sp tlightOn ISSUE 59 December 2014
Mansfield South
Challenge Newton FallowelltototoBeat Beatthe theAgent! Agent! Challenge Newton Fallowell Beat the Agent! hallenge Newton Fallowell
Instruct Newton Fallowell Mansfield to sell before 31st December and we will beat any agents quoted fee! Terms and Conditions Apply see in Branch for details
01623 424616 www.newtonfallowell.co.uk hallenge Newton Fallowell to Beat the Agent! th in Delivered to 18,000 Homes and Businesses each mon h Nort sfield Man West Bridgford, Mansfield South, & Inside this issue:
• Keep Newton It Real Instruct Fallowell Mansfield to sell before • Toys For Boys • Retro Sweets • Dare To Dazzle • Party Politics • Business Focus • Recipe Roundup 31st December and•wePuzzles will beat any• Stags agents quoted fee! Terms and Conditions Apply see in Branch for details
COAT COLLECTION FIND YOUR FAVOURITE WINTER COAT IN OUR COAT COLLECTION
GREAT FOR THE GENTS
DUKE
KINGSTON
DUKE
£90
£140
£90
LUXURY FOR THE LADIES
FIRST AVENUE
FIRST AVENUE
FIRST AVENUE
£60
£40
£60
MANSFIELD | 01623 622 582 | QUEENS STREET, NG18 1JR *Available whilst stocks last, prices correct at time of print (Nov 2014).
Castlegate estates
& lettings
287a Southwell Road East, Rainworth Nottinghamshire. NG21 0BL
01623 889989
info@castlegateproperty.co.uk www.castlegateproperty.co.uk
JOIN CASTLEGATE IN
CELEBRATING The opening OF OUR NEW
RAINWORTH Sales and letting
OFFICE
NOW OPEN
You are invited to visit our NEW OFFICE and take advantage of our Opening Offers! Call Today for your FREE, No Obligation Market Appraisal
Offer Ends 31/12/14 T&Cs Apply
D E TE N AW A R DR AF UA IZE VERLE G PR O
Spotlight Magazine
Contents
Merry Christmas Everybody!
Keep It Real 6 Toys For Boys 8 Retro Sweets 10 Dare To Dazzle 12 A Good Read 14 Garden View 16 Puzzle Pages 18 Party Politics 20 Christmas Recipe 22 Crafty Kids 24 Choose Your Turkey 26 Index 30
Published by Spotlight Local Media Ltd Company No. 6841257 Tel: 01623 706570 Suite 104, 1 Hanley Street Nottingham NG1 5BL Graphic Design and Layout: Spotlight Local Media Distributed by Best Distributions Trusted Delivery Partner of the Spotlight Magazine
Who We Help 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Owners Tenants Landlords Property Managers Estate Agents Offices Bars/Restaurants
Well it is upon us at last and I imagine the ultra organised among us will have had all of their presents and cards bought, wrapped and written by the end of the last January sales! While the last minute brigade, myself included, will soon be engaged in a frenetic shopping spree, buying totally unsuitable, over priced gifts; which will inevitably end up at either a car boot sale or re-gifted before Easter. Whichever one you are, here’s hoping you have a great christmas! Spotlight magazine is delivered to 6,000 homes and businesses in the Mansfield South area each month, with similar magazines going to North Mansfield and West Bridgford. To Advertise or contribute: T: 01623 706570 E: info@spotlightlocal.co.uk Web:www.spotlightlocal.co.uk
What We Do 3 3 3 3 3 3
Electrical Plumbing Decorating Assembly Gardens Everything Else!
Call us now on 0115 8226176 4
To advertise or contribute call •07595 510190 www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
Spotlight Magazine ADVERTISEMENT
Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile! It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services. Managing Director John Kendall feels that it’s all about service. ‘Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although
that obviously helps. Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’ Cloudy2Clear service the Mansfield & Chesterfield areas and John is finding that his approach is a major factor
in his success.‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for,
which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give John a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
STEAMED UP DOUBLE GLAZING? Don’t replace the Frames... just the Panes!
Broken or Damaged Windows? Faulty Hinges, Handles or Locks? Want The Latest Energy Saving Glass? All Glazing Backed By Our 5 Year Manufacturers Guarantee Priority Freephone
0800 61 21118 www.cloudy2clear.com ...we make saving money perfectly clear... www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
5
Spotlight Magazine
I
Keeping It Real
live in a house that is divided. My husband loves real Christmas trees but in recent years I’ve talked him around to the artificial option, believing – incorrectly as it turns out – that a reusable tree is better for the planet than one that is chopped down and discarded after a few weeks. Most artificial trees are made from PVC – one of the most non-renewable, polluting, unrecyclable materials around - and consequently their carbon footprint is ten times greater than that of real ones.
Shocked into realising that my fake tree is not the morally correct choice I thought, I’m now keen to join the six million Brits who opt for a real tree at Christmas. Christmas trees spring up all over the place from late November and the quality varies greatly. Before you make your choice, do a bit of fact finding about its freshness. Ask where it was grown (UK produced trees are likely to be fresher), how long it has been in stock and when it was cut. You can carry out a couple of tests yourself. Give the tree a firm tap on the ground or run a closed hand over its branches. If lots of needles fall off, chances are it’s not that fresh. You can also try bending the outer branches. They should be pliable - not brittle and dry – without discoloration.
your tree. The three main species – spruce, fir and pine – all have their own characteristics. Spruces and firs have short needles whilst a pine’s are long. Pine branches tend to bend, making them unsuitable for heavier ornaments. Firs have lush branches and ornaments sometimes get lost in them. The traditional British Christmas tree, the Norway spruce, is attractive but tends to drop its needles. An alternative is a “nondrop” variety like the popular Nordmann fir, which will last longer but is more expensive. To care for your tree, cut off half an inch from the base of the trunk and place in a water-holding stand. Position the tree away from sources of heat and keep it topped up with fresh water. At present, 90% of real trees end up in landfill, so after Christmas is over try and recycle! By turning your tree into wood chippings or compost you will continue to do your bit for the environment. Hopefully with this guide choosing the family tree will be a holiday highlight, not a headache! By Debbie Singh-Bhatti
Before leaving to make your purchase, measure the height and width of your space and take a tape measure with you to check your tree. Most are trimmed to an 80% taper, which means that a 10 foot tall tree will measure 8 feet at the bottom. You should also consider how you plan on decorating
6
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
Spotlight Magazine
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
7
Spotlight Magazine
M
Toys For Boys
y sister and I grew up with an older brother and we thought nothing of spending Saturday afternoons sprawled on the living room carpet, constructing items out of his beloved Lego. His creations were always more ambitious and sophisticated than ours of course – windmills and tractors and mansions with masses of rooms compared with our rather mundane boxlike structures. Occasionally we would ditch the Lego for a session on his Scalextric racing set. We hadn’t a hope of winning, but we certainly enjoyed trying!
It never once occurred to me that I was playing with ‘boy toys’ which is maybe why, when I became mother to four daughters, I happily bought them their own sets of Lego along with other ‘boyish’ toys such as remote control cars, science sets and basketball nets (they had their fair share of dolls, prams and jewellery kits too!). Like it or not, the society we live in stereotypes children according to their gender. Manufacturers influence their choice of toys with labels identifying items such as dolls and tea sets as ‘girl toys’ in their pretty pink packaging, and cars and construction sets as ‘boy toys’ in their predominantly blue wrappers. There is evidence to suggest that girls and boys do naturally select different types of toys. Experiments conducted on primates concluded that male monkeys were drawn
8
to boy-toys like cars whilst female monkeys preferred girl-toys like dolls. There are various explanations about why boys and girls have different toy preferences. One theory suggests it is due to testosterone levels, whilst another attributes it to the way the brains are ‘differently-wired’, and there’s no doubt that nurture and socialisation also play a part. Regardless of the reason, the consensus of opinion is that if children are offered a wide range of toys and experiences, they will develop into more rounded individuals with an expanded range of thinking and skills. Just as playing with girl-toys like dolls and tea sets fosters the development of verbal and social skills that might be useful to the male population, playing with boy-toys like cars can help girls with the acquisition of spatial skills. Other ‘boy-toys’ like science sets, Lego, Meccano and K’nex help develop STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) skills of which there is currently a shortage in the UK workforce - and why shouldn’t girls develop these just as much as their male counterparts?! Some may argue – and I’m probably one of them – that at the end of the day whether male or female, children will be children and will naturally choose the toys that interest them the most. The important thing is to at least give them that choice! By Debbie Singh-Bhatti
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
Spotlight Magazine
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
9
Spotlight Magazine
T
Retro Sweets
his Christmas why not take your loved ones back to their happy childhooddays by buying them some retro sweets.
Lots of treats fro yesteryear are have become available again, and you can buy them in all shapes and sizes from single items to whole boxes of your favourites, and some that are gift packaged in hampers or used to create tree or flower designs. Many of us will remember sweets such as Space Dust, Black Jacks, Flying Saucers, Refreshers, Sugar Mice, Parma Violets, Midget Gems, Wham Bars and TrafficLight Lollies- and I could go on to name many more. For me it was a Friday treat to have 10p to spend and select carefully ‘one of those and one of those etc’ which the assistant would then place into a little white paper bag and hand over to me. I would then joyfully savour them as I walked home from school taking ages to decide in which order I’d eat them.
Such retro sweets have also become firm favourites at weddings, where special candy carts are sometimes set up for guests to enjoy. So if you are old enough to remember when Snickers used to be called Marathon, chances are your friends and family are also of the right era to enjoy a Sherbet Dip liquorice stick or some Fruit Salad chews. Why not take them back to their carefree days, pop in to an old fashioned sweet shop and tick another present off the shopping list. You could also arouse the interest of your younger relatives too, who won’t familiar with these sweets but are sure to find them as delightful as we did.
Behind those items, all laid out in small trays on the counter, were shelves crammed with tall glass jars, containing items such as Pear Drops, Bon-Bons, Pineapple Cubes and Cherry Lips, all of which were more commonly bought by the quarter. There are now many shops with these layouts again, selling retro sweets. These range from tiny independents to chains that have many branches across the country. They all create a sense of nostalgia, and I’ve watched grown ups get such joy in once again telling the assistant ‘I’d like one of those and one of those etc.’ They are even known to whoop with delight when they find an old favourite again for the first time.
10
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
Spotlight Magazine
CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION
0115 975 6633
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
11
Spotlight Magazine
Dare To Dazzle
lear complexions and great skin C are one of the cornerstones of an individuals’ confidence. With the festive
countdown now underway, many of you will be contemplating stepping up your regular skin care regimes to ensure you sparkle and glow throughout the Christmas period and beyond. From teenagers to young adults wishing to tackle troublesome skin prone to breakouts and blemishes, through to the more mature client who longs to diminish the signs of ageing, can all benefit from the power of Microdermabrasion technology. In the quest for refreshed and revitalised complexions, the importance of exfoliation is one beauty rule we are all familiar with. Yet thanks to the creation of Microdermabrasion systems specifically created for the salon and Spa use over recent decades, therapists have been able to truly take this skin care commandment to the next level. “Professional Microdermabrasion is total skin rejuvenation and is used to treat various skin conditions such as acne prone skin, acne scarring, lines and
12
wrinkles, ageing skin, sun-damaged skin, pigmentation problems, while at the same time, stimulate collagen production to rejuvenate for even toned, healthy skin” This procedure sees the therapist mechanically exfoliate the top layer of the clients’ epidermis using a minimally abrasive system. Microdermabrasion commonly utilises aluminium oxide crystals in order to remove dead skin cells. Once they have been ‘blasted’ onto the treatment area in order to exfoliate, these crystals are then duly whisked away, along with the removed skin cells, via vacuum suction. “Professional Microdermabrasion allows you to perform superficial peeling of the Stratum Corneum, reducing its thickness through mechanical abrasion of the dead skin cells. By placing the hand nozzle on to the skin, a flow of crystals will impinge directly onto the skin surface. The speed of the crystals together with their abrasive nature literally lifts off the dead skin cells layer by layer through the vacuum action”. Jenny Dunville
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
Spotlight Magazine Gallant House, Hamilton Way, Oakham Business Park, Mansfield, NG18 5BU
01623 655553 bookings@mansfieldvanhire.com
Welcome to Mansfield Van Hire Mansfield’s leading van hire company Open 7 days a week with flexible hire times Centrally located depot Secure customer parking The most competitive prices in the area
GUARANTEED! get 10% discount Mention this advert to
on your booking!
@SelfDriveVans facebook.com/selfdrivevanhire
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
13
Spotlight Magazine
Raw Spirit – Iain Banks
A Good Read
Subtitled ‘In Search of the Perfect Dram’, this book is the story of Iain Banks’ journey around Scotland, visiting as many single malt whisky distilleries as he can and tasting as many types as possible: surely every whisky lover’s dream holiday. At first Iain Banks can’t believe that a publisher really wants him to undertake the task of visiting all of Scotland’s distilleries – there are around a hundred of them, not including those which have closed. Then he begins to realise what an opportunity it is. So, accompanied by various friends and relations, he sets off – stipulating only that he can drive himself and can stop off at home several times to return the spoils of his visits in the shape of as many bottles of single malt as he can carry. From the ‘tourist traps’ of Glenfiddich to the smaller operations like Aberfeldy, he takes us on a journey through the world of whisky. Banks’ style is humorous and engaging throughout, from the first visit to Islay to his final trip to Oban. This is what makes this much more than a tasting guide – in fact, it’s as much a travel book for his beloved Scotland and includes a fair smattering of autobiography, too. If you’re a lover of Uisgebaugh then you may or may not agree with his choice of the perfect dram, but you’ll certainly have fun comparing notes. And, if whisky isn’t your thing then there’s enough scenery, humour and even political comment to keep your interest throughout. The perfect Christmas gift for a whisky-lover.
14
Orange Pear Apple Bear Monkey and Me Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears All by Emily Gravett With simple text and charming illustrations, there is an Emily Gravett book to suit all ages. Orange Pear Apple Bear is beautifully simple, with a different permutation of the title on every page, and will provoke big laughs from babies (Apple Bear is the current favourite in our house). Available as a sturdy board book, it can be revisited again and again. Monkey and Me is well suited to toddlers who will identify with the main character as, along with her toy monkey, she goes to see all kinds of animals. The simple repetition in the text will have little ones ‘reading’ along and anticipating the revelation on the next page – perfect for reading aloud. Finally, Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears, is an award-winning book, which is ideal for slightly older readers. Each page details a different one of Little Mouse’s fears, encouraging children to talk about why they might be frightened of things like the dark or monsters under the bed. The real delight here is the multi-layered illustrations, with chewed pages (aided by real mice!) notes, scribbles and annotations. This, and the others above, deserve to become modern classics. By Kath Bennett
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
Spotlight Magazine
W.S.Ingham & Son Ltd Independent Funeral Directors
Setting New Standards In Funeral Services “Trust the people who care”
. Extensive refurbishment creating large modern, comfortable premises. .Quality reception areas including the Chatsworth Conservatory. . Automated doors & ramped access. . Pre paid funeral plans. . Modern fleet of vehicles. . Large landscaped parking area. . Bespoke hand made memorials
11 Poplar Grove, Forest Town, Mansfield, Notts, NG19 0HW www.wsingham.co.uk Info@wsingham.co.uk Tel 01623 621114 “A haven of calm to create your personalised & individual service” www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
15
Spotlight Magazine
L
Garden View
ong before the introduction of central heating and other luxuries of the 21st century, people required greater faith that they would safely survive the harsh upcoming winter.
One such symbolic display of this hope was the beautiful Christmas wreath. Now creeping back in fashion and available in a number of guises, they can be found hanging on doorways, both inside and out, as a centrepiece on a table, and even hung on walls as decorations. Although we may have lost the traditional reasoning behind displaying such garlands, I’m on a mission to bring them back … in whatever style suits your home. The word ‘wreath’ is linked to the word ‘wrist’, both words describing the form of a continuous circular shape. Fuse this with ‘wrethe’ from middle English (meaning a twisted band or ring of leaves) and you have the wreath as we know it today. The circular shape is symbolic of eternity, or everlasting life because it has no beginning or end. In ancient Rome the symbol became a popular display of victory. From a Christian perspective it represents the unending circle of life, with the traditional Holly as the thorns on Jesus’ crown and the red berries as his blood. At this bleak time of year, it’s wonderful to use evergreens and other
16
brightly coloured flowers, foliage, or fruits to adorn your wreath. The addition of expensive and rare fruits such as pomegranates, indicated wealth, but wreaths also included the display of pinecones, seashells and even imported products. Once the decorations had been taken down, the edible decorations would be eaten and the bounty of summer enjoyed in the depth of winter. Making your own wreath is fun and easy, and can vary from a simple and cheap evergreen circle to an elaborate bauble ring. For those who like a quick and easy option, simply buy a circle of oasis and soak it in tepid water, before sticking in sprigs of evergreen foliage from the garden, flowers, berries, dried fruits, nuts, and bows. If you have more time why not make your own base by taking a ring of string wire and covering it in moss or hay, holding it in place using thinner gauge wire, then wiring in the foliage and decorations. Be aware though that holly wreaths are tricky and gloves should be worn! The Americans seem to be leading the way in the contemporary wreath, so why not try something a little different this year such as a circle of pine cones, dried leaves, dried sweetcorn cobs, pussy willow or even a ring of astroturf! Merry Christmas.
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
Spotlight Magazine
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
17
Spotlight Magazine
Puzzle Page
Christmas Crossword Clues Across 1 Traditional Festive drink - rum __(5) 3 Striped confectionary - __canes (5) 6 Mary gave ___in a stable (5) 7 Festive colour (3) 8 Given by 12 down (4) 10 Christmas lunch - ___turkey (5) 12 12 Down came to ___the baby (7) 14 City where King Herod lived (9) 16 Also given by 12 Down (5) 17 Christmas trees are usually this type(3) 18 Mary was told her ____would be the son of God (4) 19 Christmas Carol - The First __ (4) 20 Christmas Carol - Oh ___ Night (4) Down 1 US festive treat Pumpkin ___ (3) 2 Christmas song When a _____ is Born (5) 3 25th December! (9,3) 4 ____ log (4) 5 12 Down followed a ____ (4) 9 The ____sent an angel to Mary (4) 11 Might be cranberry or bread (5) 12 There were three of them (4,3) 13 Fortified ___, drunk after dinner (4) 15 Greeting - _____Christmas! (5)
18
Quick Crossword
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
Spotlight Magazine Word Search Word List Belle Bob Cratchit Charles Past Dickens Present Ebenezer Scrooge Fan Tiny Tim Fezziwig Want Fred Yet to Come Ghosts Humbug Ignorance Jacob Marley Martha Michael Caine Miser Money Mrs. Cratchit Mrs. Dilber Muppets Nephew Old Joe Visit our website for more puzzles online www.spotlightlocal.co.uk/puzzles
MERRY CHRISTMAS from Spotlight Magazine to all our readers and advertisers!
SPOTLIGHT CHRISTMAS
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
19
Spotlight Magazine
M
Party Politics
any of us look forward to celebrating Christmas with our work colleagues. It’s a chance to get out of the office and have a bit of fun. But for some employees the morning after is full of embarrassment and regret. Your behaviour at such events could seriously damage your career. Equally, if handled correctly you can also do a lot of good for your career at the annual festivities. So here are a few tips to help you be remembered for all the right reasons: Always attendwhilst you may think not attending is the safest option, it is best to go along even if it’s for just a short while as this demonstrates your willingness to be part of a team.
Dress appropriately- you may be excited by the opportunity to get out of your work attire but remember that you are still with work colleagues and probably your boss. Where you are going will have an impact on how you dress but whatever the venue its best to avoid clothing that is overtly sexual. At many parties there will be alcohol and it can be tempting to over indulge, especially if the boss is paying. But it’s best to drink in moderation and alternate alcohol with water. If you feel you may be getting a little too relaxed opt for soft drinks. Remember to eat well to soak up the alcohol.
relationships with colleagues from other departments, or those you’d like to impress but don’t usually get chance to speak to, so do circulate. Don’t be boring by talking about nothing but work however. Usually some general conversation about holidays, families and hobbies will suffice and can stand you in good stead when you need to get these people on side for your next work deal. Don’t be tempted to be drawn into gossip or talk about others or the organisations latest ideas in a negative way. You never know who’s standing behind you. Of course don’t swear, be impolite or vulgar.
It may be that you have fancied one of your colleagues for months (or they become irresistibly attractive once you’ve had a few drinks), but insisting that they join you under the mistletoe or showing them your best Dirty Dance moves is not advisable. These could lead to public humiliation at the event and years of teasing and having to avoid a ‘certain someone’. It is possible to have fun at an office party, but for your careers sake, remember everything in moderation! By Susan Brookes-Morris
Do socialise and chat to lots of people at the party. It can be a good time to build
20
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
Spotlight Magazine
Suppliers & Installers of Bespoke Signs, Digital Print, Vinyl Graphics & much more...
ng Servici d, iel Mansf & Derby ng ndi Surrou s Area
CITYSIGNS PRINT & DESIGN LTD
Professional, Friendly Help & Advice with All Services Fully Guaranteed
At City Signs, we employ expert designers, experienced manufacturers and skilled installers, who will be happy to create you an outstanding piece of signage, that will set your business apart from the competition.
“Whatever your needs, we're continually expanding our range of products and services” Call us free (from landlines & mobiles) on
0333 9000 321 Email your enquiries to sales@citysignsderby.co.uk
Find us online at www.city-signs.co.uk Visit us at Unit 20, Sherwood Energy Village, Newton Hill, Ollerton NG22 9FD www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
21
Spotlight Magazine
Christmas Recipe
Cranberry Bread and Butter Pudding
of bread then sprinkle a few cranberries over the top.
Serves 4 Preparation time: 20 minutes (plus resting time)
Pour the egg mixture over everything and let the pudding rest for at least 2 hours (or overnight in the fridge).
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Preheat the oven to 180C or gas mark 4. Sprinkle the finished pudding with soft brown sugar and place in the oven for 45 minutes.
Ingredients 1oz / 25 g dried cranberries 100ml Cranberry juice 2 tsp sugar 4 eggs 450ml / 16floz milk 450ml / 16floz single cream (you can use all milk if you prefer) 2oz / 50g sugar grated rind of 1 orange 2oz / 50 g butter 1 loaf bread (at least a day old, sliced into thick cubes) Soft brown sugar for sprinkling over
This is lovely served with crème fraîche or custard. The perfect sweet for any time over the festive period.
Method Poach the dried cranberries in the cranberry juice with 2 tsp sugar. Reduce the mixture down until it thickens and becomes a little jammy. Place it on one side to cool. In a separate dish beat together the milk, cream (if using) and eggs, and then stir in the sugar and grated orange rind. Butter the bread on both sides and place into a buttered dish, alternating layers of bread with layers of cranberry. Finish with a layer
22
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
Spotlight Magazine
L Clay’s Chimney Sweeping Services Professionally trained by the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps For excellent before and after care
call 01623 411037 or 07900 326246
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
23
Spotlight Magazine
E
Get Crafty Kids!
very Christmas as a child I received a new colouring book and set of crayons with which I spent many happy hours sprawled on the living room floor colouring in the pictures. As the years progressed, the colouring book was replaced with a series of craft sets, and I remember one year spending ages knitting an extremely long scarf! Crafting helps children to develop their imagination, express themselves and explore new ideas or concepts. The creative process brings feelings of satisfaction and pleasure, and builds children’s confidence in their ability to make their own decisions and choices.
Crafting is a great way to learn how to solve problems, follow directions and develop skills such as cutting, measuring,
24
gluing and sewing. It can also give family members the chance to spend quality time together in a shared activity.
Christmas offers children the opportunity to hand make gifts for friends and family members. From home-baked treats to a painted plant pot or a decorated photo frame, there is no end to the possibilities. Craft sets also make ideal stocking fillers and promise hours of entertainment. Loom bands are extremely popular right now, knitting is enjoying a revival, finger puppets are always lots of fun and cardmaking, jewellery kits and scrap books are guaranteed winners. You could also consider science and modelling kits. Have fun getting crafty this Christmas! By Debbie Singh-Bhatti
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
Spotlight Magazine
• • • •
• • •
Stunning range of interiors in our beautiful new showroom Local family run business with a wealth of expertise and experience Inspirational award winning design team High quality, seamless, full installation service from our own in house installers, including electrics, plumbing, tiling, flooring & plastering From Supply only to a fully fitted room - we project manage it all for a perfect result Only the best quality products are used from all the leading manufacturers Thousands of styles and options to choose from
Free fitting on presentatio n of this advert*
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
25
Spotlight Magazine
W
How To Choose A Turkey
e all want our Christmas dinner to be special and a meal to remember for the right reasons! So how can you make sure that your bird is the best choice?
First take the time to buy your meat from a source you trust. You might prefer a trusted butcher, farm shop or mail order company. Knowing how your meat has been reared and where it came from can help you determine the likely quality of the meat. Usually higher quality comes from younger animals that are subject to greater welfare standards. Of course prices will also reflect this so battery-reared birds will be much cheaper than those which have been subject to a mainly organic diet and freeroaming.
Consider carefully the size of the bird you require. General recommendations allow around half a pound or 225 g per person for boneless meat and three quarters of a pound or 340g per person for meat with a bone in. Of course appetites vary and you may want to buy larger deliberately, in order to have enough for leftovers. Choose well and enjoy your Christmas Dinner! By Susan Brookes-Morris
Look for birds with unblemished skin, and if buying fresh check whether they will be dressed or whether you will need to do additional preparation.
Saxon Computers
Call us on 01623 454513 or 07961 892867 Web: www.saxonpc.co.uk Email: Enquiries@saxonpc.co.uk
Laptop Computer Repair Specialists • Laptop Charging Socket Repair • Laptop Screens Replaced • Desktop PC’s Built to order • Desktop PC Repairs & Upgrades • Sales & Service • Software Installations • Virus Removal • Any Make Any Model
26
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
Spotlight Magazine
*Aerial Installations *Satellite Installations *Phone Line *CCTV Call: 01623
272036 or Freephone 0800 0132341
*Aerial Installations *Satellite Installations *Phone Line *CCTV Call: 01623
272036 or Freephone 0800 0132341
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
27
Spotlight Magazine
LEATHER LEATHER BETTER BETTER
Find us on
Why buy new... renew
Find us on
CALL TODAY ON: 01623 237 614 / 07785 299 776 EMAIL US: betterleather@leatherbetter.co.uk WEB: www.leatherbetter.co.uk
Why buy new... renew
We are specialists in bringing back to life damaged or imperfect leather, either in your home or vehicle.
We are specialists in bringing back to life damaged or imperfect leather, either your home or vehicle. Repairs start from justin£40!
•• •• ••
Scuffs start from just £40! Repairs Discoloured leather and stains Scuffs scratches Animal Tears & Peelsleather and stains Discoloured Cigarette damage Animal scratches
•
Tears & Peels
Why not contact us for a free of charge Cigarette damage no obligation quotation? Fully mobile service;us wefor come to you Why not contact a free of charge
no obligation quotation?
CALL TODAY ON: 01623 237 614 / 07785 299 776 EMAILmobile US: betterleather@leatherbetter.co.uk Fully service; we come to you WEB: www.leatherbetter.co.uk
28
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 info@spotlightlocal.co.uk To advertise or contribute call •07595 510190
Spotlight Magazine
Open Monday to Thursday 8am - 5pm Fridays 8am - 4pm Saturdays 8am-1pm (October to March)
Come & collect from our yard
from 7.30 collected
8”
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
29
Spotlight Magazine
Index Of Advertisers
Aerial Services ADI............................................27 Accountants BFS Accountants......................29 Beauty Alexsa.......................................12 East Midlands Laser..................17 Mansfield Electrolysis & Laser......24 Blinds R S Blinds.................................25 Carpets & Flooring Carpet Bargain Centre...............5 Care Services Leda Homecare........................19 Children White Post Farm.........................7 Chiropodists The Foot Guy............................27 Chimney Services L Clay........................................23 Computer Saxon PC..................................26
Department Stores Leather Repair Beales.........................................2 Leather Better...........................28 Logs Estate & Letting Agents John Sankey..............................23 Notts Logs...............................29 Newton Fallowell.........................1 Mobility Services Liftec........................................30 Castlegate Estates.....................3 Fencing Motoring Steve Horsnall........................25 Mansfield Van Hire...................13 Funeral Directors Holistic Treatments W S Ingham...........................15 Harlow Holistic.........................29 Furniture Plumbing Sliding Door Wardrobes........11 Bilbeck.................................25 Gutter Cleaning Gas Care.............................27 Gutter Clear Plus........................9 C F Plumbing.......................28 Sign Makers Handyman Services City Signs.............................21 Home Trades 4 You....................4 Soft Furnishings Home Builders Rippon Homes..........................32 Complete Curtains...................29 Kitchens & Bathrooms Windows and Doors Interior Design Bureau.........25 Cloudy2Clear.........................5 Impressions..........................28 Loco Windows & Fascias....23
The winner of last months competitions were:
For the free meal at Fothergills - Melissa Swann For the free bottle of Seduccion Perfume - Chaterina Blom, Sandra Garrattley, Brian Lister, Natalie Watson and Janice Cawkill. Congratulations to you all.
30
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 info@spotlightlocal.co.uk To advertise or contribute call •07595 510190
Spotlight Magazine
Based at Carlton, Nottingham | We bring mobility to YOU!
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • info@spotlightlocal.co.uk
31
O
E N
W LO NG GA I N AIN BU E M R
YOUR LAST CHANCE
TO BUY A NEW DETACHED BUNGALOW IN BILSTHORPE
Don’t miss out on the opportunity This energy efficient, high specification bungalow to buy this beautiful new, two benefits from: bedroom detached bungalow on this Floor covering throughout small development. Fully fitted kitchen with appliances Located in the village of Bilsthorpe, Lounge with french doors leading to rear garden it is close to all the village amenities Stylish bathroom with separate shower enclosure and easily accessible to some Fully turfed, private rear garden stunning countryside and excellent Single garage golf courses.
All this for only ÂŁ142,950! The Hawthorns is open daily from 10.30am to 5.30pm.
The Hawthorns Eakring Road, Bilsthorpe, Nottinghamshire
Sales hotline 0800 1697644
ripponhomes.co.uk