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Upcoming submission deadline for advertisers & contributors: OCT ‘26 EDITION - 10TH SEPT ‘26 | NOV ‘26 EDITION - 8TH OCT ‘26
From the Editor
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PROFESSIONAL
THE FIRST DAY OF THE NEXT BIG ADVENTURE Maps, Timetables and a Touch of Panic: The First Day of Big School
Of all the milestones in childhood, the first day at senior or secondary school is one of the biggest. One moment you are the oldest in primary school, confidently showing younger pupils where the playground is, and the next you are standing outside a much larger building wondering if you will ever find the right classroom. For many children, the day begins earlier than usual. The new uniform is laid out the night before, shoes are polished, and a bag is packed with far more items than are probably needed. Parents hover with cameras, offering last-minute advice such as “Remember your timetable” and “Don’t forget your lunch.” The child, meanwhile, is trying to appear calm while feeling a mixture of excitement, nerves and curiosity. The journey to school often feels different too. Whether travelling by car, bus or on foot, there is a sense that something important is happening. As the school gates come into view, the size of the place suddenly becomes very real. There are hundreds of pupils, unfamiliar faces everywhere, and conversations buzzing in every direction. The first challenge is usually finding where to go. New students clutch maps and timetables as if they are treasure charts. Teachers and older pupils are on hand to help, but there is still a moment of panic when someone says, “Your tutor room is in B Block,” and you have no idea where B Block is. Once everyone is gathered, the welcome assembly begins. The headteacher talks about opportunities, hard work and making the most of the years ahead. Some pupils listen carefully; others are too busy wondering whether they will remember the route to science later.
Break time is another memorable moment. New friendships start to form as pupils compare timetables, discuss which teachers seem strict and admit that they were worried about getting lost. It quickly becomes clear that almost everyone feels the same way. By lunchtime, confidence begins to grow. The dining hall may be noisy and crowded, but it is also the place where the day starts to feel more normal. The feared first day turns out not to be quite as frightening as imagined. The final lesson arrives surprisingly quickly. Pupils who walked in that morning feeling anxious now leave with stories to tell: the teacher who made everyone laugh, the maze-like corridor they accidentally walked down, or the new friend they sat next to in maths. For parents waiting at home, the return can be entertaining. Questions such as “How was it?” often receive the classic one-word answer: “Fine.” Yet a few minutes later the details begin to emerge, and it becomes obvious that a great deal has happened. The first day at senior school is rarely perfect. Someone will forget a pencil, take a wrong turn or open the wrong classroom door. But that is part of the experience. What begins with nerves and uncertainty usually ends with a growing sense of independence. It is the start of a new chapter filled with new subjects, new friends and new opportunities – and for most pupils, the day they discover that they are more capable than they thought.
Lessons on the first day are often less about serious work and more about settling in. Teachers introduce themselves, explain classroom rules and try to learn a sea of new names. Students discover that secondary school means moving from room to room, carrying books around and keeping track of a timetable that suddenly seems much more complicated than primary school ever did.
4
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PROFESSIONAL
Alfreton & District Heritage Trust THE BRACKENFIELD MURDER
Alfreton Police Station
Superintendent Thomas Eyre
On the morning of Saturday, 9th May 1896 Lizzi e Boot would have not known that later that day she would be brutally slain. Lizzie was the housekeeper to farmer Thomas Limb at Lindway Farm, near to Brackenfield. She had only recently started working for Mr Limb – Nineteen-year-old Lizzie was the daughter of Henry Boot and Emma Fox who were local farmers at Wessington. Earlier that fateful day Thomas Limb left the farm to attend the Matlock cattle fair. His farmhands, William Bryan and Henry Towndrow, were working in the fields. With Mr Limb away, the two farmhands, having had their lunch, returned to their work in the fields. Lizzie and her young niece, Beatrice Boot, went upstairs to a bedroom. There Lizzie was happily singing her favourite hymns and working on her Sunday clothes. Little did she realise that her end was close at hand. The idyllic day was about to end when Billy Pugh came calling ... Billy, who was 21 and an out of work coal miner at Shirland Colliery, walked up the path to the farm and knocked on the door. Lizzie came downstairs and they had a brief conversation following which they went across the farmyard and into the barn. From reports in the newspapers, based on what was later said in court, it seems that Billy wanted a “private conversation” with Lizzie. It was presumed that this conversation was about his alleged forthcoming marriage to Sarah Saunders. Billy had heard that Lizzie had passed unfavourable comment about this. He believed that she had been making offensive remarks and he had been heard to remark “Let me catch Lizzie Boot, I’ll give her Lizzie Boot.” In fact, although Billy and Sarah were courting, no marriage had been arranged or was forthcoming. Whilst they were in the barn Lizzie was brutally murdered with a billhook. At this time George Hitchcock, of Dew Dale Farm, Ashover, entered the farmyard with a load of hay and noticed Billy coming from the direction of the barn towards the farmhouse. On seeing Hitchcock, he turned about and walked away. It was then that William Bryan, accompanied by Lizzie’s niece, Beatrice Boot, went into the barn and found Lizzie lying in a pool of blood. He summoned assistance from neighbours
6
and on returning to the stackyard he saw Billy with a billhook which was covered with blood and noticed blood stains on his clothes and hands. Billy said to him “This is what it was done with” and then returned to the barn. The Police were called and Pugh detained. Information was sent to Alfreton police station resulting in Superintendent Thomas Eyre and Sergeant Birley being dispatched to Lindway Farm. The coroner was informed and an inquest held at the “Plough Inn” the following Monday, the 11th of May. The initial inquiry was adjourned until the following day when the evidence against William Pugh was given to the coroner’s jury. The coroner then summed up the evidence, which was quite overwhelming, and the jury retired for about half an hour, returning to announce Pugh guilty of wilful murder. Having been detained at Alfreton lock-up Pugh appeared before the Alfreton Magistrates and was committed for trial. He duly appeared at the Derbyshire Assizes and despite his protestations of innocence was found guilty of the wilful murder of Lizzie Boot. He only admitted responsibility when he confessed his guilt to his mother during her final visit before his execution. He then made a full confession to the Prison Chaplain admitting that his motive throughout was robbery. He knew Lizzie had money in her room and had decided to steal it so he could take his girlfriend to the fair. At 8.00am on 5th August 1896, William Pugh was hung for murder The Derby Mercury reported “Presently the bells were heard to toll the hour, and every eye was fixed on the flag-post, but it was a little over two minutes past eight when the flag appeared denoting that the Brackenfield murderer had paid the penalty of his crime.” Want to know more? Peter Pattila has written a detailed account of the case which you can find online by searching “Brackenfield Barn Murder.” Well worth a read.
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SLIMMING WORLD
NAME Cajun-spiced chicken pizza SERVES: 1
SWIPS: 8 per serving
READY IN: 20 minutes Enjoy all the flavours of a pizza with a lighter twist. A crispy tortilla wrap topped with smoky Cajun chicken, colourful vegetables and creamy quark makes this a quick, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Method:
2 tbsp tomato purée
4 tbsp plain quark
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced into rings
2. In a small bowl, mix the tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, ½ tsp of the Cajun seasoning and the sugar to make a quick tomato sauce. Put the wrap on a non-stick baking sheet and spread over the tomato sauce, leaving a 1cm border around the edges.
Ingredients:
1 tsp white wine vinegar ½ level tbsp Cajun seasoning Pinch of sugar 1 Slimming World white tortilla wrap (if you’re using wholemeal wraps and counting the Swips, deduct ½ Swip per serving) 1 small cooked skinless and boneless chicken breast (about 100g), shredded
2 heaped tbsp canned sweetcorn, drained 4 small sweet red peppers from a jar, drained and thinly sliced 1 cal cooking spray Small handful fresh rocket leaves
1.
Heat your oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/gas 7.
Cajun seasoning and coat it well, then scatter evenly it over the wrap. Spoon the quark on top and scatter with the onion, sweetcorn and peppers. 4. Spray lightly with 1 cal cooking spray and bake for 6-8 minutes until the edges of the wrap are crisp and golden. Scatter over the rocket leaves to serve.
3. Put the cooked chicken in a bowl with the rest of the
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FOOD & RETAIL
Why the cheapest cruise isn't always the best value Have you ever looked at two cruises that seem almost identical? They visit the same destinations, cost a similar amount, and even sail on the same dates. On paper, they can look much the same. In reality, they can offer completely different experiences. That's because choosing the right cruise isn't just about where you want to go. It's about finding the cruise line, ship and cabin that are right for you. Some ships are buzzing with Broadway-style shows, waterslides and late-night entertainment, while others offer elegant lounges, guest speakers, and a slower pace. Neither is better – it simply depends on the kind of holiday you're looking for. Then there's what's included. One cruise fare might cover drinks, speciality dining, gratuities and even excursions, while another charges extra for each of these. Looking beyond the headline price often gives a much clearer picture of the true value. Even your cabin choice can make a difference. A balcony sounds perfect, but some have obstructed views, are overlooked from public areas or are located beneath busy venues. A little knowledge can make a big difference to your enjoyment. After nearly four decades in the travel industry, and having visited and sailed on many different ships, I've learnt that there isn't one cruise that's right for everyone. The best cruise isn't necessarily the newest ship or the one with the lowest price. It's the one that suits you. That's where I can help, matching you with the cruise that's right for you, so you can step on board knowing you've chosen a holiday you'll love.
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UP & COMING EVENTS...
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
and Guess the words rd! ! o w s s o r c Fill in the
Pitcherwits
®
Pitcherwits® are crossword puzzles where some of the clues are in pictures. Sound easy? It’s not called “Pit-your-wits” for nothing! The mixture of cryptic and picture clues, combined with Professor Rebus’ unique sense of humour, will keep you entertained for hours.
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Down 3 Song on disc for a train? (5) 4 Variety show overdue, but please, do not change it (5) 12 Perch for baby jumper on the street (5) 13 A change of heart, Mother, perhaps? (5)
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Across 6 The Austrian way isn’t cut out for atmosphere (4) 7 Roman road, in enviable position (3) 8 Service that’s blue? (4) 14 Always found in severance pay (4) 15 Antagonist from the past (3) 16 Sort of attention that’s part broken (4)
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Down
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Has extreme function for those of six feet (10)
9
We have snakes writhing on the floor, say (8)
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Lizard, but not what it ‘says on the tin’! (6,4)
2
In a way, the West could have a homeless victory (4,3)
11 Empowered, and so attacked (6,2)
5
Croatia to use upset to start some mayhem (5,1,4)
17 Minimum of athletes at work (2,3,5)
10 Ten neat patterns all made up for her (7)
ANSWERS FOR LAST MONTHS PITCHERWITS Across: 1Custom built, 5 Impairs, 9 Eked, 10 Fare, 11 Drape, 12 Maul, 13 Ruff, 14 Octagon, 16 Comfortable. Down: 1 Canned music, 2 Ski, 3 Its, 4 Timber frame, 6 Middle c, 7 Arcadia, 8 Refer to, 14 Ohm, 15 Nub.
These puzzles are devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. Go to www.pitcherwits.co.uk for more FREE puzzles and booksales.
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
AMBER VALLEY RUGBY CLUB GETTING MATCH READY!
The countdown to the new rugby season is well and truly on, and there’s been plenty happening at Amber Valley RUFC over the summer! Pre-season training has been in full swing, with both our men’s and women’s squads putting in the hard yards. From fitness sessions to ball skills, the hard work, determination and team spirit have been fantastic to see. The warmer weather has certainly added an extra challenge, but everyone has embraced it with plenty of enthusiasm (and a well-earned water break or two!). Away from the pitch, there’s also been a hive of activity around the club. Volunteers have been busy carrying out maintenance, tidying the grounds and getting everything looking its best, ready to welcome players, members and supporters back for another exciting season. A huge thank you to everyone who has given up their time to help—our club simply couldn’t do it without you. August saw the start of pre-season friendly fixtures, so keep an eye on our social media pages for fixture dates, kick-off times and all the latest club news. Why not pop down and have a drink and support the teams? There is always a friendly welcome.
If you’ve ever thought about giving rugby a go, there’s never been a better time. It’s never too late to start, whatever your age, experience or ability. Whether you’re looking to get fitter, make new friends or simply try something different, you’ll find a warm welcome at Amber Valley RUFC.
One Club. One Family. One Valley.
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Interested in giving rugby a try? call Stuart 07966 867 946 for the men, Gareth 07595 520 537 for the ladies and Paul 07790 403 043 for the Minis and Juniors.
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
To advertise please call 01773 549 035
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
Direct access hygienist available! DID YOU KNOW YOU DON’T HAVE TO SEE OUR DENTIST FIRST TO HAVE YOUR STAINS REMOVED?
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JOIN ILKESTON LADIES HOCKEY CLUB WANT TO GET FIT? NOT PLAYED SINCE SCHOOL? FED UP OF YOUR CURRENT CLUB? Whether you’re returning to the game or picking up a stick for the first time, there’s a place for you. It’s all about fitness, fun, and feeling great. Get active, make friends, and enjoy every session.
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HOME IMPROVEMENTS
A dogs Day out
I won’t lie, we chose this walk this month for purely practical reasons! Reading this now it may seem a distant memory, but in the middle of August, just after heatwave number six and with wildfires raging across the land, we had a cooler weekend, so made good use of it to get Flakey out for a nice walk. We chose this walk as it isn’t too taxing. It’s short and sweet and fairly even. But there are some lovely sections further into the walk, particularly if you get to meet the donkeys!
4 MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM CLAY CROSS A short and gentle walk for you and your dog. This fairly even walk should take around 1½ hours to complete. There is a range of terrain, with some muddy and uneven sections and a few sections of road, so take plenty of care, make sure you wear appropriate footwear and as always, follow the Countryside Code.
START: The Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Danesmoor, Clay Cross, Derbyshire, S45 9RL. 1.
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Standing with your back to the cemetery turn left and continue along Cemetery Road for some distance. Continue until the road bends sharp to the left. Continue around to the left and then after a short distance take the first right into Beech Way.
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HOME IMPROVEMENTS 2.
After a short distance take the first right again into Lime Tree Grove. Follow this road around to the left and then to the very end where the road turns into a lane. Continue straight along the lane for a short distance and then when the lane bends to the left, turn right along a footpath into some trees.
3.
Continue, passing a stile on your left, and eventually reaching a stile directly in front of you. Climb over the stile and continue straight ahead along a lane. After some distance the lane bends sharp right. Ignoring the stile ahead of you follow the lane around to the right and eventually pass some farm buildings on your right.
4.
Continue straight ahead and gently uphill until reaching a main road. Turn right along the road and cross safely, making use of the central reservation. Continue past the garage and the bus stop until reaching a road on your left (Highstairs Lane).
5.
Turn left along this road going gently uphill and then more steeply downhill. At the bottom of the hill and shortly after passing Woodside House on your right, turn right along a lane and signposted footpath.
6.
Continue along the lane until it ends and then continue straight ahead into some trees and over a stile. Now continue with a fence on your left and a hedge on your right. After passing a house on your left continue with a fence on your right and a hedge on your left. After a short distance the path turns into a lane.
7.
Continue to pass by some lovely donkeys in the fields and follow the lane for some distance until reaching a road.
8.
Turn right along the road for a short distance and pass a large round brick ventilation shaft. Then immediately after the end of the new housing estate and upon reaching an open green area on your left, turn left along a footpath into some trees.
9.
When you emerge from the trees continue straight to cross an open field. Upon reaching a hedgerow continue straight keeping the hedge on your left. At the far side of the field and upon reaching a brick-built wall turn right heading uphill with the wall on your left.
10. Continue straight ahead uphill until reaching a main road. Turn right along the road and then continue straight ahead until reaching some traffic lights at a major crossroads. 11.
Turn left at the traffic lights onto Thanet Street. Continue along Thanet Street and then take the second right into Flaxpiece Road. Upon reaching the end of this road bear right and continue straight ahead until the road bends sharp left. Follow the road around to the left and back to the start.
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.
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PET SERVICES
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Colemans Est 1982
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Colemans have been manufacturing bespoke kitchen and bedroom furniture for over 40 years. We are a family run business with a belief in great quality products and service at sensible prices. All our products are built specifically for you and your needs, we can manufacture in any colour and style your heart desires. With Colemans the possibilities are endless.
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D Cheshire Painting & Decorating City and Guilds Qualified Tradesmen All decorating work undertaken Free no obligation quotations
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FIREPLACES AT CONEY GREEN
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TURNER ELECTRICAL SERVICES All types of electrical work undertaken including rewires, extra lights and sockets, new builds, testing and inspection, landlord reports, CCTV and intruder alarms.
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MIKE’S MUSINGS
Am I the only one, or are others becoming increasingly fed up with American words, phrases and customs taking over our language/way of life? PART 7
Geof (that’s his preferred spelling so, to me, and for no other reason than I can, I’ll call him “One ‘f’ Geof”) from South Normanton has been one of the readers to get in touch recently. He says that having been to America several times since he retired a few years’ ago, there are two things that really annoy him about how our former colonials are slowly, and apparently systematically, playing havoc with our language. The first is the seemingly ubiquitous use of the phrase ‘Have A Nice Day’, which is almost always said by someone who has been providing you with some sort of service, just as you head off somewhere else. Sadly, notes Geof, this can increasingly be heard locally. The other annoying custom, and Geof is certainly not alone on this, is the fact that a tip is expected to be given to anyone, and he means ANYONE, be they selling hot dogs or pretzels on the street, the barman/maid (sorry, I should say bar tender!) or whoever is operating the supermarket checkout. He made me laugh as he recounted hearing people say “I literally died” in a conversation when, as he pointed out, they self-evidently hadn’t. Pauline from Pinxton contacted me to say that she’s another one who gets annoyed when she hears people use the phrase ‘reach out’ when,
she assumes, they actually mean ‘get in touch’. However, unlike Sylvia last month, she has an explanation suggesting that the blame should be placed on Tamla Motown, and specifically the Four Tops. Thinking about it, I’d hazard a guess that Pauline is a ‘child of the Sixties’! As ever, keep ‘em coming folks. You’re a rich mine of material! -------------------------------I’ve recently decided to sell my Hoover. To be honest, I’ve had it a long time and it was just collecting dust. Before I met the lady who was to eventually become Mrs Musings, she was dating a zookeeper, but it turned out he was a cheetah. I spent last month deleting all the German names from my phone. Now it’s Hans free. My neighbour, in his loft, started growing trees to be used by the Forestry Commission. The business started off slowly, but of late, it’s just gone through the roof. A man I know who has been training his ‘best friend’ how to play the trumpet on the London Underground, was pleasantly surprised when the dog went from Barking to Tooting in a little over an hour.
Mike is always glad to hear from you at:
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mike.musings@outlook.com
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Sales . Spares . Repairs . Servicing
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uum Is Your Vac t Working? Cleaner No
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Living Made Easy with Bathroom Adaptations Family-run business established over 20 years Bath out, shower in Walk-in showers Walk-in baths Add value to your home Home improvements Anti-slip flooring Custom made for people with mobility issues Beautiful bathroom designs Free CAD drawing included Wall panelling options VAT reliefs for the disabled
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Cake! I have loved cake for as long as I can remember—my waistline would agree. Baking is now something I often enjoy with our granddaughter, though I don’t recall my mum ever baking. After losing her own mother and spending part of her childhood in a children’s home, she had little chance to learn. Even so, she encouraged me to make all kinds of cakes in school cookery lessons. I knew Mr Kipling and his “exceedingly good” cakes, pies and tarts very well. When the brand launched in 1967, it confidently introduced 20 products at once, including French Fancies, Mini Battenbergs, Cherry Bakewells, Viennese Whirls, Almond Slices and Apple Pies. The trouble was that I thought cake was meant to taste that way, so discovering homemade baking later in life was a revelation: pure joy and delicious pleasure. I especially enjoy old-fashioned bakes: lemon drizzle, coffee and
Mr Kipling
Coffee & Walnut Cake
walnut, cherry cake and pineapple upside-down cake. They need no embellishment; they are perfect as they are. One of baking’s greatest pleasures will always be licking the bowl, as my granddaughter would agree.
Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information.
Janet
VISIT OUR SHOW
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Paul M Longden Ltd Kitchen & Bathroom Installation Services
30 years’ experience of Kitchen & Bathroom Design and Installation All works fully Insured & Guaranteed Recommended Installer for Bathstore.com Installer of Howden’s Fitted Kitchens All Aspects of Plumbing, Plastering & Joinery Wall & Floor Tiling • Laminate Flooring Wet Floors • Ensuite Conversions Knock Throughs • Design Service
Contact Paul on: 01773 449 754 or 07943 237 824 Email: pm.longden@gmail.com Website: www.pmlongden.co.uk
SUDOKU #74!
Fill in all the numbers This is a sudoku 1 square grid 81 cells 9 3x3 blocks 1 simple rule: Use all the numbers 1-9, with no duplicates allowed, in any row, column, or block.
These puzzles are devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk
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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. ✽ 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
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Reputable & Reliable Family Run Business Est 1986 WE BEAT ANY LIKELIKE FOR FOR LIKE QUALITY GARAGE DOOR QUOTE WEWILL WILL BEAT ANY LIKE QUALITY GARAGE DOOR QUOTE ®
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Your Roof - Our Expertise
FIRST 4 FASCIAS Bargeboard First• Dry Verge 01623•459891 •Fascias Fascias • Soffit • Guttering
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First AVVM0772 (First 4 Fascias Q Advert).indd 1
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Family run Gas Safe registered domestic Heating and Gas company with 20+ years experience.
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42
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Premium Package Deal
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A beautifully finished fireplace, expertly installed from start to finish: Premium flue liner kit, vitreous pipe & register plate Heritage stone hearth in olive or black Oyster split slate chamber Character beam in a choice of finishes Choice of three eco-design multifuel stoves Professional installation Waste removal included Carbon monoxide alarm fitted HETAS certification for total peace of mind
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Ian Wilson
DOUBLE GLAZING
Electrical Services
REPAIRS
Rewires, Extra Sockets, Lights, Fault Finding, Inspection & Testing, Etc. • Consumer Unit Upgrades • Landlord Reports Call Ian for a FREE no obligation quote on
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M1338 (Ian Wilson Electrical Q Advert).indd 1
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IT MIGHT NOT COST AS MUCH AS YOU THINK!!
15/02/2018 15:28
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&D S&D
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Untitled-1 1
Untitled-1 1
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BEFORE
BEFORE
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08/06/2022 09:31:35
08/06/2022 09:31:35
COLLEDGE AERIALS Established 1965
Digital Aerials, Freesat and Sky Multipoint
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A MIND OF MY OWN - KATHY BURKE Kathy Burke is different things to different people. To one generation she will always be teenage Perry in the Harry Enfield and Chums sketch show. She appeared in Ab Fab. She was Linda in Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Then she won best actress at the Cannes film awards for her very serious part in Nil by Mouth. She’s a theatre director. She’s had a podcast. She is astonishingly honest and unfiltered, and funny, and rude. With her memoir A Mind of My Own, you get all of that. From her semi-feral childhood, through years of being overlooked because she was “ugly” to her crazy years on the punk scene, fame, being an unlikely luvvie, menopause, and being “opinionated and sweary”, as she once described herself. It’s her famous ability to say it like it is, which once led to a feud with Helen Bonham Carter, who complained about not being taken seriously because it was so difficult when you were pretty and middle class. (It’s on the internet – or in the book - if you want to know, but it’s very funny, she did use one very rude swear word, and suggest that maybe it was not necessarily the worst thing that could befall someone). What does emerge is that she’s a great example of what happens when you decide that you’re not going to be told what to do any more. It’s a life lived to the full and her book is well worth a read.
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DERWENT WINDOWS DOORS
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ING GARDEN LESERVICES BLACKBIRD PANT MA
NATURE NOTES FROM THE PEAK DISTRICT
KEEPING COOL IN THE SUMMERTIME HEATWAVES Increasingly hot summer weather causes stress for nature, including birds and other wildlife, and keeping cool becomes increasingly challenging. Plants like trees and herbaceous flowers clearly suffer during droughts and especially when temperatures are soaring. Responses and reactions include wilting through lack of moisture or else drooping temporarily to reduce water-loss. For some trees for example, they react as if autumn has come early simply shedding leaves to enter wintertime dormancy. In some cases, however, the plants simply die. Animals like mammals may have sweat glands and pant in order to keep cool, but not all types of fauna are so adapted. In the case of our birds for instance, they can’t sweat. Their body covered in thick layers of insulating feathers is great for flying and keeping warm, but problematic in hot weather! So, to counter this difficulty birds resort to other actions and behaviours. Over-heating, bird adopt physical actions like panting, seeking sheltered, shady places, and bathing; all activities observed as temperatures soar. However, the problems get worse and more extreme for birds with dark or black plumage which absorbs sunlight energy which is converted to heat. (White plumage tends to reflect sunlight and promote cooling). So, members of say, the Crow family, often species with predominantly blackish plumage, get too hot rather easily. In order to stay cool during very hot weather they pant, hold out their wings to expose more body surface-area to the cooling air, and when possible, take a waterbath. Of course, birds will also drink more during hot weather and providing suitable water-baths for bathing and drinking is a good way to help them through this difficult time. Along with the Crows, other birds with dark feathers like male Blackbirds in particular, face similar problems and take suitable actions. If the weather becomes too hot for comfort, then a first line of action is to fly to a shady spot such as tree branches in the high canopy. This is especially during the peak temperatures of mid- to late-afternoon. Keeping out of direct sunlight may help prevent overheating, but sometimes feeding necessitates being out in the open. This can make other actions to counter the high temperatures imperative. In these circumstances, Crows for instance, may open their beaks and breathe fast (panting) so water in their throat
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and mouth evaporates to cool the blood rather like an air-conditioning unit. This can be modified to include a gular flutter whereby they vibrate muscles and skin in the throat to help speed evaporation and cooling but without too much energy usage. They also wingdroop by holding out their wings away from the body to allow air under the feathers to dissipate trapped heat. For Crows, Blackbirds, and often Dunnocks, this can involve fully splayed-out wings and tail feathers with the body flat to the ground. Bathing in water can incorporate splashing around in puddles, bird-baths, ponds, and streams as wet feathers cool very efficiently as the wetness dries. Like many animals, birds seem to lack energy and become torpid during hot weather. Both Jackdaws and Carrion Crows will stand around gaping and with feathers on the nape and head raised to allow cooling. Usefully though, sunbathing helps control feather parasites!
CARRION CROW
JACKDAW
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 Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads @IanThewildside Bluesky @ianthewildside.bsky.social
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S ENER D R A G NDAR CALE
September normally shouts spring bulbs, dividing perennials, planting bare-root wallflowers, winter pansies and winter salad. But given the drought most of us have been experiencing, a little caution may be in order.
It hasn’t just been the heat and the lack of rain, there has also been quite a lot of hot dry wind which has stressed plants even more. So, unless we have been fortunate enough to have some really sustained rain in the last couple of weeks it may be worth slowing those jobs down until it’s a bit cooler and the rain has had a chance to really moisten the soil.
Anything you were thinking of introducing to the garden is unlikely to do well in baked soil. Part of the problem is that very dry soil can actually become aquaphobic. Decomposed plant oils form a waxy coating round soil particles which means water just runs through without delivering moisture and it takes a long time for the soil to become really porous again and able to properly sustain plants. There are a few ideas for how to fight this. If you’ve got things in pots or containers, put them to soak in a half full bucket or trug of water for several hours and the roots will eventually start to bring water up the plants. Add fresh compost or soil, particularly if you’re planting the likes of daffs, crocuses or alliums. Don’t mulch perennials yet. This conserves moisture but if there is no moisture to conserve in the soil it creates a semi permeable membrane which makes things worse. Keep on top of weeding – weeds are particularly good at finding any moisture. In garden beds water down into the roots as much as possible. It’s also suggested that a couple of drops of washing up liquid in your watering can will help break through the waxy compound coating the soil. Don’t divide perennials yet. They will recover, but they may be weakened by being uprooted at this stage. Spike lawns with forks so any moisture can get into the hard trodden surface.
As soon as conditions improve and it has been consistently TOP a bit cooler and wetter – all the usual planting, pruning and TIP nurturing can be pursued as vigorously as ever.
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