Voice Magazines - Clay Cross & Surrounding Villages - June 2023

16 LANE TENPIN BOWLING CENTRE

WITH A LICENSED BAR, SNACK BAR, AMERICAN POOL TABLES AND ARCADE GAMES AREA.

GLOW IN THE DARK BOWLING EVERY THURSDAY AND WEEKEND (SELECTED TIMES ONLY)

FREE AMPLE ON SITE CAR PARKING

SITUATED JUST OUT OF THE TOWN CENTRE

AUTOMATIC BUMPERS TO ALLOW ALL AGES AND ABILITIES TO PLAY

A LEAGUE PROGRAMME AVAILABLE MOST EVENINGS FOR THOSE WHO TAKE IT A LITTLE MORE SERIOUSLY

A WIDE RANGE OF DRINKS, SNACKS AND FOOD AVAILABLE

FANTASTIC OFFERS EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK, ALL ON OUR WEBSITE HERE

From the Editor

Dear Readers,

I hope you enjoyed our Coronation special last month and indeed, the Coronation itself. We’ve gone in a completely different direction for the front covers this month, as you can see! I really hope they bring a smile to your face like they did for us here in the office! It’s always difficult to follow such a strong event but as every day is ‘bring your dog to work day’ for us (Flake won’t let us leave the house without him!), we couldn’t resist!

Well, isn’t this sunshine refreshing? I say that, but in about 6 weeks’ time, I’m going to be boiling hot and moaning that I can’t sleep or eat – actually, not eating might be of benefit! Question – is it just me or since joining the 39+ club, do you only need to look at a profiterole and 2 stone instantly lands on your hips? …. thinking about it, it isn’t really the looking that’s the problem is it?!

Anyhoo, we’ve had a busy old month here at Voice HQ, not really sure where time has gone – weddings, holidays, lots of outings & a 26-mile charity walk. That last one wasn’t me, that was our Office Manager Michelle & her hubby. They hopped on the bus down to London and raised money for breast cancer charities by doing the Walk the Walk, marathon Moonwalk, which is as it states, you walk through the night, past the specially illuminated landmarks of London. She did it in an awesome time to boot, 7hrs 29 mins. Anybody who knows Michelle, knows that she is a

force to be reckoned with and she smashed it as predicted and we’re all incredibly proud of them both.

Our other outings this month were Chesterfield Bowl & Trentham Monkey Forest, you may have seen us out and about via our social media? First things first, Chesterfield Bowl is an impressive hidden gem with all mod cons including air hockey (my favourite!). It’s a great place and the food was excellent – absolutely ideal for a party – or just if you want a fun night out!! We had an absolutely fabulous time, and the stars of the bowling show were Lisa and Danielle, although Liam would like me to mention that he achieved a ‘Turkey’ – whatever that is!!

Monkey Forest is very literally one of my happiest places!! I’ve been a few times before and going with the team was a real treat. I’m not a massive zoo fan, purely because of the concept of animals being contained in small spaces (I was okay with Toronto Zoo as each animal had a space the size of Berkshire to roam freely in!!) but to see Barbary Macaques wandering around freely, is just wonderful. Just to note as well, this is a very peaceful group, they are nothing like the ones in Gibraltar & the little babies were beyond cute!!

Anyways, I’m off for a Mojito (gotta be done, the sun is shining!!) we shall see you next month.

Happy Reading,

IT’S A DOG’S LIFE

It is often said that Britain is a nation of dog lovers - but what happens to our canine friends when we have to leave them at home and head out to work?

Dogs are social creatures, pack animals, and they really do not like being left alone for extended periods. Having their special human seemingly abandoned them for hours at a time must be unbearable, is it any wonder that dogs left alone are often prone to destructive tendencies? The combination of loneliness and boredom leads them to decide that “eating dad’s slippers” is a good way to pass the time!

One solution for the home alone pooch is to take them to work with you; this is becoming more common, especially in office based environments - taking your dog to work in a hospital, factory, or restaurant may not be such a good idea. Research by pet food company EUKANUBA, has revealed that almost one in ten (8%) UK employees – that’s 2.5 million people – already bring their canine companion to work.

Evidence suggests that having an office dog around can be therapeutic for the human workers (unless of course someone is allergic to dogs!). Having a dog in the office has been shown to reduce people’s stress levels, and that means all the employees, not just the dog owner.

The mere fact that a dog is there, needing love, petting and trips outside, can help deflect the mental negativity of a “heads down, crack on with it” work culture. A dog makes people stop and pause in the working day, take 5 minutes to play with the animal, stroke it, take it for short walks…

Dogs also up the humour quotient in a working day - our furry friends make us smile with their silly antics, and their presence sparks conversations. Dogs can bring a workplace together, forging relationships that may not ordinarily happen. In other words, having a dog around lightens the mood and thus improves employee mental health.

This kind of reduction in work stress levels and improvement in mental health obviously has a longer-term effect, both on individuals and the business in general. Less stressed staff means less time off with stress-related illnesses, which has the knock-on effect of increased productivity. Here are five good reasons why taking your dog to work is beneficial:

1. Dogs reduce stress

2. Dogs increase morale and team bonding

3. Dogs encourage regular breaks throughout the day

4. Dogs increase productivity in the long term

5. Dogs increase employee retention and reduce sick days

Words of warning…hard as it may be to believe, not everyone likes dogs, and some folks are downright scared of them, consider this before taking your pet to work. And, if several people in an enclosed office environment decided to bring their dogs to work, chaos could ensue - think about staggering the days.

DO YOU TAKE YOUR FURRY FRIEND TO WORK WITH YOU?

These articles are researched and written by Laura Billingham, a local content writer and author. Laura moved to the Peak District several years ago to pursue her passion for writing.

Clay Cross Social Centre has one of the finest dance floors in the area. It is spacious and comfortable, with a furnished lounge area adjacent to the bar and a fully equipped kitchen.

In good weather there is an outdoor seating area and during the evening and weekends a large car park.

We are fully licensed for entertainment with a maximum capacity for 200 persons.

THE LITTLE RED HEN HOUSE NORTHUMBERLAND

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.

*SALE* PRICES REDUCED ON 2023 BOOKINGS! *SALE*

✽ 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 and restaurants in stunning Warworth

✽ We have fast fibre Wi-Fi and smart TV’s

Search ‘The Little Red Hen House’ at:

Slimming World Recipe

Portuguese Peri Peri Chicken

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/gas 7.

2. Put the sweet potato wedges in a medium-size non-stick roasting tin or baking tray. Stand the cobettes on a board and, using a sharp knife, carefully halve each cobette lengthways, then halve each half lengthways again to make 4 quarters – you should have 16 ribs in total. Add them to the sweet potatoes, spray everything with lowcalorie cooking spray and roast for 20 minutes.

3. While they’re cooking, put the chicken on a board and cut from the thickest side almost all of the way through horizontally, so

This recipe caught the eye immediately. Fresh, tasty, simple to prepare and delicious to eat. Perfect!

that they open up like butterflies. Sprinkle with the peri-peri and set aside. (‘Butterflying’ helps them cook quicker and capture even more of the fiery spice.) Add the chicken to the tin and roast for a further 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. While you’re waiting, mix the salsa ingredients in a small bowl and season to taste.

4. When everything’s ready, spoon the salsa around the tin and serve with the lime slices or wedges, coriander sprigs and a big salad.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges

• 4 sweetcorn cobettes (or 2 corn cobs, halved)

• Low-calorie cooking spray

• 2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts

• 2 level tsp periperi seasoning

For the salsa:

• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped

• 1 small red onion, finely chopped

• ½ small pack fresh coriander, finely chopped, plus sprigs to serve

• Juice of ½ lime, plus slices or wedges to serve

Out & About at

The Voice Magazines team had a blast recently when they were invited to Chesterfield Bowl for an afternoon of fun, food, and games. Having parked up in the ample car park, as soon as we arrived, we were greeted with the sound of crashing pins and the aroma of delicious food wafting from the bowling alley’s kitchen.

After grabbing some tasty snacks and drinks from the bar, the Voice Magazines crew laced up our bowling shoes and hit the lanes. Eager to show off our skills and see who would come out on top. The competition was fierce, with plenty of laughs and friendly banter to go around.

Chesterfield Bowl offers more than just 16 lanes of bowling. Visitors can also enjoy a licensed bar, a piazza café, three American pool tables, and video games. We battled it out on air hockey and other classic games in the arcade. It was the perfect way to unwind after a long day at the office. Overall, Chesterfield Bowl provides a wide range of entertainment options for everyone to enjoy.

Of course, all that fun and excitement worked up our appetites. Luckily, the kitchen at Chesterfield Bowl was more than up to the task of satisfying our hunger (and we all know the Voice Team can eat!). The team was presented with a massive platter of mouthwatering food, featuring all sorts of delicious options. From juicy chicken fillets and crispy fries to other comfort food classics, the team indulged in a feast that hit the spot after all that activity. The scrumptious spread was a perfect complement to the fun and games, and the team left feeling completely satisfied.

As the day wound down, the team reflected on what a great time we had had. We had made memories, bonded with each other, and most importantly, had a lot of fun. We were already talking about when they could come back for another visit.

So, if you’re looking for a fun, friendly place to spend an afternoon or evening, look no further than Chesterfield Bowl. With great food, tons of games, and an all-around good time, it’s the perfect spot to let loose and have some fun.

Vintage Rambles with rafa

This month we bring back one of our summertime specials from 6 years ago. This is a great walk to get the lungs going, with a few uphill sections. It’s all worth it for the views

A fairly difficult walk which should take you and your dog around 3 hours to complete. There are some significant uphill and downhill sections and range of terrains so please wear appropriate footwear. There are several stiles, with at least one being tricky for large dogs. There are also a couple of small sections of road, so as usual please take plenty of care.

1. Facing the church from the road, take the lane and signposted footpath to the left of the church. Continue straight ahead. Pass ‘Delph Cottage’ on your left and just prior to reaching a large metal gate, bear slightly left to continue along a footpath with a hedge on your right and a fence on your left.

2. After a short distance pass through a gap and continue ahead to reach a road. Turn left, then

4. Cross over a river and then ignoring a path to the left and a path bearing diagonal right continue straight ahead to go steeply uphill heading towards a marker post and a stone wall. Upon reaching the marker post you will notice it is signed for 2 paths; one to the left and one to the right. Follow the right hand arrow going steeply uphill towards another marker post. Upon reaching the 2nd marker post you will begin to climb some steps.

5. At the top of the steps, climb over a stile cross a field, staying close to a stone wall on your right. At the far side of the field climb over another stile onto a footpath.

6. Continue along the footpath with a stone wall on your right for some distance until reaching a T junction with a lane. Turn left and continue until reaching another lane on your left. At this point turn right along a bridleway opposite the lane on the left.

7. Continue with a stone wall on your left and right, then continue into some trees going gently uphill for some distance. Then, when you enter a clearing, pass through a gap in a fence and ignoring any paths bearing left or right to continue straight ahead going steep uphill.

8. At the top of the hill, at a marker post, ignore the path going steep uphill and to the right. Continue straight ahead to descend for a short distance and as the footpath levels out continue until taking a signposted bridleway, turning sharp to the left and downhill.

9. Continue along the bridleway, downhill with a stone wall on your right. Follow the path twisting and winding downhill and pass a tall chimney stack on your right. Continue to twist and wind downhill until passing a stone cottage on your right and then the path turns into a lane.

10. Pass some farm buildings on your left and then after the lane levels out you turn left along a lane on your left and continue going gently uphill. Pass a water treatment plant on your left and continue, ignoring a signposted footpath on your left.

11. Just prior to reaching a large house on your right, turn right through a gap to join a signposted footpath. Continue ahead with a wall on your left and a fence on your right. Pass through another gap to pass through some trees.

12. Continue for some distance until reaching a marker post on your right. Follow the arrow on the marker post straight ahead and continue to

cross straight over a crossroads of footpaths, with a fence on both sides.

13. Continue to cross over two wooden footbridges and eventually passing between some houses. Climb down some steps and then continue straight ahead and steep downhill along a tarmac lane.

14. Upon reaching a T junction, turn right, then, just prior to reaching a road, turn right to step over a low stone wall to continue along a footpath, keeping a river on your left.

15. Continue to pass through a gap. Ignore the path crossing over the river on your left and continue straight ahead, with the river on your left. Continue until the path bears right and begins to move away from the river, then, take the next path on your left.

16. After a short distance pass through a gap and thread between a pub and a stone cottage. At a single-track road turn right. Pass ‘Brookside Cottage’ and ‘Oakfield House on your right, and then after passing a stone cottage on your left follow the road around to the right and continue uphill. When the road bends sharp left turn off to continue straight ahead along a footpath.

17. Continue for some distance to cross over a crossroads of paths and then to cross over a lane with a cattle grid and two stone pillars on your right. After a short distance then turn right along a signposted bridleway going downhill.

18. Continue to the bottom of the hill and ahead to cross over a stone river bridge and then follow the path going uphill. Continue until you pass between some houses and to a road. Turn left along the road for a short distance and just prior to a road on your right, and opposite ‘The Old Poets Corner’ pub, turn right onto a signposted footpath going up a driveway towards some houses.

19. Pass the houses on your right and then pass to the left of a large wooden gate. After a very short distance turn left and pass through a small wooden gate into a field. Cross the field and at the far side pass through another small wooden gate and turn left onto a path with a wall on your right and a hedge on your left. Continue straight ahead along the path until reaching a road and the church.

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.

SWIMMING CLUB

ONE HOUR MEGA SWIM

The Belper Marlin Swimming Club One Hour Mega Swim, a fundraising event returned this year with a new cause: supporting the Laura Centre, a Midlandsbased charity that offers free bereavement support to parents who have lost a child and children who have lost a parent or significant person in their lives. The event took place on March 26th, 2023, at Belper Leisure Centre.

The Laura Centre provides holistic bereavement support, including bereavement counselling, in a family-oriented, approachable, and welcoming environment. They respect the uniqueness of each individual’s experience of bereavement and consider the spiritual, cultural, and emotional aspects of grief.

Belper Marlin SC One Hour Mega Swim has previously raised funds for various charities, and this year, participants were encouraged to set up individual sponsorship pages to raise funds for the Laura Centre.

The swim was divided into different time slots for different age groups, with Mini Marlins also invited to participate and gain Rainbow distance awards. One participant, Oliver Henshaw, swam an impressive 184 lengths in a 25-meter pool within the hour-long event, showcasing his swimming prowess and dedication to supporting the cause of the Laura Centre.

Belper Marlin SC One Hour Mega Swim for the Laura Centre was a resounding success, raising a total of £6,639. Gail, co-founder of the Laura Centre, personally expressed her gratitude to all the swimmers for their incredible efforts. The Laura

Centre was founded by Gail and her husband 35 years ago after the loss of their 5-year-old daughter Laura to leukemia, which highlighted the lack of support available for grieving parents and siblings. The funds raised will directly support the Laura Centre’s mission of helping families come to terms with their loss.

The generosity and hard work of Team Marlin and all the participants in raising the significant amount for the Laura Centre are overwhelming and greatly appreciated. The Laura Centre continues to provide invaluable support to countless families, and the success of the Marlins One Hour Mega Swim is a shining example of how individuals can make a meaningful difference in their communities by dedicating their efforts to a worthy cause.

If you are interested, please go to our website www.belpermarlin.co.uk and click “Join Us” or email us on info@belpermarlin.co.uk.

CHESTERFIELD ESTATE AGENTS

CONTINUE TO SUPPORT SUMMER FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL

Chesterfield

estate agents Wilkins Vardy have been named as the headline sponsor of the New Tupton Ivanhoe F.C. Summer Festival of Football.

The festival is one of the largest grassroots football tournaments in the region attracting over 200 teams from 93 clubs across the Midlands and the North of England.

The fully booked tournament takes place at the Recreation Ground in Tupton over three weekends in June and July with competitions from under 7s through to under 16s.

Paula Towndrow, Director at Wilkins Vardy said “We are really excited about once again to be headline sponsor of the New Tupton Ivanhoe F.C. Summer Festival of Football. Wilkins Vardy has been serving the North Derbyshire since 1970 and it is great to be supporting the expansion of the tournament so more young people in our local communities can take part in grassroots football this summer.”

Dave Hoult, Secretary of New Tupton Ivanhoe F.C. said “A massive thank you to Wilkins Vardy for their support which has helped us to grow to include all age

groups in the club and to become one of the largest tournaments in the region. 1000’s of people attend the tournament every summer and it is an important part of the local community. Supporting young people to play sport, develop friendships and have fun with their families.”

Wilkins Vardy has been a recognised brand in Chesterfield since doors first opened in 1970. The estate agents have an office in Chesterfield, and you can find out more at www.wilkins-vardy.co.uk

The Club is also currently undertaking an ambitious project to bring new all-weather footballing facilities to Tupton, refurbishing a derelict multi use games area. They are looking to raise £20,000 to achieve this and you can support at https://www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/newtuptonivanhoe

The Brittania Pub is currently running a raffle with some amazing prizes to support the fundraising. Tickets are available from the pub at £2 a ticket.

If you are interested in Little Ivanhoes, The Wildcat Centre or joining a team please message the clubs facebook page at: www.facebook.com/newtuptonivanhoefc/ visit: www.newtuptonivanhoefc.co.uk or contact the Dave Hoult, Club Secretary on 07759 048 037

All Around the Shire

HOME REMEDIES

When I was young, there were lotions, potions, creams and medicines in the bathroom cabinet, some of which have stood the test of time, while others have not.

Take for example Germoline. It used to come in a small tin and be applied to cuts and grazes, with or without a plaster. Its smell was so pungent that germs dare not intrude into the wound.

What was Milk of Magnesia for? We were given a spoonful of the chalky, milky mixture if we complained of tummy ache. It has now been withdrawn from sale for not complying with EU recommended sulphate levels.

Calamine lotion is still available: pink and cooling for chicken pox sufferers.

Who remembers Delrosa Rose Hip Syrup? The sticky, sweet liquid provided a vitamin boost for young children as did the welfare orange juice and dried milk.

Cod liver oil was universally disliked but helped provide a vitamin D boost - protection against developing rickets.

For constipation was syrup of figs, senna pods or liquorice root. For fever, junior aspirin, crushed between two teaspoons

with a drop of milk added.

Virol was a brand of malt extract which included bone marrow and designed as a nutritional supplement for the feeding of infants. This was remembered as having a pleasant, malty flavour.

The most bizarre home remedy by far was the use of butter. On burns and bumps on the head, butter was rubbed into the affected area.

Just some memories of a childhood in which children’s health was of national importance. What are yours?

Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email:

Janet

oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information.

SUDOKU #35

Fill in all the numbers!

This is a sudoku

1 square grid

81 cells

9 3x3 blocks

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

Guess the words and Fill in the crossword ! Pitcherwits®

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

9 Fed off fixated attempts to get back in the cab (4)

10 Alongside, in stretching out (4)

11 Stack can be safe with hospital treatment (5)

12 Pal in toxic, humble surroundings (4)

13 A while back, with a force to be excited about (4)

Down

2 Employment is a somewhat amorphous exercise (3)

3 Cut up, formerly (3)

7 Wish to happen from eternal springs? (4,3)

14 Personal boomerang post? (1,1,1)

15 Lotto ought to be reduced, also (3)

1 Took it out of the socket, but still stuck at it? (7,4)

5 Abstains from linking school head, say, with gum sticks (7)

14 What’s all this about clarets being red? (7)

Down

1 Big cats hunting in the Alps for landfill nuisance? (7,4)

4 First red space, man? (4,7)

16 Resigned, maybe, like a transformer? (7,4)

6 Case is Mick’s: a bit earthshaking! (7)

8 Few took the earl to be in a state of general health (7)

This puzzles has been devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk

Gorse brings colour to moors and heaths across the Peak

One of the region’s most spectacular flowers is something we often take for granted and indeed, barely notice, the common gorse. In the Peak and North Derbyshire, we have two gorse species, the common gorse (a big, bold, brash shrub), and the western gorse (an altogether more subdued species). As its name suggests, the latter is rather restricted to western Britain and so we are on the eastern edge of its distribution, and it is not so common. The name ‘gorse’ comes from AngloSaxon ‘gorst’, and its alternative name ‘furze’ from ‘fyrs’, also Anglo-Saxon. Place-names like Fir Vale in Sheffield derive not from conifer trees but from ‘furze’ on the common, from a time when this plant was very important to local people and the rural economy. This was when most people, and especially the poorer ones, relied on the heath and common for their subsistence.

Being so abundant, gorse was significant to people and figured in folk culture. It was said that ‘when gorse is not in bloom, then kissing is out of season’, the reason of course being that this shrub flowers all year round. That said, its main flowering period is in spring when it can be truly spectacular. Indeed, in times past, before urban sprawl and ‘improved’ farming swept away most of our heaths and commons, the swathes of bright yellow across the landscape were amazing spectacles. It was said that Swedish botanist

Carl Linnaeus, one of the key founders of modern natural history and scientific botany, came to Britain and was profoundly affected by the vista when first seeing gorse in bloom. Not found as a native eastward into Europe, gorse is a denizen of the western seaboard. Linnaeus visiting from Sweden had never seen it en masse before. When shown an entire landscape covered in the yellow of common gorse on Putney Heath, he fell to his knees and gave thanks to Almighty God!

Along with being visually spectacular, gorse or furze, was also especially useful to medieval communities in some places until the 1900s. Many farms in Derbyshire and the Peak would have had ‘furze fields’ where gorse seed was scattered on poorer land to grow gorse. It grew in abundance on poor, sandy soils (because it ‘fixes’ or traps atmospheric nitrogen using nodules in its roots), and thus was a great provider of forage for grazing livestock. Put through a gorse shredder or cutter, the resulting greenery was fed to the animals. Along with this, gorse burns ferociously and cleanly to leave little ash. It was therefore good at starting fires (as kindling), and for communal baking ovens or cloams. The bottom slice of a baked loaf was cut off with its ash, but the rest was good to go. Gorse made good temporary fencing on open land such as common or heath, and when seen in hedgerows today, it often indicates a one-time heathland. Bundled up and tied to a long stick, you could use it to sweep your chimney, a practice described for the Hope Valley in Derbyshire.

Gorse is also excellent habitat for birds such as whinchats, stonechats, yellowhammers, and meadow pipits.

Professor Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer, broadcaster on wildlife and environmental issues in the Peak District and elsewhere, is contactable on info@hallamec.plus.com.

SOME GREAT GARDEN ROOM IDEAS FOR THIS SUMMER

With Cabin Master & Arctic Cabins

Garden rooms aren’t just a room in your garden, they are rooms which add value to your life & your home. Giving you extra space in the garden no matter the weather... and let’s face it, British weather is very unpredictable!

A fully insulated garden room is just like a room in your house, and can be used in all weathers. It has the added benefits of not needing deep foundations, lengthy (and costly) building work, or the inconvenience of having an extension. They can also be installed in just a few days! Not only that, they generally fall under the permitted development rights, so it can be a quick turnaround from order to installation. From garden bars, home offices & studios, to garden gyms and chill out spaces, finding a trustworthy company which can design, deliver & install bespoke garden room solutions throughout the UK is priceless.

Cabin Master have been in business for over 20 years. They offer the full end-to-end service, including base/ foundations, electrics, flooring and painting, bringing you that much needed extra space you can use all year round. So, if you’re searching for the perfect garden room, Cabin Master are the experts! Their factories in Derbyshire manufacture your building to order and their 10 year guarantee gives you great peace of mind.

Choose from their zero-maintenance Marley Board cladding, timeless, rustic Redwood, or vibrant, luxurious Cedar to create a stunning and useful feature in your spare garden space. They offer something to suit all garden styles and needs, designed completely around you. Cabin Master also ensures that everything you need comes as standard, but they also offer lots of additional options to help you personalise your garden room and get the most out of your space, from internal partition walls, and air conditioning to bi-fold doors and external lighting, plus much, much more!

IS COOKING & ENTERTAINING A BIG PART OF YOUR LIFE?

If you’re looking for a quirky, unique entertaining space, then Arctic Cabins BBQ Cabins are the ultimate in luxury log cabins! They come fully installed including a central BBQ unit, so you can enjoy BBQing all year round in the comfy, cosy Scandinavian-inspired surroundings with family and friends. The Arctic Bar version is fast becoming their best-seller, with a built-in timber bar and drinks rack, offering space to entertain, just steps from home. Your Arctic Cabin will become the heart and soul of your garden! So, whether you need the space for family gatherings, romantic evenings, or a relaxing place to chill out in, they are perfect.

With over 20 years experience in designing, manufacturing and installing garden rooms throughout the UK – you only need to look at their Trustpilot review pages to see their customers’ journeys and experiences are outstanding, so you can trust Cabin Master & Arctic Cabins to deliver your perfect garden space.

10m² Arctic Bar pictured above

Cabin Master Village, 251 Toton Lane, Stapleford, Nottingham, NG9 7JA

NEW 13FT UNBANDED SCAFFOLD BOARDS

Top Tip: 3.9m x 225mm x 38mm Ideal for-:

Gardener’s Calendar

We should be safe to put summer bedding plants out now and the key to getting a brilliant show is to add some slow release feed when you plant...

unless you’re planting into fresh compost which often has nutrients to encourage growth. Then remember to keep watering until established and in periods of hot dry weather –Water in the morning if possible. A good drench is better than small amounts frequently. Evening watering is next best although it can encourage slugs as the ground will be wet overnight. Preferably don’t water in the middle of the day, it can scorch blooms. Hanging baskets dry out fast and water retaining gel can help counter this.

It might seem odd to talk about pruning when so much is bursting into flower, but there are some shrubs which need it now if you’re going to get the best out of them next year. These include those which flower in spring such as philadelphus (mock orange) forsythia and flowering currant. In order to get a good blossom show year on year they need to be cut back as soon as they’ve finished flowering. Take out dead or damaged stems to ground level and prune up to a quarter of old stems to near the base. On stems which have flowered this year, cut back to a lower strong growth.

If you have still got tulip foliage remaining in pots, and with this year’s cold start to the season that’s quite possible, it’s a good move to lift and plant them in a border. This not only frees up the pot for summer planting, but tulip bulbs which might show again next year have a better chance if fed with tomato feed and given a new home. Leave them in the pot and you’re more likely to get lots of leaves and small flowers.