12 EDITIONS READ BY OVER 162,000 RESIDENTS
DEC ‘23
JUDE
MISS
MON
EY
THE VOICE TEAM ure have all had a pict e th ng yi jo en lst taken whi to d te an w d an s tie festivi ry ve wish you all a AS! ER M RY CHRISTeM or m ad Re on page 3
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From the Editor Hi Readers, In the words of the immortal Mr Lennon – “So, this is Christmas and what have you done? Another year over and a new one just begun”. I cast my mind back to the start of this year and as is the case with everyone I suppose, it is littered with ups and downs. I guess the aim of this ‘game of life’ is to try and have more ups than downs and that each time a down packs a punch, we either learn something or come back stronger. If only it was as simple as a Rocky movie for that to be the case! A punch that Liam and myself felt deeply this year was the loss of our good friend Kevin at Seals. Kev and his family have run Seals for more years than I’ve been around but I always remember visiting that small, family run business when I first started up and he greeted me with a new name – Amber (for those who remember the early incarnation of Voice) which has stuck for well over a decade now!! They didn’t need to but they have sponsored Rafa’s dog walk since virtually day one and that early kindness and continuing support from one local business to another can never be repaid. As an incredibly humble man in life, I have no doubt that Kev would have been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people that attended his funeral – not least because, what were we all doing there when we should have been at work!! I think
I’d be extremely proud of my legacy if I achieve half of what he has, including his strong family who continue in his footsteps. Each Christmas, here at Voice, we always like to bring our avatar characters back out for the yearly Christmas Front Covers. Lisa works hard on them from around July onwards (which is a little strange but that’s print deadlines for you!) to bring something a little different. This year, I tasked her with ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ type theme – so a mash-up between the real world and the cartoon world for those that are old enough to remember! Needless to say, it’s given us a right laugh and is always the highlight of the year – and remember, we all chose our avatars based on our favourite cartoon characters/influences and it always seems to fit our personalities! Have a look for yourself, we’ve laid them all out below and we hope they make you smile when they land on your doorstep this month. After all, before we get into the flap, panic, expense and craziness of this festive period, it is important to remember that as far as we know, we only get one go around, so there really is no point in taking yourself too seriously! Let’s leave 2023 with the words of Dolly – “If you see someone without a smile, give ‘em yours!” Merry Christmas from us all at Voice Magazines.
x Emily
WITH 12 MAGAZINES COVERING NOTTINGHAMSHIRE & DERBYSHIRE, WHY NOT ADVERTISE IN ANOTHER AREA? Upcoming Submission Deadline for Advertisers & Contributors: January ‘24 Edition - 8th December ’23 • February ‘24 Edition - 12th January ‘24
To advertise email: info@voicemagazines.co.uk or call us on 01773 549 035 Printed by Image2Print Ltd and distributed to 5,000 homes in Clay Cross 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 consent of the publisher. Voice Magazines Limited, 40 High Street, South Normanton, Derbyshire. DE55 2BP. Registered in England & Wales No: 10550557
Decorations of Christmas Past Does your family bring out the same Christmas tree decorations every year, complete with the ones made by children (and grandchildren) many years ago…a bit tatty around the edges maybe, but full of memories? Or are you a “buy new each year, depending on décor and trends,” kind of person? Have you ever wondered what we used to decorate our trees and houses with over the festive period in the dim and distant past, in more “innocent” times before rampant consumerism took hold? Wonder no more! The use of “Christmas” decorations is older than I thought. Apparently, 2,500 years ago, the Romans marked a midwinter celebration called Saturnalia by decorating their homes with evergreen wreaths. When the official religion of the Roman Empire became Christianity in 336 AD, the church powers pragmatically decided to embrace the old trimmings of the former pagan celebration and bring them into the church. Our own pagan ancestors also marked the midwinter solstice by bringing greenery into the home to mark the gradual lengthening of the light towards spring and the promise of new life. Yule logs – the real wooden kind, not the cake – were common throughout northern Europe and are probably also connected to a pagan midwinter rite. They would be kept burning for 12 days leading up to Christmas (or the solstice) to encourage the sun to rise after the long, snowy season.
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Evergreen trees became part of Christian tradition in Germany very early on, and in the Middle Ages “paradise trees” began to appear. Meant to represent the Garden of Eden, evergreen trees were hung with apples and displayed in homes on December 24, the religious feast day of Adam and Eve. Other decorations, all natural of course, made an appearance and by the 16th century, candles had made an appearance. And thus, the Christmas tree as we know it today, was born. It was, of course, German born Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, who brought the tradition of decorated evergreen trees to England. Drawings of the royal family gathered around a bedecked and candle lit tree really sparked a desire in the British public to embrace the idea of a lavishly decorated tree as a centre point of their celebrations. Unlike the plastic and glass baubles, and tinsel we use today, most early tree decorations were more eco friendly (before such a term was invented!). There would be apples and other fruit, sometimes dried and or crystallised. Flowers, sweet pastries in the shapes of stars and hearts, and at some point candy canes made an appearance. Handmade decorations of made of paper, and small gifts would also be hung on the tree. Unlike today there was no fashionable “theme” (this year I gather it is “peachy pink and coral, accented by champagne golds, lilac, or mint green tones”) people used what was to hand and reused what they could. Whatever you decorate your house and tree with this Christmas, I hope you have lots of fun! x
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. To find out more visit www.word-witch.co.uk or contact Laura on 07736 351 341
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
To advertise please call 01773 549 035
5
LTD
CHRISTMAS FEATURE Welcome to our High Street feature! Your local area boasts a treasure trove of remarkable businesses. This holiday season, make a difference and support local business. Find unique gifts, savor delightful treats, and experience the warmth of community. Make this Christmas special while boosting your neighborhood’s spirit.
CLAY CROSS PARISH COUNCIL MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE
Merry Christmas
can For further information of how you book Clay Cross Social Centre, on: contact the Parish Council office
FREE SET UP and COVER LIFTER with an hot tub purchase with y the advert (worth £550)
01246 862 812
01773 875 081
www.claycross.gov.uk
Crystal Upholstery UPHOLSTERY SPECIALISTS: Caravans, Motor Homes, Camper Vans, Boats & Soft Furnishings
07914 381 825
www.crystalupholstery.co.uk Unit 15, Midway Business Centre, Bridge Street, Clay Cross, S45 9NU
Beauty Treatments Hairdressing
Hairdressing Training CACI
MERRY CHRISTMAS
T: 01246 862 315
www.imageshairandbeauty.com
39 Market Street, Clay Cross S45 9JE
01246 864 427 TOOL HIRE - Mixers, Compactor Plates, Breakers, Mowers, Rotavators, Drills, Ladders, Mini Excavators, Etc BUILDING AND LANDSCAPING MATERIALS Wood, Bricks, Blocks, Sand, Cement, Drainage, Patio Slabs, Etc
www.walkerhire.co.uk
3 Bridge Street, Clay Cross, S45 9NU
CARPETS
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NOW STOCKING BEDS Tel: 07976 320 250 87 High St, Clay Cross, Chesterfield S45 9DZ
Bluebells & Balloons Florists
We have a large selection of flowers, plants and gifts to suit any budget this Christmas
012 46 86 14 94 www.blue
bellsandballoons.co.uk
111 High Street, Clay Cross, S45 9DZ
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING ON YOUR LOCAL HIGH STREET
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Scan TO VISIT
BSITE
OUR WE
01623 782 787 enquiries@hopkins-solicitors.co.uk
“9.6 out of 10 clients highly recommend us”
Managing your personal affairs is important It’s all about finding a local expert that you can trust, that will keep your best interests at heart, whilst giving you straightforward advice. No matter what twists and turns life throws at you, our legal team are here to help. But we are more than legal experts, we love to help people. > Wills & Property Trust Wills
> Divorce or Children Matters
> Lasting Powers of Attorney
> Employment Advice
> Injury or Illness Claims
> Financial Disputes
Appointments by voice-call, video-call, in-person at one of our offices or if you are unable to leave the hospital our staff are happy to visit you at your bedside.
Our Nottingham office is located on the corner of Regent St & Ropewalk Chambers. Most of our departments offer a free initial telephone consultation to ensure we can help you. To advertise call 549 call 035 To request aplease call back or book01773 an appointment us on 0115 906 8962 or visit our website and use our enquiry form.
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COMMUNITY NOTICE
Toddler Group: Meets every Wednesday during term time between 10am -11:30am. Craft, drinks and biscuits provided. Explorers: Meets every Thursday evening during term time between 6pm -7:15pm. Suitable for all primary aged children. Who Let the Dads Out?: Meets on the last Saturday of each month at the Holmgate Community Centre from 10am -11:30am.
Come Along, Christmas! All age service, with children taking part! Sunday 17th December 2023, 10:30am.
Carols by Candlelight Refreshments and mince pies to follow. Sunday 17th December 2023, 6:00pm.
Christmas Morning Come and celebrate the birth of Jesus! Monday 25th December 2023, 10:30am. Why not visit us at www.holmgatechurch.org
For Community Advertising Contact Danielle on 01773 549035 8NEWS
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9
COMMUNITY NOTICE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Sunday 10th December
4:00 pm
St Lawrence’s Church, North Wingfield
Saturday 16th December
5:00 pm
St John’s Church, Tupton
Sunday 17th December
4:00 pm
St Mary’s Church, Pilsley
Sunday 17th December
5:00 pm
St Barnabas Church, Danesmoor
Friday 8th December
6:00 pm
St Barnabas Church, Danesmoor Carol Singing - Outside the Centre with the talented singing group ‘Local Vocals’.
Sunday 17th December
6:00 pm
St Lawrence’s Church, North Wingfield Carols by Candlelight
Wednesday 20th December
6:00 pm
St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross Carol Service
Saturday 23rd December
7:00 pm
Village Green - Opposite St Mary’s, Pilsley Carols on the Green
Family Carols
11:15 am
St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross
Crib Service
4:00 pm
St Lawrence’s Church, North Wingfield
Midnight at Bethlehem with 9:00 pm Holy Communion
St John’s Church, Tupton
Midnight Holy Communion
11:00 pm
St Lawrence’s Church, North Wingfield
Midnight Holy Communion
11:00 pm
St Mary’s Church, Pilsley
Midnight Holy Communion
11:30pm
St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross
Family Praise
9:30 am
St Lawrence’s Church, North Wingfield
Christmas Praise
9:30 am
St Mary’s Church, Pilsley
For Community Advertising Contact Danielle on 01773 549035 10 NEWS
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CLAY CROSS PARISH COUNCIL
FOOD & RETAIL
UPDATE:
FUN INMore THE SUN AT CLAY Events at Christmas CROSS ClayGALA! Cross Social Centre
Clay Cross Gala, held on Saturday, 2 September 2023 was a huge Tickets are success and took place for the first time in the town centre at Clay SALE Cross Social Centre. The community came out inon force to enjoy NOW an afternoon of entertainment featuring International Drag Artist, forPicnic, our kite Amandah Hart and activities including a Teddy Bears making, bush craft skills and a ‘Rock Box’ demo. Stalls featured Emily’s Comfort Zone Charity face painting, balloon modelling and Yorkshire Owl Rescue. Night featuring Always4 on Friday 22nd December 2023
CHRISTMAS EVE DANCE SOCIAL MIXED SEQUENCE
WITH PAULINE & JOHN STRINGFELLOW
SUNDAY 24 DECEMBER 2023 CLAY CROSS SOCIAL CENRE MARKET STREET CLAY CROSS S45 9JE
TICKETS JUST £3 PER PERSON AVAILABLE IN ADVANCE OR ON THE DOOR
and our Christmas Eve Dance on Sunday, 24th December 2023
DOORS AND BAR OPEN AT 7.00PM DANCING FROM 7.30PM BRING YOUR OWN BUFFET
Get your tickets from the Clay TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM: Cross Parish CLAY CROSS PARISH COUNCIL OFFICE, CROSS SOCIAL CENTRE, Council Office, CLAY CROSS CHRISTMAS MARKET … SAVE THE DATE! CLAY MARKET STREET, CLAY CROSS S45 9JE Clay Cross Social TEL: 01246 862812 Clay Cross Christmas Market will be held at Clay Cross Social Centre on Saturday, 25 November 2023 from Centre, Market 10AM – 2PM. Santa’s Grotto along with charity, craftClay andCross trade stalls. Gifts and stocking fillers for all ages – Street, prices to suit every budget. Come along and support this S45 9JEcommunity event!
CLAY CROSS SOCIAL CENTRE MARKET STREET, CLAY CROSS IS THE IDEAL VENUE FOR:
Wedding Receptions • Small or Large Parties Community Events • Public Meetings • Much More...
WE ARE NOW TAKING Find us on BOOKINGS FOR 2024 Facebook
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For further information contact the Clay Cross Parish Council Office on:
01246 862 812
www.claycross.gov.uk To advertise please call 01773 549 035
11
COMMUNITY NOTICE
News & Events 01246 250 599
Pilsley Road, Danesmoor, S45 9BU
www.stbarnabascentre.co.uk
10% off
all bookings made throughout January If you are a community group who is looking for a home, email events@stbarnabascentre.co.uk
VISIT our n ew websit e!
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St. Barnabas is the ideal venue for your next celebration! Our Centre offers high quality spaces and equipment, friendly customer service, fantastic catering and great value packages. Take a look and get in touch - we look forward to helping you bring your next party or function to life.
For Community Advertising Contact Danielle on 01773 549035 12 NEWS
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order of seniority) Area Inspectors of Women, Assistant Superintendents, Deputy Superintendents, Forwarding Supervisors, Supervisors of Women Labour, Deputy Assistant Supervisors and Gang Supervisors.
The Women’s Forage Corps (WFC) or Forage Corps (FC) was a British military organisation created during World War 1. Initially based at army camps and depots in the United Kingdom and working in gangs of six, its women assisted with matters relating to horse transport such as hay-making, forage, checking bales on arrival at railway stations and supervising their loading, stable work, driving horse carts, wire-stretching, making and mending sacks and tarpaulin sheets.
Largely drawn from among women servants but also including some women of independent means with their own horses, normal members earned an average of 26 to 30 shillings a week by 1919, drawing army rations and sometimes with a caravan (as a mess facility rather than housing them) and cook assigned to their gang as a mess. Their uniform – very similar to the Women’s Land Army that was to be eventually created, it consisted of gaiters, haversack, dark green breeches, hats and jerseys, khaki overcoat, overalls and black boots, with brass shoulder insignia of the initials “FC”. Higher ranks wore a khaki tunic and shirt, shoulder rank badges, shoulder “FC” insignia and a brass badge showing “FC” within the eight-pointed star of the Royal Army Service Corps. This wasn’t always the case, sometimes they simply wore their own work wear. The WFC numbered 8,000 by 1917, though this had dropped to about 6,000 by 1919. The WFC did survive alongside the WLA until 1920.
The foundations for the Corps were laid in 1915, though it only formally came into being on 1 March 1917 before being further formalised in early November 1918. Led by Mrs Atholl Stewart as Superintendent of Women, who reported to Brigadier-General Hill Godfrey Morgan, it consisted of civilian women (known as Industrial Members) but was under the control of the Army Service Corps. Below Stewart were (in descending Please get in touch if you have additional information about the Women’s Forage Corps (WFC) or Forage Corps (FC)
ToContact advertiseRichard please call 01773 on 54907854 035 646 742 • E: eastpeakcic@gmail.com 13 Godley
FOOD & RETAIL
WOMEN’S FORAGE CORPS
FOOD & RETAIL
Call us for a free, no-obligation property valuation from a local expert.
Has your property gone up in price? Mat Barnes, Hunters Partner
GET IN TOUCH 14
01246 540540 chesterfield@hunters.com hunters.com
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* If you are under contract with another agent you may still be liable to pay their fee.
PHOENIX PROBATE
Planning for the future is one of the most important things you can do. It ensures what you own will pass to your loved ones.
If a loved one has passed away, the personal representatives must administer the deceased’s estate. This can be a long, complex role and it carries a lot of responsibility.
We advise on Wills, Powers of Attorneys, and Trusts: ✓ Protecting your children’s inheritances and appointing guardians for them ✓ Blended families – protecting inheritances for children from previous relationships ✓ Care fees planning ✓ Write a Lasting Power of Attorney, so someone can manage your affairs if you’re unable to do so in the future
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✓ We can carry out the administration of the estate in full ✓ Or, we can simply apply for the grant of probate only ✓ Our fees are fair and based on the work needed, not on a fixed percentage. ✓ We assess the estate, and provide a fixed fee quote
For more information contact 07954 096 353 or WWW.PHOENIXWILLSANDPROBATE.CO.UK
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Food & Retail
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FOR A 2024 BROCHURE OR TO BOOK: PHONE: 01773 590 808 01246 604 764 or 07483 357 958 Go online WWW.CLAIRSCOACHES.CO.UK
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MOBILE BOOKING OFFICE LOCATIONS
2nd Tuesday of each month 9am - 1pm | South Normanton Market Place 2nd Thursday of each month 9.30am - 12.00pm | Bolsover Market 2nd Friday of each month 9am - 1pm | Ripley Market Place
3rd Tuesday of each month 9am - 12noon | Blackwell Community Centre 3rd Thursday of each month 9am - 1pm | Alfreton Severn Square Car Park (Outside B&M) 3rd Friday of each month 9am - 1pm | Sutton-in-Ashfield, Portland Square
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FOOD & RETAIL
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BOOK REVIEW
THE FELL - SARAH MOSS
It’s surprising how fast you can forget just what lockdown was like during Covid – for those of us who played by the rules at least.
claustrophobic time, following Kate, a single Mum who can’t stand it any longer and slips out of the house to walk up the fells she knows so well.
It seems difficult to imagine that we couldn’t go for a decent walk out in the fresh air in the countryside or be within two metres of neighbours if we were in the garden. And then there was the 14 days isolation period if you’d been in contact….
What starts as a breath of fresh air and a hint of freedom soon descends into something potentially catastrophic when she slips and falls.
Somehow in retrospect it seems even more difficult when you hear the extraordinary evidence currently being given to the Covid inquiry. Sarah Moss’s slim novel The Fell takes place over a day and night and totally captures that
To advertise please call 01773 549 035
This is a real page turner but it’s so much more than that. These were difficult times we lived through and the story looks at the effects of a period when a lot of people realised how much they took simple human contact for granted. It’s thoughtful and well written and a reminder of what it was like for a lot of us.
17
FOOD & RETAIL
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.
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Search ‘The Little Red Hen House’ at:
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Honey-roasted parsnip soup with halloumi
FOOD & RETAIL
Slimming World Recipe
If some flavours just jump out at you then honey roast parsnips and halloumi cheese must have a spring board! The perfect soup for a cold Decembers day.
Method: 4. Tip the parsnips into the onion pan. Add a splash of stock to the roasting tin and scrape up all the 2. Cook the parsnips in a saucepan caramelised juices from the base of boiling water over a high heat with a spatula. Add the juices to for 5 minutes. Drain well and the onion pan with the rest of the give them a little shake. Tip the stock and bring to the boil. Put parsnips into a large non-stick the lid back on and simmer for roasting tin, spray with low-calorie 10 minutes. Blitz the soup until cooking spray and drizzle with smooth using a stick blender (or the honey. Sprinkle over some use a food processor and return seasoning, toss well and spread to the pan). Remove from the the parsnips out. Roast for 25-30 heat, stir in the fromage frais and minutes, turning halfway. check the seasoning. 1. Get your oven warmed up to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.
3. While the parsnips are roasting, put the onion, garlic and 3 tbsp stock in a large non-stick saucepan over a low heat. Put a lid on the pan and cook for 10 minutes or until the onions are soft and golden.
For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk
Ingredients:
5. Spray a non-stick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and put it over a high heat. Add the halloumi and cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden, turning often. Divide the soup between 4 bowls and evenly scatter over the halloumi and parsley to serve.
• • 1kg parsnips, peeled and cut into small chunks • • Low-calorie cooking spray • 2 level tbsp clear honey • 1 large onion, • chopped • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 1.5 litres hot vegetable stock
Serves: 4 Ready in: 1 hour
150g fat-free natural fromage frais 90g reducedfat halloumi cheese, suitable for vegetarians, cut into bitesize chunks Chopped fresh parsley, to serve
Syns per serving: 4
WILLOW TREE CAFÉ / BISTRO
OPEN TUESDAYS THROUGH TO SUNDAYS FROM 9AM
TICK CHRISTMAS FAYRE MENU AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT DECEMBER
PLEASE GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE CHRISTMAS INFORMATION
ETS
Hilcote Ln, Hilcote, Blackwell, Alfreton DE55 5HR
To advertise please call 01773 549 035
STILL
AVA ILA
BLE!
T: 01773 811 248
www.willowtreebistro.co.uk info@willowtreebistro.co.uk
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FOOD & RETAIL
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CHESTERFIELD & DISTRICT SHOPMOBILITY LTD Ground Floor, Multi-Story Car Park, New Beetwell Street, Chesterfield, S40 1QR ter
Boot Scoo
01246 559331
GOING AWAY FOR CHRISTMAS , SOMEONE COMING TO STAY OR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING NEEDS DOING? If you require a Manual Wheelchair or a Boot Scooter to hire to take away or stay at home we can help you!
Manual Wheelchair
You can hire mobility equipment on a short term hire, from a full day, overnight, week or a month
to Friday: 10.00am – 4.30pm Opening Hours: Monday Saturday: 10.30am – 3.00pm
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Slacks Travel
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2024_V12_PRINT
1 31/10/2023
FOOD & RETAIL
3/8 Page Portrait Advert
1
16:25 Page
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GARDENS OF SOUTHERN ENGLAND 04-06 JUNE HB
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£389
5
£283
16 MAR BLENHEIM PALACE & THRIPLOW DAFFODILS (HB) 2
£197
17 MAR SCOTLAND, INVERNESS - DIAMOND ALL INCLUSIVE 5
£528
06 MAR WEYMOUTH (HB)
PENNINE EXPLORER 07-11 JUNE HB
11 MAR BOURNEMOUTH - 50% OFF BAR (HB)
GREAT YARMOUTH 10-14 JUNE HB
WARNERS CRICKET ST THOMAS 14-18 JUNE HB HAMPSHIRE HIGHLIGHTS 17-21 JUNE HB
5
£534 £342
SIDMOUTH JULY HB (HB) 08 APR 04-08 EASTBOURNE
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£412 £534
HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW 10-12 JULY HB
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£525
7
£567
22 APR CUMBRIAN ADVENTURE (HB)
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£575
29APR SCOTLAND - CRAINLARICH (HB)
5
£586
03 MAY LOOE (HB)
7
£765
21 APR CROMER (HB)
DISTRIBUTORS WANTED
COLCHESTER AND CONSTABLE COUNTRY 25-30 JULY HB
LAKE DISTRICT STEAM & CRUISE 25-30 JULY HB
EUROPEAN COACHING
06 MAY WALES - LLANDUDNO (HB)
£175 £450 £642 £446 £410
5
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11 MAY LONDON - ROYAL ALBERT HALL (BB) GERMANY ROMANTIC RHINE 29 JULY-04 AUG HB
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£242 £807
12 MAY PORTO HAMPSHIRE (HB)VALLEY 05-14 SEPT HB PORTUGAL AND DOURO
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IRELAND TO COAST 12-19 SEPT(BB) HB 17 MAYCOAST LONDON WEEKENDER
3
£759 £308
ITALY DOLOMITES 25 SEPT-05 HBOSBOURNE HOUSE (HB) 19 MAY ISLE OF WIGHT -OCT INCL.
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£956 £549
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IRELAND CAUSEWAY COASTER 27 JUNE-02 JULY HB
BELGIUM BRUGES XMAS MARKETS 29 NOV-02 DEC B&B
24 MAY SIDMOUTH (HB)
DAY EXCURSIONS
26 MAY WALES - TENBY (HB)
EARLY BOOKINGS ADVISABLE *ADMISSIONS INCLUDED SAT 22 MAY HARROGATE SAT 29 MAY WHITBY
ADULT
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NT MEMBERS
£26
CONTINENTAL COACHING £28
WED 2 JUNE CHESTER / CHESTER ZOO (ADMISSION NOT INC)
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SAT 12 JUNE YORK
09 JUN, SPAIN - CANTABRIA (HB) SUN 13 JUNE HARRY POTTER TOUR
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10 £1167 £69
SAT 19 JUNE BBC GARDENERS WORLD
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15 APR LLANDUDNO FRANCE - CHANTILLY & PARIS BB+ 1 EVENING MEAL 4 £28
SAT 5 JUNE
OCT WHITBY ITALY - TUSCANY (HB) SAT08 26 JUNE SAT 3 JULY
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DEC LIVERPOOL BELGIUM - BRUGES XMAS MARKET (BB) SAT06 10 JULY £25
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21
PET SERVICES
s ’ e k a l F s e t i r u o Fav
Re-walking Rafa’s Rambles
I won’t lie to you, this month there was a lot more grumble than ramble on the walk. So, I hope the weather is a lot, lot better for you than it was for us. The thing that always makes it worthwhile though, is the happy dog whizzing around, like mud doesn’t stick to his feet (only his belly!) and that feeling when you are back home, cosy and warm, having earned that tasty treat. This walk makes good use of the Blackwell and Silverhill Trails, with some nice views along the way. So why not get out there in the rain and mud, make your dog happy and earn yourself a cake, or two?
5 1/2 MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM TIBSHELF PONDS VIA THE BLACKWELL TRAIL Depending on the weather, this could be a muddy but moderate walk for you and your dog. The route will take around 3 hours. There are a couple of tricky stiles and there are roads to cross and walk alongside. The terrain can be uneven so as usual a good pair of boots are essential. As ever, always follow the countryside code!
START: TIBSHELF PONDS CAR PARK, SUNNY BANK, TIBSHELF, ALFRETON DE55 5PG
1. Park in the free car park at Tibshelf ponds, which can be accessed off Sunny Bank road, which leads off Shetland Road.
22
2. Exit the car park and turn right before taking the bridle path on your left beside a house. Follow the track until it meets the road crossing over to the pavement.
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4. At the roundabout turn right down Cragg Lane and walk for 1/2 a mile before taking Church Hill on your right. After about 30 meters take the footpath on your left, through a gate and walk down the path past Blackwell Church. 5. At the bottom of the path cross & turn right for 20 meters and then cross over the road to take the path through a gate. Carry on down the track until it brings you to the Blackwell Trail, turning left. 6. Walk along the trail past Hilcote and after a bridge, at a split in the path, take the right. Then, before you reach the industrial estate, after a horse stile. Take a path on your left down the steps with a stream on your left at the bottom. 7. Walk along the path, keeping left to take a path that keeps you alongside the stream. Then keep left and cross the bridge over the stream and into the fields. 8. Turn right and walk along the outside of the field and continue along the outside of the next field.
9. Cross the stile on your right and cross the bridge. At the road cross over and turn left. When the road bends to the left take the bridleway on your right. 10. Cross the stiles and at the end of the track pass through a gate and walk on a short way before passing through another gate. 11. After the gate walk straight across the next field and cross a stile. Turn right, walking around the outside of the field and around to the left. Pass by a gap before a large tree and continue with the hedge on your right. At another gap on your right, turn right and continue into another field keeping the hedge to your left until you reach a stile. 12. Cross directly across the field on the path to reach a stile that will bring you onto the Silver Hill trail. 13. Turn left on the trail. Continue on under two bridges and for some distance before reaching a signpost. Take the path on your right that leads to Tibshelf. 14. Walk along the path, keeping to the left as you meet a junction that has three choices. This path takes you through the Tibshelf Ponds area and onto the car park where you began.
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.
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PET SERVICES
3. Turn left and pass under a bridge, after a short way take the signposted ‘Newton Link’ path on your right. At the end of the path cross over the road and turn left, heading into Newton.
Tibshe lf Ponds Silverhill TRail Blackw ell TRail
Tib
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to
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
REFLECTING ON ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR NEW TUPTON IVANHOE F.C. As we head towards the end of another successful year for New Tupton Ivanhoe we would like to thank all the volunteers who give their time to coach and run the club and the businesses and organisations, which support the club financially and in kind. On the pitch in 2023, we have seen several teams doing well in their leagues and we have had tournament wins. Off the pitch, the club has successfully delivered one of the largest grassroots football tournaments in the region and continued to develop facilities, including further investment in the club’s pitches and investment in the café bar which has secured a 5-star hygiene rating. We continue to fundraise to refurbish the MUGA in Tupton. There has been some great fundraising from charity car washes through to raffles. We hope that in 2024 we can complete this project. You can sponsor this at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ newtuptonivanhoe. We are pleased to announce that the New Tupton Ivanhoe Summer Festival of Football will return in June 2024. Grassroots clubs can sign up now. Attracting hundreds of teams and their families over three weekends in the Summer there are a range of sponsorship opportunities available for the tournament. The club also have a limited number of opportunities to secure an advertising hoarding at the A1 Garage Doors Arena.
The boards cost £200 for two years and will be positioned around the perimeter of pitch 1. The pitch is used for matches, training, events, and the annual Festival of Football. An opportunity for profile, as well as supporting the club’s development. Businesses will also be promoted on the club’s social media channels with a photograph of their hoarding and a link to their Facebook page or website. If you are interested in finding out about these opportunities, please email newtuptonivanhoefc@ btinternet.com for more information. Would you be interested in getting involved with coaching? In preparation for next season, we are looking for a coach and assistant coaches to take on an under-7 side coming through from the Little Ivanhoes. Full support will be offered from the club with DBS, coaching qualification, safeguarding and first aid courses. If you are interested in joining, contact Dave Hoult at newtuptonivanhoefc@btinternet.com As we count down the days to Christmas, there are great football-related stocking fillers, sports kits, and gifts in the club shop at www.newtuptonivanhoefcshop. secure-decoration.com.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL THE CLUB’S PLAYERS, COACHES, PARENTS, SPONSORS, AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY 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
To advertise please call 01773 549 035
25
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service ■ Learn with us to achieve your goals ■ Gain employment skills ■ Meet new people
■ Develop new interests
Scan the QR code or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/adulteducation to see how we can help you Email: adult.education@derbyshire.gov.uk Phone: 01629 531241 SCAN ME
26
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Home s t n e m e v o Impr
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BUILDING & ROOFING
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All Around the Shire STIR UP SUNDAY
The origin of this day was nothing to do with puddings or Christmas but everything to do with the Catholic or Anglican Church. It was traditionally the last Sunday in the year before Advent, when the collect for the day from the book of common prayer began “Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people...”, Over time, this was taken to signify the day that families prepared the Christmas pudding (Stir up) and gave it its first steaming. Dried fruit, spices, flour and all the necessary ingredients had been bought in the weeks beforehand to spread the cost. Each member of the family would take turns to stir up the pudding and make a wish. As well as the thirteen or so different ingredients in the mixture, trinkets were sometimes incorporated. Popular additions were a silver sixpence or thrupenny bit. You might also find a thimble, a button, a horseshoe, a wishbone, a bell or an anchor. If you were lucky enough to find one of these in your pudding on Christmas day, it could mean anything from a wedding in the coming year to eternal spinsterhood or bachelorhood. During our reminiscence sessions, a popular talking point has been the “feeding” of the Christmas pudding or cake. This
To advertise please call 01773 549 035
refers to the regular addition of alcohol by pouring it over the pudding and allowing it to soak into the mixture. Holes are first made using various implements. People tell us they have used everything from a medical syringe, to a cocktail stick or even a knitting needle! The bigger the hole, the more alcohol in the final offering. Whatever your festive preparations involve this year, I hope you make happy memories to look back on in the years to come.
Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information.
Janet
29
STONEBROOM
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Living Made Easy with Bathroom Adaptations Family-run business established 20 years
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Concessions for over 60’s, Derbyshire Gold Card members and NHS T&Cs: † Calls to our 0800 0855 518 number are free from all UK based landlines & mobiles.
Call freephone† 0800 08 555 18 Or book online: To advertise please call 01773 549 035
31
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Meet the Rightio Plumbers Rightio is a home repair service provider. From tackling your leaking toilets to broken boilers, we specialise in providing expert repairs in gas heating, plumbing, drainage, electrics and locks. We have a team of locally based Gas Safe accredited engineers and highly experienced plumbers dedicated to providing an expert local service to the residents of the East Midlands. Rightio blends local engineering expertise with the backing of an established professional company. This combination ensures that all our services come with the added security of being fully insured with a 12-month guarantee, complete job tracking through SMS and email notifications. We offer quick reaction times – often within 1-2 hours, clear and
transparent pricing and over 11,000 trust pilot reviews rating us ‘Great’. Additionally, the opportunity to access our exclusive membership options through our sister company, Care Club, which guarantees comprehensive peace of mind for your home all year round. Our commitment to the local roots of our engineers is shown through our locally employed workforce, allowing us to support the local economy. This is complemented by the strength and resources of our national presence, offering our clients the best of both worlds.
Rightio Plumbing & Heating 01246 502 577 We work in Clay Cross, Danesmoor, Lower Pilsley, Old Tupton & Pilsley, & all surrounding areas
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HOME IMPROVEMENTS
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33
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. 1
2
5
3
6
8
4
Across 8 Bid farewell to die, in an astronomical unit (5) 9 Utterly beat with a soapless wash? (5) 10 Grabbing a bit of a religious teacher (5) 12 Exist as a group and constantly annoy (5)
7
9
10
11
12
13
Down 2 Precocious sounding bugs? (5) 3 Mature painter, not at a good place (5) 11 Being around is an over-indulgence (5) 13 Authority of speaking, as it were (3-2)
14
15
Across
Down
1
Where astronauts head for a reality check? (4,2,5)
1
A hybrid ad., as representing those frustrating times (3,4,4)
5
Make happier, drinking from this here cup (5,2)
4
Shouted at the hens to adopt sotto voce (6,5)
14 Darkness frequency for Keira follower, say (7)
6
Indulge in some form of escaping (7)
15 They hold drawings of bets that are OK to shock (6,5)
9
Arbiter, assumed to be a Welsh one (7)
ANSWERS FOR LAST MONTHS PITHERWITS Across: 1 Casablanca, 7 Ruing, 8 Refloat, 11 Tibia, 13 Inane, 14 Colonel, 16 Inapt, 18 Dissuasive. Down: 2 Ali, 3 Au gratin, 4 Abel, 5 Abatements, 6 Protracted, 9 Families, 10 Okra, 12 Ball, 15 Opus, 17 A B V.
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and Guess the words rd! ! o w s s o r c Fill in the
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These puzzles are devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk
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HOME IMPROVEMENTS
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Terms and conditions: † Calls to our 0800 0855 518 number are free from all UK based landlines & mobiles. *Prices may vary depending on the current age and make of boiler, this offer applies to new customers only. **Prices shown are inclusive of VAT. † † Prices correct as of 01-01-21. Third-party prices may vary.
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HOME IMPROVEMENTS
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GARDENS
Gardener’s Calendar
Hydrangeas are a bit of a marmite plant – not least because despite their earlier colourful blooms, at this time of year can start to look very bedraggled.
You might feel tempted to tidy them up by cutting back now, but it’s a better idea to leave them until the last of the frosts in spring – the spent flower heads will protect coming buds. However, it is a good time to prune fruit trees such as pears and apples, trying to keep the shape fairly open so there is room for spring blossom to develop without getting knocked off by branches in the wind. And climbing roses also benefit from being pruned now, removing shoots which are getting leggy and have flowered this year by about half to two thirds. Birches and acers should also be cut back now if you wish – any later and you risk them bleeding which damages the health of the plant.
Top Tip:
Dahlias should be lifted after they go black in the first frosts if you’re in a cold spot, although you can possibly get away with leaving them in if you mulch deeply. If you’re lifting, cut off the stems, remove soil carefully, leave to dry in a cool place then bury in soil or compost in a box and put in a cool frost-free place.
Mulching borders can help to protect vulnerable plants as the worst of winter comes in. You can use bark chips or spent compost or even cuttings from fir tree – anything with a loose structure.
Call us: 01629 534475
Holly Grange Farm, Lea Moor Road, Lea, Matlock DE4 5RA sales@hardwoodlogsltd.co.uk www.hardwoodlogsltd.co.uk
YOU CAN ALSO VISIT OUR SHOP FOR: • A range of small bags of kiln dried logs • Kindling • Woodwool Firelighters • BBQ Charcoal • Smokeless Ovals • Log Baskets • Stove accessories • Derbyshire made candles and lanterns, and other unique products
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39
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
THE PERFECT ESCAPE IN YOUR OWN GARDEN
Nottingham Show Site 251 Toton Lane NG9 7JA 40
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LADYBIRD AUTUMN The ladybird is one of our most widely known, recognised, and probably liked, insects. Brightly and distinctively coloured these little beetles are regarded as the gardener’s friend because they consume vast numbers of aphids, generally greenfly. However, they are also increasingly known because of the invasive alien species, the ‘Harlequin’ ladybird with its coats of many colours (mostly yellow, red, and black) and an array of sizes and markings. These are the big brutes of the ladybird world and range from quite small to (by ladybird standards) rather large. This species is a recent colonist, boasts a voracious appetite, and being cannibalistic, will consume smaller ladybirds even of its own type. It is this species most often recording as coming into houses to hibernate for the winter. Ladybird numbers often fluctuate greatly as they follow the populations of greenfly and this is both as they breed, but also as they move or migrate. If summer weather is suitable then greenfly numbers rise in continental Europe to a point where the new-born come with wings and the population rises up to be carried on air currents across the North Sea and the Channel to Britain. The ladybirds then follow although the big ladybirds years of the past, especially the famous invasion of the 1976 drought year, were of the red-coloured Seven-spot not the now abundant Harlequin. As swarms of ladybirds landed on East Coast beaches many people reported being bitten by them! In the winters that followed, it was commonplace to find whole gateposts for example, covered in hibernating ladybirds. Indeed, the presence of hibernating ladybirds is now a sign of winter on its way. We have had numbers of a rather distinctive yellow and black 14-Spot Ladybird, which because it is tiny, is often overlooked. There
HIBERNATING HALEQUINN LADBYBIRDS BY PHIL HELLIWELL
were swarms of yellow ladybirds reported by Jan Turner and Paul Ardron on one day, and by the next, there were hundreds crammed into every crevice of this old, multi-stemmed elm tree. Probably for safety’s sake, ladybirds often hibernate communally, and these may well spend the next few months in their new home. Massed together I presume that their hard cases provide necessary protection from both the weather and from would-be predators like the much bigger red and black Harlequin Ladybird pictured next to them. As noted already, Harlequins are active predators including on other, smaller ladybirds and are a species which readers will see increasingly as in wintertime they come indoors into our homes to overwinter. As their name suggests they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colour patterns ranging from big to quite small. They are mostly either red (or orange) with black spots or black with red spots and the numbers of spots vary dramatically. Like most larger ladybirds they are predatory and feed on insects such as aphids (greenfly) but also other smaller insects like other ladybirds. So, I suspect the one pictured was casing the joint looking for easy pickings but the way the smaller yellow ladybirds were packed in was an effective defence. It was interesting to see these yellow ladybirds which though fairly common, are one of two yellow-coloured ladybirds with 22-spot being the smaller. The 14Spot Ladybird is bigger and has rounded rectangular markings rather than dots. However, our tiny yellow ladybird is also rather different in that it is an herbivore or more correctly a fungivore, rather than a carnivore generally feeding on mildew on plants. One to look out for!
ANTS MILKING APHIDS BY PETE WOLSTENHOLME
Professor Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer, broadcaster on wildlife and environmental issues in the Peak District and elsewhere, is contactable on ianonthewildside@ukeconet.org. Follow his website To advertise please blog call www.ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/ 01773 549 035 www.ukeconet.org, & Twitter @IanThewildside 41
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SUDOKU #41
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. These puzzles are devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk
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9!
2
1 4 8 2 3 8 3 5 7 7 2 6 8 1 5 3 8 3 2 4 1 9 1 4 5 7 8
8
9 7 5
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