sp tlightOn ISSUE 55 August 2014
Mansfield South
ch month in and Businesses ea orth es om H 00 ,0 18 Mansfield N Delivered to ansfield South, & M d, or gf id Br t es W Inside this issue: • Native But Nice • Going Batty • Mansfield’s Parks • Off To Uni? • No Cook Cheesecake • Business Focus • Puzzles • Recipe • Stags Roundup
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Contents
Native But Nice 6 Going Batty 8 Mansfield’s Parks 10 In The Summertime 12 Choosing A Fridge 14 Flower Remedies 16 No Cook Cheesecake 18 Puzzle Pages 20 Off To Uni? 22 Voting Changes 24 A Good Read 26 Varicose Veins 28 Index 30 Published by Spotlight Local Media Ltd Company No. 6841257 Tel: 01623 706570 Suite 104, 1 Hanley Street Nottingham NG1 5BL Graphic Design and Layout: Spotlight Local Media Distributed by Blueberry Marketing Trusted Delivery Partner of the Spotlight Magazine
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It’s Summer! It’s hot... and I don’t want to hear any complaints! Please enjoy it while it lasts. We have a beach in the middle of the city, what more could we ask for? Please remember, if you are involved in local life, in any way, do let us have your news. This magazine is enjoyed by thousands of readers, and is the perfect way to get your message across. And of course thank you for supporting our advertisers, who are all well aware of the popularity of this publication, and who hopefully will help us to bring it to your doorstep for many years to come! Spotlight magazine is delivered to 6,000 homes and businesses in the Mansfield South area each month, with similar magazines going to North Mansfield and West Bridgford. To Advertise or contribute: T: 01623 706570 E: info@spotlightlocal.co.uk Web:www.spotlightlocal.co.uk
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Native But Nice!
ith a huge array of colourful plants available from garden centres, expertly sourced from around the globe, we are continuously spoiled when it comes to choosing new plants for our garden. Fabulous flowers and tropical foliage can bring an incredibly lush feel to a garden, but don’t overlook the natural beauty of our native plants just because they’re right outside your door.
The most obvious British wonders are the beautiful old Oak trees, flowering cherries and mixed hedgerows, even the invasive cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) looks great en-masse in spring, but when it comes to plants deemed ‘garden worthy’, consider the traditional (and modern) use of tightly clipped Yew, Holly and Box which has been favoured for generations. Beech (Fagus) is another popular hedging variety, often selected for its beautiful autumn and winter colour and again, it’s one of our natives! Many of the plants native to the UK flower in spring, such as the sweetly but delicately scented primroses. Then there are the triking red poppies which adorn the fields mid-way through the year. Wild, hardy Geraniums grow in the most unlikely places and are very happy naturalised in grasses, proudly showing off their ‘Chelsea purple’ flowers.
foxgloves whose tall slender stems carry beautiful purple and white spires of flowers which will seed prolifically and brighten a dull corner. Take care if you have small children though as foxgloves are poisonous if ingested. The Asian moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) are popular houseplants, but our wild orchid is a plant to treasure. Often found in woodland settings, the purple flowers lurk around on the cool and shady forest floor. For a similar native, more easily available to buy and worth planting this month, look for Colchicums or naked ladies … so called as they produce their flowers well before the leaves appear. The bulbs are quite expensive individually, but quickly bulk up if happy, and will very soon provide you with a flower that will become an interesting talking point. Commonly known as the Autumn Crocus, it does seem strange to see it in flower in September, but it has to be one of my favourite native bulbs. Using native plants can also mean a higher rate of success, even in our variable climate, so if your fingers are not so green, it’s harder to kill these plants … they’re born survivors! Happy summer gardening!
The stunning blooms of Pulsatilla vulgaris (pasque flower) are perfectly displayed over foamy foliage and are low growing and very well behaved (perfect for the modern gardener). Their hairy seed heads also look fun long after the flowers have faded. May and June is showtime for the
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Going Batty!
hen you think about bats what springs to mind? Do you imagine vampires or spooky haunted houses? Do you imagine the horror of getting one tangled in your hair? International Bat Night is held on the last weekend in August and hopes to change our perception of bats. During this annual celebration, bat events for the public will take place across the country. There will be bat walks and talks organised by bat conservation groups, wildlife trusts and park rangers at a venue near you.
Bats are fascinating creatures. They make up just over a quarter of the UK’s mammal population and they are the only ones that can fly. Britain is host to eighteen native species plus occasional migrant visitors. Pipistrelles are the commonest British bats. They weigh just 5 grams (less than a £1 coin). Bat populations are under threat from predation, crime and loss of habitat so UK bats and their roosts are now protected by law. Many people who profess not to like bats cite their wings as the reason but bat wings are actually beautiful pieces of biomechanical engineering. Bat wings are constructed in a similar way to human hands, only with membrane of skin stretched between the elongated, delicate fingers. Bat bones are not hollow unlike bird bones - but they are very slender and flexible. Because their wings are much thinner than bird wings they can manoeuvre more easily at speed. They are also more vulnerable to damage but tend to heal very quickly.
of high-pitched calls and listening to the returning echo. This provides a ‘picture’ of their surroundings. Although they can hear better than they can see, they are certainly not blind. In addition, their impressive navigational systems mean they are extremely unlikely to get caught in your hair! The old saying about bats in the belfry is a bit of a myth. In fact, bats rarely seek out church towers, preferring somewhere quiet, and less draughty. They favour houses, both old and new, and cause few problems as they come and go. They are neither noisy nor smelly and householders are usually unaware of their presence. If bats do set up home in your roof, their access must not be impeded. If you’d like to encourage these interesting little creatures to your garden you can buy or make specialist bat boxes to fix to outside of your home to encourage them to take up residence. Help, advice and general information on Britain’s bats is available at www.bats.org.uk. By Kate Lord
These unique creatures fly and feed in the dark. Across the world there are fruit and nectar-eating bats, and even real vampire bats which drink blood, but all UK bats live on insects. They find them using echolocation, producing a stream
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Five Mansfield Parks In UK Best List
F
ive parks in Mansfield District have been named among the best in the UK.
King George V Park in Mansfield has won a prestigious Green Flag Award for the first time. Carr Bank Park and Titchfield Park in Mansfield, as well as Peafield Park and Yeoman Hill Park in Mansfield Woodhouse have also won awards. Situated between the Berry Hill and Bellamy Estates, King George V Park comprises of sports pitches, mini golf, woodland, heath areas and a wildflower meadow. There is also a children’s play area and an outdoor eco classroom. The five Green Flag parks are among a record-breaking 1,476 parks and green spaces to receive an award from the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.
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These awards recognise and reward the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities. Cllr Philip Shields, Portfolio Holder for the Environment at Mansfield District Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted that King George V Park has received a Green Flag Award for the first time. This is down to the huge efforts of our Parks staff, who have worked so hard to bring this about. We have also worked very closely with the staff and pupils of Berry Hill and St Peters schools. Mansfield can be very proud of the fact that we now have five top rated parks.”
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Spotlight Magazine
In The Summertime
ow that summer has arrived, we can N expect the usual warnings about sun protection. As a nation were becoming increasingly well educated about dangers of UV rays, but few people realise that sunscreen may not offer adequate protection.
the
Recent figures from cancer research UK show that over 13,000 people develop malignant melanoma each year, compared with around 1,800 in the mid-1970s. These soaring statistics are partly due to the rising popularity of sunny package holidays. Sunscreens are now available with SFPs in excess of 60, so why aren’t they protecting us from skin cancer? The answer lies partly in the misconception surrounding sun creams. People who take sun care seriously may be using very high SPFs, but the numbering system can be misleading. It’s logical to assume that SPF30 is twice as effective as SPF15, but in fact it only blocks 4% more UV rays. The temptation
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with very high SPFs is to only apply them once or twice a day because there’s a perception that their protection lasts longer. This is potentially very dangerous because they still need to be reapplied at least every two hours, and immediately after swimming, regardless of how high the SPF is. Experts advise us to apply them as a ‘thick, buttery layer’, but most people don’t use nearly enough. In addition to this, research has shown that chemicals in the sun cream with a high SPF can turn into damaging free radicals when left on the skin. It’s therefore much wiser to use SPF1525, which filters around 94% of the sun’s rays and contains less harmful compounds, and simply apply it more frequently. However, the good news is that you don’t need to hide in a dark room to avoid sun damage! By applying broad spectrum SPF15 – SPF25 sunscreen every two hours, you can stay safe in the sunshine. Jenny Dunville
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The Coolest Choice
Choosing A Fridge
The first thing you must decide is whether you want to buy a new fridge with an ice box, or a fridge and a freezer. The amount of frozen food you use will determine your choice. Then consider the amount and type of space you have available. Do you have one narrow but tall gap suitable for an upright fridge freezer, or more space but with less headroom which would best suit a separate larder fridge, and stand alone freezer. If you have lots of space, you could buy a separate tall fridge and a separate tall freezer, or an American style fridge freezer. Compact fridges and specialist drinks coolers are also available. If you have a fitted kitchen, you might choose to integrate your appliances with doors to match the rest of your kitchen. Once you’ve decided what type of appliance you want, you need to consider which features and specifications you’d like it to possess: Energy ratings of items are displayed within stores. The highest ratings are category A, which are the most energy-efficient. Everything else being equal, a C rated fridge will generally be cheaper than an A++ one , so you might want to ask the salesperson some key questions about whether the initial price saving could compensate for a potentially larger energy bill. Actual energy consumption
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will also depend on how well the appliance is stocked, its location, and how well ventilated it is. To ensure your food is stored safely, you need a fridge or fridge freezer that has good solid insulation, and a robust door that seals well. So do take a look at the build quality of the appliance. It can also be beneficial to have separate drawers at the bottom of the fridge for meat or salad products, to help prevent bacterial cross contamination. Getting more specific, you could choose to seek out fridges with antibacterial coatings to give further protection to your food, and only consider those with glass rather than wire shelves, as the former avoid the potential danger of drips from food on a higher shelf contaminating food below. Some fridges now have a built in fan that circulates the cold air, and ensures a more even temperature is obtained throughout the appliance. American style fridge freezers have become increasingly popular. These offer massive storage space, and filtered cool water and ice dispensers, but they also take up a lot of room. They can be expensive to buy and to run, especially as the water filters have to be replaced regularly. Whichever fridge you buy, remember to keep it upright at all times during installation, and allow at least 6 hours for the gases inside to settle before switching it on. By Susan Brookes-Morris
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B
Bach Flower Remedies
orn in 1886, Edward Bach was an English doctor, bacteriologist and pathologist, who was conducting research into vaccines when he became interested in a more holistic approach to medicine. Dissatisfied with the tendency to treat the disease rather than the whole person, he began collecting plants and in particular flowers - the most highly developed part of a plant - to find remedies.
He believed that illness was the result of internal conflict, and that negative moods such as unhappiness, fear or worry, caused a lack of harmony which ultimately manifested themselves in physical disease. By correcting this emotional imbalance, illness could be treated or avoided. “Health depends on being in harmony with our souls,” he asserted. The flowers are divided into seven groups: Face Your Fears gives courage, reassurance and peace of mind to the fearful. Know Your Own Mind helps with feelings, and can increase decisiveness and a sense of direction. Find Joy and Hope overcomes feelings of despondency, despair and self-doubt.
research and turned instead to his intuition to guide him to the right plants. Whilst experiencing a negative emotion he would hold his hand over different plants, and if one alleviated the problem he would ascribe to it the power to heal. In this way he identified 38 flower remedies that can be used alone, or in conjunction with others to treat emotional and spiritual conditions. In addition, Bach developed the Rescue Remedy, which is a ready-made combination of 5 flower essences that can provide comfort and reassurance for daily stressful situations. The remedies are usually taken orally by mixing with water, although they are also available as droppers, sprays, liquid melts and pastilles. Only a few drops are required which should be taken several times a day. In some cases results can be instant, whilst in others it could take several days for any benefits to be realised. There is little scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of Bach’s Flower remedies, and some claim that any benefits experienced are due to the Placebo effect. That said, they have now been in existence for over 80 years, and there are plenty of testimonials available on the internet giving credence to their effectiveness and healing properties.
Reach Out to Others helps people who feel lonely or alone to connect with others. Stand Your Ground helps those who put on a brave face become more assertive and constant. Live and Let Live aids tolerance and the ability to unwind in those who are overbearing and possessive. Live the Day gives enthusiasm and tranquillity to those who dwell too much on the past instead of enjoying the present. Bach abandoned scientific methods of
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Spotlight Magazine
Puzzle Page
Crossword Clues Across 7 crusade, combat (6) 8 required (6) 9 stride, walk (4) 10 tussles, struggles (8) 11 venture, enterprise (11) 14 mediator, negotiator (11) 18 sucker, soft touch (8) 19 recognize (4) 20 meal (6) 21 engage, put to use (6)
Quick Crossword
Down 1 containers, packets (7) 2 cease (4) 3 mass, tonnage (6) 4 reveal (6) 5 reply (8) 6 measuring device (5) 12 pachyderm (8) 13 atomiser (7) 15 frolic, romp (6) 16 grain, nut (6) 17 god of desire (5) 19 preserved, saved (4)
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Word Search
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Spotlight Magazine
Off To Uni?
you got the grades and Sa bitoyou’re off to university. It’s daunting but we have some survival tips.
Learn to learn – Many young people struggle with the faster-pace of study and also the fact that learning is now their own responsibility. Read Andy Northedge’s The Good Study Guide before term starts. It aims to help you learn how to sort, process and recall new information. There are separate guides for the arts and sciences. It’s good to talk - If problems occur, talk to your lecturer or tutor directly as soon as the problem arises. Don’t wait until the day before an assignment is due! Take the initiative – Make the most of tutorials. Go in armed with any questions and thoughts you might have. The more you put into university study, the more you’ll get out of it.
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Acknowledge disabilities - If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty like dyslexia, make yourself known to the Student Learning Service. They offer support and run advice sessions. Acclimatise – If you’re moving a fair distance from home try to spend a weekend in your new area during the summer. Familiarise yourself with the transport system and the local amenities so it won’t seem as strange when term starts. Money, money, money – Think about how you’ll manage. Talk to your parents or a trusted adult about independent living. Older people have been through similar situations even if they didn’t attend university themselves. Make new friends - Attend ‘welcome’ events and sign up for a few clubs. But don’t over-commit yourself in these early days because you’ll have a lot to deal with. In summary - Get organised, work hard and don’t forget to enjoy yourself. You’ve earned it.
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Spotlight Magazine
The Way We Vote Is Changing
The way we all register to vote is changing
A new voter registration system called Individual Electoral Registration (IER) comes into force this summer in the biggest change to voter registration in 100 years. This means that instead of the head of the household being responsible for registering everyone who lives at an address, every individual will be responsible for their own voter registration. Mansfield District Council is writing to all residents in Mansfield District between 4 August and 8 August to tell them about the change. Most people will not need to do anything as those who are already registered to vote will be transferred automatically to the new register. However, around 13,000 residents of the District may need to take action to join the new register, even if they were registered in the past. For example, if they have recently moved house.
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Residents who are not registered to vote at all will need to register under the new system at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. The new system means that for the first time people will be able to register online. The new online process will be quicker and more convenient. Residents who don’t have access to the internet or can’t use it, can get help to register from the Council’s Elections team. Please contact them on 01623 463 345. People will need to provide a few more details, including their National Insurance number and date of birth. This helps to make the electoral register more secure. Ruth Marlow, Managing Director of Mansfield District Council, said: “Every resident in Mansfield District will be receiving a letter from the Council between 4 August and 8 August. We would encourage residents to wait until they receive that letter as it will tell them what, if any, action they need to take to ensure they are on the new register.” The new register will be published on 1 December.
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Spotlight Magazine
A Good Read
Northanger Abbey - Val McDermid
That’s not a typo in the title. This really is a version of Jane Austen’s classic novel, reworked by crime writer Val McDermid as part of The Austen Project, which aims to issue updated versions of all six Austen novels. I approached this with some trepidation, being a huge fan of both authors, but never having considered them in the same sentence before. From the first page I was hooked. This is a marvelous mix of the familiar and the new. Austen’s heroine, Catherine Morland, is brought fully into the twenty-first century - now she prefers to be known as Cat, has a serious social media habit, and is enjoying the delights of the Edinburgh Festival. The original Catherine’s obsession with Gothic fiction, is translated into modern day Cat’s voracious consumption of vampire literature - meaning that she is prone to see the supernatural lurking around every shadowy corner, particularly when she finds herself with her new friends the Tilneys at Northanger Abbey. McDermid’s prose sparkles, with cleverly observed dialogue and constant refreshing twists on Austen’s plot and characters. Boorish John Thorpe and his shallow sister Bella, seem to belong perfectly in the modern day - indeed, readers may feel that they have met them on a number of occasions. Even though I knew what was going to happen, I still wanted to stay up late and finish the book - just like Cat/Catherine
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with their gothic romances, and just like I did the first time I read Austen’s Northanger Abbey. I can’t think of a higher compliment. The Invisible Man’s Socks - Alex Shearer They should have known better....but it had been an educational school trip, and they had some free time, and there was really nothing else to do... So, Mr Ellis’s class (and Mr Ellis, and Miss Bingham, and Mrs Ormerod) find themselves in The Museum of Little Horrors, where, despite the warnings issued by the owner, they can’t resist touching the exhibits. You would too, if you were faced with the Bigfoot’s Big Foot. Or the Cyclops’ Cycle Clips. And especially the Tuft of the Werewolf’s Hair. However, when Michael Pensley realises that he can actually feel the Invisible Man’s Socks, it stops being so funny. And when the class return to school, and then go home, they begin to realise that perhaps those warnings were there for a reason. Alex Shearer treads the line carefully between the ghoulish and the absurd in this novel for 8 years and over, and there are plenty of laughs to keep the pages turning as the horrible consequences develop, just realistically enough to make you wonder...and perhaps to stop you touching when the signs tell you not to. By Kath Bennett
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I
Varicose Veins
’ve had varicose veins for as long as I can remember. As an overweight female on the wrong side of fifty with three pregnancies behind me, a job that involved long hours on my feet and a family history of fellow sufferers, I am a prime candidate for the condition - but I am not alone. Up to three out of ten adults suffer from varicose veins, which are most common in the legs and feet.
Varicose veins develop when small valves within the veins become weak or damaged and stop working properly. Blood flows backwards and collects in the vein, causing it to swell or enlarge. This brings about a lumpy, bulging or twisted appearance and can also make the leg feel heavy, achy or uncomfortable. Swollen feet or ankles, muscle cramps and dry itchy skin are also possible symptoms. For most people, varicose veins are unsightly but do not present a serious health problem, and treatment is not required, though symptoms can be alleviated by taking exercise, resting and elevating the legs. If the veins cause pain or discomfort, treatment should be considered, of which there are three main types. Endothermal ablation is carried out under local anaesthetic when a narrow tube, or catheter, is inserted into the vein through a small cut made just above or below the knee. Heat is then applied to the vein either from high-frequency radio waves or lasers, which causes the vein walls to collapse and seal it shut. Once the vein has been sealed, blood is naturally redirected to other healthy veins. Some people experience short-term side effects such as pins and needles, or tightness and bruising.
the veins, which scars them and seals them closed. Following treatment, varicose veins should begin to fade after a few weeks, but more than one treatment may be required and there is also a chance that the vein will reappear. Side effects include blood clots in other leg veins, headaches, lower back pain, changes to skin colour, fainting and temporary vision problems. If neither of the above is possible, the next option is a surgical procedure called a phlebectomy, usually carried out under general anaesthetic. A technique called ligation and stripping makes two small incisions - one at the top of the varicose vein near the groin, and the other lower down near the knee or ankle. The top of the vein is tied up and sealed and a thin flexible wire passed through the bottom of the vein and then carefully removed through the lower cut in the leg. This method can cause pain, bruising and bleeding and a full recovery could take up to three weeks. It’s still not fully understood why vein walls stretch and valves weaken - and some people develop the condition for no apparent reason. Many of us decide to suffer in silence, but if your condition does prove unbearable, rest assured there are treatment options out there. By Debbie Singh-Bhatti
If endothermic ablation treatment is unsuitable, sclerotherapy may be offered instead. Also performed under local anaesthetic, special foam is injected into
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