Voice Magazines - Broadmeadows, South Normanton, Blackwell, Newton & Hilcote Edition – April 2026
We work in Broadmeadows, South Normanton, Blackwell, Newton, Hilcote & all surrounding areas
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UPCOMING SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISERS & CONTRIBUTORS: MAY ‘26 EDITION - 8TH APRIL 26 | JUNE ‘26 EDITION - 8TH MAY 26 WITH
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
April Fools’ Day
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.
Seahorse Racing
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.
Emoji Course
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! ����
Left-Handed Burger
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!
Spaghetti Harvest
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!
Glass-Bottom Aeroplanes
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!
Smell-O-Vision TV
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!
Big Ben Goes Digital
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.
A Day for Laughter
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.
Ray Has Arrived
We are delighted to announce that Raymond Bonsall, Senior Funeral Director, will be joining GB Davis & Sons Alfreton & District Funeral Services from 1st April.
Ray has supported people across Somercotes, Leabrooks, Swanwick, Riddings and Alfreton for over 50 years. His dedication to the local community, together with his wealth of knowledge and experience, has made him a trusted and respected presence throughout the area.
Now, Ray begins an exciting new chapter alongside Claire and the wider team at GB Davis & Sons Alfreton & District Funeral Services your local, independent, family-run funeral home.
Community and compassion have always been at the heart of everything Ray does. He is proud to be working alongside John, Mark, Elliot and Claire, continuing a long-standing tradition of dignified, personal care.
John Davis, Senior Funeral Director, said:
“We are extremely proud to welcome Ray to the team. His experience, professionalism and shared commitment to genuine family values make him a wonderful addition to GB Davis & Sons. Together, we will continue to provide the highest level of care and support to everyone who places their trust in us.”
and
As part of GB Davis & Sons, a long-established firm led by brothers John and Mark Davis, our experienced and compassionate team arrange and conduct funerals across the UK. We are proud to serve our community with dignity, professionalism and respect.
John Davis Senior Funeral Director Mark Davis Senior Funeral Director
Claire Clarke Funeral Director: Alfreton
Elliot Davis Funeral Director: South Normanton
Master bedroom with en-suite
We
We are a team of friendly and caring funeral professionals. We’re all local people ourselves, and are here to support and guide you through this difficult time.
Whether
every step of the way.
Excellent Carpet and Flooring Service
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
Curtain
Perfect
Roman
HERITAGE TRUST
POLLY PENRICE & ALFRETON HIGH SCHOOL
I must confess I knew absolutely nothing about Polly Penrice or Alfreton High School before moving down Flowery Leys Lane in 1988.
I heard the name first mentioned when I was told by our solicitor that our drains fed into a private sewer that went from Polly Penrice’s down to Ley Gardens. Of course, the school was long gone by then and its history with it, or so it seemed.
Alfreton High School, a fee-paying private establishment, was founded in 1932 by the tiny but formidable Miss Polly Penrice and her mildly eccentric husband Leslie ‘Trot’ Walker. The opening of the school was widely advertised as follows:
ALFRETON HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS.
Principal - P. Penrice, L.L.A. (Hons.), St. Andrew’s University. SENIOR SCHOOL; Preparation for Public Examinations. Matriculation, Cambridge School Leaving and Higher Certificates. PREPARATORY AND JUNIOR DEPARTMENTS: Girls are admitted from 4 to 11 years. Boys are admitted from 4 to 9 years. Fees Moderate. First Term September 20th, 1932. Write Principal.
The main building was off Flowery Leys Lane and the Prep School at the junction of Abbott Road and Birchwood Road. The school was extended in 1949 and was extremely successful, due in no small part to the leadership of Polly Penrice!
In its hey-day it was attended by pupils from as far afield as Nottingham, Mansfield and Matlock as well as those from all around the local area.
It was a shock when, on the 27th of June 1963 parents were informed that the school was to close due to a deterioration of the health of Leslie Walker and other factors. The letter was signed L. Walker
and P. Penrice. The couple had married in 1929, but it seems the former Miss Penrice didn’t care to give up her identity. Quite a statement in that era!
Following the closure announcement parents funded the running of the school for a time but in September 1966 the school finally closed, the then directors having left the area. In October 1967, The Derby Evening Telegraph reported that “Alfreton High School which closed under a cloud of controversy last year and was to be demolished and the land used by Alfreton Urban District Council for a housing development.” They didn’t elaborate on what the controversy was although many different rumours circulated at the time.
A sad end to Alfreton High School and the legacy left by Polly Penrice, her husband Leslie ‘Trot’ Walker, the staff and all those educated there.
A church family which meets in the heart of our community.
We represent a wide cross section of community, from young families, to 20s-30s, to more senior years, with a variety of nationalities.
We meet on Sunday mornings, 10.30 The Genesis Centre, King’s St. Alfreton Midweek evenings we meet in homes around the area.
If you are curious about what it is to have faith in God, whether you have a little faith, no faith or are just curious about faith, about life, about God and want to explore what it’s all about, in a friendly atmosphere, then New Life Church is for you! Please come along or get in touch if you’d like to know more.
To help serve our community we run …
The Loaves & Fishes Pantry Shop, Memorial Hall, Grange Street, Alfreton, Thursdays, 10am-12pm, Membership £1, Food £5 per bag.
Singing Café, come and sing along, for all in our community. it’s good for you! (You don’t have to be good at it!), Wednesdays 1.30-2.30pm, Alfreton Christian Centre, Hall St. (opposite Tesco)
Refreshments provided. (Voluntary £3pp donation if you can).
ENJOY A WONDERFUL SPRINGTIME! BEST WISHES FROM ALL OF US AT NEW LIFE!
forget
ALFRETON
SHAUNS FRUIT & VEG
Slimming World Recipe
Burger loaded fries
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
MONDAY 5.30PM & 7.00PM
THE HOLIDAY INN Carter Lane East, DE55 2EH
Huthwaite Road, NG17 2TF SOUTH NORMANTON
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
COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS
YORK Queens Hotel Fri 1st - Mon 4th May
4 Days - £399
ILFRACOMBE
Imperial Hotel Sat 2nd - Wed 6th May
5 Days - £425
POTTERS RESORT
Five Lakes Resort, Essex Mon 4th - Fri 8th May
5 Days - £685 (All Inclusive)
2026 BROCHURES ARE NOW OUT
TO BOOK A HOLIDAY PHONE 01773 590 808, 01246 604 764 or 07483 357 958
Cricket St. Thomas, Somerset Mon 1st - Fri 5th Jun
5 Days - £599
Mon 1st - Fri 5th Jun
5 Days - £495
MOBILE BOOKING OFFICE LOCATIONS
2nd Tuesday of each month 9am – 1pm | South Normanton Market Place
3rd Thursday of each month 9am – 1pm | Alfreton Severn Square Car Park (Outside Poundstretcher)
2nd Friday of each month 9am – 1pm | Ripley Market Place 3rd Tuesday of each month 9am - 12noon | Blackwell Community Centre
3rd Friday of each month 9am – 1pm | Sutton-in-Ashfield, Portland Square
Complete
AMBER VALLEY RUGBY CLUB
PUSHING FORWARD TOGETHER
As April rolls around, we begin to see the end of the rugby season on the horizon, but there’s certainly no slowing down at Amber Valley RUFC.
Across the club, from our youngest players right through to the senior teams, the determination and team spirit continue to shine through. Our minis and juniors are still enjoying every muddy minute, learning new skills, building confidence and showing just how much fun rugby can be.
The men’s team continue to push forward each week. While the results haven’t quite fallen their way recently, the effort, commitment and teamwork on the pitch have been fantastic to see. The squad are working hard and showing real determination as they keep fighting for that win they’ve been chasing.
Meanwhile, our Tigers women’s team are busy laying strong foundations for the future. Recruitment is underway and there’s a real buzz around building the squad back up ready for next season. It’s an exciting time as new players are welcomed into the Amber Valley rugby family.
With the final home game approaching, we’re also looking forward to our annual Sponsors Day - a chance to celebrate the incredible support from the businesses and people who help keep our club thriving.
As always, thank you to every player, coach, volunteer and supporter who makes Amber Valley RUFC such a special place ����
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
Mr Jonathan Harper
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 avpodc@outlook.com 37 Mansfield
Week day and Saturday appointments available. See our reviews on yell.com
Alfreton. DE55 7JJ (Formerly James Matthews Chiropody Clinic)
Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding
BSc(Hons) Podiatry. HCPC registered Podiatrist/Chiropodist, Member of the Royal College of Podiatry (RCPod)
A dogs Day out
This month’s walk first featured in 2015! But when we rewalked it in March very little had changed. It’s a lovely short walk, with lot’s of nice views and some good stretches of trails if your doggy likes to explore off lead a bit more, just be careful of cyclists and other dogs.
4 MILE CIRCULAR WALK VIA PILSLEY AND ALONG THE FIVE PITS TRAIL
A moderate walk for you and your dog. The route should take around 2 hours. Whilst the majority of the terrain is trails and paths there are some uneven and potentially muddy sections so a good pair of boots or wellies is a must, especially at this time of year. There are some roads to cross, so take care and as always follow the countryside code.
START: The Five pits trail car park on Hardstoft Road, Pilsley, Derbyshire, S45 8BL
1. Walk back through the car park entrance and directly across Hardstoft Road to head north on the Five Pits Trail.
2. Continue along the trail for approximately 3/4 of a mile, where you will reach a road. Go straight across the road and continue along the trail for another 3/4 of a mile, where you will reach a tarmac lane. Turn left along the lane and pass an industrial building on your left and two stone cottages on your right.
3.
Continue on a path for a short distance until reaching a signposted footpath and a tricky stile on your right. Cross the stile into a field and then turn immediately left keeping the hedge on your left.
10. Cross straight over the road and through a metal gate into a field. Continue slightly diagonally right and then pass through a wooden gate into another field. Continue straight keeping the hedge on your right.
4.
5.
Continue to the far side of the field and then bear right to continue along the edge of the field. After only a few yards cross over a stile on your left. Once over the stile turn immediately right keeping the hedge on your right. When the hedge ends continue straight to cross an open field. Keep left of a stump roughly in line with a pylon.
Continue and pass through a gap in a hedge by a marker post and continue straight crossing another field. When nearing some farm buildings on the left and a pond directly in front of you, bear left onto a lane and into a farm yard.
6. Continue along the lane, passing between the farm buildings and then to the right of the farm house. Immediately after the farm house bear sharp left to continue along the lane.
7. At the end of the lane turn left along another lane. After some distance, and just prior to reaching an electricity pylon, bear sharp right. After a very short distance turn sharp left to cross a field, with the hedge on your left.
8.
Continue to pass through a wooden gate and then turn sharp right to pass through a second wooden gate. Keeping the hedge on your right climb uphill and continue straight until reaching a road. Turn left along the road and after a short distance turn right through a wooden gate onto a signposted footpath.
9. Continue straight along a fence-lined path to pass through a wooden gate into a small wooded area and take the path heading right to continue until reaching a road.
11. At the far side of the field bear left keeping the hedge on your right. After a very short distance turn sharp right and, keeping the hedge on your right, continue towards a farm yard.
12. Pass over a stile into a farm yard. Continue straight through the farm yard and then through a wooden gate onto a lane. Continue to the end of the lane and onto a road.
13. Turn left along the road until it bends sharp right. At this point bear left onto another road and then immediately left again, following a signpost on your left reading “Back Lane leading to Dark Lane”.
14. Continue straight and then onto Dark Lane. Follow Dark Lane until reaching a road. Turn left along the road until reaching the car park on your right.
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.
Local Law Firm Supports Hospice with Successful Wills Campaign
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.
The Wills Month raised £3,430 for Ashgate Hospice
I’LL KEEP YOU SAFE BY PETER MAY
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…
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 2
Typing this before the March edition of Voice Magazine has popped through your letter box, I’m yet to have any suggestions from readers on my current rant viz. the way in which Americanisms, a bit like the invasive plant, Japanese Knotweed, are beginning to dominate our culture. In anticipation of some of you getting touch, here are a few more that get me ‘hot under the collar’.
Why is it that when we fly somewhere, and reach our destination, we are often advised not to remove any baggage from the overhead lockers until the seatbelt sign is switched off, and then, once safety checks are completed and the cabin doors opened, we can deplane. What’s wrong with get off??
After a few minutes, generally whilst most passengers are clogging the aisles, we’ll hear a reassuring voice come over the tannoy confirming that the doors will be opened momentarily. A case of verbosity at its best, or should that be worst? Would the single syllable alternative of ‘soon’ not suffice?
Just to compound this scenario, we’re also given advice as to what to do if we have a connecting flight or a need for further transportation. Is the word transport not good enough?
On another topic completely, my wife & I were held up on the A38 heading to Derby one day last month. Apparently, a lorry delivering Vicks - that brings back memories of my childhood –had overturned and caused a bit of a hold-up. Fortunately, the congestion soon cleared. and
This may be of interest to those of you with young (ish) grandchildren. We have two pairs of Sooty & Sweep puppet gloves that, back in the day, we used to entertain our two girls.
We’re open to reasonable offers as we just want to get them off our hands.
finally
A few years ago, after a chat with Mrs Musings, I decided to seek a career change. After I’d seen Bolsover District Council advertising a Noise Abatement Officer role, I thought this sounded perfect and applied. As part of an intensive interviewing process, I was asked how I’d feel if I was offered the position. At least, that’s what I thought the question was, and replied that I wouldn’t want to turn it down. As I left, I was effectively told “don’t call us – we’ll call you!”
To this day, I still don’t understand. Is there anyone out there in Voice Magazine land who can help me?
Mike
Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads
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DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL WORK UNDERTAKEN
All Around the Shire
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.
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
Norman Wright, former manager and road manager of Johnny and the Haloes, a well-known band of the 1960’s, recalls the live music scene at the time.
“It was a really special fun time for live music in the sixties,” he vividly recalls. “We were involved with Stan Crosby, a theatrical agent during these years. Our band played the local Miners’ Welfares, pubs, clubs and working men’s institutes, we often had gigs as far north as Stockton-on-Tees, Newcastle and Sunderland,” he continued. “I remember once we had star spot in a club in Stockton and we were supported by a local group called The Animals; that’s what they called the “cup a tea” band on the circuit, and we all know how it turned out for Eric Burden and Co.”
“I remember many of those bands,” Norman said. “The Bats, The Fentones, Ray Dane and the Diamonds, The Sundowners, Jimmy Shade and the Vickette and The Dalesmen, it was buzzing, yes, a great time to be alive and involved with the local bands scene,” Norman recalled.
So, this is what the five piece Martin Vee and the Pacifics longed to be a part of, it was out there waiting just for them, and they were ready for it.
Ron Smart recalls, “Once we felt comfortable with a full 90-minute repertoire we soon started getting regular bookings at local pubs, welfares and dance halls. I can’t rightly remember the first gig of our new line-up, sometime early 1963, but it would have been either the Miner’s Arms or the Miners’ Welfare in South Normanton. The pub scene was big in those days, and if a band happened to be playing the place would get full. Almost every pub, club and welfare started having live bands especially Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
“We usually began our set with a couple of instrumentals,” Ron continued, “Maybe, Apache, Wonderful Land, Cruel Sea, then Martin Vee would take the stage singing his favourite Roy Orbison number, Only the Lonely.”
Ron and John were at this time still in full time education, but the pair of them were making between £6.00 and £8.00 each courtesy of two or three gigs per week: enough cash for them to save for and buy better guitars. Come the day Ron finally had the right amount for a deposit on a Burns Vista-Sonic costing £102.10 shillings: a guitar he still owns and plays to this very day.
The five-some continued to make good use of the watering holes in the village, either practicing or playing at The Old Bluebell, The Greyhound Inn, The White Swan, and the Devonshire Arms. There was one rehearsal session Ron recalls well.
“It was a Monday evening on December 16th, 1963,” he fondly remembers.“We were setting up our gear, drums, amps and mics when I happened to mention. Guys, it’s my 16th birthday today, at which point Dave Wright, our new drummer turned to me and said, bloody hell youth, that’s some coincidence, it’s my 18th birthday today.”
So, Ron and Dave spent their next four birthdays together, either practising, gigging, or simply enjoying copious amounts of Double Diamond draught in the Miners’ Arms South Normanton: at one shilling and fourpence a pint. Today, almost 15p. Part
The Old Blue Bell
South Normanton Miners’ Welfare, The Miners’ Arms
The Devonshire Arms
The Miners’ Arms
And lastly, stepping further afield, The Great Northern at Shirebrook, picture courtesy of John Brown.
Four South Normanton pubs where Martin Vee and The Pacifics “cut their musical teeth.”
All four photographs courtesy of the Graham Hunt collection.
Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Roller Garage Doors
A garage door might not be the first thing you think about when improving your home - but it’s one of the smartest upgrades you can make. A modern roller garage door doesn’t just look sleek and contemporary; it also adds security and convenience in one simple change.
Unlike traditional up-and-over doors that swing outward, roller garage doors open vertically and roll smoothly into a compact box above the entrance. This clever design helps you unlock valuable space, both inside and outside your garage. Garolla roller garage doors fit neatly behind the opening, meaning you can park closer to the door without worrying about clearance, while also maximising every inch of room inside your garage. Whether you use the space for storage, a workshop, a home gym, or simply want a less cluttered layout, having more usable space can make a noticeable difference to everyday life.
With smooth electric operation as standard, Garolla doors are ideal for busy households. At the touch of a button, you can open and close your garage without stepping out of the car - especially welcome on cold, rainy evenings.
What’s more, every Garolla door is made in Britain and manufactured to the highest standards. With free surveys, expert local installation, and a wide choice of colours and finishes, it’s no surprise that over 150,000 UK homes have already been transformed with Garolla roller garage doors - and homeowners are wondering why they didn’t do it sooner.
Rewires CCTV Intruder Alarms
Extra Sockets Extra Lighting
Electric Vehicle Charging Points
All Domestic, Commercial & Industrial electrical work undertaken
• Landlord Reports
• Electrical Safety Certificates
• Full alarm system service £66 with 12 months call-out cover
• Brand new alarm systems fitted
• CCTV systems fitted
• Older systems upgraded, faults fixed
• Any existing system adopted regardless who fitted it
• Video door bells
Across
1 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)
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)
18 Not considered, even though price is reduced (10) Down 3 Raider soldier has nothing to order (8) 5 Hormone, dug out for those who don’t play away! (4,6) 6 Cared for by humans, with hard-earned respect (4-6)
Chill, you mad, mad clown! (4,4)
Chaucer,
Oak, 12 Yaw, 13 By right, 16 Often, 17 Paste, 18 Golden years.
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GARDENERS CALENDAR
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.
THE EARLY BUTTERFLIES IN THE GARDEN
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
