Soar Valley March / April 2013_Layout 1 21/02/2013 11:16 Page 1
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
ISSUE 12. MARCH/APRIL 2013
PRICELESS
Copy deadline for April issue Friday 15th March
Your FULL COLOUR magazine and business directory
Barrow and Quorn Edi on
Please visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for full distribu on details and media pack
Featured inside: Compe ons Cycling Country Walk Weddings Recipes Health & Fitness Puzzles
Cycling Features
Kilworth House Theatre presents ‘My Fair Lady’
– Win a Meal for Two worth £50
Pages 10 - 12
Page 19
Page 3
FREE Compe on
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Doesn’t me fly? It’s our first birthday next month and look how far we’ve come... In Issue number 3, back in June last year, a er we’d delivered the magazine over our chosen area (with a lot of help from our friends!) we calculated that the total mileage to deliver a magazine to every address in LE12 7 and LE12 8 was 389 miles. By the me this issue, number 12, drops through your door Soar Valley Life will have travelled nearly 2,500 miles! Travelling due east that would get us to the Caspian sea on the other side of Turkey; south we’d get to Africa’s Nigerian and Mali border, north we’d almost be at the north pole and west (and up a bit) we’d make landfall in Canada at the Gulf of Saint Lawrence! Not bad for a li le magazine that takes it’s name from a ny river that’s only a couple of dozen miles in length, end to end. But the credit for the distribu on, a er those first two months when we did it ourselves, goes en rely to our valiant post men and women. They have, in one of the we est years on record through all kinds of wild and windy weather, got the magazine to your le erbox, month in and month out. With our first birthday approaching we’ve been reviewing things and had considered changing from the Royal Mail to a local distribu on company. We are happy with the Post Office, but do find the lead mes we have to give them hold us back a bit ; this forces us to think quite a long way ahead, meaning we can’t be as re‐ac ve as we’d like. Also, we want to expand our distribu on to include some of the villages north of Loughborough like Burton on the Wolds, Su on Bonington and Hathern, together with those in the south to take in Rothley, Cropston and Thurcaston. But it’s not that easy to find a guaranteed source of delivery. (The Royal Mail, although guaranteed to be the most reliable, will only deliver to a whole postcode area.) Taking note of other magazines deliveries, we’ve no ced inconsistencies with some; we know for sure that we are the only magazine which uses the best in the business and we do this because we aim to be the best at what we do in the area we serve. We feel very strongly about ge ng the magazine to every address that we say it’s going to ‐ a er all, it doesn’t ma er one iota about anything else if the magazine doesn’t get to you! So, for the bulk of our delivery we’re s cking with the good old tried and trusted pos es and we’ll explore ways to deliver to the new areas ourselves. Perhaps we’ll get a couple of those amazing electric bikes from Fosse Electric Bikes (see page 12) a er we’ve got fit again at Physfit Gyms (page 29) and Zumba’d ourselves slim with Venia (page 16) then got our minds on task at Reed Wellbeing (page 17) and hypno sed away any remaining obstacles with Therapy Services (page 37) and got our feet sorted out by Gareth Hudson (page 14) or HS Foot Care Services (page 29). Anyway, watch this space; perhaps we’ll be sending out an SOS for help in delivering to our new areas. You can keep a daily check on what we’re up to on our Facebook page ‐ go to Soar Valley Life via Facebook. Our website is updated every few days with new adver sers, our walks, recipes and, as me goes on, our photos, ar cles and business features. To have a look go to: www.soarvalleylife.co.uk Bye for now ‐ see you in year two!
Steve & Mary Johns
Editors ‐ Soar Valley Life Page 2
Pine Cones Old and New’ by Rebecca Soanes, Photographer, taken in Long Close Wood, Linton, March 9th 2011 (see page 25)
Contents
Compe on ‐ Win a Meal for Two Eye‐Opening Technologies! Poem – Ode to a Teenage Boy End of Year Planning Quiz – Days of the Week I Want to Ride my Bicycle The world is my oyster once more M G – the sign of happy motoring! General Knowledge Crossword Party yourself into shape Easy Soduko What ails you? Our Ragdale Experience Day Recipe – Lemon Lush Recipe – Chocolate Oil Cake Wedding Feature This Pub is the Hub Walk ‐ Fishpool Brook The Ides of March Shu er Proof Living Together Spot the Difference A Home from Home Top Tips by Charnwood Maintenance Ragdale Experience Day Winner Answers to Puzzles
3 4 6 8 9 10 12 13 15 16 16 17 18 20 20 22 ‐ 26 26 28 30 31 33 35 36 38 39 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 Builders Merchants John A Stephens Wanlip Sand and Gravel Child Care Parkside Nursery School Entertainment Jan Jack’s Perfect Verse Kilworth House Theatre Health Care Ac vity 4all Charnwood Hearing Aid Centre Gareth Hudson – Foot Health Professional HS Footcare Services Reed Wellbeing ‐ Complementary Health Visual Answers Op cians / Optometrists Walk‐in Physio Ltd 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 Fowler Electrical and Alarms Harrison Landscaping Kingswood Design & Interiors Lo Storage Solu ons KR Electrical Neil Philips Interiors RJB Plumbing Richard Watson Decorator
23 39 34 37 25 19 14 14 14 29 17 5 27 31 17 7 38 31 18 18 9 15 13 27 8 18 35 16 27
SJS Professional Carpet Cleaner Soar Valley Aerials The Oven Cleaning Company Whelband Windows Motoring D & M Classics Ltd MG Execu ve Car Hire Professional Services Baker & Co. Accountants CP Accountancy Ltd Crea vio Video Produc on Emery Johnson Solicitors In Home Legal Services iPac Repair and Parts – iPhones, games, consoles Moss Solicitors October House Life Assurance Rebecca Soanes Photography Therapy Services Hypnotherapy Words and Graphics – Prin ng & Sta onery Services Pubs and Restaurants The Queen Victoria The White Horse Inn Residen al Care Signature South Lodge The Abbeyfield Sports and Leisure Cyclops Cycles Fosse Electric Bikes Great Central Railway Physfit Gyms Stealth Academy Mar al Arts Zumba Fitness Timber Merchants George Walker Ltd
For your chance to win a meal for two at the White Horse Inn, Seagrave, worth £50.00, just answer the following ques on: ‘What is the own-brand name of the pickles and preserves sold in the shop at the White Horse Inn, Seagrave?’ Email your answer, together with your name address and telephone number, to editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk or post to Soar Valley Life, 1 Burton Road, Sileby, Leicestershire LE12 7RU
9 14 17 21 22 13 32 8 25 15 29 29 33 18 25 37 23 37 26 40 14 11 12 24 29 6 16 34
WIN
a meal for two
see ar cle on page 26
The winner will be drawn at random from all correct answers received by the closing date of 30th April 2013 Terms and condi ons apply. Editor’s decision is final.
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
Soar Valley March / April 2013_Layout 1 21/02/2013 11:16 Page 5
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Ode to a Teenage Boy My teenage son just never smiles, he’ll only sit and glower He doesn’t like to stand; he’ll place a chair under the shower, I’d like to clean his room; he always locks his bedroom door, And when I finally break in, I can never see the floor, His room is full of clu er, there’s thick dust upon his shelves, He’ll never use the wash bin; clothes just walk there by themselves His voice is so peculiar; a sound that’s quite unique, It’s deep and gruff one moment, then we’ll hear an anguished squeak, His face is ge ng fluffy and he’s grown a li le ‘tash, He rarely ever talks to us, except to ask for cash, We ask him to help out; it seems that all he does is stare, Un l he finally speaks and says, “I hate you, that’s not fair...” ©Jan Jack’s Perfect Verse 2010
Page 6
Anything of interest you’d like to see in the next issue? Call 01509 813 125 or email editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk
Soar Valley March / April 2013_Layout 1 21/02/2013 11:17 Page 7
Good choice of rugs always available in store
Soar Valley March / April 2013_Layout 1 21/02/2013 11:17 Page 8
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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Soar Valley March / April 2013_Layout 1 21/02/2013 11:17 Page 9
Quiz – Days of the Week 1. According to the popular nursery rhyme, if Monday’s child is fair of face, then what is Friday’s child? 2. Which literary character frees a cap ve who he names Friday and who becomes his companion? 3. Which annual health awareness day first took place on Ash Wednesday in 1984? 4. “Cyber Monday” is a term used in the UK to refer to the busiest internet shopping day of the year. Does this normally fall on the first, second or third Monday in December? 5. On which day of the week is Thanksgiving Day celebrated in the U.S.A.? 6. Which series of celebra ons has a name that translates as “fat Tuesday”? 7. According to the famous poem, what happened to Solomon Grundy on a Thursday? 8. What is the only day of the week not men oned in the lyrics of the Beatles song Lady Madonna? 9. What name is given to the Chris an feast that falls one week before Easter? 10. What was the first UK number one hit single to feature a day of the week in the tle? Answers on page 39
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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
Soar Valley March / April 2013_Layout 1 21/02/2013 11:17 Page 11
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
The World is my Oyster once more... I used to love cycling; I’m in full accord with Si Klyst’s ar�cle on the previous page - how he got his first bike one Christmas enabling him to live the dream of freedom and escape... For a decade or more in my growing up years my bike was by far my best and most trusted ally. It took me miles away from the constraints of school, college and family; it allowed me to earn my own money for the first �me delivering newspapers, groceries, meat and medicines and it helped me find myself and the beauty of the East Midlands countryside. Then, with adulthood came work, a mortgage and kids; the bike grew rusty and the pounds piled on, un�l now, at the other end of my working life, I look back and wonder what happened. The mo�va�on to get back on a bike and re‐ kindle those bygone joys gets no further than looking in the bike shop window and mu�ering “One day…” I have hired a bike on holiday, only to find that stamina and energy, so boundless in my teens, no longer resides in me and going up a hill means ge�ng off and pushing. But now I’ve discovered Fosse Electric Bikes and power assist! I‘ve had a test drive on three different bikes: the EBCO Low Step, like the one in the advert opposite, the Dash Folding bike in the pictures below and a mountain bike. I was amazed by how easy it was; I could go uphill in a high gear with no trouble at all, just on level 3 power assist. On the thro�le I needed to do nothing but steer. I felt completely safe and in full control. There’s a 15.5 mph limit so that you won’t find yourself in difficulty whilst powered, but switch the power off and you are as free as a bird! My imagina�on takes over now, I especially fancy the folding op�on. I could get two, side by side in our Ford Focus. Rutland Water, the Derbyshire Dales, the Cotswolds…
Why an electric bik e? • Saves money - average cost is only 3p per mile against a car costing 45p per mile!! • Assistance with pedaling allowing you to cover longer distances or carry heavy loads • No extra charges - no tax, MOT or congestion charges • Good for the environment no emissions • Some electric bikes are foldable - easy to store or take on public transport • Less effort to ride uphill EBCO UCL -30 40 - 50 miles per charge
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We could drive there in an hour or so, have a few hours leisurely cycling, enjoy a�ernoon tea and be home again early evening! The world, once again, really can be our oyster...
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Try before you buy: The full range of electric bikes, from tourers, mountain and folding bikes at Fosse Electric Bikes
Soar Valley March / April 2013_Layout 1 21/02/2013 11:17 Page 13
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
Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £21 per month plus VAT
Page 13
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• Independent care home and sheltered accommodation on separate sites
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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 March / April 2013_Layout 1 21/02/2013 11:17 Page 15
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
20 # 22 Welsh town to the east of Swansea (5) 23 Small or minor detail (7)
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)
Answers on page 39
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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
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Soar Valley March / April 2013_Layout 1 21/02/2013 11:17 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
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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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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 â€? several mother/ daughter couples and groups having a girl’s day out.
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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!
Despite being in the minority my husband enjoyed himself and there were several couples like us; plenty with middleage spread (or, like me, oldâ€?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: See Page 39 for the winner of our latest Ragdale Hall Experience Day.
Anything of interest you’d like to see in the next issue? Call 01509 813 125 or email editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk
Soar Valley March / April 2013_Layout 1 21/02/2013 11:17 Page 19
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Recipes Lemon Lush
Chocolate Oil Cake
Sponge fingers or jam Swiss roll Fresh orange juice or sherry 300 mls double cream Juice and the zest of one lemon 150 gms Greek yoghurt 3 tablespoons of good lemon curd Grated chocolate for decora on Cut sponges into cubes and soak in orange juice in the bo om of a glass dish. (You could also put some mandarin oranges onto sponges if you like). In a bowl whisk cream into so peaks with lemon juice and zest. In another bowl combine yoghurt with lemon curd and fold this mixture into the cream. Spoon onto the sponges, decorate and chill. Submi ed by Pat Bishop of Sileby
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 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
Page 20
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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 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
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some choreography or choose a song that’s a little less daunting 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 routine 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 tradition 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 fantastic wedding’, they generally mean that it was a comfortable, fun, and relaxing day spent celebrating two people they love. Author: Victoria Poolman
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This Pub is the Hub… In 2001 there was a na onal ini a ve started by the Prince of Wales, amongst others, championing the idea that the village pub could become the hub of small rural communi es once again... When Mary & I first moved to Sileby in 2005 we’d o en walk with our dog across the fields to Seagrave.; the footpath ends at Butchers Lane near its junc on with Church Street and it was a joy to sit in the garden of the White Horse Inn next to the church with a pint and a sandwich. I used to think back then that the pub could be a real gem of a place given a bit of TLC ‐ along with a fair bit of investment. It looked as if it had been run down over the years and might well be heading the way of many other licensed houses. But then, having lost our old dog, we stopped walking that way and never got to see what happened to the White Horse Inn ‐ un l one sunny day in February this year when I discovered that Seagrave born and bred Gemma Rumbold and family had taken it on and transformed the place... The ground floor of what was an old derelict barn adjacent to the Norman church is now home to Seagrave’s village shop with a very impressive first floor func on room above with full disabled access; a splendid place to hold a wedding recep on or private party. A lot of vital provisions can be found in the shop and some very scrump ous li le luxuries too! They have their own brand of pickles and preserves and you can order
See page 3 to win a meal for two
meat from Glenn Lewin Butchers of Sileby at the shop in the morning and pick it up in the a ernoon ‐ Glenn also delivers fresh meat every day for the chef in the pub restaurant. All of the pub’s old character has been preserved and it s ll has that rus c, tradi onal feel, but now much more comfortable and welcoming. The menu too is vastly improved and I’d say it rivals anything in the Soar Valley for quality and value. Gemma, family and team; you’ve done a brilliant job! Oh yes, and the last me I visited, Gemma told me they had just received an award from The Pub is the Hub, commending them upon the transforma on.
The Stables Shop at The White Horse Inn, Seagrave opens Tuesday to Saturday from 10 ‘ l 12, and 3 ‘ l 6 and 10 ‘ l 12 on a Sunday. Tea, coffee and delicious cake served every day! The White Horse Inn, 6 Church Street, Seagrave, Leicestershire, LE12 7LT
01509 814715
Opening times: Tuesday 6pm – 11pm Wednesday – Saturday 12pm – 2pm & 6pm – 11pm Sunday 12pm – 5pm Home cooked food served: Tuesday 6pm – 8.45pm Wednesday – Saturday 12pm – 1.45pm & 6pm – 8.45pm Sunday 12pm – 2.15pm
The White Horse is a great pub to visit all year round, whether you choose to enjoy the delightful views in our garden in the summer or relax by the fire with a newspaper during the winter. Whenever you come to visit, you will always find friendly staff, excellent food and drink and a great atmosphere. ■ £5 Tuesday Evening Specials ■ £5 Lunch Specials, Weds-Sat ■ Tapas Night every Wednesday ■ Steak Night every Thursday ■ Chef-cooked Sunday Lunch ■ Outside Bar & Catering Available Booking always advisable to avoid disappointment
The Stables Shop and Function Room at The White Horse are now open! Visit www.whitehorseseagrave.co.uk for more details.
Page 26
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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 March / April 2013_Layout 1 21/02/2013 11:17 Page 29
PLEASE
Take care of the countryside... Your leisure is someone’s livelihood Close gates â€? Start no ďŹ res â€?Keep away from livestock and animals Do not stray from marked paths â€? Take li er home â€? Do not damage walls, hedgerows or fences Cross only at s les or gates â€? Protect plants, trees and wildlife â€? Keep dogs on leads â€? Respect crops, machinery and rural property â€? Do not contaminate water â€? Although not essen al we recommend good walking boots â€? During hot weather take something to drink on the way â€? All walks can easily be nego ated by an averagely ďŹ t person â€? The routes have been recently walked and surveyed, changes can however occur, please follow any signed diversions â€? Some paths cross ďŹ elds which are under cul va on â€? All distances and mes are approximate â€? The maps give an accurate portrayal of the area, but scale has however been sacriďŹ ced in some cases for the sake of clarity and to ďŹ t restric ons of page size â€? Walking Close To have taken every care in the research and produc on of this guide but cannot be held responsible for the safety of anyone using them â€? During very wet weather, parts of these walks may become impassable through ooding, check before star ng out. â€? S les and rights of way can get overgrown during the summer â€? folding secateurs are a useful addi on 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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The Ides of March by Phillip Mark McGough
Phillip Mark McGough
I am wri ng this in mid-February, on what has turned out to be the first mild weekend of the year. So mild that I came over all reckless, chanced a trip to Whitby and got up close and personal with seagulls that had a taste for sustainable pollock and chips.
Mild or no, the snows linger on the moors and the science fic onally weird RAF Fylingdales, which guards the strategically‐vital approaches to Whitby like a giant Dalek, was sheathed in frost. All around, however, the heather was coming into bud because, back down here at sea level, March approaches. Spring approaches. Things, to put it technically, are ge ng greener. Closer to home, at Beeston Marina, my usual perch of a Sunday a ernoon (£2.50 a pint at the Canalside Pub, where I mingle with strange river folk and others of my kind), the green is jeweled with different colours besides: white deadne les, red deadne les, sallows erup ng into catkins. A few bulbs are sending up their leaves and the daffodils outside my kitchen window are already a few inches high. Higher s ll, the rooks are poking at last year’s nests, the blackbirds are ge ng frisky, woodpeckers are drumming and ‐ report me to the RSPB if I’m a liar ‐ I swear I saw a chiffchaff in a thicket by A enborough train sta on, which I appreciate is a good couple of months or so early. They don't normally start arriving here un l May, but you know what they say: if it looks like a chiffchaff, moves like a chiffchaff, flies like a chiffchaff, but stays frustra ngly silent…it may have been a willow warbler. Spring is always a mixed blessing for the more sen mental birdwatchers like me. There’s a lot to look forward to, but the birds that became dependent on my fat balls over the winter are beginning to disperse ‐ either back to the fields and woods, or back to their summer quarters in Scandinavia and Russia. This year we’ve been spoiled by waxwings, redwings, and fieldfares, all very welcome winter visitors (the redwings in par cular are a rare sight indeed in a suburban garden, at least in these parts), but soon they’ll be gone,
Page 30
having in the mean me wrought havoc in the herbaceous border. They didn’t go anywhere near my fat balls to be sure, but they had their fill of berries, and my once‐beau ful pyracantha bushes are now decidedly naked. S ll, if you’ll pardon the pun (of course you will), and in view of the impending Ides of March, the waxwings came to seize my berries, not to appraise them. Ah, the Ides of March! Doom, omens, fable. Birds have o en hallmarked the historical. Strange and solitary crows were said to have been seen circling the Forum shortly before Caesar's demise, and we've all heard of the eagle that dropped a wolf cub into the lap of the young Claudius, a sure sign of future greatness. Scarcely less drama cally, the other day I saw 19 magpies all together in a field en route to Long Eaton, long the seat of prophecies and wonders. Yes, 19, ra ling their troubles in unison like the 1812 overture interpreted through the medium of belt‐fed machine guns. What they were doing together so early in the year is a mystery. If one means sorrow and two mean joy, etc., what do 19 mean? I shudder to think, though I've started buying scratch cards again, just to be on the safe side. In Roman mes the Ides of March, midway through the month, were notable primarily for economic reasons as a deadline for se ling debts. The word's La n roots mean "divide," and the date sought to split the month, originally at the rise of the full moon‐ though the calendar month and the lunar month soon began to lag. Nature too se les its debts in more ways than one, always paying and collec ng on me. Assassina on is frequent (grassy knolls a key reference here), but, thankfully, resurrec on no less frequent. The keen‐eyed may already see and hear summer's footsteps in the meadow, and given a fair wind and a calm sea the first swallows will soon be hawking for insects over the Trent and I'll be unearthing my Primark mixed polyco ons. Shorts, sandals, and sensible socks, that's me; not a pre y sight, but a reliable indicator of the turning of the year. Enjoy the change of the seasons, and those months March, April, and May that can't quite make up their minds. They are Nature's uncertain es, they keep us guessing. I appreciate the heart's seasons don't always tally with nature's ‐ I pride myself on spasms of free‐floa ng depression all year round ‐ but do as the bees do and try and savour it all while you can. As they say in Japan, go outside: there is honey to be sucked from flowers, for a li le while.
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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! Acacia Curtains and Blinds Tel 01509 650832 Mobile- 07881 681556
01509 414 169
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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Baker & Co Accountants & Bookkeepers 6 Brookbridge Court Syston Leicestershire LE7 2JT Telephone
0116 2640889 (also fax)
0116 2695236 Email bakerandco56@aol.com
Free initial consultation, and home/workplace visits if desired
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
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Living Together A lot of people believe that if you simply live with a partner for a fixed period of me, say two years, you become a “Common Law” husband or wife. This is wrong. Many people assume the law will protect them if they live with someone for a long period of me or have children together but there is currently no law which specifically protects cohabi ng couples. When a cohabi ng couple separate, the division of assets will be decided by property law. Courts have no discre on to relocate assets as they do within divorce and civil partnership proceedings. To avoid disagreement it is a sensible idea to have a Cohabita on or Living Together Agreement prepared. This forms a contract between the couple. It will usually contain details of how any property is owned, whether jointly or separately between the par es, details of who will pay the bills and other outgoings, what will happen if the rela onship ends. Also what would happen in the event of significant changes to the rela onship such as the birth of children or serious illness of one party? When a property is purchased in joint names, it is essen al to consider how both par es’ interests should be protected.
Also in what shares the joint property is owned. If one party puts more capital in, upon purchase, then this could be protected by a deed of trust between the owners. Your solicitor will give you advice on different ways to jointly own property. To have things clear at the outset will avoid disagreement and disappointment if a rela onship breaks down. Cohabi ng couples should always consider making wills. If someone dies without a will, then on death their property will pass under the Intestacy Rules meaning that an unmarried partner would not benefit, which could lead to distant rela ves benefi ng in their place. Since 1st December 2003, unmarried fathers who are named on a child’s birth cer ficate as the child’s father automa cally have parental responsibility. If your child was born before that date or if a father is not named on the birth cer ficate he will not have parental responsibility, unless he enters into a parental responsibility agreement, obtains a parental responsibility order or marries the child’s mother. If you would like further informa on or help please contact: Rita Rathod r.rathod@moss-solicitors.co.uk Ann Ellio a.ellio @moss-solicitors.co.uk or telephone 01509 217770
MOSS SOLICITORS LLP County Law Firm of the Year 2010 & 2008
01509 217770
80-81 Woodgate, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 2XE
www.moss-solicitors.co.uk Visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for details of adver sing rates
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Soar Valley March / April 2013_Layout 1 21/02/2013 11:17 Page 35
Spot Ten DiďŹ&#x20AC;erences Answers on page 39
Design
manufacture and
installation
of kitchens, bedrooms & fitted furniture
For free quotations call
01509 816391 07875 64 0074 Unit 2a Manor Drive, Sileby, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 7RZ neilphilipsinteriors@btconnect.com www.neilphilipsinteriors.co.uk
Want your business featured in Soar Valley Life? Call Steve on 01509 813 125
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A Home from Home
Steve Johns and student staff writer Claire Stevens visit Leicestershire's Premier Care Home…
About a mile and a half from Leicester train sta on along London Road, in the heart of exclusive Stoneygate, you’ll find South Lodge, Signature Group’s state of the art Wellbeing Home... In the early 1980’s I (Steve) ran a communica ons business and I remember spending about a week installing an intercom system in a nursing home in West Bridgford, No ngham. I forget the name of the place now, but clearly recall the sad atmosphere which seemed devoid of hope and happiness. In complete contrast I have also visited South Lodge a few mes since it opened its doors for residents in 2010, and on each occasion I have found a welcome that wouldn’t go amiss in a five star hotel; the residents look happy, content and at ease with their world. A few days ago South Lodge’s Client Liaison Manager, Rachel, took me and Claire on a guided tour. To begin with we had a chat and a cappuccino in the comfortable recep on lounge. It was well lit with picture windows looking out on the driveway and landscaped front gardens. Although there was a lot happening and staff were busy with their du es, the atmosphere was all very relaxed and homely. Dining at South Lodge is as good as any restaurant; we saw the menu for that day was a choice of starter ‐ broccoli soup, melon with raspberry and blueberry or chicken with parmesan cheese in balsamic glaze; for the main course pork and leek sausage in gravy, sea trout in horseradish cream or s lton mushrooms on toasted muffin, all served with croque e potato, roast onion, cabbage and peas. For dessert lemon gateau or fruits of the forest cheese cake. Rachael told us the menu is changed every day so no two days are ever the same. If you didn’t fancy the table d'hôte you could turn to the ‘Home from Home’ list containing 17 items that all of us would find familiar ‐ even spam, jelly and ice cream and crumpets if you want! Addi onally there’s the evening menu with salads, jacket potato, omele es, just about anything you like on toast and fresh fruit salads. And any
Page 36
me you’d like family or friends to visit and enjoy a meal with you, just book them in; you can eat in your apartment if you wish. Next we went to view the apartments, where residents are encouraged to bring their own furniture and belongings so that they really do feel at home. Most have their own wet rooms and each floor has a spa room with a Jacuzzi bath. Double room apartments have kitchene e facili es and the premium apartments have separate lounge‐diners, double bedroom, kitchen and wet room. All ground floor apartments have their own outdoor pa o leading on to the gardens. We were taken up to the top floor which is the demen a suite where every resident was either being looked a er individually by a member of staff or had family with them; I don’t think any one no ced me or Claire. South Lodge makes the very best of whatever life residents have le and for their families it’s good to know that their loved ones are ge ng the best care and a en on available. We saw the sensory room, furnished with the kind of huge floor cushions in warm colours you might find in a student bedsit; the ligh ng was subdued with lava lamps and so music was playing. On the roo op are two balcony gardens where tomatoes, vegetables and flowers are grown in the summer. Residents can join in different ac vi es every day or a end classes if they wish; a Saturday Ma nee film is shown every week and of course family can come and go as they please. On the walls of the corridors on every floor there are pictures of holiday des na ons from yester‐year ‐ Clacton, Blackpool and Skegness ‐ and portraits of film stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Cary Grant to evoke happy memories. As we le Claire remarked that the term ‘old people’s home’ had never entered her head while she was being shown around because it didn’t remind her of one. ‘If that’s what living in a care home is like,’ she added, ‘I think I’m rather looking forward to it!’
Anything of interest you’d like to see in the next issue? Call 01509 813 125 or email editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk
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The Queen Victoria Syston
76 High Street, Syston LE7 1GQ 0116 260 5750 www.everards.co.uk
Great Value Deals
Early Bird Specials
– Tuesday to Friday – Special Menu – 2 Meals for a tenner
Lunchtime Carvery
For details of our live music and quiz nights, guest ales and special occasions please see our web page on the Soar Valley Life Business directory: http://www.soarvalleylife.co.uk/ #!Food and Drink/c1obg
Sizzler Night
Wednesdays 6pm - 8.30pm 2 sizzlers & bottle of wine £20.00*
Evening Carvery Special
Tuesday to Saturday 12noon - 2.00pm 2 for £10
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 6pm to 8.30 pm Full Carvery 2 for £15
Steak Night
Fridays 6pm - 8.30pm 2 for £13
Pie Night
Available 12 noon til 3pm Adults £8.75 Children £5.25 includes free ice cream
Saturday 6pm - 8.30pm 2 steaks & bottle of wine £17.95* Tuesdays 6pm - 8.30pm 2 for £13
Fish & Chip Night Sunday Carvery
6 Real Ales always available including 3 guest ales • Well stocked wine cellar * specific wines see full menu for choice
Parkside Nursery School 25 Charnwood Road, Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 2BN
Telephone 01509 213329
email parkside.school@googelmail.com Long Established Qualified Staff Fantastic garden area Small and homely Competitive prices Term-time options available
Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £21 per month plus VAT
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Charnwood Maintenance Top Tips The sun is out, the rainy season is finally drizzling away, so here are a few ps on how to open up your home and prepare it for spring! Clean out your clu er! Grab a bag and walk through your house. Start at one end and work your way to the other. Look for anything collec ng dust and don’t feel guilty about bagging it! Consider pu ng some of your unused stuff on eBay ‐ ask yourself, how long will it just sit in a corner gathering more dust; if you think it’ll be awhile, Freecycle it, donate it, or just throw it!
None of this involves spending much money but if you do fancy splashing out consider freshening up the decor. It doesn’t have to be a complete re‐vamp ‐ maybe just a touch up of the paint or the crea on of a feature wall ‐ but it is sure to make your home feel fresher and brighter. Outdoor areas, gardens and pa os can seem a bit dull at this me of year, but you can s ll make the most of what space you have with a general dy up and simple repairs •
Check the outside paint on windows doors and render
•
Check and repair any garden gates or fences
•
Clean gu ers and downpipes
Vacuum your upholsteries and draperies to remove any dust that may have accumulated during the winter months.
•
Clear paths of weeds and make the entrance to your home invi ng with some freshly planted pot plants.
Clean your carpets and any big rugs. If you have a steam cleaner, it is me to pull it out. If you don’t, it’s easy to rent one. Using a carpet cleaner can help remove residual pet odours and dust mites which can cause allergic reac ons.
•
Don't get too carried away outside with plan ng, we can s ll have the odd frost this me of year that will damage any new tender plants.
•
Don't forget the garage if you have one. If like the majority of homeowners you use your garage for storing everything apart from the car why not give it a dy up ‐ you never know what you might find!
•
This is a great me to clean your windows and appreciate the new light shining into your home.
• •
Once your home is clean and de‐clu ered, it is me to re‐arrange your furniture. Start with the room you use least – such a guest bedroom. Try something new, spin the bed around, get rid of a table or add a chair, etc. Once you are done move on to the next room, the kid’s rooms, your room, living room, and the kitchen.
Top ps supplied by Dave Walters of Charnwood Maintenance
“The Expert One Stop Shop for all your planned and emergency home, garden and property maintenance.” Contact: ELECTRICAL PAT TESTING
PLUMBING
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
BUILDING MAINTENANCE
PAINTING & DECORATING
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
t 01509 414417 m 07707 583044 Charnwood Maintenance Services The Ark Centre, Meadow Lane Industrial Estate, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 1JP
www.charnwood-maintenance.co.uk Page 38
Want your business featured in Soar Valley Life? Call Steve on 01509 813 125
Soar Valley March / April 2013_Layout 1 21/02/2013 11:17 Page 39
Solu ons Days of the Week Quiz Answers 1. Loving and giving 2. Robinson Crusoe 3. No Smoking Day 4. First Monday 5. Thursday 6. Mardi Gras 7. He took ill 8. Saturday 9. Palm Sunday 10. ‘Sunday Girl’ by Blondie Spot Ten Differences 1. Flying man is upright rather than upside down 2. There is a red bird 3. There is only one tree 4. The man with the pink scarf is walking to the right 5. The dog with the collar is beneath the dog with the lead 6. There are stars on the man's green scarf 7. The umbrella is red 8. The man's eyes are closed 9. The man is missing a pocket 10. The man is missing shoelaces Congratula ons to Emma Burr of Barrow upon Soar who wins a Spa Day for Two at Ragdale Hall just for ‘liking’ our Facebook page
General Knowledge Crossword
Easy Sudoko
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.
BUILDERS MERCHANTS
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Want your business featured in Soar Valley Life? Call Steve on 01509 813 125
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Where lifestyle and care go hand in hand
see page 36
South Lodge is a community which offers the level of support you require in a friendly, homely and safe environment. We provide excellent person centred care to suit your lifestyle and healthcare needs. If you are on your own you can meet new companions, however our accommodation is such that couples can stay together even when the nursing or care needs of one outweigh the other.
Respite, day care & short stays Specialist Dementia Suite Residential and Nursing Suprisingly affordable
Please call for more information 0116 274 8000 or visit signature-care-homes.co.uk to find out more 307 London Road, Stoneygate, Leicester, LE2 3ND