Ad Newspaper for West Bridgford Nottingham May 2018

West Bridgford ISSUE 109 May 2018

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Garden View

This Month - Ground Control You can’t go wrong with a geranium.

They grow well where other plants struggle, particularly those shady areas, or parts of the garden with poor soil.

And they are so useful - they provide hundreds of pretty flowers and also smother the ground with a welter of leaves that prevent weeds from taking hold.

Don’t confuse these hardy geraniums with the tender bedding plants with the horseshoe leaf-markings. They may be commonly called geraniums but they are in fact pelargoniums and not hardy so would perish in a hard frost. True geraniums are as tough as old boots.

There are loads to choose from offering a wide range of colours and habits.

If you want a carpet of tiny pale pink saucer flowers try Geranium sanguineum striatum.

It’s great for growing in the crevices of a garden path, or even in a shallow tub or sink where its finely cut leaves show of the flowers to their best advantage.

Geranium macrorrhizum is probably the most reliable ground cover of them all.

Want To Hear Some Juicy Gossip?

It creates a low dense mass of aromatic hairy leaves about 30cm / 12 inches high.

How to deal with being the target of a malicious rumour.

The flowers open in late spring and there are varieties in white, pale pink or magenta. These are followed by bright red seedheads providing interest well into the autumn.

Last year I became the target of mailicious gossip. I’m ordinary, in my forties with a husband, children and a small group of friends I’ve known for several years, so to be a target of an unsubstantiated character assassination blindsided me.

Propagation is ridiculously easy. Simply rip up a clump of the thick creeping stems and push them into the ground where you want them to establish.

Make sure they don’t dry out and you can be assured of success.

If you’d like a plant with a bit of height go for Geranium psilostemon. This grows to about 1.5m / 5 feet. It has deep magent flowers with a black eye, and is a great self-seeder.

If you struggle with a patch of denser shade I can recommend the blueflowered Geranium himalayense, and also ‘Johnson’s Blue’. Both will form clumps about 30cm / 12 inches high.

Whether you have a new garden which needs to be filled with colour, or an established garden with a few bald patches, plant hardy geraniums and you won’t be disappointed.

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No smoke without fire the saying goes, but there was no fire I could think of. *Jen was a newcomer to our social group and was the instigator of wild allegations about me almost immediately. ‘She’s nuts,’ a close friend said, ‘Ignore her.’ Easy to say but when long-standing friends turned their backs on me it hurt.

Usually if someone dislikes us we rationalise it: they are loud, and we are quiet; they have different core values; we represent a minority group they have a visceral reaction to. None of these applied. I had no idea what had caused this or how to react.

I stopped going for drinks and left the yoga group we both belonged to. I felt sad and isolated.

In desperation I emailed a friend who is a clinical psychologist. Her advice changed everything, and I offer it to you here.

Ignore: My first friend was right about ignoring the gossip. Rumours often have a short lifespan if they are deprived of oxygen.

Don’t deny too hard: If anyone questions you say, ‘That’s not true,’ then change the subject.

Laugh it off: A roll of the eyes and a smile can give the impression that only an idiot would believe the gossip. People don’t want to be idiots, so this approach may make them question the rumour.

Don’t react: Like ignoring. Don’t shout or cry.

Gossips love to create drama. If you don’t react, there’s no drama…move along, nothing to see here.

Keep your real friends close: Gossip at least reveals who you can trust. Those who stand by you are true friends.

Let them know how much you appreciate them, but never bitch about the gossiper. Keep yourself above all that. It’s hard to do but worth it…believe me!

Don’t seek revenge: It’s tempting, it really is, but don’t. The best revenge is to live the best life you can.

Acceptance: If someone decides to go full character assassination on you there is little you can do.

The best policy is to carry on being the person you are. Stay true to you and wait it out.

I had to accept that because of the actions of one woman, my friendship group changed.

Some friends stood by me, others turned their backs. But things settled to a new normal.

I joined a new yoga group, which turned out to be better, started a ballroom dancing class and made some new friends along the way.

I may never know why Jen tried to ruin my life, but I’ve moved on and can honestly say it no longer matters. *Not her real name

By Tracey Anderson

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Morris Dancing Morris dancing is a part of the May Revels, or May Day celebrations. It dates back to late mediaeval times and the earliest mention is from 1458.

experience a renaissance and the dances we see today are believed to have mostly developed in the hundred years or so after this date.

The origins of the name are unknown.

There is speculation that it has Spanish Arab roots and comes from ‘Moorish Dancing’ but this is not provable.

Changes in social patterns, social mobility, and types of recreation in the Victorian era meant that by the end of the 19th century the Morris had become rather unfashionable.

Many of the earliest known records relate to the early 16th century English Royal Court, so it is possible that there may be some connections with the courtly Morisco dances seen in continental Europe at that time.

The church had been a great supporter of the Morris traditions until the Reformation. After this it was considered frivolous and frowned upon by the authorities for many decades until the restoration of Charles II in 1660.

‘Merrie Englande’ saw traditional festivities

Local Elections

It came very close to dying out completely, then by chance, the folk song and dance collector Cecil Sharp saw the Morris at Headington on Boxing Day 1899, and started a revival which continues to this day.

By Tracey Anderson

On May 3rd the first local elections took place since the dramatic General Election last year.

Voting in local elections is almost more important than voting in a general election because the decisions local councillors make have a greater impact on our day-to-day lives.

Here are some frequently asked questions.

I don’t like any of them. I could do better. How do I become a councillor and what would my responsibilities be?

What are local elections for?

To elect the people who run our local services.

Good question. Most councillors work around three to six hours a week in their post depending on their other commitments.

What do they mean to me?

Local councillors are consulted on everything which happens in your area and thus everything which affects you directly.

The duties include: attending meetings of organisations, taking up issues on behalf of the general public, and running surgeries so that residents may bring up any issues bothering them.

Like what?

Things like parks, footpaths, street lights, public toilets, car parks, allotments, bus shelters, community centres and the future of local schools.

It’s a largely unpaid post but is a rewarding way to become involved in your local community.

They also have a hand in road improvements, street signs, planning applications and deciding what sort of facilities your area has access to.

Yes but the Government controls 80% of the money spent by local councils so their vote doesn’t count for much does it?

It counts for a lot. Councillors elected now will affect your life and the life of your family and neighbours for the next four years.

I don’t even know who’s standing in our local elections

4

They won’t do anything for me Have you asked them? Local councillors live in your community, are easily contactable and are directly answerable to you.

The information is generally displayed on parish notice boards and in local post offices and newspapers.

A good place to begin if you’d like to be a councillor is the NALC website www.nalc.gov.uk/becomeacouncillor/ howtobecomeacllr.html It might be said that ‘people get the local council they deserve’. If you don’t vote, those who do are making decisions which may change your life.

Think about it!

By Hannah Fenton

A Good Read The Private Patient – PD James

Commander Adam Dalgliesh, poet and policeman, is summoned from London to investigate, and before long finds himself dealing with not one, but two unexplained deaths and a whole host of dark secrets.

Some would argue that James’ novels are an acquired taste, being so far from the run of the mill ‘whodunnit’ – I would say they are a taste well worth the acquiring.

This is the latest in James’ Dalgliesh series, and it bears all the familiar hallmarks of the earlier novels – a death in a closed community, a complicated back story and a steady move to the conclusion.

The Foggy, Foggy Forest – Nick Sharratt

As ever, the supporting characters are just as important as Dalgliesh himself – both those on his team and those who inhabit Cheverell Manor – and they are deftly drawn, with real and believable traits.

At a private clinic in Dorset, Rhoda Gradwyn has booked an operation to remove a serious facial scar – one which she has borne for many years, but ‘no longer has need of.’

The operation is a success, but by morning Rhoda Gradwyn is dead, and suspicion falls on the staff of Cheverell Manor.

For the reader, the experience is more about contemplation than guesswork – the identity of the killer is revealed three quarters of the way through, and the rest of the novel is concerned with motivation and moral dilemmas.

There is also a significant amount of tying up of loose ends from the ongoing stories of Dalgliesh and his colleagues, and the ending is rich and reflective.

Like the best fiction for very young children, the book stands up to reading and re-reading (and re-reading, and re-reading....).

It deserves to become a children’s classic.

This delightful picture book may take some tracking down, but the effort is well- rewarded.

Each page takes the reader on a journey through the ‘foggy, foggy forest’ of the title, asking ‘What can this be?’

The beauty is that each page is printed on acetate, and shows a mysterious silhouette, encouraging us to guess at what lies beyond.

The answer, of course, is never straightforward!

The book works on a number of levels – younger children will love the repetition and the rhyme as each shadow is revealed, whilst older readers will appreciate the fine details of Sharratt’s colour illustrations and the humour which finds ‘Cinderella and Snow White in a water pistol fight’.

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Roast Cod with a Lemon Garlic and Parsley Crust Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 10 to 30 mins Serves: 4 Ingredients 675g/1lb 8oz cod fillet, 3cm/1¼in thick 85g/3oz white breadcrumbs, soft or slightly stale 3 tbsp parsley, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed Finely grated zest ½ lemon 60g/2¼oz butter, melted Squeeze of lemon juice Salt and pepper Lemon wedges, to serve

Method Season the cod well with salt and pepper to taste.

Mix the breadcrumbs with the parsley, garlic, lemon zest, salt and pepper, then add butter and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly with your fingers.

Place the cod in a shallow, ovenproof dish and press the buttered crumbs firmly onto the cod to make an even crust.

Bake at 220C/425F/Gas 7 for 20-25 minutes until the crust is browned and the fish just cooked through. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and green salad or steamed asparagus.

We Love A Royal Wedding Unless you have been living on a desert Island with no Wi-Fi for the past 12 months it cannot have escaped your notice that a wedding is scheduled for this month.

Now whether you are a flag-waving Royalist or consider them to be a bunch of elitist parasites, you can’t avoid the discussions over the dress, the guest list and the entertainment booked for the reception.

It was when I heard a colleague (who I know is anti-Royal) gleefully speculating over the dress-designer Meghan may or may not have chosen that it occurred to me to wonder why even the least sympathetic among us somehow get sucked into the celebrations.

The fairy tale: Children’s stories where the handsome prince marries the beautiful princess are perennially popular, and the big white wedding is still the way many women imagine their big day. In this instance the prince in question is a real-life action hero too!

A Royal wedding is the chance for us to live it vicariously, or conversely marvel at the spectacle of it all while muttering darkly about the cost to the public purse.

Being part of something bigger: There is a strong drive among humans to want to feel part of something important or monumental. We want to weave historic events into our own personal history.

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It’s why we bought tickets to The London Olympics, fly out to World Cup Finals, and lay flowers at the sites of tragic events.

Shared History: The celebrations surrounding the Silver Jubilee, or the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana may have been part of our childhood.

They are not like us…or are they?

We feel we know the Royals. We’re there for the births, the engagements, the weddings, the divorces. We know lots about them, but there’s always more we don’t know.

It’s human nature to be hungry for more information or gossip about the rich, famous and (preferably) scandalous.

A Royal wedding feeds into this, from the venue – the smaller St George’s Chapel rather than Westminster Abbey – to the guest list – who made the cut and who was snubbed. It’s like our own family but lived large…on our TV screens.

And just as if they were members of our own family…we wish them well.

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13/02/2017 13:08

British Sandwich Week

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British Sandwich Week May 14th – 20th Ever since John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich ordered cold beef between slices of toast, to avoid getting up from his card game, his name has become synonymous with our favourite lunchtime choice.

But what makes a good sandwich?

Start with good bread. Any bread you’re using for a sandwich should be delicious enough to eat on its own.

Make your own or buy a high-quality artisan loaf.

If you only have supermarket bread, try toasting it or charring it on a griddle.

It should be crisp enough to provide some structure to the foundation of the sandwich but yield in the centre.

Rolls are good for sloppy fillings if you carve out a little bread from the dome of the roll to create a little space for them. This stops the filling sliding out when you take a bite.

When it comes to selecting the right bread for your sandwich it comes down to personal preference. A good place to start is balance of texture. A soft roll complements crisp lettuce or crunchy coleslaw, or hot chips.

A thick-crusted toasted bread is great with pulled pork or roasted veg. But these are guidelines only - a soft rolled filled with mashed egg and mayonnaise is a joy and yet has almost no contrast in textures.

Soggy sandwiches divide people. I think it’s down to intention. Consider the deliciousness of a sloppy stewed steak and onion filling where the gravy soaks into the bread. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Then consider a soggy cheese and tomato sandwich from a bad buffet. I think you’ll see where I’m going with

that. Yet nearly everyone I spoke to while researching this article said a dry sandwich is unacceptable. Lack of butter, or filling is a sandwich crime.

To avoid sandwich sogginess...or dryness, a good layer of fat such as butter or an olive oil spread will resist moisture and keep it in the sandwich rather than letting it soak into the bread.

On to the vegetables. Wash and dry them then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This extra step is small but makes sure the veggies pack a flavourful punch with every bite.

Creamy but sharp coleslaw, or tangy pickles add a vivid brightness to the ensemble.

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A nutritionally well-balance sandwich will probably contain protein. From ham to egg to tofu the protein is better if it’s well flavoured and thinly sliced, diced or mashed. Too thick and it becomes difficult to bite through and chew.

Think about the position of the individual elements within your sandwich too. Would the meat be better placed in the centre or on the bottom? Would cold elements be better layered on top of hot elements?

My personal bugbear is thick slippery slices of tomato in the middle of a sandwich, so when you bite into it there is a tectonic plate shift and one slice of tomato shoots out of the far side and lands in your lap!

We take the humble sandwich for granted yet we all know when we’ve had a great one.

So, let’s hear it for National Sandwich Week. Smell the bread, admire the layers, season the filling and take a big bite.

By Hannah Fenton

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Tee Time …and a game of golf bingo!

Like many amateur golfers I’ll be glued to The BMW PGA Golf Championship at Wentworth this month.

I’m a spectacularly mediocre player who occasionally plays a good round, and the hope of repeating that is what keeps me returning to the course.

Golf is addictive like that…it’s crack cocaine with clubs Almost as addictive is ‘golf bingo’.

Never heard of it? Next time you play, tick off as many types of golfer as you can during a round. Bonus points if you’re playing alongside them. Minus points if you’re one of them.

The Waggler - Budget speeches don’t last as his pre-shot routine, and worse it makes no difference. Five full practice swings will be followed by a slice into neighbouring woodland… every time.

Mr. Mobile - His phone rings in the middle of your first backswing, it’s an urgent call. He then puts it vibrate where it does just that repeatedly, sounding like an angry hornet trapped in his back pocket.

Amusingly, the number of phone calls is usually inversely related to the importance of his (it’s nearly always a bloke) job. Seriously, if Obama could play an uninterrupted round there’s no excuse!

choice of caddy. It would be so much easier to take if he hadn’t already lost six balls before the third hole.

The Sulker - Every golfer has a bad round or three, but he (nearly always a bloke again…sorry guys) can’t laugh it off, and refuses to drink it off, so storms off instead.

The Traditionalist - He dresses like he’s playing in the Ryder Cup circa 1929. I secretly admire his dapper style…but my daughter would kill me if I dressed like that.

The Chatterbox - She (sorry ladies but this one is nearly always a woman) talks over every putt, and all the time you’re setting up for a drive. And you’re never sure if its accidental or whether it’s part of some diabolical masterplan to mess with your game!

Mr. Angry - He can throw a toddlerworthy tantrum over a missed sixfoot putt. It’s both amusing and cringeworthy and you can’t take your eyes off it.

The Blamer - It was the sun, the wind, a passing pigeon, a buzzing bee, celebrations from the next hole, a bad back, a gippy tummy, a fight with a spouse…anything in fact except their lousy swing.

Anyone call ‘House’ yet? Now if you’ll excuse me I’m off to practice my waggle?

The Croucher He reads every putt from every angle…then misses anyway. I may be this man!

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World Asthma Day

Contact Hazel on 07717 841674

World Asthma Day – May 1st I was diagnosed with Asthma when I was eight. I’m always alarmed at how little people, even fellow asthmatics know about the condition. Here are a few facts I feel should be known more widely.

Boys are twice as likely to develop asthma as girls. The reasons why are not fully understood.

Children do not typically grow out of asthma – In spite of the myth almost 95% of children with asthma will experience symptoms into adulthood.

10% of all asthmatics have severe asthma. That’s a significant 1-2% of the population.

A major asthma trigger is cigarette smoke – that’s first OR second-hand smoke. Please think before you lightup, especially in front of children.

Most asthma-related deaths are caused by lack of oxygen. Rapid administration of oxygen can save lives.

Most people who experience a potentially fatal asthma attack will survive if they reach hospital. Don’t delay.

I hope the next fact will be reassuring if like me you suffer from severe asthma: Most asthmatics who suffer a fatal or near fatal attack are non-compliant.

This means they are not taking their medication as prescribed, or they delay seeking treatment.

If we are sensible, take our medication appropriately and always carry a rescue inhaler we are UNlikely to experience a fatal or near fatal attack.

And more good news: Life-expectancy of mild asthmatics and non-asthmatics is the same. If you look after yourself there’s no reason not to live to a ripe old age.

BUT even mild asthmatics can experience near fatal or fatal attacks if they become complacent and noncompliant about their treatment.

So for those of us with Asthma, compliance and self-care is key.

Live long and prosper my fellow asthmatics.

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Pedal Power Road cycling is an exhilarating way to challenge yourself and get fit You know what they say about riding a bike – once you’ve learned you never forget. So if you enjoyed zooming down hills when you were younger (and struggling up them!) road cycling may be the ideal sport for you.

As the name suggests, road cycling involves riding exclusively on roads, and the aim is to build up your speed and the distance you can cover.

It’s a very efficient way to get fit and lose weight as it’s one of the few sports that you can sustain for two to

ask your local bike shop for advice.

Your legs should be almost straight when they are on the pedal at bottom of the turn.

There are two types of pedals on road bikes. Platform pedals are like those on a traditional bicycle and you will need to add toe clips. Modern clipless pedals will need special shoes with cleats on them that fix your foot to the pedals.

The saddle of a road bicycle is normally very narrow and can be uncomfortable, so you may want to get a gel cover or wear padded shorts.

When you’re out on the roads, safety has to be your top priority. A helmet is a must, as is brightly coloured clothing.

four hours. Like running, it gets you out in the fresh air, but it is low impact and places less strain on your joints.

Road bikes are designed for racing.

They have a lightweight frame, narrow tyres and rounded handlebars so that you sit forward in an aerodynamic position. You can pay anything from £150 to £5000 plus.

Cheaper bikes are made from steel or aluminium, while the more expensive are carbon fibre or titanium, which is amazingly strong and light.

If you decide to take up the sport seriously, look for a well-known brand and expect to pay around £600.

Getting the right size is important, so

Ride your bike as if you were driving a car and obey traffic laws. Take a tool kit with you – a spare inner tube, tyre levers, puncture repair kit, pump and Allen keys are essential. It’s also sensible to carry your address and phone number in case of an accident.

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Think of road cycling as a long-term sport. It will take you a few weeks to get used to your bike and build up your speed and stamina. Joining a club is a great way to keep motivated.

You’ll find a directory of over 1500 clubs at www.britishcycling.org.uk ranging from informal groups who ride for pleasure to competitive racing teams.

So what are you waiting for – get on your bike!

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Party Plan When I was a child a birthday party consisted of a few sandwiches, a bowl of jelly and a game of musical chairs. Not so nowadays. Children’s parties are becoming something of an art form, with an ever-increasing choice of activities to make the occasion one to remember!

The first decision is whether to organise your child’s party yourself, or hand it over to an expert. Fast food burger and pizza outlets were perhaps the first to offer organised parties: including food, games and a party host.

Now there is a wide variety of party experiences available, from swimming and bowling, to football and gymnastics; from cake baking and pottery, to paintballing and gokarting.

There are princess parties offering make up and pampering sessions and quad biking experiences for the more adventurous. You can enjoy a trip out to a local attraction, or book a session at a play centre. The possibilities seem limitless!

Generally, if you book a party experience you can expect the host to provide the food, the entertainment and in many cases the cake.

This takes all the stress out of the organisation and enables you to sit back, watch and enjoy.

However if you don’t mind a bit of hard work, hosting your own party can be a satisfying experience which allows you complete freedom over themes, food and entertainment.

You might ask your guests to come dressed as pirates for example. With a little imagination you can create jewels from favourite sweets, get guests to make themselves a hat or eye patch, and turn the house into a desert island with an accompanying map to help guests hunt for hidden ‘treasure’.

Traditional games can be easily adapted to fit a chosen theme. For example, at a dressing-up party instead of passing a parcel children could pass a pillow case filled with oversized clothing. When the music stops they dip their hand in and put on whatever garment they end up with!

If you find the idea of being totally in charge a little daunting, why not compromise by providing the food yourself but hire a professional for the entertainment (or vice versa)?

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Magicians, face painters, clowns, puppet shows, discos and bouncy castles are all popular choices, and it is not usually difficult to find a local caterer. Remember though, when planning food to keep it bite size. Small children in particular are notorious for taking a bite and leaving the rest!

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However you decide to organise your party, have fun and let the kids do the same!

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Carrots.. A Brief History

vegetable containing carotenoids, flavonoids, polyacetylenes, vitamins and minerals, all of which possess numerous nutritional and health benefits.

Besides lending truth to the old adage that carrots are good for eyes, the phytonutrients present in carrots also act as an antioxidants anticarcinogens, and immunoenhancers The Medicine Carrots help repair damaged cells and they are a great food for liver health. They are a quality source of beta-carotene that our body uses to create the Vitamin A that is so vital for the health of our eyes, bones, teeth and skin.

They are also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin which are also important for eye health.

Carrots (Daucus carota L), originally yellow and purple in colour, were first documented in Persia and Northern Arabia in the 10th century and by the mid-15th century they were known across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and China.

It is believed that Egyptian Pharaohs used carrots for medicinal purposes.

Yellow carrots, were preferred in Northern Europe until the development of orange carrots in The Netherlands in the 18th century

The Food

The early Native Americans used carrot roots for food and also utilised an infusion of the blossoms to treat diabetes.

Deliciously crunchy and bitter/ sweet in taste, carrots are a root

The leaves are highly antiseptic and can be used to heal mouth ulcers, bleeding gums and can be used as a mouthwash to neutralise bad breath.

Containing vitamin A, B,C, E and K, biotin and dietary fibre, carrots also provide us with; potassium, calcium, sulphur, sodiurm, phosphorus and manganese.

Carrots can be used in the treatment of: Falling eyesight/ Lung and pancreatic cancer / Colds / Anemia / Deferiorating complexion Unhealthy nails, skin and hair / Diarrhoea / Ulcers / Haemorrhoids The Side Effects Improves eyesight / Boosts heart health. Reduces blood pressure / Aids digestion / Stimulates gums.

Did you Know Carrots are made up of approximately 80% water While the availability of the antioxidants in carrots increases when cooked, most of the vitamins and minerals are destroyed.

Carrots were originally grown as medicine for variety of ailments but were not used as food.

Our absorption of Vitamin A is significantly enhanced when we eat raw carrots together with fresh avocao.

Holtville, California with the motto, “we dig carrots” calls itself the carrot capital of the world and holds an annual carrot festival.

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Hanging Baskets Have you ever gazed in admiration at a neighbour’s glorious hanging basket and wondered why yours doesn’t measure up?

Hanging baskets can be things of abundant beauty, but often they are too sparsely planted or worse, look like abandoned birds nests.

If you want to be the object of basketenvy this year, you need to take on board a few trade secrets.

The most important thing to note, if you’re new to basket-planting, is that size really does matter. For a good basket you’ll need the minimum of a 35cm / 14 inch size wire frame type.

This will have a depth of 15cm / 6 inches which allows for lots of compost and means that the basket won’t dry out quickly. You can also plant through the sides to give that really luxuriant, over-flowing look.

Second, for a really showy basket you will almost certainly need twice as many plants as you think you will!

For each wire basket, plan to use at least 2 strips (that’s sixteen little plants!) of something like Lobelia or Bidens; two upright plants for

the centre top of the basket - small upright fuchsias or geraniums work well; four small bushy flowers like Busy Lizzies or petunias, for round the top edge of the basket, and three or four trailing plants - geraniums and trailing petunias would be perfect.

This planting ‘recipe’ can be altered to suit your own tastes. For instance, I sometimes like to swap a couple of the trailing flowers for trailing foliage plants, such as Lysimachia nummularia or small leaved ivies.

Line the basket with moss raked from your lawn (though not if you’ve used a weed killer) or a proprietary liner. I prefer the liners because our garden birds steal the moss and my plants begin to fall out after a while!

You’ll need about 10 litres of compost.

Mix it with water retaining granules for best results.

Soak the plants really well, then when you remove the little plants from their trays, you can give the root balls a good squeeze so they will be small enough to poke through the holes in the wire frame of the basket.

Build the basket up in three tiers, adding more compost as each tier is

planted. The best way to do this is to stand the basket on a large plant pot for stability

of year, as they provide the colours most associated with summer.

Once planted, you can stand it in a sheltered area for a week or so if the frosts aren’t quite finished, otherwise you can hang it straight up.

Alternatively, if you want to go for just the one plant then petunias would be best, as they are rapid growers and quickly crowd any other plants nearby.

Pansies are always a firm favourite for gardeners in the spring as they are a hardy plant that can withstand any late snowfall or lingering frost.

Make sure your brackets are sturdy and secure, or your beautiful basket might end up in a crumpled mess on the floor.

Vibrancy and variety are key to a great summer hanging basket, with between 6-8 plants from 2-3 different species ideal.

Keep it watered and feed it once a week, as all those plants crammed into a tiny space deplete the nutrients in the compost very quickly

Fuchsias, yuccas and geraniums are the most popular choices at this time

Finally, sit back and enjoy being the object of neighbourhood basket-envy.

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Puzzle Page Quick Crossword

Crossword Clues

Down

Across

1 German Romantic composer (6)

1 Attractiveness (6)

2 Most senior commander in the Navy (7)

4 Surgeon’s protective clothing (6) 8 Paperwork (abbr) (5) 9 Afghan militia (7) 10 North African country (7) 11 Bamboo-loving bear (5)

3 Loose fitting long top (5) 5 Syncopated West Indian music (7) 6 Metropolitan (5) 7 Strappy summer shoe (6)

12 Defamatory (9)

9 Jocular British way of saying goodbye (6,3)

17 44th President of the United States (5)

13 Hit hard on the head (slang) (7)

19 Serving dish (7)

14 Misfortune, hindrance (7) 15 Evades, eludes (6)

21 Adult (5,2) 22 Financial resources, income (5) 23 Beer and lemonade mix (6) 24 Fastened, supported (6)

16 Levered (6) 18 Hawaiian greeting (5) 20 Confess (5)

Wordsearch Clues List Bouquet Carriage Celebration Celebrities Ceremony Charles Dress Engagement Flowers Frogmore House Guest list Harry

Invitations Meghan Party Press Prince Philip Procession Queen Reception Ring Royal Speeches Wedding Windsor

You can find the answers to the puzzles on Page 17

Messing About On The River If you are looking for something a little different this year, why not try a canal boat holiday.

You do not need any previous experience or a boat licence to hire a canal boat, and you and your crew will be given all the training you need before you set off on your holiday.

You will be taught how to use the controls which are fairly simple: the tiller controls left and right, and you push the lever forwards to go forward and backwards to stop or reverse.

Life jackets are supplied to children and non swimmers for extra safety.

There will also be many other highly decorated craft to see along the way.

It’s great fun waving to those on the tow path, and some of your party might choose to cycle on the paths or walk parts of the route whilst you steer.

You can go to many different parts of the UK and choose your own itinerary.

You can choose to moor up near a quiet canal side village or in a city centre. Birmingham for instance is famous for having more canals than Venice.

Today’s holiday boats are bright and modern and all the comforts of home are available. The Galley is fully equipped with oven, hob and fridge and in some cases a micro wave. You will find all the utensils, crockery and glasses that you need on board.

It’s a good idea to look at maps and guides in advance, and talk to your hire company to plan a realistic route.

Remember that the pace is slow. The speed limit on canals is just four miles an hour.

Lounges are fitted with comfortable seating, and some have DVD’s as well as TV’s. Bathrooms have hot and cold running water to the showers and sinks and a flushing loo!. There is usually a mix of single and double beds and often central heating.

Kids or grandparents will love helping at the locks, and as you will be in a different place every day, you can find something to suit everyone along the way. This type of holiday is also ideal for dogs as there will be plenty of open spaces and traffic-free walking.

You will gain a new love of nature as you spot birds and wildlife along the way. You might also choose to do some fishing from the boat or the banks, but do remember you may need to buy a rod licence.

If you are really looking for complete rest and relaxation, why not try one of the canal hotels that can also be found on the water.

You get your own skipper and crew, who know the history of the canals, and you can share the trip with likeminded people. It’s the perfect way to unwind.

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Cut Motoring Costs The cost of motoring is something we can all relate to; from road tax to servicing, fuel to insurance. There are however several ways we can all modify our driving style to reduce the money we spend, whilst reducing emissions and pollution.

These eco-driving tips are the motoring equivalent of fitting loft insulation, using low energy light bulbs and not leaving the tv on standby – simple, common sense tips that really will make a difference.

A study carried out by the AA in conjunction with AutoExpress Magazine found that by applying the following advice, an average saving of 10% was achieved on their weekly fuel bill!

Maintenance Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s servicing schedule and regularly maintain your vehicle, a poorly tuned engine could be using up to 50% more fuel!

Check your tyre pressures regularly and before long journeys. Underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance and so use more fuel.

16

Getting tyre pressures right is important for safety too. Refer to the handbook as pressures will normally have to be increased for heavier loads.

Changing your tyres to those with less ‘rolling resistance’ will also help to increase your MPG, with the added bonus of often being quieter too!

Before you go Carrying unnecessary weight means you use extra fuel so if there’s stuff in the boot you don’t need on the journey take it out and leave it at home. Roof racks/boxes create extra wind resistance and so increase fuel consumption.

Plan unfamiliar journeys to reduce the chance of getting lost – use online

route planners or consider a ‘Sat Nav’.

An estimated 350,000 tonnes of fuel is wasted every year by drivers who are lost!

future are likely to be fitted with Gear Shift indicators that light a lamp on the dashboard to indicate the most efficient gear change points.

Cold starts are inefficient so it pays to combine errands such as buying the paper, dropping-off the recycling, or collecting the kids into one trip rather than making multiple short trips.

If it’s a short journey (a couple of miles or so) consider walking or cycling rather than taking the car – fuel consumption is worse when the engine’s cold and pollution will be greater too until the emissions control system gets up to normal temperature.

Drive at or within the speed limit – the faster you go the greater the fuel consumption and the greater the pollution too. According to the Department for Transport driving at 70mph uses up to 9% more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15% more than at 50mph. Cruising at 80mph can use up to 25% more fuel than at 70mph.

On the Way Drive smoothly, accelerate gently and read the road ahead to avoid unnecessary braking. When you have to slow down or to stop, decelerate smoothly by releasing the accelerator in time, leaving the car in gear. If you can keep the car moving all the time, so much the better. Stopping then starting again uses more fuel than keeping rolling.

Change gear as soon as possible without laboring the engine – try changing up at an engine speed of around 2000 rpm in a diesel car or around 2500 rpm in a petrol car.

This can make such a difference to fuel consumption that all cars in the

Coasting - rolling downhill or approaching a junction with the car out of gear - is inadvisable because the driver doesn’t have full control of the vehicle, though it used to be quite a common practice to save fuel.

A modern cars electronic engine management cuts the fuel supply to the injectors when you release the accelerator so there’s nothing to be gained by coasting.

How much can you save?

The aim is to see how much you can improve on your current average fuel consumption or the ‘official’, manufacturer’s figure by following the advice above.

So go on, give ‘eco-driving’ a go and change the way you use your car.

You will be helping to conserve the environment and your bank balance!

Rare Wild Tulips Rare Wild Tulips in Flower at Holme Pierrepont Hall The rare wild tulip, ‘Tulipa Sylvestris’ has once again made an appearance in the (omit Tudor) gardens at Holme Pierrepont Hall this Spring.

These sweet-scented yellow flowers appear in the parkland each April and it is believed to be the only relative of the garden tulip which grows naturally in the wild.

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had grown out of fashion so the gardeners simply threw the tulip bulbs over the garden wall, when they were no longer wanted.

This is why the bulbs can be seen in the parkland, rather than the East Garden today.”

He adds, “The flowers are from the original Tudor bulbs. Each bulb typically only flowers every 5 or 10 years so it’s a rare sight indeed to see these exquisitely pretty flowers, when they appear.

The story of how these exquisite flowers came to be on the estate has Over the years, quite a few tulip its roots in 17th century history. enthusiasts who have visited the Hall Holme Pierrepont Hall have commented Robert Brackenbury, the 19th Holme Pierrepont, Nottinghamshire NG12 2LD that they haven’t else in the country generation 0115 owner of Holme Pierrepont found anywhere 9332371 | www.holmepierreponthall.com | @holmepierreponthall where ‘Tulipa Sylvestris’ can be seen Hall says: “Back in the 17th Century, the East Garden would have had very in such abundance.” formal planting and this was where FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE It’s thought that the flower was the tulips were originally planted. originally introduced into England times from the Southern When Rare the East Garden was Wild Tulips in Flower inMediterranean. atRoman Holme Pierrepont Hall dismantled back in the 1800s, tulips

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The rare wild tulip, ‘Tulipa Sylvestris’ has once again made an appearance in the (omit Tudor) gardens at Holme Pierrepont Hall this Spring.

These sweet-scented yellow flowers appear in the parkland each April and it is believed to be the only relative of the garden tulip which growsWhat naturally in the wild.

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3 Owners

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The story of how these exquisite flowers came to be on the estate has its roots in 17th century 3 Tenants 3 Plumbing history.

Robert Brackenbury, the 19th generation3owner of Holme Pierrepont Hall says: “Back in the 17th 3 Property Managers Assembly Century, the East Garden would have had very formal planting and this was where the tulips were 3 Estate Agents 3 Gardens originally planted. When the East Garden was dismantled back in the 1800s, tulips had grown out of 3 Offices 3 Everything Else! fashion so the gardeners simply threw the tulip bulbs over the garden wall, when they were no longer 3 Bars/Restaurants wanted.

This is why the bulbs can be seen in the parkland, rather than the East Garden today.”

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He adds, “The flowers are from the original Tudor bulbs. Each bulb typically only flowers every 5 or 10 years so it’s a rare sight indeed to see these exquisitely pretty flowers, when they appear. Over the years, quite a few tulip enthusiasts who have visited the Hall have commented that they haven’t found anywhere else in the country where ‘Tulipa Sylvestris’ can be seen in such abundance.”

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It’s thought that the flower was originally introduced into England in Roman times from the Southern Mediterranean.

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Think Local, Buy Local, Be Local Top Ten reasons to Think Local - Buy Local - Be Local Buy Local -- Support yourself: Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned businesses.

Significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms -- continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.

Support community groups: Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.

Keep our community unique: Where we shop, where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-

Reduce environmental impact: Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe.

This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

Create more good jobs: Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community, provide the most jobs to residents.

kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place.

Our tourism businesses also benefit. “When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.” ~ Richard Moe, President, National Historic Preservation Trust

Get better service: Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers.

Invest in community: Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.

Put your taxes to good use: Local businesses in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment

and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.

Buy what you want, not what someone wants you to buy: A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term.

A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

Encourage local prosperity: A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

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What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a common problem. but can be easily misdiagnosed.

This article will identify the key symptoms of sciatica and why they occur.

FIRSTLY, WHY THE TERM SCIATICA? The answer is simple.

Sciatica defines an irritation of the sciatic nerve. The nerve comes from the lower back and runs deep to the buttock muscles and passes down the back of the thigh.

At the back of the knee, it branches into two and runs down the outside and back of the lower leg respectively, and ends in the foot.

It is the largest nerve in the lower extremity. To give you a sense of its size, if you imagine the main nerves in the body having a diameter of tree branches then the equivalent diameter of the sciatic nerve would be that of the tree trunk.

SO HOW DOES THE SCIATIC NERVE BECOME IRRITATED? The two most common ways ore compression and / or chemical irritation. Compression is simply extra mechanical pressure placed on the nerve by the surrounding structures.

Usually surrounding tissues will simply slide past each other during movement.

However. if a surrounding tissue is tight or damaged, it may take up more space (as a result of swelling for example) and thus squeeze the sciatic nerve.

Chemical irritation results from the chemicals released during

inflammation. One of the roles of these chemicals is to sensitize the local nerves to induce pain.

Therefore, if the surrounding tissue is damaged (or indeed the sciatic nerve itself,)then the resulting inflammation will chemically irritate the sciatic nerve.

Both of these processes will alter the conduction of the sciatic nerve.

When there is a low intensity compression, or chemical irritation, the sciatic nerve will produce pain along part or all of its pathway.

As the compression of irritation increases in intensity. the functionality of the sciatic nerve will be compromised.

This results in pins/needles. numbness or weakness in the muscles along the sciatic nerve pathway.

So therein lies the symptoms of sciatica, back pain with an altered sensation into the buttock posterior thigh or leg and foot.

When the sciatic nerve is weakly compromised, it will produce pain in the area, but as the severity increases it will also produce pins/needles. numbness or weakness.

A Wonderful Man A man walked out to the street caught a taxi just going by. He got into the taxi, and the cabbie said, Perfect timing. You’re just like “Brian!

with. He could fix anything. Not like me, I change a fuse, and the whole street blacks out. But Brian Sullivan, he could do everything right.”

Passenger: “Who?”

Passenger: “Wow. Some guy then.”

Cabbie: “Brian Sullivan. He’s a guy who did everything right all the time.

Like my coming along when you needed a cab, things happen like that to Brian Sullivan, every single time.”

Cabbie: “He always knew the quickest way to go in traffic and avoid traffic jams. Not like me, I always seem to get stuck in them.

Passenger: “There are always a few clouds over everybody.”

But Brian, he never made a mistake, and he really knew how to treat a woman and make her feel good.

Cabbie: “Not Brian Sullivan. He was terrific athlete. He could have won the Grand Slam at tennis. He could golf with the pros. He sang like an opera baritone and danced like a Broadway star and you should have heard him play the piano. He was an amazing guy.”

He would never answer her back even if she was in the wrong; and his clothing was always immaculate, shoes highly polished too.

Passenger: “Sounds like he was something really special.”

Passenger: “An amazing fellow. How did you meet him?”

Cabbie: “There’s more. He had a memory like a computer. He remembered everybody’s birthday.

He knew all about wine, which foods to order and which fork to eat them

Cabbie: “Well, I never actually met Brian. He died. I’m married to his widow.

He was the perfect man! He never made a mistake. No one could ever measure up to Brian Sullivan.”

Are you a memeber of a Club, Society, Group or Charity?

Do you have events or fundraisers that you would like to publicise?

Do you have something planned that would benefit the community?

If so let us know and we can include it in the next issue.

Send us images and a write up about your latest sports presentation, or your upcoming play or fundraiser.

We would love to help!

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19

Where There’s A Will...

Mother of the Bride or Groom For a mother, a child’s wedding is a momentous occasion, a day that you will certainly want to look your best.

Here are some aspects to consider when choosing your outfit: Colour: Find out what colour the bridesmaids dresses are and try to choose an outfit in a complimentary colour. Most believe that the mother of the bride or groom should not wear white or ivory, these being the bride’s prerogative.

Many also frown on black seeing it as a mourning colour and red, believing it to be too bold. The colour should of course flatter your skin tone.

Whether you are old or young, married or single, rich or poor, you really ought to make a will! If you don’t, the only way to divide up your property after death will be according to the Law of Intestacy – and the result may not be to your liking!

For example, if you are married, your other half may not automatically get everything.

Brothers, sisters, parents and children may also inherit.

And if you are an unmarried couple, you could be classed as a single person and your surviving partner could receive nothing.

Professional bodies such as banks and solicitors offer will writing services. Typically, a representative will take down your instructions and draft a will accordingly. The skill and qualifications of individuals may vary, so check they are properly trained.

If a parent, consider who you would like to look after your children in the event of your death.

Finally, you could use a professional will writer. Most firms send a specially trained person to your home to record your instructions. Your will is then drafted by someone qualified in will writing.

For single parents or unmarried parents living together, a valid will that nominates guardians is invaluable. If no one knows your wishes, the court will decide on the future care of your children.

Will writing firms are generally covered by professional indemnity insurance, and are members of a professional will writing body such as the Institute of Professional Will Writers.

A will gives single people the chance to have their estate divided amongst friends, relatives or charities, and even if you have made a will already it is a good idea to review and possibly update it, to ensure that it reflects your current wishes.

The cost to make a will depends on the complexity of your requirements. A simple single or mirrored will typically cost around £150 to £200, whereas more complex wills may be between £400 and £800.

Making a will is the one and only way to make sure your wishes are carried out after your death.

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cheap, this option offers no advice, so the will may not accurately reflect your wishes and best fit your circumstances.

There are several choices available when making a will.

The ‘Do It Yourself’ option can be completed with the aid of a ‘Will Pack’ available from stationery shops or online. Though relatively

The original signed copy is the only legally binding version and if it gets lost, stolen or damaged it will be worthless- so keep it in a safe place!

Tell your friends and family that you’ve made a will - but not necessarily what’s in it – and let them know how to find it.

Style: Choose a style that flatters and is also comfortable. Most wedding celebrations are now lengthy affairs, so you will not want to wear something that feels too constricting, or that you are constantly fiddling with.

If an off the peg outfit does not fit perfectly, consider getting it altered.

Think about the weather, so that you can choose an outfit in a fabric of the correct weight. Avoid materials that crease easily as this will look unsightly on photographs.

Outfits that include jackets can give the impression of two outfits once the jacket is removed.

Whilst it is certainly true that outfits for mothers have become more fashionable recently, most still feel that an elegant and sophisticated look is appropriate.

Many mothers go shopping for their outfit with the bride; this can be an enjoyable occasion and ensure that choices meet with approval.

It may also be wise to discuss outfits with the mother of your future daughter or son in law to avoid the embarrassment of wearing something similar.

Hats: One of the traditional ways for mothers to mark the importance of their child’s wedding is to wear a hat.

Suggestions to aid your selection include: a) Always take your outfit when going to the hat shop or milliner, to ensure that the overall image looks stunning. b) Tall ladies can wear almost any style, including statement pieces. c) An upturned brim is a flattering shape for shorter ladies as this will elongate the figure, d) If wearing a fascinator, wash your hair the day before and do not use conditioner. This will make the hair less silky and improve the grip of the fascinator.

Other accessories such as shoes, handbags and jewellery should also be chosen carefully. You may want to choose your shoes and bag in co-ordinating colours rather than the exact shade of your outfit, to break up the effect.

You should also decide how you will place a corsage on your outfit, or whether it may be preferable to opt for flowers on your handbag or wrist.

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What’s Happening In Our 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 20th of each month.

Please email: editor@adnewspaper.co.uk West Bridgford Shopmobility is a charity which helps people with mobility problems to move easily around the shops and attractions of West Bridgford.

Not only that, but we also have a short –term hire scheme so that you can take a scooter or wheelchair away on a UK holiday, or help you if you are poorly, or just discharged from hospital, or if you have a guest with mobility problems.

Call us on 0115 981 5451, find us on Facebook, or at www.wbshopmobility - or visit us behind West Bridgford library on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Insanity - West Bridgford every Friday night from 6.30pm - 7.30pm in West Bridgford Baptist Church. All levels of fitness welcome. For more information, please contact Caroline on 07849 753300, email: carolinequarmby@hotmail.co.uk or Facebook: Insanity – West Bridgford.

Kickers and Stompers line dancing groups. Meet regularly each week in West Bridgford, Plumtree and Radcliffe on Trent. Suitable classes for all levels of dance. Come and have fun with us. Tel 01159140673 or e.mail p.brown633@ ntlworld.com The Poppy Folk Club Sunday 20th May we have a double bill concert night at The Poppy & Pint with Nick Dow and Cohen BraithwaiteKilcoyne. See the website for more details www.poppyfolkclub.co.uk. Tickets only £8. Telephone Juliet 0115 9231513, Dave 07790 943893, or email juliet@ poppyfolkclub.co.uk.

The next meeting of the club will be on Sunday 17th Jun for a song and music session. All welcome.

Just Friends West Bridgford is a very friendly group for single, local people aged 55+.

25+ events each month including theatre, coach trips, holidays, pub nights, meals out, walks, darts, snooker, card/ board games. Monthly club coffee morning.

Call Lillian 0115 8462225 or Irene 0115 8781905 or visit our website justfriendswestbridgford.wordpress.com for further information.

Nottingham Leander Swimming Club We welcome all swimmers but especially those who want to race ! Confident swimmers from age 6 upwards. All qualified coaches. Friendly and supportive ethos. Water Polo. Learn to swim classes for non-swimmers. ‘Masters’ swimming for all abilities.

See our website leandersc.com or contact our Secretary Sue at suedavis78@gmail. com Claire Mockridge Fitness/Pilates Mother and Baby Postnatal Fitness Classes Wednesdays 11am-12pm All Hallows Church Hall, Pierrepont Road, Lady Bay/ West Bridgford - Come along from 6-10 weeks after birth.

Phone Claire on 07747 656550, email claire@mummiesandbuggies.co.uk or see www.clairemockridge.com/postnatal The South Notts Flower Club meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at Edwalton Church Hall, Edwalton. All visitors are welcome. £6.00 The Edwalton, Gamston and District U3A is going from strength to strength. it has a steadily growing number with new members at every meeting.

If you would like to join please contact Christine Shaw email : chrisshaw20038@ hotmail.com or telephone 0115 974 5512.

We meet every 2nd Thursday in the month from 2 to 4 p.m. at Gamston Community Hall.

Interested in learning bridge? Or want to return? West Bridgford Bridge Club meets at Edwalton Golf Centre 7pm every Monday night, for duplicate bridge. For more details, contact Shiona Dawson at shionadawson@gmail.com

Trent Valley Sailing Club has an active junior fleet. Sailing takes place on Friday evenings between April and September for children aged 7 to 16.

We have several places available this year for new junior sailors. Come and have a go on the water. All enquiries to Angela Clark@trentvalleysc.org Wilford Racquets Badminton Club welcomes new members. We play on Wednesday evenings in West Bridgford.

For further information please contact Hazel on 0115 981 5184 or Richard on 0739 884 2647 The Nottingham Astronomical Society are a friendly group of amateur astronomers from all walks of life. Whilst providing regular guest-speaker events, we encourage active observing. The Society owns and operates an observatory near Cotgrave, which houses our 24-inch large reflector telescope.

If you are interested in astronomy, you are welcome to come along to our meetings.

Most meetings include an illustrated talk by a guest speaker, and admission is free to occasional visitors. More information on the website at www. nottinghamastro.org.uk Radcliffe Sword Club Learn the exciting modern Olympic sport of fencing with Radcliffe Sword Club, meeting at the main sports hall, Clifton Leisure Centre, Southchurch Drive, Clifton, NG11 8AB.Juniors (aged 9-14): Tuesday 18:3020:00; Adults (15+) : Tuesday 20:0022:00 and Wednesday 20:00-22:00 Trent Karate Club @ Rushcliffe leisure centre Come and train with Trent Karate Club Every Monday and Thursday 7.00 - 8.30 First lesson is free, for all ages.

Contact John Dornan on 01159 374706 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

Modern Line Dancing Classes Daytime and Evenings Held in West Bridgford, Radcliffe on Trent, Plumtree (also Bakersfield and Stapleford) Suitable for Beginners, Improvers and Intermediate Levels. For further information please contact Pat on 0115 9140673.

Friends of Bridgford Park need volunteers of all ages to help keep our truly beautiful amenity in really good condition.

The Friends plant, clear wooded areas, help all wildlife survive and increase. So we need people from all walks of life to join us Interested? Please contact Linda on 9819146 or Lorraine on 9816646 WEST BRIDGFORD ADVICE CENTRE is open every Wednesday morning from 9-30am to 12-30pm. at St Giles’ Church Hall, Stratford Rd, West Bridgford NG2 6AZ. Tel: 0115 9821475. No appointment necessary – we operate a drop in system.

We can help with benefit claims, form filling, consumer, debt, and housing issues etc.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF WEST BRIDGFORD meets every Wednesday 6.30pm for 7pm at the Country Cottage Hotel Ruddington. Enquiries for membership from both professional men and women of all ages are very welcome. Please contact webmasterwbd@rotary1220.com for more information.

THEATRE ARTS WORKSHOP ...offers you the chance to have a go, whatever your age, abilty or experience!

Drama Workshops, Youth Theatre and GCSE Drama Saturday classes held at Jesse Gray School, Musters Road, West Bridgford. NG2 7DD. 0115 8549175 lisa.goodlass@ntlworld.com BRIDGFORD BEADERS meet once a month at Rushcliffe Arena from 10am to 1pm. We are a very friendly group of ladies of varied ages and abilities and we are always willing to help each other.

We tend to have a project each month but you are always able to do your own thing.

For further info please contact Lynn 0115 9140927 .

The West Bridgford Dramatic Society Why not come along on Tuesday evenings and have a good time. Get to know other members before accidentally covering them in paint during set building. Check out the events page on the web site which has the latest programme!! www.wbds.org.uk

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The Science Behind The Smile

PC Servicing/virus removal from £44 Full PC Setup and Install from £99 New PCs/Laptops from £299 Mother Teresa said, “We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.” Haven’t we all experienced feeling good because someone smiled at us.

Yet science tells us that there is nothing simple about a smile.

Imagine an appealing child or a cute kitten and you probably smile. Electrical signals travel from the cortex of your brain to the brainstem (the part that deals with basic body functions such as breathing, heart rate etc.). From there, cranial nerves carry the signal onwards to muscles in your face and you smile.

But have you ever noticed that as you smile you actually feel happier? This is due to a positive feedback loop whereby electrical signals are fed back to the brain from the smiling-muscles, reinforcing our feeling of joy. Our brain feels good so tells us to smile: we smile and this tells our brain we feel good.

Researchers have found that smiling can be as happinessinducing as receiving a large unexpected cash bonus!

Did you know that there are two sorts of smiles - the fake smile and the genuine smile? In both the fake and the real smile, the zygomaticus major muscle - which controls the corners of your mouth - is activated. But in a genuine smile, the obicularis occuli muscle - which encircles our eye socket is also activated. Scientists call the first smile a social smile, and the second a Duchenne smile, named after the scientist who first discovered it.

We are surprisingly good at distinguishing between a real and fake smile, and we do this in three ways. First, we unconsciously compare the geometry of a person’s face to a standard smile.

Second, we think about context and judge whether a smile is expected. Finally, we automatically mimic the smile, to feel for ourself whether it is fake or real.

In fact if we are prevented from mimicking a smile (e.g. by clenching a pencil between our teeth) our ability to differentiate a real smile from a fake smile decreases dramatically!

Smiling reduces stress and generates more positive emotions.

This is why we often feel happier around children – they smile more.

Children smile on average about 400 times a day. Happy adults smile 40-50 times a day, but most of us only smile a maximum of 20 times.

Yet smiling more is good for our health. Our brain even keeps track of our smiles - a smile scorecard if you like, so it knows our emotional state.

Scientists discovered that people who smile the most are mentally more healthy, and live on average some seven years longer than the rest of us.

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The good news is, smiling is contagious so spread yours around.

As Louis Armstrong sang, “When you’re smilin’, keep on smilin’. The whole world smiles with you…”

23

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