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this issue 103 Ashby Life Editor Liz Roberts Telephone 01530 417739 Email enquiries Advertising/Accounts info@ashbylife.co.uk Website/What’s On admin@ashbylife.co.uk Web www.ashbylife.co.uk

Christmas Greetings… December is always my favourite issue – so many lovely Christmas features and events. We’ve got a couple of great Christmas recipes, last posting dates, details of how to send your local cards via the Scouts Post, where and when you’ll find Santa in the run up to the big day and a tongue in cheek interview with the man himself! There’s also a great article about the Christmas truce during World War I, a Christmas quiz and, to make sure you enjoy the holidays, a Christmas Survival Guide. That just leaves me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Liz Roberts

Contents

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Address Ashby Life Ltd Castle House South Street Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1BR Front Cover Image by Lesley Hextall Photography

Ashby Life is an independent publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the editor. The use of this magazine for canvassing or direct marketing is strictly prohibited. Information is included on the What’s On and Community Board pages subject to space being available. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, Ashby Life cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions or endorse companies, products or services appearing in this magazine.

06 10 14 18 22 26 30 34 38 42 46 48 52 56 62 66 70 74 78 82 86 90 94 98 102 106 110 114 118 124 126

Behind the Scenes Puzzle Page All About You This Month Ashby Health Centre A Walk in the Forest Last Posting Dates In Your Garden Wordsearch Santa Sleigh Routes Venture Theatre News Book Reviews Young Ashby Seasonal Recipes Christadelphian Church Fun Quiz Just 4 Fun Ashby Museum News Church Services On the Beat In Your Home Prize Competition Community Board Days Gone By Money Matters Ashby Library News Storytime Scouts Christmas Post What’s On Puzzle Solutions Business Directory

102

If you would like to advertise in Ashby Life It’s a fantastic way to target potential customers and great value for money

See our website or call Liz on 01530 417739 for details Next issue is January and deadline for copy is Friday 12th December Please note advertising space is limited, pre-booking is recommended 4

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behind the scenes Find out a bit more about some of the people who live and work within the local area – each month we will be interviewing someone from an organisation or business in Ashby or the surrounding areas. This month...

Santa Claus We caught up with someone who only visits Ashby once a year but he is a bit special! How did you become involved with Christmas and what do you love about it? Well I’ve been doing this job for a very long time so it’s hard to remember how I started but I think I was born to it – a bit like the Queen is. It’s hard work being Santa, but I do love receiving letters and of course riding on the sleigh pulled by my wonderful reindeer is great fun. I get to travel plenty too and see the whole world! What is your favourite local restaurant? My busy schedule doesn’t really allow time to eat out – in fact it’s hard to find time to grab a bite at all in the run up to Christmas. Fortunately some families leave a little snack out – I love a mince pie or slice of Christmas cake (though it is beginning to show on my waistline) and the reindeer are very fond of carrots. Where do you like to go for a day out? When I can leave Mrs Claus and the Elves in charge I like to sneak out to shops or parties where I can sit down for a while and meet all the local children. It's also nice to catch up with friends at the Rotary Club and Round Table.

What is your favourite local shop and why? Sweet Memory Lane in Elford Street has so many tasty treats, I find it very tempting! Shellbrook toys are wonderful, especially for those little stocking fillers. Extreme Games in Mill Lane Mews is good for the electronic games that many youngsters like now and I find Just Bikes on the Green most useful too. What do you like best about our town? The reindeer love that it is at the heart of The National Forest (Rudolph has distant relatives living in the park at Calke Abbey). The people of Ashby and surrounding villages are also very generous - my friends from the Rotary Clubs and Round Table go out for me in the run up to Christmas, taking a spare sleigh and talking to the children and manage to collect lots of money which is all donated to very good causes. I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who gives so generously. From 1st December you can track Santa online at www.noradsanta.org.

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puzzle page A red fruit (6) On every side (6) Deceased (4) Hold back (8) Sprinkle (7) Weeps (5) Concerning (5) Farewell (4-3) Acquainted (8) Require (4) Disclose (6) Thick, oily substance (6)

DOWN

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

Finished (4) Outlaw (6) Expedition (7) Severe (5) Terror (6) Completely (8) Green vegetables (8) Bravery (7) Allied (6) Beast of burden (6) Feminine (5) Simple (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD

SUDOKU 10

Solutions on page 124

ACROSS

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

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 124.

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all about you

Christmas CHRISTMAS can become a time of stress and worry, especially if we become too focussed on trying to make it ‘perfect’. Ask yourself, what is most important to me about Christmas? Then, keep focussed on that and let go of the rest. Don’t overburden yourself by believing everything has to be just like the ‘ideal version of a perfect family Christmas.’ Your Christmas is just that, the one that fits you and your circumstances. It can be however you want it to be. Find out about the closing times of shops and delivery times if ordering online. Check latest posting dates (see page 30). It’s also useful to keep details handy for pharmacies that will be open, and have medical numbers such as NHS Direct close

Survival Guide

by, and the vet too if you have pets. If travelling by car, find out which petrol stations will be open and check tyres, oil and water before you go. Revised bus and train timetables are usually published well in advance, so hunt these out too. For most people being with friends and family is important at Christmas, but it’s not necessary to force everyone to be together just because it’s Christmas. If people haven’t got on for years, it’s very unlikely that some turkey and a spot of tinsel will heal the rift. Why risk a big row and be anxious all day? Choose to see small groups of people instead. Whatever type of Christmas you want, you probably wouldn’t choose to spend most of the day cooking. Try to avoid this by planning, and accepting help. Sharing with friends, family and neighbours is part of the Christmas spirit. Let go of needing to do everything yourself.

If things don’t go quite to plan - ask yourself does it really matter? Chances are you will remember it with a smile in years to come. However Christmas turns out, and however much you have or don’t have, choose to be grateful. No matter how difficult things are - notice what you have rather than what you don't have and you will find plenty of Christmas joy.

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this month

The Christmas Truce By Alison Runham

Christmas Eve 1914. The Western Front. Weeks of rain have ended and mud is becoming ice. Despite calls for a Christmas ceasefire, fighting has continued throughout December, although today it seems half-hearted in many places.

Staff Sergeant Clement Barker is in his trench with his comrades. Across No Man’s Land, the Germans are decorating tiny trees sent from home with candles as they sing Stille Nacht (Silent Night). “The trenches were a blaze of Christmas trees,” one Tommy recalled, “and our sentries were regaled for hours with traditional Christmas songs.” In some places, English troops decide that they “ought to retaliate in some way.” “So we sang The First Noël... they all began German soldiers of the 134th Saxon Regiment and British soldiers clapping; and then they struck up another favourite of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment meet in no man's land, of theirs, O Tannenbaum.” December 26th. At Barker’s trench, a German soldier appears. “He said that if (we) did not fire, they wouldn’t in the morning,” Barker wrote later. Next morning, Barker’s men cautiously venture out to retrieve and bury their dead. No shots are fired. Soon they’re shaking hands with the Germans and exchanging gifts, and then “a football is kicked out of our trenches, and Germans and English play football.”

Henry Williamson, who later wrote Tarka the Otter, also recalled football matches, but behind German lines; if British and German troops played together, he made no mention of it. However, despite the myths surrounding Truce matches between both sides, some are well-documented in letters. Two soldiers of the 6th Cheshires described a huge, free-for-all match in Wulverghem, Belgium, where No Man's Land was less damaged by shell fire. Williamson recalled the Germans singing Silent Night, too, before inviting the English closer. His unit suspected a trap. “We crept out... expecting any moment to fall flat with the machine guns opening up. And nothing happened.” Both sides were soon exchanging gifts and greetings, and similar scenes were occurring at many points along the Front. Cigarettes, rations, uniform buttons and even addresses were exchanged. One English trench received a German chocolate cake, together with a ceasefire request and an invitation to an impromptu concert. “Just think,” wrote one soldier to his family, “while you were eating turkey I was talking and shaking hands with the very men I had been trying to kill a few hours before!”

“The trenches were a blaze of Christmas trees...”

The truce at Williamson’s position held for four days before orders arrived to end fraternisation, while the Germans were warned to expect visits from senior officers; they sent a message across, explaining that they would have to fire their machine guns, but would fire high to avoid hitting anyone. For Barker, peace lasted a little longer too. “Night came and still no shots. Boxing day the same, and has remained so up to now,” he wrote a few days later. But gradually fighting resumed. Captain J.C. Dunn’s account of resuming hostilities is poignant: “I fired three shots in the air and put up a flag with "Merry Christmas" on it, and I climbed on the parapet...[the Germans] put up a sheet with "Thank you" on it, and the German Captain appeared... We both bowed and saluted... he fired two shots in the air, and the War was on again.” Both truces (and football games) had occurred in earlier wars. So what makes the 1914 Christmas Truce especially memorable? Perhaps because in a war that cost over 10 million lives, it was, as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle said, “one human episode amid all the atrocities.”

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ashby health centre

MONTHLY UPDATE GENVASC Study We are pleased to let you know that if you come for one of our NHS Health Checks you can now help with research to tackle heart disease through the GENVASC study. The NHS Health Check is to assess your risk of getting heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes. The check involves testing a sample of your blood and checking factors which we know have an influence on the chances of you getting one or more of these diseases, such as your age, sex, blood pressure, cholesterol level and whether you smoke or have diabetes. Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74, who have not already been diagnosed with one of these conditions or have certain risk factors, is eligible to be invited (once every five years) to have an NHS Health Check. If you are in the criteria and havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had yours yet please book in at reception. The GENVASC study is aiming to try and find out if genetics are also a factor in heart disease and how big a factor. To do this you will need to have a second

blood test especially for the study and allow the researchers use of some of your medical information in the future. This information will be used confidentially by the researchers in conjunction with your blood sample to try and identify any link between heart disease and certain genes. If you agree to take part you will be given extra time for the results part of your health check so the health care assistant can do the consent forms with you and take the study blood sample.

TWITTER We are excited to let our patients know that the Health Centre is now on Twitter. Follow us on @AshbyHlthCentre for the latest news and information.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR We would like to wish all our patients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your support throughout 2014. We will be closed on all bank holidays and weekends throughout the festive period but open as usual for the rest of the time.

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a walk in the forest

Explore Ashby Something a bit different - this month’s walk follows some of the tucked away paths on a circuit around Ashby town centre. We take in the beautiful Bath Grounds, pass by Ashby Castle and St Helens Church, follow paths through the cemetery and allotments and stroll down the shopping areas of Market Street and Mill Lane Mews. Whether you are a newcomer to Ashby or have lived here for years this circuit is an interesting way of exploring areas of the town that you may not know. We've started from Hood Park Leisure Centre but as it is a circular route feel free to join at whatever point is closest to your own house if you live in town.

The walk starts from the car park adjacent to Hood Park Leisure Centre - if you are driving turn left off North Street just before the library to access Hood Park. You can also park by the library and walk up to the Leisure Centre. With Hood Park Leisure Centre on your right take the path between the chestnut trees that leaves Hood Park (1), passing the children's play area and skate park on your left and the playing fields on your right. Continue on this path to cross over Meredith Road and very soon after this you will see a green footpath post. At this post turn left off the marked public footpath (2), go over a small bridge to cross the Gilwiskaw Brook and follow the path up to emerge beside Smisby Road Newsagents. Cross straight over Smisby Road and go up Rotherwood Drive which is opposite you. Leave Rotherwood Drive where it bends sharp left, going through the metal barriers and up the footpath straight ahead of you. Follow this path through a second set of barriers and around to emerge onto Sherbourne Drive. Turn left along Sherbourne Drive and left again at the end of the road as you enter Canterbury Drive. Keep following Canterbury Drive - you will pass by a path leading off to the left and then over the end of Roedean Close. Stay on Canterbury Drive as it bends around and goes uphill, passing by some garages and another path off to the left. Further up the hill the road has a hammerhead on your left – at this point, between numbers 55 and 53 you will find our next path (3). Go through the metal barriers, turn right along the path and then keep to the right to go up a slope that runs behind some garages. The path bears left after the garages and then emerges onto Burton Road immediately opposite Hill Street. Cross straight over and continue ahead down Hill Street, a pretty little road with its high path, railings and old thatched cottage. At the end of Hill Street turn right up Moira Road for a short distance and just before reaching Tower Gardens cross over to the entrance to the cemetery. Go through the main gates and into the cemetery. (*The cemetery is open from 9am to 4pm in winter - if you are outside these hours you will need to continue up Moira Road and look for the path off to your left that goes between the houses and then down into the allotments*). Walk straight ahead through the cemetery and then keep on the main path as it bears around to the right going towards a fence made of metal railings that runs along the boundary to the cemetery grounds. On reaching this fence turn left and then walk along for a short distance with the railings on your right to come to a gate on your right which leads out of the cemetery and into the allotments. Turn left and follow the gravel track as it goes down through the allotments (4) to come out on the end of Wilfred Gardens. Keep straight ahead down Wilfred Gardens and past the fire station to reach the mini roundabout at the junction of Bath Street and Station Road. Cross over and walk through the car park of the Royal Hotel and into the Bath Grounds (5). Turn right, following the path towards the cricket pavilion, but before reaching it bear off to the left to cross over the large area of open grass. Initially aim for a gap in the fence on the far side of the grass but as you get nearer to it bear left to leave the Bath Grounds via the metal gateway that leads out into Prior Park Road. Cross over Prior Park Road and turn right and then very soon left to go up Prior Park Lane (6). At the top of Prior Park Lane turn left and go along Mount Walk (7), passing playing fields on your right and then the back of the castle grounds (8) and St Helens Church on your left. When Mount Walk ends at the corner of Upper Church Street turn left by a blue bollard to walk down beside St Helens Church and come out near the top of South Street. Turn right along South Street, passing by the Lyric Rooms and then turn left at the end of the road, down Market Street. Cross over Market Street at the first set of pedestrian lights, close to the Market Hall, and then continue downhill for a short way until you pass Dean & Smedley Chemists on your right. Turn right here into Mill Lane Mews – an attractive lane of shops that always looks lovely at Christmas time. At the end of Mill Lane Mews cross over South Street via the zebra crossing and go straight up the road opposite you to return to Hood Park Leisure Centre and the start of the walk.

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

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last posting dates

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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

Smisby Treasure IT is not hidden or a secret, but the Bluebell Arboretum and Nursery are a find that would make any gardener or plantsman's heart glow. Just on the edge of Ashby, this woodland garden has an exquisite array of unusual trees, a nursery that does not just have the usual plants found in chain nurseries but actually has rare plants to buy and staff with encyclopaedic knowledge which they willingly and generously share. In November I attended a guided tour around the woodland garden hosted by one of the owners, Robert Vernon. His stories of the trees he has planted there give a glimpse into the broad and fulfilling life he has had travelling worldwide and working as a specialist nurseryman. The two and a half hour tour explained the development of the nine acre garden over 22 years and explained the characteristics and identification of many different and rare trees, how big they will get, and how long they will live for. A splash of Latin teaching helps to understand the formal Latin naming of trees. Whether you go on an organised tour or just wander round by yourself for a small entrance fee you will have a delightful time; it is so JOBS IN THE GARDEN: 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 the autumn, such as broad beans, with a fleece.

quiet and peaceful, with such visual delight. In the winter the Betula (Birch) trees stand out. In the woodland garden it is not just the bright white Betulas such as the superb ‘Grayswood Ghost’, but a collection that shows beautiful peeling bark in colours ranging through to a chocolate colour on the variety Betulis var. Jacquemontii ‘Wakehurst Place Chocolate’. Robert explains which variety of tree will grow well, slow or fast, how big it will be - all with such enthusiasm you would wish you could have your own arboretum. This woodland garden is of course going to become even more impressive as the trees grow and newly planted areas develop. The Giant Redwoods which have been planted there could live for 3,000 years and will eventually be enormous - 85 meters high and 8 meters wide. On a more usual domestic scale the friendly staff can advise on a selection of trees for a small garden. They will answer questions to help ensure you have the right sort of tree for the space you want to fill - real value for money then. The family run nursery does not just have a superb selection of trees but also shrubs, grasses and herbaceous plants plus gift vouchers. Happy Christmas and New Year!

Francesca Email info@francescasinclair.co.uk Photograph courtesy of Gillian Day

5 Net cabbages and brassicas so they are not eaten by pigeons. 6 Wrap any non frost proof pots and garden ornaments with bubble wrap. 7 Clean plant pots and seed trays. 8 Decorate for the season with cuttings from your garden, Holly, Ivy or spotted Laurel for garlands, table displays or wreaths.

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wordsearch

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santa sleigh routes

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venture theatre news

The Props Person

THE props department at the Venture Theatre is a veritable treasure trove of objects, almost anything you can imagine from crockery and glassware to vintage radios and old battered suitcases. But working on the props team involves a lot more than knowing what’s in the store and producing it for the various plays. We talked to Sylvia Brooks and Wendy Allen, two of the members of the theatre in charge of props, to find out more.

effort. Charity shops are a likely source along with jumble sales and car boot sales. You have to think, can something be altered, repainted or used in conjunction with something else? After all, the theatre is all about make-believe, imagination and illusion!”

For any production, the job starts with a very careful read through the script to list all the props required. “Sometimes the author lists these,” Sylvia told us. “Others do not, and sometimes it doesn’t become apparent until the actors start to play out their parts that certain objects will be needed.”

During later rehearsals, and of course the production itself, the props team will be in the wings ready to receive props as they come off stage and hand out others as needed. Sometimes, props people need to go out onto the stage while the curtain is still up to retrieve or rearrange props

Not all the props required will be found in the theatre’s own props department. “We have a few members who have a gift for tracking down the more unusual props,” Sylvia says. “As a props person, you are always keeping an eye out for suitable things, almost without conscious

Sylvia told us “It would be great if more members had a go – younger ones and those who might fear they couldn’t do it. There would always be help from old “stagers” to iron out any concerns.”

During the early stages of a production, the actors will make do with temporary props but a few weeks into rehearsals they are introduced to the real ones so that they get used to them

For further details visit ashbyventuretheatre.org.uk

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book reviews

A Gift for Christmas We’ve got Christmas all wrapped up this year, with a set of books designed to have every aspect of the holiday covered. If all else fails though, there’s always the option of packing it all in and doing a runner…and we’ve thought of that as well.

THE GIFT

‘The Gift’...

Cecelia Ahern

If you ever thought there weren’t enough hours in the day then meet Lou Suffern, a man who is constantly needs to be two places at once and who is struggling to keep up. He finds it impossible to really ‘be’ in the present, whether it’s at work or at home with his family. One day he meets a homeless man called Gabe and, taking pity on him, sorts him out with a job in the post room. But there’s something not quite right about Gabe. He always appears to be in more than one place at once. It’s a bit ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ for modern times, and goes to prove that as we suspected, time really could be the greatest gift of all.

THE FOOD

‘Great British Bake Off: Christmas’...

Lizzie Kamenetzky

‘Stuff your face with plates of blinis, fah-lah-lah-lah lah’ or however it goes! Christmas simply can’t go wrong with Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry helping you along your merry way. There are master class recipes as well as contributions from all four previous winners and other memorable contestants. It’s packed with plenty of inspiration without causing you too much perspiration whilst slaving over a hot stove. It could be a present to yourself…or whoever you’ve talked into doing the cooking.

THE FAMILY Chrissie Manby

‘A Proper Family Christmas’...

Whenever someone tells you this is what they want, they mean the nostalgic Christmas card, cookie cutter image. They don’t mean the arguments, tears and recriminations that usually go hand in hand with the festive season. This is the story of two clashing families, brought together by the need to help the Buchanan’s seriously ill daughter, Izzy. The matriarch, Annabel, was adopted and so needs to find her own biological parents to see if Izzy can be saved. It sounds like a tear-jerker but it’s a warm and fuzzy one for Christmas.

THE WEATHER

‘Let it Snow’...

John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle Here are three touching and romantic stories that all stem from one incident, as a young girl decides to ditch the stranded train she was travelling on and heads out into the blizzard. The tales then take place over the following few days as the residents of Gracetown struggle to cope with the Christmas Eve storm. Written by some of today’s best-selling authors they are like three perfectly wrapped little stocking fillers.

THE ESCAPE PLAN Elizabeth Gilbert

‘Eat, Pray, Love’...

If all else fails and you really can’t stand your in-laws, or even your husband for any amount of time past Boxing Day, then why not just escape from it all? At 3am, Elizabeth’s seemingly perfect life is keeping her up and making her depressed. So, she ups sticks and heads off in pursuit of happiness. Her travels take her to Italy, India and then on to Bali, finding food for her soul and her belly along the way. It’s the perfect antidote to all that forced happiness and fun.

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young ashby

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seasonal recipes Roasting the turkey in a ’tent’ of buttered foil will keep it moist and succulent.

A traditional Italian Christmas treat packed with nuts, figs, honey and warming Makes 25 Ready spices. in 1½

Roast Turkey

ho + cooliurs ng

with Leek, Apricot & Chestnut Stuffing

Panforte de Siena YOU WILL NEED • 150g whole blanched almonds • 125g pistachio nuts • 175g dried figs, chopped • Grated zest of 1 orange • 75g plain flour

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder • 2 tsp ground cinnamon • ¼ tsp ground cloves • 115g caster sugar • 175g runny honey • Icing sugar, for dusting

GET STARTED 1 Preheat the oven to 150°C/130°C fan/gas 2. Grease a deep 18cm square tin and line the base with baking parchment. Toast the almonds under a medium grill until just golden then roughly chop. Mix in a bowl with the pistachios, figs and orange zest. 2 Sift over the flour and cocoa powder and stir well then stir in the cinnamon and ground cloves. Set aside. 3 Put the caster sugar and honey in a heavy-based pan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to the boil then let the syrup bubble gently for about 5 minutes, without stirring the mixture, until it begins to thicken. 4 Remove the pan from the heat and quickly add the nut and flour mixture stirring well with a wooden spoon. Spoon into the prepared tin and smooth the surface using the back of a damp spoon. 5 Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour then remove the cake from the oven and leave in the tin until completely cold. Remove the cake from the tin, peel off the lining paper and dust thickly with icing sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares to serve.

Serv es 8-1 Read 0 y 5 ho in urs

YOU WILL NEED • 100g butter • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 leek, trimmed and chopped • 2 shallots, peeled & chopped • 75g ready to eat dried apricots, finely chopped • 150g fresh white breadcrumbs

• 100g cooked chestnuts, finely chopped • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • 5.4kg oven-ready turkey, giblets removed • 16 cocktail sausages • 4 rashers smoked streaky bacon • Fresh herbs, to garnish

GET STARTED 1 Heat half the butter and the olive oil in a frying pan and fry the leek and shallots for 6-7 minutes until softened. Remove from the heat and stir in the apricots, breadcrumbs, chestnuts and half the thyme leaves. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper and leave to cool. 2 Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/gas 5. Line a large roasting tin with buttered foil. Use about one third of the stuffing mix to stuff the neck end of the turkey (press the rest of the stuffing in a shallow ovenproof dish to cook separately). Weigh the stuffed turkey and calculate the cooking time - allow 20 minutes per 450g plus 20 minutes. Place the turkey in the lined roasting tin and smear all over the skin with the remaining butter. Sprinkle over the rest of the thyme leaves and season. 3 Cover the turkey with a tent of buttered foil and roast in the preheated oven for the calculated cooking time, basting occasionally. Uncover the turkey for the last 45 minutes until the skin is golden and the juices run clear when a skewer is inserted into the thickest part of one thigh. If the juices still run slightly pink return the turkey to the oven for a further 15-20 minutes then check again. 4 Leave the turkey, loosely covered with foil, in a warm place to rest for at least 20 minutes. Stretch the bacon rashers with the back of a knife and cut each rasher in half. Wrap the short rashers around the cocktail sausages, securing with a cocktail stick. Place in baking tray and cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Drizzle a couple of spoonfuls of juices from the turkey over the stuffing in the dish and cook in the oven at the same time as the baconwrapped sausages for 20 minutes. 5 Serve the turkey on a large warmed platter with the baconwrapped sausages and garnished with fresh herbs. Serve the extra stuffing separately along with all the vegetables.

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www.ashbychurch.co.uk

The countdown

IS ON...

t’s that time of year again - the Christmas countdown! Some of you may be well-organised, having everything under control and ready for the big day. Many of us, however, are still rushing around trying to make preparations before it’s too late. There’s gifts to buy, cards to write, food to buy, decorations to put up – the list always seems endless, will we ever be ready in time? Yet with all the rushing around, how many of us will remember the real reason we are celebrating Christmas? Maybe you will find time to attend a carol service or nativity play and be reminded of the birth of Jesus. Of course the story doesn’t end there – it gets even better! Without the birth of Jesus there would be no hope for the future. From reading the Bible, we know Jesus died for us, was raised back to life, and will soon return to achieve

Editorial by Ashby Christadelphian Church, Union Passage, Ashby

www.ashbychurch.co.uk

peace at last. Surely that’s something even more exciting to look forward to? So, the Christmas countdown is on. As each new window is opened on the advent calendar, the excitement builds – we’re one day closer to Christmas (one day less to do those jobs!). But it’s also one day closer to the return of Jesus. From experience we know that by working away at our Christmas jobs list, we will eventually be ready for December 25th and able to enjoy the results of all our preparations. In a similar way we need to prepare for the return of Jesus and make sure we are busy, ready and watching. Let’s pick up our Bibles and read about the amazing things God promises us when Jesus returns again – a wonderful time of celebration, happiness, peace and safety. It might have all started in a lowly stable just over 2000 years ago, but the Jesus countdown is definitely on...! Useful passages to look up: Matthew 25 vs 31-46.

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fun quiz

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just 4 fun

Solutions on page 124

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 124

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ashby museum news

t the AGM of Ashby Museum, Andrew Bridgen, M.P. for North West Leicestershire, donated an encaustic tile from St. Stephen's Hall in the Palace of Westminster. The tile was an example of those designed by Augustus Welby Pugin, between 1846 and 1852, and was originally produced by Herbert Minton of Stoke-on-Trent. It was removed from St. Stephen's Hall in 2013, and is part of a limited release from the conservation project at the Houses of Parliament.

Vice Chairman. They spent over an hour at the Museum, concentrating in particular on the moving display in the Loudoun Gallery on the Fallen of the Great War. They then toured the main Zouche Gallery and the Archive Room upstairs. Mr Coaker was presented with a copy of the recently published book, 'Lest We Forget', which details the backgrounds and military careers of those local men who made the supreme sacrifice in the conflict a century ago. Mr Coaker later emailed to say "Wonderful exhibition and museum... all the best with your important work".

Mr. Bridgen congratulated the Museum on another successful year and commented on the project to ensure Lt. Col. Philip Bent VC was remembered by a commChairman, Brian Berry, with the Minton emorative paving slab, soon to be placed tile presented to the Museum by in the garden behind the Market Street Andrew Bridgen M.P. War Memorial. NWLDC Chairman, Councillor Graham Allman, also gave a short speech of On November 5th our World War 1 exhibition was support from both the District Council and Ashby Town visited by more than 90 year 5 and 6 pupils from Council. The Mayor of the Town Council, Andrew Badger, Burton Road School who came to enrich their was also present. Brian Berry, Chairman of Trustees, led the learning experience. proceedings and thanked all councils and Mr. Bridgen for The next Kids' Club will be on the 6th December their unwavering and invaluable support. He reviewed the from 11am till 2pm. There will be many activities year, which had seen an increase in visitors and some including designing your own history poster and excellent temporary exhibitions. The present one, on the dressing up in 17th century costumes. Free entry Great War and the area's Fallen, will end on 1st March. and all the family are welcome. The Museum paid host to Vernon Coaker, the M.P. for Following the celebration of 300 years of Gedling and Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, on Ravenstone Hospital, a splendid book has been Saturday afternoon. He was accompanied by Jamie published to give the history from foundation to McMahon, Labour's candidate for the North West today. Copies are on sale at the Museum and would Leicestershire constituency. They were welcomed by make a good Christmas present. Brian Berry, Chairman of Trustees, and Kenneth Hillier,

FRIENDS OF ASHBY MUSEUM Thanks to those who came to our AGM. We are planning a full programme of events to support the museum next year. The first of these will be a Folk Entertainment evening at Packington Memorial Hall on Saturday 14th February at 7.30pm. More details in January.

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church services

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on the beat

Hello everyone... WITH Christmas nearly here, I will give a quick reminder about the law on Drinking and Driving. The only safe limit of alcohol to have in your blood and drive is zero! It is not advisable to even have one drink and drive as alcohol impairs your judgement and lessens your reflexes. The official amount of alcohol is 35 microgrammes per 100ml of breath reading. This cannot be translated into an exact amount of units as it depends on many factors - height and weight, time when last drink consumed, etc. Depending on the amount of alcohol you consumed you could still be over the limit the following morning, even afternoon. Even if you feel fine and ‘sober’ it does not mean that you are not still over the legal limit. There is no definitive answer as to when you would be under the legal limit as it depends on a lot of factors. Your body size and other factors in your genetic makeup affect this sort of rule. As a very rough guide for a healthy adult, ignoring the first hour you should deduct an hour for each unit of alcohol you consume. A unit is half a pint of normal strength lager/beer, a single measure of spirits or a

standard glass of wine. This is not a rule that should be relied upon but a warning as to how long alcohol can linger in your system and the possible consequences of driving the following day. If you eat a meal whilst consuming alcohol this does help to soak up the alcohol and release it at a much slower rate (but eating much later after an evening of heavy drinking does not generally help). However, lack of sleep and feeling unwell can affect your driving and there are other offences that you could commit if you drive after a heavy night out even if you are not over the limit. You can purchase breathalysers but we cannot recommend any brand or comment on how reliable they are. If you are stopped the day after and are over the limit, you are classed as a drink driver and will face the same penalties. Ignorance of the alcohol level in your system is no defence. So if you are indetending to drink the best advice we can give is leave the car at home. Have a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year.

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

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in your home Who doesn’t love Scandinavian style? It combines classic with contemporary, pretty with practical. And it’s the perfect look with which to dress up your home for Christmas.

Scandinavian Christmas IN the Scandinavian countries extremes of landscape, from forests and fjords to boiling geysers and the Aurora Borealis, are all around you. In winter, daylight is fleeting, and keeping warm is a vital part of life. No surprise, then, that typical homes feature thick log walls, small, south-facing doors and windows, and thatched or birch-bark roofs. Inside, vividly coloured decorations in bright, rustic folk style provide relief from the long hours of night and the expanses of snow. Carved wooden spoons, bowls, cups and chests, strongly coloured, woven rugs, blankets and cushions, and beautifully painted furniture in ochres, reds and yellows are the timeless tradition. Appealing as it is, there is much more to Scandinavian style than colourful rusticity, however. What we now called ‘Gustavian’ style became popular in the late 18th century, encouraged by the young King Gustav III of Sweden, under whose patronage the grandeur of Versailles and the skilled creations of master furniture-makers like Hepplewhite and Chippendale were interpreted by native craftsmen in a gentler and more restrained way, blending neo-classicism and romantic Rococo into a unique, northern European decorative style. Think symmetry, pale colours (buttermilk and Baltic blue, grey and peppermint), painted floorboards, ribbons and swags, glass chandeliers, gilding, mirrors and delicate wooden furniture with tapering legs and subtly carved details. Another major influence, a century or so later, was Swedish artist Carl Larsson and his wife, Karin. In the 1890s the couple decorated their rural cottage, Lilla Hyttnås, in a unique and innovative way, combining folk and Gustavian styles with contemporary European influences: Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau and Japonisme. Light and airy, pretty and functional, the look was all gingham and geraniums, bread crocks and baskets, rag rugs and sprigged china. When Carl’s watercolours of the house were published, the public response, in Sweden and further afield, was overwhelming; his books, in the early 20th century, did a great deal to popularise what we now see as the typically Scandinavian style of easy-going Gustavian, folk arts and an open-plan

love of light and space. And what he started, a certain Swedish flat-pack furniture giant continued. Ikea opened its first UK store in 1987 and then – who can forget? – in 1994 launched its Gustavian-style furniture range, accompanied by an advertising campaign that urged us all to ‘chuck out your chintz’. It sold like hot glogg, and the rest is history – now we all crave the clean-lined, bright and uncluttered look, styled with pretty colours and dashes of folk art. Create a Scandinavian feel this Christmas by combining folk and sophistication, cosy and minimalism. Keep it simple – too much clutter is definitely not a part of this particular look. Your colour palette is, of course, mainly red and white, with green, brown and black for contrast, and the occasional dusting of glitter or artificial snow. Natural accessories such as twigs, branches and fir cones are a great starting point, with generously sized garlands and wreaths made from woven greenery. A sprinkling of metal lanterns with flickering candles creates atmosphere, and a real Christmas tree is, of course, the centrepiece (clip-on candles optional). In general, materials should be as natural as possible, from bark to hessian, felt to Fair Isle, emphasising all sorts of appealing textures. If you can knit, sew or otherwise make your own decorations, so much the better but, if not, there are plenty of gorgeous accessories in the shops and online created by talented craftspeople. Perfection is not required: simply that appealingly homespun look. A row of knitted stockings, for example, would be just perfect, while linen sacks with folk-style embroidery are ideal for larger presents. A gingham table runner is delightful, as are wooden or woven willow stars, berry garlands, miniature trees, appliquéd bunting and reindeer baubles. You’ve got the idea? Then raise a cup of schnapps and fill your home with festive Scandinavian cheer.

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prize competition WIN £25 IN OUR PRIZE COMPETITION

We’ve hidden a copy of our logo within one of the advertisements in the magazine – just tell us the name of the company whose advert it is hidden in and you could be in with a chance of winning £25. Send your answer to us at: Competition, Ashby Life, Castle House, South Street, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1BR.

Name Address Postcode Email address The logo is hidden in the advert for on page If you don’t want to cut out the entry form you can send the answer on a postcard or enter by email to: competition@ashbylife.co.uk.

CONGRATULATIONS to the winner of our October competition, Thomas Gill. Entries close on Friday 19th December. The winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries. The winner will be notified and a cheque for £25 sent within 14 days of the closing date, the winners name will also be published on our Facebook page. Multiple or automated entries are not allowed. We will not pass your details to any third party. We may use your details to send you marketing emails from Ashby Life in the future – if you would prefer that we did not, please tick the box.

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community board Coleorton and New Lount Volunteer Group Dates for December are: New Lount on 13th and Coleorton Wood on 9th. Work sessions start at 10am and usually last 4 hours. Volunteers are welcome to come along for all or part of the sessions. For more information email coleorton11@gmail.com or see www.cnlvg.moonfruit.co.uk.

Win a Car Raffle The Rotary Club of Ashby Castle will be making the draw for their 'win a brand new car' raffle, in aid of Rainbows Hospice, at the Ashby Christmas Event in Market Street on Saturday 29th November. Local England cricketer Matthew Hoggard should be on hand to make the draw at 2.30pm and find out who has won the VW Move Up! They will also be supporting Santa and his sleigh in Market Street, so be sure to go down and see them.

Newlands House Santa’s Walk At Hicks Lodge, Moira on 7th December to help raise money for Newlands House residents. £5 entry fee, choose your own route from easy to longer trails around the Hicks Lodge grounds. If you want to help them even more, pick up a sponsorship form and get friends and relatives to sponsor you to do this event. If you get more than £10 sponsorship money, the cost of your ticket is refunded. Buy a santa hat or bring your own. Medals for kids and sweets for kids aged up to 70. Tickets from Newlands reception or call 01283 761 202.

The Palace, Ibstock Christmas Festival Friday 12th December 4pm till 8.30pm and Saturday 13th December 10am till 2pm. Visit Santa in his Enchanted ‘Frozen’ Castle, £2 per visit including a gift. Free admission to indoor Christmas Market with Ibstock Community Choir, Enchanted Harps, story-telling room, vintage barrel organ, children’s entertainment and lots more. Plus ‘Fun on the Fair’ on Ram car park, behind The Palace. See www.thepalaceibstock.co.uk.

Volunteer with Ashby Food Bank Ashby foodbank is a church lead community project working as part of the Trussell Trust foodbank network and has given 10,000 meals to people in crisis since opening in May 2013. Could you help them as a volunteer? Please see ashbyfoodbank.org.uk or call 07542 118 878.

Tara Kadampa Meditation Centre Relaxing meditation and practical advice to help in our daily life, at Legion House, South Street, Ashby, LE65

1BQ. Classes from 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Thursday 4th Dec, 11th Dec, 18th Dec, there is then a break and classes restart on Thurs 15th January. There is no need to book-just turn up. Seating is on chairs. Classes cost £6, for details or further information contact 01283 732338 or email meditate@tarakmc.org.

Age UK Leicestershire & Rutland Don’t dispose – Donate. Age UK Leicestershire & Rutland are looking for donations of unwanted goods, particularly furniture and bric-a-brac but also books and clothing. All of their 23 charity shops around the two counties will gladly accept donations whilst furniture can also be collected from homes by calling 0116 278 1208.

Just Act This is a new website to help community groups get support, funding and advice. Just Act is for anyone currently involved in a community project, or anyone looking to get more active in their local area. To find out more about the site and how you can get involved, visit www.justact.org.uk.

Small Grant Scheme Could your community benefit from a cash boost of up to £500? North West Leicestershire District Council have now launched their Small Grant Scheme for local community and voluntary groups. Grants are available for one-off pieces of expenditure for projects, equipment and other items, which will help your organisation to do more, to reach more people, to provide better services or just to try something different. The grant scheme can make a big difference in helping communities get schemes and projects started. Application forms to be completed online at www.nwleics.gov.uk/grants. Further information and advice from grants@nwleicestershire.gov.uk.

Poppy Appeal A big thank you to the Poppy Appeal Volunteers around Ashby de la Zouch & District for giving up their time to help raise money for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. www.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/ashby-dela-zouch.

Ashby de la Zouch Town Council Calendar of Meetings The Town Council meets on 8th December and the Licensing, Planning and Transportation Committee on 15th December. Members of the public are welcome to attend and there is a slot for public questions. Meetings take place at Legion House, South Street and start at 6.30pm.

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days gone by

What happened in...

or billions of children worldwide, from the Twenties until… well, for happy ever after, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a special piece of magic from Walt Disney. Born in December 1901, this entrepreneur, business magnate, cartoonist, animator, voice actor (a big thank you from Mickey Mouse), producer, director and screenwriter spent most of his life not just fulfilling his own dreams but creating dreams for countless generations to come. Part-way through producing The Jungle Book, on December 15 1966, Walt Disney (pictured top) died of lung cancer. According to rumour his body was cryogenically frozen pending a cure for the disease. Well, who wouldn’t want to believe that Walt Disney is in suspended animation? 1st: Following the declaration of independence from Britain, Rhodesia’s Prime Minister, Ian Smith, and Harold Wilson held talks aboard HMS Tiger, in the Mediterranean, with no positive outcome. 8th: The USA and the USSR signed a treaty prohibiting nuclear weapons in outer space. 21st:

Russia launched Luna 13,

which made a soft landing on the moon three days later (is another atmosphere, eg the moon’s, technically ‘outer space’? I just wondered). 23rd: The final episode of Ready Steady Go! was broadcast. This programme had been a regular feature of Friday evenings since August 1963 and the viewing figures peaked on 20 March 1964, when the Beatles were interviewed, before performing their then current hit Can’t Buy Me Love, as well as It Won’t Be Long and You Can’t Do That.

The average price of a house was about £3,840

’68. This film was memorable as much for its evocative music as anything else. 24th: I bought my first three-piece suit, off-the-peg from Burton, for £14.10/-. It was a bit short in the arms but as long as I kept my hands in the pockets it didn’t show. 31st: I went swimming in the Thames at midnight. Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time. Fortunately I was rescued by a passing police launch and spent the first few hours of 1967 in A&E. My three-piece-suit was ruined. Three best-selling singles were: Green Green Grass Of Home, Tom Jones (pictured below) What Would I Be, Val Doonican Good Vibrations, The Beach Boys

The first screening of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, starring Clint Eastwood, took place in Italy. American audiences would have to wait another twelve months to see it and it didn’t premiere in London until

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money matters

The Beneﬁts of Trust Planning ARE you concerned with safe guarding your assets for this and future generations? If so a Trust Deed will ensure your assets are utilised exactly how you wish them to be. A Trust Deed is a legal document setting out an arrangement which transfers property, including shares and money, to trustees or a trust company to administer for the benefit of those named in the deed or Will. Trusts are usually set up during an individual’s lifetime but they can also be arranged after death via the individuals Will. There are numerous reasons for setting up a Trust, the main ones being: • To provide effective tax planning, especially in reducing the liability of inheritance tax. • To ensure that assets remain in the family after divorce. • To hold assets for children until 18 or an age deemed they will be mature enough to receive the assets. • To provide benefits to individuals but to ensure they have restricted rights to the asset. • To protect property from being sold to cover costly home bills. A Trust is an independent legal entity and assets are therefore taxed separately for capital gains tax, income tax and inheritance tax purposes, away from an individual's personal estate. The tax laws relating to Trusts has changed over the recent year and is extremely complicated. If you'd like to know more, call Lisa Emery at Baldwins (Ashby) Limited on 01530 416688 to arrange for a free consultancy review on your financial affairs.

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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 and we will be happy to help you or call us on 0116 305 5917.

JUST FOR CHRISTMAS • Come in from the cold, have a cuppa and enjoy some carols! Woodcote Primary School Choir will be visiting the library to introduce us to the festive season with some songs. 1.30pm on Tuesday 9th December. • We all know that Ashby is FABulous so why not visit your FABulous Library and check out our fashion and beauty display throughout December? 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 Story and Rhymetime, fortnightly 11am to noon, come

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along to ‘Bumps & Babies’, a meeting place for new and expectant mums: Free advice and information sessions run by the National Childbirth Trust. • ‘Tiny Talk’ baby signing classes take place every Thursday 9.30am to 10.30am and another session 11am to noon. KNITTING AND SEWING • ‘The friendly ‘Knit and Stitch’ group meets every Monday 2pm to 4pm. Bring your project and come for a chat. • Embroidery Club meets on the first Thursday of every month 7.15pm to 9.30pm. Contact Angela Regan 01283 210422. MUSIC • The unusual and popular Ukulele playing group meets every Wednesday 9.30am to 11.30am.

£5 per session. Contact Joanna Stevenson on 07415 798134. • Zouch Acoustic and Folk Club. Meets 8pm every third Thursday of the month. Contact Brian Langtry 01530 416251. HEALTH AND FITNESS • Come and practice Hatha Yoga every Tuesday 7pm to 9pm. Contact British Wheel of Yoga qualified instructor Lorna Kirk for more details: 01530 416135. • To aid flexibility and ease joints try Therapeutic Yoga, every Wednesday 7pm to 9pm. Contact qualified instructor Liz Underwood for more details: 07812 007202 or email liz@puremovementyoga.co.uk. • Join Slimming Club every Tuesday 7pm to 8pm with Carol Timms 01530 416883.

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storytime The

Present “I’ll lock up while you get the first round in”, Trevor told Barry, scratching his beard. “Aren’t we changing out of our work clothes?” Barry said. “Not tonight”. This was his Christmas Eve ritual, the pub regulars expected it. Once Santa and his elf arrived at the bar everyone knew Christmas had finally arrived. Trevor had been the Santa at the precinct grotto for years. The kids he’d once bounced on his knee now brought their own kids to tell Santa what a good little boy or girl they’d been. “Busy year”, Trevor said, “there’s only one present left, we were cutting that a bit fine”. “What’ll happen to it?” Barry asked. He was new to the elf game, slightly scatterbrained, but good with crowd management Trevor thought. “It’ll go in storage until next year”. The grotto was no more than a shed decorated with tinsel, but for the last ten days over-excited kids had been queuing out the door. “Off you trot now, mine’s a pint”, Trevor said switching off the lights. Left to himself, Trevor locked the door and dropped the key in his coat pocket. A job well done he thought. As he turned to go he felt something pulling on coat. “Excuse me Santa is the grotto still open?” a young lad said. He was just a scrap of a thing, Trevor nearly tripped over him. “Sorry lad, we’ve shut up shop”. The boy’s bottom lip began to wobble. “But I wanted to see Santa”. The boy whimpered. Just what I need, thought Trevor, a blubberer on Christmas Eve. “Well, you’re seeing me now aren’t you?”. Trevor said and ruffled the boy’s hair. “And get a present”, the boy added. “Well you should’ve come earlier”, Trevor said gruffly. It was more than his job’s worth to let the lad into the grotto without his elf present; health and safety and all that. “I did, but your elf said I had to pay and I didn’t have any money”, the boy said rubbing his eyes. Trevor softened. Poor kid. “Listen lad, don’t cry”. He crouched down, “tell me, have you been a good boy this year?”

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The boy nodded uncertainly. Trevor chuckled. He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out all his loose change. “Here, find yourself something nice with this”. The boy held out his hand and grinned, “Thanks Santa”. Trevor stood up slowly, his old knees ached. “Happy Christmas”. He waved, and headed towards the pub. There was a cheer from the regulars as he walked in. Barry was standing at the crowded bar looking sheepish. “Where’s my pint?” Trevor said. “I left my wallet at the grotto”, Barry said. “There’s no pockets in these tights”. “We’d better nip back for it”, Trevor sighed, “I’ve got the key here”. He dug his hand into his pocket, and knew straight away what he’d done. The pocket was empty. “I’ve dropped a real clanger”. He groaned and bundled Barry out of the pub. The boss would have his guts for garters for this. “Oh no!” Barry gasped as they reached the grotto. Trevor was afraid to look. “You’ve left the key in the door”. Barry panted. “Did I?” Trevor could breathe again, “Must have been distracted by that kid.” He scanned inside the shed as Barry retrieved his wallet from behind the inflatable Rudolph. “No harm done”. He smiled, putting the key safely back in his pocket. He was ready for that pint. It was lucky, he thought, that his elf hadn’t noticed the pile of small change where the last present used to be.

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scouts christmas post

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what’s on... November into December 29th November Ashby Christmas Fair with Food Gusto, Santa, children’s rides and live music. Town centre from 10am to 4pm. Star of Wonder - Outdoor Nativity Play on the steps of Ashby Baptist Church, Brook Street at 6.30pm, followed by refreshments. Craft Fair at Legion House, South Street. 10am to 4pm. Part of the Ashby Christmas Event. For more information contact Mary Tuckey on 01530 413 434.

2nd December Ashby Royal British Legion – Annual General meeting at Ivanhoe Social Club, 1, Wilfred Place, Ashby LE65 2GW at 7pm. Visitors welcome. For details call 01530 417 747 or email ashby.royalbritishlegion@gmail.com. Blackfordby WI – ‘Pantomime Dame’ with speaker Richard Westcott. At Blackfordby Village Hall, 7pm. For more information contact Gill Massey 01238 212 380.

3rd December Coffee Morning and Christmas Fair – The annual Christmas fair at Newlands House, Main Street in Netherseal. This is a great chance to buy Christmas presents whilst enjoying a tombola, raffle and festive refreshments. Entry is free, from 10am.

3rd to 6th December ‘The Haunting’ - A spine tingling play adapted from several of Charles Dickens' ghost stories by Hugh Janes. Venture Theatre 7.30pm, tickets available from Ashby TIC call 01530 411 767.

4th December Ashby Castle WI – Professional musician Nick Wallbank entertains at the Christmas party. Meet at Ashby Congregational Church, Kilwardby St. Anyone is welcome to come and join. Refreshments are available. Please ring Lesley on 01530 455 957 for more information.

5th December Carol Service by Candlelight Staunton Harold Church at 7pm. Entry is free and all donations will be passed on to Hospice Hope. Seasonal refreshments will be served afterwards,and parking is available in the Lion Court car park, courtesy of Mr

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and Mrs Blunt. Singing will be assisted by the Calke Abbey Volunteer Choir. Palace Christmas Social Dance - A very popular evening of ballroom, latin, and sequence. Doors and bar open at 7.30 pm. Dancing from 8pm till 11pm. Entry £5. The Palace, Ibstock, call 01530 262 400 for more information or see www.thepalaceibstock.co.uk.

6th December Ravenstone Institute - Christmas Dance with live group ‘The Revivals’ performing songs from the 60s. From 8pm until 11.30pm, with licensed bar, please take your own nibbles. Proceeds to Ravenstone Institute Fund, all welcome. Tickets £7 call, Tom or Janet on 01530 415 196 or 07806 934 474. ‘A Christmas Treat’ - The Leicestershire Co-op (Snibston) Band in concert. The Palace, Ibstock. Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start, tickets £8 (£6 concessions) available from John Ball on 01530 831 446 or Halls Electrical, High Street, Ibstock, 01530 260 460. Open Day at Smisby Village Hall Ashby Arts Club in conjunction with the Smisby WI. Exhibition and sale of member’s paintings, photographs from Ashby Camera Club and live demonstrations by artists, table top stalls. Coffee/tea, home-made cakes and lunch by the W.I. Christmas Fair – A variety of stalls, refreshments (including all-day breakfasts), games and raffle. Ashby Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby from 10am to 3pm. Free entry and all welcome.

7th December

Indoor Car Boot Sale at The Palace, Ibstock. From 9am till noon. Admission 20p, for more details or to book a stall call Gary on Tel 01530 262 400.

6th to 7th December

Cinderella - The Panto Company's pantomime production is filled with lively characters, up to date chart hits and slapstick humour. Century Theatre at Snibston. Saturday 2pm and 6.30pm, Sunday 2pm. Tickets £8.50 standard, £7.50 groups (10+). 01530 278 444.

8th December Ashby History Society - Melanie Wilson talks on ‘The Leicestershire Heritage

Apple Project’ She will explain its work, and will answer questions about apple cultivation. Methodist Church, Burton Road, Ashby de la Zouch at 7.30pm, visitors welcome. For more information call 01530 415 654. Ashby Canal Association presents a film and social evening, with a screening of ‘Song of the Soar’ by Ashby producer Brian Langtry looking at the varied aspects of Leicestershire's famous river, plus an illustrated up-date on the current phase of restoration of the Ashby Canal north of Snarestone. Donisthorpe Woodland Centre (DM's), Donisthorpe. Admission free. For more details contact 01455 290 462 or 01530 412 516.

9th December Ashby Civic Society – Christmas Social at Donington Le Heath. Good food, good company and entertainment in the barn at Donington Le Heath Manor House. Entertainment will be medieval music from Nick Gravestock. Tickets £7.50, booking essential. For more details call Suzanne 01530 415 654. Ashby U3a – Tea and mince pies plus entertainment from The Ukelele Players at the Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby, 2pm. All welcome. Visitors £1. Christmas Concert - At Calke Abbey with the Concorde singers and traditional carols, followed by supper with homemade soup and rolls. For more information please ring 01530 243 051.

10th December Ashby Wine Circle – Christmas social evening. Members to take their own favourite dish. Meet at 7.30pm, Brown Court, Atkinson Road, Westfields, Ashby de la Zouch. LE65 2LZ. ‘Hobson’s Choice’ (U) - This is the original silent version made in 1920, only recently rediscovered. Ashby Film Nights will be showing this as part of the British Film Institute’s initiative to show films made during the 1st World War. Cyrus Gabrysch, one of the resident pianists at the BFI on the South Bank, accompanies the film. The Lyric Rooms, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1AB. Film starts at 7.30 pm, doors and bar opens at 7pm, tickets £5, available on the door. See ashbyfilmnights.wordpress.com.

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what’s on... December into January 2015 10th December Ashby-Pithivers Twinning Association Christmas walk and lunch. For information or to book, call Peter Wilkinson on 01530 414 689 or see www.ashbydelazouchtwinning.co.uk. Ashby Ivanhoe Travel Club – ‘Africa, Namibia’. A talk by Mr C Fone. Pithivers Room of Ivanhoe College, Ashby at 7.30pm prompt. All are welcome, no joining fee or subscription, just £1.50 per talk. For details contact Julie Nelson on 01530 558 197 or email to juliesportsfan@yahoo.co.uk.

10th December The Palace Wine Club - Wine tasting evening starting at 7pm. Presented by Majestic Wines, tickets £8 and limited to a maximum of 30 places. Call Gary at The Palace on 01530 262 400 or Corinne 01530 451 725 to reserve your place.

12th December LRWT North West Group – AGM and social occasion. To include a showing of ‘100 years of the Wildlife Trusts.’ Ashby Methodist Chapel, Burton Road, Ashby, 7.30pm. Entry £2. For more details please call David Maltby on 01530 222 934 or Jim Footitt on 01530 262 389. The Ockbrook Big Band – At Venture Jazz Club, North Street, 8pm. Tickets available from Ashby TIC call 01530 411 767. Comedy Double Bill - Off The Kerb Productions presents a hilarious double bill of stand-up comedy from two of its brightest rising stars, Romesh Ranganathan and Suzi Ruffell. Century Theatre at Snibston, starts 8pm. tickets £10 advance, £12 on the door. Book online at www.century theatre.co.uk or 01530 278 444.

13th December ‘Caught in the act’ - Simon James in his acclaimed Michael Buble tribute, a dazzling seasonal show. Concert starts at 8pm, doors/bar at 7.30pm. Tickets £10. Advance tickets from The Palace call 01530 262 400 or Halls 01530 260 460. Tickets can be purchased ‘on the door’ (subject to availability). Please check with ticket outlets to avoid disappointment. Advance booking is highly recommended for this event. www. thepalaceibstock.co.uk.

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Christmas at Ulverscroft Grange Take the children to see Santa in his grotto, and enjoy a visit to the Tea Room and charity shop. Shuttleword Clarke Foundation, Ulverscroft Grange, Whitwick Road, Ulverscroft, Leicestershire, LE67 9QB from 10am till 4pm. See shuttlewood-clarke.org or call 01530 244 914.

17th December Ashby Spa WI - Christmas Celebration. Manor House School, South Street at 7.30pm. You don’t have to be a member to join the meeting, there is a small charge of £3 for visitors. For details email ashby.spa@googlemail.com.

18th December

8pm to 11pm. Refreshments, bar and raffle, Admission £3. For details call 01283 213 481 or 01283 819 447.

21st December

Market Bosworth Farmers Market – from 9am to 2.30pm at Market Square, Market Bosworth CV13 0LJ. Bringing you the finest foods from the region and specialist stalls.

22nd December

Sing Christmas – A Radio Leicester event. An evening of carol singing, followed by refreshments (mulled wine and mince pies) at 7pm Ashby Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby. Free entry, all welcome.

31st December

The Zouch Acoustic and Folk Club Ashby Library at 8pm. All your old favourites will be there so come along and sing, read a poem, juggle or just have a good night with music. Please take your own drink and glasses. ‘White Christmas’ (U) - Classic Hollywood musical starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye plus Pathe Newsreels and usherettes. Century Theatre at Snibston, starts 3pm, tickets £5 adults, £4 groups (10+), £3.50 children 14 years and below. Note: Carers come free for this event. Book online at www.centurytheatre. co.uk, or call 01530 278 444.

New Year’s Dance with organist Chris Johnson. Blackfordby Village hall. Bar, refreshments and raffle, ticket only event. Admission £8. For details call 01283 213 481 or 01283 819 447.

20th December

Ashby Royal British Legion – Meeting at Ivanhoe Social Club, 1, Wilfred Place, Ashby LE65 2GW at 7pm. Visitors welcome, for more information call 01530 417747 or email ashby.royalbritishlegion@gmail.com.

Ashby Farmers Market – 9am to 2pm at Manor House School, South Street. Bringing you the finest foods from the region and specialist stalls. Free parking. Christmas Concert - Broom Leys Choral Society with guests the Leicestershire Co-op (Snibston) Band at St John's Church, Hugglescote starting at 7.30pm. Traditional Christmas combination of brass band and choral music with audience participation and carols. Tickets £8 to include wine or soft drink and mince pie, children aged 16 and under free, tickets available on the door or to reserve please phone 01530 412 374. MTS (Musical Theatre School) Christmas Show - Doors/bar at 6.45pm. The Palace, Ibstock, Tickets £6 Adults, £4 children and under 4’s free. To book call 07969 688 215. Christmas Dance with organist Phil Brown. Blackfordby Village hall from

1st January 2015

LRWT North West Group – New Year’s Day walk. Enjoy woods, wildfowl and the promise of spring on the Staunton Harold/Dimminsdale circular walk. Meet at 1pm in the Staunton Harold lower nursery car park. Entry £2. For more details please call David Maltby on 01530 222 934 or Jim Footitt on 01530 262 389.

6th January

Did you know it’s FREE to put community information on this page? Email the details and contact number to admin@ashbylife.co.uk. Deadline for submissions for the Community Board or What’s On pages of the January 2015 issue is Friday 12th 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.

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PUZZLE SOLUTIONS - CROSSWORD - SUDOKU - CODEWORD & MORE... HONEYCOMB

STEP ON IT - Doves - Domes - Comes - Codes - Nodes - Notes WORDSEARCH - ‘Christmas is a time for families.’ Dorothy Koomson YOUNG ASHBY - B) 17 Windows

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FUN QUIZ 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Auld Lang Syne Cry and Pout Sting Mr Blobby Galway Bay Jingle Bells The Vietnam War 26th Gary Barlow 184

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business directory Accountants & Payroll Ashby Payroll Bureau 76 Baldwins 103 Darcey & Bate Accountants 123 Haines Watts 9 & 127 JAWS Accountancy Services Ltd 68 RDG Accounting 72 Aerials & Satellite AB Aerials & Satellites 58 Arts, Crafts, Gifts, Jewellery, Toys Ashby Jewellers 116 Souk de la Zouch 82 Builders Keith Armston Building Contractors 54 Business Services Eternal Rainbow 68 Carpenters & Joiners Derek Verey 15 S S Joinery 75 Carpets & Interiors Agadon 3 Ashby Carpets 5 Ashby Stoves 29 Boundary Carpets and Floorings 97 Coalville Furniture Superstore 96 Fairweathers Carpets 83 Florrie May Interiors 101 JWM Interiors 53 Roger James Furnishers 45 The Bed Shop 113 The Wooden Spoon 85 Toons 107 Wendy's Courtyard Interiors 60 Cleaning, Ironing, Laundry Services Breedon Carpet Care 16 Deanclean 40 Extreme Clean 68 Karen’s Ovengleam 100 NRJ Pureclean 117 Roughly Refined 104 Safeclean 8 Spotless Cleaning 58 The Bee’s Knees 54 Toni's Ironing Angels 45 Clothing Mr Robinson’s Menswear 23 The Shoe Box 49 Country Stores/ General Stores Ivanhoe Countrystore 27 Domestic Appliances Contracool 51 Contract & Domestic Services 72 Ray Pittam Engineers 122 Driving Schools Bardon School of Motoring 99 RDT School of Motoring 11 Electricians A & J Bartlett Ltd 14 Bright Sparks 25 Burton Alarm Systems 112 D & B Electrical 100 M & J Electrical Contractors 17 Estate Agents Frank Innes Estate Agents 12 & 13 Home Energy Assessments 11 John German 111 Events/Event Services Ashby Christmas Fair 119 Elvis Presley Tribute Show 19 Overseal Pyrotechnics 40

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Financial Services Bleathwood 105 Ian Goodship, IFA 6 Independent Insurance Bureau 43 Florist Indigo Acre Flowers 121 Food & Groceries Ashby Farmers Market 89 Conibears Kitchen 15 North’s 28 & 102 Sence Valley Farmers Market 61 Smithards Bakery 39 Sweet Memory Lane 67 Funeral Services A E Grice Funeral Directors 63 Art Stone Memorials 108 Furniture Repairs & Restoration Ancient & Modern 16 Garden Artisan of Ashby Ltd 8 Charnwood Tree Services 93 Eden Tree Care 115 F G Gardens 99 Francesca Sinclair & Associates 32 GDR Landscapes 45 Green Thumb (Ashby) 35 Prestop Park Farm Christmas Trees 73 Roughly Refined Garden Service 63 Stone Drives & Landscapes 20 Sunnyside Garden Centre 91 Hair & Beauty K H Hair 57 The Temple Hair Spa 55 Trendset Hair 71 Uruku 37 Vanilla Funk 124 Verity’s Nail Creations 63 Healthcare Ashby Chiropody/Podiatry Clinic 43 Ashby Dental 45 Ashby Osteopathic Clinic 112 Candor Care Ltd 41 Dr Jin 77 Future Minds 38 Juliet Brooke Chiropody 93 Nustop Ltd 104 Prestige Nursing 40 ProPhysio Ashby 59 Traditional Acupuncture 25 Vision Express 69 IT Services Ashby Web Design 76 Midland IT 117 The PC Clinic 49 UK Bits 58 Kitchens & Bathrooms Ashby Tile & Bathrooms 2 Holmetree Kitchens 112 Kingswood Design & Interiors 37 Phoenix Tiles & Bathrooms 95 Provencale Kitchens 46 Tiles 4 Less 95 Victory Kitchens 30 Locksmiths Hazlewood Locksmiths 108 The Lockie 22 Motor Services A D Car Cosmetics 11 Castle Garage (Ashby) Ltd 87 Chips Away 24 Ford and Punto Spares 100

Music, Dance & Drama Ashby School of Music 104 Joseph Southgate 60 Painters & Decorators Ace Decorating 72 Holywell Painting & Decorating 11 Pet Services Ash Farm Boarding Kennels 117 Pet Deli 93 Woodward Veterinary Practice 60 Places of Worship Ashby Baptist Church 57 Ashby Christadelphian Church 62 Plasterers Matt Charles Plastering Services 15 R & H Plastering 100 TCL Plastering & Property Maint. 29 Plumbers & Gas Services Adrian Dunstan Plumbing & Heating 16 Batemans Plumbing & Heating 50 Burn & Bishop Plumbing & Heating 104 CCA Gas Plumbing 108 D B Plumbing 117 James Pepper Property Solutions 54 S D Hill (Plumbers) 7 Therm Heating 49 Property Repairs & Maintenance Ashby Glass 109 Ashbyhandyman.co.uk 85 AW Plastering and Building 92 Can’t Get One 122 Cloudy 2 Clear 44 D H Phillips (Flat Roofing) 60 G & D Property Services Ltd 84 Handyman Maintenance 80 James Pepper Property Solutions 114 Michael Brooks Home Improvements 43 Roof Tech 81 RSJ Roofing 89 TS Roofing 32 Window Mate 8 Pubs, Restaurants & Take Aways La Spezia Pizzeria 25 Link Measham Cantonese Restaurant 47 The Blue Bell 51 The Courtyard Café 33 The Vine 31 Wong Kwei 36 Zamani's 64 & 65 Schools and Tuition Appleby Community Languages 66 Manor House School 99 Solicitors & Will Writers Crane & Walton 81 Martin Hall 32 Simpson Jones Solicitors 51 Sports & Fitness Ashby Ivanhoe Football Club 77 Breedon Priory Health Club Ltd 128 Fitsteps 88 Sandra De Silva Yoga 29 The Golf Centre (Coalville) 21 Tony Hough Personal Training 20 & 97 Taxi Services Abbey Cars 108

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