Soar Valley Life December 2012

14,000 Copies Delivered by contract with Royal Mail Every 2 Months (Approx. 7,000 Per Month) to Homes And Businesses In: Sileby, Mountsorrel, Seagrave, Cossington, Walton On The Wolds, Quorn, Barrow Upon Soar, Woodhouse Eaves & Swithland.

Your Independent Community Magazine & Business Directory

Copy deadline for January issue Tuesday 8th January

Your FULL COLOUR magazine and business directory…

Now with 48 Pages

Sileby and Mountsorrel Edition Please visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for full distribution details and media pack

Features inside: Country Walk Cycling Feature Recipes Health & Fitness Fun Pages Puzzles Top Tips & Much More

Free Competition Win a Ragdale Hall Spa day for two

Page 41

ISSUE 9. DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013

PRICELESS

Secret robin revealed!

See Editor’s letter Page 2

Christmas recipes Centre pages

The Secret Robin...

As I set out one cold and misty morning in November to travel to Shepshed on an appointment to see a new advertiser, my mood was positive in spite of the chilly, grey start to the day.

It was the first time this autumn that I’d needed to use the car fog lights. The traffic was light through Quorn and Woodhouse Eaves and ascending Beacon Hill through Charnwood Forest I recalled when I’d parked in the Outwoods car park a month earlier, just off to the right along Breakback Road...

I had searched in vain for something suitable for our November magazine’s front cover photo and a robin had danced, hopped and chirped along a moss and lichen covered dry stone wall.

As so often happens in an idle moment, memory followed memory, and I found myself thinking about the first Christmas Mary and I had spent in Sileby in 2005.

We’d walked up Beacon Hill on a frosty December Saturday with camera at the ready and searched and found the scene we were looking for; I had written a number of poems that were to be published and needed a photograph to accompany one of them. The photo I took that day of the bare and barren beech tree appears all alone on page 27 of my book of poems, Time and Emotion.

Also on that Christmas Saturday in a thicker part of the woods a robin had danced, hopped and chirped for us and I’d taken dozens of shots as we’d paused for a while, entranced by his show. I’d adapted one of those photos to accompany the poem Robin on page 49 of the poetry book; the essence of the poem suggests that many times whenever I see a robin good things can happen, almost as if the robin is the harbinger of good fortune. The unedited photograph taken that day is on this month’s front cover.

Now, I’ll let you in to a little secret: I was introduced to the work of a particular artist one Christmas time when I was about twelve years old. His paintings were reproduced on the front cover of the Hornby Model Railway catalogue and in the description of his work it said that the artist often included a little mouse somewhere in the picture.

I spent many hours looking for that little mouse in his paintings.

The artist’s name was Terence Cuneo. Not for one moment dare I suggest our magazine could ever be compared alongside such great works as those created by Terence Cuneo CVO, OBE, RGI, FGRA, but in each magazine since we began in April, I have hidden a small (sometimes very small – Mary) picture of a robin, either in a feature image or an advert.

You can go and look for him if you like; go to our website – www.soarvalleylife.co.uk and click on any magazine front cover on the left hand side of the home page. I’ll give you a clue – in issue one the robin appears on page 8. So, good hunting…

Merry Christmas and a very happy and prosperous New Year to you all!

Steve & Mary Johns Editors - Soar Valley Life

Robin in Beacon Hill woods December 2005

Contents Your Eyes and Diabetes Poem – Elf Lament It’s all for Charity! by Si Klyst Soar Valley Leisure Centre RTI – Flat Rate VAT – HMRC and SME, CIS – PAYE – GAAP and IHT !!!

Personal Injury Lawyer Myths The Little Restaurant Here’s a popular thread...

Sudoku Christmas Quiz Long may she Reign Recipe – Mini Christmas Cakes Recipe – Bishop’s Cream Recipe – Ginger Nut Roll Space – Sort - Enterprise Walk - Devil’s Elbow Do what you will unless you don’t...

Christmas Tree Lights Overweight and Unemployable?

Spot the Difference Brothers in Arms General Knowledge Crossword Want to Look Like a Christmas Cracker?

Signature South Lodge Win an Experience Day at Ragdale Hall Short Story - Gloria’s Christmas Diary Christmas Postal Dates Top Tips Around the Home Answers to Puzzles Business Directory

4 6 9 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 23 24 25 25 27 28 30 31 33 35 36 37 38 40 41 42 44 45 46 46

Copyright © Fantastic State Limited trading as Soar Valley Life.

The Publisher reserves and controls all rights to the work presented in this magazine. Any application for any use of any of the work, features, advertisements, quotations, photographs, images or other work within this publication must be made directly to the publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Page 2 Visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for details of advertising rates

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Your Eyes and Diabetes According to research, an estimated 2.9 million people in the UK are diagnosed with Diabetes. More worrying, estimates also suggest over 1.1 million people have the condition but are undiagnosed.

Diabetes is a condition that can affect the blood vessels in your entire body which in turn can cause serious damage to all organ systems including your eyes – the blood vessel changes that occur can be best observed in your retina Type 1 Diabetes develops when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insu- lin. As a result the body is unable to produce insulin and this leads to increased blood sugar levels Type 2 Diabetes develops when the body does not produce enough insulin to maintain a normal blood sugar level, or when the body is unable to effectively use the insulin that is being produced After having had Diabetes for 20 years, nearly everyone with Type 1 Diabetes and over 60 % of those with Type 2 have some degree of Diabetic retinopathy - changes to the blood vessels of the

eyes. In its early stages, this can go undetected as symptoms are not usually obvious until vision deteriorates.

Blood tests by your GP to check for changes in blood sugar levels are therefore vital as are regular eye checks. These should include a yearly photograph of the retina and many eye specialists now advocate a regular eye test that includes an OCT eye scan of your central retina.

OCT stands for Ocular Coherence Tomography and is the latest technology that picks up some of the earliest changes in your retinal layers before permanent damage occurs thereby increasing the prospect of successful control and treatment.

These early changes cannot be seen by relying on a photograph alone. The Zeiss OCT eye scan is a powerful screening tool for the analysis, detection and diagnosis of the earliest sight threatening changes in macular degeneration, glaucoma and in diabetic retinopathy by allowing us to see all 10 layers of your retina (like an X ray) – it can be used without the need for drops and is now available at Visual Answers Optometrists.

Although not part of the NHS eye examination, we offer this enhanced level of eye examination as part of our commitment to excellence in eye care for a small additional fee. It is some thing we now recommend to all our Diabetic patients.

OCT eye scan technology is also available in leading private hospitals such as the Spire and the Nuffield in Leicester, where the cost of a single scan is in the region of £200 per eye - excluding consultant’s charges. The charge for scanning both eyes at our practice is currently just £35.

Standard eye tests are covered by the NHS for all Diabetics; the additional charge will be is made if the option for an enhanced examination is requested and will include retinal photography, an FDT field scan as well as the OCT retinal eye scan with its analysis and interpretation. Call us on 01509 416800 to make your appointment today.

The enhanced examination is the choice your eyes would always make.

Mohammed Bhojani BSC(Hons) MCOptom is the principal optometrist at Visual Answers Opticians based in Quorn and Barrow Upon Soar. www.VisualAnswers.co.uk

Page 4

Want your business featured in Soar Valley Life? Call Steve on 01509 813 125

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Elf Lament I’m Santa’s Chief Elf and I’m blowing the whistle, So sit down a moment, and hear my epistle, For seven long months I’ve been stuck in this grotto, For six of those months it seems Santa’s been blotto, Unkempt and so scruffy; he’s such a disgrace, That tatty old beard; mince pie crumbs on his face, So many disputes with his fairies and sprites, We’ve called in the union; us elves have our rights!

He’s sneaky for sure; when we’re all in a hurry, I’ve seen him give Rudolph a brussel sprout curry, I have to admit that it makes Rudolph faster, But sitting behind him can be a disaster, But now, for the moment, I’m stuck in this grotto, Just praying that one day, I’ll win the Elf Lotto… ©Jan Jack 2012, Commission a bespoke verse at www.perfectverse.co.uk

MJ JOINERY Local Carpenter 20 Years Experience

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Call Michael on 0775 4892 842 or 01509 812 248 Email: mjjoinery@aol.com Cossington Road, Sileby

Page 6 Visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for details of advertising rates

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Anything of interest you’d like to see in the next issue?

Call 01509 813 125 or email editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk

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It’s all for Charity, Mate!

Ah, the joys of a night out in Sileby!

There was I with a few friends standing in the pub atop the hill, enjoying a pint of mild and a bit of banter while clocking the sights that only a Friday night will offer, when some bright spark notices an inoffensive little poster in the corner proclaiming a forthcoming Charity Bike Ride in aid of Leicestershire Air Ambulance...

And so it started: “Here - you think you’re Bradley Wiggins - I bet you...”

And this was how I found myself roped in with a couple of other aspiring charity athletes. The plan was simple: cycle round all seven of Leicestershire’s Steamin’ Billy pubs on a Sunday. Refreshments would be supplied and bars would be open should the spirit need a helping hand, which made it seem a jolly good idea. It wasn’t as if I hadn’t done any training as I’d cycled to Leicester only the other day. I’d even invested in cycling shoes - not the ones that make you walk like a penguin but the ones that look like trainers - which clip onto the new pedals I’d bought. The nice lady in Cyclops said it would make a world of difference going up hills but that I needed to practice getting my feet on the floor when stopping at traffic lights before I keeled over. Good advice, especially if you’re not thinking too hard, like you don’t sometimes.

I spent the next week or so bothering people for sponsorship and exaggerating my status as a worthy citizen. I even left the bike alone for the week before the ride to let my body build up as much energy as it could before the event. I had been paying attention during the Olympics and thought this was the best bit of their training regime, so I adopted it.

Never mind, we should be done by two at the latest, so off to the starting point we went - in a van! This was in Thornton, specifically the Steam Trumpet car park which was full of cars and folk in Lycra crunching around in cycling shoes and looking healthy.

The machinery varied from racing bikes, mountain bikes and a rusty old piece of scrap found in a shed, to a bicycle with a chainsaw engine cleverly attached to it. In fairness, he was older than most and seemingly a good engineer.

I had opted for the ‘bit of a day out’ look and ‘room for improvement’ body shape. I was not alone in the body shape department.

Everyone was issued with a bright orange t-shirt proclaiming our task, the names of the pubs we were to visit and the charity - the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance. All was good as this t-shirt co-ordinated with no colour worn by anyone, so we all looked decidedly unfashionable and it ruined the Lycra look for some.

When the great day arrived, I had a quick look at the weather forecast and saw that all would be well until three o’clock when a deluge was expected all over the county.

Advertise in Soar Valley Life from £21 per month plus VAT

Page 9 5

It’s all for Charity, Mate!

Thornton, it turns out, is not in the flattest part of the county and our first target is the Paget Arms in Loughborough which seems to be the other side of little Switzerland and involves a lot of climbing, a bit of going downhill, but mostly climbing and then for good measure another hill.

But we have fresh legs and this is just a warm up; all the same after ten miles or so the Paget and a rest are welcome.

Bacon sarnie and a bit of spirit lifter consumed then it’s off to the Trumpet in Sileby. This is much better as the hills are now away to our right and we are in the Soar Valley.

Six miles or so later we’re up the hill and past the church to a break with pork pie and a chocolate bar.

No rest for the wicked, it’s off to Syston and the Dog and Gun which is less than four miles; this is easy and we are three pubs down already! But alas, the Cow and Plough on Gartree Lane in Oadby is next and after trying to work out the least hilly route we head off towards Scraptoft and more hills which just grind on and on; but it’s for charity and we are smiling some of time. At least it’s not raining and the reward on arrival is hot cobs and a welcome drink.

Now it’s raining! This is where we get to see what these assorted folk consider to be waterproof and the motley fashion parade sets off to the Time Bar at the bottom of London Road.

It looks more like a bookie’s front window than a bar but is in fact a barn of a place and more food and fluid replacement are taken in while we look out at the now heavy rain and decide that the met office need to buy a watch. Never mind it’s all for charity and off to the Western we go, scooting through the university complex, dodging freshers with their new found freedom and impending bank balance. The Western is full, after all it is a Sunday, and it’s here we rest and again try to work out the best route back to Thornton.

This is not good, as the map has little brown lines very close together, each representing 25 feet which means it’s going to be mostly uphill again!

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Leaving Leicester and going through Ratby the road heads skyward for what seems to be an eternity and the feeling is heightened by the rainwater running downhill the other way; but nothing lasts forever and eventually we turn at the sign for Thornton village and freewheel down to the reservoir which is being filled by rain as we sail past and there, at the end of the causeway, is the last laugh. It is the hill up to the village and it’s steep; so much so that my legs have had it and I opt to walk up. It was that or a sense of humour failure and I don’t apologise for it. The Steam Trumpet is then a mere two hundred yards further on and very

Page 10 Want your business featured in Soar Valley Life? Call Steve on 01509 813 125

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In summary the route was 42.9 miles long and took 3 hours 43 minutes of cycling time, I used 2,674 kcal (still not sure about them) and climbed 2,693 feet. 109 people got wet and the event raised £3,800 or so. I discovered that all the pubs were individually pleasant places and their customers all good sorts with unusual tastes in clothing. Everyone felt a smug satisfaction at completing the tour and even the Lycra clad folk admitted that it was quite tough in places.

Me? I am not doing it again for at least a year.

Editor’s Note: We are very grateful for the unwavering, unselfish enthusiasm, commitment and effort, above and beyond the call of duty of our feature writer: Si Klyst (Especially when there’s a free pint in it!)

The seven Steamin’ Billy Pubs around Leicestershire:

Loughborough

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Dog & Gun, Syston

Thornton

The Western, Leicester

Leicester Time Bar, Leicester

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LEICESTERSHIRE

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email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk to book your advert Page 11

5

COW & PLOUGH THE WESTERN THE PAGET TIME BAR STEAM TRUMPET DOG & GUN HORSE & TRUMPET

ABOUT STEAMIN' BILLY PUBS The Steamin’ Billy Brewing Company Ltd was founded in 1995 by brewer Bill Allingham and licensee Barry Lount. Their first outlets were The Vaults in Wellington St, which became Leicester’s premium real ale house, followed by the Robert Catesby in Norfolk a 16th century Inn. After some reorganisation in 2000 the two directors currently own the 7 venues featured on their this website.www.steamin-billy.co.uk website

Our Philosophy Steamin’ Billy always source quality local ingredients, often buying the freshest meat and vegetables direct from Leicestershire farmers. Steamin’ Billy prides itself on serving great Real Ales, many of which are produced in our own brewery. We also stock a good selection of quality spirits, wines and soft drinks by staff that care to customers who care. We always strive to provide a quality experience in a British pub with high standards of service and surroundings.

A warm welcome to The Horse & Trumpet The Horse and Trumpet is situated between Loughborough and Syston, in the beautiful village of Sileby, fronting the High Street opposite St. Mary’s church dating back to the 12th century with a medieval bell tower, one of 4 grade 2 listed churches in the country.

Real Ale and Continental beers The Horse and Trumpet offer 7 hand pulled real ales and a traditional Scrumpy Cider, alongside continental lagers and fruit beers.

A fantastic setting The Horse and Trumpet offers an al fresco seating area and private car park which catches the afternoon sun. The Horse and Trumpet is ideally located for refreshment after a long walk along the banks of the Soar.

Well behaved dogs are welcome at the Horse and Trumpet in the bar areas and garden with water bowls provided.

Excellent facilities The skittle alley has been transformed into a fantastic function room for parties of up to 70 people, there are two open fires, dart board and four trading areas for you to get comfy and enjoy the great beer. A traditional range of freshly made cobs are available, no hot food is served.

Clive the Landlord is always happy to welcome you and discuss your party requirements.

Christmas Opening Hours Christmas Eve we are open as usual.

Christmas Day we are open 11am until 2.30pm.

Boxing Day we are open 12pm until 6pm.

27th – 30th we are open as usual.

New Years Eve we are open 12pm until 1am.

New Years Day we are open 12pm until 6pm.

Merry Christmas!

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Soar Valley Leisure Centre showcases first phase of £350,000 makeover Local leisure centre raises the bar for council fitness facilities Soar Valley Leisure Centre will be unveiling the first stage of an extensive site renovation from the beginning of November, as it opens its doors to a brand new exercise studio and health suite, and a fully refurbished reception and pool viewing area.

Refurbishment work began at the centre, which is managed on behalf of Charnwood Borough Council by sport and leisure management charity Fusion Lifestyle, in August.

Fusion Lifestyle CEO, Pete Kay said of the opening: “We’re really excited to reveal the results of the first stage of redevelopment work at Soar Valley leisure centre to the public and hope they agree what a great transformation it has been so far.

The work is due for completion later this year, but the initial improvements will give residents and customers an indication of what “Because Fusion Lifestyle is a registered the upgraded facilities will offer. charity, all of the renovations at the centre have been funded by our customers, so by The new health suite is sure to be a signing up as a member you will also be particularly welcome addition to the leisure helping to invest in future improvements.” centre, featuring a sauna, steam room, plunge shower and heated relaxation seating, Soar Valley leisure creating the perfect place to relax. centre is run by Fusion Lifestyle, A new class timetable in partnership will also be introduced, with the Council, alongside extra and aims to capacity spin classes. provide sport and The second phase of leisure facilities the redevelopment for all members of will see the dry the community at changing areas and accessible prices. main gym benefiting from a refit, both of Memberships for the Leisure Centre are on which are due to sale now, with great offers available including reopen mid November. two weeks free and no joining fee for a limited period.

Other facilities at Soar Valley Leisure Centre include a 25m swimming pool, outdoor For more information on membership, floodlit Astroturf pitch, children’s crèche and opening times and facilities visit a sports hall hosting badminton, netball and www.charnwoodleisure.com basketball sessions.

Want your business featured in Soar Valley Life? Call Steve on 01509 813 125 Page 13

CP Accountancy Ltd End of year accounts, Bookkeeping, VAT, PAYE, CIS, and Tax Returns for Sole-traders, Partnerships and small Limited Companies Office 9 Lazarus Court, Woodgate Rothley, Leicestershire LE7 7NR Tel: 01162 303 973 Mobile: 07749 650129 Email: info@cpaccountancyltd.co.uk

Caroline Parnell is licensed and regulated by the AAT under license number 5865

RTI - Flat Rate VAT HMRC and SME, CIS-PAYE-GAAP&IHT!!!

A scroll down the home page of the HMRC website reveals no less than 21 abbreviations and the hyperlinks - blue lettered ones - will treat you to a mind boggling array of many more. But despair not, help is at hand.

I asked Caroline Parnell of CP Accountancy Ltd about the first one on the list above as only last week I’d received an ominous letter from Her Majesty’s Rottweiler threatening me about this...

Caroline explained, “From 6 April 2013 HM Revenue and Customs are changing the way employers are to report their payroll information. Details of any payments and deductions made to your employees are to be submitted to HMRC when they are made as part of your payroll process. The benefit of this is that the headache of preparing and submitting Employer’s End of Year forms P35 and P14 will no longer exist.

If you manage your own payroll and do not use a software package you must start to prepare now for the change.

My job is to work with clients, make sense of the paperwork, explain the jargon and make sure all tax and accounting deadlines are met in good time. And to see that you don’t pay any more tax than you should.”

Caroline has agreed to give regular advice via your Soar Valley Life magazine - thank goodness - which over time should clear the fog in my brain...

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admin@strawberrylettingsandsales.co.uk

Page 14

Anything of interest you’d like to see in the next issue?

Call 01509 813 125 or email editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk

Truth take majo

MOSS SOLICITORS LLP County Law Firm of the Year 2010 & 2008

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Personal Injury Lawyer Myths Let’s take a look at some of the common myths we hear about personal injury lawyers, followed by the reality of how they actually work...

Myth: Claiming makes you part of a ‘Compensation Culture’ Truth: Despite the cries of some tabloid newspapers stating that the UK is following the USA into becoming a country that claims for absolutely everything and anything, there is actually no evidence to support this. The vast majority of people who make accident or injury claims do so because their lives have genuinely been affected.

Myth: Your employer will sack you for making a claim against them Truth: Although it couldn’t be guaranteed that your employer wouldn’t sack you, if they did so they would be liable for unfair dismissal. If you have an accident and are injured on your employer’s premises then they may be liable to pay compensation.

Myth: It’s better just to get money direct from the insurance company

Myth: It will take years to get your compensation

Truth: Insurance companies will try and deal with you directly as they know that it will save them money in the long-run. Although this can be a quicker option, you are likely to lose out financially.

Truth: Although some more complex claims can take slightly longer to reach a conclusion, the majority are settled within the space of 12 months.

If you have been injured in an accident seek advice from a Solicitor. Ring Stephen Nottridge at Moss Solicitors LLP on 01509 635440

Want your business featured in Soar Valley Life? Call Steve on 01509 813 125

Page 15

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Tel: 01509 844461 Mobile: 07896 945156 Email: garethhudson82@live.co.uk

The little restaurant

One night President Obama and his wife Michelle decided to do something out of routine and go for a casual dinner at a restaurant that wasn’t too luxurious.

When they were seated, the owner of the restaurant asked the President’s secret service if he could please speak to the First Lady in private. They obliged and Michelle had a conversation with the owner.

Following this conversation President Obama asked Michelle, “Why was he so interested in talking to you?” She told him that in her teenage years, the man had been madly in love with her. President Obama then said “So, if you had married him, you would now be the owner of this lovely restaurant.” To which Michelle responded, “No; if I had married him, he would now be the President.”

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Kitchens Fitted • Kitchens and worktops supplied at trade prices • Having invested in your dream kitchen ensure that it is fitted to an exacting standard • Worktop replacements, pelmet/cornice only through to full kitchen fits • Granite supplied and fitted • Gas Safe plumber Please call Andy Webb on

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Page 16 Want your business featured in Soar Valley Life? Call Steve on 01509 813 125

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Here’s a popular thread.

Judy Andrews of Acacia Curtains and Blinds in Shepshed knows a thing or two about threads, having worked in textile manufacturing for many years - going from buyer to marketing manager and then to general manager for twelve years. A career move then took her to the largest manufacturer and supplier of blinds in the UK as their product manager.

Now, with her expertise and contacts in the trade, the best home furnishings, fabrics and blinds can be brought to us in our own homes. Judy can visit you at home by appointment to show you what’s available and provide a no obligation quotation with a free measuring service.

She’s also going to be Soar Valley Life’s resident expert, sharing her passion and knowledge with a curtains, shutters and blinds feature in each edition... so watch this space!

Made to Measure Curtains, Blinds and Shutters For expert advice and a free, local ‘At Home’ measuring service Contact Judy Andrews Telephone 01509 650832 Mobile 0788 1681556

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Want your business featured in Soar Valley Life? Call Steve on 01509 813 125 Page 17

Mountsorrel LE12 7EY

Open from Tuesday to Friday 9 til 5 and Saturday 9 til 4 Serving breakfast until 12, Light Lunches, ts on of gif Freshly Selecti ble Filled Rolls availa 10% off food purchases for senior citizens

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Page 18 Want your business featured in Soar Valley Life? Call Steve on 01509 813 125

E 2

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Christmas Quiz Christmas Answers on page 46

1. Which of Santa’s reindeer comes first alphabetically?

2. Ending with the line “we’ll keep the red flag flying here”, The Red Flag is a song that is sung to the same tune as which Christmas carol?

3. Which snack food introduced a special Christmas Dinner flavour in 2010, describing it as a “fusion of turkey and stuffing with all the trimmings”?

4. What was Cliff Richard’s last UK Christmas number one hit single?

5. In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, what does Scrooge anonymously send to Bob Cratchit and his family on Christmas morning after being visited by a number of ghosts during the night?

6. Which EastEnders character was murdered on Christmas Day in 2009?

7. What is the nearest country to Christmas Island?

8. Which character from a Christmas themed book lived on Mount Crumpit and had a heart that was two sizes too small?

9. Which double act from Wigan feature on the 2010 Christmas postage stamps issued by Royal Mail?

10. Which Christmas song has been the biggest selling single in the UK never to have topped the singles chart?

Page 20 Want your business featured in Soar Valley Life? Call Steve on 01509 813 125

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email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk to book your advert Page 21

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Recipes from around the world... a touch of Spain every Saturday on Loughborough Market Christmas food and drink from spain!

Food and Drink - Comidas y Bebidas

Christmas sweets are the main seasonal staple. El turrón, nougat, is essential. This almond-based tablet traditionally comes in two versions, duro, hard, with whole almonds in a paste of sugar, honey and egg white, or blando, soft, where the ingredients are ground together.

Las figuras de mazapán, marzipan figurines, are also popular, together with los polvorones, soft crumbly cakes made with lard, flour and cinammon.

The main meal takes place on Christmas Eve, la Nochebuena, and consists of a major dish of meat or seafood, such as , lamb, , cod, or , shellfish, which varies according to the region or the family's preferences.

The 'lucky grapes', las uvas de la suerte, are the law on New Year's Eve, la Nochevieja - literally 'Old Night'. A tradition introduced in the early 20th century, it's said to bring good luck if at each stroke of the bells at midnight you take one grape and make one wish, un deseo, for the New Year, el Año Nuevo.

Extensive range of Spanish Christmas sweets now in stock

on Loughborough Market every Saturday supplying an ever increasing range of Spanish food, terracotta and paella pans.

Gift sets and sourcing service also available.

Paul Dodd Campesinas 01509 768341 www.campesinas.co.uk

Page 22 Visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for details of advertising rates

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Long may she reign...

Approach Syston from the north, turning left at the traffic lights by Walkers wood yard just before the railway, and the first pub you come to on the High Street is The Queen Victoria. A large banner next to the familiar green and gold Everards sign declares, “UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT - Zoe and team offer you a warm welcome”.

Since Mary and I moved to Sileby in 2005 we’ve enjoyed some delicious carvery lunches at the ‘Queen Vic’ on quite a few occasions with family and friends. So, as I was passing the other day, I stopped and called in to see what might have changed.

to both the pub and restaurant, food is served seven days a week and real ale - including regular guest ales - is always on tap. There’s plenty of entertainment including quiz nights, pool games and darts; a covered garden patio for the smokers and a garden room for the kids.

Zoe Stoneley stood behind the heated servery, carving knife at the ready and the mouth-watering smell from the roast meats, Yorkshire puddings, gravy, horseradish sauce, roast potatoes and half a dozen varieties of vegetables, together with Zoe’s welcoming smile certainly lived up to the declaration on the banner. It was a Thursday, which meant I could have had two carvery lunches for a tenner; if I’d had no work to do I would have succumbed - mind you, I don’t think even I could have managed two!

From Monday December 3rd they’ll be serving a Christmas menu as well as the usual variety of favourites with entertainment right up to midnight on party nights which are every Friday and Saturday through December.

I was pleased to see that all the changes made over the last year were very much for the better. It really is a pub for all seasons and tastes these days. With wheel chair access

In short, I’m very glad I called in and you will be too.

Mmm... I think we’ll be having the Soar Valley Life Christmas ‘do’ at The Queen Vic’ this year!

The restaurant can serve up to 80 people but Zoe says it’s best to book in advance, especially coming up to Christmas and always on a Sunday as that’s the most popular day.

The Queen Victoria Syston

76 High Street, Syston LE7 1GQ 0116 260 5750 www.everards.co.uk

Great Value Deals Lunchtime Carvery

Tuesday to Saturday 12noon - 2.00pm 2 for £10

Steak Night

Monday 6pm 8.30pm and Saturday 6pm - 9pm 2 steaks & bottle of wine £17.95*

Pie Night

Tuesdays 6pm 8.30pm 2 for £13

Sizzler Night

Wednesdays 6pm 8.30pm 2 sizzlers & bottle of wine £20.00*

Evening Carvery Special

Thursdays 6pm 8.30pm Full Carvery 2 for £15

Fish & Chip Night

Christmas Festive Fayre Come and enjoy one of our four festive fayre menus!

2 course lunchtime carvery menu £10.95 per head

Available Monday to Saturday 12noon - 3pm

3 course evening carvery menu £15.95 per head

Fridays 6pm - 8.30pm 2 for £13

Available Monday to Thursday 6pm - 9pm

Sunday Carvery

Party Night Menu £19.95 per head

Available 12noon 3pm Adults £8.25 Children’s £4.99 includes free ice cream. * specific wines see full menu for choice

Available Friday and Saturday 6pm - 9pm

includes entertainment until midnight.

Christmas Day Menu served 12.30pm £59.95 adults £29.95 children Menus available at the bar

Bookings now being taken!

email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk to book your advert

Page 23

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Seasonal Recipe

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These delightful mini fruit and nut topped cakes are perfect for giving as a festive foodie present. Simply wrap in clear cellophane and tie with gold ribbon or place in small gift boxes.

One ½p into A sh If p sha

1. Preheat the oven to 150C/300F/gas 2.

Grease and line the base and sides of a 20cm square cake tin with a double thickness of greased, greaseproof paper.

2. Place the butter and sugar in a large bowl and cream together until pale and fluffy.

Gradually beat in the eggs. Sift together the flour and spices then fold into the creamed mixture. Fold in the lemon zest, dried fruit, glace cherries and nuts and mix thoroughly.

3. Spoon the mixture into the prepared cake tin and smooth the surface. Use the back of a metal spoon to make a slight dip in the centre (this will help to give an even rise).

Bake in the preheated oven for 31⁄4 - 3 1⁄2 hours or until firm to the touch and a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin.

4. When the cake is completely cold, use a sharp knife to cut it into 9 smaller square cakes. Brush the sides of each cake with a little apricot jam. Divide the marzipan into 9 pieces. Dust a surface lightly with icing sugar and roll each piece out to a strip long enough to go around each cake. Wrap the strips around the cakes pinching the ends together to seal. Top each cake with a selection of cherries, nuts and apricots. Tie a ribbon around each cake if liked.

Plac onto

Mini Christmas Cakes For The Cake • 250g butter, softened • 250g dark muscovado sugar • 4 medium eggs, beaten • 350g plain flour • 2 tsp ground mixed spice • 1⁄2 tsp ground cinnamon • 1⁄2 tsp ground cloves • Finely grated zest of 1 lemon • 800g mixed dried fruit • 100g glace cherries, rinsed, dried and chopped • 100g chopped mixed nuts For the Decoration • 750g marzipan • icing sugar, for dusting • 4 tbsp apricot jam, warmed and sieved • Mixed coloured glace cherries, walnut halves, Brazil nuts and chopped dried apricots Makes 9 Ready in 4 hours (plus cooling)

Page 24 Please mention Soar Valley Life when contacting advertisers

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Reader’s Recipes Ginger Nut Roll

One packet ginger nut biscuits ½ pint double cream whipped into soft peaks A shallow dish of sherry If possible use a rectangular shaped plate Place a good spoonful of whipped cream onto your plate Dip a ginger biscuit into the sherry, spread some cream on one side and stand the biscuit on its edge in the cream on the plate Repeat this until you have a nice log of alternating cream and biscuit with enough cream left to cover

(Be careful not to soak the biscuits – just dip quickly in and out of the sherry) Cover the whole log with the remainder of the cream and decorate; you could use grated chocolate, chopped nuts or fruit.

Chill in the fridge for 2 to 3 hours To serve – cut the log diagonally to produce a striped dessert Submitted by Pat Bishop of Sileby

Reader’s Recipe

Bishop’s Cream (If you like Bailey’s you’ll love this!)

Small tin of condensed milk

1 mug of hot (not boiling) water

Small tin of evaporated milk 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

1 tablespoon coffee powder (or granules)

1 teaspoon gelatine

1 to 1.5 mugs of whiskey

Empty both milks into a large jug and whisk in the vanilla essence.

Add gelatine to the mug of hot water; when dissolved add the coffee and stir.

Add this mixture to the milks in the jug and whisk.

Add the whiskey to the jug, whisk again and bottle.

Leave in the fridge overnight.

Be sure not to add too much gelatine or it won’t pour out of the bottles!

Other alternatives: instead of whiskey and coffee you could use cocoa and brandy or banana cordial and rum.

Submitted by Pat Bishop of Sileby

Want your business featured in Soar Valley Life? Call Steve on 01509 813 125 Page 25 5

For appointments call or text: Physiotherapy & Acupuncture

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Page 26 Call Steve or Mary on 01509 813 125 to advertise in the next issue

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For many of us, especially at this time of year as we venture into the darkest recesses of our homes to dig out the dusty decorations, spare folding chairs, turkey-sized roasting tins and other once a year festive furnishings, our loft space does represent the final frontier. We haul ourselves into that dimly lit world, balancing on a wobbly ladder, squeezing ourselves through an aperture that we swear gets smaller every year, to tread tentatively on exposed roof joists through the ever growing piles of bags, suitcases, boxes of papers, photo albums, long-gone relative’s ‘precious’ tat and other mounds of stuff we can live perfectly well without day-in, yearout. We’ve all seen the day-time TV programmes advising us to de-clutter our homes and our lives, but we really don’t want to throw any of this away.

Now there is an answer... Father and son team Neil and Callum Barnes provide loft storage solutions tailored to a wide range of budgets and

specifications creating usable and affordable space at a fraction of the cost of a typical loft conversion.

As well as tailor made solutions they offer a range of packages from just a simple fitted ladder at £180, or the most popular deal - cutting and fitting a larger aperture hatch with 100 square metres of boarding and pendant lighting at £435, to a luxury insulated storage room with roof windows and strengthened loft joists from £2,995.

First they measure up and consult with you to discuss what’s possible and how much it would cost. The loft access and boarding storage solutions are normally completed within a day and the luxury solutions a little longer, depending upon what’s involved. They provide all the electrics, materials and equipment, leaving you with a tidy house and a loft you can access easily with the space to sort and store all the stuff of your life that’s not yet ready for the boot or the car-boot. Not quite “Beam me up Scotty” but they are in our part of the universe www.leicesterloftstorage.com

Anything of interest you’d like to see in the next issue?

Call 01509 813 125 or email editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk.

Page 27

Walking Devil’s Elbow 4 1/2 Miles

2 1/4 Hours

Use the unmarked parking area on the south side of the A6006 between Zouch and the A6, no facilities.

1 Cross carefully over the busy A6006 and go through the narrow gate opposite, bear right and cross the footbridge over Zouch Cut.

2 Continue straight on along the field edge with the hedge to the left, through the wide gap ahead. Carry on up the wider farm track and join Pasture Lane to the T-junction in Sutton Bonington village.

3 Turn left to where the road swings right and keep straight on along Soar Lane to the signpost at the kissing gate on the left.

4 Go through, bear right over the field and go through two more kissing gates; continue up the fenced path and go through the gate at the end. Keep direction across this field which may be under cultivation although a path should be well marked within any crop. Step over the stile/ footbridge and continue ahead on the left hand field edge and the enclosed path to the River Soar.

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5 Turn left and follow the tow path,keeping the river to the right, past Devil’s Elbow and bear left with the embankment at Zouch Cut to the footbridge at point 1.

Turn right, back to the parking area and your vehicle.

Page 28 Advertise in Soar Valley Life from £21 per month plus VAT

ssing

gh h and ss

PLEASE

Take care of the countryside. Your leisure is someone’s livelihood

Close gates - Start no fires -Keep away from livestock and animals Do not stray from marked paths - Take litter home - Do not damage walls, hedgerows or fences Cross only at stiles or gates - Protect plants, trees and wildlife - Keep dogs on leads - Respect crops, machinery and rural property - Do not contaminate water - Although not essential we recommend good walking boots - During hot weather take something to drink on the way - All walks can easily be negoti- ated by an averagely fit person - The routes have been recently walked and surveyed, changes can however occur, please follow any signed diversions - Some paths cross fields which are under cultivation - All distances and times are approximate - The maps give an accurate portrayal of the area, but scale has however been sacrificed in some cases for the sake of clarity and to fit restrictions of page size - Walking Close To have taken every care in the research and production of this guide but cannot be held responsible for the safety of anyone using them - During very wet weather, parts of these walks may become impassable through flooding, check before starting out. - Stiles and rights of way can get overgrown during the summer - folding secateurs are a useful addition to a walker’s rucksack.

Our walks our compiled by Clive Brown who holds the copyright to them. Clive’s website is www.walkingcloseto. com where you can order any of his 74 walking guides. You can email him directly with any comments you may have at walkingclose@yahoo.co.uk, or, of course you can get in touch with us here: editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk.

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Alan Postlethwaite DipCFHP,DipBMec,MSPract(FHP) 34A Halstead Rd., Mountsorrel, Leics. LE12 7HF

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Visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for details of advertising rates

Page 29

5

Do what you will - unless you don’t...

Make a will that is! Because if you don’t make a will an order of probate will decide what happens to your property and assets when you die. For the loved ones you leave behind it means your assets cannot be transferred until a court decides who is legally entitled to receive them.

This can take time, months even years if there is a challenge, and legal costs can eat away the legacy you leave – remember Dickens tale, ‘Bleak House’? The case of Jarndyce versus Jarndyce dragged on through generations until the entire estate was devoured by legal costs.

to come and visit you, is it? This is where In Home Legal Services can help...

Chris Thomas and her local team are trained and experienced specialists in wills and estate planning who consult with you in your own home. Backed up by national head office legal and administration resources they are able to provide all you need to prepare your will at a much lower cost than has been previously possible.

“Our clients get the best of all worlds. Our own solicitor draws up each will, based upon our consultation visits, to ensure that our clients wishes can be carried out as efficiently as possible when the time comes,” says Chris.

“On a first visit we explore possibilities and specific assets in the estate, explaining how these might be protected in the event of any change of circumstances sometime in the future. We return a few weeks later with the will document, go through it with the client to ensure it is correct and then it is signed and witnessed. The will can be added to or changed at any time in the future properly and legally.”

I noticed that underneath the main heading on the front page of the In Home Legal Services brochure are the following words: “Probably the most thoughtful thing you could ever do for those you love” After all is said and done, your Will is the last thing you’ll say and do... Best if it’s done properly then!

Call Chris Thomas on 01509 507 334

By making a will you decide what happens to what is yours and with timely guidance and advice it’s possible to reduce or eliminate inheritance tax and protect your home and assets from fees should you need care later on in life. Many of us put off making a will; naturally no-one wishes to dwell upon thoughts of their own demise and of course circumstances change. But having a will in place can give peace of mind – it’s one less thing to be concerned about and can always be altered or added to if necessary.

Some may think it costs too much, it involves solicitors and finding one close to where you live is not so easy. Then, at a hundred pounds plus per hour, it’s not practical for them

Not Made Not Made Your Will Yet? Does this worry you?

“Your children may NOT inherit “Your children may NOT inherit your yourhome or your hard earned savings... home or your hard earned savings...

But the the Government Government or or others others could!!” could!!”

But Care Fees, Inheritance Tax, Huge Legal Fees etc.

Care Fees, Inheritance Tax, Huge Legal Fees etc.

Devastates thousands of families unnecessarily Devastates thousands of families unnecessarily

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With the “Right” Will and advice you can help ensure With “Right” Will and advice canyou help ensure thethe maximum possible goes toyou those love!!! the maximum possible goes to those you love!!!

WILLS-TRUST-PROBATE WILLS-TRUST-PROBATE LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY

For a Home Visit or a Brochure For a Chris HomeThomas, Visit or Mrs a Brochure Call Your Local Consultants Mrs Pam Draycott or Mr Wayne Cooper Call Your Local Consultants Mrs Chris Thomas, Mrs Pam Draycott or Mr Wayne Cooper

01509 08450 568571 568571 01509 507334 507334 // 08450 In-Home Legal Services In-HomeShepshed, LegalLeics Services Shepshed, Leics

Page 30 email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk to book your advert

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Inventions Christmas Tree Lights There’s nothing that says ‘Christmas has arrived’ as much as a Christmas tree beautifully illuminated with lights.

Christmas displays with lights started appearing in department store windows. On Christmas Eve, 1923, President Coolidge lit the National Christmas Tree near the White House with 3,000 lights.

Some say that the tradition dates as far back as the 1600s when wealthy German families would decorate their trees with small candles held in place with pins or melted wax. Owing to the danger of fire however, the candles would only stay lit for several minutes at a time with home owners standing nervously by. Even after candle holders and lanterns became available, fires were common and insurance companies started refusing to pay claims.

A string of lights cost about $12 which put buying them way out of reach of ordinary American families. General Electric, who had purchased the rights to Edison’s bulbs, even released advertisements suggesting families rented them. It wasn’t until 1925 when the Sadacca family, who owned a novelty lighting business, started mass manufacturing Christmas lights, that they become affordable.

The solution was provided by a very well- known name and its unveiling must be one of the greatest publicity stunts of all time. In December 1880, in order to publicise his latest invention, Thomas Edison hung a string of electric lights around his laboratory in New Jersey. Passers-by were mesmerised by the beautiful display and associated it with yuletide celebrations. Two years later one of Edison’s inventors, Edward Johnson, lit a Christmas tree with 80 small bulbs and by 1900,

an Eden Gift Voucher for Christmas

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Today you can take your pick of incandescent or LED lights.

Either way, what a pleasure it is to light up your tree in these cold winter months.

By Lauren Ford

Yoga Classes

Well established classes run by qualified tutor.

All levels of experience catered for.

New members of all abilities welcome!

Even if you have never experienced Yoga before please come and join us – Yoga is fun!

Learn a new skill. Improve your posture. Be energised. Experience relaxation techniques. Work on good basic breathing.

Acquire a tool to manage the everyday stresses of life.

Mountsorrel

Tuesdays from 7 to 9pm at the Memorial Hall on Leicester Road.

Woodhouse Eaves

Wednesdays from 7 to 9pm at St. Paul’s School on Meadow Road.

Want to find out more?

My name is Moira – call me on 0116 230 2402 Mobile 07802 728 871 Email: mhardysmith@o2.co.uk

email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk to book your advert Page 31

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JKM S

Unem surv Obes that wou fat c expe

Swim School

Swimming Lessons Now Available NEW SESSIONS IN JANUARY (After school, morning and parent ‘n’ baby) 2 ½ years to pre-competition classes

There this f and 1 classi work and u

Female teachers with considerable experience Fully qualified and CRB checked Updated on CPD courses Adult/child groups or private lessons available Small groups For more information please contact Debbie

☎

07824 813156 jkmswim@yahoo.co.uk

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7 Years in Loughborough and now

OPENING NEW SCHOOL in Shepshed in January

Debb for Lo and w solely

Design

manufacture and

installation

of kitchens, bedrooms & fitted furniture

For free quotations call

01509 816391 07875 64 0074 Unit 2a Manor Drive, Sileby, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 7RZ neilphilipsinteriors@btconnect.com www.neilphilipsinteriors.co.uk

Page 32 Call Steve or Mary on 01509 813 125 to advertise in the next issue

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Over-Weight and Unemployable?

Unemployment in the UK today is a concern; surveys conducted by Personnel Today and the Obesity Awareness and Solutions Trust, reveal that an astounding 93% of HR recruiters say they would rather give a job to someone slim than a fat candidate - even if they had exactly the same experience and qualifications…

There is currently no discrimination law in place to stop this from happening. With obesity affecting 1 in 4 women and 1 in 5 men and 65% of the adult population being classified as overweight or obese, millions of ordinary workers could at any time find themselves unemployed and unemployable.

Fattism is affecting a growing number of people and effectively preventing their climb up the corporate ladder.

Obesity can also lead to a number of conditions such as depression, type 2 diabetes, heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney failure or osteoarthritis – all of which can affect your employment prospects, as you take more time off sick.

Debbie Ford, LighterLife Weight-Management Counsellor for Loughborough, says, “Obesity is a growing problem and whilst judgments about employment should be solely based on an individual’s ability to do the job,

unfortunately this is not always the case and as a result many obese people feel victimised and bullied in the workplace.”

Before

LighterLife’s highly effective programmes combine an easyto-use eating plan with weekly, single-sex, group meetings to help you explore some of the reasons you put on weight – because there’s usually a bit more to it than simply ‘eating too much’. Understanding why you overeat and learning new ways to think and behave will lead you to live lighter in the future.

Four and a half stones lighter

Twice a week Debbie holds a free, no obligation, initial consultation, where you can find out more about how the programmes work. These are held on Wednesdays at either 3.30pm or 7.15pm. If you would like to begin your own amazing weight-loss and weight-management journey call 01509 234433 or email Debbie.ford@lighterlifecounsellor.com or visit www.lighterlife.com/debbieford

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Get ready to feel great and look fantastic!

LighterLife gives you everything you need to change the way you look and feel this summer.

You’ll receive regular support from your LighterLife group and weight management counsellor. Combined with nutritious soups, shakes and bars, we’ll help you lose weight and keep it off.

For a FREE Initial Consultation, call:

Debbie Ford, Loughborough

01509 234433

lighterlife.com/debbieford Manda Mootien LighterLife client

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Free Init ial Consult ations every W ednesday .

Groups re-open ing weekly

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Anything of interest you’d like to see in the next issue?

Call 01509 813 125 or email editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk

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lighten up with

Page 33

5

BUILDERS MERCHANTS

CASTLE MEADOW ROAD • NOTTINGHAM NG2 1AG Tel: (0115) 941 2861 Fax: (0115) 948 3362 Email: enquiries@johnastephens.co.uk www.johnastephens.co.uk As one of the largest and best stocked builders' merchants in the East Midlands, John A. Stephens has built its success on continually developing the range of services and products it has to offer, with the priority to provide an efficient service to all customers.

Whether private individuals looking for DIY materials or contractors loading up vehicles with building materials, our yard and counter staff are here to provide the products and materials that you need, giving help and advice drawn from many years experience in the building trade.

With our fleet of over 30 purpose built vehicles, same day availability is often given for our large range of stock items.

For the very best in

Nottingham’s Leading Heavyside Builders Merchant For Supplies of:

■ Hard Landscaping Materials ■ Bricks ■ Blocks ■ Aggregates ■ Cement ■ Plaster ■ Plaster Board ■ Drainage ■ Roofing ■ Timber ■ Insulation

• Professional bathroom installations.

• Supply and fit only available.

• All wall, floor tiling and plastering undertaken.

• General plumbing, maintenance and repairs.

• Discount for OAP’s.

• NVQ2 Registered plumber.

for all your plumbing requirements

on Radcliffe Road – Trent Bridge, Nottingham NG2 5FX

0115 981 4313

Garden Paving, Walling & Block Paving

Reasonable rates, no job too small.

ONE STOP SHOP

NOW OPEN

• Marshalls • Stonemarket

RJB Plumbing & Repairs

Your

New Depot

Quality Garden Landscape Products

• Part P registered for domestic electrical installations.

We complete all aspects of every job entirely to our customers satisfaction YOU MAY NOT NEED ME NOW BUT REMEMBER ME FOR THE FUTURE!

Emergency call out Call Jennifer for an appointment on

0116 2302660 / 07795 393332 / 07788 555449 rjbplumbing.repairs@yahoo.co.uk Find us @www.rjbplumbingpropertymaintenance.co.uk

Fowler Electrical & Alarms Ltd

Alarm Specialists

Full alarm systems Alarm servicing Alarm upgrades Fault finding Emergency response Security lighting FOWLER ELECTRICAL & ALARMS LTD

Burton Rd, Sileby, Leicestershire

01509 816465 07753 612340

Page 34 Advertise in Soar Valley Life from £21 per month plus VAT

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Spot Ten Ten Differences Differences -Spot Answers on on Page Page 46 46 Answers Visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for details of advertising rates

Page 35

Brothers in Arms

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In the mid 1980s, when this Dire Straits album became the first CD to sell more than a million copies, brothers Barry & Jeff Randall were probably helping their dad out at weekends with his landscaping business. After leaving school they worked full time in the family business until seven years ago when they started out on their own as ‘Small Landscapes’ specialising in low maintenance garden design...

I asked Barry the reason for the name: “We wanted to be recognisable for what we do best and we wanted it to be easy for new customers to identify with us. Most of our work involves helping homeowners make the most of the small to medium garden spaces which modern houses are provided with these days, so they can enjoy all the space they have available with the least amount of fuss. Having said that, we often do larger jobs, such as the one for Leicester City Council at Woodgate Adventure Playground near Frog Island and in the housing development at Tilton on the Hill.”

On their office wall at Meltongate House in Syston there are a dozen or so CAD drawings of recent projects. These give precise measurements and show different colours for different materials with itemised quantities and an outline of the work that needs doing plus equipment required.

Barry explained, “When we receive an enquiry we’ll visit the client at a convenient time for a consultation and usually this takes an hour or two. We’ll discuss ideas initially, then take some measurements and make lots of notes. Before we leave we’ll give a ball-park figure so that everyone involved knows roughly what the cost will be.

We follow up with an accurate quotation within a day or two and contact the client a few days after that. When the work is confirmed we send in a two man team - a leader and a labourer - and Jeff or myself will liaise with the client and our team in person throughout the project , making absolutely sure that the work is quality controlled and carried out to the highest standards. Upon completion a satisfaction questionnaire is filled in with the client and only after that do we submit our invoice.”

What if something isn’t quite right some time later on?

“Everyone who works for us undergoes the Construction Skills Certification Scheme as well as the Construction Plant Competence Scheme. These schemes acknowledge that they have been apprenticed and trained to the high standard required in the construction industry. This, together with the experience Jeff and I bring to each project, ensures that everything possible is done to create customer satisfaction, and it is this that allows us to say in our advertising, ‘If you don’t love our work, it’s free!’

At the end of each project we provide a written guarantee tailored for that specific job and this simply says that we will put right any snags within seven days of being informed.”

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Are there any particular trends these days in gardens and landscaping?

“Most working couples seem to want to reduce their lawn and border size, likely because they live busy lives. But they also want to create hard standing, for barbecues and eating in the garden, to enjoy the outdoors on a fine summer evening. (Not a lot of that this year though! Ed.) Also when you’ve got kids it’s good for them to have somewhere safe to play that isn’t muddy!”

How have you coped during the recession?

“I’m tempted to say ‘What recession?’ but that’s a bit flippant isn’t it? We have been busy throughout our time in business, and that’s demonstrated by this office we’ve just moved into. We’d become too busy to run the business from our homes and it was a bit unfair on our families, so we took the leap and here we are. But we have done some community projects for free when we’ve been a bit quieter; like the playground improvement we did for Syston Pre-School playgroup and the raised bed vegetable patches for the allotment society.”

Do you think that ‘Small Landscaping’ can stay small?

“I don’t think we want to become a huge company - we love what we do and really believe in our work and the jobs we’ve created; it’s extremely satisfying employing new young people who might otherwise be in the dole queue. But then again, it would be great, say in ten years time, if we had our own garden landscape nursery - we might be operating all over the Midlands!”

Although they may not aspire to landscape mist covered mountains and are content to transform our lowland valley gardens, Barry and Jeff Randall, having grown up together as brothers and now working together as colleagues and mates, can certainly bring order to the wildest gardens of destruction...

Page 36 Visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for details of advertising rates

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Free Summer House With Every Garden Design and Installation - Offer Ends December 24th Yes - a free high quality summer house, retail price £598 installed with all garden design and installations ordered by December 24. * Limited availability, bulk buy from manufacturer out of normal season.

“Absolute pleasure to have around my property” - David Dyer, Main Street, Barton in the Beans

“Every member of the team worked tirelessly” - Lynn Stanton, Woodroffe Way, East Leake

“Particularly impressed with the attention to detail and design flair” - Professor Andrew Hugill, De Montfort University “ Your expertise, attention to detail and vision has exceeded all our expectations” - Pat English, Sussex Road, Wigston

Your own garden personally designed and planned Your own convenient start and finish dates Your own Marshall’s approved installer Your own 10 year Marshall’s underwritten Guarantee

Call Now on

0116 2100 760

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Meltongate House, 1282A Melton Road, Syston Leics. LE7 2HD

www.small-landscapes.co.uk

General Knowledge Crossword 1

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Across 1 London borough associated with the Houses of Parliament (11) 8 Candied plant stalks used to flavour cakes and trifles (8) 9 Biblical first man (4) 10 Blue ___, flag indicating a ship is ready to sail (5) 11 Domestic fowl (7) 13 Picture painted on a plaster wall (6) 15 Garment worn by both men and women in the South Pacific (6) 17 Port city in Washington, USA (7) 19 Curry dish cooked and served in a flatbottomed metal pot (5) 22 Animal associated with the star sign Taurus (4) 23 Wife of an earl (8) 24 Tall perennial plant from South America, having silvery plumes (6,5)

6 7

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11 12

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21 22

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Specialists in low maintenance garden design

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Down 2 Premium Bonds computer (5) 3 Greek hero who slew the Minotaur (7) 4 Goddess of the rainbow (4) 5 Marine creature (8) 6 Electronic message (5)

7 12 14 16 18

Network of rabbit burrows (6) Size of paper (8) Type of monkey, macaque (6) Nuclear plant (7) Gene Pitney song, Twenty- four Hours from ___ (5)

20 Long pointed teeth specialised for fighting or digging (5) 21 Partially opened flowers (4)

Answers on page 46

email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk to book your advert Page 37

So - You Want to Look Like a Christmas Cracker this Festive Season?

Well, here at Eden Skincare and Beauty Salon, making you look beautiful is what we do best!

Top Tip One: The weather’s turning cold outside so come and have a relaxing Decleor facial to protect and nourish your skin from those elements. Decleor house a wonderful range of oils and masks to give the skin a real boost – something it cries out for at this time of year. New “Radiance range now in stock”.

Top Tip Two: Tan fading? Fake Bake Spray Tanning is the answer to banish those postholiday blues. Don’t have a white Christmas, come and get Fake Baked at Eden. Choose from a light natural tan, a darker deeper tan for those party nights out or the new 60 minute Fake Bake tan – a tan you can wash off after one hour – amazing! These fabulous tans are available for only £20 throughout November and December.

only £20

throughout November & December

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Top Tip Three: Why not try a Gelish manicure – the gel manicure that lasts up to two weeks without chipping? Gelish really is the market leader in quality – just an hour out of your day can make you feel a million dollars!

Top Tip Four: To finish off treat yourself to a Mac Make Over – the perfect partner to that little black dress!

So, come and get some sparkle back this winter at Eden! We look forward to welcoming clients old and new.

Eden

Skincare & Beauty Salon

Decléor gift packs now in stock

Fake Bake spray tanning

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Top Beauty tips compiled by Holly Smart, owner of Eden Skincare & Beauty Salon, 36 King Street, Sileby, Leicestershire. LE12 7NA 01509 812999

Eden

Skincare & Beauty Salon

•

•

•

Eden Skincare & Beauty Salon offers an extensive range of advanced skincare and body essential beauty treatments.

Owner and highly qualified Beauty Consultant, Holly Smart and her unique team of therapists offer 18 years of experience, bringing their clients only the very best in the beauty industry.

•

•

Decléor • Crystal Clear • Fake Bake • Hollywood Lashes • Gelish Manicures Collagen Clinic • MAC Make Overs • Waxing

•

Tuesday 9.00am - 5.30pm Wednesday 9.00am - 3.00pm Thursday 9.00am - 7.00pm Friday 9.00am - 5.30pm Saturday 9.00am - 3.00pm

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Free Parking • Monthly Offers • Gift Vouchers Available

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36 King Street, Sileby, Leicestershire LE12 7NA • 01509 812999 Page 38 Please mention Soar Valley Life when contacting advertisers

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Parkside Nursery School 25 Charnwood Road, Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 2BN

Telephone 01509 213329

email parkside.school@googelmail.com Long Established

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Qualified Staff Fantastic garden area Small and homely Competitive prices Term-time options available

Kneller & Kneller Ltd

For all your electrical requirements • Rewires • Extractor Fans • Wall Heaters • Garden Supplies • Showers • Central Heating Wiring • Burglar Alarms • Security Lighting • TV Points • Telephone Points • Emergency Lighting • Wall Lights • Storage Heaters • Up-Grading electrics to present regulations • Fire Alarms • Test & Inspections • Portable Appliance Testing All work guaranteed and complies to BS7671 Wiring Regulations.

Contact Kevin for a FREE quotation

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T 0116 2873404 M 07836 734828

lon,

email k.kneller@btinternet.com

Domestic - Commercial - Industrial

• Independent care home and sheltered accommodation on separate sites • Not for Profit Charity run by board of local trustees • Person Centred care • Assisted independent care • Dementia registered • Daily and weekly activities and trips www.abbeyfieldloughborough.co.uk

01509 266605 44 Westfield Drive, Loughborough, LE11 3QL

Sports Massage therapy & taping techniques Athletic & Kinesiology Taping Many kinds of sports injuries can benefit from the application of tape or bandage by offering protection and support exactly where it’s needed.

This is achieved by your therapist understanding the nature of your injury, its location and how best to augment the surrounding soft tissue, muscles and ligaments.

Benefits include: • • • • •

Protection from further injury Limiting unwanted movement Beneficial compression to areas of swelling Affording confidence during functional activity Aiding lymphatic drainage

0ne to one treatment room available at - Fosse Fitness, Syston - RECRO, Sileby - home visits and treatments for sports clubs – pre and post match sessions by arrangement.

Steve Hillyer - 07860 608550 Email: recro@btinternet.com

Find us on

Want your business featured in Soar Valley Life? Call Steve on 01509 813 125 Page 39

South Lodge believes that privacy and dignity are essential guiding principles.

Our commitment to privacy and dignity is supported by a personal-centred philosophy to illustrate this, care is charged separately from the accommodation.

We have an amazing choice of accommodation including apartments and studios plus a specialist dementia care suite.

South Lodge is ideally suited for couples who want to stay together when there are differing levels of supported required.

Our aim is to ensure that residents do not need to move again, a home for life, through the personal support and nursing care provided, reducing hospitalisations wherever we can safely do so, through the skills and dedication of our qualified staff. Flexibility and support means exactly that – it can change as your needs alter, increase or decrease in line with you and your personal requirements.

South Lodge has accommodation for permanent and respite placements and we welcome everyone.

Respite or short stays at South Lodge includes your accommodation in a fully furnished apartment, 3 cooked meals a day, hot beverages, soft drinks, cakes and pastries from the Bistro and daily social activities.

In traditional care homes, when one of you is more dependent than the other, you usually are not able to stay together. At South Lodge, even if one of you needs dedicated healthcare, you can continue to live together just as you have been.

South Lodge is ideally suited for couples who want to stay together when there are differing levels of supported required.

• Excellent person centred care to suit your lifestyle and healthcare needs • A friendly and luxurious environment • Licensed restaurant, with a varied menu • On-site hairdresser, leisure facilities and library • A variety of stimulating activities, including arts and crafts, computers, talks and demonstrations • A mini bus for off-site activities and outings • A skilled team of health professionals on hand 24 hours a day to provide quality care and nursing

For more information call 0116 274 8000 or visit www.signature-care-homes.co.uk

WIN a Ragdale Experience Day for two just by liking Soar Valley Life’s Facebook page!

to

at Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa (worth £168)

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Good Spa Guide Awards 2012 - Best UK Destination Spa. Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice 2012 - Listed in Top 25 Relaxation/Spa Hotels in UK. Mumsnet Best Spa in the UK 2012 Great for a girls day out. The Spa Traveller Readers’ Awards 2011 - Best UK Spa. Spa Finder Readers’ Choice Awards 2011 - Favourite UK Spa. Zest’s Best Spa 2011 - Best for Great Value. Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Spa Awards 2011 - Runner Up Favourite UK Spa Retreat. Good Spa Guide - Five Bubbles. Sunday Times Travel Magazine Readers’ Awards 2011 - Runner Up Favourite UK Spa

You and a friend could spend a relaxing day at Ragdale Hall on a Ragdale Experience Day to include:

How to Enter

Light lunch in the Verandah Bar. Plus use of all of Ragdale’s facilities including the multimillion pound Thermal Spa featuring candle pool, indoor/outdoor waterfall and a series of heat experiences, two further pools, including whirlpool bath and cascade, gym, exercise classes and outdoor facilities.

If you are not the lucky winner, then maybe a Ragdale Hall gift voucher would be the perfect Christmas present. Available in monetary amounts from £25 or for days or overnight breaks, they are the ideal Christmas gift.

The winner will be drawn at random from all ‘likers’ on our Facebook page

by February 15th 2013.

If you have not already done so go to www.facebook.com/soarvalleylife and simply click on the thumbs-up sign to register your ‘like’

All vouchers are valid for a year from the day of purchase and are dispatched upon receipt of full payment.

To make a purchase or for further information contact Voucher Sales on 01664 433030 or visit our website on www.ragdalehall.co.uk

Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa Ragdale Village, Nr Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 3PB Tel: 01664 434831 www.ragdalehall.co.uk

Short Story Gloria’s Christmas Diary December 1st Glen came back from hemming up our Sylvia’s curtains and asked me if I wanted the good news or the bad? The bad news was that he had ‘accidentally’ volunteered us to do the family Christmas dinner this year. Well, I had to sit down. Christmas dinner for 14 people. I don’t even own that many glasses. I said what’s the good news and he said turkeys are half price at the moment.

December 4th Glen measured up the dining table. There’s a foot per person at a push. I told him he’d have to move his knitting machine, and he said he’s using it to make homemade gifts. He said I should put up the gazebo and have Christmas outside. A gazebo in the middle of winter, I ask you!

December 6th Sylvia came round for a coffee and said these days we like everything organic and free range. Then she looked at me pointedly over the top of her varifocals.

She knows some farm where the turkeys are all given names. I’ve had to pay out £50 for a turkey called Tim. December 10th I’d just got back from doing a big shop when our Gladys rang. Her Melvin came over all peculiar in the lingerie department and now he’s being tested for coeliac. She said could I hang fire on flour until the results come in?

Well, I’d just put five packs of short-crust in the freezer.

I said, are you sure it’s that, didn’t the same thing happen at that tarts and vicars party? She muttered something about bad vol-au-vonts and hung up.

December 14th Good news. Sylvia’s Matt and his girlfriend have split up; apparently there was a misunderstanding over a photo on Facebook. So the girlfriend won’t be coming.

That gives us an extra twelve inches to play with.

December 16th Glen decided to test his homemade crackers and caused an explosion that took the fairy off the tree. He said he might have to re-think given that his mum’s on tablets for angina. I said I think they’ll be fine.

December 18th Matt and his girlfriend are back on. He’s only gone and proposed. Sylvia says we should make Christmas a double celebration and have a champagne toast. I told Glen to buy that cheap Cava and serve it up in the pantry; they won’t know the difference.

December 21st They had to call the paramedics to Melvin’s works

do. Apparently the girls from admin dressed as Sexy Santas and made him eat mince pies. Poor Melvin, he’s on complete bed rest and milky drinks until New Year. At least we’ll have elbow room now.

December 23rd Tim was delivered today, or Tiny Tim as Glen calls him.

I said is it a turkey or a budgerigar? Glen had to hot foot it down to the supermarket for the last pick of the butterballs.

December 24th Disaster of Biblical proportions! Glen put the butterball turkey in the bath to thaw, and left the tap running. It was like Niagara Falls in the dining room.

Glen emerged from the mist like Rambo in marigolds and declared we’d be cancelling Christmas over his dead body.

December 25th We managed to salvage the day! Glen put the gazebo up. It was draughty but that made us all the more grateful for Glen’s homemade ponchos. And the sparks from the crackers gave off some warmth. I’ve put my feet up now with a well deserved sherry. I wouldn’t normally drink out of a vase, but we’re short on glassware. Merry Christmas everybody. Cheers!

Page 42 Visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for details of advertising rates

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Christmas Postal Dates LAST RECOMMENDED POSTING DATES UK

SERVICE

SERVICE LAST RECOMMENDED POSTING DATES INTERNATIONAL AIRMAIL

Thursday 13th December Tuesday 18th December

Standard Parcels

Wednesday 5th December

Second Class and Recorded Signed for™

Asia, Far East (including Japan), Australia and New Zealand

Thursday 20th December

First Class and Recorded Signed for™

Friday 7th December

South & Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East,

Friday 21st December

Special Delivery™ with Saturday Guarantee

Monday 10th December

Eastern Europe, USA and Canada

Saturday 22nd December

Special Delivery™

Wednesday 12th December

Western Europe

To find your nearest centre call

08444 14 14 77

12 Centres across Leicestershire

Page 44

Anything of interest you’d like to see in the next issue?

Call 01509 813 125 or email editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk

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“The Expert One Stop Shop for all your planned and emergency home, garden and property maintenance.”

Contact: ELECTRICAL PAT TESTING

PLUMBING

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

BUILDING MAINTENANCE

PAINTING & DECORATING

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

t 01509 414417 m 07707 583044 Charnwood Maintenance Services The Ark Centre, Meadow Lane Industrial Estate, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 1JP

www.charnwood-maintenance.co.uk

Top Tips around the Home & Garden

by Dave Walters of Charnwood Maintenance Services As winter approaches there are a number of things I would advise you to do in order to minimise any problems with your property during this seasonal change in weather…

OUTDOORS Roofing: Look from the outside to see if any tiles have cracked or slipped; these will need replacing by a professional roofer.

Guttering: Check for damage and clear away any leaves; these can lead to blocked drains. For safety reasons, a professional should do this.

Garden: Ensure fencing is in good repair. Remember to disconnect garden hoses from outside taps to prevent freezing. Although grass appears to have stopped growing, roots are actually growing deeper to prepare for winter, so now is the best time to fertilize your lawn; first give it a thorough raking to remove any moss etc. and a good spiking to help drainage. Prune trees and shrubs after the leaves turn to encourage healthy growth in the spring. Don’t forget to bring indoors any plant pots that are not frost resistant.

INDOORS Plumbing: Turn the heating on, even if you don’t need it yet check it’s functioning correctly; it may have been months since it was last used. Check radiators don’t need bleeding.

Before cold weather hits, protect pipes in unheated areas by adding insulation – don’t forget pipes and water tanks in the loft.

Safety: Make sure that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors have new batteries and test to ensure they’re working. Winter sees an increase in home fires and detectors may just save your life.

Home security: Check locks on all doors and windows. Ensure outside lights are in good working order. If you don’t have them already, invest in some timers so as the nights get darker your lights will come on automatically. This creates a welcoming sight for you on your return home and a deterrent for any potential burglar.

Decorating: Paint interior rooms while it’s still warm enough to leave windows open for ventilation; the same applies for shampooing carpets. Store leftover paint in your garage to prevent it from freezing during the winter.

Money saving: When you dig out your Christmas decorations from the loft, take some time to make a visual inspection of your attic. First, check the roof and gable vents to make sure they are clear. Check for wasp nests and other signs of pests; during the winter months wasps are dormant and their nests are easier to remove. Look at the insulation on your attic floor, it should be uniformly thick and distributed evenly with no gaps. The vapour barrier side should be facing downward — toward the living space you are trying to keep warm. Also, the insulation should be dry.

One of the most important cost-saving actions you can take this winter is to purchase a programmable thermostat; if you already have one, double-check the settings. Program it to be at different temperatures when you’re at home or away or asleep.

Want your business featured in Soar Valley Life? Call Steve on 01509 813 125 Page 45

Business Directory Beauty Eden Skincare & Beauty Salon

31 and 38

Builders Merchants John A Stephens

34

Child Care Parkside Nursery School Sileby Day Nursery

39 3

Food Campesinas

22

Health Care Charnwood Hearing Aid Centre Gareth Hudson – Foot Health Professional Hear4u HS Footcare Services LighterLife Visual Answers Opticians / Optometrists Walk-in Physio Ltd

32 16 44 29 33 5 26

Home and Garden Acacia Curtains and Blinds 17 AMW Kitchens 16 Bradgate Forestry 21 Carpets of Choice 43 Charnwood Driveway Cleaning 20 Charnwood Maintenance Services 45 Charnwood Tree Services 35 Dave Keen Professional Decorator 20 Delta Aerials 8 Doortronic – Remote Controlled Garage Doors 8 Fowler Electrical & Alarms 20 and 34 Kneller & Kneller Electricians 39 Loft Storage Solutions 27 KR Electrical 8 McKay Fencing & Landscaping 21 MJ Joinery 6 Molly Maid Domestic Cleaning 29 Neil Philips Interiors 32 RJB Plumbing 34 R Mills Electrical Services 26 Richard Watson Decorator 8 SJS Professional Carpet Cleaner 6 Small Landscapes & Paving 37 Soar Valley Aerials 26 The Chimney Doc 21 The Oven Cleaning Company 18 Whelband Windows 7 Pubs, Cafés and Restaurants Cromwell Road Coffee House Steamin’ Billy Brewing Co. Ltd. The Indian Cottage The Queen Victoria

18 12 22 23

Professional Services Baker & Co. Accountants CP Accountancy Ltd Creativio Video Production Emery Johnson Solicitors In Home Legal Services iPac Repair & Parts - iPhones, games consoles Moss Solicitors PC Doctors Strawberry Lettings & Sales

19 14 17 18 30 26 15 26 14

Residential Care The Abbeyfield Signature South Lodge

39 48

Sports and Leisure Cyclops Cycles Great Central Railway JKM Swim School Physfit Gyms Recro Sports Massage Therapist Yoga Classes Zumba Fitness

11 47 32 26 39 31 16

General Knowledge Crossword Answers Across: 1 Westminster, 8 Angelica, 9 Adam, 10 Peter, 11 Poultry, 13 Fresco, 15 Sarong, 17 Seattle, 19 Balti, 22 Bull, 23 Countess, 24 Pampas grass

Down: 2 Ernie, 3 Theseus, 4 Iris, 5 Seahorse, 6 Email, 7 Warren, 12 Foolscap, 14 Rhesus, 16 Reactor, 18 Tulsa, 20 Tusks, 21 Buds.

Christmas Quiz Answers 1.

2.

3.

4.

Blitzen O Christmas Tree Pot Noodle Saviour’s Day in 1990; note Millennium Prayer peaked at No.2 in 1999 5. A turkey 6. Archie Mitchell 7. Indonesia 8. The Grinch in ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas’ 9. Wallace and Gromit 10. Last Christmas by Wham

Spot the Difference Answers

1. Toy train colour 2. Hanging star 3. Toy leg 4. Hammer head 5. Elf’s eye 6. Stripey sleeve 7. Badge on hat 8. Bobble 9. Ear 10. Buttons

Sudoku Solution

Page 46 Please mention Soar Valley Life when contacting advertisers

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GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY LOUGH BOROUGH

Trains run every weekend 24th November to 24th December

Weekdays - Wed 12th, Wed 19th, Fri 21st, Mon 24th December

Santa visits every child on board Festive refreshments with our compliments Toys from Santa Have your photo taken with Santa

“Christmas is a magical time at Great Central Railway” Prices start from £10 ADVANCE BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL To reserve your seat pick up a leaflet, use our online booking system www.gcrailway.co.uk or call 01509 632323

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Where lifestyle and care See go hand in hand

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South Lodge is a community which offers the level of support you require in a friendly, homely and safe environment.

We provide excellent person centred care to suit your lifestyle and healthcare needs. If you are on your own you can meet new companions, however our accommodation is such that couples can stay together even when the nursing or care needs of one outweigh the other.

Respite, day care & short stays Specialist Dementia Suite Residential and Nursing Suprisingly aordable

Please call for more information 0116 274 8000 or visit signature-care-homes.co.uk to find out more 307 London Road, Stoneygate, Leicester, LE2 3ND