Voice Magazines - Huthwaite & Sutton-in-Ashfield Edition - February 2026
Hello Readers,
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 Sport features strongly this month, beginning with the WINTER OLYMPICS (6TH TIL 22ND FEB). Athletes from across the world come together to demonstrate dedication, resilience and excellence, providing inspiration and drama during the colder weeks.
KIRKBY-IN-ASHFIELD EDITION Finally, 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.
Competition Winners
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!!
DENISE & HER JOURNEY
Denise started with me back in Nov 23 when she joined with her friend. Never done slimming world before she had very negative thoughts on how the plan would work. She wasn’t a big eater and skipped many meals so when I told her how liberating the plan was and all the foods she could eat, she was sceptical that it would ever work. First weeks weigh in and she achieved 8.5lb loss and bagged herself that first award. From there she started eating 3 regular meals a day, choosing free foods where possible and not before long you could start to see the change in her. End of Dec 23 she had her stone award and in Feb picked up her 2 stone. By the time she got to target in Mar 25 she had lost an amazing 5.5 stones. She’s kept this off for nearly a year now and still attends group where she inspires so many other members.
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.
HUTHWAITE
Slimming World
TUESDAY 4.00PM, 5.30PM & 7.00PM
MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS
The Fieldings, Huthwaite Road, NG17 2TF
Nicole Smith: 07788 631 273
This spin on the french classic is full of flavour and perfect for a special evening in.
Ingredients:
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.
• 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
LAST MINUTE OFFERS NOW ON!
STUNNING HOLIDAY COTTAGE IN WARKWORTH, NORTHUMBERLAND
Treat yourself to a luxury break at the 4* Gold Award winning Little Red Hen House. An elegant and cosy holiday home just a 7 minute drive from award-winning and dog-friendly Warkworth beach.
✽ 2 spacious en-suite bedrooms
✽ A fully enclosed garden
✽ 2 small to medium dogs welcome (3 upon request)
✽ Fully equipped kitchen, including an American style fridge freezer
✽ Perfect for exploring the stunning Northumbrian Heritage Coastline
✽ Close to a range of dog friendly pubs, cafes & restaurants in stunning Warkworth
✽ We have fast fibre Wi-Fi and smart TV’s
SOCIETY
A STITCH IN TIME
Jobs now appear to be in short supply, but this wasn’t always the case locally. Sutton was built with the colliery and factories. Both needed a local workforce. There was a very large number of factories in our area, all competing for operatives. Sadly, most have disappeared mainly due to the cheaper imports. Local factories prided themselves on quality.
In the 70’s, it was possible to leave one job on the Friday only to start another the following Monday. Looking at a local newspaper’s adverts gives information about some of the processes by the operatives they want. In the 70’s be aware that today the adverts would not be considered as politically correct.
Meritina/Two Steeples had vacancies in their “modern office” for clerical assistants with an aptitude for figures – offering a 40-hr week at their Common Road branch in Huthwaite.
Pretty Polly on Unwin Road, describing itself as the “largest brand name in UK hosiery” were asking for a sales office manager. They were looking for someone in their late 20’s 30’s. They also wanted a purchase ledger clerk, a wages clerk (age 18), and a data preparation operator.
Albert Martins on Kirkby Road wanted a clerical assistant for their warehouse. The duties included responsibility for processing information into a computer terminal. They would also need to be telephonist and receptionist. The factory was looking for a confident mature person.
Martin Emprex International of Kirkby Road - “The fashion scene pacesetters” were looking for overlockers and overlock frillers, bundlers for the cutting room, examiners, packers, service worker repairers, machinist and cleaners. They had subsidised transport from Ollerton, Shirebrook, Clipstone and Mansfield Woodhouse.
Filigree Textiles Ltd on Carter Lane at South Normanton decided to hold an open evening with drinks and a buffet to try and encourage people to apply for the various jobs of pattern maker/mechanics, Raschel knitters, trainee knitters, auxiliary workers,
Filigree offered a lucrative bonus scheme, high wage rates and excellent training rates with qualified instructors. These vacancies were on a three-shift rota. Sewing machinists, (lockstitch, chain stitch, cross stitch and overlockers). Fabric examiners, auxiliaries and packers to work Monday – Thursday 7:30am –4.45pm, and Friday 7.30am – 12pm. They also had a twilight shift from 5pm to 9.30pm and 2pm to 6pm on Fridays. They offer canteen facilities, 25 days holiday, sickness benefit, pension scheme and factory shop. Samuel Eden on Station Road were looking for experienced staff. Folders and pairers, Double cylinder mechanic, Turners. All full-time positions.
Betts & Broughton of King Street “Manufacturers of industrial safety footwear” were looking for Sewing Machinists, Press Operator, Examiners, General Operatives, and young People. 40 hrs, 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday. They had a subsidised canteen and 27 days holiday per year. They also wanted a Receptionist/Telephonist.
AVAILABLE DATES:
COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS
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.
Please call FREEPHONE 0800 747 1902 or 01623 859932 for a no obliga�on quote
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.
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
HERITAGE OF
LOST IN NORWAY DURING WORLD WAR 2
From
Sgt Frank Cox had written to his wife that he was on his way home. Taking the letter to Beullah Road for her motherin-law, Mrs. Cox saw her husband on Diamond Avenue.
“When my wife spotted me, she broke the 100yard record”, this was how a report ended in the Free Press during the war. For two editions, details were printed on how since April 23rd, Frank had travelled through Norway, avoiding capture by the Germans, spending time in isolated farms and huts, living on very little food, lack of sleep and meeting up with other British soldiers making their way back home after missions.
For at least 700 miles, Sgt Cox walked and climbed in blizzards and thick freezing snow. Aiming for the coast, he spent time with Lt Vallance from Mansfield, who was later captured and interred in Sweden. Local people, scared of the Germans, would help with food and clothes where possible, but places to stay were few. Some closed hotels used in summer were found. Picking up some postcards at each place, which were used as note pads to record day-to-day thoughts.
There were small groups of British men, all making their way to the coast looking for
BEING
a boat that would take them to the Faroe Islands, the Orkneys and back to Scotland, Norwegian’s helping would assemble the men and hide them from patrols. Once on a boat, they had to pretend to be fishermen as a German boat came close by.
Arriving at the Faroes on June 19th, Sgt Cox was lined up for leave, back at home and how he was greeted by his wife was one of my earliest saved cuttings.
Christopher Buckley wrote a book, Norway, The Commandos Dieppe, during an event day at Annesley All Saints Church Hall, I picked a copy up. There is mention of a Sgt E W F Cox who dismantled some equipment, unsure if it is our Frank.
A newspaper, The Shetland Times May 18th, 1940, carried a report about some soldiers getting back, particularly mentioning some men local to each other in Nottinghamshire. One being The Vice Consul of Bergen, James Lawrence Chaworth-Musters.
Being brought up in Norway he was a valuable asset in the plans of the British Government.
Back when I read the first report, I was able to give a copy to a friend who is a niece of the Cox family.
Book by a family member about James L Chaworth-Musters
Free Press Newspaper
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)
Replacing
Navigating
Concerned
Haigh
From
Stay
Protect the environment
Secure
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
trying to keep the ducklings safe from harm. Not all will be successful. Moorhens and Coots are becoming more actively territorial with aggressive encounters increasingly frequent. Exotic Mandarin Ducks are seeking out suitable nest-sites often in tree-holes, and Little Grebes are back on their breeding areas and establishing territories. Another early bird that sings during February and March to establish its riverside territories, is the Dipper or as it used to be known, the Water Ousel.
In gardens around the region, early signs of Spring on its way were to be seen in late December with the first Snowdrops just pushing through. Now, with the weather noticeably milder, carpets of brilliantwhite Snowdrops are joined by the bright yellows and purples of the ubiquitous Crocuses, and early honeybees and hoverflies are drawn to their rich supplies of nectar. Interestingly, the ever-increasing carpets of Snowdrops, in both gardens and the wider countryside, are welcomed and, in some places, have become major tourist attractions for visitors to heritage 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/ & Twitter @IanThewildside Bluesky @ianthewildside.bsky.social
HONEYBEE & CROCUS
SNOWDROPS
ROBIN
Four Winds Landscaping
GARDENERS
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.
