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ISSUE 14. MAY/JUNE 2013
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.
PRICELESS Your Independent Community Magazine & Business Directory
Copy deadline for June issue Tuesday 28th May
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
GCR War Weekend Page 30
Featured inside: Compe on Cycling Country Walk Recipe Health & Fitness Puzzles
New this Month
FREE Compe on
What’s On
– Win a Picnic Bench
Page 38
Page 19
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Pastures new? No, we’re not leaving, we’re expanding!
This street sign is on the wall of a homely two storey co age next to the village shop in Su on Bonington, just on the No nghamshire/Leicestershire border. It’s about three quarters of an hour into our walk en tled Devil’s Elbow featured in issues 9 & 10. Mary and I took advantage of the best day of the year so far, Saturday 20th April, to enjoy our first good walk of the year. The photos from the walk are on our Facebook page ‐ go to Facebook and search for Soar Valley Life. I remember there was a Pasture Lane leading out of the village where I grew up. One summer holiday when I was old enough, some friends and I ventured along this lane into the pastures beyond; through long grass, by fences, over s les and a brook or two un l we reached the next village. My grandparents lived in this village and I was unsure whether or not to call on them unannounced with my scruffy li le gang of friends. I needn’t have worried. “Lord a mussy me!” exclaimed my Grandma in her na ve Cornish accent. We were treated to lemonade and bu ered ‘heavy cake’ ‐ a sort of pastry like fruit scone. We had to be quiet though because my Grandad was having his a ernoon nap! I explored many pastured lanes in my youth, discovering new footpaths to old villages and finding a love of the countryside and rural open spaces that would never leave me. In September we aim to deliver to pastures new in the north and south of our Soar Valley. As we use the Royal Mail to ensure our magazine is guaranteed to get to you we need to choose whole postcode sectors. It just so happens that our adjoining postcodes of LE12 5 ‐ Burton on the Wolds through Su on Bonington to Hathern in the north ‐ and LE7 7 ‐ Rothley, Cropston and Thurcaston in the south are perfect to be included in our plans as we grow our distribu on to more than 22,000. I doubt we’ll get quite the same gree ng as my mates and I did all those years ago, but let’s hope that our new readers enjoy what we offer as much as you do!
Steve & Mary Johns
Editors ‐ Soar Valley Life Page 2
Tea me – Su on Bonington Church 20th April 2013
Contents
Contact Lenses and UV Light Ashby Fake Fes val Poem – The First Smile Star ng your own Business? Quiz – Mothers and Fathers Ge ng the Right Gear Happy Motoring Arthri s and Physiotherapy General Knowledge Crossword The Importance of Breathing ‘Properly’ Easy Sudoku Strawberry... Crème de la Crème! Nicola’s Charity Bike Ride Compe on – Win a Picnic Bench Recipe – Cheese, Bacon and Onion Pie Meal for Two Winner We’ll always have Paris The Abbeyfield Opens its Doors Moss Solicitors Lend a Helping Hand Walking West Leake Hills GCR War Weekend Mixing – not Matching Recipe for Success in Business Soar Valley’s Oldest Company? Spot the Difference What’s On Answers to Puzzles
4 6 6 8 9 10 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 19 20 22 24 26 27 28 30 31 33 34 36 38 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 Professional Services
Builders Merchants John A Stephens Wanlip Sand and Gravel
39 35
Child Care and Educa on Kumon Maths and English Tutoring Parkside Nursery School
17 37
Entertainment Ashby DLZ Fes vals Ltd Great Central Railway War Weekend
6 30
Health Care Ac vity 4all Charnwood Hearing Aid Centre Gareth Hudson – Foot Health Professional HS Footcare Services Reed Wellbein ‐ Complementary Health Visual Answers Op cians / Optometrists Walk‐in Physio Ltd
14 14 29 14 16 5 13
Home and Garden Acacia Curtains and Blinds AMW Kitchens Carpets of Choice Charnwood Maintenance Services Charnwood Tree Services Delta Aerials Doortronic – Remote Controlled Garage Doors Fab Plumbing Harrison Landscaping Lo Storage Solu ons KR Electrical Neil Philips Interiors Richard Watson Decorator SJS Professional Carpet Cleaner Soar Valley Aerials The Oven Cleaning Company Whelband Windows
31 29 11 37 31 7 9 17 15 8 7 36 12 9 14 29 21
AST Le ngs Ltd Baker & Co. Accountants CP Accountancy Ltd Crea vio Video Produc on Emery Johnson Solicitors In Home Legal Services iPac Repair & Parts – iPhones, iPads, games consoles Moss Solicitors October House Life Assurance Strawberry Le ngs and Sales
23 32 8 22 12 17 17 27 14 18
Pubs, Restaurants & Catering Rock ‘n’ Rolls Catering The Queen Victoria The White Horse Inn
7 13 22
Residen al Care The Abbeyfield
26
Sports and Leisure Ashby Fancy Dress Aqua Fitness Barrow upon Soar Cra Fayre Cyclops Cycles Physfit Gyms Pillings Lock Marina Ltd
7 29 16 10 7 40
Timber Merchants George Walker Ltd
35
Travel Charnwood Airport Taxis Deborah Grew Travel Consultants MG Execu ve Car Hire
25 19 12
Wedding Dresses and Accessories Happily Ever A er Brides
email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk to book your advert
19 Page 3
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Contact Lenses and UV Light
Contact lenses that let the sun in but that block harmful UV rays
Researchers have linked exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light to the forma on of cataracts. This is a condi on when the clear lens inside the eye gradually becomes cloudy causing a loss of vision even blindness. That's why some of the latest contact lenses now contain a UV‐blocking filter in them. You can't tell if your contact lens has a UV filter just by looking at it – your contact lens packaging may specify if the product has a UV filter but your optometrist will be the best person to let you know. UV‐blocking contact lenses are not meant to replace your sunglasses. Most contact lenses only cover your cornea – this is the clear window at the front of your eye. However, UV‐blocking contact lenses will help to protect some por on of the white part of the front of your eye too (called the sclera) that can form ny fa y growth lumps known as Page 4
pingueculae due to aging changes and UV light exposure. Sunglasses are very popular with contact lens wearers and a good quality sunglass lens with UV protec on will cover more of your eye and also protect the delicate skin and facial ssue that surround your eyes, depending on the size and fit of the sunglasses chosen. UV blocking contact lenses are designed to complement your sunglasses and will provide an important added protec on to the most precious of all your senses – your sight! Mohammed Bhojani BSc (Hons) MC Optom is the principal optometrist at Visual Answers Op cians based in Quorn (01509) 414151 and Barrow upon Soar (01509) 416800 near Loughborough. VisualAnswers.co.uk
Want your business featured in Soar Valley Life? Call Steve on 01509 813 125
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Ashby Fake Fes val 8th June 2013
Acclaimed tribute bands and local support acts hi ng the region for a second me thanks to local licensee... Ashby de la Zouch Fake Fes val’s
“Due to the success of the lineup this year includes The Fillers, Ashby Fake Fes val in 2012, Flash (Queen tribute) and The Jam’d we have something to live up to and maintain,” says fes val licensee Lee Storey. “We've put together another great event, with three superb tributes to cover everybody's music tastes plus five local support bands. Ticket sales have already had an unbelievable start and we can’t wait to be back in Ashby!” With more places ge ng to enjoy some great live music courtesy of a fes val rolling up right on their doorstep and some incredible new tribute acts lined up like Flash to boot, this year’s tour is already shaping up to be the best yet. Hosted inside the Fake Fes val marquee, boas ng a main stage with a state of the art sound and ligh ng system, 2013 will see Fake Fes vals visi ng more places in the UK than ever before. Next year sees the Fake Fes val coming to Loughborough.
Box Office 0800 652 2852 Tickets online www.fakefes vals.co.uk
The First Smile Was it wind, or was that a smile? Enter thus a ny human’s first a empt. Deliberate act or happy accident? If you let yourself believe in both A smile will form on your face. You can’t help it can you? This smile shown to someone else Compels them to duplicate it. Then, damn it some one else is infected. Two, four, eight, sixteen. Before you know it the whole cave is smiling. Oh dear now they have gone out into the Garden, Made eye contact with Eve and you know the rest A li le laugh and eyes averted. This warmth is now spreading unabated. There is no stopping this now. Thirty‐two, sixty‐four, one‐two‐eight. This is bad and way too late. What can be done? Absolutely nothing. Just got to let it ride. From this, you cannot hide. Can this random act of smiling, Reach the warriors door? One thousand, two thousand, four. Will Death guard let it through? He can’t stop it. The smiling majority have cast their vote. Cynics among you please take note. It will catch you when you least expect. Go on, I dare you. If the first ever Smile was a happy accident, It hasn’t done too bad for us has it? Come and join me………… S.P.J.
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Anything of interest you’d like to see in the next issue? Call 01509 813 125 or email editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk
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byFancyDress
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Outside Catering Services
Funerals • Christenings • Engagements Family parties • Office functions • Meetings 1 High Street, Sileby, LE12 7RX
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Soar Valley May/june 2013_Layout 1 01/05/2013 15:39 Page 8
Star ng your own business?
CP Accountancy Ltd
by Caroline Parnell of CP Accountancy, Rothley Are you thinking of taking the plunge and star ng your own business? If yes, make sure you are aware of what you must do. First of all decide the en ty in which you will trade. The most common business structures are sole‐trader, partnership and limited company and I would urge you seek professional advice as to which one will suit you best in order to avoid any costly mistakes in the future. Your must register with HM Revenue & Customs for taxes straight away in order to avoid incurring any penal es. If you are thinking of employing someone you will also require a PAYE scheme. Registering for VAT may also be something you have to consider although during the 2012/13 tax year the compulsory registra on threshold is £77,000. Whichever en ty you choose you will be expected to maintain proper records of all your trading ac vi es and prepare a set of accounts a er each accoun ng year end upon which your tax and na onal insurance liability will be calculated.
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Quiz – Mothers and Fathers 1. Which Disney film features a mother and father calledPerdita and Pongo? 2. The children’s radio show Listen With Mother always began with what ques on? 3. Which comes first in the calendar year?... Mother’s Day or Father’s Day? 4. Which member of the Guildford Four released the autobiography Proved Innocent, which was later adapted into the film In The Name Of The Father? 5. In Monty Python’s Life Of Brian, who played Brian’s mother, Mandy? 6. Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily was born in 1996. Name her famous mother and father. 7. Transla ng as “mother of the universe”, Chomolungma is the Tibetan name for what? 8. According to legend, who was King Arthur’s father? 9. Name the actor and actress who played Greg Focker’s mother and father in the film Meet The Fockers. 10. In 2007, Neil Diamond finally revealed that the inspira on for his song Sweet Caroline was a girl who was just 11 years old when he wrote it. Who was her famous father? Answers on page 39
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• Domestic and Commercial on site Carpet Cleaning • Suites - Leather and Fabric • Carpet and Furniture Protector • Oriental Carpets and Rugs • On site Curtain Cleaning Stuart Simpson carries out the cleaning himself with all the care and skill you would expect from someone with a wealth of experience and knowledge.
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Visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for details of adver sing rates
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Ge ng the right gear... At the best li le bike shop in the world! Don’t just take my word for it either. Paul and Yvonne Cockbill (pronounced Co Bill ‐ like the Co in Cockburn’s fine vintage port) owners of Cyclops Cycles on Melton Road in Syston, will be only too pleased to show you around their ‘Aladdin's Cave’. They stock every kind of bike: mountain, roadster, sport, crossway (I hadn’t heard of that one either) kiddies, and shoppers. And if, like me, you want to see and touch what you’re going to buy ‐ which of course you can’t do on the internet ‐ there’s also all sorts of accessories and cycle wear. They stock helmets, padded shorts, gloves, goggles, lights, maps, spanners, tyres, panniers, bags and so on and so on. But I must say there doesn’t seem to have been much change to the basics over the years, since those halcyon cycling days of my youth. I mean they s ll have two wheels, brakes and gears don’t they? “Actually,’ says Paul, ‘there have been huge strides in the development of the bike over the last twenty five years. The biggest thing was indexed gears which allowed for very accurate gear changing, leading to the advent of the off road mountain bike. You need very low gears for successful riding off road and the introduc on in the eigh es of Shimano indexed derailleur gears took bikes to where they couldn’t go before. Brakes too, are far more efficient now, needing much less adjustment from week to week. Frames are lighter and stronger and new polymers have made seats a lot more comfortable. LED lights are far brighter and lighter and longer las ng than they ever were. Of course, bikes are s ll a mechanical device and need a bit of TLC now and again. And we have everything needed to provide a full a er sales service for every bike and every customer, whatever your level of interest...” So, pop along and have a chat to Paul or Yvonne; they’ll make you feel very welcome indeed! Paul Cockbill in his workshop at Cyclops Cycles, Melton Road, Syston
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Anything of interest you’d like to see in the next issue? Call 01509 813 125 or email editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk
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Good choice of rugs always available in store
Soar Valley May/june 2013_Layout 1 01/05/2013 15:40 Page 12
Happy Motoring
by Mike Eames
Most of my journeys take me to the London area which means I see a lot of the motorway network south of the Soar Valley. Over a number of years improvements have been taking place on the M1 between Milton Keynes and Luton. Thankfully these are now complete but you might well ask, ‘What have they done?’ The major change is the ability to use the hard shoulder as an extra lane at peak mes. This stretch of motorway is monitored by cameras situated every few hundred metres, so the hard shoulder can be opened and closed depending on the flow of traffic. When the lane is open there will always be a mandatory speed restric on. What happens if a breakdown occurs while the hard shoulder is open? Firstly, new lay‐by refuges have been created every half a mile or so which hopefully the motorist can reach. If they can’t, operators monitoring the road cameras will be able to see the problem and close the lane instantly by displaying informa on on the overhead gantries. Be warned – don’t get caught out ‐ I have seen drivers use the hard shoulder when it is closed. Signs on the gantry clearly show when this extra lane is open. Do the improvements work? Well, on the whole I think they do, the traffic does seem to flow be er. I now use the M1 more rather than finding an alterna ve route but regardless of the improvements there are s ll mes of conges on at rush hour. If you have the luxury of being flexible, the main mes to avoid the M1 are Monday morning going south and Friday a ernoon coming north. Where does the term ‘hard shoulder’ come from? This is a ques on many foreign travellers ask me and I can’t give them an answer. If you happen to know – please could you tell me?
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Page 12
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Arthri s and Physiotherapy Physiotherapy is an important part of treatment for most people with arthri s. Physiotherapists are part of a team of healthcare professionals who help you to resume or maintain an ac ve and independent life both at home and at work... Being expert in assessing movement they can show you how to protect your joints, offer advice and reassurance, help you to feel confident about managing your condi on, address any concerns or uncertain es and help you set appropriate goals to keep you as ac ve as possible. Specialist physiotherapists are trained in diagnosing and trea ng joint and muscle problems, and your GP may refer you to a
specialist physiotherapist rather than to a rheumatologist or orthopaedic surgeon. Your physiotherapist will start by asking you ques ons and examining the joint(s) you’re finding painful. This assessment will let them tailor the treatment to your needs. Treatment may include: a programme of specific exercises, general advice on increasing your ac vity level and avoiding exercise‐related injuries and pain‐relief treatments such as heat or ice packs. They may use TENS machines ‐ Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve S mula on, massage, manipula on, acupuncture or taping as well as providing walking aids or splints to help you stay mobile and independent. Call or text Walkin Physio: 07884493809 Email: info@walk‐inphysio.co.uk Visit: www.walk‐inphysio.co.uk Or just click on Walk‐in Physio in Soar Valley Life’s business directory under Health Care
For appointments call or text: Physiotherapy & Acupuncture
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www.walk-inphysio.co.uk • info@walk-inphysio.co.uk
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Visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for details of adver sing rates
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Soar Valley May/june 2013_Layout 1 01/05/2013 15:40 Page 15
General Knowledge Crossword
©puzzlepress.co.uk
Across 1 Tradi onal story (4) 3 Woman’s hairstyle in which the hair has a puffy appearance (8) 9 Place of complete bliss, delight and peace (7) 10 Imperial units of length (5) 11 Day in spring on which the Resurrec on is celebrated (6,6) 14 Uncertain es, doub ul factors, ___ and buts (3) 16 Devo onal pain ngs of Christ or other holy figures (5) 17 To stretch out (3) 18 Trend‐se ng fashions (5,7) 21 Civilian dress worn by a military person (5) 22 Lever operated with the foot (7) 23 Climbing garden plant having fragrant flowers (5,3) 24 Land force of a na on (4)
Down 1 Item of food associated with Christmas (5,3) 2 Divisions of the school year (5) 4 Female reproduc ve cells (3) 5 Vehicle of extraterrestrial origin (6,6) 6 Land area, especially of a farm (7) 7 Flip (a coin, for example) (4) 8 Popular tourist area in northwestern England (4,8) 12 Unemo onal person (5) 13 Graveyard (8) 15 Horse’s bit (7) 19 Mammary gland of bovids (5) 20 Tori ___, singer whose albums include American Doll Posse (4) 22 Quoits target (3)
Visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for details of adver sing rates
Answers on page 39
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The importance of breathing ‘properly’ Approximately 90% of our energy is created by oxygen which regulates nearly all the body’s ac ons. However, it is surprising how many of us are dysfunc onal ‘over breathers’ and this can have physical implica ons...
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.
When we ‘over breathe’ we breathe more rapidly and shallowly; the chest does not expand as much as it could and much of the air exchange occurs at the top of the lung ssue. This results in “chest” breathing. You can check if you are a chest breather by placing your right hand on your chest and your le hand on your abdomen. As you breathe, see which hand rises more. If your right hand rises more, you are a chest breather, if your le hand rises more, you are an abdomen breather. If you are one of the many chest breathers the good news is you can train the body to improve its breathing technique. With regular prac ce you will breathe from the abdomen most of the me, even while asleep. There are many abdominal breathing techniques here is just one: Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Take a deep breath in, ensuring that the hand on the abdomen rises higher than the one on the chest, and hold it for a count of up to but no more than 7. Slowly exhale through your mouth for a count of 8. As all the air is released, gently contract your abdominal muscles to completely evacuate the lungs. It is important to remember that we deepen respira ons not by inhaling more air but by completely exhaling. Repeat for a total of 5 deep breaths and try to breathe at a rate of one breath every 10 seconds or 6 breaths per minute. If you prac ce this regularly, abdominal breathing will become automa c. This is one of the most beneficial things that can be done for both short and long term physical health. by Paula Reed of Reed Wellbeing www.reedwellbeing.co.uk
REIKI Holistic healing helping to integrate your body’s physical, emotional, mental and spiritual components by balancing your energy centres, stimulating natural immunity and promoting relaxation. HOPI EAR CANDLING Reduces congestion in the ear and sinus area inducing a feeling of general tranquillity, composure and comfort. EFT ‘Acupuncture without needles’ creating balance within your body’s energy system, particularly successful with addictions, weight, pain, anger management, severe trauma, stress and phobias. Paula Reed is a member of the NHS Directory of Complementary and Alternative Practitioners All treatments delivered in my professionally appointed clinic in Barrow-upon-Soar
Telephone: 01509 415125 Email: info@reedwellbeing.co.uk Website: www.reedwellbeing.co.uk
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Page 16
email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk to book your advert
Soar Valley May/june 2013_Layout 1 01/05/2013 15:40 Page 17
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Soar Valley May/june 2013_Layout 1 01/05/2013 15:40 Page 18
Strawberry... Crème de la Crème! Strawberry are proud to announce the arrival of Strawberry Co age! From its humble beginnings in Nicola’s garage a li le over 5 years ago to its own premises in a premier posi on on Barrow High Street, Strawberry can now really take on the ‘Big Boys’
succeed with the desire to offer serious compe on to the na onals out there. “House sales have been increasing year on year and 2012 saw us sell four mes more proper es than in 2011, (I bet that silences those cri cs who said that Strawberry was all about le ngs and wouldn’t succeed in sales!) Le ngs con nue to flourish and, with the high demand from those wan ng to rent, the team have a job on their hands finding good proper es.”
Strawberry Co age is now open for business at No. 4 High Street, Barrow upon Soar. So what’s behind this amazing success? Especially considering we’re in a double dip recession with the property market at its worst– supposedly – for decades! “Hard work and unmatched pro‐ac vity; other agents tend to work hard to gain a clients instruc on but then just sit back and wait for the viewings to come. We keep up the effort throughout the whole process un l a sale or let is achieved,” says Nicola Hickenbotham, Strawberry’s MD. And what does the future hold? According to Nicola the future will involve much of the same determina on to
But Nicola knows it’s wise to remember those humble beginnings; loyal customers and the local community are the bedrock of Strawberry’s success and the founda on for a solid future… “Being part of the local community is as important to us as the status we achieve. Regardless of how we expand in the future we will always have a presence here in Barrow and we’ll never forget that it’s our loyal customers, great landlords and tenants and surrounding businesses that have helped us. Without their support and recommenda on we might s ll be working from my garage!”
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Page 18
Anything of interest you’d like to see in the next issue? Call 01509 813 125 or email editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk
Soar Valley May/june 2013_Layout 1 01/05/2013 15:40 Page 19
Nicola’s Charity Bike Ride
Local business lady, Nicola Hickinbotham, Director of Strawberry Lettings and Sales, is taking part in a charity bike ride...
After cycling around Rutland Water last year she set herself a challenge to get fit. Then, together with Barrow resident Steve Bateman, she decided to go for the 140 mile Coast to Coast from Whitehaven to Sunderland on May 24th this year. Nicola has spent the last six months or so training and a few weeks ago took part in a 38 mile ride. It was after seeing Steve on his road bike that she decided to make life a little easier and buy a road bike herself. She has now seriously got the biking bug and is out training two or three times a week.
Nicola is raising money for Vista which is a local charity helping people with sight issues. Nicola has someone very close to her heart who suffers from a degenerative eye disease and she wants to contribute as much as she can to a charity her family may well need in the future. For more information go to: www.justgiving.co.uk Type in Vista and Nicola Hickinbotham to see Nicola’s page where you can donate or just call into the Strawberry Shop at 4 High Street, Barrow upon Soar. Nicola and Steve are looking forward to the challenge and are grateful to their spouses Mel and Claire and also Nicola’s daughter Hannah for the support they are giving during the three day ride!
...and they lived
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For your chance to win the picnic bench in the photograph, which comes as a flat pack, just answer the following question: “What is the price of this rectangular picnic bench, including VAT, available from George Walker Limited of Syston?”
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 The winner will be drawn at random from all correct answers received by the closing date of 25th June 2013. Terms and conditions apply. Editor’s decision is final.
Soar Valley May/june 2013_Layout 1 01/05/2013 15:40 Page 20
Recipe
C Cheese, heese, B Bacon acon & O Onion nion P Pie ie Makes 8 Slices
Ready plus chilling R eady in 1½ hours, pl us chi lling Perfect for a simple lunch or for an early summer picnic this savoury pie has a really rich and buttery crisp pastry and a tasty smoked bacon and onion ďŹ lling. It tastes just as delicious warm or cold. Look for packs of smoked bacon pieces near the bacon rashers in the supermarket or use avoursome Italian diced pancetta instead.
Pastry: P astry: • • • •
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Page 20
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Want your business featured in Soar Valley Life? Call Steve on 01509 813 125
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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.
Congratula ons to
David Mason of Sileby
who wins a meal for two at the White Horse Inn, Seagrave, worth £50.00p. David’s entry ‘The Stables ‐ Seagrave’ was the first correct answer out of the hat to the ques on, ‘What is the own‐brand name of the pickles and preserves sold in the shop at the White Horse Inn, Seagrave’
Page 22
Visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for details of adver sing rates
Soar Valley May/june 2013_Layout 1 01/05/2013 15:40 Page 23
Soar Valley May/june 2013_Layout 1 01/05/2013 15:40 Page 24
We’ll always have Paris - and the Soar Valley
Phillip Mark McGough
I was in Paris recently - not, alas, on foreign assignment for Soar Valley Life, but on personal business which still gave me time one evening in late April for a walk through the Bois de Boulogne and which in turn gave me the idea for this article... The Bois de Boulogne is a magical place; the remnants of an ancient oak forest but now a fine public park extensively resculpted by Napoleon III with an English garden, a race course, an aviary and a complex of greenhouses holding over a hundred thousand plants. There are grottos, meadows and little streams ‐ a page torn from a fairy tale. And any number of birds both wild and ornamental; though the former are uniformly much shyer than their British counterparts. Here a robin will happily alight a few feet from a gardener as he turns the earth and snatch a worm or a leatherjacket from right under his spade. But the French robin‐ one ceased his song at my approach and was gone into the canopy where the stars were already hanging like so much fruit‐ is a far more discriminating animal and suffers not the presence of a clumsy Englishman at twilight. Page 24
My second encounter was with a man called Jean who was camped by one of the park’s many lakes with a sketch book and a camera large enough to be an artillery piece. He had drawn a charcoal picture of the lake at nightfall, wild swans against the moon, all very earth and water and sky, so I complimented him on it and he introduced himself. As things turned out we talked for a quite a while: one of those chance conversations with a stranger which sometimes yield more than a lifetime of friendship at close quarters. Jean was an interesting man, ex‐ armed forces (he’d seen action in some tiny but dirty war in Africa in the 1980s) and now a photographer and occasional contributor to natural history journals local and national. He explained that he would be staying in the park overnight; he enjoyed sleeping outside ‐ even in public parks though he is by no means homeless ‐ waking at dawn glittering with frost and hung with dew. He told me there is no time quite like it: his affinity being with the liminal creatures of dusk and dawn, photographing and writing about those secret times and places that cannot be dreamed into descriptive being, so subtle they can only be imagined by nature. I formed the impression Jean was a damaged man, damaged by war in particular, and that nature and writing about nature offered him both space and solace. I can’t really empathize ‐ most of my battles have been fought on paper, usually headed “final demand” or “do not ignore”‐ but I understand what it means to find an escape route from quotidian cares into the natural world, a world which appeals first and foremost (to me, anyway) because it’s not overly bothered about whether I – or we ‐ exist or not. I understand too the passion for writing about a place, a landscape, a scene or the twilight,
Anything of interest you’d like to see in the next issue? Call 01509 813 125 or email editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk
Soar Valley May/june 2013_Layout 1 01/05/2013 15:40 Page 25
even if those things have had too much written about them already. The thing about nature is that by definition it provokes an urge in the viewer to communicate its magnificence and wonder: so that landscapes have in time become coated with thick layers of language. Jean was aware of this. He told me that when he writes about a place he keeps it very short and looks for what he called “the authentic sunlight”, a striking phrase and one which I shall shamelessly originate as my own. I take his point here, too. The best nature writing may be small in scale and scope, but it has vast interiors ‐ like entering a bungalow and finding oneself in a cathedral. So much for Paris. I said goodbye to Jean and returned by the by to an England surreally convulsed by allegations of Rolf Harris’s sexual
truancies. Perhaps, I thought, this is what it’s like to live in a world where there is no Mrs Thatcher to magnetize our moral compass. Somewhere, indeed right now, the Iron Lady begins her slow and ironic journey back to coal, back to nature ‐ or was she cremated? It comes to the same thing, most things usually do, you know. At least I came back just as the weather seems to be on the turn. Spring has lit a match, and soon all the countryside will be alight. I even saw a hare the other day, for the first time ever, loping across a field near Sutton Bonington. He looked at me with his polished eyes, and I looked at him. One of those moments ‐ all too rare, but all the more special for it when they arrive‐ when all is well with the world... Phillip Mark McGough
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Abbeyfield Opens its doors Care Homes are taking centre stage and you are all invited! On 21st June 2013, Care Homes across the country are showing the world what care homes are all about with na onwide events and ac vi es connec ng care homes with their local communi es. So come along and see what life in a care home is really like.
Residents, staff and volunteers enjoying an ac vity day
Here at the Abbeyfield Society in Loughborough we are also invi ng the local community to visit us during Abbeyfield Week from 8th‐15th June when various ac vi es and events will be taking place. We will be at the tradi onal Loughborough Saturday market on 15th June hoping to a ract local people to come and experience volunteering, as well as talking to some of our Residents first‐hand about living within Abbeyfield. We are also holding an "audience with a local MP" on Friday 3rd June when Residents and their families will be able to raise their concerns regarding funding within care.
For more informa on about all these events please contact Julie King, General Manager on 01509 266605 e‐mail to julie.king@abbeyfield‐loboro.com or visit our web‐site abbeyfieldloughborough.co.uk • Independent care home and sheltered accommodation on separate sites • Not for Profit Charity run by board of local trustees • Person Centred care • Assisted independent care • Dementia registered • Daily and weekly activities and trips www.abbeyfieldloughborough.co.uk
01509 266605 44 Westfield Drive, Loughborough, LE11 3QL
Page 26
Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £25 per month plus VAT
Soar Valley May/june 2013_Layout 1 01/05/2013 15:40 Page 27
Moss Lend a Helping Hand with their New Pay as You Go Family Law Service Are you involved in a divorce, separa on or a dispute regarding your children, but are worried about the cost of instruc ng a solicitor to act for you? Do you feel that you could run your own case but would like to have a solicitor to ask for advice when things get complicated? In today’s difficult economic climate, together with the changes which came into effect on 1st April 2013 severely restric ng the availability of legal aid for Divorce and family cases, there will be an increasing number of people who wish to separate or divorce but are worried about or can’t afford large legal bills. However, the prospect of dealing with Divorce proceedings, a financial se lement or a dispute regarding children completely on their own is very daun ng. Moss Pay as You Go Family Law Service is a scheme designed to help people represent themselves, providing advice and help as and when required. Advice is given face to face and can include the dra ing of complex le ers, checking forms, considering the case and the pros and cons of taking
a par cular course of ac on. Each mee ng is paid as you go, so there are no big bills to pay at the end of the case. You do the rest of the work, keeping your paperwork organised and corresponding with the other party, their solicitor or the court, but with the peace of mind that there is someone who knows your case and can advise you if you need it. For example, if you receive a le er that worries you, make an appointment with us to discuss it. You control your own case and only seek the advice that you need. If at any me you feel that your case is ge ng too much for you under this scheme, you can always transfer to being represented by us under our regular terms of business. If you feel that Moss Pay as You Go Family Law Service would suit you or would like further informa on regarding matrimonial or family ma ers please contact, Rita Rathod r.rathod@moss-solicitors.co.uk or Ann Ellio a.ellio @moss-solicitors.co.uk or telephone 01509 217770
MOSS SOLICITORS LLP County Law Firm of the Year 2010 & 2008
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www.moss-solicitors.co.uk Visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for details of adver sing rates
Page 27
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Walking – West Leake Hills Walk instruc ons 4 1/4 Miles 2 Hours Park considerately on the roadside in West Leake village. No facili es. 1 Walk down to the western end of the village; as the road bears right keep le /ahead up the signposted bridleway. On the level ground follow the track le at the signpost and bear le on the more substan al farm driveway to the junc on of tracks at the trees. 2 Turn le , along the lesser track and con nue between the hedge and the golf course, right of the conifer wood. Keep straight on with the trees to the le to the signpost at the corner of the trees on the right. 3 Turn sharp le along the field edge with the hedge to the right, through the gate at the end and turn right, to the marker post. Bear le on the narrow path through the trees, down to the marker post where the trees end. 4 Take the track le with the trees s ll to the le . At the marker post at the boundary turn right along the farm road; a er 600yds, at a marker post turn le . Walk up the farm track with the hedge to the right, through the gap at the end and bear right for 40yds. Follow the farm road le between fields, upslope at the end and turn right to the trees. 5 Turn le , over the hump of the hill, past the pond and le in the corner. Follow the path right and keep ahead down the enclosed path, leading right, back to the bridleway entrance at the west end of the village. © Clive Brown Our walks are compiled by Clive Brown who holds the copyright. You can order any of his 74 walking guides at : www.walkingcloseto.com
Page 28
email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk to book your advert
Soar Valley May/june 2013_Layout 1 01/05/2013 15:40 Page 29
AQUA FITNESS SESSIONS
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Kitchens Fitted • Kitchens and worktops supplied at trade prices • Having invested in your dream kitchen ensure that it is fitted to an exacting standard • Worktop replacements, pelmet/cornice only through to full kitchen fits • Granite supplied and fitted • Gas Safe plumber Please call Andy Webb on
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Soar Valley May/june 2013_Layout 1 01/05/2013 15:40 Page 30
210/ -/,+,-0*+) (+'& 0/* 01&* %1$# "*'+#* ! /* **$ +1&* 1$1)0*+ + / +-/1 *+1, 1) , +101)/ *&'+1, ,)0 1 10,+ ! ) 2,+01&* 1) , ) 1 10,+ " $ 1) , ) ) )1- **+ *$0 ) '( * *$,-0'+) +&' + ,00 * 1) , ) ' +' $0*+0,1$*+) *(+*)/&*$0) 1 10,+ !*/1- *) +,$ * *)0, +,$0 ,0 *1-*)0*+ '+0/ -/ '+*
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Soar Valley May/june 2013_Layout 1 01/05/2013 15:40 Page 31
Mixing – not matching This season we are loving navy to create bold contras ng themes that are bang-on trend. Nothing needs to match! so try mixing pa erns and mo fs together in varying shades for a striking new look. Use geometric pa erns for a retro feel or pre y florals with plains in shades of cornflower and indigo mixed with white for a more sophis cated look. Image featured from the Lakota range‐ available from Acacia Curtains and Blinds Tel 01509 650832 Mobile 07881 681 556
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
Page 31
Soar Valley May/june 2013_Layout 1 01/05/2013 15:40 Page 32
Baker & Co Accountants & Bookkeepers 6 Brookbridge Court Syston Leicestershire LE7 2JT Telephone
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PERSONAL AND CORPORATE TAXATION
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Recipe for Success in Business David Baker and Karen Babb, partners in Baker & Co. Accountants, in Syston, talk to Soar Valley Life about what it takes to make it in business, especially in today’s tough economic climate... When David Baker set out in his chosen profession back in the mid‐six es, our currency was in pounds, shillings and pence; VAT didn’t exist and the standard rate of income tax with Roy Jenkins as Chancellor of the Exchequer was over eight shillings in the pound (40p). Self‐assessment for income tax purposes for self employed people wasn’t even a twinkle in any tax man’s eye, and George Osborne was a newborn babe in arms! “Any problem with your tax could be sorted out with someone from the plen ful local tax offices, the inspectors being conversant with the local area and businesses,” recalls David. “Now call centres and large office blocks have taken over ‐ our local personal tax office is in Cardiff! Also, you knew your bank manager personally back then and if you needed financial help in business your bank was the first port of call. There was no call centre queue, credit score or ten page applica on form to fill in ‐ every request was judged on its individual merit. It was your accountant who worked out the figures and went with you to your bank. Nowadays, you’re lucky if you see anybody who has any bearing or influence on any applica on for funds in a business. The personal touch has been lost, and that’s a great shame. It seems to me that these days the banks will only lend money to those businesses which don’t need it; they ask for the wrong informa on and focus too much on their own internal affairs and how much bonus they’re going to make! And the picture gets bleaker when you look at the Inland Revenue, or the HMRC as they are now called, did you know that the average wai ng me to get a meaningful answer from them is up to 3 months or more ‐ if ever! We are being told that ma ers will improve ‐ we shall see ‐ we’re not holding our breath!” “But not all change is for the worse, is it?” I ask... “Oh no, not at all,” answers Karen, “we can get much more work done these days now that computers are so clever. Mind you, with up to 400 detailed Self Assessment Income Tax Returns to complete we need all the speed and help we can get. Also, in many ways, it’s a much faster world now, with the internet and all its fantas c informa on resources available at the click of a mouse. Ge ng answers ‐ other than from the tax people ‐ is much quicker with email instead of the old snail mail!” “It’s a much more diverse world these days, too,” adds David. “People used to get pigeon holed or were born into a job but class structure is not nearly so evident anymore. There are more opportuni es for people to start up on their own now; indeed, it’s so o en these days the best op on, what with larger companies cu ng back on staff and government establishments favouring outsourcing skills and labour.”
So what advice would they give to someone just star ng out today in business? “Not necessarily in any order because we feel that if you’re star ng out today you’ll need all of this and more: •
Research your customers and your district
•
Choose a business model whereby you get your costs back quickly
•
Have some cash behind you to de you through un l the business can generate its own income
•
Talk to your bank and let them know of your plans. Ask them about small business help and funding, things are changing all the me with government ini a ves; also most banks have free banking for new start ups
•
Have an approachable accountant who you can get along with
•
Be prepared to work longer and harder than you would otherwise do and understand that your business must come first
•
Live your job and be open all hours to phone calls and enquiries
•
Choose a job/skill that you can do well, enjoy and get sa sfac on from ‐ because it’s more than just about money
•
These are tough mes ‐ the worst in living memory for many things, so watch your costs very closely, be careful about wastage and your me ‐ spend it wisely
•
Make you own luck, don’t wait around for things to happen. If it’s quiet, deliver some leaflets, tell people about what you do.“
Oh yeah, and don’t forget to adver se Ed! I’ll add one more to that: whatever problem each day may bring, don’t take it to bed with you I‘ve found so o en that a er a good night’s sleep the answer will present itself in the morning...
Visit www.soarvalleylife.co.uk for details of adver sing rates
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Soar Valley’s oldest company? George Walker Limited: Two hundred years old next year and s ll going strong... I learned at school how to calculate the age of a tree a er it has been felled by coun ng the annual rings. This so wood pine tree on the right was 43 years old when it was cut down, its good growing years are marked by wider rings. So wood trees grow rela vely quickly and have rings that are wider apart. Hardwood trees like the Cossington Oak pictured above grow more slowly and hence their rings are closer together. My guess is that this mighty oak, felled in 1915, could have been more than five hundred years old. It was certainly a mighty oak tree when the young George Walker started his haulage business in 1814, a hundred and one years before its felling. George III ‐ no rela on! ‐ was King and the Earl of Liverpool was Prime Minister. The black & white image of the felled oak appears on George Walker’s website, and by 1915, when that picture was taken, Walker’s were busy in all forms of arboriculture services together with their sawmill in Syston centre ‐ entrance on the High Street. During the first half of the twen eth century the company grew to become one of the foremost mber merchants in the region, a status it s ll holds today. It was also one of the first in the UK to pressure‐treat mber with Tanalith, a water‐based copper solu on proven to be highly effec ve in wood preserva on. Tanalising involves loading untreated wood into the treatment vessel and crea ng a vacuum. The vessel is then flooded with preserva ve and hydraulic pressure is applied. This forces the preserva ve deep into the structure of the wood, increasing its service life. George Walker’s Tanalising Plant, situated in the north‐eastern corner of the mber yard, can process 36 feet of mber loaded 4 feet square in one pass. That’s enough mber to make about a quarter of a mile of fence panels!
Then: The offices and entrance to George Walker’s Timber Yard
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The directors report for the year ending March 1978 ‐ the company’s annual tree ring if you like‐ states: “This has been a most difficult and worrying year for us, with the complete removal from the old site of the business. Despite this, we have been able to make a be er profit than an cipated.” The old site of the mber yard and sawmill, founded by Harry Walker right in the centre of Syston, had been compulsorily purchased to make way for a new town centre supermarket ‐ now the Co op ‐ the Town Square shopping arcade and car park. Walkers had to move to previously acquired land at the junc on where the High Street meets the Old Fosse Way which they had been using as a storage facility for some me. The report con nues with: “There were no services whatsoever, sewer, water, electric or drainage. The site had to have approx. three foot of hardcore over all the area, then blinded and rolled.” Robert Toon, Managing Director of the company today, has grown up with the business as has his sister Alex who looks a er the accounts. Alex remembers growing up in the old house on the High Street: “I was born in that house. Dad was foreman at the me and got the house with the job. I was about 17 when we had to move in ’77. The house is s ll there on the High Street at the corner of Walker’s Way. When we lived there we had a ghost. It s ll has the same windows and doors by the looks of it.” Today, the company has a quarter of a million pounds worth of stock on site, from simple posts and fencing panels to decking and sleepers for raised beds. Along with garden furniture and ready made features they also supply all you could ever need in terms of accessories for fi ng everything they make.
Now: 40 years later the house hasn’t changed much but everything else has!
Feature your business in Soar Valley Life – contact steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk
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Spot Ten Di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
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Anything of interest you’d like to see in the next issue? Call 01509 813 125 or email editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk
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What’s On in and around The Soar Valley: Barrow upon Soar Craft Association Summer fair at The Humphrey Perkins High School, Cotes Road, Barrow Upon Soar, Saturday, 25th May 10 til 4 The Ramblers group walk. Distance 14 miles. Enjoy British wildlife on a Ramblers group walk. Bunny, Notts. Romp over Gotham Moor, Gotham, Barton in Fabis, along the Trent to Thrumpton and back by Rushcliffe Halt. The Ramblers group walk starting point.. Grid Ref: SK583296 Nottinghamshire NG11 6QW. For full details Tel: 01949 838619 Sunday 2 Jun 2013 Ashby Fake Festival – acclaimed tribute bands and local support acts hitting the region for a second time! Box Office 0800 652 2852 www.fakefestivals.co.uk 8th June Open Farm Sunday at Gorse Hill City Farm Please note there is an Entrance Fee at this event. Gorse Hill City Farm is open from 10am until 4.30pm. Come and see the rare breed animals on our farm. Entrance to the farm is £2.00 for adults and £1.00 for children. Animal feed can be purchased at 50p a bag. Anstey Lane, Leicestershire LE4 0FJ Sunday 9 Jun 2013 Loughborough Orchestra Summer Concert Two young talented soloists take the opportunity to play with a full orchestra. The Viola Concerto in E minor by J. C. Bach / Casadeus will be performed by Isabel Cocker. Isabel is one of the young members of the Loughborough Orchestra and is hoping to pursue a musical career. Cope Auditorium, Epinal Way, Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 3TU Saturday 22 Jun 2013 “Let Me Tell You a Story” This themed Flower Festival is based on characters and events in the Bible. This follows on from the beautiful 2011 Festival “God’s Treasure in Flowers”. Stunning flower displays from members and friends of Loughborough Baptist Church. Music from various musicians throughout the festival..
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Loughborough Baptist Church, Baxter Gate, Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 1TG Friday 28 Jun 2013 to Mon 1 Jul LOUGHBOROUGH Art Deco Fair Specialist Art Deco Fair, incorporating Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts and early Post War design. Dealers from around the UK selling a cross section of items including Lighting, Furniture, Ceramics, Jewellery, Glass and much more. 10.00am to 4.00pm Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, Leicester, LE12 8TX Sunday 30 Jun 2013 The Great Rempstone Steam & Country Show Held in the heart of the countryside on the Leicester/Nottingham border, this well established show has everything for a wonderful family day out. Working Steam Engines, Vintage Vehicles, Traditional Crafts, Fairground, Children’s Entertainment, Wildlife and Conservation, Trader’s.. Turn Post Farm East Road, Wymeswold. Leicestershire LE12 6ST Saturday 13 Jul 2013 and Sunday 14 Jul 2013 Sounds of the Summer Sizzling SOUNDS of the SUMMER BBQ ‐ Come and join us for a mouth watering BBQ and Sounds of the summer disco 7pm arrival Food served at 7.30pm 1am finish Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel, Packington Hill, Kegworth Derbyshire DE74 2DF Saturday 13 Jul 2013 Barefoot Gathering at Prestwold Hall An Intimate, chilled gathering of bands, workshops DJ’s with fun for the whole family over three days at the height of summer. Camping in the beautiful grounds of Prestwold Hall there’ll be a real ale tent, some cosy little cafes serving yummy cakes and snacks, specially selected delicious caterers and a couple of most excellent bands to get you dancing. We’ll have some super DJ’s and some specially selected dance and yoga workshops during the day. Bring your drums, guitar and smiles…Hope to see you dancing Barefoot in the sunshine this summertime! Go to www.barefootfestival.com Barefoot Camp 2013 will take place at Prestwold Hall, on 26th -29th July 2013
Want your business featured in Soar Valley Life? Call Steve on 01509 813 125
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Solu ons Mothers and Fathers Quiz Answers
6. Guitar is missing one bu on
1.
101 Dalma ans (they are the puppies' parents) 2. Are you si ng comfortably? 3. Mother's Day (March or April v June) 4. Gerry Conlon 5. Terry Jones 6. Paula Yates and Michael Hutchence 7. Mount Everest 8. Uther Pendragon 9. Dus n Hoffman and Barbra Streisand 10. John F. Kennedy
General Knowledge Crossword
7. Heart on the guitar is reversed 8. Curled string missing from guitar 9. Boyís top is missing dots from pa ern 10. Boy’s hair is different Sudoku Solu on
Across: 1 Myth, 3 Bouffant, 9 Nirvana, 10 Yards, 11 Easter Sunday, 14 Ifs, 16 Icons, 17 Eke, 18 Haute couture, 21 Mu i, 22 Treadle, 23 Sweet pea, 24 Army. Down: 1 Mince pie, 2 Terms, 4 Ova, 5 Flying saucer, 6 Acreage, 7 Toss, 8 Lake District, 12 Stoic, 13 Cemetery, 15 Snaffle, 19 Udder, 20 Amos, 22 Tee.
Spot Ten Differences 1. Girl has no earring 2. Girl is missing her belly bu on! 3. Girl has one extra circle on her belt 4. Girlís trousers are ripped at the knees 5. Guitar is a different colour
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