Ashby Life Magazine December 2016 by Ashby Life

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this issue 127 WELCOME to our bumper Christmas issue. Within this month’s magazine we hope you’ll find everything you need to celebrate the festive season to the full in Ashby.

Ashby Life

Editor Vanessa Preece

Telephone 01530 417739

Email enquiries Advertising/Accounts info@ashbylife.co.uk Website/What’s On admin@ashbylife.co.uk

m On page 12 the Town Council gives the lowdown on what to expect from d and Ashby’s Big Christmas Weekend from the fair to carols, festive food d 61 drink and of course the return of the Ashby Santa Fun Run. On pages 60 and we have our pick of the regions family Christmas events and on pages 40 and 41 we have a full list of What’s On in December in and around Ashby.

The details of the local Church Services, a full schedule for the Rotary Club Santa Sleigh Route and those essential last posting dates are all here to ensure you don’t miss any vital dates. And of course we have special festive offers from many of our local businesses.

From all of the team here at Ashby Life we hope you have a very Merry Christmas and we look forward to another exciting year in Ashby in 2017! Enjoy,

Web www.ashbylife.co.uk

Contents

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Address Ashby Life Ltd Castle House South Street Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1BR

Front Cover image courtesy of Ashby’s FABulous team

Ashby Life is an independent publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the editor. The e use of this magazine for or canvassing or direct marketing g 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 d responsible for any errors or omissions or endorse comomces panies, products or services appearing in this magazine.

Spotlight On... Ashby Town Council Open 4 Business Santa Sleigh Routes On The Beat Fitness Tips Ashby Museum News Puzzle Page What’s On Christadelphian Church Community Board Castle Medical Group Venture Theatre News What’s On for Families Your Wellbeing Choosing a Real Tree A Walk in the Forest Fun Quiz Church Services Ashby Library News In Your Garden All About You Last Posting Dates Interior Design Tips Ashbeian MTG News This Month Just 4 Fun Seasonal Recipes Storytime Ashby Scouts Book Reviews Young Ashby Puzzle Solutions Chess Puzzle Business Directory

Vana

08 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40/41 44 48 52 56 60/61 64 70 74 76 78 86 90 92 94 98 102 106 110 114 118 120 122 126 130 132 134

114

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It’s a fantastic way to target potential customers and great value for money

See our website or call Chandra on 01530 417739 for details Copy deadline for the January edition is Thursday 8th December

Please note advertising space is limited, pre-booking is recommended 4

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spotlight on... HERE at Ashby Life our main aims are to let people know about events, services, shops and trades people within the area and to encourage residents to support them and all local businesses. That’s why we are strong supporters of Small Business Saturday which returns for it’s fourth year on Saturday 3rd December. Although the first Saturday of each December is seen as a key date, the campaign also aims to support, inspire and promote small business all year round. Did you know that small businesses in the UK provide almost two thirds of private sector employment and almost half of private sector turnover? Small Business Saturday’s website gives small businesses the ability to register their details which customers can then search for using the Small Business Finder giving them the ability to locate small businesses near to them. Small businesses can even share their latest offers. Ashby Life have registered. They also have a series of workshops covering a range of topics to help both established small businesses and start-ups – all free of charge as the campaign is a not-for-profit initiative. So whether you’re a plumber, retailer, accountant or physiotherapist they could provide you with invaluable tools and support.

We all know the difference small businesses make to our local area and the satisfaction that comes with supporting a local person rather than a large national company. In this month’s issue alone we bring you details of over 170 local businesses and tradespeople so there’s plenty of choice out there – turn to our categorised index to easily find what you’re looking for.

You can also visit www.small businesssaturdayuk.com and discover how you can pledge your support for local businesses and find a local business near to you or follow #SmallBizSatUK on social media for the latest updates.

Remember to buy local and use local services – at this time of year as Christmas draws near there are so many opportunities to make a difference by using a small business near you.

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ashby town council

WHAT’S

TO COME...

DID you know that the town council award small grants for charity, voluntary and community groups if they benefit some or all of the residents of the parish? You can apply online and find out more details on our website www.ashbydelazouch.info or pop into the office in Legion House on South Street for a chat.

Each month we publish details of our councillor surgeries on the Community Board of this magazine and our website. At each event a number of councillors are available to answer questions regarding any matters relating to the parish, town and district. See page 48 or www.ashby delazouch.info for upcoming dates.

Last month, we saw a great turnout, as usual, for both Armistice Day and Remembrance Day events and services. Thank you to all who made the effort to come and show their support.

This month we have the first ever ‘Ashby Big Christmas Weekend’. On Saturday 3rd December the Christmas Fair returns with everything festive for all the family.

The day will be packed full of fun and entertainment, which will include a full programme of live entertainment compered by Shane Richins of Crackerjack. Local schools and nurseries, orchestras, choirs and community groups will all take to the stage to perform Christmas themed entertainment through-out the day.

Face painting, balloon modelling, magic shows, children’s rides and Christmas themed walkabouts will also be present to make the day extra special. Visit Santa and get your free 5”x7” photo, courtesy of Dean and Toby at Dean & Smedley (photographs taken between 10.30am and 2pm).

Food Gusto will also be present at the event with their wonderful food and drink market. A great opportunity to try and buy some local produce and purchase those last minute gifts.

The event will conclude with carol singing with Concordia choir and a spectacular snowflake finale.

Don’t forget to visit the Christmas Craft Fair which will be held at Legion House, South Street from 10am until 4pm.

Car parking on the day of the event will be free in all North West Leicestershire District Council car parks courtesy of NWLDC and will continue on all Saturday’s throughout December. 10.30am Official opening by Councillor Mike Ball, Mayor of Ashby

2.00pm

2.45pm

10.45am Ivanhoe College Orchestra and Choir

3.30pm

11.45am Fairy Friends UK

3.45pm

11.30am Children from Ashby Day Nursery

12.15pm JAKS Academy 12.45pm Crackerjack

1.30pm

Cantrill’s Magic

3.55pm

4.00pm

Concordia Choir

Donisthorpe Primary School Choir

Mayor announcing winner of Best Dressed Window competition

Carol singing with Concordia

Snowflake finale

Event ends

The fun doesn’t stop there though as the Christmas Fair returns for a second day on Sunday 4th December. This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on unique gifts with artisan products, gift stalls and more as well as live music. Again it’s an all-day event starting from 10.30am and running through to 4.00pm. More info can be found at www.foodgusto.com

And let’s not forget Ashby’s Santa Fun Run and Walk which kicks off at 11am on the Bath grounds on Sunday 4th December. Organised by the Rotary Club of Ashby de la Zouch Castle and supported by Ashby Town Council this family friendly Christmas event will raise money for local charities. Can they top last year’s massive 600+ Santa’s? Why not pop down to show your support as they set off? It’s also not too late to enter. For just £10 for adults and £5 for kids you get a full Santa suit including hat and beard as well as a medal when you complete the 3km route. See www.ashbysantarun.com for details.

And finally a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from everyone at Ashby Town Council.

DATES FOR TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS are published on the Community Board 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 Legion House, South Street, Ashby de la Zouch, calling 01530 416961 or via the website at www.ashbydelazouch.info

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open 4 business SIMPSON JONES SOLICITORS have long been established in Ashby as the firm to turn to when selling or buying your home. Established six years ago, initially as a satellite office of its main office in Derby, the Ashby branch of Simpson Jones has until now been located in the little cottage on The Green with its distinctive purple door and window frames.

Simpson Jones Solicitors

Since launch, the business has become well known and the initial team of three has more than doubled to cope. This, and a desire to provide an environment to match the service provided, has been the driving factor behind their relocation to a smart new office at no.75 Market Street. The office is open whilst work on the reception area is finalised and, although it is a work in progress, already the changes can be seen with two new private meeting rooms and plenty of space for future growth.

have moved home!

Phill Bull of Simpson Jones who has lived in Ashby all of his life, is keen to emphasize however that not much else has changed. This is a local company who know Ashby inside out and who pride themselves on being approachable, friendly and able to cut through the jargon that can prove daunting at an already stressful time for many of us. Once completed the reception will be comfortable and welcoming and as they always have been people are encouraged to drop in at any time with queries or for a quote. If you’re looking to move home in the near future then you’ve got the perfect excuse to check out Simpson Jones’ new home and I’m sure you’ll feel welcome.

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santa sleigh routes

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on the beat

Hello everyone...

NOW the clocks have gone back and the nights draw in, Leicestershire Police reminds you to ‘Lock up and Light up’ this winter. The ‘Darker Nights’ campaign aims to help prevent an increase in burglaries over the winter months by reminding residents to lock their homes and encouraging them to leave a light on, giving the appearance that someone is home. The winter nights can make it easier for burglars to hide in darkness and for unoccupied and unlit houses easier to spot. The force traditionally sees a seasonal rise in burglaries after the clocks go back in October, with offences rising through December and January and falling back to normal levels by around March. Leicestershire Police’s lead for burglary, Detective Inspector Lee Ferguson said: “When the clocks go back by an hour and the nights begin to draw in earlier, we find that homes are often left unoccupied and left in darkness for longer periods of time. This can make them more vulnerable to burglary.

Our ‘Darker Nights’ campaign encourages you to take some simple inexpensive precautions to help protect your home and your belongings. As well as reminding you to lock all the windows and doors before you leave, it also encourages you to leave a light on when you go out or t give i the th appearance that th t you use an automatic light timer to are home. If you notice that your neighbour’s house is in darkness, encourage them to leave a light on too. Unfortunately many people only tend to think about their home security after becoming a victim of burglary... Police are encouraging residents to buy a light timer as the cost is minimal compared to the financial and emotional cost of replacing items after a burglary. You can purchase light timers at most DIY stores.” For further information on how to protect your home or business from burglars visit www.leics.police.uk/darker nights or follow #lock uplightup on Twitter.

PC MARK ARJOO

call: 101 voicemail ID: 1667

email: mark.arjoo@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk

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Body fat and muscle fitness tips

with Simon Pellecchia

www.ﬁtnessrepublic.co.uk

How BODITRAX can Help you sHape-up?

What are you made of? at FITNESS REPUBLIC, we can tell by using our specialist Boditrax system. there are many body composition tests on the market today, many that you can purchase from retail stores and oﬀ the internet, some more accurate than others.

At Fitness REPUBLIC, we use the expert Boditrax system which is easy to perform and very unobtrusive - all you need to do is take your shoes and socks off and step onto our body composition platform that look similar to scales. All systems work in roughly the same way, ours included. Boditrax sends a small and safe electrical current through the body. The way in which this passes through our muscle and fat is different. The current will find it easier to pass through lean muscle as muscle has a higher water content than fat.

So, what does it tell us? Well, ﬁrst and foremost the t i l measurements t in i any test are generally your body fat levels and your lean two crucial muscle levels. These are expressed as a percentage and in weight (kg). These two ﬁgures show you fundamentally how your body is made up.

Our main aim here is to get the distance between these two figures to be as far apart as possible. So, to be healthier, this means having less fat and more muscle. This way you will look and feel better. Having more lean muscle will elevate your metabolism, which will help you to burn more calories when you are resting. Note that we haven't talked about weight here, as muscle weighs around 2-3 times heavier than fat, the weight number on the scales alone won't tell you how it's made up. As an example, I currently weigh 13st 4lbs, the heaviest I have ever been, but as my results show, I have a high muscle % and a low fat %, so it stands to reason that I'll weigh a little heavier than if I had less muscle and more fat. Visually the way I look at 13st 4lbs will look a lot different to someone that is the exact same weight but has a different muscle to fat ratio. My point here is that you shouldn't judge yourself on weight alone. Our specialist machine also offers lots more information, such as your BMR or basal metabolism rate in calories. This is the number of calories that if you stood still all day you would need to keep your body alive. Calories for breathing, digestion etc. This is a good starting point to work out your daily calorie maintenance level (the level in which your body maintains its weight) from here we can then alter this to either lose or gain weight. Another great figure that Boditrax gives us is our metabolic age. This feature calculates your BMR and indicates the average age associated with that type of metabolism. If your BMR Age is higher than your actual age, it is an indication that you need to improve your t b li rate. t IIncreased d exercise will build healthy muscle tissue, which will improve your metabolic age. metabolic

Boditrax is a great tool that we use here at Fitness REPUBLIC, but remember also other great tools include the mirror, the way you feel and how your clothes fit! Hopefully this has given you a good guide to how Boditrax can help you shape up. Remember, we are all different and our skill is to find what works for you, to help you get the most out of your body.

If you’re looking to shape up this winter, then feel free to pop into FITNESS REPUBLIC located in the town centre and we’ll offer you a no-obligation consultation on how we could help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Our friendly team is dedicated to supporting everybody feel better in mind and body. Our improved venue offers a warm welcome and an extensive range of health, fitness and wellbeing services and classes. Let’s shape up together.

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ashby museum news

rances Susan Chick from London, has recently kindly donated a mezzotint portrait of Doctor Thomas Kirkland, sketched in 1794. Doctor Kirkland was an Ashby physician in the mid to late 18th century who became nationally famous for tending John Johnson, the servant of Earl Ferrers. The portrait has been in Frances’ family for years.

We have had a successful year with our town walks, both for the general public and specific groups. n Although next year’s dates have not yet finali been finalised we will be offering evening walks from spring until autumn. We a can also offer tailor-made daytime walks, to include lunch if required. Details will appear in later issues.

ne design Christmas cards are Our new provin to be very popular and are proving selling well. If you would like something a festive, then do come and have a little different, but still fe look before they all disappear off the shelves.

Think of a museum as a human place. Despite all the glass-encased objects, it is people who make museums. These people are as eager to tell their stories as you are to hear them. Be an active museum-goer, visit with a deliberate purpose and intention. Do you want to know more about the Edwardian lady parachutist, Dolly Shepherd, read about the First World War Victoria Cross hero, Philip Bent or learn about Ashby's history as a Spa Town? Our Museum collects, preserves, researches and exhibits but the average visitor only takes advantage of the exhibits. If you could spare a couple of hours a fortnight, do get in touch with us about how you can help to keep our museum in the forefront of Ashby's life. Call us on 01530 560 090 or come and see us in person, preferably on a Monday or Wednesday morning. The Museum will be closed for the Christmas period from 17th December to 2nd January.

FRIENDS OF ASHBY MUSEUM Thank you to all who supported the Quiz Night at Packington Memorial Hall, which was a great success. Keep a look-out in this magazine for details of next year's spring afternoon tea talks. The first one will be delivered by Ivan Hallam in March, on Ashby’s clock and watchmakers in the 19th and 20th centuries. Some of those featured will be William Salisbury, Samuel Kirk Peplow and William Measures.

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puzzle page ACROSS

1 3 9 10 11 14 16 17 18 21 22 23 24

DOWN

12 13 15 19 20 22

QUICK CROSSWORD

Swap (8) Midday meal (5) Slap (3) Dialogue (12) Enthusiastic (7) Certain (4) Animals with many legs (12) Consumed (5) Texts (8) Largest amount (7) Vegetable (5) Cooled (4) Winter sport (3)

Solutions on page 130

1 2 4 5 6 7 8

Snake-like fish (4) Board game (8) Get in touch (7) Better (5) Accomplishments (12) Jewel (3) Tracks (5) Change colour (3) Clarifications (12) Punctuation mark (5) Displaying (7) Home-help (8) Finishes (4)

SUDOKU

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 130.

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what’s on...

December thursday 1st Funhouse Comedy Club The Lyric Rooms, Ashby. An evening of comedy with Carl Donnelly, Mitch Benn, Jake Lambert, Jon Pearson. Compere: Spikey Mike, doors open at 7.30pm to 8pm for 8.15pm start. All shows £10 advance unless otherwise started. Food available 7.30pm to 8pm. For more details call see www.funhouse comedy.co.uk or call 0115 952 5050. Friday 2nd LRWt North West Group Skittles & Meal Meet at 7.30pm for a chance to meet your wildlife friends, have a good meal and play skittles in the enjoyable, traditional pub setting of The Odd House, Snareston. Cost £10 for main course, sweets extra, please book with David Wroughton on 01530 414 672. Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd Christmas tree Festival There will be 50 decorated and illuminated trees herald the start of celebrations. Opening times 10am to 6pm on Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday.’ Refreshments and other attractions at Holy Trinity, Kilwardby Street proceeds to roof repair fund, free entry. Saturday 3rd Christmas Craft Fair From 10am to 4pm at

Legion House, South St, Ashby de la Zouch. For further details please contact Mary Tuckey on 01530 413 434. Saturday 3rd Christmas Fair Ashby Congregational Church welcome everybody to come and celebrate Christmas at their annual fair between 10am to 3pm on Kilwardby Street. Please contact Rev. Catherine Booton on 01530 563 301 for further details. Sunday 4th ashby Santa Fun Run & Walk From 11am on Ashby Bath Grounds watch several hundred ‘Santas’ complete a 3km route in aid of Hospice Hope and various local charities. Organised by the Rotary Club of Ashby de la Zouch Castle. See page 12 for more details.

7pm, visitors welcome. For more information contact Gill Massey 01283 212 380. Wednesday 7th Christmas Memories Presented by Neil Sands. Join Neil and his brilliant cast for this delightful and unforgettable festive trip down memory lane, singing along to all your festive favourites. Century Theatre, Coalville, starts 2pm. Tickets £12, Concessions £10 for group bookings of 10 or more. Tickets available online www.century theatre.co.uk or call 01530 278 444.

Monday 5th Christmas Carols From 3pm at Grace Dieu Priory. Car parking at the rear of The Bulls Head in Thringstone. 10 minute’s walk through the woods. (Don’t forget to bring a torch). Entrance is free. Mulled wine and mince pies available. See www. gracedieupriory.org.uk for more details.

Friday 9th LRWt North West Group aGM and ‘Bird life in my garden’ Noel Morgan shows his DVD of bird life in a typical garden in southern Leicestershire. His cinematic presentation includes humour, tragedy and everyday life for birds as it really is. All talks are in the church hall of Ashby Methodist Chapel, Burton Road, Ashby and begin at 7.30pm, entry is £3 each. To ﬁnd out more about our group please ring David Maltby on 01530 222 934 or Margaret Mabey on 01530 412 410.

tuesday 6th Blackfordby WI Ashby Spa Choir. Blackfordby Village Hall,

Friday 9th Carols on the Green The friends of Thringstone have organised

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carols on The Green, Thringstone, from 6.30pm. At the Thringstone C of E Church followed by refreshments and entertainment by WAD U3A ‘Fun Choir’ in Thringstone Methodist Church Hall. All welcome. Saturday 10th a brief history of Christmas Acclaimed historical musicians ‘Blast from the Past’ present a festive romp through 600 years of Christmas music, songs and stories. Second half is a thrilling re-telling of Dickens' ‘A Christmas Carol’. Century Theatre, Coalville, starts 7.45pm. Admission £10 advance, £12 on the door. Tickets available online www. centurytheatre.co.uk or call 01530 278 444. Sunday 11th White Christmas (U) Enjoy Irving Berlin's Christmas Classic with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. Century Theatre, Coalville, starts 2.30pm. Admission Adult £3.50, child £2 pay on the door or book online www. centurytheatre.co.uk. Call 01530 278 444. Monday 12th ashby Canal association Pre-Christmas social At DM's (Donisthorpe Woodlands Centre), Church Street, Donisthorpe DE12 7PY,

evenings at various venues around the local area. The Black House in Market Bosworth, CV13 0LF. The meal is booked for 7.30pm. Shared transport is used wherever possible. Email jane_boyce@hotmail. co.uk for more details.

at 7.30pm. Phil Clayton returns, by popular request, this time with an illustrated presentation featuring the waterways of Eastern England including the Fens, the rivers Nene and Gt. Ouse, and their tributaries. Everyone welcome, admission free. Bar available. For more details call 01530 412 516 or visit website www.ashbycanal.org.uk tuesday 13th ashby Civic Society Christmas Social The most popular event of the year. Their usual good food and good company with entertainment by Keith Blood at the Century Cinema,

Snibston. Booking essential. Call Margaret to book 01530 412 410 or visit www.ashbydela zouchcivicsociety.webs. com Wednesday 14th Sweet harmony Concert Get into the Christmas spirit and pop along to St Michael’s Church in Ravenstone to enjoy a night of Christmas songs and carols. 7pm start. Refreshments available. Admission free. thursday 15th Sence Valley Supper Club Welcomes new members, old friends and acquaintances alike to its monthly culinary

It’s FREE to put community information on this page or on our website. Please submit your full event details online at www.ashbylife.co.uk/submit-newevent.html Deadline for submissions for the Community Board or What’s On pages for the January issue is thursday 8th December. 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. For any queries please email admin@ashbylife.co.uk

Saturday 17th Ballroom and Sequence dancing Blackfordby Village Hall. With organist Phil Brown. Bar/ Refreshments/Raﬄe. From 8pm to 11pm, Admission £3 For more information call 01283 213 481. Sunday 18th Funhouse Comedy Club At The Lyric Rooms, Ashby. An evening of comedy with Jo Caulﬁeld, Gary Delaney, Phil Chapman, Simon Wozniak. Compere: Spikey Mike, doors open at 7.30pm to 8pm for 8.15pm start. £13 advance tickets. Food available 7.30pm to 8pm. For more details see www.funhouse comedy.co.uk or call 0115 952 5050. Sunday 18th Christmas Extravaganza A Christmas concert with the world famous Desford Colliery Band. Century Theatre, Snibston, starts 7.30pm, tickets £8. Available online www.century theatre.co.uk or call 01530 278 444. tuesday 20th Cake ‘n’ Crochet Club Christmas Party with mince pies and mulled

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wine (non-alcoholic). Drop in from 1pm and bring the family along for crochet and crafting. £5 per person including crafting, drinks and mince pie. For more details contact Copper Leaf Craft Café on 07939 449 009 or call into the gallery which is upstairs above Souk de la Zouch on Bath Street Corner. Wednesday 21st ashby Spa WI – Christmas True Victorian Style – Costumed talk by Jo Carter. Ashby Baptist Church in Brook Street at 7.30pm, visitors welcome £4. Email ashby.spa@googlemail. com or call them on 01530 563 682. Sunday 30th Funhouse Comedy Club At The Lyric Rooms, Ashby. Christmas special, an evening of comedy with Tanyalee Davis, Lloyd Griﬃth, Jollyboat. Compere: Spikey Mike, doors open at 7.30pm to 8pm for 8.15pm start. £13 advance tickets. Food available 7.30pm to 8pm. For more details call see www.funhouse comedy.co.uk or call 0115 952 5050. Saturday 31st New Year’s Eve Party Dancing to Chris Johnson. Blackfordby Village Hall. Bar/ Refreshments/Raﬄe. From 8pm to 12.30am, admission £8.50 For more information call 01283 213 481.

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gift

www.ashbychurch.co.uk

THE

OF GIVING

www.ashbychurch.co.uk

loves us and wants us to be a part of his family. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

IT’S that time of year again! Christmas trees decorated, cards on the mantelpiece and presents ready to be wrapped. But what do you buy someone who already seems to have everything? I’m sure we’ve all been there, receiving that unwanted present; the odd knitted jumper from our Aunt, the tiger striped onesie, a random ‘celebrity’ perfume, the novelty dog slippers or that singing tie!

God’s gift to us is not only free but more importantly the most precious gift we could ever receive. Through the gift of Jesus, we can have joy in our life, a hope for the future and live in a time of lasting peace. If we trust and believe in Jesus we can be a part of the Kingdom of God. What gift could be greater?

But what if you could receive just one gift this year what would it be? Maybe the greatest gift we can receive is the one that’s labelled “To you, Love God”.

Why not come along to our Christmas Family Service on Sunday 18th December at 4:30pm? Not only is it a carol service for ALL the family, it’s a great way to start your festivities and to put the Christ back into Christmas!

Where do these end up? Often at the back of our cupboard ready for re-gifting or posting on eBay.

God’s gift to us is his only son, born in a stable centuries ago. God has given us this gift because he

Editorial by Ashby Christadelphian Church, Union Passage, Ashby

So, if there’s one gift worth receiving, keeping and sharing, it’s Jesus, God’s gift to us.

Useful Bible passage to look up: John ch1 v 12.

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community board Bumper cha rity Quiz

eal Poppy App 2015-2016by de la Zouch & District

of Ash The people nated £45,687.17. l do nation. To al u made a do ct, deliver, yo if u yo k lle co Than who helped you for supporters eckers a ‘big thank’ ch Paul d lt. an su rs re te gh coun achieve a hi your time to O Ashby & District. Stokes PA

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Christmas has arrived The Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation is delighted to announce that Santa will be making a very special appearance on Saturday 10th December, between 10am to 4pm at the Foundation’s fundraising Christmas festive fair. There will be a selection of festive stalls and the opportunity to meet Santa. Admission to Santa’s Grotto is £5 per child, to include a small gift. The tearooms will be serving delicious warming refreshments and the spectacular model railway will be open and running. For more information please contact the Helen Baxter on 01530 244 914 or via email at hello@shuttlewood-clarke.org.

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Go Uk ul el e Craz y!

A fun-packed evening from 7pm at Packington Village Hall with local Ukulele Band: Go Ukulele Crazy! Lots of opportun ities to join in with the choruses, actions and have a good time. As it's near to Christma s, there will be the odd seasonal tune too. Ther e will be a bar and raffle on the night, with all the proceeds from the event going to Hosp ice Hope. Tickets cost £10 per person. Email Jane Hagreen at jane@hospicehope.org.uk or 07935 800 658.

The gift of

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An appe a The Alzh l for volunteers eim to Ashby d er’s Society’s give the gift of give the e la Zouch is lo Side by Side se time. ok gif rv The serv t of time to he ing for volunte ice in lp pe ers to ice to keep enables people ople with dem entia. doing th living w it e things intere they lov h dementia volunte sted in finding e . A n ering op y out more one port ab on 0116 231 111 unity can conta out this 3 or 078 ct Suna suna.till ey@alzh 89 604 227 or e Tilley eimers.o mail rg.uk

Ash by Tow n Co unc il Calend ar of

Mee tings Events and Entertainment Committee Meeting on 5th December at 6.30p m to 8pm. Finance, Tourism and Administration Committee on 12th December 6.30pm to 8pm. Plann ing and Transportation Committee Meeting on 19th December 6.30pm to 7pm. Licensing Committee Meeting on 19th December 7pm to 7.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to atten d and there is a slot for public questions. Meetings take place at Legion House, South Street, Ashb y. 48

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castle medical group

MONTHLY UPDATE SIT AND WAIT CLINICS… Just to remind you that we have ‘Sit & Wait’ clinics every morning between 8am and 10am (8.30am on a Thursday). These clinics will be run by GPs only and patients will be seen in turn. There will no longer be ‘on the day’ urgent slots – all patients who feel their condition needs to be seen on an urgent basis will be invited to come down to the sit and wait clinic that day.

Any patients arriving after 10am will be advised that they cannot be seen and may come back the following day for the next ‘Sit & Wait’ clinic unless they are a medical emergency in which case they will be directed to the On-Call GP. Sometimes a patient coming for a ‘Sit & Wait’ appointment needs to be seen urgently and they will be moved to the front of the queue on the basis of clinical need – this will be decided by the Doctor. We have taken this step in response to patient feedback – we are continually adapting our systems to try and make it easier for our patients to get the most

appropriate appointment when they need it and hope that this will alleviate some of the problems you have been experiencing trying to get through to us on the telephone.

DR REBECCA HALL… It is with regret we inform you that Dr Rebecca Hall will be leaving the Practice this month due to family commitments; she will be missed by both staff and patients. We wish her every success in the future.

PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP… The Patient Participation Group is a group of patients who meet every month to discuss issues and ideas about the health centre. Their role is to be a critical friend to the practice and to support the practice and other patients. If this is something you think you may be interested in joining, please see our website www.castlemedicalgroupppg. co.uk for further details. CHRISTMAS HOURS… Please see notice board and website nearer the time for our opening times during the festive period.

Everyone at the Castle Medical Group wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Castle Medical Group, 118 Burton Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, LE65 2LP. Tel: 01530 414131

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venture theatre news WELL, Christmas preparations are well underway and everyone is getting very busy!

Merry Christmas!

Here at The Venture Theatre, our Christmas production, Comfort Comfo f rt and fo Joy, o , will just have a few days to run oy by y the time you read this. You Y u might Yo still till get a ticket (Ashby TIC 01530 411767). The last performance will be on Saturday December 3rd.

This hilarious comedy, complete with toppled and denuded Christmas tree, annoying relatives and unwanted Christmas presents, has certainly got the festive period off to a cracking start. Once one play is over, we are usually already preparing for the next, but during the festive period we do take time off for a little rest and some social activities. Members of the Ashby b Dramatic Society by t always take ty the opportunity to get together for a Christmas dinner at this time of year. r This year we are trying out a r. new venue, The T e Help Out Mill at Th Oddstone. Some of us have been going to this restaurant for a number of years but this is the first time ADS has chosen it for our festive celebration and it is sure to be an enjoyable occasion. In addition to that, our regular Monday club night takes on a festive air on the last Monday before Christmas when

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members gather at the theatre to enjoy mulled wine and mince pies. The theatre will be decorated for the festive period and it is a good time to get together with other members and have an enjoyable time. However, once Christmas is out of the way, the cast and crew of the next production will be straight down to work. We’ll be telling you more about that in the next issue of Ashby Life but keep a space in your diary for the end of February. Meanwhile, if your New Year’s resolution is to try something new, or even resume an old interest, and you would like to get involved in the theatre, come down on any Monday night from about 8pm. We’ll be glad to welcome you, show you round, and hopefully you’ll decide to become a member in 2017. More information about what sort of activities you can get involved with at the theatre is available on our website at http://ashbyventure theatre.org.uk/theatre_roles.html

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what’s on for families Various dates in December, 11.30am to 7.30pm.

WATERSIDE WINTER WONDERLAND Conkers, Moira.

Tickets cost £9.95pp and £37.80 for a family of four. To see dates and book online visit www.visitconkers.com or call 01283 216633.

Arrive at Waterside Winter Wonderland, where Santa’s Chief Elf and his team of elves will lead you through the Enchanted Forest and the Valley of Christmas lights to Santa’s Woodland Grotto. Meet the reindeer (12 to 6pm) and take a trip on the Santa Special train through the tunnel of discovery, meet the balloon modeller (from 1 to 5pm) and watch the Christmas show.

Festive family events in our local area

We advise you check all details on the event organiser’s website or contact them to confirm details before you set off

Daily until 24th December – various times.

1st to 4th December – various times.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Twycross Zoo. CV9 3PX.

Tickets cost £12.50 per person. Please call 0844 474 1777 to book. See https://twycrosszoo.org for details as well as Sunday lunch or Supper with Santa. Join in with the Christmas magic at Twycross Zoo by having breakfast with Santa. Let the Zoo’s little helpers welcome you into Windows on the Wild for an extra special breakfast, before meeting the man himself! This magical experience includes a delicious cooked breakfast, the chance to meet Santa and a small gift to take home.

Daily until 31st December various times.

Tickets from £13.95 per person. Under 2’s go FREE. Book online at www.snowdome.co.uk or call 03448 000 011.

CHRISTMAS IN COALVILLE Market Hall Car Park, Coalville.

There will be lots of festive fun including a funfair, Santa's Grotto with real reindeer, birds of prey, live music and other attractions for all of the family. At 5pm ‘Little Chix’ will lead the lights switch on with a firework finale whilst over at the Belvoir shopping Centre you will find a food and drink festival. For further information telephone 01530 454 603.

various dates in December, 10am to 1pm

FAMILY ‘MAKE 'N' TAKE’ CRAFT ACTIVITIES Copper Leaf Craft Café, 3 Bath Street Corner, Ashby.

Call 07939 449009 or pop in to the gallery for more info.

The Panto Company presents another Christmas classic but with up to date chart songs and plenty of slapstick humour. Standard tickets cost £8.75 with reductions for groups and schools. See www.centurytheatre. co.uk for performance times and details.

Santa will be returning to Tamworth SnowDome this Christmas with his magical Winter Wonderland in the snow! As well as his reindeer, he will be bringing all of his friends for some serious festive fun. With real snow, real animals and the brand new Winter Wonderland show, it’s the ultimate Christmas adventure for all the family.

SANTA’S WINTER WONDERLAND Snowdome, Tamworth, B79 7ND.

3rd December, 10am to 5pm

DICK WHITTINGTON Century Theatre, Coalville.

Various crafting activities - 30 minute sessions cost £5 and 1 hour sessions for more complex shapes cost £7.50. Tea, coffee, cake & biscuits always available. On Monday 19th December, Mathew Warburton of AluminiumArt will be in the gallery from 10am to 12noon with his pre-prepared holly & angel shapes for families to bead then hand engrave to personalise with a name or date. These sessions can be pre-booked and will cost £7.50 for 1 hour.

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Ibstock celebrates with a grand lights switch on then a Christmas parade through the high street. There will also be a funfair, market stalls, food and drink as well as live music with a performance from The Simpletones. Take a ride on the magical festive train, through the enchanted woods, before heading on to Santa’s workshop to see his Elves busy at work! Be sure to see Rudolph and his friends in their stables before disembarking the train and heading to see Santa in his grotto where each child will speak to Santa and receive a present.

3rd December, 4.30 to 10.30pm.

IBSTOCK CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 2016 High Street, Ibstock. See their Facebook event for more details or call 07982 996377.

Every Saturday & Sunday until 18th December, 11am to 4pm.

SANTA EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE & GROTTO Sunnyside Garden Centre, Ibstock

See www.sunnysidegardencentre.co.uk to book online or call 01530 263418. Tickets cost £2 for adults and £5 for children. Afternoon tea Santa experiences also available.

A whole weekend of Christmas entertainment, shopping and more. Children’s rides, carol singing, food and drink stalls, a magic show and Santa on his sleigh. On the Sunday, Food Gusto will have gift stalls as well as festive food and drink. The Ashby Santa Fun Run will start at 11am over on the Bath Grounds prepare for the amazing sight of hundreds of Santa’s passing by!

3rd & 4th December, 10.30am to 4pm.

ASHBY BIG CHRISTMAS WEEKEND Market Street, Ashby.

For more details see page 12.

Our online What’s On section at www.ashbylife.co.uk has details of local events and ideas for family days out. Upload details of your family events at www.ashbylife.co.uk/submit-new-event.html Ashby Life cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions or endorse companies, products or services appearing in the magazine.

Swannington Heritage Trust promise plenty of Christmas fun with games, craft stalls, children’s craft activities, a raffle, festive refreshments and Sanata himself. It’s also the perfect excuse to explore the Mill. Ashby Christadelphian Church will be holding their annual Family Christmas Carol Service – a great way to get the whole family into the festive spirit. A fancy dress party for the kids – the perfect opportunity for them to dress up in their favourite festive outfits. Tickets cost £8 per child whilst adults go free. This includes unlimited play, a disco, food, games and a gift from Santa himself.

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4th December, 2-4pm.

CHRISTMAS AT THE MILL Hough Mill, Swannington.

Find out more on their Facebook page or call 01530 838 331 or email events@ swannington-heritage.co.uk

18th December, 4.30pm.

FAMILY CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE

Ashby Christadelphian Church, Union Passage, Off South Street, Ashby. 18th December, 3pm to 5.30pm.

CHRISTMAS PARTY Barney’s Playbarn, Coalville.

Book early though as places are limited. Call 01530 835 876. Breakfast with Santa is also available between Monday 12th and Friday 16th December.

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your wellbeing

Surviving

Christmas

OUR SIX TOP TIPS TO HELP YOU THROUGH THE SEASON... FOR many of us, Christmas is a special time to spend with loved ones, brightening the darkest days of the year. Unfortunately, though, it can be fraught with stress, family tensions and too many food or alcohol-based temptations. So how can you survive Christmas?

Many Christmas adverts portray the exhausted woman, rushing around while everyone else relaxes, as the norm. Don’t let it be. Ensure everyone helps.

4. BE SHREWD WITH FOOD Keep a few quick-toprepare items in stock to feed unexpected visitors, but don’t buy huge quantities of food. You can always top up later.

Food poisoning isn’t festive, so ensure all cooks wash and dry their hands. Frozen foods should be properly defrosted and immediately refrigerated or cooked thoroughly (particularly large poultry or joints of meat). Keep raw foods separate from cooked food.

Leave enough room in the fridge for cold air to circulate and don’t leave buffets out for more than 4 hours. Healthy festive food: • Removing skin and avoiding butter basting removes a third of your turkey’s calories and half its fat.

1. BE PREPARED Start adding a few Christmas items to each shopping list now, saving you the stress of a massive, last-minute shop. Only the freshest items need to be purchased just beforehand. Bake, prepare and freeze as much as possible in advance.

2. GO EASY ON THE ALCOHOL Alcohol is a calorieheavy appetite stimulant linked to serious health conditions, which lowers inhibitions and affects judgment - so beware voicing long-standing gripes at Christmas and plan your drinking, ensuring you don't exceed the recommended weekly maximum of 14 units (now applicable to men and women).

Never drink on an empty stomach and match each alcoholic drink with a soft one to help your body handle alcohol’s toxins and dehydrating effects.

Alcohol absorption depends on several factors, so no set amount guarantees you’re under the legal drinkdrive limit (and Scotland’s is much lower than the rest of the UK’s). Any amount of alcohol affects judgement and reactions.

3. REMEMBER: CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT EVERYONE Try to resolve family conflicts (or agree a temporary truce) before the big day. Consider what everyone (including yourself) wants most from Christmas, but remind them compromises will be required. Try to find a few things everyone can enjoy together.

• Choose low-salt gravy mixes and hide the saltshaker. • Swap:

- sausage meat for vegetarian sausage mix, - goose fat for healthy oils,

- traditional mince pies for filo or open-top versions - brandy butter or cream for low-fat custard or crème fraiche,

- crisps, salted nuts and chocolate for plain popcorn, rice cakes, pretzels, unsalted nuts and homemade chocolate-covered fruit (preferably using dark chocolate). 5. STAY FESTIVE FIT An alarming amount of Christmas hospital admissions are due to excessive or unhealthy eating. Include some ‘normal meals’, avoiding excess sugar and salt. Keep portion size sensible and stop eating just as you start to feel full.

Ensure you get a good night’s sleep whenever possible, and stay active: a walk burns calories and the daylight and fresh air will help you feel physically and mentally well.

6. FINALLY... KEEP IT IN PROPORTION Christmas Day is only one day; most festivities are centred on just one week out of 52. If the turkey’s burnt, laugh; it’s not what matters most. Keep celebrations simple, focusing on what makes you and your loved ones happy. It’s your Christmas. Relax and enjoy it!

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choosing a real tree

NORDMANN NN fir trees come in lots of sizes. They are bushy and symmetrical and are a lovely colour. They last well too, even in homes where people like the central heating set to toasty levels.

The FRASER FIR has an intense festive aroma that lasts well. It's a pretty shape and slimmer than the Nordmann so is good if you don't have a lot of floor space. It retains its needles well.

The SERBIAN SPRUCE has a slender trunk with short, grace-fully drooping branches and bright green needles. They are often sold as smaller pot gro specimens here so pot-grown they ca can be good for a tabletop tre tree, and can be planted out onc once Christmas is over.

The RO ROCKY MOUNTAIN FIR is quite a narrow tree with a striking blue colouring to the foliage foliage. It's also good for needle retention.

Finally the NORWAY SPRUCE, wh is what we think of ironically) as a (somew (somewhat Christmas tree. It has a traditional British Chr lovely shape but is notorious for dropping its needles. Try buying a potted tree rather than a cut one, as these hold their needles better. But actually, it's only for a couple of weeks so a few dropped needles aren't such a terrible price to pay for a truly lovely tree.

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a walk in the forest

Three great places for a Christmas walk

There is a magic about Christmas that can see even the least active family members being persuaded outside for a breath of fresh air. It may be a short stroll after Christmas Lunch to walk off the excesses of turkey and Christmas pudding, or an urge to get everyone out of the house of Boxing Day before tempers erupt! It could be the crisp, clear feel of New Year’s Day, or just the fact that you have the time to enjoy a slice of the outdoors during the holiday break. Whatever the reason, this is the time when the whole family ooften walks together - so I’ve rounded up three of my favourite locations that eeveryone, from oldies to littlies, can enjoy over the festive season. Opening ttimes may vary over the Christmas period, particularly for facilities such as sshops or cafes, so do check before you go. These locations offer easy walking and hard paths suitable for pushchairs, T w wheelchairs, and small people. All have paths that are well marked and e easy to follow, so I’ll leave it up to you to choose your own routes.

MOIRA FURNACE M

This is probably my all-time favourite ‘take the family’ place for walking. T M Moira Furnace is situated on the left, just before the sharp right hand bend, iif you are driving through Moira towards tthe A444, the postcode is DE12 6AT. car parks - the larger car park is right next to playing fields There are three car and a wonderful play area suitable for children of varying ages with a range of slides, climbing frames and the like. The two smaller car parks are on either side of the furnace itself where there are craft workshops and a tea room. Paths run alongside the Ashby Canal linking into Donisthorpe Country Park or down to Conkers Waterside. There is also a woodland trail, bird feeding area, narrowboat, lock and old lime kilns to discover.

HICKS LODGE

Home to the National Forest Cycle Centre, Hicks Lodge is located off Willesley Woodside between Moira and Ashby, postcode is LE65 2UP. Enjoy the trails which are graded for families, bikes only or mixed use and then relax in the cafeteria with a hot chocolate and slice of cake. There is a wonderful adventure playground using lots of natural wood and also an activity trail to follow. Car parking is £1 for an hour or £3 all day. If anyone in the family got a new bike for Christmas then this is absolutely the spot to visit – and those who didn’t can hire one when you get there!

CALKE ABBEY C

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

A visit to our local National Trust property, Calke Abbey, is sure to bring a smile to your face. Vehicle access is via the main entrance at Ticknall, p postcode DE73 7JF. If you are not a National Trust member you will n need to pay to take your vehicle into the grounds but if you arrive on ffoot you can enjoy the grounds for free. Footpaths lead into the grounds ffrom Ticknall Village or Calke and there are car parks at Ticknall Village Hall H or the Staunton Harold Reservoir, though both are likely to be busy o over the festive period. Enjoy some of the oldest trees in Europe, admire t deer park or explore the old tramway tunnel and limeyards. If you the l like to plan your walk ahead then take a look at the Calke Abbey website w where you can download guides for a number of different trails.

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fun quiz

Answers on page 130

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church services

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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 we will be happy to help or book your slot on 0116 305 5917.

REGULAR EVENTS

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 parents and expectant mums: free advice and information sessions run by the National Childbirth Trust.

Hobbies • The friendly ‘Knit and Stitch’ group meets every Monday 2pm to 4pm. Bring your project and come for a chat. 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 for more details.

Health & Fitness • Come and practice Hatha Yoga every Tuesday 7pm to 9pm. Contact British Wheel of Yoga qualified instructor Lorna Kirk for more details on 01530 416135.

Poetr y Competition Winners Congratulations to the recent winners of the Ashby Library National Libraries Day Poetry Competition for these lovely poems...

MESSAGES | KATHRYN HELLIER Adult 1st Place You scratched the words on sea-shale rocks, s, so mermaids sing our love, you said; we laughed as seagulls swooped on ﬁsh; black marks on carmine sky. By glorious moon we swirled our names in cold, wave-lined and granite sand. oblivious starﬁsh lay in pools as letters washed in by tides were lost and lost in silent shells.

MESSAGES, SENTENCES, MESSAGES SENTENCES WORDS. WORDS KRISZTINA MAIR Adult 3rd Place So much is spoken but little is heard. You are you and I am me, but how do o I know you speak truthfully? Messages, sentences, words Me Too T much is spoken but little is heard. To ard. Broken promises, words unmade, what B Must we do to be saved? M One says this, another that, so many O Words make one fat. To riddle me this, share this with me That, who stands with us without Grinning like a cat?

A MESSAGE

MESSAGES | ASHA KRISHNA Adult 2nd Placee

AMY NUGENT | Aged 13 years rs

Welcome to an age where messages rule prime Cutting across space, distance and time Take you pick – whatsapp or facebook; single try lleaves hooked. aves you hooked You do not need an expert grasp; all you do is download the app A mere click and message is sent; more often than not, reply is instant Loneliness no longer an issue; there is a constant deluge of news, Attempts keep you in loop, is easier when part of a group, All you need to say you care, drop a line or an emoticon spare, Alas, the thrill of the voice, the joy on the face, Is lost on the phone’s plastic interface.

Child 1st Place The song of a bird, Carried high in the trees, The ever-strong rumbling, Of icy water in the streams, s, The howl of the wind, The churning of the restless greyy sky A message from messengers, That winter is nigh.

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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

Not just for Christmas WHAT a lovely Christmas gift this plant would make – a reminder of a Christmas time spent with someone special. Holly offers seasonal colour from bright shining berries and year round attractive foliage. The leaves are glossy and can be variegated yellow or white. Holly has a Latin botanical name: Ilex, which means an evergreen oak. At this time of year, you may have Holly trimmings to use for decorating wreathes and festive flower arrangements. Though, really, in terms of pruning, mid to late summer before the wood ripens is best. Hard pruning can be done towards the end of winter and mature plants will regenerate freely. The majority of hollies are hardy and will tolerate water logging (just as well for the heavy Ashby soils) and they thrive in sun and shade and do best in acid soil.

They are quite a diverse group of plants. You perhaps just know them for the red berries, but some, such as Ilex aquifolium ’Pyramidias Fructu Luteo’, freely bear yellow berries. The small growing variety of Holly, Ilex crenata ‘Convexa’, bears black fruit and is a compact low growing shrub and is excellent for low hedging. In fact there is a Holly for all sizes of garden as the varieties range from small dwarf shrubs to trees over 20 meters high. For

small garden spaces try Ilex ’Stokes’ and ‘Dwarf Pagoda’ which are also good for growing in pots. For an average size garden, grow Holly with golden splashes on the leaf such as Ilex acquifolium ‘Myrtifolia Aurea Maculata’ for a bright burst. Especially for large gardens and spaces there are vigorous Ilex available. Altaclerensis cultivars such as ‘Purple Shaft’ will grow to a specimen of lovely conical shape.

Holly can be perfect for topiary too. Clipped domes of the small leaf Ilex crenata look fantastic and in Japan this is used for the iconic cloud pruned plants. Alternatively for shaping, Ilex aquifolium ‘Argenta Marginata’, which has a golden yellow edge to its leaves, is extremely bright and cheery looking. This can be grown into any shape such as a lollipop tree, bird, or spiral – whatever your imagination and pruning skills allow.

So thanks to the variety, versatility, colour and fruits, the Holly is a very valuable plant in the garden. Not to mention the attraction for birds for building homes and eating berries.

In Celtic times Holly was brought into the home and was considered a symbol of good luck and represented beauty in times of dormancy. Clearly in winter, when many deciduous and perennial flowering plants have faded or disappeared, the Holly is magnificent and vibrant. For a good back-bone and structural, year round plant it has long been a perfect choice.

Since about 1930s Holly has become a girl’s name and is of course favoured for one born around Christmas.

Happy Christmas and New Year!

Francesca

Email info@francescasinclair.co.uk

JOBS FOR DECEMBER... 1 Sharpen any blunt tools with a sharpener or whetstone. 2 Brighten up tubs and borders with Primulas 3 Harvest sprouts (pick from the base upwards) parsnips, kale and cabbages. 4 Cover crops sown in autumn, such as broad beans, with a fleece. 5 Prune currants and gooseberries. 6 Net cabbages and brasicas so they are not eaten by pigeons 7 Wrap any non frost-proof pots and garden ornaments with bubble wrap. 8 Clean plant pots and seed tray. 9 Decorate for the season with cuttings from your garden, Holly, Ivy or spotted Laurel for garlands, table displays or wreaths.

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all about you FEELING a bit partied out and ready to just curl up with Netflix and a mug of hot chocolate? Our beauty picks this month will soon have you back on your feet and ready to hit the town.

Party pick-me-ups

up Urban Veda’s Radiance Body Ritual Ritua all collection1. Just a First up, roducts all smell opening the drawstring bag is a treat. The products hing, fragrant amazing – they’re packed with nourishing, d papaya, so ingredients, including orange oil, turmeric and it’s like breathing in the scent of holidays. With a body scrub, body wash and body lotion, ion, you just te a home spa need to light a candle to create experience. And they really do leave your skin nated. £34.99, and spirits feeling rejuvenated. www.urbanveda.co.uk.

Looking to get some of that summer glow back? y and y, Green People’s Self-Tan2, £21, is one of the best fake tans on the market. It’s easy to apply, develops into a natural looking tan within three hours. As an added bonus, it doesn’t have that ontains rosehip oil to moisturise as it tans. tans As with any fake tan, tan typical fake tan smell, and it contains you’ll want to leave at least 24 hours between hair removal and application. It’s also a good idea to exfoliate with a good body scrub beforehand. Massage in a light body lotion, and give it time to sink in. Then work some extra moisturiser into your knees, elbows and other ‘knobbly’ bits, to help avoid darker patches. See www.greenpeople.co.uk.

If your hair is looking a bit frazzled and fed up with all that styling, try treating it to an Ouai Treatment Masque. It takes just 10 minutes for the treatment to soothe and restore your weary locks, leaving them smoother and shinier after just one use. A pack of eight sachets will set you back £25, so it’s not cheap, but worth having in your beauty arsenal for big nights out. See www.spacenk.com.

I don’t know whether the eyes truly are the windows to the soul, but they’re certainly a tattle tale when it comes to late nights. Try Anatomicals Puffy the Eye Bag Slayer Wake Up Under Eye Patches3. Three pairs cost around £6 from Amazon or www.glossybox.co.uk. They feel incredibly soothing, and do seem to reduce swelling in just half an hour. Cover up any remaining dark circles with Dry Eye Concealer4, £11.95, from www.skinshop.co.uk. While the coverage isn’t quite as flawless as some concealers, it makes up for it by helping to moisturise and repair skin. It also goes on smoothly and doesn’t draw attention to fine lines, puffy eyes or dry skin. You can also use the Dry Eye Concealer to calm and cover small patches of eczema and other areas of irritation.

Sometimes a spritz of perfume is all you need to perk yourself up before pulling on your heels. Jo Malone are known for their quirky fragrance combinations, and their latest cologne, Basil and Neroli5, is no different. It’s got that lovely freshness of neroli, with a herby twist. Playful and warm, the fragrance just seems to improve as the night goes on. Expect plenty of compliments. £43 for 30ml, www.jomalone.co.uk

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interior design tips Eddie Ong from FABCO, our resident expert on all aspects of Interior Design, shares his take on the latest colour trends and the key tips to follow if you want to pull off the look in your home...

IS GREEN THE NEW GREY? A colour scheme is one of the most important elements in interior decorating. If you get it right, it will take your breath away and leave others green with envy! “Green is the most recent emerging colour trend which is set to dominate the interior world in 2017. Dark shades of green will become one of the most featured colours in soft furnishings and feature walls as we wave “au revoir” to navy and moody blues. Look out for high quality finish gold accessories to complement this sultry hue. Copper and Rose Gold accessories will still work a treat with the scheme, but they will be on their way out as the market is saturated with cheap finish rose gold and copper accessories. The “Gold” rush is already here and it is here to stay for a little while! Cover the floor with textured carpets, aged timber flooring and contrasting feature rugs such as natural plant fibre or Kilim rugs. Mix

the colour with dark wood furniture pieces and a mirror on the feature wall to complete the scheme. Finally, for this party season, why don’t you treat yourself with a gold or brass finish drinks trolley and make your own Christmas Garlands? EDDIE - FABCO’s in-house interior designer www.fabcoltd.co.uk The Flooring and Bed Company 01530 564 864 Also see pages 26 & 27 for our latest promotion

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ashbeian mtg news

IT’S CHRISTMAS! (Well nearly!)

OLIVER! (4th to 8th April 2017) is going to be superb with our 36-strong group of urchins in the workhouse, who transform into the wonderfully cheeky pickpockets and thieves in Fagin’s Gang.

The principals have been cast, and we’re delighted that our very own Nancy, Emily Watson, will reprise the role she played in her first show with AMTG in 2009.

We are always keen to welcome new members, and this year an amazing number of people have joined us. We’re delighted that newcomers have been cast in leading roles – Emily Hammond plays Bet; Ben Kirby plays Mr Bumble; Jenny Wells will play Charlotte. A number of our

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existing members will play the remaining roles.

One of the great things about AMTG is the teamwork, and everyone involved is part of a very big and supportive happy ‘family’. Our family grows year on year, and it is true to say that members’ families also get involved in many capacities both on and off stage.

A great example is one of our dads, Dave Carroll-Walsh, who took to the stage as a singing and dancing sailor on board the S.S American in our last production “Anything Goes”. In Oliver! he has been cast in a principal role and will play the undertaker, Mr Sowerberry. This means we now have three father and son teams and two father and daughter teams performing in

Oliver! You don’t get more family than that!

Of course Oliver! would not be the same without Bullseye who accompanies Bill Sykes, and we’re delighted to announce that Coby will be treading the boards with us in April – his first acting role and we are certain he will be a big hit with both the audiences and the membership!

Tickets are available from our online Box Office at amtg.org.uk at £15 each. For party bookings of more than 30, or if you have any queries, please telephone 07527 228945. Demand for tickets is already at exceptional levels – within a week of the online Box Office opening, we had sold more than 25% so hurry in order not to be disappointed!

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this month If your yo gift consists of a number of b boxes try making a tower and wrap wrapping ribbon round the whole. Even if your gifts don't come in boxe you could put them in boxes, wrappi some to make wrapping easier. This is also the art of disguise and can cr create an element of fun. Even those who think they know what you are buying them will start to wonder.

Wrap it up ARE you one of those people who leave all their wrapping until Christmas Eve and end up using a bit of birthday paper because you run out of Christmas wrapping?

Why not plan ahead and take a little more time this year. It can be really satisfying to see all your gifts looking beautiful under the tree and receive lots of compliments when you hand them out. There are lots of different types of wrapping available including paper, bags, huge sacks, tubs and boxes. You can also get lots of accessories from craft shops to add a unique twist. Here are some tips and suggestions to help:

If using wrapping paper, measure it first and trim off the excess. Decide how much you need by wrapping a ribbon around the gift and then faying the ribbon on the paper and cutting it to that size. Alternatively, use a tape or ruler. If you have trouble cutting gift wrap in a straight line, look for brands that have grid fines on the reverse. If you can't get these, mark the paper where you need to cut it and then fold it and cut along the crease. Keep any off-cuts as these may fit smaller gifts. This will also help avoid waste.

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When wrapping something soft like a scarf or a jumper, lay the item on a piece of cardboard, This will give you a firm base and mean that you can create clean corners and crisp edges. For oddly shaped presents, you can create a better effect by padding out unusual angles with tissue paper or using a gift bag.

Try creating a cracker shape for tubular gifts. If your present has a circular bottom, pleat the paper to get a neat finish. To avoid getting in a tangle, buy tape which is on a dispenser and use double-sided tape where it will help. Create a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; factor by colour coordinating your wrapping or using the same design for all of a persons presents. You could also use plain wrapping and be creative with patterned tape, add homemade gift tags or create a pocket effect in which you insert a card or other decoration.

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just 4 fun

Solutions on page 130

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 130

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seasonal recipes This is a tasty and healthy post-Christmas day family supper and a great way to use up leftover roast turkey.

Pepper

& Turkey Stuffed

Sweet Potato YOU WILL NEED

• 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes, scrubbed • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 red onion, peeled and chopped • 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed • 1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced • 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and sliced

Serves 4 Ready in 75 mins

• 225g cooked turkey breast, diced

• 1x 230g tub fresh tomato salsa

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 100g Cheddar cheese, grated

• Chopped avocado, lime wedges and freshly chopped parsley, to serve

GET STARTED

1 Preheat the oven to 200°C, Fan 180°C, Gas Mark 6. Prick the potatoes all over with a fork and place on a baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until tender.

2 Just before the potatoes are ready, heat half the oil in a frying pan and fry the onion for 6 to 7 minutes until tender, adding the garlic after 5 minutes. Add the peppers and turkey and fry for a further 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in 2 tbsp of the tomato salsa and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

3 Halve the baked sweet potatoes and roughly mash up the flesh with a fork. Season lightly and drizzle over half the remaining oil, then pile the turkey and pepper mixture on top of the halves. Scatter over the cheese and drizzle over the rest of the oil. Return to the oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese has melted. 4 Serve with chopped avocado and lime wedges and sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley. Spoon the rest of the salsa into a small bowl and serve on the side.

TOP TIP For a vegetarian version replace the turkey with halved chestnut mushrooms or diced aubergine or courgette and use vegetarian Cheddar cheese.

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These delicious sweet T and a buttery mini fruity strudels make great festive puds over Christmas. You can prepare them a few hours in advance, cover and chill in the fridge and bake just before serving.

Mincemeat & Apple Mini Strudels

YOU WILL NEED

• 8 tbsp luxury mincemeat • 1 small cooking apple, peeled and coarsely grated • 50g unsalted butter, melted

Makes 8 Ready in 35 mins

• 8 sheets filo pastry, each measuring 18x31cm • Filo pastry stars, to decorate (see Tip) • Icing sugar, to dust • Whipped cream or brandy butter, to serve

GET STARTED

1 Preheat the oven to 200°C, Fan 180°C, Gas Mark 6. Mix together the mincemeat and grated apple. Take one sheet of filo pastry and brush with some of the melted butter.

2 Place a spoonful of the mincemeat mixture along one short end of the sheet of buttered pastry. Fold in a little of the pastry along each long side then roll up to enclose the filling. Place seam side down on a large greased baking tray.

3 Repeat with the rest of the pastry sheets and mincemeat mixture to make 8 mini strudels in total. Brush with any remaining melted butter.

4 Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes until the pastry is crisp and golden. Cool for 5 minutes then halve and serve with filo pastry stars and dust liberally with icing sugar. Serve with whipped cream or brandy butter.

TOP TIP To make the stars, fold a spare sheet of filo pastry into three. Stamp out tiny stars using a small star-shaped cookie cutter and brush with a little melted butter. Bake as above but for only 4 to 5 minutes until crisp and golden.

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storytime “WE’RE doing Christmas differently this year,” Carol announced, carrying in huge shopping bags. “Roger, stop what you’re doing and give me a hand with this tree.” Jonty wagged his tail. He knew all about Christmas, because it happened once every seven years. Roger would set up a tree in the lounge and then climb the creaky loft ladder for the box of decorations. The pair of them would coo over the little snowmen decorations made from cotton wool and toilet roll tubes, the doily angels, and the crepe paper snowflakes that they would stick to the patio doors. Carol would get nostalgic and ask Roger to pour her

“Honestly Jonty, get your nose out and give me some space,” Carol said. “Look at these Roger, good enough to eat?” Jonty’s ears pricked up. Carol showed them a box of gingerbread men delicately decorated with raisin buttons. Then she unravelled a raffia rope threaded with colourful popcorn, and a dozen huge pine cones sprayed with silver and gold. “The theme is Rustic Cottage,” Carol said. “You’ve got to have a theme.” “I thought we already had a theme,” Roger said glumly. “Do stop sulking,” Carol said. “You decorate the tree, while I do a spot of stencilling on the patio doors.” by Jackie Brewster

Christmas a sherry and put on a Slade CD. And Jonty would lie under the coffee table, waiting patiently for a mince pie to fall on the floor. “I’ve been to this stall called Christmas is Crafty,” Carol said, unpacking the contents of her bags. “It’s inspired me.” “I like Christmas just the way it is,” Roger said, but judging from the smells coming from Carol’s shopping Jonty wondered whether Christmas had been vastly improved. “Look at all the adorable new decorations I’ve bought,” Carol said. “Everything is handmade.” “All the stuff before was handmade, by the children,” said Roger. “The kids are all grown up now Roger; it’s time to move on,” Carol said, opening a box of dried clementines which had been studded with cloves and tied with sticks of cinnamon. “These things are handmade but better, you know, professional.” Jonty game them an appreciative sniff.

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IS CRAFTY

Jonty settled into his place beneath the coffee table. Roger hung the new decorations in silence, while Carol sprayed the glass on the patio doors so that it looked like snow had drifted up the panes. Jonty waited for the sherry and Slade but they never came, in fact Carol went up to bed early, leaving Roger to lock up. Though Jonty regretted his lack of mince pie, he reminded himself that Christmas was different this year, so he waited in his basket until he heard sounds of snoring from the bedroom above. Then he padded into the lounge, a firm plan already in his mind. First he licked the snow off the patio doors. It tasted pleasantly of soap. Next a well-aimed leap from the back of the sofa brought the fir tree down. He then crunched his way through the gingerbread men and the clementines. They smelled better than they tasted. The raffia strings of popcorn proved interesting; he found there was no stopping once he’d begun, and it was necessary to eat the whole chain right to the end. Then he chased the pine cones across the floor. Finally, tired and queasy, he chewed them all up as well, just for fun. Feeling thankful for Carol, he dozed amid the wreckage of this wonderful new type of Christmas. Then he thanked Roger for kindly leaving the lounge door open; something that Roger had never once, in all Jonty’s days, done before.

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ashby scouts post-to-go

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book reviews

The Gift of a Good Book

Struggling to find the perfect book to give as a gift? Or wondering what to add to your own wish list? Maybe we can help…

THE HIDDEN PEOPLE Alison Littlewood

Crime, fantasy and historical fiction are melded together in The Hidden People. Albie Mirralls is every bit the sensible, upstanding gentleman that Victorian society wants him to be. When his cousin, Lizzie, is burnt as a changeling, Albie travels from London to her village to see justice done. But when Albie’s own wife seems so completely changed, he finds himself questioning whether there could be some truth to the rumours about his cousin. The perfect book for curling up with on a winter’s night.

A Christmas Kiss Vicky Pattison

24 year old Amber dreams of designing her own fashion line. But after a year of of working w as a general dogsbody for the Queen of Fashion, Diana Grant, that dream is i looking increasingly unachievable. So when an opening comes up working with a leading fashion hi house, Amber jumps at the opportunity. With a new job and a new love, Amber’s life is looking up, but is she in danger of getting a bit too caught up in the glitzy world of fashion? Warm and funny, this is a great romantic comedy to enjoy over a glass of prosecco.

LITTLE WARRIOR Giuseppe Catozzella

Inspired by a tragic true story, Little Warrior tells the story of Samia Omar. Growing up in war-torn Somalia, life is hard, and dangerous. But Samia has big dreams – she wants to follow in Mo Farah’s footsteps and compete in the Olympics. As life grows increasingly hard for women, Samia refuses to be cowed into submission. There are few options for Samia but to put her life into the hands of traffickers, in the hope of escaping to a better place. A heartbreaking read that will stay with you long past you’ve finished the last page.

THE GIRL WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS Matt Haig

Magic is starting to fade in Victorian England, and Amelia might be the only one who can save the day. (Father Christmas being a bit tied up with reindeers falling from the sky, angry trolls and other mishaps.) While it’s the sequel to the 2015 children’s bestseller A Boy Called Christmas, it stands up perfectly well on its own. An ideal gift for children aged 7 and up, this is a really enjoyable read. So much so that you may well find yourself borrowing it back.

The British table Colman Andrews & Christopher Hirsheimer

For the foodie in your life, you might want to consider this recently released tome. Featuring around 125 recipes, from the traditional to the modern, there’s plenty to tempt most taste-buds. Recipes range from long-forgotten traditional fare, to regional specialities and contemporary classics. The focus is on warming comfort food. Think Braised Brisket followed by Whisky-Soaked-Raisin and Orange Marmalade.

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young ashby

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PUZZLE SOLUTIONS - CROSSWORD - SUDOKU - CODEWORD AND MORE... CHESS PUZZLE

1 ..cxd2+ 2 Kxd2 Rxe2 mate. PS: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a tree, not a figgy pudding.

WORDWHEEL TARGETS & ANSWER

Excellent: 64+ words, Good: 52, Fair: 47. ANSWER: Condiment

FUN QUIZ

WORD LADDER

1. C.S. Lewis; 2. Paramount; 3. Nevada; 4. Advocaat; 5. Frozen; 6. Blizzard; 7. A pig; 8. Snowboarding; 9. The Himalayas; 10. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.

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Soup, Coup, Coop, Coos, Cots, Cuts, Nuts.

YOUNG ASHBY

The fish that are the same are 'A' & 'E'. There are six 'Igloos' in the grid.

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chess puzzle

CHESS PUZZLE Black to play and mate in two.

Christmas is a time for fun and jokes. You can give your family and friends a practical challenge by showing them this composition, as it’s called. Courage, don’t give up. A composition is totally fictitious, and couldn’t happen in a real game. Here, a chess geek has made the board to look like a Christmas tree. But it’s still mate in 2.

To play a real game of chess, come along to Ashby Ivanhoe Social Club. Thursdays, 7.30pm. Call Neil Roberts on 01530 455957 for more details.

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Our chess puzzle comes courtesy of local resident Richard Vann, the solution can be found on page 130 - should you need it!

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business directory Accountants & Payroll Ashby Payroll Bureau 131 Baldwins 83 Haines Watts 135 JAWS Accountancy Services Ltd 58 J S Accountancy Services 62 Aerials & Satellite Satellite Aerial Services 35 Architects DCI Architecture 115 Niche Architecture 93 Arts, Crafts, Gifts, Jewellery, Toys Ashby Bears 19 Copper Leaf Craft Cafe 55 Knittiquip 62 Souk de la Zouch 128 Woodlander 54 Builders Adams Building 63 DAC Design & Development 129 Keith Armston Building Contractors 55 Stevenson’s Builders 6 Business Services NWL Chamber of Commerce 100 Carpenters & Joiners Derek Verey 77 S S Joinery 104 TA Hardwick 19 Carpets & Interiors Agadon 3 Ashby Stoves 129 Coalville Furniture Superstore 45 Fairweathers Carpets 123 Florrie May Interiors 113 JWM Interiors 31 Richardsons Furniture 102 Roger James Furnishers 95 Taylor Made Flooring 108 Toons 5 The Bed Shop 133 The Flooring and 26, 27 & 99 Bed Company Wendy's Courtyard Interiors 35 Children Cariad Personal Ceremonies 32 Incredible Kids Nursery 119 Cleaning, Ironing, Laundry Services Breedon Carpet Care 93 Deanclean 66 Jayne’s Extreme Clean 84 Karen’s Ovengleam 119 NJR Pure Clean 100 Safeclean 128 Spotless Cleaning 46 The Bee’s Knees 16 Toni's Ironing Angels 10 Clothing The Shoe Box 15 Country Stores/ General Stores Ivanhoe Countrystore 75 Domestic Appliances 73 Contracool Contract & Domestic Services 89 Ray Pittam 130 Driving Schools Bardon School of Motoring 77 Jo Driving 108 RDT School of Motoring 100 Electricians Bright Sparks 84 D & B Electrical 11 M Bunker Electrical 96 Estate Agents/Home Services John German 37

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Events 4th Ashby Scouts Xmas Post 120 Ashbeian Musical Theatre Group 103 Ashby Town Council 13 Financial Services Bleathwood 59 DGS, IFA 43 Ian Goodship, IFA 15 Florist 115 Holywell Petals Food & Groceries Ashby Farmers Market 65 Conibears Kitchen 66 Moo Fresh 46 Nick’s Fish Bar 9 Smithards Bakery 71 The Fish Inn 96 Funeral Services Art Stone Memorials 127 Measham Family Funeral Service 127 The Co-operative Funeral Care 38 & 39 Furniture Repairs & Restoration Ancient & Modern 89 Garden Artisan of Ashby Ltd 111 Charnwood Tree Services 9 Eden Tree Care 30 & 91 F G Gardens 130 Four Seasons Garden Services 81 108 Francesca Sinclair Limited GDR Landscapes 96 Heartwood Fencing 100 Measham Mowers 42 Roughly Refined Garden Service 52 Stone Drives & Landscapes 42 Sunnyside Garden Centre 34 The Ten Mile Timber Company 24 Hair & Beauty K H Hair Ashby 76 Nail Creations and The Beauty Studio 113 Rose Beauty Services 127 Temple Hair Spa 33 Tip Top Hair Design 22 Trendset Hair 14 White to Brown 128 Healthcare Ashby Dental Laboratory 119 55 Ashby Osteopathic Clinic Beautiful Dentures 84 Bosworth Home Care 73 Chris’s Therapeutic Counselling 42 Crossroads Stress Clinic 97 Dr Jin 82 Future Minds 98 Forever Living 6 Leicestershire Hypnotherapy 105 Prestige Nursing 58 ProPhysio Ashby 21 IT Services Ashby Web Design 131 Midland IT 70 The PC Clinic 42 Kitchens & Bathrooms Ashby Tile & Bathroom 2 Holme Tree Kitchens 89 Kingswood Design & Interiors 67 124 Victory Kitchens Locksmiths Hazlewood Locksmiths 23 Motor Services A D Car Cosmetics 73 Castle Garage (Ashby) Ltd 101

Chips Away 65 Speedy Auto Spares 62 Music, Dance & Drama Ashby Academy of Rock 53 Painters & Decorators Ace Decorating 77 Holywell Painting & Decorating 81 James Pepper Decorating 94 John Clark 127 Mark Robinson Decorating 10 Mr Evans-Burton 30 Pet Services Ash Farm Boarding Kennels 81 Nails to Tails Dog Grooming 13 Wiffy Woofies 10 Woodward Veterinary Practice 132 Places of Worship Ashby Christadelphian Church 44 Plasterers A C Ellison Plastering & Tiling 108 Matt Charles Plastering Services 58 Plumbers & Gas Services Adrian Dunstan Plumbing & Heating 105 Batemans Plumbing & Heating 72 Burn & Bishop Plumbing & Heating 49 CCA Gas Plumbing & Heating 23 D B Plumbing 111 Finley Plumbing 19 James Pepper Property Solutions 66 S D Hill (Plumbers) 7 Therm Heating 15 Property Repairs & Maintenance Ashby Glass 85 Ashbyhandyman.co.uk 117 Assured Windows & Home Improvements 119 Century Fire & Security 109 Cloudy 2 Clear 88 D H Phillips (Flat Roofing) 81 Dream Doors 107 Eco Window Systems 116 G & D Property Services Ltd 125 James Beckett Property Maintenance111 Michael Brooks Home Improvements 96 Roof Tech 56 RSJ Roofing 35 Swadlincote Window Company Ltd 57 Trust the Job 13 TS Roofing 95 Window Mate 6 Pubs, Restaurants & Take Aways George Inn 117 Ivanhoe Social Club 80 La Spezia Pizzeria 115 Link Measham Cantonese 47 The Black Lion 30 The Blue Bell 16 The Larder 105 Zamani's 68 & 69 Schools & Tuition Clubs Complete 63 Solicitors & Will Writers Crane & Walton 49 Martin Hall Will Writer 30 Simpson Jones Solicitors 17 Timms Solicitors 18 Sports & Fitness Bluetone Fitness 50 & 51 Breedon Priory Health Club Ltd 136 DRB Fitness Studios 111 Fitness Republic 29 Rebound 112 Taxi Services Ashby Cars 10

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