Voice Magazines - Swanwick, Riddings, Leabrooks and Somercotes Edition - June 2024

JUNE 24

GIRAFFE DAY 21ST JUNE 24

11 EDITIONS READ, BY OVER 152,000 RESIDENTS

We

Boiler Breakdowns

Boiler Servicing

Radiators & Pipes

Tanks & Cylinders

Toilets & Taps

Leaks & Bursts

Showers

Clearing Blockages

Pipework Replacement

Gas

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.

ALL EVENTS MEMBERS FREE, NON-MEMBERS TO PAY ON THE DOOR

1ST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

Derbyshire Beekeepers Society from 7.30pm

1ST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH

Classic cars from 7/7.30pm

LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

Sat 22nd June

Bar Open from 2pm

Bikers to meet at 3.30pm

Everyone welcome

Quiz night, £3pp including buffet

LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Northern Soul

2ND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

Acoustic Night

For further details see our fb page South Wingfield Social Club Group

invite you to a

Saturday 22nd June 2024 from 12.00 noon to 2.00pm

Various meat & quiche salads & strawberry based desserts available

RASCALS CELEBRATE LIFESAVING SUCCESS

As the 2023/2024 competitive Lifesaving season comes to an end, RASCALS has emerged as a formidable force, capping off an outstanding season with a string of impressive results. The list of competitions targeted has been extensive:

✔ Yorkshire Speeds

✔ Holland National Championships

✔ Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Nationals

✔ Surf Life Saving GB (SLSGB) Open Nationals

✔ British Universities Life Saving Clubs’ Association (BULSCA) Nationals

✔ Welsh Nationals

✔ Irish Nationals

✔ Surf Lifesaving GB (SLSGB) Youth Nationals

✔ Spanish Nationals

At the Yorkshire Speeds, RASCALS had a stellar performance, clinching the top spot on both the points and medal tables. Continuing their winning streak, the club excelled at the Welsh Nationals in Swansea, securing the highest number of medals and finishing a close second in overall points. This performance was mirrored in Birmingham at the RLSS Nationals where RASCALS again claimed the top spot on the medal table and a commendable second place in points. The BULSCA Nationals witnessed another strong showing from the club, as they clinched second place in the medal table. SLSGB welcomed the club to Cardiff where two days of competition resulted in 2nd place on the points, top of the medal table in the Youth category and 3rd place on points in the Open category.

RASCALS enthusiastic junior lifesavers showcased their talent and potential at the Leeds Rookie Festival and the short course Billingham competition, achieving personal bests and winning medals along the way, ensuring a promising future for the club.

The club’s achievements extended beyond national borders, with several RASCALS lifesavers triumphant in representing Great Britain at the European Lifesaving Championships and representing England, Scotland and

Wales at the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships in Canada. RASCALS is now host to a talented top-tier of international medallists, not least international gold medallists!

Overall, RASCALS won 83 National titles, 62 Silver medals and 49 Bronze medals and set 8 national records.

Expressing his pride in the squad’s performance, Head Coach Daniel Woodthorpe highlighted the tireless efforts put in by the athletes, their supporters and all the volunteer coaches and manager, remarking that “yes, it has indeed been a fantastic season!”. Recognizing his commitment to the sport and in addition to his GBR coaching responsibility, Daniel has just been appointed joint Team Manager/Coach for Team England at the Commonwealth Championships taking place in Swansea 2025. Congratulations!

Looking ahead, the focus now shifts to the Bridlington beach training day and Traditional lifesaving competitions where lifesavers are encouraged to develop and maintain the essential physical and mental skills to save lives. We wish RASCALS lifesavers further success in the upcoming season.

If you would like to expand your swimming activities or try something new, please contact us. contact@ripleyrascals.org.uk • www.ripleyrascals.org.uk

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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

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COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS

WARNER LEISURE

Heythorp Park, Cotswolds

Mon 1st - Fri 5th Jul

5 Days - £645

PORTHCAWL

Seabank Hotel

Wed 10th - Sun 14th Jul

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Thu 25th - Mon 29th Jul

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TORQUAY

Livermead House Hotel Tue 6th - Sun 11th Aug

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SOMERSET

Mercure Hotel, Bridgwater

Thu 8th - Mon 12th Aug 5 Days - £545

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW

Mercure Hotel, Heydock Sun 18th - Mon 19th Aug 2 Days - £170

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ISLE OF WIGHT

Burlington Hotel Mon 26th Aug - Mon 2nd Sep 8 Days - £625

WILTSHIRE WARNERS

Littlecote House Mon 26th - Fri 30th Aug 5 Days - £475 (Halfboard)

MOBILE BOOKING OFFICE LOCATIONS

2nd Tuesday of each month 9am - 1pm | South Normanton Market Place

2nd Thursday of each month 9.30am - 12.00pm | Bolsover Market

2nd Friday of each month 9am - 1pm | Ripley Market Place

3rd Thursday of each month 9am - 1pm | Alfreton Severn Square Car Park (Outside B&M)

3rd Friday of each month 9am - 1pm | Sutton-in-Ashfield, Portland Square

Slimming World Recipe

Sticky chicken drumsticks and chips with American-style salad

Method:

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

For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk

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

Serves: 4 Syns per serving: 1/2

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

Ready in: 55 minutes (plus 1 hour to marinade)

EVERY SATURDAY 7:00am, 8:30am & 10:00am ST JOSEPHS CHURCH

Community Hall, Butterley Hill, Ripley, DE5 3LT

VENUE ACCESSIBILITY

TUES MORNING - 9.30am

SOMERCOTES VILLAGE HALL

Wheelchair access • Disabled toilet • Disabled parking

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

SHIRLAND VILLAGE HALL

Main Road, Shirland, Alfreton, DE55 6BB

Nottingham Road, Somercotes, DE55 4HQ

WED MORNING - 9am

PALMER MOREWOOD MEMORIAL CLUB 36 Hall Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BU

WED EVENING - 6pm

CHRIST THE KING CHURCH HALL

Nottingham Road, Alfreton, DE55 7GL

FRIDAY MORNING - 8am & 9.30am

SELSTON PARISH HALL

Mansfield Road, Selston, NG16 6EE

Sue: 07738 118 130

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

system of rope making just as their ancestors had always done in the years before them in what is known as the “ropewalk”. A piece of land which derives its name from the pedestrian exercise which the old system of rope making entailed. Harry Fell was joined in the business by his son, Harry Marshall Fell and the business was extended to include the manufacture of covers, stack cloths, horse rugs etc.

Harry was well known within the farming community and within the local church community being a keen campanologist. He was a bell ringer at St Martin’s Church for over 40 years and following his death in 1925 was buried there. Sadly, the family business was to close around seven years after his death.

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

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

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.

THE LITTLE RED HEN HOUSE

NORTHUMBERLAND

STUNNING HOLIDAY COTTAGE IN WARKWORTH, NORTHUMBERLAND

Treat yourself to a luxury break at the 4* Gold Award winning Little Red Hen House. An elegant and cosy holiday home just a 7 minute drive from award-winning and dog-friendly Warkworth beach.

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✽ Close to a range of dog friendly pubs, cafes and restaurants in stunning Warkworth

✽ We have fast fibre Wi-Fi and smart TV’s Search ‘The

Guess the words and Fill in the crossword !

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 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)

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)

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.

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.

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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.

DABBERS, DOBBERS, AND A NATIONAL DAY!

As I sit here pondering the profound mysteries of the universe, my mind unexpectedly drifts towards the enigmatic origins of National Bingo Day. Yes - it’s a thing!

Picture this: a world where numbers reign supreme, and people sit in dimly lit halls armed with dobbers and determination. Welcome to the heart-pounding, adrenaline-fuelled realm of bingo!

Now, as someone who has never, ever, been in a bingo hall, I may have made up the “dimly lit hall and adrenaline fuelled” bit…but stay with me.

Where did bingo begin, you ask? Let me unravel the tangled threads of bingo history for you.

Legend has it that bingo’s roots can be traced back to ancient civilisations, where instead of yelling “bingo,” they probably shouted something more like “Huzzah! I’ve aligned the stars and won a flint knife!” (I made that up too!) Actually, the earliest recorded history of a bingo type game is from Italy in the 1500s.

Fast forward a few centuries (OK, more than a few), and bingo found its way into the hearts and wallets of the masses when a man called Edwin Lowe from Atlanta came across the game at carnivals and fairs in the USA, when “beano” was shouted to indicate a “full house”. He took the game over to New York where the name bingo began when a friend of Lowe’s was playing one day, and in his excitement at having a winning card, shouted “bingo” by mistake.

According to my trusty source (aka the internet), National Bingo Day is a new thing in the UK. It began in 2021, the date – 27 June – being selected to mirror the

long-established US day of bingo-tastic celebrations. So, yet another American import.

I found a few facts which may (or may not) amuse you…

● Eight per cent of the UK population play bingo – 10% of all women and 5% of all men, with over 3 million people playing regularly in the UK (at least twice a week).

● Many people think that bingo is mainly played by older adults, but they’re wrong! In fact, over one third of online bingo players actually fall within the 25-34 age bracket.

● Margaret is the most common winner’s name statistically: so if you are called Margaret, you’re more likely to win than anyone else.

● Researchers at Southampton University have discovered that playing bingo can help keep the mind sharp.

● When you are one number off calling bingo!, your heart beats faster than if you were on The Big One –the roller coaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

So, whether you’re a seasoned bingo veteran or a newbie dabbling in the delicate art of dobber dabbing, why not get yourself off to a bingo session near you?

But remember to take a friend called Margaret with you and agree in advance to split the winnings!

NEW 13FT UNBANDED SCAFFOLD BOARDS

3.9m

LEABROOKS ALLOTMENT SHOP

WHICH PLOT WOULD BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Earlier this year, we began work on several smaller greenhouse plots.

These smaller plots are intended for people who can commit a small number of hours each week and provide opportunities for those who do not want the commitment required, of one of our traditional larger plots.

Our very successful starter plots are around the same size as a good back garden and provide the opportunity to develop your green fingers, before expanding your plans to a full-size plot. These smaller plots have been so successful, we will be developing more in the coming weeks.

The greenhouse plots consist of a small area of growing space alongside a greenhouse, where members will still be able to enjoy, not only the pleasure of continuing to grow a small amount of produce but also benefit from being out in the open air and the very enjoyable social side of being part of our allotment community.

The next size up is our half plots, which are between 2-300 square meters, which equates to a generous back garden. These plots are popular with members upgrading from a starter plot and those downsizing from a larger plot.

Our allotment community is varied. We have novices, through to people who've had plots for 50 or more years. Everyone has their own way of doing things and there's always an opportunity for chat to share experiences.

Please visit our Leabrooks Allotment-shop|Facebook page to stay up to date with news about our increasingly popular fruit and veg shop, and plant

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

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.

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