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this issue 85 Ashby Life Editor Liz Roberts Telephone 01530 417739 Email enquiries Advertising/Accounts info@ashbylife.co.uk Website/What’s On admin@ashbylife.co.uk
All things English… Yes, this month is the time to
celebrate the Patron Saint of England, St George and we bring you a bit of history behind this day plus news of a great event we are having here in Ashby to celebrate. Out to Lunch goes on a trip down memory lane for those who remember the Berni Inn and still on the food front I’ve also featured one of my own favourite recipes this month, Banana Pancakes. Don’t forget to take a peek at our prize competition too – there’s £25 to be won if you think you know just where in the National Forest our knight in not so shining armour lives!
Liz Roberts
Contents
Web www.ashbylife.co.uk Facebook www.facebook.com/ ashbylife 10
Twitter @AshbyLife Address 16 Moira Road Ashby de la Zouch LE65 2GA Front Cover Image by Rebecca Soanes Photography
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Ashby Life is an independent publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the editor. The use of this magazine for canvassing or direct marketing is strictly prohibited. Information is included on the What’s On and Community Board pages subject to space being available. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, Ashby Life cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions or endorse companies, products or services appearing in this magazine.
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06 10 14 18 22 26 30 34 38 42 46 50 54 58 62 66 70 74 78 82 84 86 90 94 100 102
Seasonal Recipes Somewhere in the Forest This Month Ashby Museum News Just 4 Fun Pets Corner Book Reviews In Your Home Young Ashby In Your Garden Storytime On the Beat Community Board 58 All About You Out to Lunch Open 4 Business Puzzle Page Wheels Money Matters 74 Christadelphian Church Ashby Health Centre A Walk in the Forest Your Wellbeing What’s On Puzzle Answers Business Directory
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If you would like to advertise in Ashby Life It’s a fantastic way to target potential customers and great value for money
See our website or call Liz on 01530 417739 for details Next issue is May 2013 and deadline for copy is Friday 12th April Please note advertising space is limited, pre-booking is recommended 4
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seasonal recipes Who says that pancakes are just for Shrove Tuesday? They make a lovely easy dessert anytime and Serves this recipe also makes a 2-4 great breakfast treat. The Ready in 10 min measurements are in cup s size rather than weight – you don’t need to be too exact, a teacup or small mug works fine.
Banana Pancakes YOu WILL NEEd
• Pinch of Salt
• 1 Cup of Self Raising Flour
• Knob of butter
• 1 Cup of Milk
• Maple syrup
• 1 Banana, sliced
• 1 Free Range Egg
Serves 4 Ready in 1hr
Spiced Rack of Lamb with Fragrant Rice YOu WILL NEEd • 1 tbsp harissa paste (see useful tip below) • 2 trimmed racks of lamb, each with 6 bones • 2 red onions, peeled and cut into wedges • 50g butter • 750ml vegetable stock
GET STARTEd
2 Pop the knob of butter into a small frying pan and heat until the butter has melted and is starting to bubble a little. Pour a little of the batter into the pan and cook for 2 or 3 minutes until it is starting to turn golden on the underneath. Flip over and repeat. 3 Slide the cooked pancake out onto a plate and place it in the oven to keep warm while you cook up the rest of the batter – you should get about 6 to 8 pancakes out of the mix. 4 Once all the pancakes are complete sandwich the sliced banana between 2 pancakes and serve with a drizzle of maple syrup.
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• 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed • Pinch saffron strands • 50g sultanas • 40g flaked almonds, lightly toasted • 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds
GET STARTEd 1
1 Turn the oven on to its lowest setting. Put the self-raising flour and salt into a bowl and make a well in the middle of it. Break in the egg and add a little of the milk. Whisk slowly to make a smooth paste and when all the flour is incorporated start adding the remainder of the milk a little at a time. Keep whisking until you have a smooth batter.
• 225g basmati rice, rinsed and drained
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Preheat the oven to 2000C, 4000F, Gas 6. Spread the harissa paste over the lamb racks. Place the racks in an oiled roasting tin and add the onion wedges. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes depending on how pink you like your lamb. Remove from the oven. Cover with foil and leave to rest for 10 minutes – the lamb will be juicier and easier to carve. Meanwhile, heat the butter in a heavy-based pan until melted and foaming. Add the rice and garlic. Fry gently for 1-2 minutes, stirring until the rice is translucent. Pour in the stock. Add the saffron and bring to the boil, stirring. Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cook for 15-20 minutes without removing the lid until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat. Fork through to separate the grains. Add the sultanas, flaked almonds and pomegranate seeds. Carve the lamb racks into individual cutlets and serve immediately with the fragrant rice and roast onion wedges.
USEFUL TIP... Harissa paste is a fiery hot North African blend of red chilli peppers and spices – just a little goes a long way so use sparingly. You’ll find it in small jars near the dried herb and spice sections in most large supermarkets.
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somewhere in the forest WIN £25 IN OuR PRIZE COMPETITION. This handsome knight stands guard outside a lovely spot but do you know whereabouts in the National Forest our photograph was taken? Just send the name of the location to us at: Competition, Ashby Life, 16 Moira Road, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 2GA
Name Address Postcode Email address Answer (if you don’t want to cut out the entry form you can send the answer on a postcard) or enter by email to: competition@ashbylife.co.uk Congratulations to Angela Savage, our winner from March, who correctly identified Rushton’s Yard in Ashby as the location of last month’s picture.
Entries close on Friday 12th April. The winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries. The winner will be notified and a cheque for £25 sent within 14 days of the closing date, the winners name will also be printed in the following edition of Ashby Life. Multiple or automated entries are not allowed. We will not pass your details to any third party. We may use your details to send you marketing emails from Ashby Life in the future – if you would prefer that we did not, please tick the box
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this month
St. George’s day HE’S most famous for slaying a dragon, but how much do we know about St George, the patron saint of England? Born in Eastern Turkey in AD 270 to Christian parents, George later moved to Palestine where he became a soldier in the Roman army. He subsequently rebelled against the Roman Emperor for his persecution of Christians. Imprisonment and torture followed, but George refused to denounce his Christian faith. Enraged at this, the Emperor had George dragged through the streets, and beheaded him on 23rd April AD 303. George’s alleged encounter with the dragon occurred in Libya. The dragon is said to have built its nest by a fresh water spring and was offered sheep by townsfolk to distract him whilst collecting water. With all the sheep gone, they decided to offer a maiden instead. The lot fell on the poor crown princess, but at the moment of offering, George supposedly came by on his white stallion, dismounted and slew the beast with his sword. George is identified with English ideals of charity, chivalry and courage, and thus symbolises the very essence of 'Englishness'. Campaigners are currently working to get St George’s Day recognised as a national holiday, but for now, it is traditionally celebrated by flying the English flag, wearing a red rose and singing ‘Jerusalem’ on the Sunday nearest the 23rd April!
Andrew Lloyd Webber and other modern composers. Flags will be provided and a nostalgic sing-along is expected too. To round off the evening the original cartoon drawn by Bill Tidy for the poster (as pictured here) will be auctioned off – if you wish to join the ranks of Steven Spielberg, Tim Rice and Paul Getty II (who all own original Bill Tidy cartoons) get down there and get bidding!
‘Cry God for Harry, England and St George!’
This memorable evening takes place on 20th Here in Ashby we often April at Holy Trinity have the English flags Church, starting at flown by businesses in William Shakespeare 7.30pm. Tickets are the town centre to available from Ashby celebrate St George’s Day and what a lovely sight Tourist Information Centre on North Street, priced it is. at £10 which includes wine, nibbles and, of course, This year the Rotary Club of Ashby de la Zouch a flag. To start off this great English celebration you have also arranged a St George’s day Charity may also like to take advantage of the restaurants Concert. To be introduced by cartoonist Bill Tidy, in town who have agreed to open early and put on a the concert will feature the Ashby Concert Band and pre-concert St George’s day menu (I’m not sure promises a stirring evocation of English music. that dragon is available though!). Restaurants You can expect to hear such classics as Elgar’s taking part include Zamani’s, La Zouch and The Pomp and Circumstance and Vaughan Williams Vine – all fabulous places to eat and conveniently along with the works of Lennon and MCCartney, close to the Concert venue.
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ashby museum news
O
n Wednesday 1st May at 7.30pm in St Helen's Church there will be a lecture by biographer and historian Lesley Rowe on the story of Ashby's famous puritan minister Arthur Hildersham (1563-1632). There will be a small display accompanying the lecture and refreshments will be served afterwards in the church. Free admission - collection for church.
tion continues Temporary exhibi
Mystery in the Museum was the theme when two young actors from the Rising Stars Drama School came in to make a short film about a strange object. This will be the starting point for a children’s writing competition (with cash prizes!) which we will be inviting primary schools to take part in during the summer term. Don’t forget to book your seat for Robert Jones’ illustrated evening talk The Story of Market Street which takes place on Wednesday 3rd April – a nostalgic wallow in what shopping and shops used to be like. Robert has a wealth of knowledge about the history of our town and this is bound to be popular so don’t miss out! This month our Kids’ History Club looks at The Wild West and is sponsored by Time Consortium Jewellers of Market Street. Come along on Saturday 6th April between 1 and 4pm. FREE ENTRY. Our temporary exhibition on The Dirty Thirty, heroes of the 1984 Miners’ strike, continues throughout April and May. Looking ahead to May we will be holding a drawing workshop and a cartoon exhibition during the Ashby Arts Festival fortnight, but more about that next month. There will be four guided walks during the summer. Explore 100 years of Ashby's history, look in detail at the town centre and explore the history of our numerous Inns & Ale Houses. Join Ken Hillier to learn about the attempts to make Ashby's Spa compete with Buxton & Cheltenham. For dates and details - contact the museum on 01530 560090 - book early as spaces are limited.
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just 4 fun
CODEWORD Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.
Solutions on page 100
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pets corner
Protect Your Pet National Pet Month April 1st - May 6th uSE National Pet Month as a reminder to make sure your animals are properly vaccinated This year’s National Pet Month runs from 1 April to 6 May. The campaign aims to tell people about the benefits of having a pet and create awareness of how we should care for them. It also highlights the role and value of working companion animals, such as guide dogs. There will be pet-themed events all over the country during the month, including open days, fundraising events, shows and fun competitions. Last year’s campaign raised around £12,000 for local charities. You can find out what’s happening near you at www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk Of course, one of the main ways we can keep our furry friends healthy and happy is by getting them
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regularly vaccinated against infectious diseases. For the first few weeks of their lives, puppies and kittens will be protected from infections by their mother’s milk, as long as she has been regularly vaccinated. However, after this time they will need regular vaccinations. Puppies are normally vaccinated at eight and ten weeks, and kittens at nine and twelve weeks, with an initial course of two injections. They will then need to be given a booster regularly throughout their lives. Here are the main diseases that pets are routinely vaccinated against: dOGS – canine parvovirus, canine distemper virus, leptospirosis and infectious canine hepatitis. Dogs may need a kennel cough vaccine if they will be spending some time in kennels. If you are taking your dog
r than cure! Prevention - bette abroad, they may also need to be vaccinated against rabies. CATS – feline infectious enteritis, feline herpes virus, feline calicivirus and feline leukaemia virus. RABBITS – myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD). Many of these diseases are now thankfully very rare, but if an animal does catch one, they can be difficult and expensive to cure, or even fatal. Some can also be transmitted to humans. Your vet will give you a card to record when vaccinations are given. Going to the vet on a regular basis also means that they can keep an eye on your pet’s general health and spot any potential problems early on.
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book reviews
We Are Family For all kids, April means just one thing: the Easter holidays. Time for enforced fun, ill-fated camping trips and long drives squished in the back of the car, with your siblings breathing in your face. Just how ‘normal’ is your family? We’ve picked some of the best books about family life and how to survive. Two weeks off… are we there yet?
My FaMily and Other aniMals... Gerald durrell
Eccentric but enchanting, Durrell recalls his blissful childhood growing up on a Greek Island. It’s really an idyllic upbringing in a beautiful landscape, and will whisk you off to sunnier climes. Scorpions and snakes abound, as well as colourful characters and the all-round air of plain bonkers-madness that we associate with family life. Chaotic and hypnotic, this book is hugely funny and hasn’t lost any of its appeal over the years.
little WOMen... Louisa May Alcott
Never were there such devoted sisters…until you add domestic turmoil, death and boys into the mix. Amy, Beth, Jo and Meg are the March sisters growing up during the Civil War era. Jo doesn’t want to cut her hair off and Meg doesn’t want to be a governess, but you have to admit that Beth comes off worst! It’s an all-American classic that’s hugely sentimental but very beloved and is a definite must-read for any teenage girl, whether you have sisters or not.
EVERYBODY JAM...
the red hOuse...
Mark Haddon
Here’s a story from the writer of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ about an estranged family. How do siblings become total strangers? Brought together by the death of their mother, Angela and her brother Richard have only really communicated through phone calls for the last decade or so. Now Richard has invited Angela and her growing brood to spend a week with them in deepest darkest Wales. The book flits between characters but once you’re into the rhythm of how these two families tick, it’s a great read that’s full of sibling-rivalry, trips and falls down memory lane and getting to know each other all over again.
The Awakening... Kate Chopin
Used by pe The Rand rmission of om House Group Lim ited
Ali Lewis The Dawson family is used to harsh climates and tough situations: they run a cattle station in Australia’s Northern Territory. Plagued by drought, this year’s ‘muster’ will be another battle with the elements. But there’s more to contend with than the outdoors this year. Eldest son Jonny has been killed but no one talks about it, 14 year old Sissy is pregnant after ‘rooting’ with an Aboriginal lad and there’s a new Pommie house girl who can’t even make toast. Told through the eyes of 13 year old Danny, it’s a story of a strong clan who overcome adversity and survive, way out in the outback. They are true Aussie battlers and Danny’s determined to prove he’s as tough as the rest of them before he’s packed off to boarding school. You’ll take the Dawson family into your heart and find yourself ‘rooting’ for them. Although, you may want to find another way of putting it.
How do you cope when family life starts to constrain and overwhelm you? This is the hopeless tale of New Orleans housewife Edna Pontellier who struggles like a caged bird, batting against the bars and confines of domesticity. There was little empathy for the character when the book was first published and certainly she can be read as a very selfish protagonist, but subsequent generations have come to recognise Edna’s plight, her need for a sensuous relationship and ultimately, her freedom. How does her story end? Poetically and satisfyingly. You’ll be clutching the book to your heart by the time you’re through. If you’re not, then you’re obviously a man.
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in your home Clear the clutter, sort your stuff and make everything in your home spick and span – your home will feel bright and revitalised, and so will you, says Katherine Sorrell
Clean & Fresh to wear will depend on the task at hand, and the types of tools and cleaners you’ll be using, but should include an old shirt and trousers, and could also mean rubber gloves, sturdy shoes, a headscarf, overall or apron and a dust mask or safety goggles. Next, assemble your equipment – from brooms and scrubbing brushes to buckets and cloths. Having it all ready beforehand will save time and effort later. And They call it spring cleaning, but in fact the last piece of preparation is to find the cleaning there’s no reason why you products you’ll require, including an all-purpose shouldn’t have a good clear- household cleaner, washing-up liquid, furniture polish, out, shake-down and wash- non-chlorine bleach, anti-mildew tile and bath cleaner up at any time of the year. Or, and window cleaner. Store them in a heavy-duty caddy if you really can’t bear the thought with a handle. of tackling every room at once At last, you’re ready to begin. Refer back to your list (and let’s face it, we’re not all so of what needs doing – you’ll see it divides into five domestically inclined), you main areas: vacuuming, dusting, mopping/scrubbing, could divide it into manageable washing and wiping, and polishing. There will also be tasks, and spend perhaps an hour a specific tasks which vary from room to room, such as week – or else tackle one room at a time – until your turning mattresses, spot-cleaning upholstery, cleaning the oven, defrosting the fridge, descaling the shower home feels truly transformed. head and beating rugs. Now is also a good time to sort Having decided to make a fresh start, where should out those less frequently required jobs such as steamyou begin? The obvious place is with a good, oldcleaning the carpets or having the chimney swept. fashioned tidy up, paying attention to all your tables, Before you embark, bear in mind the basic principles shelves, floors and other surfaces, inside kitchen of cleaning: work from top to bottom and tackle dry and bathroom cupboards, bedroom wardrobes and before wet. As you work, chests of drawers, and try to be organised. Put anywhere else that mess some music on and really has gradually accumuthrow yourself into it. • Polish chrome taps with vinegar, a little baking soda lated. Once you start, you may on a damp cloth or a gentle rub of white toothpaste Once you have cleared the well find that you enjoy • To dust carved wooden furniture, put a dab of space, you are almost the entire process far furniture cream on a damp cloth, and hold it over the ready to begin. But not more than you ever bristles of a soft toothbrush – you will be able to work quite. Good preparation your way into all the cracks and crevices thought you would. With will, in the long run, really a little fore-thought, • De-grease a vinyl floor (under the oven, for example) by rubbing with a halved lemon, then mop with an pay off. Make a list of what preparation and organall-purpose cleaner needs doing (this may be isation, spring cleaning • Spot-clean upholstery by gently rubbing in a little rather time-consuming, but can be a rewarding foamy shaving cream and removing with a clean, will be worth it in the end) activity that will restore damp cloth and allocate some time for your home to its rightful • Beat a rug by hanging it over a washing line and each chore. Then dig out place - gleamingly and using a tennis racket appropriate clothing. What squeaky clean. dO you have clutter in your cupboards, or fur balls all over your floor? does your fridge need defrosting, do your windows need washing and your sink require a good scrub? Are you closer to being the goddess of grime than the queen of clean? Spring sunshine is notorious for pointing out the flaws – whether they be major or minor – in your housework routine, and now could be the ideal time to don your apron, snap on your Marigolds and refresh your home from top to bottom.
Old fashioned cleaning tips
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young ashby
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in your garden
Spoil your soil!
SOIL, mud, dirt or muck, call it what you will, but is yours any good and can you dig it?
Jobs for the Garden in April Plant summer flowering bulbs Prepare hanging baskets Plan your vegetable garden Prune shrubs Prick out and pot on seedlings
One of the most common ‘moans’ from gardeners is that “my soil is not good”. Ideally we would probably like a soft, stone free, sifted loam or maybe a dark, rich organic compost such as that found in a grow bag. The reality is that soil, like man, is never perfect. Sometimes it is too wet, too squidgy, too crumbly, or too firm, and, just like humans, the perfect soil takes hard work to maintain. Some people were just born perfect, just as some loamy soils are too. But if you’re not one of the lucky ones, and your soil looks less inviting than you’d like, here’s what to do about it. Like all things in life, there are extremes. You could excavate the duff soil from your borders, replacing it with topsoil, but unless you’re starting a garden from scratch, and have access to a digger, you will more likely be working with what you already have.
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Whether you have easyto-dig sandy soil or moisture retentive clay, the addition of a few ingredients will help to create a beautiful growing medium. If you are a novice gardener it’s simple, just add well-rotted (not smelly) manure, weed-free and lots of it. For those with clay soil, and more stamina, add horticultural grit to the soil and dig in well, then dig in manure and top off with a 5cm layer of manure to act as mulch. And for those who really can’t be bothered with digging, just add a layer of manure to the soil surface after feeding with a pelleted fertilizer. It’s not ideal, but the worms will drag it down into the soil, and it’s much better than nothing at all.
If your borders are full of stones and other debris (builders sometimes seem to leave all sorts of broken bricks etc) then take some time whenever you are passing to remove the largest and most obvious - over a period you will be surprised at what a change this can bring. You’ll also have more success if you choose the right types of plants for your soil pH. Testing kits are available. If you really want to grow acid loving plants in alkaline soil, you can try the addition of sulphur chips, coffee grinds, pine based composts, or planting in ericaceous compost.
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storytime
The Easter Egg Hunt Valerie waved as her daughter’s car pulled off the drive, leaving her with two pink overnight bags and a list of instructions which she knew she would ignore. In the lounge her granddaughters were pulling cushions off the sofa in search of the remote control.
rhubarb leaves. “A golden egg.” “The giant’s goose laid it”, Margot announced as the girls rolled the egg onto the path. Something else glinted in the soil. The girls knelt down and began to dig, unearthing a pile of golden
“Margot, Bonny”, she called, “Mummy said no TV”.
pantomime were just gathering dust in my shed. I thought they might spice things up”. Valerie put two mugs of coffee on the table. “They certainly did. Your beanstalk, golden egg and coins mixed with a child’s imagination; what could be better?” Les’s monocle popped out.
The girls drooped visibly.
been
“I didn’t plant any coins”. They exchanged quizzical glances and Valerie fished the coin out of her pocket. Les wiped the soil from it.
The girls excitedly pulled on their coats.
“My dear”, he held it up to the light. “This is a real gold coin, possibly Roman”.
“Well, maybe later, but first”, she clapped her hands, “how about an Easter egg hunt?” No chocolate had second on the list.
“Here’s a basket each”. She opened the back door. “Let’s see what we can find”. Les, Valerie’s neighbour, appeared at the fence wearing a monocle and a fez. “Hello Uncle Les”, Margot called. “Like your funny glasses”. “I have a wobbly tooth”, Bonny added. “Excellent.” Les replied. “Enjoy the hunt”. The girls had keen eyes and soon found all the chocolate eggs hidden in the flower beds. “Look Grandma”, Margot called from the vegetable patch. Valerie was just as amazed as her granddaughters to see a giant bean stalk. It was eight feet tall and made out of papier-mâché. “I wonder how that got there?” Valerie asked. “This must be where Jack planted his magic beans”, Margot said with authority. “Look!” Bonny pointed under the
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chocolate coins. “The giant’s treasure”, Margot whispered. The girls hurriedly filled their baskets, concerned that the giant might make an appearance. “Can we go inside and eat our chocolate Grandma?” The girls chimed together. “Pretty please?” “Of course”, Valerie laughed. “Make sure you wipe the soil off first”. “Thanks Grandma”. Bonny popped a coin into Valerie’s pocket and dashed after Margot into the house. In the kitchen Valerie switched the kettle on. Summoned by the sound like a genie in a lamp, Les appeared at the back door. “East egg hunt was a success I take it?” he asked, settling himself down at the kitchen table and removing his fez. “Thanks to you”, Valerie smiled. “You’re welcome darling”. Les made a bow. “Those props from the
Valerie took the coin. It was heavy and gleamed as though it had been minted yesterday. “How many did the girls find?” Les asked. “I don’t know”, Valerie said feeling excited. “A dozen?” “And where are they now?” A sharp cry of pain shook the walls and made Valerie and Les jump. They searched for the girls and found them behind the sofa with their baskets. Margot had her arm around Bonny who had tears rolling down her cheeks. In her palm Bonny held something tiny and white. “She couldn’t get the foil off the coin so she bit it”, Margot explained calmly. “And now her wobbly tooth’s fallen out”. “Do you think the tooth fairy will come to your house Grandma?” Bonny sobbed. “My dear”, Les exclaimed. “I’d say she’s already been”.
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by Jackie Brewster
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on the beat Hello Everyone... OVER the past couple of months, we have experienced an increase in the theft of personal items from people using the licensed premises in Ashby town centre on Friday and Saturday evenings.
them down for a short time while they pay for drinks or chat to friends. Back in February, three males and one female were arrested in Derbyshire for an unrelated offence, but when their vehicle was searched, items stolen from pubs in Ashby on the same evening, were recovered. If you are going out in Ashby at weekends, be aware that there are groups or individuals out there looking to steal your belongings, so please take extra care.
The items stolen are mainly purses, wallets, mobile telephones, and iPhones. The victims have left these items in their back pockets or placed
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PC 1667 MARK ARJOO North West Leicestershire Police Beacon Officer: Ashby, Packington, Ravenstone, Normanton le Heath tel: 101 voicemail ID: 1667 email: mark.arjoo@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk
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community board Changes to the Benefit System
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit From 1st April this year, the Government is making major changes to the welfare benefit system. Housing Benefit and council tax benefit will be affected. In North West Leicestershire, we are writing to those who may be affected by these changes and are working with partners to make sure that information and support is available to all those who need it. If you are entitled to claim, or are already claiming Pension Credit then you will not be affected by these changes. For more detailed information, please log on to: www.nwleics.gov.uk/ benefitchanges or pick up a leaflet from your local library or Parish/Town Council Office.
Change of Venue/day
The Zouch Folk Club The folk club will now meet at The Bowling Green Pub, The Green, Ashby on the 2nd Tuesday of the month (moved from a Thursday night). The Giggling Goblin Folk and Poetry Club This club will meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at The Bowling Green Pub, The Green, Ashby (change of venue and night).
Ashby Arts Festival
Craft Market As part of the Arts Festival there will be a craft market on 26th & 27th May at Legion House, South Street, Ashby de la Zouch from 10am to 4pm. To book a stall please contact Mary Tuckey on 01530 413434.
Ashby Open Gardens
2013 in aid of Cancer Research We are planning for our open weekend on August 10th & 11th. There are currently around 12 gardens expected to be open on either day. If you would like to join us and open your garden on that weekend (either or both days) or want more information about opening your garden, please contact us by telephone - Jan (01530 413225) or email (info@ashbyopengardens.co.uk). For general information, please visit www.ashbyopengardens.co.uk
Age uK Leicester
Befriending Scheme Age UK have a befriending scheme which operates throughout North West Leicestershire. Older people who live within NWL, live alone, and are socially isolated because of being unable to get out and about independently are eligible to be part of this free scheme. Volunteer befrienders can then visit regularly to provide some company and help reduce feelings of isolation. We need more volunteers for Ashby and the surrounding villages. Our volunteers are trained, supported and paid expenses for transport costs. Volunteers have to be prepared to provide references and undergo checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly Criminal records Bureau). If you are interested in making a difference to an older person and can give an hour or so each week or fortnight please contact Louise Scott to find out more with no obligation. E-mail: louise.scott@ ageukleics.org.uk or telephone 01530 833000.
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Leisure Link Members
Renew of membership Current members of Leisure Link will need to renew membership from 1st April. To reduce carbon emissions renewal letters will not be sent out to a vast majority of the members. Joining fees for 2013/14 will be £5.50 for residents and £20 for non-residents. Please ensure that when you come to the leisure centre you bring with you all supporting documents such as proof of the benefits you are claiming. The Leisure Link scheme is North West Leicestershire District Council’s concession-ary access scheme for: People in receipt of a means tested benefit, People with disabilities, Corporate families, Carers, Students, People aged over 60 years old. Once signed up to the scheme members can take advantage of approximately 25% discount on most activity prices and in some cases, even free swimming and half price swimming lessons. For up to date information visit www.nwleics.gov.uk/pages/ leisurelink or pick up a leaflet from your leisure centre.
Archaeology/History Club
The Sir John Moore Foundation Every Tuesday, 3:30pm till 4:30pm, £3.50 per session. This is an opportunity for all young people (7 years+) to learn the skills it takes to be a real archaeologist. Budding archaeologists will have the chance to handle real ancient artefacts from Prehistory to the Second World War. Students will learn excavation skills. Live excavating pits will occur at the Sir John Moore Foundation in the summer months. Children will potentially get muddy so they will need to bring some old clothes, rainwear and wellies or hard boots. To book call the Sir John Moore Foundation on 01530 273629, email jenniferdrapans@yahoo.co.uk or just turn up!
Thousands for charity from Cinders!
Hospice Hope ‘Cinderella - A Ray of Hope’ has raised £24,000 for charity Hospice Hope. Nine superb performances of this pantomime were staged recently at The Century Theatre in Coalville. The brainchild of producers Tim and Ann Dawson (Ann is a trustee of Hospice Hope), they decided some months ago to use their experience in producing and performing in pantomime to provide a major contribution for the charity. Wow, haven't they done well? Oh yes they have! Thanks to all of this hard work, involvement and generosity, Hospice Hope has received its largest-ever single donation.
Ashby de la Zouch Town Council
Calendar of Meetings The Parks & Cemetery Committee meet on 15th April, the Finance & Tourism Committee on 22nd April and the Planning & Licensing Committees on 29th April. The Annual Council meeting takes place on 20th May. The Annual Town Meeting on 13th May. Meetings take place at Legion House, South Street and start at 6.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend and there is a slot for public questions. The Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group meets on 15th April from 2pm to 4.30pm, 16th April 9.30am to 12noon and 6pm to 8.30pm, 20th April 10am to 12.30pm.
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all about you
An Eggs-cellent Idea WHATEVER the weather, children of all ages will love an Easter egg hunt. Try one of these ideas and have a cracking good time! For a simple hunt, put plastic eggs around the house or garden that children have to collect to win a prize, or hide small chocolate eggs for them to collect in a basket. Add clues to make the search a bit harder. Alternatively, create a treasure map and mark each egg with an X. Young children will enjoy following a trail of paper bunny footprints, or a long piece of string to reach their prize.
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Add a fun educational twist using numbered cardboard egg shapes – children can collect odd or even numbers, or get the highest total to win a prize. You could also put the letters of an Easter-themed word on the shapes and challenge them to solve the anagram. Set up an ‘obstacle’ hunt. To win each egg, children have to complete a challenge, such as doing ten star jumps, singing a nursery rhyme, or completing a craft activity. If you have a mixed group of children, prepare individual checklists so they each find only what is on their list and no more – e.g., two chocolate bunnies, three silver eggs and four fluffy chicks.
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out to lunch
Conservatory Tea Rooms dO you remember the days of Berni Inns? As a teenager in the mid 70’s I thought the height of sophistication was to put on my highest platform shoes and totter off to the local Berni Inn where I could sit and sip one of those cups of coffee with the cream floating on top and pretend to be older than 15! If you’d like to take a trip down memory lane then just call into Conservatory Tea Rooms in Ashby and ask for a floater coffee. For those who may not remember them, the trademark Berni coffee consisted of a rich dark cup of coffee with a wonderful thick layer of cream (proper liquid cream not that squirty stuff!) floated on top of it. I’d forgotten how good it was – or actually I think that Conservatory Tea Rooms have done an even better job of it! Tucked away in Pass’s Courtyard the Conservatory Tea Rooms is a lovely spot and the menu covers everything from a light lunch or all day breakfast to a three course meal. There is a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and the addition of the conservatory gives a bright and airy place where you can enjoy plenty of light while still staying nice and warm on a chilly day. I was alerted to this little gem by my in-laws who always visit when they are with us and positively rave about the cheese scones (they didn’t tell me about the floater coffee though, I discovered that one myself!). It is strange how often we omit to try businesses that we pass by so often and sometimes need the nudge of someone else to remind us they are there and I’m certainly grateful to Sheila and John for bringing this great spot to my attention.
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open 4 business
Sweet Memory Lane WE are so lucky in Ashby to still have a vibrant town centre with a really good mix of independent shops. Sweet Memory Lane in Elford Street is a perfect example of how a niche business can thrive and add to a town and they do literally give us a taste of days gone by! Amanda Gates took over the business in late 2011 and offers a marvellous range of sweets, gifts and flowers. As you’d expect from the name you’ll find jars of wonderful traditional sweets on the shelves – names from your childhood such as barley sugar, rosey apples and rhubarb and custard are sure to get your mouth watering and young ones can still spend their pocket money on tuck shop treats like sherbet dib dabs, black jacks or love hearts. If you are organising a party they can supply party treats made up to a variety of different themes and wedding favours are also available for that special occasion. Grown-ups will love the artisan chocolate and hand cut fudge while the whole family can enjoy snacks like Yorkshire crisps or Joe and Seth’s popcorn while having a film night in. Along with the sweet treats you can also order beautiful
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bouquets, hand tied or luxury flower arrangements by Amanda in bloom and on Fridays seasonal flower bunches are available to pick up from the shop. Sweet Memory Lane is situated in Elford Street, just off The Green. As with many of the shops tucked away off Market Street the challenge is to raise awareness of these locations so visitors to the town don’t miss them. Inspired by ‘Queen of Shops’, Mary Portas, Amanda recently teamed up with fellow traders on The Green to set up a display in an empty space on Market Street (the old Mint Mobile shop near to Hartleys Estate Agents). Aimed at raising awareness of shops located off the main street this ‘pop up shop’ also really brightens up what would be an empty space – great idea and one that I hope we will see more of the towns traders taking up! Easter is just the time to indulge in some lovely sweet treats – so pop along to Elford Street and take a trip into Sweet Memory Lane.
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puzzle page ACROSS 1 3 9 10 11 13 15 17 20 21 22 23
Jewels (4) Allowed in (8) Worried (7) Annoy (5) Fading away (12) deny (6) Interfere (6) directions (12) Ships load (5) Vital part of healthy diet (7) Enjoyed (8) Repair (4)
quICK CROSSWORd
dOWN Protecting (8) Blends (5) dismiss (6) Crossroad (12) Taught (7) deceased (4) Contests (12) Flavoured (8) Army rank (7) Flexible (6) Overweight (5) Mark left by wound (4)
SUDOKU 70
Solutions on page 100
1 2 4 5 6 7 8 12 14 16 18 19
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9, with no repetition. That’s all there is to it. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic - there’s no maths involved and no adding up. It’s fun, it’s challenging, it’s additive! Solutions to all puzzles can be found on page 100.
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wheels Cars, Vans, Motorhomes, Caravans – they all need tyres but how much do you know about your tyres? Do you know when to replace them? And if so, how would you choose the replacement tyres?
How tired are your tyres? IN these hard economic times it is easy to be tempted by something a little bit cheaper – such as a part worn tyre – but are part worn’s really the bargain they may seem? Mechanics at Castle Garage in Ashby have been disturbed by the number of incidents they have seen over the past year where customers have come to them with tyres that have blown out after part worn’s have been fitted. These include the tyre pictured above which is currently on display in their reception and is a chilling example of how fitting a part worn tyre can not only prove false economy but also potentially compromise your safety. Since last year new tyre labelling regulations have been brought in and in addition to sizes and speed ratings all new tyres now have labelling similar to that which you may find on a fridge – with a selection of coloured bars labelled from A to G to signify how that tyre is rated for three different factors. Firstly is Fuel Efficiency/Rolling Resistance: A rolling tyre creates resistance which has an impact on your fuel consumption – the best rated (A rated) tyres will be the most fuel efficient. Secondly is Wet Grip/Braking Performance: This relates to how quickly you will be able to stop in wet conditions. We all know that the grip of your tyres plays a crucial role in stopping your vehicle safely and this particularly applies in wet conditions. The difference between each grade (A through to G) means an increase in stopping distance of between one or two car lengths when braking at 50mph, with A rated in this category providing the shortest distance. Lastly is Noise Emission/Exterior Noise: This measures the noise that the tyre will make when rolling along the road surface and there are just three categories here – one wave denotes a low noise tyre, two waves an average noise tyre and three waves is the current limit. The tyres exterior noise is also depicted in decibels on the label. Of course, just like when you buy your fridge you may need to
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False economy?
compromise between the best rating and your budget but you do have all the information available to make that choice and naturally on a new tyre you can be sure that whatever the ratings it will comply with all current safety regulations and with proper care should give you good service for many miles. So what about a part worn tyre? Perhaps the first thing to consider when thinking about a part worn tyre is the fact that it has been removed from another vehicle for a reason and you probably don’t know what that reason was. It could have been removed from a vehicle that was written off in an accident. You also don’t know what else has happened to that tyre during its lifetime – hitting a kerb, being involved in a collision, undergoing a repair, all of these can have an impact on the safety of the tyre and damage to the internal structure may not be apparent until it is too late. There are regulations governing the sale of part worn or re-treaded tyres: they must be clearly and permanently marked as ‘Part-Worn’ as well as adhering to other requirements, but a quick search on the internet shows that there is plenty of evidence that these regulations are sometimes disregarded. Tyres are complex engineered products and their safety is governed by more than just their outer appearance. Suffering a blow out from a tyre which was structurally unsound will, at best, result in the inconvenience of a roadside repair plus the cost of a replacement tyre but could end up causing far more damage (as in the case of the customer whose caravan was written off when the old, unsafe tyre blew out), or it could cause an accident. That ‘bargain’ could end up costing you a lot more than you were expecting. In the case of vehicles which may not do many miles, such as a caravan or motorhome, it is also worth remembering that while the tyres may still have plenty of tread on them the age of the tyre will also have an bearing on its ability to perform. If you have any concerns about your tyres call in to Castle Garage at Machins Business Centre on Wood Street (01530 411944) and they’ll be happy to check your current tyres. Should replacements be necessary they are able to supply tyres for a wide range of vehicles, including caravan and motorhome tyres.
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money matters
What will be your most expensive purchase? SO what is the most expensive item you buy in your lifetime?
queues at the car washes or your neighbour out on the drive on a lovely weekend.
When you consider a Semi Detached 3 bedroom house around Ashby de la Zouch costs on average £180,000 then add into this the sale and purchase costs and you are probably looking near to £190,000. Once purchased, we nurture our home. We furnish it, decorate, and spend time cleaning and repairing it. We change the kitchen or bathroom around; spend hours in the DIY stores. But why, well it’s that old saying “An Englishman and his Castle”.
But what about your finances - for example consider a retirement requirement?
But is it the most expensive item we buy in our lifetime? If you have say 2 family cars (which is not uncommon), how often will you change them? Consider this, if you each own 5 cars at an average price of £6,000, then those cars have cost you £150,000, plus the cost of tax, servicing and repairs on top of this figure. But once again we clean and nurture our cars - well look at the
When I began in this profession in the 1980’s and 1990’s in most cases retirement planning was already organised. It was easier because many people were part of a company pension, a Final Salary pension. The simplified explanation for this was you accrue credit each year you are employed so when you retire you benefit from a percentage of your Final Salary. Sadly not one single FTSE 100 company in the UK now offers new joiners this solution. So the majority of people employed now end up with a whole collection of different solutions and in most cases the pension is an investment, so it needs a little more effort, it needs nurturing. But do we give it time? Someone retiring today with a pension investment of £300,000 will probably benefit from a pension income of £14,990(*). That sum of money takes an effort to create - do you want to leave it to chance? We all know how much Governments are changing State Retirement dates and even the benefits. Something else which needs consideration is savings for children’s education and that cash for a rainy day. All need care and nurturing, which is the real benefit of regular financial reviews. So don’t just give your home, cars or even your hobbies all of your time. Remember they may not be the most expensive items you purchase in your lifetime. It is more likely it will be your financial independence. (*) Joint Life Level Annuity with 50% spouse benefit and 10 year guarantee from Assure web.
For more information on this matter or if you would like free initial financial advice with no obligation then you can contact Kevin at Bleathwood Financial Services on 01530 417943. Bleathwood IFA Ltd Bleathwood House, 45 Upper Packington Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, LE65 1ED. www.bleathwoodifa.co.uk Bleathwood IFA Ltd (FSA No: 516218) is an appointed representative of Sense Network Limited (FSA No: 465124) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. The FSA does not regulate tax advice.
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www.ashbychurch.co.uk
Nature - beautiful, cruel and horrible
A
t this time of year Spring is all around us. The beauty of the snowdrops and daffodils starts to give way to the vigorous growth of climbing clematis and hardy roses. As the days get longer, it all combines to lift our spirits. Nature is beautiful. That said, nature programmes on TV can sometimes show a very different perspective. The sight of lions tearing to pieces the carcass of an antelope or hyenas not stopping until the very last bone of their victim has been ground to powder, can be disturbing. Even the little red breasted robins fighting to the death defending their territory can shock us. Nature can be cruel. When we see and read reports of natural disasters, we appreciate another side to nature. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami and hurricanes can and do cause huge loss of life and take away the homes and livelihoods of so many men, women and child-
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Editorial by Ashby Christadelphian Church, Union Passage, Ashby
www.ashbychurch.co.uk
ren. There is huge destructive power in nature. Nature can be horrible. Yet, all nature fits together like a hand and glove – a natural balance exists which is a result of something other than chance. It is the hand of a creator at work. The more you look at the detail the more you see it. Even if we don’t understand the food chain of animals or reasons for earthquakes, there is an intriguing link between the beauty, complexity and sheer power of nature around us. To try to make sense of this intricate picture of nature in a short magazine article would be foolish. However, the answers to the questions raised are readily available. They’re in the book given to us by the creator of nature. So, why not open the Bible and discover what God is telling us about His plan for this world and, most importantly, how you fit into it.
Useful passage to look up: Isaiah 11 verses 6-9
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ashby health centre Latest news... Emergency Prescriptions
If you have inadvertently run out of medication and cannot give us the usual 2 days notice we have a system where we can have a prescription ready for you for 5 o’clock in the evening. This is an emergency service and is for the occasional times patients find themselves short of medication. These prescriptions can only be collected from the surgery, they can’t be sent over to the chemist. We have noticed that some patients are using this service instead of our usual system. Therefore we would kindly ask that you don’t use this facility except in emergencies because we can only cope with a small number of these prescriptions each day without impacting upon other work within the practice. Thank you for your co-operation with this.
Organ donor cards and requests
If you wish to be an organ donor, we have the forms for you to fill in here at the surgery and we can then register you almost immediately. Please pick a form up in our lobby or ask at reception and then hand the completed form to reception or place in the repeat prescriptions box in the lobby.
doctors leaving
We would like to inform patients that unfortunately both Dr Sue Cullis and Dr Hanna Robbins will be leaving the practice. Dr Hanna Robbins will be leaving on 28 March 2013 and Dr Sue Cullis will be leaving on 9 April 2013. We wish them both the very best in their new positions and are sad to be losing them. However we are in the process of recruiting replacement doctors.
Survey results
The results of the practice survey which we did in the autumn and the action plan arising from it will be available on our website from the end of March for any patients that would like to see this information. Thank you to everybody who completed the survey.
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a walk in the forest Smisby Circular A lovely Spring circular walk from the village of Smisby. The paths at the start aren’t all signed but the route isn’t hard to follow just don’t be put off by a lack of footpath signs in places. As you get further along the paths become far better marked and the mature woodland near Sharp’s Bottom is just beautiful. There is a short section by the road near the start and also livestock in the fields around Pistern Hill Farm so dogs will need to be kept on lead in places. There is also one stile, again near the start, which was not easily negotiable for dogs (no problem if you’ve one that can be lifted over though). The walk took around an hour and a half and I’m happy to report that when we did it the ground was remarkably dry for most of the walk (finally!!!).
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Leave Ashby via Smisby Road going straight over the roundabout at the by-pass onto the Ticknall Road. Take your first turning left into the village of Smisby. There is usually parking available on the road within the village; I parked on the right just before the first houses. Turn right and walk up Chapel Street to where it bends sharply by The Cottages. On your right here you will see a wooden public footpath sign1 – follow this as it leads beside a wall before coming out on the Ashby to Ticknall road. Turn left and follow the pavement alongside the road for about 400 yards up the hill. If you look across to the opposite side of the road you will see a small footpath sign on your right near the brow of the hill. Cross over the road and take this path over a stile (this is the one that dogs may need lifting over) and then past some newly planted trees. Keeping the hedgerow on your right the path continues along the edge of a field. At the corner of the field turn left to go along the far edge which will lead you to a farm track. Turn right up this track and follow it towards the farm and buildings ahead of you. Just as you reach the buildings take the track to your left and follow this past a couple of houses on your right before reaching a road. Cross straight over the road to go through the farmyard ahead and then bear slightly left across the next field, following the obvious track, which has a derelict brick building off to your left. At the next field keep straight on, with the hedgerow on your left. When you come to the third field the path as marked on the map goes straight across but as it was ploughed I found it easier to follow the field edge, turning left and then right at the far hedge. This will take you to the far corner where the path leads out onto the main road (this is marked with a public footpath arrow). Cross carefully over, looking slightly to the left where you will find another small wooden arrow depicting a walker that marks the next path. This leads through a gap in the fence and curves right to initially run parallel to the road. After a little way the path turns left and further on it turns right – keep following it (ignoring a metal gate leading into woodland to your left) and it will take you behind a lovely large house before finishing at the driveway to Daniel Hayes. Going through the metal gate on your left you should then follow the driveway up, looking for a small wooden gate on your left shortly before you reach the buildings – this is marked with a faded arrow and footpath diversion sign beside it. Go through the gateway and then bear right towards the small, attractive pond. Keeping right, around the pond, you will go down to a track on the far side of the buildings. Turn left down this track (ignoring the arrow for a path ahead of you) and follow the track down to pass a larger pond on your left before entering the lovely old wood of Sharps Bottom. When the track splits turn left to go steeply uphill. The track bends around and just before reaching the metal gates at the top you should turn left beside the large green footpath sign, taking the leafy track to the edge of the woods and through a metal gate with a very fierce spring on it into a young plantation. Keep straight ahead for as far as you can and then bend left around the back of the racing stables. Once you reach the end of the large green barn you will see a track off to your right, follow this down to the roadway. At the end of the track, just as you reach the road, turn left into Harrys Wood and walk along the wide ride that runs straight ahead, parallel with the road. Roughly two thirds of the way down this ride there is a gap in the hedge on your right that you should go through and cross straight over the road to a metal gate opposite that is marked with a green footpath arrow2. Follow this footpath straight ahead - you will go through a small gap, along the field edge and over a stile to a field with horses in it. Pass through two teeny wooden gates and in the next field follow the path towards the roof of a bungalow in the distance. On the far side of this field go over a stile and down a grassy path to reach Chapel Lane in Smisby. Turn left and follow the lane back to the start of the walk.
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All walks are checked shortly before publication but please be aware that paths may change over time and with the seasons.
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your wellbeing
do I need psychological support? MANY people who access counselling or psychological therapy have reservations about whether it will help, what other people will think, or believe they are emotionally weak. However, when clients come to the end of therapy they find they have developed life skills, learned things about themselves and feel so much better they sometimes ask to continue! Apart from when receiving counselling it is rare to be able to have the opportunity to talk only about ourselves and our feelings (good and bad) to someone else who then listens without judging, interrupting or taking over the conversation and best of all when it is finished you can walk away knowing that your ‘secrets’ are safe. Mental illness, mental health issues and staying mentally healthy are different but are on a continuum. Everyone has a mental health and most of the time the resources to stay mentally healthy. It is normal to feel ‘down’ some days, to have difficulty sleeping and be unable to concentrate. It may be due to changes either planned or unplanned that you are negotiating or a life transition such as bereavement, divorce, move
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of home, work place demands or children moving on. If you however you find that ‘down’ days are becoming excessive, if you are struggling with managing day to day activities for an extended period of time, if those close to you are expressing concern then turning to a professional counsellor or psychologist will help. It may only be a few sessions that you need to get back on track but early intervention will stop things getting worse possibly leading to chronic depression or anxiety and later mental ill health. At futureminds we offer counselling and psychological therapies which are evidence based and effective. The majority of clients have only 4-6 appointments which has then resulted in them feeling in control again. Futureminds has a solid reputation developed over 7 years of being in Ashby, our psychologist is BUPA and HPC registered and all our counsellors are fully insured and have full CRB enhanced disclosure. If you feel you need some additional help from a trusted professional then please contact us. You can find our details in our advert below:
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what’s on... April into May 2nd April
Ashby Royal British Legion - meetings are held at Legion House, commencing at 7pm. All welcome. Contact: Branch Secretary: ashby.royalbritishlegion@ gmail.com or 01530 414390.
3rd April
Bradgate Flower Club celebrates the long-awaited arrival of Spring with Gill Mills from Stapleford. Gill's arrangements will reflect 'A New Lease of Life'. The demonstration will be held in Newtown Linford Village Hall (LE6 0AE). Meet at 7.30pm, visitors are welcome - a charge of £5 is made. Details from Lilian Coleman on 0116 236 3191.
4th April
Ashby Castle WI – NEW VENUE this month at The Crypt, Catholic Church, Station Road. Speaker is Sara O’Regan from Brasense. Getting a good bra fit isn’t about the size of the bra but the shape – Sara will show us how. New members and visitors welcome. Tea and coffee available, for further details please contact: ashbycastlewi@google mail.com or Tel Jilly Dutton 0789 186 1378.
5th April
Century Cinema at Century Theatre, Snibston: ‘Great Expectations’ (12A). A spectacular adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel, starring Jeremy Irvine, Helena Bonham Carter and Ralph Fiennes. Starts at 7.30pm, tickets: £3.50 pay on the door. Tel: 01530 278444.
6th April
The Everly Brothers and Friends Tribute Show returns to The Palace. A fabulous tribute show to The Everly Brothers plus ‘special guest’ tributes. Performance starts at 8pm. Ticket prices to be announced. Tickets will be available from Halls, High Street, Ibstock, Tel 01530 260460.
7th April
Ashby Bowls Club are holding an open day for beginners starting 2pm at the Green on Bath Grounds, behind the Royal Hotel, Station Road. All ages welcome. Coaching given free, please wear flat soled (no heel) leisure shoes while on the Green. Contact Paul Stokes on 01530 417747 for further details. The Guitar Workshop Student Showcase from 3pm to 6pm. Entry on door £2.00. Licensed bar. The Palace,
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High Street, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.
10th April
Ashby Wine Circle – St Georges Social evening, preceded by AGM (members to bring a plate of food & wine). 7.30pm at St Helens Cottage, Lower Church Street, Ashby. New members welcome, for further details contact 01530 224030.
10th -29th April
A spectacular wildlife photographic exhibition - two locations in The National Forest will host 2020VISION, a nationwide touring exhibition of outstanding photographs that celebrate nature, wildlife and people working together. 20 top UK wildlife photographers visited 20 locations throughout the UK – including The National Forest - over 20 months, capturing inspirational landscapes and wildlife. See 2020VISION in The National Forest at Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derbyshire (National Trust Park entrance charge applies to nonmembers). For more information see www.nationalforest.org/2020vision
11th April
Friends of the Burton Wurlitzer present Arthur Tipper. During this concert we will be showing a least one silent Movie accompanied by the organ - these theatre organs were built originally to accompany the silent Movies. At the Burton Town Hall (doors open 1.30pm). This concert is free to everybody who lives in either a residential home, or in Warden aided accommodation. The rest of the public is welcome but we do ask for a donation (recommended figure £4).
13th April
Ashby Castle WI – are holding a Craft and Table Top sale at The Crypt, Our Ladies of Lourdes Church, Station Road, Ashby. 11am to3pm. Contact Wendy Fry gwlfa@hotmail.co.uk if wanting to book a stall. Milton Plant Swop - a great way to increase your stock of plants. Bring your surplus plants (rooted cuttings/ seedlings /divisions) and swap them for others for free! Milton Village Hall. Saturday 10am to 2pm. Plant swap 10am to 1.30pm. Sale of plants from 1.30pm. Admission £1, teas available in the Village Hall. All proceeds to Milton Village Hall Improvements Fund. Tel. Carl Avery on: 07527 700308 or
email: cavery67-email@yahoo.co.uk. Milton is located between Repton and Ticknall, DE65 6EF. A Murder Mystery Evening - "Who killed the Vicar?" at The Palace, Ibstock. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm. Starts at 7.30pm. Tickets will be available from Halls, High Street, Ibstock, Tel 01530 260460. Tickets: £5.00, including buffet supper.
16th April
N. Leics National Trust Association A coach trip to Wimpole Hall and Estate, an impressive mansion and Home Farm. For further details please ring 01530 563003.
18th April
Lights Out Land Girls! Hilarious new comedy sequel to the hit show 'Back to the Land Girls' with songs and music by Jez Lowe, set in the last wartime summer of 1945. At Century Theatre, Snibston, starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £8 advance, £10 on the door. Tel: 01530 278444.
19th April
N. Leics National Trust Association Join us for a "Trusty Strollers" walk in the countryside around Breedon on the Hill. The walk will take about 90 minutes, with time for a refreshment stop. For further details please ring 01530 563003. Film Night at The Palace Ibstock ‘The Sapphires’ (PG). Based on a true story by Tony Briggs, the son of one of ‘The Sapphires' four members. It revolves around three young female Aboriginals who were kept segregated until 1967 and weren't even regarded as human beings, instead classified as Flora and Fauna. They display a great prowess for singing, but realise that they will never know how far it can take them as long as they remain in their hometown. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7pm. Films start at 7.30pm. Tickets will be available from Halls, High Street, Ibstock, Tel 01530 260460. Tickets: £4/£3.
20th April
Blackfordby Village Hall dance – Robin’s Keyboard will be providing the music from 8pm to 11pm. Admission £3 - bar, refreshments and raffle. For further details please contact: 01283 213481 or 01283 819447.
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what’s on... April into May continued 20th April St George’s day Charity Concert performed by Ashby Concert Band organised by Rotary Club of Ashby, introduced by Bill Tidy. Holy Trinity Church 7.30pm. Tickets £10 incl wine, nibbles & flag available at www.ashby rotary.org, by calling 01530 411767 or from Ashby Tourist Information Centre, North Street, Ashby. Best of British - Concordia presents an all-British program of folk songs, sea shanties, classical pieces and pop Classics, with something for everyone’s taste at 7.30pm, Packington Memorial Hall. Tickets, £8 Adults, £6 Concessions. Booking in advance is advisable. Tel: 07879 076 891 or email: concordia-choir-ashby@hotmail.com. St Georges day disco Party! With the fabulous John Robson Disco Roadshow! At The Palace, Ibstock, 6.30pm until 10pm. FREE ADMISSION FOR CHILDREN UNDER 16 (must be accompanied by an adult). Adults: £2 on the door. A family evening of ‘Cool Britannia’ with party games and prizes. Prizes for the best fancy dressed children and adults. Hot dogs and burgers available.
21st April The Guitar Workshop Student Showcase from 3pm to 6pm. Entry on door £2. Licensed bar available. A great chance for students, of all ages, from the workshop to show what they can do!
23rd April FREE health checks - at a Well Families Clinic in Measham. Organised by the Council, the clinics can help you make positive changes to your lifestyle and include free cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass index screenings. St Laurence’s Church Hall, High Street, Measham between 2pm and 6.30pm. No appointment is required just come along and have a look round the different stations during the afternoon. As well as the free health screenings, these successful clinics offer a range of health and wellbeing advice, including the new Posture Analysis screening, advice on how to stop smoking, diet and nutrition, back to basics cookery and much more. There are fun exercise challenges with
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prizes for all ages and fruit juices to try during the afternoon as well as a free pedometer to count your daily steps. We hope that by offering this service, people will come along and get their free checks and find out how they can improve their health and well-being. For further information contact Julie Summerton 01530 454541 or email julie.summerton@nwleicestershire.gov. uk.
24th April Film Night Ashby – ‘Untouchable’ (15) A comedy drama from France that’s smashing all box office records! French with English subtitles. At The Lyric Rooms, Lower Church Street, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1AB. Tickets £5 - available on the door or in advance from Ashby TIC 01530 411767.
25th April N. Leics National Trust Association Come to an evening talk by Sally Henshaw on "Lady Jane Grey" of Bradgate. For further information please ring 01530 563003. 26th April
Christian Aid quiz at Holy Trinity Church Hall, 7.30pm. Teams of up to 6 people, £5 per person. Light supper and soft drinks provided. Bring a bottle and glasses if you wish. Tickets from Christian Aid reps. or call 01530 467183 to book your place. Live Music, Plug and Play with david Gray at Sir John Moore Foundation, Appleby Magna. Bring your instruments or just come and listen! Free Entry, doors open 7.30pm. For all events call 01530 273629 or email deana@sirjohnmoore.org.uk to book.
benefits linked with Nordic Walking. Instruction in the Technique. A walk to put theory into practice. Use of Nordic Walking poles. Workshop Fee - £10.00 per participant. Places are limited on the workshop so booking essential. For further details or to book your place contact Michelle on 07887 678367 or 01530 273366.
30th April Ashby de la Zouch u3A – 2pm at Congregational Church, Kilwardby St. Speaker Mrs. J. Inchle from Ashby/ Pithiviers Twinning Association. For a small fee of £1, visitors are most welcome to join us, have a cup of tea and learn about the varied activities available. Group Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of every month.
3rd May ‘Life of Pi’ (PG) at Century Cinema, Century Theatre, Snibston: Pi Patel is shipwrecked with a tiger called Richard Parker. Winner of 4 Oscars including best director for Ang Lee. Starts at 7.30pm. Tickets £3.50, pay on the door. Tel: 01530 278444.
4th May Christian Aid ‘Saturday Special’ 11am to 2pm, Congregational Church. Stalls, refreshments, light lunches. Ashby de la Zouch u3A – Speaker Ms. Sara Crofts from The Woodland Trust. 2pm at Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street. For a small fee of £1, visitors are most welcome to join us, have a cup of tea and learn about the varied activities available. Group Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of every month.
Skittles Night with supper included at The Palace, Ibstock. 7.30pm start. Tickets: £5.00 from Halls, High Street, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.
27th April Nordic Walking Workshop - Burning up to 40% more calories during your walk increase your cardio respiratory system by up to 25%, reduce stress to your knees and lower joints. Strengthen your body and build better bone density. 10am till 12.30pm (Ashby). Introductory Workshop – Learning the Basics this 2 hour workshop includes; Where does Nordic Walking come from? The health
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PuZZLE SOLuTIONS - CROSSWORd - SudOKu - COdEWORd & MORE... HONEYCOMB
WORdSEARCH Hidden Phrase - “Honey is sweet but bees sting.” French Proverb YOuNG ASHBY - ACROSS 3. Daffodils, 5. Chicks, 6. Butterfly, 9. Easter, 10. Eggs, 11. Bunny DOWN 1. Basket, 2. Easter Egg Hunt, 4. Lamb, 5. Chocolate, 6. Bonnet, 7. Spring, 8. Henry Identical eggs : 2 pairs
STEP ON IT - Curse, Curst, Burst, Burnt, Burns, Barns 100
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business directory Accountants & Payroll 98 Ashby Payroll Bureau 35 Baldwins Darcey and Bate Accountants 49 9 Haines Watts 64 RDG Accounting Aerials & Satellite 100 AB Aerials & Satellites Arts, Crafts, Gifts, Jewelry, Toys 72 Helen Joyce 73 Paint a Pot 73 Souk de la Zouch 77 The Kandy Factory 72 Uimagine I Create Builders Keith Armston Building Contractors 37 Business Services 72 Anne Armstrong 67 Dunkin Rushton Ltd 5 Lion Court Conference Centre SJC Marketing 72 Carpenters & Joiners Derek Verey 23 N M Joinery 39 S S Joinery 15 Carpets & Interiors Agadon 3 Alan Taylor Carpet & VinylFitter 21 Ashby Stoves 10 Fairweathers Carpets 57 Roger James Furnishers 27 The Bed Shop 85 Toons Furnishings 65 Cleaning, Ironing, Laundry Services Allison Webster Cleaning 21 Ashby Cleaning Contractors 56 Breedon Carpet Care 21 Cotton Candy Cleaners 24 Deanclean 56 Extreme Clean 71 Karens Ovengleam 80 Oven Cleaning Services 44 Safeclean 77 Toni's Ironing Angels 101 Clothing BraSense 72 Embroidery4U 72 Heard About Hats 12 House of Colour 73 Just for You 12 Rebellion 80 The Shoe Box 13 Country Stores Ivanhoe Countrystore 16/17 domestic Appliances Contracool 21 Contract & Domestic Services 37 Ray Pittam Engineers 69 driving Schools Bardon School of Motoring 91 RDT School of Motoring 97 Electricians A & J Bartlett Ltd 101 Bright Sparks 88 Estate Agents Hartleys Estate Agents 83 John German 40/41 Events Ashby Arts Festival 55 Ivanhoe Way Challenge 69
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Financial Services Bleathwood Positive Solutions Regent Financial Management Florists Lavish Wedding Flowers Food & Groceries Ashby Farmers Market Norths Scaddows Farm Shop Sweet Memory Lane The Posh Pantry Funeral directors A E Grice Funeral Directors Furniture Repairs & Restoration Ancient & Modern Dr Sofa K Reynolds Upholstery Garden Artisan C P Gardening Charnwood Tree Services Eden Tree Care F G Gardens GDR Landscapes Green Thumb (Ashby) Mowing Places and Garden Care Roughly Refined Garden Service Stone Drives & Landscapes The Water Gardener Hair & Beauty Arbonne Helen Shaw Rituals Retreat Sheelagh Powell Healthcare Ashby Chiropody/Podiatry Clinic Ashby Dental Ashby Osteopathic Clinic Candor Care Ltd Dr Jin Future Minds Juliet Brooke Chiropody Postlethwaite Podiatry Prestige Nursing ProPhysio Ashby Soul Sunshine Sue’s Support Service Traditional Acupuncture Vision Express IT Services 3B Direct Ashby Web Design Home IT Services Jadex Solutions The PC Clinic Kitchens & Bathrooms Ashby Tile and Bathrooms Granite Transformations Holme Tree Kingswood Design P A Hill Interiors Provencale Kitchens Victory Kitchens Locksmiths Hazlewood Locksmiths The Lockie
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Motor Services A D Car Cosmetics 28 Caravan Support Services 27 Castle Garage (Ashby) Ltd 75 25 Chips Away Music, dance & drama Ashby Academy of Rock 23 Charlotte Anne Polland 88 Heavenlyreds 61 Joseph Southgate 28 Painters & decorators 88 Holywell Painting & Decorating 28 John Clark Pet Services Ash Farm Boarding Kennels 48 Muttleys Dog Walking and Pet Care 64 Muttz Cutz 99 Pets Friend 72 103 The Glenthorne Veterinary Group 73 Wiffie Woofies Woodward Veterinary Practice 26 Places of Worship Ashby Christadelphian Church 82 Plasterers A C Ellison Plastering and Tiling 23 Matt Charles Plastering Services 20 TCL Plastering and Property Maint. 92 Plumbers & Gas Services Adrian Dunstan Plumbing & Heating 45 B I Plumbing 63 Batemans Plumbing 99 CCA Gas Plumbing 24 James Pepper Property Solutions 91 S D Hill (Plumbers) 7 S J Bunker Plumbing & Heating 39 Therm Heating 81 Property Repairs & Maintenance Absolute Window Solutions 19 Ashby Glass 93 Ashbyhandyman.co.uk 81 Cloudy 2 Clear (Derby) 36 D F Window & Door Repairs 71 D H Phillips (Flat Roofing) 66 Install Specialist Glass Ltd 27 James Beckett 60 James Pepper Property Solutions 20 Window Mate 97 Pubs, Restaurants & Take Aways La Spezia Pizzeria 45 Link Measham Cantonese Restaurant 33 The Beeches 56 The Blue Bell 18 Zamani's 52/53 Schools and Tuition Alison Southward Tuition 8 Catherine Brooke 23 Kip McGrath 89 Manor House School 95 Ockbrook School 47 Soft Furnishings Wendy's Courtyard Interiors 63 Solicitors Crane & Walton 13 Simpson Jones Solicitors 37 Sports & Fitness Breedon Priory Health Club Ltd 104 Laura Seager 8 Nordic Walking 59 Pulse Performance Health & Fitness 51
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