April 2015 - Ashby, Packington & Ravenstone Community Eye by OpenBox Promotions

ASHBY, PACKINGTON & RAVENSTONE

COMMUNITY EYE

FREE MONTHLY LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, PUZZLES, COMPETITIONS & MORE

ISSUE 5 - APRIL 2015

65 NOW 00 COPIE TO R DELIVER S AVEN IN STON G E

IN THE GARDEN WITH BEL

THE GAS SUPERSTORE Opens New Showroom

Colourful Patio Pots

LRWT NORTH WEST GROUP

Latest What’s On Events

NORTH WEST LEICESTERSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

URGENT NEED FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS

ASHBY CIVIC SOCIETY

Leicestershire, Derbyshire & Rutland Air Ambulance

Young Entrepreneur Award 2015

Martin Vaughan - Award Winning Wildlife Photographs

Tropical, Pond, Marine, Coldwater Fish Dry & Frozen Goods • Lighting Tanks and Cabinets • Filters & Pumps Liners & Much Much More... UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT & UNDER CONSTANT VETERINARY SUPERVISION

Mon - Sat 10:00am - 5:30pm Sun 10.00am - 4:00pm 2A North Avenue Coalville, LE67 3QX 01530814449 coalvilleaquatics@yahoo.co.uk www.coalvilleaquatics.com

COALVILLEAQUATICS

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

WWW.THEGASSUPERSTORE.CO.UK

ounded by Raymond Fenn in 1969, The Gas Superstore has over 45 years of experience in gas and electrical retail. Their original store in Leicester has grown from a single retail showroom to a row of six. This destination store is still thriving and the good old fashioned, quality, customer relations is ensuring customers are continually happy with the service. This superior service can now be found in Coalville at their new appliance showroom, where you can view a wide range of products and speak with highly knowledgeable staff who can ensure you choose the product that suits your requirements. Specialising in gas and electrical appliances, same day delivery, removal of old appliance and the recycling of all packaging, why would you go anywhere else?

COALVILLE OPENING TIMES:

HOTPOINT WMEF742P G FREESTANDING WASHIN MACHINE - WHITE FREE WET CONNECTION TO POINT FREE DELIVERY FREE OLD PRODUCT REMOVAL

Monday – Saturday 09.00 - 17.00

LEICESTER OPENING TIMES:

Monday – Saturday 09.00 - 17.00 | Sunday 10.00 - 16.00

SERVICES:

Next day delivery nationwide for orders before 22.00

FREE REMOVAL OF PACKAGING FREE EVENING DELIVERY

Same day delivery if you order before 20.00 (Mon-Fri)

FIRE AND FIREPLACE OFFER Stunning Seville Fireplace in Bianco Carnra

Same day delivery Saturday until 16.00 Wet connection service 2 Man delivery Removal of old appliance

micro-grain marble complete with Flavel Windsor Contemporary coal or pebble effect gas fire

Recycling of packaging Evening deliveries up to 22.00 Click and Collect Saturday and Sunday delivery

LEICESTER STORE

64 - 72 Hinckley Road, Leicester, LE3 0RD Tel: 0116 204 4972

FULL GAS SAFE + HETAS INSTALLATION SERVICE AVAILABLE

COALVILLE STORE

Unit 1, Regs Way, Bardon, LE67 1TE Tel: 01530 838748

WELCOME

FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY:

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WELCOME TO YOUR APRIL COMMUNITY EYE MAGAZINE It’s hard to believe spring is here as it seems to have arrived very suddenly, however it’s very welcome and I’m enjoying seeing the Bluebells start to flower as they have to be my favourite flower of all. Maybe it’s because my mother was walking in the Bluebells in Loughborough’s Outwoods just before I was born. Bel has a lovely spring article and it’s certainly inspired me to go and visit my local garden centre and have a look at the amazing array of plants for my summer pots and hanging baskets. Once the garden is looking neat and beautiful it’s time to tackle the spring clean inside. This month we’ve some handy tips for getting your house sparkling clean without having to go out and buy expensive cleaning products. We also welcome some new advertisers to our

successful magazine this month and as ever we are always looking for more businesses to join them. The more advertisers we get the more pages of community articles we can print so please recommend us to your friends. Advertising with us is so easy, all you need to do is call us up on 0800 6446 150 and we’ll take care of the rest. I do hope we have a chance to get out and enjoy the sun during the bank holiday and I look forward to bringing you next month’s edition.

Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2HQ

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NEXT ISSUE OUT DEADLINE DATE: 14th May 2015 DELIVERY DATE: 21st May 2015 Deadline and delivery dates are subject to change depending on how far we are ahead or behind.

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SKY DIVING WISH WARRIORS RAISE £13,500 FOR ALEX’S WISH A team of 17 took to the skies to take part in a Tandem Sky Dive on Sunday, 8th March in aid of Alex’s Wish at Langar Airfield, British Parachute School in Nottingham. With poor weather conditions, it was looking unlikely to go ahead but after many hours waiting leading to anticipation and excitement, weather conditions picked up and the divers started their thrill ride at 3pm. At a height of 13,000 feet – free falling to start with for 30 seconds reaching speeds of up to 120 mph! This was not for the faint hearted. Some of our divers hated heights and flying so this was a massive challenge for them. It all started when one of Alex’s teachers from Rothley C of E Primary School decided to do the challenge for her 30th birthday. Alex’s Wish, organisers of the event, decided to ask around to see if anyone else fancied doing it too, and was completely astounded to find so many people up for the challenge and urged Emma Hallam, mum to Alex to take the challenge on too. All 17 divers completed their Sky Dive that day raising an incredible £13,500 for research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy to bring about new treatments for all boys living with the condition.

DERBYSHIRE, LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND AIR AMBULANCE

Emma Hallam says “It was one of the most exciting and nervewracking experiences you could possibly do, to see the plane doors opening and people jumping out just felt hideous. But once you had jumped the free fall was exhilarating almost like an out of body experience, you just can’t put it into words. But I would definitely like to do it again.” “We would like to thank them individually for their amazing efforts they are true Wish Warriors – so well done to Katie Hoskins, Donna Brenchley, Dave Allen, Annalee Toon, Tanya Hogan, Neil Moonaghan, Craig Robson, Sarah Hyde, Angela Roberts, Stephanie Monks, Daniel Brookes, Kimberley Sallis, Jennifer Nursiash, Will Watts, Nicola Adams and Wayne Harrold.” Alex’s Wish is organising more Sky Dives in the future, so if you would like to take part (£50 deposit plus £500 minimum sponsored required), please get in touch with Emma at emma@ alexswish.co.uk or visit their website at www.alexswish.co.uk

You may have seen our distinctive helicopters in the skies above, flying critically wounded patients to hospital in record time in order to save their lives. As the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance, indeed, all of the Charity`s aircraft and Staff have no Government funding, we on the ground have to raise sufficient funds to keep our highly-trained medics and fast helicopters in the air. The Charnwood Supporters Group is in urgent need of new Volunteers to help out in raising money locally – we do bucket collections at events, attend shows in the area (and have fun!). If you could spare a few hours of you time to swell our numbers, we would welcome you at our monthly meetings on the last Tuesday of the month at 7pm at the Thorpe Acre Scout Hut Loughborough LE11 4LF, or find out more by calling Head Office on: 0845130999 or by emailing Enquiries@theairambulance service.org.uk

LOCAL NEWS

Article & Photographs By - Paul Taylor & Sarah Taylor Situated just 2 miles from East Midlands Airport, Donington Park is unique. Probably best known in recent years for music festivals and motor cycle racing, its’ car racing heritage lives on. Spring sees the start of Donington’s motor racing season, and we went along to the official launch of the 2015 MSA Dunlop British Touring Car Championship. Over the past couple of years many of you may have seen the cut-and-thrust close competition of the Touring Cars on ITV 4, but there is nothing to match seeing the cars in action and up-close, driven to the limit around the hilly and winding Donington Park circuit. Part of the appeal is seeing the cars we drive every day (such as VW, Audi, BMW, Toyota, Honda and Ford), battle it out on-track. OK, these particular cars are race prepared, but they look pretty much the same, but emblazoned with the names of well-known sponsors. One new manufacturer to grace the tracks this year is luxury brand Infiniti- it will be interesting to see how they fare against the likes of top-end marques Mercedes and BMW, and “budget” manufacturers Proton and MG.

» HEROES AND VILLAINS

» GETTING TRACKSIDE

Like any other sport it has heroes and villains- amongst them are defending champion Colin Turkington, Midlander and 2013 Champion Andrew Jordan, stalwart Jason Plato, and “Flash” Gordon Sedden. Whilst Colin, Andrew and Gordon are known for their smooth, clean style of driving, Jason is notorious for his relentless and sometimes hard-hitting antics. Amongst the 32 drivers signed up for the 2015 series are 5 previous champions, and no less than 7 “rookies” competing in Touring Cars for the first time. These include Nic Hamilton, brother of reigning F1 World Champion Lewis. He is the first disabled driver to drive in the series, but has got here through ability, after successful seasons in club formulas such as the Renault Clio Cup. At the press conference he told us that just 5 years ago he was restricted to a wheelchair, but now able to walk again he wants to inspire people to overcome all kinds of disabilityhe sees himself as the first motor sport para-olympian! Although he will line up in just 5 rounds this year, a full season of competition is planned for 2016.

After the press conference we ventured outside to see the cars unveiled one by one, as the press entourage moved down the pit lane to photograph the dazzling machinery. All 32 cars then moved to the track for a promotional photograph. An awesome roar filled the air as their engines burst into life for the obligatory few laps of the circuit, the cars following closely behind a 4x4 that had a film crew dangling precariously from the open tailgate! The sound was fantastic, guaranteed to set the spine tingling of anyone with just a passing interest in motoring or motorsport.

» THE TEAMS

This season, there are 3 motor racing constructor teams battling against 6 manufacturer backed outfits, and several smaller independent teams. With racing budgets running into hundreds of thousands of pounds it is important to get your car (and sponsor) noticed, so eye-catching paintwork is vital, adding to the racing spectacle.

OTHER DONINGTON ATTRACTIONS

The race-track events (which even include truck racing) are interspersed with other attractions, such as the previously mentioned music festivals, and regular Sunday markets. There is also Tom’s ever growing Grand Prix Exhibition of historic racing cars. Further details can be found on the website www.donington-park.co.uk and for Touring Cars www.btcc.net

A BRIEF HISTORY OF DONINGTON PARK

Donington Park started life as a motorsport venue in 1931. In 1971 it was purchased by local businessman Tom Wheatcroft, and it has played host to the British Motorcycle Grand Prix (1987), and the Formula 1 European Grand Prix (1993), with racing legends Barry Sheene and Ayrton Senna gracing the track. His investment programme continues, ensuring world-class standards are maintained.

» ENTHUSIASM

Later, the afternoon testing session was an opportunity to see the cars in action, hitting full speed along the straight, before bouncing over the curb as they found the tightest of lines around Redgate Curve. The growing enthusiasm for Touring Cars was confirmed by the hundreds of fans who had come along on a cold March afternoon to witness the birth of another season of racing. The Team BMR VW Passats driven by Plato and Turkington set the fastest lap times of the day, followed closely by second season racer Aiden Moffat in a Mercedes A Class. To prove the championship is unlikely to be dominated by one team or make of car, the 10th fastest lap was under a second slower than Jason’s quickest time. No processional races in Touring Car land! The 30-40,000 die-hard BTCC fans go racing in all weathers, but I hope the weather gods smile on Donington this year. Only 20 minutes’ drive from Coalville, it is a convenient and enjoyable way to spend a Sunday or complete weekend. Racing starts late March, with the Superbikes here Easter weekend, and the Touring Cars returning 18 and 19 April.

LOCAL NEWS

NORTH WEST LEICESTERSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD 2015

If you are between 16 to 25 and are looking to start a business or perhaps already have started a business but are in need of some money to kick start your idea, why not apply ? Not only could you win £1,000 but you will also get a free 12 month membership to the Chamber of Commerce plus receive free mentoring advice from the Chamber of Commerce committee and wider chamber members – great advice and encouragement could be worth much more than the cash reward at an early stage in your business. All you need to do is download the simple questionnaire from the

MEDITATIONS CLASSES IN ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH With the hectic pace and demands of modern life, many people feel stressed and overworked. It often feels like there is just not enough time in the day to get everything done. Our stress and tiredness make us unhappy, impatient and frustrated. We are often so busy we feel there is no time to stop and meditate! But meditation actually gives us more time by making our mind calmer and more focused.

website www.nwleicschamber. co.uk/ye2015, return the questionnaire together with a covering letter telling us about you, your business idea and any other details you feel are relevant to: Young Entrepreneur Award 2015, NWL Chamber of Commerce, 2a Thornborough Road, Coalville. LE67 3TH. Closing date is 30th June 2015. An independent judging panel will assess each application and select the winner. A winner will be chosen and notified by the 31st October. Full rules and criteria and available on the website. If you need any information or would like to discuss further please let me know, I look forward to hearing from you. ten or fifteen minutes each day, we will be able to reduce this stress and experience a calm, spacious feeling in the mind and many of our usual problems will fall away. Difficult situations will become easier to deal with, we will naturally feel warm and well disposed towards other people and our relationships with others will gradually improve. The classes consist of two meditations and a teaching based around Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's books which explain how all aspects of Buddhism can be applied practically to solve our daily problems and help us to find pure and lasting happiness.

Meditation can also help us to understand our own mind. We can learn how to transform our mind from negative to positive, from disturbed to peaceful, from unhappy to happy. Overcoming negative minds and cultivating constructive thoughts is the purpose of the transforming meditations found in the Buddhist tradition.

These are drop-in meditation classes, you are welcome to come to the whole series of classes or just come along whenever you can. Classes are held at Legion House, South Street, Ashby, LE65 1BQ from 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Thursdays and cost £6 per session. There is no need to book, just turn up. The next session of classes begins on Thursday 16th April and runs for six weeks.

The feeling of contentment and well-being generated in meditation helps us to cope with the busyness and difficulties of daily life. So much of the stress and tension we normally experience comes from our mind and many of the problems we experience are caused or aggravated by stress. Just by doing breathing meditation for

For further information contact 01283 732338 or emailmeditate@ tarakmc.org or visit our web site www.tarakmc.org Anyone can benefit from these meditations and teachings, Buddhist or non Buddhist. We hope that you find the opportunity to join us and learn to enjoy the inner peace that comes from meditation.

MARTIN VAUGHAN – AWARD WINNING WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHS At this month’s meeting, Ashby Civic Society heard how very easy it is to take photographs of wild birds. All you have to do is sit quietly from dawn till dusk under a camouflage hide, set a scene beforehand of twigs and leaves, build an enticing feeding table of seeds and nuts and finally invest in very expensive camera equipment.

turn up, you’ll be sure to meet someone you already know. Call Susanne for details on 01530 415654 or visit our website: ashbycivicsociety.webs.com We look forward to saying hello.

Martin Vaughan’s skills and dedication proved his award winning photos are not just about the luck of being in the right place at the right time. No doubt Ashby Civic Society members will now attempt some action wildlife shots using Martin’s amazing secret bird enticer of peanut butter on a stick. If you missed this fascinating talk you can always join us next month for cheese and wine followed and a talk on the history and restoration of Gracedieu Priory. Visitors welcome on Tuesday 12th May at 7.30pm at 27a Legion House, South Street, Ashby. Just

LRWT NORTH WEST GROUP MAY 21ST MARTIN VAUGHAN LEADS US AROUND OAKTHORPE AND HICKS LODGE Area to see some of the spots that fired his imagination and enthusiasm for wildlife photography. Meet 7:00pm at entrance to former Oakthorpe pit, Ashby Road, Donisthorpe. GR 328143

JUNE 7TH WHY NOT VISIT CLOUD WOOD - BOTANICALLY THE MOST DIVERSE RESERVE IN THE EAST MIDLANDS

JUNE 19TH VISIT SWANNINGTON GORSE FIELD RESERVE AND DIG

See the horse ginn, smock mill and gorse field reserve. Meet 7:00pm at entrance to reserve on St Georges Hill, Swannington, LE67 8JW. GR 172413

JULY 3RD ASHBY CANAL WALK

Meet 7:00 outside The Globe, Snarestone to view the Ashby Canal SSSI and associated new nature reserve.

JULY 19TH VISIT CLOUD WOOD BOTANICALLY THE MOST DIVERSE RESERVE IN THE EAST MIDLANDS

Search for butterflies. Meet at 10:30 in the lay-by. GR419215

Enjoy bird song, meet 10:30 in the lay-by. GR 419215

GET IN TOUCH

We are a friendly group which meets monthly for talks, visits, conservation work and social events.

David Maltby on 01530 222934 Margaret Mabey on 01530 412410

LOCAL NEWS

Your local adviser is Hannah Cowell Qualifications: DipPFS CeMAP Position: Independent Financial Adviser & Founder Member Area covered: Derbyshire and Leicestershire Mobile: 07870 898474 Email: hannah.cowell@opalfinancialmanagement.co.uk Address: 3 Sage Drive, Woodville,Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 7JX Please call me to arrange our first no obligation meeting, which is at our cost, when I trust you will find that I am approachable, honest and trustworthy. I look forward to hearing from you.

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

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 Martyn Kemp 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 Ashby and the surrounding area and Martyn 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 Martyn 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...

Hood Park Leisure Centre Outdoor Pool Opening 23 May 9am-6pm

Entry £1 All Day

Special Offer

£1 admission to the outdoor pool with this voucher on Saturday 11 July 2015 For more information please contact Hood Park Leisure Centre on 01540 412181 or visit www.nwleics.gov.uk/swimming

Find us on... @hermitage_lc @hoodpark_lc hermitagelc hoodparklc

WINDOW DRESSING

Fabulous Shutters

We specialise in quality shutters for all window types, including patio doors and bay windows

Sleek, good-looking and versatile, shutters are the ultimate window treatment. They’re as practical as they’re beautiful, giving you enhanced privacy, exceptional light control and reduced external noise. Beautifully crafted and made to measure to virtually any

size or shape, our shutters are suitable for most window types including sash, bay windows and patio doors – and just as importantly, all budgets! Please call today for a no obligation home visitTel- 01509 650832 or Mob07881 681556

Contact Judy Andrews Telephone 01509 650832 Mobile 0788 168 1556 www.acaciashutters.co.uk

love

Slimming World Join a warm and friendly group near you today…

It’s a great time to come along to your local group and realise you can really achieve your dreams the Extra Easy Slimming World way Tuesday 7pm Ashby C of E Primary School Burton Road, Ashby De La Zouch, LE65 2LL Call Richard 07869 433 653 Wednesday 9:30 am, 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm Measham Top Club Queen Street, Measham, DE12 7JE Call Joanna 07713 561871 We look forward to meeting you!

GARDENING

COLOURFUL PATIO POTS

pring has well and truly sprung and summer is fast approaching. I’m busy helping clients with planting schemes, gardening advice and border rejuvenation all helped by the warm sunny weather we’ve been having. The nurseries and garden centres are brimming with lots of fresh plants to tempt us, but which ones are best for brightening up the patio in summer?

Nemesia

There are several ways to bring colour to areas around the house or patio and it doesn’t have to be all about deadheading high maintenance annuals! I love a pelargonium or two and I’m rather partial to trailing plants like Verbena so I create a few pots which are purely about the fresh vibrancy these bring and then the rest of my pots have a more long lasting planting to give colour all year.

ANNUALS FOR SUMMER POTS

Surfinias

Verbena

If you’re looking for plants to give a blast of colour from June to September and you don’t mind a bit of maintenance then combinations which include Pelargoniums (Geraniums by another name), Fuchsias, Begonias, Nemesia and Busy Lizzies will fulfil your needs. These will generally give upright height in a pot which can be surrounded by trailers such as Verbena, Surfinias, Bacopa. Given a good quality moisture retentive compost with a measure of Swell Gell and slow release fertiliser these will see you well in to

Autumn. These plants are generally tender annuals so once they get frosted they will need to be discarded and placed with autumn/ winter bedding plants.

PERENNIALS & GRASSES FOR SUMMER POTS

Perennials offer a more long-term solution, often looking good for several years before they need revamping or moving on into the garden. I have several pots which contain a mixture of perennials to give colour on and off all through the year. My favourites are the Hardy Gerberas and Hardy Osteospermum like O. ‘Tresco Purple’which will reliably flower from June onwards, rest during the winter and then start again the following spring. With these I plant grasses like Carex ‘Evergold’, Ophiopogon nigrescens (the black grass) and Festuca ‘Elijah Blue’. These all give evergreen colour and texture. For the trailers I use Thyme or Ajuga (Bugle) for evergreen foliage and colourful flowers – usually available in the alpine section at the garden centre/nursery.

SHRUBS FOR SUMMER POTS

The perennial Wallflower – Erysimum is a fab plant for colour and it flowers for such a long time with no need for tricky deadheading. E. ‘Bowles Mauve’ is rightly a firm favourite amongst gardeners with its bright mauve flower spikes and glaucous evergreen foliage. One trim after it has finished flowering and that’s it. Erysimum come in lots of

colours so there’s yellow, orange, deep red and pinky-apricot versions to try too. Lavender is a must for any garden and it survives very well in pots. Many gardeners struggle to grow it in our region due to our heavy soil, but in a pot with free-draining compost it will thrive (use John Innes no.2 available from garden centres/nurseries). Good varieties for pots include ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ which are both traditional English varieties, or you could try French lavender varieties with their flirtatious butterfly tops. Phormiums are back in fashion and rightly so with their striking foliage and grand stature. Used on their own in a pot or surrounded by smaller grasses they will provide colour all year round. Or combine them with bold annuals like begonias for a tropical look. For my tips on how to plant up pots and hanging baskets take a look at the article from June 2014 on my website www.belgrierson.co.uk/ publications. I’m busy creating a wildlife friendly garden for clients at the moment, so next month I’ll be looking at the best ways to attract bees, butterflies, insects and birds. If your planting needs a splash of colour or you’re looking for garden design ideas I offer a tailor made service from consultations to full garden rejuvenation projects.

Bel Grierson

Garden Designer & Plantswoman

JOB VACANCIES

Bosworth Homecare can offer you a good rate of pay, an excellent training programme and flexible working hours. We are seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team of

COMMUNITY CARE WORKERS Coalville and Ashby Full and part time available

For more information Tel: 01455 292648 Karen OWN TRANSPORT PREFERRED NVQ AN ADVANTAGE BUT NOT ESSENTIAL

We are an equal opportunities employer & encourage mature applicants

TRADE PAINT SUPPLIES • TO THE PUBLIC AND TRADE •

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LOCAL NEWS

Spring Clean

t’s the time of year where the sun starts shining through the windows highlighting how much grime has built up over winter! If you’re anything like me you’ll have a bucket of various cleaning products all promising great results but I’ve been doing a little research and apparently I only need 3 things to bring my house back from the winter blues!

BICARBONATE OF SODA • Bicarb on a damp sponge removes grease easily from stove, back splash etc. • Also works great for carpet deodorising, just sprinkle onto carpet before going to bed and vacuum in the morning. • Better than any cleaner for cleaning baths and sinks. • Also for keeping pipes clean under the sink - pour about one quarter cup of baking soda down the drain with about 1 cup of vinegar, this makes a chemical reaction, then pour some hot water down the drain. • To minimise odours in your fridge, remove top from box of baking soda and place it on one of the shelves. From time to time stir contents. • To clean a scummy showerhead, pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup white distilled vinegar into a sandwich bag and tie it around the showerhead. Let this set for an hour after the bubbling has stopped. Remove the bag and then turn on the water.

WHITE VINEGAR (do not use on Marble and check on a small area out of sight first) • Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwavesafe bowl. Bring it to a rolling boil

inside the microwave. Baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear. Wipe clean. • To clean a grease splattered oven door window, saturate it with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Keep the door open for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping with a sponge. • Get rid of lime deposits in a kettle by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the water and letting it sit overnight. If more drastic action is needed, boil full-strength white distilled vinegar in the kettle a few minutes, let cool and rinse with plain water. • Remove stains from coffee and teacups by scrubbing them gently with equal parts of salt (or baking soda) and white distilled vinegar. Rinse clean.

• To make the toilet bowl sparkle, pour in a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar and let it sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush.

stain fades. Can be left overnight, then rinsed well and dried.

• Create your own window cleaning solution by combining 1 cup white distilled vinegar in a gallon of water and clean using newspaper. The ink from the print will give your windows a fantastic shine.

• Clean your microwave and remove odours. Place a cup 3/4 full of water with a couple tablespoons of lemon juice in the microwave. Heat to boiling. Don’t open the door for another 10 minutes. Then just wipe away food particles with a clean cloth and dry.

• To clean and disinfect baby toys add a good-sized splash of white distilled vinegar to soapy water.

• To clean tarnished brass, copper, and pewter, use a paste with equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and table salt.

• Clean scissors that have become sticky (after cutting tape, for instance) with a cloth dipped in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

• Discourage ants by spraying undiluted white distilled vinegar outside doorways and windowsills, around appliances and wherever you find the pests coming in.

LEMONS

• Clean the wheel of a can opener using white distilled vinegar and an old toothbrush. • To remove a label, or price tag, cover with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave the cloth on overnight and the label should slide off. • Get rid of limescale deposits on taps/shower heads by soaking a cloth or paper towel in white distilled vinegar and wrapping the area tightly. Let this sit for a couple of hours or overnight. (I find lemon juice work just as well and makes the bathroom smell great too!) • Spray shower doors with fullstrength white distilled vinegar after you’ve squeegeed the glass, or before you step in and turn on the water. It will help release the hard water deposits so they don’t remain on the glass.

When cleaning with lemons always rinse with warm soapy water and dry with a clean cloth afterward. One of the very few things you can’t clean with lemon juice is anything that is brass plated as the juice will damage the item. Aside from that, here is a list of items that can be cleaned with lemons. • Use a half lemon and salt to clean even the most heavily discoloured brass (real brass, not brass plated). Be careful with antiques. Always test a small spot before scrubbing away. • The same method can be used for copper items such has copper bottoms of pots. • You can also shine up your chrome taps or the chrome on older model cars with lemon and salt. • Diluted lemon juice not only cleans stains from chopping boards, but helps kill germs as well. Rub the juice full strength onto the stain and let sit until the

• Use lemon juice and an old toothbrush to scrub grout.

• Put a dilute solution of lemon juice in a spray bottle to clean laminate counter tops. Rinse with water and dry afterward. • Scrub grills and grates with lemon juice and salt. • Soak plastic food storage containers in dilute lemon juice to remove stains and odours. Add baking soda and scrub, rinse and dry. • Remove odours from your refrigerator with a half lemon on a saucer. Change once a week. • Clean food preparation smells from your hands with a dilute solution of water and lemon juice. • Clean hard water stains on glass shower doors with half a lemon. • A dilute lemon juice rinse for your hair cuts soap residue and leaves hair softer and shinier. • Lastly, apparently you can make a facial scrub of sugar and lemon juice for cleaner, softer skin! I haven’t tried this one!

LOCAL NEWS

e ll te a li g a T s u g a r a p s A Salmon &

INGREDIENTS: serves 2

• 100g asparagus spears • Olive Oil • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped • Large fresh salmon, fillet • 110g Tagliatelle • Salt, & Pepper to season • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 100 g Soft Cheese • 1 teaspoon Freshly Chopped Dill • Freshly Grated Parmesan

METHOD:

• Snap off woody ends of asparagus (hold the asparagus at each end and bend to form an arch, where the asparagus snaps is where the woody end stops, throw away the bottom section), cut each stalk diagonally into 2.5cm (1 inch) pieces. • In a non-stick frying pan heat a splash of olive oil over a medium high heat. Add the garlic and the salmon fillet and cook for 3 minutes on each side. • Add the asparagus to the salmon and cook for 2 minutes. • Meanwhile, cook the tagliatelle according to the instructions on the packet. • Drain well, return to the saucepan and add lemon juice and low fat soft cheese. Stir over low heat for 1 minute. • Separate salmon fillet into bite sized chunks, removing any skin and bones. Add to the pasta with the asparagus, toss gently, season to taste with salt and pepper and serve sprinkled with parmesan and dill.

KIDS ZONE

CLEVER DANIEL AND THE SUNFLOWER SEEDS Bethany was a bird, and her favourite things in the world to eat were sun flower seeds! She had a big pile of them that she used to nibble on as a treat. Occasionally she would share them with her friends Christie Cat and Daniel Dog. Bethany loves them so much that for her birthday last year Christie Cat baked her a sun flower seed birthday cake and it was the most wonderful thing she had ever tasted!

‘When they grow each seed will grow in to a beautiful yellow flower’. ‘I’ve tried eating sun flowers and they taste very, very, nasty!’ said Bethany grumpily. ‘No’ laughed Daniel Dog, ‘you can’t eat the flowers! After the flowers die they turn in to seed heads and each head has hundreds of seeds on’ ‘Oh I like the sound of that’ replied Bethany So Bethany Bird gave Daniel Dog 5 of her seeds, keeping a few for her to eat whilst she waited for the seeds to grow. All through the summer Bethany waited sometimes, not very patiently but Daniel reassured her it would be worth the wait.

One day, just like every day before, Bethany went to get some sunflower seeds to nibble on, but when she looked she saw she only had a few left.

She watered them and looked after them and soon enough they each had a huge yellow flower on them. Whilst everyone else was enjoying looking at the flowers she was waiting for them to die so she could have the seeds.

So she went to Daniel Dog to see if he had any in his garden. ‘Hello Bethany’ said Daniel Dog, ‘Hello Daniel, I’m wondering if you have any sunflower seeds in your garden as I’ve almost run out?’ ‘I’m afraid I haven’t Bethany but I may know how to turn the few you have got in to lots more?’ Said Daniel. ‘Turn a few in to more? How can you possibly do that?’ asked a confused Bethany.

At the end of the summer she went out with Daniel and just as he’d said, each head had hundreds of seeds on it. Bethany and Daniel harvested the seeds. Bethany took most of them home to eat over the next year but Daniel kept some in his pocket so he could plant more in the spring as a surprise for Bethany. What a clever Dog Daniel was!

‘We will plant them in my garden.’ Said Daniel.

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LOCAL NEWS

An English Garden The magic of that dull, brown earth is very clear. Spring will work yearly miracle, never fear. Fresh green shoots give way to summer blooms. Gather your rose buds, brighten up your rooms. As one with the earth, I think that’s what they say. My favourite month? I suppose that must be May Apple blossom, pink confetti decks the trees. Swirling through the air on every gentle breeze. Fuchsia’s ruby droplets fill our hearts with gladness. Pinks with their gentle fragrance will dispel all sadness. Delphiniums, tall and stately, every shade of blue. Queen of the herbaceous border, yes that’s very true. Bumble bees, all pollen dusted, droning past. They tell us that high summer must be here at last. Butterflies like flying jewels they set the scene. Sweet pea, clematis yes and even runner bean. Their garden, like an orchestra that’s well in harmony. So gardener, take your baton maestro, let there beauty be.

Love Your Feet!

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A reduced blood supply deprives the nerves of nutrients causing damage (neuropathy). This can be experienced as loss of sensation, tingling and numbness, burning or shooting pain, or inability to detect heat or cold. People often describe feeling like they are ‘walking on cotton wool’ or a ‘crunching’ sensation. Lack of pain awareness can lead to injury, untreated wounds, infection or ulceration, and in the worst case scenario amputation. Nerves that control the sweat glands in the feet and legs

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Over the last century, sunglasses have evolved to help us work, rest and play in bright conditions.

Diabetes

Most people are aware that diabetics need to look after their feet but may not know why. Diabetes occurs where blood glucose is too high either because of the pancreas not producing any insulin (Type 1), or not enough insulin or insulin that is ineffective (Type 2). If not controlled efficiently diabetes can lead to poor circulation damaging the small blood vessels which supply the nerves. These arteries become ‘furred up’ (atherosclerosis) leading to a reduced blood supply and impaired healing, particularly affecting the feet. Foot or leg cramps may be experienced. High blood pressure, excess fat in the diet and smoking all increase the risk of poor circulation.

NEW MEASHAM MAGAZINE

SUN PROTECTION FOR YOUR EYES

By Chris Rose

can be affected causing the skin to become dry and more prone to breaking if damaged. Anyone with diabetes should avoid walking barefoot as stepping on sharp objects may go undetected. Hot water bottles and radiators can cause injuries that the person is unaware of. Shoes need to fit well and be checked inside regularly for bumps or rough areas, and socks and slippers checked for seams that could rub and cause sores. The GP and diabetes specialist nurses can assist in maintaining normal blood glucose levels. A diabetic check with the GP surgery is recommended at least yearly and any signs of neuropathy should be discussed earlier if symptoms are noticed. Problems such as athlete’s foot, hard skin and nail problems need treating promptly and washing and drying the feet well, and moisturising dry skin are important. Moisturising cream should not be applied between the toes as it can make the area too moist and lead to maceration and skin breakdown. These simple measures can help to keep the feet in good condition and minimise problems.

www.nhs.uk - www.patient.co.uk - www.foot.com/site/professional/foot-facts

LeLenses with full UVA and UVB protection will filter out the invisible ultraviolet radiation that can cause everything from sunburnt corneas to cataracts and cancer. All our sunglasses come with UV protection to the highest British and European standard and the UK’s UV400 and BSEN1836 marks also confirm lenses are fit for purpose. Sunglasses lenses come in many forms, each offering different benefits. Polarising lenses and anti-reflective coatings reduce glare from water, making them ideal for water sport enthusiasts. A wide range of lens materials are available, some of which are lightweight yet virtually shatterproof, while photochromic lenses automatically adjust their tint depending on light levels. Always ensure sunglasses completely cover your eyes, otherwise they won’t provide full UV protection. We’ll be happy to recommend frames that suit your facial shape and lifestyle requirements.

Did you know?

Sunglasses owe much of their early popularity to Hollywood. Powerful studio lights caused red eyes among cast and crew, and

sunglasses hid all the damage as well as providing celebrities welcome anonymity. Today’s spectacles and sunglasses can be ordered with a variety of precision engineered coatings that perform specific roles. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to consider which coatings best match your lifestyle. Popular lens coatings include anti-reflective layers, which prevent reflections or dazzle from wet roads or the headlamp beams of oncoming vehicles. Transparent scratch-proof coatings are ideal for further extending the lifespan of today’s hard-wearing polycarbonate lenses. Hydrophobic layers can also repel water droplets, as well as shrugging off dirt. These are ideally suited for glasses worn by people with outdoor jobs, where rain and grime are often part of daily life. We will be happy to discuss the options available during your next visit to the practice. Always bring your glasses along to eye examinations, so we can make sure they’re still providing clear vision.

Ask us about our collection of Prescription Sunglasses! Did you know? Some lens tints and coatings can help patients who suffer from dyslexia. Ask us for more information. Submitted by Bonita Irish FBDO Dispensing Optician at Hallcroft Opticians T: 01509 650666 E: info@hallcroftopticians.co.uk W: www.hallcroftopticians.co.uk

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