Ashbylife jul14 emag by Ashby Life

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this issue 98 Holidays and plenty of fun... That's what most of us think about when we remember finishing school for the long summer break. It won't be long now until the schools are out for the summer and over the next two issues we'll be bringing you plenty of ideas to help keep all the family entertained. Don't miss the 100th Ashby Show at Cattows Farm in Heather on July 13th where you'll be able to catch everything from Dancing Diggers to beautiful longhorn cattle like those on our front cover. If all that summer fun is leaving you in need of a rest then just put your feet up and enjoy our puzzles, stories and articles. Happy holidays.

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

Liz Roberts

Contents

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 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 50 54 58 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96 100 104 108 116 118

Ashby Museum News Prize Competition It’s Local Seasonal Recipes On The Beat Money Matters Behind the Scenes Puzzle Page Wordsearch In Your Home Your Wellbeing Young Ashby Christadelphian Church Book Reviews All About You A Walk in the Forest Ashby Library News Community Board Pets Corner Just 4 Fun Out and About Storytime Ashby Health Centre In Your Garden Venture Theatre News What’s On Puzzle Solutions Business Directory

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

See our website or call Liz on 01530 417739 for details August edition fully booked, copy deadline for September edition is Friday 8th August

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

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ashby museum news

Plenty going on...

he Kids’ Club on the 5th July is called Young Historians and will involve investigations of people and places in the past. The second Kids’ Club and exhibition are both called History Beneath Your Feet. At this club on the 19th July, the children will be able to handle artefacts from the past and do their own archaeological investigations. The exhibition will include an overview of what archaeology is and give local examples of sites from the different archaeological periods. The Museum will, as usual, have a presence at the Ashby Show on July 13th. If you will be there do come along to say hello to us and see our stall. In our Loudoun Gallery, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, we will stage a special exhibition running from the beginning of August until the end of the year. In June we welcomed two local schools to the museum,

both of them linking the visit with the Castle. On June 11th Dame Catherine’s School from Ticknall spent a fascinating morning exploring our galleries and on June 25th Viscount Beaumont’s School from Coleorton had an enjoyable and informative visit. If any other schools are interested in investigating the town’s rich past please do get in touch with us either in person or by calling 01530 560090. With this in mind we welcome Jeff Humphries, a new volunteer, to help with education co-ordination. The Charnwood U3A group will be combining a visit to us on 8th July with a guided tour round St. Helen’s Church. Several of our loyal custodians have had to call it a day due to ill health so if you have two hours a fortnight to spare we would love you to come along and talk to us about joining our friendly team. Finally one of our trustees is researching the Mammatt family who lived in Ashby from the early 1800s and would welcome any information from readers about them, in particular Edward (died 1835) and his sons John and Edward (died 1851 and 1860).

FRIENDS oF ASHBY MuSEuM Unfortunately we have had to cancel the WW1 day which was to have taken place on August 9th. Two dates for your diary: Our next talk will be on Wednesday 10th September at 2pm (note new time) when Keith Gilliver will talk about mining in Leicestershire. The Ian Clewes Memorial Quiz will be on Friday 10th october at Packington Memorial Hall. £10 to include a Fish & Chip Supper - teams of 6.

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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 May competition, Emma Chassaigne, who won 2 free tickets to the Ashby Fake Festival. Entries close on Friday 11th July. 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 this box.

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it’s local

100 years of the Ashby Show

THIS year sees the Ashby Show celebrating its 100th anniversary. The show, which is organised each year by the Ashby de la Zouch Agricultural Society, is one of the highlights of the summer months. From starting life on the Bath Grounds within Ashby in 1904 the show has moved several times over the years. For a period in the 1960’s it was held at Calke before moving to Measham in the 1980’s and then on to its current home, the excellent site at Cattows Farm, Heather, in 2012. Described as a traditional agricultural show the event attracts visitors from all over the country and combines classes for cattle and sheep with show jumping, a companion dog show, shows for cage birds and other

to music. The spectacular Bolddog Lings Motorcycle Display team are the UK’s number one freestyle motocross team. The team, who have appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, will be thrilling the crowds with their death defying range of high flying stunts. Other attractions in the main ring include the beautiful Shire horses, vintage tractors, the grand parade and more. Outside the arena you can enjoy traditional crafts in the Village Green area, take part in the companion dog show or have a go at archery with Ashby Archers. The WI marquee will feature cookery, handicraft and flower arranging as well as demonstrations, refreshments and the chance to buy home-made cakes and preserves from the Country Market. Rainbows will also be in this marquee offering children’s activities. The British Farm Produce marquee promises plenty of chances to ‘try

small animals, a huge range of top class entertainment, attractions and shopping opportunities. There are a variety of arenas so that whether you wish to watch the horse and pony classes, admire top class cattle or gasp in amazement at daredevil acts you won’t be short of something to do! This year the show is playing host to both royalty and celebrities. The official opening of the Centenary show will be performed by HRH Duke of Gloucester during the morning of Sunday 13th July. Adam Henson, well known farmer and star of BBC’s Countryfile and Lambing Live will be making a guest appearance, as will strong man Geoff Capes. The rich mixture of top class entertainment will include a return to the show of two favourite acts. JC Ball’s Dancing Diggers are always popular with all ages and feature a team of 5 JCB’s performing dazzling routines

before you buy’ and there are also a wide range of other food stalls offering everything from a hog roast to seafood or pancakes. Ashby Young Farmers will be on hand with a range of entertainments and competitions during the day and there will also be a children’s area with treasure hunt, inflatables and more. The 100th Ashby Show takes place on Sunday 13th July at Cattows Farm, Heather (LE67 2RF). With so much packed into one day this is an event not to be missed! Tickets are £12.50 adult, £10 OAP, £5 child and under 4’s are admitted free of charge. A family ticket costs £35 and covers 2 adults and 3 children. There is also the option to become a member of the Ashby Agricultural Society for £35 which entitles you to 2 free tickets, a forward parking pass and entry to the member’s marquee. For more see www.ashbyshow.com.

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seasonal recipes This filling meal-in-abowl makes a lovely weekend supper that’s ready in less than an hour Ser Rea ves 4 45 dy in min s

Mussel & Potato Chowder You WILL NEED • • • •

1kg fresh mussels 1 tbsp olive oil 15g butter 4 shallots, peeled and finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed • 350ml fish stock made with ½ stock cube

• 2 baking potatoes, peeled and cut into small chunks • 200ml crème fraiche • 100ml white wine • 4 tbsp fresh chopped flat leaf parsley • Warm ciabatta or sour dough, to serve

GET STARTED 1 First clean the mussels. Scrub under cold running water and discard any that are cracked or do not close when lightly tapped. Pull away the ‘beards’ from the sides of the shells. Place the mussels in a bowl and set aside. 2 Heat the oil and butter in a large deep saucepan or flameproof casserole. Add the shallots and fry gently for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and fry for 1-2 minutes then pour in the wine and cook for a further minute. 3 Add the potatoes and stir well. Pour in the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the crème fraiche and half the chopped parsley and season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. 4 Add the cleaned mussels to the pan and cover and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mussels have opened – discard any that remain closed. 5 Ladle the chowder into warmed bowls and garnish with the rest of the parsley and more ground black pepper. Serve with warm ciabatta or sour dough bread.

This divine summer dessert just couldn’t be easier to make! Make sure you have a good solid baking sheet to bake the galette on as this will ensure a crisp pastry base

Ser Rea ves 6 90 dy in min s

Peach Gallette You WILL NEED • • • • • • • • •

225g plain flour, plus extra for dusting 150g unsalted butter, diced 100g ground almonds 4 tbsp caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling 2 large egg yolks blended with 2 tbsp ice cold water 6 fresh, ripe peaches, skinned, stoned & sliced Beaten egg, to glaze 1 tbsp pistachio nuts, chopped Vanilla ice cream, to serve

GET STARTED 1 To make the pastry, sift the flour into a large bowl. Add the butter and using your fingertips rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in half the ground almonds and half the sugar. 2 Make a well in the centre and add the egg yolks and water. Stir with a round-bladed knife to form a crumbly dough (add a little extra cold water if the mix is too dry). Gather the mixture together with your hands and knead gently until just smooth. Wrap the pastry in cling film and chill in the fridge for about 40 minutes. 3 Preheat the oven to 200oC/400oF/Gas mark 6. Lightly grease a large baking sheet. Roll the pastry out on a lightly floured surface to a rough circle about 30cm in diameter. Transfer to the baking sheet. 4 Sprinkle the rest of the ground almonds in the centre of the pastry circle, leaving a 7cm border. Arrange the peach slices on top of the almonds. Fold the pastry border inwards – just over the edges of the peach slices. 5 Brush the pastry edge with beaten egg and sprinkle over the chopped pistachios. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is crisp and golden. Sprinkle over the rest of the sugar and serve warm or cold with scoops of vanilla ice cream.

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on the beat

Hello everyone... THE summer is now in full swing, and at long last, we have some good weather! Two of the main open areas in Ashby, namely The Bath Grounds and Hood Park, have seen some excellent community projects and events, such as the new skate park, Food Gusto, and Fake Festival, which have been enjoyed by large numbers of people. However, once again, I unfortunately have to report that there have been some reports of Anti-Social Behaviour at both locations. These include littering, under-age drinking, graffiti, criminal damage to buildings and trees, and nuisance motor vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to remind people who use the open spaces that: • Both The Bath Grounds and Hood Park are included in the town centre Designated Public Place Order. In other words, you cannot consume alcohol at these locations. • No matter how little rubbish you deposit, it is classed as littering, for which you can receive a Fixed Penalty Notice.

• The police have the power to seize motor vehicles that are seen v causing alarm, annoyance or distress to members of the public. I would ask that if you are a parent who has a child or children who have reached the age where they are going to the parks to meet up with their friends, you remind them of their responsibilities. We have received some excellent reports from members of the public who have witnessed Anti-Social Behaviour taking place, and have called us on 101 at the time. I would urge the local community to continue reporting any incidents of this type in order to help us try and reduce ASB.

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

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money matters If you are off to university in September, your head will be full of worries and excitement about living independently, studying, and how to manage life in a new city. It might be a little overwhelming at times, but with forethought and planning you can organise your money and get to grips with the financial side of life. Alison Runham explains how...

off to university... worried about money? • Up to £3000 overdraft limit subject to eligibility • Credit interest of 1.5% AER/ gross on the first £1000 in your account Santander Student Account MANAGING money is often the biggest concern for new undergraduates, but the trick is to know your figures, set a basic budget where you can, and stick to it. one of the first decisions to make though, is which student bank account to open. STuDENT BANk ACCouNTS Most of the top UK banks operate specific accounts for undergraduates. In general, they offer 24-hour online banking, mobile apps, and interest-free overdrafts subject to eligibility. NatWest uniproof Account • Free arranged overdraft facility of up to £500 in the first term, £750 in the second, and £1000 in the final term • Free Tastecard membership (currently worth £79.99) if you sign up for online banking and paperless statements. This entitles you to 50% off meals in a range of UK restaurants HSBC Student Bank Account • Free overdraft facility of £500 on signing up

• Free Santander 16-25 Railcard, valid for four years • Interest-free overdraft of up to £1500 per year if £500 is paid into your account at the start of each term • Credit interest of 1% AER/ gross on balances of up to £500 BuDGETING TIPS Budgeting is simple once you get into a routine. It just needs commitment, and an awareness of how much you are spending. The first thing to do is calculate the total of your maintenance loan and any grants, wages if you intend to work, and any money from your parents. Then make a list of regular bills, such as food, electricity, insurance and books. Also factor in birthday and Christmas expenses, and the cost of running a car if you have one. The money left over is disposable income, but you need to make sure you don’t overspend. The main objective is to live within your means rather than splurging all your money at the start of

term. Divide the maintenance loan over three months to budget for living costs, and you are halfway there. kNoWING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ‘GooD ’ AND ‘BAD’ DEBT Knowing how to use credit cards effectively is an important part of managing your money at university, as the temptation to spend without thinking can be overwhelming at times. The important thing to note is that only paying the minimum amount off a credit card each month allows the interest to build up, and makes it increasingly difficult to pay off what was originally a manageable amount. Paying off the total amount owed at the end of each billing period gives you interest-free credit for a very limited time, but go beyond this timescale and you could be hit with huge rates of interest. Paying for higher education is an investment, and remains a popular choice even with the recent increase in tuition fees. You don’t need to be cash-strapped at university – just make sure it’s memorable for all the right reasons.

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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...

Julie Burrows who works for Haines Watts Accountants and is also a volunteer fundraiser for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People in Loughborough. What inspired you to become involved with Rainbow’s and what do you love about it? I’d been doing bits of work helping a variety of different charities but I wanted to concentrate all my efforts on one cause. I was at a stage in my life where I felt I could give time to help others and contacted Rainbows four and a half years ago. I’ve been fundraising for them ever since. The charity covers the whole of the East Midlands and they particularly need fundraisers in this area. I often spend weekends out at events for them, I’ve made new friends at the Hospice and volunteering gives me a real boost. Doing something for someone else is a great way to feel good. Find out more about Rainbow’s at www.rainbows.co.uk. What is your favourite local restaurant? The Gelsmoor in Griffydam, I like the setting, the staff are friendly and the food is always very good. Where do you like to go for a day or evening out? My favourite day out would be a trip to Trentham Village. Evenings – I like

to take my mum out to bingo when I can. What is your favourite local shop and why? Woodlander has a lovely mix of things inside, especially the kitchen section. I do like Tesco but I also love North’s and their choice of fresh produce when I want to have a treat. If you could change one thing about the town what would it be? It would be pedestrians walking across the road in Market Street. I wish people would use the crossings and think there is a need to educate people in order to make this area safer. If you didn’t live in this area where would you live and why? I don’t think I’d like to live anywhere else! This is a beautiful area, it’s changed a lot and we have some amazing walks on the old mining sites. What is the best thing that has happened to you recently? The fact that we are having a new kitchen! We’ve just started looking at designs.

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puzzle page unable to hear (4) Previously (8) A lawn game (7) Tease (5) Produced (12) Period of time (3) Stop (5) Feminine pronoun (3) In spite of (12) Shoreline (5) Placing (7) Daily (8) Requests (4)

down

1 2 4 5 6 7 8 12 13 15 19 20 22

Twelfth month (8) Embellish (5) Not in (3) Dimensions (12) Entrants in a race (7) A toy (2-2) Adequately (12) Map or diagram (5) Communications (8) Mean (7) Departs (5) Land measurement (4) Small vegetable (3)

quICk CRoSSWoRD

SUDOKU 34

Solutions on page 116

Across

1 3 9 10 11 14 16 17 18 21 22 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 116.

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wordsearch

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in your home You don’t always need to leave home to have some summer fun with the children. If you invest in some great garden toys these can keep them busy for hours, and ensure they get some fresh air and exercise

Outdoor Summer Fun

Traditional toys such as swings and slides are always popular. There are many different sizes and styles available, so do make sure that you pick carefully to match the age of the children that will be playing on them, and to ensure they are robust enough.

Trampolines have really increased in popularity in the last five years or so. Take care to consider where you will place one in your garden. Do you really have a big enough, flat surface available? How will you feel if you find yourself left with an outdoor space that is almost completely taken up by the trampoline? All but the small junior ones come with safety enclosures. Do read the assembly and usage instructions carefully. Frequently these will say there should be only one person at a time on the trampoline and this can be tricky to enforce. Give them a sense of the beach with a sandpit. Designs vary from simple circular pits, to shaped items, right i through to i luxury wooden models, with v seats and v built-in sun- v shade. It can be useful to v have one with a lid to protect the sand from wet weather. Stores recommend that you buy special play-sand to ensure it is clean, safe, non-toxic, and ideal for making sandcastles with. Or

perhaps you v might prefer a play table that incorporates a sand area and water play? If you, or another family member, are handy you may be able to make a sandpit – look around at any unused items you have and see if you can give them a second lease of life. An old washing up bowl filled with sand or water and some empty plastic containers can give hours of fun to a toddler - a tots paddling pool that is now outgrown could make a wonderful sandpit for an older child. An empty sand pit or paddling pool can also double up as a ball pool.

Lots of fun can be had in a paddling pool. These range from very cheap, simple single ring designs, to those with multiple rings, rigid sides, and those incorporating slides and other activities. Ease of inflation is an important consideration when you have yy excited children waiting to play. Other toys that can help kids have fun with water in yy the garden include sprinklers, and of course water v v pistols. While the latest super-soaker may look wonderful, plenty of fun can be had by improvising with a used washing up bottle, well washed out and then

filled with water. Why not stage your own World Cup or Wimbledon, by investing in football goals or tennis equipment? Badminton is another good choice with sets including net, rackets and shuttle-cock being readily available and the advantage that shuttlecocks seem a little less inclined to sail over next doors fence. If you only have a small garden or limited budget, do not despair, there are still many choices. How about a croquet or skittle set, skipping rope, slingshot, hoola hoop, some blowing bubbles or a small play tunnel? If you’ve not room for ball games requiring lots of space try something like Swingball. A carefully placed basketball hoop can give hours of fun while taking up very little space. Alternatively you could let the little ones do some garden role play by buying some play ‘mini garden tools’ – give them their own little patch of earth and buy some seeds and they could grow their own sunflower or vegetables, or even just make mud pies! Whatever you buy, always check age guidelines and look for quality marks.

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your wellbeing

Becoming a

PARENT BECoMING a parent can happen unexpectedly, after planning and preparing or for some becoming a parent occurs after years of disappointment and heartache. Becoming a parent is often described as fulfilling and rewarding, however, these expectations can be short lived as the reality of bringing up a child in today’s society can be financially, physically and emotionally stressful. More women are returning back to work through choice or necessity meaning that women who choose to stay at home can feel more isolated and lack support. Many new parents live away from their support systems and turn to parenting books that have a prescribed method of how to bring up a child. Information is easily available on the internet

which can cause more confusion and parents can begin to doubt their ability to follow their own instincts. Many couples have not discussed their own beliefs about child rearing so that disagreements can start creating arguments and even small children can learn who is the ‘easy’ parent. Children are also kept ‘busy’, they take part in music, sport and social groups which often take place after school, placing additional pressure on parents to taxi their children around. Children are losing the ability to find ways of occupying themselves. Coping with boredom is a life skill – if we are always being told how to think, what to take part in and the importance of keeping busy then being bored becomes ‘alien’ to us and children may not have time to reflect, think and occupy themselves. Becoming a parent can be a rewarding time, however a stressfree parent is a happy parent and a happy parent makes happy children. Therefore ensure that you have time together doing very little, make time for yourself as an individual as well as a couple, help children to occupy their time on their own and most of all enjoy being a parent as believe it or not there comes a time when they DO leave home. Futureminds can offer couple and family therapy as well as behaviour management programmes. For more information please visit our website.

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young ashby

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www.ashbychurch.co.uk

Discovery, fun and friendship…

hink back to those care-free halcyon days of childhood summers – for me it is memories of bike rides on a sunny day, through shaded winding country lanes to the Roman Lakes in Marple, near Stockport. The fact that the lakes had no connection to the Romans and were far too small to really be classed as a lake did nothing to dampen our considerable enthusiasm. There were woods to explore, old mill ruins to investigate, running to be done and anglers to annoy..! In fact, from the second you awoke on the first morning of the school holidays, you were bubbling over with excitement and a sense of possibility. The whole summer stretched out seemingly endlessly in front of you; it was going to be a time of such discovery, fun and friendship. For parents, the summer can also stretch out

Editorial by Ashby Christadelphian Church, Union Passage, Ashby

www.ashbychurch.co.uk

endlessly before you too - but for entirely different reasons. YOU are the organiser of the days of discovery, fun and friendship, the 6 weeks, or 42 days, or 1008 hours, or 60480 minutes... It’s no mean feat. Well, maybe we can help by doing some of the planning for you. This summer, as in previous years, we are running a Holiday Club for 5 to 10 year olds. Holiday Club is an action packed few days crammed full of fun activities around a Bible theme. This year’s sessions will be based around the theme of the Parables of Jesus. The sessions will run at the Christadelphian Church on South Street on Monday 18th August to Wednesday 20th August, 9.30am to12 noon. It is run by experienced, CRB checked, leaders and booking is really simple – just go online to the website below where you will also find further details. Let’s create another summer of discovery, friendship and fun. Useful passage to look up: Mark ch 10 v 13-15.

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book reviews

Tick, Tock... Time They say that time flies when you’re having fun, but anyone under the age of 18 who has a seemingly endless summer holiday stretching ahead of them is going to be praying that isn’t the case. Whether you’re spending the summer behind a desk or in a deckchair, these timely titles will certainly make the minutes and hours pass you by, almost in an instant.

The Time Traveler’s Wife...

Audrey Niffenegger

Art student Claire first met librarian Henry when she was six and he was thirty-one, and then again when she was twenty-three and he was thirty-one. Henry has Chrono-Displacement Disorder and so lives out his bizarre life leaping between time and space, his ‘clock’ continually resetting, meaning Claire has no idea where or more specifically, when, the love of her life will reappear again. Though constantly torn apart and then thrown back together again, they try and hold onto some semblance of a normal life; raising their child and holding onto the fact that they found each other at all. It’s a fantastic and heart-wrenching book that will leave you hoping that somehow and somewhere you will be able to catch up with Claire and Henry once again.

A TALE FOR THE TIME BEING... Ruth ozeki

A teenage girl in Tokyo plans to take her own life. Nao is suffering at the hands of bullies, but before she ends it she needs to finish writing the story of her great grandmother, an ancient Buddhist nun. When a Hello Kitty lunchbox washes up on a beach in British Columbia, novelist Ruth finds Nao’s diary, and a new obsession. She believes it to be debris left over from the Japanese tsunami of 2011 and is determined to find out how both Nao and her great grandmother’s stories end. This is a remarkable story linking three women across time and continents.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time ... Mark Haddon Chris doesn’t make for the most likely of detectives in this ‘whodunit’. He’s fifteen years old and he has Asperger’s Syndrome. He likes facts and order, routine and mathematics. He finds social interaction and other human beings an absolute minefield to negotiate. When Chris finds his neighbour’s dog has been murdered he must rise to the challenges that life has thrown to him and take himself out of his comfort zone. The story has been published in a version for adults and another for children and isn’t, says Haddon, a book about Asperger’s. It’s a story about what it’s like to be on the outside looking in; how different and isolated we can all feel and how varied the human mind is in interpreting what’s going on around us.

The Time Machine

... H.G. Wells

Long before Doctor Who started fighting Daleks and regenerating, H.G. Wells gave the world his view of the future, through the eyes of a Victorian scientist. The Time Traveller (we never learn his real name) invents a time machine that sends him to the year 802,701AD and discovers a peaceful people called the Eloi. But these descendants of man live lives of unspoken terror. When he scratches beneath the surface of this apparent utopia, our time traveller discovers another race: Morlocks. These terrifying tunnel-dwellers are not to be messed with and the time traveller must escape post-haste… if only he can relocate his missing time machine.

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all about you You’ve booked your holiday. You’re dreaming you’re already there, sunbathing, sightseeing and relaxing. But health issues could turn it into a nightmare. Alison Runham explains...

A Healthy Holiday Holidaying in the uk If you’re holidaying in the UK, everything is familiar, but still arrange travel insurance in case an accident or illness means your holiday is cancelled. If you’re going off the beaten track or hill climbing, check the weather forecast, wear appropriate footwear and take your mobile (fully charged), warm waterproof clothing, a first aid kit and a map. Ensure everyone knows the route and remember you’ll be slower over rough terrain. Many fatalities are caused by ignoring these precautions. Check your chosen beach is safe for swimming, with no concealed rocks or dangerous sea creatures (there’s a useful guide to them here: http://bit.ly/1m9uFYJ). Holidaying Abroad Several weeks beforehand, read guidebooks, travel company information and specific precautions for your destination at http:// www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk. Ensure you’re aware of: Air travel health and safety Newborn babies, women over 36 weeks pregnant (32 weeks in multiple pregnancy), or people who have recently had a stroke, heart attack, surgery or trauma shouldn’t fly, nor should those with a communicable disease or certain conditions affecting the ears, chest, head or cardiovascular system. See your doctor and check insurance t&cs. The air inside aeroplanes is very dry, so stay hydrated and avoid alcohol, (altitude increases its effects). Ask your doctor’s advice if you’re concerned about DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) or you’ve given birth in the last two months. Reduce the risk of DVT by walking, stretching, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and keeping well hydrated. Compression stockings can help if worn correctly. Local laws and customs Beware different traffic signals and different laws particularly about standards of dress. Food and water safety Practice good hygiene and pack sanitizer gel or wipes. If you’re unsure of water safety, boil it or treat it with purification tablets, or use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Avoid ice cubes. Choose well-cooked, freshly prepared food and avoid salads, shellfish, unpeeled fruit and ice-cream.

Health precautions If there’s a malaria risk don’t take it lightly. Use repellents on exposed skin and repellents and/or insecticides around your room and on mosquito screens and clothing (mosquitoes may bite through it). Wear long trousers and long-sleeved tops, particularly after dark. Anti-malarial tablets must be started before you go and continued after you return. Take a supply of diarrhoea medication so it’s close by if needed. Vaccinations Again, requirements depend on destination – check specific guidelines at http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk at least 8 weeks before travel as some vaccinations are in several doses. Carry proof of vaccinations; some countries require an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). Hepatitis A, cholera, typhoid and DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and polio) should be free, but you’ll pay for yellow fever, encephalitis, meningitis, rabies, tuberculosis and hepatitis B. Check rules about prescribed medication. Take a copy of your prescription and a doctor’s letter including personal details, travel dates and medication details. Healthcare entitlements If you’re travelling to Switzerland or a country in the European Economic Area (EEA), apply for an EHIC (European Health Insurance) card entitling you to healthcare equivalent to that provided for residents. Outside the EEA, medical care must be covered by your insurance. Sun Protection Wear a hat and sunglasses, avoid midday sun, stay hydrated and apply high factor sun lotion regularly.

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a walk in the forest

Willesley, Saltersford and Moira

Summer is here so time for a really long walk. Allow around two and a half to three hours for this one. I've started at the car park by Willesley Woods but as the walk is circular you could opt to start at either Moira Furnace or Hicks Lodge if you preferred. Most of the paths are easy to follow but the route of the permissive path from Moira through to Hicks Lodge can be tricky in places. Look out for closing times wherever you park and allow plenty of time to enjoy the walk. Refreshments are available at Moira Furnace or Hicks Lodge.

Leave Ashby via Tamworth Road and take the right turning along Willesley Road. Continue past the crossroads and turn left at the sign (partly hidden by bushes) to the Oakthorpe Colliery picnic area. Follow the lane down to the parking area at the end.

Leaving the car park turn right and follow the tarmac path which leads down to an open grass area. The path forks here - keep to the right to pass the markers for the old mine shafts on your left and, ignoring a footpath leading off to the right, go through the narrow gateway ahead of you marked with a yellow footpath arrow (1) and follow the path as it leads up between two fields before ending at a T junction with Pastures Farm straight ahead of you. Turn right here and follow the farm track up to emerge on the roadside with a zebra crossing just to your left. Go over the crossing and then turn immediately right to cross over New Street, following the pavement until it ends and then continuing along the wide grass verge for about 100 yards until you see a public footpath sign on your left. Following this sign go over the stile, (2) cross the meadow and, after crossing a further stile, the path takes you down a narrow passage between gardens before emerging onto the start of Canal Street. Turn right and follow Canal Street as it goes downhill (3) before the roadway turns into a track with railings visible ahead. Ignoring a path off to the right, keep straight on and follow the slightly wonky footpath sign to go through a gap by the railings and past some young woodland on your left. You are now reaching the far side of the lakes of Saltersford Valley and the path is quite narrow in places here, passing by lakes on either side before crossing over a long plank bridge and into a field. Follow the footpath signs up the side of the field to reach a metal barrier with a stile over it. Crossing the stile the path now passes by the back of houses on your right and you'll also see an old brick chimney on your left. After a short way you will bear left and then come to a junction with a larger path - this is the Ashby Woulds Trail.

Turn right along the trail and follow it uphill to the car park beside Donisthorpe Church. Following the Ashby Woulds Trail sign bear right in the car park (4) and then cross the road by the traffic calming bump. Immediately in front of you is the entrance to Donisthorpe Country Park. continued on page 70

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a walk in the forest continued Go through either of the entrance gaps in the red brick wall to enter the park and continue along the wide path ahead of you until you come to the first path off to the right (there is a small post with 2 green arrows on it at this junction) (5).

Turn right onto this path and follow it downhill, across a wide bridge over a ditch, up behind the back of Donisthorpe Miners Welfare and then bear round to the left to meet the Ashby Canal. You should now be walking along with the canal on your right hand side. Continue alongside the canal for quite some distance, passing by a footbridge on your right, before finally reaching Moira Furnace (6).

After passing the building of Moira furnace turn right to cross the swing bridge over the canal. At the end of the bridge turn left - the hard path soon ends, making it look like a dead end, but just continue ahead over the grass and into the car park ahead - you are actually on the Ivanhoe Way - keep an eye out and you will see the signs. As you come out of the car park turn right and then walk along the pavement just until you reach the end of the building on your right, then cross over the road. On the far side of the road look for a footpath in the hedgerow in front of you - the green footpath post is in place but the arrow is missing from it, though a wooden post at the footpath entrance bears an Ivanhoe Way sign.

Follow this narrow path between the trees - it can be quite boggy in places but paving slabs have been placed along the wettest places making it easier for walkers. Where the path appears to fork, keep to the left and you will soon pass through a metal swing gate, over a field and through another gate to emerge on the end of a lane with Logicool in front of you. Turn right here and you will see a red sign indicating a permissive path that leads down a narrow gap between two fields. Take this path, going over the stile and down between the trees to come out in an area of scrub land which is actually at the very bottom of the Hicks Lodge site. The permissive path continues over this area and is marked on short wooden posts (7) - keep slightly to the right in the open area to pick up the first post. After winding between trees and bushes the path emerges into the open once more and appears to split off to the left and right. Turn left here and follow the narrow track as it goes uphill, look out for the roof of Hicks Lodge cycle centre visible in the distance ahead of you. This track seems to disappear and then reappear as you are on it, just keep going and you will soon come to the wide circular path around this side of the Hicks Lodge site. Turn left when you reach this path and follow it uphill to reach the building housing the cycle centre and cafe.

Passing by the building and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play area keep right to stay on the main, circular, path. The path will now lead you uphill with a large wind turbine visible ahead of you. After passing over the brow of the hill the path bears to the right as it drops downhill and you will see a path leading off to the left. Turn left onto this path and keep straight along it to leave the Hicks Lodge site. As you emerge onto the road cross straight over and walk down the Oakthorpe Colliery car park access road to return to your starting point. 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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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.

ouR REGuLAR EVENTS: ‘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 11 to noon, come along to ‘Bumps & Babies’, a meeting place for new and expectant mums: free advice and information sessions run by the National Childbirth Trust. The friendly ‘knit and Stitch’ group meets every Monday 2pm to 4pm. Bring your project and come for a chat. ‘Tiny Talk’ baby signing classes take place every Thursday 9.30am to 10.30am and another session 11am to noon. They are £5 per session. Pre-booking essential. The unusual and popular ‘ukulele Playing Group’ meets every Wednesday 10am to 11.30am. £5 per session.

Come and practice Hatha Yoga every Tuesday, 7pm to 9pm. Contact British Wheel of Yoga qualified instructor Lorna Kirk for more details on 01530 416135. To aid flexibility and ease joints, try Therapeutic Yoga every Wednesday 7pm to 9pm, and the first Friday of every month 7pm to 9pm. Contact qualified instructor Liz Underwood for more details on 07812 007202 or email liz@puremovementyoga.co.uk. Join us on the second Friday of every month 7pm to 9pm for a Neals Yard Remedies information and product session. Contact Isabel Houghton for details 07790 59227 or email Isabel.houghton@yahoo.com. Families welcome to Creative Station every Monday 10.45am to 11.25am. Contact Laura Waterfall to book: 07921 713 432. ALSo, JuST FoR JuLY AND AuGuST: Book Sale 26th July – 16th August A sale of ex-library stock. Come to the library and bag a bargain book!

For more information or to book please contact Ashby Library on 0116 3055917 spaces are limited.

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community board NWLDC Exercise & Sporting Activities

Strawberry Fields Festival

kids Run Free - This charity provides running races for children aged 0 to 16 years at Hermitage Leisure centre, Whitwick on the first Saturday of every month and at Coalville Park, London Road, Coalville on the third Saturday of every month. For more details of times and how to register. www.kidsrunfree.co.uk Nordic Walking Classes - offered at Moira Furnace on Saturdays at 10.30am or Battram Woods on Thursday at 6.30pm. This activity caters for all and is particularly suitable for those who cannot run or may be unfit. Walking poles will be provided. Booking is essential due to a limited number of poles being available. Please ring 01530 454606 to book. The price is £2.50. Seated Seated Chair Aerobic Classes - designed to be accessible for all and to help with mobility and fitness. No booking is needed. Classes take place at Measham Leisure Centre on Mondays from 1.30pm to 2.30pm. Return 2 Rounders - fun for all and a brilliant family activity. Go along to Newbridge High School, Forest Road, Coalville on Friday evenings from 6pm till 7pm to learn skills and games. Price is £2.

Tickets are on sale now for the Strawberry Fields Festival on 8th to 10th August at Cattows Farm, Heather. For more information please go to www.strawberryfieldsfestival.co.uk.

Tara kadampa Meditation Centre Relaxing meditation and practical advice to help in your daily life at Legion House, South Street, Ashby, LE65 1BQ. Classes from 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Thursdays, 3rd July to 17th July, there will then be a break until early September. 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 Big knit The Big Knit raises funds to help keep local older people warm and healthy over winter. Hats will sit on Innocent Smoothie bottles and for each hat-wearing bottle sold Innocent will donate 25p to the charity. Knitters can get the simple knitting patterns and details online at www.ageuk.org.uk/leics, by calling 0116 223 7344 or from local Age Concern shops. Knitted hats should be sent to Age UK Leicestershire & Rutland (Ref: BDM), Lansdowne House, 113 Princess Road East, Leicester, LE1 7LA by the end of October.

Talking Business Network This new non-profit local business group for small businesses is having a launch meeting at Swadlincote Ski Centre on the 25th of July at 7.30am. The special guest is Heather Wheeler MP. Attendance is by booking only, please contact Trevor Viner on 07794 358 585.

Leicestershire Citizens Advice The North West Leicestershire branch of Leicestershire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has moved to new premises at the Council offices in Coalville. Outreach services will continue to run in Ashby and Castle Donington and people in emergency situations can access help at the CAB branches across the county. Alternative branches can be found on their website, www.leicscab.org.uk.

National Garden Scheme open Gardens On Sunday 10th August, three Ashby gardens are opening as part of the National Garden Scheme. They will be open from 11am to 5pm, with combined admission of £3 adult, accompanied children free. The gardens are at 7 and 27 Avenue Road and 72 Tamworth Road (all within walking distance of each other). Refreshments and plants for sale on the day. See website for more details, www.ngs.org.uk.

The Confidence Club (Ashby) This new and unique initiative combines knowledge and self-belief. Launching at the beginning of September, it is a members-only club, bringing hypnosis for confidence as well as regular workshops on topics that can help increase confidence, including image styling, voice coaching, nutrition advice, and more. Suitable for anyone, including business owners, mums returning to work (or not), those in need of a confidence boost at work, and everyone else who finds it stressful coping with challenges of everyday life. There will be discounted services, with discount levels depending on the type of membership. For more information please email annafinn@leicshypnotherapy.co.uk.

Ashby de la Zouch Town Council Calendar of Meetings The Licensing Committee and Planning and Transportation Committee meetings take place on the 7th July. 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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pets corner

Summertime blues... breeds with compromised breathing like Bull breeds and breeds with very thick coats like Huskies. Always provide access to cool fresh water and, take some in a flask with a collapsible bowl on walks. If you suspect your pet has overheated, wet its coat and play a fan over it to try and reduce the temperature more rapidly. If symptoms persist it is best to seek the advice of your vet. And of course – e all love the summer don’t leave dogs in cars. weather - when it finally Dogs are often tempted to jump into arrives, but how prep- water to play and cool-off but blue ared are you for your pets if it green algae can form on standing gets really hot? Here are some water during periods of warm dry simple precautions to protect weather and swallowing the algae can your pets: be fatal.

Take dogs out for walks in the evening and early morning and don’t let them over-exercise. Particular care may need to be taken with some boisterous

Like us, animals, dogs especially, can suffer from hay fever (Atopic Dermatitis) this doesn’t make them sneeze but causes sore itchy skin. You can reduce the problem by avoiding long uncut

grass and by bathing your dog’s body and feet when you return home from walks. Cats and some dogs like to sun-bathe and those with white ears and noses can suffer from sunburn which can lead to skin cancer so it is advisable to put sun-block on their ears and noses. But don’t use any sun-block, this can be toxic if licked off. Products safe for animals are available from vets. Grass awns in summer can cause painful problems especially in the ears and feet in dogs with long coats. Check your dog’s coat after every walk and again, avoid long grass. Stings can cause a painful, swollen paw but while these may be dramatic they are rarely serious. In rare cases, if the sting is in the mouth, it can cause difficulty breathing and you should seek immediate veterinary care.

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M C Atkinson BVSc MRCVs

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just 4 fun

Solutions on page 116

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 116

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out and about Whether you are looking for a fun family activity, to try a new sport, or hoping to become the next Tiger Woods there is a great new facility available locally.

The GOLF Centre, Coalville online timetable is available via the website giving details of times and prices. There is a junior academy available which requires booking in advance, please call The Golf Centre for times and availability.

THE Golf Centre, Coalville has been fully refurbished during 2014 and now offers a driving range, golf academy, well stocked golf shop, academy golf course and coffee lounge with free WiFi. The 18 bay driving range is floodlight and covered, with quality practice mats and high performance driving range balls. Prices start from £2.50 for a warm up basket of 25 balls and you can benefit from up to 30% discount if you choose to pre-load a membership card – club hire is also available. The golf academy has PGA professional coaches and the newly opened academy course is particularly

suited to allow young players to develop before going on to play on longer courses. There are a range of classes available which you do not need to book for, just turn up. Every week ladies sessions are 7pm to 8pm on a Wednesday evening and Junior sessions are noon to 1pm on a Saturday – an

All of the staff at The Golf Centre, Coalville are passionate about the sport so why not drop by and check out the facilities, they will be happy to answer any queries you have. The Golf Centre, Coalville is located at Chiswell Drive, Coalville, LE67 3JX (behind Snibston Discovery Park), you can find them online at www.thegolfcentre coalville.co.uk.

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storytime

Wedding

By Jackie Brewster

When her niece, Chelsea, finally decided to tie the knot, Wanda had missed out on the last room at the hotel. Cousin Bev offered her a bed for the night, and the loan of a sleeping bag. It was only when they arrived that she realised what she’d let herself in for – a night under canvas. They had the field to themselves and judging by what was left behind, it had only recently been vacated by cows. Pitching the tent had caused all kinds of arguments, making Wanda hot and irritable. The tepid shower in the farmer’s outhouse had been besieged by spiders, and the sausages Bev cooked over a gas stove had ended up covered in grass clippings. She had nowhere to hang up her wedding outfit or plug in her heated rollers. What’s more the midges had developed a taste for her. The cold crept in, after darkness fell. An owl hooted, and a fox cried out. Wanda shivered, unable to sleep. Over the sound of Bev’s contented snoring she thought she heard footsteps coming across the field. Maybe one of the cows had made an escape and was ambling blindly towards them in search of heat? The footsteps grew louder. At any moment a half tonne beast could sit on the thin tent and squash them flat. Something big tripped over a guy rope and Wanda tried not to scream. Don’t let it know you’re in here she told herself. Wanda pulled her sleeping bag up under her chin in

Bells

“I want to get married”, Chelsea frowned, “But I hate being the centre of attention, it terrifies me”.

“My dear girl”, Wanda took her hand, “No one’s going to even notice you, all eyes will be on me”. She laughed, “I’ll be covered in midge bites and grass clippings, wearing a crumpled outfit. Everyone will say “Just look what the cat dragged in!”” terror. The tent zipped open. Wanda let out a shriek that would have woken anyone other than Bev. A bright light shone inside. “Aunty Wanda is that you?” someone whispered loudly. “Who’s there?” Wanda cried, blinded by the light. “It’s me, Chelsea”. Her niece climbed awkwardly inside. “What are you up to?” Wanda snapped, “You frightened me out of my skin”. “Sorry Aunty, I needed to talk”. The girl shivered, “I’m getting cold feet”. “Well I’m cold all over but you don’t hear me complaining”. Wanda grumbled, then realised what Chelsea was saying. None of this surprised her, even as a baby Chelsea couldn’t make up her mind which thumb to suck. It was Wanda’s job to save this wedding. “What’s troubling you honey?” she asked soothingly.

Chelsea grinned, and Wanda seized her moment, “Honestly honey, do you think I’d be sleeping in a tent with Bev here”, Bev snored loudly to make her presence felt, “If I didn’t think you were doing the right thing? You’re going to be a wonderful bride, trust me”. Chelsea seemed reassured, “Thanks Aunty Wanda”. “Now get going, and watch your step, otherwise you’re going to smell like a farmyard on your big day”. Chelsea kissed Wanda on the forehead and slipped out of the tent. Wanda listened as her niece stumbled away across the field, and her eyes became heavy. She woke to the warm sun brightening the tent. She had survived her night under canvas, and in the distance she could hear the peel of church bells. And because she had slept in her wedding outfit she was dressed to go.

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ashby health centre

MoNTHLY uPDATE Nurse Practitioner Appointments Now Available on the Web We now have Nurse Practitioner appointments available to book on the web. At the moment this is being run as a pilot and we have just a few in each surgery. The Nurse Practitioners are more highly qualified than our practice nurses and can diagnose and prescribe for minor illnesses and contraceptive checks. (There is a list on our website of all the things they deal with under the About Us tab, then Practice Team, Practice Nurses, Read about the role of the Nurse Practitioners). If you book one of their slots via the web it really helps if you can put a reason so that if thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a problem with your booking (perhaps you need more time or it is something more appropriate for another clinician) we can try and sort it out before you come. Please note they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do blood tests or blood pressure checks, these are done by other staff and so still need to be booked via reception. Also please note they can only

deal with one medical problem in each slot, if you need more time please ring reception and they will arrange this for you.

Text Appointment Reminders By the time this magazine comes out we should have started our text appointment reminder service. All patients will be asked when they book an appointment if they want a text reminder. If they say yes, they will be asked to confirm their mobile number. A reminder will then be sent straightaway and another 48 hours before the appointment, if applicable. If you wish to opt out of this service for good, please let us know and we will arrange this.

New phone system We now have our new phone system up and running and we hope you find the system better than the old one. Please note that all our calls are now recorded for training and monitoring purposes. We have had some teething problems with it and we are grateful for patients bearing with us during these.

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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

Twycross Zoo gardens and some special ingredients TWYCRoSS Zoo is known for having a wide range of animals such as its famous chimpanzees, meerkats and the adorable baby elephant named Esha. The other notable recent new arrivals include thirty different species of butterfly housed in the new tropical butterfly forest and a herd of Chapmans zebra. For those who thought that zoos were just about animals, it is a very pleasant surprise to find lovely planting and large interestingly landscaped areas. The exquisite Twycross butterflies have a beautiful home created by the zoos horticultural team of four people. Entering the butterfly house, the bright colours of the plants and butterflies is magical. The planting is carefully chosen by Graham Eyre, who heads the horticultural team - he calls the route around the butterfly forest a corridor of colour. Graham has also created a palm oil plantation and selected bright exotic tropical and bedding plants around the site. Visitors can see the life cycle of a butterfly for real, with the plants playing host to the egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly. The space is kept humid by a combination of heating apparatus and an irrigation system. The animal paddocks themselves are cared for by the animal keepers with the remaining areas cared for by the horticultural team. In total there is about eighty acres. The team has landscaped the grounds to cleverly direct you from one area to another and create a pause between different animal zones. One example is the penguin walk, where the penguins will walk from their pool across a path to a feeding area, creating a great viewing opportunity for the public. Established trees, including superb monkey puzzle trees, give great planting structure. Overall the scale of the garden areas is correct so the wide open areas between animal attractions are comfortable and inviting. A favourite planted area is a mass of purple and green plants enclosed by a low box hedge showing a combination of euphorbias and flowering plants and GARDENING JoBS FoR JuLY: 1 2 3 4 5 6

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Keep dead heading bedding plants and repeat perennials Feed lawns with a Summer feed (if you missed in Spring). Water tubs and new plants Pick courgettes Clear ponds of blanket weed Plant Autumn flowering bulbs such as crocuses

creating a serene focal point. It is so well put together that it would not look out of place in front of a stately home or on a magazine cover. Another lovely area is the clever up-cycling of the former seal pool which is now an ornamental pond prettily edged with plants including Fuschia, Azalea, Iris and Cherry trees. New to the zoo this year is ‘The Keeper’s Herb Garden’ which is on the site of the old prairie dog enclosure. This used to be a big clay mound which has now been lowered and built up with compost. Raised beds sectioned by enormous bamboo canes create a practical and interesting space. Graham has designed this area as part of an interactive on-site education project, where children can plant sunflowers which will then produce many hundreds of seeds which will be used in feed for the animals. There is a very special ingredient in the zoo garden which is its own homemade compost. Indeed the dark mulch which feeds the plants and suppresses weeds is a combination of the zoo animal waste and straw which is composted, ground and heated by a machine on site which after a week produces sterile compost. The butterfly forest for example was built on 400 tonnes of this compost. Not only is the composting great recycling, but it is environmentally efficient. Finally, for those of you who love bedding plants, I have to say Twycross Zoo has large and spectacular displays although just imagine the back ache from planting thousands of those at a time - ouch! For more information about the zoo and their photography competition go to http://twycrosszoo.org/ twycross-zoo-2014-photography-competition/ Happy gardening.

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

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Cut back plants in baskets and feed to help revive them Cut back and feed delphiniums and geraniums to encourage second flowering Divide clumps of bearded Iris Treat black spot on roses Prune Philadelphus, Weigelia and deciduous magnolias if necessary

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venture theatre news Attractive and well-designed scenery can really bring a play to life and so this month we are finding out more about it from Angela Solomon...

The Scene Painter ANGELA joined the Venture Theatre when the first brick of the fly tower was laid over 30 years ago. As a retired college Art lecturer, she is well qualified for the role. But of course, designing and painting scenery is quite different to painting pictures. Angela says “Scenery painting gives you a sense of freedom. Due to the scale, small fiddly detail is not required because it is only viewed from a distance. It lends itself to prospective drawing, which is a mathematical approach to drawing.” If maths wasn’t your thing at

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school, don’t let that put you off. Angela assures us that this method can be taught quite easily and that, even if you cannot paint or draw very well, you will be able to work from this method. Often sets need to show a room in a house with a ‘lived in’ look so perfection is not the name of the game. Of course, the pleasure and satisfaction you get from scenery painting comes from seeing it in the play itself. “The whole scene

will come to life as soon as the stage is lit and you will be amazed at what you have achieved. I’ve been doing this for 30 years and it still gives me a buzz.” Angela told us. If you would like to have a go, come down to the Venture Theatre on a Monday night after 8.30pm. Preparation for scenery painting requires very little skill so anyone can help and Angela is looking to build a team that can work together. “All you need are some old clothes and an enthusiasm to learn,” she says.

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what’s on... July 1st July

NW Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust – ‘Calke Abbey Gardens’. Go and see how the results of the repair and re-development programme have worked out in practice. Meet in the main car park at 1.30pm. There is a charge for entry to park and gardens for non-National Trust members. For more details call David Maltby on 01530 222 934 or Jim Footitt on 01530 262 389.

2nd July

8th July

Ashby Film Nights – ‘American Hustle’ (15). This is an intriguing black comedy, based on a real life scam. At the Lyric Rooms, Ashby, film starts at 7.30pm, doors and bar open at 7pm. Tickets £5, available on the door. For more information see ashbyfilm nights.wordpress.com.

Ashby Castle WI – Strawberry and Cream Tea at the Congregational Church Hall, between 2pm and 4pm. For more information contact Janet on 01455 290 729 or e-mail ashbycastlewi@gmail.com.

3rd July Ashby Castle WI – ‘In a Jam’ with speaker Karen Welch. The talk is accompanied by a practical demonstration and tasting session. Meet at the Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street at 2pm. Visitors pay a small fee and are most welcome. Refreshments available. For more information ring Lesley on 01530 455 957.

4th July Palace Line Dance – with Honky Tonk Cliff at The Palace, Ibstock. A great social night out with no partner required. Dancing from 7.45pm. Doors and bar open at 7pm. Advance tickets £4.50 or £5.50 on the door. Contact The Palace on 01530 262 400 or Halls on 01530 260 460.

5th July Ashby Concert Band – present ‘An Evening of Viennese Music and Favourite Classical Waltzes’ at The Palace, Ibstock. Concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets £8, you can get advance tickets from The Palace on 01530 262 400 or Halls on 01530 260 460. Tickets can be purchased on the door, subject to availability.

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Please check with ticket outlets to avoid disappointment, advanced booking highly recommended.

Ashby Royal British Legion - 7pm at Legion House, South Street, Ashby. Visitors welcome, for more information call 01283 220 534 or email ashby.royalbritishlegion@gmail. com. Please note, there is no meeting in August. Blackfordby WI – ‘Slow Boat to China’ with speaker Audrey Hall. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at Blackfordby Village Hall, 7pm. For more information contact Gill Massey on 01238 212 380.

Ashby Writers’ Club – Manuscript evening: members’ own work. The club meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, unless specified, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Congregational Church, Kilwardby St, Ashby. Visitors are welcome at a nominal fee of £4 per speaker meeting, £3 per comp/manuscript meeting (includes coffee or tea). NWLDC Well families Clinic – Ashby Baptist Church, Brook Street. No appointment required. Get free health checks and advice. A free pedometer for everyone who goes along. More information from Julie Summerton on 01530 454 541 or email: Julie. summerton@nwleicestershire.gov.uk. National Trust Group – Self-drive visit to Woodleighton Grove Gardens near Uttoxeter. Two gardens to inspire you with ideas for your own. Light refreshments included. For further details please ring 01530 563 003.

9th July Ashby Wine Circle – Members BBQ. Meeting at 7pm at Brown Court, Atkinson Road, Westfields, Ashby De La Zouch LE65 2LZ.

10th July Friends of the Burton Wurlitzer – concert of theatre organ music at

Burton town hall. Starts at 2pm, doors open 1.30pm. This concert is free to everybody who lives in a residential home, or in warden aided accommodation and their carers’. Free car parking permits may also be available. The rest of the public are welcome but we do ask for a donation (recommended figure £4). For more details visit www.friends-of-the-burtonwurlitzer.org.uk.

11th July Century Theatre at Snibston – ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ (15). The adventures of Gustave H, concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and the young lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. Stars Ralph Fiennes, and Jude Law. Starts at 7.30pm. Tickets £3.50, pay on the door. Call 01530 278 444 for more information.

13th July The 100th Ashby Show – Cattows Farm, Heather, approximately 4 miles from Ashby de la Zouch. A great day out for all the family. See page 15 for more details.

15th July Ashby Civic Society - Guided Walk of Ravenstone. Meeting at 12.30pm for lunch at Donnington-le-Heath Manor Barn Restaurant, cost of £7, followed by the walk led by Lyn Jordon. Contact John on 01530 412 355 to book. Visitors welcome.

16th July Ashby Spa WI – ‘Wish You Were Here’, the history wardrobe. Manor House School, South Street at 7.30pm. You don’t have to be a member to go along to the meeting, there is a small charge of £3 for visitors. For more details please email ashby.spa@googlemail. com.

19th July Ashby Farmers Market – 9am to 2pm at Manor House South Street. Bringing you the finest foods from the region and specialist stalls. Free parking.

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what’s on... July into August continued 19th July Hicks Lodge Butterfly walks – with experts from Butterfly Conservation. Walks are open to anyone to attend. Please check weather conditions and go suitably prepared. Walking conditions are generally easy and suitable for all the family. Meet at 10am at the café, bookings not necessary. Full day field trips with a scheduled lunchtime break. For more information call 01530 274 533 or visit www.forestry. gov.uk/hickslodge.

22nd July Ashby Writers’ Club – with speaker Andrew Cope, (Puffin children’s author). Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, unless specified, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Congregational Church, Kilwardby St, Ashby LE65 2FQ. Visitors are welcome at a nominal fee of £4 per speaker meeting, £3 per comp/manuscript meeting (includes coffee or tea).

25th July National Trust Group – coach trip to Nostell Priory (NT) and Wakefield. Morning coffee/tea included at the cathedral. For further details please ring 01530 563 003. Talking Business Network – Launch meeting for this new non-profit local business group for small businesses. Swadlincote Ski Centre at 7.30am, special guest is Heather Wheeler MP. Attendance is by reservation only, please contact Trevor Viner on 07794 358 585 to book. Century Theatre at Snibston – ‘The Book Thief’ (12A). While subjected to the horrors of WW2 Germany, young Leisel finds solace by stealing books to share with the Jewish refugee who is being sheltered by her parents. Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £3.50 on the door. Call 01530 278 444 for details.

27th July Jim’s Tractor Run and family fun day. Bath Grounds, Ashby from 11am to 4pm. See page 24 for more details.

27th July to 3rd August Heather Scarecrow Festival – is a community event organised by a small

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group of volunteers. Guides and map cost only £2 and will be available from Heather football club, corner shop and both pubs. Refreshments available or bring a picnic. Free parking at Heather St. John's Football Club, Ravenstone Rd, Heather, LE67 2QJ.

29th July Ashby u3A - Pat Ford talks on ‘My life as a lookalike queen’. At the Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby, 2pm. All welcome, visitors £1. Bring friends and neighbours, meet U3A members and find out more.

5th August Blackfordby WI – ‘A Strawberry Fayre’. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at Blackfordby Village Hall, 7pm. For more info contact Gill Massey 01238 212 380.

6th August Ashby Pithiviers Twinning Association – Croquet taster evening at Moira Miners Welfare Sports Ground, Bath Lane, Moira. Meet at 6pm to start at 6.30pm. There will then be a supper of goujons of fish, chips and peas served at the nearby Halfway House, Donisthorpe. The total cost is £12 each or £5.50 for the croquet alone and £6.50 for the meal alone. Bookings must be made no later than 30th July. For more information email ptva@hotmail. co.uk or see www.ashbydelazouch twinning.co.uk. Bradgate Flower Club – speaker Richard Adams, well known photographer from Oakham with 'A Camera in the Garden'. This presentation offers a change from our regular demonstrations and will appeal to gardeners and camera enthusiasts as well as flower arrangers and lovers of the East Midland's landscapes. The meeting starts at 7.30pm in Newtown Linford Village Hall (LE6 0AE). Visitors are welcome, a charge of £5 is made. Details from Lilian Coleman on 0116 236 3191.

8th to 10th August Strawberry Fields Festival – at Cattows Farm, Heather. For more information see www.strawberryfields festival.co.uk.

10th August NGS open Gardens – Three Ashby gardens are opening from 11am to 5pm as part of the National Garden Scheme. Combined admission is £3 adult, accompanied children free. Gardens are at 7 and 27 Avenue Road and 72 Tamworth Road (all within walking distance of each other). Refreshments and plants will be for sale on the day. See www.ngs.org.uk for more details.

12th August Ashby Writers’ Club – Comp: verse: ‘Those were the days’ (up to 30 lines). Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, unless specified, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby, LE65 2FQ. Visitors are welcome at a nominal fee of £4 per speaker meeting, £3 per comp/manuscript meeting (includes coffee or tea).

13th August Ashby Wine Circle – Members social evening with fish and chip supper. Meeting 7.30pm at Brown Court, Atkinson Road, Westfields, Ashby De La Zouch. LE65 2LZ.

16th August Ashby Farmers Market – 9am to 2pm at Manor House, South Street. Bringing you the finest foods from the region and specialist stalls. Free parking.

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 September 2014 issue is Friday 8th August. 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

LINE uP - Lodger - German - Mantis - Tissue - Suedes

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business directory Accountants & Payroll Ashby Payroll Bureau 23 Baldwins 32 Haines Watts 9 & 119 JAWS Accountancy Services Ltd 16 28 RDG Accounting Aerials & Satellite 53 AB Aerials & Satellites Architects A G Dezign 56 Arts, Crafts, Gifts, Jewellery, Toys Greenwood Days 55 Indivijilly Wrapped 55 Souk de la Zouch 49 Watch & Clock Repairs 79 Builders Keith Armston Building Contractors 82 Business Services 25 Ashby Ladies Business Group Lion Court Conference Centre 5 SMB Virtual PA Services 87 Carpenters & Joiners Ashby Oak 41 Derek Verey 20 Garden Studio Creations 28 S S Joinery 43 The Ten Mile Timber 49 Carpets & Interiors Agadon 3 Ashby Carpets 75 Ashby Stoves 65 Boundary Carpets and Floorings 10 Coalville Furniture Superstore 77 Fairweathers Carpets 29 Florrie May Interiors 60 & 61 Roger James Furnishers 98 The Bed Shop 52 Toons 31 Wendy's Courtyard Interiors 95 Childcare/Nursery Smisby Day Nursery 102 Cleaning, Ironing, Laundry Services Breedon Carpet Care 117 Deanclean 63 Energise Cleaning & Gardening 81 Extreme Clean 56 Karen’s Ovengleam 55 Safeclean 45 Spotless Cleaning 22 The Bee’s Knees 74 Toni's Ironing Angels 66 Clothing Alivie Children’s Wear 85 Just for You 35 The Shoe Box 102 Country Stores/ General Stores Ivanhoe Countrystore 69 Domestic Appliances Contracool 86 Contract & Domestic Services 95 Ray Pittam Engineers 67 Driving Schools Bardon School of Motoring 74 Jo Driving 35 RDT School of Motoring 55 Electricians A & J Bartlett Ltd 111 Bright Sparks 6 D & B Electrical 33 Estate Agents Fish 2 Let 91 John German 40

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Events/Event Services Ashby Show 15 57 Funhouse Comedy Club Honeysuckle & Castle 47 Jim’s Tractor Run & Family Fun Day 24 11 Lockdales Valuation Days Well Families Clinic 36 Financial Services Bleathwood 27 Ian Goodship, IFA 71 Florists Indigo Acres 83 Food & Groceries Ashby Farmers Market 8 90 Cattows Farm Shop Conibears Kitchen 71 67 Scaddows Farm Shop 44 Smithards Bakery Funeral Directors 86 A E Grice Funeral Directors Furniture Repairs & Restoration Ancient & Modern 111 Garden Artisan of Ashby Ltd 67 Bonington Tree Services 12 Broadleaf Landscapes 86 Charnwood Tree Services 20 Eden Tree Care 17 F G Gardens 114 Francesca Sinclair & Associates 114 GDR Landscapes 90 Green Thumb (Ashby) 101 Lush Landscape and Garden Design 81 Roughly Refined Garden Service 95 Stone Drives & Landscapes 88 The Water Gardener 66 Graphic Design & Print I4 Design and Print 41 Hair & Beauty Isabel’s Holistic Therapies 53 Healthcare Ashby Chiropody/Podiatry Clinic 93 Ashby Dental 82 Ashby Osteopathic Clinic 12 Candor Care Ltd 94 Caring Hands 74 Dr Jin 36 Future Minds 46 Juliet Brooke Chiropody 56 Leicestershire County Council 25 Leicestershire Hypnotherapy Practice 79 Prestige Nursing 107 ProPhysio Ashby 78 Swadlincote Chiropractic Clinic 73 Traditional Acupuncture 96 Vision Express 39 IT Services Ashby Web Design 23 The PC Clinic 79 kitchens & Bathrooms Ashby Tile & Bathrooms 2 Holmetree Kitchens 41 Provencale Kitchens 93 Tiles 4 Less 48 Victory Kitchens 80 Locksmiths Hazlewood Locksmiths 116 The Lockie 35 Motor Services A D Car Cosmetics 104 Castle Garage (Ashby) Ltd 21 Chips Away 115 Mobile Automotive 71

Music, Dance & Drama Ashby School of Music 16 & 25 25 Concordia Joseph Southgate 93 Painters & Decorators 6 Ace Decorating Holywell Painting & Decorating 82 107 John Clark Pet Services Ash Farm Boarding Kennels 45 Woodward Veterinary Practice 85 Places of Worship 98 Ashby Baptist Church Ashby Christadelphian Church 54 Plasterers A C Ellison Plastering and Tiling 71 16 R H Plastering 90 Matt Charles Plastering Services TCL Plastering & Property Maint. 41 Plumbers & Gas Services Adrian Dunstan Plumbing & Heating 107 Batemans Plumbing & Heating 103 CCA Gas Plumbing 8 D B Plumbing 79 Ignite Gas Services 20 James Pepper Property Solutions 45 R & H Plastering 16 S D Hill (Plumbers) 7 Therm Heating 102 Property Repairs & Maintenance Ashby Glass 19 Ashbyhandyman.co.uk 12 Can’t Get One 53 Chimney Sweep & Handy Andy 8 Cloudy 2 Clear 97 D H Phillips (Flat Roofing) 107 Handyman Maintenance 37 James Beckett 36 James Pepper Property Solutions 16 Michael Brooks Home Improvements 117 Roof Tech 112 RSJ Roofing 30 TS Roofing 63 Window Mate 49 Pubs, Restaurants & Take Aways La Spezia Pizzeria 63 La Zouch Restaurant 28 The Blue Bell 85 The Courtyard Café 113 The Vine 105 Wong Kwei 99 Zamani's 59 Recruitment A & A Recruitment 111 Schools and Tuition Kip Mcgrath 13 Manor House School 38 Woodcote Primary School 81 Solicitors & Will Writers Crane & Walton 114 Simpson Jones Solicitors 82 Sports & Fitness Breedon Priory Health Club Ltd 120 Fitness Republic 33 Fitsteps 51 Hood Park Leisure Centre 109 The Golf Centre (Coalville) 89 Tony Hough Personal Training 62 Travel & Holidays Macphersons Coaches 72 Villair Travel 106

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