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SOUTH EDITION Deliveries this month to: Barrow upon Soar Mountsorrel Cossington Seagrave Sileby Quorn Rothley Cropston Thurcaston Swithland and Woodhouse Eaves Deliveries next month to Soar Valley North: Loughborough Nanpantan Su on Bonington Long Wha on The Wolds, Zouch, Hoton Cotes, Hathern Prestwold Normanton Stanford Wymeswold and Rempstone plus high foo all retail outlets throughout Charnwood

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Issue 33 Dec 2014/Jan 2015

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Cook

Roast Turkey Panforte de Siena

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What’s On In and around the Soar Valley

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£25 Cash Spa Day for Two at Ragdale Hall

“Star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright...”

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Soar Valley Life Editors Steve & Mary Johns Adver sing Steve Johns Marke ng & Distribu on Chris Easom

HOW to ADVERTISE: See page 5 & 6

Telephone 01509 813125 Email enquiries Adver sing info@soarvalleylife.co.uk Editorial editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk Web www.soarvalleylife.co.uk Facebook www.facebook.com/ SoarValleyLife Address 1 Burton Road, Sileby LE12 7RU Copyright © Fantas c State Limited trading as Soar Valley Life. The Publisher reserves and controls all rights to the work presented in this magazine. Any applica on for any use of any of the work, features, adver sements, quota ons, photographs, images or other work within this publica on must be made directly to the publisher. No part of this publica on may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmi ed, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Front Cover Photo: © Bill Allsopp “Star of Wonder” Taken Christmas 2012 Canon EOS 7D 300mm lens

Charity begins at Home

The other day I no ced on the internet a rather cynical report that was featured in the Mail on Sunday. The report suggested that much of the money raised in the name of charitable causes doesn’t get to where it is intended. Some of the sta s cs in the report are mind boggling. It says there are nearly 200,000 UK chari es raising close to £80 billion pounds per annum, so it’s no wonder we some mes feel overwhelmed by requests to donate.

The report, which in fact was a book review purpor ng to expose “The Great Charity Scandal”, highlights that many of the be er known names in the charity business spend at least half of what they collect on business costs ­ that’s wages, expenses, fees for services, rent, rates and u lity bills. Altogether more than a million people are employed by UK chari es. So, would this make a difference to you when you buy your next poppy, pink ribbon, or yellow daffodil, that some of your money is paying the wages of those that sell you your emblem?

The old saying Charity begins at Home springs to mind. Are we looking a er those close to us sufficiently? Charity doesn’t have to be only about money: a simple visit to an older person, a random act of kindness to someone who needs a bit of help or just a smile can brighten another’s dull day.

Maybe all this charity going on is merely an example of our human need to be kind and many of us have lost the knack?

So, on that note, may Mary and I wish you a very Happy Christmas and here’s to a kindly New Year, one and all...

Steve & Mary Johns

Contents

Nicky Morgan column

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Cosmic Blasts Page 44

Walking

Woodwell Head

Page 50

Put some Jingle in your bells

Page 38

New Treatment for Photosensi ve Migraine Claire Jones Gardens Quiz – Christmas Music Nicky Morgan MP Are you declaring all your rental income?

Quick Crossword Easy Sudoku Recipe: Roast Turkey Recipe: Panforte de Siena Easy Ways to Stay Healthy Football Trivia Time to make your Will When the Temperature Drops Changing Clothes Need some help? Call Caroline Seborrhoeic Keratosis Put some Jingle in your Bells this Christmas!

A Hotel Bathroom at Home Win a Ragdale Spa Day for Two Keeping Ac ve in the Winter Everything Under the Sun And Another Thing Play your cards right Spot the Difference Walking – Woodwell Head Paws for Thought The Christmas Truce Marke ng your Business Christmas Wordsearch What’s On HS Foot Care opens new surgery Compe on Winners When your Image needs Impact Solu ons to Puzzles

7 9 11 12 15 17 19 20 22 24 26 29 31 32 35 37 38 40 41 42 44 46 47 48 50 51 52 54 57 58 59 60 61 61

Page 41 Win a spa day for two at Ragdale Hall

Recipes Roast Turkey

Page 20

Panforte de Siena

Page 22

££££££££££££££ COMPETITION WINNERS page 60

B2B Marke ng your Business page 54

Soar Valley Life is an independent community publica on. Please note that while the publisher takes care to be accurate, no liability will be accepted under any circumstances whatsoever, should any of the contents of the magazine be inaccurate or incorrect.

Page 3

Soar Valley Life Trades and Services Arts and Cra s JM Guitar Tui on Loughborough University Arts The Gallery ­ Su on Bonington

13 13 19

Building and Roofing Charnwood Oaks Roofing & Building SR Roofing Solu ons

34 8

Child Care and Educa on Rothley Park Kindergarten Tumble Tots

48 14

Clothing and Accessories Pixie Footwear We Care Clothing

15 33

Courier Services MyParcelShop.Com

34

Food, Drink and Venues Cromwell Road Coffee House The Free Trade Inn The Restaurant at The Mountsorrel The Waterside Inn The Wedding Cafe The White Horse Inn

11 25 59 43 14 26

Garden A 2 Z Cleaning Services Canopy Tree Services Charnwood Tree Services

11 8 7

Claire Jones Gardens Harrison Landscaping

9 9

Health Care Ac vity 4all Charnwood Hearing Aid Centre Cione Wellness Centre Clare Satchell Reflexology Gareth Hudson – Foot Health Professional HS Foot Care LighterLife Pennie Blatchford ­ Advanced Electrolysis Reed Wellbeing ­ Complementary Health TSL Holis c Centre Visual Answers Op cians / Optometrists Walk­in Physio Ltd Holidays and Travel I Can You Can

42 16 10 36 16 64 36 37 24 36 7 17 6

Home A 2 Z Cleaning Services Ablu ons Bathrooms Absolute Window Solu ons Ltd Acacia Curtains and Blinds Ancient & Modern Furniture Restora on Aquafit Bathrooms B.G.I.S. Ltd Bishop's Appliance Care Bunny Appliance Warehouse Capable Caroline

11 28 30 31 13 40 37 8 21 35

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All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

Carpets of Choice Custom Conservatories & Windows DCI Kitchens Delta Aerials Digital.R.Us Ltd Fab Plumbing Hot Repairs KR Electrical LockXpert & Security Low Woods Furnishings Ltd Ocean Designs Conservatory Furniture Richard Watson Painter and Decorator SJS Professional Carpet Cleaner SJS Leather Cleaning and Restora on Soar Valley Aerials The Oven Cleaning Company Whelband Windows Woodburner Workshop

18 6 27 27 42 6 34 6 60 39 31 17 60 13 6 34 62 53

Home Care Services Absolute Care Agency Icare Community Meals

19 2

Motoring Cumberland Auto Care Loughborough Kia Twiggers Motorcycles Ltd

27 63 27

Pet Care Posh Dogs Woodside Animal Centre

27 51

Professional Services Baker & Co Accountants Bill Allsopp Photography CP Accountancy Ltd Cat Eley­Gaunt ­ Wealth Management Crea ve io Garre ­Long Solicitors Inspire Financial Solu ons Ltd iPaq Repair & Parts Moss Solicitors Moving Made Cheaper Smartly S tch Tailors Sterling Law Solicitors The Loughborough Ladies Business Group

57 61 15 36 14 24 56 36 29 35 13 56 54

Residen al Care The Abbeyfield

16

Sports and Leisure Cyclops Cycles Great Central Railway Ragdale Hall Health Hydro & Spa

12 51 41

U li es The U lity Warehouse Discount Club UK Gas Services Ltd

47 23

Wholesalers Costco Leicester

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A local professional service for all your gas, plumbing and heating requirements Boiler breakdown and upgrade specialists Full range of work undertaken (free quotes) Installations • Breakdowns • Repairs • Service Fully insured • Qualified Engineers Part L • Part P • WRAS • City & Guilds Vented and Unvented heating systems Safety certificates/checks • Power flushing

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New Treatment for Photosensi ve Migraine Migraine has many triggers including stress, certain foods and hormones...

Research has found that 40% of migraine a acks may be visually induced by flickering light or ‘blue­light’ from LED’s, including screens, tablets and smart phones ­ made worse when viewing high contrast pa erns whilst reading.

Findings in the US, by neuroscien sts using brain imaging, showed that precision­ nted lenses worn in front of the eyes reduced visual migraine by suppressing ‘excitable’ areas of the visual cortex in the brain.

Lenses were prescribed using an Ini a ve Colorimeter that allows over 120,000 specific colour op ons. The same instrument is used in the treatment of Visual Stress which o en results in movement of words when reading. Visual Stress is linked to ‘Dyslexia’ – a term o en used to refer to reading problems that are not due to teaching.

For more informa on or to make an appointment if you suffer from Photosensi ve Migraine or Visual Stress call Visual Answers Optometrists on 01509 414151.

Visual Migraine occurs due to ‘hyper sensi vity’ of the Visual Cortex

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Page 8

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As the days shorten and we put the garden to bed remember that winter doesn't have to be a dreary me of year...

For seasonal interest consider plan ng a tree or trees. My par cular favourite are birches from the Himalayas which bring beauty to a garden at any me of year and especially during the winter. Betula u lis var jaquemon i is probably the most well known of the white stemmed birches, renowned for its startling white bark. It looks great planted as a single specimen or in a group; however it isn't a tree for a small garden. For a smaller space the crab apples are great and I think the best of these is Malus ‘Red Sen nal’. It has very fes ve bright red crab apples which it holds

onto throughout the winter and even into spring unless the weather turns cold when the birds will move in for a feast. They are sought out by Blackbirds, Thrushes, Fieldfares and Redwings, a fantas c spectacle to enjoy in your garden!

Claire Jones

@

@

The Wellness Centre, Loughborough

The Wellness Centre, Loughborough 1a Churchgate Mews, Loughborough, LE11 1TZ CIONE embodies a team of leading clinicians and therapists, all selected and chosen for their expertise and passion, to fulfil the CIONE vision - a ‘one-stop’ clinical centre, where postural ill-health and postural recurring injuries can be prevented – with each patient leaving the centre healthily balanced and energized, ready for their daily lives.

Head Ache Pain

Poor Posture can bring on regular cluster headaches/migraines.

Neck Pain

Poor Posture brings on 'stooping forward' during walking and standing.

Upper Back Pain

Poor Posture when moving and standing locks up our shoulders and creates muscle tension.

Hip Pain

Poor Posture through the skeleton dysfunctioning, causes a shallowing of our hip joint and long term hip pain.

Lower Back Pain

Poor Posture through a forwardly tilted pelvis restricts our Gait and causes Sciatica and constant lower back stress.

Knee Pain

Poor Posture through hip dysfunction causes the knees to track 'o-line' bringing on early 'wear and tear' and pain.

Foot Pain

Poor Posture through the upper body brings on foot pain in either the arches, toes and heels.

Shin Pain

Poor Posture through the knees causes aggressive rotation of the shin bringing on chronic Shin Pain.

Human Engineering Corrective Postural Programs Relaxing Amatsu Therapy Mctimoney Chiropractic Reiki Personal Fitness Programs Custom Stability Plates Custom Footwear Bio-Core Programs

Reduce Stress – bring calm and tranquillity to your busy life. Treat yourself to a Reiki session to promote emotional and physical wellbeing and encourage relaxation.

Overcome Fears and Phobias – tap them away! Try EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) or ‘tapping’ to rid yourself of those irrational, but real, fears.

Leicester Reiki at The Wellness Centre

Leicester Reiki offers both of these therapies at the CIONE Wellness Centre.

Tel: 01509 263044/07977 837532 email: sally@leicesterreiki.co.uk

Are you a therapist who would like to join us?

Rooms are available to book on a sessional basis.

Call us for more information Call in or call 01509 263044 for an appointment 1a Churchgate Mews, Loughborough, LE11 1TZ

© SVL

Quiz ­ Christmas Music 1.

Cliff Richard’s hit single The Millenium Prayer featured the words of the Lord’s Prayer sung to the tune of which tradi onal song?

2. According to the first verse of the song Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, what two things had you “be er not” do?

3. Which singer from Band Aid’s original version of Do They Know It’s Christmas has a stage name that is men oned in the lyrics of the song?

4. Who kept Take That’s Babe off the Christmas number one spot in 1993?

5. According to the lyrics of the song Fairytale Of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl, what song were the boys of the NYPD choir singing?

6. Which famous Christmas song was originally called One Horse Open Sleigh?

7. Which war was John Lennon referring to in his song Happy Xmas (War Is Over)?

8. In the Christmas carol Good King Wenceslas, did the tle character last look out on the 24th, 25th or 26th of December?

9. In 2008, Once Upon A Christmas Song was a hit single for Geraldine McQueen, as played by comedian Peter Kay. Which famous singer co­wrote this song with Peter Kay? 10. Of the 364 gi s given in total in the song The Twelve Days Of Christmas, how many are birds?

Answers on page 61

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© SVL

Page 11

Nicky Morgan MP

Autumn and the months leading up to Christmas are my favourite me of year and in Loughborough we have a series of real annual milestones...

First there is the amazing Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Queen’s Park and in towns and villages across my cons tuency. It is gra fying to see that the number of people a ending con nues to grow and I spot more and more poppies being worn. A er Remembrance Sunday comes the Loughborough Fair. Loud, colourful and a feast for all the senses it has been held in Loughborough for hundreds of years.

Next comes the Christmas lights switch on, again across our area. Last year Quorn Parish Council kindly asked me to turn theirs on – I was just pleased that all went smoothly and I didn’t fuse the whole village! And if you live in Barrow then do visit the Scouts Hot Dog stall.

The Pantomime at the Town Hall is another Loughborough annual special treat. I recently had the pleasure of mee ng the fabulous Christopher Biggins and we discussed just how special a pantomime is and for many children how important, as it is o en their first visit to the theatre.

Then there are Christmas tree fes vals, na vity services, Christmas cra fairs and many other events held locally. I know they are the result of lots of hard work over many months. I would par cularly recommend the Hathern Church Christmas Tree Fes val which is always beau fully arranged and also the Fes val at All Saints in Loughborough.

Finally, by the me you read this the new pedestrianised area in Loughborough will have been unveiled. I know that the roadworks in and around the town have not been easy but the new area does look great and I would urge you to support the Love Loughborough BID and their “Get into Loughborough” campaign. In par cular do visit on Saturday 6th December which is the na onal Small Business Saturday.

If you live in the Loughborough cons tuency and need assistance please e­mail me nicky.morgan.mp@parliament.uk or call 01509 262723 or you can write to me at or visit my office at 3/3a No ngham Road, Loughborough LE11 1ER.

Page 12

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Page 13

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Carol singers performing on Saturday 6th, Sunday 7th, Thursday 11th, Sunday 14th and Friday 19th December Saturday 13th December Laura Jane Vintage Sings

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The springboard to confidence for your child Tumble Tots is the UK’s leading National Active Physical Play Programme for children from 6 months to 7 years All classes structured and age ranged

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© SVL

Page 14

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Feature your business in Soar Valley Life – contact steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

Are you declaring all your rental income?

HM Revenue & Customs are running an ini a ve called the Let Property Campaign aimed at the 1.5 million landlords they believe are not declaring their rental income.

Le ers are being sent to people that own buy­to­ let proper es or holiday homes and may not be paying the right amount of tax on the undisclosed income. HM Revenue & Customs are checking Land Registry, the Electoral Roll and also asking le ng agents for details of landlords they act for. It is not a case of if they catch up with you but when. This campaign gives landlords the opportunity to make a disclosure about their undeclared rental income and pay the correct amount of tax. Landlords that make a full and voluntary disclosure can expect a lower penalty; however those that choose to ignore the le er they receive from HM Revenue & Customs face much higher penal es and the possibility of criminal prosecu on.

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www.pixiefootwear.com Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £31 per month plus VAT – See page 5

Page 15

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As a not for profit organisation we welcome the support of volunteers especially in the following areas: Gardening, Befriending, Craft workshops/demonstrations, Baking, Flower arranging, Christmas Decorations, Fundraising, manning our Christmas Market stall

The Abbeyfield Loughborough Society, 44 Westfield Drive, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3QL 01509 266605 www.abbeyfieldloughborough.co.uk

Page 16

All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

Quick Crossword 1

2

3

4

7

5

6

8

9

Across

Down

7 A red fruit (6)

1 Finished (4)

8 On every side (6)

2 Outlaw (6)

9 Deceased (4)

10

3 Expedi on (7)

10 Hold back (8) 11

12

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12 Green vegetables (8)

17 Farewell (4­3)

19 21

6 Completely (8)

15 Concerning (5)

18

20

5 Terror (6)

13 Weeps (5)

14 15

4 Severe (5)

11 Sprinkle (7)

22

24

14 Bravery (7)

20 Acquainted (8) 21 Require (4)

16 Allied (6)

23 Disclose (6)

18 Beast of burden (6)

24 Thick, oily substance (6)

19 Feminine (5) 22 Simple (4) Answers on page 61

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Page 17

FREE,

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Find out how our local, family run Home Care Agency can help you

Easy Sudoku

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For how to play go to h p://www.sudoku.name/rules/en All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

Page 19

Recipe This month’s recipe sponsored by

Bunny Appliance Warehouse

Roast Turkey

with Leek, Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing

Serves 8­10 Ready in approx 4½ hours, plus res ng me

Roas ng the turkey in a ’tent’ of bu ered foil will keep it moist and succulent. Always allow me for the cooked bird to rest in a warm place before carving.

1

2

3

4 3

5

Tip

Heat half the bu er and the olive oil in a frying pan and fry the leek and shallots for 6­7 minutes un l so ened. Remove from the heat and s r in the apricots, breadcrumbs, chestnuts and half the thyme leaves. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper and leave to cool.

Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/gas 5. Line a large roas ng n with bu ered foil. Use about one third of the stuffing mix to stuff the neck end of the turkey (press the rest of the stuffing in a shallow ovenproof dish to cook separately). Weigh the stuffed turkey and calculate the cooking me ­ allow 20 minutes per 450g plus 20 minutes. Place the turkey in the lined roas ng n and smear all over the skin with the remaining bu er. Sprinkle over the rest of the thyme leaves and season.

Cover the turkey with a tent of bu ered foil and roast in the preheated oven for the calculated cooking me, bas ng occasionally. Uncover the turkey for the last 45 minutes un l the skin is golden and the juices run clear when a skewer is inserted into the thickest part of one thigh. If the juices s ll run slightly pink return the turkey to the oven for a further 15­20 minutes then check again.

Leave the turkey, loosely covered with foil, in a warm place to rest for at least 20 minutes. Stretch the bacon rashers with the back of a knife and cut each rasher in half. Wrap the short rashers around the cocktail sausages, securing with a cocktail s ck.

Place in baking tray and cook in the oven for 20­25 minutes un l golden and cooked through. Drizzle a couple of spoonfuls of juices from the turkey over the stuffing in the dish and cook in the oven at the same me as the bacon­wrapped sausages for 20 minutes.

Serve the turkey on a large warmed pla er with the bacon­wrapped sausages and garnished with fresh herbs. Serve the extra stuffing separately along with all the usual fes ve vegetables.

For a quick gravy, simmer the roast turkey juices with a splash of red wine and a couple of spoonfuls of redcurrant jelly.

Page 20

Ingredients: • 100g bu er • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 leek, trimmed and chopped • 2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped • 75g ready to eat dried apricots, finely chopped • 150g fresh white breadcrumbs • 100g cooked chestnuts, finely chopped • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • 5.4kg oven­ready turkey, giblets removed • 16 cocktail sausages • 4 rashers smoked streaky bacon • Fresh herbs, to garnish

Recipe sponsored by Bunny Appliance Warehouse See their full range of fabulous cooking appliances at www.appliancecity.co.uk

Seasonal Recipe

Cake and Bake

Panforte de Siena

This sweetmeat is a traditional Italian Christmas treat packed with nuts, figs, honey and warming spices. It can be made a couple of weeks before Christmas, just wrap well in greaseproof paper and store in an airtight container.

Makes 25 squares. Ready in 1½ hours, plus cooling

1

Preheat the oven to 150°C/130°C fan/gas 2.

Grease a deep 18cm square tin and line the base with baking parchment. Toast the almonds under a medium grill until just golden then roughly chop. Mix in a bowl with the pistachios, figs and orange zest.

2

Sift over the flour and cocoa powder and stir well then stir in the cinnamon and ground cloves. Set aside.

3

Put the caster sugar and honey in a heavybased pan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to the boil then let the syrup bubble gently for about 5 minutes, without stirring the mixture, until it begins to thicken.

4

Remove the pan from the heat and quickly add the nut and flour mixture stirring well with a wooden spoon. Spoon into the prepared tin and smooth the surface using the back of a damp spoon.

5

Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour then remove the cake from the oven and leave in the tin until completely cold.

Remove the cake from the tin, peel off the lining paper and dust thickly with icing sugar.

Use a sharp knife to cut into squares to serve.

Tip

You can vary the fruits and nuts used in this recipe - replace the figs with chopped candied peel, dried apricots or glace pineapple and instead of pistachios try toasted hazelnuts.

Page 22

Ingredients: SPONGE • 150g whole blanched almonds • 125g pistachio nuts • 175g dried figs, chopped • Grated zest of 1 orange • 75g plain flour • 2 tbsp cocoa powder • 2 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/4 tsp ground cloves • 115g caster sugar • 175g runny honey • Icing sugar, for dusting

Sponsor this page with your company branding

Easy Ways to Stay Healthy

Include Greens at Every Meal An ­inflammatory, cancer figh ng, bone boos ng greens are the most nutrient­rich form of carbohydrate available to us in a natural form Plan Ahead Planning ahead significantly lowers stress levels, which increases happiness. Map out your weekly schedule for things like grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning and most importantly leisure ac vi es.

Keep a Consistent Sleep Schedule Most people are busier than ever, have erra c schedules and are starved of sleep; this disrupts the internal body clock and impedes the body’s ability to heal itself. Create a rou ne by going to bed at the same me each night.

Start to wind down by shu ng off your electronic devices 30 minutes prior to sleeping Make Time for Yourself Give yourself me each day to do something you love, even if only for a few minutes. Make a list and pledge to do at least one thing from the list each day ­ it will change your life for the be er.

Paula Reed Stuck for a Christmas present idea? How about a Reed Wellbeing Therapy Gi Voucher?

Complementary therapy treatments are not only relaxing and enjoyable but they have been proven to alleviate stress which doctors agree is the cause of most physical illnesses.

For physical and emotional wellbeing

Complementary Health Practitioner REFLEXOLOGY Relieving stress using gentle pressure strategically applied to your hands and feet, helping to alleviate symptoms and improve overall health - especially where conventional medicine has failed.

REIKI Holistic healing helping to integrate your body’s physical, emotional, mental and spiritual components by balancing your energy centres, stimulating natural immunity and promoting relaxation.

HOPI EAR CANDLING Reduces congestion in the ear and sinus area inducing a feeling of general tranquillity, composure and comfort.

EFT ‘Acupuncture without needles’ creating balance within your body’s energy system, particularly successful with addictions, weight, pain, anger management, severe trauma, stress and phobias.

Paula Reed is a member of the NHS Directory of Complementary and Alternative Practitioners All treatments delivered in my professionally appointed clinic in Barrow-upon-Soar

Telephone: 01509 415125 Email: info@reedwellbeing.co.uk Website: www.reedwellbeing.co.uk

KATHRYN DOWDING AT Full range of legal services provided including: • • • •

Wills and Probate Lasting Power of Attorney Divorce and Separation Buying and Selling Property

Free Home visits available • Free Initial Advice • Fixed Costs

Call

01509 410388

Email: kathryn@garrettlongsolicitors.co.uk © SVL

35-37 High Street, Barrow-upon-Soar, Leicestershire LE12 8PY

Page 24

All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

Leicestershire, Northants &

Book your Christmas Party here

Rutland CAMRA Pub of the year 2014

PARTIES OF SIX OR MORE WELCOME Traditional Festive Menu available from Midday each day into the evening...

on 30TH November – 23rd December (Excluding Mondays)

3 course Christmas Menu available to down load on line at www.thefreetradeinn.co.uk All Enquiries Welcome

NEW YEARS EVE PARTY

80s Themed Fancy Dress - Fancy Dress Optional Back to the 80’s keyboard and vocals duo for a fun packed evening full of dancing, singing and remembering the best era we ever had!

And of course the countdown to midnight!

Songs from: Simple Minds • Spandau Ballet • INXS Madness • Bad Manners • Blancmange Duran Duran • DEXY’S • Gary Numan

Excellent lunchtime menu Tuesday - Friday 12 ’til 2 and Saturday 12 ’til 3 Sundays to the 21st December - 2 and 3 course Christmas dinner available 12 – 4, and our popular traditional Sunday Lunch returns thereafter.

© SVL

27 Cossington Road, Sileby LE12 7RW 01509 814494 www.thefreetradeinn.co.uk

Around Britain Football 1. Arbroath ­ In 1885, Arbroath beat Aberdeen Bon Accord 36­0 (an average of one goal every 21/2 minutes) in a first round Sco sh Cup match. Thirteen of Arbroath’s goals were scored by one player, John ‘Jocky’ Petrie.

2. Dundee ­ In 1997, Aberdeen’s Dean Windass received three red cards in one game – originally sent off for a foul, he was given two further red cards for verbally abusing the referee and then throwing a corner flag into the crowd. Aberdeen went on to lose to Dundee 5­0, while Windass was given a six­match ban.

3. Inverness ­ In 1979, a second­round e between Inverness Thistle FC and Falkirk was postponed a record twenty­nine mes due to bad weather. Originally scheduled for January 9, the match finally took place forty­four days later on February 22.

4. Hull ­ When half an hour of extra me failed to resolve a match between Hull and Manchester United on August 5 1970, Britain’s first ever penalty shoot­out took place at Boothferry Park, Hull City’s former home ground. The first player to score in a penalty shoot­out was United’s George Best; the first to miss was Denis Law. 5. Loughborough ­ The 1899­1900 Football League Season saw Leicestershire’s Loughborough Town FC win just 8 points, conceding 100 goals (including 12 to Arsenal in a single match) and losing 27 of their 34 games (including all of their away games). Loughborough understandably failed to be re­elected to the League the following season and the side was disbanded in June 1900. © Taken from The Bri sh Isles: A Trivia Gaze eer by Paul Anthony Jones

What’s On At The White Horse?

Tuesdays, 6pm-8.45pm – £5.95 Menu

Choose from a range of fantastic £5.95 specials!

Wednesdays, 6pm-8.45pm – Italian Night Enjoy a range of authentic Italian dishes!

Thursdays, 6pm-8.45pm – Steak Night

Two rump steaks or specials with a bottle of house wine for just £27.50! Individual deal for just £14!

The White Horse Inn, 6 Church Street, Seagrave, Leicestershire, LE12 7LT 01509 814715

A Pub for all seasons, delightful views in our garden in the summer or relax by the real fire with a newspaper during the winter. Friendly staff, excellent food and drink and a great atmosphere awaits…

Fridays, 6pm-8.45pm – Normal Menu Choose from a wide range of delicious home-cooked meals and daily specials.

Saturdays, 6pm-8.45pm – Specials Night

Buy any two specials and a bottle of house wine for just £27.50!

Sundays, 12pm-2.15pm – Sunday Lunch

The Stables Shop

Enjoy a free bottle of house wine with your Sunday lunch for any table of 4 or more! (Must include at least 2 adults.)

Open Tuesdays-Fridays (3pm-6pm), Saturdays (10am-12pm & 3pm-6pm) and Sundays (10am-12pm)

1 course £8.95 2 courses £12.95 3 courses £16.95

Selling a wide range of gifts, tea and coffee, homemade produce and everyday essentials.

The Stables Function Room

Available to hire for parties of up to 60 people (standing) or 30 (seated). Catering and bar also available.

© SVL

For more details visit:

www.whitehorseseagrave.co.uk

Page 26

Christmas Menu

Available from November 25th to December 24th.

Pre-order is essential for tables of 4 or more.

New Year’s Eve Menu

3 courses for £19.95 Wartime-inspired dishes…with a twist!

See our website for more details

Feature your business in Soar Valley Life – contact steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

Canine Grooming and Spa

01509 768831 In business since 1983 5 year warranty We’ll beat any like for like quote High Quality Digital TV, DAB & FM Aerials • LCD/Plasma Wall Mounts • OAP Discounts • Tune-in & System set ups

• Safe, clean and friendly environment • Teacup to large breeds catered for • Fully qualified and experienced Mon - Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm • Sat 9.30am to 5.00pm NOW TAKING CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS

• • • •

133 Highgate Road, Sileby LE12 7PW www.deltaaerials.co.uk

41 Swan Street, Sileby LE12 7NN

Call 01509 767420 / 07592 594000 bethklg@hotmail.co.uk

© SVL

www.poshdogsgrooming.com

TWIGGERS MOTORCYCLES

Our Servicing Centre Also Specialises in HONDA KAWASAKI SUZUKI YAMAHA

SERVICING, MOT'S & REPAIRS TO ALL VEHICLES including VANS & MOTORHOMES WELDING TO MOT STANDARD AND ABOVE ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS

BRANDED AND BUDGET TYRES plus NEW CLUTCHES, CAMBELTS, & EXHAUSTS, SUPPLIED AND FITTED CLASSIC RESTORATIONS & REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN BREAKDOWN RECOVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE

• New & Used for Sale • Servicing - Spares - Repairs & MOT’s • Tyres Supplied & Fitted • Helmets - Clothing - Alarms - Locks • Closed Sundays & Wednesdays

MOT

01509 263967

30 Nottingham Road, Loughborough, Leics LE11 1EU © SVL

w w w. t w i g g e r s m o t o r c y c l e s . c o . u k

Feature your business in Soar Valley Life – contact steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

Page 27

It’s not big... (but it is clever!)

It’s a designer bathroom* - and it’s in a space less than 6 feet square.

It’s easy to use, it’s easy on the eye, it’s easy to clean and it’s easy on the pocket!

It’s another award winning idea from Ablutions.

Find out the true potential for your bathroom - call 01530 215034 to arrange a free design consultation.

*You can see this bathroom in our showroom along with many other unique design solutions including our easy access baths and showers, bespoke shower enclosures and Glazztech our new and exclusive one piece glass shower walls.

Unit 7 Stephenson Court, Brindley Road, Stephenson Industrial Estate, Coalville LE67 3HG Open 10am to 5pm. Saturdays 10am to 3pm. Closed Sundays

www.ablutions.net

Time to make your Will There has recently been much publicity regarding the change to the intestacy rules brought in by the Inheritance and Trustees Powers Act 2014.

The Act alters the way estates will be distributed where the deceased did not leave a Will.

Whilst the intestacy provisions are simplified by the Act they do highlight the fact that they do not always achieve the best outcome for families, par cularly in modern society.

For example there is no provision made under the intestacy rules for cohabitees or stepchildren who, to receive

what they might be en tled to expect from a deceased’s estate, would need to make a claim in that estate, which is of course a stressful thing to do at a me when the claimant is bereaved and upset.

The change in the law, and the fact the government can change the law at any me, only goes to further highlight the need for all of us to have a Will in place reflec ng our true wishes. The fact is many people s ll do not have a Will and therefore take the risk that their estates on death will not pass to those for whom they care most.

Whether you have not yet made your Will or if your Will needs reviewing please contact our specialist team who will be delighted to assist you.

We have offices in Loughborough and Coalville or we can arrange to visit you at home.

Please feel free to contact one of our team: Anthony Benskin, Anne McGuinness or Katrina Greenwell.

A.Benskin@moss­solicitors.co.uk A.McGuinness@moss­solicitors.co.uk K.Greenwell@moss­solicitors.co.uk

MOSS SOLICITORS LLP Twice awarded Leicestershire Law Society County Law Firm of the Year 80-81 Woodgate, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 2XE

01509 217770 and Whitwick Business Centre, Stenson Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 4JP

01530 815747

www.moss-solicitors.co.uk Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £31 per month plus VAT – See page 5

Page 29

When the temperature drops ­ think curtains!

With the rising cost of fuel bills it makes financial sense to insulate your home.

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

www.acaciacurtains.com

One way of significantly reducing heat loss is by having a thick pair of curtains at your window. It has been proven that with double glazing and curtains you can reduce your hea ng bills by up to 66%, so the ini al outlay for a new pair of curtains may save you money in the long run.

Interlining is one way of adding insula on. It gives you an extra layer of fabric between the actual curtain fabric and the lining with the added benefit of allowing them to drape beau fully. An alterna ve would be to add a thermal lining, which is also suitable for roman blinds.

So, apart from having a stunning new pair of curtains at your window, you will be warm and cosy whilst saving money too!

Please give us a call for that at home appointment and we will happily bring the fabrics to you.

Call Acacia Curtains and Blinds on 01509 650832

Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £31 per month plus VAT – See page 5

Page 31

Changing Clothes At last, a range of quality clothing for older ladies and gentlemen to choose from in the comfort of their own home...

Mum can’t get out so easily these days, but she con nues to strive to be independent.

When I put my self in her shoes and imagine what it’s like to be more and more reliant on others for many of the day to day things we take Page 32

for granted, I realise how frustra ng life must be for her.

Clothes shopping for instance; a chore for some, a joy for others, but a necessity none the less. Then I consider the choices we have out there on the high street: specialist shops abound and there are department stores a­plenty with escalators to whisk you up with consummate ease.

But o en you have to climb back down the stairs a er they’ve taken your money.

This is not a problem un l you come to need a bit of help

with stairs not to men on a lot of stamina between stores.

But, in this Hi­Tech internet age, I hear you ask, why bother going into town, finding your way around from shop to shop and back home again, risking our untrustworthy weather? Just get on Amazon or eBay and all you could ever need is there at the click of a mouse. All well and good unless it doesn’t fit or the colour isn’t the same as it appeared on screen and you can’t get out

All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

to the post office to return the item. All assuming you have access to the internet and know what to do in the first place! Yep, you guessed it, Mum doesn’t do internet, and her knowledge of Hi­Tech stopped with the LED calculator 30 years ago!

Enter We Care Clothing!

A er a life me career as a nurse specialising in elderly care, Sharon Murphy had observed over many years how our elders are o en poorly catered for. She has

now thoroughly researched the market and brought together an extensive range of high quality clothes for the older person. You can even arrange for a visit in your own home, perhaps with a friend over coffee to try them for yourself.

Independence regained!

When I spoke to Mum about Sharon and We Care Clothing she replied, “What a very good idea ­ when can she come?”

Sharon Murphy, Proprietor of WE CARE CLOTHING

Feature your business in Soar Valley Life – contact steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

Page 33

EST. 1995

REPAIRS & SALES

NO FIX NO FEE

Electric Ovens - Cookers Dryers - Washing Machines HOTPOINT BOSCH ZANUSSI INDESIT NEFF & MANY MORE

H O T R E PA I R S FREE INSTALLATION OF NEW APPLIANCES

LOUGHBOROUGH 01509 237 037

www.hotrepairs.co.uk

Food tastes better from a clean oven!

Doesn’t your oven deserve a spring clean too?

Let us restore your oven to near showroom condition!

SPECIAL OFFER

Get your oven professionally cleaned

from £38 10% senior citizen discount

• Professional oven cleaning • 100% biodegradable materials • Local, friendly service • We also clean hobs, microwaves, extractors & even BBQs! Call now for a free quotation

07969 135210 or 0800 043 7861 info@theovencleaningcompanyleicester.com

www.theovencleaningcompanyleicester.com Offer price based on single residential oven with average use.

This advert must be produced to qualify.

CARPET CLEANING DEEP CLEAN YOUR CARPETS FROM £40.00

Send you y ur your

Christm Christmas h mas

Parcels from International nal Europe & Uk

38 Baxter Baxter Gate, Gate,, 1TQ Loughborough, Loughborough, LE11 1TQ Freephone: Freephone: 0333 600 2122 Page 34

All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

Need some help? Call Caroline Some mes it’s tough fi ng everything in when you lead a busy life...

Picking the kids up, dying the house, doing the weekly shop, ironing, preparing the evening meal, walking the dog and fi ng all this and more around a demanding career.

Perhaps you’ve tried a cleaning company, a laundry and ironing service or a domes c help and it either didn’t work out or maybe it wasn’t enough? There really are a thousand and one things to do and organise in order to create the household and lifestyle you want. Ideally you’d like a Madame Doub ire or a Girl Friday ­ but just for a few hours a week as and when you need?

Well fret yourself no more; Caroline Webster­Phillips could be the answer for you. A very capable lady, she is ready and able to fill in the gaps and take a load off your mind. She has taken early re rement from a busy job running the Home department in a large M & S store and now wants to use her experience and capabili es. She sees her role as a part me Home and Household PA, doing all those li le jobs that get put aside in a busy life, but that can build up into a problem if they’re not sorted.

Call Caroline to discuss what’s possible for you...

Home & Household PA Caroline can help you create the balance in your home and household • House si ng • Child si ng (CRB Checked)

• Holiday security occupancy • Ironing

• School Runs

• Shopping

• Household accounts

• Pet si ng

• Hospitality events

• Light domes c chores

CALL Caroline on

07887 373872

capable­caroline@outlook.com

If MOVING MADE CHEAPER was a house; GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE would form it’s foundation, the walls would be our DEDICATED STAFF, the roof would be our LOW FIXED FEES, OUR ENTHUSIASM would be the windows and it would be furnished with KNOWLEDGE and EXPERIENCE

Sales Fees Option 1 £899 + VAT upfront and £0 on completion Option 2 £349 + VAT Upfront and £649 + VAT on completion Option 3 £0 upfront and £1299 + VAT on completion

© SVL

Rental Fees Landlords Option 1 Let Only £325 + VAT set up fee Option 2 Full Management £200 + VAT set up fee, plus £7% PCM Tenants Application Fee for 1st Tenant £200 + VAT Application Fee for Further Tenants / Guarantor £75 + VAT

Discover this for yourself by calling 01509 268208 All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

Page 35

• Mortgages

I lost a stone a month mo with

• Pension Reviews • Income Protection

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• Investments

Cat Eley-Gaunt INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER TO BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS

BEFORE B

07975593464 | 01509416162 DENISE T OST LO LOS

84 Willow Road, Barrow upon Soar LE12 8GQ Email: cat.eley-gaunt@2plan.com cateley-gaunt.2plan.com

IN JJUST 2 MONTHS

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. TAX PLANNING IS NOT REGULATED BY THE FCA.

2st

• Life and Critical Illness Cover • Auto Enrolment and Employee Benefits • IHT and Tax Planning

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

Join my group Debbie Ford Loughborough Loughbo 01509 2 234433 Visit lighterlife.com/debbieford

©LighterLife UK Limited 2014. All rights reserved.

Clare Satchell Reflexology • • • • • • •

25% off first treatment Clinical Reflexology Hopi Ear Candles Hot Stone Reflexology Natural Lift Facial Massage Neal’s Yard Remedies Consultant Gift Vouchers Available

Call 0116 286 6447 FOR AN INSTANT QUOTE

Unit 33, King Street Buildings, George Street Entrance Enderby, Leicester LE19 4NT

www.ipaqrepair.co.uk

Bringing harmony to mind, body and soul

Email: clare@claresatchellreflexology.com

www.claresatchellreflexology.com Brookside, Barkby, Leicester LE7 3QD

07590 775 319

PROFESSIONAL REFLEXOLOGY

Massage Treatments • Holistic Therapies Beauty Treatments • Tarot & Spiritual Readings © SVL

75 Woodgate, Loughborough LE11 2TZ

01509 239600

Page 36

www.tslholistic.co.uk

Feature your business in Soar Valley Life – contact steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

Seborrhoeic Keratosis These domed or plate­like growths tend to increase with age, hence the outdated term “senile wart”. They are not warts and, rather than being viral, are the result of excessive growth of epidermal (skin) cells...

Although the exact cause is not known, they tend to be more common in sunlight exposed areas. Their surface can vary from slightly rough to very hard and crusty with colour ranging from pale to very dark brown.

They can be from a few millimetres to several cen metres across and some mes they can become sore or itchy. On dark skinned people, the same growths can form in clusters or chains in which case they are called Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra.

Extensive seborrhoeic keratosis

A er removal using advanced electrolysis

Many people feel they are highly disfiguring and will conceal them with clothing whenever possible. Since they are usually raised, concealing those on the face with make­up is rarely successful. At one me they could be removed on the NHS, generally by cryotherapy (freezing), but this is now very rare as these benign growths are

considered only to be a cosme c issue, not a medical one.

Advanced electrolysis is an excellent treatment for removal of these blemishes and generally leaves li le or no evidence of the defect. Once healing is complete the skin is flat and so .

Pennie Blatchford

Pennie Blatchford

- Advanced Cosmetic Procedures

Effective removal of benign skin blemishes for men and women

Pennie Blatchford B.Sc.(Hons), ITEC, IBSD, BABTAC

Skin tags, blood spots, warts, seborrhoeic keratosis, age spots, thread veins, spider naevi, milia, and other benign skin defects and blemishes can be removed using advanced electrolysis.

This is an inexpensive, quick and safe procedure. Free initial consultation by fully qualified, insured and licenced practitioner.

Please see website:

www.pennieblatchford.co.uk Email: pennieblatchford@hotmail.co.uk or phone on:

© SVL

Skin Tag before and after treatment

01509 646506 or 07887 865419 Hailey Avenue, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 4QW

Epidermoid cyst before and after treatment

Affordable Luxury Bathrooms, Wetrooms & Home Improvements 23 Souters Lane, Burton on the Wolds, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5AL

Tel: 01509 881713 Mob: 07944 798 588 chbgis@aol.com www.bgis.co.uk

Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £31 per month plus VAT – See page 5

Page 37

Low Woods furnishings Put some Jingle in your Bells this Christmas!

About 2½ miles off Junc on 23 of the M1, along the A512 to Ashby, there’s a right turn signposted to Low Woods. If you’ve never been there before you’re in for a lovely surprise – this is certainly not your average fabric, so furnishings and home accessories retailer...

25 years ago it was a thriving livestock farm but now it is a whole lot more. The Jacques family ­ Mum, Dad, son and daughters ­ began by stocking furnishing fabrics to sell on market stalls throughout the region, using a redundant barn which they later converted into a retail space.

From small beginnings the word spread beyond our county borders and loyal customers now come from much further afield, a racted by the huge variety of up to date stock.

Today the business occupies 5,000 square feet in refurbished outbuildings.

The family have created a sumptuous retail environment, with café, display showrooms and stock rooms, spreading out beyond the available buildings into an all­weather heated marquee. Neat rolls of curtain and upholstery fabric line the walls in colour themed areas while furniture, sofas, gi s,

Page 38

jewellery and gree ngs cards are carefully arranged to create impact for exci ng browsing.

When I visited in mid October the Christmas stock had just arrived and a selec on had been put on display in the marquee which adjoins the main barn. I have never seen such an original, tradi onal, special and a rac ve range of fes ve gi ware and decora ons all in one place before, and compe vely priced too.

Managing Director John Jacques told me, “We buy many of our fabrics directly from tex le mills in the North and Europe whenever possible, to provide the very best lines at the best possible prices. We also have excellent contacts with quality sofa manufacturers; we are their sales link for cancelled orders and ex­display items ­ great value which we then offer to our customers ­ o en at half the RRP!” “We also have a vast selec on of pa ern books to choose from with coordina ng trimmings to match. Our workshop is on­site, and our experienced seamstresses can make up your order to a high quality finish, all in house.”

So, if you need a bit of inspira on coming up to this year’s fes ve season take a trip to Low Woods Furnishings, just 10 minutes up the Ashby Road from Loughborough – the coffee and cake is excellent too!

All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

Low Woods Furnishings Add some sparkle to your Christmas

Come and cosy up this Christmas with our sumptuous fabrics, sofas and cushions and be inspired by our spectacular festive display * Traditional & contemporary Christmas decorations * Table & mantle piece displays * Beautiful home accessories

* Festive candles * Jewellery * Unique gift ideas at reasonable prices

Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm, Sunday: 9am - 1pm

Coffee Shop Now Open Low Woods Lane

We are here

M1 North

Shepshed

Ashby A512 Loughborough

J23

Our showroom is at: Low Woods Lane, Belton, Nr Loughborough LE12 9TR

Tel: 01530 222246

www.lowwoodsfurnishings.co.uk

A Hotel Bathroom at Home The best hotel bathrooms are blissful escapes from humdrum reality...

Superbly planned to make the most of what is o en not a large amount of space, they offer sleek efficiency, indulgence and opulence, from cosy­toes under floor hea ng to tac le taps, monsoon showerheads and gleaming glass. And that’s not to men on the most fla ering of ligh ng schemes, the deepest of deep­fill baths and the fluffiest of fluffy towels. All this and more is why we find it so pleasurable to stay in a hotel that has got its bathrooms right. And if you hanker a er this feeling, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t recreate the same sort of haven in which to relax and refresh at home. Simply take some of the essen al elements outlined

below, and your boring bathroom can be transformed into a true bathing beauty.

Work out your wish list…

Mark Sullivan of Aquafit Bathrooms says, “This is where we start: We sit down with you to discuss what you want and to create a plan to show what’s possible within the space you have and your budget. We’ll ask about your criteria ­ Do you have another bathroom? Do you have small children ­ because you’ll need a bath if you have, not necessarily if you haven’t. Are you planning to stay where you are? If you’re planning to sell soon, you’ll need all the op ons covered.

We’ll look at ligh ng and hea ng choices ­ led ligh ng, tall chrome radiators, heated towel rails etc., and then on to how much storage and surface space you want in the

New display NOW OPEN at NS Heating & Plumbing, Vulcan Way, Hermitage Ind Est Coalville LE67 3FW

room itself. We’ll then come up with the best op ons for you together with prices and me scales to fit and, sooner than you think, you’ll have the bathroom you always wanted…”

The best of both worlds: A walk­in shower and a bath all in a small space.

See Aquafit’s display in Coalville

WIN a Ragdale Experience Day for two people at award winning Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa worth £180

You and a friend could spend a relaxing day (valid Monday – Friday) at Ragdale Hall in Leicestershire on a Ragdale Experience Day to include:

Light lunch in the Verandah Bar.

How to Enter - Complete our Christmas Wordsearch on page 57 and send your answer, which is a six word phrase, together with your name, address and telephone number, to editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk or by post to Soar Valley Life, 1 Burton Road, Sileby, Leicestershire LE12 7RU

For Hard Copy Readers Only

The first correct answer out of the hat after the closing date of 16th December

facilities including the multimillion pound Thermal Spa featuring candle pool, indoor/outdoor waterfall and a series of heat and water experiences plus two further pools, including whirlpool bath and cascade.

Gym, exercise classes and outdoor facilities.

NB 10.30am arrival - 6.30pm departure

Terms and conditions apply.

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.

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 their website on www.ragdalehall.co.uk and take a look at their video brochure.

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

Keeping ac ve in the winter As the nights draw in and villages are thrown into darkness, ge ng out for a run or heading out to the gym may lose its appeal, especially when the frost sets in.

Try going to the gym on the way home rather than going home first and wan ng to snuggle in ­ or why not try workouts available online in the comfort of your living room? Si ng on the sofa will not keep you fit and healthy during the cold half of the year and being less ac ve may also cause a lowering of your mood.

Ge ng out for a weekend walk in the country, or taking a brisk walk at lunch me, especially on a bright sunny day, will li your mood and help you hit the 10,000 steps a day recommended to keep you fit.

Keeping ac ve will help to keep you well un l spring arrives.

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Page 42

All engineers security checked & NVQ trained

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Feature your business in Soar Valley Life – contact steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

THE

WAT E R S I D E INN

Great Food, Great Beer, Great Company

Come and join Lionel, Sue and the team in the newly extensively refurbished 18th century riverside pub-restaurant. “…a traditional English riverside pub serving quality food, traditional beers, fine wines and soft drinks at down to earth prices” Pub opening times Monday to Friday 11am til 3pm and 5pm til close Saturday and Sunday 11am til close Food served Monday to Friday noon til 2.30pm and 6pm til 8.30pm Saturday noon til 9pm Sunday noon til 4pm

© SVL

Right on the River Soar.

Sileby Road, Mountsorrel LE12 7BB 0116 230 2758 www.watersidemountsorrel.co.uk Email: food@thewatersidemountsorrel.com Advertise in Soar Valley Life from £31 per month plus VAT – See page 5

Page 43

Everything under the sun ...and then some!

Sunrise & Sunset Date

Sun Rise

Sun Set

Hours of Daylight

03­Dec­14

07:53

15:54

8h 00m 46s

08­Dec­14

08:02

15:50

7h 48m 00s

15­Dec­14

08:09

15:50

7h 39m 31s

22­Dec­14

08:14

15:52

7h 37m 49s

29­Dec­14

08:16

15:57

7h 41m 04s

05­Jan­15

08:15

16:05

7h 49m 44s

12­Jan­15

08:11

16:15

8h 03m 18s

19­Jan­15

08:05

16:26

8h 21m 03s

26­Jan­15

07:56

16:38

8h 42m 11

02­Feb­15

07:46

16:51

9h 05m 53s

Moonrise & Moonset Times Date

Moonrise

Moonset

Phase

6­Dec­14

13:29

07:27

Full Moon @ 22:23

14­Dec­14

­­­­­­

12:05

Last Quarter @12:52

22­Dec­14

08:03

16:56

New Moon @01:36

28­Dec­14

11:36 ­

­­­­

First Quarter @ 18:32

05­Jan­15

16:58

07:50

Full Moon @ 04:53

13­Jan­15

00:19

11:18

Last Quarter @ 09:46

20­Jan­15

07:27

16:57

New Moon @ 01:14

27­Jan­15

11:06

00:52

First Quarter @ 04:48

03­Feb­15

16:52

07:00

Full Moon @23:09

The Planets December: Venus reappears mid month at magnitude ­ 3.8 and is low in the twilight an hour a er sunset. For the last few evenings of the year, you might spot Mercury just to its lower right. It’s some 20 mes fainter than Venus, at Magnitude ­ 0.7 but if you have a pair of decent binoculars it should be an easy target. Mars is hanging on in the evening sky, as it has been all year, and is now se ng at half past seven. It’s at magnitude + 1 and lies in the constella on of Capricornus. Jupiter rising at 9pm is brilliant at magnitude ­ 2.2 between Cancer and Leo.

© SVL

Cosmic Blasts

A chilling reminder...

At 9.20 in the morning of February 15th last year a piece from an asteroid measuring 20 square metres, weighing about 14,000 tons entered the Earth’s atmosphere at a velocity of approximately 41,000 miles an hour. The explosion released 20 to 30 mes more energy than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima or Nagasaki at the end of WWll. The event, which happened over Chelyabinsk, southern Russia, about 2,500 miles due east of Leicester, injured nearly 1,500 people and damaged more than 7,000 buildings.

Most of the damage was caused by the shock wave as the meteor punched into the atmosphere. Some of the fragmented debris impacted at ground level, the largest being a 20 wide hole in the frozen surface of Lake Chebarkul.

Following an opera on las ng several weeks recovery of the fragment was achieved. It was brought to the surface by the diving team and ini ally weighed 1,442lbs, but it broke into three pieces a er it fell off the scales being used.

The event was a chilling reminder that we have to take the asteroid threat seriously.

The Earth con nues to be bombarded with debris le over from the forma on of our Solar System. And every so o en, a lump of cosmic rock far bigger than the Chelyabinsk meteorite hits our planet ­ as the dinosaurs learned to their cost 65 million years ago.

Using ever bigger telescopes and new satellites, astronomers are now redoubling their efforts to detect, and perhaps control, rogue asteroids.

January: Venus has a starring role throughout the first half of this year and skims past five other planets. This month you’ll catch Venus gradually rising from the twilight in the South East and shining brilliantly at magnitude ­ 3.8 Venus encounters Mercury only a degree to her lower right for only a few days mid month.

Mars is at the upper le se ng at 7.45 pm. Jupiter is king of the later evening sky rising at 6.30 pm, our giant planet blazing at magnitude ­ 2.4 Saturn follows much later rising a 4am at magnitude + 0.7.

February: Jupiter is resplendent all night long between Cancer and Leo at Mag ­ 2.3 domina ng the night sky as it comes its closest to Earth this year on February 6th. But even more brilliant is Venus at mag ­ 3.8 steaming upwards in the evening twilight, se ng some 3 hours a er the Sun. Mars has a tryst with Venus on 21st & 22nd of this month; they have a brief encounter as our two closest neighbours pass within 1 degree of each other. Mars at mag + 1.2 is a hundred mes fainter than Venus

Sponsored by For everything under the sun (almost!)

And Another Thing Christmas Shopping

by Tom Hughes It was that me of year again, when the late autumnal chill turns to a sharper, wintery shiver.

“Tom?”

“Mmmm?”

“What are you doing this Thursday?

“I’m busy.”

“Doing what.”

“Er, I have to creosote the dog.”

“Don’t be silly and stop hiding behind the paper. On Thursday we need to go … late night Christmas shopping.”

“Listen, I hate Christmas, and I hate Christmas shopping.

I’m like the condemned man shopping for rope. I’m a grown adult, I can make my own choices in life, so please find someone else, and that my dear, is my final, final word.”

The Trafford Centre car park was heaving as we bumped the Mondeo up onto the pavement and joined the happy throngs.

As soon as we entered, Sarah headed straight for the Christmas decora ons.

“Now Tom, do you think we need another Santa to stand in the corner of the front room?”

I turned around and stared at the rosy cheeks and glassy eyes of the li le fat man with the white beard. I felt like punching him. But instead I just pulled at his realis c whiskers.

“Er, do you mind?”

“I’m most terribly sorry,” I immediately apologised as the chubby old chap backed away from me, his furious wife in tow.

“Tom, what have I told you about not wearing your new glasses?

Page 46

Look, this is going to be a long night so let’s just get on with it.”

“I’ll tell you what ­ let’s split up.

You give me a list and we can finish in half the me.”

Sarah’s eyes narrowed as she ripped her brown envelope in half.

“Ok ... but don’t just go to Waterstones and browse for hours.”

“As if.”

The film sec on at Waterstones was bigger than I remembered, with huge glossy tomes full of scenes from my favourite films.

One Spielberg book was as weighty as it was marvellous.

But at forty quid I couldn’t jus fy the price. I looked over the book to see the whiskered old man whom I mistook for Santa meekly shuffling along behind his wife. He looked over at me, our differences forgo en as I held up my list. A moment of male bonding amongst the manic dash for presents. Then, as I replaced the Spielberg book, he gave me a strange, conspiratorial wink.

The next des na on was the perfume counter in Debenhams. A scary looking woman with cartoon eyebrows blocked my path. “Paco Rabanne?”

“No, Tom Hughes, but pleased to meet you.”

I offered my hand. The sales lady tried to look annoyed, but her plastered face couldn’t quite manage it.

“No sir, it’s a perfume ... pour l’homme.”

The sensual pout took me aback ­ who was this raging fire of pure epicurean femininity?

Fingering the exo c bo le of scent, I rummaged for my list ­ Uncle Barry, a ershave.

Perfect!

“How much, madame? “£44.50 sir.”

I was in Boots when Sarah rang.

“Did you buy Barry’s a ershave?”

“No.” “Why?” “Because I haven’t me to remortgage the house. Have you seen the price of Paco Rabanne?”

“The Hugo Boss is on offer.”

“No chance.”

“Why not?”

“Because he dressed the Nazis.”

“Tom, I don’t think we have me to discuss the ethics of Christmas ­ just go and buy something, anything.”

I trudged back to my Gallic friend and handed over thirty quid for a ny silver bo le of what to me smelt of catnip. I met Sarah at a

All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

generic coffee emporium. Weighed down with bags, she flopped onto the bench as I brought her a restora ve skinny la e.

“You’ve been busy.”

“Well, I just want to finish and go home. Where are your presents?”

“Here.”

I held up my li le a ershave bag.

“Is that it?”

“Well, I was distracted, the old man with the beard ....”

Sarah, half standing, slurped her coffee.

“Right, make yourself useful.

Carry these, me’s marching on, let’s go.”

Now reduced to a mute pack mule, I followed Sarah du fully around the stores, sulkily accep ng bundle a er bundle of sparkly loveliness.

And, before I knew it, it was Christmas morning and me to open our presents.

Sarah had told me what to buy her and when she opened her box gave me a polite look of mock surprise.

Then I opened my present ­ it was the Spielberg book.

“How did you know I wanted this?”

“I just had a feeling.”

The doorbell rang. It was Uncle Barry looking for his bo le of catnip.

Everyone ran out to greet him. From the hall I heard a rousing “Merry Christmas!”

Now alone, I glanced over at the corner of the room, where sat a chubby, red faced Santa.

So Sarah had bought one a er all?

And do you know something? If I didn’t know be er, and if I wasn’t on my third Bucks Fizz, I could have sworn he winked at me....

Follow Tom and Sarah’s wedding at groomsdaybook.com

Play your cards right

the retailer a small amount as a fee for their services. Banks make a lot of money from these merchant services. U lity Warehouse saw a benefit for their customers by offering a pre­paid card and giving back part of this charge plus a preferen al shopping bonus as a cash­ back on purchases. They have arranged special shopping bonuses with a number of high street retailers where you can earn extra cash back ­ ranging from Sainsbury at 3% through to Argos, Boots, B & Q, Café Rouge and about a hundred more at 5% and Toys R Us and Marriot hotels at 6% right up to TreatMe at 10%.

shopping with a U lity Warehouse CashBack card and earn enough to pay your u lity bills for a couple of months into the new year.

A pre­paid card isn't a credit card ­ it's a card you top up with your own money and use to shop with a wide range of leading retailers...

There are a number of major companies now offering this facility: Virgin Money, American Express, The Post Office and U lity Warehouse as well as a number of high street banks. They all offer obvious budge ng benefits; the main one being you can only spend what you have put on the card in the first place.

Whenever we use a credit or debit card to make a payment or to buy goods over the counter, the card issuer will charge

With Christmas looming, it is quite possible you could do all your fes ve

A small business could use a facility like this to pay for expenses and day to day running costs, and then get a pay back at the end of each month. Sibling and Partner cards are also available so family members or employees could be helping with the monthly bills too. And, because you can’t spend more than is loaded on the card, you can’t over spend.

Slash your household costs and get all your utilities on one bill

The Utility Warehouse guarantee that you will save money when you switch all your services to them or they will give you back 'Double the Difference' Terms and conditions apply

You could benefit from: • Save money on your services • Get money off your online shopping • Cash back on your shopping • Award winning customer service • Value that's unbeatable • One simple monthly bill To see what you could save contact - Clare Adele Howe

07989 932871

@ClareAdeleHowe hello@clareadele.com www.utilitywarehouse.org.uk/clareadele/jointheclub

© SVL

Feature your business in Soar Valley Life – contact steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

Page 47

Spot Ten Differences Answers on page 61

Open: Open: 8am 8am - 6pm Mon - Fri 51 Weeks of the year Rothely Park Rothley Park Kindergarten is a well established private day care nursery Kindergarten is a very well established celebrating 11 years of success.

Ourprivate bright, spacious, air-conditioned day care nursery celebrating 10 years of classrooms are designed and equipped to provide quality childcare in a success and continuing to deliver an stimulatingenvironment and enjoyable environment.

We offer 113 childcare places enhancing to alllearning the children and for children thequality ages of 6 weeks standards to 5 years.of such high calibre within the their parents.between We provide maintained provision.

Nursery manager Narinder Kaur and her team of professional nursery

Our bright spacious and air conditioned classrooms designed and to equipped to practitioners deliver a second-to-none childcare are service tailored your child’s provide a quality child care provision, delivering a stimulating and enjoyable learning individual requirements. environment. We offer 113 childcare places between the ages of 6 weeks to 5 years.

Limited Government funding is available for 3 and 4 year-olds. We also offer full

From the beginning Narinder Kaur, the nursery manager togetherfor with or part-time sessions as required, depending on availability, allher children professional nursery practitioners continue to deliver a quality childcare service, under the age of 5 years throughout the year and during school holidays. tailoring to your child’s individual requirements.

A warmGovernment welcome awaits you no appointments necessary as all new Limited Funding is–available for 3 and 4are Year olds. We also offer fulland and prospective parents are invited to visit us at their own part time sessions as required depending on availability forconvenience. all children under the age

www.rothleyparkkindergarten.co.uk | tel: 0116 230 3888 info@rothleyparkkindergarten.co.uk | mob: 07813 021410 Rothley Park Kindergarten, Loughborough Road, Rothley, Leicestershire LE7 7NL © SVL

Page 48

Feature your business in Soar Valley Life – contact steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY LOUGHBOROUGH

Trains T rains rrun weekend un eevery ver y w eekend 29th 2 9t November 9th November to to Christmas Eve Weekdays W We eekdays - Wed Wed 10th, We 10 0th, Wed Wed 17th, 17th, Mon 2 22nd, 2ndd, Tues 23rd & Wed 24th December,

ver y child c h i ld o oard SSanta ant a visits visits eevery onn bboard co m p l i m e n t s with our our compliments Festive Festive refreshments refreshments with Toys T oys from from SSanta ant a Have with H ave yyour our pphoto hoto ttaken aken w ith SSanta ant a

“C “Ch “Christmas Chhristmas istmass iss a mag istm magical maggical gica gi gic cal time tiim tim ime at at G Great reat eaatt Ce C Central Cent ntral al Rail Railway” Raiililwaay” Ra ayyy”” £12 PPrices rices sstart tar t from from £ 12 ADVANCE ESSENTIAL A DVANCE BOOKING BOOKING IIS SE S S E N TI A L To o rreserve eser ve yyour our sseat eat ppick ick uupp a lleaflet, eaflet , uuse se ou ourr o online nline bbooking oo system or ccall a ll 0 01509 1509 632 632323 w www.gcrailway.co.uk w w.gcrailway.co.uk or

FESTIVE F AMIL AMILY Y FU N

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Walking ­ Woodwell Head Walk instruc ons 4 1/4 Miles

2 Hours

Find a parking space in Edmondthorpe village, south of Wymondham halfway between Melton Mowbray and the A1, no facili es.

1 Start from the white pump outside the Social Club. Go down Woodwell Head Lane at the side of the Social Club, for a third of a mile to the yellow top marker post just past the house on the right.

5 Turn le along the narrower track with the dyke to the right.

The track con nues through a wide passage between the hedge and the dyke to a yellow top marker post. Bear right to a wide hedged track and follow this track up the slight slope. Woodwell Head is off to the le .

2 Turn right, along the wide but less substan al track with the trees to the right, through the gap in the trees and turn le with the trees now le . Con nue on this wide track to the yellow top post at the trees of Woodwell Head.

3 Keep direc on on the grassy track through the trees, over the footbridge at the other end and bear le with the trees to the le again. Carry on past the marker post at the boundary on a hardcore farm road that soon turns le . Keep ahead through the boundary level with the warehouse on the right, to a marker post.

6 At the junc on of tracks, keep ahead le bearing right with the hedge to the le , up to the end. Turn right, for 85yds and carry on le along the track between hedges, through the gate to a narrow tarmac road at a corner.

4 Turn le , along the path right of the marker post, along the field edge bearing le to a yellow top post in a dip. Turn le , over the stony ‘bridge’ and right for a very short way.

7 Keep ahead, on this track downslope, through another gate and back into Edmondthorpe village, to find your vehicle.

© Clive Brown ­ All our walks are compiled by Clive Brown who holds the copyright. You can order any of his 74 walking guides at: www.walkingcloseto.com. Or email Clive directly at walkingcloseto@yahoo.co.uk

Page 50

Email page? this Life Interested per month plus VAT – See page 5 £28steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk from in Soar Valley Adver insesponsoring

Paws for thought 40th anniversary appeal for a new veterinary suite at Woodside Animal Centre in Leicester.

Please help us care for more animals in need, urges Bill Oddie...

“When animals are in distress, suffering from neglect or cruelty, they need the best care we can give them.

That’s why I hope everyone who loves animals will join me in supporting Care 4 Paws.

This fantastic appeal aims to raise £1 million for a state-of-the-art vet suite at Woodside Animal Centre in Leicester. As they approach their 40th anniversary at Scudamore Road, they need our help to take animal welfare in Leicestershire to the next level.

The new suite will cost effectively provide care for more animals and help to quickly eliminate distress and suffering, providing quicker treatment times. With this suite, Woodside Animal Centre will be able to make their money go further, which they can then spend helping more animals to live a happy life.

With this wonderful new facility, the centre will be able to treat four times as many animals.

As the number of challenging animals taken in at the centre rises, the charity desperately need this new suite to continue the vital work of rehabilitating and finding new homes for animals.

Hard work and dedication from the Woodside staff, volunteers and Trustees, have made this one of the RSPCA’s top re-homing centres with one of the lowest return rate of animals in the UK. It provides invaluable services to the local community as well as the RSPCA regionally and nationally.

I am delighted to be Patron for the Care 4 Paws Appeal, as the centre embarks on a new stage in its history, to provide even more animals with the loving care they need and deserve.

This is the biggest fundraising challenge Woodside has ever undertaken and we need your support.

Your donation will be rewarded with the knowledge that you have helped countless animals to recover from neglect, cruelty and abandonment and to find new forever homes.

Thank you.”

Help to build a new vet centre at Woodside www.care4pawsappeal.org.uk Woodside Animal Centre 190 Scudamore Road, Leicester LE3 1UQ

0116 233 6677

info@rspcaleicester.org.uk www.rspcaleicester.org.uk

Page 51

To Donate, please visit www.care4pawsappeal.org.uk And scroll down and click the button Or Ring the Woodside Centre on

Woodside’s 40th anniversary in 2015 © SVL

0116 232 4932

All advertisers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

Please Donate

The Christmas Truce Christmas Eve 1914. The Western Front. Weeks of persistent rain have given way to a freeze, mud is turning to ice and Pope Benedict’s call for a Christmas ceasefire has fallen on deaf ears; figh ng has con nued throughout December. But today, in many places figh ng has been sporadic and half­hearted.

Staff Sergeant Clement Barker is huddled in his trench with his fellow Grenadier Guards.

They’ve received a li le Christmas cheer recently: le ers and gi s from home, including cards from George V, sweets from Princess Mary, and plum puddings.

Across No Man’s Land, the German troops whose celebra ons tradi onally focus on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day, are pu ng candles on ny trees they’ve received from home. The sound of their carol singing dri s over the English trenches as they break into S lle Nacht, Heilige Nacht (Silent Night).

“The trenches were a blaze of Christmas trees,” one soldier recalled, “and our sentries were regaled for hours with tradi onal Christmas songs.”

This is happening at other places too, and some English troops respond. “They finished their carol and we thought that we ought to retaliate in some way, so we sang The First Noël... they all began clapping; and then they struck up another favourite of theirs, O Tannenbaum,” wrote another young soldier.

Page 52

German soldiers of the 134th Saxon Regiment and Bri sh soldiers of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment meet in no man’s land, December 26

Back in Sergeant Barker’s trench, the soldiers receive a surprise visit from a German soldier. “He said that if (we) did not fire, they wouldn’t in the morning.” When morning comes, a er some cau ous showing of heads trust is established. English solders venture into No Man’s Land to retrieve and bury their dead, and when no shots are fired, they begin laughing and talking. Soon the Germans join them, shaking hands and exchanging gi s, and then “a football is kicked out of our trenches, and Germans and English play football”, Barker wrote.

Henry Williamson, who later wrote Tarka the O er, is also at the Western Front on Christmas Eve, patrolling just 50 feet from enemy lines. In an interview for the BBC’s series The Great War, he too recalled football matches, but these were played behind German lines and he made no men on of Bri sh and German troops playing together. However, despite the myths surrounding

Truce football matches between the two sides, some are well­ documented in le ers home. Two soldiers of the Cheshires described a huge, free­for­all match that took place in Wulverghem in Belgium, where No Man’s Land was less damaged by shell fire.

Williamson also described how the truce started for him and his fellow soldiers: “we crept out, trying to avoid our boots ringing on the frozen ground, and expec ng any moment to fall flat with the machine guns opening up. And nothing happened.”

There, too, the Germans sang Silent Night before invi ng the English troops closer. Williamson’s unit suspected a trap at first and were cau ous, but were soon exchanging gi s.

These are heart­warming moments for Barker and Williamson, but similar scenes are occurring at many points along the Front. Cigare es, ra ons and uniform bu ons are exchanged,

All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

some English exbarbers give German troops a haircut and one English trench receives a German chocolate cake, together with a ceasefire request and an invita on to an impromptu concert. “Just think,” wrote one soldier to his family, “while you were ea ng turkey I was talking and shaking hands with the very men I had been trying to kill a few hours before!”

The truce at Williamson’s posi on held for four days.

No Man’s Land was “grey and khaki... they were smoking and talking, shaking hands, exchanging names and addresses for a er the war, to write to one another.” But then orders arrived for fraternisa on to stop. The

Germans, too, were told senior officers would be arriving, and sent a message across to the English: they would have to fire their machine guns, but would fire high to try and avoid hi ng anyone. Barker and his men enjoyed peace for a li le longer as well. “Night came and s ll no shots. Boxing day the same, and has remained so up to now,” he wrote a few days later.

Gradually, open fraternisa on lessened and figh ng resumed.

Captain J C Dunn, Medical Officer in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, wrote a poignant account of how hos li es resumed at his posi on.

“I fired three shots in the air and put up a flag with “Merry Christmas” on it, and I climbed on the parapet...[the Germans] put

up a sheet with “Thank you” on it, and the German Captain appeared on the parapet. We both bowed and saluted... he fired two shots in the air, and the War was on again.”

Truces had happened before.

During the Crimean War and the Peninsula War, troops from both sides some mes socialised and shared ra ons around the same fire, and during the Boer War there were football games too. So why do we find the 1914 Christmas Truce especially memorable and moving? Perhaps because in the midst of a war that cost over 10 million lives, it was, as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle said, “one human episode amid all the atroci es.”

by Alison Runham

You don’t need a chimney to enjoy one of our fabulous fires, just a winter’s night and a glass of wine.

Just 2 minutes from J20 on the M1, our Lutterworth showroom is a cornucopia of original gifts for Christmas and beyond.

You'll find a warm welcome at Woodburner Workshop; there's ample car parking too!

Open Monday to Saturday 9am – 5pm also SUNDAYS 10am – 4pm from 9th November to 21st December and FRIDAY EVENINGS until 6pm from 28th November to 19th December

We are agents for Clearview, Aarrow, Jotul and many other leading brands Telephone: 01455 552552 email: info@woodburnerworkshop.co.uk www.woodburnerworkshop.co.uk Address: 31 Market St, Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 4EJ

All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

Page 53

Business 2 Business But, for all us lesser mortals, and those of us with more than one mouth to feed, we have to spread the word in whatever ways we can afford.

Marke ng your business ­ ignore it at your peril...

A er a 40 year career in business and star ng as a junior member of the fledgling Ins tute of Marke ng back in the mid 70s, when Geoffrey Kent (Chief Execu ve of Imperial Tobacco ­ Players) was our regional chairman, I have grown up with the myths and magic that surrounds this most mys cal and yet majes c of all business func ons.

The simple defini on of Marke ng is: The ac on or business of promo ng and selling products or services.

The longer defini on could fill a book.

One of the most common objec ons we get here at Soar Valley Life, from those that choose not to adver se with us, is this one: “I don’t need to adver se, all my work comes from referrals!”

The reply I’d like to give, but I restrain myself, is: “Well, lucky you!”

O en, a one man band, once he or she gets going, may not have the capacity for the extra work that effec ve adver sing may bring in and might well be able to live off those happy customers that recommend them to their friends and contacts. This is of course the jewel in the crown of all marke ng ac vity ­ ge ng your customers to promote and sell you and your wares, effec vely and for no fee!

Over the last few months we have looked at one par cular aspect of marke ng ­ that of business networking. Mary and I know for sure how effec ve this can be. Without the existence of (and her a endance at) The Loughborough Ladies Business Group, those businesses on these two pages, plus a few elsewhere, would most likely not be seen here.

Therefore we whole heartedly recommend business to business networking with no axe to grind other than the fact that we know it can work for almost any business.

But this is just one aspect of effec ve marke ng, and a business must engage in various forms of selling and promo ng in order to survive and thrive.

Watch our B2B pages over the coming months where we’ll be showing and telling more...

Steve Johns

What do you want for 2015?

If you’re looking for a healthier, happier and more prosperous 2015 contact Kate on

07973 296015 or Rachel on

07976 806578 © SVL

We'll show you how!

Newborn and family photographer Christmas gi vouchers from £50 07787 556512 www.viviennekanephotography.co.uk

Page 54

All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

© SVL

MOSS SOLICITORS LLP Twice awarded Leicestershire Law Society County Law Firm of the Year

Moss Solicitors wish all clients old and new a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year Tel: Loughborough 01509 217 770 or Coalville 01530 815 747 See our latest article on page 29

01509 813583

10% OFF

dayboat hire in 2015 if booked by end of January

silebymill@tiscali.co.uk

BOOK NOW

Starting December 6th Come and enjoy a one hour festive boat trip aboard one of our day boats £8 pp includes hot drink, mince pie & chocolate coins for children

© SVL

Book keeping and process improvement for small businesses

Gift Vouchers available

Newborn and family photographer

Unjumbling numbers & tax returns

FREE ONE HOUR CONSULTATION

Christmas gi vouchers from £50

Call Toria

07816 329909

07787 556512

email:

vic@toriasbooks.co.uk

© SVL

© SVL

www.viviennekanephotography.co.uk

Specialists in Wedding Hair 64 Churchgate, Loughborough

Tel: 01509 212 233 © SVL

www.dignifiedhairdesign.co.uk

Katie Kirk - Freelance Copywriter I’m good with words!

Copywriting • Proofreading Editing • Researching

Brooklands Chauffeurs

Covering all UK airports, seaports & City of London

Tel: 01509 812655 • Mobile: 07739 395409 Email: brooklandschauffeurs@gmail.com Sileby based

Getting the right message across to your customers © SVL

Call me on 0779 397 2882 or email katie.kirk@ntlworld.com

© SVL

Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £31 per month plus VAT – See page 5

Page 55

High Street Chambers 22 High Street Loughborough Leicestershire T: 01509 393 007

“ ”

New Brook House 385 Alfreton Road Nottingham NG7 5LR T: 0115 740 1177

Never quite made it to 100 years?

Don’t worry, we can help you get back on your feet again.

Tailor Made Advice Specialising In

Investments Savings Wealth Management Retirement planning Pensions Life Insurance Call me on

07928 676 675

for a FREE initial meeting at your convenience Or Email:

© SVL

helen.gadsby@inspirefinancialsolutionsltd.co.uk

Page 56

All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

© SVL

WIN!

A Ragdale Spa Day for Two! See page 41 for how to enter.

Christmas Angels Bells Cards Carols Crib Decorations Frankincense Gifts Gold Holly Kings Lights Manger Mistletoe Myrhh Pudding Rudolph

Santa Sleigh Snow Stable Star Toys Tradition

Tree Turkey Wreath

Find the names associated with Christmas in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase

Baker & Co Accountants & Bookkeepers 6 Brookbridge Court Syston Leicestershire LE7 2JT

Telephone

0116 2640889 (also fax) 0116 2695236 Email bakerandcoaccountants@btconnect.com Free initial consultation, and Home/workplace visits if desired Over 65 year experience within the practice Established in Syston for over 27 years

Accountancy headaches??

For a personal and jargon free service: SELF-ASSESSMENT TAX RETURNS ACCOUNTS FOR SOLE PROPRIETOR, PARTNERSHIPS, LIMITED COMPANIES, LLP'S. RENTAL INCOME ACCOUNTS, MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS etc VAT PREPARATION AND FILING VAT AND TAX ENQUIRIES PAYROLL BUREAU AND CIS PERSONAL AND CORPORATE TAXATION

Feature your business in Soar Valley Life – contact steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

© SVL

Page 57

What’s On in and around The Soar Valley: Compiled by Claire Stevens – Soar Valley Life events and news reporter

Sleeping Beauty at Loughborough Town Hall This year the annual Loughborough pantomime will tell the classic fairytale story of Sleeping Beauty.

With stunning sets, outrageous costumes, and endless laughter, the same company that brought you Jack and the Beanstalk last year will again create family fun entertainment perfect for getting you into the Christmas spirit. Prices vary, please see website for full details.

Dates: Saturday 29th November to Sunday 4th January 2015 Loughborough Town Hall, Market Place, Loughborough, LE11 3EB Telephone: 01509 231 914 www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk A Traditional Christmas at Belgrave Hall Celebrate the tradition of Christmas with seasonal entertainment from yesteryear, as well as lots of tasty festive treats. You can explore the hall which will be decked with holly and ivy and choose some unique Christmas gifts from the gift fair. Local choirs and musicians will be there to get everyone into the festive spirit, ready in time for the candlelit carols in the garden.

The event also features seasonal children's crafts, and much more.

Open from 11.00am until 5.00pm, admission is £8 for a family ticket, or £3.50 for adults and concessions £2.50.

Dates: Saturday 13th December 2014 Belgrave Hall & Gardens, Church Road, Belgrave, Leicester, LE4 5PE Telephone: 0116 266 6590 Santa visits Gorse Hill City Farm Santa Claus will be paying a special visit to Gorse Hill City Farm on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December. Head down to the farm to meet Santa and receive a gift, as well as see all the farmyard animals as normal. Admission is £3 per child, open from 11.00am until 3.00pm.

Dates: Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December 2014 Gorse Hill City Farm, Anstey Lane, Leicester, LE4 0FJ www.gorsehillcityfarm.org.uk

Page 58

Sileby Methodist Church Christmas Tree Festival Sileby Methodist Church will be hosting a Christmas tree festival, with a fee of £5 per tree that is entered.

Everyone is welcome to attend and refreshments will be served throughout the day. Open from 10.00am until 3.00pm on Saturday and 2.30pm until 4.00pm on Sunday. The Ladies Circle Carol Concert will also be performing from 2.30pm until 4.00pm.

Dates: Saturday 13th, Sunday 14th and Monday 15th December 2014 Sileby Methodist Church, King Street, Sileby, Loughborough, LE12 7NA Telephone: 01509 813 762 Spirits of Christmas This popular event features ghost stories with a Christmas theme, and is a more unusual way to celebrate festivities in the run up to Christmas!

So sit by a roaring fire and enjoy some chilling tales at the Guildhall in Leicester. Starts at 7.45pm. £7 per person and £6 for concessions.

Dates: Friday 19th December 2014 The Guildhall, Guildhall Lane, Leicester, LE1 5FQ Telephone: 0116 253 2569 Victorian Christmas at the Guildhall The Guildhall in Leicester will be hosting a magical Victorian Christmas that can be enjoyed by all the family.

Set in this unique venue, the event gives you the chance to meet Father Christmas and get into the festive spirit with lots of craft activities and trails set up throughout the day. Open from 11.00am until 3.00pm, £2.50 for activities.

Dates: Sunday 21st December 2014 The Guildhall, Guildhall Lane, Leicester, LE1 5FQ Telephone: 0116 253 2569 CHRISTMAS AT LEICESTER CATHEDRAL Sunday 21 December 3.00pm The Cathedral Carol Service A traditional service of lessons and carols, with the Cathedral Choir.

Preacher: The Rt Revd Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester.

Monday 22 December 7.00pm The Cathedral Carol Service (repeat) A second opportunity to attend the traditional service of lessons and carols, with the Cathedral Choir.

Preacher: The Rt Revd Christopher Boyle, Assistant Bishop of Leicester.

CHRISTMAS EVE 2.00pm Messy Crib Service Young children and families are especially welcome as we gather round the Crib for this short service celebrating the beginning of Christmas. Preacher: The Revd Canon Rosy Fairhurst, Canon Chancellor.

5.30pm Gathered at the Crib As we reveal the Crib, hear the Christmas story in Bible readings, carols, poetry and choir music.

Preacher: The Very Revd David Monteith, Dean of Leicester.

11.30pm Midnight Mass The First Eucharist of Christmas, in the presence of the Christ Child and the Crib, with the Cathedral Choir, incense and candlelight.

Preacher: The Rt Revd Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester.

CHRISTMAS DAY 10.30am Cathedral Christmas Day Eucharist A Christmas morning service for all ages, with music from the Cathedral Choir.

Preacher: The Rt Revd Christopher Boyle, Assistant Bishop of Leicester.

Art Deco and Decades of Design Fair The picturesque Beaumanor Hall will be hosting an art deco and design fair, where there will be specialist dealers on hand to offer a variety of high quality antique, Art Nouveau and Art Deco pieces; ranging from lighting, furniture and ceramics to jewellery and prints, all set against the backdrop of this Victorian stately home. Open from 10.00am until 4.00pm, £3 entry per person.

Dates: Sunday 4th January 2015 Beaumanor Hall, Beaumanor Drive, Woodhouse, Loughborough, LE12 8TX Telephone: 01509 890 119 www.beaumanorhall.co.uk

Interested in sponsoring this page? Email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

HS Foot Care Services re­open Mrs Kropp’s surgery in Mountsorrel Alan & Maxime Postlethwaite, both HCPC registered Podiatrists, had the opportunity to re­open Mrs Kropp’s old surgery, in Halstead Road Mountsorrel, just across the road from their exis ng surgery...

Maxime Postlethwaite in her new foot care surgery

Mrs Kropp’s son­in­law Alan said, “Our new surgery has proved to be very popular, so it is important that we now expand our capacity. In order to keep our unique and professional prac ce as it is for our pa ents, it makes sense to re­open the old surgery at number 29.

We have upgraded the equipment and replicated as best as possible the current surgery so that pa ents will have the same experience and level of care. My daughter Maxime will work in the new surgery from January 2015, giving her more flexibility in me with her growing pa ent base.

We will con nue to work together to perform the

more specialised services from our exis ng surgery, such as Nail Surgery and Manufacture of Ortho cs.

Mrs Kropp would have been so proud to see it.

Many local residents will remember it as a surgery for over 40 years!”

NEW AUTUMN MENU

Open Monday to Saturday from 6pm Last orders 9pm Contemporary Specials and Traditional Favourites In spacious comfortable surroundings Comfortable lounge bar, real flame fires, chef cooked cuisine, fine wines

Christmas menus now available

THE RESTAURANT AT THE MOUNTSORREL 217 Loughborough Road, Mountsorrel, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 7AR

01509 552 789

Email:info@mountsorrel-guesthouse.co.uk © SVL

www.mountsorrel-guesthouse.co.uk Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £31 per month plus VAT – See page 5

Page 59

£25 Cash Winner Congratula ons to Shamiah MacLeod who wins £25 just for ‘liking’ our Soar Valley Life facebook page.

0116 2987082 01509 412797 07825 795558 Cleaning:

Before

• CARPETS (Domestic & Commercial)

Shamiah was the ‘liker’ picked at random on 18th November 2014 from all ‘likers’ on our page.

Go to Soar Valley Life/facebook for your chance to win!

• SUITES (Leather & Fabric) • RUGS (Oriental, Asian / Silk & Wool)

After

• CURTAINS (In Situ) No obligation assessment visit as part of the service

Main Course Meal for Two Winner

Fair Trade Hamper Winner Congratula ons to Gill Baker of Mountsorrel whose entry in the above compe on was the first correct answer to be drawn at the Fair Trade Fayre in Loughborough Town Hall on 8th November 2014. The five word phrase in our Halloween Wordsearch puzzle was “Halloween is fun but scary” Gill won a Fair Trade Hamper with a retail value of around £60 See page 57 to win a Ragdale Spa Day for Two in our Christmas Wordsearch!

Page 60

© SVL

www.theprofessionalcarpetcleaner.co.uk

RAPID RESPONSE

Congratula ons to Sally Watson of Anstey whose entry in the above compe on was the first correct answer to be drawn out of the hat a er the closing date. Any two of the herbs growing in the Mountsorrel Restaurant garden qualified for entry – sage, rosemary, oregano or mint.

Sally wins a main course meal with a glass of wine for two people at The Restaurant at the Mountsorrel – see page 59 for details

X

LOCK For peace of mind while you’re away – call LockXpert – don’t delay!

FREE SECURITY CHECKS AVAILABLE.

PERT

& Security Solutions SERVICES OFFERED

OFFICE: MOB:

Domestic and commercial locksmiths Rapid call out for lock opening & lock replacements Locks serviced and repaired Moving home package Master keyed systems Keys cut on site Upvc door & window specialists Window and garage door locks supplied & fitted Work & materials, insurance & local authority approved

01509 412 412 07860 456 474

Put these numbers in your phone in case of emergency.

EMAIL: lockxpert@tiscali.co.uk 21 Welland Road, Barrow upon Soar, Loughborough LE12 8NA

Interested in sponsoring this page? Email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

When your Image needs Impact I have two s cks I lean on when making photographs: less is more and I don’t do subtle. Let me explain…

By ‘less is more’ I mean experience has taught me that most of the photographs I take please me and others more if they concentrate on a part of the view rather than the whole. Reduce what you see down to the simplest elements which a viewer can fix upon, this will retain the eye and interest in the scene. This is not to say I do not take broad view landscapes, I do this a lot. Most good landscape views will however have a strong foreground interest. Another photographer told me of a good way to explain this technique: ‘Find a really nice view and then put something even be er in front of it!’ I like that and it brings us straight back to simplifying the image ­ less is more.

‘I don’t do subtle’ is not perhaps the most accurate way of explaining my inten ons; every image does not have to have high satura on nor a high contrast. What it must have is all the appeal/impact I can give it. This may be contrast or satura on; it may require a vigne e to constrain the viewers’ eye in the frame or mist to obscure the unimportant parts and maximise the main subject’s appeal.

Landscape photographer available for commissions.

Beautiful pictures of Britain to decorate your home or as gifts.

Available online or from Gallery 18, Churchgate, Loughborough.

May the light be with you…

01530 230 360

Bill Allsopp

Solu ons

Christmas Music Quiz Answers 1.

Auld Lang Syne

2.

Cry and Pout "You'd be er watch out, you'd be er not cry, you'd be er not pout, I'm telling you why"

www.billallsopp.co.uk

Spot the Difference Answers 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Snow Flame Yellow Scarf Eye missing Bobble Dots on blue scarf Leg missing Man's Teeth Finger Ear gone

Quick Crossword Across: 7 Tomato, 8 Around, 9 Dead, 10 Restrain, 11 Sca er, 13 Cries, 15 About, 17 Good­bye,

3.

S ng "Where the only water flowing is the bi er s ng of tears"

4.

Mr Blobby

5.

Galway Bay

6.

Jingle Bells

Down: 1 Done, 2 Bandit,

7.

The Vietnam War

3 Journey, 4 Harsh,

8.

26th "on the feast of Stephen"

9.

Gary Barlow

5 Horror, 6 En rely,

20 Familiar, 21 Need, 23 Reveal, 24 Grease.

10. 184 ­ 7 swans­a­swimming on 6 days, 6 geese­a­laying on 7 days, 4 colly birds on 9 days, 3 French hens on 10 days, 2 turtle doves on 11 days, 1 partridge on 12 days

12 Cabbages, 14 Courage, 16 United, 18 Donkey, 19 Girly, 22 Easy.

Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £31 per month plus VAT – See page 5

Page 61

Established 1991

Mark Whelband

All work carries a 10 year insurance backed guarantee

Manufacturers and Installers of PVC Windows, Doors and Conservatories

Have your windows replaced and receive a free composite door - Limited period only

T: 01509 211990 F: 01509 267806 E: whelband@btconnect.com www.whelbandwindows.co.uk Unit 6, Festival Drive, Loughborough, LE11 5XJ

Specialist window repairs sealed unit an , lock replacem d en Call us now fo t. expert advice.r

HS Foot Care Services

opens second surgery in Mountsorrel

Alan and Maxime Postlethwaite open 2nd facility in Mrs Kropps original surgery

SERVICES GENERAL CHIROPODY Cutting nails, reducing callus & corns, ingrowing nails (conservative management), treating verrucae.

NEUROLOGICAL & VASCULAR TESTING All new patients are tested – check condition of nerves and circulation to feet.

FOOT & HEEL PAIN Assessment, advice, treatment.

SPECIALIST CREAMS SUPPLIED Specialist creams & fungal treatments not available from pharmacies.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES FROM EXISTING SURGERY:NAIL SURGERY

Full & partial nail removal under local anaesthetic &

BESPOKE ORTHOTICS

Gait analysis, biomechanical assessment, exercise advice, manufacture of bespoke orthotics onsite.

Foot Care Services

Tel: 0116 210 6413 Mobile: 0797 660 8913 Alan Postlethwaite BSc(Hons) Podiatry,DipBMec,FSPract.

Maxime Postlethwaite BSc (Hons) Podiatry

© SVL

Modern surgery with easy access: 29 & 34A Halstead Rd., Mountsorrel, Leics. LE12 7HF

Website: www.hsfcs.co.uk eMail: alanp@hsfcs.co.uk

See our article on page 59