Voice Magazines - Ripley & Marehay - January 2024 by Voice Magazines and Artliff Design & Print

JAN ‘24

ER 162,000 RESIDENTS 12 EDIT IONS READ BY OV

RIPLEY & MAREHAY

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From the Editor Happy New Year Readers!!! 2024 – let’s see what you’ve got in store for us all in the continuation of this crazy decade?! It can’t be any worse right??!! To be fair, I’d be ecstatic with interest rates coming down anytime soon (thanks Liz #eyeroll) to make my mortgage into a number that doesn’t spell words upside down on a calculator! It’s only a Semi for crikey’s sake, I reckon I’d get a tasty property in Bel Air for the same monthly cost currently! Anyway, with that in mind, no predictions from me this year (unlike our resident writer Mike, who has turned into Mystic Meg – God rest her soul). There is absolutely no point because the way 2023 has unfolded, it’s all a bit beyond my imagination! Personally speaking, I think I will go back to my resolutions this year – well, for January at least!! Laura (our other resident writer) is with me on the resolution thing but she is going for ‘finding your inner child’, which is brilliant. My only trouble with that one is, my child is quite ‘outer’ already, so I’m back to the drawing board on what I want to do. I need to find something that challenges me but is low on cost. Maybe something like decluttering the house – that would be very challenging in our house! Nah, Mr Emily would never go for it! Oooh, I remember reading about Flo Meiler who is 84 and keeps winning medals at pole vaulting. She didn’t’ start until she was 60! I mean, how inspirational is that! Maybe there is hope for me yet? Although, I’m far too clumsy for pole vaulting. I did consider parkour

(the jumping across buildings thing, not the winter jacket) but I ruled it out for the same reasons…...oh and I’m not that balanced and my head for heights is diminishing as the years pass by!! As a more sedate but equally as challenging undertaking for me, I have briefly considered taking up ‘knitting’ in honour of my late Grandma. She was fantastic at it and knitted me various garments and even one of those knitted scarecrows that everyone had in the late 80’s/early 90’s. In a bid to try and pass on her knowledge and no doubt, I chewed her ear off about teaching me, she bought me my very own yarn selection and child size knitting needles from Alfreton Market one day. I was very excited about this! She dutifully sat me down on many occasions to try and teach me the knit and purl of this forgotten art. Turns out that the only thing I was any good at was ‘dropping’ stitches. It tested our relationship and sufficed to say (no doubt feeling murderous towards me on more than one occasion), the needles were ‘lost’! So instead we spent our Saturdays watching Bullesye and eating cake! Happy times. Anyway, I’ll let you know what I decided in the Feb edition – if I can settle on anything, this might be the theme of this year – new monthly hobbies!! Happy Reading.

x Emily LEISURE CENTRE POST OFFICE

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WITH 12 MAGAZINES COVERING NOTTINGHAMSHIRE & DERBYSHIRE, WHY NOT ADVERTISE IN ANOTHER AREA? Upcoming Submission Deadline for Advertisers & Contributors: February ‘24 Edition - 12th January ‘24 • March ‘24 Edition - 10th February ‘24

To advertise email: info@voicemagazines.co.uk or call us on 01773 549 035 Printed by CPUK Ltd and distributed to 6,500 homes in North Derbyshire. 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

NEW YEAR – NEW YOU EMBRACE YOUR INNER CHILD! I celebrated a milestone birthday just before Christmas, and it’s got me thinking “about life, the universe, and everything” (a Hitchhiker’s Guide reference), and how as we grow older we often lose touch with our inner child. As a writer, I spend a lot of time researching and reading, and I came across an analogy the other day that I would like to share with you. It doesn’t matter if you are 87, or 17, I think the sentiment will resonate with you. Here it is… You are like a book - your ages are like the pages. You might be on page 78, but page 7 is still right there, unchanged and accessible to you. The 7-year-old you never went away, they are there, inside you still, so it’s a simple shift of focus to connect with the child you still are, not the child you ‘were’. Deep, right? But yet, very simple. As we grow older, we become enmeshed in the practicalities of living; have the bills been paid, the shopping done, beds made, clothes washed…and so on, ad infinitum. If we’re not careful, we can lose the joy in our lives, as we become subsumed by simply surviving. Your task for 2024 and beyond is to reconnect with the childlike part of yourself. Remember how it felt to be a small child, curious, inquisitive, fearless? Allow yourself to live fully in each moment, feel the rain on your upturned face, try something different – a new food, drink, or activity.

Marvel at the way dew glistens on a spider web, as if hundreds of tiny diamonds had been captured in the sticky strands. Catch snowflakes on your tongue. Eat candyfloss at the seaside and giggle as it dissolves in your mouth. Go for a stroll in the countryside and jump in puddles (wellies essential). Reconnecting with your inner child doesn’t mean you absolve all your responsibilities – we still have to “adult” (sadly!), but give yourself time to play too. What’s that old adage? “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” But allowing yourself to have fun whilst adulting is a something we should all embrace. Even mundane tasks can be made more fun. Put some music on whilst doing the housework and dance whilst you clean. As an added bonus, you’ll be getting some exercise too! This January, forget New Year resolutions that you will probably give up by the time February appears, and instead take a vow to remember and reconnect with your inner child. Why not see if you can dig out an old photo of yourself and stick it on the fridge – or some other prominent place? Better yet (if you are a gadget geek like me) turn that photo into your computer or phone’s screen saver. You will have a constant visual reminder of the beautiful child you were, and still are inside…no matter how many love lines now adorn your face.

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

BOOK REVIEW

MY NAME IS LUCY BARTON - ELIZABETH STROUT

Elizabeth Strout has two much loved main characters in her novels. In Booker prize shortlisted Oh William! she returns to the woman we first meet in My Name is Lucy Barton. Lucy, who comes from “terrible bleak poverty” is now a successful writer in New York. A recent widow, she reconnects with the William of the title, her first husband and long-time friend. This is a subtle and complex picture of long term relationships, of family secrets which change so much in our lives when

they become known, of the way our roots and childhood shape us for the rest of our lives, no matter how much we think we’re controlling our own destiny. It’s written very simply, not in a “writerly” way, but that’s deliberate and deceptive and the book has real depths. Elizabeth Strout is a great storyteller, revealing so much through little things and showing Lucy as a vulnerable but uncrushable character, who at the same time is a very ordinary human being. An absorbing and thoughtful story, but also a good read.

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Head Coach Daniel Woodthorpe was extremely pl each athlete performed to a very high level in the of the water. I’m very much looking forward to a s

RASCALS DIVING INTO 2024

Left to right: Daniel Woodthorpe (Coach), Luke Waterfall, Freddie Postlethwaite, Cillian Lamont, Rachael Healy, Terry Fox

RASCALS would like to wish all their athletes a fantastic 2024! Last year brought us many memorable successes and we look forward again to a packed calendar of events this year! In addition to our many competitions across the UK, we have added some exciting new events this year. Our Swimming team are organising their first ever swim camp in Lanzarote in February and our competitive lifesavers will be competing in the Irish Nationals for the first time.

Masters Terry Fox and Rachael Healy did what they do best, win medals!! Terry came home with a gold and a bronze and Rachael a silver and two bronzes. The quality of master competition in the Orange Cup is at the highest standard, this was proved by a world record being smashed in one of the races, making Terry and Rachael’s achievement’s all the more impressive.

Our competitive lifesavers are no strangers to travel and a group of five RASCALS athletes, aided expertly by their coach, attended the prestigious “Orange Cup” in Eindhoven, The Netherlands in December bringing 2023 to a successful close.

Freddie Postlethwaite, competing in his 2nd Orange Cup, looked back to his best, and put four quality swims together, and he especially looks impressive when he puts the fins on his feet. Claiming a top 20, top 15 and top 10 finishes in the fin events, after beating some of the best in the UK and Europe, he should take massive confidence going into 2024.

The event attracts some of the best pool lifesavers in the world and this year’s quality didn’t disappoint, with Europe’s best, mixed in with national sides from South Africa and Hong Kong, not to mention some special performances from the New Zealand squad.

Luke Waterfall captained the side and led by example, having a tremendous weekend in the water. Four excellent swims gave him positions of 12th, 9th, 5th and 3rd. Luke broke the National record in the tow with fins for 15-18 years and won a deserved bronze medal in the 100m carry.

But the five athletes from Derbyshire more than held their own and gave some fantastic individual performances. Cillian Lamont, competing at this level for the first time, produced PB after PB, making a mockery of the fact he was swimming in a 3m deep pool for the first time. He showed maturity beyond his years, this all bodes well moving into what could be a big 2024 season for him.

Head Coach Daniel Woodthorpe was extremely pleased with all of his swimmers, “a fantastic weekend, each athlete performed to a very high level in the pool and represented the club admirably when out of the water. I’m very much looking forward to a stacked 2024”.

If you would like to expand your swimming activities or try something new, please contact us.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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All Around the Shire DASHING AWAY WITH THE SMOOTHING IRON…. If Monday was washing day, then Tuesday was ironing day. One of our recent acquisitions is a small iron with a fabric flex and a bayonet-type plug designed to be connected into a pendant light fitting. I well remember in the early sixties, my very tall dad reaching up to plug in the iron for my mum to iron shirts or for him to press his army uniform. He wouldn’t let mum do it because the only time she did, Dad was put on jankers (confined to barracks) because his trouser leg creases were not straight. We didn’t have an ironing board, so mum lay a thick blanket covered with a sheet on the table and used a damp tea towel for very crumpled shirts. There was always a certain warm, slightly frazzled smell which I still remember today. When I was small, my mum taught me to iron, starting off with hankies and tea towels, eventually progressing to shirts which had to be approached in an unchanging sequence: back of collar, front of collar, cuffs, arms, button side front and so on. Even now, I follow the same pattern and find pleasure and relaxation in doing so. We come across many people during our reminiscence sessions who have living memories of flat irons (sometimes called sad irons) being

used on a day-to day basis. Two were usually required: one to heat up on the range and the other to press the clothing. Some people even remember using paraffin irons or ones filled with hot coals. The 1960’s saw many new, manmade polyester-based fabrics such as crimplene and easy-care polycottons. Not so much to iron. Nowadays, our flat iron is a door stop and our bayonet fitting iron is a curiosity. But I still iron with pleasure and smile to myself when I remember….

Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information.

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It’s pretty miserable outsaide. So what you need is something warm and comforting to fill you up on cold winters nights.

4. Stir the stock cube into 200ml hot water, then add to the sausage pan along with the mixed beans, baked beans, sweetcorn, Marmite, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar and spring onions. Simmer for 5 minutes, then transfer to an ovenproof dish and top with the potatoes. Spray with low-calorie cooking spray and cook in the oven for 30 minutes. Serve hot, with your favourite Speed vegetables.

3. Meanwhile, spray a large non-stick saucepan with low-calorie cooking spray and put it over a medium heat. Brown the sausages on all sides for 5 minutes, then add the garlic, onion and peppers and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the tomato purée and smoked paprika and cook for 5 minutes. For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk

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Re-walking Rafa’s Rambles

At this time of year, with the somewhat inclement weather, walking your dog can feel more or a chore than a pleasure. But it is so good for our dogs and our physical and mental health to get some exercise. This walk makes good use of paths and trials around King’s Mill Reservoir to provide a short but sweet walk, which is perfect in Winter. The walk begins and ends at the Kings Mill Reservoir. There is a good-sized car park and there is a café at the Visitors Centre. We then join the Timberland Trail which winds through to the small but pleasant Oakham Nature Reserve. From here we pick up a path alongside the River Maun as it winds back towards the reservoir.

3 1/2 MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM KING’S MILL RESERVOIR A short walk which should take you and your dog around 2 hours to complete. The walk features a number of roads so please take care. There majority of the walk is on trails but please wear appropriate footwear and as always, please follow the countryside code.

START: KINGSMILL RESERVOIR SAILING CLUB CAR PARK, RESERVOIR ACCESS ROAD SUTTON IN ASHFIELD. NG17 4PA 1. From the car park head directly towards the reservoir and a large notice board. Upon reaching a T junction of tarmac paths with the notice board directly in front of you, turn right along the tarmac path with the reservoir on your left. After a short distance you will pass by a sign on your right reading ‘visitor centre’ and then a little further on pass by the visitor centre on your right. 2. Continue straight along the tarmac path keeping the reservoir on your left for quite some distance. Follow the path until reaching a signpost, just Sponsored by

before a bridge. At the signpost turn right and very shortly, at a junction, turn right again. 3. Follow the path up a ramp to cross over a metal bridge over the railway line. On the other side at a T-junction of paths, turn right to join the Timberland Trail. 4. Keep on this path until reaching a road. Cross straight over the road, pass by a signboard reading ‘Timberland Trail’, and then continue straight ahead along a path. Continue until reaching another road.

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6. Walk straight ahead going gently uphill. At the top continue along the footpath into some trees and then bear right to descend sharply down some steps heading directly towards a lake. Turn left 20 YEAR just in front of the lake to walk along the path WARRANTY until reaching a road. Turn left along the road for a very short distance and then turn right, pass through a width restrictor and along a footpath.

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on your right. Keep straight ahead until reaching a road. Turn left along the road for a very short distance crossing a river and then turn right to pass through a chicane and onto a footpath.

9. Fast, Walk along a tarmac path with service the river onwith your friendly, reliable right. Pass by a fishing lake on your right and no mess then after some distance you will continue with a chain link fence and a railway line on your right. All plastering work undertaken, When the chain link fence on your right ends turn including: sharp right to double back on yourself and then through a swing gate, cross over the railway • pass Artex cover-ups line to pass through a 2nd swing gate.

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11. After a short distance bear slightly to the left to or along advice call Anthony on: to the continue a footpath staying close stone wall and passing by a notice board on your left. Continue along this path for quite some distance staying close to the reservoir on your left. Eventually you will join up with a tarmac path. Continue straight ahead until reaching a T junction of tarmac paths. Turn left, cross over a bridge, and continue with the reservoir on your left.

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12. After some distance pass by a wooden gate and then a little further on pass by Sutton Sailing Club on your right. Continue until reaching the car park on your right.

This walk is for illustrative purposes King’s Mill only. Voice Magazines Ltd takes REser voir no responsibility for anyone who Timberland chooses to follow this route and TRail Sutton encourages all walkers to obey all -inAshfIe Ma lD ns byelaws and signs and to respect the Fie am ld kh re Oa tu ve area they are walking in, ensuring Na er s Re they pick up all dog mess and obey the countryside code at all times.

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Welcome to our High Street feature! Christmas has gone but there are loads of bargains to be found in your local area, which boasts a treasure trove of remarkable businesses. This New Year, make a difference and support your local area. Whether it’s January Sales or a New Year’s resolution to finally get that job done, you’ll find a local shop, business or tradesperson who can help!

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2. Continue straight along the tarmac path keeping the reservoir on your left for quite some distance. Follow the path until reaching a signpost, just Sponsored by

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5. Continue along the path for some distance and then pass by a metal gate. keep straight ahead for a short distance. Now continue with a stone wall on your left, pass by another gate and then a house on your left. Walk gently downhill and then at the bottom of the hill, turn left through a metal width restrictor adjacent to a large metal gate onto a well laid footpath. 6. Walk straight ahead going gently uphill. At the top continue along the footpath into some trees and then bear right to descend sharply down some steps heading directly towards a lake. Turn left just in front of the lake to walk along the path until reaching a road. Turn left along the road for a very short distance and then turn right, pass through a width restrictor and along a footpath. 7. After a short distance follow the footpath to the right and then a little further on follow the path to the left. Continue for a short distance and then turn right to cross over a river bridge. After crossing the bridge turn immediately left and then continue with the river on your left. 8. Continue straight ahead to join up with a tarmac path and then continue with a tall metal fence

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Cross straight over the road pass by another sign board on your left and continue straight ahead along a footpath.

on your right. Keep straight ahead until reaching a road. Turn left along the road for a very short distance crossing a river and then turn right to pass through a chicane and onto a footpath. 9. Walk along a tarmac path with the river on your right. Pass by a fishing lake on your right and then after some distance you will continue with a chain link fence and a railway line on your right. When the chain link fence on your right ends turn sharp right to double back on yourself and then pass through a swing gate, cross over the railway line to pass through a 2nd swing gate. 10. Continue straight ahead for a short distance and then follow the path around to the left signposted for ‘Sutton in Ashfield’. After a short distance cross over a bridge and then upon reaching a stone wall directly in front of you turn right. Now continue with a stone wall and a reservoir on your left. 11. After a short distance bear slightly to the left to continue along a footpath staying close to the stone wall and passing by a notice board on your left. Continue along this path for quite some distance staying close to the reservoir on your left. Eventually you will join up with a tarmac path. Continue straight ahead until reaching a T junction of tarmac paths. Turn left, cross over a bridge, and continue with the reservoir on your left. 12. After some distance pass by a wooden gate and then a little further on pass by Sutton Sailing Club on your right. Continue until reaching the car park on your right.

This walk is for illustrative purposes King’s Mill only. Voice Magazines Ltd takes REser voir no responsibility for anyone who Timberland chooses to follow this route and TRail Sutton encourages all walkers to obey all -inAshfIe Ma lD ns byelaws and signs and to respect the Fie am l kh re Oa tu ve area they are walking in, ensuring Na er s Re they pick up all dog mess and obey the countryside code at all times.

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Down

Sometimes called Jack? He’s made a bid to float (3,2,1,3)

Who to boast about in the sailing exhibition? (8)

4 7

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New domains created in country tipple (6,4)

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JANUARY 2024

HE’S BEHIND YOU!

Among the many privations during the Second World War was the lack of public transport, and the consequent inability of most people in Ripley to get to the traditional pantomime in Derby or Nottingham. To get round this, in 1943, employees of the Butterley Company decided to put on their own pantomime in the works canteen. “Dick Whittington and his Cat” was a full-length production with the traditional leading boy and girl, singing, dancing and a comic duo played by Arthur Jackson and the producer, Charles Cuttell. Music was provided by a trio of piano, guitar and drums and a chorus line of young women;

the Company somehow provided lighting. It played to packed houses, though performances were only at weekends when the canteen was not needed! Following up on this success, there was a production of “Cinderella” in May 1944, “Goody Two-Shoes” in January 1945 and a special Victory pantomime in December 1945. In fact, such was the popularity of the productions that they continued into the 1950s, the last we can find taking place in 1957. By then it had moved to the Co-operative Hall, and the company also toured the production as far afield as Leabrooks and Somercotes in aid of churches and charities.

The productions must have been approved by the Butterley managers: in fact, there is a picture (shown here) of some of the cast of a production of Cinderella with the three main Butterley directors: Fitzwalter Wright, Monty Wright and Harold Newman. It must be the only photo in existence of the Wrights flanked by pantomime dames! The other photograph, a black and white print handtinted in colour, is believed to show Jim Leeson and Iris Frith in a 1950s production. The pantomimes certainly deserved their name as “The Little Show with the Big Reputation.”

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NEW YEAR, NEW ME… SERIOUSLY? Ah, the New Year—a time when we boldly declare our intentions to become the best versions of ourselves. Then realise that maybe, just maybe, the sofa, a bar of chocolate, and a good book are more appealing. Let’s go on a comical journey through the land of resolutions, where good intentions meet reality, and the gym membership card hides in shame. First up, the fitness frenzy. January 1st marks the grand opening of the “Gym of Good Intentions,” where so many of us transform into temporary fitness gurus. Fast forward to February, and the gym resembles a desert island, with tumbleweeds rolling across the abandoned yoga mats. Then there’s the kale conspiracy. Every year, kale emerges as the superhero of resolutions—a leafy green beacon of health. We (try to) convince ourselves that kale crisps are a tasty alternative to regular potato ones, only to realise that, in reality, they taste more like disappointment seasoned with regret. And don’t get me started on dropping the carbs, it simply isn’t possible to go through life without potatoes, bread, and cake…is it? I mean maybe cutback a little, but a roast dinner without roasties and Yorkshire puds is simply unthinkable.

run, or gym workout in the cold, when there’s the cosy warmth of bed? Those mindset “gurus” have a lot to answer for. Resolutions are like fine wine—they take time to get right, need a lot of patience to perfect, and there will be spills and along the way. So, whether you’re chasing fitness dreams, embracing kale with a smile (or a grimace), or attempting to befriend your alarm clock, remember: the laughter shared in the pursuit of these resolutions is the true reward. If you are going to set yourself some resolutions for 2024, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t succeed at the first attempt. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you (and me!) won’t magically transform into svelte, fit, catwalk models simply because we make a few promises to ourselves on January 1st. Finish the chocolate, eat the cakes, snuggle under your duvet – Spring is a much better time to start something new!

The battle of the bulge extends to the fridge. The New Year brings forth a wave of health-conscious shopping and we stock our fridges with loads of veggies. However, amidst the sea of greens, the leftover Christmas chocolate strategically hides, waiting for the midnight cravings. The quest for a healthier lifestyle becomes a game of hide-andseek with the hidden treats. And let’s not forget those who pledge to become early birds in order to conquer the world – or at least their corner of it. The plan is flawless, set the alarm for 5am, meditate, go on a run, make a healthy breakfast etc, etc. But many of them will quickly become best friends with the snooze button, realising that their inner night owl is not so easily tamed. After all, who needs the morning

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. Don’t forget tovisitmention Voice Magazines responding to the Ads To find out more www.word-witch.co.uk or contact Laurawhen on 07736 351 341

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There’s truly not lots to do in January in the garden, beyond cleaning tools and pots and leafing through garden catalogues with a mug of something hot in your hand.

But if you do want to brave the elements there’s a few tasks to keep you warm. Prune your apple and pears if you haven’t done so already, plant bare root roses, prune overgrown honeysuckle back hard, deadhead flowering winter pansies so they don’t set seed and give up the ghost. If you have any forgotten tulips in a bag in the depths of the greenhouse they will probably put on a decent show even if you plant them now – so long as you can get them into frozen ground! Try not to walk on frozen lawns as it can damage grass.

Top Tip:

If you have a heated greenhouse or propagator you can sow lobelia and begonias and pelargoniums now, but make sure there’s some ventilation so they don’t get damped off. Paraffin heaters can produce a lot of moisture which can be too much for tender shoots.

Feed the birdies. Fruits berries, mealworms, suet pellets or fat balls. All high energy content. Bread is not the best idea. But a water bowl is. Dirty feathers lose a lot of their insulation so a clean bird is a warm bird.

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GARDENS

NATURE NOTES FROM THE PEAK DISTRICT

WINTER BIRDS FLOCK TO THE GARDEN FEEDERS By early December, the cold weather had tipped large numbers of smaller birds towards the garden feeders. A combination of the reduction of the autumnal glut of fruit and berries in hedgerows and woodland edge, means our garden feeders assume a greater importance. Furthermore, this is where feeding the birds in the summertime really pays dividends because the birds immediately know where to come. The young birds from this year’s garden broods of blue tits and great tits, are already hard-wired to recall where those easy supplies of sunflower seeds, fatballs, and peanuts are to be found. From August through to late October, the numbers of visiting birds certainly dropped as foraging mixed flocks of titmice or of finches roamed the wider countryside. But since early November, the garden visiting has increased dramatically. In my own case, we have had flocks of around thirty blue tits and good numbers too of great tits and coal tits, alongside the occasional long-tailed tit. This is all good to see and the party has been joined by finches too, with chaffinches, goldfinches, and now, good numbers of greenfinches. The latter is great to see back, with ten or more visiting at once. This is a species which declined sharply due to a nasty disease probably in part spread through dirty garden feeders causing infection. Absent where I am for about ten years, they are now back, and several pairs bred here last summer. In these days of so much doom and gloom in the news, it is nice to have even small things to celebrate!

The smaller birds are joined by some larger ones too such as the now super-abundant woodpigeon and the stunning, ring-necked parakeet. The former hoover up any seed scattered on the ground or falling from hanging feeders and have even taken to trying an assault on the feeders directly. However, being large and cumbersome, they do struggle with nut-holders, fat-balls, and hanging seed dispensers. The parakeets on the other hand are amongst the cleverest and most adept of our garden birds. These are spreading across the region from the first recorded sightings back in the 1980s. They feed on peanut holders and sunflower seed, but simply love spiked apples on the feeders. These are also favoured foods of blackbirds and other thrushes such as fieldfares and mistletoe thrushes. However, blue tits, coal tits, and great tits also relish the apples. Another wintertime treat for the birds comes in the form of dried mealworms. The robins love these and become very tame if they are offered regularly. But the other bird to really benefit from the mealworms is the starling. I have spherical wire holders which are filled with small suet pellets and dried mealworms, and these are attracting flocks of twenty or more starlings at any one time. Bearing in mind that this was a bird under threat just a few years ago, and this is quite remarkable; hopefully, another once declining species now on the up. GREENFINCH

GOLDFINCH

GREAT TIT GREAT TIT

BLUE TIT

WOOD PIGEON

RING-NECKED PARKEET

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 40 www.ukeconet.org, Don’t blog forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads www.ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/ & Twitter @IanThewildside

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20/01/2017 05

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