H
and en ry still thought he g Mavis were ‘loves youn s er mb me drea m’. Mavis re e or that Henry did not sn ey were like a drain when th m’. ‘loves young drea
BAMFOR D • BRA DWELL • CASTLET EYAM • ON • FOOLOW • G R EAT HUC • GRIND KLOW LEFORD • HATHE R SAGE • H LITTLE H OPE • UCKLOW • NETHE R PADLE • TIDESW Y ELL • UP PER PAD LEY
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From the Editor CAPTAINS LOG:
...A few of the crew mates have embarked on ‘dry January’, many have HMS Voice fallen by the wayside and not followed Star Date: 300th January the course, the rest are either despairing daily or behaving erratically. We are enduring... I understand that the leftover Kirsch ...The storms are coming thick Liqueurs have provided comfort to and fast, abandoned trampolines some. are found in the strangest places, everyone is out of cash and patience ...There is some positive news though, last week, I was able to get into the is at a premium. gym again as all resolutions of ‘beach ...The ship had another unexpected bill bodies’ are re-adjusted. fly our way this month, as is January’s want! The potholes are so large that ...Onwards and upwards we feared we had been swallowed shipmates, Spring by a black hole but alas, just another is just around the suspension spring has bitten the dust. corner! It’s hard to differentiate between road and hole currently. Each journey is now undertaken with the utmost ...Captain Emily (lost in caution and an agreed in principle space) loan arrangement. ...||
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WITH 12 MAGAZINES COVERING NOTTINGHAMSHIRE & DERBYSHIRE, WHY NOT ADVERTISE IN ANOTHER AREA? Upcoming Submission Deadline for Advertisers & Contributors: March ‘24 Edition - 9th February ‘24 • April ‘24 Edition - 8th March ‘24
To advertise email: info@voicemagazines.co.uk or call us on 01773 549 035 Printed by Phase Print Ltd and distributed to 4,500 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
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A Historical Journey of Love Valentine’s Day is a day dedicated to love and affection. While modern celebrations often involve flowers, chocolates, and romantic gestures, the history of Valentine’s Day is a fascinating journey that spans centuries and intertwines with various cultures. The roots of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to ancient Rome, where mid-February marked the celebration of Lupercalia. This pagan festival was dedicated to fertility and the coming of spring. During the festivities, young men would draw names of women from a jar and become their companions for the duration of the festival. These matches sometimes led to marriages, and the celebration became known for its romantic associations. The true origin of Valentine’s Day, however, is believed to be associated with the Christian martyr St. Valentine. The Catholic Church recognises several saints named Valentine or Valentinus, but the most commonly referred to is a priest who lived during the third century in Rome. The story goes that Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers. St. Valentine, sympathetic to the plight of young lovers, defied the emperor’s decree and continued to perform marriages in secret. Eventually, St. Valentine was discovered, imprisoned, and executed on February 14th, around the year 269 AD. Various legends surround St. Valentine, further adding to the mystery of his life. One popular tale suggests that, while in prison, Valentine sent a love note to the jailer’s daughter, with whom he had developed a close bond. The note was signed “from your Valentine,” a phrase that would later become synonymous with expressions of love on Valentine’s Day.
4
Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, began to evolve during the Middle Ages. Chaucer, the English poet, is credited with associating the Day with romantic love in his work “Parliament of Fowls.” By the 17th century, exchanging handwritten notes and small tokens of affection became a common practice among friends and lovers on Valentine’s Day. In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution paved the way for mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards. Esther A. Howland, known as the “Mother of the American Valentine,” began producing elaborate handmade cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and colourful illustrations. These cards became immensely popular, and the commercialisation of Valentine’s Day was well underway. Over time, Valentine’s Day spread beyond European borders and became a global celebration of love. Today, people around the world exchange cards, flowers, and gifts to express their affection for loved ones. The Day is not limited to romantic love; it also celebrates friendship and familial bonds. Valentine’s Day, with its roots in ancient customs, Christian martyrdom, and literary influences, has transformed into a day dedicated to expressing love and affection. Whether through handwritten notes, elaborate cards, or thoughtful gestures, the celebration of Valentine’s Day continues to evolve, reminding us of the enduring power of love throughout history. I however, believe we should demonstrate our love for someone EVERY Day – and not just February 14th – how about 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. ToDon’t find outforget more visit or contact Laura on responding 07736 351 341 to the Ads to www.word-witch.co.uk mention Voice Magazines when
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES COMMUNITY NOTICE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
NEWS • EVENTS • UPDATES • LOCAL INTEREST • NEWS • EVENTS • UPDATES • LOCAL INTEREST
WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF DRIVING. • Powerful SUVs • 100% electric cars • Innovative city cars
Sales | Servicing | Parts | Motability NISSAN CHESTERFIELD
1 Discovery Way, Whittington Moor, Chesterfield, S41 9EG
01246 796270 | bristolstreet.co.uk/nissan
Bristol Street Motors Nissan is a trading name of Bristol Street Fourth Investments Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Company registration number 00522856. VAT Registration number 902737238. Registered office: Vertu House, Fifth Avenue Business Park, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0XA.
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Is separation your New Year’s resolution? As the calendar turns it’s human nature to think about changes to your life. Gyms are suddenly at bursting point as people throw themselves into well intentioned, but often short-lived, exercise regimes. The New Year has traditionally seen a spike in divorce enquiries but what might a separation look like? Could a trial separation work? Whatever the reason, when a relationship comes to an end, it’s difficult to know what to do next. Bradie Pell, partner and head of Graysons’ family team offers tips (rather than legal advice) that could help: 1. The date of your separation will be one of the first questions various agencies and solicitors will ask. Make a note of it. 2. Think about how you will address your separation with any children. If it is safe to do so, try to discuss interim care arrangements. It’s important that children don’t think they have to choose between you.
3. Think about the practicalities. You need to consider children, pets, the house, home contents, income sharing, payment of bills, use of bank accounts and so on. Address each aspect individually. Discuss this together if you can, but if not, try to agree a channel of communication; email, for example, or a parenting app such as MyFamilyWizard. The aim is to try to agree a “holding position”, such as how the mortgage or rent will be paid or who is going to stay in the home until matters are resolved and long-term arrangements made. 4. Consider mediation. In the right circumstances, it can be a useful forum to avoid disputes, and you can self-refer. 5. It is important to take legal advice early if you can. Many solicitors offer an initial free consultation in which you can give an overview of your position and be guided as to what your next steps should be.
More information from: www.graysons.co.uk
8
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FOR ALL YOUR JOBS AND SERVICES – USE A TRUSTED TRADER Thousands of Derbyshire residents have found honest, reliable traders and services in their area, thanks to Derbyshire County Council’s Trusted Trader scheme. From plumbers, electricians, gardeners, joiners and decorators to electric vehicle charger installers, accountants, dog walkers, removal firms and will writers – it’s easy to find a registered Trusted Trader to get your job done. And they’re all checked by trading standards. Visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/tt or Call Derbyshire on 01629 533190.
SUDOKU #43
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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Froggatt Edge Garage Your local, reliable garage for over 25 years
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Froggatt Edge Garage Grindleford Road, Calver Sough, Hope S32to3XH Don’tValley, forget mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads
THE CORNER SHOP We were brought up with the ever-open local corner shop. Not always located on the junction of two streets, sometimes they could be found in the middle of a terrace. In our case, it was known as Mrs Stewart’s and sold an array of goods from tuttoos to potatoes, cigarettes to dolly blue bags. The shelves were floor to ceiling in height and, despite being located in Mrs Stewart’s front room, boasted everything that would ever be required. A bell on the front door would alert her to prospective customers if she was elsewhere in the house. She had a fearsome meat slicer and a chilled cabinet offering bacon, tongue that she had prepared herself, corned beef, buns and cheese which was cut with a wire and wrapped in paper. To a small child, the spectacle seemed comforting yet thrilling, with the added bonus of green shield stamps. The process of buying goods from Mrs Stewart’s was accompanied by an easy exchange of conversation about important events concerning neighbours. On the stool sat those who were elderly or infirm or who simply needed to chat a while.
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While the bigger shops on the high street closed on a Wednesday and Saturday afternoon and all-day Sunday, Mrs Stewart’s really did seem to be open all hours. Payments could be spread over the year for those who needed to save up for a hamper of meat or groceries at Christmas. There was also a tab or a slate available for those who were “a bit short until Thursday”. You could also buy single cigarettes with a match. In many of our reminiscence sessions, people remember local corner shops and the characters who used them with great fondness.
Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information.
Janet
There's a ŠKODA model for everyone. Find yours at ŠKODA Chesterfield.
Sales | Servicing | Parts | Motability ŠKODA Chesterfield
1 Discovery Way, Whittington Moor, Chesterfield, S41 9EG
01246 796272 | bristolstreet.co.uk/skoda
Library image for illustration purposes only. Bristol Street Motors ŠKODA is a trading name of Bristol Street Fourth Investments Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Company registration number 00522856. VAT Registration number 902737238. Registered office: Vertu House, Fifth Avenue Business Park, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0XA.
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BAKEWELL CARPETS London House, Matlock Street, Bakewell. Tel: 01629 814122
Your Local, family business you can rely on Celebrating
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Slimming World Recipe Chicken tikka masala dirty fries Method: 1.
Preheat your oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/gas 7.
2.
Cook the potatoes in a large saucepan of boiling water over a high heat for 10 minutes, then drain well.
3.
Once the potatoes are on, mix 3 tbsp yogurt with the curry powder, chopped coriander and some seasoning in a wide bowl. Add the chicken and toss well, then set aside to marinate for at least 5 minutes.
4.
Spread out the chicken in a non-stick roasting tin and spray with low-calorie cooking spray. Roast on the middle shelf of the oven for 20 minutes or until just about cooked through, then add
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This recipe made my mouth water as soon as I saw it. Comfort food? Check. Tasty? Check, Filling? Check… and it’s on plan? Check!
the tomatoes and cook for another 10 minutes. 5.
At the same time, spread the chips out in a large non-stick roasting tin, spray with low-calorie cooking spray and toss well. Cook on the top shelf of the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chips are golden and crisp, giving the tin a shake halfway.
6.
To make the sauce, mix the rest of the yogurt with the tomato purée, vinegar and extra curry powder in a small bowl.
7.
Top the chips with the chicken strips and drizzle over the sauce. Scatter over the red onion, chilli and coriander leaves and serve with salad.
For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk
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Serves: 4 Ready in: 45 hour
Ingredients: • 800g floury potatoes, • 150g cherry tomatoes, such as Maris Piper, halved cut into chips • 3 tbsp fat-free natural • 1 tbsp tomato purée Greek yogurt, plus • 1 tsp red wine 150g for the sauce vinegar • 3 tbsp tikka curry • 1 medium red onion, powder, plus 1 tbsp very thinly sliced, to for the sauce* serve • Small pack fresh • 1 red chilli, deseeded coriander, a few and thinly sliced, to leaves reserved serve to serve, the rest *Watch out for spice/seasoning chopped blends that have added • 4 skinless and ingredients (like sugar, oil or boneless chicken starch). To protect your weight breasts, cut into strips loss, count ½ Syn per level • Low-calorie cooking tsp/1½ Syns per level tbsp. spray
Syns per serving: FREE
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NORTHUMBERLAND STUNNING HOLIDAY COTTAGE IN WARKWORTH, NORTHUMBERLAND
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THE LITTLE RED HEN HOUSE
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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JW PROPERTY SERVICES Your Local Family Business
DG TV & AERIAL SERVICES
Leaking Roofs & Gutters Tiling, Slating & Chimney Repairs Interior & Exterior Painting All Aspects of Property Maintenance Undertaken
o Big o T b o No J o Small Flat Roofing Or To Roof Cleaning
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WE MAKE YOUR IDEAS HAPPEN!
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01773 317 148
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07946 275 835
Residential
Working on installation, maintainence, upgrading and rennovation electrics in residential properties.
Commercial
With several years experience in commercial electrics, I am confident and experienced in all ranges of tasks and projects.
✓ Electric Cookers
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✓ Electric Radiators ✓ Electric Showers ✓ Electric Smart Thermostats ✓ Electric Sockets ✓ Electric Vehicle Charger Installation
involving lighting, home electronics, security systems, outdoor buildings & more, I am ready for the job. ✓ Fuseboard / Consumer Unit Installation ✓ Fuseboard / Consumer Unit Repair ✓ Garden Lighting
✓ Electrical Under Floor Heating Installation
✓ Hot Tub Wiring ✓ House Rewiring
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BOOK REVIEW
LET THE GREAT WORLD SPIN - COLUM MCCANN
Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann is a book to savour if you’re looking for something thought-provoking and serious to start your reading year. It takes a true event – an acrobat called Philippe Petit who walked an inch thick tightrope wire between the newly built Twin Towers in New York in 1974 – and spins a web of lives which intersect and collide at the same time in the same place. The tightrope walker represents a running theme through the book – that so many people are on their own kind of tightrope – maybe just
about keeping their balance, some walking their own rope with brilliance. We’ve got a range of characters from prostitutes to trendy artists, a photographer, a middle-class woman grieving the death of her son, a holy man who needs to try to save people. All human life is there as they say and McCann shows us what human beings are capable of, both high and low. It is extraordinarily written and may not be for you if you dislike a few cuss words but it is certainly memorable. You may find it heartbreaking in places but it’s also full of hope.
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The MPC Services team are here to help make sure that your sewage system is working well, properly maintained, up to date with the latest compliance regulations, working quietly and energy efficient. *Energy saving based on simply changing your traditional 85W air blower for a modern efficient FujiMAC 47W Japanese one, with electricity at 55p/kWh, for no loss of performance. Additional efficiency savings are typically possible.
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MPC Services (UK) Ltd
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Joinery - all joinery work.
Design & full refurbishment of Kitchens & Bathrooms
Windows, Doors Conservatories & Sky Pods Specialist installers of quality UPVC, Hardwood Composite Aluminium Wide range of Composite Doors Available
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G. Meredith G M Hope Valley
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QUEEN VICTORIA BOER WAR CHOCOLATE TIN - A NEW YEAR’S GIFT
The Second African War or Second Boer War was fought between 1899 and 1902, and was between the United Kingdom and Ireland against the South African Republic and Orange Free State. This tin was given out by Queen Victoria to all of her soldiers in celebration of New Year’s, 1900. On the top of the box, under her portrait, are the words “I wish you a happy New Year, Victoria Reg.” [Reg. most likely representing Regina, Latin for Queen]. Many soldiers appear to have kept theirs until the end of the war as a keepsake. Some even sent theirs home during the war to keep it safe, sometimes never to follow their boxes home. Indeed, sometimes after a soldier was killed in battle, their comrades would send whatever personal effects they could fit into the fallen soldier’s chocolate tin. Queen Victoria commissioned Cadbury to create the tins, but the owners of Cadbury were Quakers, a group who are pacifists. So as not to refuse a
commission from the Queen but also to prevent any accusations of supporting the war, the Cadbury owners invited two other prominent Quaker chocolate companies to join them, J. S. Fry and Rowntree. The companies did not want to put their logos onto the chocolate tins, but the Queen wanted to show that she was purchasing quality chocolate for her soldiers. They stamped their names on the chocolate bars which from the example from my collection is a Cadburys tin. Each of the three chocolate companies had a different company produce their tins. Tins were manufactured to a die and template but three variations of them exist. Ones in the picture are a Cadbury tin and a Fry version. The Cadbury tin is slightly smaller 81mm whereas the Rowntree and Fry ones are 92mm. A Rowntree tin, which is identifiable because of its size, the slant of Queen Victoria’s writing, and the placement of her bust within the medallion plus the clean dots circling the medallion make this easily identifiable. The Cadbury blue line around the tin is a more intense blue enamelling.
Information gathered from www.samwallermuseum.ca Please get in touch if you have any community history projects in your area, we might be able to help!
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Living Made Easy with Bathroom Adaptations Family-run business established 20 years
Workmanship Lifetime Guarantee Walk-in showers Walk-in baths Anti-slip flooring Custom made for people with mobility issues Beautiful bathroom designs Free CAD drawing on every enquiry Wall panelling options
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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 7 Vision, allegedly on the web (5) 8 Huge, but excellent nevertheless (5) 9 Arm bone reset after lunar accident (5) 11 “My, the problem one has with seasoning!” (5) Down 2 Representative is bit of a nice guy? (5) 3 Leans (on paper) to help shoppers? (5) 10 Rustic type from the Upper Urals (5) 11 It holds tomatoes (or Major Tum!) (5) Down
Across 1
Men at ballet could be training for this seven a side? (7,4)
5
Makes tea in a ferment? (5,2)
12 On guard, but sloppily: not how a boat should be run! (7) 13 Dodgy sideline in lab for escargot! (6,5)
1
Nothing to assuage NATO concerns (3,1,7)
4
Small point of oldtimer in a muddle (5,6)
5
A big one to sort out in the garden! (7
6
Surprised like cartoon Olive? (7)
ANSWERS FOR LAST MONTHS PITHERWITS Across: 1 Bit of a lad, 5 Boo, 6 Awn, 7 Gyrates, 10 Has, 11 Hacksaw, 12 New, 13 Raw silk, 16 Ago, 17 Woe, 18 Draw a veil. Down: 1 Boatshow, 2 Tang, 3 Aura, 4 Damson wine, 5 Big hearted, 8 Yokel, 9 Tawny owl, 14 Stow, 15 Kale.
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and Guess the words rd! ! o w s s o r c Fill in the
22
These puzzles are devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk
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GARDENS
NATURE NOTES FROM THE PEAK DISTRICT
BLACKBIRDS ARRIVE IN ABUNDANCE For some months now, flocks of winter-visiting thrushes have been pouring across the peak and North Derbyshire on migration from northern Europe to the warmer climes of southwest England. Many of these flocks are made up of two species I regard as the ‘Vikings’ of our bird world, the Fieldfares and Redwings, also known as the ‘winter thrushes’. These flocks of from tens to hundreds of birds at a time fly through but also pause for a while to feast on the berries of hawthorns, hollies, and rowans. However, often not noticed as migrant birds are the hundreds of Blackbirds, one of our common resident species of thrush. Yet there are large numbers of European Blackbirds arriving from autumn onwards. These drop down into parks, woods, and gardens across the region, and unlike our territorial resident birds are happy to flock up into small groups. The British residents are generally aggressive towards any incomers to their patch. What’s more, the local birds breed early and specially so if there is a mild winter, and so they really take a dim view of any incursions to their territory. In the wildlife garden, the Blackbirds have been gathering over a few months and numbers built in recent weeks. Once the autumnal berries have been exhausted in the wider countryside then the birds head for parks and gardens. As attractants then garden berry bushes like cotoneasters and pyracanthas will prove to be magnets for visiting thrushes. However, the Blackbirds also love fruit such as apples and windfall fruit scattered on the ground. This will be irresistible for Redwings, Fieldfares, Mistle Thrushes, and of course
for the Blackbirds too. If you don’t have apple trees in your garden then apples spiked onto specially pruned bushes for the purpose or else onto bird-feeders, will work a treat. I have been seeing up to ten male Blackbirds and several females at any one time. Another good way to encourage visiting Blackbirds and other thrushes, is through spreading a layer of chipped forest bark or compost across borders and edges in the garden. This helps keep a warm layer over the ground and this organic material is rich in invertebrates such as earthworms and insects for the birds to feed on. Watch carefully as the Blackbirds turnover bits of wood and bark as they search for food. Another surefire approach to attract the winter Blackbirds is to scatter composted leaf-mould across suitable parts of the garden. In larger gardens and in parks too, the birds will seek out shrubberies such as large rhododendron beds or similar places where the shelter combines with leaf litter to create good feeding areas. Then, late in the afternoon chill, the thrushes will gather from across the region at favoured roosting sites. These are often in sheltered spots and with larger rhododendron beds and other shrubberies where they can roost in warmth and safety overnight. Then, as winter draws to a close and the weather warms, the European birds will depart back whence they came. Fieldfares, Redwings, and many of the Blackbirds will head back north and east to Scandinavia, to continental Europe, and in some cases, northwest to Iceland.
GARDEN BLACKBIRD
MALE BLACKBIRD
BLACKBIRD MALE BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD
FEMALE BLACKBIRD
MALE BLACKBIRD
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 24 www.ukeconet.org, Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when& responding to the Ads blog www.ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/ Twitter @IanThewildside
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GARDENS
Gardener’s Calendar
If you planted bulbs such as narcissus or hyacinth indoors for Xmas time flowering, you can give them a new lease of life by re-planting them outside in the garden where they will flower next spring.
Remove the old flower heads, but don’t cut back leaves. They will appreciate a potash feed once replanted. Plant the hyacinths in gritty soil, narcissus will take ordinary soil. It’s not really worth sowing hardy flower seeds yet as the low levels of natural light mean they will grow straggly and weak unless you provide artificial warmth and light. Better to give them another month to get a stronger start. But you could start rocket and other half-hardy lettuces such as mizuna under cover to give you some spring salad greens. And while you’re in planting mode you can push lily bulbs in now, but as they start to grow watch out for the dreaded red lily beetle which overwinters in soil and leaf mould.
Top Tip:
This is the time for pruning evergreen shrubs, hydrangea, cornus, buddleia and climbing and bush roses. Buddleia will welcome what seems like pretty harsh pruning – right back to two or three feet. Cornus can be taken back to two to three inches. Roses you can take back by a third of their original length to keep the same height. But if it’s very cold leave roses until early March.
Remove dead stems from evergreen grasses to give the new stems room to grow. You can usually pull them out by hand, combing through with your finger and giving a good tug.
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