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NOV ‘25 EDITION - 10TH OCT ‘25
DEC ‘25 EDITION - 7TH NOV ‘25
Hello Readers,
Yippeeee!!! Pumpkin Spiced Latte here I come! I think autumn/early winter has to be my favourite time of year. Lots of colour changes, snuggly evenings, dark nights (but not so many that you’re fed up of them and only getting 3 hours of sunlight per day!).
I was fortunate enough to visit Iceland a few years back during winter (I didn’t see any Northern lights because it was simply far too miserable and laden with clouds for that kind of joy!!) and one of the things that has always stuck with me since the visit, is acceptance. Despite the country being truly beautiful, and I hope to visit in summer at some point to see the flip side, it was one of the weirdest and unsettling experiences of my life!
I’m not selling it to you am I!! Let me try again!! Iceland seems to spend about 4 months of the year in a cold, dark, terrible weather, spooky filled misery – it makes Manchester seem like it is suffering from a drought –so much rain! However, because of this, they choose to leave the Christmas decorations up longer than anyone else, because those twinkly little lights bring a little joy to the dark streets in the darkest days. They have more hobbies than any other culture because they spend their evenings learning new skills and making sure that they don’t just sleep, eat, work, repeat. So, they take up things like reading and knitting and drawing, and they make sure that they go out during the few hours of daylight they get for their Vit D and they socialise even when they don’t feel like it – because we’re all humans right and we need that interaction.
Anyway, my long and ever so slightly convoluted point was that we all have our crosses to bear and despite it not necessarily being my best holiday in the traditional sense, a big ‘Eureka’ moment for me was that clearly, in life, the circumstances are going to play out, it really is our choice as to how we react to them. I take this with me everywhere now and whenever I see glib memes such as ‘when life gives you lemons make lemonade’ and other such placating statements,
maybe just maybe they aren’t so glib and maybe, the point is and always has been, situations will arise and really, the only decision we must make is, how we respond. So, with that in mind, this month I have been trying to stop watching the news so much and massively cut down on my social media usage – it doesn’t do me any favours (or let’s be honest, society as a whole). In its absence, I’m decorating at home – which is never good news for Mr Emily who always gets roped in!! And I’m watching the GBBO (if you don’t know what that is, you are beyond help!). I’m a terrible cook, only a slightly better baker based on the handful of times that I have baked, but maybe this is my hobby…..maybe all the miserable social media posts and news and brain melting banality is going to give way to a chocolate melting goddess rising from the oven flames in search of just one little hand shake from Mr Hollywood!! Wish me luck!!!
Anyway, as it is a spooky time of year, I predict that it was Professor Plum in the Drawing Room with the Candlestick! Happy Reading everyone, only 2 more editions until Christmas…. eeeek!
Happy Reading, Emily x
Film Noir Murder Mysteries:
SHADOWS, SECRETS, AND SUSPENSE
Film Noir, born out of the 1940s and 1950s Hollywood landscape, remains one of cinema’s most enduring and stylish genres. Often described as “dark film,” it captures a world where shadows loom large, morality is ambiguous, and danger hides around every corner. At the heart of many of these stories lies the murder mystery – a puzzle of deceit, betrayal, and survival that continues to fascinate audiences today.
Unlike the classic detective tales of the golden age, Film Noir murder mysteries are rarely straightforward. They often feature flawed protagonists – hard-boiled detectives, cynical journalists, or ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. These characters are not shining heroes but rather complex individuals battling both external threats and their own inner demons. Their journeys are filled with twists and turns where no one can be trusted, and every clue might be a trap.
A hallmark of the genre is the femme fatale: the enigmatic woman whose allure is as dangerous as any smoking gun. From Barbara Stanwyck’s scheming Phyllis Dietrichson in Double Indemnity (1944) to Jane Greer’s manipulative Kathie Moffat in Out of the Past (1947), the femme fatale is central to the mystery, often blurring the line between victim and villain. Her presence deepens the intrigue, keeping both the protagonist and the audience guessing until the final reel.
Visually, Film Noir is unmistakable. Low-key lighting, stark contrasts, and dramatic shadows create an atmosphere of tension and unease. Rain-slicked streets, smoke-filled bars, and neon-lit alleyways serve not only as backdrops but also as characters in their own right, shaping the mood and amplifying the suspense.
What sets Film Noir murder mysteries apart is their refusal to offer neat resolutions. Justice is not guaranteed, and happy endings are rare. Instead, these films reflect a post-war world of uncertainty, where crime, corruption, and human weakness dominate.
Today, the legacy of Film Noir lives on in modern cinema, from neo-noir classics like Chinatown (1974) to contemporary thrillers such as Gone Girl (2014). The blend of mystery, moral ambiguity, and haunting style ensures that Film Noir continues to captivate new generations of film lovers, keeping its shadowy allure alive.
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CONKER SEASON AGAIN
One of the most cherished memories I have is of my boys running home from school in their little grey shorts with an abundance of conkers stuffed down their long, grey socks. They were so excited to be bursting with autumnal treasure. They had kicked around fallen leaves under horse chestnut trees to find jewels of shiny brown conkers inside prickly green casings.
At home came the task of selecting the ones thought most likely to become a champion and either baking them or soaking them in vinegar to become hard. Next was the piercing and threading with a knotted shoelace. Job done!
Time to challenge your friends to a game. Winning conkers were ones that defeated other conkers by splitting or cracking them and they gained a title of “Sixer” “Twelver” and so on, depending on how many wins they had.
Playtime at school couldn’t come quick enough. Small boys and some girls charged out of the classroom with their conkers in their pocket, ready for battle. Very serious.
Cheating was not unknown: painting the conker with clear nail varnish or substituting for a wooden ball. Bruised knuckles and bits of split conker flying into your eye was, of course, an acceptable hazard.
Glorious autumn.
Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information.
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Since opening on August 1, 2023, BM Carpets & Beds has become South Normanton’s trusted familyrun destination for stylish flooring and comfortable beds. Owned by Billy and Maria, proud Hilcote residents, they’re passionate about bringing quality and value to the local community.
From luxurious wool carpets to durable hardwearing options, plus laminate, LVT and vinyl cushion flooring, you’ll find the perfect match for every home. Their free home selection service means you can browse samples without leaving your sofa - making shopping simple and stress-free.
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Luxury catering specialists creating beautifully styled grazing tables, platters, and bespoke spreads that taste as good as they look.
184A Queen Victoria Road, Tupton, Chesterfield, S42 6DU
Slimming World Recipe Beef Lasagna
Method:
1. Spray a large non-stick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and put it over a high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, breaking up any lumps as you go. Drain off any fat in the pan, then add the pepper, courgette, onion and garlic and stir-fry for 6-8 minutes.
2. Add the tomatoes, passata and dried herbs to the pan and season lightly. Stir everything together, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring often.
3. Meanwhile, mix the yogurt, eggs and nutmeg until smooth. Season lightly and set aside.
Lasagna but on plan... now we’re talking! Rich tasy beef ragu, layered with pasta and topped with a creamy sauce and a parmesan crunch. Yum!
Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.
4. Spoon one-third of the beef mixture into an ovenproof dish and spread it out to cover the base. Top with 4-5 lasagne sheets, snapping them to fit any awkward spaces. Repeat the layers twice more, then top with the yogurt mixture.
5. Sprinkle the Parmesan over evenly and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the pasta is tender. Leave the lasagne to stand for 10 minutes before you slice it (this helps it keep its shape). Serve with your favourite salad.
• Low-calorie cooking spray
• 500g lean beef mince (5% fat or less)
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into small chunks
• 1 courgette, cut into small chunks
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 400g passata
• 2 tsp dried mixed herbs
• 500g fat-free natural yogurt
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 12-15 dried lasagne sheets (depending on the size and shape of your dish)
• 120g grated fresh Parmesan
COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS
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2nd Tuesday of each month 9am - 1pm | South Normanton Market Place
2nd Thursday of each month 9.30am - 12.00pm | Bolsover Market
2nd Friday of each month 9am - 1pm | Ripley Market Place
NEW BOOKING OFFICE: Parkvilla,124 Market Street, Clay Cross, Derbyshire S45 9LY FOR A 2025 BROCHURE OR TO BOOK: MOBILE BOOKING OFFICE LOCATIONS
3rd Tuesday of each month 9am - 12noon | Blackwell Community Centre
3rd Thursday of each month 9am - 1pm | Alfreton Severn Square Car Park (Outside B&M)
3rd Friday of each month 9am - 1pm | Sutton-in-Ashfield, Portland Square
Chari t y Race Nigh t
A dogs Day out
This month we revisit a perfect autumnal walk which first featured in 2017. This walk has a bit of everything. We begin walking through a country park with some great views before looping round to pass the historic and picturesque Annesley All Saints Church and then onto the pretty Annesley Forest.
5-MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM NEWSTEAD AND ANNESLEY COUNTRY PARK
A mid length walk which should take you and your dog around 2 1/2 hours to complete. There is a mix of terrain, with some uneven and muddy bits, particularly depending on the weather so please wear appropriate footwear. There is one particularly busy road so be careful, keep dogs on leads if unsure and as always, follow the countryside code.
START: Newstead and Annesley Country Park (car park, opposite The Pit Micropub) Tilford Road Newstead NG15 0BS.
1. Standing with your back to the car park entrance, walk straight ahead to pass through a large wooden gate, pass by a signboard reading ‘Newstead and Annesley Country Park’ on your right and then continue along a wide and well laid path.
2. After a short distance you will pass a lake and a building on your right. Pass through a gap, continue straight ahead along the wide path climbing gently uphill, to pass a second and then a third lake on your right.
3. After the third lake you will begin to descend for quite some distance until reaching a large metal gate. Pass by the gate and then pass beneath an arch bridge. After some distance pass by another large metal gate and continue ahead to reach a road.
4. Turn right and continue until reaching a T junction of roads. Turn right and after a short distance turn right again along ‘Moseley Road’.
5. Continue along Moseley Road to the very end and then turn left along another road. Follow this road to the very end and then turn left once more onto ‘Byron Road’. After a short distance turn right along a road signposted for ‘Parish Hall’. After a short distance pass the Parish Hall on your right and then continue straight ahead along a tarmac footpath.
6. After a short distance pass through a metal width restrictor and then continue straight along the path going uphill. Near the top of the hill pass through some concrete post and, almost immediately, turn left along a footpath opposite a bungalow (No.9) to pass between some houses.
7. Continue straight ahead to walk across the top of a cul-de-sac and then towards a block of garages. Thread between the garages and pass through a metal chicane to continue along a footpath. After a short distance pass by a graveyard on your right and then Annesley All Saints Church on your left.
8. Immediately after the church cross over a crossroads of footpaths and continue straight ahead along a footpath into some trees. Continue downhill until you reach a road. Turn left along the road for a short distance and then turn right onto a lane going uphill passing a sign on your right reading ‘No unauthorised vehicles’.
9. At the top of the hill the lane bends sharp right. At this point continue straight ahead to pass through a gap onto footpath heading into the trees. Ignoring all
the other paths to the left and right, continue straight ahead along this path. Eventually the path bends around to the right. Continue for a short distance to pass by a large metal gate and to a main road.
10. Cross straight over, pass by a large metal gate and then continue along a well laid path. Follow the path around to the left and then continue straight ahead going through woodland. After some distance you will reach a major junction of paths. Take the left option going gently uphill and then continue straight ahead.
11. Continue on the main path for some distance and then pass by a metal gate to reach a main road. Cross straight over the road pass by another metal gate and continue straight ahead along a footpath going through woodland.
12. Continue along this path for some distance until the path splits in two. Take the left split, continue straight ahead and then continue to go steep downhill. At the bottom of the hill you pass through what is often a very wet boggy patch of land making the path ahead difficult to follow. Be sure to continue straight ahead to pick up the path going uphill.
13. Ignoring all other paths to the left and right, go straight to the very top of the hill and then drop back down the other side. At the bottom of the hill and at a crossroads of footpaths turn right along a well laid footpath. After a short distance pass by a large metal gate and to a road.
14. Cross straight over the road to pass through a wooden chicane and onto a recreation ground. Continue straight ahead passing a skate park on your right and then pass through a wooden swing gate onto a road.
15. Turn left to follow the main road, ‘Tilford Road’, with terraced houses on the left and then after some distance pass’ Newstead Centre’ on your right. After a short distance cross over a railway line and then after a very short distance turn left back into 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.
NEW CHAPTER AT NEW TUPTON IVANHOE FC
New Tupton Ivanhoe FC has seen big changes at its Annual General Meeting, as long-serving club leaders have handed over the reins to a refreshed committee.
After more than 20 years in grassroots football, including 15 with New Tupton Ivanhoe FC, club secretary Dave Hoult announced he was stepping down. Dave, whose late father helped build the pitch now named the Bert Hoult Arena, will now become club president. “This is not goodbye,” Dave said. “It’s a step back to enjoy looking in from the outside. The club is in tremendously good hands moving forward and the plans we have are very exciting indeed.”
Chair Antony Maidens also stepped down after seven years leading the club. He looked back proudly on what has been achieved during his time in charge.
“We’ve gone from six teams to 25, built our own base at the recreation ground, won Derbyshire FA Club of the Year twice, and held countless community events. It’s been one hell of a journey,” Antony said. He will now take on the role of vice chair, continuing to support the club.
Sharon Thompson, who served as treasurer, also stepped down. Sharon was one of the original committee members alongside Dave when New Tupton Ivanhoe FC was formed, helping to lay the foundations of the club. The club thanks her for her years of hard work and dedication.
The new chair is Andy Fox, who has over ten years’ experience in grassroots football. Andy thanked those who came before him. “Massive thanks to Antony, Dave, Sharon and everyone who’s helped shape the club. These are big boots to fill, but I’m excited to keep building this brilliant club.”
The full committee elected at the AGM is: Andy Fox (Chair), Michelle Briddon (Secretary), LindaAnn Blair (Treasurer), Sue Higgins (Club Welfare Officer), Antony Maidens (Vice Chair) and Dave Hoult (President).
Everyone at the club wishes to thank Dave, Antony, and Sharon for their years of hard work, and to welcome Andy who will work with the rest of the committee as they take New Tupton Ivanhoe FC into the next chapter.
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
Guess the words and Fill in the crossword !
1 Dramatic pairs located bus near accident (6,4)
5 Moses’ missus mentioned in a zip (or a fastener) (8)
15 Job treatment, done with a flat hand? (4,4)
18 NASA finding itself in tumult when leaves fell (4,6)
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. These puzzles are devised by the
Across
9 G, say, follower at speed? (4)
10 Scrape along in attempt to ring bells (4)
11 Fun, given that you’re finding mushrooms (5)
12 Back for nothing, in top (4)
14 Semi-arid, but not said to be suitable for Arab leader (4)
Down
3 Snake in and out of the raspberries (3)
4 Nonsense article about the ocean? (3)
6 Suggest that the second Cardinal could be it? (5,2)
7 Herb is cruelty-free produce (3)
13 Spoiled almost half of the painting (3)
16 Blowlamp stripped down by wise old one (3)
17 Said to be eye treatment, literally! (3)
Elicit straightforward, but not gratis answer (4,5)
Invitation to fly away, that’s less than polite? (4,3)
Divided regal topper for an old coin (4-5)
Nine elements to put on top of salads (4,3)
Moor, 13 Noir.
FLAMECARE BOILER CARE & HEATING SERVICES
Family-run, independent, and proudly local, FlameCare has been keeping homes warm and safe for over 20 years. Founded in 2003 by Simon Fletcher, the Chesterfieldbased business has grown to look after more than 2,000 loyal customers, with many still on the same trusted maintenance plans
they signed up for in the early days. Their reputation is built on integrity, meticulous workmanship, and genuine care for the community.
FlameCare’s competitively priced boiler and central heating maintenance plans offer complete peace of mind. Each plan includes an annual service, sameday callouts, free parts and labour, and no excess fees — often beating larger providers on both price and service. Accredited installers of Ideal Heating boilers, FlameCare supplies only A-rated, high-efficiency models, each backed with warranties of up to 12 years. Current offers even include a free
Halo Wi-Fi smart thermostat with every new boiler installation, giving customers flexible control at their fingertips.
But what truly sets FlameCare apart is its commitment to giving back. For every new customer taking out a maintenance plan, the company donates the first month’s subscription to Ashgate Hospice. So far, this has raised just shy of £10,000 to support vital end-of-life care in North Derbyshire. It’s just one example of how FlameCare continues to put people first — customers, staff, and the wider community.
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FLAMECARE BATHROOMS & ADAPTATIONS
Building on their trusted reputation for heating and plumbing, FlameCare has expanded into bathrooms — and the results speak for themselves. Whether it’s a stylish modern upgrade or a safe and practical adaptation, the team brings the same professionalism, attention to detail, and customer-first approach that has defined the business for two decades.
FlameCare bathrooms are fully project-managed from start to finish, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. Customers praise the team for clear communication, reliability, and craftsmanship. One recent client, arranging an adaptation for their father, described the work as “excellent from start to finish,” with the new walk-in shower and safety features giving both
confidence and peace of mind.
Adaptations are a growing part of FlameCare’s service, designed to make homes safer and more accessible. Options include level-access showers, grab rails, and waterproof boarding, all tailored to individual needs without compromising on style. For those simply looking to refresh a tired bathroom, FlameCare also offers complete redesigns with modern fixtures, quality finishes, and practical layouts.
As a family-run business, FlameCare understands the importance of trust and integrity. Every installation is
carried out by a skilled, friendly team who treat customers’ homes with respect. With fitting slots always in demand, early booking is recommended — especially for those hoping to have their new bathroom ready in time for special occasions.
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THE COAL MINER’S LIFE
AS OTHERS SAW US
In 1927, a coal director painted a rosy picture of Derbyshire’s miners and their communities. But behind the polished words, everyday life told a very different story. Here, the “official view” is set side by side with the miners’ reality.
Much of Derbyshire’s wealth once depended upon its mineral deposits – lead, iron ore, limestone and coal. As industry grew, rural villages expanded into mining communities. Rows of terraced “two up, two down” houses were built to accommodate the workforce. Before pithead baths, miners came home in their “pit dirt” to houses without bathrooms or a constant supply of hot water.
In 1927, a director of one of the larger coal combines contributed to Aberconway’s Basic Industries of Great Britain, portraying mine owners as generous providers. Yet the reality remembered by miners was often very different.
HE WROTE:
“The Derbyshire miners as a whole may be said to be thrifty” (in truth, wages after the 1926 General Strike were barely above poverty, with pits often on short-time work).
“They are careful of their personal appearance and that of their families” (many children missed school simply because they had no shoes).
“Their homes are often models of neatness” (hire purchase was avoided work was too uncertain to risk debt).
“They believe in sick and benefit clubs, and many belong to several” (before 1948, with no NHS or welfare, illness meant potential destitution).
“Perhaps 15% of the men own their own houses, but colliery owners build cottages for their workers, leaving less scope for building societies” (owners profited from rents, stopped directly from wages, so they had no interest in encouraging home ownership).
“Great numbers of new houses of a very good modern type have been built, fitted with electricity, baths, drainage and hot water” (many miners recall no bathrooms or electricity in colliery houses until the 1950s).
“Sports such as rabbit coursing attract some miners” (grouse and horses were out of reach-rabbiting was affordable), “while gardening is popular with others. Some pit-boys even take university degrees” (a rarity, though boasted about at the time).
“On the other hand, gambling is rife among men and women alike” (a quick sixpence bet at the bookies, the working man’s alternative to the stock market).
“Many take seaside trips” (paid holidays only arrived in 1938).
“Probably 25% attend a place of worship, most being Dissenters” (“Nowt wrong with Chapel,” as miners said, though most weren’t regular attenders).
“Colliery owners have also provided clubs and institutes, where men can play billiards, read papers, hold union meetings and enjoy cheap refreshment without relying on the pub” (these Miners’ Welfares were actually funded by a levy on coal sales, paid by miners and customers, not owners).
“Situated in the countryside, the men enjoy the best conditions of housing, wages and steady work” (a very rosy view—many villages only saw real improvements decades later).
So, there it was: “Doff yer caps and be grateful. Thank you Guv’nor! See you at Chapel on Sunday, then maybe a bout of intellectual improvement in the Welfare?”
With the pits long gone, many villages became dormitory towns, their cheap housing attracting newcomers from the South. A new chant arose:
“Eye by gum, it’s grand up North, Come on now, join the rush!
’Cos now we’ve got electric lights, And toilets you can flush.”
– Anon, Modern Folk Ode
Written by Ivan BRENTNALL
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
GARDENERS CALENDAR
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Most lawns have suffered with this summer’s droughts. And whilst there is an old trope that a lawn will always recover; it can depend on the original condition and it’s always worth giving a little TLC – even if it’s to help it to become more drought resistant next year. A good start is scarifying, pulling out dead matter and debris with a metal rake. Then aerate –spiking with a garden fork as deep as the tines will penetrate and waggling in the ground to open the earth up. This is best done after rain or watering, but may take some patience as soil can become hydrophobic and initially resist water after prolonged drought. If you find it very hard work, concentrate on the most worn patches. Finally work some top dressing – sharp sand and home-made compost into the holes. You can feed, but make sure it’s the right fertiliser for winter otherwise it will encourage weak sappy growth.
The best time to prune acers if you want to re-shape them is after the leaves have fallen and before spring –i.e. while the tree is dormant and before the sap starts to rise again early in the new year.
Alpines have become increasingly popular, some are even being sold in homeware stores. Most are hardy perennials – they’ll come back for a few years, but they can suffer if exposed to very wet conditions. They don’t mind cold – the clue is in the name – and they love sunny, but they can’t take soggy roots. So if you’ve put them in troughs or containers make sure their feet are not going to be in water and remove any dead vegetation around their shallow roots.
If you’re going for a wildflower lawn next year, don’t feed with fertiliser. It will encourage the grass, but they will swamp the flowers.
AUTUMN BRINGS THE CROWS TO THE WILDLIFE GARDEN
The crow family or corvids are amongst our longest lived and most intelligent birds and include a diversity of species from the huge Raven, the ubiquitous Carrion Crow, the now declining Rook, the Jackdaw, the colourful Jay, and the splendid Magpie. Down in southwest England and in Wales for example there is also the Cornish Chough but that has yet to spread northwards. Aside from the rook which has particular habitat issues and has lost out to urbanisation and changing agricultural practice, the other corvids are generally doing pretty well, though this does not please everybody. The entire family was once the scourge of gamekeepers and even park-keepers countrywide. This reduced numbers and altered the behaviour of the birds that remained. Even today if you point a camera at a Carrion Crow or a Magpie then they get very jittery and quickly fly off. Jays were once very shy and most views were just a fleeting glimpse in dense woodland as they flew away, their first contact being the harsh alarm cries and the last sign was a flash of white from their rear end as they departed. Today they are frequent visitors to the garden feeders, as are the other species with the obvious exception of the Raven. I have had Ravens over the garden but not yet in it.
I noticed this summer a distinct increase in visiting corvids in terms of numbers, frequency, and indeed, boldness. Jackdaws that breed on nearby chimneystacks come down to feed on suet bars and fat-balls, and like the Magpies seem to develop greater dexterity as the months progress. Then, as autumn arrived, the numbers of Magpies increased with flocks of up to twenty or so birds at a time. They seem to feast on the dried mealworms, fat-balls and suet-balls in hanging feeders, and the noisy flocks are now a regular occurrence. In terms of the visitors to the garden feeders, the Carrion Crows probably come top of the pile, and the other birds give them respect and space. They too are more regular visitors to the wildlife garden feeders and particularly watch out for the dried mealworms and cuttings from suet bars that I put out for my family of Robins. By winter the adult Robins will be defending individual territories but summerlong there has been a pair and two broods of youngsters. By August, these juveniles were moulting into their full red breasts, and by the autumn the parent birds moved them on!
CARRION CROW
CARRION CROW
JUVENILE ROBIN
JACKDAW
JACKDAW
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