sp tlightOn ISSUE 40 FEBRUARY 2014
Mansfield North & The Dukeries Open Monday to Thursday 8am - 5pm Fridays 8am - 4pm Saturdays 8am-1pm (October to March)
esses each monthining areas sin Bu d an es om H 0 Delivered to 6,00 sfield Woodhouse and the surround instowe, Ollerton, Man
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Inside this issue: • Garden Rooms • Gardens For Play • How To Choose A Puppy • Stylish Sportswear • Puzzles • Your Community info. • Local Businesses
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Spotlight Magazine
Contents
Ski Holiday Tips 6 The Power Of Clean 8 How To Choose A Puppy 10 Recipe 12 Gardens For Play 14 Stylish Sportswear 16 Oh Sugar 18 Park It! 20 Age UK 22 Mark Spencer MP 24 Puzzle Pages 26 Garden Rooms 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 Leaflet Media Trusted Delivery Partner of the Spotlight Magazine
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So... February already. Hopefully some of you are still keeping to your new years resolutions, but for the rest of you, like me who have fallen by the wayside, don’t worry about it. There is always next year. It has certainly been a wet start to 2014. Let’s hope that we start to see some Spring-like improvement soon. Have a great month. Spotlight magazine is delivered to 6,000 homes and businesses in the North Mansfield area each month, with similar magazines also going to Mansfield South and West Bridgford
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Spotlight Magazine
J
Take To The Slopes
oin the Olympians and try a winter sport holiday
From 7- 23 February, we will be gripped with Olympic fever once again as the 2014 Winter Olympics take place in Sochi, Russia. Thousands of competitors will don their thermals to take part in 15 different winter sports. If you’ve ever fancied having a go yourself, the variety of resorts and activities now available means that there’s never been a better time to start. Skiing has been a favourite winter sport for many years, but snowboarding is rapidly gaining in popularity. Which is best for the beginner? It’s easier to get started with skiing, but it will take you longer to get to a high standard. With snowboarding, you need a lot of practice to stay balanced and link your turns together, but once you’ve mastered that, you’re away. Planning your holiday requires careful research. Depending on how far you want to travel, it is possible to ski all year round. The season in Europe and North America runs from December to March/April, depending on the altitude of the resort. If you want to ski during the summer, you should head for the highest Alpine or American peaks, or Southern Hemisphere locations like Argentina, Chile, Australia or New Zealand.
which can be taken either in a group or individually. Don’t forget to check out the other activities on offer – both on and off the slopes. For example, you could try night skiing, bobsleigh, ice climbing, dog sledding or snowmobiling. And of course there’s the après ski – make sure there are plenty of restaurants and bars if this is an important part of your holiday. Your choice of accommodation can have a big effect on the price of your holiday. Options include luxurious hotels, B&Bs, chalets, apartments, and low-budget hostels. Another cost to consider is your clothing and equipment. You will need a base-layer, mid-layer, jacket, gloves, goggles and helmet. Unless you are a frequent skier, it makes sense to hire your boots and skis/ board. That way you don’t need to worry about transporting, damaging or losing expensive kit. And finally, remember that if you’re desperate to ski and funds are tight, there are several indoor snow centres and dry ski slopes around the UK. So everyone can share the Olympic spirit! By Alex Albrighton
Look at a range of resorts and compare their facilities. You’ll need to consider the ability level of everyone in your party and make sure that there are ski runs to match. This is particularly important if you are travelling with children. Some resorts provide a ski-school for children as young as two, otherwise you may want to investigate childcare options. If you’ve never skied before, you will need to organise lessons,
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T
The Power Of Clean
he first fitted carpet my parents ever owned was medium brown in colour with a deep, textured pile, and it hid a multitude of sins. Grit and dirt from my dad’s work boots, food spills from us kids and the occasional accident by the pet dog were all cleverly concealed. During the 20 years or so it was down it never once required professional cleaning – or so we thought!
Years later when I owned a carpet cleaning business, I learned about the dangers lurking beneath a carpet’s surface and discovered that far from being the creature comfort we thought it was, our deeply piled, deeply loved first carpet was something of a death trap (well, almost!).
FACT FIVE The best way to remove deeply embedded dirt and the bacteria that lives in it is to have your carpets professionally cleaned.
The majority of households in the UK only call in the professionals in response to some kind of incident – they’re having visitors so need to spruce things up a bit, or they’ve had a party and one of their guests has spilled red wine. PostChristmas you may even find yourself in one of these categories! But sit comfortably whilst I share a few shocking facts that may keep you awake at night, and prompt you into incorporating regular carpet cleaning into your plans and budget!
There are a number of effective cleaning methods around, including steam, shampoo and chemical, but the most important consideration is whether the technician doing the work is properly trained and qualified.
FACT ONE An average-sized living room carpet can hold its own weight in trapped soil - around 150 lbs. FACT TWO About 85% of the dirt a carpet holds is hidden under the surface, buried deep in the pile. FACT THREE This hidden dirt wears away at the carpet fibres and reduces the carpet’s life dramatically. FACT FOUR A dirty carpet can harbour harmful mites and bacteria that can trigger asthma and cause allergic reactions.
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FACT SIX Research suggests that you should have your carpets cleaned every 12-18 months to remove unhealthy elements.
When booking your clean, check about credentials, insurance, what the clean includes (will they move and replace furniture for example?) and ask to see customer testimonials. By having your carpets cleaned regularly, you will not only help to increase their life expectancy (a welcome prospect in these days of austerity) but you will also be helping to improve the quality of your own life, especially if you are one of the nation’s army of asthma or allergy sufferers. For more information visit the National Carpet Cleaners Association website at www.ncca.co.uk.
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Spotlight Magazine
How To Choose A Puppy
et’s face it, puppies are little bundles of L gorgeousness and when choosing one it’s easy to get carried away, but don’t. It
is important to think very carefully about whether that puppy (or indeed any puppy) is a good choice. But let’s assume for now that you’ve decided you really do have room in your life for a dog. The first step is to research which breed or type of mongrel suits your circumstances, and also the dog’s size and nature. Have you got room for a puppy that will grow into a large dog? How much time do you have to exercise a dog? Do you have children, or any other pets that it must be compatible with? In addition to the purchase cost, what ongoing costs must you consider e.g. food and vet bills; a large dog will eat much more than a small one, and some breeds are prone to medical problems which may be expensive to treat. Consider the dogs coat if shedding hair might be an issue. Would a dog or a bitch be a better choice? Male dogs can be more dominant and headstrong; with females, you will need to consider how you will cope when she comes into season. Terriers are lively dogs that need lots of exercise for their size and can be tricky to train, but they are generally good with children. Toy dogs seem particularly prone to becoming snappy if they are anxious, which they may be around boisterous children.
from an experienced breeder who can give you lots of information and allow you to meet the parents. As I mentioned earlier, some breeds have potential ‘inherited diseases’ or known health issues in later life, so ask about this if you want to avoid hefty vet bills. Crossbreeds can be cheaper to buy; they can even be free, but if you can’t see both parents you may get a surprise when it grows much larger than you expected. There are currently some very fashionable cross breeds such as the Labradoodle - a Labrador / poodle cross, or a Cockerpoo – a cocker spaniel / poodle cross. These can combine the best features of each breed.
Border Collies for instance, can become stressed if they are not active and given lots of attention. Gun dogs are easy to train and settle well into most houses.
Resist buying a puppy that is left on its own and appears withdrawn, as it may have or develop personality issues. You should choose a lively, alert puppy in good health. To give your puppy a good start in its new home, try not to have too many people around when it arrives. Be relaxed and allow your puppy to sniff around. Offer it food and water although you may find it refuses for a while. Try to establish a routine.
If you choose a pedigree dog, you will know exactly how large your pup will grow and what it will look like. You should buy
Once settled in, you can look forward to your puppy being a loving companion for many years.
Hounds need lots of exercise, and breeds that have a working history need plenty of mental stimulation so that they don’t get in to mischief.
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Ashlands is a family run Care Home where excellence of care is the standard. With half an acre of pretty gardens backing on to woodlands, our residents have the space for quiet reflection while being close to local amenities. The two South facing sitting rooms and large sunroom all have full length windows and, along with the dining room, all overlook the rear garden. • Our care manager has 25 years care experience and leads a team of highly trained staff • Capacity for 30 residents, both for old age and dementia • The majority of our rooms have en-suite WC facilities • Long and short stay, respite and day care available • Full-time activities co-ordinator, music, entertainment and regular outings • Hair dressing, Chiropody and motivation therapy • Award winning gardens giving a safe and quiet area to relax • In-house cooks producing a varied range of freshly made meals, with special diets catered for • Second floor accessed by lift, with wheelchair access throughout • TV and phone available for every room • All rooms have Nurse call points and are decorated and furnished to a high standard • Close to local shops and public transport • Registered with the CQC and Nottinghamshire County Council
We welcome visits at any time to come and meet the staff and residents and have a tour of the grounds and facilities.
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Spotlight Magazine
Nutty Valentine Heart Biscuits
Preparation time: 30 minutes plus chilling time. Cooking time: 14-16 minutes Makes 20-24 sandwich biscuits Ingredients 6 oz / 170g Ground Almonds or Hazelnuts 6oz / 170g Plain flour 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp salt 4oz / 115g butter (at room temperature) 31/2oz / 100g caster sugar 1 medium egg 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional) Raspberry or strawberry jam Icing sugar for dusting Heart-shaped cookie-cutters in two sizes; one small, one larger. Method Mix the ground nuts, flour, cinnamon and salt together in a mixing bowl, set aside. In a large bowl beat the butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy, this may be done by hand or in a food mixer. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg with the vanilla and almond extract if using. Beat half the egg mixture into the creamed sugar and butter, then beat in the other half. Continue to beat until combined. Add all the dry ingredients and mix gently by hand until all the ingredients have been combined. Divide the dough in half, shape each piece into a disc, place in a polythene bag and chill for 2 hours in the fridge. If you want to make this ahead of the day, the dough can be stored in the fridge for 3 days or 2 months in the freezer). Preheat the oven to 190C / Gas Mark 5, and line two trays with greaseproof paper
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or a silicone baking mat. Lightly flour the work surface and roll out the first piece of dough until it is about 1/4 inch / 0.5cm thick. Cut out as many heartshapes as the dough can fit. Gather up the scraps with the second disc of dough and continue to roll out the dough and cut out the cookies. Cut out the centres of half the cookies using a smaller heart-shaped cutter. Transfer the cookies to the baking sheets and bake for 12 - 14 minutes or until the cookies are golden, dry, and firm to the touch. These cookies don’t spread so don’t have to be spaced out too far apart. Remove from the oven and allow to cool while the second batch is baking. Heat up some jam in the microwave or on the stove top until it is warm. Spread half to a teaspoon-full of jam on the cookie and place a cookie with a cut-out centre on top. Lightly dust with powdered sugar before serving. If you don’t want the jam to be sprinkled with icing sugar, you can dust the cookie-toppers with the cut-out centres first, then place them on top of the jammy bases before serving.
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Spotlight Magazine
Gardens For Play
y February Christmas can seem like a B distant memory: toys and games which were desired for months beforehand, are now no longer new.
I’m sure I’m not alone in remembering how the excitement of a new toy soon faded, but for me the big box in which it was wrapped provided entertainment for a much greater length of time because it could be turned into a car, a bus, a den or a robot. Recently I was asked to apply this theory when designing a family garden: a fun outdoor space, with no obvious pieces of play equipment such as a big blue climbing frame; a bright red slide, or a plastic swing. Instead fun is designed into the garden space much more subtly, the key being to introduce elements which children can ‘accidentally’ find, and which stimulate thought and exercise their creative minds. Children love pretending, and creative play can include play sand, water and of course mud (surely you must have made mud pies or sloppy dosh when you were a child – for those who didn’t its mud and water mixed in a bucket or bowl with a stick then left to harden in the sun). Elements such as a mud kitchen, logs to jump off and a tree to climb are all much more fun (and cheaper) than modern play equipment. I love to see a garden which on first inspection looks like an adult space, but has elements for initiating play.
Parents also often ask about child-friendly plants, and it’s a tricky question to provide a quick answer for. There are basically two ways in which children could be adversely affected by garden plants: ingestion, or contact. The majority of ornamental plants, roots, seeds and berries range from slightly to very toxic, but statistically (research shows) that the number of deaths is tiny. The vast majority taste so disgusting that your child probably would spit most of it out, and if poisonous then vomiting would most likely occur because it is the body’s natural defence mechanism (apple pips must surely be the most commonly eaten poisonous seeds!). Foxgloves, fungi and Delphinium seeds are the most commonly known plant poisons, but others less well known include Daffodils, which are planted in most gardens and public places without a second thought. The leaves of Rhubarb, green parts on tomatoes and potatoes are all harmful, but we still grow them in schools. I think garden education at a young age is the key, and given most under 3’s won’t be outside alone in the garden it shouldn’t be a problem … anyway, they’ll be too busy playing to eat the plants! Happy (and safe) gardening Lee www.InspiredGardenDesign.co.uk
Stepping stones through a border; a self contained water feature; bark areas under trees for den making; grass mounds for climbing up and rolling back down; paths to race bikes on; washing line poles to climb, and a small bridge to cross when escaping from trolls… the usual thing!
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Spotlight Magazine
Stylish Sportswear
The Chic, the Affordable and the Classic. new year means a fresh A start and of course, New Year’s resolutions. For some,
it’s to stop smoking. For others, it’s to lose a few extra pounds or start a healthier lifestyle. Though we all try our best to make a change for the better, it’s not easy. The January blues usually send all good intentions to the back of our minds as we go back to the normal routine after the buzz of Christmas. For any of you looking to shift a few postChristmas pounds, it can be really tough. If you’re still on track, well done! If you’re starting to flounder a little or you’re finding the gym just too unappealing, I have the answer for you. Get in shape whilst looking good with stylish fitness wear. Investing in some chic workout clothes may just give you the boost you need to spur you on to a healthier life. There are several designer and high street brands offering trendy fitness ranges, helping you to look and feel good whilst exercising. One of the most famous of these stores is Sweaty Betty. Everything in their shops is geared towards stylish fitness so they really know what they’re doing. The advantage of Sweaty Betty is that they have a great range of designs, with specialised clothes for lots of different sports and activities. They also have a section on their website providing information about what is best to wear - from yoga to skiing and tennis to swimming – ensuring you’re in the know and that you’ll
be looking your best. With a store right in Nottingham city centre, it’s easily accessible too. Having said all that, it is a little on the pricey side.
This is to be expected really as it’s a specialist store selling an exclusive brand. If you’re serious about making exercise a regular part of your life then Sweaty Betty is probably your best bet. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, try somewhere like Sports Direct. Although they don’t have such a wide range of fashionable sportswear, they still have a fairly decent selection and it’s all very reasonably priced. They stock a lot of different brands allowing you a good choice of styles and colours. Their sales are also particularly good as they have huge reductions, meaning you can get fitness basics for fantastic prices. My favourite thing about Sports Direct is their shoe department; they have trainers in every style and colour that you could ever possibly want! Though who really needs an excuse to buy another pair of shoes? If neither of these have quite what you’re looking for, you could try Lacoste. Their famous little crocodile logo has been around for years, adding a sporty flourish to everything they emblazon. The classic nature of their designs means they will last you for many years to come so can be a worthy investment. Wherever you decide to purchase your stylish sportswear from, just remember – have fun getting fit and enjoy the healthier new you! RhiannonChown r_chown@yahoo.co.uk
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I
Oh Sugar!
remember a friend telling me years ago that she couldn’t walk past a sweet shop without becoming shaky and breaking into a cold, clammy sweat. The only cure was to enter the shop and buy a bar of chocolate which she would gobble immediately.
My friend Sandy was displaying symptoms typical of a sugar addict – a condition that may not have been recognised twenty or thirty years ago, but which is certainly gaining more attention in today’s world of ever-increasing convenience and sugary foods. Sugar is essential to the proper function of the body. Glucose in particular is important to the brain, as it provides the only source of fuel to its one hundred billion nerve cells. But it is the ready availability of refined sugar and its use as a mood-booster to give an instant ‘lift’ that is prompting some health experts to consider sugar addiction. One senior Dutch health official has even described sugar as “the most dangerous drug of the times” and has called for health warnings to be carried on sweets and soft drinks packaging. Research has shown that sugar can affect the same ‘feel good’ brain hormones as street drugs like cocaine, and that sugar withdrawal may create the same symptoms as withdrawal from nicotine, morphine and alcohol. Eating sugar prompts the body to release the ‘happy hormone’ serotonin into the
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blood stream. However, this pleasant sugar rush triggers an increase in insulin as the body strives to bring blood glucose levels back to normal, which has the knockon effect of causing a ‘sugar crash’ and makes many crave yet more sugar, leading to binge eating. This cycle of ‘surge’ followed by ‘crash’ is even more pronounced when the sugar comes from foods rich in simple sugars, like chocolate, sweets and fizzy drinks. They are absorbed much more quickly into the blood stream, causing a faster and more frequent cycle. Eating more complex sugars or carbohydrates such as whole wheat bread, cereal and pasta, or simple carbohydrates like fruit, vegetables and dairy products which also contain fibre and protein, slows down the process. According to the NHS, added-sugars shouldn’t make up more than 10% of the energy we get from food and drink each day, which is about 70g for men and 50g for women. By cutting down the amount of sugar we consume each day, we can reduce the risk of becoming addicts like my friend Sandy. Always remember to check food labels, and bear in mind that food products containing more than 15% sugar are considered high in sugar and low if they have less than 5g per 100g.
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Spotlight Magazine
F
Park It!
or over three decades I have happily manoeuvred an assortment of vehicles through a variety of traffic situations, and have safely reversed into a multitude of parking spaces - but I still bless the day I took possession of my latest car! For the first time ever I am experiencing the benefits of having parking sensors fitted – and as happens with many things, now I’ve got them, I wonder how I ever managed without them! Just this week, the warning bleep I receive whilst reversing towards another object prevented a potential collision. The driver of the other car and I were parked across from each other and we both started to reverse out of our parking spaces at the same time – which meant that even though I had checked all was clear before starting the manoeuvre, we ended up on a direct collision course! The insistent and increasingly frantic bleep of my reversing sensors alerted me to the danger and I was able to pull forward out of harm’s way. It’s not all about avoiding collisions though. Having parking sensors means that I am able to fit my car into smaller spaces because the job of judging distance and space has been taken from me, to a degree. I now find I have much more confidence about parking and am able to do it with greater ease.
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There are two types of parking sensors 1. Ultrasonic sensors bounce sound waves off obstacles, using the ‘echo’ time to indicate how far away they are. A speaker in the car bleeps – with increasing urgency – as the obstacles get closer. They work even when the car is stationary, but may miss smaller or narrow objects and inclines. Fitting usually requires drilling the bumper and they may not be suitable for use with a tow bar. 2. Electromagnetic sensors create an invisible electromagnetic field around the car’s bumper and any objects entering it trigger a warning sound. Mounted inside the bumper so that there is no need for drilling, they are suitable for use with tow bars, cycle racks etc. but only detect objects once the once the car is in motion. Parking sensors can be fitted to the rear or front of a vehicle – or both. Reverse sensors activate once reverse gear is selected and switch off automatically when the gear is changed. Front sensors are activated manually and usually deactivate once a pre-determined speed is reached by the vehicle. In my opinion, parking sensors are an absolute MUST - but if your car doesn’t have them, don’t despair! They can be fitted post manufacture, with prices starting at around £30 for the ultrasonic version, and £70 for the electromagnetic sensors By Debbie Singh-Bhatti
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Spotlight Magazine
Valentine’s All Year Round
Valentine’s Day is all about being ‘in love’ isn’t it? But what does ‘being in love’ really mean? Is it just about the flowers, chocolate or perfume?
To me, being in love is all about appreciating and noticing my partner. In the first throws of a romance it’s easy: you appreciate the way it feels when he takes your hand; the way she laughs or cries at daft films; the way he pokes his tongue out when he concentrates. You notice the little things and find them endearing. Over time sadly our focus shifts more to the things which irritate us, such as the way we have to ask him to take his muddy shoes off in the house at least three times before he does it, or the way she spends so much money on clothes and beauty products. When we focus on the negatives the positives get lost. Worse, we only appreciate our partner when they produce
a big gift, or an extravagant display of affection, mainly because it’s something out of the ordinary so it shakes us out of our apathy. Florists, jewellers and gift-card suppliers capitalise on this.
I am not advocating a Valentine’s Day without cards and flowers, (mainly because I like receiving them), but this year make a list of all the little things you love about your husband, wife or partner as well. Then every day tell them one or two small things you really appreciate about them. Yes it takes effort, but it will help them feel loved every day, not just on Valentine’s Day. The poet Victor Hugo said that ‘The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.’ That surely has to be the best Valentine gift you can give anyone this year. By Sarah Davey
Age UK Home Help Service
recent survey by Age UK Notts A shows that people who have help at home with everyday tasks such as
cleaning, shopping and laundry feel their quality of life has been improved. The charity found that by offering a helping hand they enabled people to spend more time with their loved ones and doing things that enjoy. Equally many older people find they are no longer able to complete these tasks to the best of their ability. With this in mind, the charity has launched a Home Help service to offer relief to older people who need a little help around the house. For an hourly charge a Home Help can assist with everyday tasks including cleaning, shopping, laundry, ironing, light meal preparation and carers’ sitting. Just like thousands of people throughout the country, Robert is the sole carer for his spouse. He and his wife, Mary, have been married for over seventy years, thirty years of which Robert has been caring for her full time. Robert’s caring responsibilities mean
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that he doesn’t have the capacity to do everyday jobs such as cleaning and shopping. His limited time to complete routine tasks started to have a negative impact on their quality of life.
Following a recommendation from a friend, Robert decided to get in touch with the cleaning and shopping services of Age UK Notts. Robert and Mary are now visited a couple of times a week by a Home Help who assists them to clean their house and do their shopping. Robert is now able to spend more time caring for and being with Mary and less time worrying about everyday tasks. Robert and Mary not only personally benefitted but their custom has also had a wider positive impact as any surplus from the Home Help service go towards helping vulnerable older people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. For more information, please call our Home Support team on 0115 952 5331 or 01623 488 218.
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Spotlight Magazine
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Spotlight Magazine
Mark Spencer MP
Local MP Mark Spencer Consults Local People on Controversial Planning Application
Time to make your voice heard, last week I sent a letter and survey to every home in Bilsthorpe and Eakring asking how people felt about proposals to build a waste disposal site known as the ‘Bilsthorpe Energy Centre’ on the former colliery site at Bilsthorpe Business Park. I would first of all like to thank those of you who have already completed and returned the survey and give a nudge to those who have not had the time to get theirs back in the post yet. I will make sure the County Council are aware of all comments made. It is important to me, as your MP, that I represent the views of the people who live near this proposed project. This is why I want to hear from as many of you as possible! This application has been met with a mixed response but it is fair to say so far there is significant local opposition however there are good and bad points to consider. Peel Environmental, the company behind this application, are seeking planning permission to build a waste disposal facility that will accept up to 120,000 tonnes of residual non-hazardous waste each year from across Nottinghamshire and surrounding areas. A technology called plasma gasification is to be used and will generate electricity for export to the national grid. I have been told that this site once operational would provide up to 40 jobs in the area however there may be negative factors such as increased lorry movements and noise. When I have received all the survey responses back from local people I will take them down to Nottinghamshire County Council’s planning department to ensure that these people’s views are taken into consideration as the application progresses.
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If you have any concerns regarding the ‘Energy Centre’ please write to the county council making your thoughts clear. For further information regarding the planning application please visit: http://www.nottinghamshire.gov. uk/planningsearch/plandisp. aspx?AppNo=ES/2950 We must make sure the Planning Authority, (NCC) is fully informed of public opinion before they make a decision on whether to proceed. Mark Spencer MP
DUKERIES U3A A SIZEABLE CONTINGENT from the Dukeries U3A spent 5 nights seeing in the New Year in Newquay, Cornwall. The weather was kind to them, the accommodation was first class – and they got up to a variety of diversions including playing bridge, their own version of ‘The Chaser’, and dancing the night away! So, if you aren’t a member of the Dukeries U3A you can see what you are missing out on! Our many and varied Groups include walking, scrabble, bridge, ten-pin bowling, reading, woodwork, lunch groups, history, architecture, theatre outings, cinema, handbell ringing, art appreciation, gardening (not a spade in sight!), investment clubs, poetry, wine appreciation, ballroom dancing, outings and day trips etc. If you would like to find out more about the Dukeries U3A, why not attend at one of our monthly meetings which are held on the third Monday of the month at the Jubilee Hall on Wellow Road, Ollerton. We meet at 1pm for a 1.30pm start, and the meeting finishes at about 3.30pm. It costs just £1 to attend – and if you should decide to become a full member the membership fee is £18 annually. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: 01623 824789 or 01623 862827
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Spotlight Magazine
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Spotlight Magazine
Puzzle Page
Crossword Clues Across 1 Breakfast food (6) 4 Reverie (5) 8 Finished (5) 9 Crack (7) 10 Farm vehicle (7) 11 Genuine (4) 12 Conifer (3) 14 Nothing (4) 15 Test (4) 18 Current (3) 21 Tone (4) 23 Sea creature (7) 25 Brutal, inhuman (7) 26 Goodbye (5) 27 Odour (5) 28 Digestive protein (6) Down 1 Compose (6) 2 Transmit (7) 3 Mathematical process (8) 4 Profound (4) 5 Banishment (5) 6 Passively (6) 7 Neck warmer (5) 13 Bind (8) 16 Exaggerate (7) 17 Ancient Egyptian god (6) 19 The earth (5) 20 Shrewd (6) 22 One of the senses (5) 24 Present (4)
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Quick Crossword
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Spotlight Magazine Romeo and Juliet Word Search List Actor Ballet Benvolio Capulets Chorus Conflict Culture Dagger Death Drama Fate Feud Film Friar Italy Juliet Lovers Marriage
Mercutio Montagues Nurse Parents Paris Passion Play Poison Romeo Rosaline Rose Stage Suicide Tragedy Tybalt Verona
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Spotlight Magazine
New Year - New Garden Room
G
arden rooms are a fantastic, modern, innovative creation that allows you to gain extra space without the hassle of moving house or building an old-fashioned conservatory.
Today, garden rooms are used in many different ways: a lot of people simply use their extra space as a place to relax away from their house, others have had the building specifically created to use as an office, a gym, a place to entertain or for guests and family to stay; others have even used them as a music room so as not to disturb, or be disturbed by, others. There are so many options for your garden room and the beginning of January is the perfect time to consider how you would like to use and get the most out of your garden throughout the year. Garden rooms are ideal for every occasion or event as well as for everyday living and can be used all year round. One of the most popular uses for contemporary garden rooms is as an office and with the number of homeworkers and home-based businesses in the UK rising annually, more people are taking advantage of accessible technology and cutting out their daily commuting time and costs. The garden room has stepped in as the perfect way to keep your home life and work life separate. Perhaps you are in the music profession or are a music teacher and you need somewhere sound-proof for practicing, teaching or recording: garden studios can free up all of that space used to keep you instruments and equipment and could even save you the expense of renting
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other studios (and the related travel costs). Maybe you are a fitness fanatic and you are looking for somewhere to hold all of your equipment – if so, a garden gym may be for you, eliminating the inconvenience of using your local gym as well as working around opening times. A granny annexe for example, is a great solution if your parent(s) could use a smaller place but want to maintain independence, what better solution that building them their own home effortlessly close to your own. The purpose built granny annexe can perfectly meet the needs of your relative, moreover, they can have input into their new home’s design. What you may not realise is that a granny annexe is a bigger version of a garden room, therefore anything that can be accomplished in a garden room can be achieved in the design of a granny annexe. Garden rooms are also an ideal solution for families looking to house their close relatives or friends in a safe, secure and comfortable home, ensuring peace of mind. Maybe you have older children that are ready to move in with partners but don’t have the income available to pay rent, or maybe they want to save a deposit to buy a house. A garden room can offer a warm and cosy solution to the problem. At Roomworks, each one of our contemporary garden studios is tailored to your own specific requirements. round. Call Paul on 07789 681 683 for a no obligation consultation.
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roomworks.co.uk or direct site line 07789 681 683 www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
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Spotlight Magazine
Index Of Advertisers
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Spotlight Magazine
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