Soar Valley Life Issue 11 February 2013

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

Your Independent Community Magazine & Business Directory

Copy deadline for March issue Tuesday 19th February

Your FULL COLOUR magazine and business directory

Sileby and Mountsorrel Edi on Please visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for full distribu on details and media pack

Featured inside: Weddings Phillip McGough Country Walk Cycling Recipes Health & Fitness Puzzles

Wedding Feature

See Peppa Pig and George at the Great Central

Page 19

ISSUE 11. FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

PRICELESS

Page 25

Pages 36 – 39

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Serendipity In the tradi onal folk song “The January Man” each month is represented by a man and the way he feels and copes with the weather; but the February Man is indis nct, a mere close rela ve of January who “… s ll wipes the snow from off his hair and blows his hands…”

I too was finding February a difficult month to symbolise with an image as I explored ideas for this month’s cover photo. I had looked for a sunrise over the Soar, thinking that this would be a posi ve metaphor, promising lighter, warmer and drier days. I had wandered through Swithland woods hoping to catch a snowdrop emerging though the snow, then on to Woodhouse Eaves where the snow and hoar‐frosted trees created a winter wonderland. I walked along the hardly ever used Great Central Railway viaduct which spans the river at Stanford on Soar and was reminded of Don Maclean’s song “Vincent” as I looked out over the ‘snowy linen land’ towards Loughborough. Treading through that ‘virgin snow’ by the unused railway track, I saw that only a fox and a blackbird had been there before me.

I almost gave up, but when the last Saturday in January brought blue skies and sunshine I had one final try and drove up to Castle Hill in Mountsorrel, where the monument presides over the Soar Valley. The scene was bright and typical of the season, but the light wasn’t right. I could hear the sound of steam engines chuff‐ chuff‐chuffing and whistling over the hill behind me – it was the weekend of the Winter Steam Gala on the Great Central ‐ and I wondered if I could get a picture looking down from the hill with a smoke trail in the near distance. I walked towards the sounds, entering Cufflins Pit Lane where the snow was mel ng and forming big puddles. It was a glorious day and a few walkers with their dogs were taking advantage of the respite in the weather. I asked a couple coming towards me if you could see the railway from where they had been and they said you couldn’t; but the sounds were ge ng closer, so I pressed ahead. I came to a new wooden gateway and fence with a sign and a map which informed me of a view point a li le further up.

I didn’t get the shot I was hoping for – no smoke trail in a snowy linen land – but something quite unexpected: placed there in 2011, a sculpture depic ng one of our areas’s defining trades.

As ever, we are pleased to promote all the trades, services, businesses, organisa ons, clubs and associa ons our splendid Soar Valley has to offer…

Steve & Mary Johns

Editors ‐ Soar Valley Life Page 2

Lafarge Sculpture by viewpoint on Cufflins Pit Lane, Mountsorrel 25th January 2013

Contents

Eye‐Opening Technologies!

4 Poem – Puddles 6 End of Year Planning 8 Quiz – Love and Kisses 9 I Want to Ride my Bicycle 10 Shu er Proof by Acacia 13 Words of Wisdom 15 Sudoku 16 Party yourself into shape 16 What ails you?

17 My Ragdale Experience Day 18 Recipe – No Bake Easy Cheese Cake 20 Recipe – Chocolate Oil Cake 20 In Case of Emergency 22 M G – the sign of happy motoring 23 Top Tips by Charnwood Maintenance 24 From Li le Ninjas...

25 General Knowledge Crossword 27 Walk ‐ Fishpool Brook 28 Answers to Puzzles 30 Food prices on the increase? Not ours!

31 Introducing Phillip Mark McGough 32 Buying and Selling – the Jargon Explained 33 Spot the Difference?

34 Spot the Difference Puzzle 35 Wedding Feature 36 ‐ 39 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.

Visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for details of adver sing rates

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Soar Valley Life Business Directory Beauty Eden Skincare & Beauty Salon

37

Builders Merchants John A Stephens

12

Child Care Parkside Nursery School

23

Florist Lavish Wedding Flowers

38

Health Care Ac vity 4all Charnwood Hearing Aid Centre Gareth Hudson – Foot Health Professional Hear4u HS Footcare Services LighterLife Reed Wellbeing Visual Answers Op cians / Optometrists Walk‐in Physio Ltd

13 15 29 35 18 31 17 5 34

Home and Garden Acacia Curtains and Blinds AMW Kitchens Carpets of Choice Charnwood Maintenance Services Charnwood Tree Services Dave Keen Professional Decorator Delta Aerials Doortronic – Remote Controlled Garage Doors Harrison Landscaping Kingswood Design & Interiors Lo Storage Solu ons KR Electrical MJ Joinery Neil Philips Interiors RJB Plumbing Richard Watson Decorator SJS Professional Carpet Cleaner Soar Valley Aerials The Chimney Doc The Oven Cleaning Company Whelband Windows

13 17 7 24 26 9 9 9 12 30 8 26 27 22 6 13 34 26 18 17 21

Motoring ADM Driving Tui on D & M Classics Ltd MG Execu ve Car Hire

23 36 23

Pubs and Restaurants The Queen Victoria

29

Professional Services Baker & Co. Accountants CP Accountancy Ltd Crea vio Video Produc on Emery Johnson Solicitors In Home Legal Services Moss Solicitors Therapy Services Hypnotherapy

14 8 37 26 22 33 16

Sports and Leisure Cyclops Cycles Great Central Railway Physfit Gyms Rosemary Conley Soar Valley Leisure Centre Stealth Academy Mar al Arts Zumba Fitness

11 19 and 39 13 27 40 25 16

Residen al Care The Abbeyfield

15

All our adver sers have their own entry on our website giving full details of all that they do with links to their own website and on‐line presence.

Please go to:

www.soarvalleylife.co.uk And then click on our business directory

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

Page 3

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Eye-opening technologies!

“If you thought contact lenses were just for correc ng eyesight, think again,” says Optometrist Mohammed Bhojani

par cular health condi ons such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and even infec ous diseases in the body ‐ so the lens would act as a “health sensor”.

Contact lenses are already the favourite choice of millions of people. They are an effec ve alterna ve to glasses for people needing vision correc on.

Health applica ons are not the only ideas being inves gated – researchers at the University of Washington have demonstrated a contact lens that includes an electronic circuit and light emi ng diode (LED) that is just one‐third of a millimetre across.

The idea is that this technology could be used one day in applica ons such as mobile communica ons, video game technology, virtual reality, business and military use. (Ooo­er! Ed.)

Smart Contact Lenses that measure your eye pressure in Glaucoma Recent advances in contact lens technology offer many new and exci ng alterna ves for contact lens wearers, providing great comfort without dryness and giving you clear vision at all mes.

Now up to 90% of spectacle wearers may be suitable for contact lenses – but the future is even more exci ng.

The Future Of Contact Lenses?

Eye specialists, Optometrists and Doctors diagnose a surprising amount from an eye examina on, so now researchers are working on ways to add more technical capabili es to make a genera on of “smart contact lenses” – one area being researched is to use a contact lens to release medica on in the eyes via the cornea (preven ng the need to remember to apply regular eye drops as in the case of Glaucoma medica on). Another area of research & possible func on is to put ny markings on the surface of lenses that will change colour to warn of Page 4

Anyone who would like to wear contact lenses but has had trouble with them in the past should make an appointment to try contact lenses again.

Most optometrists will be able to quickly asses if you are now a good candidate and let you try on a sample of the new genera on of high technology lenses.

Even if you’ve never considered lenses before you’ll be surprised how comfortable they can be.

Seek the advice of an optometrist who makes contact lens prescrip ons his or her specialty, with a large inventory of different contacts on hand. In many cases you will walk out of the prac ce trialing your new contact lenses the same day as your first appointment!

Mohammed Bhojani BSc (Hons) MC Optom FRSA is an Optometrist & Contact Lens Prac oner at Visual Answers Op cians in Quorn & Barrow Upon Soar – he is also a sessional optometrist at the Corneal Laser Centre at the Spire Hospital in Leicester and Member of the Bri sh Contact Lens Associa on.

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

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Puddles I wish with all my heart I’d bought that nice house on the hill, Not the cottage by the river, where the banks now start to spill, I look towards my garden, where the water’s getting deeper, And suddenly I realise, why this house was so much cheaper, I glance out of my window, from my kitchen snug and dry, And notice my best fuchsia, as it gaily floats on by, The bushes swirl below me, they’re all caught up in the flow, And my faithful rabbit Flopsy, floated past an hour ago, I look into the garden pond, now full up to the brim, With a cheery wave to Tiddles; never knew that cat could swim!

I go into the hallway; there’s a letter through the door, Its from the water company, I’ve seen all this before.

“We are running short of water, so be prudent where you can, We regret to have to tell you that we’ve set a hose pipe ban, So customers, turn off your taps, use showers, please don’t bath...”

And I look out of my window, and I slowly start to laugh... ©Jan Jack’s Perfect Verse 2011.

Commission a bespoke verse at www.perfectverse.co.uk

RJB Plumbing & Repairs Jan Jack’s Perfect Verse

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Page 6

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

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

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Good choice of rugs always available in store

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End of Year Planning

by Caroline Parnell of CP Accountancy, Rothley Many of our clients are certainly bea ng the recession which is extremely encouraging and pleasing to see but now is the me to be looking at the tax implica ons of this and how best to maximise any possible tax savings.

If you are considering purchasing any capital equipment in the near future it may be worth mee ng with your accountant to discuss the benefit of making your purchase before your year‐end if you believe you have had a good, profitable year.

CP Accountancy Ltd End of year accounts, Bookkeeping, VAT, PAYE, CIS, and Tax Returns for Sole-traders, Partnerships and small Limited Companies Office 9 Lazarus Court, Woodgate Rothley, Leicestershire LE7 7NR

Annual Investment Allowance on qualifying plant and machinery, including motor vans, was previously limited to £25,000 expenditure per year but from 1 January 2013 this has temporarily been increased to £250,000 for 2 years and provides 100% first year tax relief.

Tel: 01162 303 973 Mobile: 07749 650129 Email: info@cpaccountancyltd.co.uk

AIA is available to all sole‐traders, partnerships and companies.

We would always recommend discussing with your accountant the ming and any tax implica ons of capital investments together with the different op ons available of financing such purchases.

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Quiz - Love and Kisses 1. Who is the Greek goddess of love?

2. What is the name of the bridge in Venice where, according to legend, lovers will be granted eternal love if they kiss on a gondola at sunset underneath it?

3. Which famous 1913 play has a tle that is the name of a sculptor from Greek mythology who fell in love with his statue?

4. “Thus, with a kiss, I die” are the last words of which Shakespearean character?

5. Which American city is some mes referred to as “the city of brotherly love” as its name was derived from Greek words meaning “love” and “brother”?

6. Which pop group released their debut album Kissing To Be Clever in 1982?

7. According to the first line of the Sinead O’Connor hit single Nothing Compares 2 U, it had been how many days and how many hours “since you let your love away”?

8. Which disease is some mes referred to as the kissing disease?

9. Which Queen did Judi Dench portray in the film Shakespeare In Love?

10. According to legend, what would you receive if you kissed the Blarney Stone?

Answers on page 30

Dave Keen

Professional Decorator

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Visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for details of adver sing rates

Page 9

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I want to ride my bicycle...

The bicycle is a rela vely modern inven on but in its me there have been many iconic images that stay in the memory...

I give you as an example ET being carried across the face of the moon, defying gravity and all sense of belief; or Paul Newman giving Katherine Ross a li in ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ to the tune of ‘Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head’ sung by the improbably named B J Thomas. Then there was the Hovis boy with his cast iron delivery bike struggling up a hill so steep that it’s a wonder there were no mountain goats in the shot! And of course last year’s Olympic pedallers pushing mere mortals like us into the belief that we too could do that. By the way – how right we were in predic ng that Bradley Wiggins would receive a knighthood.

Page 10

There is, however, one image seen every year which brings a smile and a heart‐warming glow and proves that nothing really changes – well, not for me anyway.

Picture the scene on Christmas morning if you would – the tree aglow with lights that only took two days to fix, parcels underneath all wrapped in fes ve paper and in the corner something so difficult to wrap that it can hardly be disguised from the excited child who is jumping up and down knowing that underneath the ridiculous a empt at camoflage lurks a bicycle.

What joy as the wrapping is torn away! Li le brother Alfie, too young to understand, may be happy just to play with the biggest available cardboard box but here is a gi of freedom, new horizons, independence and a ride down the pavement with dad before lunch. You see them every Christmas morning around 11 o’clock when dads have finally given in to the incessant demands to go out for a ride on the new bike. It is a joyous sight which takes me back to my childhood; back to when the Hovis lad was worn out from pushing all that bread up that fearsome hill.

So how is it then that the pavements, at least where I live, are not swarming with 10 year olds whizzing up and down and making our lives hell for the rest of the year?

Why do I see most bicycles on the back of a family

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

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Con nued estate car or caravan going up the M1? Is it just me who thinks most cyclists are middle aged and wonders where all the youngsters have gone?

The bicycle is first and foremost a method of conveyance ‐ to the shop, to work, a mate’s house or to school. But this last one is less likely now because I expect the schools have pulled down the bike sheds to prevent stolen kisses or first cigare es – or to make way for a bigger car park. And, a er all, who needs a bike shed when there’s a free bus?

So where are all the kids who used to ride on the pavement? Perhaps they are ge ng wider on the sofa killing 300 aliens before tea; perhaps they are si ng in the back of a car being ferried around by mum or dad as they watch a DVD on the screen on the back of the front seat.

And what of the dream that first bicycle promised? That promise was of freedom, independence, cut knees and elbows, being late for tea, learning to repair punctures, fiddling with spanners, learning road skills, balance, geography, discovery, what freezing feels like, being soaked to the skin, miserable, elated, sweaty, how gravity works uphill and downhill, how far is a mile or even a kilometre, speed, accidently‐swallowed flies, stamina, health, fitness, s ff muscles, sore bums and sunburn – but most of all ESCAPE. None of these things have le me since I got my own first bike – a blue Gresham Flyer it was; and even though I mostly drive a car now, when I’m on my bicycle I am s ll 12 years old...

Si Klyst

1120 Melton Road, Syston

0116 260 8500

2013 MERIDA BIKES now in stock with prices starting from £299 A few 2012 models still available at SALE prices.

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

Page 11

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BUILDERS MERCHANTS

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

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

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

Page 12

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

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

Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 10:56 Page 13

Shu er Proof Sleek, good-looking and versa le, shu ers are widely considered the ul mate window treatment.

From vintage charm to modern minimalism, they bring an instant shot of laid back style into your home. They’re as prac cal as they’re beau ful, giving you enhanced privacy, excep onal light control and reduced external noise.

Beau fully cra ed and made to measure to virtually any size or shape, our shu ers are an inspired choice of tradi onal and contemporary styles, natural wood and painted finishes.

Or if you have a par cular colour in mind, our custom colour op on is the perfect solu on.

With a range of different wood types, fixings and slat widths to choose from, shu ers are suitable for most window types including sash, bay windows and pa o doors – and just as importantly, all budgets!

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Best equipped gym in the Soar Valley Free parking on Station/Tesco Car park

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Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £21 per month plus VAT

Page 13

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

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

01509 266605 44 Westfield Drive, Loughborough, LE11 3QL

Visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for details of adver sing rates

Page 15

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Party yourself into shape

LOSE WEIGHT & TONE, HAVE FUN, LEARN NEW DANCE MOVES TRY

Zumba Fitness ‐ This very popular class is affec onately known as the original cardio party. The session is an hour long dancebased workout to the ho est La n inspired Zumba® rhythms. You don't need to have any dance experience ‐ just turn up, move your body and follow our lead ‐ it's as easy as that. This is a fun, high stamina, energy filled class ‐ so come along and join the Zumba® party!

Zumba classes are brought to you by Venia, an experienced instructor who has been running Zumba fitness in Leicestershire for over three years.

All Zumba classes are for one hour - they only cost £4 - so just turn up and Zumba!

Rawlands College ‐ Quorn

Mondays & Thursdays 7 pm

Quorn Village Hall

Tuesday Mornings 10 am

Humphrey Perkins High School ‐ Barrow upon Soar

Tuesday Evenings 6.45 pm

Roundhill College ‐ Thurmaston

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with VENIA

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Easy Sudoku

Answers on page 30

For how to play go to h p://www.sudoku.name/rules/en Page 16

fitness

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

Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 10:56 Page 17

What ails you?

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

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

07904 987234 / 01509 414484 www.amw-kitchens.co.uk

According to recent Mori research, stress was cited as having a nega ve effect on over a third of the working popula on; it is also es mated that over 75% of all illness is stress related. Paula Reed of Reed Wellbeing spoke to Soar Valley Life...

“About 15 years ago my GP diagnosed that I was suffering from a stress related illness; I had a very demanding job and busy life. All well and good but he didn’t tell me what to do about it other than to relax and take a holiday!

Relaxing in sunny climes would probably relieve stress in the short term but it would do nothing about the overwhelming life I would return to. So looking around for a more permanent solu on I discovered Reflexology which completely changed my life and improved my symptoms a er only one session. Reflexology is not only a beneficial tool for relaxa on and stress relief but it is also effec ve for improving nerve and blood supply and relieving pain.

Shortly a er discovering Reflexology I was introduced to Reiki (pronounced RAY – key) which is a powerful natural healing therapy; a hands‐on, energy channelling technique which helps clear blockages in the body’s energy field allowing healing to occur at all levels and release daily stress.

Since then I have trained with the best Complementary Health trainers so that I could become the best and give to others the wonderful freedom these techniques have brought to me. My journey started many years ago helping family and friends and four years ago I began working full me in the specially appointed clinic at my home. I have added other therapies to my tool kit and I am now a Member of the NHS Directory of Complementary and Alterna ve Prac oners.”

We look forward to Paula contribu ng to our WELLBEING feature in future issues ­ Editor

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Page 17

Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 10:56 Page 18

Need a

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Foot & heel pain?

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Page 18

Last August I was thrilled to ďŹ nd I’d won an Experience Day for two at Ragdale Hall in one of Soar Valley Life’s compe ons. Choosing to go in January meant my husband and I were able to wallow in warmth and comfort while it snowed outside!

On being welcomed at recep on we were treated to coee while they checked we were healthy enough to enjoy the various facili es. We could join in any of the ďŹ tness sessions such as Zumba, Yoga and Pilates and the day also included lunch.

Having been allocated lockers we started o in the gym on treadmills and rowing machines – very gently as we hadn’t done any ďŹ tness training for some me. A er 30 minutes we’d had enough of that and went for coee (and a calorie ridden doughnut!) at one of the three cafĂŠ bars and then browsed around the bou ques. I decided I would like a treatment of some kind and managed to book a head massage; it was so soothing that I dri ed o a bit towards the end. I then joined my husband in the pool where the water was a lovely lukewarm temperature. Plenty of room to swim full lengths and only a few feet deep all over, so you were never out of your depth.

The majority of visitors were female � several mother/ daughter couples and groups having a girl’s day out.

Despite being in the minority my husband enjoyed himself and there were several couples like us; plenty with middleage spread (or, like me, old�age spread) as well as slim young things!

We decided to ďŹ nish o the day with dinner in the oakpanelled dining room with candlelit chandeliers. The food was very good, not just a le uce leaf as one of our friends had warned us! A lovely day and a lovely experience â€? I recommend it to anyone wan ng to get away from it all.

Editor’s note: Winner of our latest Ragdale Hall Experience Day Compe on to be announced in March!

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

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

Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 10:56 Page 19

• Meet

at 11, 12, 1, 2, & 3 • Meet at 11.30, 12.30, 1.30, 2.30 & 3.30 • Photo opportunities with

- don't forget your camera • Children's entertainer with magic and games • Free face painting • Funfair at Rothley • Hop on and off at any of our 4 stations • Enjoy a 16 mile round trip behind a big steam engine Family Ticket: £34 (2 adults & up to 3 children) £23 (1 adult & up to 3 children)

Enquiries & Bookings:

01509 632323

www.gcrailway.co.uk

NB: Prices include unlimited rail travel and all entertainment except the funfair at Rothley.

Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 10:56 Page 20

Recipes No Bake Easy Cheesecake You will need a 7” to 8” n with a push‐up base or a spring‐clip. Or, as this freezes well, you can divide it into foil or plas c food containers with lids About 100gms diges ve biscuits – crushed with a rolling pin 50gms demarara sugar 50gms melted bu er Mix the biscuit crumbs into the melted bu er and demarara sugar; press firmly into the base of your container and chill in the fridge 400gm so cheese 100gm icing sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 300ml double cream ‐ whipped Mix together the so cheese and icing sugar

Chocolate Oil Cake This deliciously moist cake is so easy to make you can’t go wrong 6 ozs plain flour 3 tablesps cocoa 5 ozs caster sugar 1 level teasp baking powder 1 level teasp bicarbonate of soda 1 level tablesp black treacle 2 eggs ¼ pint milk ¼ pint rape seed oil Mix together all dry ingredients Add all the liquids and blend well with a mixer (The mixture will be fairly runny) Pour into two greased and lined 7 inch ns Put into a pre‐heated oven at 160 ⁰c Cook for up to 45 mins but check a er 30 mins as ovens vary.

Sandwich together when cooled For the Chocolate Filling 2 ½ ozs margarine

Page 20

Add the vanilla essence Fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture Spread over the chilled biscuit base and chill again Sugges ons: Leave plain or just before serving decorate with fruit or grated chocolate. Cherry pie filling makes a great topping! Use ginger biscuits as an alterna ve base.

Submi ed by Pat Bishop of Sileby

1 tablesp cocoa 9 ozs icing sugar 3 tablesps hot milk 1 teasp vanilla essence Melt margarine in a saucepan, blend in the cocoa S r in the icing sugar, hot milk and vanilla essence.

Sugges ons: Use golden syrup instead of black treacle.

Use cream or bu ercream as alterna ve fillings. Bake in a deepish tray bake n instead of sandwich ns and use the chocolate filling to ice the top.

Submi ed by Pat Bishop of Sileby

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Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 10:56 Page 21

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Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 10:56 Page 22

Message from the Ambulance Service

Not Made Your Will Yet?

We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory.

If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people a ending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency?

Hence this 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.

The concept of 'ICE' is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situa ons. As mobile phones are carried by the majority of the popula on, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name 'ICE' ( In Case Of Emergency). The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents there were always mobile phones with pa ents but they didn't know which number to call.

He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a na onally recognized name for this purpose.

In an emergency situa on, Emergency Service personnel and hospital staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialling the number you have stored as 'ICE'.

It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest.

For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc PLEASE PASS THIS AROUND TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE AS THIS CAN HELP IN AN EMERGENCY

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Page 22

Visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for details of adver sing rates

Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 10:56 Page 23

MG - the sign of happy motoring!

Remember those good old days, when petrol was a shilling or two a gallon? And the advert for Standard Oil (ESSO) was the sign of happy motoring? To Mike Eames, owner of MG Execu ve chauffer-driven cars of Loughborough, happy motoring is what he strives to achieve with every trip...

“I know I’ve got it right if my passenger nods off! They may have just flown in a er a gruelling series of business mee ngs or be going out on an early flight from Heathrow, but part of doing the job right is being able to look a er each client individually. They may want to chat, watch the world go by, read through their notes or newspaper, or just take forty winks. You could say it’s the highest form of fla ery if they start to snore ‐ at least then I know they are perfectly at ease and comfortable with my driving.

But we don’t just cater for business people, we have an ever growing number of passengers who are flying off on holiday and want to be driven to Luton, Heathrow or Birmingham; and those going to Dover, Portsmouth or Southampton to board a cruise liner.

The Audi A6 Avan (estate car in English!) has plenty of room for the heaviest luggage allowance and is rated the most reliable and comfortable car in its class. And on their return we offer a full Meet & Greet service with their name on a board and our car as near to the door as is possible, usually in the drop off/pick up zone.

Courtesy and comfort, on me, every me is our clients guarantee of a happy journey” Happy Motoring then!

Editor: Mike will be wri ng a regular motoring feature for Soar Valley Life

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

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email parkside.school@googelmail.com Long Established Qualified Staff Fantastic garden area Small and homely Competitive prices

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

Page 23

Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 10:56 Page 24

Charnwood Maintenance With Christmas over a lot of us are looking forward to spring and all that that brings. However, there will probably be a few cold snaps yet to come so be prepared and with all the water we have had recently there maybe one or two things you should check.

INSIDE • Don’t forget to check indoors for signs of exis ng leaks. Look at the ceilings for discolora on or water damage, and examine windows for peeling paint and caulk. If the paint or caulk is peeling up, re‐seal and re‐paint to ensure water doesn’t find its way in.

• Inspect your plumbing to ensure there are no signs of leaks or corrosion. Flexible supply hoses, like those found on washing machines and dishwashers, should be examined annually for cracks or bulges.

• Check toilet tanks for floats and fill valves. These need to be replaced as soon as there’s a problem because they waste water and can fail catastrophically causing serious water damage.

• Check your tumble dryer vent and clean out the exhaust duct.

This can be a leading cause of fire.

• Check your smoke detectors. This should be done twice a year.

Change the ba eries at least once a year.

• Think about de‐clu ering ready for a spring clean or re‐decora on OUTSIDE • Check for loose or leaky gu ers. Make sure downspouts drain away from the founda on and are clear and free of debris/leaves.

• Clear away old crops from the greenhouse, including grow bags, they can harbour hiberna ng insects and their eggs. Spread the grow bag compost on the soil as a soil condi oner.

• A er a frost try to stay off the grass. Treading on the lawn in frosty condi ons can damage the grass.

• Refirm the roots of any shrubs that may have been li ed by frost.

• Switch outside water taps off at the mains and leave the outside tap open, draining any water, so the pipes don’t freeze.

• Put out feeders for birds, not forge ng fresh water. Encouraging birds into the garden will help reduce the number of insects and slugs.

• Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Cover shrubs that are likely to be damaged by frost with garden fleece, sacking or an old light blanket.

• On a dry s ll day rake up fallen leaves, don’t put them on the compost heap, as leaves break down in a cold process, whereas a tradi onal compost heap breaks organic ma er down in a warm/hot process. Put them into a leaf composter, or make leafmould.

• Now that you are not using it, get the lawn mower serviced to make sure it is ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cu ng blades will make life easier later in the year.

• If you have any decora ve plant pots that aren’t frostproof, empty them of all soil and store them in the shed, greenhouse or garage.

• With less daylight houseplants will require less feeding and watering. However as the temperature drops outside the central hea ng goes on and the temperature in the house tends to go up.

Ensure your houseplants don’t dry out.

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www.charnwood-maintenance.co.uk Page 24

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

Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 10:57 Page 25

From Li le Ninjas…

Stealth – cau ous or surrep ous ac on or movement… so says the Oxford English dic onary defini on and that probably underpins the teaching of Leicestershire’s premier mar al arts classes at Stealth Academy Wayne Radford, Stealth’s class leader in the Charnwood region says, “We teach four main mar al arts – Karate: Empty handed self defence Krav: Israeli military self protec on Kabdu: Crea ve displays with padded weaponry Kata: Sequence/dance But more importantly in every class and at each level of proficiency we champion the 8 disciplines which are fundamental in all mar al arts fulfilment: balance, co‐ ordina on, focus, discipline, control, teamwork, memory and fitness. As the student begins to master these, transforma on commences; probably the most important focus is fitness and it is this that each class member will see, feel and take away from each a endance. It is fantas c to witness the Li le Ninjas (3 to 5 year‐old pre‐school children) growing in confidence, showing control and co‐ordina on, working as a team and becoming more able week by week.

From there they will progress to the 6 to 12 year‐old classes

and eventually to teens and adults. All classes have age specific curricular and although we stretch our students we make sure everyone is kept safe and within their own individual capabili es.”

For the first me Stealth classes are now available in the Soar Valley ‐ all start from £3.00 per class and as an opening special offer all first me students receive a full mar al arts uniform and first belt – worth £49.00!

Stealth Academy has just been awarded entry into the Mar al Arts Hall of Fame, a coveted accolade only the very best mar al arts organisa ons in the country a ain.

Stealth’s founder and Sensei, Craig Smith, spoke of their history and future plans: “We started classes in Coalville eight years ago and moved into our HQ on Brunel Way five years ago. There are more than 300 students a ending weekly classes there and over 100 now in our Barwell (Hinkley) opera on. We know there’s a huge poten al in the Charnwood area and later this year we hope to open on the Leicestershire border at Castle Donington.”

Looks like with the right care and a en on mighty oaks from li le Ninjas grow ‐ or should I say, balance, co‐ordina on, focus, discipline...

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

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

Page 25

Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 10:57 Page 26

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

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Page 26

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Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 20:02 Page 27

General Knowledge Crossword

Across

1 Tube which conveys air in and out of the lungs (7)

5 Mike ___, former heavyweight champion boxer (5)

8 Person skilled in telling anecdotes (9)

9 Public transport vehicle (3)

10 Residence of a clergyman (5)

12 Prehistoric metalworking period (4,3)

13 Penetrating examination of oneÂ’s own beliefs and motives (4-9) 15 Struck with fear or apprehension (7)

17 Representative who buys or sells for another person (5) 19 " # Špuzzlepress.co.uk

JOIN FOR FREE* Start losing weight today

“I went from a size 18 to a 10 in 6 months!�

20 # 22 Welsh town to the east of Swansea (5) 23 Small or minor detail (7)

Answers on page 30

MJ JOINERY Local Carpenter

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TUESDAY Rawlins Community College, Loughborough Rd, Quorn, LE12 8DY 5:30 - 7:00 pm 7:00 - 8:15 pm (ZumbaÂŽ Fitness) THURSDAY Quorn Village Hall, 64 Leicester Road, Quorn, LE12 8BB 09:30 - 11:00 am

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Down 1 Make a rhythmic sound ! # 2 Continuous portion of a circle (3) 3 People engaged in the pursuit of wild animals or game (7) 4 Ideal of a democratic and prosperous society, regarded as the aim of US citizens (8,5) 5 Main part of the human body (5) 6 Underwater warship (9) 7 Fund of money put by as a reserve (4,3) 11 Acute spasmodic nerve pain (9) 13 Itinerant Australian labourer (7) 14 # 16 Chemically-tipped strip of wood # 18 # 21 Common type of rodent (3)

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Visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for details of adver sing rates

Page 27

Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 10:57 Page 28

Walking - Fishpool Brook Walk instruc ons 5 Miles 2 1/2 Hours Find a parking space in Barrow upon Soar, all facili es locally.

1 Start from the roundabout at the junc on of High Street and Bridge Street; walk along South Street and turn le into Grove Lane towards the sta on. Keep straight on when the street becomes Melton Road to the signpost on the right to Gipsy Lane. Go down this fenced path, over a cul‐de‐sac and up to a T‐junc on with a road; turn right to the signpost and le over the bridge and the s le.

2 Cross the narrow field ahead and turn right, into the corner; take the field edge le with the railway to the right and step over the s le in the next corner. Turn le with the hedge to the le and keep ahead through the gap at the top right. Con nue through the kissing gate and walk up the le hand field edge with the hedge to the le , through kissing gates to a yellow top marker post.

3 Bear right, downslope (there should be a track in the grass), through the kissing gate in the corner and carry on up the path between the fence and the hedge on the right hand field edge. Cross the

Page 28

two s les at the end and bear right to the gate at the yellow top post, keep direc on with the fence to the le . Turn le to the road and cross carefully.

4 Keep straight on between the hedge and the trees, through the gate and follow the path into the dip. Cross over Fishpool Brook and con nue up the other side to the far corner and a s le on the right at a marker post.

5 Turn le , along the field edge, with the hedge to the right, through the gate and follow the field edge to a kissing gate. Bear le , down to the far le and exit through the kissing gate at the yellow top post.

6 Take the grass verge le for 120yds to the signpost and turn right, up the hedged bridleway Stancliffe Lane.

A er two thirds of a mile, turn le through a gap at an unmarked point and bear right on the narrow tarmac path. Keep more or less straight on, over grass and along a tarmac path to the road.

7 Join the road le ahead to Saxon Way and turn right, go through the gap at the end and turn le along Thirlmere Road.

Bear right to the Tjunc on with North Street and turn right, along this road back to the roundabout and the star ng point.

© Clive Brown

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

Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 20:19 Page 29

PLEASE

Gareth Ga a Hudson

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

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

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Sunday Carvery

Available 12 noon til 3pm Adults £8.75 Children £5.25 includes free ice cream

* specific wines see full menu for choice

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

Page 29

Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 10:57 Page 30

Solu ons Love and Kisses 1. Aphrodite 2. The Bridge of Sighs 3. Pygmalion 4. Romeo (from Romeo and Juliet) 5. Philadelphia 6. Culture Club 7. 7 hours and 15 days 8. Glandular Fever 9. Elizabeth I 10. The gi of the gab Spot Ten Dierences 1. Fork missing from table 2. Cereal box 3. Cats Eyes 4. Radio Bu ons 5. Sock 6. Mouth 7. Newspaper 8. Bo le 9. Eyebrow 10. Table Leg

Page 30

General Knowledge Crossword

Easy Sudoku

Across: 1 Trachea, 5 Tyson, 8 Raconteur, 9 Bus, 10 Manse, 12 Iron Age, 13 Soul�searching, 15 Alarmed, 17 Agent, 19 MiG, 20 Treasurer, 22 Neath, 23 Minu a.

Down: 1 Thrum, 2 Arc, 3 Hunters, 4 American dream, 5 Torso, 6 Submarine, 7 Nest egg, 11 Neuralgia, 13 Swagman, 14 Coarsen, 16 Match, 18 Terra, 21 Rat.

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

Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 10:57 Page 31

Food prices on the increase? Not ours!

Because of the poor weather condi ons during 2012, food prices are set to soar during 2013. However, at LighterLife our prices are remaining the same!

When you join a LighterLife Programme, all your nutri onal needs each week are taken care of and the price is exible to suit your budget with Programmes star ng at just £52.80 per week.

Plus, new to 2013, most people will not need to seek their GP’s approval to join!

Included in your weekly cost is not only 100% of the nutri on your body needs � delivered in the form of easy to prepare soups, shakes, bars and meals � but also a full hour of group counselling with myself, a trained Counsellor, in

small select same�sex groups; we can explore the reasons why you use food as you do and work with you to create a new mindset about the place food plays in your life which will enable you to keep the weight o once you have completed the Programme.

Also included in the Programme is educa on about nutri on, how to calculate the right por on size for your body and which foods are best for your body once you return to food.

LighterLife is the intelligent way to lose weight and keep it o. Give me a call to make a free, no obliga on ini al appointment and ďŹ nd out more.

Debbie Ford, 01509 234433 or email debbie.ford@lighterlifecounsellor.com.

Get ready to feel great and look fantastic!

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

YouÂ’ll receive regular support from your LighterLife group and weight management counsellor. Combined with nutritious soups, shakes and bars, weÂ’ll help you lose

For a FREE Initial Consultation, call:

Debbie Ford, Loughborough

01509 234433

lighterlife.com/debbieford

Free Init ial Consu sultatio ns every W ednesday e .

Grro oups rre e--o opening weekly

Manda Mootien LighterLife client

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

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

. ssle

lighten lighten up with

Page 31

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Introducing our new writer...

Phillip Mark McGough Born and bred on the No nghamshire shores of the River Trent, studied law at No ngham University and has a passion for good literature, beer and company. More of his wri ng can be seen on our website at www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

Last year is dead, begin afresh...

Just a er Christmas, like most people, I subcontracted January to a paving company trading under the name of Good Inten ons their reputa on for shoddy workmanship and unfulfilled promises notwithstanding. So, one week into the New Year, I have neither joined a gym, quit the fags, abandoned the booze, wri en the Great Bri sh Novel nor saved the planet from near-certain catastrophe.

However, I have got some walking in and a trip to A enborough Nature Reserve near Beeston, No nghamshire over the first weekend of 2013 was, appropriately, the backdrop to a whole litany of firsts: the first me I’ve seen a weasel in the wild – scurrying back and forth across an obviously habitual path between an old barn and the kitchen garden of an adjacent co age; the first me I’ve seen a kingfisher this early in the season ‐ a li le mul ‐faceted gem pledged in surety of a summer yet to come; and, no less noteworthy for this some me birdwatcher, the first me I’ve seen an Egyp an goose. Oh, and did I men on the waxwings? Any amount of them robbing berries from the trees. I was so excited about this (I’m a man of simple pleasures) that I actually rang several people to tell them the good news ‐ to be met with varying degrees of interest and comprehension. When I told my mother‐ no birdwatcher‐ “We’ve got waxwings here!” she queried: “Is it contagious?” They are irregular and irrup ve winter visitors from Scandinavia, I counselled, gravely. She was of course none the wiser.

Later in the day a quite spectacular sunset over the Trent and the reserve’s ponds and lagoons was superintended by the ubiquitous silhoue e of Ratcliffe‐ on‐ Soar Power Sta on, which you can see from just about everywhere in this li le overlapping corner of the East Midlands, where No nghamshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire meet and mingle their rivers and streams.

What I always find odd about the power sta on is that it in no way intrudes upon or otherwise interrupts the landscape. It should do, but it doesn’t. It sits very well in

Page 32

Sunset over Ratcliffe on Soar Power Sta on from A enborough Nature reserve

the environment, and on Facebook at Phillip Mark McGough always has, perhaps something to do with its brutal scale, its fiery outline ‐ which almost gives it the feel of something that came up from the earth without the help of men. All very William Blake, perhaps not quite dark and satanic (this is Ratcliffe we’re talking about) but certainly dark and roman c in certain shades of twilight ‐ much like myself.

It occurred to me on the way back to the car park ‐ my best thinking is done on the way back to car parks ‐ that it had been a day of early promises, early resolu ons so to speak; albeit, unlike the resolu ons of men, these would not be broken. Nature is the ul mate promise fulfilled, we might say. I know that spring will soon be here, because Nature tells us that it will be so, and we can take her at her word. Aside from the kingfisher already men oned, more than one tree at A enborough was in blossom, and there was a fair amount of gorse in the hedgerows, as plen ful and as yellow as if it were already April. So although my own resolu ons may be broken, I’m reminded that I can make them again. We can always begin again, Nature says. As Larkin ‐ in a rare spasm of op mism‐ had it of this me of year (well, give or take a few months, blame global warming if you want): Yet s ll the unres ng castles thresh in full­grown thickness every May. Last year is dead, they seem to say, begin afresh, afresh, afresh.

Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £21 per month plus VAT

Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 10:57 Page 33

Buying and Selling – the Jargon Explained We appreciate that buying and selling property is a major transac on and can be quite daun ng. Our team of specialists understand that their role is more than just the legal aspects of the transac on and take you through the process step by step to get you moving within your desired me scales Freehold – refers to permanent ownership of property unless a new sale is agreed. This is not me sensi ve Leasehold – refers to a property where a purchaser can only buy the right to use the land/property for a given amount of me Land Registry office copies – this is obtained by your conveyancing provider early in the process from the Land Registry. This public document outlines who owns property and what ma ers are relevant Searches – These may include Local Authority, Drainage & Water, Chancel, Environmental, Flooding and Coal Mining.

These searches are ordered by your conveyancing team in order to gain more informa on about the property Contract – this is the legal document which sets out all the informa on regarding the transac on including the property details, seller and buyer, price and any special condi ons Transfer deed – a document that legally transfers the property into the name of the buyer. It must be signed by the par es in the presence of a witness

Covenant – obliga ons and restric ons, known as ‘posi ve’ and ‘nega ve’ covenants respec vely, that can be a ached to a property for example, obliga ons requiring you to maintain something within your boundary or restric ons preven ng you from specified ac ons Stamp duty – buyers pay stamp duty based on the purchase price of the property in ques on to HMRC. The Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) ‐ provides a recognised quality standard for residen al conveyancing prac ces awarded by the Law Society. Firms who are approved through the scheme protocol such as Moss Solicitors LLP have to demonstrate good prac ce management standards and adherence to prudent and efficient conveyancing procedures.

If you would like further informa on on the above or require an es mate of cost, please contact: Michelle Chapman m.chapman@moss-solicitors.co.uk Tel: 01509 635466 Rachel Skinner r.skinner@moss-solicitors.co.uk Tel : 01509 635447 Hayley Tennant h.tennant@moss-solicitors.co.uk Tel: 01509 635461

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Spot the Difference?

This one is easy though…

Listening to Stuart Simpson owner of SJS carpet cleaning makes you realise there’s a lot more to this, and to Stuart, than is at first obvious. He is a true professional, and I guess that’s a trait he’s always had.

Before

A er

He played football in his youth and got paid for it, un l injury stopped his progress, but not before he’d played against a young George Best just a week before George made his debut for Manchester United! From football ‐ via tennis, playing the New Zealand number 2 in the semi‐final of the North of England Championships, Stuart went into teaching, his major subject being P.E. With a long‐held ambi on to have his own business, about twenty years ago he bought a franchise with Rainbow Interna onal, the commercial restora on specialists. A er building that up to one of the top three na onal businesses he sold the franchise five years ago and started SJS; since then he has concentrated on the domes c market closer to his home in Barrow upon Soar.

But there’s a sparkle in his eye and enthusiasm in his voice when he talks about the jobs he’s done recently. Showing me his por olio which he takes to each new enquiry he says, “Look at this one ‐ most people would think it was too far gone! All it needed was a bit of the SJS know‐how, an hour or so of applied professional cleaning and there’s the result.”

You can check out more of Stuart’s amazing ‘before’ and ‘a er’ photos by going to www.flickr.com and searching for Stuart Simpson or The Professional Carpet Cleaner.

He also showed me a before and a er sample of carpet and it’s the fresh, clean smell of the restored carpet that I recall now ‐ they say that one’s sense of smell triggers the most powerful of our memories…

It says on his advert “Call Stuart for FREE ADVICE” so, hoping to catch him out, I asked him what I could do about red wine spilt on a white carpet.

“The first rule of cleaning anything from fabrics is this: if the stain is water‐based all it needs is cold water. Get some clean towels, pour cold water on stain, fold towel into a square and place on stain ‐ now stand on towel and dance!

The twist is the best. Repeat un l stain has disappeared.

Easy, really!”

But, as I said, I think there really is a lot more to it than this…

For appointments call or text: Physiotherapy & Acupuncture

07884493809

www.walk-inphysio.co.uk • info@walk-inphysio.co.uk Page 34

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

Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 10:57 Page 35

Spot Ten Dierences Answers on page 30

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

Page 35

Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 10:57 Page 36

Make your wedding day one they’ll all remember!

It’s your big day, and with months of discussion about dresses, colour themes and table decora ons, the comfort and enjoyment of guests is o en overlooked.

But if your friends and family are enjoying themselves and everyone is ge ng along famously, it’ll make the celebra ons even more special for you. So how can you make sure a good me is had by all?

The first thing to bear in mind is that many people that come to your wedding won’t know each other, so it’s important that you give everyone the best chance of becoming be er acquainted. You may not have me to introduce people personally, so instead ask a close friend or rela ve to look out for those

D & M Classics

who are coming along on their own. Posi on individuals considerately on the table plan next to someone with similar interests or who works in the same field. It’s also important to place quieter individuals next to somebody warm and welcoming.

A common problem at weddings is that family and friendship groups may not have seen each other for a while, meaning that great huddles of people may form. A fantas c way of breaking these up and encouraging people to mix is by incorpora ng some games into the day’s i nerary. You might have chandeliers, sugar‐coated almonds and a six‐foot train, but a bit of fun won’t detract from the glamour and sense of occasion, it’ll simply allow your guests to let their hair down. Create a quiz with ques ons which have been tailored to different groups in the room, as well as some associated with the bride and

The complete classic wedding car & chauffeur service.

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Page 36

www.dandmautos.co.uk

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

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

Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 10:57 Page 37

groom, so that everyone has an answer to contribute. This can be done at the tables between courses, so lay out some answer sheets and you’ll encourage everyone to work together. If you have a sunny day and a garden, get some lawn ac vi es going – giant Connect 4, Twister, croquet or even a friendly game of cricket. Check out amazon.co.uk, play.com and EBay for great deals (and with EBay you can resell them a er the day too!)

When your evening guests arrive, get the party started by jazzing up your first dance. This can be the most worrying part of the day for the groom, so invest in some choreography or choose a song that’s a li le less daun ng and involving other members of the wedding party can also ease the anxiety. Instead of cradling each other to a Whitney Houston classic, think about a song which makes you both laugh, or something with a fun rou ne to follow: Grease is a good one, as is Saturday Night Fever, or something which brings back memories such as a cheesy 80s tune. By choosing an upbeat track, you’re likely to

get people up onto the dance floor, so encourage children and grandparents to join in and pluck people from the crowd so that everyone feels involved.

Don’t be afraid to break tradi on if it suits you. Why not skip the receiving line, so that people aren’t forced to wait around, only to struggle for something to say? And when it comes to speeches, keep them short and sweet – perhaps with just the bride and groom offering a few words of thanks?

The trick with all these personal touches is to delegate. Plan well in advance and ask for help from your ushers and bridesmaids – it’s what they’re there for. The most important thing to remember is to stay relaxed; the more stressed you become with all the details, the less fun your wedding day will be. When people talk about ‘that fantas c wedding’, they generally mean that it was a comfortable, fun, and relaxing day spent celebra ng two people they love.

Author: Victoria Poolman

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Page 37

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Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 19:53 Page 39

GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY

Loughborough

Your own exclusive wedding celebration aboard "The Wedding Belle" First class dining in luxury Pullman carriages steam hauled through LeicestershireÂ’s finest countryside.

For further information on our wedding packages, please see www.gcrailway.co.uk or call 01509 632323

Soar Valley Feb / March 2013_Layout 1 31/01/2013 19:57 Page 40

Stunning redevelopment at Soar Valley Leisure Centre

NOW COMPLETE NO CONTRACT and * E E F G IN IN JO NO Now open...

NEW studio NEW health suite relocated to ground floor NEW-look reception with extended pool viewing 25m pool

FREE

Crèche Sports hall

Day Pass†

Outdoor pitches Refreshed gym

Refreshed changing rooms

Text WOW1 to 88882^ or present this advert at reception to book your trial .

Call 01162 375 267, pop in and see us or visit www.charnwoodleisure.com

*Ends 28th February 2013. †Appointment must be booked before using facility.

One per person. Valid for studio, pool & gym only. Full terms and conditions at www.fusion-lifestyle.com. ^Standard network rates apply.

Your Charnwood Leisure Centres are brought to you by Charnwood Borough Council in partnership with Fusion – an experienced sport and leisure management organisation. As a registered charity, Fusion continually reinvests to improve the sport & leisure offer in your community.

in partnership with