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Issue 4

Spring 2015

It’s Definitely Getting Better & Not Just Businesses Either

2015 does look a lot more promising than some of the past few years. Businesses are expanding, changing their location and even their names, but one thing that is certain, the people of West Bridgford are being better served than ever by independent businesses.

Yes, there do still seem to be far too many outlets for national chains, and quite frankly, Central Avenue is now somewhere to eat or meet, but not to shop and that does need addressing by the planners.

Local more than National But there are really good signs from other businesses to prove that local independent businesses can thrive and offer a much more personal service than the high street chains.

Success stories such as the Fruit Basket and Stephen Bradshaw Eyecare along with local stalwarts Rex Gooding point the way to a much needed boost to local independent businesses. Even the relatively local Loughborough Building Society is making more of its presence and has regularly topped the league

tables for “best buy” products for people looking for a mortgage.

Growing Health Other businesses that are expanding include Heidi’s Home Furnishings, who have branched out (Literally) into Beeston. Their flagship West Bridgford store is focusing on showcasing even more local quality designers such as Designer Warehouse, and The Salad Bowl are taking on more premises and staff to handle their ever growing wholesale side.

Truly Local Success So many small businesses are also taking advantage of the entrepreneurial spirit shown locally. In fact more than ninety designers and makers are now getting the chance to showcase their talents and wares by using Locally Produced For You as their outlet. Once again business is coming on in leaps and bounds and Kate Kumar is having to move to a new space that is significantly bigger than her previous premises.

But it is not just businesses who are growing. The Lady Bay Open Arts festival in the summer will be hosting a record number of artists, so do make a point of going along to see just what great art is on offer.

In fact even The Friary have been victims of their own success. They are now hunting for extra storage space for the goods that West Bridgford residents have been donating.

For more details on any of the stories just look through the pages that follow.

World Premiere Free Prize Draw

If you are an Adrian Mole fan then grab a chance to win a pair of tickets to the World Premiere at The Curve in Leicester courtesy of The Loughborough Building Society. For details see page 9

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Locally Produced for You Are one of Bridgford’s hidden successes. They did extremely well in the Pop Up Shop held in December 2013 and have been building on that ever since. So much so that they will open their new larger premises in the heart of West Bridgford on 2nd March.

In fact LPFY now are actively supporting the largest number of local makers and designers in the whole of the south of Nottinghamshire. Over 90 different producers, all specialising in personalised gifts can be found in one place.

will find lots of those gifts you have always wanted.

The new LPFY shop is located above the Health Food Store (I still think of it as Corsons - Ed) Just come through the shop and browse on the way for their healthy goodies, and the stairs are at the rear.

Glorious Extra Space The new premises are more than six times the size of the previous ones and this means that Kate will be able to offer even more opportunities for customers to come and learn how to make things as well as see what treasures can be found locally.

This new space will allow LPFY to expand their range of gifts and also offer informal workshops and creative classes, drop in craft sessions for children, taster sessions and meet the maker days. Just as they have a wide variety

All this growth means that new premises have had to be sought and yet, Kate Kumar who is the driving force behind LPFY has managed to keep right in the centre of things and is remaining on Central Avenue. So how do you find this little gem of a store? Look up and there you

of products they will also offer the same diversity in their classes too, so one week where you will find glass making the next you will find crochet. We have so many incredibly talented makers who are very excited to have the opportunity to share their skills with you.

The atmosphere will be relaxed and informal.

A place where children are welcome, you can explore your creative side and also shop for a gift that is unique.

If you would like to find out more we would love to hear from you just get in touch via our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ Locallyproducedforyou or email locallyproducedforyou@sky.com.

We look forward to seeing you soon

Hair Matters The West Bridgford salon was est in 2009 by local ladies Kelly Fountain and Lisa Wombwell who both grew up in and did our training /apprenticeships at West Bridgford salons.

The salon is now in it’s seventh year and offers nail services including Shellac and Bio Sculpture gel and an extensive range of beauty services including Dermalogica facials, Hot wax services and spray tanning.

Staff regularly attend training to update their skills.

Most recently in Ombré colouring techniques with LOreal and Wella, Dermalogica updating latest products and services and during Feb will be refreshing their knowledge on Trichology with the National Hairdressing Federation (NHF).

Hair Matters is a member of The NHF East

Midlands Region who nationally contribute to the development of the latest standards with in the industry.

If you would like to try any of our services you can enjoy 15% your first visit from now up until 27th March 2015. Call us on 0115982788 or pop in for a consultation. Please quote TLC when booking.

On Fri Feb 20th the salon will be holding an event to raise funds & support local charity The Friary Drop In Centre.

There will be a raffle, coffee and cakes and donations of food ( packets and tins) can be taken to the salon between 9.30am and 3.30pm where staff will collect and deliver to the Friary during the afternoon. We look forward to meeting you...

Totally Local Times West Bridgford Is a community paper, produced voluntarily. It is produced twice each year and is distributed in the West Bridgford area for residents. Print run for this issue is 7,000 copies. You can also find us on line at http://issuu.com/mikefinntl/docs/tltimes Publisher: Mike Finn Editor: Mike Finn - mikefinn@hotmail.com Contributing Editor: Emma Harrison emmamhharrison@gmail.com www.totallylocallywb.co.uk Follow us: @totalocalwb on Facebook or twitter.com/totalocal/wb www.totallylocallywb.co.uk

All About Bridgford

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Shared Gardens- Making the Most of our Resources One of the hidden secrets here in West Bridgford is the shared garden behind the specialist children’s shop Isobel and Henry on Melton Road.

At a time when people talk airily about Global Warming, and the issue of “food miles” where the shelves of supermarkets are filled with produce that have been grown half a world away then flown here, a small group have decided to do something practical about it.

They come together and cultivate small plots that would otherwise lie fallow. The fruit and vegetables are then shared with charities and people who can benefit from fresh produce. A very practical and effective way of using our local resources.

Sharing our Space The space has been kindly loaned to a small group of volunteers by the owners of Isobel and Henry and the project continues to thrive.

raspberries. In fact we were still harvesting raspberries in November! There is something particularly satisfying in knowing that the punnet of raspberries you have in front of you in late Autumn is just about as local as you can get!

From Beans to Brassicas Runner beans were another success and there is a chance that the vines planted last year will one day bear fruit. Brassica’s proved problematic but success again with garlic and red onions.

We have great hopes for the future. As all keen gardeners know, asparagus takes a couple of seasons before it can be harvested. So this year we planted in two plots and will hopefully be able to see the results either this year or next.

It is not all about growing fruit and vegetables though.

Leading the group is Jenny Winch with lots of assistance from a small group who include.......

If you would like to find out more or join the group then do drop Jenny a quick email at jennywinch@ gmail.com.

Wild flower beds continue to draw much attention and comment from public. Apart from making the garden nice and colourful it encourages diversity and gives wild birds and insects much needed variety in their diet. Anything that helps native species thrive can only be a good thing, especially if we can give our bee population a much needed boost!

A Long term Legacy We must still be thankful that Karina Wells walked into the shop and asked if West Bridgford Skills Exchange could use the plot. In a sense this is one of her lasting impacts on us all. There must be other sites that could be developed in West Bridgford. If you know of any sites or indeed have space In your garden that you would like to have put to good use then do get in touch.

The tomato plants provided many salads and chutney jars shared amongst the gardeners and even nicer quite a few found their way to The Friary Drop In Centre, where they were very well received indeed.

The success of the season were the Jerusalem Artichokes, all 3 of them. As you can see, we are still liable to typical gardeners’ failures, but we will succeed eventually! Although the work in the garden is shared it is also a place to sit alone and listen to the birds, rake a few leaves, do some solitary weeding.

Basically get the chance to realise just how lucky we are - Come and join us, you will love it!

We caught up with her to find out how the last twelve months have been“It has been a very successful year for soft fruits, blackberries, strawberries and

Traditional Toys & Children’s Fashion

Childrenswear boutique isobel&henry has joined forces with Edwalton based online toy retailer ‘The Forgotten Toyshop’ to bring a range of traditional toys to the Melton Road shop.

The Forgotten Toy Shop, set up in 2012 by owner Karen Dorn, aims to reignite the joy of child’s play, bring back the

of Marbles, Melissa & Doug & The Puppet Company.

An accredited retailer for The Good Toy Guide, The Forgotten Toy Shop has also been recognised for their promotion of the value of play and been awarded The Good Toy Guide’s Retailer of the month for January 2015.

Lynsey Jones, owner of isobel&henry said ‘We were looking for

magic of childhood and make it simple again. Their product range is a mix of the old favourite traditional toys and games that take you on a nostalgic journey of childhood memories, along with a good selection of wooden toys to inspire you and the children in your life.

All products stocked by The Forgotten Toy Shop are made to the latest Toy Safety Standards and come from good quality brands including House

a new product range to complement our existing clothing lines and ‘The Forgotten Toy Shop’ was a perfect fit. Karen shares our passion to let children be children and we are delighted that The Forgotten Toy Shop has received industry recognition.

The toys have already proved popular with customers, particularly as they are so competitively priced. We look forward to working with The Forgotten Toy Shop over 2015 with a view to expanding the product range on offer.’

The addition of the toy range also contributed to a buoyant Christmas trading period for isobel&henry. December can be a tricky month for independents as customers are lured into the City centre for their Christmas shopping. It is great to see so many customers choosing to shop locally and look for something a little different to what is on offer on the high street.

Isobel&henry’s end of season sale runs until the end of Feb with up to 70% off autumn/ winter stock and their fabulous spring collections are now arriving into store.

Local News

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Please Give Us Some Space Crisis Appeal from The Friary

An unusual appeal from the Friary is for staorage space. The success of their drive for donations in goods and food means that they are bursting at the seams.

“We are constantly trying to ensure that people get at least something warm to eat and our latest venture will offer a chance for people to have one proper hot meal a week.”

The Friary has been building up the range of services it offers and now includes dentistry and help with vision as well as chiropody.

But the big demand at the moment is quite simply space. And this is where you may be able to help in a very practical way. Please get in touch if you think you may be able to help.

As Chair of the Trust Robin Lund explains: ‘The Friary continues to welcome donations but is making a crisis appeal to anyone who has or knows of a vacant large room or other suitable premises even on a shared basis in the West Bridgford area where sorting can be undertaken by Friary volunteers. Rent is available. Donations can be removed on a daily basis although overnight storage is advantageous.’

Tackling Disadvantage Changing Lives

If you can help please contact Robin Lund (Chair) Tel: 01158789383.

Email: robin.lund@ntlworld.com

The Hidden Problems One of the most overlooked problems in West Bridgford is that of “hidden” or “food poverty”. And both these issues are amongst the many that are being addressed by The Friary Centre.

After speaking with both Robin Lund, Chair of the Charity and also Ann Bremner MBE the General Manager some of the real issues were highlighted.

Over the last 27 years that Ann has been involved she has seen so many cases of how the support network for people has simply disappeared.

“It’s fine if you are fit and working, but as soon as things go wrong, then very quickly people find themselves in a spiral of debt and despair.” explained Ann.

“The charity has been working towards this for some time, and is now looking to recruit a cook who will not only be able to offer a full hot meals service, but will also undertake to train some of its visitors in how to cook healthy meals on a budget.”

What is The Friary?

The Friary exists to assist local disadvantaged people who are homeless, living in temporary accommodation or vulnerable from long-term unemployment.

The Friary offers free support services such as advice, access to health services, tenancy support and employment skills. Recreational, educational and leisure time pursuits, along with essential social welfare provision all add to our visitors’ quality of life.

Although the Friary is a faith based organization receiving substantial support from local churches and the community, it is open to people of all faiths or indeed none.

The Magic Fiver When you want to know just what a difference you can make by shopping locally at independent stores then the simple picture on the right says it all!

Each fiver you spend locally helps employ not just the people in the shop itself, but all their suppliers and so on. It includes the bakers who make the bread and also the accountant who does their books.

And it doesn’t stop there!

Most of the staff live locally and also shop locally, that too ensures that yet more money comes into

the local economy. In fact the “multiplier” to give it its technical name is a factor of five in places like West Bridgford.

As the graphic on the right shows, if you go and spend money in a large supermarket or coffee chain then that money is nowehere near as busy locally.

In some cases the profits don’t even stay in this country at all! But all you have to remember is where your Fiver can be most magical of all Locally! Here in West Bridgford!

The Friary is a truly local charity and has benefitted from a whole variety of fund raising activities such as the Musters Road Open Gardens, which this year will be on Sunday June 27th.

Over the last year it has helped hundreds of people and hopes that it will be able to continue its work, but needs space desperately so that it can continue its fund raising activities to support all the projects it has ongoing.

The Chair of the charity Robin Lund said ‘We are delighted to be now working with the NHS to provide the additional services of an on-site dentist, optician and chiropodist and in early 2015 we plan to start providing hot nutritious cooked meals prepared in our newly installed kitchen. This means that we will be providing a one-stop shop of 30 intervention services for the three hundred service users who visit the Friary each week.’

However the start of the 2015 Education and Skills Programme for vulnerable and unemployed people is proving difficult until space taken by donations of clothing and household goods is freed-up at the Friary Centre Musters Road.

To find out more or how you can help, go to www.the-friary.org

All About Bridgford

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Clothes that are Fit for You!

Tired of snooty shop assistants and size 4 garments in the more fashionable establishments in town, where handbags cost a month’s salary and one runs the gauntlet of disdain a la Julia Roberts?

Paula, Signature’s owner harboured hopes of providing a more humane experience which would offer convenience, individuality and uplift (much like a well-fitting bra!). She is on a mission, but not one most of us familiar with boutique shopping would recognise.

Inspired by the first Next concept store in the Victoria Centre, which was principally a café, with clothes a secondary feature, she nursed an alternative vision of customer-focused clothes shopping.

No stranger to hard work, Paula successfully opened her first boutique on Portland road and focused on offering her customers a carefully selected range of not-on-the-high-street brands and personal customer service. Regular customers knew they could rely on Paula’s honesty and integrity when choosing their clothing. Blessed with a microscopic memory, she is as likely to discourage a customer from buying something too similar to an existing item of clothing as she is to encourage them to invest in something that does not truly flatter their size and shape.

So, Who Do YOU Ask? Clothes shopping for a woman can be a vulnerable process – much like a hairdresser with the power to transform us from pumpkin to Cinderella and back, we ask few other than our closest friends or partner ‘does my bum look big in this?’ Tactfully Paula will steer a course away from unwise choices towards garments that enhance her customers’ assets.

The boutique’s location within the Steakhouse restaurant is both original and practical. From the outset the decision to combine dining and clothes was both pragmatic – running a business with husband Ash offered Paula a practical way to combine working with raising their daughter, who was in evidence throughout her early years – and commercial. The improved location on Melton Road encourages significantly more footfall and the respective businesses ‘feed’ each other.

Amusingly, Paula admits to much good natured competition between she and Ash over the businesses, but this is one example where together everyone does seem to achieve more and it is sound business sense to play to each other’s strengths; I am reminded of The White Company and Charles Tyrwhitt Shirts, whose success was built on a husband and wife team shamelessly cross-promoting each other’s businesses!

out from the rest of the crowd and it’s time to get personal… yes, it is personal service where Paula really delivers. She considers it a challenge to provide something for everyone, whatever their size or budget. She somewhat unfashionably suggests it is as upsetting to her more petite customers to struggle to find something in their size as it is to cater for larger frames and manages to offer something for everyone.

I have listened to Paula and her team happily chat away to customers who come to the boutique as much for company and a listening ear as a new outfit, and all are made to feel welcome, even if they leave empty-handed.

Event Led Approach Similarly, Paula and Ash are savvy in their marketing efforts – events for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and even fashion shows present opportunities for customers to combine fine food with browsing the boutique. Lunching with a partner affords a more palatable approach for most men to offer an opinion on clothes than skulking like a spare part in a clothes shop in town.

However Paula is quick to acknowledge where work is still to be done. Some potential customers are intimidated by the notion of a designer boutique or indeed by the idea of clothes in a steakhouse. The couple’s investment in a state-of-the-art extractor fan puts paid to any kitchen smells! A new website is also offering the opportunity to buy online and encourage new customers into the store and initial feedback has been encouraging.

Getting Personal As a loyal customer I have been privileged to observe what really makes Signature stand

A Better Way To Shop - With Friends During the daytime the café’s clientele is predominantly female and this lends itself to browsing. Why feel impatient waiting for a friend when there is an Aladdin’s Cave of delights in store next door? Paula has customers who happily spend an entire afternoon whiling away the hours over coffee or something fizzy whilst nipping into the shop to try before they buy…and before you know it there’s a party going on with friends asking each other’s advice.

Equally Paula is adept at recognising those who prefer to ‘hunt alone’, leaving customers to browse and offering help only when needed. Variously, she has offered Saturday jobs to schoolgirls looking for work experience and pocket money and modelling opportunities to those who fancy a sashay down her catwalk.

I’m told another event is planned for the spring, so if you haven’t already discovered the delights of shopping at Signature dust down your wallets and make a beeline for the store to see for yourself.

www.signatureboutique.co.uk

Healthy Notes

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“TASTE”

the difference for yourself Taste, the independent coffee shop and eatery on Clumber Road, West Bridgford, is going from strength to strength. Already well established as the place to visit for a relaxing Sunday morning leisurely breakfast, it has developed a reputation as an ideal place to meet for a coffee and a chat with friends. Especially if you want to tast some of the gluten free cakes that Francesco gets for customers.

It is always great news to see independent businesses thriving, although it takes a great deal of hard work to make this happen. Francesco explained to us how he has been able to build up such a base of loyal customers.

A True Community Champion Very few people have had such a profound effect on West Bridgford in the last decade as Karina Wells. Even now almost nine months after she left to set up a new home in Cambridge her legacy lives on in The Skills Exchange and also Totally Locally, which she pioneered in the area.

True, we miss her boundless energy and her ability to encourage all kinds of community schemes such as the Shared Garden or the Shared Allotments. But at least we can carry on as the very best way to show what a superb job she has done. So, once again, many thanks Karina!

Happy Birthday - Cake Maker

“All of us here see this as a place for our customers to relax. We give them a chance to get away from the day to day niggles and just chill with friends - and a great cup of coffee or chocolate or even tea too! Whether you are just popping in for a morning coffee or catching up with a friend and their children in the afternoon, we will set out to make sure that you have a chance to relax and take a breath

that mass market products just don’t cut the ice (or icing) for people who want to have something a little bit special for their special friends and family.

Taste specialises in delicious and freshly made sandwiches, cakes and snacks, as well as providing a full breakfast menu, and many gluten-free products. The food is produced by an experienced and dedicated team for either eating-in or for takeaway. So come to TASTE and experience freshly made coffee made with that Italian flair and passion.

Taste 65 Clumber Road, West Bridgford. Tel: 0115 9817817

Another young business has celebrated its first birthday in Bridgford. And quite fittingly Claire Elizabeth baked a cake to celebrate.

As one of the growing band of artisan bakers, Claire Elizabeth has shown

Claire is now regularly asked to make cakes for all kinds of birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions. But she is also making a real name for her Parisian style macarons. “ So what have they got in store for our second year? There will be lots of CHOCOLATE involved....some in the form of truffles. Yup that’s right, handmade chocolates will coming your way soon, just in time for Valentines Day! Find out more at www.claire-elizabeth.co.uk

Moving with life!

Qi Gong - China’s hidden secret We all know that movement is the key to a healthy, fulfilling life: movement of joints and muscles, movement of circulation to maintain the vital organs, movement of breath to nourish and energise, and movement of the mind to think and perceive.

We all know, as well, that as we get older, and with the prospect of much longer life spans, that keeping moving through healthy exercise to maintain a quality of life becomes increasingly difficult for many of us.

But what forms of exercise can we do throughout our lives?

The prospects of jogging, gym workouts, Zumba sessions, or dare I say it, body pump classes can seem either daunting, inaccessible, or simply unappealing, and may be detrimental and damaging as we get older.

The Chinese may hold the secret: Qi Gong and Tai Chi (moving Qi Gong).

As a nation, they are renowned for their vigour, vitality and longevity. It is no surprise, therefore, to see the streets and parks of China filled with people, from the young to the very old, practising these ancient forms of exercise every morning.

Qi (vital energy) Gong(diligent practice) is widely recognised for its health benefits: not only in China where it is practised by millions and used as therapy in Chinese hospitals, but increasingly in Western medicine where recent funded research is showing its benefits in helping in conditions such as arthritis, blood pressure and diabetes.

Qi Gong and Tai Chi are accessible to anyone, of any age and level of fitness.

Its benefits are many: strengthening joints and core muscles without the risk of injury; improving circulation and breathing capacity for internal health; improving balance and coordination; increasing energy and clearing the mind.

Movement is the key to our quality of life, and the regular practice of Tai Chi and Qi Gong offer us a means to do so for life!

Ian Walker is a registered instructor of both Tai Chi and Qi Gong through the Anglo-Chinese Qi Gong Association. He teaches regular classes at David Lloyd, Roko Health Club, and Paxdien Girl Guide Centre, Rectory Road.

He is also available for private lessons with individuals and small groups.

Tel: 07784285786 Email: massagetherapynottingham@gmail.com Website: massagetherapynottingham.net

Healthy Notes

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Old Fashioned Remedies Effective? Definitely!

Christmas is but a distant memory and the spring cleaning is yet to come but the bugs are here in their billions.

Everyone you know has something: The end of a scratchy cough that just wont go away, a runny nose or the snot monster has moved in and is here to stay.

To maximise the efficiency of your immune system get enough sleep. If you start to feel ill take a day off work. You won’t pass it to your colleagues and you’ll get the rest you need. Regularly

opt for two or three slices of lemon in a cup, give them a good squeeze to release the juice and the flavor of natural oils in the rind which act as anti virals and anti inflammatories. Then add hot water and stir in a spoon full of honey or two and sip.

The heat helps to calm the sinuses and can help discourage bugs from multiplying. If you’re coughing the steam will help act as a mild expectorant. Honey contains loads of natural anti-viral anti-inflammatory compounds and will help to sooth a scratchy throat. The combination is both effective and tasty.

Ginger

clean door handles, taps, bannisters, telephones and keyboards. Here are a few kitchen cupboard ideas to help minimise the misery.

Honey and Lemon.

Ditch the lemsip. It tastes awful and contains chemical sweeteners.Instead

This kitchen cupboard spice is wonderfully warming but gingerols have been shown to be more effective than ibuprofen on inflammation. It has stimulating, pain relieving effects and is also a natural stimulator of the immune system. Slices of the fresh root steeped in a mug of hot water will make you feel much better. You can also add it to your honey and lemon for an extra soothing drink.

help soothe the itch of chilblains.

If everything is bunged up try good old vapor rub. It lurks, forgotten, at the back of every medicine cupboard. If you or one of the children can’t stop coughing at night slather a thick layer on the soles of feet and pop on a cosy pair of socks.

It works a treat.

This soothing traditional blend is made with eucalyptus, menthol and camphor and rubbed on chests and backs helps shift stubborn mucous.

If you prefer a product without petroleum jelly then try making your own.

Recipe for Home Made Vapor Rub. Ingredients 1 tsp bees wax, grated or chopped into small pieces

Get In touch with your needs!

How many of us use massage therapy as part of maintaining or improving our health and fitness?

reduce wear and tear. And yet, we sadly neglect the most important thing: our bodies!

We will, of course have our car regularly serviced, checked and tuned up to ensure it runs smoothly and

The benefit of this oldest of therapies has been well known for thousands of years. I see the power and effectiveness of massage and soft tissue therapy each week with the variety of patients of all ages, from a variety of lifestyles and with a range of needs.

I regularly use massage therapy to effectively treat a variety of conditions: These include • Helping with tension headaches or occupational strain

Katherine Bellchambers-Wilson is a qualified Medical Herbalist and a certified GAPS nutritional practitioner with years of experience. She writes on health, wellbeing and urban small holding. Katherine serves as a director of the National Intitute of Medical Herbalists and practices at the Riverside Natural Health Centre in West Bridgford www.nottingham-herbalist.co.uk www.riversidenaturalhealthcentre.co.uk

3 tbspns Olive oil 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil 20 drops thyme or rosemary essential oil Small pinch menthol crystals or 20 drops peppermint essential oil.

Put the oil and the beeswax in ceramic or glass bowl over a small pan of simmering water (as you would to melt chocolate) and heat gently till all the wax has melted. Stir well till the ingredients are combined.

Take the bowl off the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes When the mixture is cool enough to touch but still liquid add the essential oils and stir well with a warm implement (I use a very small wooden spoon for this purpose).

If you are prone to poor circulation ginger tea will open up the peripheral blood vessels and help keep your hands a feet a little warmer. Rubbing cut fresh ginger root directly onto the area can

Massage Therapy

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While still liquid pour into jars.

(For a firmer texture add more bees wax, for a softer mix add less)

injuries or chronic back pain.

• Treating sports injuries and enhancing performance and fitness.

• Alleviating lifestyle stress and improving relaxation and well-being.

So, don’t neglect yourself in 2015: get

in touch with your needs and discover how the power of massage therapy can improve your quality of life.

Ian Walker (Adv.Dip.MT(MSM), Dip.RM(NIM), is a massage and manipulative therapist at the Open Door Clinic on Gordon Rd.

Sciatica • Back Pain • Arthritis • Tension Headache Frozen Shoulder • Sports Injuries • Fitness Maintenance Can all benefit from the deep tissue massage, remedial massage and neuro-muscular techniques practiced by

Ian Walker Adv.Dip.MT (MSM) Dip RM (NIM) Open Door Health Centre 10A Gordon Road West Bridgford Tel 07784 285 786 email ianandjola@talktalk.net www.massagetherapynottingham.net

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y l g n i t s e r e t n I ! t n e r diffe Furniture

Gift Ideas

Home Accessories

Chalk Paint TM

Greeting Cards

You will always find an interesting range of items for yourself, your home or for someone special.

We are also the only stockist in Nottingham for Annie Sloan Interiors.

Workshops

NEW STORE NOW OPEN IN BEESTON

Home Accessories • Handmade Furniture • Restyled Furniture • Upholstery Service Soft Furnishings • Home Ideas and Advice • Annie Sloan Interiors 5 Portland Road, West Bridgford NG2 6DN t: 0115 8461083

118 High Road, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 2LN t: 0115 925 7418

Local Business

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Keeping It Local A good headline for The Loughborough Building Society – we’re local, friendly and independent. And, we’re in West Bridgford for you at Massers Solicitors in Tudor Square.

Nigel steals hers. Can Adrian win her love and escape from his chaotic family life?

As your local building society our philosophy is simple – we make every decision by putting our customers first. It’s something we’ve been doing since 1867 and its why were still here today at the heart of the East Midlands helping local people buy their homes and make the most of their savings.

With an infectious score and a script which stays true to the original novel, this world premiere production will bring Adrian’s story to life once more.

Special Events Entry

The tickets you could win include entry to special members’ events and are valid for the following performances: Saturday 21st March from 12:30pm begins with a back stage tour followed by afternoon tea then the matinee performance.

Friday 27th March from 7:30pm begins with the evening performance followed by a ‘meet the cast’ reception with drinks and nibbles.

Generations of families have remained members over the years and we won the Mortgage Finance Gazette ‘Best Local Building Society 2015’ award. And, not for the first time, we have won the award in 2014, 2012 and 2010 and were highly commended in 2013 - not bad for a local.

Community Focus Supporting our local communities is very important to us and we’ve done that in various ways over the years. As you would expect, being based in Loughborough, we have sponsored the Town Hall Pantomime and Santa Fun Run for many years together with various other community events in the area.

We also sponsor Curve Theatre in Leicester, which is a registered charity.

This partnership provides a fantastic opportunity for us to back high quality accessible theatre in the heart of the city. The Curve is a real success story and brings the joy of theatre to many while adding value to the relationship we have with our members.

Rushcliffe Awards In 2014 we sponsored the Rushcliffe Community Awards for the first time and had a great evening

meeting a range of very special local people who give generously of their time for the benefit of others.

To enter the free prize draw to win a pair of tickets, simply fill out an entry form. You can pick one up from The Loughborough team at Massers Solicitors.

The closing date for entries is 6th March 2015

Win Adrian Mole tickets!

The Loughborough is delighted to bring you the opportunity to win a pair of tickets to join Leicester’s favourite teenager, Adrian Mole, in Curve’s brand new musical that sees him hilariously commentate on everything that happens around him.

Adrian Mole Competition Enter now for your chance to win one of two pairs of tickets to see Adrian Mole at the Curve theatre in Leicester!

Set in 1980s Leicester, Sue Townsend‘s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾, follows the daily dramas and misadventures of Adrian’s adolescent life.

Question: Who is Adrian’s love interest? ……………………………………………………………………

With dysfunctional parents, ungrateful elders, a growing debt to school bully Barry Kent and an unruly pimple on his chin, life is hard for a misunderstood intellectual who is only 13 ¾.

Date of Birth: ………………………………………………

To top it off, when new girl Pandora joins the class and captures his heart, his best friend

Name: ………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………

Address: ……………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………….

Tel: ………………………… Mobile: …………………………

Email address: …………………………………………………………………

Simply fill out the form and hand the completed form to Massers Solicitors: 9 Tudor Square, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 6BT.

Terms and conditions

This is young entrepreneur Ben Nicholls of So Smoothies presenting the “Young Person of the Year” award to Jordan Clark of Cotgrave

Find us at Massers, 9 Tudor Square

1. The promoter is: The Loughborough Building Society Registered office: 6 High Street, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 2QB. 2. Employees of The Loughborough Building Society and Massers Solicitors, their agents or their families are not eligible to enter this competition. 3. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition. 4. The competition is open from 9am, 26th January 2015 until 5pm, 6th March 2015 no further entries to the competition will be permitted after this date. 5. The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition. 6. No cash alternative to the prize will be offered. The prize is not transferable. Subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice. 7. Winners will be randomly selected by the Loughborough Building Society and their decision will be final. 8. The winners will be notified by email and/or telephone on the 10th March 2015. 9. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions. 10.

The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by English law and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England. 11. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material for this competition. 12. One entry per person is permitted. 13. Entrants must be 18 and over. 14. The name of the winner will be available on the Loughborough Building Society Building Society website from the 16th March till 30th April 2015. 15. Productions are on Saturday 21st March and Friday 27th March 2015.

Bridgford Housing

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Local. Friendly.

Independent.

The building society that’s here to look after you.

That’ll be The

Thermal Imaging Ok, so thermal imaging was probably not top of your mind in the run up to Christmas; did not feature in conversations about New Year Resolutions and I can just about guarantee it’s not on anyone’s list of winter sports either.

The icing… You can probably tell where some of your heat is going (through the draughty bits you’ve been meaning to fix for ages). But seeing it in a picture somehow seems to galvanise us into action where simply knowing the dry facts does not.

However, it is indeed the season for taking a thermal imaging camera around your home if you want to see the places where your warmth is sneaking out to heat the street.

The marzipan…

While the camera is a complex piece of kit, many images are easy enough to understand. The examples included here show red for the warmer surfaces through to dark blue for the cold spots.

And then there are the places where heat is escaping, but there may be little or no visible evidence – until you go round with a thermal imaging camera. These cold spots can come as a surprise – rather like unwrapping a Christmas present that you really didn’t want.

borough

Loft Hatch - Uninsulated. The colours show just where the heat is escaping

The icing on the cake Taking a series of thermal images inside your home won’t give you the full energy efficiency story on its own.

I think of it like a Christmas cake…

And we’re here for you at Massers Solicitors, 9 Tudor Square, West Bridgford

The cake would be a consultancy visit to establish ways to improve comfort and/or save gas, electricity and other fuels via energy saving habits and low, medium or high cost improvements.

Information on any relevant renewable energy generation options could also be included.

The icing is a tour from room to room with a thermal imaging camera to pick out the cold spots.

You Need to Look Deeper

Telephone

0115 9811147

Of course, on my Christmas cake, there’s the icing that I can see, and the marzipan that I can’t see until the cake is cut. And it’s the same with thermal images.

No one wants to find too many “unwanted surprises” in their home, but having the information can be useful. Typical examples include: • Inaccessible places that were never included when the loft was insulated • Pieces of insulation missed out when the loft was converted to a room • Places in the building structure where it was difficult to add insulation • Gaps around the window frames where cold air can get in behind the plasterboard Further information about thermal imaging and other energy efficiency consultancy by EcoHouseNet is available on request - just email or give us a call.

If you are thinking of giving your home the full “Christmas cake” treatment, be sure to set up your visit before the end of March – the colder the weather, the better!

Contact: tinaholt@ecohousenet.co.uk – 07962 453037 – www.ecohousenet.co.uk

Go online

www.theloughborough.co.uk Visit your local branch

Loughborough I Derby I Long Eaton I Southwell I West Bridgford Loughborough Building Society. Registered Office: 6 High Street, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 2QB. Telephone 01509 610 707. The Loughborough Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register number 157258.

A New Pitched Roof - You soon see where the extra insulation will be needed

Bridgford Housing

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Housing for West Bridgford facebook.com/totalocalwb

West Bridgford is a great town to live in with high quality services, an efficient Local Council, exceptional schools, local and national transport links, the multiple benefits of the adjacent City of Nottingham.

It has attractive rural surroundings away from the City, world class sporting facilities , excellent local shopping and many other positive features, but there is a problem for those who want to stay living here and are not already home owners.

It is true to say that the considerable variety in type and age of our generally high quality housing is such that pretty much anyone who wants to live here can find a house to suit their aspirations - but aspiration is not always matched with the earning ability to purchase

Where We Want to Live All the benefits of West Bridgford make it the place where families want to live with the result that house prices and values in West Bridgford and in wider Rushcliffe are on average some fifty per cent higher than in adjacent Local Authority areas While this is obviously good news for existing home owners it is bad news for young Rushcliffe residents renting or living with parents who would love to stay in the area and buy their first home.

Many of these first- time buyers earning at regionally determined salary levels cannot afford the high prices here and have to move to the City or other lower cost areas while wealthier and more established families from outside the Borough move in and purchase the properties available

Shared Ownership

Societies as mortgagors their finances were thoroughly checked to ensure they could afford the ongoing commitments of home ownership.

Sensibly some failed that test but overall the schemes were a resounding success with a continually oversubscribed applicants lists. Seventeen schemes containing some 500 properties were developed in the succeeding years and about 100 of those properties were resold, again on shared ownership, as the original purchasers moved on up the property ladder.

A New Opportunity

This however requires someone to fund the initial development and to retain the freehold against any eventual outright sale , a circumstance which generally provides them with a profit.

Pioneering Approach In 1985 Rushcliffe Borough Council recognised the problem facing resident first time buyers and pioneered its own unique schemes of shared ownership, in partnership with the expertise of local developers and with the majority of developments on land in the councils ownership Only local people who couldn’t buy in the open market were considered and with local Building

provision though this varies depending on the financial viability of individual schemes and the type and cost of affordable housing proposed .

Will Sharphill be used effectively to help the people of West Bridgford?

Rushcliffe largely devolved itself from any direct housing provision when Rushcliffe Homes was created incorporating the Councils housing stock and sold to Metropolitan Housing Association but there is now an excellent opportunity for Rushcliffe either directly or through partnership with a Housing Association to once again address this particular difficulty for resident first time buyers .

The opportunity arises for West Bridgford with the major development at Sharphill wood where 1500 homes are planned and also at Gamston/ Tollerton where 2,500 homes are included in the Council’s Core Strategy . Within the wider Rushcliffe context some 3000 new homes are also proposed South of Clifton.

Over 500 homes provided using shared ownership That’s the Way to do it!

There can however be an answer both to reducing the cost to achievable levels and enabling those with a strong existing tie to the area to remain here. That answer is Shared Ownership where 100% occupation is achieved from paying only a percentage of the market price for a lease with a balancing rent at an overall cost less than that of an outright purchase.

One and two bedroomed housing really helped the community before!

While these are private developments there is a statutory requirement that when granting planning permission the Local Authority requires a percentage provision of “Affordable Housing” within any development. Shared ownership, together with social rent and affordable rent, is within this definition.

The general requirement is for around 30%

A more direct approach can be taken where the Local Authority is itself the landowner as happened with many of the original schemes and Rushcliffe has a substantial financial interest in the development site at Sharphill Wood which could be converted into an actual ownership of part of the land.

In 1985 Rushcliffe recognised the difficulties faced by many local people in achieving their first step on the home ownership ladder and then proactively and inventively met that need for over 10 years.

If anything the situation is now more difficult and it would be good to think that with today’s opportunities our council could again be proactive in meeting the needs of its residents both by requiring shared ownership as part of the planning approval for a private development and by the direct provision of shared ownership where the Council itself has an interest in the land.

If you have any thoughts on any of the topics raised in this article then please do let us know. We will be happy to pass your comments on to the author and also to Rushcliffe Council. The development at Sharphill will be ongoing for some time, so if you would like to see more affordable housing opportunities do let your councillors know!

Bridgford Community

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Chalk Up Another Success

expressing their own personalities in their homes.

This means that customers now have the opportunity to find a style that truly reflects who they are.

“The original idea behind our shop began when we realised that there was a real lack of somewhere for people to browse for ideas about their homes.”

For a lot of people it is a chance to move away from the mass market furniture to pieces that reflect a lot more about who they are. And that type of individuality can be had without spending a small fortune by working with newer and up and coming designers who are breaking into the market.

So began our conversation with the owners of Heidi’s Home Furnishings which is now just over eighteen months old. But what an 18 months that has been!

Already well ahead of their projected targets for the first two years, Heidi’s Home Furnishings have had to step up their five year plan and have now opened their second store. This time they have chosen Beeston to complement their flagship West Bridgford store, so we asked them why?

Another big hit have been the fabulous soft cushions hand painted by Matt Jordan. These are truly individual items that set a room off perfectly. Matt has developed techniques that allow him to produce cushions that can even be washed by machine (at a low setting of course) In this way we hope to be able to give everyone a chance to express themselves without breaking the bank!

Victims of Success “It came about because so many people kept coming into our shop from that side of Nottingham,” explained director Mel Wilson. “The Annie Sloan paint chalk side of the business had grown faster than we could have imagined. It is a real bonus for people who want to explore their creative side and bring a new look to their homes without splashing out on lots of expensive new furniture.”

On the topic of their new store Mel says “We have Bespoke Chair from Designer Workshop

built up relationships already, but who are looking to expand their ranges.

Giving Space for Bespoke Service

Heidi’s Beeston’s new spacious interior

“The workshops that we have been running for people are now getting booked up as soon as we announce them and quite frankly we needed a more dedicated space to run them. By expanding we have been able to give customers a lovely large area where they can come and learn all about the great techniques which turn old and slightly tired pieces into completely new and fresh looking items.

“There is so much more you can do with new techniques, waxes and finishes that it seemed almost unfair not to be able to offer that.”

“So, when we found these much larger premises in Beeston it only seemed right to grab the opportunity. It also means that we can now do so much more in our original premises. We now can start to showcase some of the fantastic designers with whom we have

“But this means that we can now make the space and time for our interiors side of the business. We had always planned to offer a bespoke service and build on the skills and expertise I have in interior design. In fact in some ways that side of things had been overtaken by the success of the Annie Sloan paints, but now we can take time with customers to talk about just what they are looking for and help them find some of these really exciting new designers who are starting to make their mark.”

We are working with lighting specialists as well as furniture designers and will soon have a complete display of exciting lights that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

When a customer comes in to our West Bridgford shop we want them to be able to set fire to their imaginations, something that never happens when you just browse on line.”

Hand made Chest of drawers

Building on Success Local suppliers include reupholstery and furniture specialists Designer Workshop who not only produce bespoke furniture but also can work with you to bring your favourite chairs and sofas right up to date.

Mel Wilson explains: “We have spent the last four or five years selecting the suppliers who we feel have the right mix of quality and style to allow us to give people a much easier way of

Iconic Candlestick from Tom’s Drag

been made to feel so welcome by the people of Beeston and by our fellow traders, just as we were when we opened up in West Bridgford. The area has a lovely feel and we hope we can compliment the already great mix of local independent businesses and shops”.

As well as offering their own range of locally made bespoke furniture and upholstery, household accessories, and gifts, Heidi’s are proud to be the only Nottingham Conurbation area stockists for Annie Sloan Interiors and run their Annie Sloan authorised furniture-painting workshops from the store, as they still do at West Bridgford. Heidi’s Beeston is at 118 High Road, just off the pedestrianised area. T: 0115 925 7418 www.heidisretail.com

Bridgford Community

Open Gardens 2015

Some dates for your diary should always include a chance to see what the more creative gardeners of West Bridgford turn their hands to.

Over the last few years the opportunity to learn from more skilled or dedicated gardeners has become a feature of the summer, so here is a round up of the Open Gardens that you can stroll round at various points over the summer.

LADY BAY Open Gardens The 24th Open Gardens on 4th and 5th July 2015 will see between fifteen and twenty gardens open this year. They are now listed at Open Gardens, the UK National Directory. See the entry under ‘L’ for Lady Bay in the A-Z at www.opengardens.co.uk The Scouts will be providing refreshments in the Scout Hut, as usual, as are Cheshire Homes. The residents and staff really enjoyed participating in an event that made them feel part of the community.

On Saturday the Alphabet Day Nursery is opening their children’s activity garden again. It proved very popular the year before last year.

Even if you are not on Facebook, please can you share with affiliates, friends and relatives so we can start to grow the fan base? https://www.facebook.com/ladybayopengardens

SELBY ROAD Open Gardens The ever popular Selby Road open garden weekend raised over £2400 last year for Hayward House, in memory of very popular resident Stella Edwards. This year the organisers are hoping for yet more glorious weather when they open on May 16th and 17th. This year all proceeds will be going to Rainbows Children’s Hospice in Loughborough.

There will be refreshments available and singing from The Social Singers, as well as a drumming opportunity for children to take part in. All details can be found at their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Selby-Road-OpenGardens/112437648789132?fref=ts

MUSTERS ROAD Open Gardens Once again will be raising money for The Friary this summer. The event will take place on Saturday and Sunday June 28th and will include a huge range of different approaches to gardening. Last year they even included the gardening efforts at Jesse Gray School!

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Remembering Rifleman 2952 A.C. Lacey Whenever I stroll through St Giles’s Churchyard on my way to or from West Bridgford I am drawn to one particular headstone.

The white WW1 commonwealth war grave has always stood out and marks the resting place of a soldier of the First World War - Rifleman 2952 A.C. Lacey.

But how and why did a soldier of the Great War come to be buried in my local Churchyard?

He died on the 10th October 1914 - just two months into the start of that epic conflict and sometime prior to the huge battles with their appalling lists of casualties at the Somme, Ypres and Passchendaele and even before the combatting armies had settled into their respective trenches.

Research Helpers Galore I decided to ask for help and spoke to Ursula Ackrill, team librarian at West Bridgford library and Andy Smart of the Nottingham Post who edits and writes the excellent Byegones feature. Andy enlisted the help of Ann Swabey of the National Archives Office.

All were really helpful and just a few days later back came the following information from Lacey’s Army Service Records: Albert Charles Lacey was born in December 1894, and was buried on October 15th, 1914 at St Giles, West Bridgford, aged 20. His parents’ address was given as 124 Holme Road, West Bridgford. His employment at the time of joining up was given as simply ‘a clerk’. He joined the Kings Royal Rifle Corps on 7th September 1914, a mere five weeks after war had been declared. Albert was the only son of William George and Prothezer Mary Lacey. The records also show he had a sister - Ethel Mary at the same address.

Your Country Needs You! But what led Albert to give up a job as a clerk, to enlist and go to war? Most likely, like many of his generation he would have been easily seduced by the now famous Lord Kitchener posters proclaiming JOIN YOUR COUNTRY’S ARMY and the general feverish atmosphere of excitement and adventure which answering that call-to-arms seemed to offer at that early stage of the war.

But just 5 weeks after he joined up, Rifleman Lacey’s war was over. He died of pneumonia

on October 10th 1914 in Connaught Hospital, Farnborough, Aldershot.

Few Medicines Of course in 1914 there was no penicillin or other drugs which might have helped Albert recover from illness or infections.

He would have also entered a very different environment from that which he had been used to, mixing with many other young men, in crowded dormitories, perhaps sleeping rough and getting soaked to the skin in an attempt to harden the new recruits up for the conditions which lay ahead.

Easy to see perhaps how disease might spread or viruses take hold. Perhaps the shock of going from relative comfort of civilian life as a clerk to outdoor hard physical training when winter was approaching, was just too much for his constitution.

How Many More?

At least the funeral was well attended. His army colleagues, friends from the Boat Club, the local Boy’s Brigade (where he had been a member) and assorted other local dignitaries including members of West Bridgford Council all turned up - but how many of them would survive the war?

By a wicked irony - Rifleman 2952 Albert.C.Lacey was home- ‘back before Christmas’ – to be buried in St Giles’s Churchyard, West Bridgford. One of the first of more than 200 soldiers from West Bridgford who were to make the ultimate sacrifice – but in Albert’s case, he never left these shores.

One thing is certain: Albert did not die in vain. His last, lonely resting place reminds us all, as we stroll past, of the fragility of life and the futility of war.

Rest in Peace Rifleman 2952 Albert Charles Lacey. We, West Bridgford, remember you.

Rob Hann lives in West Bridgford and is the author of SAS Operation Galia, a prize winning book about a daring second world war SAS Operation behind enemy lines in Italy and involving Rob’s Father – see www.hannbooks.com

Bridgford Community

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Future-proofing Your Home!

No, we are not talking about any electronic wizardry or making your home “smart” or an eco showroom.

That is all very well for magazines and techno friendly people, but this is all about normal people and their needs and wants.

One of the biggest challenges that home owners face is how to future proof their homes. Not for anyone else but for themselves, so that they can stay in it as long as they want.

That means taking a step backwards from everyday living and thinking about the things that make life more awkward and making plans. We also need to think about costs and where to spend our money most wisely.

Most Dangerous Rooms Any designer will tell you that two rooms in the house are both the most expensive to update and yet add the

greatest value at the same time. What they forget to mention is that these two roms are also the ones where most household accidents occur!

And these rooms are the kitchen and the bathroom. Both are filled with hazards and both are places that we cannot do without. In fact a recent survey found that the single biggest reason for peoplemoving from independent living was the fact that bathing and showering were becoming either awkward or even downright dangerous.

Wet Rooms The solution to almost all of these problems is to switch to showering rather than having a conventional bath. And, taking that to its logical conclusion the best thing to do is to have a more modern “wet room” style of shower. This avoids having to step over a shower tray lip and also means that you can have a larger area where

Number 8 Delicatessen

you can even have a shower stool or a seat attached to the wall.

More and more people are now considering this as a way of ensuring their independence for much longer than was ever considered before.

And, what is even better, by future

proofing your home now you are actually adding value to it. Something no doubt that will appeal to everyone’s children, with an eye to any future windfall!

Let’s just make sure that it is one that occurs much later for everyone’s sake!

Charvet Plumbing Solutions Bathrooms ▪ Kitchens ▪ Showers ▪ En-Suites Including all plastering, tiling, electrical & joinery work

Let one call do it all

Honest reliable tradesman who takes pride in his work.

Dozens of quality installations in West Bridgford

Free Advice & Estimates 0115 846 9033 ▪ 07850 451 933 s.charvet@ntlworld.com 82 Seymour Road, West Bridgford

Corporate & Private Catering

Free local delivery @no8deli.co.uk

No.8 Delicatessen no8deli

0115 982 0838

www.no8deli.co.uk

@FruitBasketWB The Fruit Basket FruitBasketWB

0115 981 7014

www.nottinghamfruitbasket.co.uk

Bridgford Community

15 facebook.com/totalocalwb

The Brothers who made Nottingham their business… dedicated to the wholesale side of the operation in Meadow Lane.

I have to confess that this mystery shopper has a soft spot for No 8 and The Fruit Basket dating back to my arrival in the area 10 years ago.

As well as enabling expansion of the wholesale arm this will enable The Fruit Basket to dedicate itself to its retail customers. Look out for new produce grown in the Fruit Basket’s own kitchen garden, Nottingham grown Heritage produce and a dedicated delivery van.

When looking for rented accommodation following a job relocation, I popped into the deli for supplies for our long journey back south and was greeted with “You’re not from around here, are you?”

Resisting the urge to examine my head for horns I engaged in conversation with Ben about his own family’s relocation and was impressed that here was a local business who really knows its customers.

Starting with No 8 Ben and Jonathan originate from North London and told me how food has always played an important part in family life; whether testing their grandmother’s latest home bakes or visiting delis and restaurants a love of food was hardwired into the brothers’ brains from an early age.

Only fitting, then, that their mother and grandmother shared the baking for No.8 when it first opened, ensuring that the deli stayed true to its principles of high quality, freshly made food.

Back in 2003 the brothers’ insistence on artisan producers and suppliers was well ahead of the current vogue and helped ensure a steady flow of customers. The home bakes quickly

Not just English produce - This is Nottingham grown! Now that’s Totally Local

expanded with savoury fillings, sausage rolls and salads, eventually developing into a small catering business.

Jonathan and Ben continued to think of new ways of expanding the business, even spending 6 months developing their own delicious blend of coffee, Café Ocho, which is served and sold in the shop. The deli’s expansion was achieved entirely by the brothers’ own efforts; with very little capital investment they fitted the deli out themselves and continue to re-invest their own earnings into the business.

Growing the Business In 2008 the Fruit Basket became available to buy and was an obvious fit with No.8 – the greengrocer continues to supply No.8 with fresh produce for the kitchen. However the brothers’ vision for The Fruit Basket goes far beyond supplying the deli.

Even Free Delivery Beginning with a store refit, the shop now resembles a farm shop, attractively laid out and knowledgeably staffed. The shop delivers locally free of charge and now stocks an extensive range of whole and health foods to tempt even the sniffiest of dietary purists!

However, in a genius move, Jonathan has enhanced the sustainability of the retail operation by developing a truly impressive wholesale business.

He has overhauled the supply chain piecemeal to source the finest seasonal produce, be it from one or one thousand miles away, and speaks daily to most of his suppliers, placing new orders.

The Fruit Basket supplies some of the finest restaurants in Nottingham; World Service, Harts and Iberico, to name but a few. Local nurseries, after school clubs and care homes also number amongst their customers.

To support this operation there is a team of 3, who handpick each order individually and 2 drivers, who deliver between 6.30 and 11am every morning, even offering second deliveries where needed. Jonathan offers a truly bespoke service, even advising customers on price fluctuations and seasonality, with encyclopaedic attention to detail.

New Growth Ahead This side of the business has finally outstripped the capacity of the premises on Gordon Road and Jonathan is about to open a new site

And now at No 8 Meanwhile, next door at No.8, there are new menu items for those who are health conscious or who suffer from food intolerances ; non-bread fillings and salads such as quinoa and chili. The market stall has also enjoyed considerable success for those wishing for food-to-go on a Saturday morning.

This family business represents Totally Locally at its best - from modest beginnings the business has grown organically over the past 12 years to the thriving business it is today. It’s a great example of a customer-led business, where sheer hard work, attention to detail and visionary ideas has led to the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. The brothers and their team deserve their continued success.

Planners Need to Think Meanwhile, Jonathan turns philosophical when contemplating the challenges of running a successful local business with a reflection on the role Rushcliffe Council has to play in maintaining the health of the high street.

Commenting on the arrival of another national restaurant chain on Central Avenue with the arrival of Cote, Jonathan observes that a more coherent strategy is required from the Council Planning Department if cannibalisation is to be avoided.

More enlightened policies on parking are also to be encouraged, when popping into your local shop for a few minutes costs £1, if none of the prized 30 minute free parking spots is available. Food for thought, indeed.

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All About Bridgford twitter.com/totalocal/wb

Finding the Rhythm of Life significant element of cultural diversity.

This is particularly important in today’s society.”

There is a local business that is beating the drum for more music in schools. It has been found that children benefit hugely from sessions that involve rhythm and group chanting. It is not only an outlet for their energy but it also lets them express themselves in a very personal way.

BeatFeet has been established for over five years now and has built a reputation particularly amongst schools in inner cities where children are faced with a lot of challenges.

Great Confidence Boosters Drumming and rhythm workshops have proved to be incredibly effective ways of building children’s confidence and self esteem as well as allowing them to discover the sheer joy of dance and movement. We spoke to the creative director of BeatFeet, Jude Winwood and asked her what lay behind the whole idea. “I have taught in schools around the world, from the Caribbean to Africa, overseas French territories and also Britain.”

“The one thing that I discovered was that in more natural societies music and group singing is used to help build a bond. Not only that but it enables children who speak two or three different languages to talk to each other through the medium of music!”

Mastering Music “After starting BeatFeet I then went

“In some parts of Nottingham for instance there are schools where more than a third of the youngsters only have English as a second language and naturally this hinders their progress and all their peers as well.”

on to do a Masters degree in ethnomusicology and have developed a whole series of workshops aimed at using music and drumming in particular to encourage people to communicate more easily!”

“In fact I am now just about to start a brand new project working with children in Nottingham and with children in The Gambia. This is called Donkiloo Laa and will be a song swap and share between some very different cultures, where both will benefit!”

“Donkiloo Laa teaches children from all backgrounds and cultures songs and rhymes from one that is completely different. This means they all start from the same point and soon discover that they can all learn at the same pace. All the children are then working in the same way and at the same pace which allows everyone to shine, a huge boost for all of them

Following a series of workshops for children in Birmingham, Jude was approached to organise parties for children and has now begun offering these in the Nottingham.

“Parents have found them to be the a brilliant way of getting children to let off steam. All the children get involved and the feedback is always great.”

“I tailor each event according to the ages and abilities of the children and have a range of packages that means everyone gets fully involved. The only thing we don’t supply is the energy to play the drums, but the children certainly bring lots of that with them.”

If you want to know more then go to www.beatfeet.co.uk

“I have just returned from establishing the first stage of the project in The Gambia and will be looking to select and work with some key schools and pre-schools here in Nottingham over the next six months.”

“There has been a huge amount of interest from the Arts Council, and Early Intervention Foundation, who are keen to find out how it can help in areas where there is a

emma-yoga emma -yoga day-time classes with Emma Harrison Iyengar Yoga Teacher www.emma-yoga.co.uk 07530 728760 emma@emma-yoga.co.uk

Have anything you would like us to cover in the next edition of Totally Locally Times? Or perhaps you feel strongly about an issue, then get in touch with us.

We are a community based publication and we aim to cover the items that are uppermost in your hearts and minds!

Even if there is something you don’t like, then tell us and we will do something about it.

You can let us know through email: mikefinn@hotmail.com or by post to Totally Locally Times, 65 Selby Rd, West Bridgford, NG2 7BP

All About Bridgford

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Bradshaw - A New Name in Eye Care After a successful 18 months as practice owner of Winson Opticians, I am very pleased and excited to announce our name change to STEPHEN BRADSHAW eyecare.

We are local independent eyecare specialists committed to providing you with the highest levels in eyecare.

We offer a first class professional service, with unrushed and tailored appointments. Time is given to all your eyecare needs.

‘Prevention is better than cure’ Maintaining eyehealth is very complex, and I aim to provide relevant advice for you to maximise your eyehealth throughout your life.

Simple nutritional adjustments could have a fundamental effect on your eyehealth. Accumulative UV exposure can cause a number of eyehealth issues, as can smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Many eyehealth conditions develop over time and become apparent in later life. So now is

This can have implications on educational achievement and career choices.

the time to adopt the adage ‘prevention is better than cure’.

Book a personal, unrushed eye examination today 0115 981 69 32 Stephen Bradshaw, Optometrist BSc(Hons) MCOptom FBDO CL

Early Detection Better Results Unfortunately, children have no way of knowing if their vision is normal, and so rarely report visual problems to parents, nursery staff, or teachers It is possible to stimulate visual development up to the age of eight or nine years. Therefore, the earlier problems are detected the more time there is to try and maximise vision and aid educational achievement.

Children’s Visual Development Babies are born with naturally poor vision. Visual development of both eyes is stimulated by the presence of light, movement, and colours. Adult standard vision is usually achieved by the age of five or six.

At birth the eyes are naturally quite long-sighted (the eye is not quite powerful enough to focus light sharply), together with some astigmatism (irregular curvature of the eye). In normal development, these focusing errors slowly reduce and then disappear or almost disappear by the age of five or six. It is quite common for eyes to retain a very small amount of focussing error (prescription) that does not need correcting with spectacles.

• one or both eyes are not held straight (squint) • one or both eyes are obscured e.g. abnormal eyelid position • a cataract is present at birth or develops soon after.

Any of the above can inhibit visual development leading to: • a ‘lazy eye or eyes’ (amblyopia) • weak or no 3D vision • ‘normal’ adult vision not being achieved

Regular eye examinations will detect visual development problems and allow monitoring of progress and they are funded by the NHS for all under sixteens, even if there are no apparent problems.

Book a personal, unrushed eye examination today 0115 981 69 32 Stephen Bradshaw, Optometrist, BSc(Hons) MCOptom FBDO CL

If both eyes begin to develop normally, then 3D-vision (stereopsis) begins to develop from about five months old.

Visual development is adversely affected if: • one eye has a very different focussing error to the other • there is too much focussing error or astigmatism

Lady Bay Arts Festival Yet another date for your diary is the Lady Bay Arts Festival. Each year this has grown and not only encourages local artists but brings a real impetus to Bridgford’s thriving artists’ community. Last year it saw over 1700 visitors over the two days

The success also led to them winning the Rushcliffe Borough Council Community Award 2014 for Supporting the Local Economy.

The 2015 event runs from 11 in the morning until 5.00 on both the Saturday and the Sunday so you will have plenty of time to visit most of the venues. And the dates for your diary are: 16th and 17th May Last year because there were so many great artists a number of people chose to make two visits.

Fortunately your entry ticket is valid over both days, so make the most of this opportunity to discover some of the best artists and makers in the local area.

This coming year you will be able to see over sixty artists at a whole range of venues from churches, schools and people’s front rooms. A truly excellent

opportunity for everyone. There are events you can take part in, in fact there is something for all the family, so find out more at www.ladybayarts.org.uk

Healthy Matters

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School For Parents

Although based in Sneinton there iSchool for Parents is a charity based in Sneinton. They provide free weekly Conductive Education sessions to young children with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other motor and communication difficulties / delays.

If you would like to know more then their website is:

www.schoolforparents.org

Local Connection to West Bridgford A local Gamston resident, Sarah Vearnals’ son Luca (4), who has been delayed in his development in all areas, attended School for Parents for 2 years before starting mainstream school in September 2014. Sarah has volunteered for the charity from the start, promoting the service and also helping with various fundraising events.

Sarah said: “I’d heard about the service through a charity fun-day at theGoose at Gamston, at a time when I really needed support. Since then I havebeen working as a volunteer to raise awareness, visiting places where families with disabled children are likely to be, meeting health professionals and distributing leaflets to GP surgeries. The thought ofparents going through such a worrying time alone is the thing that drives me as I don’t want it to remain Nottingham’s best kept secret. Luca was nearly 3 when he took his first steps whilst in session at the charity - something we thought he may not be able to do.

We owe them so much!”

WELCOME TO MIND & BODY YOGA I’m Mary a qualified British Wheel of Yoga teacher teaching from the person centered approach. Specializing in pregnancy yoga and yoga nidra (yoga sleep-but you don't sleep! It's a deeper form of relaxation). Also in 2015 baby massage.

Yoga is a 5,000 year old holistic path to health and self-development that begins with your body and affects all aspects of being. By balancing your body, breath, mind and spirit regular yoga practice will help you to accept and adapt to the things life throws at you.Yoga is a spiritual practice that makes your body stronger, more flexible and generally much healthier.

But the aim is to calm your mind, open your heart and stimulate your own spiritual awareness.

In yoga, we use asanas – (postures) and pranayama (the breath) to open every constricted area of the body and mind. This helps to release tension and as your body relaxes and opens, your mind also becomes calm and less busy. When your mind is less busy, negative feelings such as anxiety, fear and anger can melt away. Your mind can then open up to allow patience, acceptance and compassion.

I currently teach classes in and around the Nottinghamshire area. I also teach in corporate establishments and at schools for students and teachers, run workshops, retreats abroad and offer one to one sessions in Yoga, Pilates and Baby Massage. See my website www.mmindandbodyyoga.co.uk for further details.

CLASSES (please see website for full list of sessions and workshops offered) WEDNESDAY – 19:30-20:30 The Nottingham Emmanuel School, (dance studio) Gresham Park Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 7YF. £7.50 pay as you go or £20 for I month (consecutive sessions)

JEWELLERY EXPRESSIONS I also specialize in sterling silver genuine gemstone handmade jewellery made by myself Jewellery Expressions.

For further details please contact Mary on 07931 340 534 Email:- mary@mindandbodyyoga.co.uk website :-www.mindandbodyyoga.co.uk

Dressmaking, alterations/repairs, curtains Strictly by appointment 0115 878 0470 07913 401580 oonagh_brett@hotmail.com facebook: Stitched by Oonagh 49 Dunster Rd, W. Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 6JE

Sarah is delighted to be joining the charity as their communication officer raising awareness of the support offered to families across Nottinghamshire.

Summer Party Celebration School for Parents will be holding their 3rd School for Parents Summer Party on Saturday 13th June 11-4 on Bridge Field. It’s a huge family fun day raising fund for the charity and has raised in excess of £12,000 each year.

Sarah added that “We have been so well supported by local people and businesses - this year is set to be bigger and better”

For further information: www.schoolforparents.org

Making Clothes Sustainable I have recently been reading a book called ‘Overdressed - the shockingly high cost of cheap fashion’ by Elizabeth Cline. She investigated the ethics of the fashion industry, and became convinced that we should be willing to own less clothing and pay more for it. She was suggesting that basic garments should be produced with the living-wage of the country they get manufactured in, and more design-led and individual clothing should be made closer to home.

I’m hoping there are more people who want their clothes repaired and altered to make sure they fit properly. Most of us like to feel that when we give something to a charity shop, it will be worn again, but charity shops can’t be used as a dump. They need good quality clothes or have to pay for it to be taken away and processed.

As well as standard alterations of clothing, I get requests to alter special occasion dresses that have been bought online, and are amazingly cheap. It’s not worthwhile shipping it back, and it’s easier to have it altered to fit. I find that local people are looking for an alterations service because anything other than a trouser hem is tricky to

pin and fit yourself.

I use Facebook to show my work, and I have a Pinterest account where I’ve pinned links for sewing tips, inspirations and other information for sewing. I am a home-based business which means I can be quite flexible about appointments, it’s easy to park, and I have a private changing room.

Like any local business, word of mouth works well for me, but having an internet presence means I can show images of my work. You can contact me on: oonagh_brett@hotmail.com; Tel: 07913 401580; 0115 8780470 or have a look at facebook/Stitchedby-Oonagh.

All About Bridgford

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At The Heart of West Bridgford we had our ear to the ground when this one became available. It’s another significant investment for our business, it’s a key milestone in our growth plan and being in such a prime location we are confident it will serve us well into the future as our flagship office” On the commercial market Chloe commented: “The local commercial market has seen great improvement over the last year. We service a number of clients across Nottinghamshire in respect of commercial lettings, sales, valuation, rent review and lease renewal advice. We find that a great number of our clients benefit from having their residential and commercial properties dealt with under one roof, something which very few other agents are able to offer.”

Complete Client Focus

On Monday 22 December, Rex Gooding Estate Agents opened the doors to it’s brand new office in the heart of West Bridgford, opposite Marks and Spencer’s on Albert Road.

A Half Century Connection The connection with this address goes back almost 55 years, when Rex landed his first job with Walker, Walton & Hanson (now Savills) who had an office located at the same address. The Gooding family’s property roots actually go back to 1937 when Rex’s late Father, Charles, qualified as a Chartered Surveyor and went on to run his own Estate Agency. He was the grandfather of Chloe and Daniel Gooding who run the business today.

Completing the Circle Chloe, a Chartered Surveyor, joined the firm in 2005, having gained valuable experience at Lambert Smith Hampton, retail property experts Capital and most recently in the property acquisition department of Pizza Hut. In 2008 Daniel joined his Father and Sister to complete the family circle, having gained invaluable experience managing a Central London estate agency.

The new offices on Albert Road have provided extra space for the growing team as well as a larger and more welcoming area for established clients and new customers to visit.

The central location and friendly atmosphere has already proven a success with increased enquiries across all disciplines of the business, but most markedly in Residential Sales.

On the subject of the new West Bridgford premises Daniel said: “We had been looking for suitable larger premises in West Bridgford for a while and

A unique collection of inspirational items to accessorise the home

Together Chloe and Daniel have modernised the practice, continuing to concentrate on the established Gooding family values whilst carefully listening and responding to the needs of their customers.

67 Clumber Road off Melton Road West Bridgford Nottingham NG2 6DP 0115 9818686 www.livinghq.co.uk

Designer Wallpaper & Fabric including: Brian Yates, Cole & Son, Designers Guild, Harlequin, Osborne & Little, Romo, Villa Nova,

The firm has expanded in terms of staff numbers and geographical reach. A new office was opened in Bingham to improve presence and service into the Vale of Belvoir.

Comprehensive Service The two offices now offer comprehensive services across Property Sales and Letting & Management covering both the Residential and Commercial markets and additionally offering legal and financial services all under the same roof.

She says the new one-stop shop embodies their complete client focus, adding: “We pride ourselves on being pro-active and are small enough to take all of our instructions seriously, providing a personal service to each client, but at the same time we are large enough for those clients to benefit from our widereaching marketing facilities.”

LOCAL STOCKIST OF FARROW & BALL PAINT & WALLPAPER

home access ories & uniqu e gifts

F&B Colour Advice Interior Design Service Bespoke Curtains & Blinds Upholstery Sunday & Monday - Closed Tuesday - Thursday 10-17.30 Friday - Saturday 10 -17.00 Sunday

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An Independent Family Run Business

Estate Agents & Chartered Surveyors Since 1937

SOLD IN 2014 THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING

£30M

OF PROPERTY SOLD SO FAR THIS YEAR

IT’S THE ENERGY AND DEDICATION WE PUT IN

TO MARKETING YOUR PROPERTY THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE.

WWW.REXGOODING.COM

BUT DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT. VISIT WWW.REXGOODING.COM TO READ THE GENUINE & LOVELY THINGS OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT US.

01159 455 553