Mothr ’ sD a y10th M ar c h 2 0 2 4 BROADMEADOWS, SOUTH NORMANTON, BLACKWELL, NEWTON & HILCOTE 12 EDITIONS READ BY OVER 162,000 RESIDENTS MAR ‘24
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It’s been a difficult month for Liam and myself, as not only did we lose our surviving cat Mitzy (she was 17 and we’d had her for nearly 16 years) but we also lost one of our beloved dogs, Rafa. It’s currently not easy to talk or write about, but in time I’m sure we’ll smile and laugh about his antics. He was a real character and the hole which he has left feels like a chasm that can never be filled but we’ve had lots of lovely messages and offers of support from family and friends over the last week which continues to bring us some comfort.
Onto other lighter matters, I think Spring has officially Sprung?! Although, I’m not sure, if this weather continues, whether the UK will evolve a new line of native plants which are accustomed to bog life! I don’t think I’ve known it so squishy underfoot for so long. I don’t even know what colour my walking boots are anymore! Still, Flake isn’t bothered, he’s splashing around, blending in with the mud very happily.
We’ve had the mother load of office birthdays from the end of Jan until the
middle of Feb, which always causes much hilarity and March brings another 2 birthdays! We really need our next team member to have a birthday in summer or autumn!! As anticipated, our lovely Sarah had a small calamity, which involved a luxurious outdoor bath taken at the same time as the farmer arrived to empty the silos. This necessitated an extended stay in said bathtub and one can only assume she turned into a prune. Only Sarah!!
Anyways, we’re nearly at the clock change, so in the words of D:Ream “Things can only get better” or brighter! Roll on sunny days and dry under foot walking – summer is coming.
Happy Reading,
From the Editor Read our Magazines online https://issuu.com/ambervalleymedia @voicemagazines.co.uk or call us on 01773 549 035 LEISURE CENTRE Printed by Image2Print Ltd and distributed to 5,200 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, 81 High Street, South Normanton, Derbyshire. DE55 2BP. Registered in England & Wales No: 10550557 Emily x Upcoming Submission Deadline for Advertisers & Contributors: April ‘24 Edition - 8th March ‘24 • May ‘24 Edition - 8th April ‘24 WITH 12 MAGAZINES COVERING NOTTINGHAMSHIRE & DERBYSHIRE, WHY NOT ADVERTISE IN ANOTHER AREA? Hello Readers,
Welcome
This
one, even if it was years ago. (There is no charge
this course.) Topics include:
Attachment, separation and loss, The pain and responses of grief, Anger and Guilt, Coping with others’ reactions, Delayed and suppressed grief, Adjusting to Change, Moving forward healthily and Faith questions (optional).
Running soon:
Thrive Building, 39 High Street, South Normanton, DE55 2BP
For further details please contact
Email: admin@sncc.uk.com
Tel: 01773 687044
Sunday
10:45am @ Post Mill Centre
Worship songs and a Bible Talk
Sign Language Translation for BSL uses
Friendly Bench
Friday 9:30-12:30, 39 High Street, DE55 2BP
Join us for a cuppa and chat.
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335 Somercotes Hill, DE55 4JX
Open
For Community Advertising Contact us on 01773 549035
service
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Thrive and enjoy free hot drinks and snacks. We
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welcomed by our team and let us help overcome loneliness. What's On? Get In Touch Phone: 01773687044 Email: pastors@sncc uk com Facebook: @SNCommunityChurch We would love to hear from you NEWS • EVENTS • UPDATES • LOCAL INTEREST 7 SESSIONS COVERING GRIEF
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mornings at
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6 Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads PROFESSIONAL SERVICES & Sons Davis W. Flint Funeral Service Your local, independent, family owned and run funeral directors. Telephone: (01773) 58 11 38 High Street, South Normanton DE55 2BP AVVM0499 (GB Davis & Son 8th).indd 1 07/04/2016 11:58 kipmcgrath.co.uk/ripley-and-alfreton Qualified Teachers Personalised learning ENGLISH AND MATHS TUITION Contact Claire on 07464199685 to book a free assessment today Kip McGrath Ripley and Alfreton 5 Chapel Walk, Alfreton, DE55 7BJ NEWS • EVENTS • UPDATES • LOCAL INTEREST • NEWS • EVENTS • UPDATES • LOCAL INTEREST COMMUNITY NOTICE St Michael and All Angels Parish Church, South Normanton. Jesus said “I have come that you might have life” † Maundy Thursday, 28th March, 1:30pm - Church Hall - Service & Light Lunch † Good Friday, 29th March, 9am - Church - Reflective Service † Easter Saturday, 30th March, 10am-12noon - Church - Coffee morning † Easter Sunday 31st March, 8:30am - Sunrise Service at Church entrance † Easter Sunday 10.30am - Church Hall - Family Service † Easter Sunday 4.30pm - Church - Easter Communion Come and join us as we celebrate the wonder of Easter
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES To advertise please call 01773 549 035 7 WILKINSON BROS LTD Est. 1952 Incorporating Derrick Gent Funeral Service, Pinxton Independent Family Funeral Directors Our Family Looking After Your Family 10 Church Hill, Old Blackwell, DE55 5HN TEL: 01773 811371 Email: info@wilkinsonbros.co.uk • Web: www.wilkinsonbros.co.uk A completely professional 24 hour service, covering all areas Private Chapel of Rest in peaceful surroundings We will provide you with a personal and sympathetic service, looking after all your needs and wishes Pre-arranged Funeral Plans, tailored to your specific wishes, are available
Mothering Sunday:
BEYOND FLOWERS & CHOCOLATES
Ah, Mother’s Day – or as it was more traditionally known, Mothering Sunday, the one day of the year we are all supposed to thank the women who gave life to us and the ones who raised us (they aren’t always the same people).
But did you know that the UK Mothering Sunday probably has very little to do with honouring our birth mums and carers?
Although the facts are murky (thanks Wikipedia for all the conflicting accounts!) it appears that the day is connected more closely to Christianity than to showing our mum how much we love her.
You see, in the UK, Mothering Sunday is not a fixed day as it is in the US, instead it is linked to Lent, the Christian period of abstinence preceding Easter. And as we all know, Easter, and therefore Lent, is a moveable feast (or nonfeast in the case of Lent!). Mothering Sunday always falls on the fourth Sunday in Lent (Laetare Sunday), three weeks before Easter Sunday – this year, that means March 10th.
If you try to search the history of Mothering Sunday, you will find claims it was initially linked to The Feast of Annunciation, a day devised to celebrate the Virgin Mary – Mother Mary, and held each year on March 25th. I read, “it is no coincidence that over time, March 25th, or the nearest Sunday, became a celebration of all motherhood.”
I’m not altogether sure I believe this…
The alternative view is that by the 16th century people were moving away from the areas in which they had been born, and therefore
baptised, but would return once a year around Lent to visit their “Mother Church”.
Another tradition dating back to the same time is those working in the fields, farms, and grand houses of wealthy landowners would be given the day off on the fourth Sunday of Lent to visit their mothers and possibly go to church. With no cars, buses, or railways, that may have been a difficult task, and it certainly marked a move towards the more family focused Mother’s Day we celebrate today.
Whatever the origins, Mother’s Day should not be the only day we give extra love and attention to all the mothers in our lives. I would rather see my grown-up children regularly bearing no gifts than have them turn up once a year with a bunch of flowers and a box of chocolates! The hype surrounding this one day helps those who don’t really care about family tick a box on their social conscience calendar…”card and flowers for mum” – tick.
Buy a card, make a card (us mums will always remember the ones made by little hands at school more than the ostentatious shop bought ones), give flowers, give chocolate and cakes…but most of all, give love and thanks to the person who carried you inside them for nine long months…and don’t just do that once a year!
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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 10 Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads STORAGE CITY • Business / Domestic • Lock-Ups & Self Storage • Secure Parking • Full Removal Services • Serviced Offices Tel: 01623 441440 Storage City Limited, Export Drive, Fulwood Industrial Estate, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire NG17 6AF www.storagecity.co.uk 24/7 ACCESS JUST 2 MINS FROM M1 J28 HALF PRICE DOMESTIC STORAGE THROUGHOUT MARCH! (NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY) OFFER OFFER
To advertise please call 01773 549 035 11 Flint’s Florist Traditional & Modern Floral Designs for • Weddings • Funerals & Sympathy • Birthdays & Special Occasions 85 High Street, South Normanton Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 2BP 01773 58 11 38 www.flintsflorist.co.uk AVVM0498 (Flints Florist 8th).indd 1 25/03/2016 15:49 Food & Retail Retail supplied also with wholesale orderseg cob shops, nursing homes, bars, restaurants EVERY TUESDAY & FRIDAY WE NOW TAKE CARD PAYMENTS Call/Text: 07957 355 494 You can also contact us on whatsapp or Facebook Messenger Market Place, South Normanton SHAUNS FRUIT & VEG PINXTON CARPETS & BEDS CARPETS VINYLS BEDS BLINDS 81 WHARF ROAD, PINXTON NG16 6LH TEL 01773 811878 OPEN TUE-SAT 9am-3pm See pinxtoncarpets.com for latest offers SOLID OAK FURNITURE AT CLEARANCE PRICES CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF LOW PRICES half price beds ma�resses and divans at around 50% off RRP carpet warehouse carpet remnants vinyl flooring measuring � ��ng Call Sco� on 07929 208507 sco�@ssw.training www.ssw.training
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Slimming World Recipe
Hunters Chicken
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/ fan 180°C/gas 6.
2. Put the vinegar, paprika, garlic, Worcestershire sauce and chopped tomatoes in a large, shallow, flameproof casserole dish. Put it over a medium-high heat, bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste.
3. At the same time, gently bash the bacon medallions to flatten them out and lengthen slightly. Stretch a piece of bacon over each chicken breast.
For
This pub grub classic has the slimming World twist, which means it is super healthy, filling and bang on plan. Enjoy!
4. Nestle the chicken breasts into the sauce and spoon a little sauce over the top. Divide the mozzarella over the chicken breasts and bake in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. When the chicken’s almost ready, steam or boil the green beans for 3-4 minutes, then drain. Scatter the parsley over the chicken, then divide the chicken and sauce between 4 plates, and serve with the beans and baked potatoes.
Ingredients:
• 1½ tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1½ tsp sweet or hot smoked paprika
• 1½ tsp garlic granules
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• 4 smoked bacon medallions, visible fat removed
• 4 skinless and boneless chicken breasts
• 200g grated mozzarella
• 400g green beans, trimmed
• ½ small pack fresh parsley, chopped, to serve
• 4 microwaved or oven-cooked baking potatoes, to serve
Serves: 4 Ready in: 50 minutes
Syns per serving: 6
12 Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads FOOD & RETAIL Tel: 01246 850276 FB: @theshoulderathardstoft The Shoulder At Hardstoft, Deep Lane, Chesterfield, Hardstoft, S45 8AF
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THE GRACE YEAR - KIM LIGGETT
The Grace Year by Kim Liggett is a fast and furious read. It’s a mix of The Hunger Games, The Handmaid’s Tale and a female Lord of the Flies set in a dystopian society where girls and woman are believed to have “magic” which they use to control men’s minds and which has to be driven out of them in a Grace Year when they are 16. The best that can be hoped for in this misogynistic patriarchal society is to become a wife. Enter the rebel, Tierney James, brought up by her father to be
the son he never had and consequently taught a lot of useful stuff.
These girls aren’t sent to a nunnery to drive out their magic – they get an island where they have to survive against brutal odds. The ones that come back are the lucky ones – or are they?
It’s entertaining and a page turner – the sort of thing you could polish off quite happily on a cross country train journey. It’s not high literature, but it does grab your attention.
14 Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads FOOD & RETAIL OPEN WEDNESDAYS THROUGH TO SUNDAYS FROM 9AM WILLOW TREE CAFÉ / BISTRO Hilcote Ln, Hilcote, Blackwell, Alfreton DE55 5HR BOOK ONLINE AT www.willowtreebistro.co.uk info@willowtreebistro.co.uk WALK-INS WELCOME / DOG WELCOME T: 01773 811 248
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FOOD & RETAIL To advertise please call 01773 549 035 15 Sofa Bespoke sofa made to order. Fabric and leather available. Recliners. Any combination. BEDS Our beds are the only approved trading standards manufactory in the UK. All beds carry a 5yrs Warranty. Lots of choice of mattresses, Storage Bases & Head Board also Electric beds. If you can’t make it into the store, we can offer a FREE home selection service, where we bring the store to you. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon - Wed: 9am - 5pm • Thurs: 9am - 7pm Fri: 9am - 5pm • Saturday: 9am - 5pm Sunday: 11am - 3pm www.bmcarpets.co.uk | Unit 34, Market Street, South Normanton, DE55 3EL CARPETS Wool, Hardwearing, Soft Touch, laminate flooring, LVT Flooring, Vinyl cushion flooring. Free estimates, free planning, free measuring, free delivering, fitting arranged. Family Business 01773 462 826 Blind Screen Made to Measure Curtains Planation Shutters email:premiersales@hotmail.co.uk | www.premierblindsandcurtains.co.uk To book a home visit CALL 01773 771 457 | 07942 046 477 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Venetian Blinds Curtain Poles/Tracks Perfect Fit Vertical Blinds Roller Blinds Roman Blinds
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16 Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads
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01623 440 448 • www.dmfurnishings.co.uk sales@dmfurnishings.co.uk OPENING HOURS: Mon:
| Tues: 9.30am - 5.00pm | Wed: 9.30am - 1.30pm Thurs:
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2nd Tuesday of each month 9am – 1pm | South Normanton Market Place 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)
18 Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads FOOD & RETAIL
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To advertise please call 01773 549 035 19 Professional treatment for those with Diabetes, Peripheral Ar terial Disease, Rheumatoid Ar thritis & the “High Risk” Foot. THE FOOT L ADY Mobile Foot Health Spe cialist A N NA W IL SON B. Sc Hons, M A FHP, MCFHP £21 per appointment For a p pointments, c all Ann a on : 0 77 9 8 6 2 3 1 0 9 • Ingrowing / Thick Nails • Fungal Nail Infections • Corn Removal • Hard Skin Reduction • Athlete’s Foot • Fully Insured and DBS Checked Local Installation, Repairs and Servicing of Stairlifts prioritystairlifts www.prioritystairlifts.co.uk ■ Local, family-run business ■ Almost 20 years’ experience ■ New, reconditioned and ■ rental available ■ Friendly, personal service ■ Free, no obligation survey ■ 24/7, 365 days call-out ■ Repairs and servicing ■ of all types of stairlifts ■ Excellent customer feedback Contact Sarah 0115 849 2386 info@prioritystairlifts.co.uk We’re proud of our reputation. Hear from our happy customers at: Health & Beauty
Pilates unites the mind and body in a way that eases tension, reduces inflammation and promotes health and wellbeing.
There are different types of Pilates sessions available. Mat classes use your body weight for your workout while working on a Reformer makes use of the varying resistance to customise workouts based on your own body capabilities for a dynamic and effective workout.
Reformer Pilates is Ideal if you are starting your exercise journey as it offers a vast range of modifications and allows individual levels of resistance and support.
Pilates not only helps improve your body, but also helps with day-to-day activities.
The resistance provided by the reformer also offers bone and joint health benefits. The low impact nature of reformer training is excellent for anyone dealing with joint issues or recovering from an injury or operation (we recommend checking with your doctor you are able to exercise).
Pilates will help you restore balance and improve strength and flexibility and with regular practice posture and joint stability.
HEALTH & BEAUTY 20 Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads MOBILE FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER • Nail trimming & reduction • Hard skin reduction • Corn removal • Verruca treatment • Diabetic advice Prices from £17 To arrange an appointment please call: Robert Cauldwell MAFHP MCFHP Est. 2011 07958 491 180 or 01773 833 656 IN BUSINESS FOR 10 YEARS Sarah’s Mobile Hair Bay Professional Hairdressing In The Comfort of Your Own Home Complete Range of Ladies & Gents Hairdressing Fully Qualified Children’s Hair Cuts & Style Wedding & Bridal Packages Prom Hair Styles Available PROMOTIONAL OFFER... 10% off on the first appointment to voice customers. Call Sarah on Tel: 07866 180 686 Est 2005 SUSAN PILATES STUDIO INTRODUCTION TO PILATES OFFER £50.00 for 2 X SESSIONS + FREE home exercise plan 07970 053 739 • 5 Millers Dale Drive DE55 2LG www.susanpilates.co.uk
HEALTH & BEAUTY To advertise please call 01773 549 035 21 F O L L O W U S O N S O C I A L M E D I A @ G L E N D A I R D E N T A L P R A C T I C E @ G L E N D A I R F A C E S I N F O @ G L E N D A I R D E N T A L . C O . U K C A L L 0 1 7 7 3 8 3 2 1 6 4 L I M E S A V E N U E , A L F R E T O N , D E 5 5 7 D W F O R D E N T I S T R Y A N D F A C I A L A E S T H E T I C S W W W . G L E N D A I R D E N T A L . C O . U K HOP ON OVER TO GLENDAIR DENTAL! Hair by Louise Call today! 07892 927 237 10% off your first appointment 77 Coronation Drive DE55 2HS Welcome ‘to my new studio Full range of Beauty Treatments and relaxing Holistic Therapies. Advanced facials, Electrolysis for hair or Blemish removal. Microblading and more. 7 Larkspur Close Broadmeadows DE55 3NL Tel : 07779572824 Appointment only www.beauty@no7.com
HOME IMPROVEMENTS 22 Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads New Buil d Sp e c iali s t s A d v i c e / F r e e Q u o t e s T V ’s s e t u p o r w a l l m o u n t e d Insurance Work • Storm Damage E x tra T V points • • • FM, DAB aerials • Wifi Extenders • CCTV Systems Local family business since 1989 F R E E V I E W & F R E ES AT I N STA L L E D w w w. l a n g to n a e r i a l s .c om 01773 811 912 / 07774 784 850 NOW INSTALLING CCTV SYSTEMS For a free no obligation quote call on: T: 01773 540 854 | M: 07968 772 224 E: b.sole@sky.com www.bsoleplumbing.co.uk We are a local business based in Swanwick,specialising in: PLUMBING, HEATING & GAS WORK • Any job, big or small • Domestic or commercial • Internal & external work • emulsioning, painting, wallpapering, fences, fascias & soffits DJM DECORATING OVER 20 YEARS PAINTING AND DECORATING EXPERIENCE! For a FREE no obligation quotation contact me on 07340 414 135 for all your renovation requirements! DISCOUNT FOR OAP Carpets • Vinyls • LVT Domestic & Commercial work undertaken 133 High Street, Tibshelf, DE55 5PP ASHDALE FLOORING LTD A family run business 01773 591 441 www.ashdaleflooring.co.uk Sue’s Maintenance Services All work undertaken with great care & due diligence • Bathroom f itting • Plumbing • Laminate Flooring • Tiling • Painting • Flat Pack Furniture Assembly • Any Small Jobs 01773 473 269 or 07971 774 701 www.f ixitsue.com • email: enquiries@f ixitsue.com 1st Class HandyWoman Now try the woman that CAN
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Flake’ s Favourites
Re-walking Rafa’s Rambles
This month the woeful weather left me wondering if dogs could suffer from trench foot. So, we pulled a short but sweet walk out of the bag. Despite this Flake still looked like some sort of bog creature by the time we got him back to the car. So it was straight into the bath when we got home.
The walk begins at Pinxton Wharf from where we head along the canal for a short while before branching off across country towards Selston. We enter Selston briefly and walk past St Helen’s Church. Before heading back across country back towards Pinxton Wharf.
Fingers crossed for better weather in March!
3-MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM PINXTON WHARF VIA SELSTON
A gentle walk which should take you and your dog around 1½-2 hours to complete. There is a couple of quiet roads so please take care, however most of the walk is on paths and trails. Please wear appropriate footwear and, as always, follow the countryside code..
START: PINXTON WHARF, ALEXANDER TERRACE, OFF WHARF ROAD, PINXTON. NOTTS. NG16 6PL
1. Enter the wharf through a squeeze gate on Alexander Terrace near the railway crossing and continue straight ahead along the footpath directly in front of you. (Pinxton Wharf was the terminus for the Cromford canal, which was built to link the collieries to the River Trent. Pinxton China works were also in operation very close to the wharf.) After some distance cross over a small wooden footbridge and then a little further on pass over a larger wooden
Sponsored by
footbridge. Immediately after crossing the 2nd bridge turn right to continue along a footpath with a canal on your right.
2. Continue along the footpath passing ‘The Boat Inn’ on your left, until reaching a squeeze gate. Pass through the gate and then bear right. After a very short distance pass through a gap adjacent to a large metal gate and continue straight ahead along a lane keeping the canal on your right.
24 Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads M o n to Fr i – 9 a m – 4.30 p m S at – 8 : 3 0 a m – 12 p m Seals Fodder Room, The Mill, High Street, Swanwick, Derbyshire
3. Continue along the lane for some distance and the immediately after passing some sheds on your left, turn left to pass through a gap in a fence along a marked footpath. The path leads to a farm track. Continue along the track to continue up and over a bridge. Shortly after the bridge and just prior to reaching a large metal gate directly in front of you, turn left to walk along a farm track going uphill.
4. At the top of the hill keep ahead into an open field, passing a yellow marker post on your left. Continue straight ahead over the brow of the hill and down the other side aiming for a small single tree in the hedge row on the far side of the field. Cross over a tiny stream and pass through the hedge to continue straight ahead for a short distance across another field.
5. 5At the far side pass through a gap into another field and now continue with the hedge on your right. Upon reaching a large metal gate on your right, ignore a marked path straight ahead and bear left to continue along the edge of the same field keeping the hedge on your right. At the far side of the field continue straight ahead along a narrow path with a fence on your left until reaching a kissing gate. Cross the stile and continue along the edge of another field with a hedge on your right.
6. At the far side of this field pass through another kissing gate and then continue uphill to a road. Turn left along the road and after a short distance pass the church on your left. (Take a look at St Helens Church which holds the grave of Gypsy King Dan
Boswell. [walk to the left hand side of the church and it is a few feet from the door by a small holly tree] The grave stone faces the wrong way-it is not the original stone which was supposedly broken in two after being kicked by a cow. This dates back to when cows were kept in the church yard. St Helens Church also contains the only 12thC incised stone in England. This is sited by the Chancel and is really worth viewing.) After passing the church continue along the road for some distance until reaching No.123. Turn left along a marked footpath adjacent to No.123 going downhill. After a short distance cross straight over a lane, pass through a gap and continue straight ahead across a field with a hedge on your left.
7. Continue to the far side of the field, pass through a gap and continue through a kissing gate. Now continue with a hedge on your left. After some distance follow the path over to the right to meet up with a kissing gate at the far side of the field. Pass through the gate and cross over a tarmac lane onto a marked footpath. Pass a farm and then a wind turbine on your left to continue straight ahead going downhill with a hedge on your left.
8. At the bottom of the field keep ahead along a narrow footpath going downhill. At the bottom cross over a railway line and then continue for a short distance to pass through a squeeze gate. Immediately after, turn left pass through another squeeze gate to continue along a footpath. Continue until reaching a road and the start of your walk.
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illustrative
no responsibility
chooses
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obey all byelaws and
respect the area
in, ensuring they pick up all dog mess and obey the countryside code at all times.
This walk is for
purposes only. Voice Magazines Ltd takes
for anyone who
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all
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they are walking
St Helens Church Selston
South Normanton
Pinxton Wharf
Pinxton
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Pinxton & South Normanton: History Group
MARCH 2024
REVEREND D’ EWES COKE - PINXTON’S MAN OF MYSTERY
Although Reverend Coke was the Rector of both Pinxton and South Normanton Parishes for forty years, he only officiated at a handful of formal ceremonies; baptisms, marriages and burials. Strange and unusual!
Reverend Coke was the man who has most influenced the village of Pinxton. Born in 1747 he was orphaned following the death of both his mother and then his father in the space of two years. From the age of ten, he was raised by bachelor Robert Lillyman and his sister Sarah, of Brookhill Hall. Following the death of Robert Lillyman in 1765, young D’ Ewes went to Cambridge University and studied theology.
According to the official history of The Cokes of Trusley, Sarah Lillyman, the beneficiary of her brother’s vast wealth and estates in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Cheshire, had taken in instant dislike to his new wife; judging her to have been spoiled by her widowed father. Following a day hunting with Tristram Revell on the Camfield Estate, Rev. Coke was persuaded by his wife to take the pheasants he had caught to Miss Lillyman at Brookhill Hall. This resulted in an invite to dinner at which Sarah Lillyman’s opinion of Hannah changed.
When Sarah died in November 1780, she left all her wealth to Reverend Coke, who instantly became a latterday multimillionaire. This set him on the trail to re-purchase the coal mining rights under Pinxton, which his grandfather had sold. This resulted, in 1787, going into partnership with two experienced local brothers with mining experience. This resulted in the sinking of Pinxton’s first deep mine shaft in 1787. Mining operations
in the area to the West of the village had long been stopped as the coal workings quickly became waterlogged. Further mining was not possible unless the water could be pumped out of the coal workings. This could only be achieved by continuous pumping. This was at the cutting edge of technology. The reciprocal steam engine was perfected by Boulton and Watt in 1769 but required perfecting. How was it that such an engine was in operation in Pinxton at this early date?
Rev. Coke joined the newly established Derby Philosophical Society by Dr Erasmus Darwin (grandfather to the more famous Charles Darwin, author of ‘The Origin of the Species’). Dr Darwin was the physician of Watt’s son and regularly visited his Derby home where the DPS meetings were held. His partner, Matthew Boulton WAS a member of the DPS. This cannot have been a co-incidence that put Pinxton at the cutting edge of technology. In the following year Coke sank another deeper coal mine. A further steam engine was installed in 1795 at the Pinxton porcelain factory for mixed the paste.
There certainly more to Reverend Coke than has previously been revealed. He was involved in securing the Pinxton Mill arm of the Cromford Canal - a one-man quest.
The last record on him appearing in public was in December 1788 at
a meeting at Alfreton when it was agreed to proceed with the canal. WHY?
We do, however, have a cryptic note of July 1795 in his notebook; ‘Billingsley on about the china business’. Rev. Coke spent the last decade or so of his life, at Bath, where he died in 1811.
We get an indication of his demise in a note by his son John in the official history of the Cokes:
‘My father’s guardian ... having been bred to the Law acquired a degree of confidence and boldness... Which joined with a strong intellect, a stern temper, and an authoritative manner caused him to be much respected... My father, from his own account was harshly treated under the roof of his guardian’.
Was this a reference to a further comment from the Official History of the Cokes?
It also states, ‘... he had lost his sight, first injured (in his youth) by etching copper...’ and (his) ‘sense of hearing was dull in consequence to a blow on the head given him.’
The answer as to why he did not administrate at formal Church services is because an exact form of words are necessary. Difficult if you cannot see the words!
NEXT TIME Reverend Coke’s part in the establishment of the Pinxton Porcelain Factory.
Article submitted on behalf of Pinxton and South Normanton Local History Society. Monthly meetings 7.15 pm Third Monday at South Normanton Post Mill Centre. All welcome
POP OVER TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE TO SEE MORE ABOUT THE SUTTON HERITAGE SOCIETY ON WWW.SUTTONHERITAGE.ORG.UK WHY NOT GIVE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE A VISIT? PINXTON AND SOUTH NORMANTON HISTORY GROUP.
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Guess the words and Fill in the crossword ! Pitcherwits®
Pitcherwits® are crossword puzzles where some of the clues are in pictures. Sound easy? It’s not called “Pit-your-wits” for nothing! The mixture of cryptic and picture clues, combined with Professor Rebus’ unique sense of humour, will keep you entertained for hours.
Across
1 Massive mammals in the sad West Country, say? (4,6)
Across
9 Cliff, like Craig, is a one-off (4)
10 Stinging insect, initially for a privileged group (4)
11 Heart bypass for Mother, perhaps? (5)
12 Tries out isotherms for resistance (4)
14 Squint, say, at marine platform (4)
Down
3 Made a bit of a hash of it with fiery leftovers (3)
4 Needs kicking out of the resort (3)
6 Salary increase that’s easy to rip out? (3,4)
7 Late application for a bit of a meal (3)
13 River coming up as far as one’s coat (3)
16 Bit too obtuse for employment (3)
5 Stressed when the chimp ate the recipe (8)
15 Could be up to luck? “Seat belts on!” (6,2)
18 The canning process that could be captivating? (10)
Down
1 Search for treasure in sandy hairpiece? (9)
2 Sad songs that say so much about a leg, I see? (7)
8 Put caring in jeopardy by taking prisoner (9)
10 Racer that’s going to the dogs! (7)
Down:
Across: 1
17 Scaley bit in Oklahoma? (3) ANSWERS
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puzzles are devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk
These
PITHERWITS
FOR LAST MONTHS
Netball team, 5 Brews up, 7 Sight, 8 Super, 9 Ulnar, 11 Thyme, 12 Aground, 13 Edible snail.
1 Not a sausage, 2 Agent, 3 Lists, 4 Minor detail, 5 Begonia, 6 Popeyed, 10 Rural, 11 Truss.
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THE FOOTBALL PAPER’S and ALAN WOODWARD
Further to my Football Paper’s article last month in the South Normanton and Broadmeadows edition, I received a wonderful and interesting e-mail from Alan Woodward, a onetime legend at North Street, home of Alfreton Town Football Club.
Alan wrote,
“Roger, Firstly, A Happy New Year
A good article, well written.
In 1963-64, I would play for the Nottingham Forest A team in the Central Alliance on a Saturday afternoon, kick off at 3.00 pm. Then, after the games I would catch the bus home to Sutton from Nottingham, get off at Portland Square, and buy a Football Post from the nearest paper shop. I would read whether I had played well or not so well. Accurate, rapid reporting and treasured memories because my mum saved many of these cuttings from the football papers.
than the defensive cautious approach favoured by so many coaches/managers of the game today. In a total of 98 games for the Reds, Alan scored 48 goals in an Alfreton Town red shirt.
In 1970, after several fruitful years of semiprofessional football, and also playing for Loughborough College in the Leicester Senior League where Alan was studying, he was offered the chance to become a full-time professional player with a signing on fee of £1.000 with Grimsby Town FC, this was an offer he could not refuse. Alan, the tricky and silky winger, soon settled into full time football on the East Coast winning a Division Four Championship medal under the stewardship of the onetime England Manager, Lawrie McMenemy.
However, as it does on occasions so often, Alan suffered a career halting injury, but he did take up the mantle of First Team Manager at Skegness Town FC for a while then an offer beckoned from his old club Grimsby Town FC to become Youth Team Coach; his protégé’s winning the Northern Intermediate League, the only time ever in Grimsby’s history. Alan eventually bowed out of football altogether becoming an Ofsted Inspector and teacher in the Grimsby and Cleethorpes area’s where he now resides. However, Alan keeps a keen and watchful eye on the beautiful game he played so well and still loves.
Just the same when I played at Alfreton Town a few years later.
Different times today but not necessarily better?
Keep up the good work Roger, Best Wishes, Alan Woodward.”
Alan played football for ATFC from that iconic period of many successes in the Midland Counties League, culminating in winning the league Championship over the 1969-70 season.
Only one league game was lost that season with 119 goals scored and only 19 conceded, a goal difference of 100 goals.
It’s reasonable to suggest that Alan Woodward was an endangered species of footballer who scored goals for fun in an age when the accent was on attack rather
Words by Roger West Photographs courtesy of Alan Woodward.
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PENALTY V BARROW FA CUP FIRST ROUND 2ND REPLAY CHESTERFIELD 1969-70
ALFRETON TOWN FC SEASON 1969-70 / A TRULY GOOD SIDE Johnson, Blackburn, Mycroft, Bagnall, Bate, Needham, Robe Woodward, Parker, Naylor, Harrison, Ford
GRIMSBY TOWN FC PRE-SEASON 1971-72
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Mike’sMusings
Mike
If I was Prime Minister I would…………..? (Part 1 of………?)
Last September, I was walking back into Derby city centre after watching a dull goalless draw between the Rams and Cambridge United. It had not been a good afternoon.
As hundreds of disgruntled Derby supporters spread across the pavement, trudging along Chequers Road, it was difficult for me to pass. I was in a bit of a hurry – Mrs Musings had promised me a treat if I was home by 6pm – and was having to constantly jump out into the road to get past.
I’m not daft, I know my Green Cross Code and stuff like that and of course, I only did this when I couldn’t hear any cars approaching.
Unfortunately, I jumped once too often and was hit at speed, by something and after an initial feeling of excruciating pain, I simply blacked out. As I came round, I was surrounded by a sea of legs. These belonged to the many, no doubt very slow-moving people, who had seen what had happened and were concerned.
In the background, I could hear “I don’t know duck, he’s unconscious. Wait a minute, he’s just sat up. I’ll ask him.”
A bloke then stuck his face right up close to me and asked, “How old are you sir?” Rather petulantly I asked why he needed to know that. Well, to cut a long story short, he’d contacted the DRI. “You speak to them,” he suggested, and consequently, I assured whoever was on the other end, that I was fine and there was no need for an ambulance.
Not quite true of course, but as my injuries were not life threatening, I assured the poor chap who had hit me – he’d been on an electric bike – and who might have initially thought that he’d killed me, that it wasn’t his fault. After telling all those who had stopped to help that I’d be fine, I continued my route march (well, it was more of a limping hobble) back into town and even then, I was still overtaking punters on the way.
I recognise that I was very lucky, and family and friends have since given me lots of advice. Probably, the most surreal came from my Nottingham Forest supporting mate called Clive, who simply said “Well Mike. I’ve always told you that going to Derby and particularly Pride Park, should be positively discouraged. It’s not good for your health!”
Surviving this incident got me to thinking of what legislation could be introduced to prevent it happening again, to me or anyone else. OK, it may be controversial and certainly inconvenient for some, but I’d introduce a Bill making it a requirement that people who are unable to walk at a very reasonable 4mph, be banned from using pavements. Now, this is the first of a number of policies to be introduced were I to become Prime Minister. In the coming months, you’ll read of more. Meanwhile, at mike.musings@outlook.com, I’ll happily receive similarly bizarre suggestions from frustrated readers of Voice Magazine.
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resident muser has the mike...
Our
at : mike.musings@outlook.com
is always glad to hear from you
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Gardener’s Calendar
Houseplants deserve a bit of TLC after being in centrally heated rooms over the winter so this is the time to replant any which are looking a bit droopy. Give them a slightly bigger pot and fresh compost and remove any dead foliage.
Summer flowering bulbs such as gladioli, alliums, acidanthera, lilies can go in now. They enjoy warm sunny spots either direct into the soil or, if you’re putting them in containers, in a mix of two parts compost to one part grit to give plenty of drainage. Feed them with a high potassium feed about a week after the shoots appear then regularly up till flowering.
Watch out for slugs – they like eating the green shoots of growing things almost as much as gardeners like seeing them and if your garden is particularly prone to slugs, it may even be worth giving the likes of hostas a miss altogether. Otherwise, make sure there’s no left-over leaves from last season on your soil, slugs love sheltering under them. You can try the old favourite traps, half citrus such as orange scooped out and filled with beer. The slugs go in for the beer and goodnight Vienna – at least in theory. Or you can buy nematodes, - a biological deterrent which you water into the soil – from garden centres or online. Some people use bark, others wool, others copper around the rims of pots. Worth trying anything once! And good luck.
You can mow your lawn now if you get a dryish patch of weather. But don’t bother unless it’s actually growing – and that depends on the temperature – and the fact that it will be visibly longer!
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Top Tip:
VIKING VISITORS TO THE PEAK CAUSE QUITE A STIR
A huge influx of waxwings has caused a big stir amongst birdwatchers and other visitors. The birds have been arriving across northern England from Europe, especially Scandinavia, since early December. As they exhaust the berry supplies (their favourite food) on bushes such as hawthorn, rowan, and whitebeam, and on pyracanthas and cotoneasters in gardens and the like, they head south and west. They were in north Sheffield by December and numbers built on the railway line trail at Hassop by mid-January. The result as the birds halted here to gorge on the abundant berry crop, was a nature spectacle since these are perhaps our most exotic songbirds and moreover, are very approachable. In other words, if you get to see them, they put on a really great show, and it will be memorable.
The waxwing exhibits what we describe as ‘irruptive’ behaviour, as every few years huge numbers migrate south and west from northern Europe into Great Britain. Breeding in loose colonies, they produce young late in the season, so these hatch to coincide with abundant summer fruits. As they search the local countryside for berries and other fruit, in most years waxwings do not travel over long distances but form large flocks that quickly strip trees and bushes of berries. Waxwings also eat sap, buds, flowers, and insects they catch on the ground or in mid-air. However, there is a complication which will be familiar to gardeners, in that the fruit trees cycle good fruiting years with bad. If the Scandinavian fruit crop is good, then the birds do well and so we see relatively few over here. Also, in a good
year they breed well, and waxwing numbers increase. But a good berry crop may be followed by a poor year, now coinciding with high numbers because of a previously good season. If this occurs then the birds, desperate for food, move out en masse producing for us, a ‘waxwing winter’.
Indeed, this is the explanation for this winter’s phenomenon. The outcome of the birds’ behaviour is a splendid treat for birdwatchers. Waxwings are stunning to see, and they come complete with remarkable plumage and their distinctive trilling calls. What makes this even more exciting is that the birds are amazingly tame and approachable. In the case at Hassop Station this January, the waxwings were particularly obliging and allowed people to approach to within just a couple of metres or so. This means that in terms of a birdwatching experience for beginners too, waxwings are the ‘real deal’. They are very unlike many rare birds which tend to be LBJs or ‘little brown jobs’, and which draw in the twitchers but not the wider public. In this respect, waxwing winters are really good PR for naturewatching and therefore for conservation. These Nordic visitors are birds with ‘wow’ factor! Other European visitors are also with us as fieldfares, redwings, blackbirds, and others all stream across the North Sea for a few months of a warmer climate.
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NATURE NOTES FROM THE PEAK DISTRICT
in the
and elsewhere,
contactable on ianonthewildside@ukeconet.org. Follow his website www.ukeconet.org, blog www.ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/ & Twitter @IanThewildside
Professor Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer, broadcaster on wildlife and
environmental issues
Peak District
is
BIRDWATCHERS ADMIRING THE DERBYSHIRE WAXCAPS
WAXWING IMAGES
BY IAN ROTHERHAM
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