Voice Magazines - Swanwick, Riddings, Leabrooks and Somercotes Edition - October 2025
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Hello Readers,
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NOV ‘25 EDITION - 10TH OCT ‘25
DEC ‘25 EDITION - 7TH NOV ‘25
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
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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.
THE COAL MINER’S LIFE
AS OTHERS SAW US
In 1927, a coal director painted a rosy picture of Derbyshire’s miners and their communities. But behind the polished words, everyday life told a very different story. Here, the “official view” is set side by side with the miners’ reality.
Much of Derbyshire’s wealth once depended upon its mineral deposits – lead, iron ore, limestone and coal. As industry grew, rural villages expanded into mining communities. Rows of terraced “two up, two down” houses were built to accommodate the workforce. Before pithead baths, miners came home in their “pit dirt” to houses without bathrooms or a constant supply of hot water.
In 1927, a director of one of the larger coal combines contributed to Aberconway’s Basic Industries of Great Britain, portraying mine owners as generous providers. Yet the reality remembered by miners was often very different.
HE WROTE:
“The Derbyshire miners as a whole may be said to be thrifty” (in truth, wages after the 1926 General Strike were barely above poverty, with pits often on short-time work).
“They are careful of their personal appearance and that of their families” (many children missed school simply because they had no shoes).
“Their homes are often models of neatness” (hire purchase was avoided work was too uncertain to risk debt).
“They believe in sick and benefit clubs, and many belong to several” (before 1948, with no NHS or welfare, illness meant potential destitution).
“Perhaps 15% of the men own their own houses, but colliery owners build cottages for their workers, leaving less scope for building societies” (owners profited from rents, stopped directly from wages, so they had no interest in encouraging home ownership).
“Great numbers of new houses of a very good modern type have been built, fitted with electricity, baths, drainage and hot water” (many miners recall no bathrooms or electricity in colliery houses until the 1950s).
“Sports such as rabbit coursing attract some miners” (grouse and horses were out of reach-rabbiting was affordable), “while gardening is popular with others. Some pit-boys even take university degrees” (a rarity, though boasted about at the time).
“On the other hand, gambling is rife among men and women alike” (a quick sixpence bet at the bookies, the working man’s alternative to the stock market).
“Many take seaside trips” (paid holidays only arrived in 1938).
“Probably 25% attend a place of worship, most being Dissenters” (“Nowt wrong with Chapel,” as miners said, though most weren’t regular attenders).
“Colliery owners have also provided clubs and institutes, where men can play billiards, read papers, hold union meetings and enjoy cheap refreshment without relying on the pub” (these Miners’ Welfares were actually funded by a levy on coal sales, paid by miners and customers, not owners).
“Situated in the countryside, the men enjoy the best conditions of housing, wages and steady work” (a very rosy view—many villages only saw real improvements decades later).
So, there it was: “Doff yer caps and be grateful. Thank you Guv’nor! See you at Chapel on Sunday, then maybe a bout of intellectual improvement in the Welfare?”
With the pits long gone, many villages became dormitory towns, their cheap housing attracting newcomers from the South. A new chant arose:
“Eye by gum, it’s grand up North, Come on now, join the rush!
’Cos now we’ve got electric lights, And toilets you can flush.”
– Anon, Modern Folk Ode
Written by Ivan BRENTNALL
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 &
pages to contact us or follow what we do. You can find us at Lower Somercotes, Somercotes, Alfreton
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Slimming World Recipe
Beef Lasagna
Method:
1. Spray a large non-stick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and put it over a high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, breaking up any lumps as you go. Drain off any fat in the pan, then add the pepper, courgette, onion and garlic and stir-fry for 6-8 minutes.
2. Add the tomatoes, passata and dried herbs to the pan and season lightly. Stir everything together, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring often.
3. Meanwhile, mix the yogurt, eggs and nutmeg until smooth. Season lightly and set aside.
Lasagna but on plan... now we’re talking! Rich tasy beef ragu, layered with pasta and topped with a creamy sauce and a parmesan crunch. Yum!
Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.
4. Spoon one-third of the beef mixture into an ovenproof dish and spread it out to cover the base. Top with 4-5 lasagne sheets, snapping them to fit any awkward spaces. Repeat the layers twice more, then top with the yogurt mixture.
5. Sprinkle the Parmesan over evenly and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the pasta is tender. Leave the lasagne to stand for 10 minutes before you slice it (this helps it keep its shape). Serve with your favourite salad.
Serves: 4 Syns per serving: 6
• 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
Ready in: 1hr 15mins
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A MIX OF COUNTRY MUSIC AND CHRISTMAS SONGS with guests Chesterfield Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet at David Nieper Academy Alfreton on Saturday 22nd November 2025 at 7.00pm
JAMES’ CHURCH,
Can you knit or crochet?
Would you like to help with a project for the community in Riddings and raise the profile of St James’ Church.
The Angels project last year was very successful with over 400 angels being made which were very well received by the Riddings community.
Following this we would again like as many people as possible to get involved in knitting or crocheting small angels for this Christmas. They should be around 3”- 5” high and you could use your own pattern or see the contact details below if you would like to receive patterns. The angels will be hung along the railings outside St James’ Church, and various other places around Riddings. They will be free for anyone to take one home as a little gift of love and peace and, hopefully, bring a smile to people’s faces.They will need to be completed by the first week in December. They can be left at the church or collection can be arranged.
Please help us to bring a little extra joy to the people of Riddings this Christmas.
If you would like further information or copies of patterns, please contact Hazel at hazel.twynham@gmail.com or Tel. 01773 602925.
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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!
COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS
Your Perfect Family Escape
There’s something magical about family holidays. It’s not just the places you visit — it’s the little moments you share together. Grandparents seeing the joy on their grandchildren’s faces, teenagers forgetting their phones for a while, or parents finally having a chance to relax while the kids are happily entertained.
Whether it’s a multi-generational getaway where everyone comes together, a break filled with family fun, a touch of luxury, or a once-in-a-lifetime memory-making adventure, the right holiday brings you closer.
If this sounds like the kind of escape your family is ready for, there’s plenty more inspiration waiting for you.
Scan the QR code below to open Your Perfect Family Escape — a collection of ideas to help you plan your next trip.
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.
Ian Wilson Electrical Services
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!
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)
Okapi, 12 Moor, 13 Noir.
PLUMBING & HEATING
Hi, I’m Ritchie, the owner of RK Plumbing & Heating and a proud local plumber based in Shirland.
With over 25 years as a gas engineer and 20 years as a Hetas engineer, I bring experience you can trust. I work on all gas appliances including boilers, fires, hobs and cookers, as well as wood and multifuel stoves with full building works. Reliable, friendly and local, I’m always happy to offer free quotes.
A warm home is a happy home.
FLAMECARE BOILER CARE & HEATING SERVICES
Family-run, independent, and proudly local, FlameCare has been keeping homes warm and safe for over 20 years. Founded in 2003 by Simon Fletcher, the Chesterfieldbased business has grown to look after more than 2,000 loyal customers, with many still on the same trusted maintenance plans
they signed up for in the early days. Their reputation is built on integrity, meticulous workmanship, and genuine care for the community.
FlameCare’s competitively priced boiler and central heating maintenance plans offer complete peace of mind. Each plan includes an annual service, sameday callouts, free parts and labour, and no excess fees — often beating larger providers on both price and service. Accredited installers of Ideal Heating boilers, FlameCare supplies only A-rated, high-efficiency models, each backed with warranties of up to 12 years. Current offers even include a free
Halo Wi-Fi smart thermostat with every new boiler installation, giving customers flexible control at their fingertips.
But what truly sets FlameCare apart is its commitment to giving back. For every new customer taking out a maintenance plan, the company donates the first month’s subscription to Ashgate Hospice. So far, this has raised just shy of £10,000 to support vital end-of-life care in North Derbyshire. It’s just one example of how FlameCare continues to put people first — customers, staff, and the wider community.
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FLAMECARE BATHROOMS & ADAPTATIONS
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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
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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.
Bargeboards
Cladding
Guttering
Minor
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
Janet
MIKE’S MUSINGS
….and finally, the last examples of English phrases that must confuse others. (Part 5)
I was going to finish this, but it would be unfair not acknowledge the contributions received from Ann in Blackwell, Kelly in Wessington and Ted in Selston. All of whom have been in touch with further suggestions. I’m happy to receive more, but I reckon we’ve exhausted the theme, and it is definitely time to move on.
Let’s imagine you’re having a friendly chat with Svetlana, the recently arrived Ukrainian refugee temporarily living with one of your neighbours. Her English is OK, and she has a good understanding of the literal meaning of most of the language but struggles with some of the phraseology. In an attempt to make her feel comfortable and welcome, you tell her a little about the others who live nearby.
“The woman at no. 45 works at Tesco’s in Alfreton and spends a lot of her free time keeping the front windows and door absolutely spotless. However, when I saw her last Sunday, on her hands and knees scrubbing the pavement, that really took the biscuit
Her husband is a bit of a DIY, that’s ‘do-it-yourself’ fanatic, Svetlana, and is always doing things around the house. Apparently, he’s normally very good, but when he replaced the front door, he made a right pig’s ear of it, and they had to get a time served joiner round to fix it. In trying to save a bit of money, in the end it cost them an arm and a leg. Even then, my fella, never one to blow his own trumpet, said that he could have done a better job.
Sally, who lives at no. 41 has three young kids, with two now at school. She’s been on her own for the past eighteen months as her husband legged it having run off with another woman. I heard the other day that Sally has another bun in the oven. If true, I’d sure like to know how that happened!!
Ted, the old chap who lives at no. 39 is a widower. He lost his wife a couple of years back and has only recently come out of hospital. He told me yesterday that he’d gone for what should have been a simple appendix operation, but it all went pear shaped. He thought he’d be in for one night but ended up staying for a week. Apparently, he’s tickety-boo now.
Darren at no. 35 really fancies himself, thinks he’s the bees’ knees. He tells me all sorts of things, but I take it all with a pinch of salt as he’s a romancer well known for telling porkies.”
Just at this point, some black clouds appear overhead and suggesting that it looks as if it’s going to rain cats and dogs, you mention that you’d better get the washing in, but you’ll be back in two shakes of a lamb’s tail
However, when you come back, Svetlana has disappeared. She’s probably gone to consult her Ukrainian/English dictionary!!
Mike is always glad to hear from you at: mike.musings@outlook.com
We’re now in Chesterfield under new ownership, offering collection and delivery for easier servicing. You’ll still see Greg, John and Darren, plus our new Showroom Manager, Laszlo.
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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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GARDENERS CALENDAR
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.
