Voice Magazines - Alfreton & Villages Edition - June 2024

We work in Alfreton, Tibshelf, South Wingfield, Shirland, Crich, Stonebroom, Higham & all surrounding areas

Fast Response

All Work Guaranteed

Highly Experienced

Clear Pricing

Boiler Breakdowns

Boiler Servicing

Radiators & Pipes

Tanks & Cylinders

Toilets & Taps

Leaks & Bursts

Showers

Clearing Blockages

Pipework Replacement

Gas Safe Certified

NEXT GENERATION TV STARS

2023 was a record breaking year for turnover for Next Generation Home

Improvements in Ripley and the company have continued to provide customers with great service in 2024.

They also made an appearance on television’s DIY SOS, providing a new resin surface for Treetops Hospice in Risley as well as featuring at The Newark Garden Show. So all in all things are going well for this local business and Director Lee Goddard wants to continue moving forward. He states “we put our success down to the high standard of work that our installers adhere to. It is important to remember that a driveway is the main focal point at the front of a customer’s

home so it is essential that we make sure it looks fantastic. With this is mind, we have continued to keep our installers trained to the highest of standards and make sure they keep a pride in their work. Our installers are a credit to the company and our 1000’s of satisfied customers speak so highly of them which is lovely to hear.”

As well as specialising in resin driveways, paths & patios, Next Generation also offer Aluminium gates, composite fencing & garage doors. They are more than happy to offer help, advice or no obligation quotes. They welcome customers to call into their offices on Butterley Hill or call them on 01773 303181.

The company would be delighted to quote on any customers work involving resin driveways, patios, composite fencing or gates.

Simply drop them a call on 01773 303181

THE AWKWARDLY ELEGANT GIRAFFE

It may be just me but in the pantheon of weirdly designed animals, the giraffe has to be at, or near the top of the list.

Evolutionary theory tells us that they developed their extraordinarily long necks in order to reach the most succulent vegetation found at the tops of trees.

My simplistic brain can’t help but think…well why did they not just eat something lower down? And what did they eat before their necks stretched so much?

Don’t get me wrong, I have absolutely nothing against giraffes. In fact their faces are really rather appealing, all angles, big eyes and long, long eyelashes. They even have the equivalent of fingerprints as no two giraffes have the same coat pattern. But they just seem so blinking awkward!

It’s a wonder any baby giraffes survive the fall from mum’s…errr…rear end… to the ground. Given the fragile nature of the long newborn neck, it must be very easy for it to break in the event of a less than safe landing.

That fact alone has me amazed that the species managed to survive and evolve. And have you ever seen giraffes fighting?

Apparently they find it very difficult to lift their legs off the ground to kick out, which is what most ruminants would do. So, instead, they bash their necks together…really, really hard.

Honestly, they are so badly designed that their necks are too long for them to drink unless they splay their legs out before dipping towards the water source. I mean… really!

Their circulatory system also has to cope with the fact that their blood pressure dips dangerously low when they bend their head to drink. The jugular veins have developed incredibly elastic walls and large one-way valves that allow the veins to expand significantly and prevent the blood from flowing back to the brain when the giraffe’s head is lowered.

The poor creatures can’t even lie down for a proper kip either. They do “lie” down with their long legs tucked underneath them, but the neck is usually still upright. Occasionally, and only for very short periods of normally not more than 5 minutes, giraffe can sleep with their head resting back on their rump.

Five minutes sleeping!

I could not be a giraffe!

Joking apart, there is a serious side to this article – June 21 is World Giraffe Day – a day to remind us that giraffes are in fact an at risk species. There has been an almost 30% population decline over the past three and a half decades, leaving an estimated population of 117,000 individuals.

They may be ungainly and awkward, but they do deserve to be respected, cared for, and allowed to flourish, as does every other species on this planet we all call home.

1ST

2ND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH Acoustic

Over 20 years ago we purchased our first carpets from T. Nutt & Sons who also fitted them. Today ALL the carpets and floor coverings in our four bedroomed house were supplied and fitted by the above company. We have just replaced the hall, stairs and landing carpets plus the lounge carpet but only because I wanted a change of decor!! Second time round for Nutts. The experience of choosing carpets is second to none. No-one could be more helpful with suggestions on style, colour etc. The fitters have been excellent in every way. If you want friendly support with expertise, this is the place to come!!

TUESDAYS - 3:30pm, 5:00pm & 6:30pm

SHIRLAND VILLAGE HALL Main Road, Shirland, Alfreton, DE55 6BB

Heidi: 07534 688 178

COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS

Heythorp Park, Cotswolds Mon 1st - Fri 5th Jul

5 Days - £645

PORTHCAWL

Seabank Hotel Wed 10th - Sun 14th Jul

5 Days - £465

3rd

3rd

Slimming World Recipe

Sticky chicken drumsticks and chips with American-style salad

1. Put the chicken, spices and 1 level tbsp sriracha in a large bowl. Mix everything together using your hands, until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour, or overnight.

2. Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.

3. Spread the chips out on a large, non-stick baking tray in a single layer and spray with low-calorie cooking spray. Spread the drumsticks out on another non-stick baking tray. Put the chips on the shelf below the chicken and cook for 20 minutes, then turn

everything and swap over the trays. Cook for a further 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

4. At the same time, toss together the celery, cucumber, lettuce and radishes. Mix the yogurt with the chives, lemon juice and garlic granules, and season lightly.

5. Stir the yogurt dressing through the salad and scatter over the reserved chives. Brush the remaining sriracha evenly over the chicken. Serve 2 drumsticks per person with the chips and salad.

Summertime makes us think of eating al fresco whilst soaking up the sun. With a mix of spicy sticky chicken, light crispy chips and cool tasty salad, this dish is perfect for those chilled out days ahead.

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken drumsticks, skin and visible fat removed, flesh scored

• 2 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp ground allspice

• 2 level tbsp sriracha

• 800g floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper or King Edward, cut into chips

• Low-calorie cooking spray

For the salad:

• 4 celery sticks, chopped

• 1 cucumber, halved lengthways, deseeded and sliced

• 2 little gem lettuces, shredded

• 200g radishes, chopped

• 200g fat-free natural yogurt

• ½ small pack fresh chives, chopped, reserving some to serve

• Juice of 1 lemon

• ½ tsp garlic granules

D.M. FURNISHINGS

All our BRITISH MADE sofas, chairs & recliners are made to order and normally delivered within 6-8 weeks. Choose from over 2000 fabrics and leathers.

Only 100% genuine leather used on all our Italian suites, which are made to order in any colour and normally delivered within 8 - 10 weeks

Reupholstery, repairs & cushion replacement service available - call for appointment

Electric adjustable beds available along with divans and headboards in ALL sizes

Notts,

4BA (Next door to Wilko’s and with Asda car park directly behind us)

Full range of mattresses inc. orthopaedic, pocket sprung, memory foam, etc in ALL sizes

Life's too short for ordinary holidays. With our all-inclusive escapes, the only thing you'll need to worry about is which cocktail to try next.

Whether you’re craving the sun-kissed shores and Mediterranean charm of Greece or the idyllic beaches and tropical luxury of the Maldives, dive into our all-inclusive packages and unlock a world of adventure, relaxation, and gourmet delights.

Contact me for a copy of my latest digital brochure and please get in touch if any of the all-inclusive holidays featured catch your eye. Let me take care of the details while you focus on making memories that last a lifetime!

Mandy

Health & Beauty

FOOT

Mobile Foot Health Spe cialist A N NA W IL SON B. Sc Hons, M A FHP, MCFHP £21 per appointment

• Ingrowing / Thick Nails

• Fungal Nail Infections • Corn Removal

• Hard Skin Reduction • Athlete’s Foot

• Fully Insured and DBS Checked

Professional treatment for those with Diabetes, Peripheral Ar terial Disease, Rheumatoid Ar thritis & the “High Risk” Foot.

For a p pointments, c all Ann a on : 0 77 9 8 6 2 3 1 0 9

Mr Jonathan Harper BSc(Hons) Podiatry. HCPC registered Podiatrist/Chiropodist, Member of the Royal College of Podiatry (RCPod)

20 Years NHS/private practice experience treating foot and ankle disorders for adults and children.

• Offering treatment for the following:

• Corns, calluses, other problematic skin problems. Thickened/fungal nails

• Infected ingrowing toenails ingrowing (Nails surgery under local anaesthetic available)

• Verrucas and warts (hands and feet)

• Fungal skin and nail infections

• High Risk group foot care and diabetic foot assessments

• Foot and ankle pain and sports injuries including injection therapy

Week day and Saturday appointments available. See our reviews on yell.com

37 Mansfield Road, Alfreton. DE55 7JJ (Formerly James Matthews Chiropody Clinic)

Pains & aches

• Neck problem

• Arthritis

• Headaches

• Migraine

• Frozen shoulder

• Tennis \ golfer’s elbow

• Sports injuries

• RSI

Women

Mental Disorder

• Anxiety

• Emotional stress relieve

• Insomnia attack

• Addiction

• Premenstrual syndrome

• And more!

• Painful periods

Digestive

Children & Teen

• Infertility Other gynaecological issues Disorder

Men

• Dyslexia

• Pain and medical conditions

• Poor concentration

• Dyspraxia

• Fatigue and food intolerance

• Belly aches

• Vomit

• Prostate infertility

Eyes, Nose & Throat

• Sore throat

• Blurred vision

• Nausea

• Food intolerance teste

• Detox

• Diet

• Diarrhoea

• Heartburn

• Crohn’s disease

AMBER VALLEY RUGBY CLUB

A SEASON TO REFLECT ON...

Despite encountering challenges, the senior squad of Amber Valley Men showcased resilience and determination this season, earning respect on and off the field. Their growth as a cohesive unit was evident in each game, with valuable lessons learned from every experience. Looking ahead to the 2024/25 season, excitement brews within the club as pre-season training commences on July 8th at 7 pm. Those interested in joining can contact Stuart at 07966 867 946

Amber Valley Tigers celebrated a successful season, clinching the league championship with a 36-14 victory against Barkers Butts in their final game. Despite a loss in the national cup semi-final to the reigning champions, they’ve thrived, even recruiting six new players. The NLD cup final awaits on May 26th. To be part of this successful and welcoming team, contact Gareth at 07595 520 537

Amber Valley Rugby Mini and Juniors concluded their season with a memorable festival, showcasing talent and teamwork. Young athletes displayed passion for the game, forming friendships and making memories. As the tournament ended, it marked the beginning of a lasting love for rugby among many. For those interested in joining, contact Paul at 07790 403 043.

More than just a club, we are the #ValleyFamily. You can visit our website www.ambervalleyrfc.co.uk, Facebook & Instagram pages to contact us or follow what we do. You can find us at Lower Somercotes, Somercotes, Alfreton DE55 4NQ

MOBILE FO OT CLINIC

■ 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

■ Repair and service all makes of stairlifts

■ Members of Age UK

•

•

•

All Around the Shire

THE RECKITT’S COMPANY

I have recently acquired a magnificent piece of social history: a Reckitt and Sons vintage demonstration box of the type used by travelling salesmen. It contains sample items of many of the products Reckitt’s made. Their earliest creation was laundry starch in 1819. The dolly blue bag and black lead followed in 1852. It is now a worldwide company.

Alongside the dolly blue bag is a “cream tint” bag. We have asked many people through our social history talks, and no one is able to remember the red and cream bag or knows what it was for.

We would welcome any information on this item.

One of my favourite products was, and still is, Windowlene -pink and fragrant, smeared on your glass would bring your windows up a treat, polished to a shine with newspaper.

Reckitt’s has been at the forefront of health and household products for two hundred years, developing brands like Dettol, Steradent, Harpic and Strepsils.

For me, the smell of Brasso particularly brings back memories of my father polishing his army buttons and buckles. He was a regular in the Sherwood Foresters and is still as well turned out as ever. He used to sing a song about “Shine up your buttons with Brasso” but only the clean version! My husband, Paul, learned the other version in the school cadet corps. When we show this very special item at our presentations, it elicits warm and fond memories of familiar items we have grown up with and will continue to grow old with.

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

Flake’ s Favourites

Re-walking Rafa’s Rambles

So Summer is about to arrive and if you’re anything like me you’re more than ready for it! Whilst our furry friends need a walk whatever the weather, it’s a lot nicer when it’s not quite so grotty. This month’s walk sets off from the village of Scarcliffe. It’s a lovely, varied walk that makes use of some paths in the nearby woods allowing you to explore this lesser seen part of this beautiful area.

6-MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM SCARCLIFFE

A mid distance walk which should take you and your dog around 2½-3 hours to complete. The walk is mostly on trails and paths but there may be some uneven and muddy terrain, particularly with inclement weather so please wear appropriate footwear. There is also a couple of roads to cross and one short section of road to walk along, so please take plenty of care. As always, follow the countryside code, keeping dogs on leads where appropriate.

START: CHURCH OF SAINT LEONARD, SCARCLIFFE. S44 6TE

1. Standing with your back to the church turn left and continue along the road. After a short distance and just prior to a road on your right, turn right onto a lane and signposted footpath to thread between the houses. At the end of the lane/driveway continue straight ahead onto a footpath. After a very short distance, ignore the stone stile on the right and climb over the stone stile in front of you.

2. Now continue straight ahead and walk along the edge of a field with a hedge on your right. After some distance follow the footpath sharp right and immediately cross over a stone bridge. Now continue straight ahead to cross a field with a hedge on your left.

3. After some distance continue along the footpath with a hedge on both sides and then cross over a wooden footbridge. Now continue straight ahead going gently uphill into some trees. After a short distance you will reach a lane. Turn right onto the lane and pass a marker post on your right and continue straight ahead.

4. Continue straight ahead for a short distance and then the lane splits into two. Take the left split and then curl around to the left to continue along a lane with trees on both sides. After a long distance you will continue straight ahead with trees on your left and open views to the right.

5. Continue until eventually reaching a road. Turn right along the road for a short distance and then turn right again along ‘Common Lane’. After a short distance and at a bus stop on your left bear slightly left onto a footpath running parallel with the road. Then after some distance the path comes back alongside the road.

6. Continue along the road for a long distance, passing an academy on your left. After passing the academy and upon reaching two no entry signs on your left, turn right along a lane and signposted footpath on your right.

7. After a short distance pass by a large gate and then continue with a hedge on both sides. Continue for a long distance until reaching a footpath on your left which is marked by a marker post on your left. Immediately after the footpath on the left and at a junction of lanes bear to the right and then continue straight ahead with a hedge on your left and trees on your right.

8. Continue along this lane for a long distance and eventually reaching a T junction of lanes. Turn left at the T junction and continue along a lane. After a short distance ignore a lane on your right and continue straight ahead along the lane heading into the trees.

9. Eventually the lane begins to climb steeply. At the top of the hill the lane splits into two. Take the lane on the right and continue straight ahead heading through the trees. After some distance you will pass by a gate and come out of the trees to a T junction of paths. Standing with an open field in front of you turn right and continue along a footpath with trees on your right and open views on your left.

10. Continue straight ahead and you will begin to drop downhill. At the bottom of the hill upon reaching a small fence directly in front of you, turn right, continue for a very short distance and then pass through a gap in the fence. Turn immediately left, ignoring the path going downhill through the trees, continue straight ahead for a very short distance, and then turn right to continue downhill through an open field.

11. At the bottom of the hill cross over a small wooden footbridge and bear left. Then head diagonally right, heading uphill and through the woods. Keep to the path for some distance to reach a gate.

12. Pass by the gate to join a lane. Continue straight ahead with a hedge on both sides. After some distance you will pass through a small metal swing gate adjacent to a large metal gate. Continue straight ahead until reaching a road.

13. Turn right along the road heading downhill and back into the village of Scarcliffe. Eventually you will reach the church.

This walk is for illustrative purposes only. Voice Magazines Ltd takes no responsibility for anyone who chooses to follow this route and encourages all walkers to obey all byelaws and signs and to respect the area they are walking in, ensuring they pick up all dog mess and obey the countryside code at all times.

BOLSOVER

PALTERTON

Stony Houghton

Elmton

Upper Langwith

Alfreton & District Heritage Trust

JUNE

2024

EARLY INDUSTRY IN ALFRETON

When I started looking at this month’s topic, I thought I’d research the history of another street in Alfreton and so my attention was drawn to the “bottom end” of Alfreton and Park Street in particular. Having had the odd pint or two in the Miners Arms in my younger years (and sadly having the misfortune to have been locked in on several occasions!) it was a natural choice.

Park Street, however, isn’t all that it seems. Originally it had the ancient name of the Ropewalk and was associated with the ancient craft of Rope Making. Certainly, we know both Alfreton and Swanwick had Rope Houses where rope was produced. Alfreton was renowned for the quality of its rope, particularly that produced for the many pits in the area.

Hemp was required to produce rope and the earliest records I have found of its existence in the Parish of Alfreton dates back to 1698 with a further reference in 1744. In September 1810, the Terriers of St. Martin’s Church also mention that The Skinner Hill Pingle was to be known as Rope House Close.

One family closely associated with ropemaking in Alfreton for many years were the Fell family who had premises on King Street. The business began around 1800 when Mr Marshall Fell, a Farmer and Ropemaker from Warsop, moved with his family from the Nottinghamshire village. The business then passed to his son, Samuel, and then to grandson, Marshall Fell. When Marshall Fell died on 16th July 1888 the business passed to his son Harry Fell.

The Fell family made rope in the traditional way using the band

If you are interested in learning more about local history then pop along to Palmer Morewood Social Club between 10am and 3pm on Saturday, 15th June when we have a Heritage Day featuring many local groups and live music from The Amber Band. Refreshments will be available.

Harry Fell

Fells Rope Makers Shop King St

Maintenance free Timber Alter native Windows & Doors from Evolution. With all the beauty of traditional timber, our wood effect windows and doors have to be seen to be believed.

Maintenance free Timber Alternative Sash Windows from the Bygone Collection. The most energy efficient, authentic, timber alternative sash window on the market. Exceptional build quality, with an unprecedented 12 year guarantee.

Open Monday To Saturday 9.30am - 4.30pm

Aluco manufactures iconic steel replica, heritage, Art-Deco or industrial-styled glazing solutions. Aluco delivers expertly crafted, cleverly designed, and above all, authentic in style, steel-look windows and doors.

BOOK REVIEW

It goes without saying that Margaret Atwood is best known for The Handmaid’s Tale; but this Canadian author has written over 50 books – mostly fiction but also essays and even poetry.

Old Babes in the Wood comprises 15 Atwood short stories. Short stories tend to be something you love – because they’re short and pithy and easily read; or hatebecause you don’t get time to develop a relationship with the characters. But these are Margaret Atwood short stories and as with most of her writing she takes them to another level.

As you’d expect they are sharp and smart and in parts funny about the foibles and eccentricities and humanity of people – in this collection, often older people. People are always centre front in her tales. Some of the stories are sad – they’re quite personal to the author who lost her partner fairly recently. In other places she strays almost into sci-fi. There’s a real range to get your teeth into. Are they fairy stories? That’s for you to decide.

OLD BABES IN THE WOOD - MARGARET ATWOOD

We’re a family run business and we’re dedicated to supplying you with flooring and fitting of the very highest quality

ON EVERY JOB WE PROVIDE:

✓ EXPERTISE and advice on a range of floor coverings.

✓ Superb ATTENTION TO DETAIL from time-served flooring installers.

✓ FREE estimates, with no obligation to buy.

✓ PROFESSIONAL quality fitting service with clean and tidy workmenship.

✓ Full manufacturer’s GUARANTEE.

✓ UNRIVALLED customer service.

& COMMERCIAL WORK UNDERTAKEN

Guess the words and Fill in the crossword !

Across

1 Go round a meerkat duo? Not likely! (4,1,6)

8 Near to shut, say, the shop (5-2)

11 Break it, upon a state that’s ideal (7)

16 Correct level of fancy trim to hang out (5,6)

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. These puzzles

Across

5 Basking shark spotted in the resort (3)

7 Under-water replacement player? (3)

10 Producer of brewed Red Beer (7)

14 I’ve come to compete (3)

15 Good enough to have some sticky stuff (3)

Down

2 Turn out a selfish leader? (4)

3 Alternative of fermentation lees (4)

9 Over-priced soak? (5)

12 Push out on arduous trip (4)

13 Two people, together with a bit of a list? (4)

1 It’ll be getting foggy if you badly mis-govern it (7,4)

4 Bunny-walker to be made into abbot’s fir (7,4)

6 Lie about cube being jeans colour (3,4)

7 Frugal cutting down under Swedish leader (7)

Final event, 6 Crop, 7 Din, 8 Lush, 9 Woodland, 11 Grey area, 14 Kilt, 15 Oar, 16 Anti, 17 Wellington.

Down: 1 Feeling low, 2 Archway, 3 Vapid, 4 Nadia, 5 In addition, 10 Leaking, 12 Eyrie, 13 Avail.

Mike’sMusings

Our resident muser has the mike...

Mike is always glad to hear from you at : mike.musings@outlook.com

If I was Prime Minister I would……………..? (Part 4 of………?)

Based upon the responses I’ve been getting, it looks as if I’ve struck a chord with many of you, and following on from the tenuous link to eating habits in an earlier article, here are four more suggestions from locally frustrated citizens.

One reader, describing himself simply as a ‘Grumpy Grandad from Riddings’ complains about the lack of dining etiquette in fast-food restaurants. “They’re not for me, to be honest,” he says, “but there are times when, for instance, we’ve got the grandkids for a day, when we give in and visit the likes of McDonald’s. Now, I’ve no complaints about the food. I reckon it’s good value for what it is. My problem, however, is that I was properly raised NOT TO PICK UP FOOD WITH MY HANDS, and in these places, there is no option but to eat like an animal.

Grumpy Grandad’s solution is simple. Make it compulsory, he suggests, for fast-food establishments to provide cutlery upon request, and for this to be presented by the assistant with a smile, not a frown!

I had an email one Sunday afternoon, from Jeremy who lives in South Normanton. I could tell straightaway from his tone that he was really annoyed. Apparently, accompanied by family for a special occasion, he’d enjoyed a Sunday carvery at a local pub. You’ll be familiar with the format. Punters take a plate upon which the chef/kitchen hand places portions of meat (often with an enormous Yorkshire Pudding) and then advises the customer to help themselves to a selection of vegetables.

Most people – OK it’s mainly fellas – in order to maximise value for money, then proceed to fill the plate, almost to overflowing, with veg. Now Jeremy has no problem with that but gets very hot under the collar when the diner fails to eat it all.

To counter this, Jeremy suggests that anyone guilty of this selfish and wasteful habit, be made to vacate the table, pick up their plate and sit in a secure area where they be ‘imprisoned’ until the plate is ‘clean’.

On a similar theme, Linda from Swanwick has a thing about condiments. Why, she asks, do many pub/ restaurants provide you with sachets of e.g. tomato sauce, vinegar, mustard etc? Her gripe is that once you’ve bit through the plastic packet, and ended up with an unwanted mouthful of whatever, when squeezed, the remaining content goes all over the place.

To overcome this, Linda suggests that there be a law insisting that all such products be made available in more user-friendly receptacles.

Finally, Helen from Newton has been in touch. Apparently, her husband lost a filling whilst eating pork scratchings. As if that was not bad enough, he had to pay £45 to have it replaced and he was inconsolable.

In light of this, Helen, perhaps tongue in cheek, asks that the Government make it compulsory, just like cigarettes, that packets of pork scratchings carry a health warning from dentists.

• Secure storage units & Workshop rentals available now

• Low prices and short term leases

• Great location

• Secure & alarmed yard with CCTV

• 24hr access

• Plant & equipment storage both outside & undercover

• 20ft container available now from £30+VAT per week

Gardener’s Calendar

You might think you’re doing them a favour, but it usually leads to floppy soft growth, which is more likely to collapse in rain or wind – not that we’re expecting this summer to have any of that! Staking is pretty important but don’t tie them in too closely, they need to bend with the wind but if you do lose stems, cut them back cleanly and you may get new growth below.

Prune philadelphus, forsythia and currant now they’ve finished flowering. They produce next year’s flowers on this year’s growth so pruning early gives more growth before winter.

If you want to lift this year’s tulips to clear beds or pots, wait till the foliage has turned yellow – generally about six to eight weeks after flowering. Cut off the stems, remove the foliage and leave the bulbs to dry then store in a paper bag somewhere dry and cool. Offsets –the little bulblets which grow alongside the main bulb can be pulled away, and treated as above then replanted in autumn about eight to ten inches deep. The main bulb can be planted around six inches deep in late autumn and even through until December or early January, although that display will be later.

WATCHING THE ‘WINDHOVER’

Often mistakenly called a ‘hawk’, the kestrel or windhover is perhaps our most familiar bird of prey, and it is a falcon related to the diminutive merlin and the awesome peregrine. This was the bird of prey which seemed to survive the nadir of our raptors during the bad days of the 1950s to the 1980s. Ruthless persecution and use of persistent pesticides eradicated most birds of prey like common buzzards, sparrowhawks, peregrines, and red kites. These species hung on in the western parts of Great Britain but were largely extinct in and around the Peak District. The exception to this was the kestrel which seemed to quietly go about its business and was largely under the radar. This species also benefitted from the new motorways and dual carriageways which proliferated from the 1960s onwards and provided abundant verges full of mice and voles for kestrels to hunt. Indeed, it was in such places that most people became familiar with the windhover. They also adapted well to high-rise living in towns and cities and to disused or abandoned old quarries. In the absence of predation by or competition with the other raptors, the kestrel thrived, and along Peak District gritstone edges, it was possible to see ten or more birds in a single afternoon. However, in recent years it seems that the kestrel population has shrunk somewhat, and this may be because the other birds of prey have recovered

considerably and re-colonised the region in good numbers. Both common buzzard and peregrine falcon will compete for space and even predate the smaller kestrel, and so their numbers and distribution have now reduced. Indeed, the most frequently spotted birds of prey are probably sparrowhawk (a species which is certainly thriving), and common buzzard. The latter can be seen soaring over breeding sites with several birds in the air at any one time. The other coloniser is of course the spectacular red kite, though these still lag behind buzzards in the Peak. Another bird of prey yet to recolonise is the osprey which passes through on migration but as yet (I think) has not nested. Hopefully, the moorland hen harriers are starting to return, though peregrines still seem to do better in the urban areas than they do in the wild spaces of the Peak.

As numbers of these species continue to grow, there will be more competitive interactions between them, and with other potential rivals for space such as the raven. None of these birds likes its neighbours to be too close!

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 www.ukeconet.org, blog www.ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/ & Twitter @IanThewildside

FEMALE KESTREL AT SUNSET

KESTREL IN FLIGHT

KESTREL DROPPING KESTREL IN FLIGHT

KESTREL HOVERING

MALE KESTREL

YOUNG MALE KESTREL

enquiries@hopkins-solicitors.co.uk

Managing your personal affairs is important

It’s all about finding a local expert that you can trust, that will keep your best interests at heart, whilst giving you straightforward advice.

No matter what twists and turns life throws at you, our legal team are here to help. But we are more than legal experts, we love to help people.

> Wills & Property Trust Wills

> Lasting Powers of Attorney

> Injury or Illness Claims

> Divorce or Children Matters

> Employment Advice

> Financial Disputes

Appointments by voice-call, video-call, in-person at one of our offices or if you are unable to leave the hospital our staff are happy to visit you at your bedside.