Ashby Life Jan/Feb 13 by Ashby Life

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this issue 83 Ashby Life Editor Liz Roberts Telephone 01530 417739 Email enquiries Advertising/Accounts info@ashbylife.co.uk Website/What’s On admin@ashbylife.co.uk Web www.ashbylife.co.uk

What’s new in 2013? Welcome to our first edition of 2013, which covers both January and February. Winter can seem to drag a bit at this time of year so we’ve packed in as much as possible to brighten up your days. It’s important to keep warm during the colder months and on pages 54 and 66 you’ll find some advice about keeping warm and ensuring your heating system is working safely, and also on how to deal with snowfall (though as I write this we just seem to get endless rain!). We’ve also brought you a new prize competition – if you think you know the area well, take a peep at page 6 and you could win a £25 cash prize. Plus, I’ve decided to share the secrets of my favourite places for lunch out this year with a new series starting on page 50.

Liz Roberts

Contents

Facebook www.facebook.com/ ashbylife Twitter @AshbyLife Address 16 Moira Road Ashby de la Zouch LE65 2GA

Front Cover Image by Rebecca Soanes 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 40 42 46 50 54 58 60 66 70 74 78 82 86 90 94 100 102

Somewhere in the Forest Book Reviews Ashby Museum News In Your Garden Ashby Health Centre Just 4 Fun Open 4 Business Seasonal Recipes This Month Wordsearch Storytime Your Wellbeing Out to Lunch 46 Spotlight On... Young Ashby Community Board In Your Home A Walk in the Forest It’s Local 74 Puzzle Page On the Beat Money Matters Christadelphian Church What’s On Puzzle Answers Business Directory

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 2013 and deadline for copy is Friday 8th February Please note advertising space is limited, pre-booking is recommended 4

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somewhere in the forest WIN £25 IN OuR NEW PRIZE COMPETITION. Just identify whereabouts in the National Forest our photograph was taken and send the name of the location, or landmark 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 you can enter by email to: competition@ashbylife.co.uk. Don’t forget to include your own name and address! Entries close on Friday 1st February. 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 this box.

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book reviews

Dear Diary...

Imagine 365 blank pages: a brand new year of opportunity stretching before you. 2013 will be full of ‘dear diary’ moments and to kick-start your new year’s resolutions (until February at least) here are some of the best, and most amusing slants on, and windows into other characters’ lives. They’re best when read in secret, by torchlight, and under the covers

Diary of a NoboDy

George Grossmith, Weedon Grossmith

Don’t let the fact that this book was first published in 1892 put you off. It may be a year and a half in the life of a lower-middle class Victorian clerk but there are so many parallels with modern life that you can’t fail to be touched by its humour. Fundamentally flawed by his own overinflated sense of worth and his desire to climb the social ladder, Charles Pooter’s observations, wit and snobbery will have you laughing out loud. It became a sensation after being published in Punch magazine and has been elevated to ‘classic’ status since.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 and ¾ Sue Townsend

The teenage Adrian Mole is unfailingly satirical, tremendously funny and completely loveable. This is one of the most memorable diaries ever and it’s oozing, like a giant zit, with teenage angst. Will he ever discover the delights that lie hidden under Pandora’s Janet Reager slip? Will his mother manage to defrost the turkey under the hot tap in time for Christmas? Children will read this and both look forward to and dread adolescence in equal measures, whilst adults will be able to reminisce over first having a girl in their bedroom. I’d insist the door’s propped open if I were you.

I Capture the Castle Dodie Smith

Cassandra Mortmain’s family is poor. They live in a castle that’s crumbling around them and this is her story, written while she’s sat ‘at the kitchen sink’. So begins the endearing and warming tale of the children, living under the burden of their novelist father’s writer’s block. Cassandra’s journal charts the change and disruption that breaks out when heirs to the family home come to claim it. Read this as a teenager and you will have a life-long friend in the story. Read it as an adult and you will immediately be transported back to the heady throes of first love. Dream-like and highly memorable, it’s a diary to be treasured.

Secret Diary of a Call Girl Belle De Jour It’s a growing problem: graduate unemployment. What do you do when university loans and soaring rent become too much and you need to find a way to make ends meet? Belle hits on a new and rather unorthodox getrich-quick-scheme that fits perfectly in with her London lifestyle. Naturally, it’s not really something you want to tell your mother…so Belle’s diary was first published anonymously. It’s a brand new window on a world that most of us will never experience. It’s jam-packed with insights into clients and boyfriends alike. It’s not for the faint-hearted but if it’s titillation you’re after then there are observations and shock events that will have you laughing your fishnets off.

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ashby museum news

ver wondered where Ashby de la Zouch got its unusual name? Come along to our evening talk on the Zouche family on 6th February and local historian Kenneth Hillier will put you in the picture. Look out too for details of an exciting new project at the Museum which aims to give people greater access to the fascinating objects in our archives and the hidden Manor House - ancestral home stories they have to tell. We will of the Breton family be inviting people from various organisations and community groups, and the general public, to come in and handle chosen objects, talk about and record their stories. Our popular Kids History Club resumes with a session on The Romans on Saturday 6th February but note the new times of 1pm to 4pm. We are delighted that we have gained Sponsors for each month until June. The February Club on The Romans will be sponsored by Ashby’s Butchers and the March Club on Young Historians by T. Pass & Son. We are most grateful to Mark and Martin and to Howard Pass for their generous support. All Sponsors will figure on our website and posters. The Kids’ Club meets every first Saturday in the month from 1pm to 4pm. THE ZOuCHE – THEIR LIVES AND TIMES The story of the Breton family who gave their name to Ashby – they fought for the Plantagenet Kid s History Club Kings in Normandy, Flanders, Gascony and Scotland. Some reached high office in the land. This takes place on Wednesday, 6th February at 7.30pm. Admission £3 – prior booking at the Museum is advisable. FRIENDS OF ASHBY MuSEuM Thank you to everyone who came to share the Christmas coffee morning with us. The festive decorations and jolly atmosphere made for a very happy occasion as well as helping raise funds for the Museum. Our 2013 events begin with a coffee morning on March 6th when Richard Bebbington will tell us all about ‘Being the Mayor’. This is at 10.30 am at the Museum, followed by refreshments; all for £3. 2013 will see us supporting Robert Jones’ outreach stall, with a Tombola, at a number of country shows. So let us have any items you feel would be suitable for our contribution (unwanted Christmas presents for example!). We are also planning a bazaar on 18th September so, again, we are looking for items to sell. To this end there will be boxes at the Museum in which to put your offerings. Thank you for all your support in 2012. We hope you had a very happy Christmas and wish you a peaceful New Year.

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in your garden How you can help...

Who’s awake? THE excitement of Christmas is over, and the decorations which have adorned our homes for the past month are gone. The house always seems so bare and empty in January and not only the inside space as the garden looks pretty bleak too right now. The frozen soil, heavy frosts and possibly snow mean that plants are, quite rightly, still dormant.

The daylight hours may be short, but they are lengthening slowly, and it’s the slight change which causes plants to begin to awaken. Plants use a variety of ways in which to respond to their environmental conditions, and seem much better at it than us humans. How does a plant know

Put up nest boxes and roosting pockets - These provide places for birds to breed and sleep.

when it is time to wake up, when to flower and when to lose their leaves? It’s all to do with a plants circadian clock, which responds and stimulates changes based on the number of light/dark hours in any 24 hour period. This means that as the plant registers the change in daylight hours responses such as flowering or leaf fall can occur. Plants also use other methods too whereby bulbs, for example, need a certain period of cold in order to flower. There is something to watch out for in the garden this month though – our feathered friends! The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place over the weekend of 26th/27th January and anyone can take part. Simply spend an hour recording how many birds and which species visit your garden on either the 26th or 27th of January and submit your results online at www.rspb.org. uk/birdwatch. Not only will the results will be analysed and published on the site but you’ll get the warm glow that comes from knowing you’ve done your

Set up feeding stations - High energy foods like stale cake, biscuits, pastry, pasta and potato are enjoyed by many birds. Raisins and other dried fruit are welcomed by Blackbirds and Thrushes. Most garden centres stock a variety of proprietary bird seed and nuts which appeal across the species but don’t forget to scatter some under hedges for shy birds like Dunnocks and Wrens who prefer to feed on the ground. Make sure fresh water is available - It’s important for drinking and bathing.

bit for bird conservation. Did you know that British gardens occupy twice the area set aside for nature reserves? This means they play a vital role in wildlife conservation. Until next month, enjoy your garden!

Lee Lee Bestall at www.inspiredgardens.net

Jobs to keep you warm in the garden this month: • Prune apple and pear trees • Recycle your Christmas tree or shred it for mulch • Dig over soil in the vegetable garden • Plant new fruit bushes if the ground is not frozen • Continue taking hardwood cuttings of deciduous trees, shrubs and currant bushes

• Buy or order vegetable seeds and seed Lee Bestall potatoes www.inspiredgardens.net • Cut the old leaves from hellebores to reveal their flowers • Plant bare-root roses, trees, shrubs and hedging • Melt or break frozen pond surfaces so fish can breathe

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ashby health centre Latest news... Thank you We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our patients who gave Christmas cards and gifts to the doctors and staff, your support and best wishes are very much appreciated.

Patient Survey Thanks to everyone who has filled in our recent questionnaire both in the surgery and on-line. We are in the process of reviewing all the responses and will be publishing the results in the spring.

Flu reminders We still have flu injections left for those who havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had them yet. Flu is a very nasty illness and so please come and book for one if you are 65 or over or in one of the at-risk groups. (Please ask us if you are not sure what these are but think you may qualify.)

Pneumonia vaccinations Everybody who is entitled to a flu injection, except

carers, are also entitled to a pneumonia vaccination. This is a once a lifetime vaccination and so if you are 65 or over or in one of the at-risk groups please call us to book yours. Please note that if you have Asthma, it is only if it is severe and so please discuss this at your next Asthma review.

Chlamydia Screening We offer free and confidential Chlamydia screening tests for patients in the 15 to 24 age group. If you think you need testing just pop in and do a urine test. The results are sent to you by text or email and if you are positive you can come back to get antibiotics which we keep at the surgery. One dose is all it takes. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really very easy to get rid of this disease but if left unchecked it can have devastating consequences, including making you infertile.

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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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open 4 business HOLME TREE of ASHBY - bespoke kitchens & more...

tarted in 2000, Holme Tree is a well-established bespoke kitchen company based in the heart of Ashby de la Zouch. The company has gone from strength to strength over the past twelve years, aided by the help of recommendations from their loyal customers. Currently situated at 29 Wood Street (LE65 1EL – opposite Kwik Fit) they are due to move and expand in 2013. The new premises will incorporate a 2,000 square foot showroom (twice the size of their existing showroom) which will be purpose built and spread over two floors. Here they will display not only their award winning kitchens, but also beautiful bedrooms, plus home office and bathroom furniture. The new showrooms will be situated at

Unit 3G, Ivanhoe Business Park, off Smisby Road (LE65 2UY).

The philosophy of Holme Tree is to offer a top quality product with a high level of service, at a reasonable cost. With experienced designers, Holme Tree will take the time to establish a client’s requirements and priorities – they can manufacture furniture to any size and design for all around the

home, offering a truly bespoke service. Even if you have wonky walls or low ceilings, they can help! Working closely with a number highly of regarded local contractors means that build-ing work can also be carried out where required and all will be project managed by Holme Tree themselves. Tiling, flooring and decorating services can also be arranged where needed and all work is carried out to the highest standards by fully certified professionals. If you are looking for beautiful furniture which is not only ‘Made in England’ but made practically on your doorstep, then visit Holme Tree's showroom at 29 Wood St Ashby (opp Kwikfit). Tel 01530 564561. www.holmetree.co.uk

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seasonal recipes January is the season for blood oranges. This recipe was a favourite childhood tea time treat, made with our Gran’s special home-made marmalade. If you make your own marmalade then you’re good to go - if not buy the best quality marmalade you can

Marmalade and Chocolate Shortbread YOu WILL NEED

• ½-1 tsp salt

• 300g plain flour

• 110g caster sugar

• 50g finely ground rolled oats

• Zest of an orange

• 250g unsalted butter (slightly softened and chopped into cubes)

• 115g good quality orange marmalade • 100g good quality chocolate (milk or plain), roughly chopped

Pizza Turnovers YOu WILL NEED • 500g packet ready roll puff pastry • 1 egg • 1 onion • 400g tub passata • ½ green pepper • 2 tablespoons cooking oil • 2 tablespoons tomato puree

GET STARTED 1

Set your oven to Gas Mark 4-5 or 1900c

To make the pizza sauce, chop the onion and pepper finely put in a pan with the oil on a medium heat.

When the onion is soft add the passata and the tomato puree, stir in well, add the oregano and salt and pepper and leave to simmer for 5 minutes.

When cooked take off the stove and leave to cool.

Take the puff pastry and roll onto a floured surface about 3-4 mm thick. Cut into 12 equal squares.

Beat the egg in a cup and brush each square.

Spoon the tomato sauce diagonally along each square, place on the sliced mushrooms and the chopped ham.

Place a handful of mozzarella cheese on each square. Squeeze the opposite corners to seal in the filling.

Place on a baking sheet.

GET STARTED 1 Grease an 18cm x 28cm rectangular baking tin (non-stick is best). Mix the flour, rolled oats and salt together. You can process them if you want a really fine mix or if you only have normal oats. 2 Beat the butter, sugar and orange zest together until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the flour until the shortbread mixture sticks together in small clumps. 3 Press a little more than half the mixture into the greased tin. Level and smooth the top. Spread this base with the marmalade and sprinkle the roughly chopped dark chocolate over the top. Crumble over the remaining shortbread mixture then refrigerate for 30 minutes. 4 Preheat the oven to 1500C / Gas Mark 2. Bake shortbread for 40-45 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool in the pan and cut into 24 before it cools completely.

• Pepper and salt • Teaspoon oregano • 5 thinly sliced mushrooms • 4 slices of ham chopped • 250g grated Mozzerella cheese • 1 flat tray covered with baking parchment

10 Brush the outside with egg and bake on the middle shelf in the oven until pastry is golden brown and cooked underneath.

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this month

Getting back on track with your New Year’s Resolutions SO here we are just a matter of weeks into the New Year and I wonder how many of your New Year’s resolutions are intact and on target? Why is that? It all starts so well and then so many of us find ourselves wondering where it all went so wrong by the middle of February (or perhaps a little sooner?). Life Coach, Anne Armstrong, takes a look at how coaching can be used to help us stay on target. Everyone has the power to achieve their goals, whether that is to make 5 minutes a day for themselves, to turn their life on its head, travel the world, cope with an unexpected life changing event, learn to drive, get fit, find a new job or start a whole new venture. So why do so many of us feel like we haven't quite done it yet again and how can this year be different? Coaching is about helping someone get from where they are now to where they want to be much more quickly than if they were on their own. Whilst coaching might sound a lot like other professions it differs from counselling, mentoring and training in

that a good coach does not work in the past for solutions, nor do they offer direction or guidance. Coaching is founded on the principle that we all have what we need to move forward and is empowering, proactive and goal orientated; the coach's job is to act as a catalyst, to help you make change happen a lot more quickly. Simples! A good coach helps you to work out what you really want and then works with you to find a solution that feels right for you. They do this by helping you learn more about yourself and how to use that to get where you want to be. Depending on your goals and you this may take as few as two or three sessions over a couple of months, and for some, may develop into a lifelong point of reference/support. For most it is somewhere in between and the choice is yours... your future is here for the taking and you have the power to unlock it. If this has got you interested and you’d like more information then give Anne a call on 01530 457548 or take a look at www.annearmstrong.co.uk

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wordsearch

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storytime

The Resolution “Interested in my New Year’s resolution?” Clive asked his daughter as they were eating dinner one evening. “Mmm”, said Jenny. “I’ve decided to start going to your Zumba class, so I can spend more time with you”. The statement was rewarded with a sudden clatter of cutlery. “But you can’t!” she exclaimed. For weeks now Jenny had been going to Zumba. At first Clive had not given it a thought until he accidentally read one of her text messages: ‘Expecting you at 7.30 tonight. Don’t be late, I’m seeing another girl at 8.30. Brian’. Clive hated snooping on his daughter. Yet even though she was now eighteen, she was always going to be his little girl. So who was this Brian? It didn’t sound like a young man’s name, which worried Clive. What worried him more was the cocky tone of the message. And could his lovely, bright Jenny fall for a bloke who had a string of girls on the go? Something was making her lie about where she was going and Clive was determined to find out what, even if he had to call her bluff. “Why can’t I come to Zumba darling?” Clive asked sweetly. He braced himself for a full confession. “Because you’ll be completely embarrassing,” Jenny muttered. And this was how, two evenings later, Clive found himself the only man in a freezing church hall full of ladies wearing leggings. “Let’s stick near the back,” he

whispered to Jenny. There followed, as Jenny predicted, a completely embarrassing hour of squatting, wiggling, skipping, arm waving

and accidentally poking people in the eye. Before the warm up had even finished Clive resolved never to doubt his daughter again. When everyone in the room turned left Clive stumbled right. When they sashayed forward he staggered back. He had never inadvertently patted so many ladies’ bottoms in his life. He felt like a bowling ball careering through a room full of skittles. Then he completely misjudged a lunge and fell hands first against the large chest of a lady wearing a pink tee-shirt emblazoned with the words ‘The Fun Starts Here’. The hour could not end soon enough. Finally the music stopped. “Thank you, ladies and gentleman,” the instructor announced. “And well done to our two new members”.

Everyone in the room turned and looked at Jenny and Clive. By the horrified expression on Jenny’s face Clive realised the truth - this was Jenny’s first Zumba class as well. They had an uncomfortable walk to the car park. Finally Jenny cleared her throat, “Okay Dad, you’ve caught me out,” she confessed. “The truth is I’ve been going to kickboxing classes”. “Kickboxing!” Clive exclaimed, imagining all sorts of horrible things. “Before you go mental, it’s not dangerous, it’s…” Jenny searched for the right word, “… disciplined”. Clive wished he could believe her. At least at Zumba no one got hurt, well apart from all the ladies he’d trodden on that evening. “Come and watch me Dad, before you make up your mind. I’m good at it”. She hugged his arm. “You did say you wanted to spend more time with me”. Clive felt himself soften, but he still had one big question. “So who’s this Brian?” Jenny looked surprised. “Brian’s the instructor.” She sounded suspicious, “How do you know about him?” Clive decided now was a good time to change the subject, “Shall we get some chips?” He patted his stomach. “All that Zumba has made me hungry”. “The fun starts here!” Jenny giggled and gave him a hug. Clive pulled his sternest face. “We shall never speak of that incident again”.

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your wellbeing

5 Best Diet Changes A new year - a new start. How can you start improving your diet and your chances of leading a healthier lifestyle?

the immune system, whilst antioxidants fight cancer and disease, and fibre cleanses the gut. We should eat five portions per day.

First â&#x20AC;&#x201C; eat breakfast! After many hours without food our bodies need refuelling to bring the blood sugar back up and ensure the brain and muscles are functioning properly. Eating breakfast aids concentration and creates energy.

Eat less red meat. Reduce the risk of bowel and other cancers. Health experts suggest 500g per week (the equivalent of one steak, one pork chop, 2 sausages and a portion of Bolognese sauce) or 70g per day (three rashes of bacon).

Drink more water. We lose on average 2-4 litres of water a day, which needs to be replaced. Current advice is to drink 6-8 glasses daily to ensure that our brain, blood and muscles are able to function at their best.

Eat more consciously. Take time to really taste and savour the food in your mouth. Be aware of the textures and flavours - and chances are you will enjoy your food more whilst eating less of it!

Eat more fruit and vegetables. Their vitamins and minerals boost

by Debbie Singh-Bhatti

Remember, you are what you eat. Eat healthy, be healthy!

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out to lunch Staunton Stable Tea & Luncheon Rooms WELCOME to the first in our new series of articles in which we look at some of the many places in the local area where you can enjoy a bite to eat. I debated long and hard before introducing these articles as I only wanted to run this type of review if it could be totally unbiased and therefore of maximum benefit to our readers. The eateries featured are entirely of my own choice and are ones that I enjoy visiting and hope you will too. Although I’ve entitled it ‘Out to Lunch’ I’m very partial to tea and cake too so you will probably find that sweet delights will feature prominently too!

Staunton Stable Tea Rooms are situated within the Ferrers Centre on the Staunton Harold estate and it is a place where I visit often due not only to the excellent food but also the lovely location. Set within the courtyard they have tables

both inside and outside which makes it a perfect spot to stop off when walking the dogs as you can lunch outside and they usually have a bowl of water for doggy visitors handy too. Of course, eating outside is not so practical this time of year, but well worth bearing in mind in the warmer months.

but again there is always a solid core of old favourites such as passion cake, flapjacks and

The menu offers a good choice of traditional old favourites such as Shepherd’s Pie, Chilli-ConCarne, Jacket Potatoes and Toasted Sandwiches and this is always supplemented by a specials board. Although I’m a meat eater I often find myself choosing the vegetarian special as they do some wonderful veggie crumbles. For those wanting a lighter bite there is a soup of the day or a choice of sandwiches and rolls (including a bacon or BLT roll which is great when dog walking!). Main courses are usually served with salad and jacket potato, or a roll and always good size portions.

scones which may be joined by the temptation of coffee cake, sticky iced ginger (my favourite!), Chelsea buns and more. If you are too full to manage a cake after your lunch you can buy to take home with you and there is a good discount if you do this.

As befitting a tea rooms they serve tea within proper teapots (not those metal things!!) and with a jug of hot water too. There is also freshly ground or filter coffee, hot chocolate, milk shakes and other soft drinks plus speciality, herbal and fruit teas. The counter is graced with a wonderful display cabinet of lovely cakes to choose from. The choice of cakes varies

There is always a lovely, warm, homely feel inside and it isn’t usually a problem to get a table at this time of year. They do get busy as the warmer months come but then the tables outside in the courtyard come into their own and provide a lot of extra seating. For those with children there is also the benefit of plenty of space for youngsters to roam if you eat outside and a wonderful giant chess set to be played with plus other attractions/entertainment in the courtyard some weekends. Staunton Stables Tea Rooms are open from 10am in the summer, a bit later in the winter and close around mid to late afternoon. They are closed all day onaa a Monday.

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spotlight on... AS I write this it is close to freezing and although we have not had a covering of the white stuff yet there is every chance that by the time you are reading this it will either have snowed already, or be on its way! Though children love it snow can be hazardous for both drivers and pedestrians so here are a few tips we found on the Leicestershire County Council and Government websites, plus a some of our own, to help you deal with snowfall this winter. Clearing Snow – The earlier you clear snow the easier it will be. Fresh, loose snow is much easier to move and if you can shift the top layer early in the day then the sun may help to

around their property too? Driving – Check local radio stations for latest conditions. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition, get the battery and tyres checked (some local garages will check for free). Put additive in your washer bottle to stop it freezing and make sure your wipers are in good condition. Carry a scraper and always make sure that your car is thoroughly scraped and de-iced before setting off. Don’t leave it running and unattended while it is warming up – someone may drive off with it! Allow extra time for journeys and remember that not all roads are treated. Make sure you have warm clothing and

Snow! melt any ice beneath. Government advice is that you shouldn’t be put off clearing paths – people walking on snow and ice have a responsibility to be careful themselves and it is unlikely that you’ll be held legally responsible for any injuries if you’ve cleared a path carefully. Don’t use water to melt snow - it may refreeze into black ice. You can use table or dishwasher salt, about a tablespoon for each square metre you clear. Sand or ash will also help provide grip underfoot though it won’t actually help melt the snow. Grit bins can be used to improve safety on roads or pavements, but not on private drives. Each grit bin contains enough to clear the snow from around 9 miles of road so remember that you only need a little – one shovel full should clear about a 20 metre space. Shovelling snow warms you up, burns calories and can be lots of fun – if you have elderly or disabled neighbours why not offer to clear snow

sensible footwear in the car. If you find yourself driving in icy or snowy conditions then slow down, avoid braking harshly, steer gently and keep a good distance from other vehicles. Used dipped headlights when driving during snowfall. In extreme conditions ask yourself if your journey is really essential? We are all prone to thinking that we need to get to work come what may but if conditions are bad and you could end up getting stuck or having an accident it is often a lot wiser not to travel.

Out and About – Do remember to wrap up when you go outside. Wear lots of layers to keep warm, rather than one thick garment, that way you can add or remove outer layers as necessary. Icy pavements can be very slippery so make sure you have shoes or boots with a good grip on the sole and remember that black ice is difficult to see. Check up on friends, relatives or neighbours during bad weather – the elderly and those with serious illnesses can be particularly vulnerable at this time.

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young ashby

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community board Blackfordby Badminton Club

Communities in Partnership

New Members Wanted We are a really friendly group who are looking for new members to come and join us and have some fun. We meet on a Monday night from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Blackfordby Village Hall, Sandtop Lane, Blackfordby. For more information please call 01283 213481.

Are currently working with Leicestershire County Council Adults and Communities Department in delivering two consultations which could affect you or those around you:

Spreekt u Nederlands? Do you Speak Dutch? Or would you like to practice or learn? I am looking to form an informal Dutch language group meeting possibly once a month at a mutually convenient time for language study on an informal basis. Open to beginners or those who are already speaking fluently. If you are interested please call David Harris on 01530 415551.

Ashby Arts Festival 2013 Volunteers wanted! Music, street theatre, dance, photography, U16’s Rock school, crafts, giant outdoor paintings and exhibitions – What a fantastic festival we had in 2012. But there’s no time to take a breather and planning is already underway for 2013. Ashby’s Festival Fortnight will run from 25th May to 8th June 2013 and we want you to help us make 2013 the year to remember! Volunteering to help with the festival is fun, can look great on your CV and is a wonderful way of supporting your local community. So, if you have some time and energy to spare please come and join us! No experience required! We are keen to hear from you, so please contact Goff Lewis (NWL District Council) on 01530 454601 or goff.lewis@nwleicestershire.gov.uk to get involved.

Footloose Single Walking Group New Members Wanted We are looking for single people, aged 40 plus, to join our walking group. We walk between 6 & 9 miles every Sunday. This usually takes place in the area where the walk leader lives or in Derbyshire. We have a pub lunch afterwards, for anyone who wishes to join in. In the summer we walk on a Thursday evening. In summer we walk about 5 miles, start about 7pm and then go for a drink afterwards. We also walk on a Saturday morning at 10am ( about 5 miles ). It is a friendly group and we socialise outside the group. We also go on weekend walking holidays. If you are on your own it is a good way to see the countryside with a group of friends. If you are interested then give me a call. My name is Annie and my number is 01530 414161. Or visit www.footloose.org.uk

1. Assistive Technology and Housing Related Residential Support Services Residents of Leicestershire are being asked for their views on plans for a ‘fairer and more flexible approach’ towards helping older people stay in their homes. If you would like a questionnaire, or to join a focus group taking place in your locality in January or February, please contact Liz McGregor on 0116 2334243. 2. Planning for your future Residents of Leicestershire are being asked for their views on planning for future care needs. We would like to find out how older people can be encouraged to plan for the future, what barriers may be faced in doing so, and how to support older people in the community for as long as possible. If your group would like to be involved, we can arrange to visit in December or January – please contact Harvey on 0116 2293019. To keep informed of all future engagement activity affecting you, join the Communities in Partnership Engagement Network now by calling 0116 234 1577 or email jen@communitiesinpartnership.org.uk

Ashby Library Knit and Stitch Groups New group starting! We’re really pleased to announce the start of not one but two knit and stitch groups at Ashby De La Zouch Library. The Monday group meets every Monday from 2pm onwards and has been running for several weeks now and the first meeting of the new Friday group is on Friday January 11th at 10am. Everyone is welcome, regardless of ability and experience. Tea and coffee is available for 50p.

CAP Money It’s never too early to plan your finances for next Christmas. Or perhaps you would like to get your money organised for 2013. CAP Money is all about family budgeting and money management. In just three short sessions you will learn to set up your own budget and a system to help you stick to it. The Ashby CAP Money team are running their next course at The Coffee Lounge at Ashby Baptist Church, Brook Street on Monday evenings 25th February, 4th March and 11th March at 7.45 pm. Free of charge. Sign up or enquire by text or phone 07790 542041 or send an email to capmoney@capashby.net CAP Money is part of CAP (Christians Against Poverty), a confidential debt counselling and money management charity.

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community board Ivanhoe Way Challenge Richard and Angela Bebbington invite you to take part in the 5th Ivanhoe Way Challenge, in aid of Wishes 4 Kids. The 37 mile challenge walk, will take place on Saturday June 15th. The challenge is to complete this walk within 15 hours, starting at 4am. There is a £17.50 entry fee and participants are encouraged to get sponsorship, which will go directly to Wishes 4 Kids. Places are strictly limited; therefore you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. For more information, or an application form, phone Richard Bebbington on 07751 259489 or see www.ivanhoechallenge.co.uk

Ashby de la Zouch Town Council Calendar of Meetings Finance, Tourism & General Purposes Committee on 16th January, The Planning Committee on 23rd January and 20th February, The Town Council Meeting 6th February and The Recreation and Amenities Committee on 27th February. 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. Come and Meet your Councillors Ashby de la Zouch Town Council are holding regular surgeries where you can speak to your elected representatives on any issues you have concerning the running of the parish. Dates currently planned are Mondays 14th January, 4th February, 11th March, 15th April and 20th May. The surgeries take place at Legion House, South Street and start at 5.30pm. You can arrange an appointment or just go along on the day. Further information is available from Jack Fargher on 01530 416961 or by email to info@ashbytowncouncil.org.uk.

Did you know it’s free to put community information 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 2013 issue is Friday 8th 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.

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in your home

Keep warm and safe this Winter IN the dark, dank days of January, it’s vital that we keep ourselves warm. For older people particularly, cold weather can bring worries about health problems such as chest infections, heart attacks and strokes. The Government recommends that we keep our main living room between 18°C and 21°C, and the rest of the house at a minimum of 16°C. You may be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments of up to £400 if you were born on or before 5 July 1950 – call 08459 151515 for details. Also, the Warm Front Scheme (0800 316 2805) offers grants for heating and insulation improvements. Local company, Batemans Plumbing and Heating, provided us with some information on Carbon Monoxide – a danger that we should all be aware of when heating our homes. This odourless, colourless, gas is produced by the incomplete combustion of gas, solid fuel or liquid burning appliances. If the appliance is not installed, maintained or used properly the Carbon Monoxide can build up to deadly levels very quickly, especially in areas where the ventilation has been compromised. As there is no smell, without an alarm, you may not be aware of the presence of Carbon Monoxide - hence it has become known as ‘the silent killer’. Early symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning can mimic common ailments such

as flu or simple tiredness. A headache is the most common symptom along with sickness and or stomach pain. If in any doubt think ‘safety first’. Carbon Monoxide alarms are inexpensive and widely available. Having an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm could save your life. Ensure that any alarm you buy carries the British Standard EN50291 and test it to the manufacturer’s instructions. Never seal up flues, chimneys, air bricks or ventilation grills – fuel burning appliances need a calculated amount of air to burn correctly. Chimneys should be swept at least once a year by a competent sweep and it is vitally important to ensure that appliances are serviced annually. The service should be carried out by a recognised and established engineer and in the case of gas appliances you should always use a Gas Safe Registered engineer. If you are in rented accommodation the landlord is responsible for making sure that gas appliances receive an annual safety check. Please don’t take chances where safety is concerned. If you’d like to contact Batemans Plumbing and Heating for more details you can call them on 01530 417980 or 075900 65657 or email batemans1@mac.com

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a walk in the forest National Forest Youth Hostel and beyond! A shorter walk for the colder months! This circular route starts at the National Forest Youth Hostel in Moira (they said it was fine for walkers to use the car park) – there is a café inside the hostel so you may like to enjoy a warming drink, or lunch after your walk. The walk starts out along the Ashby Woulds Trail before continuing along paths around Spring Cottage that look to be fairly newly landscaped – there is also parking at Spring Cottage on the opposite side of the road to the Navigation Inn which could be used as an alternative start point. Most of the paths are hard-core or tarmac but there is one grassy area that was muddy when we went and even the hard-core paths can be boggy (or dependent of the temperature, very icy) at this time of year. This walk takes around 40 minutes. Leave Ashby along Kilwardby Street and Moira Road, continuing on through Shellbrook and straight across at the Daybell Roundabout. On reaching Moira go straight ahead over both the mini roundabouts and follow the road around to the right opposite Moira Furnace1, into Bath Lane. Go under the bridge and turn immediately right into the entrance for the National Forest Youth Hostel2.

From the car park at the rear of the building look for steps leading up from the far end of the car park and follow these as they take you up onto the Ashby Woulds Trail. On joining the trail turn left. Walk along the trail, passing some ponds on your right hand side and keep straight ahead, following the route of the trail, until it emerges onto the road at Spring Cottage, with the Navigation Inn3 on your left.

Cross over the road to reach the public bridleway which is diagonally opposite you (slightly to your left). Proceed along this tarmac bridleway, with the railway running along on your right hand side. After a short way keep straight ahead as you pass by a yellow post marking another path off to your left. When you come to a second yellow post, further along, which is marked with a green and yellow footpath arrow you need to turn left to follow this footpath.

After taking you over a short stretch of grass the footpath leads down some broad wooden steps (it was quite muddy here when we went) and then past a stile. You are now onto a hard-core path with two stretches of water visible4 in front of you – to the right is a small lake and immediately ahead of you is a broad stream with a forked shape at the start of it. The walk follows the hardcore path that runs directly ahead of you, taking you between the broad stream on one side and the small lake on the other.

Follow this path down to its end where it finishes at a gap beside metal gates that leads you out onto the road at Spring Cottage, a little way further down from where you crossed earlier. Cross straight over the road and then turn left to cross the end of Slackey Lane. A few yards after this you will see a tarmac path on your right. Turn down this path, going between the metal railings and following it along to pass the Conkers Camping and Caravan Club site (at the rear of the Youth Hostel). The path then joins the main entrance drive to the Youth Hostel to return to the start of the walk. 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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it’s local Published towards the end of 2012 Ashby de la Zouch Through Time is a beautiful book packed full of photographs tracing some of the many ways in which our town and the areas around it have changed and developed over the last one hundred years

Ashby de la Zouch Through Time

eicestershire author, Stephen Butt, has combined his interest in photography with an academic background in local history to produce a publication that would make a lovely gift for anyone who is living, or has lived in the area. It is also the sort of book that would go really well in a waiting room or any public place as it is easy to pick up and have a quick browse through. Most pages feature two photographs, usually a colour picture of the present day setting contrasted with the same scene in days gone by, alongside this is a short piece of text telling some of the history of the area or building which is depicted. If you’ve ever wondered what Ashby looked like in the days of trains and trams, how the castle and the schools have changed over the years or want to know

Win a copy...

more about some of the many interesting and historic buildings in the area then this book will surely delight you. Also including sections on surrounding settlements such as Moira, Smisby and Measham and on country estates, including Willesley and Coleorton, Ashby de la Zouch Through Time is available from Ashby Tourist Information Centre priced at £14.99. We have one copy of Ashby de la Zouch Through Time to give away to a lucky reader. Just send your name and address either on a postcard to Ashby Life (TT Competition), 16 Moira Road, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 2GA or by email to competition@ashbylife. co.uk with the subject line TT Competition and the first drawn out of the hat will receive a copy of this lovely book. Closing date: Friday 1st February 2013.

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puzzle page

quICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 5 8 9 10 12 13 15 17 19 20 22 23

Argument (7) Engine (5) Certain (9) Rodent (3) Nightclub (5) Oblivious (7) Musical backing (13) Operating room (7) Edition (5) Ocean (3) Young adults (9) Fashion (5) Weekday (7)

DOWN Chopped up (5) Male child (3) Alike (7) Incentive (13) TV, radio (5) Intimidates (9) Draw back (7) Personal Assistant (9) Painters (7) Copy (7) Heading (5) Thesis (5) Finish (3)

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.

SUDOKU 78

Solutions on page 100

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 13 14 16 18 21

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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on the beat Hello Everyone... LEICESTERSHIRE Trading Standards has been contacted about a resident in the local area receiving a cold telephone call from someone claiming to be from Leicestershire County Council's 'Finance Department' and requesting the resident's bank details. It has been confirmed that the County Council has not contacted this resident in relation to any finance matter. The Finance Service Centre would not call residents to ask for their bank details over the telephone. Another resident received an unsolicited call from a companyÂ that implied it was working with Age UK who wanted to visit and discuss financial matters - particularly that they could protect their house from having to be sold should they need to go into a care home. Although an appointment was initially made, the resident then cancelled it and no visit took place.

Trading Standards advises alldd residents toÂ NEVERcc disclose any of their banking details or other financial information over the telephone to anyone, even if they claim to be from that person's bank. If you receive any reports of similar activity or callers please contact Trading Standards on 08454 04 05 06 orÂ email telltradingstandards @leics.gov.uk PC 1667 MARK ARJOO North West Leicestershire Police tel: 101 voicemail ID: 1667 email: mark.arjoo@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk

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money matters

Taxing Times... Some self-employed people are really organised and keep all their receipts and invoices in a safe place and file them properly and do their books every month and, when it’s time to fill in their tax returns, have everything they need to hand and can sail through it in a morning or less. Not me. And quite possibly not you either. Actually, I do have a system of sorts – the euphemisticallynamed “dump file” system. Everything related to income tax goes into a big box, and at the end of the year I spend days – two or three, usually – arranging it in some sort of order and turning it into a spreadsheet that bears at least a passing resemblance to what I’ve actually earned and what I’ve actually spent. Then I send it all off to my accountant, who is the rampart that stands between me and HMRC. We all know the quote about death and taxes (although for the life of me I can’t remember who actually said it – Mark Twain?), but in point of fact we very nearly didn’t have income tax. It was invented in 1799 along with window tax and hearth tax and clock tax and all those other weird taxes that paid for the Napoleonic Wars. At first it was fairly mild – 10% of all incomes above £60 a year – and as soon as the war was over it was scrapped like all the others.

taxes to collect because, in the eyes of the voters (most of whom still didn’t have to pay it), it was the fairest, and – well, we still have it. But it was only about 100 years ago that Lloyd George’s Liberal government really started giving it some wellie. In 1874, for instance, it yielded less than 10% of all government income. Then in 1918 Lloyd George whacked the rate up to 30% to pay for World War I, and even though Mrs Thatcher slashed it to 22% it’s still the mainstay of the Treasury’s revenues. For those of us lucky enough to have a job – or unlucky enough to be chained to a desk, depending on how you look at it – income tax is something that can be taken for granted because since 1944, when PAYE was invented, it’s been docked off wages before you can take it down the bookie’s. For the rest of us – well, it’s not something you want to get wrong. HMRC is actually amazingly patient with dysfunctional arithmophobics like me. They’re always very cheery and patient on the odd occasions when I have to ring them, and although I’m sure they wouldn’t bung me in chokey for an error of a few quid, they do quite reasonably expect to receive any underpayment back as quickly as they refund overpayments (which I’ve always found to be pleasingly quickly). And that can blow quite a hole in my none-too-careful budgeting.

Even when it was reintroduced in 1842 to recover from a financial crisis, like how never happens nowadays – hah! – it wasn’t expected to beccvvv permanent. But it vvv turned out to be one of the vvv easiest ofc

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Which is why I have an accountant. She’s not all that cheap, but she’s as comforting as a favourite armchair. No shocks, no surprises, nothing to worry about – and occasionally you even find a 50p stuck down the side.

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www.ashbychurch.co.uk

New Beginnings

ccording to research, over half of us make a New Year’s resolution which, on its own, is a particularly impressive level of good intention! The number of resolutions which fail to make it past the first day, let alone the first week, is vast! Sadly only 8% of people ever actually achieve their resolution goal. Many of us see a New Year as an opportunity to make a new start, to move away from what we did in the past year and to make a resolution to change something about our lives. The most popular changes often relate to health; to join a gym, go on a diet or eat more healthily. Perhaps we should also be thinking about other areas of our life where we can make a ‘new beginning’. Christmas has just passed, a time for many to focus on the birth of Jesus, the biggest new beginning the world has ever seen.

Editorial by Ashby Christadelphian Church, Union Passage, Ashby

www.ashbychurch.co.uk

This year, why not make it one of your resolutions to read the Bible? The Bible contains an amazing message that can help change our lives and make us spiritually healthy, not just physically healthy. Also, reading it not only helps develop a healthier body and mind for a few months or years, but could lead to eternal life, something God has promised to those who are interested in Him. Is this sounding too good to be true? It’s all there in the pages of the Bible, you’ve just got to open it and spend time reading it. If you have never tried it, give it a go – what have you got to lose? Perhaps you’ve not got a Bible – simply drop in and we’ll happily give you one for FREE. Make this the year that you make a real difference to your life.

Useful passage to look up: 2 Timothy 3 v 15-27

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what’s on... January, February and into March 9th January Ashby Museum - evening talk on ‘How the English Country House Worked’, Dr Wendy Freer, 7.30pm, £3. For further details - www.ashby delazouchmuseum.org.uk. N. Leics National Trust Association Join us in Calke’s Restaurant for another of our popular coffee mornings. For further information, please ring 01530 563003. 10th January The Zouch Folk Club runs monthly on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 8pm in The Bowling Green Pub, The Green, Ashby de la Zouch. Entrance £3, includes raffle ticket for singers nights and will vary for guest nights. Hosted by Brian Langtry 07791 174 742. 11th January Century Cinema - Private Peaceful (12A). Two brothers fall for the same girl while contending with the pressures of WW1. Based on the book by Michael Morpurgo (War Horse). Starts 7.30pm. Tickets: £3.50, pay on the door at Century Theatre, Snibston. Tel: 01530 278444. 14th January Ashby History Society - Garden Excavations at Ashby Castle. Ken Hillier talks on the English Heritage dig in Ashby Castle Gardens. Meeting held in the Methodist Church Rooms, Burton Road, Ashby at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome. For details call: 01530 415654. Charnwood Flower Guild - AGM followed by supper and entertainment. 7pm start at The Adult School, Bridge Road, Coalville, LE67 3PW. 15th January Ashby Library - Health and Wellbeing Event, ‘Beat the Blues’, 10am to 12 noon. Come along to our special event designed to help you banish those post-Christmas winter blues. Advice, ideas and tips to help you start the new year with a smile on your face. 17th January Ashby Canal – Annual Hopely Lecture, ‘Ashby Canal Past, Present and Future’ by Geoff Pursglove. 7pm for 7.30pm start at Willesley Park Golf Club, Measham Rd, Ashby de la Zouch, The South Midlands Minerals & Mining Institute and the UK

Minerals Engineering Society jointly promote this prestigious annual lecture. It is open to the public, free to attend and rounded off with a free buffet. To enable us to plan the catering, would you please email brian.everitt151@btinternet.com if you plan to attend.

18th January Century Theatre at Snibston: ‘Dracula Walks the Night’ Live Drama; Count Dracula returns to exact revenge on his nemesis, Van Helsing. Can Sherlock Holmes help thwart the vampire's horrifying scheme? Starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £8 advance, £10 on the door. Tel: 01530 278444. Palace Ibstock - Film Night – ‘Hugo’ (U). Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton. Directed by Martin Scorsese. A moving, funny and exhilarating film and an imaginative history lesson in the form of a detective story. Doors, box office and licensed bar open at 7pm. Films start at 7.30pm. Tickets: £4/£3 from Halls, High Street, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460. (The film ‘Anna Karenina’ will now be shown on Friday, 15th February, due to the postponement of the DVD release date). 19th January 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 Gresley Male Voice Choir - S.D.D.C. Chair’s charity concert in aid of British Heart Foundation and the Land Girls Memorial. At Gresley Old Hall 7.15pm. Tickets £5. 22nd January Ashby Writers’ Club – Speaker Alison Moore : Novelist (first novel ‘The Lighthouse’ long-listed for the Man Booker Prize). We meet at Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby LE65 2FQ. 7.30pm-9.30pm. Visitors are welcome at a nominal fee of £4 per speaker meeting, £3 per comp/manuscript meeting included tea or coffee. 23rd January N. Leics National Trust Association Join us for a quiz and supper. A light hearted social evening, rounded off

with a fish and chip supper. For further information, please call 01530 56300. Ashby Travel Club – Guest Speaker Mr C Hobday on Derbyshire Delights. We meet in the Pithiviers Room of Ivanhoe College at 7.30pm. No joining fee and modest price £1.50 for the evening. New members and visitors always welcome. Further information from Joe Shaw 01530 413441. 26th January Ashby Library - Bargain Book Sale. Looking for a bargain? Pop into Ashby Library and bag some books! There will be a sale of second hand books and DVDs for bargain prices at Ashby Library from Saturday 26th January until 23rd February. A wide range of books and DVDs will be available. Century Theatre at Snibston: Paul Jones & Dave Kelly. The Manfreds' front man Paul Jones and fellow Blues Band member Dave Kelly perform a dynamic and exhilarating country blues set. Starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £17 advance, £18 on the door. Tel: 01530 278444. Blackfordby Village Hall - The first dance of the year from 8pm to 11pm. We will be dancing sequence and ballroom to the music of Pete Rodgers. Admission £3. Bar, refreshments, raffle. For more details phone 01283 213481 or 01283 819447. Masked Ball – ‘A Night of Decadance’ at Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel. 7.30pm until midnight in aid of MacMillan Cancer. Ticket cost £20 to include Hog Roast. For further details contact yatesashby@yahoo.co.uk. 27th January Palace Indoor Car Boot Sale from 9am to 1pm. Pick up a bargain! Admission 20p. For more details or to book a stall call Maureen on 01530 452028. 29th January The Palace Community Centre FREE health checks at a Well Families Clinic in Ibstock. 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 screening between 2pm and 6.30pm.

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continued on p96

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what’s on... January, February and into March continued No appointment is required just come along and drop in during the afternoon. As well as the free health screenings, these successful clinics offer a range of health and well-being advice, including posture analysis, information on how to stop smoking, diet and nutrition, back to basics cookery demonstration and much more. There are fun exercise challenges with prizes for all ages and fruit juices to try during the afternoon as well as a free pedometer to count your daily steps. For further information contact Julie Summerton 01530 454541 or email julie. summerton@nwleicestershire.gov.uk 30th January The Lyric Rooms - Film Night, Ashby de la Zouch, ‘The Angels Share’ (15). A superb British comedy drama set in the world of whisky making and directed by Ken Loach. Film starts at 7.30pm. Doors and bar open from 7pm. 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. 1st February Palace Line Dance - with Honky Tonk Cliff. A great social night out with no partner required! Dancing from 7.45pm. Doors, box office and licensed Bar open at 7pm. Tickets: In advance £4.50 from Halls, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460 or £5.50 on the door. Century Cinema - Rex Cinema 75th Anniversary Show featuring the original opening night film, ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’ (U) starring Errol Flynn and Olivia deHavilland with full supporting programme. This event is kindly supported by Dunelm Mill. Starts 7.30pm. Tickets: £2, pay on the door. Tel: 01530 278444 Century Theatre, Snibston. 2nd February Gresley Male Voice Choir at The Brewhouse, 7.30pm Tickets £8. 5th February Ashby de La Zouch & District Royal British Legion – meet at Legion House, South Street, at 7pm. All are welcome contact 01530 414390 for details. Valuation Day - Hosted by Hanson’s Auctioneers at the Staunton Harold

Garden Centre From 10am to 3pm. Antique specialists representing Hanson’s Auctioneers will be in attendance, so bring along your items for valuation, interest, insurance or to sell at a Hanson’s auction. Valuations are free, donations to the work of Hospice Hope are welcomed. For more details about Hospice Hope, call Stewart on 01530 837267, email stewart@hospicehope.org.uk or see www.hospicehope.org.uk

6th February Ashby Travel Club – Guest speaker Mr S Oakes on Sicily. We meet in the Pithiviers Room of Ivanhoe College at 7.30pm. No joining fee and modest price £1.50 for the evening. New members and visitors always welcome. Further information from Joe Shaw on 01530 413441. 7th February Ashby Castle WI – Valentine Card Crafts by Janice Hopkins. We meet at Legion House first Thursday of the month at 2pm. Visitors £4. For further details contact Jilly Dutton on 07891 861378 or ashbycastlewi@ googlemail.com 8th February Ashby Library - And so to bed’….Let someone else read the bedtime stories for a change! To celebrate National storytelling week Ashby library is holding a bedtime story listen in! Bring along your little ones for some wonderful bedtime stories and a hot chocolate! Pyjamas and teddies very welcome! From 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Tickets £1.00 for first child and 50p for subsequent children. Spaces limited so book now! 10th February ‘Fascinating Rhythm’ in concert at The Palace, Ibstock. (In association with ‘Centre Stage’ – The rural theatre touring scheme). Fascinating Rhythm are four accomplished Midlands based musicians who perform the Great American Songbook, as well as jazz in its most accessible form on saxophone, clarinet, piano and double bass. With the fabulous voice of Sara Colman, the band's repertoire features carefully-crafted arrangements of classics by Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Dave Brubeck and many others, as well as a few striking originals. Having performed to much acclaim in village halls across the

region, the band are here to give another scintillating audiences musical treat. Concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £8, concessions £6, Combination ticket (1 Full and 2 concessions) £16 from Halls, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.

11th February Charnwood Flower Guild - 'Angles and Tangles' demonstration by Pat Billing at The Adult School, Bridge Road, Coalville, LE67 3PW at 7.30pm. Visitors £5. 12th February Ashby History Society – ‘Thomas Woodcock, Headmaster Extraordinary’. John Williams talks on the nationally acclaimed headmaster of Ashby Grammar School. Meeting held in the Methodist Church Rooms, Burton Road, Ashby at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome. For more information call 01530 415654 Ashby Writers’ Club – Manuscript meeting: members’ own work. We meet at Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby LE65 2FQ. From 7.30 to 9.30pm . Visitors are welcome at a nominal fee of £4 per speaker meeting, £3 per comp/ manuscript meeting including tea or coffee. 16th February Ashby Castle Rotary Club - Valentine Disco Dance. Dancing to Intercity Road Show. Tickets £10 or £2.50 for children, including ploughman's supper. Tickets available from Alan Oakes in Measham 01530 272678. Proceeds to Rotary Charities. Gresley Male Voice Choir at Stretton Methodist Chapel, Stretton 7.30pm. 3rd March Ashby and Coalville Lions Club Hood Park Outdoor Pool Mad March Splash. The Mad March Dip takes place at 10am to replace the Mid Winter Splash that had to be postponed. This event will give you the unique opportunity to jump into an unheated pool on a cold early Spring day at one of the few remaining outdoor pools. For further information or to register your interest please email susanconstable@hotmail.com or kengarnerashby@hotmail.com. Telephone 07535 006602 or visit www.midwinterdip.co.uk

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WORDSEARCH Hidden Phrase - “Winter is not a season, it is an occupation.” Sinclair Lewis YOuNG ASHBY - Animals: 10; Trees: 15; Animal: Lion STEP ON IT - Mower, Mover, Lover, Loves, Coves, Cover 100

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business directory Accountants & Payroll 73 Ashby Payroll Bureau Baldwins 36 Haines Watts 9 79 Indivijilly Aerials & Satellite 74 AB Aerials & Satellites Arts, Crafts, Gifts, Jewelry, Toys Bangles and Tat 100 Helen Joyce 56 Souk de la Zouch 57 66 The National Forest Company Uimagine I Create 56 Builders Keith Armston Building Contractors 13 Business Services Anne Armstrong 38 56 Ashby Ladies Business Group 11 Life and Leisure Properties Lion Court Conference Centre 5 SJC Marketing 57 Carpenters & Joiners Derek Verey 98 N M Joinery 6 S S Joinery 22 Carpets & Interiors Agadon 3 Alan Taylor Carpet & VinylFitter 37 Ashby Stoves 79 Fairweathers Carpets 59 New Look Flooring UK Ltd 84 Roger James Furnishers 24 The Bed Shop 89 The Suite Superstore 46 Toons Furnishings 83 Child Care Swingboat Nurseries 104 Cleaning, Ironing, Laundry Services Ashby Cleaning Contractors 82 Breedon Carpet Care 37 Deanclean 82 Extreme Clean 11 Karens Ovengleam 64 Oven Cleaning Services 8 Safeclean 77 Toni's Ironing Angels 99 Clothing BraSense 56 Embroidery4U 56 George Fox 76 House of Colour 57 Jennies Babywear 16 Just for You 28 The Shoe Box 31 Country Stores Ivanhoe Countrystore 71 Domestic Appliances Blatchs 49 Contracool 35 Contract & Domestic Services 17 Ray Pittam Engineers 92 Driving Schools Bardon School of Motoring 87 RDT School of Motoring 35 Electricians A & J Bartlett Ltd 99 Bright Sparks 68 NAMS Electrical 37 Estate Agents John German 32 Events Ashbeian Musical Theatre Group 62

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Ashby Town Council Dr Feelgood Funhouse Comedy Honeysuckle & Castle Ivanhoe Way Challenge Event Services Lavish Chair Covers Financial Services Bleathwood Positive Solutions Florist Lavish Wedding & Event Flowers Food & Groceries Ashby Farmers Market Scaddows Farm Shop Funeral Directors A E Grice Funeral Directors Furniture Repairs & Restoration Ancient & Modern Dr Sofa K Reynolds Upholstery Garden Appleby Landscapes Artisan 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 Hair & Beauty Arbonne Sheelagh Powell Toxic Cherry Uruku WOW Express Teeth Whitening Healthcare Ashby Chiropody/Podiatry Clinic Ashby Dental Ashby Osteopathic Clinic Candor Care Ltd Dr Jin Future Minds Juliet Brooke Chiropody Optimum You Postlethwaite Podiatry Prestige Nursing ProPhysio Ashby Sue’s Support Service Traditional Acupuncture Vision Express IT Services 3B Direct Ashby Web Design Asset Data Backup Home IT Services Jadex Solutions The PC Clinic Kitchens & Bathrooms Ashby Tile and Bathrooms Burton Trade Kitchens Holme Tree of Ashby P A Hill Interiors Provencale Kitchens Victory Kitchens Locksmiths Hazlewood Locksmiths Motor Services A D Car Cosmetics AJM Service Centres

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Castle Garage (Ashby) Ltd 24 51 Chips Away Music, Dance & Drama Ashby Academy of Rock 92 79 Charlotte Anne Pollard 61 Heavenlyreds 48 Joseph Southgate Painters & Decorators Holywell Painting & Decorating 48 John Clark 45 Pet Services Ash Farm Boarding Kennels 44 Muttleys Dog Walking and Pet Care 40 Muttz Cutz 69 The Glenthorne Veterinary Group 103 13 Woodward Veterinary Practice Places of Worship Ashby Christadelphian Church 90 Plasterers 37 A C Ellison Plastering and Tiling Matt Charles Plastering Services 8 TCL Plastering and Property Maint. 61 Plumbers & Gas Services Adrian Dunstan Plumbing & Heating 20 B I Plumbing 97 Batemans Plumbing 67 CCA Gas Plumbing 44 James Pepper Property Solutions 65 S D Hill (Plumbers) 7 Therm Heating 81 Property Repairs & Maintenance Ashby Glass 47 Ashbyhandyman.co.uk 85 Cloudy 2 Clear (Derby) 23 D H Phillips (Flat Roofing) 69 Handyman Maintenance 88 James Beckett 79 James Pepper Property Solutions 65 Window Mate 61 Pubs, Restaurants & Take Aways George Inn 28 La Spezia Pizzeria 17 Link Measham Cantonese Restaurant 21 The Blue Bell 12 The Elderflower 53 The Lyric Rooms 85 Zamani's 52 Recruitment Natural View 68 Schools and Tuition Alison Southward Tuition 72 Catherine Brooke 35 Kumon 97 Manor House School 69 Ockbrook School 15 Soft Furnishings Wendy's Courtyard Interiors 67 Solicitors Crane & Walton 35 Simpson Jones Solicitors 17 Sports & Fitness Fitness Republic 38 Pulse Performance Health & Fitness 31 S n M Fitness 57 Vanessa’s Fitness Factory 13 Waves Swim School 55 Travel & Holidays Travel Eclipse 55

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