Soarvalley marchapril14 issuu

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:41 Page 1

Your award winning

Barrow, Quorn, the Wolds, Su on Bonington and Hathern Edi on 20,000 Copies delivered by GPS Tracked Distribu on team every two months

Win a Ragdale Hall Spa Day for Two

Over 10,000 copies delivered this month to: Barrow upon Soar, Quorn, Woodhouse Eaves, Su on Bonington, Long Wha on, Woodhouse, The Wolds, Swithland, Zouch, Hoton, Cotes, Hathern, Prestwold, Normanton & Stanford Plus a further 10,000 copies delivered next month to: Sileby, Mountsorrel, Cossington, Seagrave, Cropston, Thurcaston and Rothley, Further copies available in libraries, pubs, surgeries, tourist informa on centres, newsagents, Great Central Railway sta ons and major places of interest

Win a Posh Dogs Voucher Recipe Country Walk Puzzles What’s On Trades & Services

Highly Commended Best New Magazine 2012/13 Independent Magazine Publishers Awards October 2013 Member of the Federa on of Small Businesses www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

Copy deadline for April Tuesday 25th March

Issue 24 March/April 2014

Priceless

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:41 Page 2

Community Meals

community meals

Enjoy a

Hot Lunchtime Meal & Sweet delivered to your Home

Would you like a hot meal delivered to your home or do you have a friend or relative who would enjoy a hot lunch?

ÂŁ5.71

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0845 604 1125

Or visit our website at www.icarecuisine.co.uk www.icaregroup.co.uk

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:41 Page 3

Soar Valley Life

Welcome...

Editors Steve & Mary Johns

to Tracy Dixon

Adver sing Sales Manager Tracy Dixon

Those of you who follow our page on Facebook have already been introduced ­ for our other readers here she is: Tracy is now in charge of our adver sing sales and in her first month has already helped us to reach another record month.

This issue is our biggest to date and already we have more advance adver sing bookings for next month than ever before. Our two latest compe ons broke our previous records for number of entries proving to us that we’re ge ng more readers who want to par cipate. This month we have two more new compe ons ­ see below ­ and we have more exci ng ideas for future ones planned ­ and next month is our 2nd birthday ­ WOW! Doesn’t me fly?

HOW to ADVERTISE: See page 5

Telephone 01509 813125 Email enquiries Adver sing info@soarvalleylife.co.uk Editorial editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk Web www.soarvalleylife.co.uk Facebook www.facebook.com/ SoarValleyLife Address 1 Burton Road Sileby LE12 7RU Copyright © Fantas c State Limited trading as Soar Valley Life.

The Publisher reserves and controls all rights to the work presented in this magazine. Any applica on for any use of any of the work, features, adver sements, quota ons, photographs, images or other work within this publica on must be made directly to the publisher. No part of this publica on may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmi ed, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Front Cover Photo: © Bill Allsop ‘More mouths to feed’ taken at Beesley’s Garden Centre Ravenstone Leicestershire June 2013 (See page 47)

Steve & Mary Johns 1

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page 15

Recipe ­ Chicken Goulash page 20

GCR Drive Day Draw page 29

Walking Billesdon Brook page 40

Contents

Why use the services of a garden designer?

Do you need to register for VAT? Quiz – Mascots A Morris Named Stanley Easy Sudoku Quick Crossword Bring the Garden Indoors Do you know someone who may need an eye test at home?

Recipe – Chicken Goulash Local Chiropractor Wins Na onal Quality Award Meal Winner Draw Win a Posh Dogs Voucher Driving a Straight Line Your Green, Green Grass at Home Ac vity4all Celebrate 1st Birthday Driver Experience Day Winner Life on the Ocean Weave Everything under the Sun Spring, Snowdrops and Sparrowhawks Take a Break from Technology A Taste of Inspira on Is it me to create a Las ng Power of A orney?

Walking – Billesdon Brook Posh Dogs now in Sileby Spot the Difference More Room for the Sunshine Win a Ragdale Hall Spa Day for Two Calling all Community Groups Why do I Photograph?

Before and A er Answers to Puzzles What’s On

6 9 11 12 13 15 17 19 20 23 24 24 25 26 29 29 30 32 34 36 38 39 40 41 42 45 46 47 47 48 49 50

CONSERVATORY & GARDEN FURNITURE LAUNCH page 30

WIN A £25

Posh Dogs Grooming Voucher Page 24

page 46

Win a Spa Day For two at

Everything under the sun page 32

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

Page 3

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Soar Valley Life Trades and Services Arts and Cra s The Gallery ­ Su on Bonington Builders Charnwood Oaks Roofing & Building Child Care and Educa on Rothley Park Kindergarten Courier Services MyParcelShop.Com Entertainment A all the Way Discos Great Central Railway Hair and Beauty Colours Hair and Nails Forever Living Products Hair Today... Locks Tomorrow Mansi Beauty & Bridal Vintage Soul Ta oo Studio Health Care Ac vity 4all Charnwood Hearing Aid Centre Gareth Hudson – Foot Health Professional Independent Consultant for Cambridge Weight Plan Leicester Reiki Loughborough Chiroprac c Clinic Oooh... My Feet Reed Wellbeing ­ Complementary Health Vintage Soul Studio Visual Answers Op cians / Optometrists Walk­in Physio Ltd Home and Garden A 2 Z Cleaning Services Acacia Curtains and Blinds AMW Kitchens Beacon Property Services Bunny Appliance Warehouse Carpets of Choice Charnwood Tree Services Claire Jones Gardens Colourful Blinds Concrete Pa ern Imprinted Driveways DCI Kitchens Delta Aerials Fab Plumbing Fine Finish Furniture

18 19 42 24 24 28 14 24 31 14 31 29 7 41 14 44 23 13 36 31 19 16 9 17 7 44 21 8 7 6 13 6 14 10 10 43

Informa on is included in our What’s On sec on subject to space being available. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publica on is accurate, Soar Valley Life cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions and neither do we endorse companies or adver sers or their products and services appearing in this magazine.

Page 4

George Walker Tree Care Green Thumb Lawn Treatment Harrison Landscaping KR Electrical LockXpert Louis Bespoke Kitchens Ocean Designs Conservatory Furniture Richard Watson Painter and Decorator Sam Woodward Pain ng & Decora ng SJS Professional Carpet Cleaner SJS Leather Cleaning Expert Soar Valley Aerials The Chimney Doc The Oven Cleaning Company The Soot Buster Ultraclean Whelband Windows Home Care Services Icare Community Meals Motoring and Travel Argosy Autocra Mr P’s Driving School Tech 2 Car Body Repairs Tyrex Ltd Pet Care Dial a Dog Wash Posh Dogs Woodside Animal Centre Professional Services Bill Allsopp Photography Charnwood Borough Council Crea ve io Crea ve Wedding Services CP Accountancy Ltd Moss Solicitors Pubs, Restaurants & Catering The Wedding Cafe The Free Trade Inn The Restaurant at The Mountsorrel The White Horse Inn Residen al Care The Abbeyfield Sports and Leisure Cyclops Cycles Love & Piste Pillings Lock Marina Timber Merchants George Walker Ltd Wholesalers Costco Leicester

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

22 27 38 44 31 37 30 9 49 36 15 44 17 15 19 17 51 2 12 10 48 25 13 41 13 47 47 36 38 9 39 38 11 35 16 45 10 41 52 22 33

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SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES

Adver sing in Award Winning Soar Valley Life

for community enterprises

This size advert from

£28 + VAT per month

Adver se in Soar Valley Life and get your message to 20,000 homes and businesses every two months.

In May we’re increasing our distribu on area to include LE11 postcodes around Loughborough town.

This means we’ll be delivering more than 25,000 copies every two months to the best areas in Charnwood.

Adver sing is Simple

Give us a call on 01509 813125 or email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk and we’ll do the rest.

Our professional designers help to create the maximum response from your enterprise ­ and for a limited period we’ll even design your advert for

FREE!

Leaflets: We can now deliver leaflets with Soar Valley Life and you can choose an area from as small in number as 500 at a cost of £25.00 Call Steve for more details You can download all the details from our website www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

20,000 copies delivered every two months to all of the following Charnwood villages: Quorn, Barrow, Woodhouse, Woodhouse Eaves, Swithland, Walton & Burton on the Wolds, Su on Bonington, Zouch, Hoton, Cotes, Prestwold, Hathern, Long Wha on, Normanton and Stanford on Soar, Sileby, Mountsorrel, Rothley, Thurcaston, Cropston, Seagrave & Cossington. Plus further copies available in Great Central Railway Sta ons, Pubs, Libraries, Costco, tourist informa on centres and major places of interest

Quarter page from

£44 + VAT per month

Like us on facebook to further promote your business www.facebook.com/SoarValleyLife

Page 5

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Why use the Services of a Garden Designer?

A well designed garden that fits your needs will enrich your life, bring you much joy and add value to your property. For the inexperienced, crea ng a garden can be a fraught process; however, a sound master plan produced by a professional garden designer will poten ally save you me and money, preven ng you from making costly mistakes...

Garden design encompasses a whole host of areas from using the right plant in the right place to providing the right balance of hard landscaping and plan ng; it will ensure year round interest, texture, height and much more. Overall it is to create a well designed space that will fit your needs.

A talented garden designer will meet with you to visit the site and get an idea of your style, taste and

plonked them in spaces where they will fit only to find that they do not thrive or they quickly outgrow their space? This is where the skill of a good garden designer and plants person will make a big difference, a skilled designer will ensure that the plan ng design gives your garden personality, selec ng plants that will add drama, atmosphere, movement and scent to your garden as well as a rac ng wildlife. It can be likened to pain ng with plants and the plant choices will reflect the overall style and personality of the garden.

lifestyle, and see what can fit in your shape, size and budget. The garden designer will want to know the main func ons of the garden. Will you entertain in the garden? Will you cook/grow produce in the garden?

Should it be designed with children in mind or is it simply a quiet place to relax and unwind?

The role of a garden designer is to maximise the appeal and usage of your outdoor space and create an ul mate achievable vision for you, the client. It may not always be necessary to start from scratch; enhancing a garden and not star ng again when you don't have to is key.

Now is a great me to think about your garden and plan ahead; employ a designer and you could be enjoying the garden of your dreams through the summer and for years to come...

For me the thing that really brings a garden to life are the plants. Have you ever visited a garden centre or nursery on a sunny weekend and bought a few plants that you like the look of, brought them home and

Claire Jones Tel: 01509 881 119

rn Imprinted Driv e t t a P e eway ret c n o s C

by M. Morgan DRIVEWAYS • PATHS • PATIOS

Whatever your choice of surface We cover all aspects of:

• DESIGN • PATTERN • TEXTURE • COLOUR

Page 6

Commercial and Domestic Professional and Friendly

Tel: 0776 555 7009 7 Days a week

Want your business featured for free? Email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:41 Page 7

Charnwood Hearing Aid Centre Ltd Lynne Leeming, MSc RHAD MSHAA

Your local hearing specialist

Kitchens Fitted • Kitchens and worktops supplied at trade prices

5 Stadon Road, Anstey Leicester, LE7 7AY

Have your kitchen how you want it at a budget you can afford

• Having invested in your dream kitchen ensure that it is fitted to an exacting standard

Existing hearing aid users welcome Hearing protection for both children and adults

• Worktop replacements, pelmet/cornice only through to full kitchen fits

Friendly and professional service

Telephone: 0116 236 6633

• Granite supplied and fitted

Email: charnwoodhearing@btconnect.com www.charnwoodhearing.co.uk

• Gas Safe plumber

For people who care about their hearing

Please call Andy Webb on

Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm Wed & Sat 9.30am - 12.30pm

07904 987234 / 01509 414484

www.amw-kitchens.co.uk Where bespoke really means..

Your kitchen made to your order!

01509 414 169

Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £28 per month plus VAT – See page 5

Page 7

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Good choice of rugs always available in store

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:41 Page 9

Do you need to register for VAT? If your turnover for the last 12 months reaches the VAT registra on threshold, currently set at £79,000, it is likely you will have to register for VAT. There are other reasons you may have to register: for example if you expect your turnover to exceed the registra on threshold in the next 30 days alone or if you are taking over a business as a going concern. You may also apply for voluntary registra on if you meet certain criteria.

Once you have applied to register for VAT you must account for VAT from the date stated on your applica on. In between registering and receiving your VAT number you should increase your prices by an amount equivalent to the VAT you will be charging in order to avoid reducing your net income. You should explain the situa on to your customers that a proper VAT invoice detailing your new VAT number and the amount of VAT charged will be provided once you have received the VAT number from HM Revenue & Customs.

CP Accountancy Ltd End of year accounts, Bookkeeping, VAT, PAYE, CIS, and Tax Returns for Sole-traders, Partnerships and small Limited Companies

You may also want to consider if an alterna ve VAT scheme may be be er for your business than the standard VAT accoun ng system. Other schemes will be discussed next me but if you have any ques ons in the mean me please do not hesitate to contact me.

Caroline Dinsmore

Office 9 Lazarus Court, Woodgate Rothley, Leicestershire LE7 7NR Tel: 01162 303 973 Mobile: 07749 650129 Email: info@cpaccountancyltd.co.uk

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

Richard Watson Professional Painter and Decorator out from internal to external

Quality service with a professional finish • Free Estimates For a full personal service call

T: 01509 815753 M: 07880 754011 Sileby Based

A2Z CLEANING SERVICES • •

Professional, friendly, fully trained & above all great value for money.

• • •

Carpet Cleaning Gutter and UPVC Cleaning Window Cleaning Patios & Driveways Cleaned Home Cleaning

Pressure Washing A2Z can clean any hard surface with the latest in Pressure Washing equipment the results are spectacular. We can clean Car Parks, Car Dealerships, Forecourts, Driveways, Patios, remove Graffiti and much more.

2 Abbey Business Park, Friday Street, Leicester LE1 3BW

T: 0116 2629596 • E: sales@leicestercleaners.com • www.leicestercleaners.com

Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £28 per month plus VAT – See page 5

Page 9

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Plumbing or Heating Problem?

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

24 HOUR EMERGENCY CALL OUT Contact Darryl now for obligation free assistance

info@fabplumbing.co.uk

www.fabplumbing.co.uk

0333 456 7080 07867 301862

1120 Melton Road, Syston

0116 260 8500

ROAD,SPORT,HYBRID &MOUNTAINBIKESFROM MERIDA&DAWES

PRICESSTARTINGFROM£299.99

Call/Text 07786 961 326

www.mrpsdrivingschool.co.uk

01509 768831 • • • •

In business since 1983 5 year warranty We’ll beat any like for like quote High Quality Digital TV, DAB & FM Aerials • LCD/Plasma Wall Mounts • OAP Discounts • Tune-in & System set ups 133 Highgate Road, Sileby LE12 7PW www.deltaaerials.co.uk

Page 10

ALTURA , MERIDA & LUSSO clothing In Stock.

Many items at SALE prices 10% DEPOSIT SECURES A BIKE UNTIL REQUIRED

Cyclescheme Tax Free Bikes Member

SPARES & REPAIRS

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 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:41 Page 11

Quiz – Mascots

1.

Appearing on the bonnet of their cars and taking the form of a woman leaning forwards with her arms outstretched behind her, the Spirit of Ecstasy is the mascot for which car manufacturer?

2. Does Pudsey Bear, the mascot for Children in Need, wear a bandage over his le eye or his right eye?

3. In which 1990s film does a detec ve go in search of Snowflake, the missing mascot of the American football team the Miami Dolphins?

4. Underneath his overalls, Ronald McDonald wears a striped shirt and striped socks of which two colours?

5. With a black suit and bowler hat, Fred the Flour Grader is the mascot for which food brand?

6. What type of animal was World Cup Willie, the mascot for the 1966 World Cup? 7. Sonic the Hedgehog is the mascot of which video game developer?

8. What was the name of the robot mascot who would o en appear in anima ons on the TV game show Catchphrase?

9. Which series of annual publica ons have a red cover with a mascot called Bibendum on them?

10. What product has three mascots, one of which wears a chef’s hat, one of which wears a stocking cap, and one of which wears a band leader’s hat?

Answers on page 49

Overall Winner – Loughborough & North Leics. CAMRA Pub of the Year 2013

2nd to 4th May 15 Beers and Ciders Live Music on the Friday and Saturday Night

THE FREE TRADE INN 27 Cossington Road, Sileby, Leicestershire LE12 7RW 01509 814494 www.thefreetradeinn.co.uk Feature your business in Soar Valley Life – contact steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

Page 11

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A Morris Named Stanley Seventy­nine years ago a shiny new maroon conver ble motor car rolled off the produc on line in Cowley, Oxfordshire. With a 918cc engine, it boasted around 45 miles to the imperial gallon and could reach a top speed of 57 miles per hour...

The Morris 8 proved so successful that it elevated the Morris Motor Company to the number one manufacturer of motor vehicles in Europe and in 1939 they became the first European manufacturer to produce more than 1,000,000 vehicles.

In the 1930s, a er choosing op onal extras such as bumpers, indicators, leather seats and canvas folding top, the car would have set you back about £125.

Today’s value would be in the region of £72,000!

Stanley’s current owner, Albert

Albert Sleigh, proprietor of Argosy Autocra , behind the wheel of ‘Stanley’ ­ his recently restored 1935 Morris 8 Conver ble

Sleigh of Argosy Autocra and Retro Motorcycle Services, started his business in 1983 when Stanley was already well into middle age.

Albert also has an admirable collec on of retro, classic and vintage motor bikes as well.

“Eighteen at the last count, I think,” says Albert, “but my favourite is this BMW 850R. At fourteen years old she’s only a teenager but she runs like a dream!

Stanley has been round the block a few mes and at 65,000 miles is already well into it’s third engine, whereas the BMW is s ll running sweetly at well over 60,000.”

And her name? “Rosie…”

Incidentally, I was surprised to learn that the life expectancy of early motor engines was only about 20,000 miles. I have always envied people like Albert who have been fortunate enough to create a livelihood from their life’s great passion. And it’s not only cars,

s -ETC e c i v -TYRES r e o r le S -MOT t e R cyc AIRS t r E-REP f o t a r OT s MoSERVIC C to RS-Mtorcycle u A I o A als - M y P s E meric o R g Ar RVICs E- Light Com SE

Car

All Makes & Ages including MX5 Mini/Cooper-Classics & Sports

66b Wymeswold Industrial Park, Wymeswold Lane, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5TY

Telephone 01509 880545 • Mobile: 07967 128975 argosyautocraft@aol.com Page 12

Want your business featured for free? Email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:41 Page 13

Professional Mobile Pet Grooming

Delivered to your Door Our fully comprehensive services include:

Hydro bathing • Nail clipping Flea treatment • Hair de-shedding Shampooing • Coat conditioning & deodorising • Turbo drying Clip or trim • One to one attention All in our purpose built heated vans

Tel: 0116 272 0066 Mob: 07875 725576 Under new management with additional trained © SVL staff and vans

ADOPT AN ANIMAL

Woodside Animal Centre 190 Scudamore Road, Leicester LE3 1UQ

0116 233 6677

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

THE BIGGEST BLIND SALE EVER! verticals • rollers • wood & aluminium venetians romans • conservatory • skylight

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Easy Sudoku Plus an

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orders until end of April 2014

Tel: 0116 316 9866 www.colourfulblinds.com

Oooh…

MyFeet ... is the answer to happy feet!

Mobile Foot Health Care Relieve the Pain and Discomfort of Corns • Callus • Ingrown Toenails • Verrucas • Cracked Heels ... in your home or by appointment with

Answers on page 49

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

Gillian Brierley DipCFHP MPSPract Foot Health Practitioner Vintage Soul Holistic and Beauty Studio, 8 Brookside, Syston LE7 1GG 07816 113259 or 01509 216155 www.ooohmyfeet.co.uk A member of the Alliance of Private Sector Practitioners

Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £28 per month plus VAT – See page 5

Page 13

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No group meetings No joining fee Just one to one support in the privacy of your own home at a day and time to suit you.

Independent Consultant

Janet Humber

Tel: 01509 880 023 Mobile: 07968 726 717 Email: jan.mel@talktalk.net

Colours

Hair and Nails

Why not have your Hair and Nails done at the same time?

Kelly’s NEW SALON NOW OPEN in MOUNTSORREL

MA S I

Beauty and Bridal 10% off on first treatment when you mention this advert

Please feel free to pop in for a coffee and a chat about a new style

0116 319 2090 • 07855 962 811

83 Leicester Road, Mountsorrel LE12 7AJ

www.colourshairandnails.co.uk

Page 14

www.cambridgeweightplan.co.uk

To make an appointment call 1 Highgate Road, Sileby, LE12 7PN

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 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:41 Page 15

Quick Crossword 1

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Across

Down

1 Money (4)

1 Advises (8)

3 Used in board game (5,3)

2 Serious (5)

9 Scold severely (7)

4 Stowed away (3)

10 Electronic post (5)

5 Lock picks (8,4)

11 Young cabbage plants (6,6)

6 Loyal (7)

14 To allow (3) 16 Type of drum (5)

18

19

20 21

22

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24

17 Joint (3)

7 Story (4) 8 Eats its own kind (12) 12 Doomed (5)

18 Seen in a rink (6­6)

13 Alcoholic appe ser (8)

21 Violent disturbances (5)

15 Twice as much (7)

22 Stabbing weapon (7)

19 South American dance (5)

23 Suppor ng column (8)

20 Hold ghtly (4)

24 Popular sport (4)

22 Type of snake (3) Answers on page 49

Food tastes better from a clean oven!

Doesn’t your oven deserve a spring clean too?

Let us restore your oven to near showroom condition!

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07969 135210 or 0800 043 7861 info@theovencleaningcomp.com

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

This advert must be produced to qualify.

Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £28 per month plus VAT – See page 5

Page 15

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

01509 814715

What’s On At The White Horse?

Tuesdays, 6pm-8.45pm – £5 Menu

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.

The Stables Shop

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

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

The Stables Function Room

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

Choose from a range of fantastic £5 specials!

Wednesdays, 6pm-8.45pm – Back To School Night

Enjoy a delicious old-fashioned meal and a pudding for just £7.50!

Thursdays, 6pm-8.45pm – Steak Night

Two rump steaks or specials with a bottle of house wine for just £25! Individual deal for just £13!

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

Saturdays, 6pm-8.45pm – Takeaway Night Collect any main meal as a takeaway and get a free pudding!

Sundays, 12pm-2.15pm – Sunday Lunch

Sample our delicious, locally-sourced Sunday roasts.

The Stables Shop and Function Room at The White Horse are now open!

Visit www.whitehorseseagrave.co.uk for more details.

For appointments call or text: Physiotherapy & Acupuncture

07884493809

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

Page 16

Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £28 per month plus VAT – See page 5

© SVL

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:41 Page 17

Bring the Garden Indoors

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

www.acaciacurtains.com

It’s easy to create a fresh new look by bringing a touch of oral elegance to your home with the new collec ons from Pres gious Tex les...

Wild Garden

The 'Italian Garden' range of fabrics combine delicate ower prints with watercolour stripes brought right up to date with zesty colour ways. Or, why not consider the 'Wild Garden' range from Clarke and Clarke?

Inspired by the countryside with delicate embroidered foxgloves and cowslips on so linens or a contemporary block printed fern design as a complete contrast.

All of these fabrics are perfect as Italian Garden curtains, blinds and cushions and we can supply a range of matching ebacks, trimmings and poles; also suitable for upholstery they can be ordered by the metre.

Simply call us for a no obliga on quota on in the comfort of your own home and let Acacia bring a fresh new look to your windows this Spring. Acacia Curtains and Blinds Tel 01509650832

MR MUSSELL

your local oven cleaner

Returns your oven to show room condition! • Racks and rings tank dipped, back to their original condition

• Oven exterior degreased, cleaned and left shining • Non-caustic, non-toxic and bio-degradable • Prices from only £45.00

Ultraclean

07900 106287

• Grease and burned on carbon removed from all interior surfaces

!

# "

" # ! """ # !

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

Page 17

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Do you know someone who may need an eye test at home?

Visual Answers have a range of the latest portable diagnos c equipment to examine pa ents’ eyes at home and in residen al care homes...

Typically we would be with you for just over an hour, providing a comprehensive eye examina on with checks for cataracts, diabetes and glaucoma and a spectacle dispensing service that includes: • FREE fi ng and delivery appointments • FREE all year round a ercare • FREE telephone advisory service • FREE ‘goodie bag’ with lens cleaner & cloth with any glasses We also have an excellent range of stylish, illuminated and electronic magnifiers ideal for hobbies and those with reading difficul es from as li le as £9.95. We can arrange a FREE trial of these to our exis ng pa ents. Call us for more informa on.

FREE home hearing tests available too...

Visual Answers also work with a leading local independent hearing aid audiologist who can provide FREE home hearing tests. RNID latest figures show 40% of the over 50’s have some form of hearing loss. Hearing is an important sense and one that contributes greatly to our quality of life, which is why we believe it should be checked regularly, just like your eyesight.

Call us today on 01509 414151 to check your NHS en tlement for a home visit or to arrange an appointment for a friend or family member.

Visual Answers Optometrists www.VisualAnswers.co.uk

THESOOTBUSTER

Chimney Sweeping Services

• Member of the Guild of Master Sweeps •

Registered Stove Installer

• Fully insured

Call Dave Morris on

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Tel: 01455 828967 m: 07821 774273 e: sootbuster1@gmail.com www.thesootbuster.co.uk Dave is also a registered Mole Catcher

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 20

Recipe This month’s recipe sponsored by

Bunny Appliance Warehouse

Chicken Goulash Here’s a delicious mid­week supper that can be rustled up in less than 40 minutes, We’ve used chicken fillets, but you can use cheaper boneless chicken thighs or try strips of lean sirloin steak or pork fillet instead.

1

2

3

Serves 4 ­ Ready in 35 minutes

Heat the oil in a large deep frying pan.

Add the chicken and onion and fry over a medium­high heat for 3­4 minutes, s rring occasionally un l both are lightly browned. Add the mushrooms and fry for a further 2 minutes.

Mix together the paprika and flour and s r into the pan. Cook for 1 minute then gradually s r in the passata and stock.

Season with salt and pepper.

Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 8­10 minutes, s rring occasionally, un l the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through. Serve topped with soured cream and boiled potatoes. Sprinkle over the chopped parsley to garnish.

Tip

Passata is simply ripe tomatoes that have been pureed then sieved to remove any skin and pips. You’ll find it in jars near the canned tomatoes in the supermarket. You can use a small can of chopped tomatoes instead ­ just whizz in a food processor or with a hand blender un l smooth.

Page 20

Ingredients: • 2 tbsp sunflower oil • 600g skinless chicken fillets, thinly sliced • 1 red onion, peeled and chopped • 200g bu on mushrooms, wiped • 1 tsp smoked paprika • 2 tsp plain flour • 150ml passata (see p) • 150ml chicken stock • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 4 tbsp soured cream • Boiled potatoes, to serve • Fresh chopped parsley, to garnish

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

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 21

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 22

#"! " # "

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Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 23

Local Chiropractor Wins Na onal Quality Award Loughborough Chiroprac c Clinic situated at 3, The Coneries, Loughborough, has been awarded the Pa ent Partnership Quality Mark (PPQM) by The Royal College of Chiropractors...

The PPQM is awarded to chiroprac c clinics that demonstrate excellence in mee ng pa ent expecta ons in a range of areas including accessibility, cleanliness, safety and pa ent communica on. The decision to award the PPQM is made by a panel of pa ents and public who form the Royal College of Chiropractor’s Lay Partnership Group. Loughborough Chiroprac c Clinic, a family owned business, has been trading since 1998. The partners Hayley Smith, Jeane e Chalmers and Leanne Smith, are pictured receiving the award at a ceremony in London on 29th January from Lay Partnership Group member Mr Paul Shorten.

Clinic Principal and chiropractor Hayley Smith said: “The award of the Pa ent Partnership Quality Mark recognises this clinic’s commitment to mee ng the expecta ons our pa ents have when they visit us for

Hayley, Jeane e and Leanne from Loughborough Chiroprac c Clinic receiving their Prac ce Pa ent Quality Management award

advice and treatment. Our aim is to con nually improve our levels of service and we always welcome feedback from our pa ents to help us achieve this. We are extremely proud of the clinic and the work the whole team con nues to do to provide a high level of care for all pa ents.�

Loughborough Chiropractic Clinic

01509 219800

www.loughboroughchiropractic.co.uk info@loughboroughchiropractic.co.uk

Contact us at Loughborough Chiropractic Clinic for expert advice and treatment.

Sports Massage

also available at the clinic call 01509 219800

to book your sports massage with Jenny Flowers BSc (Hons) MSST

Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £28 per month plus VAT – See page 5

Page 23

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 24

For the most comprehensive range of Aloe Vera Products including Skincare, Make up, and Supplements please contact us

BE YOUR OWN BOSS! Lifestyle changing opportunity for self motivated individuals/couples

The Restaurant at the Mountsorrel Prize Draw

The draw took place on March 1st – too late for our printer’s deadline – by Head Chef Joshua Allen. See our Facebook page for the lucky winner of the Main Meal for Two. Please ‘like’ our page to keep up to date with news and events: www.facebook.com/SoarValley Life

Commercial Parcel Network Now available to the general public:

1KG to 30KG parcels delivered on 24 hour insured network Items up to 20KG sent direct from our base in Loughborough – we collect from you for a small fee or you deliver to our base by 4.30pm and your parcel will be delivered by 6.00pm next day 21KG to 30KG we collect from your address – still delivered next day All Packaging goods available in store All UK (Except Highlands) 24 hours Highlands 2 days Europe 3 – 5 days

1-5 KGS 6-10 KGS 11-15 KGS 16-20 KGS 21-30 KGS

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All prices include VAT Prices correct at time of print (UK price only) © SVL

38 Baxter Gate, Loughborough, LE11 1TQ sales@myparcelshop.com

Tel: 0333 600 2122

All major credit/debit cards accepted

Page 24

Part-time/full-time no investment required For more information contact...

Nicola Drage

Tel: 07813 132715

Email: Nicoladrage77@gmail.com www.nicoladrage.myforever.biz

WIN a Posh Dogs Grooming Voucher!

For your chance to win a £25 grooming voucher to spend at Posh Dogs Canine Grooming just send your answer to the following question to

editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk

or by post to Soar Valley Life, 1, Burton Road, Sileby, Leicestershire LE12 7RU

QUESTION POSH DOGS HAVE MOVED FROM BARROW UPON SOAR – WHERE ARE THEY NOW? The first correct answer out of the hat after the closing date of Tuesday 29th April 2014 will win.

Editor’s decision is final. Terms and conditions apply.

Want your business featured for free? Email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

See Page 41

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 25

Driving a straight line...

Did you know that 90% of cars on the roads today suffer from some form of mis­alignment?

Four digital cameras (one for each wheel) measure the posi on and orienta on of alignment targets.

And 58% of cars suffer mis­alignment on the rear wheels ­ so just having a front alignment/tracking/toe & go will not detect or solve the whole problem. The average car is driven about 12,000 miles per year. A car with a toe (tracking) alignment which is just 0.34 degrees out of specifica on, has in effect done exactly the same as having dragged its tyre sideways for more than 68 miles by the end of the year. If the tyres last that long! And that would cost you more than a few quid in extra fuel usage to boot...

Tyrex have been providing the latest solu ons and best brands of tyres in Shepshed for more than three decades.

They moved to Sta on Close 22 years ago, expanded their premises by buying the depot next door, and these days they offer everything you need to keep your car well maintained and safe to drive.

They also arrange MOTs and for many of their services you don’t need an appointment.

Unlike many recep on areas I’ve hung around in whilst having my tyres changed, at Tyrex you’ll be able to sit on

The Hunter HawkEye™Proalign digital imaging system available at Tyrex of Shepshed a comfy seat in the warm with a proper cup of tea or coffee and a wide screen TV whilst you wait. You’ll find Tyrex at 6, Old Sta on Close, Shepshed, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 9NJ which is just off Junc on 23 of the M1 then right at the 2nd set of traffic lights travelling towards Ashby.

TYREX 01509 508 001 www.tyrexltd.co.uk

TYRES, BRAKES, CLUTCHES Servicing and General Repairs

All Leading Brands from Goodyear, Dunlop, Semperit & Hankook Comfy waiting room

Best Value in Charnwood

BATTERIES AND EXHAUSTS Local Independent Family Run Straight off Junction 23

01509 508001

tyrexshepshed@aol.com • www.tyrexltd.co.uk Old Station Close, Shepshed, Loughborough LE12 9NJ

We now offer full 4 wheel alignment Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £28 per month plus VAT – See page 5

Page 25

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 26

Your Green, Green Grass at Home Mar n and Michelle Williams have been running their award winning GreenThumb Lawn Service franchise for over 14 years.They now have over 6,000 sa sfied customers whose lawns they visit on a regular basis to apply seasonal treatments.

Prices start from only £15 per treatment. This means that many of GreenThumb’s customers who have an annual programme of treatments, pay only £5 per month.

The Bri sh weather will remain unpredictable, but what we can

Mar n & Michelle Williams

say for sure is that many lawns will be ready for some TLC come the Spring.

A er one of the we est Winters on record, lawns will

soon start to look yellow, sparse and very mossy. GreenThumb’s treatments will give you that lush, green, weed­free lawn you have always wanted.

Here are some ps for Spring lawn care – courtesy of Mar n and Michelle: BEFORE GreenThumb

AFTER GreenThumb

• Make sure that your mower has been serviced and that the blades are sharp.

• When you give your lawn the first cut of the season – aim to remove only the top third of growth.

Remove too much all in one go and the grass will look very yellow.

• When the grass growing season is properly underway, mow the lawn at least once a week.

• NEVER cut the grass shorter than one inch.

• Apply a Spring blend, nitrogen rich feed to the lawns.

• Spray weeds with a product which is recommended for use on grass – some weed killers will get rid of everything – including your lawn!

If you would like GreenThumb to take care of the feeding, weeding and moss control for you, then why not contact them for a no­obliga on, FREE lawn analysis and quote?

Phone: 0116 269 4019 Freefone 0800 0111 222 Email:leicswest@greenthumb.co.uk Greenthumb Leicestershire West Check out their website: www.greenthumb.co.uk Page 26

Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £28 per month plus VAT ­ See page 5

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 27

Prices P rices from f ro m

Hwyl fawr

See ya

Cheerio

So long

Toodle-pip

£5

per p e r month m o nth

Goodbye Goodbye Weeds Weeds

W With itth our prices fr from ith om as llittle as £5* per month mo onth for providing providing a great great eat service, is it any wonder 40% of won nder that 40 ourr new customers custom come through com me to us thr ough recommendation. recommendatio ecommendation.

So, call today for fo your FRE EE lawn analysis: anal FREE

0800 0111 222

*Prices based o on a lawn a size s e up to o 60m² 60

H ello Hello Be autiful Beautiful L awn Lawn

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 28

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Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 15:01 Page 29

Ac vity4all Celebrate their First Birthday!

Ac vity4all Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic have had an extremely successful first year in business; founder Claire Lidstone, Chartered Physiotherapist, was grateful for the opportunity to join the premises of Julie As ll, Podiatrist at The Foo ngs on High Street in Barrow upon Soar...

Claire says, “Being local and easy to get to is a huge factor in our success and an impressive referral rate tells us people are happy with our service and the results. There are so many things we can offer to reduce the experience of pain; keeping runners running, golfers golfing, computer users in work and the elderly on their feet. We’re excited to be working with podiatrist Julie to provide a full bio­ mechanics assessment and correc on service as well as our normal clinic sessions for massage and injury or pain management."

The clinic is growing with Sara Utect, massage therapist, Daragh Lahiff, Chartered Physiotherapist, and Chris Beall, Sports Rehabilita on Therapist, working closely with Claire to provide an expanded service into the weekends and evenings.

“Our pitch side support at Barrow Town Football Club is ongoing with plans for Chris to run prehab and rehab classes and one to one fitness sessions for children and adults at the club itself and at Physfit Gym in Sileby.”

WE HAVE A WINNER! Our 'Drive a Train Experience Day on the Great Central Railway' compe on ended on Friday 31st January. It was, by far, our most popular compe on ever...

We gave each correct entry a number, put all the numbers in an engine driver's hat and Fred Franklin, senior driver on the GCR, drew the winning cket on the footplate of BR class 2 steam locomo ve 46521 just before we set off pulling the evening dining train out of Loughborough Central Sta on on Saturday 1st February.

Congratula ons to Mrs. D. Su on of Hathern who answered all three ques ons correctly and was the first number drawn from the hat: 1. Class 04 2. "Right Away!"

3. Island Pla orm Layout

Fred Franklin, Driver, and Steve Johns & Colin Ferguson, Firemen on the footplate of BR Iva Class 2, 46521, on Saturday 1st February 2014.

Photo courtesy of Bill Allsopp Photography

Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £28 per month plus VAT – See page 5

Page 29

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 30

Life on the Ocean Weave...

Mixing Bri sh and Far Eastern Cra smanship, Ocean Designs offer a unique selec on of woven furniture for both the home and garden. You’ll find this No ngham based company on Castle Boulevard, just on the way out of the city centre. There you will see the widest range of conservatory and garden furniture in the region, in a variety of different materials and colour treatments, including stunning dining and occasional pieces.

furniture, so are unique in being able to offer a made to measure, bespoke service complete with a 10 year guarantee. Are you looking for a beau fully made, unique piece of furniture? Then take a visit to Ocean Designs.

Ocean Designs manufacture all their upholstery in house to the highest quality standards and they actually design all their products themselves, so you won’t find them anywhere else except in the shops they supply.

Choose your upholstery from up to 1,000 fabric op ons including Malabar, John Brown, Warwick, Osborne & Li le, Nina Campbell and Swaffer, in a comprehensive range of styles allowing you to create your perfect look. Ocean Designs also manufacture all their own luxury lounge and occasional upholstery

Join Ocean Designs for their Spring Launch Event on Sunday April 6th for a great a ernoon with all the family!

0115 941 0633 Page 30

Want your business featured for free? Email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

Hair Today...

Locks Tomorrow

Mobile Hair Extensionist Fully qualified hair extension technician in 3 types of non-damaging hair extensions • Micro Rings • Fusion Bonds (nail tip) • Fusion Shrinks (I tip)

Please contact Gina 07584 136490 ginamaypage@hotmail.com https://www.facebook.com/gina.page7583

RAPID RESPONSE

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 31

X

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

FREE SECURITY CHECKS AVAILABLE.

PERT

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

OFFICE: MOB:

01509 412 412 07860 456 474

Put these numbers in your phone in case of emergency.

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

Vintage Soul Studio Meditation Coaching and Holistic Therapies

Meditation Massage Reiki Reflexology Indian Head Massage and much more...

Contact Lyndsey Burton on: 0116 319 0455 vintagesoulinfo@gmail.com

8 Brookside, Syston, Leicester LE7 1GG

www.soul-ution.co.uk

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

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

Page 31

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 32

Everything under the sun ...and then some!

Sunrise & sunset mes and phases of the moon Date

Sun Rise

10­Mar­14 17­Mar­14 24­Mar­14 Hours shi 31­Mar­14 7­Apr­14 14­Apr­14 21­Apr­14 28­Apr­14 5­May­14 12­May­14

Sun Set

Hours of Daylight

06:26 17:56 11h 30m 02s 06:10 18:08 11h 57m 48s 05:54 18:20 12h 25m 36s because clocks go forward one hour 06:39 19:32 12h 53m 19s 06:23 19:44 13h 20m 48s 06:07 19:55 13h 47m 54s 05:53 20:07 14h 14m 25s 05:38 20:19 14h 40m 07s 05:25 20:30 15h 04m 38s 05:14 20:41 15h 27m 31s

Date

Moonrise

Moonset

Phase

16­Mar­14

18:13

05:48

Full Moon @ 17:09

24­Mar­14

01:50

10:50

Last Quarter @ 01:46

The Vernal Equinox March 20th at 4.57 pm

This is the me of year to e down your compass points ­ the direc ons of north, south, east and west as seen from your observa on site.

North is easy ­ just latch on to Polaris, the Pole Star, which never moves because it is directly above the North Pole which is the Earth’s axis point.

See the diagram below ­ find The Plough ­ Ursa Major, the Great Bear ­ and follow straight on from the two stars as shown.

At noon G.M.T. the sun is always due south. But the useful extra in March is that we hit the Spring (Vernal) Equinox when the Sun rises due east and sets due west.

So remember those posi ons rela ve to a tree or house around your horizon.

Hours shi because clocks go forward one hour 30­Mar­14

06:48

20:44

New Moon @ 19:45

7­April­14

11:46

02:31

First Quarter @09:31

15­April­14

20:25

06:05

Full Moon@08:43

22­April­14

02:19

12:04

Third Quarter@08:52

29­April­14

05:48

20:46

New Moon @ 07:15

07­May­14

12:35

02:05

First Quarter @ 04:15

14­May­14

20:28

05:07

Full Moon @ 20:16

The Planets ­ looking South at 11 pm mid month (take an hour off at the beginning and add an hour on at the end) March: Jupiter is further to the right (West) of centre sky and is the brightest object for most of the night un l...

Venus rises at 4.30am and takes over as brightest object in the sky.

April: Mars roars on to the celes al stage this month and is brighter than the

brightest star in our night sky. On 15th April you’ll find it to the right of the full moon.

May: Saturn is a tad overshadowed by all the compe on from its siblings but look at the full moon on the 14th of the month and you’ll see Saturn just to it’s right.

Did you know?

Galileo Galilei is o en incorrectly credited with the inven on of the telescope. Instead, historians now believe the Dutch eyeglass maker Johannes Lippershey was its creator.

Galileo was, however, probably the first to use the device to study the heavens.

Sponsored by For everything under the sun (almost!)

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 33

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 34

Spring, Snowdrops and Sparrowhawks be washed away with tea and cake in the priory’s pleasant if pricey tearoom.) It is a magical place, well worth the visit though I understand that because of the mild, wet winter the snowdrops have been in situ at Hodsock, as elsewhere, since December.

Phillip Mark McGough

A Medieval legend tells that when Adam and Eve were expelled from paradise they found only winter and snow, seemingly without end. Just as they were about to abandon any hope that they would ever again see a blue sky or feel the caress of the sun on their skin, an angel appeared, took a fis ul of snow, and opened his hand to reveal a marvellous alchemy: The snow had become the snowdrop flower ­ a guarantee that winter always ends and that Spring is impa ent to begin...

I men on this because in February I went to see the famous Hodsock Snowdrops at Hodsock Priory near Blyth in No nghamshire. Here the snowdrops carpet five acres or so of grass like a sheet of frost, with a healthy surplus spilling over onto the footpaths, so that there really is no way to avoid mangling a good few dozen with every step. (The guilt can Page 34

The snowdrop is emblema c of nature’s changing of the guard at this me of year, part of our seasonal heraldry if you will, always ahead of the daffodils and bluebells, and a sure indica on that the world is about to get greener. This makes it all the more surprising to learn that there is no reliable record of their growing wild in Britain before about 1780; though they occur naturally across Europe as far north as the Low Countries. In all probability they only began to proliferate here as ornamental escapes in the age of the great landscape gardens of the late 18th Century. It’s also worth no ng that the “drop” in the name refers not to a drop of snow, but to an eardrop, the old term for an earring. This was also around the me when Britain was convulsed in an increasingly violent debate over Catholic emancipa on, and the innocent li le snowdrop, significant in Catholicism as the flower of Candelmas, was duly conscripted into the war and damned as unlucky by more extreme Protestant opinion.

The lesson of history is clear: floristry and bigotry do not mix.

A happier thought on which to end: At the same me I was admiring and trampling snowdrops at Hodsock, I saw my first ever sparrowhawk in the field. There was a commo on in the canopy, the diverse and discordant admoni ons of rooks, woodpigeons, ts and blackbirds – like a stressed orchestra in warm­up – and, looking up, there it was, gliding out of the trees, through a clearing and back into the trees again. A female, I think ­ larger and fa er than the male ­ but unmistakably a sparrow hawk.

A welcome encounter, corona ng a perfect day out and about in nature, and one that seems to underline in bold a thought I’ve o en had: The most successful moments in bird watching ­ and nature­ watching in general really ­ are more of a gi than anything else. They cannot be planned.

In other words, and in my experience, if you set out with a definite intent to see a par cular bird, you almost certainly won’t. If you expect nothing, you will be rewarded.

The sparrow hawk has been high on my list of birds to see for years now ­ and there it was, unexpected, unsolicited, a gratuity at Hodsock. Enjoy the coming Spring...

Want your business featured for free? Email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 35

Now taking bookings for Mothering Sunday Lunch – Sunday 30th March 2014 12 until 4 Head chef Joshua Allen offers a fine mix of traditional and contemporary cuisine catering for all tastes.

Open Tuesday to Saturday evenings from 5pm.

Booking advisable to avoid disappointment

© SVL

THE MOUNTSORREL GUESTHOUSE OPENS ITS RESTAURANT TO NON RESIDENTS 217 Loughborough Road, Mountsorrel, Loughborough Leicestershire LE12 7AR

01509 552 789 Email:info@mountsorrel-guesthouse.co.uk

www.mountsorrel-guesthouse.co.uk

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 36

Take a Break from Technology Did you know that, on average, smart phone users check their phones six mes per hour? Just think how much me that takes out of the day and is it any wonder so many of us feel distracted and overwhelmed…

We are our own worst enemies checking our phones whether they’re buzzing or not. All this incoming informa on is crea ng a world of people who are stressed out, exhausted and perpetually teetering on the edge of a cold or worse because their immune systems are simply shot. If this is you, why not try to manage the informa on flow be er by only checking your phone once or maybe twice per day and try to reduce the amount of informa on you sign up to and receive by email.

Take some me for yourself at least once a day to do something you enjoy. It doesn’t have to take up a lot of your me, for example just a 10­15 minute walk will get you out in the fresh air and help recharge your ba eries. Once a month treat yourself to something special to help alleviate stress.

Reflexology and Reiki are both excellent ways of relieving stress and they also promote a feeling of wellbeing.

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

Paula Reed is a member of the NHS Directory of Complementary and Alterna ve Prac oners.www.reedwellbeing.co.uk

SAVE YOUR MEMORIES Transfer your old VIDEO tapes & CINE to DVD

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Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 37

Thinking of a new kitchen? ...then come and see the louis difference* louis kitchens are different - they are simple, they are unpretentious and they have ‘timelessness’ at the heart of their design and creation.

*louis kitchens have painted cabinets, tiled plinths, solid surface

worktops and stone floors - a ‘design mix’ that largely eliminates synthetic materials and offers lasting quality and easy maintenance.

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

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Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 38

A Taste of Inspira on…

There’s no be er way to get all the ideas you need for your big day!

Sit down with tea and cake and talk it through with one of the team of professional wedding consultants at The Wedding Café on the High Street in Syston.

Take the first steps with your plans: what fits with your budget, ideas on venues and venue dressing, helpful advice on bridal wear and suit hire, table centre pieces, ideas for cakes, props and accessories and be inspired by all those li le things that mean so much to you and your guests on your special day.

There are unique ideas too for hen par es, birthdays and special occasions and even if you have nothing upcoming it really is a lovely place to enjoy half an hour with a cup of your favourite beverage and a slice of delicious cake.

And if you have me you can enjoy full a ernoon tea served on the best vintage china and just watch the world go by...

Page 38

A vintage themed tearoom offering inspirational ideas alongside a variety of wedding services – and a very warm welcome and tea and homemade cakes too.

We provide: • Wedding Consultation • Venue Dressing • Table Centrepieces

• Sweetie Cart Buffet Hire • Prop & Accessory Hire • Pop Up Tea Tent Hire

8a High Street, Syston, LE7 1GP

theweddingcafeuk

Want your business featured for free? Email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 39

Is it me to create a Las ng Power of A orney?

None of us want to think about what would happen if we become unable to manage our own affairs. Those who are well prepared will have put into place a Las ng Power of A orney which will take care of any financial decisions and possibly any health and welfare ma ers...

The great advantage of this is that you are able to choose for yourself the people who will have the authority to make decisions and take ac on on your behalf if you are unable to do so. It gives you peace of mind knowing that even if you fall ill your affairs will be handled properly by those you trust.

Crea ng a Las ng Power of A orney puts you in control. In addi on to enabling you to choose who will act for you, the process also allows you to clearly direct how your A orneys should manage your affairs through carefully documented guidance and restric ons. It is important to make such decisions early because if you are involved in an accident or have a sudden illness you may be unable to understand the fairly lengthy forms and registra on process that is required to put Las ng Powers of A orney into effect and therefore it may be too late.

If you would like to create a Las ng Power of A orney then

we would be delighted to help you through the forms and registra on process. We prepare Las ng Powers of A orney, including applica ons for registra on, on a fixed scale fee which can be viewed on our website. Alterna vely call our private client department on 01509 217770 and one of us will be pleased to talk the process through with you. For more informa on or to make/update your Will please contact: Anthony Benskin a.benskin@moss­solicitors.co.uk Anne McGuiness a.mcguinness@moss­solicitors.co.uk Katrina Greenwell k.greenwell@moss­solicitors.co.uk

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

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

01530 815747

www.moss-solicitors.co.uk 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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Walking ­ Billesdon Brook Walk instruc ons 4 Miles

2 Hours

Find a parking space in Billesdon LE7 9** No toilets. Post office, shops and pubs in village.

1 Start from the church. Turn right along Church Lane, past the junc on, upslope to the yellow top marker post. Turn right, along the fenced path, follow the path right and le with the houses to the le , into Vicarage Close.

Turn le at the footpath signpost, go along the path and turn right, to the yellow top marker post. Bear le through the kissing gate and the narrow gate; con nue direc on across the midway stream and the kissing gate in the hedge gap.

2 The track con nues straight on through the gate ahead and follows a track veering le , with the field edge to the far le corner. Cross the field ahead which may be under cul va on although a path should be well marked within any crop. Keep slight le through the wide gap and con nue over the next field where a track should be visible. Go over the concrete farm driveway and carry on upslope with the barbed wire fence to the right, through the narrow gate at the top.

3 Take the field edge right, with the hedge to the right; keep on this track downhill and bear right, over a stream. Cross the farm driveway and keep ahead past a marker post with the hedge to the le , passing le of the new co ages. The route con nues through a wide metal gate and forks right at a marker post; go past the gate, upslope to the road.

4 At the signpost on the opposite side of the road, turn right along the field edge past a marker post. Keep direc on across this next field which should have a track within any crop; go through the hedge gap and cross the next possibly cul vated field. Go through this gap and carry on down to the field edge at a very overgrown looking Billesdon Brook.

5 Turn right, through the boundary, past a rickety looking footbridge and a yellow top post. Nearly at the boundary turn le through a hedge gap and cross the footbridge/s le. Turn right, along this field to the yellow top post on the le ; go through the kissing gate and over the footbridge. Turn right and with the fence to the le , go through two gates; keep direc on through gates and along the road to the centre of Billesdon village. Turn right, along Church Street, back to the church and your vehicle. © Clive Brown ­ All our walks are compiled by Clive Brown who holds the copyright. You can order any of his 74 walking guides at: www.walkingcloseto.com. Or email Clive directly at walkingcloseto@yahoo.co.uk

Page 40

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

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 41

Posh Dogs now in Sileby Posh Dogs Grooming was set up in 2010 on the outskirts of Barrow by Beth Kalmus...

Canine Grooming and Spa • Safe, clean and friendly environment • Teacup to large breeds catered for • Fully qualified and experienced New Posh Dogs Grooming Salon

NOW OPEN AT:

41 Swan Street Sileby, Leicestershire LE12 7NN

Mon - Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm Sat 9.30am to 5.00pm

41 Swan Street, Sileby LE12 7NN

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

© SVL

www.poshdogsgrooming.com

LOVE THE

COLD

Winter Clothing

for home and abroad sizes 6 months to 6 XL Opening times: Tue/Wed 9.30-4.30pm Thur/Fri/Sat 9.30-5.30pm Sun/Mon Closed

01509 853944

www.loveandpiste.co.uk Brook Furlong Farm, Costock Road, East Leake, Loughborough, Leics LE12 6LY

A er ge ng her Na onal Diploma in Animal Management at Brooksby College, Beth con nued her training at a specialist animal grooming school on the Costa del Sol in Spain. There she learnt various grooming methods, salon management and general canine care as well as ge ng lots of hands on experience. She has furthered her development since se ng up Posh Dogs and now has a Canine First Aid Cer ficate together with a Level 3 cer ficate in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning sector.

Having outgrown her salon at Barrow, Beth opened at 41, Swan Street, Sileby, in February and now offers grooming and treatments for all dogs ­ miniature to large breeds and puppies to older pets.

If you have a new puppy who you feel may be a li le nervous at being groomed and clipped for the first me Posh Dogs offer a free 15 minute puppy session ­ a er they have had their vaccina ons, of course. This gets them used to coat brushing and nail trimming and involves lots of play and fuss.

This session will help them feel at ease for the rest of their lives when being groomed.

You can contact Beth at Posh Dogs on 01509 767 420 or by email: bethklg@hotmail.co.uk.

Gareth Ga a Hudson MCFHP MAFHP

Foot Fo oo Health Professional Visiting Practice For all your foot care needs in the comfort of your own home: + Nails + Corns + Calluses + Ingrown toenails + Fungal infections + Diabetic foot care Registered Member Of The British Association Of Foot Health Professionals

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

Want your business featured for free? Email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

Page 41

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 42

Spot Ten Differences

Answers on page 49

Open: 8am - 6pm Mon - Fri 51 Weeks of the year Mon - Fri 51 Weeks

Celebrating Celebrating 10 10Years Years of of Success!

Success!

Rothely is a well RothleyPark ParkKindergarten Kindergarten isvery a well established private day care nursery established dayof care nurseryOur bright, spacious, air-conditioned celebratingprivate 10 years success. celebrating 10 years of success and classrooms are designed and equipped to provide quality childcare in a continuing to deliver an enhancing stimulating and learning environment. We offer 113 childcare places environment to allenjoyable the children and their for children between the ages of 6 weeks to 5 years. parents.

We provide quality maintained standards of such high calibre within the provision.

Nursery manager Narinder Kaur and her team of professional nursery

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

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

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

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

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

Page 42

Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £28 per month plus VAT – See page 5

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 43

Huge Selection of Stockist Furniture

Also bespoke furniture to your own requirements including fitted bedrooms and studies View our vast range of “Second Nature Kitchens” on display and in stock.

As a kitchen manufacturer we also offer bespoke elements to suit all customer requirements. The best of both worlds…

We give a unique design without the fully bespoke cost and can also deal with those awkward spaces that some companies leave alone!

Full bespoke manufacturing service at our new factory in Bunny – Next to Bunny Appliance Warehouse.

Bunny Trading Estate, Bunny, Notts, NG11 6QJ Showroom open 6 days a week

F U R N I T U R E

© SVL

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 44

Plumbing Carpentry Design

Professional service at a sensible price

KITCHEN AND BATHROOM SPECIALISTS

Kitchen and bathroom supply and fit or fit only wall and floor tiling • underfloor heating • plastering • laminate and vinyl flooring

Call Phil Blount – 07970 137550 email: pdjblount@yahoo.co.uk – Avon Road, Barrow upon Soar

DIGIT FREE TV W CCTV NET TW W

015

w

• • • • • •

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

Re-wires Fuse Board Upgrades Extra Sockets & Lighting New Builds & Extensions Inspection & Testing Garden & Security Lighting • Electric Showers • Burglar Alarms

ALL WORK GUARANTEED

For a FREE quote: M: 07970 893250 T: 0116 2303166 Saxon Drive, Rothley, Leicestershire LE7 7SR www.krelectrical.com Info@krelectrical.com

Reduce Stress – bring calm and tranquillity to your busy life.

Treat yourself to a Reiki session to promote emotional and physical wellbeing and encourage relaxation.

Overcome Fears and Phobias – tap them away!

Try EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) or ‘tapping’ to rid yourself of those irrational, but real, fears.

Enhance your personal development – try NLP. NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) is a great tool to help you develop and boost your confidence as well as make you an effective communicator.

Leicester Reiki offers all of the above therapies either in your own home (within 25 miles of LE12) or at The Attic, 68 High Street, Barrow on Soar (above Indigo Hair Design), or at Wymeswold Pharmacy. For more info visit my website: www.leicesterreiki.co.uk

tel 01509 881999 mob 07977 837532 email sally@leicesterreiki.co.uk www.facebook.com/LeicesterReiki

Page 44

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

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

@LeicesterReiki

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 45

More Room for the Sunshine Abbeyfield’s flagship, demen a registered, residen al care home on Wes ield Drive Loughborough, has recently completed a 1,000 sq. . ground floor extension, crea ng a much larger day me area for residents...

The thirty one residents of Wes ield House now enjoy more space in their day me communal area which represents a considerable investment from the Abbeyfield charitable trust.

Julie King, General Manager, showed me around just as the project was comple ng in early January.

“The extra space allows us to improve upon the person centred care we have always concentrated on. We’ve brightened up the décor, fi ed a new big screen television and created a be er family atmosphere. We are planning to have a small shop where residents can access the li le extras they may want which they are able to

choose for themselves.

Addi onally, the bigger space allows us to make more of our themed meal mes and daily ac vi es. We have a dedicated Ac vi es Organiser and Ac vi es Worker to engage our residents in such things as cake decora ng, kni ng, ski les and cra s and on Mondays we have Tippy the Hairdresser. There’s a new Quiet Lounge too, which can be used for more private mes and where Communion can be held. The new garden room, which is an extension of the old lounge, really has made a big difference; on warm sunny days in the summer we can open the doors onto the large newly created pa o which leads to the sensory garden, bringing the outdoors inside so to speak.

“There’s a big opportunity for anyone who’d like to come and help us by volunteering their me to assist in our

ac vi es. There’s so much we get involved in now: day trips on the waterways with the Peter le Marchant boat, gardening in the season, flower arranging, befriending, baking days, hobbies and all manner of interes ng things.”

If you’d like more informa on about volunteering at Abbeyfield you can either download an applica on form from the website ­ go to www.abbeyfieldloughborough.co.uk and click on the “Join us” link on the le ­ or talk to Julie or any of her staff by calling her during office hours on 01509 266605.

Loughborough

Specialist Dementia care home The Abbeyfield Society offers a range of care and support solutions which reflect the changing expectations of older people; that we all deserve to enjoy our later years and get the most out of life - whatever our individual circumstances.

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

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

Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £28 per month plus VAT ­ See page 5

Page 45

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 46

WIN a Ragdale Experience Day

for two people at award winning Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa worth £174

The Spa Traveller Readers’ Awards - Ultimate Wellness Spa, Best Wellness Spa UK & Best UK Spa to Recharge – 2013, Best UK Spa 2011 & Best UK Retreat for Solo Spa Travellers 2012 TripAdvisor - Awarded Certificate of Excellence 2012 & 2013 Candis Magazine - Best Spa 2013 New! Magazine Spa Awards 2012 - Best for Fitness Fans Good Spa Guide Awards 2012 Best UK Destination Spa Mumsnet Best Spa in the UK 2012 - Great for a girls day out. Spa Finder Readers’ Choice Awards 2011 & 2012 - Favourite UK Spa

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

Available in monetary amounts from £25 or for days or overnight breaks, they are the ideal gift.

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

Gym, exercise classes and outdoor facilities.

dispatched upon receipt of full payment.

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

All vouchers are valid for a year from

How to Enter

NB 10.30am arrival - 6.30pm departure

Simply send your name, address and telephone number marked Ragdale Hall Prize Draw to editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk or by post to Soar Valley Life, 1 Burton Road, Sileby, Leicestershire LE12 7RU

If you are not the lucky winner, then maybe a Ragdale Hall gift voucher would be the perfect present.

The first entry out of the hat after the closing date of Tuesday 29th April 2014 will win.

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

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 47

Calling All Community Groups Especially those helping the vulnerable, the less advantaged and the elderly…

FREE NETWORK SESSIONS Rising energy bills are one of the biggest concerns this winter – but what can you do to save money?

We are looking for interested groups of Consumers or Frontline Workers to put themselves forward for a session, throughout February and March 2014.

Please contact Jennifer for more information.

Find out more by contacting:

Jennifer Roberts on 01509 634937 or jennifer.roberts@charnwood.gov.uk

Charnwood Borough Council were recently awarded funding from the Department of Energy and Climate Change to run some Big Energy Saving Network sessions offering FREE and impar al energy savings advice to consumer groups. Each event covers: • Payment op ons, tariffs and how to switch.

• Fuel bills and the annual statement • Further assistance available – help with paying fuel bills, fuel debt advice or improving energy efficiency.

Contact Jennifer Roberts Warm Homes Officer Charnwood Borough Council jennifer.roberts@charnwood.gov.uk 01509 634937

Why do I photograph?

Because I have to; it has long been so. I am driven to do it and feel withdrawal symptoms if I am unable to get out into the landscape with my camera…

I have a passion for the beauty and variety of landscapes to be found in our country that I feel is greatly underappreciated. I also offer commercial photography and later this year will have a studio at home for portraiture.

My first camera was a box camera, which I was given at 5 years old. I progressed through various film cameras and finally went digital in 2002. I was never en rely happy in the wet darkroom, always preferring to be outside, but I now enjoy digital development almost as much as being out with the camera. This is not to say the images are “manufactured” at the processing stage but enhanced to present the best possible interpreta on.

To me photography is about the image; what equipment you use is secondary. A photographer needs to be able to ac vely see what is around him and make his own interpreta on of it. Photography is about much more than making a simple record, it should convey feelings and emo ons; it should inform and make us ask ques ons.

Un l next me May the light be with you Bill Allsopp

For a range of photographic services.

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

Available online or from Sutton Bonington Gallery. www.billallsopp.co.uk bill@billallsopp.co.uk

01530 230 360

Want your business featured for free? Email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

Page 47

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 48

Before and A er Paul Barsby ­ Tech 2 Body Repairs ­ Professional vehicle restora on moves from Beacon Way Business park in Quorn to larger premises in Loughborough.

When I visited Tech 2’s new garage on Sparrow Hill, Loughborough, the other day I was surprised to see such an array of pres ge and classic cars in various stages of ‘undress’.

The bright yellow Lamborghini on the right had its whole front sec on missing and a red Ferrari had no back half; a vintage MG carcass stood taped and ready for spraying, two BMWs were being polished prior to their owner’s return and a couple of others were hardly recognisable under polythene sheets and tape.

Paul’s Mum, Pat, who runs the administra on for Tech 2 showed me a photograph of a Volkswagen camper van that had just gone off to be sandblasted back to raw metal, very much like the one pictured here on the le which you can see being restored on their website. A true classic indeed, especially in

view of the news announced a er Christmas that the last one ever to be made had just rolled off the produc on line in Brazil, bringing its produc on to an end a er 60 years.

I was fascinated by the Lamborghini and the Ferrari which Pat told me belonged to one of their regular clients. But Tech 2 don’t only work on pres ge or classic cars ­ they do all kinds of everyday insurance work as well and no job is too small. They can sort out anything from just a dent to a full restora on. You’ll find them round by the Old Post Office Building on No ngham Road.

Sparrow Hill is now a cul de sac a er being permanently closed to make way for the new Loughborough inner relief road.

Tech2 Body Repairs have moved to

Classic vehicle restoration Sports and performance car specialists Fleet and commercial vehicles

44 Sparrow Hill, Loughborough T: 01509 769043 M: 07976 477152

Accident repairs • Jig work • Welding work • SMART repairs Insurance work undertaken Paintless dent removal by appointment

E: paul@tech2bodyrepair.co.uk

Please call in for your free no obligation quotation

© SVL

Page 48

www.tech2bodyrepair.co.uk

Want your business featured for free? Email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

Soar Valley March/April 2014_Layout 1 26/02/2014 09:42 Page 49

Solu ons Mascots Quiz Answers 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Rolls­Royce His right eye Ace Ventura Pet Detec ve Red and white Homepride A lion Sega Mr Chips The Michelin Guide ­ Bibendum is the name of the character commonly known as the Michelin Man 10. Kellogg's Rice Krispies ­ the mascots are Snap, Crackle and Pop Spot Ten Differences

5. Ear missing 6. Speaker missing 7. Neck zipper 8. Hand moved 9. Sun glasses 10. Yellow waist band

Quick Crossword Across: 1 Cash, 3 Chess set, 9 Upbraid, 10 Email, 11 Spring greens, 14 Let, 16 Bongo, 17 Hip, 18 Roller­skater, 21 Riots, 22 Bayonet, 23 Pedestal, 24 Golf.

Sudoko Solu on

Down: 1 Counsels, 2 Sober, 4 Hid, 5 Skeleton keys, 6 Staunch, 7 Tale, 8 Cannibalises, 12 Goner, 13 Aperi f, 15 Twofold, 19 Tango, 20 Grip, 22 Boa.

1. Toggle missing 2. Trainer Colour 3. Badge added 4. Smile

SPRUCE UP FOR SPRING

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

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

Page 49

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

Jazz Mondays at the Horse & Trumpet in Sileby Starting from Monday 10th March the Horse & Trumpet pub in Sileby will be hosting a jazz night on every second Monday of the month. The event starts at 8.30pm and features The Fearless Hiss and Boo Band, all set in a welcoming pub that offers real ales and continental beers.

Dates: Monday 10th March and the second Monday of each month The Horse & Trumpet, 4 Barrow Road, Sileby, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 7LP Telephone: 01509 812 549 Website: www.steamin­ billy.co.uk/horse­trumpet Leicester CAMRA Beer Festival The festival will be showcasing over 220 beers and over 35 real ciders and perries. Approximately 85 of the beers come from breweries within a 25 mile radius of Leicester City Centre, as well as some one­off festival specials and fruit beers.

Festival opening times: Wednesday 5.00pm – 11.00pm Thursday 11.00am – 11.00pm Friday 11.00am – 11.00pm Saturday 11.00am – 10.00pm Dates: Wednesday 12th to Saturday 15th March 2014 Charotar Patidar Samaj Hall, Bay Street, Leicester, LE1 3AE St. Patrick’s Celebration The parade will be starting at 12.00pm from Holy Cross Church on New Walk and finishing at Humberstone Gate.

The event is organised by The Emerald Centre and features local Irish community groups and sports teams, all led by a traditional pipe band. Free event throughout the Leicester City Centre.

Dates: Sunday 16th March 2014 Telephone: 0116 276 9186 Website: www.irishinleicester.org.uk Centre Stage presents ‘Freddy Dare and Ginger Robber’ at Humphrey Perkins Community Centre Cube Theatre presents a show with striking visual effects, great music, and a heart­wrenching script as superhero Freddy Dare and his accomplice Ginger Robber must overcome The Mistress.

Theatre, film, and adventure perfect for adults and children. Show starts at 7.00pm and finishes at 8.30pm, tickets bought on the door are £9, £8 for concessions and £5 for children under 16.

Dates: Sunday 16th March 2014 Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow­upon­Soar, Loughborough, LE12 8JU Telephone: 07718153117 Website: www.cube­theatre.com

Page 50

Thurmaston Circus A week of afternoon and evening performances held at the Garden Street Recreation Ground. The event includes all of the traditional favourites, including magicians, clowns, contortionists, and unicycle riders.

Dates: Monday 7th April to Monday 14th April 2014 Telephone: 0116 269 6347 Friends of St. Mary’s Fashion Show The show is set to become an annual event to raise funds for the Friends of St. Mary’s Church in Sileby. All of the latest fashion trends and accessories will be on show and available to purchase. Show starts at 7.00pm.

Dates: Friday 11th April 2014 Telephone: 01509 812 493 Hobbies and Pastimes Steam Day This steam day is organised to celebrate as many different hobbies as can be squeezed into the steam museum! Community groups, specialist sports and dance groups, philatelists, lace makers, knitters and many more will be exhibiting. The museum will also include its historic transport display and one of the mighty beam engines will be in steam.

Refreshments will be available at the café.

Adults £3.50, Concessions £2.50, Family ticket £8, starts at 1.00pm and finishes at 5.00pm Dates: Sunday 13th April 2014 Abbey Pumping Station, Corporation Road, Leicester, LE4 5PX Telephone: 0116 299 5111 The Lucy Ward Band at the Guildhall The 2012 winner of BBC Folk Awards Horizon and nominee for Folk Singer of the Year Award, is performing with a full band at the Guildhall in Leicester.

She has released two acclaimed albums already, Adelphi has to Fly and Single Flame, so don’t miss the rare opportunity to see her perform. Doors open at 7.15pm with the show starting at 8.00pm, pre­booking is recommended, tickets are £10.

Dates: Tuesday 15th April 2014 The Guildhall, Guildhall Lane, Leicester, LE1 5FQ Telephone: 0116 253 2569 Easter Extravaganza Follow the egg hunt around the Belgrave garden and get involved in a fun egg decorating craft activity, then show off your creations in the egg rolling ceremony in the garden. Free admission but £2.50 for activities, open from 11.00am until 4.00pm.

Dates: Wednesday 16th April 2014 Belgrave Hall & Gardens, Church Road, Leicester, LE4 5PE Telephone: 0116 266 6590

Hoppy Easter Events This drop­in event at the Guildhall includes quizzes, trails, face painting, and if you take along a hat you can even turn it into an Easter bonnet. £2.50 for activities, open from 11.00am until 3.00pm.

Dates: Thursday 17th April 2014 The Guildhall, Guildhall Lane, Leicester, LE1 5FQ Telephone: 0116 253 2569 Peppa Pig’s Big Splash at Loughborough Town Hall Join Peppa and her friends for an all­ singing and all­dancing adventure filled with songs and games. Showing at 10.00am, 1.00pm and 4.30pm. Tickets are £14.50 and £12.50 for concessions, or family ticket £52 (2 adults and 2 concessions).

Dates: Wednesday 23rd April and Thursday 24th April 2014 Loughborough Town Hall, Market Place, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3EB Telephone: 01509 231 914 Out of Africa Experience a piece of Africa with this day of crafts and activities. There’s the chance to take part in drumming sessions and make a print block inspired by traditional designs, and there will also be regular guided tours throughout the day where you can hear about the experience of life in Africa. Also the event includes the chance to buy some Asian African food, and is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Open from 11.00am until 3.30pm.

Dates: Friday 25th April 2014 Newarke Houses Museum & Gardens, The Newarke, Leicester, LE2 7BY Telephone: 0116 225 4980 St. George’s Festival The annual celebration takes place on Orton Square in the Cultural Quarter in Leicester. The event features the appearance of Mike the Knight, who is back by popular demand. The family friendly festival also includes music, dancing, and live performances taking place on the square and throughout various venues in the area. You will also have the chance to meet the friendly 5 metre long smoke breathing dragon, accompanied by the knight.

The day will be filled with fun activities for everyone to try, and with a fancy dress parade demonstrating the knights and princesses theme. This free event starts at 12.00pm.

Dates: Saturday 26th April 2014 Cultural Quarter, Halford Street, Leicester, LE1 1TR Telephone: 0116 454 3600

Include your club or society’s future event on our What’s On page for free – email mary@soarvalleylife.co.uk

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