Clyde Valley & Avon Vision by Phyllis Forrest

BY Connor McCann

Up and Away Out to a Weekend of Fun The skies will be colourfully dotted with magnificent hot air balloons as the Strathaven Balloon Festival takes place on the 23rd to the 25th of August. The 13th edition of the weekend festival will take place at Strathaven’s John Hastie Park courtesy of South Lanarkshire Council. The only event of its kind in Scotland combines the marvellous sight of hot air balloons with two days filled with fun for all the family. Saturday and Sunday will be brimming with music, dancers, a fun fair, market stalls and a classic vehicle show to name just a few of the day’s fantastic entertainment in store. The Balloons will arrive on the Friday evening and, if weather permits, there will be balloon flights taking place after 6:00pm.

The Festival officially kicks off early on the Saturday morning, when the balloons launch at 6:30am. There will also be balloon launches on Saturday evening, Sunday morning and finally Sunday evening. Spectators at the festival will also have the chance to witness the wonderful evening glow. The festival organisers describe the evening glow as a “spectacular evening event” and “will see the balloon crews burn, flicker and flash the burners of the tethered balloons, whose enormous, brightly coloured envelopes glow, creating a magical scene of lights and colour and illuminating the night sky.” The Strathaven Balloon Festival began in 1999 when a group of volunteers formed with the common interest of developing the local community. Each year the local businesses look forward to the increase in visitor numbers to the traditional town. The committee has worked for 14 years with the aim to increase the popularity of the successful annual event which should forecast the 2013 Strathaven Balloon Festival to be the best one yet.

Restaurant review Mill One in New Lanark

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Blessed is the gift of laughter. Local artist Hazel Bowmen aims to win aclaimed art competition the Derwent art prize

AUGUST Free Family Fun Day Clydesdale Community Initiatives Sat 17th August Lanark Moor Sensory Garden Hynford Rd, Lanark

Cycling and Cuba

Jules Clark, who works at Graham Dignall Hair and Beauty in Uddingston, has set out to cycle a gruelling 400km loop circuit of Cuba, with the course starting and finishing in the capital city of Havana. Jules’ love for Cuba’s laid back and exotic lifestyle will be put aside and replaced with sheer determination as she, along with 200 other women, exert massive efforts to complete the trail in aid of various charities fighting to help those diagnosed with cancer.

Salud Tapas Bar is holding a paella night on Sat 17th August John Mcghee Spanish Guitarist playing from 7pm onwards book now 01555 860 150

“Empty nest syndrome” is a metaphor for the feelings which parents experience when their child leaves home See page 6 for Ross Hyslop’s article

Front Page Typical Cuba

Puzzles, Clubs & Movie

Cabaret Night in aid of hospice at Chatelherault Inn on Friday 23rd August, Tickets £5 T: 01698 281 084 Featuring Christian & fashion show from Vintage Belle

F.Y.I - for your information

usefull telephone numbers can be found in their new position, inside the back cover

Welcome to our new look Clyde Valley & Avon Vision. This is our first year anniversary issue. We would like to thank all the businesses who have supported us over the year. Thank you also to our readers for their comments, suggestions and help bringing this magazine to your door. Remember you can see all the back issues on our website www.thevisionmarketing.com

By Connor McCann

Love for Cycling and Cuba Spurs on the Challenge of a Lifetime Searing heat and suffocating humidity are not the most comfortable conditions to cycle 400km. But, it’s a challenge that a hairdresser from Larkhall is setting out to accomplish for a very honourable cause.

before lunchtime. Jules will undertake massive physical and mental strains as she deals with unpredictable terrain and tropical heats to complete the targeted 80km a day. However, it’s a journey that Jules is eager to prepare for.

Already a keen cyclist for the past 10 years, Jules cycles to and from her home in Larkhall, to her work in Uddingston. Last year she participated in her first cycling event, Pedal for Scotland, cycling 50 miles in three and a half hours and raising substantial funds for Maggie’s Cancer Care in the process. Jules plans to take part in the Pedal for Scotland event this year on the 8th of September after acquiring a real passion for cycling for charitable causes. She says, “It means a lot more when you’re doing it for a good cause.” It’s this ethos Jules possesses that has made her go for what she says is a “challenge of a life time.” She goes on to say, “I found out about Women v Cancer in a magazine and discovered they were organising this cycling event for charity. I have been to Cuba before and loved it. As soon as I seen the event was taking place in Cuba I thought cycling somewhere I love would go nice together. I’m certainly pushing myself on this one though!”

The challenge Jules will be taking on has been set and planned by cancer charity organisation, Women v Cancer. The charity help raise funds for Breast Cancer Care, Ovarian Cancer Action and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. The organisation promise that the experience “will be a journey full of fun, friendship and incredible support as women of all ages and from all walks of life challenge themselves for an amazing cause.” The fundraising event is a far cry from your typical 10km fun run on smooth tar mac with the aim to comfortably finish

In order to endure the tortuous conditions, Jules must abide by an intense six month training programme prior to the challenge. Training six days a week and following a strict diet before treading tyre on Cuban soil, this event is certainly not for the faint hearted. Not only does Jules have to train extensively, she has to raise £3000 or more in funds. A

fraction of the funds raised will pay for flights, food and accommodation with the rest going to the three charities Jules is cycling for. £50 of the funds she will raise will also go to the Cuban Breast Cancer Awareness trust. So far, Jules has managed to raise just over £700 of sponsors from the generous customers of Graham Dignall Hair and Beauty through a sponsor form sitting on the reception desk of the salon. Jules says, “The support the customers have shown has been really encouraging.” It is an encouraging start towards the considerable target set by the organisation, and with the event just under a year away, Jules is planning a number fundraising nights for family, friends and whoever wants to support the great cause in the near future. Jules has also set up a JustGiving account that can be found on JustGiving website. Jules says, “I set up the JustGiving account about two weeks ago. Some donations have come in, but I’m hopeful the donations will flood in closer to the time.” With just under a year to prepare for this momentous challenge, Jules is already raring to get into training and reaching the funds required. With her love for cycling and the country of Cuba, Jules is adamant she will complete the course as she is well aware of the importance of the funds and how her support can help women and their families deal with cancer. To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/jules-clark11

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Empty Nest Syndrome

By Ross Hyslop

even something to be looked forward to. For others it is, as one mother described it to me recently, “it’s like bereavement”.

Parents all over the U.K are eagerly awaiting their Childs exam results, on one hand excited and overjoyed for their Childs results, on the other, lurking in the back ground is the fear of them setting off and flying the nest. “Empty nest syndrome” is a metaphor for the feelings which parents experience when our child leaves home. The nest of family bond is like a nest of birds. When it is the right time to fly, the young will leave the nest. This can be a time of great emptiness and sadness, that can easily tip into depression if gone unnoticed. Parents all over the country are coming to terms with their children leaving home and to the fundamental change in their lives brought about by this big step. For some, it’s manageable, “one of those things”, maybe

Although we encourage our children to become independent, the experience of letting them go can be painful. Some find it difficult to suddenly have no children at home. You might miss being a part of their daily lives — as well as the constant companionship. You might also worry about your children’s safety and whether they’ll be able to take care of themselves. For some the focus then lands right bang slap in our lap. The children have been such a huge part of holding the family together. When they go, for some it can be an exciting time to rekindle that love with our partners, for others the distance that was already there becomes magnified when the child leaves and the house is empty. We may feel forced to look differently about our relationship and the values we have placed upon it as the dynamics change within the family home.

We can make ways to reduce some of our negative belief systems around the departure. If we know what to expect we can prepare. Preparing our children for the big world has been ongoing throughout their lives but as that day comes it feels like we are being squeezed through a needle. Giving our children the basic education of cooking and cleaning and making sure they can balance a chequebook and manage their funds. Treat their departure as an adventure, let them know that the home is a permanent base for them and the door is always open. Explore the ways you can keep in touch if the child is moving further afield , with Skype , viber and social networking its far easier to keep in touch these days than ever before. Schedule time for each other if only for 30 minute – 1 hour, make that commitment to each other and keep an open interest in the adventure your child is on. Start looking at your own needs, parents becomes so identified with the fact they are a parent and lose sight of themselves as a person and an individual. Once you are satisfied or as satisfied as you can be that your child is on the right path. It’s time to go through that list you created all those years ago of things you wanted to do. It’s your time get out there and seize the day. www.synaptein.com

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Mill One Restaurant

By Edward Wals

menu ranging from smoked Ham Hock starter to the Shetland Isles Salmon Tandoori. There is enough here to make you disappointed when only choosing one dish for each course.

Follow the winding road to the national heritage trust site of New Lanark Mill and be prepared to discover a magical surprise nestled deep in the Clyde valley. Buried deep in a gorge with trees on one side and skirted by the river Clyde on the other, lies the restored Mill and Cottages . This is also the beautiful home of the New Lanark Mill Hotel. We had come for an early evening meal at the New Lanark Mill Hotel, but had not counted on the bonus of the wonderful surroundings. On arrival getting out of the car, I began to feel relaxed, the only sound that of the river Clyde tumbling over the weir. The new “Mill One Restaurant” has recently been refurbished, and you can see the amount of effort that has been put into the new look and feel. Modern and contemporary in style using a Mulberry and Olive colour pallete, to create a feeling of luxury and warmth.The restaurant has defined seating areas, suitable for an intimate romantic meal or there are tables set for families and larger parties. if required. The wine list whilst being concise gives enough choice to cover all the bases and wallets. The menus are clearly laid out, simple with an interesting selection of high quality dishes. All locally sourced produce, it is a modern Scottish

Starters we chose - £6.50 I plumped for the Seared Wood Pigeon to start and my wife had the classic Scottish Smoked Salmon. The serving sizes are just right for a starter and the food presentation is handled with care and precision. Service was prompt, friendly and courteous. You knew that attention was being paid to you but it was not intrusive or overbearing. The pigeon had a rich flavour and the Bramble and Apple salad contrasted well with the serious meaty notes of the bird. The Salmon came with a lovely Lemon and Dill dressing with baby Capers which made a light refreshing dish and was thoroughly enjoyed. Mains we chose -£14.95 & £15.50 For main course we chose the Salmon Tandoori and the Lamb Hotpot. Both dishes arrived on very hot plates which I like. The Salmon came on a generous bed of spelt, which is wheat grain. The spices were mild but gave you that after burn which was cooled by the Riata dressing. The Salmon was cooked to perfection in a Tandoor, this must have taken great care and attention. The Lamb Hotpot came in its own little pot accompanied by Boulangere potatoes -lighter and healthier than Dauphinoise and just as impressive. Again the Lamb melted in the mouth and all the potatoes disappeared with ease.

Dessert we chose - £5.50 Caramelised Crumble Apple Cheesecake and Mint Chocolate Iced Parfait. I am not usually a sweet toothed person, but for me this Caramelised Crumble was the star of the show. The presentation on the plate was a piece of art. My spoon was too large, I wanted to take my time over each small mouthful -delicious! The Parfait was quite different, a smooth mint freshness along with contrasting crunchy Pistachios lended a light end to a super meal- just perfect. There is more happening here than just good food,. There is a positive air, a great feeling of teamwork. All kitchen staff are trained in house, in fact, taken back to basics to make sure there are no gaps in their knowledge. All are encouraged to follow educational qualifications as well as on the job training. Steered by Linsay, award winning head chef and guided by the hand of General Manager John Stirrat. A hotel and restaurant to watch and definitely one to go back to as soon as possible.

professional dancers. With an avid interest towards anatomy and how the body works, which started during her days as a nurse, she sketches the fine details of the way the body moves. She does so through many means: sitting in at ballet recitals, hiring out individual dancers to perform at her studio in New Lanark and even from street performers. So, it is surprising to discover that the piece of art she has submitted to the Derwent Art Prize is an intricate sketch of Brian Blessed laughing. Sitting in her home in Lanark, surrounded by her striking paintings; the most interesting ornament in the room, a life size model of the human skeleton, she says, “I like to draw the movement of dancers. Dance gives the movement and lets me go into the fine details of the different bones and muscles.” Like the famous artist, Leonardo Da Vinci, Hazel is intrigued by human anatomy and how the movements of bones and

By Connar McCann

Blessed is the Gift of Laughter Already a professional artist with an abundant pallet of talent, Hazel Bowman has put her highly attuned skills of pencil sketching and an extensive knowledge of anatomy into a piece of art with the hope to win the critically acclaimed Derwent Art Prize. Sketching and capturing the essence of physical movement and giving drawn figures the impression of jumping off the canvas is an extremely difficult skill, taking years to perfect. This is exactly what Hazel Bowman, 48, has achieved through constant practice and study. Coming out of school and becoming a staff nurse, Hazel’s talent and love for art could not be quelled as she soon went on to study drawing and painting at several colleges in Scotland. In September, Hazel will enrol in a master’s degree in Medical Visualisation and Human Anatomy. In taking this on Hazel aims to offer her students in depth teachings at her life drawing classes she holds in the beautiful setting of New Lanark and also take her talents further afield to take on more illustrious challenges. A passionate artist from a very early age, Hazel has produced works of art that are critically acclaimed in exhibition galleries around the world. Selected paintings and drawings from her collections are even sold in major high street stores that include BHS, Next and Laura Ashley. Usually, the subject of Hazel’s works is

muscle alter the body’s position. She goes on to say, “I love the works of the old masters, especially Da Vinci. He was fascinated by how the human body worked.”

It was on a morning television show Hazel watched her subject, Brian Blessed being interviewed. She says, “I had never concentrated drawing the expressions of facial muscles. So, as part of my studies, I wanted to draw somebody laughing. I thought of who had a laugh I enjoyed and Brian Blessed came to mind!” When she was watching, Blessed was telling a story of how his wife forbid him to go altitude training due to the dangers he would be vulnerable to at his old age. Blessed finished the story by bellowing that he had went the day before and let out his trademark, high decibel laugh. When Hazel saw the action, her years of drawing quick actions enabled her to immediately sketch Blessed leaning back in a fit of laughter. She says, “Sketching at the ballet recitals and in the studio with the individual dancer helps me draw figures very quickly. I get a glimpse of the action and then I try to draw how the movement would feel. It was very fun sketching Brian as it’s a big, funny laugh!” Derwent is a renowned pencil manufacturing company based in Cumbria and is famous for its high quality stationary. The inaugural Derwent Art Prize, is a prestigious global competition which Hazel entered at the last minute after finding out about it when on their website. Even though it was a last minute entry, Hazel’s work has made it through to the final 80 pieces chosen from 3,500. The 80 pieces of art from all corners of the globe are up for public vote on the Derwent Art Prize website. Three pieces will be chosen from the 80 where an esteemed group of judges will pick the outright winner. The winner’s work will then be exhibited throughout Britain and receive a cash prize of £8, 750. You can vote for Hazel’s work on the following web address: www.derwent-artprize.com/blessed-gift-laughter

To advertise in Carluke and Lanark VISION call 07957 358 355 or Email sales@thevisionmarketing.com

Clydesdale Colts Youth Cycling Club

01555 895 616

4 Vere Rd Blackwood Kirkmuirhill Lanark ML11 9RS www.clydesdalecolts.com

Coal Miners Welfare Bowling Club

01555 820676

42 Coalburn Rd, Coalburn, Lanark ML11 0LH

CLU

Carluke Rovers F.C.

01555 772116

John Cumming Stadium

135 Carnwath Rd, Carluke ML8 4EA www.clubwebsite.co.uk/carlukeroversfc/128510/Home

Allanton Miners Welfare Social Club

01501 821811

Allanton Rd, Shotts ML7 5AX

Universal Connections

01555 666091

13 St Vincent Place Lanark ML11 7LA

Lanark Guide Association

01555 663756

Jerviswood Rd, Lanark ML11 7PB

Release Date 23rd August

David Burke is a small-time pot dealer whose clientele includes chefs and soccer moms, but no kids - after all, he has his scruples. So what could go wrong? Plenty. Preferring to keep a low profile for obvious reasons, he learns the hard way that no good deed goes unpunished when he tries to help out some local teens and winds up getting jumped by a trio of gutter punks. Stealing his stash and his cash, they leave him in major debt to his supplier, Brad. In order to wipe the slate clean - and maintain a clean bill of health - David must now become a big-time drug smuggler by bringing Brad’s latest shipment in from Mexico. Twisting the arms of his neighbors, cynical stripper Rose and wannabe customer Kenny, and the tatted-and-pierced streetwise teen Casey, he devises a foolproof plan. One fake wife, two pretend kids and a huge, shiny RV later, the “Millers” are headed south of the border for a Fourth of July weekend that is sure to end with a bang.

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Award winning

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION DESIGN SPECIALISTS

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*Terms and conditions apply see our website for more details.

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