Spotlight on West Bridgford by david clark

sp tlightOn West Bridgford

ISSUE 46 MARCH 2013

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onth Businesses each m d an es om H 0 00 Delivered to 6, Lady Bay and West Bridgford in Edwalton, Inside this issue: • Spring Into Action • Events Guide • Dragon Boats • Dr Seuss Day • Lowdown on Laptops • Win A Meal For 2 • Puzzles • Your Community Info • Business Focus

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Spotlight on West Bridgford Contents

So March is upon us! We have several important dates to remember this month. Mother’s Day is Sunday 10th, so we had better not forget that one, and of course we have an early Easter this year coming at the end of the month.

Choose a Wedding Photographer 6 Spring Into Action 8 Events Guide 10 Puzzle Page 12 Dragon Boats 14 Hot Air Balloons 16 Community Information 18 Win a Meal for 2 20 The Lowdown on Laptops 22 Dr Seuss Day 24 Social Knitworking 26 Still Stopping Smoking? 28 St. Patricks Day 30 Easter Egg Hunt 32 Index of Advertisers 34

British Summer Time begins at the end of this month too, with the clocks going forward by 1 hour at 2am on Easter Sunday, 31st March Thanks once again to all our advertisers and contributors, and of course all the readers for supporting our local businesses. Spotlight magazine is delivered to 6,000 homes and businesses in the West Bridgford area each month, with similar magazines going to Mansfield South, Mansfield Central and Mansfield North.

Published by Spotlight Local Media Ltd Company No. 6841257 Tel: 0115 822 4995 Suite 104, 1 Hanley Street Nottingham NG1 5BL

To Advertise or contribute: T: 0115 822 4995 E: info@spotlightlocal.co.uk Web: www.spotlightlocal.co.uk

Graphic Design and Layout: Spotlight Local Media Distributed by Leaflet Media Trusted Delivery Partner of the Spotlight Magazine

Martin Page

Edwalton &

West Bridgford’s Local Tree Surgeon Have you considered? Just like the rest of your property your trees may need some maintenance from time to time? Are your trees too tall, unsafe or untidy? Are they blocking light from yours, or your neighbour’s property? With o v e r 25 years of experience working with trees in your area I would be pleased to offer you free advice and a free quotation.

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To eadvertise contribute call 07595 510190 mail us ator info@spotlightlocal.co.uk

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March 2013

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Lifestyle & Liesure

How to choose a Wedding Photographer

fter you’ve set the date and booked your venue, your choice of photographer is probably one of the most important decisions to make about your wedding. Your photos will shape your memories for years to come, and it’s crucial that they capture the atmosphere of your special day. Photography is also likely to be one of the biggest costs of your wedding – another reason to get it just right. To give yourself the widest choice, start researching photographers as soon as you can. Visit wedding fairs, look at websites such as www.findaweddingphotographer. co.uk for ideas, and ask friends and family for recommendations. Your venue may also be able to make suggestions. Before you meet potential photographers, think carefully about what you want from them. Most will offer prices based on how many venues you need them to attend, how long they stay with you, how many photos they take and how many you have printed.

Get together a list of shots that you’d like to have taken. Your photographer will tell you the traditional groups, but you may want different combinations, family portraits, or pictures of friends visiting from abroad for example. When you have a shortlist of photographers, arrange to meet each one in person so you can see their work and get an idea of their personality. You need someone who can get everyone organised, but they must also make you feel at ease. Look at as much of their work as you can, and if possible ask to see one couple’s full album to see the story it tells, rather than a random selection of the photographer’s best shots. You will need to decide whether you prefer traditional photographs, or a more informal style, or perhaps a mixture of both. Also consider if you like colour, black and white, sepia or other effects that may be available. Look carefully at a variety of shots. In the big groups, is everyone looking at the camera? Do the happy couple look relaxed? Do you like the poses and backgrounds used? Can you see the detail in the dress, flowers and cake? How have they coped with bad weather? It’s very important to find out if photographers have wedding indemnity insurance to cover the cost of retaking your photos if something goes wrong. If not, you will need to take out your own insurance. Finally, you should think about how you want your photos to be displayed. An album is traditional, but digital versions on a website are easy to show to friends and family. Talk through different options with your photographer to make sure what they are offering is right for you. Alex Brown

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Spotlight Magazine

Spring into Action! Don’t let Moss take over your lawn The record setting wet and inclement weather of 2012 has taken its toll on lawns throughout Britain, including those in Nottingham East region. From excessive moisture to compacted soil, many lawns are in need of attention. Spring is the most important time of the year to take care of your lawn. Neglecting to treat your lawn during the spring can cause issues for the rest of the year. This advice is particularly important following the recent wet weather. As a result of the excessive rain, lawns will have become saturated creating a perfect breeding ground for moss. Mosses are resilient and versatile non flowering plants that are, for many, the worst of all lawn problems. Left unchecked, moss will increase, reducing the ability of the grass to thrive and will eventually ‘choke’ out the grass completely. To successfully remove a moss problem, it is important to identify the primary cause and remove it or reduce its impact. Not only can excessive moisture be a cause of moss, there could also be an underlying issue with your lawn. Additional causes of moss can include excessive thatch, the grass being left to grow too long during winter, poor drainage, shade and compacted soil due to heavy use. But do not worry there is a solution; moss can be combatted. The most effective method, while providing the best value for money, is to contact your local lawn care expert, who has the experience, techniques and tools to tackle the moss quickly and effectively. Greensleeves, the national lawn treatment company, has a programme designed to maximise the effort against moss and reduce its impact as much as possible. The treatment programme begins with an onsite evaluation of the turf and current moss conditions. Depending on the severity of current moss, your local Greensleeves lawn care expert will recommend a treatment plan to bring your lawn back to life.

Greensleeves will treat the moss problem with their range of specially formulated products and professional equipment. They will not only act to combat the moss but will also apply a specialist lawn feed which will encourage the turf to thrive. If required, they will then remove the dead moss from the lawn by scarification. Scarifying is a process which involves a mechanical raking of the lawn using a specialist machine which has sharp tungsten blades that rotate at high speed and cut into the turf in a vertical manner. The process of scarification removes the moss along with any excess thatch from a lawn giving the grass plants the opportunity and space required to grow. This will help the turf to withstand any future moss invasion. Additionally, your lawn can at this stage be over seeded if required to fill in any bare patches left by removing the moss. Re-seeding involves the scattering of new lawn see over your existing lawn to help fill damaged or thinned areas. Greensleeves will also assess your lawn to establish whether it will benefit from being aerated. Hollow Tine aeration can dramatically improve the condition of the soil and therefore has a direct impact on the health of a lawn. The process involves a professional aeration machine which removes plugs from the soil at intervals to reduce compaction and therefore improve the drainage and soil conditions; again helping the grass to flourish and ensuring adequate drainage to reduce the moist conditions in which moss thrives. It is important to remember that no matter what condition your lawn is currently in with a little help from the professionals it can be transformed. With their expert knowledge and professional range of equipment and treatment plans, Greensleeves is the lawn care company that you really can rely on. For further information or to book a Free, no obligation quotation please contact your local Greensleeves lawn treatment expert; John Sansum on 01159 280687 or visit www.greensleeves-uk.com.

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Community Information Local Events Guide

West Bridgford Online

Your local website

Wednesday 27th March Wednesday 13th March Dino Baptiste – Monkey Tree Craig Baumber – Monkey Tree Thursday 28th March Thursday 14th March Richie Muir – Monkey Tree Richie Muir – Monkey Tree Steve McGill – Riverbank Francesca Barberton – Riverbank Martin Taylor – Irish, Country & Folk Night – Martin Taylor – Irish, Country & Folk Night – Trent Navigation Trent Navigation Friday 29th March Friday 15th March DJ Santero - Riverbank DJ Huey Morgan (ex-Fun Lovin Criminals) Joe Strange Band followed by Good Times + Funkified - Riverbank DJ – Southbank Roy Stone / Good Times DJ / T.I Funk – Red Dirt Skinners – Trent Navigation Southbank Saturday 30th March The Big City Blues Band – Trent Navigation T.I Funk followed by Good Times DJ – Saturday 16th March Southbank Flipside - Riverbank Paul Gibbard – Trent Navigation Joe Strange Band followed by Good Times Sunday 31st March DJ – Southbank Kris Ward - Copper 3 Legged Cat – Trent Navigation DJ Norman Jay - Riverbank Sunday 17th March Urban Intro – Southbank Joe Strange - Copper Wednesday 3rd April Avolon – Southbank Ladies Night (3 courses £15 + half price Tuesday 19th March cocktails) – Belle & Jerome Wine tasting evening in aid of Cancer Tom Wardle – Monkey Tree Research (£25) – Belle & Jerome Thursday 4th April Wednesday 20th March Richie Muir – Monkey Tree Bob Wilmott – Monkey Tree Martin Taylor – Irish, Country & Folk Night – Thursday 21st March Trent Navigation Richie Muir – Monkey Tree Friday 5th April David Lacey – Riverbank The Coverups - Riverbank Martin Taylor – Irish, Country & Folk Night – The Shakes followed by Good Times DJ – Trent Navigation Southbank Friday 22nd March Robin Bibi – Trent Navigation Flipside - Riverbank Saturday 6th April Bob Wilmot / Good Times DJ / Dino Baptiste Sticky Morales - Riverbank – Southbank The Splinter Band followed by Good Times Guano – Trent Navigation DJ – Southbank Saturday 23rd March The Last Pedestrians – Trent Navigation Simon Faulkner Band - Riverbank Sunday 7th April Elvis ‘68 Special followed by Good Times Ben Hicklin - Copper DJ – Southbank Kris Ward – Southbank Mood Indigo – Trent Navigation Wednesday 10th April Sunday 24th March Craig Baumber – Monkey Tree Rich Howell - Copper Richie Muir – Southbank Brought to you by West Bridgford Online – www.westbridgfordonline.com Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/westbridgfordonline Follow us on Twitter - @westbridgfordol

e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk

Chocolate comes from the Aztec word

‘xocolatl’, meaning bitter water. Originally it was consumed as a drink made from cacao beans, chillies, achiote and cornmeal. Emperor Montezuma drank 50 golden goblets every day!

Hitchcock used chocolate syrup for

blood in the famous 45 second shower scene in his movie Psycho.

Over 66 percent of the world’s cacao is

produced in Africa. The US consumes the most chocolate per year, but the Swiss consume the most per capita.

Columbus brought the cocoa bean

to Europe, but Cortez first realised its commercial value. With the addition of cane sugar the chocolate drink became very popular, but it wasn’t until 1842 that the first chocolate bar was produced by Cadbury.

One unfortunate Bishop was poisoned

by chocolate-addicted parishioners because he tried to ban its consumption during church services.

Largest and longest records go to

Nestle for creating the largest cup of hot chocolate (2,400 litres) in November 2010, and to Mirco Della Vecchia for producing the longest chocolate bar measuring 15.9m a year later.

Aphrodisiacal qualities are believed by many to be contained in chocolate.

Thorntons produced the world’s biggest

chocolate bar (six tonnes of it!) in October 2011 to celebrate its 100th birthday.

Energy-seeking Napoleon always

carried chocolate with him to use as a pick-me-up whenever he needed a boost.

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Puzzle Page

Crossword Clues Across 1 Chocolate drink (5) 4 Worries (5) 7 Rain-protection (8) 8 Part of a rosary (4) 9 Quantifies (8) 11 Thing (4) 12 Breakfast food (6) 14 Rented temporarily (6) 16 Comfy seat (4) 18 Gymnastics event (8) 20 Abandoned (4) 21 Cars, lorries and motorbikes (8) 23 Bags (5) 24 Trades (5) Down 1 Vie (7) 2 Ties, ropes (5) 3 Whole (3) 4 Part of a school (9) 5 Trash (7) 6 Tint (5) 10 Kin (9) 13 Stretchy (7) 15 Sprinters (7) 17 Complies (5) 19 Native (5) 22 Belongs to him (3)

10 12

Quick Crossword

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Word List for astronomy word search asteroid astronomy black hole comet Earth eclipse Europa galaxy Ganymede Hubble Io Jupiter Mars Mercury meteorite

moon nebula Neptune orbit planet Pleiades Pluto red giant Saturn star sun supernova telescope Uranus Venus

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Lifestyle & Leisure

5th Nottingham Dragon Boat Challenge

o celebrate Chinese New Year and the Year of the Snake, Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People has joined with Gable Events to launch the fifth Nottingham Riverside Festival Dragon Boat Challenge. The 2013 Challenge takes place on Sunday 4th August as part of the annual Riverside Festival and is one of the largest and most eagerly anticipated team events in the region. Up to 50 crews representing companies, organisations, clubs and groups of friends from all over the East Midlands are expected to battle it out over the 200m race course on the River Trent at Victoria Embankment. They will all be seeking to knock South Nottingham College off their pedestal as reigning champions whilst raising muchneeded funds for the Hospice. Dragon boat racing has an ancient Chinese history and the Festival is a reenactment of a tragic event that took place more than 2,000 years ago in the kingdom of Chu. Legend has it that falsely accused of treason and exiled by jealous rivals in the government, despairing warrior poet, Qu Yuan, threw himself into the Mi Lo River. Local fishermen rowed out to save the drowning poet and tried to rescue him from vicious fish by beating the water with their paddles. But their attempts failed and every year in Hong Kong a Tuen Ng (Dragon Boat) Festival is held as a mark of respect for the fishermen’s frantic efforts and to commemorate the tragic death of Qu Yuan. According to the Chinese calendar, 2013 is the Year of the Snake. As snakes are known for their pride, cunning and intelligence, this should result in some interesting races! No previous experience is required to take part in the dragon boat racing, just plenty of team spirit so why not take up the challenge? Thankfully, you don’t need the physical strength of a Steve

Redgrave or the athleticism of a Jessica Ennis to be successful as teamwork and timing win the day. The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. Teams and spectators also benefit from being part of one of the region’s largest family festivals with a bustling fair and vibrant mix of music, dance, crafts and food from around the world, staged by Nottingham City Council. The Challenge’s official charity, Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, is the only children’s hospice in the East Midlands and cares for over 230 local children and their families every year. Katie Baxter, Events Manager at Rainbows Hospice, says, “The Dragon Boat Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for Rainbows as it gives us a chance to raise essential funds with the help of the local community. Thanks to everyone involved, we are able to continue to be there.” The top fundraisers for Rainbows will win the charity trophy plus a special prize meal kindly donated by The Oriental Pearl Chinese restaurant, based in West Bridgford, not far from where the Challenge takes place. For further information and an entry form please visit www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/cambridge or call Gable Events on 01780 470 718. To find out more about the services of Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People call 01509 638000 or visit www. rainbows.co.uk Images courtesy of Infinite Images

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Spotlight Magazine

Nottingham & Derby Hot Air Balloon Club Nottingham & Derby Hot Air Balloon Club are looking for new members. The club was started by a group of enthusiasts in 1978 and has been a regular sight around Notts and Derbys for 35 years. It is believed to be unique in the UK as the only balloon club with membership open to the general public. The club is a non-proft making sports club run by volunteers. Members get a chance to get involved in all aspects of flying balloons. No previous experience is needed as the club runs regular members training evenings and also other social events. We own two complete balloons and mainly fly locally from 6 different launch sites. In previous years members have attended balloon meets in the USA, India, France, Ireland and even Australia. In 2005 we flew our balloon across the English Channel for a charity event. In July 2011 we attended a meet at

Chambley in France and helped set a new world record for the largest simultaneous launch of hot air balloons. We sometimes get asked to inflate our balloons at local shows and fetes and also at wedding receptions. We are currently looking to recruit some extra members so we can fly more often. For enquiries about club membership telephone 0115 8541028.

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Spotlight Magazine

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Community Information

Whats happening in your area This is a free page to publicise your local events and information. We would love to hear from you if you know of any event in or around the West Bridgford area; copy deadline is the 25th of each month. Please email: info@spotlightlocal.co.uk Lady Bay Pub Beer & Music Festival 28th March - 31st March Live Music Fri and Folk & Blues Sat Night Free Entrance Fashion Show and Sale to be held at Abbey Road Primary School at West Bridgford on Tuesday 19th March at 7pm. This will be a great opportunity to buy High Street Fashion at a fraction of the normal price. Tickets are £4 in advance or £5 on the door. All proceeds will go to improving the outdoor space at the school for the children. Contact 07794333959 for tickets/details. West Bridgford Womens Institute will be meeting at St Paul’s Church Hall, Boundary Road at 7.30pm. Monday 18th March Our talk will be “Life of a Tudor Tile Maker” by Karen Slade. Visitors are always welcome. Please note: This meeting is a week earlier than usual. The next meeting of the South Notts Flower Club is on the 9th April at 7.30pm in Edwalton Church Hall, Wellin Lane, Edwalton, Nottingham, NG12 4AP. The meeting is titled “Inspired By” and demonstrated by Janet Hayton a National Demonstrator form Skelton, Yorkshire. New members and visitors are always welcome. £5.00 entrance fee for visitors includes refreshments. Contact Gail for more information on Tel. 01159822070. The Poppy Folk Club Sunday 17th March – In the upstairs room at The Poppy and Pint off Pierrepont Road in Lady Bay. Brian Peters and Gordon Tyrrall. Tickets £7.50. Excellent musicians and fine singers with a startling repertoire of traditional, contemporary and original material. See the website for more details: www.poppyfolkclub.co.uk or contact Phil & Julie 0115 9812861, Dave 07790 943893, email phil@ poppyfolkclub.co.uk. Grand Central Chorus Rehearsals are at Harrington School, Derby Road, Long Eaton, NG10 4BJ at 7.15.pm every Wednesday. If you are a potential singer, sponsor, booker or just curious you will be welcome. Abacus Preschool Open Afternoons Every Wednesday afternoon from 1.15 - 4.15. Come and have a taster session with your child and join us for an afternoon of fun and activities. We are now in fantastic new premises: The Sports Club, Regatta Way, West Bridgford NG2 5AT (half way between Radcliffe Road and Adbolton Lane). For more information,

please call 0115 981 1142 or visit our website: www. abacusplaygroup.co.uk TAI CHI FOR THE OVER 50’s: New BEGINNERS’ class starts on Weds Oct 3rd, at the West Bridgford Community Centre, 12.45 - 1.45pm. Relaxed, controlled movement great for improving mental and physical well-being. Other classes available (Mon & Weds in WB), including simple, seated meditation sessions. Talks/demonstrations given at YOUR venue. For further information please go to www.taichi-joy. co.uk or tel Joy Parsons on 0115 9743542. Notts Orienteering Club is a not-for-profit community sports club run by volunteers. We offer beginners orienteering sessions in the community for people to learn how to read maps and get a bit of gentle exercise at the same time. We have three evening sessions available in Worksop, West Bridgford and Mansfield on Tues and Wed evenings. For more information call Catherine on 07940575758 or e mail hubclob@noc-uk.org Taekwon-Do (ITF) West Bridgford – www.tkdnottingham.co.uk From beginner to blackbelt. Training Twice A Week, Monday & Thursday evenings. Free Trial Session. One of the Top 10 Martial Arts in the World. Like Karate but with more emphasis on kicking. Great for Self Defence, Fitness & Suppleness, Self Confidence, Discipline & Respect. Contact Marcus Reilly (2nd Dan) 07973 405362, marcus.r@ntlworld.com CRB Checked, Valid Insurance, First Aid Certificate. Wilford Karate school - www.karate-nottingham. com/ We teach traditional Shotokan Karate to people from 7 years through to adults. Our club is part of a world wide federation and offers the unique opportunity to train under Master Asano Hanshi, 9th Dan. All abilities 7yrs + Mon 7-8pm Thu 7:30-8:30pm Brown and Black belts (Honbu) Tue 7:30-8:30pm At Nottingham Emmanuel School – Wilford. Contact C Goronwy 0115 9814246 for more details Mirabilé is looking for quality trained and/or experienced soprano singers. We are a small ladies ensemble covering a wide range of repertoire from early music to contemporary arrangements, both in English and other languages. We rehearse Monday evenings from 8.00-10.00pm in West Bridgford. For enquiries or audition details please contact: Alison Smith on 0115 9143510 alisonsmith20101@hotmail.co.uk

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Win a Free Meal for 2 at The Lady Bay Pub

Newly refurbished, ‘The Lady Bay’ is close to Nottingham Forest FC and is match day family friendly. Regular family entertainment and a lovely outside seating area make this friendly pub a really great place to eat and drink whatever the weather! Your free meal can be redeemed anytime Mon-Sat from 12-9pm. Choose anything from The 2 for £8.95 menu which includes gammon & eggs, lasagne, sausage and mash, hunter’s chicken, (all the English classic dishes) or visit on a Friday and try the Famous hand beer battered haddock and chips.

Don’t miss the Easter Weekend Beer & Music Festival 28th March 31st March Live Music Fri and Folk & Blues Sat Night. Free Entrance

This Months Question Which of our advertisers describes themselves as speaking “plain English?” How To Enter Just send your email to: info@spotlightlocal.co.uk with the subject line Free Meal Competition. We will draw a lucky winner at random each month. Good Luck The Lady Bay Pub is at 89 Trent Boulevard West Bridgford NG2 5BE Tel: 01159 811228

The winner of Last Months Free Meal Competition is Linda Vickers

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Spotlight Magazine

Getthe thelowdown lowdownon onlaptops laptops Get

aptop computers can offer the power of a desktop with the flexibility and freedom to use them where you wish. There is an astonishing range of products available, ranging in price from a few hundred pounds up to two thousand. As with all technology purchases it’s essential to do your research first – work out what you need, what you’re willing to pay for, and what you can do without. The cheapest option is a netbook. They are smaller and lighter than laptops, but don’t have the same range of features. They are perfect if you want to browse the internet and send emails while you’re out and about. The keyboard and larger screen can make them easier to use than a smartphone or tablet computer, such as an iPad. The next step up is a cheap laptop. These are suitable for everyday tasks such as word processing and web browsing, and are good for computer novices. They are portable, but may be bulky. You may have to pay more if you need to store more data on the computer (such as movies) or use it for more demanding tasks (such as gaming or editing video). Sleek and light designs also come at a premium.

Processor – a dual core basic processor should come as standard. Processors are normally made by Intel or AMD. AMD is cheaper; Intel processors get more powerful as the model number increases. Battery life – most laptop batteries will last for five or six hours. More expensive models may go for longer, but invest in a spare if you are often out for the day. Screen size – a 15-inch display is fine for most users. Choose a larger screen for playing computer games or using design software. Weight – hold it in your hands if you can! Remember, you’ll be carrying the laptop around, or sitting with it on your knee. Controls – Make sure the keyboard and trackpad are comfortable to use and consider getting a separate mouse. Drives – some laptops don’t include CD/ DVD drives and you may need to buy an external one. By Alex Brown

Use this quick guide to help you understand laptop lingo and work out which one is right for you: Operating system – Windows is the bestselling operating system. Macs are easy to use and good for graphics and publishing, but can cost two or three times as much. Memory – this has a big influence on how fast the laptop will run. Aim for at least 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. Storage – the hard drive is where programs, files, data and documents are stored. Look for 320 GB, or 500 GB if you want to store lots of videos, music or photographs.

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Spotlight Magazine NEWS FROM ‘CHILDSPLAY RUSHCLIFFE WALKABOUT’ ORGANISERS This year’s early May Bank Holiday weekend will see the first ever ‘It’s Childsplay’ sponsored walk for young people and their families in the Nottingham area. The event, which will be called the Rotary ‘Childsplay Rushcliffe Walkabout’ will take place on Sunday 5th May in Rushcliffe Country Park in Ruddington. It involves a 2.5 mile route through the park, with each participant trying to raise at least £10 sponsorship from friends, relatives and neighbours.

5 years all over the country. They are all to raise money for local children’s hospices and they all take place over the same Spring weekend. This is the first time that one of these events has been held in the Nottingham area. Rushcliffe Country Park is a perfect venue for this kind of event. The event is aimed at encouraging young people (mainly, but not exclusively, 7-11 year olds and their families) to take part in a healthy, outdoor event and learn how to raise money for a worthwhile charity. More information from Dennis Jones on 0115 914 1161

Money raised will go to Rainbows Children’s Hospice in Loughborough. More details will be available shortly. If you are interested in taking part, please keep Sunday 5th May free………. This event is being organised by 3 local Rotary clubs: Trent Bridge, Keyworth and Ruddington and West Bridgford. Similar ‘Childsplay’ events, organised by other Rotary Clubs, have been held over the last

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Children & Education

Dr. Seuss Day!

It’s no understatement to say that he revolutionized children’s literature. Prior to Seuss, US children had been taught to read using the rather sterile Dick and Jane books. I can remember in the UK, aged Fascinating Fact five, being taught using the English One of Seuss’s most popular books, equivalent, Green Eggs and Ham, was written as the Peter and Jane. result of a bet that he could not write a I remember my book using only 50 words. mother rolling her eyes and saying, ‘I’m sure we can The words are, in order of appearance: find something I am Sam; that; do not like; you green more fun than this eggs and ham; them; would here or darling,’ before there; anywhere; in a house with mouse; presenting me with eat box fox; car they; could; may will see The Cat in the Hat. tree; let me be; train on; say the dark; I was hooked. rain; goat; boat; so try may; if; good; thank.

ou’re never too old, too wacky or wild, to pick up a book and read to a child…

This is taken from the US website for ‘Read Across America’ Day, which takes place on March 2nd the anniversary of Dr. Seuss’s death. The slogan caught my eye when I was looking for something else entirely because it was so unmistakeably Seuss-ish, and in our family Dr. Seuss is worshipped across the generations.

In spite of being born in Kent, I was brought up on the works of Dr, Seuss. My mother was a trainee English teacher who wrote her dissertation on him. She adored the way he played with language. My own children could recite The Cat in the Hat word-for-word before they could ever read it for themselves. Like all the best young-children’s authors, Seuss never talked down to them. His work is playful, silly, and anarchic, something which appeals to children the world over, yet he never had any children of his own. He was born Theodore Seuss Geisel. He started using Seuss while at university and added the ‘Dr.’ as a joke; because his father always said he wanted him to be a professor! He loved to write and draw cartoons, yet his first book, And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street, was rejected by 27 publishers - a lesson to aspiring authors everywhere.

Seuss published more than 40 books during his lifetime and they’ve sold over half a billion copies, more even than JK Rowling. We don’t celebrate Dr. Seuss in this country as they do in the US, but perhaps we should. Without him we might not have the marvellous works of Julia Donaldson, Lynley Dodd or Lauren Child. So Happy Seuss Day! By Sarah Davey

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Lifestyle & Leisure Social Knitworking Social Knitwork casts off in Ruddington The Framework Knitters Museum are hosting an informal knitting club in their tearoom at the museum Chapel Street, Ruddington every Friday, from 1.00pm – 3.00pm. Experienced knitters are invited to share their skills and encourage new makers.

chair and join in. Refreshments can be purchased from the museum.

Whether you are a keen experienced knitter or just getting started the Framework Knitters Museum in Ruddington invites you to join the Social Knitwork. This informal ‘dropin’ group meets in the museum tearoom every Friday afternoon. Just bring your wool and needles and meet other makers to share your skills, your enthusiasm or your good company. There’s no fee or booking arrangements. Just pull up a

Paul Baker, the Framework Knitters Museum manager, said “it feels appropriate that we should offer space in the museum for people to come together to knit. It would be great if this informal gathering might encourage more people to have a go and join the knitting revolution” The Social Knitwork meets on Friday afternoons from 1.00pm – 3.00pm. Admission is free. Check the museum website for further details and updates. For more information contact Paul Baker, Manager of the Framework Knitters Museum, Chapel Street, Ruddington, NG11 6HE – tel 0115 984 6914 email rfwk-mus@btconnect.com web www. frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk.

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Health & Wellbeing

National Stop Smoking Day Did you make a New Year’s Resolution in January? How did it go? If your New Year’s Resolution was to stop smoking, but you were unsuccessful, how about trying it with the help of New Leaf, your local NHS Stop Smoking Service for National No Smoking Day on Wednesday 13 March? We are hosting community events across Nottinghamshire to encourage quitters to access the support and help that we can offer. Don’t pay for your prescriptions? We can provide 12 weeks worth of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) totally free of charge, and if you do pay, you get 12 weeks worth for only 1 prescription charge of £7.65! And with 7 forms of NRT available to you, we’re bound to have just the right thing to help you get a handle on those cravings. If you would like to use Zyban or Champix, we can provide you with all the information you need & liaise with your GP to arrange

your prescriptions. Our clients tell us that we are accessible, flexible and nonjudgemental – we can support you as much or as little as you need us to. We hold a number of 121 & group clinics across Nottinghamshire, in community locations that are easy for you to get to. If you are unable to attend a clinic due to work commitments or health problems, we can provide you with telephone support, and we are available during the day time, evening, or weekends. Studies have shown that you are 4 times more likely to quit with our help than by going it alone, so what have you got to lose?! You can access the service as many times as you need to, so if we’ve seen you before don’t be shy – this time could be the time you quit forever!! Contact New Leaf on 0800 389 7712, or by texting ‘LEAF’ to 80800. Last year we helped over 3,500 people quit smoking – this year could be your year!!

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Lifestyle & Leisure

St. Patrick’s Day

hat are you doing on March 17th this year? You probably don’t have a clue, but if you are of Irish descent chances are that you will be donning green attire and tucking into a plateful of bacon and cabbage! The date is St Patrick’s Day, commemorating the death of Ireland’s patron saint on 17th March 461. Patrick was born in Roman Britain to a wealthy Christian family - his father was a deacon and his grandfather a priest. He was kidnapped and held captive by Irish raiders at the age of sixteen, but eventually escaped; following which he received a vision and calling to return to Ireland to preach Christianity to its heathen population. So it is that St Patrick is credited with taking Christianity to Ireland.

Patrick used the three leaves of the native Irish shamrock to teach the doctrine of the Trinity. Nowadays, the shamrock and green clothing are customarily worn on St Patrick’s Day. Traditionally, Irish families mark the day by attending church in the morning and celebrating in the afternoon. The festival includes public parades, processions, concerts, outdoor theatre and fireworks – all designed to celebrate all things Irish! So, if you find yourself at a loose end on 17th March, why not look up your local Irish centre and join in the festivities?! By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

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Children & Education

An eggs-cellent idea!

hatever the weather, children of all ages will love an Easter egg hunt. Try one of these ideas and have a cracking good time! For a simple hunt, put plastic eggs around the house or garden that children have to collect to win a prize, or hide small chocolate eggs for them to collect in a basket. Add clues to make the search a bit harder. Alternatively, create a treasure map and mark each egg with an X. Young children will enjoy following a trail of paper bunny footprints, or a long piece of string to reach their prize.

Add a fun educational twist using numbered cardboard egg shapes – children can collect odd or even numbers, or get the highest total to win a prize. You could also put the letters of an Easterthemed word on the shapes and challenge them to solve the anagram. Set up an ‘obstacle’ hunt. To win each egg, children have to complete a challenge, such as doing ten star jumps, singing a nursery rhyme, or completing a craft activity. If you have a mixed group of children, prepare individual checklists so they each find only what is on their list and no more – for example, two chocolate bunnies, three silver eggs and four fluffy chicks. By Alex Brown

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Index of Advertisers Accountants Sunny Accountancy................7 Aerials A1 Astral Aerials........................15 ADI.............................................26 Bedrooms Hammonds..................................2 Carpets & Flooring Carpet Image.............................32 Transformafloor..........................27 Cleaning Services Jackson Cleaning......................19 Domestique...............................15 Dust Busters..............................21 Belle Casa.................................29 Computer Midland Data Services..............32 Electrical Services Icon Electrical Services.............19 Financial Services Sense.........................................21 Garage Doors Ockbrook Garage Doors...........13

Garden Services Charnwood Tree Surgeon.............4 Abbey Drives............................15 Greensleeves..............................9 T&A Fencing..........................33 David Buckberry.......................23 Health and Keep Fit Zest Health & Fitness...................27 White Tiger Kickboxing................28 Diveable.......................................16 Riverside Natural Health..............17 Kitchens & Bathrooms Inspirational Designs...................19 Motoring Lion Garage............................7 Oven Cleaning Stunning Ovens.....................26 Painting / Decorating Phil Sargeant................................25 SS1 Paint Services.......................25 Pets Dial a Dog Wash..........................33 Plasterers IRS Plastering..............................25 Bramcote Plastering....................26

Plumbing & Heating Aquawave....................................23 Property Services AHM Installations..................30 Sanctuary..............................29 B B Services..........................26 Restaurants The Riverbank.........................5 Roofing RSJ Roofing..........................25 Solicitors Quality Solicitors.....................3 Shelving The Home Review Co..........11 Stairlifts Liftec......................................20 Tiling I B Tiling.................................21 Venues The Boat Club.......................15 Windows & Doors Double Glazing Doctor..........21 Lady Bay Art Glass...............13

Puzzle Solutions

34 34

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What’s On

Entertainment Guide

NEW IN 2013 – BETTER SOUND QUALITY, A VARIETY OF GREAT BAND & DJ NIGHTS, HEADLINE EVENTS & POP-UP PARTIES Thu 14th Mar Francesca Barberton ACOUSTIC NIGHT from 9pm

Francesca Barberton has singing experience from musical theatre, choirs to fronting various blues bands.

Fri 15th Mar Funkified+Huey Morgan THANK FUNK IT’S FRIDAY from 8.30pm A totally unique high-energy funk and soul band that will have the party jumping all night long. Tickets £6 GUEST DJ: Huey Morgan (ex-Fun Lovin Criminals)

Sat 16th Mar Flipside PLUGGED IN from 8.30pm

Flipside play songs that you will know and love, covering current chart hits, soul, funk and rock classics from the past sixty years. WARM UP DJ: Iain Newton (Do It Fluid)

Thu 21st Mar David Lacey ACOUSTIC NIGHT from 9pm

David Lacey is one of the UKs freshest and most promising talents. A gifted singer/songwriter with the most powerful and emotive voice you’ll ever hear.

Fri 22nd Mar Flipside PLUGGED IN from 8.30pm

Flipside play songs that you will know and love, covering current chart hits, soul, funk and rock classics from the past sixty years. WARM-UP DJ: Wrighty (Soul Buggin)

Sat 23rd Mar Simon Faulkner Band PLUGGED IN from 8.30pm

Simon’s band has a very wide repertoire from Sinatra to modern day pop (ex-leadsinger Urban Intro). WARM UP DJ: Iain Newton (Do It Fluid)

Thu 28th Mar Steve McGill ACOUSTIC NIGHT from 9pm

Steve McGill, Nottingham-based music producer, singer/songwriter. Musical influences Barry Gibb, Bob Dylan and Bono.

Riverbank Bar & Kitchen Trent Bridge, Nottingham, NG2 2GS T 0115 986 7960 W riverbanknotts.co.uk

Fri 29th Mar DJ Santero THE GOOD STUFF

All the good stuff from the last 40 years. An eclectic mix and mash of all the best Club hits, floorfillers and singalongs. WARM-UP DJ: James Twidale (Do It Fluid)

Sat 30th Mar Flipside PLUGGED IN from 8.30pm

Flipside play songs that you will know and love, covering current chart hits, soul, funk and rock classics from the past sixty years. WARM UP DJ: Iain Newton (Do It Fluid)

Sun 31st Mar DJ Norman Jay BANK HOLIDAY SUNDAY POP UP PARTY

Norman Jay is arguably one of the finest and most respected DJs in the world today whose talents and many years of dedicated service to his profession have now seen him rightfully acknowledged by the highest authority in the land. Tickets £10 4 RESIDENT DJS: Iain, Wrighty, Andre & James

Thurs 4th Apr Kaben ACOUSTIC NIGHT from 9pm

The musical love child of Kat Kyrris and Benjamin James from Harleighblu. With velvet vocals from Kat, Kaben is jazzy, colourful, sexy and soulful.

Fri 5th Apr The Coverups RIVERBANK ROCKS from 8.30pm

The band pride themselves on an up-to the minute set list that stretches back through the decades, with an energetic live performance! WARM-UP DJ: Adam Jay

Sat 6th Apr Sticky Morales BIG SOUND SATURDAY from 8.30pm

Nottingham’s premier 8-piece Soul, Funk & groove machine serving up a big sound. Make sure you don’t miss this great night! WARM-UP DJ: TBC

Friday Night Drinks Offers 5.30-9pm

FREE ENTRY

PINT BECKS/RUDDLES £2.50, HALF PRICE COCKTAILS, 2 FOR 1 VODKA REDBULL, HOUSE WINE £12, HOUSE SPIRIT AND MIXER £2.50

(unless stated)

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