Ashby Life Feb 15 by Ashby Life

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

this issue 105 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 loved up…

Valentine’s Day is coming up and this month we’re helping you get in the mood and negotiate your way through the possible pit falls of the season. There’s a love story that is sure to make you smile, tips to bring the romantic look to your home and recipes that are perfect to cook for someone special. On page 104 the Ashby Christadelphian Church remind us of the many different types of love and that these can be extended to all those around us - not just our partners, friends and family. A great thought that we should not forget. So I hope this issue brings a smile to your face and helps to spread some happiness around our brilliant town – we just loved putting it together!

Liz Roberts

Web www.ashbylife.co.uk

Contents

Facebook www.facebook.com/ ashbylife Twitter @AshbyLife Address Ashby Life Ltd Castle House South Street Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1BR

Front Cover Image by Lesley Hextall Photography 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.

06 10 14 18 22 26 30 34 38 42 46 50 52 54 58 62 66 70 72 74 78 80 82 84 86 92 96 100 104 106 108 110

All About You Fun Quiz Book Reviews On the Beat Community Board Ashby Health Centre Money Matters Cryptic Crossword Just 4 Fun Ashby Museum News Storytime Ashby Town Council Your Wellbeing Out & About Wordsearch Seasonal Recipes Fitness Tips In Your Garden Young Ashby This Month Puzzle Page Chess Puzzle Venture Theatre News In Your Home What’s On Back Chat Ashby Library News A Walk in the Forest Christadelphian Church Pets Corner Puzzle Solutions Business Directory

70 74

82 100

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 March and deadline for copy is Friday 13th February Please note advertising space is limited, pre-booking is recommended 4

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

all about you

GIFTS THAT SAY

‘I Love You’ with Debbie Singh-Bhatti THE year was 1969 and they were hopelessly in love. As two of Hollywood’s biggest stars, and arguably the most famous couple in the world, Richard Burton decided to prove his undying passion for his wife Elizabeth Taylor by purchasing a huge 69.42 carat pear-shaped diamond with a £1m price tag to match. Though this extravagant act hit the headlines, it is by no means unique. In 1648 emperor Shah Juhan built the Taj Mahal, the ‘Crown of Palaces’, in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. More recently, Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich gave his girlfriend a bronze sculpture worth $14m - one of the most expensive gifts ever made. At the other end of the spectrum, the less rich and famous have earned themselves a place on the Internet if not in the history books, by presenting their loved ones with less salubrious offerings. An empty suitcase, with not a hint of surprise tickets to a romantic destination, a deep fat fryer with left over Christmas chocolate hidden inside, and divorce papers delivered while dining out, are just a sample of these gift-giving gaffs. With Valentine’s Day almost upon us, you may be wondering what to buy your loved one. Apart from the usual flowers, chocolates and jewellery, is there anything else out there a little more unusual that will keep you in their good books, whilst avoiding one of ‘those’ looks? If

togetherness is

your thing, you can buy a pair of love gloves for around £20, but if you fancy something more thrilling, how about a lovers leap bungee jump at around £120? That will certainly add some excitement to a relationship! If adrenalin rushes are your lover’s thing, why not consider indoor sky diving, flying lessons, dumper truck racing, or a super car thrill experience where you get to drive a real sports car? Cricket, snooker and other sports coaching lessons can also be purchased. Outdoor types may love the chance to weave their own willow basket, do an outdoor survival course, learn how to use a pole lathe or make a rustic chair – all available locally within the National Forest (see greenwood-days.co.uk or woodlandsurvivalcrafts.com) For those who prefer a bit of pampering, how about a spa package, a make-over followed by a photo shoot, or for around £25, a ‘design your own perfume’ set? If food is the way to a man’s heart, then chocolate is definitely the entry to a woman’s! For something different, why not get her a pizza made entirely of chocolate or chocolate-shaped spoons that melt in hot milk making a deliciously smooth drink? Alternatively, what could be more romantic than naming a star after your loved one, or giving them the chance to choose their own name for one? You can purchase this privilege for around £20. If you haven’t found an idea here to suit your taste or your pocket, try searching yourself. We have a good selection of independent retailers in town that can offer that special something different – Souk de la Zouch are great for gifts while Sweet Memory Lane always have interesting and imaginative sweet treat packages. Finally, if it all seems just too complicated then you shouldn’t go far wrong with the old favourites of flowers, (Indigo Acre Flowers are open late on 13th Feb) or a special Valentines meal (both Zamani’s and Link Measham Cantonese are offering Valentine’s Day special menus) – do remember to book early though if you are planning on eating out.

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

fun quiz

Answers on page 108

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

book reviews

Coupling Roses are red and violets are blue, most poems rhyme… but they say marriage is the end of romance, so this one doesn’t. We’ve put together a collection of books for the big V-Day celebrations that focus on what happens after you and your love have been together for a while. Is there really such a thing as ‘happily ever after’? Or this this the beginning of the end?

A Spot of Bother...

Mark Haddon

The secrets, hopes and disappointments of our ordinary lives come into question in Haddon’s great novel about one family and the couples within it. George and Jean have been married for decades, but their daughter Katie, divorced, is now getting remarried, to someone who has ‘strangler’s hands’, according to her brother. Jean’s trying to keep her affair under wraps and George has discovered a strange lump or lesion and decides he’s definitely on his last legs. It’s all a bit of a pickle really and a highly amusing game of who’ll end up with whom.

The Children Act... Ian McEwan

High Court Judge Fiona May presides over family cases, whilst her own home life is crumbling about her. Her husband’s asked her if they can have an open marriage and it doesn’t go down all that well. When he leaves, she is left questioning her own belief system and what it means to be dignified and respectable. On the work front she’s tackling the case of a teenage boy whose parents won’t permit a medical procedure that could save his life, because of their religious beliefs. She’s struggling to get a grip while her world falls apart around her and it’s truly compelling writing as she battles in the courtroom and on the home front.

Us... David Nicholls Women marry men thinking they can change them; men marry women hoping they’ll never change. Douglas would be quite happy to grow old and die together, but for Connie, that sentiment means their relationship is already dead in the water. She announces she’s going to pack her bags and leave him, but is persuaded by Douglas to make one final trip together. He’s got a master plan to reignite the spark and is pinning everything on this one holiday. Sounds like a fool-proof plan…

The Rosie Project... Graeme Simsion Ok, so here’s a last one that’s been thrown in because we think it’s absolutely marvellous and because it features 39 year old Don Tillman’s ‘Wife Project’: the most scientific approach to finding a missus that you’re ever likely to come across. If you thought eHarmony asked a lot of questions, wait until you fill in Don’s questionnaire. He’s tall, dark and handsome, but he also seems to have undiagnosed Asperger’s Syndrome. This professor of genetics hasn’t found his ‘other half’ and so devises a series of questions designed to filter out the undesirables. Enter Rosie. She’s everything he’s not looking for, and yet she might just be perfect for him. You will fall in love with the frustrating character that is Don Tillman and you’ll be rooting for the old ball and chain to be secured by the end of the novel. Proof there really is someone out there for everyone.

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

on the beat

Hello everyone... THERE is a service now available to parents, carers or guardians in Leicestershire allowing them to ask the police whether a person who has significant contact with their child or young person has a record for sexual offences against children. This is the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme. If checks with police or partner agencies show that the individual in question does have a record of sexual offences against children, or other offences that might put a child or young person at risk, consideration will be given to sharing this information with the parent, carer or guardian. Any member of the public can approach the police with concerns about a named individual and all concerns will be investigated. However, where it is considered necessary and appropriate to release information, such disclosure will only be made to the parent, carers or guardian directly - not to the third party who made the initial enquiry. Information will only be disclosed to a parent, carer or guardian when providing such information will increase protection for a child or young person. This service enables parents, carers or guardians to request information about people involved in their child's life if they are concerned that he or she might be a registered child sexual offender - for example, if a single parent wants to find out more about their new partner. It does not replace checks done by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) or the new Vetting and Barring process run by the Independent Safeguarding Authority. Leicestershire Police agreed to adopt the scheme because, where appropriate, disclosure to carers, parents or guardians could help increase protection for a child or young person.

Only 20 per cent of child sexual offences are carried out by strangers. The majority of child sexual offenders are known to their victims. They are often a member of the family, a friend of the victim, or a friend of the victim's family. This is why this service allows you to better protect your child from harm. You can access this service if: •

Both you and the person you are asking about live in Leicestershire.

•

If you are a parent, carer or guardian of the child involved in the enquiry.

•

Any member of the public can approach the police with concerns about a named individual and all concerns will be investigated. However, where it is considered necessary and appropriate to release information, such disclosure will made to the parent, carer or guardian directly - not to the third party who made the initial enquiry.

For more information, please go to the enquiry office at your local police station, or visit the Leicestershire Police website.

PC MARK ARJOO telephone: 101 voicemail ID: 1667 email: mark.arjoo@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

community board Coleorton and New Lount Volunteer Group Dates for February: Coleorton Wood 3rd and 7th. New Lount 17th and 21st. Work sessions start at 10am and usually last 4 hours. Volunteers are welcome to go along for all or part of the sessions. For more information call 01530 223456 or coleorton11@gmail.com.

Tara Kadampa Meditation Classes Relaxing meditation and practical advice, at Legion House, South Street, Ashby, LE65 1BQ. Classes from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in February: Thursday 5th, 19th and 26th and then 5th March. There is no need to book. Seating is on chairs, classes cost £6, for further details contact 01283 732 338 or email meditate@tarakmc.org. http://www.tarakmc.org/.

Age UK Leicestershire and Rutland Stock Appeal Clothing or bric-a-brac can be taken to any of Age UK Leicestershire and Rutland's shops directly and free collections of furniture can be arranged by calling Birstall on 0116 267 2098 or Blaby 0116 278 1208. For further details please contact Anthony Donovan on 07971 584 093.

The CAP Money course This is a great course to give you a chance to consider spending, budgeting and saving and better manage your finances. Free of charge with access to on-line help and workbook. There are three Monday evening courses, starting on 23rd February at 7.45pm. At the coffee lounge, Ashby Baptist Church, Brook Street. Sign up or enquire by text or phone 07790 542 041 or email capmoney@capmnf.org.uk. CAP Money is supported by the Ashby churches.

Thank you from Santa The three Rotary Clubs in Ashby de la Zouch wish to thank all the people of Ashby and South Derbyshire who gave so generously to the annual reindeer collections. Their three chosen children’s charities will benefit substantially from the proceeds. Santa would also like to thank the Ashby District Council and three stores in Ashby: Co-operative food store, Aldi and Tesco for allowing him to park his sleigh so the children could visit him. They look forward to seeing you all again next year. If you are interested and would like to learn more about Rotary visit www.ribi.org and for membership please email membership@ashbyrotary.org.

Blackfordby Village Hall Would you like to learn to dance? Sequence dance classes for beginners are being held at Blackfordby village hall. Classes are on Tuesday evenings from 8pm to 9.30pm, all ages are welcome and the cost is £3 per class. The hall is also available to book for special events, please contact Janet Miller on 01283 213 481 for bookings or further details on the classes.

Unwanted dogs New dogs given as Christmas gifts can quickly become too much of a handful. NWLDC has advice for owners who can no longer care for their pet. The first place to get advice is

animal welfare charities, like the Dogs Trust or specialist breed rescues (the Kennel Club has a breed rescue directory). These organisations may be able help find a new home for the pet. Alternatively the council will help to rehome the dog. The council does not offer a re-homing service for cats, but charities like the Cats Protection League (see www.cats.org.uk) may be able to help. For details visit www.nwleics.gov.uk/dogs, call 01530 454 546 or email communication.team@nwleicestershire.gov.uk.

Ashbeian Musical Theatre Group The group’s next show is ‘Me and My Girl’. This is a fun show for all the family which will delight audiences of all ages with well-known songs, comedy, love and laughter. The venue is Repton School (400 hall theatre), DE65 6FH and the show runs from Tuesday 24th to 28th March at 7.30pm. Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Book tickets online at ashbeianmtg.org or you can contact Karen Walker on 07527 228 945.

Tip Top Hair Design Shuttlewood Clarke Raffle The Tip Top Hair Design Christmas raffle raised £450 for the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundations Ulverscroft Activity Centre big build project. Jacqui and her team would like to pass thanks to all those who supported the salon at Staunton Harold in their fundraising.

‘Raise the Rafters’ harmony singing workshop If you’ve ever wanted to experience the joys of singing in three and four part harmony now is your chance. Roots Community Singers, a folk choir based at Newbold Coleorton, is organising a one day workshop to introduce harmony singing to all levels and abilities. The workshop and concert both take place on Saturday, 28th February at the Sir John Moore School, Appleby Magna. The workshop runs from 10am to 4pm, cost is £25. This includes complimentary admission to the Lester Simpson evening concert which takes place at the same venue. Concert tickets only are £8. Contact Sue on 07981 356 388 or see folkonthefarm.co.uk.

CAB help for debt problems LeicesterShire Citizens Advice Bureau (LCAB) is expecting a surge in people needing help with debt problems after the Christmas break. If you need advice on how to sort out a debt problem, contact LCAB directly by calling 0300 330 1025 or by finding your local branch at www.leicscab.org.uk. A wealth of information is available online at www.adviceguide.org.uk.

Ashby de la Zouch Town Council Calendar of Meetings The Town council meeting is on the 9th February and the Planning and Transportation Committee meet on the 23rd February. Members of the public are welcome to attend and there is a slot for public questions. Meetings take place at Legion House, South Street and start at 6.30pm.

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

ashby health centre

MONTHLY UPDATE Better communication via text and home phone We are investing in a new text messaging system which will be able to send all sorts of information and reminders to patients on mobiles and land lines. For example: • If you have received a text message for an appointment and then decided you don’t need it, you will be able to text back the word ‘cancel’ to cancel it. This will save patients having to wait on the phone to cancel appointments. • If we have a clinician off sick one day, we can send you a text message to let you know this rather than our staff having to ring around all the patients individually, which is really time consuming. • We will be able to let you know about any health campaigns relevant to you or when our flu or other clinics are available to book. We are hoping that we can really improve our communication with patients through this system. However we do need your up-to-date mobile and land line

details in order for this to work. So please let us have your latest numbers (or check with us that we have them) so that you can be a part of this exciting new system.

New building We are pleased to let all our patients know that our new health centre building has finally received planning permission. The building will be located on Burton Road just past the Beeches pub and we expect building work will have started by the time you read this. If you would like to see the plans, they are available for patients to view in our waiting room. We are hoping the new building will be ready for us to move into late in the Autumn this year but we will keep all patients posted about the progress via our website and Twitter.

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

money matters

Good or bad?

EQUITY RELEASE EQUITY release unlocks some of the value in your home, providing a tax-free lump sum or cash facility from which to draw a regular income. It is a way to fund your retirement without having to move from your existing home, and is available to homeowners over the age of fifty-five. Equity release products can be broken down into: • Lifetime mortgages • Home reversion schemes The first step in deciding whether equity release is for you is to find a professional financial advisor with specific knowledge and experience. The advisor and lender must both be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and the lender should be a member of the Equity Release Council. Lifetime mortgage How it works A lifetime mortgage allows you to borrow money against the value of your home, with interest added to the total each month. There are no repayments to meet - you still own your home but the value of it decreases due to the escalating mortgage. Types of lifetime mortgage Roll-up: interest is added to the loan, which is repaid on death or if you move into care. There are no monthly repayments to make. Interest-only: you receive a lump sum and pay the interest on a monthly basis. Interest may be fixed or variable, and the original loan amount is repaid on sale of the house. Fixed repayment: you take a lump sum from the house, but there are no monthly interest payments to make. A repayment sum is calculated by the lender and agreed with you when the loan is taken out. This fixed amount is repaid on death or if you move to a care home.

Pros • Unlocks the value in your home • Several choices of how the money is taken • Many lenders offer a ‘no negative equity’ guarantee • You can stay in your own home Cons • May affect your eligibility for benefits • Can be expensive in the long-term • They are complex financial products which require professional guidance • Reduced inheritance for your beneficiaries Home reversion scheme How it works Home reversion means that you sell all or part of your home to a company, which gives you a cash lump sum for its value, or allows you to take a regular income. Some schemes let you live in your home rent-free, while others charge a reduced rent. This arrangement continues until you die or move into a care home, at which point the house is sold and the loan repaid. As with a lifetime mortgage, you’ll be advised to discuss it with your family before proceeding. They need to know where they stand financially, particularly if it will affect their inheritance. Pros • A useful way to get money from your property without having to move out • You may be able to make an ‘inheritance guarantee’ to safeguard a proportion of your home for beneficiaries • Many schemes allow you to live in your home rent-free Cons • You generally only receive between 20%-60% of the market value of your property • These schemes can be costly to set up • They are complex to understand in detail The equity released from your home can be used for a range of purposes. Some people use the money for home improvements, others for holidays or to help their children onto the property ladder.

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

cryptic crossword ACROSS

Fungus an amphibian's instrument will reveal (9) Menthol-flavoured and coined (6)

10.

Taken unawares, is spurred somehow (9)

11.

Dense Eric demolished a person's home (9)

13.

Man in best evening suit (5)

14.

Spar about coarse file (4)

15.

Add the finishing touches to an expression of praise, we hear (10)

19.

Makes free from bacteria when sister lies about (10)

21.

Have great affection for nothing in tennis (4)

24.

Fruity computer company? (5)

25.

Joint inflammation when Irish tart is distributed (9)

26.

Bizarre rite meant to end (9)

27.

Engineer's prompt save (6)

28.

Crept near twisted woodworker (9)

Animal product made from Marge's rib (9)

Listens up, enrols for duty (7)

Ten years sounds rotten! (6)

Rage around before a point to correspond (5)

Worried about desserts (8)

Repulsive old boy initially before vista (7)

DOWN

DOWN 34

17.

Valued step holding firm (9)

18.

Fond of being well-informed? Me too (8)

20.

Large penguin ruling many countries? (7)

22.

Torch is carried badly for bird (7)

Beaver's den to become firmly embedded in a place (5)

23.

Carter about to reveal meteor impact site (6)

12.

I complain when the girl returns (5)

24.

Can it change to a caper? (5)

16.

Leapt about a fold (5)

25.

One role away from each other (5)

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

just 4 fun

Solutions on page 108

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 108

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

ashby museum news

shby Cottage Hospital is in the news at present unfortunately for the wrong reasons. During March and April the museum will put on a display highlighting the hospital’s history and its importance for over 100 years to the local area. Documents and artefacts relating to its story will be exhibited in the Loudoun Gallery. Do come along and have a look.

The last two months have seen museum staff concentrating on sorting out sections of the archives - cleaning and cataloguing those which have waited for too long to be added to our growing database. Two helpers are upgrading the Staunton Harold records, so lovingly collected by the late Mrs Dorothy Watson, while the documents we have on Netherseal have now been properly archived. The huge Community Archive is steadily being put on to the computer database and yet more of our photographs are being scanned and uploaded onto our website.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED URGENTLY Unfortunately, one or two of our long-standing custodians have had to call it a day and we are actively looking for people willing to give up a couple of hours a fortnight to man the front of house. We do not want to have to close on certain days, as we pride ourselves on being open the whole year round throughout each working week. Do get in touch if you think you can help. FRIENDS OF ASHBY MUSEUM The Friends of Ashby Museum are holding a folk entertainment evening at Packington Memorial Hall on Saturday 14th February at 7.30pm. Music will be by the well-known group, The Travelling People. A light supper is included and a licensed bar will be available. Tickets cost £10 and can be bought from the museum with all proceeds going to support the work of the museum. Tickets are limited and are selling well, so don't miss out!

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

storytime The

Crafty Catch

“It could have been that one, or, on the other hand, it might have been the one next door”, Janine pondered. “Come on Derek, help me out, which one was it?” They had been searching up and down the High Street for a while now. The streets lights had all come on and a light drizzle was falling. The cold had begun to seep through the soles of Derek’s shoes. It was a lovely idea of Janine’s to visit their home town on their anniversary to relive their first date. They had sat through a blockbuster sharing a box of Maltesers, in the old Curzon cinema which was miraculously still open, and were now searching for the café they had gone to afterwards. The High Street had changed beyond recognition in the thirty years since they had moved away, and Derek’s memory wasn’t what it used to be. “I’ll hold my hands up darling, I don’t remember the café at all”, he confessed, “I thought I treated you to a cone of chips from The Crafty Catch and we ate them walking home”. “Honestly Derek! We went to that café with pretty tablecloths. I remember fretting about the candle on the table because I had so much lacquer in my hair. I ordered a frothy coffee and a toasted tea cake”. Derek couldn’t remember. He had come to rely on Janine to do his remembering for him. Jeanine went on, “You asked for a black coffee - I remember thinking it was ever so continental”. “Did I?” Derek mused about his former self who had been considered continental.

“Then you rambled on about stopcocks and non-return valves for half an hour, and went off to catch your bus”, Janine said, “I By Jackie Brewster remember thinking ‘well I’m not sure if I want to see him again”. “Didn’t I walk you home?” Derek asked. He wasn’t sure if he approved of his former self. If a young man hadn’t seen his own daughter safely home he’d have something to say about it. “No you did not, my father was furious”, Janine frowned. “Hold on Derek, this looks familiar”. They reached a little side street. ”I’m sure it was down here”. “Come on Mrs”, Derek said, taking her hand, “if it’s still there I’ll treat you to a frothy coffee”. They turned the corner and saw straight away that the café was gone. In its place, just closing up for the night, was a plumber’s merchants. “I feel as though part of my past has been taken away”. Janine said sadly. “There, there”. Derek said, patting her hand, “We’ve always got our memories”. “Well, I have”. Janine said crossly, “You can’t remember any of it”. “Sorry”, Derek said, “I couldn’t talk for two minutes about stop-cocks now”. “And yet you seemed so passionate about them at the time”. Janine said, peering in through the show window. She turned and looked at Derek strangely. “It wasn’t me, was it?” he said quietly. Janine’s cheeks turned crimson. “I remember now. He was a plumber’s mate. My friend set me up on a blind date”. She risked a sly smile, “Are you cross?” Derek looked squarely at his wife, then put his arm around her shoulders, “To be honest I’m relieved”. There was an unmistakeable aroma that told him, of all the shops on the high street, The Crafty Catch was still in business. “Come on, I’ll treat you to a cone of chips”.

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

ashby town council

Coming up

Taking a moment to reflect back to the last event from 2014 - the Christmas Fair in Market Street on 29th November offered a good balance of food plus entertainment and attracted a large number of visitors. Feedback from stallholders was very positive and a similar format is envisaged for the 2015 Christmas event. This is again scheduled for the last Saturday in November.

in 2015… The event schedule for 2015 is already well filled with a spread of dates and activities to appeal to all ages: Coming up in March we have the Ashby 20 Road Race. Offering a prime chance for pre-London marathon training this popular event attracts a large number of athletes to Ashby. The race starts from the Bath Grounds at 10am on 22nd March. April sees the introduction of a new event into the towns’ calendar on 25th April - the Ashby Town Criers Competition and Charity Day. Town Criers from across the country will be visiting Ashby. Brook Street will be closed off for the competition and charity stalls will be available in this area. Any organisers who may be interested in having a charity stall at this event should contact Jack Fargher at Legion House (details below). May brings us the Ashby Arts Festival which then ties into the Ashby Food and Drink Festival on 23rd May. The popular Ashby Fake Festival returns on 6th June - headlining this year are tributes to The Stone Roses, Arctic Monkeys and Foo Fighters. Rounding out the summer entertainment is Jim’s Tractor Run and Family Fun Day which takes place at the Bath Grounds on 27th July. The annual Statutes Fair runs from 18th to 22nd September within the town centre. The usual one way system will be in operation over this period. After the success of the first Ashby’s FABulous, fashion and beauty, event in 2014 we are pleased to announce that a follow up is planned, currently this is scheduled for early October.

The new town website at www.ashbydelazouch.info is now operational, offering a good resource for both those who live in the town and visitors. You’ll find details of community organisations, shopping and restaurants, businesses, health services and lots more on there so please do log on and take a look around. Organisations or businesses within the town that are not currently listed and would like to feature on the website should contact Jack Fargher (details below). The former Ashby school playing field, off Prior Park Lane, is now under the control of the Local Education Authority and shortly before Christmas measures were taken by Leicestershire County Council to make the site secure. The pedestrian gate is now open again, allowing limited public access, and the Town Council are negotiating to see if it is possible to obtain possession of this field to allow long term use by the people of the town. We have also taken a leading role in opposing the closure of Ashby Hospital and are in discussions with the NHS to try to retain the site for delivery of health related services and also to agree how health services will be delivered for residents ongoing. We will keep you updated on these issues. Also underway is a project to uplight the Loudon Memorial on Bath Street. The lighting will be sunk within the pavement and will serve to enhance this feature within the town. Elections for positions on the Town Council are due in May this year – have you considered becoming a Town Councillor? Those who are interested in knowing more about what is involved in being a Town Councillor or further details of the election process should contact Jack Fargher for details, before the end of March please.

DATES FOR TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS are published on the Community Board pages of Ashby Life each month. The public are welcome to attend and there is always a slot for public questions. Find out more about your Town Council by visiting the offices at South Street, Ashby de la Zouch, calling 01530 416961 or via the website at: www.ashbytowncouncil.org.uk

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

your wellbeing

Ouch! How to remove a splinter

SPLINTERS are painful and tricky to remove. I remember my mother digging around in the tender ball of my thumb with a darning needle one evening when I was ten. The splinter on that occasion had lodged itself firmly and resisted all attempts to prise it out while I resisted all attempts to have it prised out!

Years later a friend training to be nurse taught me how to remove splinters safely and I pass on the knowledge here.

• First clean the area with soap and water. • Inspect the splinter; use a magnifying glass if you have one. Look at the angle of entry and how deeply embedded the splinter is. • If the splinter protrudes from the skin it can be removed with tweezers. Sterilise the tweezers first using surgical spirit and if you need a magnifier get someone else to hold it; then grip the splinter gently and pull it out along the same angle it entered the skin. • Small, fine splinters can be trickier, especially if they are more deeply embedded. In this instance cover the affected the area with Magnesium Sulphate paste (cheap and available from all pharmacies) and then bandage it. Leave overnight and in the morning the splinter will have surfaced. If it hasn’t, reapply and bandage again. The Magnesium Sulphate is anhydrous and draws moisture out of the wound and with it the splinter. Once the end of the splinter pokes out you can use sterilised tweezers to remove it completely. Remember: • If you use a needle to break the skin prior to applying the paste make sure the needle is sterile. • Never try to squeeze a splinter out; you may drive it in further.

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

out and about Fairtrade fortnight takes place this year between 23 February and 8 March, and aims to continue to raise awareness and change behaviour around this important topic. Research shows that whilst 78% of the UK population recognise the Fairtrade Mark, over 50% still do not actively choose Fairtrade products.

FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT

o what is Fairtrade, and why do we need it? Fairtrade is about getting better prices, working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers. It’s about supporting the development of thriving farming and worker communities, so that they have more control over their futures, and protecting the environment in which they live and work. It is now possible to buy around over 4,500 products officially branded Fairtrade. These include tea, coffee, bananas, chocolate, gold, flowers, cotton, wine and sugar. Sadly however, only 1.2% of cocoa and 10% of tea globally are traded on Fairtrade terms. Did you check the packaging for the Fairtrade logo when you last bought tea or treated yourself to some chocolate? When you buy clothing do you ever wonder about how it has been produced?

For certain products the Fairtrade mark means that the Fairtrade ingredients in the product have been produced by small scale farmer organisations or plantations that meet social, environmental and economic Fairtrade standards. These standards help to protect workers’ rights and environment. They also ensure payment of the Fairtrade

Minimum Price for the commodity, and an additional Fairtrade Premium which is invested into the business or community projects. Small scale farmers and workers are amongst the most marginalized globally, and Fairtrade helps them through trade, not aid, providing stable income to help them plan. Fairtrade only certifies small scale farmer organisations for products such as cocoa, cotton and rice, but does certify plantations with larger numbers of employees for goods such as tea, bananas and flowers. The standards required for larger organisations include allowing them freedom of association and collective bargaining, and prevention of discrimination and child labour. The producers decide how the Fairtrade premium is invested. Often this will be in schools, transport, health care and better business equipment and practices. There are over 1.4 million farmers and workers in 1,140 producer organisations within the Fairtrade System across 74 different countries and four continents.

In 2013 Fairtrade sales in the UK were up 14% on the previous year – a great result that proves that we are becoming more aware and that support for Fairtrade is growing. You can now buy Fairtrade brands in a wide variety of outlets, including major supermarkets and coffee shops as well as independent cafes and retailers, so it’s really easy to support Fairtrade. You don’t need to make major changes to your shopping habits, just take a look at the labels and check to see if your usual brand is Fairtrade – if not then see if you can switch to a Fairtrade brand. Don’t forget that Ashby has its own Fairtrade shop – you’ll find Fair2all at 17 Bath Street, Ashby. They stock a wide range of Fairtrade clothing, jewellery, gifts and chocolate. If you’d like to know more about Fairtrade you can find plenty of information either on the Fairtrade Foundation site at www.fairtrade.org.uk or on Fair2all’s own website at fair2all.net.

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

wordsearch

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

seasonal recipes Why not treat the one you love on February 14th with a home-cooked meal!

Perfect for those with a love for something sweet after their main course!

Peppered Rib-Eye Steaks

Serves 2 Ready 20 minin s

YOU WILL NEED

• 3 tbsp red wine

• 150g baby new potatoes • 2 tsp black peppercorns • 2 x 250g rib eye steaks, trimmed of excess fat • 2 tsp olive oil • 3 tbsp redcurrant jelly

• 1 tsp cornflour blended with 1tbsp cold water • 15g butter • 2 tsp fresh chopped parsley • Steamed baby carrots, mange tout and peas, to serve

Valentine Heart Biscuits YOU WILL NEED • 170g Ground Almonds or Hazelnuts • 170g Plain flour • 1/2 tsp cinnamon • 1/4 tsp salt • 100g caster sugar • 1 medium egg

• 115g butter (at room temperature) • 1 tsp vanilla extract • Raspberry or strawberry jam • Icing sugar for dusting • Heart-shaped cookiecutters in two sizes; one small, one larger.

GET STARTED

1 Cook the baby new potatoes in a pan of lightly salted water for 10-15 minutes until just tender. 2 Meanwhile, crush the peppercorns coarsely using a pestle and mortar or the end of a rolling pin. Press firmly over both sides of the steaks. Set a griddle pan over a medium heat to preheat. 3 Brush both sides of the steaks with oil. Place the steaks on the hot griddle pan and cook over a high heat for 1 minute on each side until seared. Reduce the heat and continue cooking for a further 2-4 minutes on each side until the steaks are cooked to your liking. Remove the steaks and cover and leave to rest for 2-3 minutes. 4 Place the redcurrant jelly and red wine in a small pan and heat gently until the jelly has completely dissolved. Stir in the cornflour mixture and simmer for a further minute until slightly syrupy.

1 Mix the ground nuts, flour, cinnamon and salt together in a mixing bowl, set aside. 2 Beat the butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg with the vanilla extract. Beat half the egg mixture into the creamed sugar and butter, then beat in the other half. Continue to beat until combined. Add all the dry ingredients and mix gently by hand until all the ingredients have been combined. 3 Divide the dough in half, shape each piece into a disc, place in a polythene bag and chill for 2 hours. 4 Preheat the oven to 190°C/Gas Mark 5 and line two trays with greaseproof paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly flour the work surface and roll out the first piece of dough until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out as many large heart-shapes as the dough can fit. Gather up the scraps with the second disc of dough and continue to roll out the dough and cut out the cookies. Cut out the centres of half the cookies using the smaller heart-shaped cutter.

5 Drain the potatoes, toss with the butter and parsley and season to taste. Transfer the steaks to warmed plates and spoon over the sauce. Serve with the potatoes and steamed vegetables. TOP TIP Sirloin, fillet or rump steak can be used in place of the rib eye. Make sure both steaks are an even thickness and always bring the steaks to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.

Makes 24 Ready in 45 min s + chilli ng

5 Transfer the cookies to the baking sheets and bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the cookies are golden, dry, and firm to the touch. These cookies don't spread so don't have to be spaced out too far apart. Remove from the oven and allow to cool while the second batch is baking. 6 Heat up some jam on the stove top until it is warm. Spread half to one teaspoon of jam on each cookie and place a cookie with a cut-out centre on top. Lightly dust with icing sugar before serving. If you don't want the jam to be sprinkled with icing sugar, you can dust the cookietoppers with the cut-out centres first, then place them on top of the jammy bases before serving.

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

fitness tips There are a few reasons why you may not be getting results from your current training plan. I’ll take 3 of the ones that I feel would make the most impact in a short space of time.

with Simon Pellecchia of Fitness Republic

www.fitnessrepublic.co.uk

Why am I not getting results? You have been doing the same workout for too long! For the body to change it needs progression. If you have been performing the same exercises, same sets/reps every time you work out then the body soon comes accustomed to this and will stop responding. You need to change exercises regularly, increase weights, change sets/reps/times to keep the body responding. Ask your gym instructors to regularly change your programme or have various programmes to follow and mix it up. You are training hard but your diet is not good. You may have heard the term ‘you can’t out train a bad diet. Well, diet is incredibly important in changing the way you look. Small changes in your eating plan can make a massive difference. It doesn’t have to be complicated, and simply put, it’s making sure that your diet is high in protein, low in refined carbohydrates (found in lots of processed foods) and that you are adding some really healthy fats, like almond nuts, olive oil and fatty fish. You’re are not doing the right exercise plan for your goals. It’s really important, if you are to succeed in an exercise plan that you give yourself a few goals and targets. These could be as simple as to lower your body fat, or to improve your fitness level, or to tone up your lower body. Next you need to perform the right kind of exercises that will achieve this result. A really good example of this is that females who want to lose body fat should be regularly weight training instead of just doing cardio exercises. Muscle is the best fat burner there is! If you need any help or advice on your workouts or diet or would like a 5 minute body composition test email me at simon@ fitnessrepublic.co.uk or pop in and see me at the club. My advice is always free and I’ll do my very best to help you. Remember, it takes 4 weeks for you to see your body changing and 8 weeks for your friends/family to notice! So keep going!

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

in your garden RHS Show Garden Medalist, Francesca Sinclair, looks at how to make the most of your garden and garden jobs for this time of year. Francesca offers a full garden design service - find out more at www.francescasinclair.co.uk

Roses

meanings with red roses usually symbolising love and passion (hence their popularity for Valentine’s Day), while white roses are said to stand for purity and yellow for joy and friendship.

THE BEAUTIFUL ROSE is steeped in history and has been a symbol of love, beauty, war and politics. Very early fossil evidence suggests that this plant has been around for 35 million years. The cultivation of roses started 5,000 years ago in China and there are 150 species of rose and thousands of cultivars spread all over the world.

As well as giving a beautiful display in the garden and making lovely cut flowers roses have many other uses. Rose petals are used as confetti at celebrations, as well as for perfumes and for medicinal purposes. The rose hip on some of the species can be made into jam, jelly or syrup - or even brewed for tea. Rosehip Syrup is a good source of vitamin C and tastes lovely too! Syrup is also sometimes made from rose petals for use in cookery. Rosehip oil is also used in skin and beauty products. As a symbol of love the rose is widely recognised. In Greek mythology, Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, is said to have created the rose from her tears and the blood of her lover Adonis. The Romans, turning Aphrodite into their goddess Venus, also adopted the rose: it became the symbol of love and beauty. Different coloured roses are said to have different

Photo courtesy of Gillian Day

Here in the UK, during the 15th century, the white rose was taken as the symbol of the House of York and the red rose was adopted by the House of Lancaster – this led to the fight to control England being known as the War of the

Roses. In the 18th century cultivated roses were introduced to Europe and varieties were later created that would be hardy, repeat flowering and scented. It was a French breeder in 1867 called Guillot who introduced the first hybrid tea rose, ‘La France’, which was the beginning of modern roses. In the garden these perennial shrubs and climbers work well in a border with other shrubs or herbaceous plants and can be used as hedging or for climbing along walls over arches and pergolas. Roses are of course popular as a cut flower and commercially they are harvested and cut when in bud and held refrigerated until they need to be ready for sale. February is an excellent time both for availability of roses and to plant them. Most garden centres will have a very good choice at this time of year. Choose ones that you like because of the colour or name perhaps - although the ones which are perfumed, disease resistant and offer repeat flowering are sure to delight you. Happy gardening!

Francesca Email info@francescasinclair.co.uk

JOBS FOR FEBRUARY: 1 Prune climbers and evergreen hedges, 2 Prepare vegetable seed beds, 3 Prune winter flowering shrubs that have finished, flowering, 4 Chit potato tubers, 5 Divide snow drops and 6 Cut back herbaceous grasses.

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

young ashby

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

this month Sarah Davey’s

Flipping Pancakes! SHROVE TUESDAY (or Pancake Day as it’s also known) is on Tuesday 17th February this year. Over the years I’ve tried my pancakes with fruit, maple syrup, and a variety of savoury fillings, but I keep coming back to fresh lemon juice and sugar... just irresistible. Here is my own recipe for 10-12 perfect pancakes... 1 To make the batter: Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl and make a well in the centre. Beat in the egg and a little of the milk until smooth. Gradually beat in the remaining milk and add 4 tablespoons of the melted butter. Cover the bowl and leave to stand for one hour. 2 In a small non-stick frying pan heat some of the butter until sizzling, but taking care not to let it burn. Pour enough batter into the pan to coat the base evenly. Cook over a moderate heat until the pancake is light golden brown underneath and looks dry on top. Flip over (try to do this with style!) and cook the other side until golden. Continue until all the batter is used.

You will need... • 115g plain flour • Pinch of salt • 1 large free range egg • Half a pint of milk • 115g butter, melted

3 You can keep the pancakes warm in a low oven until they are all cooked, but in our house they’re barely out the frying pan before they’re scoffed.

• Juice from 2 lemons, strained

4 Serve with the lemon juice and a sprinkling of caster sugar... Enjoy!

• Caster sugar

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

puzzle page Not occupied (6) Musical dramas (6) Vehicle for hire (4) Opposite (8) Not as dark (7) Old coin (5) Regularly (5) Culinary herb (7) Very cold (8) Relax (4) Large fight (6) Hinder (6)

DOWN

1 2 3 4 5 6 12 14 16 18 19 22

Mother (4) Disappear (6) Piled up (7) Connects (5) Closer to (6) Railway coach (8) Casual (8) Haggle (7) Votes for (6) Scratch (6) Repairs (5) Fizzy drink (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD

Solutions on page 108

ACROSS

7 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 20 21 23 24

SUDOKU 78

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 108.

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

chess puzzle

CHESS PUZZLE WHITE TO MOVE: We had a visitor at the chess club last week – Mr Wang from China, working on a short assignment in Ashby. His hobby – chess, but nobody knew how good he was. Here Mr Wang, with white, is playing Tom. I thought “Surely Mr Wang is a gonna? Black threatens checkmate on c2 with the queen, and as well as that Tom is a piece up.” However Mr Wang looked relaxed as he studied this position for his next move. Then Mr Wang lifted his hand, picked up a piece, and played a crunching move! Tom resigned straight away. Can you also find the move?

Our new chess puzzle comes courtesy of local resident Richard Vann, the solution can be found on page 108 - should you need it!

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

venture theatre news Our production this month will be ‘The 39 Steps’, but it may not be exactly what you expect! We asked the Director of the play, Jim Joyce, to tell us more.

The 39 Steps “I received a regular newsletter from French’s Bookstore, who controls the royalties for most of the plays performed in the UK. The headline was “Good News – The 39 Steps now available for amateurs”. I thought at first it was referring to the classic spy thriller by John Buchan but, I read a little further and found it was a comedy version of that great story. Not only that but it was still running in the West End and was the longest running comedy on Broadway. I was also intrigued by the description: “Packed with non-stop laughs, over 150 zany characters (played by a ridiculously talented cast of 4), an on-stage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers and some good old fashioned romance.” Thinking this warranted further investigation, I sent for a script, read it, and found it quite simply one of the funniest plays I have ever read. Immediately I wanted to direct it

Photographs produc ed by Pudding Bag Productions for AVT ’s production of The

39 Steps.

and give Ashby theatre-goers the chance to enjoy this amazing play. It is performed without the usual confines of three fixed walls. Instead, the audience sees an open stage with cleverly constructed props such as an airplane, a car and a train not to mention the Forth rail bridge! The play is a real challenge both for the cast and the set builders but we have come up with some innovative ideas that should add to the audience enjoyment and, we are fortunate enough to have the ‘ridiculously talented cast’ that the play requires.” So how will Jim achieve all these amazing things on stage? There are some surprises in store, but to find out exactly what they are you will have to come and see the play. It runs from Thursday 26th February to Saturday 28th February and Wednesday 4th March to Saturday 7th March. Tickets, as usual, are available from Ashby Tourist Information Centre.

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

in your home

Creating a romantic style WHO wouldn’t fall in love with romantic style? Feminine, delicate and oh-so pretty, this is a timeless look that will work in all styles of home, from a bijou city apartment to a grand country pile, says Katherine Sorrell. Make your home a haven from everyday worries with a romantic decorating style that takes you worlds away from the busy bustle of modern life. It’s a look that is eternally charming and appealing, pretty as a picture, soft and dreamy and completely irresistible. The first ingredient? Sumptuous fabrics, of course. Think lacey trims around the edges of pillowcases, napkins or cushions, or even entire panels (especially vintage or antique) hung across a window or thrown over a bed. Gorgeous. Sheers are also perfect for this look. Employ organza, chiffon, tulle, georgette and voile in opulent swathes and gathers, and layer them with crisp cottons and linens for interest and appeal. Since how things feel is just as important as how they look, add some deliciously soft and tactile fabrics such as angora, mohair or cashmere, or perhaps warm and snuggly wool or felt. Choose floral patterns that look as if they’re worn or faded (definitely not digitally printed or modern in style) – you just can’t beat classics such as roses, hydrangeas, peonies and the like,

especially when they’re handdrawn or block-printed. Decorative details are important too: embroidery, borders, ruffles and scalloped edgings will enhance even the plainest of fabrics, and since a little goes a long way there is no need to break the bank to achieve the desired effect. As for furniture, opt for simple, country-style or shabby chic furnishings in natural pine or else painted in pale and pretty colours. You may wish to go to town in the bedroom with a canopied or halftester bed (if you’re on a budget, simply hang generous amounts of hemmed, sheer fabric from a hoop above the bed for a similar effect), combined with blissfully beautiful bed linen: perhaps crisp white cotton edged with drawn threadwork and topped with a vintage chintzy eiderdown or satin quilt. In the living room, opt for a plump and (of course) comfortable sofa, chaise longue or armchair in a traditional style, piled with cushions and bolsters trimmed with lace, embroidery or buttons, while in the kitchen an old-fashioned dresser is just the thing, piled with vintage patterned crockery. No romantic home would be complete without atmospheric lighting, which is best achieved by combining a variety of light sources – a central chandelier perhaps,

together with a selection of wall and table lights, the latter small and graceful rather than large and imposing. Don’t forget that twinkly fairy lights and a selection of candles or tea lights (preferably scented) will really add atmosphere to your home. And speaking of finishing touches, choose surface finishes that are shiny and reflective, from mirror to pearl, polished metal to glazed ceramics. Accessorise with fine china teacups and cake stands, delicately etched glassware and bone-handled cutlery. One or two heart-shaped pieces add to the effect – as will a scattering of small ornaments, from birds and animals to female figures. Last, but definitely not least, add flowers everywhere possible, in vases and milk bottles, jam jars and other informal containers. Roses or ranunculas, alliums or asters – informal arrangements of oldfashioned blooms with a lovely scent will be sure to bring romance to any home.

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

what’s on... February into March 3rd February Ashby Royal British Legion – Meet on the first Tuesday of the month at Ivanhoe Social Club, 1 Wilfred Place, Ashby LE65 2GW at 7pm. Visitors welcome. For more information call 01530 417 747 or email ashby. royalbritishlegion@gmail.com. Blackfordby WI – A talk on the ‘A to Z of Swadlincote’. Blackfordby Village Hall, 7pm. Visitors welcome. For more information contact Gill Massey 01238 212 380. Well Families Clinic – Drop in session at Moira Village Hall, Ashby Road, Moira from 2pm till 6pm. You can get your posture, cholesterol or blood pressure check done. There will be advice on how to quit smoking, exercise advice and fun exercise challenges with prizes. Free fruit juice and snacks plus games and activities for children. Free pedometer for everyone who attends. For more details contact Julie Summerton on 01530 454 541 or email julie summerton@nwldc.gov.uk.

5th February Ashby Castle WI – ‘Poetry for You’ with speaker Norman Harrington. If you are interested in joining their monthly meeting, please go to the Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street at 2pm. There is a small fee for visitors. For more information call Lesley on 01530 455 957.

6th February ’What we did on our holiday’ (12A) – A dysfunctional family travels to the Scottish Highlands for a 75th birthday party. A delightful comedy starring David Tennant, Rosamund Pike and Billy Connolly. Century Theatre at Snibston, starts 7.30pm. Admission £3.50, pay on the door. Call 01530 278 444. Charity Music Night – A night packed full of musical treats, kindly hosted by Ashby School. Featuring Ashby School Big Band, local singing sensation Jade Lamey and Concordia. Licensed bar and a raffle on

the night. Ashby Sixth Form Centre at 7.30pm. Tickets £10, available from Hospice Hope on 07976 268 339 or Toxic Cherry, 49 Market Street, Ashby.

Ashby Wine Circle – Mexican evening, members to bring their own favourite dish. Meeting at 7.30pm held at Brown Court, Atkinson Road, Westfields, Ashby, LE65 2LZ.

7th February

15th February

Chris Pearce's ‘Frenchmen Street Jazz Band’ – Venture Theatre Jazz Club. Tickets £10 available from the Ashby TIC, call 01530 411 767.

Tom McConville and The Free Range String band – Centre Stage presents this high energy show which includes songs, tunes and some amazing clog step dancing with material ranging from dustbowl ballads to bluegrass, old time and fast moving Celtic music brought to you by four highly accomplished performers. At 8pm, Thringstone House Community Centre, tickets £9 adult and £7 children. For more details call 01530 222 337 or email thringstonehouse @btconnect.com. Suitable for all ages.

9th February Ashby History Society – Dr Cawood talks on ‘The Landmark Trust’s 50th Birthday.’ 7.30pm at Ashby Methodist Church, Burton Road, Ashby. Visitors welcome, for more information call 01530 415 654.

10th February Ashby Civic Society – Melanie Wilson of the Leicestershire Heritage Apple project will explain it’s work and answer questions about apple cultivation. For more details call Suzanne on 01530 415 654. At 8pm, Legion House, 27a South Street, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1BQ. Visitors welcome £3, see ashby delazouchcivicsociety.webs.com. Ashby Writers’ Club – ‘Falling in love’, love Poetry (a pre-Valentine’s Day special) with speaker Helen Johnson. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, unless specified. 7.30pm till 9.30pm at Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby, LE65 2FQ. Visitors are welcome at a nominal fee of £4 per speaker meeting, £3 per comp/ manuscript meeting (includes tea or coffee).

11th February Ashby Ivanhoe Travel Club – ‘Europe Travels’. A talk by Martyn Fisher in Pithiviers Room, Ivanhoe College, Ashby at 7.30pm prompt. All are welcome for any or all of the meetings. No joining fee or subscription, just £1.50 per talk. For further information contact Julie Nelson on 01530 588 197 or by email to juliesportsfan@yahoo.co.uk.

15th February ‘Pillow Talk’ (PG) - A Silver Screenings presentation of the classic romantic comedy starring Rock Hudson and Doris Day, plus Pathé newsreels and usherettes. Century Theatre at Snibston, starts 2pm, tickets £5 adults, £4 groups (10+), £3.50 child. Book online at www.centurytheatre. co.uk or call 01530 278 444.

18th February Ashby Spa WI – Cupcake decorating with Claire Mayles. Manor House School, South Street at 7.30pm. Please note that you do not have to be a WI member to attend; you are welcome to join them as a visitor for three sessions per year at a cost of £3 a session.

20th February LRWT North West Group – Martin Vaughan takes you on a journey showing how he learned about wildlife photography at a variety of brownfield sites in NW Leics. Ashby Methodist Chapel, Burton Road, Ashby, 7.30pm. Entry £2. For more details please call David Maltby on 01530 222 934 or Jim Footitt on 01530 262 389.

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

continued on p88

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

what’s on... February into March 21st February Ashby Farmers Market – 9am to 2pm at Manor House School, South Street. Bringing you the finest foods from the region and specialist stalls. Free parking.

22nd February Market Bosworth Farmers Market – Every fourth Sunday of the month from 9am to 2.30pm at Market Square, Market Bosworth CV13 0LJ. Bringing you the finest foods from the region and specialist stalls.

24th February ‘Behind the scenes of Birmingham Airport’ – Gary Root continues his talk on what happens behind the scenes at Birmingham airport. Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby, 2pm. Ashby U3A, all welcome. Visitors £1.

Ashby Writers’ Club – Annual General Meeting. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, unless specified. 7.30pm till 9.30pm at Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby, LE65 2FQ. Visitors are welcome at a nominal fee of £4 per speaker meeting, £3 per comp/ manuscript meeting (includes tea or coffee). 25th February Ashby Ivanhoe Travel Club – ‘National Parks in USA, Glacier, Grand Teton and Yellowstone’. A talk by Mr C Hobday. Pithiviers' Room, Ivanhoe College, Ashby at 7.30pm prompt. All are welcome for any or all of their meetings. No joining fee or subscription, just £1.50 per talk. For further information contact Julie Nelson on 01530 588 197 or by email to juliesportsfan@yahoo.co.uk. ‘Cabaret’ (15) - This is the classic, 8 Oscar winning, musical version of writer Christopher Isherwood’s Berlin memoirs. There will be a live jazz band playing as you arrive and during the interval. Ashby film nights, The Lyric Rooms, Ashby, LE65 1AB. Film

starts at 7.30 pm, doors and bar opens at 7pm, tickets £5 available on the door. See ashbyfilmnights. wordpress.com.

North Street, Ashby. Tickets available from Ashby TIC call 01530 411 767.

26th to 28th February ‘The 39 Steps’ – A comedy, adapted

tragic tale of love and revenge in the Imperial Chinese Court, originally written in the 13th Century. The Autumn of Han is visually stunning, sharply written and, above all a great story. At 7.30pm, St Peter’s Parish Hall, Market Bosworth. See www. reddragonflyproductions.co.uk for further details. Age 12+.

from the novel of John Buchan, by Patrick Barlow. Venture Theatre, North Street, Ashby. Tickets available from Ashby TIC call 01530 411 767.

27th February ‘Mr Turner’ (12A) - Director Mike Leigh's latest film, with an outstanding performance by Timothy Spall as the great British painter. Century Theatre at Snibston, starts 7.30pm. Admission £3.50, pay on the door, or call 01530 278 444.

28th February An Evening with Henry VIII Performance historian, John White portrays our most colourful monarch in the later years of his life. Century Theatre at Snibston, starts 7.30pm. Tickets £7 advance, £9 on the door. Book online at www.century theatre.co.uk or call 01530 278 444.

Ballroom and Sequence Dancing Blackfordby Village Hall, from 8pm to 11pm. Admission £3, raffle, bar, refreshments. For more details call 01283 213 481 or 01283 819 447. 3rd March Blackfordby WI – ‘Bare Essentials’. At Blackfordby Village Hall, 7pm, visitors welcome. For more information contact Gill Massey 01238 212 380.

Ashby Royal British Legion – Meet on the first Tuesday of the month at Ivanhoe Social Club, 1, Wilfred Place, Ashby LE65 2GW at 7pm. Visitors welcome, for more information call 01530 417747 or email ashby.royal britishlegion@gmail.com. 4th to 7th March ‘The 39 Steps’ – A comedy, adapted from the novel of John Buchan, by Patrick Barlow. Venture Theatre,

7th March ‘The Autumn of Han’ - This is a

9th March Ashby Canal Association - Roger and Teresa Fuller plus Glyn and Rosemary Phillips present a talk, illustrated by video and slides. They will be sharing their experiences of touring the UK canals in 2014 with a historic pair of working coal boats loaded with Measham coal, promoting the restoration of the Ashby Canal, and recreating long-forgotten boating techniques. At 7.30pm Donisthorpe Woodlands Centre (DM's), Church Street, Donisthorpe, DE12 7VP. Admission free, all welcome. For further details call 01455 614 816.

Did you know it’s FREE to put community info on this page? Email the details and contact number to admin@ashbylife. co.uk. Deadline for submissions for the Community Board or What’s On pages of the March 2015 issue is Friday 13th February. Information is published subject to space being available. Ashby Life cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions or endorse companies, products or services appearing in the magazine.

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

back chat

Injury Prevention by Sarah Kavanagh, Ashby Osteopathic Clinic www.ashbyosteopath.com

HAPPY New Year and welcome back to my first column of 2015. It is at this time of year that a lot of us decide to put the overindulgence of Christmas behind us and we start to think about getting fit for the New Year. It is no surprise that gyms see a record uptake of memberships at this time. However, today I am going to focus on running, a sport which has become an increasingly popular choice of exercise for the following reasons: • It is free to take part (other than a good pair of well-fitting running shoes) • It doesn't take much time out of the day • It is a quick way to get fit and shed pounds. However running is a high impact, repetitive exercise and therefore it carries with it a risk of injury. REDUCING THE RISK OF INJURY IN RUNNING Start slowly Start slowly and gradually build up your mileage. It sounds obvious, but a lot of people increase their distance too quickly. Your joints take longer to adjust to the stress of running, much longer than your cardiovascular system. So although you may feel fit enough to run further, your joints may not be ready. Try and go for a bike ride or a swim in the interim. Reduce impact Invest in a good pair of well-fitting running trainers. Many sports shops have gait analysis to help you select the correct pair. Aim to change your running trainers every 400 miles. Try not to do too much downhill running as this puts a lot of impact on your joints. Instead, stick to flatter, softer surfaces. Carrying too much excess weight can also affect your joints, so try to achieve a more ideal weight before you commence training. Rest between sessions Give your body time to recover between runs. Make sure you are eating and sleeping well and avoid training to the point where you are completely fatigued. TRAINING TIPS FOR INJURY PREVENTION – this advice isn't just for runners! Warm up All cardio exercise should begin easy and the intensity should gradually increase. When running either start out by walking briskly or running at a slower pace for the first 4 to 5 minutes of your workout. Cool down At the end of the run, don't just stop. Spend 4 to 5 minutes walking, allowing your heart rate to gradually decrease. Stretch Exercise shortens muscles. We need to elongate this muscle again after exercise to maintain normal joint range of motion. Stretching should include all of the muscle groups. Each stretch should be held for approximately 20 seconds. Hold the stretch at the point of tension and do not bounce when stretching. Following running it can be normal to feel some generalised muscle soreness or joint discomfort in the 24 hours immediately after a run. However, if this continues beyond this point then you should rest. Similarly you may feel a bit stiff in the first five minutes of a run, but if this does not wear off or gets worse then you should stop running, as you may be risking injury. For more information on the clinic, to discuss a particular case, or to book an appointment please call Sarah Kavanagh or Tristan Hill on 01530 440 442 or you can email contact@ashbyosteopath.com. Feel free to visit our website at www.ashbyosteopath.com

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

ashby library news

ou can always expect a warm welcome at Ashby Library. Join for free to use the computers and borrow books, DVDs and talking books. We also do 1-2-1 iPad and computer taster sessions. Come and chat to us and we will be happy to help you or call us on 0116 305 5917.

JUST FOR FEBRUARY • ‘Frozen’ Half Term Extravaganza Monday 16th Feb, 2.30pm to 4pm, £2 per child. Join us for stories, crafts and singing based on the film ‘Frozen’. Come and show off your best ‘Frozen’ outfit if you would like to. Please book in advance on 0116 305 5917. FOR FAMILIES • ‘Wriggly Readers’ and ‘Story and Rhymetime’ for children aged 0 to 5 years and their parents and carers. Join us for stories and songs every Friday morning 10.30am to 11am. • After Wriggly Readers, fortnightly 11am to noon, come along to ‘Bumps & Babies’, a meeting place for new and expectant mums: free advice and information sessions run by the National Childbirth Trust. • ‘Tiny Talk’ baby signing classes take place every Thursday 9.30am to 10.30am and another session 11am to noon.

HOBBIES • ‘The friendly ‘Knit and Stitch’ group meets every Monday 2pm to 4pm. Bring your project and come for a chat. • Computer Confidence Course Improve your skills. This 5 week course starts on Wednesday 25th Feb, 9.30am to 11.30am. Contact Go Learn on 0800 988 0308 for more information. MUSIC • The unusual and popular Ukulele playing group meets every Wednesday 9.30am to 11.30am. £5 per session. Contact Joanna Stevenson on 07415 798134. • Zouch Acoustic and Folk Club meets 8pm every third Thursday of the month. Contact Brian Langtry 01530 416251. HEALTH & FITNESS • Come and practice Hatha Yoga every Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm. Call British Wheel of Yoga qualified instructor Lorna Kirk for details on 01530 416 135.

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

a walk in the forest

Harpur’s Crossing & Staunton Harold This walk starts from Staunton Harold taking in farmland, an old tramway and finally Dimminsdale Nature Reserve with its beautiful display of snowdrops. It takes around an hour and you are likely to encounter a good deal of mud along the first stretch in particular so you’ll need appropriate footwear. Those who prefer a shorter, cleaner walk could start the walk by going straight back down the drive from Staunton Harold and turning right when you meet the road - after a short distance you’ll arrive at the squeeze stile on your right which leads down through the woodland to Dimminsdale (4 in the text).

Leave Ashby via Smisby Road, keeping straight on over the bypass roundabout to follow the B5006 towards Ticknall. Take the second turning on the right towards Calke and Staunton Harold. Proceed for about a mile until you come to the driveway to the Staunton Harold estate. Turn right up the driveway, bearing right after the second cattle grid to reach a large car park on your left. Please note there is a charge for parking on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Set out by crossing over the driveway to go through the wooden gate beside the sign for Bignalls Wood. Follow the path towards a second gate ahead of you but before reaching it turn right so that you are going down the edge of the field with the hedgerow on your left although there is no footpath marker here you will soon pick up the yellow marker posts ahead of you. Continue along the fields going through a series of gates (1) with the path twisting slightly in places so the hedgerow swaps from your left to your right and back again. After crossing the final field a metal swing gate will lead you out onto a private road. Turn right down this lane for a short distance until you see a green public footpath sign leading off to the left. Take this path, going over a small footbridge and stepping down into the field. Follow the path over the fields, crossing a series of stiles at each field boundary. Shortly after crossing the third stile (noticeable for its National Trust arrows) turn right – don’t be put off by the fact that the arrows on the stile only indicate paths in the other two directions, as soon as you go over the brow of the hill you will see a stile below you (2) which leads out onto the roadside. Cross straight over the road to the junction opposite and turn right onto a wide green path running through the trees the route of one of the old tramways in the area (3). Follow this path which runs parallel to the road, taking you back towards Staunton Harold and then bearing around to the left, running very close to the road at this point. A short distance further on you will see firstly a fenced path leading back from the tramway down to the road and then a few yards further on a squeeze type stile on your right – you need to leave the tramway here, cross straight over the road, and go through a matching stile on the other side (4). You will now be on a pretty woodland path with a small stream running off to your right hand side. The path follows the route of the stream down to enter Dimminsdale Nature Reserve. On entering Dimminsdale turn left and follow the circular path around the reserve in a clockwise direction going through the woods at the bottom of the reserve before bearing right to cross 2 wooden bridges (5) beside the main pool. The path now goes steeply uphill, curving around to the right. At the top of the hill start to look out for the snowdrops (6) which should be in full display by February – the first couple of buds could already be seen in a sheltered spot when I went at the end of December. As soon as the path turns back downhill leave it, following a marker post on your left which bears both a National Trust arrow and a sign for the National Forest Way. This path leads between the trees and across the hillside to reach the open area by the driveway up to Staunton Harold. Keep to the left and then turn left to walk up alongside the driveway. Go through the wooden gate beside the cattle grid and then bear around to the right to return to the car park.

All walks are checked shortly before publication but please be aware that paths may change over time and with the seasons.

100

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

101

102

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

103

www.ashbychurch.co.uk

LOVE is all

AROUND T

he shops are currently dominated by cards and gifts for Valentine’s Day, encouraging us to send tokens of love and affection to those closest to us. Whilst we all usually appreciate receiving such cards and gifts, surely showing our care for others should be an all-year-round thing? There are many different kinds of love and affection that we show to different people in our lives. The love we have for a partner is very different to the love we have for our children, although no less committed or consuming. The love we have for our parents or siblings is different to the care and commitment to close friends. Some people we love from birth, some we learn to love, some we find we love unexpectedly, some unfortunately we just love to hate!

104

Editorial by Ashby Christadelphian Church, Union Passage, Ashby

www.ashbychurch.co.uk

In the scriptures Jesus told us that the greatest commandment of all is “to love your neighbour as yourself”; a tall order indeed. Whilst the vast majority of the population show great care, love and affection for those they know and trust, how much do we really care for others around us? Jesus showed care and concern for all he came across, despite often being exhausted and hungry. He had a huge sense of responsibility for those around him, putting their needs before his own. We also need to try and show that same love and care for our fellow human beings. The small things we do can be so important to others; saying hello to the neighbour who is alone, showing courtesy and consideration for others, trying to see things from another’s point of view. Perhaps that needs to be our challenge over the coming days and weeks, however small the gesture, to see what we can do for others to show we care. Useful passages to look up: Mark 12: 30-31.

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

105

pets corner

Puppy Love LET’S face it, puppies are little bundles of gorgeousness and when choosing one it’s easy to get carried away, but don’t! It is important to think very carefully about whether that puppy (or indeed any puppy) is a good choice. But let’s assume for now that you’ve decided you really do have room in your life for a dog. The first step is to research which breed or type of dog suits your circumstances, and also the dog’s size and nature. Have you got room for a puppy that will grow into a large dog? How much time do you have to exercise a dog? Do you have children, or any other pets that it must be compatible with? In addition to the purchase cost, what ongoing costs must you consider e.g. food and vet bills; a large dog will eat much more than a small one, and some breeds are prone to medical problems which may be expensive to treat. Consider the dogs coat if shedding hair might be an issue. Would a dog or a bitch be a better choice? Male dogs can be more dominant and headstrong; with females, you will need to consider how you will cope when she comes into season. Terriers are lively dogs that need lots of exercise for their size and can be tricky to train. Some breeds of dog can be particularly prone to becoming snappy if they are anxious, which they may be around boisterous children. Most dogs appreciate plenty of exercise, and breeds that have a working history need plenty of mental stimulation too so that they don’t get in to mischief. Border Collies, for instance, may become stressed if they are not active or given sufficient attention. Labradors can be boisterous when young but usually respond well to training and settle well into a family situation. If you choose a pedigree dog, you should know exactly how large your puppy will grow and what it will look like. You should buy from a caring breeder who can give you lots of information and allow you to meet the parents. As I mentioned earlier, some breeds have potential

106

inherited diseases or known health issues in later life, so make sure you research the breed and then ask the breeder if the parents have been screened for inherited conditions to help avoid hefty vet bills and potential heart ache later on. Crossbreeds can be cheaper to buy; they can even be free, but if you can’t see both parents you may get a surprise when it grows much larger than you expected. There are currently some very fashionable cross breeds such as the Labradoodle - a Labrador/poodle cross, or a Cockerpoo – a cocker spaniel/poodle cross. These will combine the features of each breed but there is no guarantee which of the features this will be. While a poodle does not shed its coat this feature is only passed on to some puppies in the crosses, not all of them so do bear this in mind if allergies are an issue. Also remember that with dogs that don’t shed you may have the extra expense of having them trimmed regularly at the groomers. Look for a lively, alert puppy in good health when choosing. To give your puppy a good start in its new home, try not to have too many people around when it arrives. Be relaxed and allow your puppy to sniff around. Ask the breeder what food it has been used to eating and offer the same to begin with. If you want to move to a different brand it is better to do this gradually after the puppy has settled in. Try to establish a routine. Make sure that you register with a veterinary surgeon and that your puppy has the recommended vaccinations to protect it from common illnesses plus regular treatment for fleas and worms. You should also ensure that the puppy is micro chipped. Finally, don’t forget to book your puppy in for training classes and you should be able to look forward to your dog being a happy, loving companion for many years. For more information on choosing a puppy, training issues and more take a look at www.cadelac.co.uk.

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

107

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS - CROSSWORD - SUDOKU - CODEWORD & MORE... WORD LADDER Dent, bent, belt, bolt, holt, hole.

WORD WHEEL TARGETS & ANSWER Excellent: 60+ words, Good: 48, Fair: 40. ANSWER: Distorted.

CHESS PUZZLE ANSWER 1 Nb3-d4. If the black queen moves, then 2 Nd4-e6+ is winning.

FUN QUIZ 1. Spam 2. Red 3. Gangnam Style 4. Archie (named after the word ‘archive’) 5. Facebook 6. Away from keyboard 7. Tim Berners-Lee 8. A cookie 9. Lastminute.com 10. A google search on two valid words that results in just one result. WORDSEARCH HIDDEN PHRASE “Astrologers that future fates foreshow.” Alexander Pope

108

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

109

business directory Accountants & Payroll Ashby Payroll Bureau 64 Baldwins 95 Haines Watts 9 & 111 JAWS Accountancy Services Ltd 53 Aerials & Satellite AB Aerials & Satellites 53 Architects DCI Architecture 32 Arts, Crafts, Gifts, Jewellery, Toys Mick Lakin Picture Framer 21 Souk de la Zouch 8 Builders Keith Armston Building Contractors 59 Business Services Eternal Rainbow 99 Carpenters & Joiners Derek Verey 25 S S Joinery 75 Carpets & Interiors Agadon 3 Ashby Carpets 5 Ashby Stoves 48 Boundary Carpets and Floorings 93 Coalville Furniture Superstore 61 Fairweathers Carpets 87 Roger James Furnishers 51 The Bed Shop 83 The Wooden Spoon 77 Toons 76 Wendy's Courtyard Interiors 40 Children’s Services/Nurseries Fostering 19 Cleaning, Ironing, Laundry Services Breedon Carpet Care 40 Deanclean 8 Extreme Clean 60 Karen’s Ovengleam 44 NJR Pure Clean 23 Roughly Refined 98 Safeclean 12 Spotless Cleaning 51 The Bee’s Knees 94 Toni's Ironing Angels 93 Clothing Brides of Ibstock 48 The Shoe Box 29 Country Stores/ General Stores Ivanhoe Countrystore 101 Domestic Appliances Contracool 91 Contract & Domestic Services 98 Ray Pittam Engineers 77 Driving Schools Bardon School of Motoring 60 RDT School of Motoring 40 Electricians A & J Bartlett Ltd 26 Bright Sparks 47 Burton Alarm Systems 68 D & B Electrical 102 Estate Agents John German 105 Events/Event Services Ashbeian Musical Theatre Group 79 Ivanhoe Way Challenge 44

110

Financial Services Bleathwood Ian Goodship, IFA Florist Indigo Acre Flowers Food & Groceries Ashby Farmers Market Conibears Kitchen I Love Crepes Smithards Bakery Funeral Services Art Stone Memorials Furniture Repairs & Restoration Ancient & Modern Garden Artisan of Ashby Ltd Charnwood Tree Services Eden Tree Care F G Gardens Francesca Sinclair & Associates GDR Landscapes Green Thumb (Ashby) Roughly Refined Garden Service Stone Drives & Landscapes The Ten Mile Timber Company Hair & Beauty Tip Top Hair Design Trendset Hair Healthcare Ashby Chiropody/Podiatry Clinic Ashby Dental Ashby Osteopathic Clinic Candor Care Ltd Dr Jin Future Minds Juliet Brooke Chiropody Leicestershire Hypnotherapy Nustop Ltd Prestige Nursing ProPhysio Ashby Solely for Feet Traditional Acupuncture IT Services Ashby Web Design Midland IT The PC Clinic UK Bits Kitchens & Bathrooms Ashby Tile & Bathrooms Holmetree Kitchens Kingswood Design & Interiors Phoenix Tiles and Bathrooms Provencale Kitchens Tiles 4 Less Victory Kitchens Locksmiths Hazlewood Locksmiths The Lockie Motor Services A D Car Cosmetics Castle Garage (Ashby) Ltd Chips Away Music, Dance & Drama Ashby School of Music Charlotte Anne Polland

31 36 97 59 23 43 35 94 32 52 65 89 77 16 40 71 33 16 58 27 41 47 59 93 45 73 47 65 107 60 8 13 21 29 64 33 25 36 2 66 21 81 32 81 44 68 10 34 103 24 68 23

Painters & Decorators Ace Decorating 102 Holywell Painting & Decorating 59 John Clark 94 Pet Services Ash Farm Boarding Kennels 91 Woodward Veterinary Practice 53 Places of Worship Ashby Baptist Church 11 Ashby Christadelphian Church 104 Plasterers A C Ellison Plastering & Tiling 98 Matt Charles Plastering Services 16 R & H Plastering 107 TCL Plastering & Property Maint. 11 Plumbers & Gas Services Adrian Dunstan Plumbing & Heating 11 Batemans Plumbing & Heating 28 Burn & Bishop Plumbing & Heating 108 CCA Gas Plumbing 102 D B Plumbing 107 James Pepper Property Solutions 42 S D Hill (Plumbers) 7 Therm Heating 65 Property Repairs & Maintenance Absolute Window Solutions 39 Ashby Glass 69 Ashbyhandyman.co.uk 73 AW Plastering and Building 63 Can’t Get On 98 Cloudy 2 Clear 20 D H Phillips (Flat Roofing) 68 G & D Property Services Ltd 90 Handyman Maintenance 85 James Beckett 15 James Pepper Property Solutions 96 Michael Brooks Home Improvements 36 Roof Tech 94 RSJ Roofing 99 TS Roofing 12 Window Mate 48 Pubs, Restaurants & Take Aways La Spezia Pizzeria 15 Link Measham Cantonese Restaurant 55 The Blue Bell 29 The Vine 49 Wong Kwei 17 Zamani's 56 & 57 Schools and Tuition Kumon Educational Ltd 37 Manor House School 91 Solicitors & Will Writers Crane & Walton 67 Martin Hall 12 Simpson Jones Solicitors 23 Sports & Fitness Breedon Priory Health Club Ltd 112 Fitness Republic 67 Fitsteps 74 Pure Movement Yoga 80 Tony Hough Personal Training 15 & 82

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

111

112

Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk