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.
AMBER VALLEY RUGBY CLUB
AMBER VALLEY RUGBY ROUND - UP
It’s been a lively start to the season down at Amber Valley RUFC, with plenty of rugby, plenty of laughs, and – most importantly – plenty of new faces joining the family.
Amber Valley Men - The men have had a tough start results-wise, but that hasn’t dampened spirits. The squad is growing every week, with new players bringing fresh energy (and some questionable banter). Training runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 7pm – the perfect excuse to avoid the DIY list!
Amber Valley Women - Our women’s Tigers roared into action with their first game of the season, welcoming seven brand new players onto the pitch. Every single one was fantastic, showing grit, determination, and smiles all round. The future is looking very exciting for the squad, and there’s always room for more. If you fancy some fresh air, a laugh, and a break from the daily grind, come and join the fun!
Minis & Juniors - The juniors are back in full swing, with training off to a cracking start. The new coaching team has brought great vibes and plenty of enthusiasm – the kids are thriving, learning, and most importantly, enjoying their rugby.
So, whether you’re young, old, new, or seasoned, there’s always a place for you at Amber Valley Rugby Club – and the clubhouse is always open for a well-earned pint afterwards!
Interested in giving rugby a try? call Stuart 07966 867 946 for the Gareth 07595 520 537 for the ladies and Paul 07790 403 043 for the Minis and Juniors.
More than just a club, we are the #ValleyFamily. You can visit our website www.ambervalleyrfc.co.uk, Facebook & Instagram pages to contact us or follow what we do. You can find us at Lower Somercotes, Somercotes, Alfreton DE55 4NQ
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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.
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.
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! For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk
• Low-calorie cooking spray
• 500g lean beef mince (5% fat or less)
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into small chunks
• 12-15 dried lasagne sheets (depending on the size and shape of your dish)
• 120g grated fresh Parmesan
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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.
HERITAGE TRUST
DRIVEN UP THE POLE
In December 1888, just after Christmas, a Mr Marcus E Baker, who had a shop on Chapel Street, appeared before the Local Government Board with a request. He wanted them to have removed a telephone post which the National Telephone Company had erected in front of his premises.
Judging by contemporary photographs, the post was not removed, but joined by many more. They had been first erected in October, when the newspapers reported that “there are to be five wires” and that “some of the poles are of gigantic height”. The later photograph confirms this, the pole shown well overtopping the buildings.
They were the next stage of a revolution which had begun in the late 1840s when telegraph wires were laid along the railways, including that from from Derby to Chesterfield. By 1870, the
telegraph had been joined by the telegram and was being run by the Post Office. For the first time, as the Derby Courier proclaimed, “an answer may be obtained to any question instantaneously.”
The telephone wires were connected to an exchange, first in Rowland’s shop and Post Office on the corner of Church Street and Moseley Street, and later, as more devices were installed, in an exchange at 20 Moseley Street. The first numbers were the big players in the town: The Ripley Manufacturing Company (Ripley 1) the Co-op (Ripley 2) and Butterley (Ripley 6). The telephone receiver itself was expensive: the equivalent of over £350!
We are used to thinking of the internet as a revolution, but the telephone could be seen as an even greater change, especially as it was introduced in an era before motor cars, when, railways apart, transport was on horseback or on foot.
In March 1889, three months later, the Local Board agreed to ask the Telephone Company to move the offending pole further down the street, arguing that it was “a great nuisance”. There is no record of it ever being moved.
An early telephone exchange
High Steeet, Ripley
Guess the words and Fill in the crossword !
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
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)
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)
13
Elicit straightforward, but not gratis answer (4,5)
Invitation to fly away, that’s less than polite? (4,3)
These puzzles are devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk
Moor,
Noir.
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!
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.
All Around the Shire
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
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TAYLORS TREE SERVICES
Rooted in the Community
For over 13 years, Taylors Tree Services has been part of Derbyshire’s landscape, offering expert tree care with a friendly, family-run approach. Led by James, a local tree surgeon with a genuine passion for the outdoors, the business provides everything from pruning and stump grinding to woodland management and site clearances. Known for reliability and professionalism, Taylors balances technical expertise with community values, ensuring every project - big or small - receives care, safety, and a personal touch.
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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Specialist garden maintenance and landscaping services in Derbyshire and surrounding areas
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.
TOP TIP
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.
