Voice Magazines - Huthwaite & Sutton-in-Ashfield Edition - October 2025

UPCOMING SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISERS & CONTRIBUTORS:

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.

Don’t forget

Derbyshire Sounds at Sheffield’s Legendary Mojo Club

Chesterfield’s very own Blueberries made history on 19 February 1966 when they stepped onto the stage of Sheffield’s iconic King Mojo Club.

Supporting Jimmy James & The Vagabonds and Herbie Goins & The Night-timers, the Derbyshire outfit — including future music historian David McPhie on drums - brought their Chicagostyle blues and soul-rock to one of the North’s most important music venues.

For many young people from Chesterfield, the Mojo was the place to be. Fans flocked up the road to Pitsmoor to see the latest visiting American soul stars or to watch local talent share the same bill. For bands like The Blueberries, it was a chance to step out of the Derbyshire circuit and be part of a movement that was changing British music forever.

Now, almost sixty years later, the story of the Mojo is being told afresh thanks to a £114,300 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The new project — Mojo Rising: Celebrating 60 Years of Music and Community — will shine a spotlight on the club’s rich legacy, including the nights when Derbyshire acts like The Blueberries were part of the bill.

Opened by Peter and Geoff Stringfellow in 1964, the Mojo became a cultural lightning rod. Legends such as Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, Ike & Tina Turner and The Who all played there in its short but spectacular life.

The Heritage Fund project will include a commemorative book, a 3D digital recreation of the venue, a documentary film, a new mural and travelling exhibition, plus podcasts, oral histories and a dedicated website. Volunteers will be trained in interviewing and research skills to help preserve these memories for future generations.

Michael Bell, chair of the Mojo Heritage Collective, said: “King Mojo was more than a club – it gave young people in Sheffield and beyond a way to feel connected to something truly global. This project is about preserving that energy and ensuring the memories, music and meaning live on.”

For Chesterfield, the Blueberries’ 1966 Mojo appearance is a reminder that Derbyshire played its part in this remarkable story — one that will now be celebrated for years to come.

Former Chesterfield resident and author Neil Anderson helped co-ordinate the project bid.

SOCIETY

BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING WAS AS POPULAR AS FOOTBALL IS TODAY.

“Big” Ben Caunt was born in Newstead in 1815 but was known as a Hucknall fighter. His father was gamekeeper in Newstead to Lord Byron.

Ben honed his fighting skills amongst local lads being brought up in the area. He also fought poachers on Lord Byron’s estate. He was 6ft tall, and 15 stones. His first real match was against Richard Butler on the Wighay, which he won.

William Thompson, known as “Bendigo” was born in Nottingham in 1911. His father was a lacemaker. At the age of 21, he started out as a prize fighter, defeating Ben Caunt on 21st July 1835 at Appleby House, Nottingham. It lasted 22 rounds. Ben Caunt was disqualified. They had another match at Shepworth Common, Shelby. The fight lasted 75 rounds. According to some reports, Ben Caunt grabbed Bendigo in a bear hug and tried to crack his skull against a ring stake. Bendigo was ruled out by the referee for going down without being hit.

In another match in Oxford, 10,000 people watched 93 rounds before Ben Caunt was disqualified for a low blow. Bendigo beat Langan, deaf Burke, and Tom Paddock to become champion of England. He retired from fighting at 39. He had got into the habit of drinking and eventually was sent to jail quite a few times. Following his retirement, Bendigo turned to religion.

The Marquess of Queensbury rules were the foundation of modern boxing. They were written by John Graham Chambers of the British Amateur Athletic Club. They were published in 1867. Boxing then became regulated. Padded gloves

became mandatory. Fights became structured into three-minute rounds with a one-minute rest period between each round. A fighter who fell had 10 seconds to get up unaided. They were declared knocked out If they failed to do so.

These rules promoted sportsmanship and fair play, including prohibitions against wrestling and fighting when a boxer was on one knee. The rules specified the size of the boxing ring to be 24ft and only a referee was allowed in the ring when a match was on. The set of rules became the standard for professional and amateur boxing. It stopped wrestling, spitting and hugging in the matches.

Locally, the old baths hosted boxing matches. Bruce Woodcock was one of the boxers who appeared at the baths in 1946. The pool itself was covered over by a removeable wooden floor so matches could be set out.

LAST MINUTE OFFERS NOW

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

• Nail trimming & reduction

• Hard skin reduction

• Corn removal

• Verruca treatment

• Diabetic advice

SUDOKU #63

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.

Custom designed holidays and tours

Cruises

Scenic rail journeys

Honeymoons

Multi-destination getaways

Bucket list adventures

Luxury escapes

Once in a lifetime experiences

Custom built holidays, perfectly planned for a seamless, relaxing experience. ATOL & ABTA protected for complete peace of mind.

KIRKBY GOLD CENTRE

Competitve rates and best prices paid 5% DISCOUNT IF YOU CUT OUT AND SHOW THIS ADVERT Also Videos (All formats) transferred to D.V.D etc... Enquiries@kirkbygold.co.uk www.kirkbygold.com • Tel: 01623 756 816 56,Station Street, Kirkby in Ashfield, NG17 7AS

Get in touch or scan the QR code to enquire: claire@bondstourandtravel com

@bondstourandtravel

Bonds Tour & Travel

Slimming World Recipe Beef Lasagna

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.

For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk

TUESDAY 4.00PM, 5.30PM & 7.00PM MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS

food, real support, real results

food, real support, real results

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

CARPET & BED STORE

CARPETS

Wool, Hardwearing,

Vinyl

BEDS

Our beds are the only approved trading standards manufactory in the UK.

All beds carry a 5yrs Warranty.

Lots of choice of mattresses, Storage Bases & Head Board also Electric beds. OPEN 7 DAYS A

Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm Sat: 9am - 4pm Sun: 11am - 3pm

If you can’t make it into the store, we can offer a FREE home selection service, where we bring the store to you.

NEW STORE NOW OPEN AT HEANOR

Discover Quality & Comfort at BM Carpets & Beds

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.

When it comes to beds, they’ve got you covered too! With a 5-year warranty on all models, including electric options, BM Carpets & Beds will help you sleep soundly and in style. Remember - experts recommend replacing your mattress every eight years!

A huge thank you to all our amazing customers for your continued support. Call in today and get ready for Christmas with fabulous Beds, Carpets & Laminate flooring - quality and comfort, all under one roof!

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.

Tracy Chevalier doesn’t just travel to the past in her latest novel, The Glassmaker. Best known for her million-selling Girl with a Pearl Earring, set very firmly in 17th century Holland; the author this time follows the life of a young 15th century Venetian glassmaker through the centuries until we leave the story at the end of Covid.

Not possible you might say. But time flows differently in this book and Orsola and her family skip through the centuries, living through wars, the rise of books and art, plagues, and the arrival of characters such as Casanova. She starts the book aged 17 and finishes her tale in her 60s in the present day.

It sounds complicated but it is quite playful. Basically it is the story of a girl who becomes a woman - with all that involves - while wrestling with the constraints of society through the ages. Orsola stays Orsola, while the world whizzes forward around her.

When we first meet her she is going against the conventions of her time and learning how to turn sand into glass to stop her family going into debt. When we leave her she has battled her way through to becoming a businesswoman with a mobile phone.

Everything has changed. But so much stays the same, and some things are seemingly unchangeable.

And… it’s a good read!

All Around the Shire

IT’S 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.

Janet

UPVC Windows & Doors

Composite Doors

Porches & Conservatories

So t, Fascias & Guttering

Faulty Locks, Handles & Hinges

Replacement Double Glazed Units

Emergency Plumbing

General Plumbing Repairs

Showers and Bathrooms

Night or Day We’re On Our Way

Emergency Locksmith 07816 84 05 90

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.

Proud to boast over 500 5 star reviews across google and Derbyshire trusted trader.

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.

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)

•

•

•

All exterior painting | All general brickwork, pointing and garden walls Also specialists in UPVC fascias, soffits, guttering etc.

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!

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.