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Hello Readers,
The clocks are ‘Springing Forward’ on the 29th March, an hours less sleep…..boooo! But light evenings……. yayyyy! We’ve also got an early Easter this month which always makes it feel that little bit more like Spring has properly sprung. Lots of local events going on in the area too, so things are really starting to liven up – it’ll be BBQ O’clock before we know it!!
We’re having a bit of fun this month with April Fools and we’re currently waiting for Sarah to get back from collecting the Tartan Paint! She has been missing for 13 days, at what point should we light the beacons for help?! Knowing that determined little honey badger, she’d find some!! (This is a joke, Sarah is not missing nor was she sent to find Tartan Paint!).
Anyways, we wanted to create some of the most renowned April Fools japes for the front covers this month. It’s been a real giggle looking through the fun companies and people have had over the years.
I’m not sure that they would get away with it now, with the rise of social media and, with all the outlandish claims that can seemingly be made without sanction in today’s climate – everyday is an ‘April Fool’!! My favourite is the Patrick Moore joke where he claimed that we all needed to jump at the same time to defy gravity – he was a very funny, mischievous man! I can’t help but wonder if he caught some people out with that one and homes across the UK had a little jump at 9:47am….just to be sure!
Next month sees our spring/summer giveaway return –we do love doing these and we are very well supported by both our advertisers and readers alike. Our only wish is that we could make them bigger but alas, Voice HQ is simply flat out producing THE BEST monthly magazine in the East Midlands!! #fact #notbiased
As you all well know, you have to be in it to win it and speaking of giveaways, I best go and crack on….we have a lot to do get this bumper issue sorted for the May Editions!!
Happy Reading, Emily x
Every year on 1st April, people across the world celebrate April Fools’ Day - a light-hearted tradition devoted to jokes, hoaxes, and harmless trickery. From small practical jokes between friends to elaborate media stunts, the day is all about laughter.
To celebrate the day, we have devoted our front covers to 11 classic April Fools Pranks. Here’s a little info about each one:
The Jovian-Plutonian Gravitational Effect!
Astronomer Patrick Moore announced on BBC Radio 2 in 1976 that a rare planetary alignment involving Pluto and Jupiter would briefly reduce Earth’s gravity. Listeners were told to jump at a 9.47am to feel weightless. Many did… none floated!
Lirpa Loof at London Zoo
In 1984, This Life aired a segment about visiting the new Lirpa Loof, (April Fool spelt backwards) at London Zoo. The rare animal for the Himalayas did purple droppings from a diet of purple rhododendrons.
Mint Chocolate Flavoured Toothpaste
Just last year Terry’s pulled a prank that had us all feeling a bit queasy with their plan to ‘revolutionise oral care’ with chocolate mint flavoured toothpaste. Despite the joke there are companies offering chocolate flavoured toothpaste for purchase now!
Flying Penguins
In 2008, the BBC released a documentary clip claiming penguins had evolved to fly and were migrating from Antarctica to the Amazon rainforest. The realistic footage fooled many viewers.
In 2017 Paddy Power tricked us with the world’s first Seahorse race. Despite ‘splashing out’ on purpose-built aquariums the plans were foiled when the tiny saddles kept falling off the equine-aquatics.
Duolingo announced the ‘final chapter in the evolution of human communication’ in 2017, on twitter. Many people got the joke but plenty were outraged at the decline of language, whilst some even thought it was a good idea! ����
Burger King advertised a “Left-Handed Whopper” in 1998, supposedly designed so the ingredients rotated 180 degrees for lefthanded eaters. Customers actually went into restaurants asking for one!
The famous spaghetti tree harvest prank aired on the BBC’s Panorama in 1957, showing Swiss farmers supposedly picking spaghetti from trees. The public gobbled it up!
Virgin Airlines joked in 2013 that it would introduce glass-bottom aircraft, allowing passengers to look straight down at the landscape below during flights. Terrifyingly, some people wanted to take the flights!
In 1965, the BBC claimed it had invented “Smell-O-Vision,” allowing viewers to smell things through their television screens during broadcasts. Despite something smelling a bit off, many people fell for it!
The BBC reported that Big Ben would replace its traditional clock face with a modern digital display. The prank aired on BBC radio in 1980, sparking strong reactions from listeners who loved the historic clock.
Today, April Fools’ Day is marked in many countries worldwide. Although styles of humour vary, the spirit remains consistent: playful deception without causing harm or distress. The best pranks are those that everyone can laugh at afterwards.
Lady Manners School is a maintained foundation school with 1400 students on roll. A vacancy has arisen for a Co-opted Governor on the Governing Board. This is a voluntary role.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds - you do not need to be an education expert.
We encourage interest from underrepresented groups to help our Board reflect our community.
If you are considering being a Co-opted Governor or would like an informal chat or visit, please contact governors@ladymanners.derbyshire.sch.uk Please include a short statement (up to 250 words) on your skills, experiences and motivation
Closing date: Friday 24 April 2026
Further details web: Staff Vacancies - Lady Manners School email: governors@ladymanners.derbyshire.sch.uk phone: 01629 812671
Having undergone a recent house refurbishment, we were at a loss as to where to go for good quality carpets as the family business that we had dealt with over many years had closed due to retirement so we were really pleased to find T Nutt & Sons at Clay Cross, another family business, as they were exactly what we had been looking for and certainly ticked all the boxes. We visited their showroom and there was a fantastic range of carpets with prices to suit all pockets. We were met by one of the family members, a lovely chap, who kindly assisted us with our enquiries and we left with a bundle of different carpet samples to take home. Once we had finalised what we required we proceeded to book 3 phases in the diary for the install, this wasn't a problem at all and we found all the staff very accommodating. The carpet fitters were all a great bunch of lads that were prompt, friendly and worked to a very high standard and the result was amazing we have to say. We would personally like to thank the following; Kevin, for his initial help when we first visited, Steven for his time measuring all the rooms up and answering queries that we had, also the team of carpet fitters...Nigel, Cory, Carl, Josh and one other whose name we cannot remember and finally Malcolm who always answered the telephone with a friendly manner and had a great sense of humour. We can highly recommend this business as they definitely go above and beyond!
Customer in Derbyshire, posted 09/03/2026
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SPRING HAS SPRUNG
April is the time of growth in nature. When I was in primary school, we had a nature table which at this time of year was decorated with pussy willows, daffodils and frogspawn. We would be enthralled to watch as the tadpoles emerged and grew into tiny frogs.
There were decorated egg competitions, and my granddaughter has recently learned how to blow and dye eggs. Some activities never grow old!
For Mothers’ Day or Mothering Sunday, children would be given small bunches of daffodils in chapel to give to our mothers.
The main event, however, was Easter. Hot cross buns on Good Friday and chocolate eggs on Sunday with a lamb roast with mint sauce for lunch.
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Easter bonnets, I am glad to say, still feature in the season’s celebrations. From very young children to residents of care homes, yellow tissue paper, plastic chicks and flowers combine to make a spectacular bonnet.
My most memorable springtime recollection for me, was being part of a Girls’ Brigade Easter play where I played a tulip wearing green tights and crepe paper petals around my neck.
However you mark this time of year, I wish you a very happy Easter.
Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information.
With over 20 years in the trade, we’re a friendly, reliable team providing high quality tiling for homes and businesses. From ceramic and porcelain to natural stone, we do it all, plus under floor heating, full bathroom installations and wet rooms.
Miniature homes have been made for thousands of years. Examples were found in Egyptian tombs, they held replica houses with wooden models of servants, livestock, pets and furnishings. It is believed they were a symbol of religious significance back then.
During the 16th century dolls houses were used for amusement. Specialists were commissioned to create ornate, elaborately decorated and furnished, ‘baby houses’ as they were known. Each of these models was unique and made specifically, not as toys but for the entertainment of adults. Handmade, these dolls houses were highly prized for the intricate detail of their interiors as well as the miniature furnishings and accessories. Special cabinets were built to display these wonderful replica houses. To own a dolls house was a demonstration of someone’s wealth, status and class.
Later, dolls houses evolved as aids for girls, helping them to learn the domestic skills they would need to run a household.
Queen Victoria’s dolls house was a replica of Kensington Palace, complete with fittings and furnishing to match the real place. When the strain of being Queen became too much for Victoria she would go to her old dolls house, it reminded her of the more carefree days when she was a child.
The architect Sir Edward Lutyens created a dolls house for Queen Mary who loved small and decorative things. The dolls house made for Queen Mary is the largest and most famous dolls house in the world. It stands five feet tall and contains 16 rooms, each with working plumbing and lights, and furnished with exquisite miniatures of the finest quality available. Presented as a gift to Queen Mary in 1923, it was finally taken to Windsor Castle where it can still be seen today.
Of course, by the 19th century dolls houses had become more affordable and popular with children all over the world. Antique miniature pieces from old dolls houses are much sought after and can be worth vast sums of money. Times have changed, but there are still many enthusiastic collectors around the world and of course, it’s nice to know
these wonderful miniature houses still fascinate us today.
The exhibition in Bakewell Old House Museum during 2026 will be themed around Dolls houses. There are some wonderful examples on show from the private collection of Pat Bryant, who has kindly allowed us to display just a few of the houses she owns.
Bakewell Old House Museum is always worth a visit, so please call in and see the lovely dolls houses on display this year. Alongside our special exhibition, the museum offers a wealth of interesting, amusing and eclectic exhibits to enjoy.
Bakewell Old House Museum is on Cunningham Place in Bakewell. We are open every day from 11am to 4pm
Joyce Janes on behalf of Bakewell Old House Museum
THE MUSEUM WILL OPEN FOR THE NEW SEASON ON 25TH APRIL 2026. VISITORS ARE WELCOME EVERY DAY FROM 11AM TO 4PM.
Across
From now on, the throne is restricted to the chef (10) 8 Nice ham, but only if cooked right in the device (7) 14 Everything considered, and every bell rung, say? (3,4) 18 Not considered, even though price is reduced (10)
Pitcherwits® are crossword puzzles where some of the clues are in pictures. Sound easy? It’s not called “Pit-your-wits” for nothing! The mixture of cryptic and picture clues, combined with Professor Rebus’ unique sense of humour, will keep you entertained for hours.
Across
7 Tameable, but not let out at boat side (5)
11 Go mad producing set beliefs (5)
13 Puzzle, set among the fruit (5)
16 Loaned (without a structure) in days of yore (5)
Down
2 The day before she was the first lady (3)
4 Loathsome bit of a curse! (4)
10 Essential mineral for evening (4)
12 Goodwill endings for a bit of a fishy breather. (4)
15 Crystal coming from magnesium silicate (4)
17 Giddy expression in colour! (3)
Raider soldier has nothing to order (8)
Hormone, dug out for those who don’t play away! (4,6)
Cared for by humans, with hard-earned respect (4-6)
Chill, you mad, mad clown! (4,4)
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The great thing about Peter May’s crime thrillers is that you always get a cracking, brain boggling plot; but that’s only the start.
His Lewis trilogy, set in the Hebrides, has pulled visitors from all over the world to see the places he writes about – because he brilliantly captures their mood and character and wild beauty. And his characters feel as if they have real lives – they’re not just a bald snapshot for a story.
And you actually find stuff out from his books. For instance this reader now knows more genuinely fascinating info about the production of the famous Harris Tweed than you’d get from most tourist guides. This last is from his bestseller I’ll Keep You Safe – which splits its explosive storyline between the world of glam high life Paris haute couture and the beautiful but often bleak Western Isles.
The story centres around the murder in Paris of one half of a husband and wife team who have turned their Hebridean tweed into a luxury brand, coveted worldwide. It seems he has been having an affair. His wife, returns bereft from their business trip to their home on the Isle of Harris... And from there the plot pulls the reader in close like a thread of tweed, with twists at every turn.
It’s good reading, tightly written and unexpectedly moving.
Now, where’s that map of the Highlands…
Method:
1. Heat your oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/gas 7. Put the fries in a baking tray lined with nonstick baking paper, spritz with 1 cal cooking spray and season lightly. Bake for 2530 minutes or until soft and golden, turning halfway.
2. At the same time, put the passata, cinnamon and half the miso in a small saucepan over a medium heat. Simmer for 12-15 minutes or until it’s a thick ketchup consistency, stirring regularly.
3. Once the ketchup is simmering, spritz a large non-stick frying pan with
For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk
Messy, tasty, fun and filling. This recipe is a great little feast in baking dish. And Swip-free too, what’s not to love?
1 cal cooking spray and put it over a medium-high heat. Add the beef and onion to the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes but trying not to break up the meat too much.
4. Mix the yogurt, mustard and remaining miso in a bowl. Mix the dill and gherkins in another small bowl.
5. Toss the beef and onion through the fries, then scatter over the lettuce. Dollop or drizzle the ketchup and yogurt sauce over the top and scatter with the dill and gherkins to serve.
• 600g large potatoes, cut into fries
• 1 cal cooking spray*
• 200g passata
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp white miso paste
• 250g lean beef mince (5% fat or less)
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 120g fat-free natural Greekstyle yogurt
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp roughly chopped fresh dill
• 20g gherkins, roughly chopped
• 1 Little Gem lettuce, sliced
Ready in: 35 mins
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Graysons Solicitors have generated £3,430 for Ashgate Hospice following the success of the recent Wills Month.
The Chesterfield-based firm once again invited clients to have their wills prepared free of charge, asking instead for a voluntary contribution to support the hospice’s vital work across North Derbyshire.
Throughout the week the firm’s Private Client team advised on a wide range of matters including wills, lasting powers of attorney, trusts and broader estate planning - helping individuals and families put robust arrangements in place for the future while supporting a good cause.
Laura Cowan, Head of Private Client at Graysons, said: “We are incredibly proud of what this year’s Wills Month has achieved. Raising £3,430 for Ashgate Hospice is a testament to the generosity of our clients and the commitment of our team. The hospice provides essential care and support to so many families in our community, and it is a privilege to play a small part in supporting that work. At the same time, we have been able to help many people gain peace of mind by ensuring their affairs are properly organised.”
Appeal at Chatsworth, the Forget Me Not Appeals at Chatsworth and Renishaw Hall, and the 2024 Big Thank You Party.
The firm will be doing another Wills Month in September this year, having supported the hospice through similar initiatives in recent years.
Graysons has built a strong and enduring relationship with Ashgate Hospice over many years. In addition to Wills Month, the firm has supported a number of major fundraising initiatives, including the Butterfly
Graysons Solicitors specialise in wills, estates and trusts, elderly client services, lifetime planning, property, family law, personal injury, and clinical negligence.
To find out more, please visit: www.Graysons.Co.Uk
Graysons is situated at Unit 14F, The Glass Yard, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield S41 8JY. They also have offices in Sheffield and Hathersage.
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On your marks…..
April is the start of the great annual leap forward for us gardeners. Finally enough daylight and with a bit of luck, warmth, to really kick start the growing season. Lots to do. Hardy annuals are a good start. They grow fast, look pretty and will last one season. You can grow from seed – most are easy growers. They’ll usually be marked on the seed packet as HA or hardy annual. They can be sown direct into the ground, by scattering, but for a bit more protection from really hard frosts, you can start them off by sowing into pots, which makes it easier to cover them with fleece. They include the likes of cosmos, sunflowers, nasturtiums, and for the scent lovers, night scented stocks. Plus nigella and cornflowers are great for birds and insects.
Pinch out your sweet peas to encourage more bushy growth and of course, more flowers, later. Wait till they’re about 10-15cm tall with two to three sets of leaves then pinch out the growing point above a set of leaves. They can be potted out, well staked, into the soil or containers as soon as you like.
Tidying up: Don’t be tempted to tie untidy daffs after they’ve gone over. Let them die naturally and you’ll get more next year. And when your madly beautiful forget me nots have finished their spring extravaganza, wait until they’re starting to look bedraggled and heave most of them out. Those that are left will set seed and give you a show next spring. Spring flowering bushes such as forsythia will benefit by being pruned as soon as they have finished flowering. Take back to outward facing buds below the flowering growth.
If you have delphiniums or lupins you might want to consider taking out some of the shoots as they grow. You won’t get as many spires of flowers, but those you do get will be bigger and stronger and more impressive.
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The switch from the darkness of dull, wet, wintry days to spring’s bright, warm sunshine is quite dramatic. All of a sudden there are birds singing and increasingly loud across the Peak District woodlands, parklands, and gardens too. From the occasional Robin and Mistle Thrush belting out almost apologetically, there is suddenly a virtual cacophony of songs and calls from Great Tits and Blue Tits to Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, and even the Chiffchaffs. Nuthatches proclaim their presence from the upper branches of tall trees and are joined by the almost mechanical drumming of Great Spotted Woodpeckers. There is no doubt that spring is upon us!
In the wildlife garden, early flowers give way to spring blooms and with them come a range of the vernal butterflies, some of the most striking being splendidly, bright sulphurous Brimstones and dramatically marked Peacocks. However, there are other species of the early season garden, and many are frequently overlooked. The Green-veined White is a cousin of the Large White and the Small White, (the so-called ‘Cabbage Whites’), but is altogether prettier and more delicate, the underside of the hind wings showing a distinctively green patterning along the veins. This is drawn by flowers such as the wild Hedge Garlic of woodland edge and hedgerow (a competitive and pernicious weed if introduced to the garden!), and to old-fashioned cottage garden flowers like Honesty and Dame’s Violet. These are favoured plants for the related Orange-tip which is an even prettier species than the Green-veined, and on damp meadows, pond-sides, or even unmown lawns, will find Lady’s Smock or Cuckoo
Flower irresistible. Both these species are on the wing in the early season, the Orange-tip overwintering as a chrysalis or pupa for many months, and the Greenveined similarly but from about September through to April.
Other springtime butterflies out and about on the wing include a cousin of the Peacock (one of the very showy Vanessids), and this the Comma which will have overwintered as a hibernating adult. Hiding away in darkened recesses such as crevices in rough tree bark and such places, their underwings have the appearance of dead leaves and serve as camouflage to help protect from predation. They emerge in early March.
One of the other early butterflies is a member of the ‘Brown’ family, the Speckled Wood, and this too has a remarkable story. A few decades ago, they were very rare and largely restricted to southern England, but have now spread far and wide and even to the north of Scotland. Part of this is natural colonisation perhaps reflecting climate change, and partly it may have been aided by so-called ‘guerrilla lepidopterists’ with an enthusiasm for breeding and unofficial introductions! Today, almost any garden or woodland glade in spring will have these stunning insects defending their sundappled patches that the males hold as their territories and from which they chase off rival males. They will have spent the winter hibernating as either caterpillars or pupa, the latter producing perfect adults to emerge in early March.
Professor Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer, broadcaster on wildlife and environmental issues is contactable on ianonthewildside@ukeconet.org. Follow his website www.ukeconet.org, blog www.ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/ & Twitter @IanThewildside Bluesky @ianthewildside.bsky.social
