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this issue 116 Ashby Life Editor Liz Roberts Telephone 01530 417739 Email enquiries Advertising/Accounts info@ashbylife.co.uk Website/What’s On admin@ashbylife.co.uk
New Year, New Start
Welcome to our first issue of 2016. We’ve got some fabulous ideas to help get your year off to a great start in our New Year, New You article on page 46. We also have exciting news as, after 10 years running Ashby Life, I will be retiring this month. Local mum Vanessa Preece, who has been looking after our website and social media for the past 12 months, will take over ownership. Vanessa is looking forward to taking Ashby Life forward and is already fully immersed in all things local! Continuing to assist Vanessa is Chandra, who has been with the magazine for 2 years, doing a fabulous job of helping local businesses decide on the best way to promote their services. So it’s goodbye from me, hello from Vanessa and a Happy New Year from all of us.
Liz Roberts
Web www.ashbylife.co.uk
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Contents Seasonal Recipes
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Facebook www.facebook.com/ ashbylife
The Big Garden Birdwatch 08
Twitter @AshbyLife
Book Review & Competition 18
Address Ashby Life Ltd Castle House South Street Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1BR Front Cover Image by Rebecca Soanes Ashby Life is an independent publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the editor. The use of this magazine for canvassing or direct marketing is strictly prohibited. Information is included on the What’s On and Community Board pages subject to space being available. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, Ashby Life cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions or endorse companies, products or services appearing in this magazine.
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Venture Theatre News
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A Walk in the Forest
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Puzzle Page
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Castle Medical Group
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In Your Garden
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On The Beat...
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Storytime
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Ashby Museum News
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New Year, New You
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Christadelphian Church
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Community Board
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Spotlight On...
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Chess Puzzle
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Fitness Tips Whats On
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NE LOOW K
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In Your Home
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66
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Ashby Library News
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Ashbeian MTG News
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Just 4 Fun
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Your Wellbeing
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Poetry
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Fun Quiz
NEW
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This Month
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Puzzle Solutions
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Business Directory
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If you would like to advertise in Ashby Life It’s a fantastic way to target potential customers and great value for money
See our website or call Chandra on 01530 417739 for details Copy deadline for the February edition is Thursday 14th January Please note advertising space is limited, pre-booking is recommended 4
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seasonal recipes If you’re worried about additives or extra sweeteners in shopbought granola bars then why not try making your own?
This mildly spiced curry thickened with red lentils and spinach will make a refreshing change for a family meal after all the traditional food over the festive season. Serves 4 Ready in 1 hour
Lamb & Spinach Curry YOU WILL NEED • 2 tbsp oil • 600g lean lamb steaks, cut into chunks • 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed • 1 large onion, peeled and chopped • 6 tbsp balti curry paste
• 75g red split lentils • 400g can chopped tomatoes • 200g baby spinach leaves • 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander • Boiled basmati rice and lemon wedges to serve
GET STARTED 1 Heat half the oil in a large heavy-based pan over a medium-high heat. Add half the lamb pieces and fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and sealed all over. Remove the lamb with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the rest of the oil and fry the rest of the lamb pieces in the same way. 2 Add the onion and garlic (and a splash more oil, if needed) and fry over a medium heat, stirring occasionally for 3 to 4 minutes, then stir in the curry paste and fry for a further minute until fragrant. Return the meat to the pan and stir to coat in the curry paste. 3 Stir in the chopped tomatoes, 300ml cold water and the lentils. Reduce the heat then cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and the meat is tender. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. 4 Stir in the spinach and coriander. Cover and cook for a further 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach has just wilted. Serve with the boiled basmati rice and lemon wedges. TOP TIP For a spicier flavour replace the balti curry paste with one that has more heat such as Madras.
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Make s Bars 8 Ready 50 m in in coolins + g
Fruit & Granola Bars YOU WILL NEED • 140g porridge oats • 50g unsalted blanched peanuts • 25g pecans, roughly chopped • 25g pumpkin seeds • 100g butter, plus extra for greasing
• 20g sunflower seeds • 80g light soft brown sugar • 3 tbsp runny honey • 75g sweetened dried cranberries or jumbo raisins • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
GET STARTED 1 Preheat the oven to 160°C/Fan 140°C/Gas 3. Grease an 18cm square shallow cake tin and line the base and sides with baking parchment. 2 Spread the oats, nuts and seeds on a large baking tray and place in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until just lightly toasted, stirring once with a wooden spatula. 3 Place the butter, sugar and honey in a large saucepan and heat gently until the butter has melted. Tip the warm oat mixture into the pan and mix thoroughly, then stir in the cranberries or raisins and nearly all the sesame seeds. 4 Turn the mixture into the prepared tin and level with the back of a spoon, pressing down firmly. Scatter over the rest of the sesame seeds. 5 Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until just pale golden around the edges. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then use the tip of a knife to mark into 8 bars. Leave in the tin until cold then lift out, using the lining paper to help you. Peel away the paper and cut through the marks to make 8 bars. TOP TIP You can vary the nuts and fruit you add to these wholesome bars. Try different nuts, such as walnuts or hazelnuts and replace half the cranberries with goji berries or chopped dried apricots or dates.
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the big garden birdwatch The Big Garden Birdwatch has taken place every year since, with over half a million people – adults as well as children – regularly taking part. Last year, more than 8.5 million birds were counted, with house sparrows being the most common sighting, followed by starlings, blackbirds, blue tits and wood pigeons. The annual survey has identified that certain species of bird are on the decline (such as house sparrows and starlings) whilst others are on the increase (for example blue tits and wood pigeons). By monitoring trends in this way, problems can be spotted early and first steps taken to put things right. This year the Big Garden Birdwatch takes place on the weekend of 30th and 31st January. To take part, you need to watch for one hour the birds that land in your garden or local park, record the highest number of each bird species you see at the same time (not over the entire hour, as you may end up counting some birds twice), then report back your findings.
The Big Garden Birdwatch
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t started back in 1979 when the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) invited its junior members to count the number of birds in their gardens over a weekend in winter. The aim was to work out the ten most common birds in the United Kingdom, and thanks to children’s TV programme Blue Peter, thirty four thousand youngsters took part!
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For details on how to get involved, visit www.rspb. org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdwatch
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venture theatre news Have you ever found yourself wanting to buy a ticket for the play at The Venture Theatre at a time when the Tourist Information Centre is closed? Well, now you can!
Now get your tickets online THE New Year has brought a big change at the theatre that we hope will make life easier and more convenient for our audiences. You can now buy tickets for our plays online. There is a full explanation on our website but you can just go directly to the booking website which is at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ ashbydramaticsociety. Don’t worry about trying to copy the website address there is a link to it on our website at ashbyventuretheatre.org.uk The new facility will let you choose your seat from a seating plan and then pay for the tickets. You can then print the tickets yourself or have them posted to you. Please note there is a £1 booking fee for booking online made by Ticketsource. It is all very straightforward to do. However, if you prefer, you can still buy your tickets in the normal way at Ashby Tourist Information. At the moment, online booking is only available for Ashby Dramatic Society plays but, if successful, we plan to extend it to other events at the theatre too.
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Our next production is The Anniversary, a black comedy by Bill Macilwraith. It runs Thursday 18th - Saturday 20th February and Wednesday 24th - Saturday 27th February 2016. It takes for its theme the family gathering with the domineering mother. For lovers of malicious gossip, jaw-dropping insults and brutally funny one-liners, The Anniversary is two hours of pure bliss!
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a walk in the forest The National Forest Way – Section Six
Ticknall to Hartshorne This month we look at the sixth section of the National Forest Way, our newest long distance path which travels right across the National Forest area. This leg is quite short at 5 miles but there are some good hills! You can download full instructions for this section of the National Forest Way at www.nationalforestway.co.uk, including postcodes for start and finish and 1 information on public transport links. There is free car parking at 2 both start and end points (Ticknall Village Hall and Hartshorne Village Hall). Leave Ticknall Village Hall via the kissing gate into the field behind the car park (1). Follow the well-trodden path past the church, through another kissing gate and along the edge of a field beside the cricket ground. At the end of this field the path goes through a wide gap, crosses over a trackway, and continues up the edge of the next field to a small metal gate. Passing through this gate keep straight ahead with areas of new plantation on your right. After a bit these give way to fields – continue ahead with the hedgerow on your left until you drop down to the rickety wooden gate where there is a junction of footpaths. This is Hangmans Stone and, immediately after the gate, you need to turn left to go around the field with the hedge on your left, bearing right at the field corner. You will soon meet a farm track - turn left along this to come out 3 beside the road at Foremark. Turn left, keeping to the verge alongside the road, until you see the entrance to Foremark Reservoir (2) then cross over and follow the access road into the reservoir. When the road splits keep straight on and follow it around to the visitor centre. Walking past the visitor centre, with the water on your right, follow the path with trellis fencing alongside it (3) to enter the woods to the left of a sign for woodland walks. Follow the path ahead, keeping the reservoir on your right, passing through some woodland and then an open area before entering more woodland. You will pass by several paths off to your left and signs to Scaddows Oak, ignore these and keep straight on. Towards the end of the path there are a couple of sets of steps and then finally a bridge 4 beside a small wildlife pond. On passing through the gateway after the bridge turn left at the way marker (4) to cross an open area and reach a wide set of steps. Turn right to climb the steps which will take you steeply uphill to a disused car park. Turn right and walk through the car park, leaving it via an access road - keep an eye out for a way marker and small gate on your right that leads to Carvers Rocks. Turning right through this gate a rough path takes you downhill. Carvers Rocks are on your left near the bottom of the hill – where the path splits you need to keep following the NFW way markers around to the left. You will walk in a wide arc, with the rocks on your left, to reach a boardwalk. Keep to the boardwalk as it turns sharp right (ignore the path ahead) and then follow the path uphill through woodland until you see a stile on your left (5). Cross this stile to take the wide, grassy ride through a cross country course. At the end of the ride go through the gap ahead of you - the path kinks right and then left to reach another ride continuing uphill. On reaching the top of the ride cross diagonally over the trackway ahead and follow the path down through the new plantations of Hartshorne Wood. At the end of the plantations you will cross over a field and the follow a path between houses to reach the road. Turn left and go up to the main Ticknall/Harshorne Road. Cross over and turn right 5 to follow the road round, past the school on your right, and up to a sharp right hand turn by the Bulls Head. Keep straight ahead here, into Manchester Lane, and you will see the village hall (which marks the end of this leg) on your left.
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book review & competition
Fact or Fiction
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‘Con Tent – against camping’ OR ‘Content – happy campers’ and ‘I’m patient – I’m waiting in hospital’ OR ‘Impatient – And I’ve been waiting here for hours’.
‘THE LITTLE READ BOOK’ by local author; Mike Arblaster is one of those books perfect for those of us who can only grab five minutes here or ten minutes there to enjoy a read. You can dive straight in, at any page, read just one section of observations and quotations and then pick it up again a week later turning to another page.
The book is available now from book stores or online at Amazon, priced £9.99 and if you’d like to get your copy signed or meet the author, Mike will be holding a book signing session in The Rose Cottage Tearooms on Mill Street at 10.30am on Wednesday 6th January.
At first glance, the book appears jam packed with facts and dictionary definitions but a closer read reveals that you are definitely reading an original work of fiction. Many of the witty observations made covering everything from geography to people to education will ring true and have you laughing in recognition. This book is intended to be fun and is very much a play on words. It’s all very tongue in cheek and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
To be in with a chance of winning your own signed copy of the book just tell us the most interesting fact you know. Send your answer to us at: Competition, Ashby Life, Castle House, South Street, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1BR or enter by email at: competition@ashbylife.co.uk with the subject line ‘Book Competition’.
Although the book is split into sections including ‘Entertainment and Media’, ‘Law and Disorder’ and ‘Hystery’, I particularly enjoyed the chapter focusing on ‘Litterature and Words’ which has hilarious one sentence synopses of famous and classic works and a fresh take on common words such as:
Entries close on Friday 29th January. The winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries. The winner will be notified and the book sent within 14 days of the closing date, the winners name will also be published on our Facebook page. Multiple or automated entries are not allowed. We will not pass your details to any third party.
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puzzle page Messy (6) Frozen water (6) Watch carefully (7) More than sufficient (5) Savour (5) Playhouse (7) Constantly (11) Serene (7) Type of fruit (5) Big cats (5) Type of mollusc (7) Parchment for writing on (6) Not children (6)
DOWN
1 2 3 5 6 7 8 14 15 16 17 19 21
Yells (6) Deposes (5) Without blemish (7) Pursue (5) Accumulated wealth (7) Less than a dozen (6) Journey's end (11) External (7) Altered (7) Overturns (6) Ends (6) Artists equipment (5) Learner (5)
QUICK CROSSWORD
SUDOKU 22
Solutions on page 108
ACROSS
1 4 9 10 11 12 13 18 20 22 23 24 25
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9, with no repetition. That’s all there is to it. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic - there’s no maths involved and no adding up. It’s fun, it’s challenging, it’s additive! Solutions to all puzzles can be found on page 108.
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castle medical group
HAPPY NEW YEAR WE are continuing to settle into the new building and still trying to put things away and unpack! We wanted to thank everyone for their co-operation and patience during the move and ask that you bear with us a little longer while we find our feet and settle in. Maternity Leave Dr Hall has now gone on Maternity Leave and all our thoughts are with her and her new bundle of joy which is due to arrive in early January. Dr Rahman is covering while she is away. We will, of course, let you know when Dr Hall and Dr Smith have had their babies. Our new Superhero We also have a new face at the surgery; Alex Macklin is joining us as an Emergency Care Practitioner. Alex is our new superhero at the practice as she is a fully trained Registered Nurse, Emergency Practitioner and Paramedic. Alex will be seeing patients when they call and attend the surgery for urgent appointments and she can deal with everything from stitching to managing chest pain. She will be working 1 day a week for us at the moment while she settles in and we hope you will join us in welcoming her to the Castle Medical Group Family.
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Our address is... Castle Medical Group 118 Burton Road Ashby-de-la-Zouch Leicestershire LE65 2LP
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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
Regal PuRPle A purple leaf plant placed amongst the usual greenness of our gardens is a very valuable and useful thing. Not only can it break the monotony of a very green garden, it can superbly set off other colours. Imagine the difference that the purple Acer would make in one corner of a green monotone garden - it would be an instant focal point. If you were to choose a purple hedge to be a back drop to a border, an orange, yellow or red flower will look twice as vibrant and intense. But before rushing out to fill your trolley, be aware that a purple leaf plant is usually best used sparingly or the planting scheme could become too dark and the intensity of the foliage lost. For trees with purple the Cherry tree, Prunus cerasifea has a really pretty deep purple leaf with the benefit of plum-pink and white blossoms. For a wind free spot, another wonderful tree/ shrub for purple foliage, is Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’. Sometimes I will look for a plant that can be placed in a group of five or so in order for its qualities to be properly seen and its leaf form appreciated. A really beautiful plant for this purpose is Heuhera, which is available in several striking colours from lime green or rusty orange to almost black. For the purple variety try and find Heuchers ‘Obsidian’ as it is a gorgeous glossy beetroot-red. Like other purple leaves it is
fabulous next to a silver coloured plant such as Pervoskia. Very dark purple, almost black can be found in the attractive feathered leaf of Sambucus ‘Black Lace’ , a useful plant for the back of a border. Most gardeners will know that Sedums are very reliable perennials and I would like to introduce you to the Sedum ‘Red Cauli’ with its Award of Garden Merit. It has a sturdy branched habit, glaucous foliage and flamboyant red flowers in cauliflowerlike florets. It is worth planting in a group of at least five and next to a plant with lime green foliage to show off its fleshy purple foliage.
For an architectural plant that will pack a punch of great structure and purple wow, try to get a Phormium ‘Black Velvet’ which also has the big plus of keeping its leaves throughout the year. A purple hedge can make an architectural statement too. Here in the Midlands with our tendency for cold winters, the dark Escalonias are best avoided, success will be achieved by using Fagus salvatica ‘Purpurea’ (Purple Beech). Or as an alternative to Fagus, consider one of the purple forms of Berberis which have great colour intensity. Slightly more unusual is Berberis ‘Harlequin’, with its purple leaves turning pinky at the tips – very pretty, but scratchy like all Berberis. The most perfect all in one purple plant is probably the magnificent Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’. It has deep purple foliage and a vibrant lipstick red flower petal – it is worth having if you have room in a sunny spot, but it will need lifting and overwintering in a dry frost free place. Happy gardening!
Francesca
Email info@francescasinclair.co.uk
GENERAL JOBS TO TEMPT YOU INTO THE GARDEN: 1 Repair and reshape lawn edges 2 Buy bare root roses 3 In fishponds keep pumps running to give extra oxygen to fish 4 Plan vegetable crop rotations 5 Order seed catalogues 6 Store seeds in a cool dry place or air tight containers 7 Sow sweet peas under cover 8 Clear paths of moss and leaves 9 Ventilate greenhouses on warmer sunnier days 10 Dig over vacant plots not done already 11 Feed the birds.
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on the beat
“What’s the difference between Father Christmas and a burglar?” THAT'S not funny if you've been the victim of crime and that is why we are appealing to local residents to take extra care over the Christmas period. Most burglars get into homes through open or unlocked windows and doors. Always make sure these are securely shut and locked. As well as that: • Avoid leaving gifts and valuables on display • Visible burglar alarms, exterior security lighting and timer light switches, deter thieves and give the impression that somebody is at home. • Mark or etch your postcode onto the gifts you receive for Christmas. This will make it more difficult for thieves to sell your items, and easier for police to return them to you, should they be stolen and recovered.
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“Father Christmas delivers your presents and a burglar takes them away!” • When out Christmas shopping, make sure your purchases are hidden from view if left in your vehicle. All staff at North West Leicestershire Police would like to thank you, our local community, for all your support in 2015. We wish you a happy and safe Christmas, and a healthy and prosperous 2016.
PC MARK ARJOO call: 101 voicemail ID: 1667 email: mark.arjoo@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk
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storytime MORRIS stared at the contents of his wardrobe, and knew he had a problem. Not only was the man from the park six inches taller than him, he was also considerably broader. Dorothy always said he made dreadful decisions under pressure, but this time he had to get it right. Time was ticking, and before long the Sunday morning joggers would begin to arrive at the park. With every passing second the risk of detection, not to mention hypothermia, became ever greater.
the wardrobe an adjustment to
It was lucky for the young man that Morris had been the first to find him. Morris was walking the dog at his usual time, and as he’d passed the shelter by the lime trees a strange voice had hailed him hoarsely from the shadows within. Morris’s heart had nearly leapt from his chest. It was a classic fight or flight situation. Considering neither he, nor his basset, Broadstairs, were getting any younger, flight wasn’t really an option. To his utter relief the voice did not belong to a mugger but to a young man, who was stark naked, save for a battered Indian headdress. “I don’t suppose you could lend me a couple of quid to catch the bus home?” the man had asked politely, yet desperately. “And possibly some clothes?” It was an understandable request Morris reflected now, looking at the suits in his wardrobe. After all, there’s no point having the correct fare if the driver won’t let you get on the bus. “Do you live nearby?” the man had said. “Could we nip to your house for a coat, some trousers and shoes? I promise I’ll return them.” It turned out that the young man had been on something called a stag night, and that his friends had abandoned him an hour earlier, taking all of his clothes. Time to get some better friends, Morris thought. Morris had insisted that the young man wait there. It was too risky to have him brazenly walking through the park, and besides, Morris didn’t want a naked man in the house disturbing Dorothy. He looked over at Dorothy snoring contentedly under the eiderdown. The less she knew about this sorry business the better. If he could just find some
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suitable clothes then it would be a secret he and Broadstairs could take to the grave.
Even in this dim light Morris could see that nothing he owned would fit. His jackets, his shoes, and even his trousers would be far too small. The man would get some funny looks on the bus squeezed into those. His eyes strayed across the rail to Dorothy’s clothes. Dorothy was by anyone’s standards a large lady. In fact, Morris realised, a pair of her slacks would fit quite nicely. She also had size ten feet, a source of much frustration when shoe shopping. Morris pondered the ethics of lending the stranger his wife’s clothes. The biggest problem was how to avoid Dorothy finding out. Would the man return them promptly? He had to lend him something that Dorothy would never miss, something she rarely wore and wasn’t likely to need in the foreseeable future. Morris’s eyes alighted on the perfect choice. Delighted by his excellent decision making, he stuffed the clothes in a carrier bag and left the house without once disturbing Dorothy. He and poor Broadstairs, would, however, be enduring a deeply disturbed Dorothy two days later. There’s no easy way to explain to your wife why you’ve received a parcel containing her peach satin mother-of-the-bride outfit, her matching sling-backs, two pound coins and a battered Indian headdress in the post.
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by Jackie Brewster
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ashby museum news
W
e would like to remind readers that, following the Christmas holidays, the Museum reopens at 11am on Monday January 4th 2016. Much of the Museum staff’s time is spent behind the scenes. Almost twenty people are involved in cataloguing, either on paper or on computer, the large and increasing amount of material relating to this area. A variety of skills are used including using the Modes programme to record material which eventually ends up on our website; conserving documents of which many are over one hundred years old and researching manuscripts such as those relating to Alton Grange, Coleorton and local businesses.
If you would like to join our team of volunteers and have two hours a fortnight to spare, then please get in touch with us on 01530 560090. We have also been storing, more effectively, material passed on to us by the Bowls Club, Ashby Rotary Club and Ashby Civic Society. We were delighted to welcome, in the Autumn, two new trustees, Mrs. Carol Walton and Mrs. Rosie Pilgrim. The trustees meet four times a year and at the Annual General Meeting and the Museum has been extremely fortunate to have had, over the past thirty four years, many loyal, hard-working and talented individuals as trustees.
FRIENDS OF ASHBY MUSEUM The Friends of Ashby Museum enjoyed a talk recently about Wicked Hathern Brewery and especially the tasting session! The committee is putting together the 2016 programme. There will be several afternoon talks, including ones on the Burton to Ashby Tramway and an aspect of Coleorton's history. In the Autumn we will holding the Ian Clews Memorial Quiz. We will publicise dates as soon as possible. Â We look forward to your support.
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new year, new you
New Year Resolutions
After indulging in all the festive feasts and celebrations of the last few weeks many of us will be looking to the New Year with renewed enthusiasm to get fit, lose weight or generally to improve our health, both mental and physical. Whatever your goal there are a choice of local businesses who can offer support and inspiration and here’s our pick of the best:
For those looking to increase their fitness levels Fitness Republic offer a wide range of classes from Spinning to Body Pump to Insanity and you can even try them out on a FREE 7 day pass. This month you could also win 5 personal training sessions in their exclusive Ashby life competition on page 66.
To further encourage your good intentions; Hood Park Leisure Centre is running a January promotion of ‘Join Now pay Nothing till February’ which could save you up to £50. See their website for more details www.nwleics.gov.uk /pages/hood_park
If dancing your way to fitness sounds like fun then FitSteps with Sian Flinn could be for you. She has classes at Fitness Republic and in Blackfordby and Packington and your first class is FREE.
To help you recover from all that running around Breedon Priory Health Club has a pool, sauna and jacuzzi to enjoy after your gym workout.
And finally, a recent addition to the area is Geia Fitness - a new member’s only fitness studio offering group and personal training with support including full body stat analysis, coaching, diet & nutritional support and advice.
If that all sounds like a bit too much then focus on improving your diet. Fuel Café & Juice Bar in Ashby Market provide the perfect kick start to a healthier you with their juice and/or meal plans tailor made to suit your specific goals. Their juice cleanse helps to detox and boosts energy levels – just what a lot of us need in January. At the minute you can even get 20% off if you order online or in store.
All of these businesses can help you to meet your 2016 goals whatever they may be. Find them in the index and take that first step to enjoying a Happy New Year with a happy new you.
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Or for help quitting smoking Ash Free Vaper Zone are now located on Brook Street and stock everything you need to start using e-cigarettes including starter kits. They even have a tester zone where you can try before you buy.
For many the New Year resolutions we make will be to boost our emotional wellbeing, learning how to relax and step back from our worries. Again there are a number of options to choose from and all local. Yvonne from Therapeutic Touch offers meditation for health and lifestyle in group or personal sessions from this month whilst Janet Joyce can offer help with weight loss, emotional issues, anxiety and phobias using her Emotional Freedom Technique.
Find a full selection of local businesses either in your monthly magazine or online at www.ashbylife.co.uk and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up-to-date with all the latest offers. 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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www.ashbychurch.co.uk
TIME FOR CHANGE
It’s exciting getting something new. It doesn’t have to be something valuable, everyday things can lift your spirits; the pop of a coffee jar seal; the smell of a new pair of shoes; an unseen DVD or unread book. The ‘newness’ appeals to us, it is pristine, untouched, we’re the first to use them. When we come to the end of a year and the start of a new one, this same excitement and anticipation is there, the old year gone a fresh start ahead, a new year full of possibility and potential. Many of us make New Year resolutions; it’s the perfect time to do so. Unfortunately they are often the ones we made last year! The challenge is to make this year’s different by keeping them for longer. This year I will keep going to the gym, I will lose that ‘holiday’
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Editorial by Ashby Christadelphian Church, Union Passage, Ashby
www.ashbychurch.co.uk
weight and I will get around to painting the hall. These resolutions are important to us, things that we aim for. Without a target it is easy to just drift along the same old path. Many people make resolutions to change their lives, to make themselves healthier, wealthier or happier (or all three!). In the Bible we’re given many examples of people who changed their lives. People doing the wrong thing or simply drifting along, who then turned their lives around. In each case lives were transformed by the message of the Bible and by learning about what God had to tell them. This New Year why not resolve to do the same? Transformation is possible by reading your Bible, and understanding its amazing message. Come along to church to discover for yourself how God can help transform your life. Useful Bible passage: 2 Peter ch3 v9.
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community board r from w Yea l 2016 e N y Happ ts Festiva the 2016 If Ar y for May. alread Ashby to 30th essing way
27th any progr ed in n from ing is Plann hich will ru tting involv meeting on ge lw he tee festiva interested in eir commit n House. T n th gio e pe you ar go along to y, 7pm at Le ir regular o tart r e please 19th Janua , include th so please s s, se ay Tuesd will, of cour competition r this year. l fo y festiva hotograph ur entries dP t yo Art an king abou thin
FREE C ommu
Th e Fir st Eve r Ash by San ta Fu n Ru n wa s a Hug e Suc ces s
nt d New Lou n a n o t r o Cole Group VolunteerOctober are: New Lount,
in d, ork sessions er days. Coleorton Woo Dates for w ssions rang h Se 9t k d or W an . h ys January 5t n-ranger da rs are and 23rd no urs. Voluntee ions. January 19th d usually last for 4 ho ss se e th of y an an start at 10am along for all or part of contact go oup you can welcome to joining the gr or see in ed st re te gmail.com If you are in coleorton11@ oonfruit.co.uk. www.cnlvg.m
ollective NWLDC C cheme s switching tershire District
Planning & Licensing Committee Meetings on 25th January 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend and there is a slot for public questions. Meetings take place at Legion House, South Street, Ashby.
Bri tis h Th an k yo u to the Sw im me rs Leg ion Spo nso red their efforts and On the 4th October 2015, 58.50 towards your sponsors raised £2,0 thanks from the Poppy Appeal. Many Pauline and Paul.
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Over 600 Santa’s took to the stree ts of Ashby de la Zouch as the Rotary Club of Ashby Castle staged their inaugural Ashb y Santa Fun Run & Walk in aid of Hospice Hope and other charities supported by the Rotary. The final figures are still being total led up and once all monies are received the figures will be published on the event web site and Facebook page along with all of the photographs taken on the day go to www.ashbysantarun.com. If you would like to go along to the Rotary Club of Ashby de la Zouch Castle please contact secre tary Chris Knight at cjcjknight@sup anet.com or visit www.ribi.org.
Ashb y Town Council Calendar of Meetings
y t Leices North Wes lping residents to bu e g th he is il nc er, to brin in Cou th ge to s ho jo and ga electricity e people w s. It’s n. The mor price dow the bigger the saving e, at the schem e... register online call so simpl witch or /s uk v. go uncil ics. www.nwle to sign up with a co ry 5 ua 54 br 4 Fe 45 t y 1s 01530 fore Monda ill go into a advisor be w ils ta de d 2016. Your ion on Tuesday 2n bid auct collective re energy suppliers st he pe w , ea ry ch ua e Th Febr strations. send for the regi e auction and will energy ins th supplier w ed household their n to er io st at gi lig re ob no each are under it, the u do take offer. You r, but if yo ically by the fe of e th at take ne autom u’re switch is do n even sign up if yo ca it u is Yo V . e. er m et sche yment m on a pre-pa gov.uk.switch for ics. www.nwle information. more
nity N otices
Did you k page fre now you can pu e of cha t comm rge (sub unity info looking ject rma fo informa r new members to space). So w tion on this tion tha , v o lu n teers or hether you are t you’d lik just h e to simply e mail the let local people ave some admin@ d k ashbylif e.co.uk. etails over to u now about sa We’d lov e to hea t r from y ou!
all Trinity H lub ton C s Badmin gst friend
fit amon Club. They t to keep If you wan ity Hall Badminton gue in ea -l Tr n o in n , then jo l, friendly e range are a smal catering for a wid m on ub ll 9p ti cl n m p to in 30 l, badm t at 7. and mee Church Trinity Hal of abilities Street, the Holy y at b d s ar ay d Mon off Kilw on 11th de Walk, Churchsi new season starts . Please e 16 Th 20 e y. n b Ash in Ju d finishes details. January an 530 411 349 for call 01
The Poppy Appeal
The appeal between 1st October and 1st December 2015 has received in excess of £41,050 and still cou nting. This amount exceeds the previous year’s total already. Thank you if you have donated or in any wa y given your support to this worth y charity.
f ers S ilv e r S u r
lp with using If you need he t or smart ble ta p, any lapto e internet th ng rfi phone, or su d it’s all an lp he they could ils ring Lyn free. For deta 030 or Brian on 01530 411 551. on 01530 413
ASHBY MED ITATION CLA SSES
Relaxing med itatio Street, Ashby, n and practical advice at Legion House, LE65 1BQ. Clas South Thursday Janu ses from 7.30 ary 7th, 14th, pm to 9.30pm 21st and 28th on book-just turn . There is no up. Seating is need to on ch details or furth er information airs. Classes cost £6, for contact 0128 e-mail medita 3 732 338, te@tarakmc.o rg or visit http://w ww.tarakmc.o rg/
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spotlight on RICHARD and Ange Bebbington have been supporting Wishes 4 Kids, a local charity granting wishes for very ill Leicestershire children for almost 10 years. Since cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats in 2007 they’ve continued to support the charity by organising events and participating in many challenges, all of which are totally self-funded. These challenges include trekking to Everest Base Camp, running marathons and cycling from Ashby to Rome. To date, with the great support of local people, Richard and Ange have raised over £75,000 for the charity. A large proportion of the money was raised via the Ivanhoe Way Challenge, which they co-founded in 2008. The challenge is to walk the full length of the Ivanhoe Way footpath, 37 miles, within 15 hours. So far over 400 walkers have completed this challenge, raising a staggering amount of money. Two years ago the Ivanhoe Way half was introduced, making it more accessible to a larger number of walkers. Due to the success of this, 2016 will see three distances now available. The original Ivanhoe Way Challenge of 37 miles remains, the Half will be renamed the Ivanhoe Way 20 and a new shorter distance will be introduced; the Ivanhoe Way 13. Starting at different times on Saturday 18th June 2016, each challenge will follow the Ivanhoe Way footpath, all finishing in Ashby for refreshments and celebrations. A registration fee of £22 covers the cost of the event, participants are encouraged to raise funds for Wishes 4 Kids via sponsors. Carrying on the theme of setting their own sporting challenges, next year Richard and Ange will be running 4 marathons in 4 weeks. Running in Paris, Manchester, Brighton and finishing in London on 24th April, this will be no easy task. As with all previous challenges, this is totally self-funded therefore every penny raised goes directly to the charity. You can sponsor Richard and Ange at https://www.justgiving.com/4marathons4weeks or text BEBB47 £5 to 70070. For more information on these events and others including an Easter Bunny Fun Run / Walk and a Charity Dinner visit www.ivanhoechallenge.co.uk.
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chess puzzle
CHESS PUZZLE IT’S WHITE TO COMPLETE HER MOVE. Winnie, a keen chess player, told her friends at the Ivanhoe Club ‘My New Year’s Resolution is: No more blunders!’ Then she played Beckie, and here she has just moved her pawn to g8 to promote it. As she reached for a queen to complete her move, Beckie smiled. Why did she smile?
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Our chess puzzle comes courtesy of local resident Richard Vann, the solution can be found on page 108 - should you need it!
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fitness tips
Happy New Year… HAPPY NEW YOU? HELLO and welcome to the New Year! It’s a bit of a cliché in my industry that, January is always packed with new members, but by the end of February they have all gone! Well this might be the case for some but I really want to challenge and change it.
with Fitness Republic Trainer Simon Pellecchia
www.fitnessrepublic.co.uk
E xcl u s ive COMPETITION
Let’s face it, there really is no better time to start on a fitness plan than January. After a stomach bursting December why not make yourself a commitment to get into the shape you’ve always wanted and be a much healthier you. Perhaps you are already fit but would like to set a new personal challenge, push harder and achieve more? The key to any fitness plan is always consistency, just regular unbroken training. This could be once, maybe twice a week or more. Whatever you decide, just make it regular. You don’t need to break any records, you just need to show up and work hard. Above all you need to enjoy it. Here at my club, Fitness Republic, we work as a team. We have tons of experience and we are all dedicated to help you get the most out of your training. What does this mean? Well we can help you choose the right exercises, perform the right number of sets/reps, correct technique, improve technique, push you a little more and give you variety.
As a little bit of motivation I’m giving away 5 FREE personal training sessions with one of my team here at FR. All you need to do is complete the sentence below, and we’ll pick a winner from the best answers provided.
Every year I make a New Year resolution to get fit but…
WE CAN HELP MOTIVATE YOU! This is really so important. Even I need motivating sometimes. Plus we can add the fun too! Use us! Probe us! Let us help educate you with our experience. After all, if you’re like me, I don’t just want to be told what to do, I want to understand what I’m doing and why. So come on let’s get determined, positive and make a change, you can do it! Pick up the phone and call us. Fill in the 7 day free pass form on our website. Contact us on our social media. Or simply pop in and see us! Whichever option you choose, you’ll be glad you did this time next year!
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Send your entries to Simon, Fitness Republic, 59a Market Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics, LE65 1AH or post your sentence via message on our Facebook page. Don’t forget to leave us your name and contact details. Closing date 31st January 2016.
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what’s on...
January £1.50 per meeting. Everyone is welcome for any or all meetings, for further information call Julie Nelson on 01530 588 197 or email juliesportsfan @yahoo.co.uk.
1st January LRWT North West Group New Year’s Day walk at Bradgate Park. Enjoy the delights of the historic setting, unique mammals and a wide range of flora. Meet at 1pm in main car park. N.B. Parking charge payable, car sharing suggested. For more details please call David Maltby on 01530 222 934 or Margaret Mabey on 01530 412 410. 5th January Blackfordby WI – Kurling at Blackfordby Village Hall, 7pm, visitors welcome. For more information contact Gill Massey 01283 212 380. 7th January Ashby Castle WI - New Year meeting at Ashby Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street at 2pm. Visitors always very welcome. Refreshments available. Go along and join them. For further information contact Fran on 01530 414 933. 11th January Ashby History Society Alison Thornhill, Engagement Officer at Calke Abbey talks on ‘‘Sir Vauncey Harpur Crewe, Entomologist or
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Eccentric?" She describes his passions and collections. Meeting held at Methodist Church, Burton Road, Ashby de la Zouch commencing at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome. For more details please call 01530 415 654. 12th January Ashby de la Zouch Civic Society – Ashby Canal Update. Hear of latest extensions and history with illustrated talk by project officer Geoffrey Pursglove. Meetings at 8pm Legion House, 27a South Street, Ashby. For more details call Susanne on 01530 415 654. Visitors welcome. 13th January Ashby Wine Circle – Social evening and quiz. Meetings held 7.30pm on the second Wednesday in the month at Brown Court, Atkinson Road, Westfields, Ashby, LE65 2LZ. Ashby Ivanhoe Travel Club – ‘Mediterranean Walks’ with P Bingham in the Pithiviers Room at Ivanhoe Technology College from 7.30pm to 9pm. There is no joining fee or annual subscription, just a minimal charge of
15th January 45 YEARS (15). As their 45th wedding anniversary approaches, a couple receive an unexpected letter which contains potentially life changing news. Stars Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay. Century Theatre at Snibston, starts 7.30pm. Tickets £3.50 pay on the door. Call 01530 278 444. 16th January Ashby Farmers Market – 9am to 2pm at Manor House School, South Street, Ashby. Bringing you the finest foods from the region and specialist stalls. Free parking. Tea party for the over 60’s - Enjoy a New Year party tea with music and entertainment from vocalist Katherine Field, The Breakaway Singers and Go Ukulele Crazy. From 2pm to 5pm Ravenstone Institute, tickets cost £3 available from the Village Shop, Beesley’s Garden Centre or phone 01530 813 323. Supported by PRS for Music. For more details visit www.ravenstone eventsgroup.com. 20th January Ashby Spa WI – Fun, unpredictable, oil painting demo, ideal for those not particularly interested in art. Manor House School, South Street at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome £4. For
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more details email ashby. spa@googlemail.com or call 01530 563 682. 22nd January LRWT North West Group Michael Jeeves looks at the future for wildlife in Leicestershire. He will explore the challenges and opportunities presented by the Living Landscape Projects, HS2 and increasing pressure from development. Ashby Methodist Chapel, Burton Road, Ashby, 7.30pm. Entry £2. For more details please call David Maltby on 01530 222 934 or Margaret Mabey on 01530 412 410. 23rd January The Forbidden Door (12+) – By The Devil’s Violin, a combination of mesmerizing, live music and dynamic storytelling. Acclaimed storyteller Daniel Morden is joined by virtuoso musicians Sarah Moody (cello), Dylan Fowler (guitar) and Oliver Wilson-Dickson (fiddle) to transport you into the mysterious world of the imagination. At 7.30pm, The Palace, Ibstock. For more information call 01530 267 303, or go to www.thedevilsviolin.co.uk. Hey Beatles - The ultimate Beatles tribute band. At 8pm, Venture Theatre, North Street, Ashby, tickets £10 from Ashby TIC. 24th January Market Bosworth Farmers Market – Every fourth Sunday of the month from 9am to 2.30pm at Market Square, Market Bosworth CV13 0LJ. Bringing you the finest foods from the region and specialist stalls.
February
27th January Ashby Ivanhoe Travel Club – ‘In Europe’ with M Fisher in the Pithiviers Room at Ivanhoe Technology College at 7.30pm to 9pm. There is no joining fee or annual subscription, just a minimal charge of £1.50 per meeting. Everyone is welcome for any or all of the meetings, for further information call Julie Nelson on 01530 588 197 or email juliesportsfan@ yahoo.co.uk. Sing - Along -a - Sound of Music - The Lyric Rooms will be 'alive to the sound of music'. Dress up if you wish. Ashby Community Cinema Film Nights. Please note the time change - doors and bar open 6.30pm and the film starts 7pm. 28th January ‘The Pitmen Poets’ - The Pitmen Poets celebrate the songs, humour and culture
of the North East's Coal Mining tradition. With Billy Mitchell, Bob Fox, Benny Graham and Jez Lowe at the Century Theatre, Snibston. Starts at 7.45pm and tickets cost £17.50. Book online at www.centurytheatre.co.uk or call 01530 278 444. 30th January Ballroom and Sequence – Organist Eric Black will be at Blackfordby Village Hall from 8pm to 11pm. Admission £3 with bar, refreshments and raffle. For more details call 01283 213 481 or 01283 819 447. Coleorton & New Lount Volunteer Group AGM The meeting will start at 7pm and will be followed by a Social Evening, which will include refreshments. This is an open event and all are welcome to attend. The Beaumont Centre, Peggs Green, Coleorton.
2nd February Ashby Royal British Legion – Meets on the first Tuesday of the month (except January, August and November), at Ivanhoe Social Club, 1, Wilfred Place, Ashby LE65 2GW at 7pm. Visitors welcome. For more information call 01530 417 747 or email ashby.royalbritishlegion@ gmail.com. Blackfordby WI – Pennies for friends. Blackfordby Village Hall, 7pm, visitors welcome. For more information contact Gill Massey 01283 212 380. 8th February Ashby History Society Peter Liddle, local archaeologist, speaks on the ‘Leicestershire Homes of the Grey Family’. He will talk about recent excavations at their homes - Groby Old Hall and Bradgate Park. Meeting held at Methodist Church, Burton Road, Ashby commencing at 7.30pm.
Visitors welcome. For details call 01530 415 654. 9th February Ashby de la Zouch Civic Society – Behind the Scenes at Century Cinema. See what goes on with an afternoon tour at this local cinema, a film show and refreshments. Prebooking essential. For more details call Susanne on 01530 415 654. Visitors welcome. 10th February Ashby Ivanhoe Travel Club – ‘Wonderings of a Cycling photographer’ by T Williams in the Pithiviers Room at Ivanhoe Technology College from 7.30pm to 9pm. There is no joining fee or annual subscription, just a minimal charge of £1.50 per meeting. Everyone is welcome for any or all of the meetings, for further information call Julie Nelson on 01530 588 197 or email juliesportsfan@ yahoo.co.uk.
It’s FREE to put community information on this page. Please submit your event details via email to admin@ashbylife.co.uk or online at www.ashbylife.co.uk/events.php Deadline for submissions for the Community Board or What’s On pages for the February issue is Thursday 14th January. 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
New Year, New Style? IF your New Year’s resolution is to refresh your home with a fashionable look, interiors expert Katherine Sorrell can help. WHERE DO I START? Think about what parts of your home feel most tired and unloved - perhaps walls could do with a wash of fresh paint. Dulux’s colour of the year is Cherished Gold, a gold-influenced ochre that can be used on its own as a statement or as a highlight in combination with other hues. The overall colour palette for this year is muted, warm and soft yet also sophisticated - think coral, not orange; ochre not yellow and midnight, not blue. Another of Dulux’s 2016 themes is to have vintage and antique references support those of the modern-day in a palette that includes chocolate, sand, a deep, pinkish red, muted orange and spicy browns. Ideal to overhaul any style of property. MORE EASY UPDATES You may not be in the market for buying new furniture, but there are still ways to update your old pieces for a fabulous new look. Ikea has identified a key trend this year for personalisation – just look at what can be done with an inexpensive chest of drawers, spray paint and some imagination. On a subtler note, a change of paint colour, or even a wood stain, combined with new knobs or pulls will give wooden furniture a new lease of life, while for really on-trend attitude you could have a table top covered in marble, slate or zinc. KEEP GOING AROUND THE HOUSE Add interest to dull walls with an eye-catching, stickon-peel-off design, a metal-framed mirror or an oversized print. Boring floor? Time for a new rug – or sand back or paint old wooden boards. Something
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simpler? Adding a sheepskin to an old sofa or chair will give instant uplift, as will a change of bed linen, towels or small accessories such as cushions, storage baskets or vases. How about lights? A sassy lampshade can alter the look of an entire room, while filament bulbs will give your lighting a hot vibe. What about a cool coat hook, new door knobs, some kitchen canisters or a bathroom soap dispenser? The smallest things can make a big difference. The high-street chains are brilliant at tapping into new trends with affordable products, so get browsing! WHAT OTHER TRENDS SHOULD I BE KEEPING AN EYE ON? While a striking monochrome palette of black, white and grey will be big in 2016, opulent metallic accents are also catching on, and work well with modern and traditional decors. The look can be either industrial or retro-glam – as per Bemz’s ‘Deco Glam’ look, described as ‘cosy glamour with a Seventies twist’. ‘Create a more glamorous Seventies style in our homes: think Charlie's Angels, Studio 54, and Bianca Jagger,’ says Lesley Pennington, CEO of Bemz. She recommends mixing plain fabrics in rose, steel, mineral blue and straw with geometric accents, plus dark wood, shiny brass, fluffy cushions, small tables and statement floor lamps. Alternatively, the Scandi look is all natural, textural, tonal and pared-back, including sheepskin, leather, wood and felt. For more colour, go for a folk-inspired style with brighter tones of red, orange and teal, combined with intricate florals, handicraft and woodland-inspired images. Lastly, Graham & Brown have predicted four trends based around the catwalks at London Fashion Week: meadow prints, statement reds, intricate lace detailing and a throwback to the Eighties. You have been warned…
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ashby library news FOR FAMILIES • ‘Wriggly Readers’ and ‘Story and Rhymetime’ for children aged 0 to 5 years and their parents and carers. Join us for stories and songs every Friday morning 10.30am to 11am. • After Wriggly Readers, fortnightly 11am to noon, come along to ‘Bumps & Babies’, a meeting place for new and expectant mums: free advice and information sessions run by the National Childbirth Trust.
You 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.
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• ‘TinyTalk’ baby signing classes take place every Thursday 9.15am -11.45am with various sessions held. To book your place contact Bernadette Dooley on 07786 360 873 or bernadetted@tinytalk.co.uk or visit www.tinytalk.co.uk/bernadetted. Places limited and allocated on a first come first served basis. 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, cost £5. Call Joanna Stevenson on 07415 798 134 for details. HEALTH & FITNESS • Come and practice Hatha Yoga every Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm. Call British Wheel of Yoga qualified instructor Lorna Kirk for details on 01530 416 135.
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ashbeian mtg news Mid-way through rehearsals for two productions, the Ashbeian Musical Theatre Group send you greetings for an exciting New Year
From Shepshed to Repton
OUR first production is “Aladdin”, a traditional pantomime by Ben Crooker, to be performed at the Hind Leys College Theatre in Shepshed from Wednesday 16th to Sunday 20th February. Producer and Director; David McKnight is no stranger to panto – having been a
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professional pantomime dame – and he was part of the team that produced “Cinderella” in 2012, raising funds for Hospice Hope. Donations from Aladdin ticket sales will be made to LOROS, Rainbows and the Air Ambulance. Supported by talented dancers from Dance Networtk and AMTGT’s resident musicians, Aladdin will appeal to audiences of all ages and will beat those winter blues. Oh yes it will! We are also rehearsing for “Anything Goes”, set aboard the SS American, which will be performed from Tuesday 5th to Saturday 9th April at our usual theatre home, the magnificent 400 Hall at Repton School (pictured). With well-known
Cole Porter songs and music, this tale of mistaken identity, romance and comedy, takes place during an Atlantic voyage from New York to England. Newcomer Natalie Whittlesey plays the role of Reno Sweeney, alongside Chris Head as Billy Crocker and Emily Wortley as Hope Harcourt. Book your tickets for either show by calling 07527 228945 or book online at ashbeianmtg.org New members are welcome at any stage during our rehearsal period, so if you are looking to join a great and friendly musical theatre company in any capacity contact us at ashbeian@hotmail.co.uk
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just 4 fun
Solutions on page 108.
CODEWORD Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.
Solutions on page 108.
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your wellbeing
Child Mental Health MOST children grow up to be mentally healthy however, mental health problems affect one in ten young people. Children’s emotional well-being is as important as their physical health. ‘Good’ mental health allows children to develop resilience and grow-up into healthy adults. There are many things that can help keep children mentally healthy including being physically healthy, a sense of belonging in their family and school, partaking in activities they enjoy, time and freedom to play, feeling loved, trusted and valued, and feeling they have some control over their own life. Most things that happen to children do not lead to mental health problems, but traumatic events can trigger problems for children who are already vulnerable. Big changes can often act as triggers - for example moving home, starting school or the birth of a new sibling. Some children who start school may feel excited but others may become anxious. Teenagers often experience emotional turmoil as they develop independence and a need to ‘fit in’ with their peers as
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well as coping with hormonal changes and exam stress. Depressive symptoms in children include changes in sleeping pattern and appetite, bad moods or sadness for a long time and becoming withdrawn. Self-harm is a common problem among young people, often used to manage emotional pain. Children with anxiety disorder may be extremely worried and young children may experience separation anxiety when starting school. PTSD can also affect children following abuse, witnessing a traumatic event or being the victim of severe bullying. Futureminds can help children and young people dealing with mental health issues as well as their families. Please see our website for more details.
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poetry Congratulations to the recent winners of the Ashby Library National Libraries Day Poetry Competition for these lovely poems on the subject of ‘light’.
On Reflection
Your Light Has Gone Out
Your love was smoke and mirrors, hiding lies;
Your light has gone out.
Camera obscura, changing life.
Extinguished like a candle in a breeze.
I was happy in your wandering shadow,
No longer will I see the light in your eyes.
A slow creeping round a sundial,
I will not feel the lightness of your touch.
The satellite to your indifference,
Or nearness of your breath.
The phosphorescence in your eyes.
I will not feel the warmth of your
You gave a solitary malachite;
Body – for your light has gone out.
No diamond ring. I saw no love; it was
Sarah Bruce
All negatives, dark matter, self absorbed.
2nd Place
Time and space reveal refraction of the truth. Kathryn Hellier 1st Prize Winner
The Morning Light
Autumn Light
The morning light,
Heavenly light rays from the glowing autumn sun
Shining bright,
Sone through the leaves. Each one glistened and reflected red and orange
Passing through the trees,
Beauty throughout the street. A warm radiance
The morning light,
seemed to emit from them as
Gaining height, Rising above the leaves,
The wind tossed them around.
The morning light,
While being carried on their next journey, hustled by the gentle breeze,
With all its might, Moving with such ease,
The bright astonishing light from the sky
The morning light.
Crashed down on the Earth. Tim Williamson 3rd Place
Without light, the leaves wouldn’t grow and darkness would infect their presence Light keeps the world growing, glowing and going. Tom Hellier (age 12 years) Child’s Entry
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fun quiz
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this month GLOBAL Belly Laugh Day takes place on 24th January. Its aim is to celebrate the gift of laughter.
Global Belly Laugh Day
The day was created by Laughter-Yoga Teacher Elaine Helle in 2005. She says it’s a chance to celebrate with the people in your life past and present, who laugh with you and help you laugh and smile... and also to remember the strange, funny, 'now I can laugh at it' moments.
One of the main features of the day is the Belly Laugh, Bounce Around The World. All are encouraged to smile, throw their arms in the air and laugh out loud at 1:24pm local time so as to literally send laughter around the world. Laughing is of course mostly about having fun, but there are health benefits too. Research shows that a good laugh can: lower blood pressure, boost our immune system, reduce some stress hormones, increase vascular blood flow and oxygenation of the blood, provide a work out for the diaphragm, abdomen, respiratory system, legs, face and back and increase alertness, creativity, memory, learning and our positive emotions. Even so-called fake laughter can bring these health benefits and this is the principle on which laughter yoga relies. Plus of course many of us find that laughter is infectious and laughter yoga usually takes place in groups to make the most of this. The Global Belly Laugh Day symbol (pictured above) consists of a smiling sun with 7 rays and 1 and 24 dimples. There is also an associated laughing oath which was written by Diana Loomans and Karen Kolberg, it reads: I do solemnly swear from this day forward To grease my giggling gears each day And to wear a grin on my face for no reason at all! I promise to tap my funny bone often, With children, family, friends, colleagues and clients, And to laugh at least fifteen times per day. I believe that frequent belly laughter Cures terminal tightness, cerebral stiffness, And hardening of the attitudes, And that HA HA often leads to AHA! Therefore, I vow, from this day forth, To brighten the day of everyone I meet, And to laugh long and prosper. So on Global Belly Laugh Day and every space day ‘have a laugh.’ If you are struggling to find inspiration, why not look through some old photos, watch a funny film or wear some crazy clothes - laugh and the world laughs with you, and its free!
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PUZZLE SOLUTIONS - CROSSWORD - SUDOKU - CODEWORD & MORE... WORD LADDER Gone, Gene, Gent, Sent, Seat, Swat, Sway, Away.
WORDWHEEL TARGETS & ANSWER Excellent: 20+ words, Good: 16, Fair: 12. ANSWER: Winter.
CHESS PUZZLE To play 1.g8=Q is stalemate, and a draw. She should have played 1.g8=B, which is a win, eventually.
FUN QUIZ 1. Cecil 2. Same-sex marriage 3. Foo Fighters 4. Andy Burnham 5. Dismaland 6. Minions 7. Female bishop (in the Church of England) 8. Jess Glynne 9. Matisse 10. The UK Independence Party (UKIP).
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business directory Accountants & Payroll Ashby Payroll Bureau 72 Baldwins 25 Haines Watts 111 JAWS Accountancy Services Ltd 63 Aerials & Satellite Satellite Aerial Services 95 Architects DCI Architecture 28 Niche Architecture 107 Arts, Crafts, Gifts, Jewellery, Toys Ashby Bears 37 Souk de la Zouch 24 Business Services Cyber Tasking 37 Carpenters & Joiners Derek Verey 42 S S Joinery 33 Carpets & Interiors Agadon 3 Ashby Carpets 5 Ashby Stoves 37 Boundary Carpets and Floorings 39 Coalville Furniture Superstore 106 Fairweathers Carpets 35 Glide Wardrobe Systems 34 Richardsons Furniture 81 Roger James Furnishers 45, 61 & 95 The Bed Shop 59 The Flooring and Bed Company 16 & 17 The Station Ltd 40 Toons 109 Wendy's Courtyard Interiors 107 Childcare Services Orchard House Day Nursery 94 Cleaning, Ironing, Laundry Services Breedon Carpet Care 87 Deanclean 88 Jayne’s Extreme Clean 43 Karen’s Ovengleam 13 NJR Pure Clean 13 Safeclean 64 Spotless Cleaning 41 The Bee’s Knees 32 Toni's Ironing Angels 45 Clothing Just for You 11 The Shoe Box 73 Country Stores/ General Stores Ivanhoe Countrystore 15 Domestic Appliances Contracool 24 Contract & Domestic Services 52 Ray Pittam Engineers 96 Driving Schools Bardon School of Motoring 58 Jo Driving 52 RDT School of Motoring 63 Electricians Bright Sparks 34 D & B Electrical 74 M Bunker Electrical 76 Estate Agents/Home Services Howkins & Harrison 23 John German 36
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Events Ashbeian Musical Theatre Group 84 Funhouse Comedy 65 Financial Services Bleathwood 80 DGS, IFA 93 Ian Goodship, IFA 88 Regent Financial Management 32 Food & Groceries Ashby Farmers Market 20 Conibears Kitchen 20 Smithards Bakery 91 Funeral Services Art Stone Memorials 28 Measham Family Funeral Services 44 Furniture Repairs & Restoration Ancient & Modern 20 Garden Artisan of Ashby Ltd 13 Charnwood Tree Services 10 Eden Tree Care 28 & 51 F G Gardens 96 Francesca Sinclair & Associates 88 GDR Landscapes 68 Green Thumb (Ashby) 31 Roughly Refined Garden Service 76 Stone Drives & Landscapes 98 The Ten Mile Timber Company 73 Urban Flora Ltd 64 Hair & Beauty Nail Creations and The Beauty Studio 28 Pure Manicure & Pedicure 68 Tip Top Hair Design 19 Trendset Hair 75 Healthcare Ash Free Vaper Zone 45 Ashby Chiropody/Podiatry Clinic 101 Ashby Dental 76 Ashby Osteopathic Clinic 107 Dr Jin 52 Future Minds 90 Janet Joyce 41 Juliet Brooke Chiropody 32 Leicestershire Hypnotherapy 47 Prestige Nursing 68 ProPhysio Ashby 69 Seale Pastures House 12 Slimming World 47 Therapeutic Touch 13 Traditional Acupuncture 104 IT Services Ashby Web Design 72 Midland IT 96 The PC Clinic 8 Kitchens & Bathrooms Ashby Tile & Bathrooms 2 Victory Kitchens 55 Locksmiths Hazlewood Locksmiths 81 Motor Services A D Car Cosmetics 61 Chips Away 89 Castle Garage (Ashby) Ltd 77 Speedy Auto Spares 55 Music, Dance & Drama Ashby School of Music 20
Painters & Decorators Ace Decorating 64 Design Decorators 37 Holywell Painting & Decorating 74 James Pepper 18 John Clark 63 Pet Services Ash Farm Boarding Kennels 39 Mutley Makeovers 41 Woodward Veterinary Practice 82 Places of Worship Ashby Christadelphian Church 50 Plasterers A C Ellison Plastering & Tiling 43 Matt Charles Plastering Services 39 Plumbers & Gas Services Adrian Dunstan Plumbing & Heating 61 Batemans Plumbing & Heating 49 Burn & Bishop Plumbing & Heating 87 CCA Gas Plumbing & Heating 101 D B Plumbing 43 James Pepper Property Solutions 95 S D Hill (Plumbers) 7 Therm Heating 43 Property Repairs & Maintenance Absolute Window Solutions 21 Ashby Glass 27 Ashbyhandyman.co.uk 24 Can’t Get One 94 Cloudy 2 Clear 83 D H Phillips (Flat Roofing) 52 G & D Property Services Ltd 53 Handyman Maintenance 105 Michael Brooks Home Improvements 76 Roof Tech 26 RSJ Roofing 48 Swadlincote Window Company Ltd 60 TS Roofing 11 Thermogreen Ltd 108 Window Mate 79 Pubs, Restaurants & Take Aways Espresso Yourself Café / Bistro 29 Fuel Café & Juice Bar Ltd 67 George Inn 103 La Spezia Pizzeria 11 Link Measham Cantonese 100 Prime Steakhouse 9 The Blue Bell 73 The Larder 48 The Lyric Rooms 104 Wong Kwei 97 Zamani's 56 & 57 Schools & Tuition Appleby Community Languages 101 Solicitors & Will Writers Crane & Walton 79 Martin Hall Will Writer 68 Simpson Jones Solicitors 99 Timms Solicitors 85 Sports & Fitness Breedon Priory Health Club Ltd 112 Fitness Republic 66 Geia Fitness 47 MetaFit & FitSteps 63
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