Voice Magazines - Sutton-in-Ashfield and Huthwaite Edition - June 2023

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.

Welcome to YOUR community noticeboard. A dedicated space for you to post notices, events and for not-for-profit community groups advertise in.

To place a notice, from a super-low rate of £6.30+VAT per square Contact Danielle on 01773 549035 or community@voicemagazines.co.uk

AMAZING SUPPORT FOR JOHN EASTWOOD HOSPICE’S WELL-BEING EVENT

John Eastwood Hospice held a fantastic Women’s Wellbeing Event in March where members of the local community attended an evening of informative and soothing sessions dedicated to women’s self-care.

We are thankful to the local small businesses who donated their time and skills for the evening to be such a success. Attendees were able to enjoy a 20 -minute taster session of holistic and complementary therapies, gain information from breast care nurses and participate in tutorials on haircare and makeup, along with access to invaluable skin care advice and assessments as well as opportunities to buy various well-being products. Each visitor also accessed a group session of yoga, guided mindfulness, sound therapy and advice on women’s mental health, again all supported by local experts. It was a great opportunity for small local business’ to showcase their service and furthermore, it was just lovely evening for like -minded women to group together for an evening of chat and relaxation.

The Hospice successfully raised around £2,000 from ticket sales and raffle, with some amazing prizes which had been donated from our very generous therapists.

Following the amazing feedback we received and many requests to hold the evening again we have decided to hold another Women ’s Wellbeing Event on 9th November 2023.Look out for details coming soon on our Facebook page or in the Hospice about buying tickets and information about other events throughout the year by following us on www.facebook.com/JohnEastwoodHospiceTrust

John Eastwood Hospice Trust, Mansfield Road, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 4HJ Web: www.johneastwoodhospice.org.uk email: contact@johneastwoodhospice.org.uk

01623 622626

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.

✽ 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:

please call the team on 01773 549 035

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

We are a friendly, local care company that supports adults in their own homes, helping them to live as independently as possible.

We are looking to add to our caring team, local people with a positive attitude towards care. No experience is required as full training will be provided!

What are the benefits working with us?

◊ A week induction fully paid.

◊ Mileage allowance.

◊ Free DBS

◊ Flexibility around personal/family commitments.

◊ Bank holidays double pay.

◊ Alternative weekend work.

◊ Guaranteed minimum hours paid weekly.

◊ Free NVQ training provided.

Our hourly rate starts from £12.25ph

Overtime pay £13.50ph

Please contact us on:

T: 07737 188 993 / 01623 360 193

E: info@leymarltd.co.uk

Website: www.leymarhealthcare.co.uk

Slimming World Recipe

Portuguese Peri Peri Chicken

Prices

£4.50 per kg

07879 119 339

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

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.

Serves: 2 Ready in: 50 mins

This recipe caught the eye immediately. Fresh, tasty, simple to prepare and delicious to eat. Perfect! For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk

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

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CHIROPRACTORS TO THE RESCUE AS

BRITS ARE BEING PUT OFF SEEING THEIR GP DUE TO WAITING LISTS

New data from The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) shows the impact NHS waiting lists are having on patients with Musculoskeletal issues (MSK). MSK conditions impact joints, bones and muscles and sometimes associated tissue such as nerves. According to the NHS, over 20 million people in the UK have an MSK condition such as arthritis or back pain and they account for up to 30% of GP consultations in England.

New findings from the BCA, have reported that 56% of British people feel put off seeing their GP because of NHS waiting list times.

As consequence, 48% of British people are using over the counter (OTC) medication to treat their MSK issues. Whilst OTC medication has its place in helping patients to resume physical activity, these medications are best used in the short term. Along with side effects, they do little to address potential functional issues which have led to the MSK condition.

The research also found that:

• A third of British people (33%) haven’t seen a GP to treat their MSK issue as they struggled to get an appointment

• Nearly half of British people (43%) have avoided seeing their GP when dealing with an MSK health issue

• Over half (53%) of British people are considering turning to private healthcare for MSK help manage pain

• 38% of British people thought their MSK issue would go away on its own, without seeing a GP

• Over half (52%) of British people have lived with an MSK issue for longer than 12-months

Chiropractors can provide those suffering with MSK conditions an alternative solution, giving patients choice when faced with long waiting lists. They offer patients a wide-ranging package of care which is patient-centred, supported by evidence and results in great patient reported outcomes. More people are turning to chiropractors to manage poor mobility, pain and wider health concerns arising from MSK issues before they worsen.

Speaking about the recent research findings, Chiropractor, Thomas Jeppesen from Health on Hand on St John Street, Mansfield said: “Our role is supporting patients on their road to recovery, not only with treatment, but also advising on lifestyle and self-care is the ethos of our clinics”

For further information please contact HEALTH ON HAND on 01623 635333 or visit www.healthonhand.co.uk

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.

To advertise please call the team on 01773 549 035

Monkey’ing Around at

Calling all monkey lovers! Recently, the team at Voice Magazine was invited to visit Trentham Monkey Forest, and let us tell you, it was an experience like no other.

The Monkey Forest is home to over 140 Barbary macaques who roam free in a 60-acre woodland. As we entered the forest, we were immediately greeted by the playful monkeys, swinging from tree to tree and enjoying their natural habitat. It was like stepping into a scene from a movie, where monkeys were the stars.

The staff at the Monkey Forest were just as impressive as the monkeys themselves. They were knowledgeable and passionate about the conservation of the Barbary macaques and their environment. We were constantly in awe of their dedication to preserving the natural habitat of these intelligent and fascinating creatures.

As we walked through the forest, the staff were always on hand with interesting facts and information about each monkey, knowing them all by name. It was evident that they had a deep understanding and respect for these animals, which made the experience all the more enriching.

One thing that stood out to us was the Monkey Forest’s commitment to replicating the monkeys’ natural environment as much as possible. They had created a beautiful and expansive forest space, complete with streams and rocks, giving the macaques plenty of space to roam and play.

Overall, our visit to Trentham Monkey Forest was an unforgettable experience. We left with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and intelligence of Barbary macaques and a deep respect for the staff who work tirelessly to protect them.

Trentham Monkey Forest offers ample free parking, a Jungle gift shop, a café, two adventure playgrounds, a Willow Maze, information rooms, picnic areas, and VIP Experiences. Explore hidden trails, enjoy a meadow walk, and get up close with monkeys. It’s a perfect family day out!

If you haven’t already visited, we highly recommend taking a trip to Trentham Monkey Forest. It’s a fun and educational day out for the whole family, and you’ll leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads

TELL YOUR DAD HOW MUCH YOU LOVE HIM

Is your father still alive? If so, when was the last time you told him you loved him? In

fact, have you ever told him that?

When my dad passed away in early 2020, I was so grateful that the day before he died I was able to hug him and tell him I loved him. Of course, I didn’t know that day I visited him in hospital would be the last time I would see him. And isn’t that the point? None of us know how long we have left, the parent you saw yesterday, perhaps got irritated or annoyed by, may not be around tomorrow. It’s a scary and sobering thought isn’t it?

We live in a much more open society; women and men are encouraged to share their feelings more and get things out in the open - so how come we don’t tell our nearest and dearest how much we love them?

It doesn’t matter if we “think they know”, sometimes the other person needs to hear the words too, and hearing those words could make a positive difference to their state of mind and wellbeing.

Male mental health has become a huge topic over recent years, the days of the British “stiff upper lip” are, thankfully, fading away, but even now, men are notoriously reluctant to talk about their feelings, preferring instead to keep them bottled up. This is a problem. A BIG problem.

Here are some scary statistics:

• Three times as many men as women die by suicide

• Men aged 40 to 49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK

• Men report lower levels of life satisfaction than women, according to the Government’s national wellbeing survey

• Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women: only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men

• Men are far more likely than women to go missing, sleep rough, become dependent on alcohol and use drugs frequently.

All of us are familiar with gender stereotyping when it comes to women - looking a certain way, wearing make-up, taking care of the babies etc. - and we

are aware of how damaging this is, but negative gender stereotyping also affects men. They are often expected to be the breadwinners, to be strong, dominant and in control, and yet at the same time to be “soft, caring, loving, nurturing”. It’s no wonder that some men no longer have any idea of how they are expected to act and thus turn to “coping mechanisms” like drink and drugs. Even worse, there is the rise of militant “toxic masculinity”, as demonstrated by the likes of Andrew Tate.

This Father’s Day, tell your dad you love him. Tell all your male relations and friends you love them (yes, even…especially…if you’re a guy!). Make it acceptable to share feelings and emotions.

PS - if you know a man who is struggling with mental health issues, point them in the direction of Andy’s Man Club (https://andysmanclub. co.uk/).

SUTTON HERITAGE SOCIETY “HANDS ON” HERITAGE FAIR

On 13th May Mansfield Library was busy with not only the usual books and computers, but it was hosting a Heritage Fair. Not an ordinary one, but a “hands on” one.

Nottingham Museums included Newstead Abbey with a lady in period dress. Elsewhere, Bob Massey was dressed as a music hall artist, and Angela Morris in 1960’s dress.

With it being 60 years since ‘The Beatles’ were in Mansfield playing at the Granada, it was quite right that the library should provide Beatles music, especially as the library was built near the area where they played. Later in the day the lovely cafe area hosted harmonies of a choir.

Local groups like The Old Mansfield Society, Farnsfield Historical Society, Clipstone Regeneration, Thoroton Society, Friends of Nottingham Archives and many more.

One question which was answered - What does a colliery look like? There was a virtual reality tour which you could do with the mining museum. Amazingly, it was brought to life with all different parts of the mine being accessible. There was help with family history, especially if you had got stuck on how to begin, or how to find out….

Those wanting to be an archaeologist were able to check out what to do. A special area was set aside for children to have a go at excavating treasure. Train fanatics were catered for with the Mansfield to Pinxton Railway and The History of the Robin Hood Line. What did a blacksmith use? Display of blacksmith’s tools for all to see. Remember the sit up and beg typewriters? Yet another thing to have a go at using.

What would you find at a Fire Museum, insurance plaques were on show, so were the old buckets and loads more artifacts from the local museum.

It’s strange when you think back to how many improvements (or not!) have been made within the history of objects! It gets you thinking... maps made from material to paper, and now digital. Which is the best? The digital can be enlarged to look at areas, but if you had a computer virus would you lose it, and doesn’t it feel better to look at a genuine old map?

Lots of records about the area’s history are always available during normal opening hours, not forgetting the old newspapers and photographs. Well worth a visit to both Mansfield Library and Nottingham Archives. Thanks to Tim and Helen, another successful event!

From supply only to full installation we offer the full package. Our experienced and knowledgeable design teams are here for you, offering a full, free of charge planning and design service. If you’re after a bathroom or kitchen we are serious about creating the best design possible to suit your budget.

Book Review

Barbara Kingsolver has been writing brilliant novels for years. And her most recent – Demon Copperhead - has just won the Pulitzer Prize and been shortlisted for this year’s Women’s Prize for Fiction.

It’s basically a re-working of Dickens’ novel David Copperfield. Kingsolver has described it as a contemporary adaptation and it tells of red-headed Demon’s journey from being born to a teenaged single mother, brought up living in a trailer home, taken into foster care and onward and upward with side slips into downward.

In true Dickensian style it’s passionate, rightly angry, moving and full of humour and totally convincing. And it’s uplifting. It’s set in the Appalachian Mountains in the US – an area with more than its share of problems and this is a very modern take on the age-old story of a child growing up in a challenging world.

The characters are flamboyant. You get so involved with the main character that it’s at times painful to read. He’s got real charm, he may have a lousy start but he’s a fighter and you so much want him to win through. It is superb immersive storytelling and one of those books that as a reader you have to give your full emotional response to. Worth doing it.

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

Gardener’s Calendar

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.

Top Tip:

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.

The old mantra. Deadhead for more flowers. Particularly essential for sweet peas as they’re prone to completely giving up producing new flowers once they’ve set seed. The only plants you might want to leave to go to seed are things like digitalis which will produce more plants for you free of charge next year.

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...

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

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.