sp tlightOn FEBRUARY 2012
Mansfield South
STEAMED UP DOUBLE GLAZING? Don’t replace the Frames... just the Panes!
Broken or Damaged Windows? Faulty Hinges, Handles or Locks? Want the latest energy saving glass? 5 year guarantee on new double glazing. ...we make saving money perfectly clear... Call Freephone
0800 61 21118
www.cloudy2clear.com
rry Hill, each month in Be s se es sin Bu d an Homes Bilsthorpe Delivered to 7000 High Oakham Harlow Wood and orth, Rainworth, Blidw Inside this issue: • Sugar Alternatives • Love Is In The Air • A Good Read • Snoring Solutions • Business Focus • Puzzles • Your Community info.
Quote Spotlight magazine when calling
Spotlight on Berry Hill, Rainworth & Blidworth Contents Health and Wellbeing Sugar Solutions 6 Love is in the air 8 Food and Drink Heart Melts 10 Lifestyle and Leisure A Good Read 14 Money Sense Isa Allowances 16 Home & Garden Snoring Solutions 22 Puzzle page 24 Garden View 26 Food of Love 28 Community Information 30 - 35 Index of Advertisers 38 Published by Spotlight Local Media Ltd Company No. 6841257 Tel: 0115 882 9892 Suite 104, 1 Hanley Street Nottingham NG1 5BL Graphic Design and Layout: Spotlight Local Media
44
Happy February everybody! The good news is that Spring will soon be upon us. The bad news is that there are now only 320 shopping days left until Christmas! Plenty of good reading and information in this months mag. I hope you enjoy it. Have a great Valentines day and try to stay warm. All of our advertisers are committed to working hard for you the customer and the community, so let’s try and give them the support they deserve. Spotlight magazine is delivered to 7,000 homes and businesses in the Mansfield South area each month. To Advertise or contribute: T: 01623 249940 M: 07595 510 190 E: info@spotlightlocal.co.uk Web:www.spotlightlocal.co.uk
To advertise or contribute call 07595 510190
Suppliers & Installers of Bespoke Signs, Digital Print, Vinyl Graphics & much more...
ng Servici d, iel Mansf & Derby ng ndi Surrou s Area
CITYSIGNS PRINT & DESIGN LTD
Professional, Friendly Help & Advice with All Services Fully Guaranteed
At City Signs, we employ expert designers, experienced manufacturers and skilled installers, who will be happy to create you an outstanding piece of signage, that will set your business apart from the competition.
“Whatever your needs, we're continually expanding our range of products and services� Call us free (from landlines & mobiles) on
0333 9000 321 Email your enquiries to sales@citysignsderby.co.uk
Find us online at www.city-signs.co.uk Visit us at Unit 20, Sherwood Energy Village, Newton Hill, Ollerton NG22 9FD
55
Health and Wellbeing
What to use instead of the white stuff? that bacteria do not feed on it so it won’t cause tooth decay. Large quantities may have a laxative effect on some so introduce it gradually. It is toxic to dogs so must never be fed to them. It is available in some supermarkets and on line.
M
ost of us are well aware of the need to limit the amount of sugar we consume, but a little sweetness is occasionally required! Best then to use more natural, nutrient-rich products than refined white sugar, such as chopped banana, pear or berries or a spoon of honey (local or Manuka) or maple syrup on cereals. Similar could be added when cooking tart fruit or you may wish to try Xylitol, an increasingly popular natural sweetener that can also be used in baking and jam making. Xylitol, recommended by Diabetes UK, has been extracted from the bark of birch trees since the 1940s, when sugar was in short supply. Found naturally in many fruits, it looks and tastes as sweet as sugar but has 40% fewer calories and, with a low glycaemic index (GI), has far less impact on blood glucose levels than sugar, and even honey and maple syrup. Xylitol inhibits yeast so cannot be used in bread making and will not promote Candida overgrowth (the organism responsible for thrush). There is evidence
6
High Fructose Corn Syrup, HFCS, is increasingly being added to drinks and processed foods, instead of sugar. Fructose is the main sugar in fruit but there is some concern that when it is refined or ‘isolated’ it is not so good for us. It is metabolized by the liver and converted into fat more easily than any other form of sugar. Similarly, Agave Syrup, made from a Mexican cactus, may not be as good for us as first thought, but it does have a low GI. The safety of artificial sweeteners is still controversial but hopefully more research will be forthcoming. Websites such as medicinenet.com are useful references. Stevia, a plant long used as a sweetener in South America and Japan, in their cola drinks, and recommended by the American Diabetic Association, is not approved for sale in EU countries! It is clear that deciding on sugar substitutes is not easy. It will be a personal choice based on taste, state of health and the latest reliable research. My advice is to check they are as natural and unrefined as possible. Try to use a variety, in moderation. Cutting down is always the best option as it reduces cravings, retrains your palate and improves your health! Picture a food pyramid, representing a balanced diet, with the healthy whole grains and vegetables at the base, supporting the other food groups and sweet treats, the tiny pinnacle at the top! By Sue Blain - Naturopath
To advertise or contribute call 01623 249940
Please mention Spotlight when responding to an ad
7
Health & Beauty
V
Love is in the Air
alentines Day is fast approaching as we all try really hard to be creative and original in our gifts to our loved ones this year.
Flowers? chocolates? Been there and done that, this year make your valentines feel really special. Why not try something completely different? How about experiencing a dual beauty treatment? The treatments you choose can range from massage, facial, reflexology, Indian head massage and hot stones ...... The list is endless, but the most important thing is that the two of you would exclusively share one space to experience your treatments simultaneously. This is particularly useful if you or your partner have not visited a beauty salon before and maybe a little nervous and apprehensive of the experience you are about to receive.
88
Many salons may offer a limited valentines special –which could include extra touches of candlelight, champagne and chocolates with all of these making your chosen treatments even more romantic! Valentine’s Day may be seen by some as a purely commercial event, but I believe that with the hectic lifestyles that we lead, it is sometimes nice to remind ourselves of why we fell in love in the first place, by spending valuable, quality time together. Go on try something different!!!
e mail usinfo@spotlightlocal.co.uk at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk e mail us at
Jenny Dunville
East Midlands Laser & Cosmetic Clinic Ltd We are a discreet private clinic offering medical grade treatments by appointment only. All of the treatments are performed by experienced qualified Nurses
NON SURGICAL TREATMENTS: •Anti-wrinkle B-injections and Dermal fillers •Anti-Aging Mesotherapy •Laser Teeth Whitening •Micro-dermabrasion and peels
ons g injecti in e g a ti An m only now fro rea a £99 per
PERMANANT HAIR REDUCTION: •Laser technology removes unwanted facial & body hair for men & women LASER TREATMENTS: •Remove fine lines & wrinkles •Remove facial & leg veins •Reduce adult acne & Rosacea •Eradicate birth marks & age spots •Photo-rejuvenation (non surgical facelift) Mobile service now available for injectable treatments
For a Free no obligation consultation call
01623 653493
Or visit our website for more information at: www.easmidlandslaserandcosmeticclinic.co.uk
E OPEN LAT EVENINGS AYS & SATURD
East Midlands Laser & Cosmetic Clinic, 17 Bridge Street, Mansfield NG18 1AL
e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
9
Food and Drink Heart Melts
So-called because they would melt anyone’s heart. Why not whip up a batch for Valentine’s Day? Makes 24-30, depending on the size of the cookie. Preheat the oven to190C / Gas Mark 5 Ingredients For the cookies 225g/8oz butter (slightly softened) 140g/5oz caster sugar 1 egg yolk (lightly beaten) 2 tsp orange extract 280g/10oz plain flour 75g/3oz plain chocolate chips or chunks 75g/3oz raisins Pinch of salt
dish. Scoop out walnut-sized pieces of the cookie dough, roll them into balls, and then roll them into the cinnamon mixture to cover. Place the cookies on a greased baking sheet, spaced well apart. You might need two baking sheets if you make the full amount. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Leave to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, and then use a palette knife to transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Pop the cooled cookies into a gift bag or decorative jar and your Valentine gift is all wrapped up. Enjoy.
For the coating 1½ tbsp caster sugar 1½ tbsp cinnamon Method Cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk and orange extract. Sift the flour and salt into the mixture, then add the chocolate chips and raisins and mix until they are thoroughly combined. The mixture should be quite firm. For the cinnamon coating, mix together the caster sugar and cinnamon in a shallow
10
To advertise or contribute call 01623 249940
Fe
January–March early bird special
Early Bird available every lunch & all evening Sun – Thurs Fri/Sat 12-2.30pm and 6-7pm
early bird menu 2 Courses £14.95 3 Courses £17.95 Follow us on
Join our monthly newsletter online and facebook to receive up-to-date offers
Tom Browns, Trentside, Gunthorpe, NG14 7FB Tel. 0115 966 3642 www.tombrowns.co.uk
To receive our monthly newsletter and further offers fill in your details
Farndon Boathouse, Riverside, Farndon NG24 3SX Tel. 01636 676 578 www.farndonboathouse.co.uk
20% off
your food
Name Email Terms and conditions
1. Must pre-book quoting‘20% voucher’2. Must present voucher when dining for the discount 3. To be used on food in Restaurant only 4. Excludes special events 5. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers 6. Can be used in all our restaurants Riverbank Bar & Kitchen, Farndon Boathouse and Tom Browns 7. Voucher can only be used lunchtimes Mon-Fri / Evenings Sun-Thurs 8. Valid until 30 March 2012
spotlightTB+FBHFebruary.indd 1
Please mention Spotlight when responding to an ad
spotlight
11
1/2/12 12:59:31
Lifestyle & Leisure
T
Modern Day Gum Shoes
he term “gumshoes” originates from the days when private detectives wore footwear with gum-rubber soles to allow them to move around stealthily and undetected. Recalling images of famous fictional characters like Columbo sneaking up on suspects to collect evidence, we could be forgiven for thinking that the main function of a private investigator is to help solve crimes. But we would be wrong! Though the nickname has stuck (no pun intended!) the modern day PI has much more to offer. A private detective gathers information about legal, financial and personal matters, so his work is diverse: from investigating suspected fraudulent claims for insurance companies to uncovering criminal evidence for law firms, and from undertaking background checks on prospective employees to providing proof of infidelity to suspicious spouses, he does it all! One image of a PI may be of a greasy haired individual sitting in a car eating sandwiches out of a bag whilst desperately trying to stay awake after hours watching the movements of certain unsavoury individuals. Though surveillance and undercover work do still play a part in the work of a Private Eye, these days he can more often be found sitting at a computer searching the internet for information about a person’s activities, education, criminal history or even past relationships.
12
Increasingly, this kind of intelligence is being sought by companies for preemployment screening, or by would-be brides and grooms before tying the knot! Some detectives investigate computer crimes such as identity theft, harassing e-mails and illegal downloading of copyrighted material. They are able to recover deleted emails and documents, and can also carry out mobile phone forensics to restore deleted texts, trace calls and uncover address book details. Locating the whereabouts of missing persons is another service offered. Current addresses can be found within 24-48 hours - very useful if someone who owes you a large amount of money has attempted to do a runner! But this service can also be used to trace old friends, lost relatives and even heirs to small fortunes. Some firms offer a “No Success, No Fee” deal for this type of work. If you are considering a new investment or are thinking of entering a new business partnership, you may like evidence that the company is bona fide, or that the individual is trustworthy. A private investigator can carry out due diligence checks on companies, and background checks on individuals to help with this. So, whoever you are and whatever your situation, if you need some legwork doing on a company or individual, why not call in a personal investigator and let those gum shoes do the walking!
e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
Debbie Singh-Bhatti
Please mention Spotlight when responding to an ad
13
Lifestyle & Leisure A Good Read
Knowledge of Angels – Jill Paton Walsh Jill Paton Walsh is an extraordinarily versatile writer. Many will know her for her numerous works for children, and more recently for her work continuing the legacy of Dorothy L Sayers’ Peter Wimsey novels. In addition to this, she has written a number of intriguing and thought provoking novels for adults, and ‘Knowledge of Angels’ is an excellent example of these two characteristics. The story is set on a Mediterranean island in the fifteenth century, described in almost cinematic detail in the opening pages, as Paton Walsh invites us to contemplate the nature of fiction and storytelling. To this closed community come two strangers – one from the outside, a castaway found by local fishermen, and one from within, a girl seemingly raised by wolves in the forests of the island. One is as eloquent as the other is savage, but their fates become irretrievably tied together as their stories progress. At the heart of the book lie a number of questions of belief. Palinor, the castaway, professes to have no religion, which poses a challenge to the authority of the Inquisition on the island. Amara, the wolf child, seems unredeemably animal in her behaviour, but begins to grow under the care of the nuns of Sant Clara, raising the issue of nature and nurture. Both of their stories are also about love, and self-knowledge, and what is and is not possible. Yet the book is written in such a way, that these weighty questions are explored at the same time as creating a page-turning
14
thoroughly engrossing story, in which the reader is drawn in turn into the lives of Amara and Palinor. Disturbing, sensitive and deeply affecting, this is a book that will keep you thinking for a very long time. Stormbreaker – Anthony Horowitz The first novel in Horowitz’s phenomenally successful Alex Rider series, this is a must for fans of action, adventure and James Bond style one liners. Alex Rider is a seemingly ordinary 14 year old boy. However, when his uncle is killed in a car accident, his world begins to unravel. An orphan, Alex finds that without the protection of his guardian he is in the hands of his uncle’s employers – and they are not a bank, but MI6! Horowitz keeps the reader moving quickly from action sequence to action sequence, with a liberal amount of humour and contemporary references along the way. The structure is familiar to Bond fans, and once you have suspended your disbelief at the idea of a teenage spy, it all becomes gripping and plausible. In particular, the gadgets Alex uses and the villainous Herod Sayle will appeal to teenage readers – while the intriguingly sinister character of Yassen Gregorovitch is introduced here, ready to be developed further through the rest of the series. Ideal for fans of ripping yarns and reluctant readers alike, you will find that one chapter is never enough, as Horowitz is the master of the cliff-hanger ending. A 12 year old of my acquaintance told me recently that this book is ‘even better than the film’ – if you know any 12 year olds, then you will know that I need not say any more than that! Kath Bennett
To advertise or contribute call 01623 249940
Please mention Spotlight when responding to an ad
15
Money Sense
M
Are you making the most of your ISA allowance
aking financial decisions is really important and ensuring that you receive the correct advice and act in the most tax efficient manner is paramount in achieving this. With an unsteady economic outlook and increased taxes for many of us, it is important to take advantage of any tax breaks that are available. The annual ISA allowance is just such an opportunity and is currently £10,680 per individual for the tax year 2011/12. This is due to increase to £11,280 in the tax year 2012/13. With the changes in the economy we have seen savers suffer and interest rates have remained at their lowest in over 300 years for a sustained period of time and economists indicate this could continue for some time. This does mean that potentially Cash which has often been perceived as the safest of asset classes is no longer the sole area to invest and other forms of investment may
16
now need to be considered. Low interest rates mean Cash ISA returns have suffered to such as extent that: • The average rate of interest on Cash ISAs is currently 1.17% (including introductory bonus accounts). • This is less than half than the average rate when the Bank of England base rate was cut to its current level of 0.5%. • The average rate on Cash ISAs is the lowest it has been since they were introduced in 1999. (Source: Bank of England, October 2011) You many need to ask yourself, how much does my Cash ISA now pay and can I continue to solely pursue investing in Cash? We can offer you a free no obligation review on your portfolio to assess the options available to you and to ensure that you are taking the right level of risk to achieve your financial objectives.
To advertise or contribute call 01623 249940
Gift ers h Voucilable Ava
Limited Offer Price
Clinic Held at: Browns Hair & Body Unit 1 Madaline Court, MansďŹ eld, NG18 4XW. T: 07917 430816 E: jude_morgan@rocketmail.com
w w w. t e e t h w h i t e n i n g c o . c o . u k
TO BOOK A VALUATION PLEASE CALL 01623 491311
17
Business
Solar Feed in Tarriffs RJM Electrical are a local electrical company who are accredited to install electrical solar panels (Solar PV). Solar Photovolataic panels (Solar PV) are fitted to your existing roof and produce electricity. This electricity can be used or sold back to the national grid. Whatever the panels produce you are paid for, (Feed in Tariffs). Feed in Tariffs are a government incentive to encourage home and business owners to install green technologies especially Solar PV. The electricity produce is measured by a meter, the meter reading is then used to claim your Feed in Tariffs. For every Kilowatt hour of electricity produced you are paid 21p and for every Kilowatt hour sold back to the grid (50% of produced electricity) you are paid 3.1p. A 4Kw system can make you £1000 per year which is Tax Free and index linked for 25 years. We can install 4Kw systems using good quality solar panels and inverters for under £8500, making the return on investment between 8 and 10%
18
This is a better investment than a saving account or ISA’s and is guaranteed for 25 years. RJM electrical are accredited Solar PV installers based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. We offer a one to one service, where the customer has one point of contact. We want our customers to benefit from the investment of Solar PV as well as the free electricity it generates. We are a small company with small overheads and we think this keeps us very competitive with our prices. Contact us today for a free survey and quote on 01623 429215 or 07545144022 The government have recently reduced the Feed in Tariff and were taken to court over their decision. The government’s decision was deemed unlawful but they appealed. They lost their appeal at High Court last month but have now taken the case to the Supreme Court. It is still possible that systems installed between 12 December 2011 and 2 March 2012 could get 43.3p/kWh but this will only happen if DECC loses the appeal.
To advertise or contribute call 01623 249940
Business Focus
Eazi-Move Call Centre Service & Value At A Fair Fixed Fee We offer a complete estate agent service, rivalling any of the best local high street estate agents, we don’t need to charge you extortionate commissions for, let’s face it, an already extremely expensive transaction. How do we do this? Well, for starters we don’t just operate expensive high street branches with all the associated costs that entails. We run a centrally based head office for administration and taking calls from buyers. Our local area property specialists who work in your area handle the appointments, valuations and viewings. By introducing the new call centre we can step away from opening more and more local offices keeping our expenses down, and then, we can then pass all the savings to you, the customer, so your money is used for what it should be used for - marketing your property to targeted buyers.
It’s simple economics. Over 95% of buyers now use the Internet to search for property. The top property portals in the UK are seeing a 10% rise in visitors year-on-year and already receive over 50 million visits each month! We receive nearly all of their enquiries as a result of buyers seeing a property on the Internet. In this day and age of the internet there is ABSOLUTLEY NO NEED to operate from expensive high street offices anymore , however we offer both at Eazi-Move. You can still get that face to face contact by walking into one of our established offices to discuss your property. Please call 01623 491311 for more information.
e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
19
Eazi-Move
New Year New Office 2012 saw the launch of Eazi-Moves 4th office at Retford Nottinghamshire which was quite a proud time for owner Dawn Broome as the office is a few streets away from where she grew up. Pictured from left to right is Linda Sinclair, Sales Negotiator , Gail Ball, Valuer and Dawn Broome business owner. Eazi-Move has gone from strength to strength since August 2007 opening on average a new office each year. The market is still a tough market although each month we are selling more than the previous month so the market is improving although probably not quick enough for some vendors! Our business model and pricing structure suits every pocket and with the launch of our premium package in January 2012 this seems the most popular.
Exciting times lay ahead for the Company with the launch of an Exclusive branded shop in Southwell and the launch of our National Call Centre offering an extended personal service up to 8pm every night. The call centre will offer exactly the same service as one of High Street Offices but without all the overheads that come with opening new offices. “Times are definitely changing for the estate agency world and at Eazi-Move I am always working three years ahead with our business plan and with the demise of the High Street as we all used to know it the call centre will give Eazi-Move customers the best of both worlds “states Dawn Broome. To book a FREE vauation call 01623 491311
20
e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
Please mention Spotlight when responding to an ad
21
Lifestyle and Leisure
G
Snoring - Causes and Cures
etting a good nights sleep can be difficult at the best of times, especially when you’re juggling running a house with work, hobbies and other commitments. If you live with a snorer, it can be even worse. Spouses of snorers can be a very sleep-deprived bunch!
GP if there is a nonsedative version available. Smoking, allergies, stuffiness and mouth breathing are all common causes of snoring. Smoke from cigarettes irritates the lining of the nasal passages and throat, causing swelling and catarrh. This reduces the airflow. Simple allergies to dust mites or feather pillows can have the same affect. When you have a cold, your nose may be blocked, which leads to mouth breathing.
But snoring is not just annoying; it can also be an indicator of underlying health problems. Here we take a look at the most common causes and cures for snoring, and hopefully lead you toward a more peaceful sleep. One of the most common reasons for snoring is over-eating and/or lack of exercise. Just a few extra kilograms can lead to a build up of fatty tissue around the throat, narrowing the airways and making it more difficult to breathe well while you are sleeping. This tends to affect men more than women, but if you carry a little excess weight, lose it and you’ll probably cure the snoring, as well as improving your general health. Indulging in a glass or two of a favourite tipple is the way many of us choose to unwind after a busy day. However the relaxing effect we seek can also be the cause of snoring, because alcohol relaxes the muscles in your airways, causing them to go floppy. Sleeping tablets or other sedative medicine can have the same effect. If you find you snore after drinking, try not to drink just before bed time. Leave four hours or so to allow your body to absorb and process the alcohol. If it’s medication which is the problem, ask your
22
Mouth breathing means the air that would normally pass gently over your soft palate hits the back of your throat directly, causing vibrations and snoring. Try steam inhalation, or nasal strips to clear and widen your nasal passages. If you smoke, giving up or even just cutting down will have a multitude of benefits, not just on the snoring! Finally, snoring may be caused by a medical condition called sleep apnoea. This is a condition where you momentarily stop breathing during your sleep, before waking with a loud snort or snore. You may suffer without knowing. If you find yourself unusually tired, irritable, and suffering from morning headaches, or if your partner notices you are snoring heavily punctuated by gaps of silence, consult your GP for a check up. By Rita Williams-Hall
To advertise or contribute call 01623 249940
Rooflines your property deserves!
Fascias, Soffits, Guttering & Rubber Flat Roofs Approved Installers Full Replacement, No Overcladding Quality Products & Service Gable Ends Repointed EPDM Rubber Firestone Roofing Systems 50 Year Lifespan
NOTTINGHAM • DERBY • NEWARK • WORKSOP • SHEFFIELD • CHESTERFIELD
Call now for a free no obligation quote
0800 0 407 435
Or visit us online: www.mansfieldtradefascias.co.uk
Lee Wright Decorating Services PAINTER & DECORATOR
20 YEARS EXPERIENCE CITY & GUILDS QUALIFIED DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL INTERIOR / EXTERIOR CLEAN & RELIABLE TRADESMAN 3 FALCON WAY HUCKNALL NOTTS NG15 8HH MOBILE: 07791164133 TEL: 0115 9680460 EMAIL: leewrightdecorservices@hotmail.co.uk
FREE WRITTEN QUOTATION e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
23
Puzzle Page How to play Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through to 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! Challenging! It’s addictive!
Across 7 Greeting used after midday (4,9) 8 Rogue, usually homeless (8) 9 Pitch (4) 10 Scholarly (7) 12 Ladle (5) 14 Committee (5) 16 Italian dumplings (7)
Quick Crossword
19 Inscribe (4) 20 Adolescent (8) 22 Hotel (8,5) Down 1 Small bit (4) 2 Establishes a person’s authenticity (abbr.) (2,4) 3 Male undergarment (1-6) 4 Prepared (5) 5 Arch of the foot (6) 6 Medieval exclamation! (8) 11 Consequence (8) 13 Subject to (7) 15 Plead (6) 17 Pencil (6) 18 Uppermost story (5) 21 Child’s play (4)
Answers on page 34
24
e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
• • • •
• • •
Stunning range of interiors in our beautiful new showroom Local family run business with a wealth of expertise and experience Inspirational award winning design team High quality, seamless, full installation service from our own in house installers, including electrics, plumbing, tiling, flooring & plastering From Supply only to a fully fitted room - we project manage it all for a perfect result Only the best quality products are used from all the leading manufacturers Thousands of styles and options to choose from
Free fitting on presentatio n of this advert*
Please mention Spotlight when responding to an ad
25
Garden View
T
Sexy Rexy or Buxom Beauty?
he snowdrops maybe in full bloom right now, but as February marks the month of love, there is another flower which cannot go unmentioned. This is of course the Rose. Roses have been the symbol of love for hundreds of years, and where would our florists be without them? Come to think of it, where would men be without them? We’d have to make a decision as to which single flower to purchase, to show our affection to our intended. Roses had a great ‘boom’ period in the 60’s where homeowners and councils alike, removed geometric shapes from their lawns, creating island beds filled with roses. Equally spaced and pruned accurately, these hardy, woody shrubs lived on for years and examples of these schemes can still be witnessed. Associated with bare soil, manure, flat caps and the dreaded ‘P’ word (pruning), these woody and often stumpy plants, with their short lived blooms in vile colours, would eventually be seen off with a white talcum powder like coating of powdery mildew by late summer... I really don’t understand why they ever went out of fashion!!! Well thankfully those days are gone, and I reckon it’s about time our roses made a 21st century comeback. Just as Dahlias did a few years ago, I think roses deserve a second chance. Some of the modern roses with great pest and disease resistance and an instinct for repeat flowering, have been bred with the old fashioned sweet smelling types to make wonderful garden plants. In addition, there are roses for every situation, from pergolas and pots, to hedges and even partially shaded walls. They look great planted in a mixed border, especially when under-planted with a free-flowering hardy Geranium.
in the ground before the end of the month. Soak the roots in a bucket of water for around 30 minutes, while you dig a very generous hole about 40cm deep and 30cm wide. Incorporate well rotted manure or compost into the planting hole and plant slightly deeper than you would normally, so the graft (knuckle) is under the ground. Back fill with soil and firm well. Don’t prune until next month. And as for the variety you choose, be it Rosa ‘Sexy Rexy’, ‘Buxom Beauty’, or one of the more sophisticated named cultivars, be sure to go for a repeat flowerer with great scent. Other jobs to do this month include: Pruning deciduous shrubs such as Berberis Prune Clematis (type 3 / late flowering types only) Prune Wisteria (search spearjac on youtube.com for my video ‘how to’ guide) Order seed potatoes and onion setts Lee’s favourite Rose of the moment, ‘Gertrude Jekyll’. Until next time, happy Valentine’s Day!
It’s not too late to buy your bare root roses, but act quickly, as ideally they need to be
26
To advertise or contribute call 01623 249940
Lee
e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
27
Home and Garden
A
The Food of Love
t this time of year the sales of chocolate and oysters go way up. But do aphrodisiacs really work? Is the way to a man’s heart really through his stomach? Many old wives tales abound about food and love, and some of those tales actually have a grain of truth! Oysters have long had a romantic reputation. It turns out they are a good source of zinc, which is vital for the production of those hormones responsible for our libido! If you don’t like oysters, try cheese, pumpkin seeds, peanuts or lamb, which all have high zinc levels. Chocolate, especially dark, is also high in zinc. But in addition, it increases the amount of serotonin in the brain, inducing relaxation, as well as other hormones that increase pleasure impulses and receptiveness. No wonder we feel good after eating some!
Other foods that have been found to contain or release those all important feel good chemicals are sushi, pomegranate juice, wine, caviar, soy (tofu) and honey.
red
So it looks like the ideal meal for wooing your favourite person would be oysters, lamb, sushi or tofu, with pumpkin pie for dessert! Not forgetting the chocolate and cheese for nibbles, and a nice red wine or pomegranate juice to wash it all down! Of course you can’t make someone fall in love with you just by feeding them the right foods, but you may enhance already good feelings, and who knows what might happen from there? By Rita Williams-Hall
New stairlifts from £1100 Rapid installs available • Curved • Straight • Used • Rentals
01159 875 218 liftecltd.co.uk
28
ToTo advertise or contribute call 07595 510190 advertise or contribute call 01623 249940
Steve Horsnall
Tree and Fencing Limited
• Trees topped, felled and pruned • Hedges trimmed and lowered • Stump Grinding Available • Professional, clean and reliable service • Garden fencing and gates • Supplied,erected and repaired FULLY INSURED
FREE QUOTES
Tel: 01623 798268 Mobile 07899746866
Helping you create the perfect home...
Canterbury’s INTELLIGENT ROOFING SYSTEM
A more permanent solution to a flat roof problem... No Flame - No Trouble - No Seals - Easy Installation • Highly Durable • Superior Flexibility • Lightweight A variety of flat roofing applications • Extensions • Garages • Verandas / Porches • Dormas
For a free quotation please call: 0115 944 0530 FENSA
www.canterbury-improvements.co.uk
20 Year Guarantee • 50 Year Life Expectancy e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
29
Community Information
M
Mansfield Museum wins £20,000 Funding
ansfield Museum is celebrating after being given the green light by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to develop their plans to re-develop the Arcade (the long, newer gallery leading from the Museum entrance to the original building). This would focus on displays highlighting the town’s industrial heritage and would feature sections on Metal Box, Mansfield Brewery, Mining, Shoe Co. as well as smaller scale activities. This HLF first-round pass*, including £23,000 of development funding, means that the Mansfield Museum can progress the plans to apply for a full grant in autumn 2012. Liz Weston, Museum and Art Gallery Curator, is keen to stress that there is still much to do before the full grant is bestowed: “We are now clear of all the initial application procedures. The Heritage Lottery Fund is prepared to back our ideas
but require us to submit detailed plans by September of how they would be achieved. To help us do this they are making available a substantial amount of money. We will use this to consult with some of the best people in the business for advice on how to turn our vision into a clear framework for making our hopes into reality.” Emma Sayer, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands, said: “We at the Heritage Lottery Fund are pleased to support Mansfield Museum and bring their vision a step-closer to reality. This project has the potential to transform the museum revitalising the existing galleries and public spaces and offering new opportunities for visitors from near and far to enjoy these fascinating collections. There is still work to be done in developing the project but HLF will be offering their full support in taking their application further.” Updates on the Arcade redevelopment project will be included in Museum’s newsletter, Museum Scene, which is available from Mansfield Museum.
W S Ingham & Son Ltd
Independent Family Funeral Service Private Chapel of Rest Set in Beautiful Landscaped Gardens Large Car Park
Funerals arranged in all areas Professional 24 Hour Service
01623 621114
11 Poplar Grove, Forest Town, Mansfield, Notts. NG19 0HW e-mail info@wsingham.co.uk web www.wsingham.co.uk
30
ToTo advertise or contribute call 07595 510190 advertise or contribute call 01623 249940
Unhappy with Home or Workplace Security? Need An Upgrade to a Better Locking System? Door Locks Playing Up? Window Locks Jammed? Piknfix 24/7 mobile locksmith can solve any lock problem you may have All locks supplied and fitted are British Standard 3621 approved, as required for home insurance purposes. See our website for a full range of piknfix services
07815 568800 01623 845797 www.piknfix.com
brian@piknfix.com
Helping you create the perfect home...
Canterbury Canterbur HOME IMPROVEMENTS
For all your home improvements. With generations of expertise.
• PVCu & Hardwood Windows • Doors & Porches • Conservatories • Soffits & Fascias • Garage Conversions • Carports & Canopies • Gutter Cleaning • Window Service & Repairs
Canterbury Carports
Other colours available
Fascias & Soffits
www.canterbur y-improvements.co.uk FENSA
Tel: 0115 944 0530
Crompton Road Ind Est. Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 4BG
e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
31
Community Information
Blidworth & District Historical Society
Blidworth & District Historical & Heritage Society.
A
t our last meeting on Tuesday 3rd January we welcomed our speaker Lily Ann Dawes, whose talk covered ‘Odd Laws of Old England’, forgotten laws that could still catch you out! She told us that many old laws have never been repealed, for example Christmas is still officially banned! Members were entertained by this fascinating and amusing glimpse at our laws past and still present! Following this, refreshments were served and members were invited to view some of the Society’s archive of photographs. Members brought in a variety of artefacts. Bob Bradley showed us some of the mining maps he has donated to the Society, Derick Wilson displayed paintings of Blidworth he had found recently in a charity shop and Joan Smith showed us a selection of old deeds, maps and auction posters.
‘Hay Fever’ By Noel Coward
Our next meeting will be on Tuesday the 7th of February and will cover ‘Conservation and Wildlife in Laxton’s Medieval Landscape’. Our speaker for the evening will be Stuart Rose, a Laxton farmer, historian and conservationist who has lived all his life in the village. We meet at the Blidworth Methodist Hall on Main Street on the first Tuesday of every month at 7pm. Our membership continues to grow and new members are always welcome as are any photographs, memorabilia relating to the Blidworth and district community and of course, personal memories and stories. Please contact Dale Smallwood, Secretary, 15 Main Street, Blidworth NG21 0PX. 01623 479978 dalesmallwood@ntlworld.com
Is this a game?
The company are delighted to be returning to the Old Library for their latest production.
Behind Bars Theatre Company return to the Old Library stage this month for their thirteenth production, their version of Noel Coward’s popular farce, ‘Hay Fever’.
‘Hay Fever’ written by Noel Coward, directed by Jayne Mortimer.
Set in the country house of the selfabsorbed Bliss family, the play offers a hilarious glimpse into the upper class bohemian lifestyle of nineteen-twenties Berkshire that is sure to entertain.
Doors: 7PM, Performance: 7.30PM
Since forming in 2004 Behind Bars Theatre Company have produced eight original plays as well as known pieces of work such as J.B.Priestley’s classic tale, ‘An Inspector Calls’ and ‘Bouncers’ and ‘Shakers’, both written by Jon Godber. Most recently they re-vamped ‘The War Within’, an original World War Two drama in conjunction with the Royal British Legion, for a one off performance at the Palace Theatre.
32
Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th January 2012
All tickets £6 The Old Library Theatre, Leeming Street, Mansfield For tickets please contact us at: E-mail: behindbarstheatrecompany@ yahoo.co.uk Tel: 07504 974933
To advertise or contribute call 01623 249940
Rob Davies Electrical “Your Local Approved Electrician”
from £30
• Part P Approved • No Job Too Small • Over 25 Years Experience • From Replacing a Switch.. • To a Full Re-wire For a friendly and helpful service Please Ring: Fair Pricing Policy
Mob: 07976 273544 Home: 01623 861684
e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
33
Community Information These are free pages to publicise your local events and information. We would love to hear from you if you know of any event in or around the Berry Hill, Rainworth and Blidworth area; copy deadline is the 25th of each month. Please email info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
3rd Rainworth Rainbow Guides are part of the Girlguiding movement. The unit is for 5-7 year old girls. The meetings are held every Friday [term time only] at the Methodist Church Hall on Southwell Road East - time 4-45p.m. to 5-45pm. Leader: Mrs Edith Mason - tele: -01623 796472
LLoyd schools of Taekwon-do For all ages from 4-70, families welcome to train together and get fit All instructors are fully qualified, CRB checked, first aid trained and insured Build self confidence and make new friends Classes available 7 days a week throughout the local area web: www.lloydtaekwondo.com email: lloyd.tkd@btinternet.com tel: 01773 819824 First lesson free
Sequence and ballroom dancing for beginners Rainworth village hall Fridays and sundays at 7.15 Also - sequence social dancing fridays and sundays 8-10pm contact 01623 794443 for more information.
Music and Culture Night at the Black Bull Blidworth every Monday eve from 8pm Music is mainly folk but all types of musicians are welcome Performance poets and storytellers also wlecome And of course - an audience! Free entry - a raffle is usually held for a couple of items to be won Dance Fanatic School of Dance Based in RAINWORTH VILLAGE HALL. Small and friendly all ages and abilities welcomed. Ages range from 3 through to adults and styles include Ballet technique, Gym dance, Freestyle and Street. . One to one tuition also available. Annual show, exams and is a ADFP competitive school. I.D.T.A and A.D.F.P registered, fully insured and crb checked. More info contact kerri mason on: 07849549291/ dancefanatic@hotmail.co.uk Zumba Blidworth Miners Welfare, Mansfield Road, Blidworth, Notts Tuesday 6.00pm - 7.00pm £3 per session All abilities welcome also St Andrews Mission Hall, The Crescent, Blidworth, Notts, NG21 0SE Sunday 6.30pm -7.30pm £3 per session All abilities welcome
BLIDWORTH & RAINWORTH WOMENS INSTITUTE meet on the first thursday of each month at the Blidworth Methodist Church, main St, Blidworth at 7.30pm. New members welcome. For more information contact Mary on 01623 799095 BLIDWORTH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL AND HERITAGE SOCIETY we meet on the first Tuesday of every month at 7pm at the Methodist Chapel on Main Street, Blidworth. For more information contact Mrs Dale Smallwood, 01623479978 1st Rainworth Scout Group meets mondays and wednesday at St. Andrews Mission Hall, Blidworth. Mon: Beavers (6-8 yrs) 5 - 6pm. Cubs (8-10 yrs) 6.30 - 8pm Wed:Scouts (10 - 14yrs) 7.15 - 9.15pm Girls are very welcome! The L.A. School Of Dance provides a variety of children’s dance classes (3yrs plus) and adult fitness classes (16yrs plus) at the Joseph Whitaker Sports College. Classes, courses, one to one tuition and children’s birthday parties.For further information contact
Puzzle Solutions
Zumba Fitness Classes are now being held on Weds. Rainworth Village Hall, 7.45 - 8.45 - Thurs Rainworth Miners Welfare 8.30 - 9.30 Sun Rainworth Miners Welfare 11am 12pm
34
ToTo advertise or contribute call 07595 510190 advertise or contribute call 01623 249940
e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
35 35
T
Community Information Dickens of a Festival
o celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth (February 7) of one of England’s – and the world’s – greatest ever writers, Mansfield Museum is holding five days of Dickensthemed activities for children during the half-term holiday week (Monday 13 – Friday 17). From Monday to Thursday, children – and their carers – will be able to have a go at making a variety of charming Dickens-era knick-knacks. List of Festival Events Monday 13 February – Paper Toys Have a go at making a couple of the simple playthings that Dickens-era children loved. Tuesday 14 February – Greetings Cards Design your own card for someone special (Your Valentine?) Decorate it with cut-ups from Dickens.
Wednesday 15 February – Toy Theatre Bring Dickens’ timeless stories to life on your very own cardboard stage. Thursday 16 February – Keepsake Boxes Make a Dickensian container for all those precious knick-knacks. Sessions are 10am – 12noon (drop in for as little or as long as you like) The cost is £1 per person. There is no need to book but places are limited so you may have to wait on the day for a place to become available. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times) Friday 17 February – Boz’s Big Birthday Bash (Free Event) 10 – 12 noon Details to be confirmed but probable activities include storytelling; largescale illustration; silhouette making and, possibly, gruel making. For more information please contact Jodie Henshaw 01623 463088
Helping you create the perfect home...
Canterbury Canterbur S E R V I C E & R E PA I R S
For all your home improvements. With generations of expertise. • Failed Sealed Units • Cracked or Broken Windows • Broken Handles, Locks & Hinges
• Gutter Repairs & Cleaning • Conservatory Leaks & Roof Upgrades
www.canterbur y-improvements.co.uk
Whatever your problem Canterbury has a specialist team of experienced installers & servicemen that can help. From small repairs to complete replacements. Most jobs can be undertaken on site, Quickly & Efficiently. FENSA
Tel: 0115 944 0530
Crompton Road Ind Est. Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 4BG
36
ToTo advertise or contribute call 07595 510190 advertise or contribute call 01623 249940
e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
37 37
Index of Advertisers Aerials 1st Astral Aerials
31
Funeral Directors W S Ingham
30
Beauty Mansfield Electrolysis & Laser 9 East Midland Laser 2 Salon 68 17 Alexsa 8 Razor Cutz 7 Teeth Whitening 17
Furniture Progressive Furnishings
13
Garden Services Steve Horsnall
29
Bridal Wear Angela Jane
15
Children White Post Farm
Kitchens & Bathrooms Interior Design Bureau Nu-Look Bathrooms
39
Locksmith Piknfix
Dentists Shine Dental
7
Electrical RJM Electric Rob Davies Electrical Arnold Electrical R Sparkes Estate Agents EZ Move Fencing Steve Horsnall
19
Financial Advisors Reliance
38 38
18 33 2 33
21 16
Joiners DMT Joinery
Podiatrists The Foot Lady
29
Property Maintenance Abbey Drives 31 Canterbury 29/31/36 Ashfield Drives 27 Mansfield Trade Fascias 23 Restaurants & Bars China Fong Tom Browns
37 10
25 13
Renewable Energy EMREC
4
31
Roofing Fletcher Roofing
25
3
Motoring Mansfield Van Hire Pentagon
33 40
Menswear Clement Taylor
13
Painting & Decorating Rick Grant Lee Wright
29 29
Plumbing JDM Plumbing Bradshaw Plumbing MCK
25 29 35
Sign Makers City Signs
5
Soft Furnishings Diamond Soft Furnishings 12 Stairlifts Liftec
28
Telephone Connectaphone
33
Waste Removal Bag-It
27
Windows and Doors Cloudy2Clear
1
ToTo advertise or contribute call 07595 510190 advertise or contribute call 01623 249940
e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
39
You can drive away any car with Zero Deposit
Deposit
A range of cars to get really excited about.
Years 0% APR & Tel: 0845 125 8119 local rate
Sutton Road, Mansfield
We'll give you 5 Years 0% APR Representative finance on every brand new Vauxhall car.*
Pentagon
www.pentagon-vauxhall.co.uk
Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). Excite Range. Urban: 29.4 (9.6) – 53.5 (5.3), Extra-urban: 49.6 (5.7) – 80.7 (3.5), Combined: 39.2 (7.2) – 67.3 (4.2). CO2 emissions: 168 – 110 g/km.
Offers available to private individuals only for orders between 20.12.11 and 02.04.12. Prices shown are against list price at time of publication, for details refer to Vauxhall’s current price guide. All other sales categories are excluded; cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offers may not apply to all retailer stocks. UK-supplied vehicles only. Model shown includes optional extras. Finance subject to status. Calls maybe recorded for training & quality purposes.