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Well, I think we’ve surpassed ourselves with the front covers this month, even if I do say so myself! Come on, hands up if you took a moment to recognise us again? We are certainly enjoying coming up with new looks and we hope you are enjoying it too. Anyway, I digress, the whole point of this front cover was a different representation of Mother’s Day and I’ve think we’ve nailed it. There is nothing like the animal kingdom to highlight that bond between parent and child with the fierce protection and extreme tenderness and humankind (by and large, as there are always exceptions) aren’t much different in that respect.
We’ve got lots of little snippets of tips, facts and things to do throughout the mags this month, so be sure to pay attention and spoil your Mother’s this month. Whether they are a maternal mother, surrogate mother, step-mother, furry mother, partner who is a good mother or celebrating a mother that is no longer with us, do something nice, as my Grandma always used to say to me – “You only have one mother you know!”.
In other news, I disappeared to Lisbon for my birthday last month. I think I’ve mentioned before, if I don’t have a birthday in this time zone, it doesn’t count right?! We’ll skip right past the bit where I went to Lisbon which is totally in the same time zone…..but it still stands! Anyway, miles walked, lovely place, had the most fabulous time, yada yada – I gets back to work and had a little birthday fuddle as we do for all of us. At the time of writing, Sarah is still to have her birthday and Liam is a summer baby, so there’s ages yet! However, just to give you a flavour…..Lisa got some lovely Adidas Gazelle trainers (her faves) and Michelle was gifted a lovely boat ride excursion when she goes on her joliies. “How lovely”, I hear you all say….. “I wonder what you got Emily”….well that’s a good question and I shall tell you…..an electric heat pad. Oh yes readers, and let me tell you, despite my initial reaction, I am truly blessed! I do some kind of fitness/sport most evenings and every night, I wrap my little heat pad around the offending ache and low and behold, the magic begins to happen! It’s true, I no longer stomp down the stairs like CP30 every morning, all for the sake of a wrap-around heat pad.
I never thought it would come to me but…I have reached that age! I’ll be getting excited by Velcro slippers next!!
Happy reading everyone,
Becoming a mother is one of the most transformative events in a woman’s life.
The moment you gaze into the eyes of your newborn, you know your world will never be the same. You have a deep, almost animalistic urge to protect and cherish this new life you have created, and this feeling barely changes as your child grows from baby to child, and ultimately to an adult with children of their own.
The desire to care for our children is hardwired into us (well, most of us) and is undoubtedly a vestigial emotion carried in our genes from our earliest ancestor. Ancestor who lived perilously, competing for resources with animals who saw humans as just another source of food.
Human babies are born frail, needy, and totally unable to care for themselves for many years. Contrast this with the animal kingdom when newborns can usually stand, walk, and run soon after birth, allowing them to escape from predators and live another day.
Is it any wonder then, that as a species we appear to have such a special and deep bond with
our offspring? We may not be fighting off sabre-tooth tigers these days, but the need to protect our young is deep and lasting.
But it’s not just we humans that show love and care towards our young, the animal world is full of examples of motherly love. The lionesses fierce protection of her cubs is clear to see — as well as the playfulness shown when she happily allows her cubs to climb all over her.
Elephant mothers are very protective of their babies and the calves stay with their mothers for years. Even though weaned by around the age of 2, an elephant will often try to suckle from its mother up to the age of 10. (I hear a sharp intake of breath from any mums who are currently breastfeeding!).
Even in the world of birds, the act of building a nest and feeding fledglings is a demonstration of maternal (and with birds, usually also paternal) devotion.
A mother’s love speaks louder than words. The loving touch of a mother and the assurances she offers are understood by all, regardless of species. It’s a reminder that love is felt deeply in the heart and doesn’t require elaborate declarations or grand gestures.
I don’t want to cut fathers out of this article because they obviously play a huge role in the growth and development of a child, but a mother grew that child within them. They felt the first flutters of a new life, the fierce kicks and punches as the baby learns how its limbs work. And they experienced the unique joy and pain of childbirth.
Mothers are special—whether human or animal. The day we lose our mother, our world tilts on its axis, the one person who has been with us since conception is gone, and we are suddenly at the top of our family tree.
So, remember, treasure your mum, and tell her you love her.
The Trustees of Wirksworth Heritage Centre, registered charity no 515399, have taken the difficult decision to close. The current economic climate, increased running costs and poor trading conditions are all factors in this decision. Heritage sites throughout the country are facing similar issues.
Wirksworth Heritage Centre has been an independent museum for 40 years. It houses a unique local collection focussing on the rich history of the town and its inhabitants. The very popular café, shop, events and activities are a community hub/resource which will be greatly missed.
The Trustees wish to thank the staff, volunteers, members, customers and grant funders for their support over the years. The National Lottery Heritage Fund have played a major role in establishing the museum in its current location, saved a historic building and provided ongoing grant support.
In order to secure the future of the collection, the Trustees are appealing to local businesses, groups, philanthropists and individuals to come forward. They are working to keep the collection “Wirksworth Story” in the town in the long term.
Jacqueline Ferguson Lee, Chair of Wirksworth Heritage Centre Trustees, says “We appeal to interested parties to help secure the future of the collection. We get so many positive comments about the museum. Our Visitor’s Book is full of compliments. How can we allow these wonderful artefacts to be dispersed? Our visitors praise the museum saying it’s a little gem, full of interest and with well-presented informative displays. Please help us to secure Wirksworth’s heritage for future generations”.
jacqueline.ferguson-lee@wirksworthheritagecentre.org
Welcome to Hair & Beauty at Slimming World a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ salon experience based in Alfreton and open to all
Our skilled, friendly and experienced team are ready to pamper you from head to toe while you relax in total comfort. With free on-site parking, a deluxe complimentary drinks menu and a luxurious atmosphere, we’ll make sure you leave us looking and feeling fabulous.
Whether it’s you, a friend, your teenager, a sibling… it’s a night to remember forever. We’re here to help, with all the Prom glam essentials:
Spray-tans
Lash extensions
Gel or acrylic nails
Brow care: laminations or tint and wax
Hairstyling: Up-do’s, curls, you name it – we can do it!
Make-up appointments
Quote ‘Voice’ to book your appointment
Did you know at our salon, we have hair specialists who are able to provide advice and solutions around hair loss and thinning?
Around 50% of the population will deal with hair loss at some point in their lives, so we hope we can help you with any concerns you may have! Through the right products and treatments, we could help you achieve a healthier scalp, leading to thicker, fuller hair.
For more information on our full range of services or to book, call 01773 546 382 or visit hair-and-beauty-salon.co.uk
We stock industry-leading hair care and beauty products
Opening hours: Monday 9.30am – 6pm • Tuesday 9am – 6pm • Wednesday 11am – 8pm Thursday 10am – 7pm • Friday 10am– 6pm • Saturday 9am – 2pm • Sunday Closed
Clover Nook Road, Somercotes, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4SW
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.
✽ 2 spacious en-suite bedrooms
✽ A fully enclosed garden
✽ 2 small to medium dogs welcome (3 upon request)
✽ Fully equipped kitchen, including an American style fridge freezer
✽ Perfect for exploring the stunning Northumbrian Heritage Coastline
✽ Close to a range of dog friendly pubs, cafes & restaurants in stunning Warkworth
✽ We have fast fibre Wi-Fi and smart TV’s
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
8 Inn, on reflection, is material result (5)
9 Examines the trials and tribulations (5)
10 Nippy set of vessels? (5)
12 Jump over burial chamber (5)
Down
2 Shattered, but everything’s included (3,2)
3 ‘Old Faithful’ sound systems are his, if played well (2-3)
11 Relish unsticking frozen joystick (5)
13 Saddened by unhappy setup (5)
Across
1 Damaged when pranged, relatively speaking (5,6)
5 Right on? No, it’s not included either! (4,3)
14 Nocturnal canines, one of them had a novel day (7)
15 Shot up, with York deck set out (11)
1 Sly fan to grant, perhaps, some accommodation (6,5) 4 Very comfortable to let weld set then tell it wrong (4,7) 6 Caftan I embroidered for a zealot (7) 7 Eight-note partner, Mark Anthony? (7)
To all staff of T. Nutt & Sons
“After having a living room carpet fitted and then vinyl flooring in our hall and kitchen diner, we had to write to express our thanks.
All staff were polite, helpful, knowledgeable and professional. In this day and age it is refreshing to have such excellent service.
A few unforeseen glitches (no one’s fault!) were sorted promptly and to our satisfaction.
Once again everyone, thank you – it has been a pleasure doing business with you. You get a big gold star from us.”
ALL EVENTS MEMBERS FREE, NON-MEMBERS TO PAY
NORTHERN SOUL/ MOTOWN NIGHTS
LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH
£3 entry on the door
DJs Dave/Graham & guests 7:30pm - late
5’s & 3’s
MONDAY DOMINO EVENINGS
Swanwick & District League approx 7:30pm
DERBYSHIRE BEE SOCIETY MEETING
FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH 7.15PM Start - All welcome
DERBYSHIRE TR
CLASSIC CAR MEETING
SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH 7:30pm Start - All Welcome
CHASE THE ACE - EVERY FRIDAY Draw at 7pm - Tickets available SWSC
DARTS NIGHT - EVERY TUESDAY Matlock and District league approx 8.30pm
Method:
1. Put the chicken in a ceramic bowl and sprinkle over the soy sauce. Toss well to coat.
2. Cook the rice according to the pack instructions, then drain well and keep warm.
3. At the same time, spray a non-stick wok or large frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and put it over a high heat. Add the chicken strips and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until browned.
If you’re a fan of Japanese food then this tasty fakeaway, packed full of flavour, should be right up your street.
4. Add the vegetables and stirfry for 4-5 minutes.
5. Pour in the teriyaki sauce and stock and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until piping hot and bubbling.
6. Divide the rice and chicken mixture between 4 bowls, and sprinkle over the shredded seaweed, if using, to serve.
Ingredients:
• 3 large skinless and boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 4 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 250g dried long-grain white rice
• Low-calorie cooking spray
• 2 carrots, cut into matchsticks
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into thin strips
• 100g mangetout
• 150g shiitake mushrooms, stalks removed, very thinly sliced
• 3 level tbsp teriyaki sauce
• 100ml hot chicken stock
• 1 dried seaweed sheet (nori), shredded (optional)
Ready in: 25 Minutes
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Many solo travellers worry about cost, as hotels and cruises often charge a “solo occupancy” fee. However, more travel companies now offer packages designed specifically for solo travellers, removing extra charges. There’s also the fear of feeling lonely, but joining group tours and meeting like-minded people along the way ensures wonderful connections. If planning feels overwhelming, escorted trips provide stress-free travel with built-in support
Solo travel is liberating, exciting, and completely within your reach. If you’re ready to explore the world with confidence, I can help! Contact me, and let’s plan your perfect solo adventure today.
Visit my webpage to find out more.
SCARBOROUGH
Crown Spa Hotel
Mon 31st Mar - Fri 4th Apr
5 Days - £499
ST AGNES
Rosemundy House Hotel
Wed 2nd - Sun 6th Apr
5 Days - £425
MYSTERY WEEKEND
Mystery Hotel
Sat 12th - Sun 13th Apr
2 Days - £130
FOR A 2025 BROCHURE OR TO BOOK:
PHONE: 01773 590 808 01246 604 764 or 07483 357 958
Go online WWW.CLAIRSCOACHES.CO.UK
Dukes Head Hotel
Mon 14th - Fri 18th Apr
5 Days - £475
EASTBOURNE
Haddon Hall Hotel
Mon 28th Apr - Fri 2nd May
5 Days - £420
POTTERS RESORT
Five Lakes Resort, Essex Mon 5th - Fri 9th May
5 Days - £650 / £690
NEW BOOKING OFFICE: Parkvilla,124 Market Street, Clay Cross, Derbyshire S45 9LY
WESTON SUPER MARE
Smiths Hotel
Mon 5th - Fri 9th May
5 Days - £450
SOUTHEND ON SEA
Radisson Park Inn
Mon 12th - Fri 16th May
5 Days - £475
MORECAMBE
Auckland Hotel
Mon 12th - Fri 16th May
5 Days - £425
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
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
Your local rise and recliner specialists • We have recliners that can be delivered within 48 hours
Electric adjustable beds available along with divans and headboards in ALL sizes
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)
3rd Friday of each month 9am – 1pm | Sutton-in-Ashfield, Portland Square
9-11 Outram Street, Sutton- in- Ashfield, Notts, NG17 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
OPENING HOURS: Mon: 9.30am - 5.00pm | Tues: 9.30am - 5.00pm | Wed: 9.30am - 1.30pm Thurs: 9.30am - 5.00pm | Fri: 9.30am - 5.00pm | Sat: 9.00am - 1.00pm | Sunday - Closed for family time
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
Mobile: 07730 135 757
jacksongoodrum@fulcrumfitness.co.uk www.fulcrumfitness.co.uk @_coach.jackson
I’m Jackson — a PT and Nutritionist who walked away from the London corporate grind to pursue what truly fires me up: helping people unlock their full potential through fitness, nutrition, and smart training.
I know firsthand how dialling in your health transforms not just your body, but your entire life — personally and professionally. I’ve lived it. And now, I am in an awesome position to help others do the same. Whether you’re an athlete looking for that competitive edge, a high performer seeking more energy and resilience, or someone determined to move better, feel stronger, and futureproof your body — I’m here for it.
I’ve competed at a high level across multiple sports — rugby, rowing, athletics, and even motorsport — so I understand what it takes to push limits. I’ve also battled through my own injury setbacks, fracturing my lower back in five places at 16 and undergoing major corrective surgery. That experience fuelled my passion for longevity — training not just for now, but for the decades ahead. I help my clients build strong, resilient bodies that stand the test of time. As one client aptly said to me once… “I want to age like a fine wine”. Well… I’ve got you covered!
I primarily coach 1:1 at UHF, and my number one priority is meeting you where you are right now — then working together to move you forward. My approach is built on the best available evidence in exercise and nutrition science, cutting through the noise of the fitness industry so you can focus on what truly moves the needle.
I’ve recently completed what’s widely regarded as the most comprehensive, evidence-based PT qualification in the world, reinforcing my commitment to delivering real, results-driven coaching. While I take a human-centred approach, I also strongly believe that success isn’t about fads, hacks or guesswork — it’s about strategy, consistency, and the right guidance. I love going on that journey with my clients and seeing what they are capable of.
When I’m not coaching, you’ll probably find me hiking up a Munro in the Scottish Highlands or attempting to grow runner beans (with mixed success).
If you’re ready to level up — whether that means getting stronger, moving pain-free, or just feeling like the best version of yourself — let’s chat.
TOP TIP: TO MAKE YOUR GYM JOURNEY EASIER YOU’RE NOT ALONE
We’ve all been there. Trust me — I still get anxious walking into a new gym. Where’s the equipment? What’s the etiquette? What if I look silly? The truth? Most of our worries are completely unfounded. As Mark Twain put it: “I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.”
If you’re looking for a sport that’s exciting, social, and great for fitness, rugby is a fantastic choice! Unlike some sports that favour height, speed, or a particular skill set, rugby has a place for everyone - big or small, fast or strong, young or old.
Many believe rugby is all brutal tackles and injuries, but it’s just as much about strategy, skill, and teamwork. Safe tackling techniques, strict rules, and respect between players make it far more controlled than you might expect. For kids, rugby builds confidence and teamwork. For men and women, it’s a brilliant way to stay fit, meet new people, and enjoy its unique camaraderie. So, if you’re after a fun, inclusive sport, give rugby a try—you might just get hooked!
More than just a club, we are the #ValleyFamily. You can visit our website www.ambervalleyrfc.co.uk,
pages to contact us or follow what we do. You can find us at
This is one of our favourite walks for this time of year. It makes great use of the trails from the Teversal Visitors Centre to go up around Silverhill Wood Country Park and up to Nottinghamshire’s highest point, ‘The Miner’ statue, where there are great views across the county!
3 MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM TEVERSAL VISITORS CENTRE, VIA THE MINER AT SILVERHILL WOOD COUNTRY PARK.
A gentle walk for you and your dog. This short walk should take around 1½ - 2 hours. It is mostly on trails but as ever make sure you wear appropriate footwear for the conditions. And, as always, follow the countryside code.
Starting Point: Teversal Trails Visitor Centre, Carnarvon St, Teversal, Sutton-in-Ashfield NG17 3HJ
1. With the Visitor centre on your left exit the car park via the path towards the Teversal Trail. Shortly, at the fork in the path, take the left path to cross over a small footbridge then turn left at the T-junction.
2. After a short distance turn right along the Teversal Trail, heading north. Follow the trail for some distance to cross over a bridge over a road. Shortly after the bridge take a path on the left, signposted to ‘The Miner’.
3. Follow the path as it emerges from a wooded section and then around the outside of a large pond, on your right. Ignore any paths off until reaching a T-junction of paths, with another, larger pond in front of you.
4. Turn right at the T-Junction following the path for some distance, uphill and around to the left. The path levels off and straightens before bending around to the right. The path then bends to the left and left again before bringing you to a fork in the path.
5. Take the left-hand path, heading uphill. The path straightens then bends around to the left before straightening again. After some distance you will reach a more open area with ‘The Miner’ statue on a hill on your right.
6. Take the stepped path on the right up to the Miner statue to take in the view, then head back down on the path to your left, to re-join the path you were on.
7. Follow the path downhill for some distance until reaching a loose crossroads of paths. Take the path to the left and follow this for some distance as it brings you back to the larger pond you were at earlier.
8. Follow the path as it goes around the pond on your left, then turn right at the junction to return back along the path you came in on, with the smaller pond now on your left-hand side.
9. Follow the path back onto the Teversal Trail, now heading south and back over the road bridge. Continue for some distance until you reach a path on the left. Take the path for a short distance then turn right to cross back over the footbridge and back towards the car park.
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.
Stunning
Beautiful
Elegant
3D
Quality
Large
Colour
Quartz
Showerwall
Malmo
When I was a small girl, no one I knew had fitted carpets in their houses. The best we had was a square of carpet in the middle of a room, leaving a border of painted floorboard around the outside. Parquet if you could afford it. Bedrooms only had rugs and stairs may have a strip of carpet running up the middle of the steps. Vacuum cleaners were available but not everyone had one. You were more likely to see rugs on the washing line being cleaned with a carpet beater. Rag rugs were an age-old way of cheering up a floor using the make-do-and-mend approach. They became popular again during wartime. My granny had one in front of the sink in the kitchen, or scullery as she called it, where her feet had spent so long standing over the years, that they had made dents in the lino.
A Victorian invention, linoleum was practical, hard wearing, waterproof, non-flammable and available in a multitude of patterns and colours. It was also very cheap to manufacture and was to be found in most households until the 1950s when Vinyl became available.
I remember “Ewbanking” for sweeping up small crumbs from carpeted areas. Or “Hoovering” when the job needed a bit of suction.
Although many people nowadays have reverted to ceramic tiled floors, we have come a long way from scrubbing them on hands and knees.
Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information.
MARCH 2025
Last month we talked about the areas Coal Mining Heritage and focused on the Swanwick Collieries, owned by Squire Palmer Morewood and his family of Alfreton Hall. A splendour not shared by his workers who, for the most part, lived in two up, two down, tied houses rented from the colliery owner.
One such family were the Lodge family who lived on Providence Place, Alfreton. In 1918 with three members of the family already employed at Swanwick Colliery, it became the turn of young Jake Lodge, aged 14, to join them.
Up before 5am waking to the sound of low voices and miners walking in their heavy working boots, knocking on the doors of their neighbours to make sure they were up, every penny being needed at home as no-one could afford to lose a day’s pay through overlaying. A quick breakfast, a snap bag of bread and jam, a drink of water and Jake was on his way. Still dark he walked towards the pit, the noise of the winding engine, above the noise and chatter of the men around him. In the pit yard were men waiting for the cage to take them below ground and also a queue of men at the lamp cabin waiting for lamps and motties. Having got his, Jake made his way up the steps to the cage. It was daylight by then and he took one last look at the trees and meadows beyond and got on the cage. Then the cage seemed to lift a bit, the props were pulled out and down they went into the darkness. The pit bottom being some 460 (420m) yards below. It was
a frightening experience for a young lad and felt as if the bottom had dropped out of the cage, such was the speed.
Once underground Jake was taken to the Ostler to collect his pony. The air was dusty and sweaty, and it was like walking in a fog. The pony “Ruff” knew the ropes and the day was spent ganging tubs, three at a time, to the stalls where the miners were getting coal. Danger was ever present and a fall of rock on his first day must have been truly frightening. Little was Jake to know that just five years later his father was to die as a result of a similar fall.
The day over, the pony back in the stables, Jake made his way to the pit bottom eager to see daylight again. What a relief and great joy it was when the cage emerged into daylight and to walk into fresh air and freedom. It had all been like a night of bad dreams. So began Jake’s 48 years down the pit.
At Metro Bathrooms we are very proud to be approaching our 10th anniversary of supplying and fitting bathrooms in Amber Valley and surrounding areas.
For all of those (nearly ten) years we have advertised our services in this fabulous magazine and fitted bathrooms for many of voice magazines loyal readers, so a big thank you to everyone who has chosen us to work in your home, and to all our friends at voice magazines who work hard in keeping the magazine both relevant and enjoyable to read.
After a brief spell in our first showroom in Alfreton in 2015 to our current home in Riddings we have continued with the same high
standard of customer care, before and after installation.
Our showroom continually changes as trends and new products enter the market so we can offer you a great choice of bathrooms.
Our online reviews are a testament to the quality of work that our team of fitters produce week in and week out.
We run our business with great pride and a huge amount of hardwork that’s seen us find our way through some uncertain times, changes of government, brexit, large suppliers going bankrupt overnight, and of course the dreaded covid years in which we proudly retained all of our employees throughout.
“Metro Bathrooms did an excellent job renovating our bathrooms. They not only delivered quality work but also impressed us by cleaning up after themselves and efficiently removing all the old bathroom components. Their comprehensive service left us very happy with the results.”
John Whetton
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We’ve all heard about “those people”— the ones who wake up at 5 a.m., meditate for inner peace, sip green smoothies, and have completed a 10K run before the rest of us have even hit snooze for the third time.
I, on the other hand, am a 61-year-old grandmother of three (with another on the way), and am a firm believer that mornings should come with a warning label. But in a moment of reckless optimism (or possibly caffeine-induced delusion), I decided I should try to become one of them… a morning person.
Here’s how it went.
Day One: The Optimism Phase
I set my alarm for 5 a.m. and prepped a motivational playlist titled You Can Do This (Probably). When the alarm rang, I sprang out of bed. Well, that’s what should have happened. In reality, I snoozed it three times and woke up at 5:27 before leaping out of bed with all the grace of an arthritic sloth!
I meditated, as instructed by the influencer’s morning routine video. Meditation is meant to bring clarity and peace. What I got was an internal debate about what to have for tea, followed by a brief nap in an upright position.
Day Two: The Coffee Overdose
Determined to do better, I actually got out of bed on time. But I am not a sunrise person. I am, however, a coffee person. I made a cup. Then another. Then another, because when your body still thinks it’s the middle of the night, caffeine is the only way forward.
By 6 a.m., my heart was racing, my hands were shaking, and I may or may not have started giving my houseplants a TED Talk.
Day Three: The Existential Crisis
On the influencer’s schedule, 6 a.m. is reserved for journalling. This, they claim, helps set intentions for the day. My journal entry read:
5:00 - Why am I awake?
5:30 - Who am I?
6:00 - What is time anyway?
By 6:30, I found myself standing in the kitchen, staring into the fridge as if it held the answers to life’s deepest questions. It did not. Though I did find
an old container of leftovers and briefly considered whether I should label it a science experiment for the eldest grandson.
Day Four: Relapse
I caved. I hit snooze six times, woke up at 8:15, and decided that if the universe wanted me to be a morning person, I would already be one. The influencer in the video could keep their 5 a.m. routine and I would stick to mine.
Final Verdict:
Some people thrive at dawn. I am not one of those people. My body, mind, and soul reject the idea of functioning before a reasonable hour, and I’ve made peace with that.
If you’re a natural morning person, I salute you. If you’re not — don’t let the influencers fool you. There’s nothing wrong with embracing the noble art of just five more minutes and staying in bed!
Philippa Gregory is best known for her historical novels such as The Other Boleyn Girl which have given a voice to some of our country’s most powerful women across the centuries.
But her most recent book is not a novel. And it’s not about high born ladies or the intricacies of the Tudor courts.
In Normal Women, 900 Years of Women Making History, the writer gives us the real story about the part played by ordinary women throughout British history. She uses research skills she perfected on kings and queens to radically retell the story of how our society has grown - putting women where they have in reality always been - at its heart.
These women flew Spitfires, committed crimes, invented lots of stuff, farmed, rioted (they started the Peasant’s Revolt), held communities together, started businesses, built ships, had children, headed up political campaigns, wrote poetry and plays and were housewives and pirates.
Their stories have mostly been invisible in history books – and also in the skewed way, even now, we look at how society functions. We may have come a long way, but …
It’s a story which has needed telling for a long time and because Philippa Gregory is so skilled as a writer; it is constantly fascinating and readable.
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To all avid (?) readers of my regular contribution, I’ve reached the end of the road insofar as this theme is concerned.
Quite simply, some readers have sent interesting and well thought out suggestions, but lately, they have become just a bit too political, often conveying the type of ill-judged and unfounded comments associated with the likes of Donald Trump or Elon Musk.
That being the case I thought long and hard about passing on the thoughts of Callum, from Swanwick. However, and you can be the judge, as he represents a younger view than I’ve been used to receiving, I’ve decided that his voice should be heard, appropriately enough as it happens, in Voice Magazine.
Callum takes exception to the suggestion, as promoted on front pages of print media - which he claims is often blatant propaganda - that all pensioners are struggling. NB – I should point out that Callum is the grandson of Bill, from Westhouses, who featured last July. There is a link.
Callum, teaching history at a local school for the past four years, hopes to get married to Amber once they secure an affordable mortgage, find a suitable house, and when settled, raise a family of their own. A route that many of us can relate to. However, despite them both enjoying reasonable salaries, they have nearly £60k of student debt to repay, are struggling to raise a deposit and still live with their parents.
These difficulties as they start out on life, he states, contrast with the suggestion in some quarters that ALL pensioners are destined to die of hypothermia because they’ve been denied their pre-Christmas gift of up to £300. When combined with many of the 93% of women of a certain age group jumping on the compensation bandwagon, when a mere 7% of their cohort appear to have a legitimate claim that they may have been ‘cheated out of their pension’, Callum doesn’t hold back.
What many pensioners – not all, but a significant number he qualifies - conveniently forget he says, is that most of their generation have enjoyed free education, affordable housing, generally full employment, no world wars, and all combined with a reliable, well-funded NHS and transport network in a society that had banks, pubs and other necessary services in every town and village. To top it all, they had state pension increases of 10.1 % (2023) and 8.1% (2024) when I had to make do with 5% and 5.5%, respectively.
Callum accepts that all older people deserve respect and, particularly if they are in failing health, whatever help they need that the nation can afford via the taxes that he, Amber and other workers pay.
However, for those who he describes as perennial whingers, he’d somehow like to arrange for Dr Who to take them back in time and spend a week living like his great grandparents, when they had a bit of backbone, kept calm, accepted that things could be a lot worse and were thankful for what they’d got.
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Spring bulbs may have pride of place in our gardens right now, but it’s also a good time to think about how we’re going to make the most of the coming season.
Mulching can help with a number of things – for a start you can put a layer of organic mulch – leaf or bark or home-made compost - around your flowering bulbs – as the foliage dies back. It will feed them and make sure they retain moisture during this important regrowth period.
But it can also help keep sprouting weeds down if you spread thickly enough – a few inches deep. Or if used more sparingly - up to about 5cm - it will enrich the soil. However, if you are using it as an enricher rather than a weed restrictor make sure you get rid of as many weeds as possible before laying the mulch otherwise it will enrich the weeds too – definitely not a positive outcome. And if you’re using animal manure as a mulch, make sure it is very well rotted otherwise the high levels of nitrogen are likely to burn plants.
Which brings us on to weeding. It’s good to get a head start, but probably best at this time of year to tackle them individually with a fork rather than using a hoe. The hoe works better in drier conditions when roots will dry out, but wet soil can lead to them re-growing.
And while it’s tempting to cut the grass as soon as possible, roots can be damaged by cutters in soggy soil. If you are going to cut, make sure it’s on a high blade. Once there’s some warmth in the soil you can start repairing any bald patches by removing thatch or dead grass by raking through, so the soil is loose and not compact, then create holes for drainage with a garden fork. Mix the seed with some compost and scatter then tread in and water. Don’t bury the seed – it needs light to germinate but also contact with the growing medium.
we’re all being told about the undoubted environmental benefits of using peat free compost in our pots and hanging baskets but it’s worth bearing in mind that the nutrient value of peat free may not be as high, so you may need more feed in the longer term.
In the early 1900s, across Derbyshire and the Peak District, local farmers would have employed small children to catch house sparrows in their hundreds in order to protect grain – both in the fields and in the barns. Indeed, when the so-called ‘Cockney Sparrow’ was introduced to the United States in the early 1800s, by lonesome British migrants, it rose in numbers to become a major pest of agriculture and the economy. Then, for many of us growing up in the twentieth century, the humble sparrow was perhaps our most common bird around house and home. Not only this, but there was a second species too, the ‘Tree Sparrow’, altogether more refined and to my eye perhaps prettier! That is a bird that has almost totally gone but in the 1970s and 1980s, I regularly watched them in rural areas of North Derbyshire. By the 2000s, the house sparrow had become increasingly uncommon and on a worryingly steep decline. The tree sparrow is probably one of several victims of modern, intensive farming that squeezes some of our more traditional birds to near extinction in the region. This is not the fault of farmers per se, but of the way we demand cheap food production – and it is said that you ‘get what you pay for and what you deserve!’ So, we have lost turtle doves, corn buntings, linnets, yellowhammers, corncrakes, wild grey partridge, and yes, tree sparrows. But people ask what has happened to the ubiquitous house sparrows? Well, it is probably a mix of different factors together with a few more ‘exotic’ explanations that probably don’t hold water – like the adverse impacts of mobile phones for example. The more wacky explanations are probably unnecessary because the explanation is a mix of tidiness with less spillage of grain in fields and around farms, but also more widely. In the 1800s heyday of the sparrow, our transport and cartage was by animal power with horses and oxen, and they ate grain and spilled much of it all over the place for the sparrows to hoover up! But also, our homes and farm buildings are often tidier as roof-spaces are sealed and the holes and cavities favoured for nesting and roosting are closed off. There are also nasty diseases around, like ‘Avian
Pox’ and these might be made worse by climate change and other stresses. These have affected other familiar birds like the greenfinch. Anyway, do try to do your bit for the humble house sparrow. And don’t forget they need untidy places to nest but also, they love old, rambling shrubs and hedgerows to congregate in and to roost. Old beech hedges and privet are wonderful sparrow habitat, and you will hear flocks chattering happily away even if you can’t see them. So, do check and think before you remove that overgrown hedge or an aged shrub. For the local house sparrows that just might be home!
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/ &
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As part of our initiative emphasising the importance of community and giving back, Rock Fall UK has once again donated 172 pairs of shoes to Shoe Aid, a charity dedicated to providing footwear to those in need. This contribution of footwear not only showcases Rock Fall’s commitment to social responsibility but also highlights the vital role footwear plays in enhancing quality of life, especially for vulnerable populations.
Footwear is often taken for granted, yet it is a crucial element of everyday life. Proper footwear can prevent injuries, provide comfort, and even boost self-esteem. Unfortunately, many individuals, particularly those facing financial hardship, lack access to suitable footwear.
Shoe Aid is a UK-based charity that collects and distributes shoes to those in need, including children, the homeless, and refugees. With a mission to ensure that everyone has access to appropriate footwear, organisations like Shoe Aid work tirelessly to bridge this gap, ensuring that everyone has the footwear they need to thrive.
Shoe Aid is continually grateful for business support. “Expressing gratitude for the work that they do in the UK and in supporting communities both locally and abroad”. They emphasised, “without the support from companies like Rock Fall, Shoe Aid would not be able to make the impactful changes in people’s lives that they do”.
Rock Fall UK, renowned for its high-quality safety footwear, has always prioritised the well-being of its customers and community. This donation is part of a larger effort to engage with and support charitable causes. By consistently donating footwear to Shoe Aid, year after year, the company reaffirms its dedication to making a positive impact on society at large.
