At the time of writing, our angry orange acquaintance over the pond hasn’t colonised us yet, but he is on track with his world domination plans! We’ll all be calling it a ‘Sidewalk’ rather than a ‘Pavement’ in no time!! I am obviously joking before anybody writes in, but times are certainly strange. Still, it doesn’t do to dwell on such misery and negativity, there is plenty of that doing the rounds at the moment, so back to more important issues…. we are currently debating the size of the Wagon Wheels in the office this week! Specifically, we love a jammy Wagon Wheel but we were a little outraged about the size these days. Alas, it probably does me a favour as I somewhat vainly try and shed the Christmas chub, but this is besides the point. Anyway, in other news, did everyone enjoy a bit of bird twitching? We clocked quite a few Finches, a couple of Robins, some Tits and a fair few Wood Pigeons.
I know you’re only supposed to record the number you see at any one time but I still couldn’t tell you if there are 64 sparrows visiting our garden or if it’s the same 3 on rotation, who kept popping back to see whether I’d topped up the feeder?!
We’ve also published our Christmas comp winners in this edition as usual. Thankyou so much for entering and well done to the winners who bypassed our sneaky red herring and saw straight through the fact that Rockin’ Robin was not in fact, a Christmas song. Sarah loved bob bob bobbing around and delivering the goodies like Buddy the Elf! And I believe our winners were super excited to have won. So, we’ll do another giveaway in late Spring, so keep your eyes peeled because we’re lining up some cracking gifts again….it isn’t far away now!
Happy Reading, Emily x
Funtastic February 2026
February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s certainly one of the busiest.
This month, our front covers celebrate everything that makes February special — from national events and cultural celebrations to local festivals and simple moments of joy. With 11 editions, each cover highlights a different theme, while together they showcase the variety and vibrancy that February brings to our communities.
ALFRETON EDITION Food lovers will spot PANCAKE DAY (17TH FEB) featured on the cover. A long-standing tradition that brings families together, it’s a day of fun, indulgence and friendly competition — who can flip the best pancake?
BAKEWELL EDITON CHINESE NEW YEAR (17TH FEB TIL 3RD MAR), welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse. Marked by colour, symbolism and hope for the year ahead, it represents renewal, energy and ambition — themes that resonate well beyond the celebrations themselves.
BROADMEADOWS EDITION Derby hosts the UK GHOST STORY FESTIVAL (FROM 27TH FEB), offering a fascinating mix of folklore, history and storytelling. Perfect for long winter evenings, it taps into our love of mystery and the supernatural.
CLAY CROSS EDITION Local culture shines with the CHESTERFIELD WINTER BEER FESTIVAL (6TH & 7TH FEB), a popular event bringing people together to enjoy craft ales, good company and a lively atmosphere — a true winter highlight.
DARLEY DALE EDITION Music fans can look forward to THE BRIT AWARDS (28TH FEB), celebrating British musical talent and creativity. It’s a night that reflects the diversity and influence of UK music, both past and present.
HUTHWAITE & SUTTON EDITION strongly this month, beginning with the OLYMPICS (6TH TIL 22ND FEB). the world come together to demonstrate dedication, resilience and excellence, providing inspiration and drama during the colder weeks.
KIRKBY-IN-ASHFIELD EDITION NATIONAL LOVE YOUR PET DAY (20TH FEB) reminds us of the comfort, loyalty and happiness our pets bring into our lives every day.
MATLOCK EDITION Friendship is celebrated with GALENTINE’S DAY (13TH FEB), recognising the importance of strong bonds between friends and the joy of supporting one another.
RIPLEY EDITION Kindness is celebrated with RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY (17TH FEB), a reminder that small gestures can make a big difference. From helping a neighbour to offering a smile, this day highlights the power of compassion within our communities.
SELSTON EDITION Love takes centre stage with VALENTINE’S DAY, CELEBRATED on 14TH FEB. Whether romantic, platonic or self-love, Valentine’s is a reminder to pause and appreciate the people who matter most, making it a perfect symbol of connection and warmth during winter.
SWANWICK EDITION Rugby returns with the SIX NATIONS (STARTS ON 5TH FEB), uniting fans across the UK in friendly rivalry and national pride as teams battle it out on the pitch.
Together, these 11 covers tell the story of February - a month full of celebration, connection and community spirit, proving that even the coldest weeks can be rich with warmth and meaning.
Clay Lane Legal are a new firm of solicitors offering property services together with Wills and Probate.
Writing a Will.
It is important for you to write a Will. But many people are unsure about writing a Will or even if they truly need a Will.
What is a Will?
A Will is the paperwork that expresses your wishes once you are no longer here. A Will can be used to pass your property and belongings to whom you choose.
Why is it important?
• You may wish to exclude some people from inheriting your assets, or you may have circumstances where a loved one cannot independently deal with monies or inheritance. A Will could be used to protect this person.
• You may use your Will to exclude any ex-partners or spouses.
• An important part of a Will is deciding who will be responsible for your minor children or disabled dependents if you are not here.
• A Will helps a little more by taking the pressure of deciding whether you are buried or cremated as you can set out you instructions in your Will.
• We are all aware that taxes must be paid; a Will could be used to mitigate any inheritance tax issues that you may have.
If you do not have a Will
If you do not have a Will, the government set rules will apply. These are known as the intestacy rules and without a Will your possessions will be shared out following these rules.
Should you wish to make an appointment and discuss your circumstances, please contact us.
Carers Sitting & Support Services
All Around the Shire
CHIP PANS
We all grew up with one of these in the kitchen. Ours was in use on several days of the week and was always sat on one of the back burners of the hob when not in use.
My mum made great chips. With salt and vinegar, there was nothing better for tea. She would lift them from the fat in the wire basket, give a little shake and then tumble them onto the plate. In my younger childhood, she used lard and I used to love watching it melt away to a liquid on the heat, revealing the cremated crumbs at the bottom of the pan from food fried for previous teas and suppers. When cold, the wire basket would be set into the lard like twigs in ice.
The greatest joy would be when my parents had a Vesta Chow Mein and deep fried the crispy noodles in the hot fat. It was like magic watching them puff up in the pan.
The 1990s saw the end of an era. The fire brigade came to fit smoke detectors in the house and gave us a free deep
fat frier in exchange for taking away the old chip pan. The firemen ceremonially removed it from the kitchen as though it were radioactive.
As I remember, I can almost smell the hot fat bubbling as the chips cooked to a perfect golden colour. Frozen oven chips just don’t give the same satisfaction.
Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information.
Photo: Nick Rhodes
COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS
DURHAM - Radisson Blu Hotel
MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND
LYTHAM ST ANNES - Inn on the Prom Sun 15th – Mon 16th Mar
2 Days - £145
MORECAMBE
Auckland Hotel
Mon 23rd - Fri 27th Mar
5 Days - £399
TENBY
Clarence House Hotel
Mon 30th Mar - Fri 3rd Apr
NORTHUMBERLAND
Commissioners Quay Inn, Blyth
Thu 2nd - Mon 6th Apr
5 Days - £545
SKIPPING THROUGH SKIPTON
Skipton Hotel Mon 6th - Fri 10th Apr
5 Days - £545
MYSTERY WEEKEND
Mystery Hotel Sat 11th - Sun 12th Apr
LIVERPOOL
Mercure Atlantic Tower Hotel
Sun 12th - Tue 14th Apr
3 Days - £299
EASTBOURNE
Haddon Hall Hotel
Sun 26th - Thu 30th Apr
5 Days - £430
5 Days - £440 YORK Queens Hotel Fri 1st - Mon 4th May
2026 BROCHURES ARE NOW OUT
TO BOOK A HOLIDAY PHONE 01773 590 808, 01246 604 764 or 07483 357 958
3rd Tuesday of each month 9am - 12noon | Blackwell Community Centre
3rd Thursday of each month 9am - 1pm | Alfreton Severn Square Car Park (Outside Poundstretcher)
9am - 1pm | Ripley Market Place
3rd Friday of each month 9am - 1pm | Sutton-in-Ashfield, Portland Square
EVIL IN HIGH PLACES BY RORY CLEMENTS
This is a twisty and compelling historical thriller set in Germany on the cusp of World War II. The world’s athletes, the media, and visitors from across the globe have gathered for the start of the Winter Olympics in Bavaria.
The powerful Nazi government intends this to be a triumph. Its propaganda machine is in overdrive, temporarily hiding its anti-Jewish signs and behaviour, for nothing can be allowed to besmirch Adolf Hitler’s ascendancy.
And when a movie star, who happens to be the mistress of Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s propaganda minister is murdered, this must also be kept hidden from the world.
This book cleverly mixes real figures and events with fiction. But it doesn’t shy from the sometimes savage reality of life under the Nazi regime. Often these kinds of stories are told from the perspective of a foreign spy who goes in to save the day. But this novel is far more interestingly and subtly told from the voice of a German policeman, albeit one who is profoundly distrustful of his government.
It’s very fast paced, atmospheric and well researched and a fascinating look at deep political corruption. Evil in High Places, in fact.
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OPENING TIMES Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri: 9am to 5pm Wed: 9am to 12pm & Sat: 9am to 4pm
Clay Cross Social Centre has one of the finest dance floors in the area. It is spacious and comfortable, with a furnished lounge area adjacent to the bar and a fully equipped kitchen.
In good weather there is an outdoor seating area and during the evening and weekends a large car park. We are fully licensed for entertainment with a maximum capacity for 200 persons.
Slimming World Recipe Chicken Supreme
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/ fan 180°C/gas 6.
2. Put the asparagus and peppers in a non-stick roasting tin. Spray with 1 cal cooking spray and roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
3. At the same time, spray a medium non-stick frying pan with 1 cal cooking spray and put it over a low-medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and stir-fry for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk
This spin on the french classic is full of flavour and perfect for a
4. Add the chicken, bacon and mushrooms and cook for a further 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked.
5. While the chicken’s cooking, put the quark, stock, mustard powder and a little seasoning in a large bowl. Mix really well to get a thick sauce.
6. Add the sauce to the chicken mixture, stir really well and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with the parsley and serve with a third of a plate of the roasted veg.
Serves: 2 FREE
Ingredients:
• Bunch of asparagus, woody ends snapped off
• 1 red and 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and roughly chopped
• 2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, thickly sliced
• 4 back bacon rashers, visible fat removed, roughly chopped
• 300g button mushrooms, cut in half
• 100g plain quark
• 100ml hot chicken stock
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
Ready in: 35 mins
A dogs Day out
This walk last featured in the magazines about 5 years ago and it’s one we frequently take Flakey on. The Trails are great for winter walking and present a number of opportunities to let him off-lead.
As well as the trails there is a great variety of scenery, not least the views from the ‘Miner’, which is the highest point in Nottinghamshire.
6-MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM BRIERLEY FOREST PARK
A moderate and varied walk for you and your dog. The route should take around 3 hours. The route has a couple of decent inclines and there are stiles to cross. There are a few stretches of road so take care. The weather will have impaired the terrain, so a good pair of boots are always advised. And as always, follow the Countryside Code.
START: Brierley Forest Park Visitor Centre, Skegby Road, Huthwaite, NG17 2PL.
1. Begin in the car park. Facing the visitors centre exit the car park on the right, passing through a kissing gate and continue straight along the path. Continue to pass a picnic area and pond on your right.
2. Continue straight ignoring all other paths for some distance. Eventually you come to a junction of several paths, bear left, signposted for ‘Silverhill Trial’.
3. Continue along the trail passing a golf course on your left. Near the end of the golf course, you reach a cross roads of footpaths with a kissing gate on either side of the trail. Turn right, to enter a field. Continue along the fenced off path across the field to the far side to enter the trees through a gap and continue across a wooden footbridge into another field.
4. Cross the field diagonally right and at the far side cross a stile adjacent to a telegraph pole into another field. Keep on the path, diagonally across the field to cross a stile and a bridge into another field.
5. Take a slight diagonal left to cross the field, heading for a gap in the fence on the left-hand perimeter of this field. Pass through the gap and uphill onto the Silverhill Trail.
6. Turn right, signposted for ‘Teversal’. Pass over a road bridge and then an old station platform on your right. Continue until reaching a signpost on your right. Bear right and then turn left following the signs for ‘The Miner’ and ‘Highest Point’.
7. Keep straight ahead until you cross a road bridge, then bear left, following the signs for ‘The Miner’ and ‘Highest Point’.
8. Continue along this trail, passing a pond on your right and onto a T-junction with a large ‘Silverhill Wood’ sign on your right. Turn right here and continue winding gently uphill along the trail for approx.1 mile. At a fork in the path, bear left uphill. Pass through a large wooden gate and shortly after turn right to climb some steps to ‘The Miner’.
9. At the top of the steps bear left, keeping ‘The Miner’ monument on your right and continue downhill along a footpath to re-join the trail. Continue downhill, through a wooden chicane, a metal width restrictor and onto a road.
10. Turn left along the road to a T-junction. Turn right along the main road and then after a short distance take the signposted footpath on your left. Pass by a metal gate and cross 2 stiles to
go through a kissing gate and turn right onto the Silverhill Trail, signposted for Tibshelf.
11. Continue straight to pass over a cross road of footpaths. Then after some distance cross over a bridge and shortly after take a path off to the left. Follow the path as it bends left to join with another path and follow the signs for ‘Brierley Forest Park’.
12. Continue until reaching a crossroads of footpaths (the same as in point 3) and turn right, passing through a metal gate and onto a footpath through a golf course.
13. Continue uphill and at the top continue with a hedge on either side until reaching a some signposts before turning left along a footpath signposted ‘Frackley’.
14. Continue straight for some distance. Ignoring a path bearing left, carry on to pass ‘Hole No. 2’ on your left and then through a wooden gate. Immediately after a gate the path splits, bear left and continue straight until reaching a crossroads of footpaths with a signpost on your right. Follow the sign to return to Brierley Forest Visitors Centre and then back round to the car park.
This walk is for illustrative purposes only. Voice Magazines Ltd takes no responsibility for anyone who chooses to follow this route and encourages all walkers to obey all byelaws and signs and to respect the area they are walking in, ensuring they pick up all dog mess and obey the countryside code at all times.
We ran the most fabulous competition in December with amazing support from local companies and bumper entries from local residents. One of the challenges was to spot all the Christmas songs illustrated in the picture – and we did warn you there would be a red herring! Many of you correctly noticed that “Rockin’ Robin” sneaked in, despite not actually being a Christmas song at all. We wanted to share the pics of the happy winners to show that we didn’t just run off with the gifts ourselves (although we wanted to!!), and also to remind you all… “you’ve got to be in it to win it!!
MORE GIRLS, MORE GOALS
Girls’ football is growing faster than ever and at New Tupton Ivanhoe FC, we’re proud to be playing our part by creating fun, welcoming opportunities for girls of all ages to get involved.
Across the country, more girls are discovering the confidence, friendships and enjoyment that football can bring. At New Tupton Ivanhoe FC, we believe football should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, experience or ability. That’s why we offer clear pathways for girls and young players to start, play and progress in a supportive environment.
For our youngest players, Little Ivanhoes provides the perfect introduction to football. Sessions take place on Fridays at Clay Cross Active and focus on learning through play in a fun, supportive environment:
Introduction to Football (ages 3-4): 5pm to 5.45pm
Pathway to Teams (ages 5-7): 5.15pm to 6pm
Sessions cost just £4.00 all abilities.
For girls aged 5-15, our Wildcats squad sessions run every Monday from 5pm to 6pm at Clay Cross Active and cost just £3.00 per session. Open to new and existing players of all abilities, sessions are delivered by UEFA and FA-licensed coaches and focus on skill development, confidence, teamwork and enjoyment in a fun, friendly environment.
For those who want to play without pressure, the club also offers Let’s Just Play sessions. These free sessions for girls aged 10-15 take place on Wednesday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at Clay Cross Active, offering a relaxed opportunity to turn up, play and enjoy football.
Whether your daughter is taking her first steps into football or looking to try something new, there’s a place for her at New Tupton Ivanhoe FC.
If you are interested in Little Ivanhoes, The Wildcat Centre or joining a team please message the clubs facebook page at: www.facebook.com/newtuptonivanhoefc/ visit: www.newtuptonivanhoefc.co.uk
Replacing
Navigating
Concerned
Haigh
From
Stay
Protect the environment
Secure
Guess the words and Fill in the crossword !
Across
1 Athletic? Casting my eye over it (9)
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
5 That woman needs some therapy! (3)
6 Bit of compassion for donkey, please (3)
10 Nice index in your earpiece! (3)
11 Arched overhang at final mistake (7)
12 Produce eggs in action replay (3)
16 Trip to have gone out from (3)
17 With a nod back to University type (3)
Down
2 Romulus and Remus, twins having obligation (4)
3 Bargain event place in Cheshire? (4)
8 Heated, he put it back (3,2)
14 Stringed instrument with money in it, say (4)
15 Spot a quiet, slow leak (4)
7 Restarted the match while at loggerheads with her twin (5,2) 13 DIY, suckers? (7)
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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GARDENERS CALENDAR
If there’s a patch of milder weather in February it can be a good time for getting things into the ground early, with the usual caveats not to plant in waterlogged or frozen ground.
Fruiting bushes and plants such as raspberries and blackcurrants and strawberries can be planted in the ground now. Give strawberries some good manure and don’t plant too deep – the crown of the plant should be level with the soil, not beneath it.
If you didn’t get round to putting alliums or late spring favourite bulbs such as lilies or anemones in last autumn there is still time to do it though they will flower a little later. Soak anemone bulbs well before planting.
Plants tolerating an early start in the soil include hardy geraniums and Japanese anemones. Both are happy in light shade.
Cut back last season’s long stems of sedums which are starting to show buds. This avoids the buds being damaged or constrained as they grow.
TOP TIP
Cornus, also known as dogwood, are those bushes which provide brightly coloured vibrant winter stems. If you cut them back almost to ground level once they have done their job this winter, it gives you much more chance of producing really good colour next year.
IS SPRING ON ITS WAY?
Mild autumn conditions were followed by a swift downturn in the weather through December and into January with deep frosts and heavy snowfalls. However, despite the spells of cold, wintry weather, there were signs of the seasons changing and even of Spring on its way. Hazel catkins are some of the earliest signs of Spring arriving especially in places such as along the Monsal Trail around Hassop, and in the nearby Derbyshire Dales. Some summertime flowers persisted into late December, with garden roses suddenly reappearing, and wildflowers like Red Campion, Common Hogweed, Cow Parsley, Herb Robert and Ox-eye Daisy all still to be found blooming in the Peak’s countryside. Indeed, in woodlands, parks, and gardens, birdlife has also been showing signs of change with first territorial songs given by Mistle Thrushes hidden in the highest branches of tall trees. Loud and melodious these birds sound rather like a Blackbird’s song but less sweet and not so inventive. Also in early December, there were bursts of song from Great Tits and then more recently Blue Tits too, as the Robins change subtly back from their slightly harsh winter song to a sweeter sound of springtime. Tawny Owls, active in local woods since late November, are now well into their breeding season and increasingly vocal. Great Spotted Woodpeckers can be heard with their repeated, high-pitched, ‘chik-chik-chik’ calls delivered from the tree-tops along with their territorial drumming on favoured trunks. On rivers such as the Derbyshire Derwent, the Mallard ducks have already paired up and in some cases have young broods already on the go, and the parent birds are anxiously
houses and the like. That Snowdrops are not native but a European import, probably from medieval times, is conveniently overlooked and we treasure them despite this. Our views on the merits and perils of nonnative and so-called ‘alien’ species are surprisingly subjective! Early-season daffodils are also appearing and, in some cases, followed by the rather uncommon Wild Daffodils such as in woodlands around Matlock and the Cromford Canal.
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/ @IanThewildside Bluesky @ianthewildside.bsky.social
HONEYBEE & CROCUS
SNOWDROPS
We work in Clay Cross, Danesmoor, Lower
Pilsley, Old Tupton & Pilsley & all surrounding areas
