Soarvalley mayjun14 issuu

Happy Second Birthday Soar Valley Life

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

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 Picnic Bench Win a Meal for Two Win £25 Cash 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 June Tuesday 27th May

Issue 26 May/June 2014

Priceless

Soar Valley Life

We want to hear from You!

Editors Steve & Mary Johns

Another excellent ar cle this month by our regular writer Phillip Mark McGough offers a warning between the lines: we are losing precious wildlife around us whilst hardly no cing un l it’s gone. Please have a read, see what you think, and if you have a mind to, drop us a line and we’ll print your views in Soar Valley Life. It’s always been our inten on to incorporate news and views in the magazine and soon we hope to be able publish your comments. In this vein we’re pu ng together a survey to gather informa on as to how you perceive us.

Ques ons such as, “Are we ge ng it right?” and “What else would you like to see?”

We’ll begin this project on our Facebook page during the next few weeks. Oh, and from the end of May we’re giving away a £25 cash prize every month to one of our Facebook ‘likers’ ­ the winner will be picked at random using our ‘raffle’ style method. See page 44 for more details on this, and watch out for the survey, we’d love to hear from you…

In the mean me enjoy our ever changing magazine with new features, regular and new adver sers, more compe ons and fascina ng facts and figures…

And, of course, now and again, a more serious topic to make us all think...

Adver sing Sales Manager Tracy Dixon

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

Steve & Mary Johns 1

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Front Cover Photo: © Bill Allsopp April 2014 “Carillon Dancer”

Kris Kerry of Loughborough break­dancing at the Carillon War Memorial, Queens Park, Loughborough

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Contents

From Small Beginnings The Na onal Garden Scheme VAT Schemes Stepping Stones Quiz – Red, White and Blue Easy Sudoku page 15 Quick Crossword Tapas Night at The White Horse Win a Sunday Carvery for Two Room with a View Ginger & All wrapped up with somewhere to go Rhubarb Recipe – Ginger and Rhubarb Muffins Muffins Footprints page 24 Do you know someone who may need an eye test at home?

Everything under the Sun Win a Picnic Dawn Chorus by Phillip Mark McGough Bench Leather – Under the Microscope worth £120 Commercial Landlords – An End to Distress?

Walking – Melbourne Parks Page Wash and blow dry Madam?

46 Spot the Difference It’s Child’s Play Win £25 Cash Are you a Procras nator?

Are you a Clever Bird or an Ostrich?

Compe on Winners Win a Picnic Bench Walking What’s On Melbourne Parks What’s in my Camera Bag? page 40 Answers to Puzzles 12

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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, storedin 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.

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Recipe ­

page 18 6 7 9 10 11 13 15 17 18 20 23 24 26

Win a Sunday Carvery

31 32 34 37 39 40 41 42 43 44 44 45 46 46 48 49 49

Page 44

at The View Restaurant

WIN £25 CASH

with Soar Valley Life on Facebook

COMPETITION WINNERS ALL ON page 46

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

Soar Valley Life Trades and Services Arts and Cra s The Gallery ­ Su on Bonington

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Builders and Builders Merchants Charnwood Oaks Roofing & Building John A. Stephens Ltd

11 6

Child Care and Educa on Rothley Park Kindergarten

42

Courier Services MyParcelShop.Com

23

Entertainment A all the Way Discos Great Central Railway

13 16

Garden A 2 Z Cleaning Services Anne’s Plants Charnwood Tree Services Claire Jones Gardens George Walker Tree Care Harrison Landscaping

9 6 47 7 30 7

Hair and Beauty Lanza Hair Design

52

Health Care Ac vity 4all Cambridge Weight Plan Charnwood Hearing Aid Centre Gareth Hudson – Foot Health Professional H S Foot Care Services Oooh... My Feet Reed Wellbeing ­ Complementary Health Visual Answers Op cians / Optometrists Walk­in Physio Ltd

43 10 11 43 27 13 44 31 44

Home A 2 Z Cleaning Services Ablu ons Luxury Bathrooms Acacia Curtains and Blinds AMW Kitchens Bunny Appliance Warehouse Carpets of Choice Custom Conservatories & Windows DCI Kitchens Delta Aerials Fab Plumbing Fine Finish Furniture Fluid­Fix

9 12 43 14 25 8 14 10 14 29 36 15

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

KR Electrical LockXpert Match Wallcovering & Decora ng Ocean Designs Conservatory Furniture Richard Watson Painter and Decorator SJS Professional Carpet Cleaner SJS Leather Cleaning Expert Soar Valley Aerials The Oven Cleaning Company UK Gas Services Ltd Ultraclean Whelband Windows

29 15 14 31 9 14 37 29 13 2 23 50

Home Care Services Icare Community Meals

51

Motoring and Travel Argosy Autocra Tech 2 Car Body Repairs

47 37

Pet Care Dial a Dog Wash Posh Dogs Woodside Animal Centre

41 46 13

Professional Services Bill Allsopp Photography CP Accountancy Ltd Cat Eley­Gaunt – Wealth Management Intelligent Financial Advice Ltd iPaq Repair & Parts Moss Solicitors Smartly S tch Tailoring & Repairs The Loughborough Ladies Business Group

49 9 45 19 19 39 19 19

Pubs, Restaurants & Catering The Restaurant at The Mountsorrel The View Restaurant The Wedding Cafe The White Horse Inn

38 21 18 17

Residen al Care The Abbeyfield

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Sports and Leisure Cyclops Cycles Leicestershire County Council ­ Get Cycling Park Hill Golf Club

29 28 20

Timber Merchants George Walker Ltd

30

Wedding Services Brides and Belles The Wedding Café

19 18

Wholesalers Costco Leicester

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

Adver sing in Award Winning Soar Valley Life QUARTER PAGE ONLY £44 + VAT

1/6th page

20,000 copies

This size from

£28 + VAT

delivered every two months

per month

We deliver to all of the following Charnwood villages every two months: Quorn, Barrow, Woodhouse Eaves, Swithland, Walton & Burton on the Wolds, Su on Bonington, Hathern, Long Wha on, Sileby, Mountsorrel, Rothley, Thurcaston, Cropston, Seagrave & Cossington.

THIS 1/3RD PAGE SIZED ADVERT COSTS ONLY

Together with copies available in Great Central Railway Sta ons, Libraries, Costco, Adver sers, tourist and council informa on centres and major places of interest

£59 + vat

Adver se

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

In July we’re increasing our distribu on area to include LE11 2 postcodes around Loughborough.

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

Prices start from £28 + VAT It’s simple: We have professional designers to create the maximum response for your enterprise for a limited period we’ll even design your advert for

FREE!

Leaflets: We can now deliver your leaflet with Soar Valley Life and you can choose an area from as small in number as 500 at a cost of £35.00 Call Steve for more details You can down load all the details from our website www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

Ring 01509 813125 or email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk Like us on facebook to further promote your business www.facebook.com/SoarValleyLife

Page 5

From Small Beginnings

Anne’s Plants Loughborough Road, Rothley LE7 7NH

Anne French of Sileby has always had a passion for plants...

“Beautiful & Different”

Ten years ago she started selling her own grown plants from a small display at Cossington Open Gardens. Then a year or so later she added Rearsby Open Gardens and a stall at Syston Methodist Church on Saturdays. Since then she has sold her plants at special plant sales all around the region; now this year sees her opening her very own nursery in Rothley ­ go 400 yards past Woodcock Farm Shop towards the A6 and turn le .

Alongside all the popular bedding and perennial plants you’ll find some rare and unusual ones like the Aeonium Schwarzkopf, pictured above; Echevera and Aliums too.

Selling direct from her new nursery

NOW OPEN

Tuesday to Saturdays 10 ‘til 5 and Sundays 10.30 ‘til 4.30

All home grown bedding, perennials and summer flowering bulbs.

Aeoniums, echivera and alium specialist

Beau ful and different, her new nursery opened on 6th May.

Just a few of the 1000s of new plants at Anne’s Plants

BUILDERS MERCHANTS

Main Branch/Stockyard: Castle Meadow Road, Nottingham NG2 1AG Tel: 0115 941 2861 Satellite Branch: 45 ~ 55, Radcliffe Road, West Bridgford NG2 5FX Tel: 0115 981 4313

The widest range of hard landscaping products from the East Midlands leading independent builders’ merchant Choose from: Marshalls (the UK’s leading landscape product supplier) and Stonemarket (arguably the trendsetters for innovative hard landscape products) Next day delivery for most popular products – large fleet of 20+ vehicles for prompt delivery Professional design and layout guides free to download from our website

www.johnastephens.co.uk Page 6

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

The Na onal Garden Scheme

Garden Designer and Plants Woman Claire Jones is opening her garden for the Na onal Garden Scheme for the first me...

The garden will be open on Sunday the 22nd of June from 11am to 5pm. It was laid out in 2004 with formal herbaceous borders, yew hedges and David Aus n roses. Set

in a two acre plot with a produc ve vegetable garden, you can walk on mown paths around the grass meadow and enjoy outstanding views of the Leicestershire Wolds.

There will be cream teas and a plant stall. Since its founda on The Na onal Garden Scheme has given more than £40 million to nursing and caring chari es. One hundred percent of the profit made on the day from the entrance, plant sales and teas will go to charity, the main

beneficiaries being MacMillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie Cancer Care. For more informa on or to view photos of the garden visit www.ngs.org.uk The address is 14 New Lane, Walton on the Wolds, LE12 8HY. Admission is £3, children are free!

The Na onal Gardens Scheme www.ngs.org.uk

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

Page 7

Good choice of rugs always available in store

VAT Schemes Last me we discussed being VAT registered and briefly men oned the different types of VAT schemes that are available to businesses. Are you on the best scheme for your business?

The most common schemes used are Standard VAT Accoun ng, the Cash Accoun ng Scheme and the Flat Rate Scheme.

If using the Standard VAT Accoun ng scheme VAT is paid on the date both the sales and purchase invoices are issued. This compares to the Cash Accoun ng scheme whereby VAT is accounted for on the date your customer pays you and the date you pay your suppliers. This scheme can help with cash flow if you have slow paying customers.

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

Another popular scheme is the Flat Rate scheme where you pay a fixed percentage of your gross turnover. This can reduce the me spent maintaining records meaning you have more me to run your business.

Not everyone can join these schemes as there are certain condi ons to meet but should you wish to find out if your business is eligible please do not hesitate to contact us.

Caroline Dinsmore

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.

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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.

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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

Stepping Stones

As the old saying goes, “ You’ve tried the rest, now try the best!”

These days it seems that every me you open a newspaper, turn on your computer or look at a community no ce board, there’s some new­fangled weight loss programme claiming instant results whilst s ll gorging on a full fat diet with cream cakes or five square meals a day doubling up your puddings on Sundays!

Okay, I exaggerate, but you get my point...

As far as I know the only way to lose weight successfully is to consume less calories. The problem is that we usually feel hungry if we don’t eat enough, health problems occur if we don’t get the right nutrients and then ­ bang goes the diet.

In 1970 a Cambridge University doctor, Alan Howard, developed a weight reduc on plan that allowed for

consuming less calories whilst replacing the nutrients in a balanced way.

Cambridge meals are intended to combine all necessary food groups to sa sfy a body’s nutri onal needs in order to allow a person to stop craving foods and overea ng. The Cambridge Weight Plan has a step to suit everyone from 17 ­ 70, male or female, depending on medical history, and can be adapted to all lifestyles. Ini ally, the diet only makes use of meal replacement supplements in the form of porridges, shakes and soups.

Gradually solid foods are introduced into the meal plan, and step by step you reach your goal. Combine this with one to one support in your own home and you can begin to see why this plan has far outlived the rest. It has evolved over the years and is now be er than it ever was in helping you to achieve the weight you want to be.

I talked with Janet Humber, Independent Consultant for the Cambridge Weight

Plan in the Soar Valley area: “Trying to lose weight on your own can be pre y tough. In the past you’ve no doubt tried following other diets and the chances are you’ve given up in the first two weeks. I had a weight problem all my life and had tried many different diets. It wasn’t un l I tried the Cambridge Weight Plan that I succeeded. There are no secret ingredients, every step is carefully planned, researched and en rely safe.

Your first consulta on is free and without obliga on ­ there’s nothing to lose ­ except that extra weight you’re carrying of course…”

Contact Janet, day or evening, on either of the numbers below or by emailing her at: jan.mel@talktalk.net

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

Page 10

www.cambridgeweightplan.co.uk

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

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

Quiz – Red, White and Blue

1. Who wrote the novel The Hunt For Red October?

2. From which European country does Blue Nun wine originate?

3. Which of the following is not a character in the film Reservoir Dogs?... Mr. Red, Mr. White or Mr. Blue?

4. Which TV series was based on a character who is shot and killed in a 1950 crime film called The Blue Lamp?

5. In a famous scene from the James Bond film Dr. No, is the bikini that Urusula Andress is wearing red, white or blue?

6. A witch called Jadis, also known as the White Witch, features in which series of novels?

7. Are Viagra pills red, white or blue?

8. On which planet would you find the Great Red Spot?

9. White pudding is similar to black pudding, but what ingredient is missing?

10. What is the most common colour to appear on world flags, appearing on the na onal flags of approximately three quarters of the countries in the world?...

Red, white or blue?

Answers on page 49

Charnwood Hearing Aid Centre Ltd Lynne Leeming, MSc RHAD MSHAA

Your local hearing specialist 5 Stadon Road, Anstey Leicester, LE7 7AY Existing hearing aid users welcome Hearing protection for both children and adults Friendly and professional service

Telephone: 0116 236 6633 Email: charnwoodhearing@btconnect.com www.charnwoodhearing.co.uk

For people who care about their hearing Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm Wed & Sat 9.30am - 12.30pm

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

Page 11

It’s not big... (but it is clever!)

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

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

It’s another award winning idea from Ablutions.

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

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

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

www.ablutions.net

Food tastes better from a clean oven!

Doesn’t your oven deserve a spring clean too?

Let us restore your oven to near showroom condition!

SPECIAL OFFER

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ADOPT AN ANIMAL

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info@theovencleaningcomp.com

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

This advert must be produced to qualify.

CARPET CLEANING DEEP CLEAN YOUR CARPETS FROM £40.00

Easy Sudoku

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

Kitchens Fitted • Kitchens and worktops supplied at trade prices

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 • Worktop replacements, pelmet/cornice only through to full kitchen fits • Granite supplied and fitted • Gas Safe plumber Please call Andy Webb on

07904 987234 / 01509 414484

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

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

Your kitchen made to your order!

Carpet Cleaner Dry in 1hr

- email or call Stuart for

FREE ADVICE Before

M.A.T.C.H. Wallcovering and Decorating Specialist

After

Commercial, Private & Insurance Work Undertaken Mobile 07768 326 041

142 Seagrave Road Sileby LE12 7TS

cjgreen2109@btinternet.com

Page 14

*

• Carpet Cleaning • Suites - Leather and Fabric • Oriental Carpets/Rugs • 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.

call 01509 412797 0116 298 7082 *when patented Texatherm cleaning system used

email stuart@the professionalcarpetcleaner.co.uk visit www.theprofessionalcarpetcleaner.co.uk

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

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

Quick Crossword 1

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Across

Down

1 Stove (4)

1 Conquer (8)

3 Confessed (8)

2 Devoured (5)

9 Remove (7)

4 Small spot (3)

10 Tall structure (5)

5 Road junc on (12)

11 Current (12)

6 Defeats (7)

14 Married woman (3)

7 Terrible (4)

16 Smooth surface (5)

8 Bu erfly larva (12)

17 Perceive (3)

12 Simple (5)

18 Clarifica ons (12)

13 Private (8)

21 Fine porcelain (5)

15 A swinging me? (7)

22 Passion (7)

19 Small fruit (5)

23 Calamity (8)

20 Not alkali (4)

24 Small room (4)

22 Female sheep (3)

RAPID RESPONSE

Answers on page 49

X

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

FREE SECURITY CHECKS AVAILABLE.

PERT

& Security Solutions SERVICES OFFERED

OFFICE: MOB:

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

01509 412 412 07860 456 474

Put these numbers in your phone in case of emergency.

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

Fluid-Fix

Plumbing/Heating & Electrical Services Drips to Drains • Bursts to Baths Cisterns to Showers Installation • Servicing • Repairs Replacement and Maintenance of Domestic Water Services FREE QUOTES No Emergency call out charge NO job to small

‘Mates Rates’

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OAP Discounts

City and Guilds Level 2 NVQ Plumbing and Heating 6189-11.

BPEC Hot Water Storage Systems. Water Supply Regulations. Part "P" Electrical. Public Liability Insured. All work guaranteed.

Call Steve

T 01162 303578 • M 07749 954869 OR EMAIL fluid-fix@outlook.com

Based in Mountsorrel, Loughborough, Leics LE12 7DS

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

Page 15

Tapas Night at The White Horse brings a taste of Spain to Seagrave!

Take a trip to España every Wednesday evening with these authen c ‘li le dishes’...

Some of you may remember Campasinas on Loughborough Market and the recipes from it in Soar Valley Life. Paul Dodds, the owner of Campasinas, le the area last year to move back to his home region in Hampshire, but we enjoyed trying his Spanish goods, food, spices and cookware.

Then, last year, we sampled some more Spanish fare at the White Horse in Seagrave.

Mary and I are by no means seasoned experts on all Spanish meatballs

things Spanish but we can recognise quality and authen city when we taste it!

The White Horse Tapas Nights were extremely popular throughout the summer and, with the good weather that last year brought us, many a Wednesday night had the pub and garden filled to capacity with locals enjoying real Spanish tapas ­ almost as good as being in Spain! The pub’s Head Chef lived and worked in Spain for seven years, so he really does know a thing or two about Spanish food and how it should be cooked and served.

This year the pub’s Tapas Night menu will include 15 tradi onal tapas dishes, available every week, as well as a range of frequently changing tapas specials which may include octopus and even snails! The pub is offering two great meal deals: ‘Taste of Tapas’ (£17.50) is a set menu for

two which combines tradi onal dishes that are perfect for tapas beginners.

‘Top Tapas’ (£19.95) is a more adventurous set menu for two which includes any two of the chef’s specials. Diners can add two glasses of sangria or fino (dry sherry) to these meal deals for just £2.50.

With the return of Tapas Night, summer must surely be on its way.

Viva El Caballo Blanco!

Tradi onal Spanish Paella

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

01509 814715

Tapas Night – back by popular demand every Wednesday!

Booking advisable.

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.

What’s On At The White Horse?

Tuesdays, 6pm-8.45pm – £5 Menu

Choose from a range of fantastic £5 specials!

Wednesdays, 6pm-8.45pm – Tapas Night

Come and enjoy a range of authentic Spanish ‘little dishes’. Try any combination!

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!

The Stables Shop

Fridays, 6pm-8.45pm – Normal Menu

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

Buy any two specials and a bottle of house wine for just £25!

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

The Stables Function Room

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

Choose from a wide range of delicious home-cooked meals and daily specials.

Saturdays, 6pm-8.45pm – Specials Night Sundays, 12pm-2.15pm – Sunday Lunch

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

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

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

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

© SVL

Page 17

Win a Sunday Carvery for Two

A delightful vintage tearoom well worth a visit!

Solve our Wordsearch Puzzle below, sponsored by Park Hill Golf Club, and you could win a Sunday Carvery meal for two in The View Restaurant – see pages 20 and 21.

• Workshops in Sugarcraft, Floristry & Photography during May • Children's May Half Term Activities • Full Afternoon Tea just £9pp Call or see our facebook page for details

Find the names associated with Golf in the grid and the remaining le ers will spell out a related nine word phrase once said by Chris Perry.

We provide: • Wedding Consultation • Sweetie Cart Buffet Hire • Venue Dressing • Prop & Accessory Hire • Party Packages • Pop Up Tea Tent Hire

Send your answer together with your name, address and telephone number to editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk or by post to Soar Valley Life, 1 Burton Road, Sileby, Leicestershire LE12 7RU.

We can also cater at your own venue!

8a High Street, Syston, LE7 1GP

theweddingcafeuk

The first correct answer out of the hat a er the closing date of Tuesday 24th June 2014 will win.

Editor’s decision is final. Terms and condi ons apply.

Sponsored by Park Hill Golf Club

Page 18

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

1A Little Church Lane (next to St. Mary's Church) High Street, Sileby, LE12 7NE

MORTGAGES

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

SMARTLY STITCH CLOTHING ALTERATIONS & REPAIRS

• Mortgages • Life assurance • Commercial loans & insurance • Buildings and contents insurance • Accident, sickness & unemployment insurance

Professional Alterations and Repair Work to all garments including trousers, jackets, coats, skirts, dresses, new zips

Telephone Charles Barrett

Made to Measure Curtains

01509 231335 or 07752 312145

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We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful boutique in Wigston Leicester very soon 88 Leicester Road, Wigston, Leicestershire LE18 1DR info@bridesandbelleswigston.co.uk Independent bridal boutique offering a gorgeous range of carefully chosen quality wedding dresses to suit all tastes and budgets, shapes and sizes.

From traditional wedding dresses to contemporary wedding dresses, fairy-tale weddings to shorter styles, hand beaded wedding dresses to plain satins and silks.

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

Page 19

Room with a View At Park Hill Golf club there’s about 180 acres of room with the most complete view I’ve yet seen of our Soar Valley...

The club house sits on the south western slope of an escarpment which has Belvoir Castle at its north eastern end. On a clear day, looking out from the balcony of The View Restaurant on the first floor, you can see all the way down the Soar Valley. The Wanlip wind turbine in the near distance, office blocks of Leicester city in the middle and then, using an old map for reference, I see that the furthest horizon is the southern edge of Charnwood Forest near Desford about fourteen miles away.

A li le to the right, through silver birch trees, you can spot Old John marking Bradgate Park; and further right s ll the view northwest up the Soar Valley past Loughborough Carillon Tower, through Stanford, Normanton and Su on Bonington.

Using my old map again I judge the hazy north­western horizon to be about twenty miles distant beyond the River Trent on the No nghamshire and Derbyshire border.

I had spent some me on the internet, gathering informa on on the posi on of Park Hill and how it relates to the view in different direc ons. I’d tried Google Earth and a few other mapping websites and resources, but in the end resorted to an old John Bartholomew tourist map from the 1930s that had belonged to my late grandfather­in ­law. This wonderful

The club house from the 18th green at Park Hill Golf Club with The View Restaurant on the 1st floor

old document printed onto cloth told me everything I wanted to know at a glance; all the contours colour coded with our special li le valley in verdant green! On this lovely old map golf courses were marked with a special symbol. Park Hill is there, but with no golf course.

That’s because in the 30s it was arable farm land ­ with a private airfield at its south eastern border at 343 feet above sea level.

Park Hill was transformed during 1990s into an 18 hole championship golf course and this year it celebrates its twen eth anniversary.

Constructed to USA PGA standards, it offers excellent all year round playing condi ons on a par 73 course with maximum yardage of 7,219 off the metal tees, a 20 bay driving range with 8 real greens to aim at and lessons from golf pros Ma Ulye and Ma Whelband. If you’re into golf, Park Hill is for you.

But ­ what if you’re not?

New head chef Andy Smith serves up some mouth­watering fare throughout the week with Sunday Carvery topping the bill in The View

Restaurant between noon and 4 pm every Sunday. Tuesday evenings offer you a challenge to beat the clock ­ if you order by 6.30 pm your two course meal costs just £6.30p!

6.45 pm and you pay £6.45 and so on ­ with a new Beat the Clock menu every week. Thursday supper nights offer 2 main courses for just £12 and Friday is large fish and chips at only £6.95. Other days you may order from the menus as normal.

Booking is always essen al for specials nights as they get very busy.

Non­members are welcome to come and enjoy the food, the surroundings, and of course the VIEW! The room is also available for private hire ­ an ideal loca on for weddings, christenings and wakes.

As I finish wri ng and a empt to pack away my precious and rather fragile old map, I am reminded that someone once said ­ maps tell you everything you want to know except how to fold them back up again, grrr...

Long live the internet...

The panorama view from The View Restaurant balcony at Park Hill Golf Club

Page 20

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

PARK HILL GOLF CLUB

Non-members welcome Breakfast served from 9.30am and from 8.00am Saturday & Sunday ~ Lunch from 12 noon Evening Menu from 6pm

T BEA the

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at 6.30pm Clock Starts m Finishes at 8p Order at 6.30pm .30 £6 ly on ls ea 2M Order at 6.45pm 5 .4 £6 ly on 2 Meals ... on And so

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Park Hill Golf Club Sunday Carvery

Supper Even ing 2 Main Meals only

FRIDAY NIGHT

12 - 4pm

Please Call - 01509 8154

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with mushy peas

54

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£6.95

Park Hill Golf Club, Park Hill, Seagrave, Leicestershire LE12 7NG

Tel: 01509 815454

E-mail: admin@parkhillgolfclub.co.uk Website: www.parkhillgolfclub.co.uk

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All wrapped up with somewhere to go Last month Soar Valley Life received an A3 poster from Royal Mail showing the new prices they will be charging from April 1st 2014. For 2nd class delivery in the UK a 2.5 kg parcel taken to your local post office will cost you £13.75p...

Now just check out the price on the le that My Parcel Shop charges to deliver the same parcel. That’s right!

Nearly £5 cheaper! And what’s more, in most cases, they’ll pick it up from your home or office in the Soar Valley free of charge. The Royal Mail guarantee a 48 hour delivery but would charge extra for a tracking service. With My Parcel Shop it’s all included at £8.99. And you get full insurance too! (Yep, RM charge extra for insurance) On checking through the list My Parcel Shop comes out loads cheaper across the board. And in their shop at 38 Baxter Gate, Loughborough, they have all the packaging goods you’re ever likely to need. I think these guys really are going places...

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Page 23

Recipe This month’s recipe sponsored by

Bunny Appliance Warehouse

Cake and Bake

Ginger and Rhubarb Muffins

Makes 12 Ready in 40 minutes

Quick and easy to make these fruity muffins are ideal for a mid­morning treat. They are best eaten on the day of making but can be frozen for up to 2 months – just thaw and pop in a hot oven for a few minutes for that just baked taste!

1

Preheat the oven to 190C/fan 170C/ gas mark 5. Line a 12­hole muffin tray with 12 paper muffin cases. Cut the rhubarb stems in half lengthways then chop into 1cm pieces.

2

Si the flour and baking powder into a large bowl and s r in the sugar and orange zest. Make a well in the centre.

3

Whisk together the bu er, milk and eggs and pour into the well. S r un l just combined but don’t over­mix. Gently fold in the rhubarb and stem ginger.

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Divide the mixture evenly between the muffin cases. Bake in the preheated oven for 20­25 minutes, or un l risen, golden and just firm to the touch. Sprinkle with the crystallized orange peel, if liked. Serve warm or cold.

Ingredients: • 175g thin rhubarb stalks, trimmed • 275 g plain flour • 2 tsp baking powder • 125g caster sugar • 1­2 tsp finely grated orange zest • 150g bu er, melted and cooled for 5 minutes • 100ml milk • 2 medium eggs, beaten • 1 large piece stem ginger, finely chopped • Chopped crystallized orange peel to decorate (op onal)

Page 24

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Footprints Adorning the wall of HS Foot Care Services new surgery in Mountsorrel are cer ficates awarded to three genera ons of foot care professionals from the same family...

HS Foot Care Services was founded by Alan Postlethwaite, following in the footsteps of his wife’s mother who had graduated from the School of Chiropody in 1954. Alan began with a small clinic at his home in Mountsorrel in 2008. Such was his success that on March 6th of this year he was able to extend his services into a new enlarged surgery, at the same address, offering all the foot care treatments you would expect from a professional podiatry prac ce together with nail surgery and gait analysis.

Both Alan, and his daughter Maxime, now have a podiatry degree which permits them to offer clients a full range of

Maxime, analysing Mary’s gait with the podoscope next to the state of the art SIDAS system

Page 26

treatments including correc ng in­growing toenails surgically under local anaesthe c. They also have state of the art equipment which, a er analyzing your gait, is used to create a correc ve insole without sending your prescrip on away to a laboratory saving a lot of me and giving them more control.

Alan says, “Many people from all walks of life can benefit tremendously from adjustments to their gait and posture that comes with the fi ng of correc ve ortho cs (insoles).

There’s a whole host of complaints that arise from problems with our feet and gait ­ foot pain, plantar fascii s (policeman’s heel), shin splints (medial bial stress syndrome), knee/hip/lower back pain, Achilles tendoni s, runner’s knee (patella femoral syndrome) ­ and most can be alleviated simply and effec vely with a combina on of our ortho cs and some mes stretching/ strengthening exercises. Surprisingly a lot of condi ons require correc ons to the forefoot so we focus on full length ortho cs allowing correc ons to be made where needed most, not just arch and heel.

With our investment in the world class SIDAS system, analysis and manufacturing of the ortho cs takes less than two hours ­ so you walk out the same day with your new ortho cs! Our new facili es give us much more space and

allow us to really focus on becoming an all encompassing foot care centre making the most of both mine and Maxime’s skills sets. We already treat quite a few sports people, aiding them in recovery from injury and helping them to improve their performance.”

Alan and his family invited a number of local people to a splendid (Ed!) buffet lunch to celebrate the opening of the newly expanded business. Among the invited guests was Alan’s very first pa ent Mr Rich Palmer and Mr Brian Allard, Chairman of the Mountsorrel Relief in Need Charity, who opened the proceedings.

Mr Brian Allard opens the new HS Foot Care Surgery

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

HS Foot Care Services opens new surgery in Mountsorrel

The new surgery is in the same premises on Halstead Rd but now caters for nail surgery and the added size means that gait analysis can be combined in the same room.

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

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

FOOT & HEEL PAIN Assessment, advice, treatment

NAIL SURGERY Full / partial nail removal under local anesthesia at a time convenient to you

BESPOKE ORTHOTICS Gait analysis, biomechanical assessment, exercise advice, manufacture of bespoke orthotics onsite Specialist creams supplied Specialist creams & fungal treatments not available from pharmacies

Foot Care Services

34A Halstead Road, Mountsorrel LE12 7HF. Tel 0116 210 6413

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Everything under the sun ...and then some!

Sunrise & sunset mes and phases of the moon Date

Sun Rise

Sun Set

Hours of Daylight

12­May­14 19­May­14 26­May­14 02­Jun­14 09­Jun­14 16­Jun­14 23­Jun­14 30­Jun­14 07­Jul­14 14­Jul­14 21­Jul­14

05:14 05:03 04:55 04:48 04:44 04:43 04:44 04:47 04:52 05:00 05:08

20:41 20:51 21:01 21:09 21:16 21:20 21:22 21:21 21:18 21:12 1:05

15h 27m 31s 15h 48m 14s 16h 06m 11s 16h 20m 53s 16h 31m 11s 16h 37m 32s 16h 38m 06s 16h 34m 13s 16h 25m 37s 16h 12m 47s 15h 56m 19s

Date

Moonrise

Moonset

Phase

14­May­14 21­May­14 28­May­14 5­Jun­14 13­Jun­14 19­Jun­14 27­Jun­14 5­Jul­14 12­Jul­14 18/19­Jul­14 26­Jul­14

20:28 01:30 04:58 12:27 21:23 00:32 05:15 13:28 20:50 23:58 05:02

05:07 12:25 20:40 00:57 05:18 12:46 21:02 00:10 05:10 14:13 20:13

Full Moon @ 20:16 Third Quarter@13:59 New Moon @19:40 First Quarter@21:40 Full Moon@05:12 Third Quarter@19:39 New Moon@09:09 First Quarter@12:59 Full Moon@12:25 Third Quarter@03:09 New Moon@23:42

The Planets ­ looking South at 11 pm mid month (take an hour off at the beginning and add an hour on at the end) 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 June: with the long daylight hours this is not the best month for stargazing.

But Jupiter is splendid at the beginning of the month next

to the crescent new moon, and Mars is the king of the evenings un l brilliant Venus takes over at about 3 am.

July: Mars sets around midnight mid month and can be found next to the blue white star Spica in the constella on of Virgo. Venus is brilliant from 3 am; and just to its lower le Mercury can be seen as dawn rises.

In Search of ET

Is anyone out there?

Co­founder of Microso , Paul Allen, is funding a project in California led by the SETI ins tute (Search for Extra­Terrestrial Intelligence) to tune in to those first whispers from ET. For half a century SETI members have been looking and listening to no avail. But there is now renewed hope that with the new Allen Telescope Array (ATA) which will eventually link up to 400 radio telescopes together to form the largest large array telescope in the world that those first vital signals will be heard.

New Planets beyond our Solar System Astronomers using telescopes in Hawaii, California and Texas have found the first Neptune­size planets outside our solar system, far smaller than any planets previously detected. One of them is perhaps only 14 mes the mass of the Earth, which is small enough to have a solid surface and possibly temperatures conducive to life.

Amazing Astronomical Facts: • Saturn would float if you could put it in water • If you placed a pinhead sized piece of the Sun on the Earth you would die from standing within 145 km (90 miles) of it • Space is not a complete vacuum, there are about 3 atoms per cubic meter of space • Only 5% of the universe is made up of normal ma er, 25% is dark ma er and 70% is dark energy

Sponsored by For everything under the sun (almost!)

Dawn Chorus

Phillip Mark McGough

I have reached that age when the decline of Britain’s birds is obvious just by using my ears.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m s ll in rude health ­ I only got my new teeth last Thursday ­ but even I remember a me when the dawn chorus was an overture for full orchestra, rather than a chamber piece for four or five players...

I men on this because, with summer beginning to mu er among the trees, I le my bed of ruin at 4.30am one recent Sunday morning to a end a dawn chorus bird watching event (or, more accurately, bird listening) at Brierley Forest Park, not far from Mansfield: A deligh ul punctua on of green amid the dreary grammar of North No nghamshire’s post­ industrial moonscape, reclaimed, like so many local nature reserves, from the Page 34

rubble of a former coal mine.

The trip was by and large a success, albeit I was far from impressed when our RSPB guide mistook the unmistakable call of a chiffchaff for the call of a chaffinch, thence the song of a wren for the song of a robin.

Naturally I did the right thing and corrected her: And I note I was the only one of our party not offered a chocolate biscuit on return to base camp. (In all seriousness, how does one mistake the call of a chiffchaff for anything else? That’s why they’re called chiffchaffs; and the song of the wren is an explosive trill, a big noise from such a small bird, quite dis nct from the milder and flu er notes favoured by the robin­ if you’ll forgive this brief digression in the interests of pedantry.)

There was a sort of melancholy about the whole thing, too, however: The collapse in bird numbers ­ especially our noisier and more melodic garden birds ­ was evident compared to, say, just 20 years ago. It was not so much a dawn chorus as a sad dawn coda to a fading symphony, and I would say that we heard perhaps only three or four different species, and perhaps only one or two representa ves of each.

I have always felt that the disappearance of our birds is a sort of na onal disgrace, every bit as ferocious an act of vandalism as the demoli on of some great public monument. The experts tell us that we have lost 44 million breeding birds over the past 40 years. Let those numbers percolate for a bit. 44 million.

Had this calamity happened over a shorter period, the outcry would perhaps have been louder: But like all tragedies which take their me, we seem to adjust to it, scarcely no cing it, un l the trees, hedgerows, and early mornings fall sad and silent.

Imagine our grandchildren asking us what happened to, say, the song thrush, in the same breath as they ask what happened to the ger. It is to shudder.

It goes without saying that a world with an ever­ diminishing bird popula on is likely to be an increasingly dull and joyless one. I remain surprised by our complacency, surprised that we ­ locally and na onally ­ are sa sfied with these li le pockets of nature in the form of reserves, managed habitats, SSSIs, etc; what should be the norm is becoming a geographically isolated excep on, an avian Gulag if you will, where those singing birds that remain

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

pursue a curiously ar ficial existence: Imprisoned in a few acres of greenery amid the gloom, u erly dependent on us, surviving because we choose it to be so. Where once we feasted, there is a famine.

And this isn’t a clumsy metaphor. It is ironic that the chief culprit here is the intensifica on and perfec on of agriculture these past 40 years, the turning over of vast and irreplaceable parts of the land to monoculture, and the corresponding destruc on of heath land, forest, and hedgerow. We can eat more interes ngly and more healthily than we ever did: But a simple pleasure in nature is becoming a luxury which all the money in the world cannot buy.

Of course, it’s not all bad news. Trouble is, what li le good news there is seems to involve species that weren’t under threat to begin with, or which, in some cases, don’t really belong here at all: The generalists like magpies, woodpigeons, Canada geese, even parakeets in London, birds which we didn’t ac vely seek to help, but which have nimbly and spectacularly filled the void le by house sparrows, starlings, thrushes ­ all birds which formed the

soundtrack to the gardens of my distant and hirsute youth.

(I generalize about the generalists: The buzzard and the red kite, for example, both of which con nue their advance eastward, are welcome re­addi ons to our skies, even if, once again, their success comes at the expense of the many prey species now struggling to cope with the sudden return of old foes).

Above all, then, I believe we need to keep figh ng for our birds and also figh ng to get the message across that the current set of arrangements ­ where I must get up at an ungodly hour and ac vely plan a trip and a me to listen to birds, rather than wake to

them outside my window ­ is wholly unnatural, and not irreversible. She may not have known her chiffchaffs from her chaffinches, but the RSPB guide previously men oned knew the scale of the problem.

Midway through the walk, we heard a willow warbler­ the first me I’ve heard one in the field for an age.

She cau oned that I shouldn’t get too excited. “There used to be any amount of them here,” she said. “Now we have two pairs. It’s very sad.” I listened to the warbler, and thanked it. Birdsong is never anything we should take for granted. The silence, one day, may be deafening...

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

Page 35

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Leather ­ under the microscope When visi ng a client who has asked for advice on cleaning their leather suite, the first thing Stuart Simpson does is take out his microscope...

It’s not un l you start to look a li le closer that you begin to realise the complexity of certain processes; what at first seems straight forward really isn’t quite so simple. Stuart showed me what a sample of leather looks like really close up through his special microscope. He then began to explain why it was necessary to understand the different types of leather and how they came to be that way.

“There are two main types: aniline ­ which is colour dyed in the vat a er tanning, and pigmented ­ which is colour printed a er tanning. It’s important to find out which it is right at the beginning. Most leathers can be repaired, recoloured and refurbished to original standards as long as you know what caused the damage and what substance discoloured it. We can sort out most problems on site: splits and tears, remove nail varnish, jean dye, pen marks, cat scratches, shoe scuffs and wear and tear abrasions.”

Stuart then showed me another piece of equipment vital to leather restora on. “We ascertain the original colour of the hide by careful cleaning and then measure that colour with this special spectrometer. This will then tell me exactly what propor ons of paint or dye to mix together to recreate an exact match and then we can restore any damaged areas to that original colour.”

I asked Stuart what was the best piece of advice we can give to someone who wants to look a er their leather.

“Protect it with a special leather protec ve coa ng as soon a er you have bought it as you can and have it cleaned and re­protected every year a er that.

This is what your leather might look like under Stuart Simpson’s microscope. The holes are where the animal’s hair once grew...

That way you can keep your leather looking as good as new for ever ­ and don’t forget your designer leather handbags ladies ­ and those leather car seats too; they can receive the very same care and a en on from us as everything else ­ we are the experts.”

Tech2 Body Repairs Classic vehicle restoration Sports and performance car specialists Fleet and commercial vehicles Please call in for your free no obligation quotation

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

© SVL

Page 37

The Mountsorrel restaurant now open to non-residents 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

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

Š SVL

www.mountsorrel-guesthouse.co.uk

Commercial Landlords – An End to Distress?

It is an all too familiar scenario for commercial landlords: Your tenant has failed to pay the rent, the premises are s ll open with goods in them, and you are wondering whether you can seize these and use them to pay the rent due.

Tradi onally, a landlord might be advised to use a commercial bailiff to levy what is called “Distress”.

Distress was an ancient remedy da ng back to medieval mes, enabling a bailiff to enter the premises and seize the tenant’s goods, where the tenant was in arrears with any sum payable as rent under their lease.

Whilst Distress could be quite a powerful remedy in appropriate cases, concerns had arisen where the premises were, for example, mixed use ­ i.e. someone’s home as

well as their business. A er a long­running debate, the law rela ng to Distress was finally abolished on 6 April, and a new system called “Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery” introduced.

The new system is designed to strike a balance between the right of the landlord to be paid whilst protec ng the tenant from, for example, a bailiff turning up at the premises without warning and seizing their goods. In par cular, Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery is only available: • For purely commercial (rather than mixed use) premises • For recovering rent arrears, interest and VAT • Where no ce is served on the tenant by a cer fied Enforcement Agent (formerly a commercial

bailiff or High Court Enforcement Officer) It remains to be seen how the new system will work in prac ce.

Unfortunately, for landlords the procedure is complicated and must be followed.

If you have a problem with commercial rent arrears, whether as a landlord or a tenant, Moss Solicitors are able to assist, including instruc ng suitable Enforcement Agents on your behalf, to seek to maximise what you are able to recover.

Contact: 01509 217770 Nick Gay n.gay@moss­solicitors.co.uk Laura Anderson l.anderson@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

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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

Page 39

Walking ­ Melbourne Parks Walk instruc ons 4 Miles

2 Hours

Park in Melbourne, on the B587 between the A42 and the A514. All facili es available in the town. Start from the church.

1 Take the roadside path of Blackwell Lane towards Wilson for 400yds to the footpath signpost on the right and go through the kissing gate. Con nue up the track bearing le to a narrow gate. Go through and bear le through the next gate.

2 Keep direc on over the s le and the field ahead, which may be under cul va on although a track should be visible within any crops. Cross the ca le grid and the s le ahead on the right, con nue uphill and go over the s le and the farm road. Keep ahead down the short field entry and down slope across the field; a track should be well marked within any crop, to the road.

3 Turn right, along this potholed tarmac track and carry on along the lesser grass track, passing right of the dyke and the trees. At the marker post con nue direc on on the field edge with the hedge now right and the tree lined track. Carry on and bear right and le to the road, close to the aerial.

4 Take the road right for 230yds to the signpost and step over the s le, bear slight le over the next s le and right down to the right hand bo om. Go through the gate and cross the stream; bear right, through the gate and keep ahead to the right of The Coppice.

5 Con nue ahead over the s les and join the farm road straight on, carry on with the hedge le and then between trees, passing le of Quarry Wood. Cross the s le and keep ahead over the field (a track should be well marked), to the wooden kissing gate. Go through and take the road le /straight on, leading to the church and the star ng point.

© 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

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

Wash and blow dry Madam?

Debbie Stevens and her team travel the highways and byways of Leicestershire in their specially equipped, heated vans to bring a professional and caring pet grooming service directly to your door...

When Mary and I first heard of Dial a Dog Wash we really didn’t know what was involved un l Debbie showed us how it’s all done. We followed her into the van as she explained, “Each van costs around £10,000 to convert and fit out with all the special equipment: the hydro bath, the heated tank, all the plumbing, electrical work, shower, blow dryer and waste water system. Each member of the team has to undergo intensive training at the franchise HQ and the administra on and booking system has to be learned and implemented so that we never let anyone down. Each member out and about in their van can usually manage six visits a day. We are con nually fully booked many weeks in advance although we do get cancella ons through customer’s change of plans. We have a new team member star ng in May and we plan to expand as quickly as is sensible to cope with the obvious demand. There are more dogs that need grooming than there are dog groomers to cater for them!”

She showed us her very full diary and during the hour and a half we were there the phone rang half a dozen mes with new bookings.

Debbie Stevens with Fudge in the Dial a Dog Wash hydro bath

“Most dogs love the Hydro bath but you have to be quick with a towel when you’ve done ­ you know how they love to shake themselves!

Then we turbo blow­ dry them just like in a hair dressing salon

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

­ well almost. They do love the a en on but most are a bit wary of the dryer; however, we’re all trained to keep the dogs at their ease. Each dog leaves the van looking lovely and smelling of doggy cologne. Price does depend on what breed and what service is required. Prices start from £22 ­ breed and service specific.” I ask Debbie why she had chosen this as her profession. “ I used to be a beauty therapist before I had a family and now my daughter is growing up I thought I’d like to bring a bit of that know how to the canine world. I’ve two dogs of my own that I love to bits ­ Daisy, a Golden Retriever and Fudge, a Cocker Spaniel; I’d seen what was involved with grooming them and here we are!”

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

Page 41

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

It’s Child’s Play!

Decking out a nursery or a child’s bedroom can be challenging; it’s the place where they sleep and play and kids enjoy having an area they can call their own which reflects their style and personality.

Made to Measure Curtains, Blinds and Shutters For expert advice and a free, local ‘At Home’ measuring service

Let us create a contemporary yet fun look with the new ' KIDZzz ' range of fabrics from Belfield Furnishings. Available in various colourways and designs for boys and girls, choose from indigo and red stripes, stars and boats, to pre y pastel balloons, posies, bows and bu erflies, all in the sweetest of sherbet shades with woven and embroidery finishes.

All of these fabrics lend themselves to roman blinds, curtains and cushions, whilst allowing your imagina on to run wild crea ng fun items that your kids will love!

For advice and a no obliga on quote please call Acacia Curtains & Blinds on 01509 650832.

Contact Judy Andrews Telephone 01509 650832 Mobile 0788 1681556

www.acaciacurtains.com

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

01509 844461 Tel: Mobile: 07896 945156 Email: garethhudson82@live.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 43

Are you a Procras nator?

Henry Miller said, “Life, as it is called, is for most of us one long postponement.” So why do we put things off and procras nate?

There are many reasons, most of which are held in our subconscious. Each individual is different but some common reasons are: Fear of failure, fear of being good at something and standing out, fear of isola on or fear of star ng something which could be stressful or may result in work overload. Not all procras na on is nega ve but psychological studies have shown that in the majority of cases people who procras nate tend to have an increased level of depression, anxiety and lower self­esteem. In the workplace procras na on is o en seen as laziness or unproduc ve behavior which can have devasta ng consequences.

So what do we need to do to overcome it? There are several techniques, all of which help to change the way we think by tapping in to the subconscious. One very effec ve way is EFT which gets to the root of the problem and enables one to let go of nega ve emo ons a ached to it. These can then be replaced with posi ve emo ons to enhance and improve performance. EFT is just one of the therapies on offer at Reed 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: www.reedwellbeing.co.uk

Email: info@reedwellbeing.co.uk Website: www.reedwellbeing.co.uk

For appointments call or text: Physiotherapy & Acupuncture

07884493809

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

WIN £25

CASH JUST FOR “LIKING” US ON...

Every month we’ll pick one of our “likers” on our Facebook page and they will receive a £25 cash prize.

Go to www.facebook.com/SoarValleyLife Cick the thumbs­up “Like” bu on near the top and you’re in!

Page 44

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

Are you a Clever Bird or an Ostrich?

Will you be sleep walking or flying gracefully into your re rement? How do you avoid the poten al of having to give up things you love when you stop working? A simple and easy way is to have a Pension Review with an Independent Financial Adviser...

Cat Eley­Gaunt

Independent Financial Advisor

MORTGAGES INSURANCE RETIREMENT PLANNING SAVINGS AND INVESTMENTS 84 Willow Road Barrow upon Soar LE12 8GQ

07975 593464 / 01509 416162 email: cat.eley­gaunt@2plan.com

www.cateley­gaunt.2plan.com YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Understanding how your pension works can be a daun ng process and ‘s cking your head in the sand’ can seem like the only op on as research shows there are hundreds of people out there that have been orphaned by banks and advisers and have no one looking a er their pensions.

A Pension Review can have a startling impact on your pension value. It will show what you can expect to receive when you re re and if you are paying excessive fees; it will highlight op ons on how to make your pension work be er for you. It can also highlight any ‘lost’ money that you may have in a frozen pension and how you can access it.

By reviewing your current pension you could even increase the value of the plan without any further contribu ons. So take control of your finances and your future; talk to the expert about the best solu on for you and your re rement.

Cat Eley­Gaunt

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

Canine Grooming and Spa • Safe, clean and friendly environment • Teacup to large breeds catered for • Fully qualified and experienced Mon - Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm • Sat 9.30am to 5.00pm

41 Swan Street, Sileby LE12 7NN

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

www.poshdogsgrooming.com

© SVL

Ragdale Hall Experience Day Winner Congratula ons to Mark Brend of Sileby whose entry in the above compe on was the first to be drawn out of the hat.

Mark wins a Ragdale Experience Day for two people at the award winning Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa worth £174. The prize includes light lunch in the Verandah Bar plus use of all Ragdale’s facili es.

POSH DOGS VOUCHER WINNER

Congratula ons to Eileen Smith of Burton on the Wolds who wins a £25 grooming voucher to spend at Posh Dogs Canine Grooming.

Eileen’s was the first entry to be drawn out of the hat on 30th April 2014 with a correct answer to the ques on: Posh Dogs have moved from Barrow upon Soar – where are they now?

All entries with the answers ’41 Swan Street, Sileby LE12 7NN, Swan Street Sileby, or just Sileby were judged to be correct and included in the draw.

Meal for Two Winner

Congratula ons to Karen McDermo of Mountsorrel whose all correct entry was the first to be drawn out of the chef’s mixing bowl at the Restaurant at The Mountsorrel on March 1st 2014.

The answers were as follows: The postcode of The Restaurant at The Mountsorrel is LE12 7BH The Head Chef is Joshua Allen The restaurant opens at 5pm

WIN A PICNIC BENCH WORTH £120 “At George Walker Ltd all of our timber is pressure treated with ............ to protect against fungal decay and insect attack, ensuring a longer service life.”

See See page page 33 30

For your chance to win this picnic bench, which comes as a flat pack, just send the missing word from the above sentence with your name, address and telephone number to editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk or by post to: Soar Valley Life, 1 Burton Road, Sileby, Leicestershire LE12 7RU The first correct answer out of the hat after the closing date of Tuesday 27th May 2014 will win.

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

Page 46

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

s -ETC e c i v ES R r Y ro le Se-MOT-T t e R cyc AIRS t P r f E o R t ra OT s MoSERVICE 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

01509 414 169

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

Page 47

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

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre & Country Park The colourful Life and Times of Richard III exhibition details aspects of Richard's life, what was happening in Leicestershire during that time and how history, art and literature have portrayed the controversial king for centuries after his death.

Admission free Leicestershire, UK Sutton Cheney, CV13 0AD Nuneaton, Warwickshire Open every day until 5th July Classic & Vintage Vehicle Fest – 17th & 18th May A weekend festival for a great selection of classic cars and vintage vehicles.

Quorn & Woodhouse GCR Station – LE12 8AG 17/18 May 01509 632323 Real Ale on the Move! @ The Great Central Railway Enjoy ale on the rails as a steam loco does two return trips to Leicester and back.

We’ll be serving at least 6 different beers from two local breweries, Brewsters and Oldershaw, both of Grantham. The train will be departing at approximately 6pm.

Train fares are only £15* per person and it’s just £2.50 per pint!

FREE Pint voucher when booking more than one week in advance. Don’t forget, its two round trips, and our normal fares apply for this event. GCR pint glasses can be purchased for £2 each. *Tickets are only bookable on line. The train will depart Loughborough station at approx 6pm, returning to Loughborough at approx 9.30pm (so you can either head to the pub or head home).

Loughborough Central Station – LE11 1RW – Parking in Great Central Road Saturday 17th May, train departs 6 pm Science Museum Live presents The Energy Show After fantastic reviews last summer, The Energy Show returns to the Science Museum before going on tour throughout England and Wales. Two futuristic science students race against time to prove their knowledge of energy. With help from the incredible virtual lab­assistant, i­nstein, and a steampunk workshop full of gadgets

Page 48

and chemicals, they explore, experiment and explode anything and everything they can find, live on stage. Produced by Science Museum in London, this show is suitable for everyone aged 7+.

See website for times and prices: www.demontforthall.co.uk Spark Festival, De Montford Hall, Granville Rd, Leicester, Leicestershire LE1 7RU Saturday 31 May 2014 and Sunday 1 Jun 2014 Calamity Jane The well loved classic musical featuring popular songs 'Secret Love' 'Higher than a Hawk' 'Windy City' and many more.

Evening Performances commence 7.30pm Matinee performance. (Saturday only) commence 2.30pm Ticket prices Tuesday Eve and Saturday Matinee £13.00 Wednesday ­ Saturday Eve £14.00 This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd Telephone 0116 2774635 to book your tickets.

Little Theatre Leicestershire LE1 6PW Tuesday 3 June to Saturday 7 June The Paddocks ­ Open Garden for NGS 2­acre garden with mature and specimen trees, two lily ponds and stream, three lawn areas surrounded by herbaceous and shrub borders, woodland walk, pergola with clematis and roses, hosta collection and two rockeries, Large well established semipermanent plant stall in aid of Local Charities.

Admission £3.50, Children free.

Times:Opening:11­5. Open for charity.

The Paddocks, Leicester, Leicestershire LE7 9JY Saturday 7 Jun 2014 and Sunday 8 Jun 2014 Vintage & Handmade Fair Hurrah! It's the Billesdon Vintage and Handmade fair, in the heart of East Leicestershire's countryside. 20 vintage and handmade stalls, vintage tea rooms, music from yesteryear.

10am till 3pm. Adults £1 entry, children free.

Free car park at The Coplow Centre and on street parking. Disabled access.

Contact telephone: 07891 774287 The Coplow Centre, Billesdon, Leicestershire, Leicestershire LE7 9AR Sunday 8th Jun 2014

Philharmonia Orchestra Concert ­ Russian Night Out Russian Night Out features the fireworks of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 3, and concludes with Shotakovich's fiery Symphony No. 5. 7:30pm. Tickets £11 ­ £34. CHEAP £5 tickets for NUS Card holders and anyone UNDER 25.

De Montfort Hall, Granville Road, Leicester, LE1 7RU, Leicestershire LE1 7RY Contact telephone: 0116 233 3111 Wednesday 11 Jun 2014 1940s Wartime Weekend – 13th to 15th June on The Great Central Railway The roaring forties come alive in flaming June with an evocative commemoration of 1940s Britain See GCR website for full details: http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/special­ events/1940swartime­event/ On all Stations on the Railway with different themes at each station Friday, Saturday & Sunday 13/14/15/ June Open Church for tea, cakes and second­ hand books at St. Leonard’s Church, Swithland Donations in aid of church funds. All welcome.

LE12 8TJ at 2 p.m. ‘til 4.30 p.m.

Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June Garden Walkabout in Sutton Bonington and Kingston on Soar Over 30 varied gardens “OPEN” to visitors by kind permission of their owners Admission to gardens: £3 per adult ­ covers both days.

Accompanied children free.

Home­Made Cakes ­ Plants for Sale ­ Various Stalls ­ Children’s Quiz Tombola ­ Grand Prize Draw ­ Refreshments including Cream Teas­ Music All proceeds, profits and donations to Cancer Research UK. Charity Reg No. 1089464 Sutton Bonington and Kingston on Soar LE12 5 Saturday 21 June and Sunday 22 June from 2 pm to 6 pm Sileby Tennis Club Open Afternoon and Strawberry Tournament The Strawberry Tea must be booked before Wed. 25th June, £3 each for members or £5 for non­members. Please send names to Christine on 01509812993.

For other club business and new members phone Dave on 01509 812993 or Wendy on 01509 812692 or Email silebytennisclub@hotmail.com Sunday 29th June 2pm ­ 4pm

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

What’s in my camera bag?

Years of trudging the countryside and coastline of beau ful Britain as a landscape photographer has taught me that you can definitely have too much kit – at least in the bag you’re carrying. I have owned many bags over the years and the larger ones have all been sold on...

These days I have four small bags and never take more than one when I walk away from my camper.

Some mes I only take a camera with lens a ached, tripod, cable release and spare ba ery ­ that’s the best way to travel! The bag you see here is my ‘daily’ bag, the one I take out most. Inside is a Canon 5D Mk3 with 17­40, 24­105 and 70­200 lenses and filters ­ simple, light and not much of a burden.

The other bags? One has a backup camera with a long telephoto, another holds flashguns and related equipment and the last is a ny reporter style bag that will hold one spare lens and a drink when I want to travel really light. Remember, lots of gear doesn’t make a good photographer, it’s knowing how to use it!

For a range of photographic services.

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

Available online or from Sutton Bonington Gallery.

May the light be with you...

www.billallsopp.co.uk bill@billallsopp.co.uk

01530 230 360

Bill Allsopp

Solu ons

Red, White and Blue Quiz Answers 1. Tom Clancy 2. Germany 3. Mr. Red 4. Dixon Of Dock Green 5. White 6. The Chronicles Of Narnia 7. Blue 8. Jupiter 9. Blood 10. Red Spot Ten Differences 1. Seat post missing 2. Glasses 3. Vest colour 4. Heart gone

5. Bead missing 6. Bell on handlebars 7. Elbow gone 8. Bangle 9. Lolly pop 10. Shadow on chin Sudoku Solu on

Quick Crossword Across: 1 Oven, 3 Admi ed, 9 Extract, 10 Tower, 11 Contemporary, 14 Mrs, 16 Plane, 17 See, 18 Explana ons, 21 China, 22 Emo on, 23 Disaster, 24 Cell.

Down: 1 Overcome, 2 Eaten, 4 Dot, 5 Intersec on, 6 Thwarts, 7 Dire, 8 Caterpillars, 12 Plain, 13 Personal, 15 Six es, 19 Olive, 20 Acid, 22 Ewe.

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

Page 49

Here Comes Summer!

Why not create some extra space with a Summer House or a Conservatory?

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?

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Or have our delicious meals and desserts delivered frozen straight into your freezer by one of our DBS checked careaware community assistants.

ÂŁ3.75

Give our friendly Customer Service a call on -

Phone

01509 415559 to order a

FREE Meal & Sweet

for a Hot Meal & Sweet for a Frozen Meal & Sweet If you are looking for peace of mind - our wellbeing trained Community Assistants will keep an eye on your friend or relative during their daily visit.

01509 415559

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

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LanzaHairDesign

Lanza Hair Design · 57 The Banks · Sileby · Leicestershire · LE12 7RD

*Appointments subject to availability with selected stylists. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer only for new clients of Lanza Hair Design on their first visit. Reference must be quoted on booking and advert presented at appointment.