Ashby Life January/February 14 by Ashby Life

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this issue 93 Ashby Life Editor Liz Roberts Telephone 01530 417739 Email enquiries Advertising/Accounts info@ashbylife.co.uk Website/What’s On admin@ashbylife.co.uk

Welcome to 2014... We’re starting the year off with a

wonderful cover picture of Ashby Castle by a local artist. John ‘Jay Dubya’ Smith will be exhibiting his work in Ashby Library later this year as part of the Ashby Arts Festival, and will also be judging the Open Art Competition. If any of our readers have local photographs that they’d be happy to share then do pop them over to us, we’re always on the lookout for good images of our lovely area. We’re starting 2014 with a brand new competition (page 94) plus a look behind the scenes at some of the people who help make our town what it is (page 74). I hope you enjoy these and all our regular features, wishing you all a very Happy New Year.

Liz Roberts 06

Web www.ashbylife.co.uk Facebook www.facebook.com/ ashbylife Twitter @AshbyLife Address Ashby Life Ltd Castle House South Street Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1BR Front Cover Image by John 'Jay Dubya' Smith

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.

Contents 06 10 14 18 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 46 50 54 58 62 66 70 74 78 82 86 90 94 98 102 108 110

Seasonal Recipes This Month Open 4 Business It’s Local All About You On the Beat Storytime Ashby Health Centre Just 4 Fun A Walk in the Forest January Horoscopes Ashby Museum News In Your Garden Wordsearch Back Chat In Your Home Ashby Library News Young Ashby Behind the Scenes Puzzle Page Your Wellbeing Community Board Book Reviews Prize Competition

NEW

Christadelphian Church What’s On Puzzle Solutions Business Directory

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

See our website or call Liz on 01530 417739 for details Next issue is March and deadline for copy is Friday 7th February. Please note advertising space is limited, pre-booking is recommended 4

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seasonal recipes Spanish Style

Sausage & Bean Casserole

Serve s Read 6 y 90 m in ins

YOu WILL NEED • 2 tsp vegetable oil • 600g/1lb 5½oz thick, good quality pork sausages

• 75ml/2¾fl oz white wine • 400g/14oz tinned tomatoes, chopped

• 150g/5½oz chorizo, cut into serving pieces • 200g/7oz canned butter beans, • 1 medium onion, sliced or cannellini beans, • 1 small chilli, seeds rinsed and drained removed, flesh • 2-3 tbsp chopped chopped fresh parsley • 2 fat garlic cloves, • 1 tbsp clear honey finely chopped

Lucy’s Cinnamon Rolls FOR tHE ROLLS

FOR tHE FILLING

• • • •

• 1 cup brown sugar • 2 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon • Third cup softened butter

3 teaspoons yeast 1 cup warm milk Half a cup sugar Half a cup melted butter • 1 teaspoon salt • 2 eggs • 4 cups plain flour

GEt StARtED 1 Heat the oil until hot, add the sausages and fry until browned but not completely cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside on a warm plate. 2 Add the chorizo to the empty pan and fry until crisp and golden-brown. Remove from the pan and set aside with the pork sausages. Chorizo releases a lot of fat and I prefer to drain this off. 3 Add the onion and chilli to the same pan and fry until softened. 4 Add the garlic and the wine then bring the mixture to a simmer until the liquid has reduced in volume by about a quarter. 5 Add the chopped tomatoes and the beans then return the sausages and chorizo to the pan and stir well. 6 Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over a low heat, cover the pan with a lid and cook for at least 45 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and reduced in volume. If the sauce becomes too dry, add a little more water or wine. 7 Just before serving, stir in the honey and season, to taste. Then serve over plain boiled rice or creamy mash, and sprinkle with parsley.

FOR tHE ICING • 8 tablespoons softened butter • 11/2 cups caster sugar • Half teaspoon vanilla essence • Pinch of salt

GEt StARtED 1 Mix up all the dough ingredients to make a smooth ball. 2 Pop a tea towel over the top of the bowl and leave the dough to rise until it has doubled in size - this will take about an hour. 3 Punch the dough out and roll it out to 0.5cm thick. Brush it with softened butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar. 4 Roll the dough up longwise. 5 Cut the dough up to make little rolls and then place on a greased baking tray. 6 Put the rolls in the oven for 15 minutes at 180°c or until brown around the edges. 7 While baking, beat the icing ingredients and spread generously on each roll whilst they are still warm. Yum!

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this month

the Joy of Sledding WHAt child, or adult for that matter, doesn’t love the sensation of sledding? Speeding down a snowy hill is the best fun ever. It can also be dangerous, which of course is half the fun. Every time it snows, sledding injuries flood the country’s A&E departments and more than half of them are head injuries, most not serious, but some deadly.

by Sarah Davey

To sled in safety, follow these rules: Choose the right hill The best are not too steep and have a long flat area at the bottom to allow for a gentle stop. Avoid those which end at a road or a car park, but also those which end at a line of trees, a pond or a wall! Choose the right sled Old fashioned sleds with wooden seats and tall blades look wonderful, but on the soft sort of snow we tend to get in the UK, their sheer weight can cause them to sink or run too slowly. Conversely, on compacted snow or ice, the thin blades travel so quickly it’s easy to lose control. Plastic sleds

with a braking system work well on softer snow, but can crack on compacted snow or ice, especially if they hit a stone. Metal tray-style sleds work well on all surfaces and are very robust, but can get up considerable speed, so may not be suitable for very young children. Wear sensible winter clothing Hats, gloves, snow pants, winter jacket, snow boots, anything that is waterproof and warm. Cycle helmets can be useful head protectors in case of a tumble. Have fun, stay warm, stay safe.

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open 4 business Local business, Ashby Tile and Bathrooms, are looking back on a busy year and looking forward to exciting new developments in 2014

Best mates in Business Ashby Tile and Bathrooms EvEN though they were kept busy throughout 2013 with both supply only and supply and fit of bathrooms in Ashby and surrounding areas, owners Paula and Dan managed to take time out to cement their long term partnership by getting married. Now the new Mr and Mrs Whitworth are pleased to announce that their best man and long term friend, Dan Cashmore, will join them to work within the business from 20th January. Dan Cashmore brings with him a wealth of customer experience and will concentrate on ensuring that the customer service of the business is first class. This is just one aspect that Ashby Tile and Bathrooms see as being crucial to their success. With the vast majority of their business coming very much from the local area Dan and Paula are very proactive in supporting local community and sponsor Rainbows Hospice along with local clubs Ashby Ivanhoe FC and Marlborough Rovers FC. Living and working in the area they see the sporting clubs as a foundation stone of the community and Dan says “If it wasn’t for the local community we wouldn’t have a business”.

Situated on the corner of Market This now contains links to all of Street and Lower Church Street, their suppliers’ ranges so that Ashby Tile and Bathrooms have customers can browse online at over 25 years’ experience within their leisure to see which designs the industry and will design, they like best. There is also plenty supply and fit a bathroom that of information about the company you’ll love, suited to your budget. along with customer testimonials, They offer a personalised 3D design service, lifetime guarantee and friendly advice and will WItH uP tO 40% OFF beat any like-for-like quotation or offer. In keeping with their company ethos a link to their Facebook page and a fitting is undertaken using only section where you can check out established local tradespeople all the latest promotions. and their suppliers are all UK If you are stuck for ideas, looking manufacturers. They are happy to for inspiration, or wondering how offer help and advice to customers to deal with an awkwardly shaped who are looking for supply only room then drop in to the showand for those who want the full room. There is always a good service of planning, design, supply range of fully tiled displays to view and installation they look to make and the two Dan’s and Paula will sure that the customer is happy be happy to give you helpful advice from the start right through to and help you plan your new baththeir beautiful new bathroom. room. Call in now and you can

JANuARY SALE

A new development in 2013 was the updated website at www.ashbytile andbathrooms. co.uk.

see the new 2014 displays and benefit from their January sale with up to 40% off.

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Ashby tile and Bathrooms are situated at 3 Lower Church Street, Ashby, LE65 1AB - you can call them on 01530 588946 or visit www.ashbytileand bathrooms.co.uk and you’ll also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

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itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local Ashby de la Zouch

Relief in Sickness Fund tHE Ashby de la Zouch Relief in Sickness Fund is a local charity helping people in Ashby and Blackfordby who may be struggling as a result of sickness, disability or infirmity. the charity has an interesting history. Before the NHS came into being in 1948, medicine was often a shoestring operation, with the local cottage hospital being largely supported by local volunteer fundraisers. When accommodation was desperately required for the local District Nurses, a piece of land on Leicester Road was generously donated by the hospital trustees. After some serious effort, enough money was raised to build a house on the land, which remained the Nurses residence until the seventies, when it was sold. Since all the money used to build the house had been raised by volunteers and donated by the local

community, it was decided to use the proceeds of the sale to start a local health-based charity. The present day trustees of the charity come from various walks of life: medical, legal and religious. Grants from the Fund are not means-tested, and each application is taken entirely on its merit. Recent donations include a payment to assist with a respite care break, help with the cost of petrol to enable a man to visit his wife in hospital and a donation towards an electric powered chair to help someone with a severe stroke to move from sitting to standing. If you know of anyone in Ashby or Blackfordby whom the trustees might be able to help, please contact the Clerk of the fund, Leanne Cooper on 01530 414111 or leannecooper@craneandwalton.co.uk

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all about you

Looking after the Elderly this winter WINtER is upon us and it’s time to get the heating on, stock up the cupboards and prepare for the possibility of snow or ice.

Research has shown that the cold weather can also increase the health risks in older people like the flu and colds, respiratory problems, pneumonia, strokes and heart attacks. So its extremely important to take the necessary steps to keep as warm as possible this winter if you may be affected by the cold. Here are some helpful tips to get through this year’s cold spell: tips on helping the elderly... • The obvious one is to ensure that they are warm enough with clothing and heating. • Ask if they’ve got enough food in and if possible, perhaps help them with shopping.

This time of year can be a real struggle for our older generation as they try to cope with the freezing cold weather and keeping an eye on their pension as fuel costs soar. Not only this but it’s the time of year when the elderly barely venture out of their homes as the slippery, icy footpath's and cold weather cause them to take the easier option of staying home in the safe and warm, so as not to risk falling and injuring themselves. This itself can lead to isolation and depression as the elderly may become detached from the outside world and their communities. Their circle of friends and relatives may not be as big as it used to be so some have hardly anyone or, in some cases, no one looking out for them at all.

• Ensure that they are well stocked up on salt and grit as these supplies soon run out as winter approaches. Perhaps clear their paths if you can. • Try to make sure that there is someone to check on them at least once a day and leave them contact numbers should they need anything. Or put them in touch with a Homecare agency. • Another good idea is to make sure they’ve got books, magazines, crosswords, etc. Anything to keep them a little entertained. • If they are a relative or friend a good idea can be to set them up with perhaps an old computer and get them connected to such things as Skype to keep in contact. The technology is there so you

may as well use it. If you’re affected this winter... • Try to ensure that you are stocked up on food, drink and supplies as much as possible so you don't need to make unnecessary trips out. • Make sure you’ve enough warm clothes to see you through, including thermals. The living room should be between 18210C (65-700F) with the rest of the house around 160C (610F). Electric blankets and hot water bottles are also useful. • Should you need to go out, wear shoes with a good grip on and take a mobile phone with you if you have one. • Try to ensure you’ve got a list at hand of contact numbers you can call if there is any kind of emergency situation such as a family member, friend, age uk, local council and local NHS. • If you could do with a little extra help then a registered Homecare agency can provide this from as little as 1/2 hour a day and offer such services as home help, meal preparation, shopping, personal care and companionship. For more information on care at home to the elderly, disabled and adults with needs contact Allround Homecare Services on 01283 763558 or visit their website at www. allroundhomecare.co.uk.

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on the beat

Hello everyone... tO start the New Year off, I have a message from Inspector Helena Bhakta (pictured right), commander at North West Leicestershire Local Policing unit (LPu): I have now been here as the Local Policing Unit commander for North West Leicestershire for seven months, and I am thoroughly enjoying my time here. I am fortunate to be part of a superb team, and day in, day out I continue to be impressed by the hard work, drive and ambition of all of the staff and volunteers at this LPU. Retail crime in particular shoplifting continues to be a priority for us, and during October and in the run up to Christmas we ran retail crime initiatives in Coalville and Ashby which were designed to combat this type of crime. They included high visibility patrols, promotion of the retail radio scheme and crime prevention advice. During October and November we took part in a number of force wide initiatives designed to tackle alcohol harm, and I was particularly delighted with the results of a test purchasing operation we carried out across the area. Nine off-licences were visited by a plain clothed officer and a young person. The young person attempted to purchase alcohol at each off-licence, and all nine refused to serve the young person. This shows that our message about selling to under age people is getting through. However, we are not complacent and we will continue to work closely with our partners and local licensed premises to tackle alcohol related crime and disorder.

As in many communities, illegal drugs continue to be a concern. Acting on local intelligence and information, we executed a number of warrants under the misuse of drugs act. In Castle Donington we found a cannabis factory and seized around £50,000 worth of cannabis plants. Two local men were arrested in connection with this offence. In Coalville, we executed two further warrants and seized cannabis and cannabis growing equipment. One local person was interviewed in connection with the offence of possessing cannabis. Over recent months we have worked hard to tackle crime, in particular the theft of motor vehicles and theft from motor vehicles. Since the beginning of the financial year in April we have had a 24% reduction in vehicle crime, which represents 101 fewer victims. However, we still receive reports of vehicle crime where it has been made a lot easier for the criminal. As a reminder, when you leave your vehicle always remove all valuables, and lock the vehicle. If you leave it on show, expect it to go. If you are defrosting your vehicle, please do not leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running. By taking these simple measures you greatly reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime.

PC 1667 MARk ARJOO telephone: 101 voicemail ID: 1667 email: mark.arjoo@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk You can follow me on twitter: @NWLeicsLPu

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storytime

scrabble with the drabbles Melanie had arrived at the hotel in Lanzarote exhausted but excited, then received a glowing welcome from a handsome young Receptionist, with the name ‘Angel’ on his badge. Her family had thought her decision to holiday alone was crazy, but Melanie wanted, just once in her life, to do something reckless. If the hotel guests are as nice as Angel, she’d thought, this holiday is going to be perfect. After exploring the hotel complex, however, she’d slumped into a state of dismay. She discovered the island was having its wettest January for thirty years, and she had booked herself into an out-ofseason resort with a crowd of Bingo-loving pensioners. This was not going to be the big adventure she’d hoped it would be. It was dull, but bearable, until she met Dennis and June Drabble. Dennis swooped upon her like a clammy vulture declaring his intention to take her under his wing. He had a fondness for his own awful opinions. And June was kidding herself that wearing massive sunglasses concealed the fact that she was constantly lusting after Fario, the overweight lifeguard with one eyebrow. The Drabbles wouldn’t leave her alone. So far Melanie had shared an evening of Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit and Cluedo with them in the hotel lounge. Dennis was the type

of person who sulked whenever it looked like he might not win. June glugged back all-inclusive gin until her sunglasses steamed up. All day Melanie had been dreading their threat of Scrabble, so tonight she decided to rebel. When the coast was clear she tiptoed into the lobby and asked Angel to call her a taxi. “Where are you going, Miss?” he asked politely as he picked up the phone.

“You’re not going out?” It sounded more like a statement than a question. “I am actually,” Melanie gulped. “I’m going to a bar”. “On your own? Surely that isn’t safe?” “No,” Melanie lied. “I’m meeting someone.” “Not Fario?” croaked June. “He’s a terrible gigolo I hear.” “We should come with you,” Dennis said glancing at his watch as though this was all very inconvenient. “I’ll need to find my wallet”. “Oh no,” Melanie said quickly. The last thing she wanted was the Drabbles chaperoning her on an imaginary date. “I would hate to spoil your evening.” “It would seem it is already spoilt,” Dennis said tossing the scrabble box onto the desk.

Melanie shrugged. “A bar? Somewhere lively? I need to get out of here.” He glanced towards the lounge, looked back at her sympathetically and winked. “I know the perfect place: good food, great music, young people.” Melanie smiled with gratitude. “That sounds absolutely perfect.” Across the lobby Melanie caught sight of the Drabbles parading through to the lounge. She ducked down behind a potted palm but was too late; they had spotted her. “Ready for Scrabble, Missy?” Dennis rattled the scrabble box in her face just as Angel announced, “Your taxi will arrive in five minutes.” A look of supreme offence crossed Dennis’s face.

“What the young lady means,” Angel intervened, “is that she will be in perfectly safe hands and delivered back to the hotel in one piece - by me.” With authority, he ushered them towards the lounge. “Thank you,” Melanie said, once the Drabbles had gone. “Honestly though, you didn’t have to lie on my behalf.” “My shift has just finished and I would love to show you my beautiful island,” he smiled shyly. “Unless you’d prefer Scrabble.” The taxi pulled up outside. The rain had stopped and a warm breeze blew in that smelled of sea mist, adventure and, possibly, romance.

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by Jackie Brewster

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ashby health centre

Monthly update Do you look after someone? If you look after someone, who couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t manage without you, and feel you would like someone to talk to, or someone to advise you on what help is available, we have a carers pack in the surgery which our Patient Participation Group (PPG) has put together for patients and their carers. Please ask at reception if you would like one of these packs which gives you, amongst other things, information on The Carers Centre, an organisation set up to help people looking after others get all the help and information they need. Alternatively there are cards about the The Carers Centre in the lobby in the health centre which you can use to get in touch with them directly or you can call them on 0116 251 0999. There is no need for a referral from the doctor. There will also be two drop in sessions here at the Health Centre for anybody to come and have a chat with advisers from The Carers Centre. These sessions are taking place on Friday 31st January

and thursday 13th February 2014 from 1.30pm until 5.30pm for anybody who looks after or cares for another person. Anybody who lives in North West Leicestershire is welcome, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be a patient at this practice to come along.

Patient Participation Group We have a growing Patient Participation Group (PPG) here at the surgery and to make the group as representative as possible of all ages it would be nice to have some younger members on the group because more mature people are already well represented. If you are interested please ask to fill in one of our Expression of interest forms (or download it from the Patient Participation Group part of our web site) and your application will then be considered in line with the PPG constitution.

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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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a walk in the forest Moira Furnace and Shortheath This short walk starts at Moira Furnace and takes in Barrett Pool Wood which is tucked away on the paths between the Furnace and Shortheath. There are several parking areas at Moira Furnace, but the car parks do have barriers which are closed overnight so please be aware of this if you are starting your walk later in the day. There is a fair section of the walk alongside the road at Shortheath, the pavements are good but dog walkers will need leads – the stiles into the fields at Shortheath had some fencing around them too so larger dogs will need to be able to go over them. I’d allow around an hour for this walk. Leave Ashby along kilwardby Street and Moira Road, continuing on through Shellbrook and straight across at the Daybell Roundabout. On reaching Moira go straight ahead over both the mini roundabouts. Just before the road bends turn left into Moira Furnace and then right into the first car park. Start your walk by crossing the playing fields, leaving the car park with the children’s play area on your right and going to the left of the two sets of goal posts, around the edge of the grass with the woodland on your left. On the far side of the playing fields you cross the end of an unused tarmac driveway and then, keeping left, you will see a short track through the trees with an old signpost at the end of it (1). Take this track and when you join the path by the old sign turn right along it so that the newish fence with a cleared area on the other side of it is on your left. Follow this path down to a swing gate at the end which leads out to the road. Cross straight over the road, following the public foot path which is immediately opposite you as it goes over a stile beside the metal barrier ahead. The path continues ahead along the wide track until the track bears round to the right – at this point you need to turn left and go under the railway arch (2). Shortly after this you will go through a swing gate and enter Barratt Pool Wood, named after the old mill which stood on this site. Continue straight ahead and after a short way you find yourself on an interesting old path which has obviously been built up at some point and has streams running underneath it. This path bears round to the left before emerging onto a driveway with a duck pond on the left and a building on the right. Follow the driveway to emerge by the road at Shortheath. Walk straight ahead for about 20 yards and then turn right, following the wooden public footpath sign down a grassy track that leads between the houses and over a stile into a field. Turn immediately left when you’ve crossed the stile and then aim for the corner of the field – it looks like a bit of a dead end but you will find a stile tucked away in the corner when you reach it. Cross this stile and another one very soon after and then follow the well-trodden path across the next field to reach a cute little gate leading out onto the pavement (3). Turn right and keep on the pavement alongside the road until you get to the road junction (along this stretch you will pass a gateway leading into Shortheath Wood, this isn’t part of our walk but there is a picnic table in there and you could enjoy a short diversion around this area if you wished). At the road junction cross over towards Gorsey Leys and then turn right walking alongside the road to pass by the park homes site on your right and then the old toll Cottage on your left. Immediately after crossing over the road which leads to Spring Cottage (and before reaching the National Forest Youth Hostel) you should cross back to the opposite side of the road and follow the public footpath sign which leads between two brick walls (4). This path will take you down a track and through a wooden gate to re-enter Barratt Pool Wood. Bear left across the grassy area with the picnic table and on the far side turn left to return under the railway arch. On emerging from the railway arch turn right up the track way, back over the stile by the metal barrier and cross the road to return to Moira Furnace – you can either go via the path you followed at the start which is immediately ahead of you, or you can turn left, walk for a short way and then cross the park on your right to return to the car park past the play area.

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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january horoscopes capricorn

cancer

December 22 - January 20 The new moon in your sign on the 1st day of the year sets the pace for 2014. Energetic Mars is at the most elevated point in your chart and urges you to fight for change and new beginnings. Intellectual Mercury leaves your sign on the 11th and highlights any concerns you have about your income.

aquarius

leo

January 21 - February 18 This year begins with a new moon in a deeply introspective sector of your chart. This is a pivotal year and any plans that you make now have a good chance of being very successful. The second new moon on the 31st is in your sign and lights the way for bringing your ideas to the public.

pisces

July 21 - August 21 With energetic Mars in Libra now in the communication area of your chart, forceful but diplomatic interaction is on the agenda. Where it has been difficult to get your message across, the energy shifts now, particularly after the 12th as Mercury changes sign to give you a more innovative approach.

virgo

February 19 - March 20 Energetic Mars is charging through the monetary sector of your chart, bringing issues around finances, inheritance and legacies to the forefront. Creative thinking and planning are important now as both new moons brings renewed confidence to face any issues that are causing you problems.

aries

August 24 - September 22 January brings a reorganisation of money matters to the very top of your agenda. Energetic Mars assists in innovative new ways to be creative and up your earning potential. Mercury, your ruler, changes signs on the 12th and you’ll notice a difference in your resourcefulness and in your interaction with others.

LIBRA

March 21 - April 20 Assertive Mars, your ruling planet, is in balanced and relationship focused Libra all month. Your partnerships may feel very demanding and time consuming, so it’s essential that you take time out for rest and relaxation. Creativity peaks after the 12th, as Mercury changes sign and brings fresh ideas.

taurus

September 23 - October 23 With motivational Mars in your sign all month, your energy levels should be at an all-time high and there’s a new sense of originality to all your creative projects. Venus, your ruler, remains in Capricorn, enabling beneficial and sound business decisions to be made, particularly in the first week.

scorpio

April 21 - May 21 The New Year starts with an abundance of energy and a longing to broaden your horizons and work towards new accomplishments. Both new moons fall in important areas of your chart and the longing for new goals is strong. While this new pace may seem unsettling at first, you’ll soon get used to it.

gemini

October 24 - November 22 The New Year begins with mighty Jupiter highlighting the adventurous and expansive side of your nature. Far away journeys for 2014 could well be coming into focus now, some of these may even be work related. The new moon on the 1st is important for boosting your confidence in the way you communicate.

sagittarius

May 22 - June 21 The New Year begins with abundant Jupiter highlighting the financial sector of your chart. Adjustments need to be made and a total review of your earning potential is now on the cards. Confidence should be high and it’s a positive time to finish off what needs finishing and discard what is no longer current.

June 22 - July 22 January puts your home and family life into the spotlight and has you questioning if you are spending enough time in these areas. Both the new moons put relationships and financial matters high on the agenda. Transformational change is possible now as you discover a more manageable work life balance

November 23 - December 21 Financial matters and communications are the two main focal points for you this month. Both new moons bring you a much needed energy boost for adjustment and change, and creative ideas should be abundant. With Jupiter, your ruler, also highlighting your income, this could be a really lucky year.

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ashby museum news

n the spring we will be running a six week course ‘Discovering Leicestershire Archaeology’. The lectures will be given by Peter Liddle, former county archaeologist for Leicestershire, and take place on six consecutive Tuesday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm at the Museum, beginning on March 4th. The course details are as follows:March 4th

Early Prehistoric Leicestershire

March 11th

Late Bronze Age and Iron Age Leicestershire

March 18th

Roman Leicestershire

March 25th

Early and Middle Anglo-Saxon Leicestershire

April 1st

Viking and Early Medieval Leicestershire

April 8th

Later Medieval Leicestershire

‘Discovering Leicestershire Archaeology’

Book for the series, or come to individual lectures at £6 each, at the Museum 01530 560090. Alternatively contact Peter Liddle on 01162 214508 or email peter.liddle51@gmail.com. The kids’ Club on Saturday February 1st from 1pm to 4pm is ‘Young Historians’. The following month on Saturday March 1st the subject is ‘Young Archaeologists’. FRIENDS OF ASHBY MuSEuM The Friends would like to thank all those who came to the Christmas coffee morning. Two dates for your diary: Derbyshire Police Choir is paying us a return visit on Friday 14th March. The concert will be held at Manor House School. Tickets will be available from the museum soon, priced at £5 each. On Wednesday 26th March, val Gale-Cox will be the speaker at a coffee morning at the museum. She will be speaking on my life as a WREN. This starts at 10.30am. Please call the museum to book a place to include coffee and cake at £3.

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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

Snow and Snowdrops SNOWDROPS – Latin name Galanthus means milk flower. the story of this small, enchantingly beautiful and stoically resilient plant is steeped in history. It is said that some of the soldiers at the Crimean War (1853 – 1856) were struck by the beauty of the tiny delicate white flowers which were on and around the battlefields. A few of these soldiers brought the plant back home to put in their gardens. There are lots of varieties and many can be brought flowering now for planting from garden centres. Once you have established an area of Snowdrops, over the years rather large congested clumps may have formed. If so, divide them whilst they are in flower and dot them around the garden, under trees, and deciduous shrubs and give spares as presents. The fresh green slender leaves and the bright white flower can lift an area which at this time of year might otherwise be rather dull. A few of the Snowdrop varieties are very rare and collectable. The rarest bulbs fetch as much as £600 each. There are several gardens with wonderful displays of Snowdrops which are open under the National Garden Scheme and can be found by looking at www.ngs.org.uk. Throughout the year some wonderful privately owned gardens are open to the public on this scheme and are a very good way of getting ideas for your garden and planning a garden themed day out. As to the type of snow from the skies, whilst January snow falls are pretty and the untouched snow is picturesque, if falls have been heavy brush away snow off hedges and shrubs to stop them being forced apart. Try and remember also to make sure plants within frozen containers do not dry out. I suggest wrapping containers in bubble wrap or straw and hessian and group together the pots for protection. If for the Christmas period you decorated your home with a traditional Poinsettia house plant, remember they do like warmth but not to be radiator hot. Don’t be tempted to keep them going by over watering and feed weekly. Christmas will be ready for clearing away for another year so try and start 2014 on a green note and AND 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

recycle the Christmas trees. There are often special kerbside collections by the councils or alternatively go to the local council household and waste site so that the tree can be recycled. As you will be aware birds are so important to the natural balance of a garden and the RSPB is running the Big Garden Bird watch again this year. This is the world’s largest wildlife survey and can be fun for all. To be involved all you need to do is count the number and type of birds in your garden or local park for a total one hour over the weekend of the 25-26th January and send your findings to the RSPB. For further details look at www.rspb.org.uk With the trees bare of leaves now is an ideal time to check them over. Any newly planted trees lifted by frost should be firmed back down. Do check ties and stakes on trees. As the trunk of the tree widens the ties will need to be adjusted. Remove any damaged branches, cuts should be done cleanly with sharp secateurs or loppers to prevent the risk of infection. After mid-winter don’t prune Acers or Birches as they may bleed a lot. It is the right time to prune apple and pear trees and also to order new bare root fruit trees. If the ground is frozen when the bare root stock arrives, do not try to plant but heel the plant in by gently firming compost around the roots until the ground thaws. January and February are the months to look after Wisteria again. Cut the stems off main framework to 2-3 buds of previous year’s growth to help give a fabulous floral display in early summer. Prune gooseberries and red and white currents, keeping the centre of the bush open for good airflow. Prune back unproductive old stems to make way for vigorous young shoots. Red currents need to be cut back by one third of the oldest stems to near ground level. Happy 2014 gardening year!

Francesca

2014 calendar showing Francesca’s gardens is available for £8. Email info@francescasinclair.co.uk Photograph courtesy of Gillian Day 6 7 8 9 10 11

Store seeds in a cool dry place or air tight containers Sow sweet peas under cover Clear paths of moss and leaves Ventilate greenhouses on warmer sunnier days Dig over vacant plots not done already Feed the birds

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wordsearch

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back chat

knee Pain

by Sarah Kavanagh, Ashby Osteopathic Clinic

www.ashbyosteopath.com

tHIS month weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be exploring the knee and those structures within that cause my patients and you so much discomfort! SO HOW DOES A kNEE WORk? The knee joints are essentially four bones held together by ligaments. The thighbone (femur) makes up the top part of the joint, and two lower leg bones, the tibia and the fibula, comprise the lower part. The fourth bone, the patella (or kneecap), slides in a groove on the end of the femur. Each surface that comes into contact with another is covered in cartilage to allow the joint to glide more smoothly. This is all contained within a fluid filled bag to aid lubrication. LIGAMENtS are large bands of tissue that connect bones to one another. In the knee joint, four main ligaments link the femur to the tibia and help stabilize your knee as it moves through its arc of motion. These include the collateral ligaments along the inner and outer sides of your knee, and the cruciate ligaments, which cross each other as they stretch diagonally from the bottom of your thighbone to the top of your shinbone. Damage to these structures is most commonly after strong trauma, and most often related to sports. It can leave the knee swollen, painful, and very unstable. BuRSAE. A number of these fluid-filled sacs surround your knee. They help cushion your knee joint so that ligaments and tendons slide across it smoothly. Bursitis, sometimes called housemaid's knee or carpet layer's knee, is an inflammation of these sacs. Prepatellar bursitis often occurs after an activity that requires you to kneel for long periods - scrubbing floors, gardening, or installing tile or carpet, for example. It can also result from an infection or as one of the signs of arthritis or gout. ILIOtIBIAL BAND SYNDROME (ItB). This is a common cause of outer knee pain in runners. The ITB is a strong structure running up your outer thigh from the knee to the hip. Competitive runners are especially susceptible, but amateurs aren't exempt. You're more likely to develop iliotibial band syndrome if you have problems such as unequal leg length or weak hip muscles. Exercising on concrete surfaces or uneven ground, increasing the intensity or duration of your exercise too quickly, wearing worn or ill-fitting shoes, and excessive uphill or downhill running also can contribute to iliotibial band syndrome. tENDON INJuRIES. Inflammation of the quadriceps tendon (tendonitis) can occur in people who run, bicycle or ski. It can also result from inflammatory diseases that occur throughout your body, most notably rheumatoid arthritis. Middle-age weekend warriors are more likely to rupture their quadriceps tendon than seasoned athletes are. Patellar tendon ruptures frequently occur in active younger people who have a history of tendonitis or who have had steroid injections in their knees. The majority of patients I see in clinic have had no specific cause for there knee pain, which is often more frustrating than a sports related injury. These often occur due to a gradual weakening of some muscles, an over-use of others and inflexibility in the surrounding joints. The most important thing with knee pain is the correct diagnosis, to allow prescription of the right course of treatment, and the correct exercises that will strengthen and stretch the problem structures, otherwise the problem will get worse. For more information on osteopathy or treatment at Ashby Osteopathic Clinic please call 01530 440 442, visit www.ashbyosteopath.com or e-mail contact@ashbyosteopath.com

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in your home

Reclaim your living space for 2014 Editorial by Kate McLelland

WE all love the festive season, but it can’t be denied that Christmas celebrations are a magnet for mess and clutter. For a short period of time our living space seems to shrink under the sheer volume of seasonal items, including gifts (yours and theirs), food and drink, countless decorations – and of course, that huge pile of washing up that never seems to diminish from morning to night. No wonder, then, that at New Year we take a certain pleasure in clearing out the festive junk we have accumulated in order to restore some domestic equilibrium. But why stop there? Traditionally the beginning of the year is a period when we want to embrace change, eliminating what has become outworn and unnecessary, so it makes sense to tap into that New Year energy by using the first weeks of January to reclaim your living space. The psychological benefits are obvious: most of us feel better, calmer and more able to deal with daily stress when our home environment is well ordered, so why does it always seem so difficult to make a start when clearing out the things we no longer need? If it’s been a while since you sorted through your stuff, then contemplating a proper clear-out may seem like a terrifying prospect. Here’s an easy, stepby-step guide to getting the job done: One step at a time. Don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the prospect of reorganising your home; give yourself a set of different tasks and don’t start the next task until the last one is complete. For example, Task 1 could involve going through your kitchen cupboards, throwing away everything that’s past its sell-by date, Task 2 could be a thorough clear-out of your clothes drawers and wardrobes while Task 3 might call for a purge on your home filing system. Make a list and tick off the items one by one to give yourself a real sense of achievement. use the ‘three pile’ system. One pile to keep, one pile to donate or give to friends, one pile to throw away. If some of the items in your ‘keep’ pile have previously been hanging around, gathering dust, this is the ideal time to buy some attractive boxes or baskets that will keep them all out of sight. Make an audit of potential storage areas in your house. Are there any alcoves that could be filled with shelves? Is your loft being used to its full capacity? Do you have an under-used garden shed? Cultivate a minimalist style. If your rooms are full of pictures and ornaments it becomes hard to appreciate the merits of any single object, so identify a few items that you really cherish and make sure they are properly displayed. If you love all your decorative pieces equally, you can always rotate them throughout the year. If you don’t want to put up shelves or buy more storage options, sometimes it’s just a matter of rethinking the way your house is organised. Moving a large item of furniture just a few inches can sometimes give a much more spacious feel to a room, so be creative and experiment. However you choose to reclaim your space, you’ll have a whole year to enjoy the results.

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ashby library news

e will make you feel at home in Ashby Library. Join for free to use the computers and borrow books, DVDs and talking books. Pop in and say hello! OuR REGuLAR EvENtS: ‘Wriggly Readers’ and ‘Story and Rhymetime’ for children aged 0 -5 years and their parents and carers. Join us for stories and songs every Friday morning 10.30am – 11am.

The friendly ‘knit and Stitch’ group meet every Monday 2pm – 4pm. Bring your project and come for a chat. ‘tiny talk’ baby signing classes take place every Thursday 9.30am – 10.30am and are £5 per session. Pre-booking essential. The unusual and popular ukulele playing group meets every Wednesday 10.00am – 11.30am. £5 per session. Creative Writing Group will take place every Tuesday 2 – 4pm. The first session will be on 14th Jan. Contact Helen Johnson for more details on 01530 414247. Come and practice Hatha Yoga every Tuesday 7 – 9pm. The first session will be on 7th January. Contact British Wheel of Yoga qualified instructor Lorna Kirk for more details on 01530 416135.

ALSO At tHE LIBRARY... JuSt FOR tHIS MONtH: Lunch time talks: the Search for the Elephant Man with Peter Cousins Friday 10th January, 12.30 – 1.30pm £2.50 library members, £3 non-members Learn more about local man Joseph Merrick, born in the Victorian era suffering from severe deformities. Lunch time talks: My Life as a Prison Officer with Richard Papworth Friday 7th February, 12.30 – 1.30pm £2.50 library members, £3 non-members A humorous and moving account of the ups and downs of prison life. January Sales Saturday 11th January to 1st February Bag a new year bargain at our sale of ex library books. A wide variety of books will be available. For more information or to book please contact Ashby Library on 0116 3055917 – book early as spaces are limited.

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young ashby

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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 a business or organisation in Ashby or the surrounding areas. This month we find out a bit more about...

kathy Belfield Ashby Tourist Information Centre What do you love about your work? It is an opportunity to make a difference – we are involved in making this district a better place to live and work. What is your favourite local restaurant? Zamani’s restaurant in Rushton’s Yard. Where do you like to go for a day or evening out? We go everywhere! Lately I’ve been enjoying going over to Century Theatre at Coalville a lot. I go there for the cinema and also recently saw Alistair McGowan live there. What is your favourite local shop and why? The Posh Pantry in Rushton’s Yard. Emma is so helpful and I find products there that I didn’t know I wanted! What do you like best about Ashby? I love the community spirit – people care and I think that the

town has something for everybody. If you could change one thing about the town what would it be? I’d like to see a Community Centre for the town, with plenty of space for exhibitions, functions, classes and community groups. If you didn’t live in this area where would you live and why? We moved here from Nottinghamshire 36 years ago so that the children could grow up in a smaller community. I’ve honestly never wanted to live anywhere else since. What is the best thing that has happened to you recently? My daughter who now lives in Singapore came home for a visit recently. It was 5 years since she was last in Ashby and she was delighted to find that the town is still full of lovely shops and restaurants.

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puzzle page

down

1 Disguises (5) 2 Glass container (3) 3 Genuine, honest (7) 4 Colourful small birds (13) 5 Hat (5) 6 E.g.EastEnders (4,5) 7 Finds (7) 11 Region in space (5,4) 13 Nervous (7) 14 Outside (4-3) 16 Fear (5) 18 Church council (5) 21 Climbing plant (3)

quICk CROSSWORD

SUDOKU 78

Solutions on page 108

Across

1 king's title (7) 5 Herb (5) 8 Sprays water (9) 9 Curved line (3) 10 Sword (5) 12 Remote military camp (7) 13 Incendiary guns (13) 15 Highest noble rank (7) 17 tests (5) 19 Concerned with the environment (3) 20 Raised area (9) 22 Give up (5) 23 Wandered (7)

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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your wellbeing

A NEW YEAR & New Beginnings

2014 - A New Year and for many of us a new stage in life. this could be adolescence, adulthood, marriage, parenthood or becoming grandparents and retirement.

During adolescence physical changes are obvious but changes in the brain development aren’t. The human brain is now believed to be developing until the early 20’s, with the parts of the brain responsible for more ‘top-down’ control, i.e. controlling impulses and planning ahead being the last to mature. Early adolescence is when there is a large change in emotional development and this can result in anger outbursts, tearfulness, low moods, anxiety etc, for situations which as an adult appear to be a relative ‘non-event’. Research also suggests the changes in brain development during adolescence impact on sleep regulation and poor sleep can result in more impulsive behaviour. Social grouping becomes all important and peer group pressure can mean risky behaviour in order to try and ‘fit in’. On top of all this adolescents are having to manage their emerging sexuality, educational expectations, career choices and family expectations. We have all done things in adolescence which we can look back at with slight (or major) embarrassment, however, social media means things said in emotional rage, pictures taken for a ‘laugh’ are now a constant reminder of those embarrassing moments and yet another thing for adolescents to try and manage. Communication is key - if your child is upset don’t ask them why they are upset just say ‘you look upset is there anything I can do to help’. Don’t automatically try and find a solution to the issue but just listen and reinforce how difficult, sad or angry they must be feeling about... Boundaries should be age appropriate and consistent (this helps a young person to feel safe - even if they rebel against them) this includes consequences for verbally abusive or aggressive behaviours. Parents can seek further support from our services within a relatively short time whether the young person attends or not - please see our advert below.

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community board Parkinson’s uk

CAP Money Course

An organisation for those with Parkinson’s, for carers and for anyone interested in the effects of Parkinson’s and the efforts to combat it. Parkinson’s UK group for North West Leicestershire meets at Hugglescote Community Centre, Grange Road, Hugglescote LE67 2BR on the second Friday of every month, from 2pm to 4pm. This provides an opportunity for discussing the condition with others who have experience of it, and listening to guest speakers on varying topics, all over a nice cup of tea. If you are interested, just turn up at a meeting or contact the Chair, Beth Elston via email to beth.elston@uwclub.net.

This course gives you opportunity to think about how you spend your money, how you can save for those big items like holidays and gives you help on setting a budget and working within it. The next course will run for three Monday evenings starting 24th February at 7.45pm in The Coffee Lounge at Ashby Baptist Church, Brook Street. Free of charge with access to on-line help and workbook. Sign up or enquire by text or phone 07790 542041 or email: capmoney@capmnf.org.uk. CAP Money is part of Christians Against Poverty, a confidential debt counselling, Job Club and money management charity.

New teen Fitness Class

Leicestershire and Rutland ProHelp

If you are aged 11 to 14 years old or have children of this age then why not give the new Teen Fitness Class a go! Held on Thursdays at Hood Park Leisure Centre from 3.45 to 4.45pm and costing £2.30 per week. Pre booking is not essential and if you are a member of the Club Activ8 scheme then you can use your points to pay for the activity. For more details Email mark.bates@nwleicestershire. gov.uk or see www.nwleics.gov.uk.

Can we help you? ProHelp is a group of professional firms that offer advice and guidance for free to not-for-profit organisations across Leicestershire and Rutland. They can provide: Accountants, Marketing/PR Consultants and Architects, Structural & Quantity Surveyors for assistance on a variety of projects. For more information and an application pack please contact Katharine Lightbown, Community Development Team, Leicestershire Cares. Email: katharine@leicestershirecares.co.uk or call 0116 275 6469.

tara kadampa Meditation Classes Relaxing meditation and practical advice to help us in our daily life at Legion House, South Street, Ashby, LE65 1BQ. Classes on Thursdays 12th Jan, 19th Jan, 26th Jan, 6th Feb, 13th Feb from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. There is no need to book-just turn up. Seating is on chairs. Classes cost £5, for details or further information contact 01283 732338 or e mail meditate@tarakmc.org. See www.tarakmc.org.

January Sales at the Ashby Library Bag a New Year bargain at our sale of ex library books. A wide variety of books will be available from Saturday 11th January to Saturday 1st February. For more information contact Ashby Library on 0116 3055917.

Discovering Leicestershire Archaeology In the spring Ashby Museum are running a six week course entitled ‘Discovering Leicestershire Archaeology’. The lectures will be given by Peter Liddle, former county archaeologist for Leicestershire, and take place on six consecutive Tuesday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm at the Museum, beginning on March 4th. The course details are as follows:March 4th – Early Prehistoric Leicestershire March 11th – Late Bronze Age and Iron Age Leicestershire March 18th – Roman Leicestershire March 25th – Early and Middle Anglo-Saxon Leicestershire April 1st – Viking and Early Medieval Leicestershire April 8th – Later Medieval Leicestershire Book for the series, or come to individual lectures at £6 each, at the Museum 01530 560090. Alternatively contact Peter Liddle on 01162 214508 or email peter.liddle51 @gmail.com.

“Pride” This new shop opened at 3 Huntingdon Court, Ashby De La Zouch in November. Pride has been developed in collaboration with Lewis Charlton School and derives its name from the school motto: “Pride in Performance”. The purpose of the shop is to generate opportunities for students to make further links with the local community, to gain valuable work experience in creative trades and the retail industry.

Concert for the Poppy Appeal Ashby Concert Band’s Poppy Appeal concert on 8th November was another successful fund raising event for the Poppy Appeal. The Poppy Appeal is the Legion’s biggest fundraising campaign, with more than 40 million poppies bought last year, raising nearly £25,000 in Ashby and £35m nationally. As in previous years, the event was organised by the Band in association with the Ashby Branch, Royal British Legion. For more information about the band see www.ashbyconcertband.org.uk.

Ashby de la Zouch town Council Calendar of Meetings The Parks and Cemetery Committee meet on the 10th February, the Finance and Tourism Committee meet on 17th February and the Planning and Licensing Committees meet on the 13th January and 24th February. Members of the public are welcome to attend and there is a slot for public questions. Meetings take place at Legion House, South Street and start at 6.30pm.

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book reviews

True (but unlikely) Romance From the deepest, darkest depths of mid-winter comes a heart-warming glow: Valentines’ Day. But not every pairing is a match made in heaven; some love stories are short stories, and others fail to spark at all. We’ve put together a selection of more unorthodox teenage love stories.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower... Stephen Chbosky

Always being on the periphery and one of life’s observers certainly may seem to have its advantages. Fifteen year old Charlie is the ‘wallflower’ in question and through a series of letters, reveals his fears about starting high school. Unusually for him, he is quickly befriended by a Senior called Patrick and becomes ingratiated into his group. Far from being another lighthearted high-school novel, the book tackles issues such as homophobia and incest. Charlie has a tough road ahead of him as he tries to come to terms with his past and learn to embrace his future.

Midwinterblood ...

Marcus Sedgewick

Eric and Merle love each other but are separated by time and space. If you’ve ever thought that you lived another life, in another time, then spare a thought for this pair. The novel has seven stories which span the centuries, from ancient civilisations to the not-too distant future and find Eric and Merle trying desperately to return to one another. Reincarnated as lovers, siblings, and even mother and son, they are repeatedly drawn back to each other. In this, the most unusual of gothic romances, the pair will eventually have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Ketchup Clouds ...

Annabel Pitcher

It’s not just desperate women who start penning letters to people who are in penitentiaries. 15 year old Zoe decides to unburden herself of her story to a prisoner on Death Row. So terrible is her secret that she feels she can’t reveal what happened to anyone else and so Zoe writes to Stuart Harris in Texas. Zoe’s tale is packed with teenage angst, with the right smattering of humour thrown in. Her letters of betrayal and the most terrible of love triangles will have you hooked right up until the last page.

S TA R G I R L ... Jerry Spinelli Millions of readers have fallen in love with Stargirl, as does Leo, whose heart this kooky, alternative girl wins when she turns up at his high school. Stargirl only needs to smile for Leo to fall for her. She’s quirky and imaginative; a mysterious being with a celestial name and no one quite knows where she’s from or where she’s going. Whatever your age, Stargirl will stay with you, like a brand new friend.

every day...

David Levithan

Whenever you think you’re not quite feeling yourself, spare a thought for ‘A’. Every morning, A wakes up in a different body, and it’s been that way since A was born. The instability and uncertainty has become the only constant in A’s life. That is, until A meets Rhiannon. On that fateful morning, A wakes up as none other than Rhiannon’s good for nothing boyfriend, Justin. From 24 wonderful hours grows a longing to be near someone and with someone, no matter what it takes.

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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 December competition winner, Mrs B Dane, who correctly identified the Noon Column at Sence Valley as the location of last month’s competition picture. Entries close on Friday 7th February. The winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries. The winner will be notified and a cheque for £25 sent within 14 days of the closing date, the winners name will also be printed in the following edition of Ashby Life. Multiple or automated entries are not allowed. We will not pass your details to any third party. We may use your details to send you marketing emails from Ashby Life in the future – if you would prefer that we did not, please tick the box below.

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Are you serious about your New Year’s resolutions? Already widely accepted in the USA, Yoga Therapy offers a different approach to recovery and wellness, in that it takes into account the whole of your body, not just the problem area in question. How the whole of the body relates, not just shoulders, hips and spine but also your breath and emotions (mental and physical).

Is improved health and wellbeing on top of your list? It’s not unusual that at this time of year, after indulging in food, alcohol and burning the candles at both ends that we look to start the year with the best of intentions to improve our health and wellbeing. Perhaps you’d like to feel less stressed and learn how to manage this or you've decided to finally address the neck and shoulder tension that’s slowly increased over the months.

Yoga erapy – A New Aroach to Moving Forward

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www.ashbychurch.co.uk

Forgiveness is key?

do like a good read of the BBC’s website. It must be something to do with my upbringing and not being allowed to watch ITV as a child! The BBC do a pretty good job of reporting without being too prejudiced. As a photographer I was recently drawn towards a gallery entitled 'Year in pictures 2013'.

It’s surprising what happens in a year that you forget. Unfortunately it didn’t make pleasant viewing. Out of 22 images, 7 were disasters both man-made and natural. 9 images were what I would class as ‘man's inhumanity to man’, from the Boston Bombings and the war in Syria to the horrific Nairobi shopping centre terrorist attack. However among all the horrific images was one shining beacon: Nelson Mandela. The sad passing of this great man gave chance to reflect on his life and the difference he made in the world. He did not claim to be perfect or to have everything right, but

Editorial by Ashby Christadelphian Church, Union Passage, Ashby

www.ashbychurch.co.uk

was someone who, after all he suffered, found it in his heart to forgive those who persecuted and imprisoned him for 27 years – in so doing, he taught others to forgive. Nelson Mandela ultimately ended oppression of millions of South Africans under Apartheid without civil war, terrorism or violence, helping all who were willing to listen to realise that a more equal society was possible. I heard (on Radio 4 of course) Mandela’s forgiveness being compared to that of Jesus who not only taught forgiveness but lived it throughout his perfect life. In the Bible, Paul writes to the Galatians to show how God views believers as equals. Galatians 3:28: There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Have a look for yourself – it makes interesting reading, gives us hope for our future and has the power to transform lives.

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100

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what’s on... January into February 10th January

Ashby Library Lunch time talks - The Search for ‘The Elephant Man’ with Peter Cousins. Learn more about local man Joseph Merrick, born in the Victorian era suffering from severe deformities, 12.30pm till 1.30pm. Tickets £2.50 library member’s or £3 non-members. For more information or to book please contact Ashby Library on 0116 3055917. Book early please as spaces are limited. Ashby Writers’ Club with speaker Jonathon Taylor (novelist, poet and senior Lecturer in creative writing at DMU). 7.30pm till 9.30pm, Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby. Visitors are welcome at a nominal fee of £4 per speaker meeting. £3 per comp/manuscript meeting (includes tea/coffee).

14th January

Curses, Sacrifices and temples - Civic Society Ashby, illustrated talk on Pagan and Roman religions in England by Peter Liddle MBE, 8pm at Legion House, South St, Ashby. Visitors welcome to our friendly society £2. Refreshments available. Contact Susanne Tandy 01530 415654.

15th January

Ashby travel Club – Talk on Kent and East Sussex by Mr Ian Hill. Meet at Pithiviers Room of the Ivanhoe College, Ashby at 7.30pm (prompt). All are welcome to join any of their meetings from now until March. There is no joining fee or annual subscription, just go along on the night for a good evening out. For more information contact Mr J Shaw on 01530 413441. Ashby Spa WI – ‘The Discovery of Richard III’ with Richard Buckley. Manor House School, South Street at 7.30pm. You don’t have to be a member to attend the meeting. There is a small charge of £3 for visitors. For further details please email ashby.spa@googlemail.com.

16th January National trust Group – Afternoon tea and talk by Gary Root, who has worked at Birmingham airport for many years, and will give a fun and practical insight into what goes on behind the scenes at a busy international airport. For more information call 01530 563003.

17th January

Century theatre at Snibston – ‘Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa’ (15). Hugely successful British comedy starring

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Steve Coogan. Programme commences 7.30pm. Tickets £3.50, pay on the door. Tel: 01530 278444. North West Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife trust – Water Voles at Rutland Water. Sara Botterell explains the reintroduction scheme for water voles. Also DVD of 100 years of the Wildlife Trusts. Ashby Methodist Chapel, Burton Road, Ashby de la Zouch. Entry £2. For more details call David Maltby on 01530 222934 or Jim Footitt on 01530 262389.

18th January

Ashby Farmers Market – From 9am to 2pm at Manor House South Street. Bringing you the finest foods from the region and specialist stalls. Free parking.

21st January

Learn to Dance - Ballroom and Sequence dance classes for beginners, taught by qualified dance teachers. Any age from 5 to 105 welcome! Classes begin 8pm till 9.30pm at Blackfordby Village Hall, Sandtop Lane, DE11 8AL, £3 each a class. No booking required just turn up on the night!

22nd January

Ashby Wine Circle – Burns Night. Food and Wine provided. 7.30pm at Brown Court, Atkinson Road, Westfields, Ashby De La Zouch. LE65 2LZ. For further information contact Ralph Forbes on 01530 224030.

25th January

Swap and Fix at Snibston Discovery Museum - 10am to 1pm. See page 73 for more details. Charity Barn Dance organised by The Rotary Club of Ashby de la Zouch Castle. Music and entertainment by the Derbyshire Ranters who are sure to have you up and dancing. Included in the price is a quality buffet and a licensed bar will be available. Doors open at 7.30pm with tickets priced at £12.50 for adults and £5 for children with proceeds going to Rotary charities. Tickets are available from Measham Leisure Centre, La Zouch Restaurant on Kilwardby Street, by calling Alan Oakes on 01530 272678 or emaildalewarren1982@ btinternet.com. Ballroom and Sequence Dancing to J.B.P. Music at Blackfordby Village hall. Dancing from 8pm till 11pm. Admission £3. Raffle, bar and refreshments. For more details phone 01283 213481 or 01283 819447.

28th January

Ashby u3A – ‘Life behind the scenes at Birmingham Airport’ with Gary Root. At the Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby, 2pm. All welcome, visitors £1. Bring friends and neighbours, meet U3A members and find out more. National trust Group - Chase away the January blues at a fun quiz evening. Includes a fish and chip supper. Please ring 01530 563003 for further information. Ashby Writers’ Club - Manuscript evening. Members own work, 7.30pm till 9.30pm, Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby. Visitors are welcome at a nominal fee of £4 per speaker meeting, £3 per comp/ manuscript meeting (includes tea/ coffee).

29th January

the Zouch Acoustic Folk Music Club meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at The Belper Arms in Newton Burgoland from 8pm. Sing a song, read a poem, tell a short story or relax and listen, all welcome. For more information contact Brian on 01530 416251. Ashby travel Club – ‘The Faroe Islands’, a talk by Mrs V Williams. Meet at Pithiviers Room of the Ivanhoe College, Ashby at 7.30pm (prompt). All are welcome to join for all or any of the meetings from now until March. There is no joining fee or annual subscription, just come along on the night for a good evening out. For more information contact Mr J Shaw on 01530 413441. Ashby Film Nights – ‘Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa’ (15). An extremely funny film about a desperate radio host exploiting a siege at his radio station. The Lyric Rooms, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1AB. Film starts at 7.30pm, doors and bar open at 7pm. Tickets £5, available on the door. More information: ashbyfilmnights.wordpress.com.

31st January

Drop-In Session for Carers at Ashby Health Centre, see page 32 for details.

1st February

Ashby Museum kids’ Club – ‘Young Historians’ at Ashby Museum, North Street, Ashby. Free entry. From 1pm to 4pm.

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what’s on... January into February continued 7th February

Century theatre at Snibston – ‘About Time’ (15). British romantic comedy. Programme commences 7.30pm. Tickets £3.50, pay on the door. Call 01530 278444. Lunch time talks - My Life as a Prison Officer by Richard Papworth. A humorous and moving account of the ups and downs of prison life. From 12.30 till 1.30pm, £2.50 library members’, £3 non-members. For more information or to book please contact Ashby Library on 0116 3055917. Please book early as spaces are limited.

11th February

Orchids of Derbyshire - Illustrated talk on Peak District mines and flora, by local expert John Jones. Civic Society, Ashby de la Zouch at 8pm at Legion House, South St, Ashby. Visitors welcome to our friendly society £2. Refreshments available. Contact Susanne Tandy 01530 415654. Ashby Writers’ Club – Favourite authors. Bring along two favourite pieces of work to share with other members (poems and/or prose up to 500 words. Not your own work, something you loved reading). 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby. Visitors are welcome at a nominal fee of £4 per speaker meeting. £3 per comp/ manuscript meeting (includes tea/ coffee).

12th February

Ashby Wine Circle - French Evening. Members to bring their own favourite dish. 7.30pm at Brown Court, Atkinson Road, Westfields, Ashby De La Zouch. LE65 2LZ. For further information contact Ralph Forbes on 01530 224030. Ashby travel Club – ‘The Tales of a Cycling Photographer’ by Mr T Williams. Meet at Pithiviers Room of the Ivanhoe College, Ashby at 7.30pm (prompt). All are welcome to join for all or any meetings from now until March. There is no joining fee or annual subscription, just come along on the night for a good evening out. For more information contact Mr J Shaw on 01530 413441.

13th February

Drop-In Session for Carers at Ashby Health Centre, see page 32 for details.

14th February

Century theatre at Snibston – ‘Philomena’ (12A). Highly acclaimed British film starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan. Programme commences

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7.30pm. Tickets £3.50 pay on the door. For more information call 01530 278444.

15th February

Ashby Farmers Market – From 9am to 2pm at Manor House South Street. Bringing you the finest foods from the region and specialist stalls. Free parking.

17th February

19th February

Ashby Spa WI - Choosing the Right Bra with Sara Smith. Manor House School, South Street at 7.30pm. You don’t have to be a member to attend the meeting. There is a small charge of £3 for visitors. For further details please email ashby.spa@googlemail.com.

21st February

Century theatre at Snibston – ‘Those Coal Town Days’. An upbeat night of humour and song as award-winning songwriter Jez Lowe with his band The Bad Pennies perform the best of Jez’s coal songs new and old. Show starts 7.30pm. Tickets £8 advance, £10 on the door. For more information call 01530 278444. North West Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife trust – Ospreys of Rutland Water by Tim Macrill. Tim will look forward into what the future holds for these magnificent birds. Meetings take place at Ashby Methodist Chapel, Burton Road, Ashby De La Zouch. Entry £2. For more details call David Maltby on 01530 222934 or Jim Footitt on 01530 262389.

22nd February

Ballroom and Sequence Dancing with Phil Brown playing the music. 8pm till 11pm at Blackfordby Village Hall. Admission £3. Bar, refreshments and raffle. More details from 01283 213481 or 01283 819447. Century theatre at Snibston – As part of Snibston's Charles Jennens exhibition, Vermillion present a choice selection of instrumental chamber music pieces from the mid-eighteenth century playing authentic instruments of the period. Show starts 7.30pm. Tickets: £7 advance, £9 on the door. Tel: 01530 278444.

25th February

Ashby u3A - Mrs Ann Roberts on ‘Life as a Farmer’s wife in Rhodesia’ (Beating about the Bush) at The Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby at 2pm. All welcome, visitors £1. Bring friends and neighbours, meet U3A members and find out more. Ashby Writers’ Club – Annual General Meeting, 7.30pm till 9.30pm at Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby. Visitors are welcome at a nominal fee of £4 per speaker meeting. £3 per comp/manuscript meeting (includes tea/coffee).

26th February

Ashby travel Club – ‘Winter trekking in Nepal’ by Mr B Bryan. Meet at Pithiviers Room of the Ivanhoe College, Ashby at 7.30pm (prompt). All are welcome to join for all or any meetings from now until March. There is no joining fee or annual subscription, just come along on the night for a good evening out. For more details call Mr J Shaw on 01530 413441. Ashby Film Nights – ‘Sunshine on Leith’ (PG). Based on 13 Proclaimers’ songs, this will film will give you tingles of happiness. The Lyric Rooms, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1AB. Film starts at 7.30pm, doors and bar open at 7pm. Tickets £5, available on the door. More details: ashbyfilmnights.wordpress.com.

28th February

Century theatre at Snibston - Alex Horne ‘Lies’. As part of his UK tour, the multiaward-winning stand-up comedian presents a show packed full of jokes, impressions and lies. Tickets: £12. Call 01530 278444.

Did you know it’s free to put community information on this page? Email the details and contact number to admin@ ashbylife.co.uk. Deadline for submissions for the Community Board or What’s On pages of the March 2014 issue is Friday 7th February. Information is published subject to space being available. Ashby Life cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions or endorse companies, products or services appearing in the magazine.

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PuZZLE SOLutIONS - CROSSWORD - SuDOku - CODEWORD & MORE... HONEYCOMB

StEP ON It - Bikes, Bites, Mites, Mates, Hates, Gates. WORDSEARCH HIDDEN PHRASE “You are the music while the music lasts.” t.S. Eliot

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business directory Accountants & Payroll Ashby Payroll Bureau 92 Baldwins 30 Haines Watts 9 76 JAWS Accountancy Services Ltd RDG Accounting 74 Aerials & Satellite AB Aerials & Satellites 47 Architects A G Dezign 26 Arts, Crafts, Gifts, Jewellery, toys Diamond Awl 16 68 Knittiquip Souk de la Zouch 16 Builders Coe Construction 31 Keith Armston Building Contractors 35 Business Services Lion Court Conference Centre 5 Carpenters & Joiners Derek Verey 22 N M Joinery 55 S S Joinery 67 Carpets & Interiors Abbotts Oak Blinds and Curtains 85 Agadon 3 Ashby Carpets 23 Ashby Stoves 27 Botanic Blinds 55 Boundary Carpets and Floorings 53 Fairweathers Carpets 72 Roger James Furnishers 80 The Bed Shop 96 Toons 109 Wendy's Courtyard Interiors 18 Charities The Royal British Legion 103 Cleaning, Ironing, Laundry Services Breedon Carpet Care 26 Deanclean 108 Extreme Clean 85 Karen’s Ovengleam 73 Oven Cleaning Services 34 Safeclean 55 The Bee’s Knees 52 Toni's Ironing Angels 42 Clothing Just for You 71 The Shoe Box 15 Country Stores/ General Stores Hallmark Tractors 13 Ivanhoe Countrystore 41 Domestic Appliances Contracool 45 Contract & Domestic Services 38 Ray Pittam Engineers 64 Driving Schools Bardon School of Motoring 13 RDT School of Motoring 93 Electricians A & J Bartlett Ltd 32 Bright Sparks 100 M J Electrical Contractors 29 Estate Agents John German 77

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Events/Event Services Honeysuckle and Castle Ivanhoe Way Challenge Leicestershire Waste Partnership Financial Services Bleathwood Squirrel Financial Advice Ltd Food & Groceries Ashby Farmers Market Clarissa’s Culinary Creations Scaddows Farm Shop Funeral Directors A E Grice Funeral Directors Furniture Repairs & Restoration Ancient & Modern Garden Artisan of Ashby Ltd Bonington Tree Services Charnwood Tree Services Eden Tree Care F G Gardens Francesca Sinclair & Associates GDR Landscapes Green Thumb (Ashby) Lush Landscape and Garden Design Mowing Places and Garden Care Roughly Refined Garden Service Stone Drives & Landscapes Hair & Beauty Verity’s Nail Creations Healthcare Allround Homecare Services Ashby Chiropody/Podiatry Clinic Ashby Dental Ashby Osteopathic Clinic Candor Care Ltd Dr Jin Future Minds ICare Juliet Brooke Chiropody Karen Evans (Alexander Technique) Postlethwaite Podiatry Prestige Nursing ProPhysio Ashby Swadlincote Chiropractic Clinic Traditional Acupuncture It Services Ashby Web Design The PC Clinic UK Bits Insurance Services P F Spare Insurance Brokers kitchens & Bathrooms Albion Bathrooms Ltd Ashby Tile & Bathrooms Holme Tree Kitchens Provencale Kitchens Tiles 4 Less Victory Kitchens Locksmiths Hazlewood Locksmiths The Lockie Motor Services A D Car Cosmetics Caravan Support Services Castle Garage (Ashby) Ltd Chips Away Mobile Automotive

39 64 73 69 54 100 76 8 15 22 66 68 94 106 60 107 73 51 23 71 8 93 10 21 26 24 59 49 76 82 99 42 83 47 48 33 65 22 92 60 100 68 83 2 37 35 81 15 37 31 45 47 101 12 8

Music, Dance & Drama Joseph Southgate 31 Painters & Decorators Ace Decorating 59 24 Holywell Painting & Decorating 27 John Clark Nigel Simpson Smith 31 Pet Services Ash Farm Boarding Kennels 52 48 Highfield Cat Hotel Smisby Dog Grooming 38 The Glenthorne Veterinary Group 111 34 Wiffy Woofies 52 Woodward Veterinary Practice Plasterers A C Ellison Plastering and Tiling 16 Matt Charles Plastering Services 18 8 R & H Plastering Plumbers & Gas Services Adrian Dunstan Plumbing & Heating 27 Batemans Plumbing 11 CCA Gas Plumbing 85 James Pepper Property Solutions 38 S D Hill (Plumbers) 7 Therm Heating 34 Property Repairs & Maintenance Ashby Glass 84 Ashbyhandyman.co.uk 59 Cloudy 2 Clear 61 D H Phillips (Flat Roofing) 73 Handyman Maintenance 87 James Beckett 71 James Pepper Property Solutions 64 Roof Tech 42 Window Mate 108 Pubs, Restaurants & take Aways La Spezia Pizzeria 45 La Zouch Restaurant 107 Link Measham Cantonese Restaurant 19 National Forest Youth Hostel 10 Rose Cottage Tea Rooms 27 The Blue Bell 107 The Courtyard Café 95 The Lyric Rooms 88 The Mews Restaurant 105 Wong Kwei 63 Zamani's 56/57 Schools and tuition Appleby Community Languages 93 Manor House School 97 Maths Magic 13 Stephenson College 43 Stephenson Studio School 79 Solicitors Crane & Walton 16 Fishers 91 Simpson Jones Solicitors 46 Sports & Fitness Anthony Pullen Personal Training 89 Breedon Priory Health Club Ltd 112 Fitness Republic 17 Hood Park Leisure Centre 25 Pure Movement Yoga 97 travel & Holidays Ashby Wells House 35 Villair Travel 75

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