Soarvalley novdec13 issuu

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and Hathern Edi on

20,000 Copies delivered by Royal Mail & GPS Tracked Distribu on team every two months

This edi on delivered in November

by Royal Mail to all 6,086 addresses in LE12 8: Barrow upon Soar, Quorn, Walton on the Wolds, Woodhouse Eaves, Woodhouse and Swithland, plus 3090 addresses by GPS Tracked Distributors in Hathern, Su on Bonington, Zouch, Burton on the Wolds, Long Wha on, Hoton, Cotes, Prestwold, Normanton & Stanford on Soar plus further copies available in Costco Leicester, libraries, pubs, surgeries, tourist informa on centres, newsagents, Great Central Railway sta ons and major places of interest.

Issue 20 Nov/December 2013

Priceless Barrow, Quorn, the Wolds, Su on Bonington

Win a Wine Cooler Win a £35 Voucher Recipes Country Walk Puzzles What’s On Trades & Services

Next month’s edi on delivered in December to more than 10,000 addresses in: LE12 7 ­ Sileby, Mountsorrel, Seagrave, Cossington, and LE7 7 ­ Rothley, Cropston and Thurcaston by GPS Tracked Distributors plus further copies available in libraries, pubs, surgeries, tourist informa on centres, newsagents, Great Central Railway sta ons and major places of interest

www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

Copy deadline for December Tuesday 19th November

Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:13 Page 2

Wow! What a month…

We started out at the beginning of last year with a view to making a bit of difference in our region by publishing a community magazine. We’d never really done anything like it before but we did feel a part of this area and that there was a need for a be er quality, yet s ll affordable, way to promote life and business to the wider local catchment area than offered by anything else. We learn as we go along, listening to feedback from friends, adver sers, supporters, antagonists, nit pickers and all! In June of this year we were nominated for the Best New Magazine of 2012/13, along with a number of others, to be judged at the forthcoming Independent Magazine Publishers’ Conference to be held in October. We submi ed our story along with our business plan and copies of our magazines to the judging panel. To be honest, we thought that would be that and we were just glad to be nominated ­ a er all, those nominated for an Oscar crow about it with every new screening don’t they?

Then in September we learned we had been shortlisted for an award ­ along with three other new magazines. We were quite surprised at this news and again would have been very happy to se le for that.

At the all day conference held at the Heart of England Conference Centre in Warwickshire on Friday 4th October, along with more than a hundred other magazine owners we learned quite a lot more; mostly that we all seem to have similar problems, ideas, solu ons, trials and tribula ons.

We arrived at the awards ceremony that evening feeling a bit like we were a ending the Oscars with everyone an cipa ng the results. Giant images of all shortlisted magazines were projected onto a cinema sized screen and their names were read out; our category was announced about half way through. “...and the winner of the Highly Commended Award as best new magazine is…(opening of envelope)... SOAR VALLEY LIFE!” Blimey! We came second!

Oh yes, and November sees your magazine with more adver sers than ever before ­ another record month! Brilliant... like our award pictured above ­ an engraved cut glass diamond as big as your hand; and in the same vein as another Oscar winning performer I’ll end this with: “We’re gonna need a bigger team!”

See page 39 for our plea for a new team member...

Steve & Mary Johns

Editors ­ Soar Valley Life Page 2

© Rebecca Soanes, Oct 2013, Web of Diamonds “These Hydrangeas deepen to such a rich colour in the autumn, if I was a spider I'd make my home there too!”

Contents Poor Eyesight and Visual Impairment Compe on – Win a £35 Voucher Employed or Self­Employed?

Quiz – Fairy Tales Around Britain – 5 Raids & Invasions Quick Crossword Compe on – Win a Wine Cooler Helping Hands Across the World Recipe – Twice Baked Cheese Souffles Anything Goes A Champion in the Making Easy Sudoku Art for Art’s Sake?

Recipe – Easy Fruit Cake Autumn Leaves by Phillip Mark McGough Help to Buy Scheme Walking – Grimston Tunnel Spot the Difference Turning Over a New Leaf Photography Tips by Rebecca Soanes Posture by Paula Reed The Pla orm Cafe – Greenacres What’s On Answers to Puzzles

4 7 8 11 12 15 16 18 20 23 26 27 29 31 32 35 36 38 39 40 41 42 46 47

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

Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 14:45 Page 3

Soar Valley Life Trades and Services Builders & Builders Merchants

Charnwood Oaks Roofing & Building JB Development John A Stephens

Child Care and Educa on

Grace Dieu Manor School Kumon Maths and English Tutoring Normanton on Soar Primary School Parkside Nursery School Rothley Park Kindergarten

Clothing and Accessories Baby Gosling Love & Piste Mellee Crea ons Smartly S tch Tailors Soar Valley Brides

48 14 19 40 38 38 22 30 26 17

Entertainment

A all the Way Discos Great Central Railway

14 24

Hair and Beauty

Forever Living Products Hair and Nails at Home Hair Today... Locks Tomorrow Vintage Soul Ta oo Studio

Health Care

Ac vity 4all Charnwood Hearing Aid Centre Gareth Hudson – Foot Health Professional Leicester Reiki Oooh... My Feet Reed Wellbeing ­ Complementary Health Vintage Soul Studio Visual Answers Op cians / Optometrists Walk­in Physio Ltd

Home and Garden

10 17 47

A 2 Z Cleaning Services Absolute Window Solu ons Limited Acacia Curtains and Blinds AMW Kitchens Anderson’s Cleaners Bunny Appliance Warehouse Carpets of Choice

22 14 44 29 14 30 37 7 28 41 28 5 13 41 6 23 16 13 21 9

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.

Charnwood Tree Services Colourful Blinds DCI Kitchens Delta Aerials Doortronic – Remote Controlled Garage Doors Fab Plumbing GPS Plumbing & Hea ng Harrison Landscaping Hollyoak Wooden Floor Restora on Instant Cleaning Services KR Electrical Lakes An ques & House Clearance LockXpert Lo Storage Solu ons Melton Glass Mr B Property & Garden Maintenance Richard Watson Painter and Decorator SJS Professional Carpet Cleaner Soar Valley Aerials The Chimney Doc The Oven Cleaning Company The Soot Buster Ultraclean Whelband Windows

Pet Care

Feather & Fur Pet Supplies Woodside Animal Centre

Professional Services

Crea ve io CP Accountancy Ltd Moss Solicitors Rebecca Soanes Photography

Pubs, Restaurants & Catering Greenacres Pla orm Cafe Green’s Loughborough Ltd The Free Trade Inn The Queen Victoria The White Horse Inn

Residen al Care The Abbeyfield

Sports and Leisure Cyclops Cycles

Motoring and Travel

Charnwood Airport Taxis Mr P’s Driving School

Wholesalers

Costco Leicester

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

45 7 14 28 10 17 15 33 17 28 28 10 16 8 11 22 13 30 10 22 37 27 17 25 27 7 30 8 35 40 43 31 12 41 37 44 26 45 10 34

Page 3

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Poor Eye Sight and Visual Impairment by

Mohammed Bhojani

The majority of people with blurry vision have this easily resolved with the prescribing of appropriate glasses, or some mes with the help of medicines or surgery. Optometrist Mohammed Bhojani explains more about those people who may have low vision...

There are individuals that may have reduced vision on one or both eyes that cannot be improved with normal glasses and this is commonly described as having low vision.

Sta s cs show there are over 6000 people in Leicestershire alone that have been registered as sight impaired or par ally sighted; but it is es mated that there may be over 3000 more that currently have low vision to the extent that they struggle to do everyday tasks such as ge ng about, cooking, crossing roads safely and reading.

These people may benefit from support and advice, including the supply of special equipment & training to manage their daily tasks be er, thereby reducing the feeling of distress, isola on and frustra on.

hand magnifiers through to telescopes and the latest electronic devices.

Optometrists can offer free NHS eye tests to those people who have been registered as sight impaired. Specialist optometrists can also offer advice on ligh ng and supply appropriate devices as well as organise referral to free rehabilita on services, free home assessments and support, as well as referral to other healthcare professionals if necessary.

If you feel that you or a family member would benefit from an eye exam and appropriate guidance or referral, please contact us on 01509 416800 (Barrow Prac ce) or 01509 414151 (Quorn Prac ce) for an appointment or for more informa on.

Mohammed Bhojani is the principal optometrist at Visual Answers Op cians based in Quorn and Barrow upon Soar.

VisualAnswers.co.uk

The degree of this visual problem varies between individuals and depends on their own par cular eye condi on. There is now a huge range of low vision aids available, from simple Page 4

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

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Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:13 Page 6

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

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Made to Measure Blinds Free Quote • Free Fitting Plenty of selection Fully Guaranteed Evening/Weekend appointments

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ADOPT AN L A M I N A

Woodside Animal Centre 190 Scudamore Road, Leicester LE3 1UQ

0116 233 6677

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

ther ‘n’ Fur FeaPet Supplies

WIN A £35.00 VOUCHER

to spend at Feather ‘n’ Fur your local specialist in hypoallergenic artificial additive free dog and cat foods at sensible prices.

For your chance to win just answer the following question: What is the cost of one 15kg sack of Turkey & Rice hypoallergenic dog food at Feather ‘n’ Fur? 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

See page 27

The first correct answer out of the hat from all entries received by the closing date of Friday 20th December 2013 will win. Editor’s decision is final. Terms and conditions apply.

Treatment now in your own home, within 25 miles of Loughborough or at my studios by appointment at Wymeswold pharmacy and The Attic above Indigo Hair Design, 68 High Street, Barrow upon Soar.

Reduce Stress – Bring calm and tranquility to your busy life Leicester Reiki now offers EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique – Tapping)

which can help with phobias, PTSD together with general fears and anxieties tel 07977 837532 email sallydeller@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/LeicesterReiki

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

@LeicesterReiki

Page 7

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Employed or Self­employed?

If you are thinking of taking on a worker it is extremely important to determine their employment status correctly. If you make a mistake it could prove costly in extra tax and na onal insurance payments together with possible interest and payments being charged by HM Revenue & Customs...

A worker can be employed or self employed whether they are full­ me, part­ me, temporary or permanent. Employment status is based on fact and someone is not necessarily self­ employed just because they chose to be.

As a very brief guide, an employee will be told what work to do, how to do it and when to do it. They will also be paid a regular wage for a set number of hours and have a right to holiday pay.

CP Accountancy Ltd End of year accounts, Bookkeeping, VAT, PAYE, CIS, and Tax Returns for Sole-traders, Partnerships and small Limited Companies Office 9

A self­employed person will have an element of risk involved with running their business. They could make a profit or loss on a par cular contract and would be able to decide how, when and where the work is done. This is just a very basic guide and further points should be considered carefully. Please seek professional advice if you have any queries.

Also remember that the Na onal Minimum Wage increased from 1 October 2013 21 years and over ­ £6.31 18­20 years inclusive ­ £5.03 Under 18 years (but above compulsory school age) ­ £3.72 Appren ces under 19 years or aged over 19 years but in their first year of appren ceship ­ £2.68

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

LOFT STORAGE

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Page 8

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

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Good choice of rugs always available in store

Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:13 Page 10

“Don’t struggle lifting your garage door, open it from the comfort of your car”

Call/Text 07786 961 326

www.mrpsdrivingschool.co.uk

WE ALSO SUPPLY AND FIT NEW GARAGE DOORS

DIGIT FREE TV W CCTV NET TW W

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HOUSE CLEARANCE

Cheaper than a skip

Free Friendly Advice • Same Day Service

“We clear the whole house, garage, shed, outhouse and garden - and leave no mess!”

Single antique items also wanted – top prices paid

Thirty years in the business – excellent local reputation.

Lakes Antiques 29 Cossington Road, Sileby LE12 7RW

01509 815218 • 07724 555 348 thelakeshop@aol.com

Page 10

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

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

Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:13 Page 11

Quiz ­ Fairy Tales 1. What type of creature threatens to eat the tle characters in the fairy tale called Three Billy Goats Gruff?

2. In the original version of the fairy tale Snow White, the Queen a empts to kill Snow White by tricking her into ea ng a poisoned apple, but what else does the Queen poison in a previous a empt to kill Snow White?

3. Which song opens with the line "I thought love was only true in fairy tales"?

4. What was the surname of the German brothers Jacob and Wilhelm, who were famous for publishing collec ons of fairy tales in the 19th century?

5. Which fairy tale character is killed by a spider bite?

6. Which 2010 Disney film is loosely based on the fairy tale Rapunzel?

7. Famous for wri ng a number of fairy tales, what na onality was Hans Chris an Andersen?

8. "Not by the hair on my chinny chin chin" is a line that features repeatedly in which fairy tale?

9. According to the lyrics of the song Fairytale Of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl, what song were the "boys of the NYPD choir singing"?

10.Which fairy tale character said he would take the Queen's child away from her if she didn't guess his name within three days?

Answers on page 47

DOUBLE GLAZED UNITS BROKEN DOWN?

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Tel: 01664 564813 www.meltonglass.co.uk Established for over 30 years

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

Page 11

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Around Britain 5 Raids & Invasions 1. The Channel Islands ­ The Channel Islands were the only part of the Commonwealth occupied by Germany during the Second World War. On June 30 1940, two weeks a er the government demilitarised the islands, Germany invaded and took control of Guernsey, then Jersey, Alderney (where they built four concentra on camps), and lastly Sark on July 4. The occupa on lasted five years.

2. Deal, Kent ­ In 1495, a pretender to the throne named Perkin Warbeck landed at Deal to summon up support for his claim to the throne by alleging that he was one of the Princes in the Tower, whose disappearance led to the accession of Richard III. Warbeck’s invasion, however, was scuppered and a er a second a empt in 1497 he was imprisoned and executed.

3. The Isle of Wight ­ In 1377, at the height of the Hundred Years’ War, the French launched a series of a acks along the English Channel and invaded the Isle of Wight, seizing town a er town en route to Carisbrooke Castle. The castle remained impenetrable, however, and a er a lengthy siege the French eventually abandoned the island.

4. Lindisfarne, Northumberland ­ Lindisfarne was a acked in what is considered to be the first Viking raid on the English coast in 793. Not as rampageous as later a acks, it nevertheless le much of the island’s 7th century priory desecrated. Viking raids con nued for more than two centuries..

5. Pevensey, East Sussex ­ It was at Pevensey that William the Conqueror – then William, Duke of Normandy – first landed in England in 1066, one month before the Ba le of Has ngs. The Ba le lasted more than nine hours, William eventually overcoming Harold’s exhausted army, killing Harold and taking the throne. © Taken from The Bri sh Isles: A Trivia Gaze eer by Paul Anthony Jones, out now

Graham & Lisa extend a warm welcome to all

Five ales on handpull + 1 Cider

Three course Christmas Lunches £14.95pp available every day from 26th Nov to 20th Dec except Mondays Christmas Party Buffet available lunchtimes and evenings to suit all needs.

1, 2 & 3 course traditional Sunday Lunch using local seasonal vegetables and all the trimmings.

Dog friendly

New Year’s Eve 8pm – 1am

Movie Themed Fancy Dress Night Prizes for best lady and best gent Limited tickets available – first drink & snacks included

There’s always something going on!

See website for details

Light bites, daily specials board, main meals, starters and desserts every lunchtime

27 Cossington Road, Sileby, Leicestershire. LE12 7RW

01509 814494

Excellent selection of good value fine wines.

THE FREE TRADE INN

Find us on Facebook – thefreetradeinn.sileby Follow us on twitter @The_FreeTrade

www.thefreetradeinn.co.uk

Page 12

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

Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:13 Page 13

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

For appointments call or text: Physiotherapy & Acupuncture

07884493809

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

Cleaning and Ironing Daily, Weekly & Occasional

A high standard, affordable, home cleaning service individually tailored to suit your own requirements

Let Sally Ann make your home sparkle for Christmas & create more time for the things you enjoy 07867 383935 Or 0116 230 3897

9 Vinehouse Close, Thurcaston, Leicester LE7 7JU

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

Page 13

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Hair@Home

by Kelly

Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic

Specialising in all aspects of Hairdressing and CND Shellac Nails

26 High Street, Barrow Upon Soar Over 13 years’ experience in Adult and Children’s NHS, Private Practice, Post Operative Rehabilitation and Sports Injury Management.

Why not have your Hair and them ave H at Nails at the done bothdone e tim e m same time sa e th – At Home!

Joint Pain and Stiffness Back and Neck Pain Repetitive Strain Injury

Relax and Enjoy having your hair and nails done in the comfort of your own home

Please call Kelly 07855 962 811

homehair@me.com Senior Executive Hairstylist and CND Shellac Nail Technician

Muscle Spasm Sporting Niggles Bad Posture

Claire Lidstone Chartered Physiotherapist Health Professions Council Registered

There is no need to be in pain.

Call: 01509 414 581 for advice or an appointment. www.Activity4all.co.uk email: physio@Activity4all.co.uk

DCI Kitchens Ltd specialises in making high quality fitted kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and studies to suit all tastes and budgets priding itself on understanding your needs.

any aspect of the existing design

huge range of sliding doors available in many different materials and designs

experience

Call Bryan Bowler 01509 415627 / 07802193928 Or visit www.dcikitchens.co.uk

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to unlock your child’s potential, building their conďŹ dence and independent study skills.

Take advantage of our Free Assessment and see how Kumon can beneďŹ t your child.

To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment:

Leicester, Anstey Study Centre Hilary Maddocks 01509 414866

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Assessment

kumon.co.uk

Page 14

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

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

Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:13 Page 15

Quick Crossword 1

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Across

Down

7 Take away (6)

1 Nothing (4)

8 Irish lochs (6)

2 Vegetable (6)

9 Couch (4)

3 Umpire (7)

10 Wraps around (8)

4 Drudge (5)

11 Disregarded (7)

5 Type of fish (6)

13 Hard, strong alloy (5)

6 Tends sheep (8)

15 Hints (5)

12 Ran very fast (8)

17 Supply (7)

14 Authors (7)

20 Easy going (8)

16 Power, stamina (6)

21 Ashen (4)

18 Gas (6)

23 Heavy mass (6)

19 Prickly plants (5)

24 Woken up (6)

22 Untruths (4) Answers on page 47

SPECIALIST IN Central heating installations Boiler upgrades Boiler repairs Boiler and fire servicing Central heating power flushing Landlord gas safety certificates Bathroom installations Cooker and gas hobs fitted

Telephone 0116 2694669

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Have your appliance serviced today.

Mobile 07866 452155

Email: gpsplumbingandheating@live.co.uk 26 Oak Drive, Syston, Leicester LE7 2PX

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

Page 15

RAPID RESPONSE

Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 17:30 Page 16

X

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

FREE SECURITY CHECKS AVAILABLE.

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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

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

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

Your kitchen made to your order!

WIN! Perfect for when you're having a dinner party or a barbecue, this table top wine cooler has a capacity of 12 wine bottles and an adjustable temperature range.

It has a stainless steel door with a tinted glass window.

For your chance to win this superb wine cooler from Bunny Appliance Warehouse, complete the following sentence in an apt and original way using 15 words or less: “I go to Bunny for my kitchen appliances because................”

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 most apt and original answer received by the closing date of Friday 22nd November 2013 will win.

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

See page 23 21

Page 16

Stainless steel door and handle Toughened UV protected glass Black cabinet interior and exterior • Single temperature zone Maximum capacity 12 x 750ml bottles Dimensions: H507 x W435 x D463mm

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

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

Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:13 Page 17

Plumbing or Heating Problem?

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

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

www.fabplumbing.co.uk

info@fabplumbing.co.uk

0333 456 7080 07867 301862

HOLLYOAK WOODEN FLOORING RESTORATION SPECIALIST

Sanding & Refinishing of Old & New Wooden Floors, Parquet, Planks, Mosaic etc

MR MUSSELL

your local oven cleaner

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Development

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

Page 17

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Helping Hands Across the World beau ful folder with pages made from recycled LP album covers! A beau ful and highly environmentally aware project which reached out across the world and created real benefit for young people in Kenya.

Normanton­on­Soar, the most northerly village with our river as part of its name is home to a champion Primary School...

Out of 350 schools in the UK, Normanton­on­Soar Primary School was the outright winner of the Total Green School Awards. Their idea was to raise money to buy recycled wheelchairs to help disabled families.

They held a Charity Day during which they were sponsored to use only one hand for the whole day; they sold toys and cakes and raised a total of £1,342 – enough to fund five new wheelchairs. The children built their own model wheelchairs using recycled materials, they learned songs from Africa and presented their work in a

One of the wheelchairs provided from the funds raised by the children

Head teacher Mrs Jus ne Roberts says, “We are a small rural school very much at the heart of its community, with approximately 70 pupils in mixed­age classes alongside a founda on unit which takes children from the age of 3. The school’s ethos is simple: “Everyone plays a part” ­ no ma er what that part might be because everyone has something to offer. In the last few years our school has achieved a great deal, both academically and socially, providing opportuni es that are just that li le bit different. We even became a weekend feature on East Midlands Today, something the children won’t forget in a hurry! When given the right start in educa on, children thrive and flourish, something at Normanton we strive to do.

“Last year we had the privilege of having the Olympic torch at the school whilst on its travels to London.

And this September our Wellness Centre was officially opened by Ken Clarke MP. Our school was built in the late 1960s with an open quadrangle in the middle, as seemed usual in those days; this had been covered over with polycarbonate shee ng at some stage and was only of use for storage. We applied for lo ery funding and were granted £10,000, our PTA and Friends of Normanton raised the addi onal funds needed to make it an integral part of the school and ul mately the

The Olympic torch at the school in July 2012

Page 18

Bringing the outside in…

The newly completed Wellness Centre in the middle of the school at the heart of the community

village community. This area opened in September is now called The Wellness Centre; it already has children’s exercise equipment, including mini spin bikes and rowing machines, a Wii Fit complete with balance board and a homework bar with Kindles. It will soon be available to the community, addressing issues on health and wellbeing through fitness classes like yoga and exercise, as well being a mee ng centre for informa on on all ma ers concerning the health of our people. We’re also very lucky to have our founda on unit which is able to offer flexible childcare during term me over the whole school day. In addi on to the current 15 hours free en tlement, we are able to offer spare capacity places at a nominal not for profit charge. A full day’s child care from 9:00am un l 3.30 pm is available at a cost of only £22 per day. This includes a two course hot meal at no addi onal charge.”

Normanton on Soar Primary School

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

Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:13 Page 19

Normanton-on-Soar Primary School is now able to offer flexible childcare term time over the whole school day.

“It’s a great learning environment; the new outdoor space is fantastic my children are so happy at Normanton” Parent “The foundation staff are amazing, they really know my child and that makes such a difference” Parent

Normanton on Soar Primary School Main Street, Normanton-on-Soar Loughborough LE12 5HB

01509 842326

Email: office@normanton-on-soar.notts.sch.uk www.normantononsoarprimary.co.uk

Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:13 Page 20

Recipe This month’s recipe sponsored by

Bunny Appliance Warehouse

Twice Baked Cheese Souffles If the thought of baking a fragile cheese soufflé for a special dinner seems a li le too ambi ous, then think again. Baked once in advance then baked again just before serving, these delicious individual soufflés work every me.

1

Melt the bu er in a saucepan then s r in the flour and mix with a wooden spoon to make a smooth paste.

Cook over a low heat for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk a li le at a me. Once all the milk has been added, cook over a low heat for a further 2­3 minutes, whisking con nuously, un l you have a smooth and thick sauce. Remove from the heat and cool for 5 minutes.

2

Beat in the egg yolks, parsley and two­thirds of the Cheddar and S lton. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Bu er four large ramekin dishes and line the bases with circles of baking parchment.

3

Place the egg whites in a clean, grease­free bowl and whisk un l s ff. Beat one spoonful of the egg whites into the cheese sauce to loosen it slightly then gently fold the sauce into the remaining egg whites. Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared dishes.

4

5

Tip

Place the dishes in a roas ng n and pour in boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the dishes.

Bake for 20­25 minutes un l risen and golden. Transfer the dishes to a cooling rack (the soufflés will sink a li le but don’t worry). Increase the oven temperature to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6.

Turn the soufflés out into a shallow baking dish and remove the lining papers. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese and return to the oven for 15­20 minutes un l piping hot and puffy. Spoon the cream over the top and bake for a further 2­3 minutes un l heated through. Serve immediately with salad, sprinkled lightly with cayenne pepper, if liked.

To prepare ahead, leave the soufflés to cool a er the ini al baking, then turn them out into the baking dish and cover with cling film. Chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight and top with the cheese and bake for the second me just before serving

Page 20

Makes 4 Ready in 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients: • 40g bu er, plus extra for greasing • 40g plain flour • 225ml milk, warmed • 4 large eggs, separated • 3 tbsp fresh chopped parsley • 75g mature Cheddar cheese, grated • 75g S lton cheese, crumbled • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 150ml double cream • Green salad, to serve • Cayenne pepper, to sprinkle (op onal)

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

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Anything Goes As in the old Cole Porter tle song from the Broadway musical, the world of interior design could be described like this when you look at the choice available from Acacia Curtains and Blinds...

I recently met Judy Andrews and her sister Caroline Thompson at their showroom in Shepshed’s old Market Place. “Interior design is now a lot less conserva ve,” explained Judy.

“Customers are far be er informed and have much more choice. Take our advice and don’t be afraid to go big and bold!

On the other hand, with the popularity of period dramas such as Downton Abbey, our Country House collec ons displaying tradi onal classical elegance are s ll much sought a er.”

Judy showed me a dozen or so fabrics in various pastels and creams with rose faded blooms in pinks and reds. “These give a warm and cosy feel yet allow you to mix and match with bolder shades for cushions, coverings and throws. Bold stripes can also feature to add that instant ‘wow’ factor to an otherwise

tomorrow...” Caroline showed me a number of open fabric ‘books’ displaying various shades of orange, some plain, some with stripes and others with flowers and leaves.

Maybe it’s not quite like the words of the song ­ ‘good's bad today, and black's white today’ ­ but there’s certainly much more choice. Overwhelming? No, I wouldn’t say so, not with experts like Judy and Caroline to guide us through the maze...

ordinary room.”

I’d o en wondered how fashion begins ­ who dictates what pa erns and colours we’ll all be buying next year?

Caroline answered this one for me, “Each year there’s a range of colours decided upon by independent design schools in New York, Paris, Milan, and of course London. Fabric makers use this expert research and then design pa erns, colour schemes and textures around it ­ this year all shades of orange are ‘in’ ­ I’m taking these to a client

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Page 23

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A Champion in the Making Talent, dedica on, ambi on, the will to win and the resources to train to be the best that you can be...

And these days that last bit is most o en what decides who becomes a champion and who doesn’t. Hannah Johnston has recently graduated from Oxford University and ul mately intends to study medicine. But instead of having a gap year she has decided that she may have what it takes to be a champion triathlete ­ the most demanding of all Olympic sports.

The results she’s achieved during the summer are: • 6th in F20­24 at the World Championships in London ­ September 2013 • Fastest swim me of all female tri­athletes across all age groups in the World • Bri sh Champion in Female 20­24 Standard Distance Triathlon ­ July 2013 • 4th in F20­24 at the European Championships in Turkey ­ June 2013 While delivering copies of Soar Valley Life to our adver sers, we called in as usual to Cyclops of Syston where owners Paul and Yvonne Cockbill happened to men on they were sponsoring Hannah by servicing and maintaining her bike. Hannah is looking for sponsorship to con nue the training necessary to compete at the very highest level.

If you think you can help please get in touch with Hannah through her email address below, or you can contact Cyclops Cycles or email us here at Soar Valley Life. Contact Hannah: hannahlucyjohnston@gmail.com

Page 26

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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Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:14 Page 28

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Page 28

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

8 Brookside, Syston, Leicester LE7 1GG

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

Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:14 Page 29

Art for Art’s Sake?

This was a rallying cry coined in the early 20th century and was a call for art’s freedom from the demands that it should possess meaning and purpose.

In his book ‘The Gentle Art Of Making Enemies’ published in 1890, progressive modernist painter James Abbo McNeill Whistler proposed that, ‘Art should be independent of all claptrap – it should stand alone.’ Would this hold true for the increasing number of folk nowadays adorning themselves with ta oos? I wonder… Flicking through the numerous drawings available at Vintage Soul Ta oo studio in Syston, I considered the well worn phrase beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some were clearly very personal, declaring love and remembrance of a loved one ­ for mum, dad, grandad, fallen heroes and lost lovers; and then some that really did ques on the boundaries between art and individual or poli cal statement ­ for me at least.

As pure art, the designs were very good indeed, like engravings containing precise

details or pain ng by numbers for those with an extremely steady hand and very fine brushes. Most of the drawings were penned

by Darren Burton, owner of Vintage Soul.

Darren told me, “As a child as soon as I could hold a pencil I loved to draw and I never stopped. I remember my Dad having to redecorate my bedroom walls more than a couple of mes a er I had run out of space! In my teenage years I would buy ta oo magazines and dream about becoming an ta oo ar st. Unfortunately I listened to everyone else’s advice and got a ‘proper job’ as a plumber. Over the years I would spend all my spare me drawing ta oo designs for my friends and the desire never le me. It wasn’t un l I met Lynz, who is now my wife, that I started ta ooing. That was more than 6 years ago and we’ve just gone from strength to strength.”

So I wonder... what’s the reason for the massive upsurge in interest in ta oos? Is it that some of the most popular people in today’s society are pushing the boundaries and breaking the old taboos? The Beckhams, Robbie Williams, all manner of the great and

good in sport and modern culture are displaying ta oos and these are the ones who forge fashion. So many people, especially young folk finding their way into independent life, want their art for their own sake. Well, “Good on ya!” That’s what I say!

Darren Burton’s original line drawing that forms part of the Vintage Soul logo

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

Page 29

Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:14 Page 30

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

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

Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:14 Page 31

Reader’s Recipe Easy Fruit Cake

12oz mixed dried fruit 4oz caster sugar 4oz bu er ¼ pint water 1 large egg – beaten 8oz self raising flour • Place fruit, sugar, bu er and water into a saucepan • Simmer slowly for 20mins with the lid on • Allow to cool • Add the beaten egg and flour and mix well • Bake for 1½ hours at 150c TOP TIP ­This cooks well in a loaf n or a 6” to 7”cake n. Use all sorts of dry fruit and nuts; leave cherries whole.

Apricots and chopped dates add flavour.

Submi ed by Pat Bishop of Burton on the Wolds

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www.greens.uk.com Want your business featured in Soar Valley Life? Call Steve on 01509 813 125

Page 31

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Autumn Leaves

Phillip Mark McGough

Autumn. As I write towards evening and in mid­October the winds have arrived­ the equinoc al gales as those expert in such ma ers call them­ and are busy turning the trees outside my study window into a ba ery of sound. All night the wind has been rushing and sighing through them. It is a kind of gossip. It is through the medium of the trees, I suppose, that we first understand the wind, experience it, make sense of it, above all, hear it. Of course, to make this noise in the first instance the trees must have leaves­ the same leaves which the wind will liberate, shaking the branches and sending them down to the earth from which the trees grow, to begin again the process of mulch and rebirth.

The wind does its job of renewal very well. One might Page 32

almost imagine it was designed for this purpose.

There are starlings in the sky too, right now, as I look­ though at first they could be leaves too, blown this way and that; or a cloud of black snuff or powder shaken from a chimney brush. They circle, then fall on a tree, then rise, and fall again. This is a rare sight these days. When I remember birds from my childhood, I invariably think of these three things first: starlings, house sparrows, and song thrushes. All three are now in massive decline. Not so chaffinches, which I saw in large and noisy numbers in a a stubble field near the Misk Hills, north of Hucknall, maybe two weeks ago now. I have never seen so many in one place together; any more than I have seen house mar ns so late in the season as this year.

Two or three of them, obviously reluctant to return to Africa, perhaps for personal reasons for all we know, were s ll chirping and clicking around the old repair dock at Beeston Marina as recently as the third week of October.

Somewhere in The Natural History of Selborne, Gilbert White says something similar about swallows occasionally being seen in his neck of the woods in November: He opined that a few of them hibernated rather than migrated, perhaps waking up now and again “to come forth and collect a li le food” before going back to sleep. It’s nonsense, of course­ but a very pleasant nonsense.

The pre­winter digging and clearing of the garden, however, is not nonsense, but hard work. We set fire to a heap of hedge trimmings and general garden rubbish one chilly night early in the month, when the weather first started to turn, and we did so quickly, within a few hours of piling it up, before any hedgehogs decided the mess would be as good a place as any other to sleep through the worst of what is to come. Shrews, on the other hand, remain ac ve far deeper into the winter ­ I read somewhere they can

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Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:14 Page 33

actually shrink their internal organs to deal with the cold ­ although even they are on the lookout for somewhere compact and bijou at this me of year. I speak with some authority: The same day I was clearing the garden, and when I reached down to pick up the blue t box which had been blown off a tree by the wind and fallen behind the fence, a whole family of shrews erupted from the inside.

Night me as I finish, the wind s ll blowing, but moonlight se ling on the garden like

snow. A threefold screech reminds me that the nights hereabouts are policed by a tawny owl, which seems to exult especially under the full moon, interrupted as it is tonight by clouds. It is raining, half­heartedly. The leaves which cover the lawn are wet and silver in this light, as if the wind has done its job too well and not a few of the stars themselves have been shaken to earth. Raindrops hang like li le glow worms from branches and blades, and the rain against the window is suddenly not annoying or

glum, but a sort of unlading; I like to imagine that the Autumn wind and the Autumn rain are telling me of the year that has gone, of all that is being cast off, and of all that will return. Outside, the air is thick and sweet as mead. It is the trees and the leaves we can smell above all on these cold, damp, spore­laden nights. Long may it remain so.

As Colin Tudge advised, “Before you even draw breath, plant trees.”

Phillip Mark McGough

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Page 33

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Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:14 Page 35

Help To Buy Scheme Are you wishing to purchase a property but worried about having sufficient funds for a deposit? Whether purchasing for the first or one hundredth me, help is at hand.

Help to Buy may sound familiar. The government scheme was first implemented at the start of April of this year as Phase One. The scheme which was available only to first me buyers and newly built property aimed to encourage house building. The government were, and s ll are, offering 20% equity loan for buyers offering a 5% deposit if you meet the above criteria.

Phase Two of the scheme was brought forward to 10th October 2013. This phase of the scheme was aimed at lenders to make mortgage products available from now. Therefore you do not need to be a first me buyer to apply for the Help to Buy scheme.

Borrowers can put down a smaller deposit of just 5% of the property price.

The Lenders offer the remaining 95%.

Phase Two works by lenders paying a fee to the government when they sign up to the scheme. This provides a seven year taxpayer guarantee which can be called in if the borrower defaults. The guarantee covers 15% of the loan value.

What you, as the borrower, need to know. Not all Lenders are signed up to the scheme. On applica on for Help to Buy a new affordability check must be passed before the Lender can offer the remaining 95% of the loan. The scheme is available for proper es sold for up to £600,000 in the UK. The whole of the scheme is due to last at least 3 years.

The Help to Buy Mortgages already on the market are rela vely compe ve compared with the prices outside of Help to Buy, when looking at poten al borrowers with 5% deposit. If you are able to produce a deposit higher than 5% it may not be of benefit as the majority of lenders provide compe ve interest rates for higher deposits.

Some of the Lenders that have already

joined are RBS and Lloyds Banking Group. Other lenders (Virgin Money and Aldermore) have announced they will be joining the scheme in January 2014.

Barclays, Santander and Na onwide are s ll deciding.

Some safeguards have been put in place by the government to prevent a boom in the housing market and rules have been set in place for Lenders who have applied for the Help to Buy Scheme.

There are no interest­only or offset mortgages allowed on the scheme. Help to Buy cannot be used for purchasing second homes or for buy­to­let. This scheme is purely to provide support for striving homeowners.

If you are interested in using this new scheme or would like further informa on regarding the sale, purchase or transfer of your property please contact our Conveyancing Department: Rachel Skinner: r.skinner@moss­solicitors.co.uk Hayley Tennant: h.tennant@moss­solicitors.co.uk Telephone: 01509 217770

MOSS SOLICITORS LLP Twice Awarded Leicestershire Law Society County Law Firm of the Year

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www.moss-solicitors.co.uk Want your business featured in Soar Valley Life? Call Steve on 01509 813 125

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Walking – Grimston Tunnel Walk instruc ons 2 Hours 4 1/4 Miles Find a parking space in Grimston ­ between the A606 and the A6006 ­ no toilets.

Local pub the ‘Black Horse’. Start from the church.

1 Turn le from the churchyard, towards Asfordby, around the corner to the bridleway signpost and go through the wide gateway marked ‘The Lilacs’, con nue through the gate at the end, by the yellow topped marker post. Carry on slight le through the metal gate and downslope with the hedge to the right. The ground starts to rise again with trees now le , as the trees end (before Barn Farm) turn back to the narrow gate.

2 Go through and follow the path right, the path bears further right and meanders to a gate into a field.

Keep ahead upslope to a yellow top post and turn right, along the path in the gap and up the le hand field edge. Go through the gate here and bear le , then turn le up the wide stony track to the road.

3 Cross this surprisingly busy road with care and turn le along the wide grass verge to the s le close to the house. Go over the s le and follow the path through the trees, con nue direc on between fences and along the right hand field edge with the hedge to the right, parallel to the telegraph poles. Go through the wide marked gate at the far end to the s le on the right a er just 30yds.

4 Step over and take this lesser path through the trees, go over the s le at the end and turn le along the field edge with the trees to the le . Carry on across the road and along the next field edge to the s le, bear right with the wire fence and the trees to the le to a marker post. Bear right over this field, which may be under cul va on although a track should be well marked, to a hedge gap and cross the s le to the road. If for any reason this field is impassable carry on around the edge and back to the s le at the road.

5 Cross carefully and turn le to the gateway, go through and cross the s le in the hedge ahead; bear right across the field, a track should be visible through any crop and keep direc on through two boundaries. Con nue ahead through the corner of the trees to the stony farm track.

6 Turn right, for three quarters of a mile, through the dip and over the road, con nue ahead with the house to the le down into the dip and through the gate le of the trees. Carry on through the gate at the top and along the farm road between hedges, downslope le of Barn Farm to join the outward route at point 2. Retrace steps back to 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

Page 36

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

Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:14 Page 37

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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.

Christmas Menu 2 courses £15.95 3 courses £19.95 Available from 19th November to 24th December Function Room available to hire for Christmas events!

Contact us for more details.

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.

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

Page 37

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Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 17:30 Page 39

Turning Over a New Leaf As autumn leaves turn to auburn, gold and brown, something new and maybe a li le surprising happens in the East Midlands...

The last independent bookshop to open in our region is beyond recent memory for me; in the last decade, with the rise of Amazon, the Internet, iTunes, eBooks and Kindle I’ve heard more about bookshops closing down and going out of business.

But a small independent publisher based in No ngham is bucking the trend. Ross Bradshaw, owner of Five Leaves Publishing, opens his new bookstore right in the heart of No ngham’s bustling city centre.

On Saturday 9th November at 14a Long Row, No ngham, opposite the Tourist informa on Centre, Five Leaves Bookshop opens its doors for the first me. Ross says, “I had not planned to open a bookshop. I thought I was over it. I tried twice in

recent years ­ the first me the landlord withdrew the property from the market at the last minute (and it is s ll empty, years later!) and the second me I had a family crisis in Scotland that dragged on for more than a year.

In fact I'd been star ng to work out when best Five Leaves Bookshop Logo to re re from publishing and other literature projects. But some mes life just grabs you by the scruff of the neck and ­ well, No ngham will have an independent bookshop again!” For further informa on you can contact Ross at: Five Leaves Publica ons, P.O. Box 8786, No ngham. NG1 9AW T: 0115 989 5465 or email info@fiveleaves.co.uk

We Need Help!

Are you the person we’re looking for?

By the spring of 2014, due to the ever increasing success of our award winning magazine, we’ll need a very capable person to help us run Soar Valley Life.

We’re looking for a mature, self assured individual with excellent communica on skills (wri ng, person to person and telephone) with a view to helping us manage our adver sing sales and marke ng.

Ini ally this will be a part me self employed posi on, up to 3 days a week and home based.

If this is of interest to you please email us with your address and contact details and we’ll send you an informa on pack steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

No phone calls in the first instance

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

Celebrating Celebrating 10 10Years Years of of Success!

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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 youis–available no appointments necessary as all new Limited Funding 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 email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk to book your advert

Page 39

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Photography Tips by Rebecca Soanes Paths and roads are tools I use all the me; a very simple p that I can’t recommend enough. It makes such a difference and can turn what looks like just a nice picture into a scene that draws the eye in and adds real depth.

These two images illustrate this point; they were taken in the same bluebell wood in very similar condi ons with dappled sunlight coming through the trees in places. The first looks like a pleasant woodland scene, however the second has the ability to go beyond that and take you along the path giving you the feeling that you

are in the wood. This second image has proved very popular and evoca ve, mainly due to the woodland path, and as a result I am pleased to say it’s my bestselling canvas design. I find it so rewarding to hear that customers mentally walk along the path through the bluebells as they look at it on the wall, just as I do myself.

Obviously there isn’t always a path available to include in your photo!

However there are o en more eye­

drawing paths around than we are at first aware of and I would like to encourage you to take a moment to look around before taking a photo to see if there is a ‘path’ that could be included to draw people into your image. This trick of using eye­drawing ‘paths’ can also be used with fences, tree branches and other lines to draw your eye into the photo, but that is a p for next me...

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

Telephone 01509 213329

email parkside.school@googelmail.com Long Established Qualified Staff Fantastic garden area Small and homely Competitive prices Term-time options available

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

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

Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:14 Page 41

A2Z CLEANING SERVICES • •

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Christmas Fayre Extensive main pub refurbishment completed on

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76 High Street, Syston LE7 1GQ

now open serving 6 cask ales, ciders, lagers & wines.

Three Course Christmas dinner Adults £13.95 Children £6.95

3rd to 23rd December

Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch every Wednesday £6.50 throughout December

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Posture For physical and emotional wellbeing

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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

Stand up straight – another easy way of improving your health...

How many mes were you told to stand up straight when you were a child? You may not have realised the relevance but did you know that poor posture can lead to health problems? If you slouch you cannot breathe deeply which means there is less oxygen being taken into your lungs and therefore less oxygen available for your body and your brain to func on effec vely. This can result in breathlessness, fa gue, lack of energy and feeling red all the me.

Slouching and slumping puts the body out of alignment which may result in headaches and backache and it is now thought that it may affect blood pressure. Slouching not only affects your physical health but it also makes you feel ‘low’ whereas standing up straight makes you feel ‘high’.

So how do you adopt good posture?

It’s quite easy: just loosen your arms and shoulders and imagine you are holding a £5.00 note between your shoulder blades. Try to get into the habit of doing this as o en as you can so that good posture becomes the norm.

Paula Reed: www.reedwellbeing.co.uk

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

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The Pla orm Café – Greenacres

Part of The Great Central Railway

If you have not yet discovered our li le ‘oasis of tranquillity’, The Great Central Railway’s newest addi on to its café collec on is The Pla orm Café, within the Greenacres facility. If visi ng for the first me, by train via the Leicester North Sta on, the café is situated right out of the pla orm gates and just down the path, the entrance to the café is then on your le .

By car we are just off Redhill Roundabout and up The Sidings, (follow the brown tourist signs to Greenacres).

Open Tuesdays to Sundays 10am un l 4pm, the café provides customers with stunning views of the City’s skyline along with delicious home­made food including main meals, panini, jacket potatoes and more. We

Page 42

have meal deals available on a weekly basis with GCR staff happy to tempt you with home­made cakes and scones served with teas and coffees of your choice.

From 10th October, every Thursday 12noon ll 2pm will be ‘Pensioners Lunch Club’ with home­made soup and a roll £2.50 or two main meals for £6.99. Why not pop along for lunch then stay a erwards and play a board or card game?

and meet and pass on their Christmas wishes.

Velvet Divine will be singing some good old fashioned Christmas tunes on the Saturday and Laura Jane Vintage will be with us on the Sunday. There’ll be face pain ng magic on both days too.

If you are interested in hiring a stall at the fair please contact Lesley at Lesley.allardyce@gcrailway.co.uk We are also now taking bookings for Christmas dinners and par es, for a Christmas menu or further informa on please use the above address.

To keep up to date with all the news and events at Greenacres please go to www.gcrailway.co.uk or ring the office on 01509 633870.

Find us on Facebook with Greenacres or follow us on Twi er @TheSidingsLE3 We hope you will pay us a visit soon….

The Pla orm Café is available for private hire for Birthday Par es and Special Occasions. The Greenacres facility also hosts conference space with freshly prepared buffets and refreshments available on request.

The facility will be holding its second Christmas Fayre with a ‘vintage’ theme on Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December. There will be Christmas Cra Stalls, Roast Chestnuts, Mulled Wine & Mince Pies for all to enjoy. Also a special someone will be there in his Gro o for the li le ones to come

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

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

Vintage Divine

Laura Jane Vintage

Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:14 Page 43

Vintage Christmas Fayre

at Greenacres, The Sidings

Saturday 30th Nov & Sunday 1st Dec 10.30am – 4.30pm

Christmas Craft Stalls Entertainment by Velvet Divine (Sat) & Laura Jane Vintage (Sun) Face Painting Santa’s Grotto will be open from 11am – 3pm Letters From Santa

Donkey Rides Tombolla Stalls Home-made Cakes Mulled Wine & Mince Pies Roasted Chestnuts and much more

The Platform Café at Greenacres will be open all day serving lovely hot home-made food

FREE ADMISSION

The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR

01509 633870 / 07778 512275

Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:14 Page 44

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

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

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Page 45

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

Santa Steam Trains Santa has swapped his sleigh for a fun filled journey on a steam train. Ride on board the award winning Santa trains, then let Father Christmas surprise your children with an exciting gift delivered to your seat. Prices start from £10 per person.

Great Central Railway, Great Central Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1RW Dates: Saturday 23 Nov 2013, Sun 24 Nov, Sat 30 Nov, Sun 1 Dec, Sat 7 Dec, Sun 8 Dec, Wed 11 Dec, Sat 14 Dec, Sun 15 Dec, Wed 18 Dec, Sat 21 Dec to Wed 25 Dec, Sat 28 Dec, Sun 29 Dec Contact: 01509 632323 www.gcrailway.co.uk Rawlins Christmas Craft Fair Over 40 stalls selling handmade arts and crafts from local artists will be held at Rawlins Academy. Refreshments will be available, as well as children’s art workshops and much more. This annual event has been running for over 30 years at the academy and is a great way to kick off the Christmas season. Starts at 10.30am.

Rawlins Academy, Loughborough Road, Quorn, Loughborough, LE12 8DY Dates: Sunday 17 November 2013 Contact: 01509 622800 www.rawlinsacademy.org.uk Christmas Wreath Making In a workshop at the Guildhall you will be shown how to make your own wreath to hang on your door and welcome guests over the Christmas season. The session runs from 7.00pm to 9.30pm with mulled wine and minced pies also on offer! Tickets are £20 which includes all of the materials and no experience is necessary, but pre­booking is recommended.

The Guildhall, Guildhall Lane, Leicester, LE1 5FQ Dates: Thursday 28th November 2013 Contact: 0116 253 2569 Birstall Methodist Church Christmas Festival 2013 – ‘Jubilation’ This is the 14th annual Christmas Festival, where the church will be filled with 60 decorated trees, displays and Santa’s Grotto.

The festival also features an outdoor Christmas market on Friday 29th, with stalls selling homemade produce such as cakes, pies, bread, preserves and handmade gifts and decorations. Saturday 30th will include a table top sale with a variety of crafts and food. Food and drink will also be available.

Friday 10.00am – 7.00pm, Saturday 10.00am – 2.00pm Dates: Friday 29th and Saturday 30th November 2013 Birstall Methodist Church, 40 Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicestershire, LE4 4JS

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Vintage Christmas Fayre at Greenacres There’s something for everyone on this weekend – Christmas craft stalls, Entertainment on Saturday by Velvet Devine and on Sunday by Laura Jane Vintage, Face painting for the kids, and Santa’s Grotto will be open from 11am and 3pm each day. Also there’ll be donkey rides, tombola stalls, home made cakes, mulled wine, mince pies and roast chestnuts and much more too. It will be just like Christmas in olden days!

10.30 am to 4.30 pm Saturday and Sunday Dates: Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December 2013 The Platform Café, Birstall Great Central Railway Station, Leicester LE4 3BR. Call 01509 633870 office hours for more information. Please note trains are not running to Leicester North Station due to the Santa Specials.

Jack and the Beanstalk at Loughborough Town Hall Enjoy pantomime at Loughborough Town Hall, with stunning sets, fabulous costumes and giant sized jokes as the famous story of Jack and the Beanstalk takes to the stage.

Prices vary, please check the website for details.

Market Place, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3EB Saturday 30th November 2013 to Sunday 5th January 2014 Book online at: www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk Telephone box office: 01509 231 914 Quorn Festive Arts, Crafts and Food Stall Over 50 stalls set out in four different venues within Quorn village. There will be fine art and crafts, including paintings, prints, sculptures, photography, jewellery, ceramics, glassware, handbags, candles, cards, plants and garden gifts, as well as many more. The food stalls will have preserves homemade cakes, Christmas puddings, mincemeat and lots more. The trail will take you from Quorn Country Hotel to the Village Hall and then onto the thatched Bowling Club and the Church Rooms. Light refreshments are available. Passports that provide access to all venues are £2 and will be available at all venues on the day, with a map of the route also included. The village Christmas lights will also be turned on at 4pm as well as a visit from Santa! The event is to raise money for Rainbow Hospice and The Bridge Homeless Prevention charities. Starts at 11am and finishes at 5pm.

Dates: Sunday 1st December 2013 Quorn Village Hall, 64 Leicester Road, Quorn Leicestershire, LE12 8BB

Switching on the Christmas Lights in Loughborough The Mayor of Charnwood will be turning on the Christmas lights adorning Loughborough at 5pm. Activities on that day will begin at 10.00am with a daytime charity market, as well as lots of music and entertainment held in Loughborough Town Centre.

10.00am – 5.30pm Dates: Sunday 1st December 2013 Contact 01509 634624 Red Riding Hood at the Curve Once upon a time there was a young girl who went to spend the night at Grandma’s house… and her little brother came too! She just wanted to go to sleep but he was having none of it and just wouldn’t settle down.

Grandma’s attic is far too exciting for sleeping! And when you start acting out your favourite fairy tale who knows what’s in store?

Join the intrepid twosome on a night to remember in Olivier award­winning writer, Mike Kenny’s brand new adaptation of the classic children’s tale. With music and songs from Julian Butler (Charlie and Lola), Red Riding Hood promises to be a magical treat for children and their families.

Dates: Saturday 11th December 2013 to Saturday 4th January 2014 Telephone box office: 0116 242 3595 Hathern Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival Now in its tenth year, the festival will have dozens of lit and decorated trees on show, exhibited by pubs, clubs, businesses and charities as well as private individuals.

Refreshments are available and a raffle for a Bumper Christmas Hamper. The event also has live music interludes. Open from 10.00am to 8.00pm on Friday and Saturday and 12pm to 5.30pm Sunday. £2.50 admission for adults and children under 12 are free.

Dates: Friday 6th December, Saturday 7th December and Sunday 8th December 2013 Aladdin at De Montfort Hall The De Montfort Hall pantomime is back this Christmas after a 20 year gap! The panto will star Leicester's favourite Martin Ballard as one of the Chinese policemen, Hardeep Singh Kohli as the Genie of the Lamp and TV soap star Tameka Empson as the Empress of China. Tickets cost £18.

Granville Road, Leicester, LE1 7RU Dates: Saturday 14th December 2013 to Sunday 5th January 2014 Telephone box office: 0116 233 3111 Book online at: www.demontforthall.co.uk

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

Soar Valley Nov/Dec 2013 _Layout 1 24/10/2013 13:14 Page 47

Solu ons Fairy Tale Quiz Answers 1.

2.

3.

4.

A troll A comb I'm A Believer by The Monkees Grimm (known as the Brothers Grimm) 5. Tom Thumb 6. Tangled 7. Danish 8. Three Li le Pigs 9. Galway Bay 10. Rumpels ltskin

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Shirt Colour Easel top Canvas pins Trouser pocket Beard Cufflink

Quick Crossword Across: 7 Remove, 8 Loughs, 9 Sofa, 10 Envelops, 11 Ignored, 13 Steel, 15 Clues, 17 Provide, 20 Tolerant, 21 Pale, 23 Weight, 24 Roused.

Sudoku Solu on

Down: 1 Zero, 2 Potato, 3 Referee, 4 Slave, 5 Mullet, 6 Shepherd, 12 Galloped, 14 Writers, 16 Energy, 18 Vapour, 19 Cac , 22 Lies.

Spot Ten Differences 1.

2.

3.

4.

Paint on pallet changes colour Paint splash Background picture changes Mole missing

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