goes ahead, it won’t be the walk people are used to.’

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO HAVE YOUR SAY

Mrs Bennett also said the proposed access for lorries along Alfreton’s narrow Church Street was totally unsuitable – particularly the section leading to the Church and Hall Farm. ‘It’s difficult to get up and down it in a car. How they are going to get lorries along it is beyond belief,’ she said. Mr Mills, Amber Valley’s Conservative MP since 2010, said the land, which boasts spectacular views and is criss-crossed with well-used footpaths, ‘has great community value’. Mr Mills said: ‘This is land which has great community value with all the footpaths running through it. ‘I’m not convinced farms such as this are the right

Although the deadline has passed for the Amber Valley Borough Council application, the North East Derbyshire District Council application, application ref 20/01282/FL – deadline, 19th March 2021. You can email your comments to developmentcontrol@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk, or post it online at https://planapps-online.nederbyshire.gov.uk/online-applications/ . In addition, written comments can be sent to Planning, North East Derbyshire District Council, 2013 Mill Lane, Wingerworth, Chesterfield, S42 6NG For more information from the Save Our Countryside Action Group contact Richard Marsden at socenquiries@gmail.com Do you have a campaign, event, group, society or class you’d like to share with your local community? Get in touch! Call us on 01773 549035 or email us at info@voicemagazines.co.uk

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Bess of Hardwick Part 1 - The Ascendancy - Bess of Hardwick was an unusual woman. At a time when women were often considered to be possessions to be traded in marriage to the highest bidder, Bess became one of the most powerful women in Elizabethan times due to a series of fortuitous marriages. Bess was born Elizabeth Hardwick sometime in 1527 (her exact date of birth is unknown) to father, John Hardwick, and his wife Elizabeth Leeke. The Hardwick family had arrived in Derbyshire at some point in the 13th century having moved from Sussex. They farmed land, granted to a Robert Savage, on the borders of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. By the 15th century the Hardwick family had climbed the social ladder somewhat, and were regarded as ‘gentlemen yeomen’ with a small estate. Her first marriage, in around 1543, was to the young (13) heir of a nearby small estate – Robert Barley (Barlow). Robert’s father died soon after the wedding and Robert himself died in December 1544. There is no evidence that the couple actually lived together and obviously there were no children from the marriage. Bess’s claim to inherit was disputed and it was several years after his death before she was awarded both the estate and compensation. Following Robert’s death, Bess, still a teenager at this point, is thought to have become a lady-in-waiting to Frances Grey, mother of Lady Jane Grey. This position allowed her to mingle in top Tudor society. It is likely she met her second husband, Sir William Cavendish whilst in the service of Frances Grey. The wedding took place 20 August 1547 and, at the tender age of 20,

elevated her to Lady Cavendish. Sir William, probably at Bess’s urging sold his lands in the south of England and purchased the Chatsworth estate on which they began to build a mansion. Although he was more than 20 years her senior, the marriage was happy and produced eight children – one of whom; William, born 27 December 1552; became the First Earl of Devonshire. His Grandson was created Marquess of Hartington and Duke of Devonshire in 1694 and their descendants still live at Chatsworth House. William died in October 1557 leaving Bess deep in debt. A third marriage in 1559 to Sir William Loe, Captain of the Guard to Queen Elizabeth I, ensued. His position enabled him to vastly reduce her debts and also gave her access to the Queen when she was made Lady of the Bedchamber. Upon his death some 7 years later, with no male heir, he left everything to Bess, and she became one of the wealthiest women in England. Her fourth and final marriage was in 1568 to George Talbot, 6th Earl of Shrewsbury. Cleverly Bess managed to ensure that Chatsworth and some of her other estates stayed under her control. Upon his death in 1590 Bess became Dowager Countess of Shrewsbury. She befriended two queens. Elizabeth 1 Queen of England and Mary, Queen of

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Bess of Hardwick: Part 2 – The Legacy - As we saw in the previous article, Bess rose from humble beginnings in rural Derbyshire to become one of the wealthiest and most influential women in the UK. Scotland (there will be more about those relationship in Part 3). And she married into the nobility. One of her lasting legacies however are the buildings she commissioned as her fortune increased. Little remains of Bess’s home at Chatsworth after her descendant, the 4th Earl of Devonshire entirely remodelled the grand house she had begun building in 1552. There is little doubt however, that without her there would probably have been no Chatsworth for us to visit in the 21st Century. The only part of her scheme to remain unchanged to the present is the Hunting Tower sited in the hills overlooking the house. Perhaps uniquely for the era; when Bess finally separated once and for all from her fourth and final husband, the Earl of Shrewsbury, she had the wealth and resources to live independently. In 1584, following the acrimonious split, she left the Chatsworth estate fearing attack from her husband’s men. She found solace in her old family home at Hardwick which she had purchased in 1583 after the death of the brother; heir to that property; James Hardwick who had died in horrendous debt. Finally free to do what SHE wanted, Bess oversaw the redevelopment of what was a simple Medieval manor house, into a grand and comfortable home for herself, her son William and his family. In 1590 the Earl of Shrewsbury, Bess’s estranged husband, died. She was thus the benefactor of even greater wealth and, fuelled by a passion for building AND immense

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funds to support her ideas, she began to plan for an even grander house on the Hardwick site. The Hardwick Hall we see today was built entirely at the behest of Bess herself and she took great pride and pleasure in overseeing the development. The huge expanses of glass windows were evidence of her wealth and she continued the innovation, first seen at Old Hardwick Hall, of a great hall running the centre of the house and two stories high. Work also continued on the Old Hall which was retained to act as a kind of overspill accommodation for guests and servants. Bess spent the latter years of her life involved in furnishing Hardwick and overseeing the building work there and at Oldcotes where she had commissioned another house for her son William. When she finally died in 1608, at the grand old age of 81, Bess was still regarded as one of the richest and most powerful women in the Kingdom. She was interred in All Saints Church, Derby under an elaborate monument she’d commissioned. When All Saints was demolished and rebuilt to form Derby Cathedral, Bess and her effigy were reinterred. These articles are researched and written by Laura Billingham, a local content writer and author. Laura moved the Peak District several years ago to pursue her passion for writing. To find out more visit www.landgassociates. co.uk or contact Laura on 07736 351341

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From hosting their own pizza nights to having visits from Pippa the dog, there’s plenty to enjoy at The Meadows care home. Registered Home Manager, Michelle Sanders, tells us more… Tell us about The Meadows care home We have two buildings set across from one another - Rose Court offers nursing care and Lavender Court offers residential care. Both have an amazing social community with a really homely environment. What kind of activities do you offer day-to-day? We like to find out what each resident’s best-loved hobby is and incorporate that into our plan. Music is an all-round favourite which everyone gets involved with, as well as our arts and crafts sessions. We also host pet therapy, gardening, games, chair exercises and baking groups. We’re also karaoke fanatics and they’re always such a laugh! How have you dealt with COVID-19? Our teams have been amazing at adapting to new ways of working. All residents and staff have been offered the COVID-19 vaccine - it has been very successful and we’ve

also installed a HEPA filter which has been proven to kill viruses and bacteria including covid-19. For more information on it, please visit our website below. Can friends and family visit? We can accommodate window visits using a phone to chat to your loved one, alternatively, we have the facilities to have Zoom/Skype and WhatsApp video calls with families and friends. It’s always nice to see a loved one on screen and give them a virtual hug. What awards do you have? The Meadows has achieved the Derbyshire Dementia Standards Award, which recognises “person-centred” care, delivered by well-trained

staff. We support loved ones to engage in activities that are meaningful to them, whether that’s for pleasure, fun or to feel useful. What makes you stand out from the rest? Dedicated, hardworking staff with a focus on independence care in a beautiful setting. *The Meadows is a part of the Milford Care group which have six homes across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. All six homes are rated Outstanding or Good by Care Quality Commission. For more information about any of the Milford Care homes, contact enquiries@milfordcare.co.uk or see their website at milfordcare.co.uk.

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Top of the to do list for many individuals is to make or update their Will. Many think this is something to leave until later in life but it is important to get things in place once property is acquired or when children come along. In the absence of a will there are statutory rules which dictate how your assets are distributed on death. Those statutory intestacy rules may not be tax efficient and you might to want to make specific provision in your Will for your unmarried partner or for the guardianship of your children.

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Book Review Philippa Gregory’s historical novels are great value. The stories are always impeccably researched, immersive and intelligent – and they’re really good tales. The author is particularly recognised as someone who knows about women’s history – she’s the author of The Other Boleyn Girl and The White Queen and her books have been turned into films and TV. Her latest series starts with Tidelands, set in the 17th Century, a time when England is gripped by Civil War and when being a woman means you’ve been dealt a very poor hand, especially if you’re suspected of having forbidden knowledge and even more if you have no husband and have a clever way of using herbs. Alinor, the possessor of these talents, lives in a marshy area on the south coast, - The Tidelands - amongst villagers who are envious and fearful of her powers and intelligence. It’s a cracking story, full of insight and fascinating on the social history of the time and giving voice to the plight of women, so often bit-players even in historical stories. And it’s a love story which rings true. For fans the second part of the series is already out and more are promised.

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Trafford Lowe Funeral Services 24 Hour Personal Service with prompt attention

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RAFA AND FLAKE RECOMMEND – local walks

Now that the Prime Minister has announced the easing of restrictions, we are all looking forward to days out with our dogs over the summer months. The everpopular Rambles with Rafa and Flake will be back in the magazine soon. Meanwhile Spring is on its way. Lighter morning and evenings are with us, the weather is improving, trees are budding, flowers beginning to bloom and we and our dogs are all able to get out more. One of the positive sides of walking from our own homes is discovering the plethora of attractive green spaces in our own area. Here are a few of our favourites, one of which is bound to be local to you.

One of the finest resources for walking locally is the Derbyshire Phoenix Greenways https://www.derbyshire. gov.uk/leisure/countryside/access/ greenways/phoenix-greenways/thephoenix-greenways.aspx

PARK, WILLIAMPTHORPE PONDS and HOLMEWOOD WOODLANDS. Plenty of benches along the way to have a quick break for a drink or sandwich.

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The Greenways are trails converted from the old colliery railways and lead a network of tracks around the quiet backways of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. On these you and your four-footed companion can have a short stroll or a long hike depending on your mood. Maps are available on the website and there are many circular walks. Some of our local trails are as follows TIBSHELF PONDS – parking off Tibshelf High Street opposite the butchers

A lovely place for a short stroll. Open green areas, woodland, and of course the ponds (dogs on leads around these). There are also gallops for your horse if you have one!. From here you can access:FIVE PITS TRAIL - various car parks along the route. A longer route for the keen walkers heading out to GRASSMOOR COUNTRY

BLACKWELL TRAIL – parking Fordbridge Lane, Blackwell - 3.5 miles from Westhouses to Huthwaite. Attractive trail alongside a stream passing through Hilcote where there is now a new Wildlife Garden off Pasture Lane which is well worth a visit SILVERHILL TRAIL – parking at Teversal Visitor Centre (NG17 3HJ) or Blackwell Village

A pleasant 4.5 mile trail from Blackwell to Teversal with lots of vestiges of the old railways for the enthusiast. This joins up with the TEVERSAL TRAIL which in turn leads to PLEASLEY PIT COUNTRY PARK (parking NG19 7EY) These are just a few of the many routes you can take from the Greenways. Enough to keep the most exigent dog walk for many a day. Other lovely local walking spots include PENNYTOWN PONDS - Parking Somercotes - https://www.ambervalley.

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gov.uk/environment/parks-and-gardens/ pennytown-ponds-local-nature-reserve/ A lovely spot for residents of Somercotes BRIERLEY FOREST PARK – parking NG17 2PE - https://www.ashfield.gov. uk/community-leisure/parks- greenspaces-visitor-centres/brierley-forestpark-visitor-centre/ Situated in Huthwaite. Something for all the family. 2 miles of walks within the park itself and also links to the Greenways.

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MIDLAND RAILWAY CENTRE/ BUTTERLEY COUNTRY PARK

https://www.midlandrailway-butterley. co.uk/country-park/ - Although the Railway Centre itself is currently closed, there are still pleasant walks to be had around the country park.

BE A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER

We hope that these suggestions have given you some great ideas for local walks with your dogs (Rafa and Flake can thoroughly recommend them). As everywhere is a little more crowded at the moment it is more important than ever that we are all kind and respectful to others. So please remember the following: ✔

✔

Keep your dog under control and on a lead around farm stock and wildlife, particularly nesting birds Pick up after your dog and dispose of bags in bins provided or take home with you.

✔

Don’t let your dog annoy other countryside users. Particularly don’t let him run at dogs on lead. Even if your dog is friendly the one on the lead may not be, or may be nervous, old or ill. Keep everyone safe

Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with contact details and that its microchip details are up to date. Dogs do occasionally get lost on walks and should that happen you would want to be reunited as soon as possible. ABOVE ALL HAVE FUN AND ENJOY OUR LOVELY LOCAL SPACES

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Inner Knot

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

It’s Not My Fault! Is it just me, or are we currently living in a society where individuals increasingly refuse to accept responsibility for their own actions? Personal responsibility; accepting our mistakes (and learning from them!) and utilising common sense, seem to be attributes we are losing. But are these attributes inbuilt or are they learned behaviours that override our basic programming? I was always taught to accept that I would mess up, that we all do, and that it is normal to do so. I was also taught to hold my hands up and admit to my mistakes. Life lessons I passed onto my own children. Looking around, it seems that many people find it easier to pass the buck rather than admit and accept that they are fallible. ‘Blame culture’ has been seen as another import from our US cousins…but is it? Or is the desire to hold someone other than ourselves responsible for our actions simply basic human nature, one that we can (should?) learn to override? Personally, I believe that ‘compensation culture’ (rather than blame) IS a US import…’where there’s blame there’s a claim’ comes to mind, but that we humans as a species have always tried to blame someone, or something else for our own failings. Think about it, in order to survive, our earliest ancestors needed to somehow balance the desire to ‘look after number one’, with the need to ensure the safety of a tribe/family unit. It must have been tempting to shift the blame, if things went badly when looking after number one took priority, to an outside influence or to someone else. “It wasn’t my fault…” Perhaps that’s even how religion came about – if there’s a ‘greater power’ in charge of everything, then nothing is ever going to be our fault. The ‘buck’ can permanently be passed! Back to my initial point though, the whole Covid 19 crisis seems to have

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highlighted the best AND the worst in modern society. So many people have refused to accept responsibility for keeping themselves (and therefore others) safe and healthy. So many have adopted an ‘I’m alright Jack’ mentality and merrily gone about life however they wanted. At the other end of the scale are those who have become obsessive and are happily reporting on friends and neighbours whilst telling themselves ‘it’s for their own good’. The very worst of us though are the politicians, companies and corporations who are profiting during the crisis by dishing out contracts based solely (or so it would appear) on connections rather than ability. How many of these people will ever admit their incompetence though? None, I would guess, because in their minds they are doing the right thing…for them at least. Let’s all try to override our inbuilt selfish, self-led, programming in 2021 and learn to accept responsibility for our own actions. Let’s teach our children and grandchildren that only by working together, by collaborating, by being compassionate, can we ever hope to rise and find our truest selves.

These articles are researched and written by Laura Billingham, a local content writer and author. Laura moved the Peak District several years ago to pursue her passion for writing. To find out more visit www.landgassociates. co.uk or contact Laura on 07736 351341

Kids & Family

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KIDS & FAMILIES

Love learning locally

Adult education courses and workshops in Derbyshire We’re still here to support you to learn. We’re delivering learning a little differently this year. Find out about our programme of online courses and what we will be offering in our adult community education centres: /DerbyshireAdultEducation @DerbyshireACE Sign up to Adult Community Education News at www.derbyshire.gov.uk – “subscribe for updates” www.derbyshire.gov.uk/adulteducation

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1 simple rule: Use all the numbers 1-9, with no duplicates allowed, in any row, column, or block. This puzzles has been devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk

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Alf, Bobby, Nobby & Me

Back in 1966, a lifetime ago, the World Cup came to England! My dad, Tony, and some of his workmates had been saving five bob a week for about a year to buy tickets for the games. They bought a package deal - a game nearly every day and tickets for the final. I remember him travelling to Goodison Park, Roker Park, Ayresome Park...all over the country in fact. Back in those “Beatle Mania” days football was certainly still a game for the working classes. He came home with stories about Eusebio, Lev Yashin and “that dirty bugger Antonio Rattin” the Argentinian captain. Then came the big day! Alf Ramsey’s “wingless wonders” had made the final...it was now or probably never... Dad had his flask filled, sandwiches packed and was ready to go...then there was a knock on the door. It was our neighbours. They had a phone but we didn’t. It was a call for dad. One of his mates had fallen downstairs and damaged himself. There was a spare ticket... I was ten years old and going to the World Cup Final!! Back in 1966 ten year olds were still little boys, not the precocious middle aged men they are today and it felt overwhelming! I don’t remember the journey there. In fact I don’t

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remember much before Helmut Haller put the Germans ahead. No need to panic...it was very early. Geoff Hurst equalised and with about ten minutes left Martin Peters put Alf’s boys ahead. England were about to become World Champions. Then, last minute, Weber scores for Germany and grown men are in tears all around me. Everybody knows the rest...some people were eventually on the pitch and it WAS all over. I remember Nobby’s toothless dance. I remember Alf accepting victory as though it had always been inevitable. I remember Bobby wiping his hands before receiving the trophy from The Queen. But most of all I remember walking back down Castleton Avenue in Riddings, beaming, and waving my little Union Jack. I was ten years old. Alf, Nobby, Bobby and me were World Champions!! I still have the little flag...

Jim Coyle I would love to hear from you, so please drop me an email on jim.coyle@derbyshire.gov.uk

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Pitcherwits

Pitcherwits® are crossword puzzles where some of the clues are in pictures. Sound easy? It’s not called “Pit-yourwits” for nothing!

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Across 9 Catharsis is less crass when Asian (4) 10 Fate strangely has its own trial (4) 11 In church, say what you intend (5) 12 Rabbi, concerned about the picture (4) 14 Posh type is right off at the end (4) Down 3 Circle Line built from anarchy (3) 4 Yearning for Oriental money (3) 6 Pinks to grow out of a little blot (7) 7 Before the real reduction (3) 13 Have to be a bit bogged down (3) 16 Brim-full of countries’ bail-out money (3) 17 Title heard in a classy setting? (3) Down

Across

Bug that’s not PC! (9)

Vacant, I stand around in the city (7)

15 Religious official, it could be for the miners (8)

Sift through aides for best sort of customer (9)

18 Friend, amid troubles, has just attitude (4-6)

10 Turn set off for trial (4,3)

Work hard at getting rid of that dam’ rodent? (6,4)

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ANSWERS FOR LAST MONTHS PITHERWITS Across: 1 Suit oneself, 5 Sit, 7 Aft, 8 Outcrop, 10 Renewal, 11 Sea lane, 14 Oat, 15 See, 16 Straightest. Down: 1 Sisterhoods, 2 Omit, 3 Ever, 4 Future event, 6 Tourist, 7 Applies, 9 Creel, 12 Anti, 13 Arch.

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I really love these pieces involving George and this particular article had me chuckling away. I do hope you enjoy it too and remember if you do (or don’t) , Mike is always glad to hear from you at mike.musings@outlook.com

A request from George – remember him?

Like a lot of people of his age, George has been sensibly shielding for the last twelve months. He got in touch recently however, to say that he still enjoys reading his Voice Magazine, but missed the regular monthly football column from Barry Cooper. He went on to ask if I would be interested in hearing a few footballing tales passed down to him from his maternal grandad. As an avid follower of the ‘beautiful game’ myself – and as you’re about to find out - I was only too pleased to oblige. George’s grandad, Horace Twigg, was still a teenager in 1887 when he made his debut for Hilcote Hacademicals. He was to spend the next fifty years involved with the Club in some capacity or other, and while dandling baby George on his knee, would amuse him with tales of the characters he had encountered. Here’s one for starters. Alfred Hardstaff was groundsman at Hilcote Harena, once known as the Wembley of the East Midlands. NB – George was unable to explain why the Harena got this name when Wembley wasn’t built until 1923! The stadium is no longer with us of course, having been burnt to the ground after an unfortunate accident with a flamethrower whilst the Sherwood Foresters were undergoing training before leaving Blighty for Flanders. Prior to taking up his position as head groundsman for the Hacademicals, Alfred had started at Chesterfield FC as a trainee weed killer when Saltergate opened in 1871. He had gone on to develop all the necessary skills of a fully trained groundsman and it was said that when it came to

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fork plunging, divot replacing, net hanging, mole bashing and white line painting, he was the best in all Derbyshire. It was quite a coup then when he came to Hilcote in 1885. Within weeks, it was clear that his hard work, knowledge and skill would provide the Hilcote team with the finest playing surface for many a mile. It was so good, George had been told, that during the summer months, Alfred carefully cut holes in the turf to allow local golfers to come and practise putting. His grandad had also said, although George thought he might have been teasing him, that the grass had been so finely manicured that local billiard players had been known to come, lie on their bellies, and pot a few balls to improve their game. This was a very successful period for Hilcote Hacademicals FC. Most opposing teams, not used to the pristine playing surface at Hilcote, continued to use the traditional up’n’under style, and Hilcote didn’t lose a single home game for 18 years. It wasn’t to last however, and following the infamous Normanton Brook flooding in 1903, and his wife leaving him for a philandering rat catcher from Jacksdale, Alfred had apparently taken to drink. He was subsequently sacked for ‘behaviour unbecoming of a Head Groundsman’, left the area, and was last heard of working as a Knocker-Up in Kidderminster. Be warned, George was only just warming up. He had many more tales to tell.

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Spring is on its way After the great wetness and the long freeze it seems that spring is on its way across the Peak District. In recent weeks birds have started to sing and to display around potential nesting territories. Blue tits and other smaller birds can be Snowdrops seen prospecting nest-boxes and other suitable locations. There are still plenty of continental blackbirds around and gardens sometimes have ten to fifteen or more at once. The local birds that are nesting often take a dim view of this incursion en masse into their territorial patch. From northern Europe there have been major late-winter arrivals of the winter thrushes – redwing and fieldfare from Iceland and Scandinavia, but these now gather prior to the long haul back north. The earliest flowers were the groups of snowdrops appearing from late January onwards and then yellow garden crocuses in borders, lawns and on verges. At the same time, many wildflowers never fully stopped flowering with blooms present throughout the winter. Ox-eye daisy, red campion, hogweed, and cow parsley were certainly around until early January. Now the flowers of pussy willow are emerging and the trailing blooms of hazel line the hedgerows and Male Blackbird woodland edges along lane-sides and in sheltered valleys. I have even seen a very early honesty plant in full flower. Now though, the real spring flowers are coming to life with lesser celandine lighting up shady damp places such as in woods and in churchyards too. Another early species is the cousin of the dandelion, the coltsfoot, which produces yellow daisy-like flowers on narrow stems before it sends up large, rather coarse leaves in the shape supposedly of

a colt’s foot. Along rivers and canals the much larger butterbur also has flowers that appear well before their massive leaves of early summer. Other birds are active too, with ravens reported displaying at sites around the Peak, and both common buzzard and red kite doing well. This time of year is good for seeing these Blue Tit splendid birds as they display over their breeding territories. Tawny owls have been noisily active in local woods for some time now as they are one of our earlier breeders. Also in the woods, there are great spotted woodpeckers drumming from treetops and making their presence heard with loud ‘chip-chip-chip’ calls. Often close by the loud calls of nuthatches are also ringing out. In scrubby areas and woodland edges I have seen numerous bullfinches and they have also been singing; something heard relatively infrequently. On waterways and water bodies the various species of ducks such as mallard and tufted ducks have been paired up for quite a while and no doubt there are some early ducklings around too. Similarly both coot and moorhen have become much more territorial in their behaviour and far less tolerant of intruders. The altogether more delicate little grebes or dabchicks are also on site and defending their stretch of river or canal.

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Professor Ian D. Rotherham of Sheffield Hallam University is a researcher, writer and broadcaster on wildlife and environmental issues in the Peak District and elsewhere. He is contactable on info@hallamec.plus.com and you can follow his website blog: www.ukeconet.org & https://ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/ 58 Don’tand forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads

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Gardener’s Calendar

Time to get going again in the garden, tidying up, making soil and containers ready, planting and watching out for pests which are also on the move. It may seem like forever since we planted anything but now is the time to put summer flowering bulbs and tubers such as lilies, dahlias and gladioli into their garden locations. They should be planted two to three times their own depth and one bulb’s width apart, though you can make that a bit wider if planting in the soil rather than a container. Nose (shoot) up, and remember to water unless soil or compost is already wet. Putting a mulch – an inch or 3cm deep covering of organic matter from a compost heap - on your soil will improve its growing quality, slow down weeds, and retain moisture. If you haven’t got home grown mulch it’s worth asking your local council if they sell any made from their green waste collections.

Most overwintered container plants will benefit from re-potting every other year – even if it’s to the same pot. Lift, replace about a third of the compost to give them a new lease of life and re-plant. If you’re not re-potting, remove the top couple of inches of compost from your pot and replace with new stuff. Slugs, will also be gearing up for action now, particularly with little shoots appearing. They will eat just about anything and some damage is inevitable in any garden. But nematodes can help and don’t harm wildlife, pets and young children as is the risk with slug pellets. Nematodes are watered into the ground and will kill slugs. They can be bought from garden centres or online.

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