Spotlight on Sinfin and Stenson Fields Dec 2015

spotlightOn ISSUE 9 Dec 2015

Sinfin & Stenson Fields

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Spotlight Magazine

Contents

The Gift Of Beauty 6 What Is 4K TV? 8 Which Christmas Tree?

10 The Truth About Food Banks 12 The Wonder Of Eggnog 14 A Good Read 18 Puzzle Pages 20 Sing For Your Heart 22 The Perfect Christmas Table 24 Dealing With Christmas Stress 26 Christmas Eve Countdown 28 Index of Advertisers 30

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Merry Christmas everybody!

So here it is again... Christmas comes but once a year, but sometimes it seems like it’s more than that!

It’s a great time to enjoy family and friends, and enjoy nice food and drink, and celebrate this lovely time of year.

We should all try to remember those that are alone this Christmas, even just a quick phone call or a knock on the door to say merry christmas can mean the world to someone who is alone.

Wherever you are, let’s hope you have the best christmas ever!

Spotlight magazine is delivered to 6,000 homes and businesses in the Stenson Fields and Sinfin area each month, with similar magazines going to 3 areas in Nottingham To Advertise or contribute: T: 01332 416121 E: info@spotlightlocal.co.uk Web: www.spotlightlocal.co.uk

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Spotlight Magazine

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Spotlight Magazine

The Gift Of Beauty

Ah Christmas. The time of year when you know you’ll be given at least one supermarket bubble bath set that will end up in the charity shop. If you don’t want to commit the same present buying mistakes, read on for our pick of the top beauty buys this Christmas.

Teens and tweens Buying for a teen? M&S have some really cute gift sets out, including a set of mini lip glosses for £9.50. The glosses are also perfect for splitting up to add to Christmas crackers or stockings.

It’s what’s outside that counts! - Let’s face it, when it comes to some members of the family, it’s often as much about the packaging as it is the product.

Head to White Stuff for some gorgeously designed beauty products, including a body butter for £9.95, make-up bag for £15 and soaps for £5.

Bargain hunter? - TK Maxx is always worth a rummage for beauty products. You can get your mitts on some top brands, at well below the RRP. You’ll also want to check out the bargain beauty bundles at www. halfpriceperfumes.co.uk and www.latestinbeauty. com.

At the time of writing, Latest in Beauty was offering a bundle of over £70 worth of products for just £17.99.

A touch of indulgence - The Forever Frangipani Collection by Elemis is one of those gifts that’s pretty much guaranteed

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to please. It’s £39.90, but includes a shower cream, body oil, body cream and body mist, that are worth more than £70 altogether.

The frangipani fragrance is warm, rich and evokes the feeling of an expensive foreign holiday to a sunnier climate. Bliss.

Looking to really splash out?

Try Elemis’ Heritage Heroes.

It’s an eye watering £225, but you do get 25 products, worth £425 altogether.

Charity gifts - Green People has partnered with the Woodland Trust on a range of gift sets, including the Hand Care Collection (£15.95), Facial Care Collection (£15.95) and Men’s Collection (£19.95).

Other great charity gifts on the market include Lush’s Charity Pot hand and body lotion (£6.95).

For the boys - There are some great men’s gift sets out this Christmas, including the Nuxe Men Survival Kit (a bargain at £8.50) and the Elemis Perfect Man set (£49). Origins, Darphin and Lancome usually have some good male grooming sets out for Christmas too.

One for your list - Finally, if you fancy adding one to your own wish list, Neal’s Yard Remedies’ Aromatherapy Bath and Massage Oil Organic Collection is definitely worth a look.

Featuring six mini oils, all gorgeously scented, this is a real treat, especially if you specify that a massage needs to be included as part of the gift…

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Spotlight Magazine

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Spotlight Magazine

Just What Is 4K TV?

4K TV, also known as Ultra HD or UHD, is the next evolution in television picture quality. With a picture composed of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels - more than 8 million in total - it has four times the amount of HD (high definition) sets.

That said, UHD TVs do a remarkable job of up-scaling HD and standard definition pictures to 4K pixel count, so ‘everyday’ viewing such as Freeview HD TV, Blu-ray movies and DVDs can be boosted to near 4K picture quality.

More pixels mean greater image clarity, finer detail, better texture and improved colour resolution. The net result is images that look incredibly lifelike and so detailed that at times they feel almost 3D – without the need for funny glasses!

However be warned that some models are better at doing this than others.

The first wave of 4K TVs were large – very large – with 84 inch panels and £20k price tags to match. Prices have now dropped along with screen size, and you can buy entry models for under £1,000 from all the big brands such as Samsung, Panasonic, LG and Sony. You can also pay many thousands of pounds for monster sets!

Generally 4K TV screens are at least 40 inches. Some say you shouldn’t view on anything less than 55 inches. This is because the advantages of pixel-dense display diminish as the screen size shrinks.

Big really is better! Similarly 4K TV is best viewed close up (ideally at a distance 1.5 x screen height), though practically most homes cannot accommodate viewing from closer than 2-3 metres.

4K technology is still work in progress. In future, it may also extend to higher frame rates (HFR), greater contrast and wider colour spectrum.

The BBC has plans to offer 4K programming by 2016 but only in a limited form and although BT and Sky are rumoured to have plans, nothing has been finalised. It will be 2-3 years until most video content becomes available.

So, if you want the absolute best that TV has to offer and don’t mind waiting to enjoy the full benefits of your 4K TV, then go ahead and buy now.

But purchase from a top tier manufacture for the best chance of future-proofing your set and also make sure that you buy a model with two HDMI 2.0 ports.

The technology for crystal-clear viewing may be with us, but currently there are no 4K TV channels being broadcast. The main source of 4K content is the internet, from sites such as Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime Instant Video, and to successfully stream you would need a consistent broadband speed of at least 15Mbps.

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Spotlight Magazine

Which Christmas Tree

When we were kids my brother christened our rather sorry old artificial tree the Silver Lurch, on account of its colour and list.

Artificial trees have improved enormously since then but most gardeners do prefer the real thing. There’s something magical about bringing a bit of the outside indoors at this time of year.

Unfortunately trees were not meant to live in centrallyheated sitting rooms. It puts them under a lot of stress.

So which trees survive Christmas best?

Well there are several species available to the British public. The main choices are between pines, spruces and firs.

The traditional Christmas tree is Picea Abies, the Norway Spruce. Most popular they may be but they are actually least suited to the conditions inside the average home. Spruces are much more prone to shed needles than firs or pines.

Pinus Sylvestris and Pinus Contorta are respectively better known as the Scots Pine and the Lodgepole Pine. Their longer needles hold well but do make hanging decorations a bit tricky for small fingers, which is worth noting if your children like to help. If that’s not an issue the widely spaced branches show off larger baubles very well. The Corsican Pine (pinus Nigra Laricio) is not as common but has similar properties.

Firs are the best choice for a British Christmas. If you want the best, and you can find one, plump for Abies Noblilis, the Noble Fir. In its perfect form it’s hard to beat: uniform in shape with more open branches on the top, its flat, short needles have amazing retention properties. It’s trickier to grow well than most other trees so expect to pay a bit of a premium.

The Nordman Fir (Abies Nordmanniana) runs the Noble Fir a close second. It is easily available now as many tree growers

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invested heavily in the species. They are generally cheaper than the Noble Fir so a good choice if cost is an issue. The Fraser Fir and the lemon-scented Douglas Fir are also worth seeking out.

Once you have your tree, make a fresh cut across its trunk and give it a good drink of tepid water before bringing it inside.

Secure it properly in a specially made base which is the right size for your tree!

A toppled six foot tree, a couple of gallons of water and a hundred or so baubles make a seriously large mess...I know this to be true because several Christmases ago I was the person clearing it all up at 2 in the morning...don’t make my mistake! Merry Christmas!

Eco-Friendly?

For true eco-friendliness buy British-grown trees.

Most councils offer a Christmas tree shredding service. The shreddings are then composted.

Artificial trees are generally nonbiodegradable.

Christmas tree farms act as a carbon sink, fixing environmental carbon dioxide

By Rachel Leverton

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Spotlight Magazine

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Spotlight Magazine

The Truth About Food Banks

Hunger and poverty. Many of us won’t associate these problems with our own society but it’s a fact that 13 million people in the UK live below the poverty line.

Five years ago food banks had scarcely been heard of, but today more than a thousand operate across the UK, giving assistance to people in need of basic supplies to survive.

People need to use food banks for a variety of reasons: redundancy, illness, benefit delay, changes in benefits, unexpected bills, underemployment and family breakdown to name a few.

In today’s world of zero hours contracts and steadily rising food and fuel prices, an increasing number of people are finding themselves in need of help. The Trussell Trust – the UK’s largest network of food banks – fed nearly a million people in 2013-2014, over a third of which were children.

Typically, clients are referred to food banks by front line care professionals such as doctors, social workers, health visitors and the police, who are trained to identify individuals in crisis.

They issue vouchers which are exchanged at food banks for emergency food. Though all food banks may not operate in the same way, the Trussell Trust provides emergency rations for a minimum of three days.

All food donated to food banks comes from members of the public. This could be from individuals like you and me, but partnerships are also formed with schools, churches and businesses.

Large collections are made during Harvest Festivals and there are also collection points in many supermarkets available throughout the year.

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To donate is easy. All you need do is purchase a few extra items with your weekly shop, then drop them off in the collection boxes situated near the checkouts.

Most people decide on an amount they want to spend and keep on buying until this is reached! If you purchase budget brands, your money can go further and help more people.

Items purchased should be non-perishable and in date - so anything in tins, packets and jars. If there isn’t a food bank near you but you would still like to help, you can make a cash donation, which can be done online in many cases.

Once food is received at food banks, it is sorted and packed into boxes by volunteers, who also guide clients to agencies able to help them with longer term problems.

None of us can do everything to solve the social problems around us, but all of us can do something. Donating to a food bank is one example.

Shopping List Milk (UHT/powdered) Sugar Fruit juice (long-life) Soup Pasta sauce Sponge pudding (tinned) Tomatoes (tinned) Cereals Rice pudding (tinned) Tea bags/coffee Instant mash Rice/pasta Tinned meat/fish Tinned vegetables Tinned fruit Jam Biscuits/snack bars

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

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Spotlight Magazine

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Spotlight Magazine

The Wonder Of Eggnog

When I was a little girl I was addicted to old American Christmas films (actually I still am). People always seemed to be drinking eggnog, and it sounded cosy and Christmassy and very American, and though actually I had no idea what it was I longed to drink it too. In fact eggnog traces its roots back to a 14th century England drink called posset.

This was a drink of hot milk curdled with ale (bleurgh). Later in history eggs were added. Milk and eggs were expensive commodities in England and so the drink went out of fashion.

When the American colonies were formed there was land a-plenty for chickens and cows and so it regained popularity over there. The American plantations, sustained by slaves, meant that rum was plentiful too and the drink became alcoholic and was enjoyed by the masses.

In spite of its highly questionable history it remains for me the epitome of a festive drink – creamy and sweet; a Christmas cuddle in a glass.

Preparation time: 20 minutes plus cooling and chilling time. Serves 8

Ingredients

700ml whole milk (I’ve tried it with semi skimmed and it works well too) 240ml double cream 3 cinnamon sticks 1 vanilla bean pod, split and seeds removed 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish 5 yolks, separated 130g granulated sugar 175ml Dark Rum or brandy Cinnamon sticks for garnish Method In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine milk, cream, cinnamon, vanilla bean, vanilla seeds, and nutmeg. Bring slowly to the boil. As soon as it boils remove from the heat and leave to cool so the flavours can infuse.

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick and ribbons form when the whisk is lifted.

Strain the milk mixture then slowly whisk it into the egg and sugar mixture and continue to mix until everything is combined and smooth.

Add the rum or brandy, and stir. Refrigerate overnight if serving chilled.

The argument rages over whether eggnog should be served chilled or warm.

Personally I like it warm but chilled is good too.

Either way, serve and garnish with whipped cream if desired, grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.

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Spotlight Magazine

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Spotlight Magazine

Covering the Martin Page StensonEdwalton Fields & & Sinfin Areas

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Spotlight Magazine

A Good Read

Letters from Father Christmas

by J.R.R Tolkien

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

by Dr. Seuss

Mention Tolkien and you will undoubtedly think of his epic adventures - The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.

But as father to four children Tolkien had a softer more whimsical side.

Each December over the course of their childhood he wrote and illustrated detailed letters from Father Christmas; letters populated by a cast of characters which included elves, goblins and a clumsy polar bear.

Long before Jim Carrey took the character to the big screen, this book had captured the hearts of generations of children.

Through these letters, Tolkien entertained his children with stories of high-jinks at the North Pole. It’s true the language can seem a little formal and stilted at times by today’s standards, but they were written in the 1920s and 30s and Tolkien is as much a product of his time as any author. His affection for his children shines through every page regardless.

As they were written for real children the reader receives an insight into what the interests of the Tolkien children might have been: prehistoric cave paintings, fireworks, the night sky and animals to name a few.

All the letters are lavishly illustrated with fantastical intricate pictures, and these bring the stories to life.

Even non-Tolkien fans should love this charming book. It’s wonderful for reading alone in front of a roaring fire with a cup of hot chocolate, or for sharing with your own children. Perfect seasonal fare.

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It’s a marvellous story of seasonal redemption in the best tradition. It’s every bit as timeless as Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

The lonely Grinch hates Christmas; the noise, the feasting, the singing. His loathing of the festivities is focussed on the merry little Whos, who really know how to throw a Christmas party.

He decides that this year he will put a stop to the proceedings and sets about wrecking their big day. Will he succeed?

Well it’s no secret to say that happily his plans are thwarted in the nicest way possible, as he discovers that the most important thing about Christmas is love, friendship and sense of belonging to a community.

This is Seuss at his best; a riotous rhyming adventure and an adorably grumpy antihero.

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Puzzle Page

Crossword Clues Across 1 _____ Dahl, wrote Matilda (5) 4 Breezy (5) 7 Most furious (8) 8 Streetcar (4) 9 Large passenger aeroplane (8) 11 Lowest female singing voice (4) 12 Horrified, shocked (6) 14 Compel, coerce (6) 16 Perishes, succumbs (4) 18 Complications, obstacles (8) 20 Famous boys’ boarding school (4) 21 Italian hard cheese (8) 23 Type of bike (5) 24 Titbit, goody (5)

Quick Crossword

Down 1 Bolting, racing (7) 2 Fourth month, girl’s name (5) 3 Female deer (3) 4 Team sport in water(5,4) 5 Popular team sport (7) 6 Fungus used in bread-making (5) 10 Memo pad (9) 13 Metallic grey poisonous chemical (7) 15 Acrobat, tumbler (7) 17 Bury, place inside a tomb (5) 19 Feudal lord (5) 22 Decompose, deteriorate (3)

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Electrical Plumbing Decorating Assembly Gardens Everything Else!

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Spotlight Magazine

Sing For Your Heart

Heart Research UK are calling for choirs, schools, bands, singers and pubs up and down the country to support their Sing For Your Heart campaign this winter.

Research has shown that singing is good for the heart and this is why Heart Research UK have chosen this as a fun idea for people to take on during the festive period and to raise money for the great work that they do.

So far this year, they have gained support from an array of celebrities such as Lorraine Kelly, Brian McFadden and X Factor finalists Chloe Jasmine and Stevie Ritchie who’ll all be raising money from their own singing events in December.

a percentage of the proceeds.

Or if you work at a pub or you’re their local punter, why not advertise to host a sing-along and get everyone in your local area together during Christmas week to sing festive songs and pass round a collection bucket. You could host it in the pub, in the car park all wrapped up or on the village green.

They don’t mind how you organise it or how you raise the money – the choice is yours.

They just want everyone singing for their hearts this Christmas and raising money to help find a cure for heart disease.

If you’re a choir, you could book a venue or sing in your local supermarket and donate a percentage of the tickets sales or pass around a collection bucket to raise money to Heart Research UK.

It’s so easy to get involved, all you need to do is contact Heart Research UK for your FREE Sing For Your Heart kit, set a date and venue to host your Sing, advertise for an audience with posters in the pack, nominate someone to go round with a collection bucket at the event and then send in the money to them.

If you’re a school you could turn your annual nativity play into a Sing for your Heart event and ask parents to make a donation or sell tickets.

You can sign up online at www. heartresearch.org.uk/sfyh or call 0113 234 7474 or email community@heartresearch. org.uk

If you’re an individual who loves singing or in a band, why not put on a gig and donate

And don’t forget – all money raised locally is spent locally on helping hearts near you.

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23

Spotlight Magazine

The Perfect Christmas Table

The Perfect Christmas Table Whether you are using new festive tableware or the dinner set you keep for special occasions, create a table to be proud of.

Think about your colour scheme. Are you going for sophisticated white and gold, elegant white and silver, festive red and green or something more modern such as purple and turquoise?

Are there some handed down family decorations that you want to include or are you going for the fun factor?

Crackers and candles are traditional but you could also include Christmas table confetti and seasonal items such as Santa shaped cruet.

For many Christmas Day is one of the few times when three or more courses will be served. If you are having soup, the spoon for this should be on the far right. A fish knife would be on the inside of the spoon with the main course knife on the inside of that and a desert knife closest to the plate.

On the left side working inwards it would be the fish fork and then the main course fork. The desert spoon would be above the plate and facing left with the desert fork facing right and closest to the plate. Side plates go to the left and glasses are placed top right.

Add candles or fairy lights and you’re good to go.

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25

Spotlight Magazine

Dealing With Christmas Stress

Stress-busting festive tips.

Plan ahead and include plenty of ‘me time’.

Spend time doing what you enjoy most.

Have fun. If you’re overloaded, learn to say no in the nicest way possible!

What stresses you Be aware of your own personal triggers. Don’t ignore them, deal with them. Talk, take advice, think things through, make decisions and you’ll feel more in control. Don’t be a victim.

Deal with your anger Recognise it and devise ways of politely walking away from confrontations so you can calm down, using deep breathing (in and out to the count of 5, at least 3 times) and positive thinking.

Natural remedies Homeopathic and flower remedies are excellent for anxieties, as are Vitamin C and the B Vitamins. Some aromatherapy oils, especially lavender and orange are very relaxing. Enhance their effects by booking an aromatherapy massage.

Exercise Regular, mild aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming and dancing, strengthens the heart and encourages steady flow of boosting hormones.

a mood-

Don’t rush your food Try to relax when eating. No more 5 minute lunches at the desk. Eating under stress confuses your metabolism. High cortisol levels causes blood to flood the muscles rather than the intestines, which is where it should be for healthy digestion.

De-tox Start the month with a gentle de-tox.

Eat healthily and reduce sugar, caffeine, salt, alcohol and refined carbohydrates.

You’ll lose some weight, boost your immune system, gain energy and be fit enough to ensure December is your merriest month of the year.

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27

Spotlight Magazine

Christmas Eve Countdown

Whilst it’s not a public holiday, many people across the UK choose to take Christmas Eve off work to do last minute preparations and take part in special activities.

Many Christians attend church services ranging from special family-based events, to the traditional Midnight Mass.

In other countries, the opening of presents is part of the Christmas Eve celebrations along with a large meal enjoyed with family and friends. In the UK many spend Christmas Eve delivering gifts to friends and relatives, if of course they are not rushing round the shops perhaps having made a deliberate decision to buy at the last minute because many shops now start their sales early!

Others will enjoy festive activities such as a visit to Santa’s grotto, skating on one of the special ice rinks that pop up in many towns and cities, or taking a trip to the local pantomime. Of course it’s wise to book Christmas Eve activities well in advance as it’s a popular time.

Many choose to spend at least part of the day at home watching Christmas movies, listening to festive CDs and doing everything they can to ensure that Christmas Day goes perfectly.

Just make sure you keep it out of the way of curious pets!

If you have a frozen turkey you will need to start the defrosting on Christmas Eve. This is also the time to bring any other items out of the freezer- such as pre baked mince pies. Just try to resist the temptation to eat them all the same day.

Some starters can also be made and stored in the fridge, and for those not wanting Christmas pudding other deserts can be cooked and then reheated on Christmas Day. Many people take great delight in laying the table carefully.

While youngsters may be out partying until the small hours, those in charge of the Christmas Day festivities and those with young excited children are well advised to get to bed at a sensible time; it is unlikely that you will enjoy Christmas Day if you are over tired and irritable.

Only one more sleep until Christmas.

Season’s Greetings.

By Susan Brookes-Morris

Most vegetables can be peeled and left safely in saucepans of cold water overnight. Fiddly jobs such as wrapping bacon around the sausages for pigs in blankets and preparing stuffing and sauces can also be done.

You can get your turkey oven ready too by placing an onion and oranges in the cavity, greasing the skin, wrapping with bacon and putting it in the baking tray with foil.

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Spotlight Magazine

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Spotlight Magazine

Index Of Advertisers

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Driveways

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Bedrooms

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Plumbing & Heating

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Garden Services

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Restaurants

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Roofing

Building Services

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Harrison and Son........................15

Lost City Golf..............................16

Stairlifts

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Kitchens & Bathrooms

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Red Brick Building Svcs.............23

AHM.............................................9

Will Writing Services

Care For The Elderly

Inspirational Design...................26

J M Wills & Legal .......................19

Right At Home...............................9

Logs

Windows & Doors

Carpet Cleaning

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Cloudy2Clear...........................3

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Motoring Pentagon Derby...........................5

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