Voice Magazines - Matlock, Wirksworth & Cromford Edition - March 2026

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FROM THE EDITOR

Hello Readers,

Here we are, all present and correct in the year of the Fire Horse. I can’t help but feel that it should be the year of some amphibious creature based on the amount of water we have had – maybe the Soggy Frog?! You’d need a snorkel to get around the Brierley Forest Park Run, hence it’s cancellations for the past few weeks. But alas, it is not. This is supposed to be associated with impulsivity, bold action and new beginnings.

Mr Emily can hardly wait for even more random shenanigans, which can be attributed to the Fire Horse legitimately now!

In other news, we have an answer to ‘who ate all the pies’, turns out it was us!!! To give you some context…. on birthdays, the birthday boy/girl gets to choose a location for lunch and we enjoy a takeaway from the nominated place, paid for by the other HQ peeps. This year, I really fancied a take-out from ‘The Pantry’ at Swanwick. Turns out that we took the remaining 4 pies for the day, with

Michelle opting for something else. Unbeknownst to us, our name was mud, as any poor soul who asked for a pie after 12:30 was met with the fact that unfortunately ‘Voice has taken them all’!!! When Sarah found this out on the grapevine, we all laughed so hard…. who knew that we were the answer to a lifelong (usually football) chant!!

I can’t promise it won’t happen again, but what I would say is, if you really want a pie from The Pantry, make sure you order before 12:30pm because no-one can ever know when we might strike again!!

Anyway, at the time of writing we’ve had a couple of days of the big yellow thing in the sky, woohoo… and the daffodils and snowdrops are pushing upwards, so roll on March 29th for those longer days.

Happy Reading, Emily x

Debt fears drove New Year surge in separation advice in Hope Valley

Financial anxiety over the past few weeks has placed a growing strain on relationships, with a leading Hathersage law firm warning the period is a tipping point for people feeling overwhelmed by money worries and relationship pressure.

The early New Year period has been recognised as a key moment in the calendar when stress and anxiety tend to peak, following the financial and emotional pressures of Christmas, the return to routine and continuing cold and dark nights.

Recent BBC reporting has highlighted the scale of financial concern at this time of year. Debt charities say the period is the busiest period for helplines, with National Debtline recording its busiest single day ever during early January, when 1,365 calls were received in one day alone.

Heather Lane-based Graysons says the surge in financial anxiety often coincides with increased relationship strain. While debt does not cause separation, the firm says financial pressure can intensify existing difficulties, leading more couples to seek advice during January.

Graysons warns that this can result in rushed decisions, particularly where couples opt for do-it-yourself or online divorces without properly addressing finances. While no-fault divorce has made it easier to legally end a marriage, it does not deal with financial arrangements, meaning former partners can remain financially linked long after the divorce itself is finalised.

Without a legally binding consent order approved by the court, future claims can still be made against property, savings and pensions. The firm says pensions are one of the most commonly overlooked assets, despite often being among the most valuable built up during a relationship.

Megan Wroe, Head of Family at Graysons, said: “The New Year is a time when financial pressure, darker days and reflection about the year ahead can cause great strain. For couples who are already struggling, that pressure can make separation feel urgent. Divorce should always be a last resort, but when it does happen, taking early advice and understanding the financial implications can prevent serious problems later on.”

Megan Wroe, who joined Graysons in 2017 after graduating with a firstclass law degree and qualifying as a solicitor in 2021, says compassion and clarity are central to the team’s approach.

Alongside Megan is senior family law solicitor Angela Moores, who has more than 30 years’ experience advising on financial settlements, including complex and high-value cases.

Supporting Megan and Angela, is Isabella Franchini, a newly qualified solicitor who deals with a range of family law matters.

Together with the wider Hathersage-based family team at Graysons, they are urging anyone facing relationship difficulties this New Year to seek early guidance, understand their options fully and protect their long-term financial security.

Megan and the family team can be contacted on: 01433 650 718

More information: https://www.graysons.co.uk/about-us/meetteam/#family

Graysons Solicitors specialise in wills, estates and trusts, elderly client services, lifetime planning, property, family law, personal injury, and clinical negligence.

Graysons is situated at Brunel House, Heather Lane, Hathersage, Hope Valley S32 1DP. They also have offices in Chesterfield and Hathersage. They can be contacted on 01433 650 718.

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Slimming World Recipe

Korean barbecue chicken

Method:

1. Put the gochujang paste, vinegar, sugar, ginger, garlic and a little seasoning in a wide bowl and mix well. Add the chicken pieces, toss to coat and set aside to marinate – ideally 1 hour in the fridge, but even 10 minutes is worth it.

2. Heat your oven to 180°C/ fan 160°C/gas 4.

This simple recipe uses the increasingly popular gochujang to give the meal that distinctive sweet and savoury Korean flavour

3. Line a large baking tray with kitchen foil and arrange the chicken on the tray, spaced apart as much as possible. Scatter with the sesame seeds and roast for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

4. Transfer the chicken to a plate and serve with rice and lots of Speed vegetables or a crisp, finely chopped salad.

Ingredients:

• 2 level tbsp gochujang paste

• 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar

• ½ level tsp sugar

• 1cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and grated

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• 600g skinless and boneless chicken thighs, visible fat removed, each cut lengthways into 3 pieces

• 2 level tsp sesame seeds

in: 35 mins (plus 1hr marinating)

Well let me tell you music lovers out there… I have decided to sell my collection of music memorabilia. My Autographs need to be seen to be believed as they include, The Beatles, Stones, Sex Pistols, ZZ Top, AC-DC, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross and Motown, all, Rock, Pop, Punk, R&B plus much more. You name it I probably have it and they carry some unusual items amounts this fabulous collection.

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All Around the Shire

NOT ADJUST YOUR SET

We didn’t have a telly in our house until the mid-sixties, but when we did, it was a big event. The set was rented from Wigfalls in Derby and every month mum had to go and pay the rental. It was always breaking down and no amount of banging the top or moving the aerial would improve the picture.

We had to turn a dial to find the channels. ITV had started as a rival to the BBC in 1955 (with adverts) and when BBC2 came along in 1964, there were three to choose from.

You needed a more expensive licence to have a colour TV from 1968 (£10 as opposed to £5 for a black and white license). My grandad was brilliant at telling the different colours on snooker balls on his black and white TV.

The test card was an image shown when no programmes were being transmitted. It featured a long-haired girl

playing noughts and crosses with a clown accompanied by music.

Does anyone remember standing to attention for “The Queen” and the National anthem at the end of the evening when the programmes had finished? And the little white dot disappearing in the middle of your screen when you switched it off?

There are so many memories about early TVs. A world away from what we have now.

and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire.

Spring: WHEN THE WORLD TAKES

A DEEP BREATH

There’s something about spring that feels like a collective sigh of relief. After months of dark mornings, soggy pavements and coats that never quite dry, the world begins to gently stretch, yawn, and come back to life. It doesn’t arrive with a fanfare, but in small, hopeful moments that quietly lift the spirits.

It starts with the light. One day you glance at the clock and realise it’s still bright at half past five. The next, you’re opening the curtains to sunshine instead of drizzle. The days don’t just get longer – they feel lighter too, as if winter has finally loosened its grip.

Spring is the season of small pleasures. Snowdrops and daffodils push their way through stubborn soil, reminding us that resilience can be beautiful. Gardens that looked tired and forgotten suddenly hint at colour and promise. Even the hedgerows seem to wake up, dotted with fresh green shoots that weren’t there the week before.

There’s a change in people as well. Walks feel less like a chore and more like a treat. Dogs linger a little longer at the park, and neighbours stop to chat rather than rushing back indoors. Coats are left unzipped, scarves abandoned, and there’s a quiet optimism in the air that’s hard to explain but easy to feel.

Spring also brings a sense of possibility. It’s the time of year when we talk about fresh starts, whether that’s tackling the garden, opening the windows wide for a long-overdue clear-out, or simply spending more time outside. There’s no pressure for grand resolutions – just a gentle nudge to try again, do a little more, or slow down and enjoy what’s around us.

Of course, spring in Britain likes to keep us on our toes. Sunshine one minute, showers the next – but even the rain feels different now. Softer somehow. Kinder. It no longer feels like winter refusing to leave, but spring doing things its own way.

As March unfolds, there’s a comforting sense that better days are ahead. Easter is on the horizon, weekends feel more inviting, and the simple joy of being outdoors returns. Spring reminds us that change doesn’t have to be loud or dramatic to be meaningful – sometimes it just arrives quietly, with a bit more light and a lot more hope.

So, here’s to spring: a season that encourages us to breathe deeply, look forward, and appreciate the little moments that make everyday life feel just that bit brighter.

MUSEUM

1951, WHAT A YEAR!

WW2 ended in 1945 and there was an air of optimism that everything was going to be different, all would soon return to normal. But for now, food was still in short supply, and the country needed rebuilding after years of war. The Labour government, who had taken power from Winston Churchill’s Conservatives, were viewed as triumphant and unshakable. They brought in popular reforms such as the nationalisation of major industry like the railways and best of all they created the National Health Service. But, as time went by, Clement Attlee and his government struggled to cope with financial crises, devaluation, shortages, mismanagement and political criticism. They began to appear ineffective and incompetent. Change was in the air. In 1951 another election was held and, despite Labour getting more votes overall, the Conservatives led by Winston Churchill, took power again. But 1951 was a momentous year for many more reasons than a change of government. During the war singers such as Vera Lynn, Gracie Fields, Frank Sinatra, the Andrews Sisters, and many more, had entertained the troops. But the world was changing and the youth of the day wanted new exciting sounds. Chris Barber formed the New Orleans Jazz Band. A young lad from Glasgow, Anthony James Donegan who played a banjo, amongst other things, joined Chris Barber. Lonnie Donegan, as Anthony became known, burst onto the scene during the 50s introducing Dixieland jazz and skiffle music. Alongside them the big band sounds and swing became popular along with crooners such as Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole.

Exciting things happened for children in 1951 when a new comic called The Beano was published. Crammed with jokes and quizzes it featured Dennis the Menace, along with his faithful companion Gnasher the dog. Dennis ran a campaign of terror against ‘well behaved’ boys and, somehow, he always managed to have the last laugh.

An ‘everyday story of ordinary country folk’ was introduced to listeners of Radio in 1951. The Archers, probably the first soap opera, regularly reached around 5 million listeners. It became the most popular non news programme on our radio. Also, that same year, for those who wanted a laugh, the Goon Show appeared as if by magic.

Created by Spike Milligan the

first series was called Crazy People, and it was truly bonkers.

Cinemas were showing classic films such as The African Queen and The Lavender Hill Mob and, with growing interest in space, The Day the Earth Stood Still. On Broadway in New York The King and I opened. Not everyone had a television in those days, but those who did enjoyed popular programmes such as What’s my Line and the Charlie Chester Show.

There were so many firsts in 1951.

The Peak District was established as the first of the newly created National Parks in the UK. Followed closely by the Lake District, Snowdonia and Dartmoor, actions taken back then ensured we are free to enjoy the wonderful countryside that surrounds us.

In 1951 the first zebra crossing was installed in Slough, the first Volkswagen Type 1 came off the production line, GCE O levels were introduced and intended to offer a bright look into the future, the Festival of Britain opened to showcase British achievement since the Second World War.

At the same time all this was happening outside Bakewell, the building on Cunningham Place we know as the Parsonage House, was still occupied. Considered to be a slum the building was condemned and destined to be demolished. Initially, unable to have the demolition order lifted, a group of likeminded people won a stay of execution, allowing enough time for a Historical Society to be formed with the specific aim of preserving what was to become our Old House Museum.

By 1954 the building had been listed, and, in 1955, Violet and Bernard Harrison generously donated the Parsonage House to the newly formed Bakewell and District Historical Society and the museum opened to the public May 1959.

2026, will mark 75 years since Bakewell Old House Museum, formerly known as the Parsonage House, was rescued from demolition.

THE MUSEUM WILL OPEN FOR THE NEW SEASON ON 25TH APRIL 2026. VISITORS ARE WELCOME EVERY DAY FROM 11AM TO 4PM.

D E R W E N T

W I N D O W S

D O O R S

D e r w e n t

D e r w e n t

W i n d o w s & D o o r s

W i n d o w s & D o o r s

w w w . d e r w e n t w i n d o w s . c o . u k

w w w . d e r w e n t w i n d o w s . c o . u k

i n f o @ d e r w e n t w i n d o w s . c o . u k

i n f o @ d e r w e n t w i n d o w s . c o . u k 0 1 7 7 3 7 4 7 4 5 6 0 1 7 7 3 7 4 7 4 5 6

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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 Item of worth, like a TV, say? (5)

7 Spider crab, biting some religious leader (5)

11 Tree to sing about when very wet! (3)

12 Way back when, it could be a swerve (3)

16 Frequently derived from decimal (5)

17 Glue? It’s said to have walked! (5) Down

2 Way beyond any useful training (5)

3 French composer was a golden boy? (5)

10 Some ammunition for little tertiary education (3)

14 Cooker, donated by veteran gentleman (5)

15 Buying up pyjamas, partly for the fish (5)

Down

Utopia Avenue is the name of a fictional street in London. It’s also the name of a 1960-70’s rock band and of this month’s book.

David Mitchell’s novel is probably marmite. You may love it or wonder why you’d bother.. It’s maybe for you if you lived through, or are fascinated by, the 60’s summer of love hippie era. Or you love rock music. Or you enjoy books about how prosaic lives can become monumental and how human beings cope with the best and worst of experiences.

It has to be said, the book is brilliantly more-ish. This David Mitchell is not the comedian; he’s a novelist renowned for mind-blowing stories which cross centuries and worlds and lots of people love his stuff.

Utopia Avenue brings people like David Bowie, John Lennon and Leonard Cohen into the story as cameos. It dives deep into life on the road, has a strong male and female cast and some pretty dark thoughts about mental health. It’s also very funny at times and you can almost smell and taste the excitement of making brilliant music.

It’s also 570 pages long and like the period itself is a tale of drugs and sex and youthful idealism colliding with grim reality. It’s about the spirit of an age.

You’ll know if it sounds like “your bag” as the hippies would have said…

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GARDENERS CALENDAR

With a bit of luck we’ll be able to get properly started in the garden this month, although some tasks can be achieved without relying on decent outdoor growing weather.

It’s a good time to make use of last year’s left over compost – both whatever you have left in compost bags and the remains from last year’s containers. It’s reckoned to be a good idea to replace the top third of any compost in containers. This will be depleted of nutrients and so no good for growing this year’s plants but can be used as a mulch for shrubs and also to aerate heavy or very wet soil. If you dig it into borders it won’t add nourishment but it will make it easier to grow different plants – i.e. where some existing soil types such as clay may not be compatible with certain kinds of plants. You can also spread it over the surface of soil – about 3 inches deep - to suppress weeds and it will help keep in the moisture later in the year.

If you’re looking for things to grow there are hundreds of packets of seeds to go at if you’ve a warm greenhouse or window shelf. But one group of plants you can quite happily put out in the garden now is herbs such as sage and rosemary and thyme. Thyme is particularly versatile and comes in several flavour varieties.

Lift and divide your snowdrops and aconites before they fade for more flowers next year. Small clumps will expand into bigger clumps over a year. Replant at the same depth in the soil.

It’s rose feeding time – there are any number of brands on the market – although roses are hungry feeders so it’s as well to buy specialised high potassium feed rather than all-purpose plant fertiliser. Tomato feed also works well.

TOP TIP

Early bees, from spring solitary bees to queen bees from hives are likely to be on the wing now. If you’ve got wallflowers, forget-me-nots bluebells and primroses, or you’re thinking about buying them for the spring garden, the bees will be happy as these are great for pollen. Going forward it’s worth including some open single flower plants in your summer garden – cosmos, single flower dahlias, hardy geraniums – they’re easy for the bees to collect pollen from. Plants such as rosemary and foxgloves are also good, for example, for those bees that probe into flowers for their pollen.

THE NUTHATCH’S CALLS RING OUT ACROSS THE PEAK

Once recognised, the Nuthatch’s calls and song are distinctive. Indeed, this is one of the nosiest and distinctive woodland species, giving loud, high-pitched cries of ‘chwit-chwit-chwit’ and ‘kee-kee-kee’. These ring out across the Peak District from late winter into spring. Historically they had folk names like ‘Nut Hacker’, from the bird’s habit of breaking open nuts forced into crevices in tree-bark which they then hammer with their sharply-pointed beaks. Other, older country names included ‘Mud Dabbler’ or ‘Mud Stopper’, from the way they plaster mud around the entrance-hole of a chosen nest-site to close it to the correct size. Their favoured nesting sites include former woodpecker nest-holes, under loose bark, and in rot-holes. However, they also use nest-boxes and even if entrance holes provided are the right size, the Nuthatch will still plaster on mud just to be sure! From autumn onwards these very pretty but quite small birds are busy establishing, advertising, and defending territories. This activity extends into spring but reduces once the actual breeding season kicks in, when they become relatively silent.

Decades ago, these birds were much more restricted in their distribution and occurrence, and I recall in the 1970s heading to Chatsworth in the hope of hearing and seeing them. Indeed, the great parkland trees of places like Haddon Hall and Chatworth House, but also, Lyme Park, and sites like Elvaston, are all good places for them. However, they have now spread to the region’s many ancient woods and can be expected wherever there are suitably large, mature trees, preferably of Oak or Beech. Since about the 1970s and early 1980s, they have increased as breeding populations by around 300% and are now regularly seen and heard in woods, parks, and gardens across the Peak. Indeed, large gardens with Oak trees are prime habitat for these birds, and clearly the increased provision of bird-feeders and bird-tables is a key factor. In preparation for periods of food-shortage, they carry away excess food (e.g., peanuts and sunflower seeds) to be hidden or cached for future feeding. Despite their small stature, Nuthatches are bold and aggressive and capable of seeing off other, larger birds at the feeders. As demonstrated by their songs and calls given from the high branches of great trees, they are highly territorial for much of the year. Indeed, food storage within the territory makes its defence particularly important.

The Nuthatch was formerly restricted to south-eastern England but spread northwards during the twentieth

century, reaching Scotland to breed for the first time in 1989. Almost all Nuthatches are very sedentary, rarely moving far from where they hatched, often travelling is less than one kilometre. Consequently, they are still absent from Ireland, and from studies where birds are caught by netting and carefully recorded and ‘ringed’, no British-ringed Nuthatches have ever been recovered abroad. Similarly, no Continental-ringed birds have been found in England. Populations vary from yearto-year, which probably reflects food availability during the winter. Of course, this is why garden feeders are so significant, so keep up the good work as the Nut Hacker depends on your efforts!

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

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