Soarvalley novdec14 issuu

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NORTH EDITION Deliveries this month to: Loughborough Nanpantan Su on Bonington Long Wha on The Wolds Zouch Hoton Cotes Hathern Stanford Prestwold Normanton Wymeswold & Rempstone Deliveries next month to Soar Valley South: Barrow upon Soar Sileby Mountsorrel Seagrave Cossington Rothley Thurcaston Quorn, Cropston Woodhouse Eaves and Swithland, plus high foo all retail outlets throughout Charnwood

Issue 32 Nov/Dec 2014

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Health

Eyecare, Hearing, Footcare, Therapists, ACP

Cook

Italian Lamb Shanks Lamingtons

Walk

Shining Cliff

What’s On In and around the Soar Valley

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£25 Cash Spa Day for Two GCR Calendar

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Copy deadline for December Tuesday 18th November

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Soar Valley Life Editors Steve & Mary Johns Adver sing Chris Easom Steve Johns Marke ng & Distribu on Alison Jacques

HOW to ADVERTISE: See page 5 & 6

Telephone 01509 813125 Email enquiries Adver sing info@soarvalleylife.co.uk Editorial editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk Web www.soarvalleylife.co.uk Facebook www.facebook.com/ SoarValleyLife Address 1 Burton Road, Sileby LE12 7RU Copyright © Fantas c State Limited trading as Soar Valley Life. The Publisher reserves and controls all rights to the work presented in this magazine. Any applica on for any use of any of the work, features, adver sements, quota ons, photographs, images or other work within this publica on must be made directly to the publisher. No part of this publica on may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmi ed, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Front Cover Photo:

Recognise us?

Every day we receive le ers through the post and by email, and we can o en follow where our hardworking distributors have been, day by day, by the addresses on the entries as they arrive.

But out in the big wide world we are also being no ced; you can view Soar Valley Life on line from any where, and as a consequence we are receiving comments and compe on entries from all over the place. The furthest so far is Southern Ireland. Mary and I aren’t sure what this means exactly but we definitely view it posi vely. It does mean though that we are being recognised out there in the big wide world and real proof came last month in that Soar Valley Life was shortlisted in four categories for this year’s Independent magazine awards ­ Best Editorial, Best Website, Best Social Media presence and Best Front Cover.

When Mary and I saw the quality of the compe on, and the magazines we were up against we felt very proud to have been shortlisted. Soar Valley Life really is being recognised far and wide.

We certainly feel we’re up there with the best there is…

And, you never know, next year we could be a na onal winner!

Steve & Mary Johns

Contents

Nicky Morgan column

Page 12

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Walking Shining Cliff

Page 52

© Bill Allsopp “We will remember them” War Memorial Bradgate Park November 2013

Put some Jingle in your bells

Page 49

Your Eyes, Blue Light & Macular Degenera on 6 Claire Jones Gardens 9 Quiz – Theatre 11 Nicky Morgan MP 12 Are you declaring all your rental income?

15 Quick Crossword 17 Win a GCR Calendar 19 Recipe: Italian Lamb Shanks 20 Recipe: Lamingtons 22 Win £25 Cash 24 Play your cards right 26 Children’s Health: Measles, Mumps & Rubella 28 Time to make your Will 29 Real Ale, Real Pub, Real Food, Real People 30 New Thai Restaurant Open in Quorn 32 Easy Sudoku 35 When the Temperature Drops 37 A Hotel Bathroom at Home 38 Mixing it up 39 Win a Ragdale Spa Day for Two 41 Everything Under the Sun 42 Advanced Electrolysis – Skin Tags 45 And Another Thing 46 Spot the Difference 48 Put some Jingle in your Bells this Christmas! 49 Integrated Health Care 51 Walking – Shining Cliff 52 Business Networking 54 Need some Help? Call Caroline 55 Christmas Postal Dates 55 Christmas Wordsearch 57 What’s On 58 Compe on Winners 60 Being a Landscape Photographer 61 Solu ons to Puzzles 61

Page 41 Win a spa day for two at Ragdale Hall

Recipes Italian Lamb Shanks

Page 20 & Lamingtons

Page 22

££££££££££££££ COMPETITION WINNERS page 60

Business Networking Where to go… page 54

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

27

Building and Roofing Charnwood Oaks Roofing & Building SR Roofing Solu ons

8 14

Child Care and Educa on Rothley Park Kindergarten Tumble Tots

48 44

Clothing and Accessories Pixie Footwear

35

Courier Services MyParcelShop.Com

16

Food, Drink and Venues Thai Tunnel Restaurant The Free Trade Inn The Pantry at the Co age The Restaurant at The Mountsorrel The Waterside Inn The Wedding Cafe The White Horse Inn Yew Lodge Hotel

33 31 27 47 39 44 51 25

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.

Garden A 2 Z Cleaning Services Barrow Timber Sta on Canopy Tree Services Charnwood Tree Services Claire Jones Gardens Harrison Landscaping

15 60 11 8 9 9

Health Care Ac vity 4all Charnwood Hearing Aid Centre Cione Wellness Centre Gareth Hudson – Foot Health Professional LighterLife Pennie Blatchford ­ Advanced Electrolysis Reed Wellbeing ­ Complementary Health TSL Holis c Centre Visual Answers Op cians / Optometrists Walk­in Physio Ltd

39 16 10 35 14 45 51 24 7 25

Holidays and Travel I Can You Can

24

Home A 2 Z Cleaning Services Absolute Window Solu ons Ltd Acacia Curtains and Blinds Ancient & Modern Furniture Restora on Aquafit Bathrooms B.G.I.S. Ltd

15 36 37 13 38 26

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All prices subject to VAT and based on a six month booking (1 month booking is possible) Full details of all ra Page 4

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

Bishop's Appliance Care Bunny Appliance Warehouse Capable Caroline Carpets of Choice Custom Conservatories & Windows Dave Mi on Electrical DCI Kitchens Delta Aerials Digital.R.Us Ltd Fab Plumbing Hot Repairs KR Electrical LockXpert & Security Louis Bespoke Kitchens Low Woods Furnishings Ltd Ocean Designs Conservatory Furniture Richard Watson Painter and Decorator SJS Professional Carpet Cleaner SJS Leather Cleaning and Restora on Soar Valley Aerials The Oven Cleaning Company Whelband Windows Woodburner Workshop

19 21 55 18 53 8 53 24 57 53 12 53 34 40 64 37 15 60 13 53 34 62 17

Motoring Cumberland Auto Care Loughborough Kia Twiggers Motorcycles Ltd

19 63 19

Pet Care Posh Dogs Woodside Animal Centre

13 13

Professional Services Baker & Co Accountants Bill Allsopp Photography CP Accountancy Ltd Cat Eley­Gaunt ­ Wealth Management Crea ve io Moss Solicitors Moving Made Cheaper Sterling Law Solicitors The Loughborough Ladies Business Group

56 61 15 24 44 29 34 56 54

Residen al Care The Abbeyfield

16

Sports and Leisure Cyclops Cycles Great Central Railway

14 59

Home Care Services Absolute Care Agency Icare Community Meals

U li es Boilerjuice Limited The U lity Warehouse Discount Club UK Gas Services Ltd

50 26 23

13 2

Wholesalers Costco Leicester

43

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Page 5

Your Eyes, Blue Light & Macular Degenera on

by Mohammed Bhojani

Tradi onal incandescent lights are rapidly being replaced by LEDs which have a longer life, lower energy costs and less environmental impact; but they have a harmful side effect on your eyes…

By 2016, tradi onal incandescent light sources will no longer be available for home ligh ng. Ligh ng industry es mates believe 90% of all light sources worldwide will be based on solid state ligh ng and LED lights by 2020.

LED technology has generated many new ligh ng applica ons. Toys and even clothes now also incorporate LEDs. Solid state ligh ng is found in TV screens, computer monitors, smart phones and tablets.

Despite the advantages, these new ar ficial light sources present a high propor on of blue light from the visible spectrum. Typically, fluorescent lamps contain 26% blue light, cool white LEDs at least 35% versus only 3% for incandescent lamps. These longer wavelength blue light emissions have been found in studies to be responsible for increased re nal cell death – your re nal cells once damaged cannot regenerate.

Prolonged blue light exposure of your eye has also been found to increase risk of macular degenera on (AMD) – the leading cause of blindness in the western world.

Other studies have found blue light to predispose individuals to headaches, migraines, eyestrain and visual stress (o en associated with dyslexia).

I recommend regular eye exams as an essen al part of keeping your eyes healthy. Children should have an eye exam when they are around three to four years old and earlier if parents have any concerns. A er that, children should a end an eye exam every one to two years, depending on the advice given by their optometrist. Eye tests are free for all children under 16 on the NHS. For older age groups in addi on to regular eye tests, I recommend Optomap AF scans; these can detect the early accumula on of re nal waste products (Lipofuscin) that can lead to AMD and 3D O.C.T eye scans (Ocular Coherence Tomography) that enable us to ‘see below the surface’ of your re na and detect the earliest macular changes. These scans are quick, painless and non­invasive. They are available in some hospitals and now also available at Visual Answers.

Page 6

Smart phones and tablets emit harmful blue­violet light that can affect your eyes

Early detec on of AMD is vital, as lifestyle, dietary changes, mul vitamins combined with the right protec ve op cal lenses can help lower your risk.

Eye specialists increasingly recommend ophthalmic lenses that reduce exposure to the blue light too.

New Crizal Prevencia lenses block UV and also selec vely filter harmful blue­violet light too. A recent European study showed Crizal Prevencia lenses can reduce re nal cell death by up to 25%. These technically advanced lenses are now available at Visual Answers for both children and adults to protect and maintain eye health and vision.

Call Visual Answers on Quorn (01509) 414151 and Barrow (01509) 416800 and make your appointment today.

Mohammed Bhojani BSc (Hons) MCOptom is Principal Optometrist at Visual Answers Op cians based in Quorn (01509) 414151 and Barrow (01509) 416800 near Loughborough. www.VisualAnswers.co.uk

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

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Independent opticians come out top in a recent Which? survey

Independent opticians

*THE BEST & WORST PLACES TO BUY YOUR GLASSES ACCORDING TO Which?

Give your eyes the 20/20 experience too.

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01509 414 169

Page 8

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

As the days shorten and we put the garden to bed remember that winter doesn't have to be a dreary me of year...

For seasonal interest consider plan ng a tree or trees. My par cular favourite are birches from the Himalayas which bring beauty to a garden at any me of year and especially during the winter. Betula u lis var jaquemon i is probably the most well known of the white stemmed birches, renowned for its startling white bark. It looks great planted as a single specimen or in a group; however it isn't a tree for a small garden. For a smaller space the crab apples are great and I think the best of these is Malus ‘Red Sen nal’. It has very fes ve bright red crab apples which it holds

onto throughout the winter and even into spring unless the weather turns cold when the birds will move in for a feast. They are sought out by Blackbirds, Thrushes, Fieldfares and Redwings, a fantas c spectacle to enjoy in your garden!

Claire Jones

@

@

The Wellness Centre, Loughborough

The Wellness Centre, Loughborough 1a Churchgate Mews, Loughborough, LE11 1TZ CIONE embodies a team of leading clinicians and therapists, all selected and chosen for their expertise and passion, to fulfil the CIONE vision - a ‘one-stop’ clinical centre, where postural ill-health and postural recurring injuries can be prevented – with each patient leaving the centre healthily balanced and energized, ready for their daily lives.

Head Ache Pain

Poor Posture can bring on regular cluster headaches/migraines.

Neck Pain

Poor Posture brings on 'stooping forward' during walking and standing.

Upper Back Pain

Poor Posture when moving and standing locks up our shoulders and creates muscle tension.

Hip Pain

Poor Posture through the skeleton dysfunctioning, causes a shallowing of our hip joint and long term hip pain.

Lower Back Pain

Poor Posture through a forwardly tilted pelvis restricts our Gait and causes Sciatica and constant lower back stress.

Knee Pain

Poor Posture through hip dysfunction causes the knees to track 'o-line' bringing on early 'wear and tear' and pain.

Foot Pain

Poor Posture through the upper body brings on foot pain in either the arches, toes and heels.

Shin Pain

Poor Posture through the knees causes aggressive rotation of the shin bringing on chronic Shin Pain.

Human Engineering Corrective Postural Programs Relaxing Amatsu Therapy Mctimoney Chiropractic Reiki Personal Fitness Programs Custom Stability Plates Custom Footwear Bio-Core Programs

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Overcome Fears and Phobias – tap them away! Try EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) or ‘tapping’ to rid yourself of those irrational, but real, fears.

Leicester Reiki at The Wellness Centre

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Tel: 01509 263044/07977 837532 email: sally@leicesterreiki.co.uk

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Call us for more information Call in or call 01509 263044 for an appointment 1a Churchgate Mews, Loughborough, LE11 1TZ

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Theatre 1.

Why was a performance of Our American Cousin not performed in full on April 14th 1865 at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.?

2. Corpsing is a word used in the world of Bri sh theatre when an actor or actress uninten onally does what?

3. Which play do many people in the world of theatre believe to be cursed, referring to it simply as “the Sco sh play”?

4. Which TV show is set in a theatre that was originally known as the Benny Vandergast Memorial Theatre?

5. What name is given to the sides of a stage in a theatre that are hidden from the audience?

6. Which Agatha Chris e play has been running con nuously in London’s West End since it opened in 1952, giving it the record of having the longest ini al run of any play in history?

7. Which famous theatre was burned to the ground in 1613 when a cannon set off during a performance misfired and set fire to its wooden beams and thatching?

8. Derived from a word referring to a par cular amount of money and a Greek word meaning “theatre”, what 11 le er word was commonly used at the start of the 20th century to refer to small neighbourhood cinemas?

9. Due to a supers on in the theatre industry that says wishing someone good luck is actually bad luck, what three word phrase is tradi onally said to an actor who is about to go on stage to perform as a message of good luck?

10. Which famous London theatre has the same name as the chemical element with atomic number 46?

Answers on page 61

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Page 11

Nicky Morgan MP

Autumn and the months leading up to Christmas are my favourite me of year and in Loughborough we have a series of real annual milestones...

First there is the amazing Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Queen’s Park and in towns and villages across my cons tuency. It is gra fying to see that the number of people a ending con nues to grow and I spot more and more poppies being worn. A er Remembrance Sunday comes the Loughborough Fair. Loud, colourful and a feast for all the senses it has been held in Loughborough for hundreds of years.

Next comes the Christmas lights switch on, again across our area. Last year Quorn Parish Council kindly asked me to turn theirs on – I was just pleased that all went smoothly and I didn’t fuse the whole village! And if you live in Barrow then do visit the Scouts Hot Dog stall.

The Pantomime at the Town Hall is another Loughborough annual special treat. I recently had the pleasure of mee ng the fabulous Christopher Biggins and we discussed just how special a pantomime is and for many children how important, as it is o en their first visit to the theatre.

Then there are Christmas tree fes vals, na vity services, Christmas cra fairs and many other events held locally. I know they are the result of lots of hard work over many months. I would par cularly recommend the Hathern Church Christmas Tree Fes val which is always beau fully arranged and also the Fes val at All Saints in Loughborough.

Finally, by the me you read this the new pedestrianised area in Loughborough will have been unveiled. I know that the roadworks in and around the town have not been easy but the new area does look great and I would urge you to support the Love Loughborough BID and their “Get into Loughborough” campaign. In par cular do visit on Saturday 6th December which is the na onal Small Business Saturday.

If you live in the Loughborough cons tuency and need assistance please e­mail me nicky.morgan.mp@parliament.uk or call 01509 262723 or you can write to me at or visit my office at 3/3a No ngham Road, Loughborough LE11 1ER.

Page 12

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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Are you declaring all your rental income?

HM Revenue & Customs are running an ini a ve called the Let Property Campaign aimed at the 1.5 million landlords they believe are not declaring their rental income.

Le ers are being sent to people that own buy­to­ let proper es or holiday homes and may not be paying the right amount of tax on the undisclosed income. HM Revenue & Customs are checking Land Registry, the Electoral Roll and also asking le ng agents for details of landlords they act for. It is not a case of if they catch up with you but when. This campaign gives landlords the opportunity to make a disclosure about their undeclared rental income and pay the correct amount of tax. Landlords that make a full and voluntary disclosure can expect a lower penalty; however those that choose to ignore the le er they receive from HM Revenue & Customs face much higher penal es and the possibility of criminal prosecu on.

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

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Page 15

Charnwood Hearing Aid Centre Ltd Lynne Leeming, MSc RHAD MSHAA

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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

Page 16

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

Quick Crossword 1

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Across

Down

7 A en veness (13)

1 Young male horse (4)

8 Speaking (8)

2 Way in (6)

9 Simple (4)

3 Lures (7)

10 Breaks (7) 10

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12 Prophecies (5)

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4 Boasts (5) 5 A narrow river (6) 6 Absurd talk (8) 11 Ea ng (8) 13 Held for ransom (7) 15 Solicitor (6) 17 Boundaries (6) 18 Large and heavy (5)

22

21 Implement (4) Answers on page 61

You don’t need a chimney to enjoy one of our fabulous fires, just a winter’s night and a glass of wine.

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Page 17

Good choice of rugs always available in store

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This Size of Advert 1/6th page 65mm X 65mm Full Colour With Free Layout & Design for only The Great Central limited edi�on Bridge to the Future 2015 Calendar showcasing the incredibly atmospheric photography of Andrew Rapacz We have two of these brilliant calendars to give away before Christmas. Just send your name and address and phone number marked ‘GCR Calendar’ to editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk or by post to 1, Burton Road, Sileby LE12 7RU and the first two names out of the hat on December 1st will win.

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Page 19

Recipe This month’s recipe sponsored by

Bunny Appliance Warehouse

Italian Lamb Shanks

Serves 4 Ready in 2½ hours

Lamb shanks are perfect for long slow cooking as they become mel ngly tender and the meat just falls off the bone. Here they are braised with all the flavours of Italy – red wine, smoked cured bacon and tomatoes. Serve with creamy mash or boiled ribbon pasta such as tagliatelle or pappardelle.

1

Preheat the oven to 170°C/150°C fan/gas 3. Season the lamb shanks with freshly ground black pepper. Heat the oil in a frying pan and brown the lamb shanks over a high heat for 4­5 minutes, turning frequently. Transfer to a shallow casserole dish.

2

Add the shallots, garlic and pance a to the frying pan and cook over a medium heat for 6­7 minutes un l lightly browned. Pour in the red wine and bring to the boil. Add the tomatoes, sun­dried tomato puree, rosemary sprigs and sugar and pour over the lamb.

3

Tip

Cover the casserole and cook in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, or un l the lamb shanks are very tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve with creamy mashed potato and garnished with fresh rosemary.

Why not double up the quan es and freeze away half for another day? Allow to cool completely then transfer to a freezer­ proof container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Defrost thoroughly then reheat gently on the hob for 20­ 25 minutes un l piping hot.

Page 20

Ingredients: • 4 small lamb shanks • 2 tbsp olive oil • 350g shallots, peeled • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped • 150g cubed pance a (Italian dry cured bacon) • 300ml red wine • 400g can chopped tomatoes • 2 tbsp sun­dried tomato puree • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus extra sprigs to garnish • 5ml (1tsp) sugar • Creamy mashed potato, to serve

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

Seasonal Recipe

Cake and Bake Lamingtons 1

2

3

4

5

6

Tip

These scrump ous small Australian cakes are made with a whisked light and bu ery sponge which is coated in a quick chocolate icing and desiccated coconut.

They may be a li le fiddly to make but it’s well worth the effort!

Makes 9 cakes. Ready in 1 hour, plus cooling and se ng

Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4.

Grease a 23cm square cake n and line the base with baking paper.

To make the sponge, place the eggs and sugar in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Whisk together with a hand­ held electric whisk un l the mixture is very thick and pale and leaves a trail on the surface when the whisk is li ed. Remove the bowl from the saucepan.

Si over the flour and fold in gently then pour over the melted bu er and fold in un l just incorporated. Pour the mixture into the prepared cake n. Bake in the preheated oven for 30­35 minutes, or un l risen, golden and springy to the touch. Cool in the n for 5 minutes then turn the cake out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely. Cut the cold cake into 9 squares.

To make the icing, si the icing sugar and cocoa powder into a large bowl. S r in the melted bu er and 75ml boiling water and beat with a wooden spoon un l smooth.

Ingredients:

Spread the coconut on a large flat plate. Take each sponge square and dip in the chocolate icing to coat completely, using two forks to gently turn the sponge square. Li the coated square out of the icing and shake to allow any excess icing to fall back into the bowl.

SPONGE

Roll the iced square in the coconut to coat all over. Place on a board lined with baking paper and leave to set. Repeat with the rest of the sponge squares.

• 40g unsalted bu er, melted and cooled

• 4 large eggs • 115g caster sugar • 115g plain flour, si ed ICING AND COATING • 450g icing sugar • 50g cocoa powder

Pop the sponge squares in the freezer for 10­15 minutes before coa ng in the icing – they will be a li le firmer to handle and the icing will set more quickly.

Page 22

• 70g unsalted bu er, melted • 225g desiccated coconut

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

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Whenever we use a credit or debit card to make a payment or to buy goods over the counter, the card issuer will charge the retailer a small amount as a fee for

their services. Banks make a lot of money from these merchant services. U lity Warehouse saw a benefit for their customers by offering a pre­paid card and giving back part of this charge plus a preferen al shopping bonus as a cash­ back on purchases. They have arranged special shopping bonuses with a number of high street retailers where you can earn extra cash back ­ ranging from Sainsbury at 3% through to Argos, Boots, B & Q, Café Rouge and about a hundred more at 5% and Toys R Us and Marriot hotels at 6% right up to TreatMe at 10%.

With Christmas looming, it is quite possible you could do all your fes ve

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A small business could use a facility like this to pay for expenses and day to day running costs, and then get a pay back at the end of each month. Sibling and Partner cards are also available so family members or employees could be helping with the monthly bills too. And, because you can’t spend more than is loaded on the card, you can’t over spend.

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Page 27

Children’s Health: Measles, Mumps and Rubella ‘Childhood diseases’ are o en taken lightly, but they can be serious and with fewer children vaccinated, they’ve become more common again. MMR vaccine protects against mumps, measles and rubella, but some children (par cularly those unvaccinated) will s ll catch them. Here’s a quick guide to symptoms and treatment.

REMEMBER: Pre­warn your GP surgery before visi ng, so they can take precau ons against infec on and protect pregnant women.

Measles A virus that can be severe.

Always confirm the diagnosis with the GP. Symptoms: • Begins like a bad cough and cold; a temperature develops.

• On day 3 or 4, red raised spots appear, ini ally behind the ears then spreading to the face, neck and rest of the body. The spots may be blotchy, but not itchy.

• Your child’s eyes may be sensi ve to light.

Treatment: • Plenty of rest and drinks.

• Paracetamol or ibuprofen for discomfort and fever.

• Barrier cream to protect the skin around their lips.

• Bathe sore eyelids with warm water, and dim lights.

• If your child is drowsy, has trouble breathing or has a bad cough, see your GP urgently.

Page 28

to glandular fever or tonsilli s.

Always see the GP if your child develops stomach ache, is sick or develops a rash of bruises or small purple/red spots.

• Give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen. A hot or cold compress will ease pain in their glands.

DON’T FORGET: Keep your child away from pregnant women and those trying to conceive. If they had contact with any pregnant women (even before they became ill), you must let the women know ­ they’ll need to see their GP urgently.

Incuba on period: 7­12 days.

Infec ous period: Four days before rash appears un l four days a er it’s gone.

Mumps A contagious viral infec on.

Symptoms: • Begins with generally feeling ill and uncomfortable, and a raised temperature.

• Pain and swelling on the side of the face and under the chin. Discomfort when chewing.

• Headache, stomach ache and joint pain.

Your child’s face should return to normal in around a week.

Mumps rarely affects boys’ testes but if your child’s testes are swollen or painful see your GP. Treatment: Confirm the diagnosis with the GP, as symptoms can be similar

• Give them plenty to drink Incuba on period: 14­25 days.

Infec ous period: A few days before feeling unwell, un l the swelling goes down.

German Measles (Rubella) Rubella is difficult to diagnose, but you must confirm it with the GP. Rubella poses a significant risk to pregnant women and unborn babies.

Symptoms: • Begins much like a cold.

• A rash of flat, light pink spots appears on day one or two, ini ally on the face then spreading to the rest of the body.

• Swollen glands in the back of the neck.

• Your child may feel ‘off colour’ rather than ill.

What to do: • Give your child plenty to drink, and paracetamol or ibuprofen if they feel unwell.

Incuba on period: 15­20 days.

Infec ous period: From one week before rash appears un l at least five days a er it’s gone.

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

Time to make your Will There has recently been much publicity regarding the change to the intestacy rules brought in by the Inheritance and Trustees Powers Act 2014.

The Act alters the way estates will be distributed where the deceased did not leave a Will.

Whilst the intestacy provisions are simplified by the Act they do highlight the fact that they do not always achieve the best outcome for families, par cularly in modern society.

For example there is no provision made under the intestacy rules for cohabitees or stepchildren who, to receive

what they might be en tled to expect from a deceased’s estate, would need to make a claim in that estate, which is of course a stressful thing to do at a me when the claimant is bereaved and upset.

The change in the law, and the fact the government can change the law at any me, only goes to further highlight the need for all of us to have a Will in place reflec ng our true wishes. The fact is many people s ll do not have a Will and therefore take the risk that their estates on death will not pass to those for whom they care most.

Whether you have not yet made your Will or if your Will needs reviewing please contact our specialist team who will be delighted to assist you.

We have offices in Loughborough and Coalville or we can arrange to visit you at home.

Please feel free to contact one of our team: Anthony Benskin, Anne McGuinness or Katrina Greenwell.

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Page 29

THE FREE Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Rutland CAMRA Pub of the Year 2014 Excellent lunchtime menu Tuesday - Friday 12 ’til 2 and Saturday 12 ’til 3

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Real Ale, Real Pub, Real Food, Real People

They’re becoming a regular event now ­ these awards presenta on nights down at the Free Trade Inn in Sileby...

Mary and I a ended the most recent one ­ just to take some photos for the magazine you understand ­ where landlord and landlady Graham and Lisa were

Page 30

presented with their latest award as the best CAMRA pub in the three coun es of Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

The award was presented by Phil Tiplady, regional organiser for CAMRA. A er congratula ng the winners Phil explained the criteria used for judging: “Firstly, for this 3 coun es­wide award, pubs have to have won Pub of the Year in their own region. Then our judges visit each of these winners on a number of unannounced occasions and check for all of the following:

quality of real ales, service and welcome, atmosphere, style and décor, community focus and of course value for money.”

Now I, Steve, being one for sta s cs, had to work out what winning this one was really all about. Well there are, by my reckoning, about 700 pubs in the 3 coun es ­ so we can now safely say that The Free Trade Inn is the best out of all those 700 pubs.

And when you consider that Graham and Lisa only took over the Free Trade in March of last

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

TRADE INN Our very popular 1, 2, or 3 course Traditional Sunday Lunch 12 ‘til 3 - and from 30th November to Sunday 21st December 2 and 3 course Christmas dinner available

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NEW YEARS EVE PARTY

80s Themed Fancy Dress Back to the 80’s keyboard and vocals duo for a fun packed evening full of dancing, singing and remembering the best era we ever had!

And of course the countdown to midnight!

Songs from: Simple Minds Spandau Ballet • INXS • Madness Bad Manners • Blancmange • Duran Duran DEXY’S • Gary Numan

Graham & Lisa ­ licensees of The Free Trade Inn with their latest award

year and this is their first ever venture into the licensed trade, an award at this level really does become significant. So, you can add a few more a ributes required to win Pub of the Year: commitment, enthusiasm, focus, hard work, good management and loyal, hardworking staff.

Good Beer Guide, which is the Michelin guide to pubs if you like.

We’re now in it, with the coveted award symbol, and we’re only in our second year. Not only that we’ve won CAMRA pub of the year awards at three levels, and were just pipped at the post for the na onal award.”

I asked Lisa what this latest win meant to them: “When we first talked about having a pub of our own it was Graham’s dream to win a pub of the year award and to have an entry in the CAMRA

But, it’s not just the beer that makes The Free Trade a great pub, the food is very good too.

And I’m not saying that just because there was an excellent free buffet!

Double Page Spread with Feature ­ £195 plus VAT

Page 31

New Thai Restaurant Open in Quorn Did you know that before 1967 there wasn’t a Thai restaurant in the United Kingdom? It was probably the popularity of Thailand as a holiday des na on from the 1980s onwards that has contributed to the growth in numbers in recent years, and now with almost a million of us visi ng Thailand each year our island has more than 800 Thai eateries...

I remember the first me I, Steve, tried Thai food; it was in 1989 in Stra ord on Avon. I don’t remember the specifics, or the name of the restaurant, but I remember the experience very well. It was the first me I had had such fantas cally diverse tastes all in one meal. I’d had Chinese and Indian food and was a fan of Italian, Spanish and most other European foods available, both in restaurants and cooking at home, but Thai food was different ­ cleaner, simpler flavours and yet so diverse on the same plate. Back then the descrip on and guide of what was on the menu did leave a fair bit to one’s own imagina on, but I am pleased to say that these days it is fail­safe, especially at The Thai Tunnel Restaurant, using the red chilli pepper symbol to denote hotness ­ three being very hot as seen below: I met with Owner/Manager Woravalan Pramsang on a Saturday a ernoon at the newly refurbished restaurant on the 1st floor of 10 Leicester Road in Quorn ­ a few yards to the Mountsorrel side of the White Horse pub in the centre of Quorn Village. She showed me around and introduced me to the two chefs as they were preparing food for the evening opening. I asked her what it was that made Thai food so different and special.

Resident chefs at the Thai Tunnel Restaurant in Quorn Panuwat Jingnaga ­ le and Pa ara Srithongchim ­ right

“The most defining element of Thai food is the balance of four characteris cs: spicy, sour, salty and sweet. All dishes should include these four flavours in varying degrees of boldness. Our menu offers the dishes in classifica ons ­ from Appe sers, such as our mixed pla er which is suitable for the most delicate pale e, to our spicy Hoi Meang Pou Ob ­ succulent steamed mussels with herbs or our vegetarian favourites of spring roll with noodles, fresh crispy vegetables and sweet chilli sauce.

Then we move on to our Yum ­ Yum selec on ­ which is a course on its own (I think this is one of those that does what it says on the label! Ed’) and you can have duck, beef or vegetarian. Then we present our Soups: Tom Yum Mushroom and Tom Kha Coconut, spicy sour soups with fresh herbs and galangal.

No Thai menu would ever exist without our Phad dishes. These

On the menu is a dish I am sure Mary would like and I’ll urge her to try it on Tuesday evening when we have booked in for a meal ­ Massaman ­ Slowly cooked curry, lamb or chicken, with potatoes and onion in rich creamy coconut sauce garnished with fried, sliced onion and cashew nuts.

And what will I choose? It seems I am spoilt for choice with names like Weeping Tiger sirloin steak, or Hoi Shell Kra Ta Ron sizzling s r fried king prawns. Should I risk the daringly hot Talay Kee Mao s r fried ensemble of scallops, mussels and squid? Perhaps I’ll let the chef recommend for me… I’ll let you know how we got on next month! www.thaitunnel.uk 10 Leicester Road, Quorn 01509 620021

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Spicy Hot Very Hot Vegetarian Contains Nuts Page 32

contain our special s r fried noodles with all varie es of extras of the customer’s choice ­ Beef, Pork, Chicken, Duck and shell­on king prawns. Our special famous Thai green, red and yellow curries which we call Kaeng on our menu, again served with your choice of meat or vegetarian ingredients.”

10% OFF food orders only and valid un l 30th November 2014 with this coupon

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Thai Food is healthy eating - lots of fresh vegetables, Thai herbs and locally sourced fresh meat and fish.

Thai Tunnel serves the finest Thai cuisine in the most authentic setting right in the heart of Quorn.

Enjoy the exquisite flavours of traditional Thai dishes freshly cooked to our own recipes by our professional and dedicated team of experienced Thai chefs.

Our A La Carte menu offers a wide range of delicious dishes prepared and served individually for you in our first floor newly refurbished 60 cover restaurant. Our wine list offers an extensive choice of fine wines to accompany your meal. Bottled beers, spirits, vermouths, aperitifs and soft drinks also available.

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One way of significantly reducing heat loss is by having a thick pair of curtains at your window. It has been proven that with double glazing and curtains you can reduce your heating bills by up to 66%, so the initial outlay for a new pair of curtains may save you money in the long run.

Interlining is one way of adding insulation. It gives you an extra layer of fabric between the actual curtain fabric and the lining with the added benefit of allowing them to drape beautifully. An alternative would be to add a thermal lining, which is also suitable for roman blinds.

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Page 37

A Hotel Bathroom at Home The best hotel bathrooms are blissful escapes from humdrum reality...

Superbly planned to make the most of what is o en not a large amount of space, they offer sleek efficiency, indulgence and opulence, from cosy­toes under floor hea ng to tac le taps, monsoon showerheads and gleaming glass. And that’s not to men on the most fla ering of ligh ng schemes, the deepest of deep­fill baths and the fluffiest of fluffy towels. All this and more is why we find it so pleasurable to stay in a hotel that has got its bathrooms right. And if you hanker a er this feeling, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t recreate the same sort of haven in which to relax and refresh at home. Simply take some of the essen al elements outlined

below, and your boring bathroom can be transformed into a true bathing beauty.

Work out your wish list…

Mark Sullivan of Aquafit Bathrooms says, “This is where we start: We sit down with you to discuss what you want and to create a plan to show what’s possible within the space you have and your budget. We’ll ask about your criteria ­ Do you have another bathroom? Do you have small children ­ because you’ll need a bath if you have, not necessarily if you haven’t. Are you planning to stay where you are? If you’re planning to sell soon, you’ll need all the op ons covered.

We’ll look at ligh ng and hea ng choices ­ led ligh ng, tall chrome radiators, heated towel rails etc., and then on to how much storage and surface space you want in the

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room itself. We’ll then come up with the best op ons for you together with prices and me scales to fit and, sooner than you think, you’ll have the bathroom you always wanted…”

The best of both worlds: A walk­in shower and a bath all in a small space.

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Mixing it up

People o en come for physiotherapy with an injury caused by repe ve ac vity. Whether si ng at a computer for hours on end, running for miles day a er day, pain ng walls and ceilings or digging the garden, people seem to s ck with it un l it’s done.

But the body objects to repe on; muscles and joints become niggly, then sore and finally painful.

This is par cularly no ceable in the knees, lower back and shoulders.

Taking a break and mixing it up can do wonders for injury preven on. Runners can reduce mileage and get into the gym for other fitness benefits.

Gardeners ­ instead of digging all one day and kneeling to do plan ng all the next how about comple ng small sec ons at a me? Dig for a bit then kneel for a bit and so on. DIY decorators can alternate between ceilings, skir ng boards and other jobs and computer users can get up, walk around and stretch, or do any other tasks to take a break from the keyboard.

Taking a break and mixing it up gives muscles and joints a rest from repe on and reduces the risk of injury.

Claire Lidstone

THE

WAT E R S I D E INN

Great Food, Great Beer, Great Company

Come and join Lionel, Sue and the team in the newly extensively refurbished 18th century riverside pub-restaurant. “…a traditional English riverside pub serving quality food, traditional beers, fine wines and soft drinks at down to earth prices” Pub opening times Monday to Friday 11am til 3pm and 5pm til close Saturday and Sunday 11am til close Food served Monday to Friday noon til 2.30pm and 6pm til 8.30pm Saturday noon til 9pm Sunday noon til 4pm

© SVL

Right on the River Soar.

Sileby Road, Mountsorrel LE12 7BB 0116 230 2758 www.watersidemountsorrel.co.uk Email: food@thewatersidemountsorrel.com Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £31 per month plus VAT – See page 5

Page 39

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

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

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

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

*

The inspiration behind the creation of the ‘louis concept’ has been distilled from more than 30 years experience in kitchen design and manufacture.

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

logical

www.louiskitchens.co.uk

-

original

-

unique

-

innovative

-

sustainable

WIN a Ragdale Experience Day for two people at award winning Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa worth £180

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

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

Gym, exercise classes and outdoor facilities.

NB 10.30am arrival - 6.30pm departure

How to Enter - Complete our Christmas Wordsearch on page 57 and send your answer, which is a six word phrase, 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

For Hard Copy Readers Only

The first correct answer out of the hat after the closing date of 16th December 2014 will win. Editor’s decision is final.

Terms and conditions apply.

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

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

All vouchers are valid for a year from the day of purchase and are dispatched upon receipt of full payment. To make a purchase or for further information contact Voucher Sales on 01664 433030 or visit their website on www.ragdalehall.co.uk and take a look at their video brochure.

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

Everything under the sun ...and then some!

Sunrise & Sunset Date

Sun Rise

Sun Set

Hours of Daylight

03-Nov-14

06:57

16:30

9h 32m 52s

10-Nov-14

07:17

16:19

9h 01m 18s

17-Nov-14

07:30

16:08

8h 38m 13s

24-Nov-14

07:42

16:00

8h 17m 47s

03-Dec-14

07:53

15:54

8h 00m 46s

08-Dec-14

08:02

15:50

7h 48m 00s

15-Dec-14

08:09

15:50

7h 39m 31s

29-Dec-14

08:16

15:57

7h 41m 04s

05-Jan-15

08:15

16:05

7h 49m 44s

Moonrise & Moonset Times Date

Moonrise

Moonset

Phase First Quarter @ 02:48

31-Oct-14

13:31

23:50

06-Nov-14

16:04

06:19

Full Moon @ 22:23

14-Nov-14

12:53

23:30

Last Quarter @ 15:15

22:Nov:14

07:14

16:26

New Moon @ 12:32

29:Nov:14

12:36

-----

First Quarter @ 10:06

6-Dec-14

13:29

07:27

Full Moon @ 22:23

14-Dec-14

------

12:05

Last Quarter @12:52

22-Dec-14

08:03

16:56

New Moon @01:36

28-Dec-14

11:36

-----

First Quarter @ 18:32

The Planets

November: Mars is low in the southwest setting at 7.20 pm. The red planet shines at magnitude + 1.0 in Sagittarius. Jupiter rises about half past ten at magnitude - 2.0 and, apart from the moon, is the brightest object in the night sky. Mercury puts on its best performance of the year.

It’s visible for the first three weeks of the month shining at magnitude - 0.6 in the east at 6 am.

December: Venus reappears mid month at magnitude - 3.8 and is low in the twilight an hour after sunset.

© SVL

Cosmic Blasts

A chilling reminder...

At 9.20 in the morning of February 15th last year a piece from an asteroid measuring 20 square metres, weighing about 14,000 tons entered the Earth’s atmosphere at a velocity of approximately 41,000 miles an hour. The explosion released 20 to 30 times more energy than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima or Nagasaki at the end of WWll. The event, which happened over Chelyabinsk, southern Russia, about 2,500 miles due east of Leicester, injured nearly 1,500 people and damaged more than 7,000 buildings.

Most of the damage was caused by the shock wave as the meteor punched into the atmosphere. Some of the fragmented debris impacted at ground level, the largest being a 20ft wide hole in the frozen surface of Lake Chebarkul.

Following an operation lasting several weeks recovery of the fragment was achieved. It was brought to the surface by the diving team and initially weighed 1,442lbs, but it broke into three pieces after it fell off the scales being used.

The event was a chilling reminder that we have to take the asteroid threat seriously.

The Earth continues to be bombarded with debris left over from the formation of our Solar System. And every so often, a lump of cosmic rock far bigger than the Chelyabinsk meteorite hits our planet - as the dinosaurs learned to their cost 65 million years ago.

Using ever bigger telescopes and new satellites, astronomers are now redoubling their efforts to detect, and perhaps control, rogue asteroids.

For the last few evenings of the year, you might spot Mercury just to its lower right. It’s some 20 times fainter that Venus, at Magnitude - 0.7, but if you have a pair of decent binoculars it should be an easy target. Mars is hanging on in the evening sky, as it has been all year, and is now setting at half past seven. It’s at magnitude + 1 and lies in the constellation of Capricornus. Jupiter rising at 9pm is brilliant at magnitude - 2.2 between Cancer and Leo. January: Venus has a starring role throughout the first half of this year

and skims past five other planets.

This month you’ll catch Venus gradually rising from the twilight in the South East and shining brilliantly at magnitude - 3.8 Venus encounters Mercury only a degree to her lower right for a few days mid month. Mars is at the upper left setting at 7.45 pm. Jupiter is king of the later evening sky rising at 6.30 pm, our giant planet blazing at magnitude - 2.4 Saturn follows much later rising at 4am at magnitude + 0.7

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Children receive their golden ticket stamped by Santa’s little helper From Thursday 27th November Santa will be in his Grotto in our secret parlour at the following times:

To include: Festive sandwich selection Savoury cheese & chive straws with Stilton dip Brandy snaps • Mini mince pies Gingerbread biscuits • Christmas cake Sherry trifle shot pots • Rum truffles • Mulled wine tea

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© SVL

The springboard to confidence for your child Tumble Tots is the UK’s leading National Active Physical Play Programme for children from 6 months to 7 years All classes structured and age ranged

Classes now at:

Soar Valley Leisure Centre, Mountsorrel and Baxter Gate, Loughborough Call Sarah on

07889 444221

sarah.jones@tumbletots.com

© SVL

Page 44

We do children’s parties too!

www.tumbletots.com/Loughborough

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

Advanced Electrolysis Mary first met Pennie Blatchford at a Loughborough Ladies Business Group lunch; impressed by what she had learned, an appointment was made to visit Pennie at her clinic the following week. We had always believed that you just had to live with those various li le defects that seem to appear randomly from nowhere ­ li le tags and other skin blemishes were just a part of life’s rich tapestry…

But apparently this is not so and with very li le fuss or procedure ­ and not much cost either ­ many of these can be

easily and safely removed. Pennie explained how Advanced Cosme c Procedures (ACP) uses short­wave diathermy to remove a large variety of skin blemishes such as skin tags, blood spots, thread veins, spider naevi, warts, seborrhoeic keratoses, milia, epidermoid cysts, age spots and other benign (non­cancerous) skin lesions.

She showed us lots of ‘before and a er’ photos showing that most ACP treatments give superb results with most blemishes being completely removed.

However, cutbacks in the Health Service and overstretched medical resources mean that removal of these benign skin lesions is now only rarely available on the NHS. Disfiguring and/or embarrassing skin blemishes are seen as minor cosme c problems, regardless of the effect on the person suffering with them.

We are very excited that Pennie is now our editorial contributor on advanced electrolysis and this month’s subject is skin tags.

Skin Tag Removal Many people have skin tags which can be quickly and safely removed using ACP. These benign tumours typically grow to about the size of a grain of rice but can be as big as a raisin or even larger. They may be flesh coloured or pigmented and some are pedunculated ­ i.e. grow on a fleshy stalk.

Skin tags most commonly form in areas where there is fric on, normally where skin rubs on skin, e.g. the armpits, under the breasts, the groin and on the eyelids. They can also be a problem where jewellery or clothing rubs and are common on the neck and some mes on the back where T­ shirts repeatedly rub during ac vi es

Skin tags like these can be removed by ACP leaving smooth skin once the area has completely healed.

such as running. They can also form just inside or under the nose.

Those which occur where underwear has rubbed, whilst extremely common, can be par cularly distressing and those

where clothing or jewellery irritates them can become very sore and may be treated for this reason. However, most people have them removed because they consider them unsightly.

Pennie Blatchford

Pennie Blatchford

- Advanced Cosmetic Procedures

Effective removal of benign skin blemishes for men and women

Pennie Blatchford B.Sc.(Hons), ITEC, IBSD, BABTAC

Skin tags, blood spots, warts, seborrhoeic keratosis, age spots, thread veins, spider naevi, milia, and other benign skin defects and blemishes can be removed using advanced electrolysis.

This is an inexpensive, quick and safe procedure. Free initial consultation by fully qualified, insured and licenced practitioner.

Please see website:

www.pennieblatchford.co.uk Email: pennieblatchford@hotmail.co.uk or phone on:

© SVL

Seborrhoeic Keratosis before and after treatment

01509 646506 or 07887 865419 Hailey Avenue, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 4QW

Epidermoid cyst before and after treatment

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

Page 45

And Another Thing

Christmas Shopping

by Tom Hughes

It was that me of year again, when the late autumnal chill turns to a sharper, wintery shiver.

“Tom?”

“Mmmm?”

“What are you doing this Thursday?

“I’m busy.”

“Doing what.”

“Er, I have to creosote the dog.”

“Don’t be silly and stop hiding behind the paper. On Thursday we need to go … late night Christmas shopping.”

“Listen, I hate Christmas, and I hate Christmas shopping.

I’m like the condemned man shopping for rope. I’m a grown adult, I can make my own choices in life, so please find someone else, and that my dear, is my final, final word.”

The Trafford Centre car park was heaving as we bumped the Mondeo up onto the pavement and joined the happy throngs.

As soon as we entered, Sarah headed straight for the Christmas decora ons.

“Now Tom, do you think we need another Santa to stand in the corner of the front room?”

I turned around and stared at the rosy cheeks and glassy eyes of the li le fat man with the white beard. I felt like punching him. But instead I just pulled at his realis c whiskers.

“Er, do you mind?”

“I’m most terribly sorry,” I immediately apologised as the

Page 46

chubby old chap backed away from me, his furious wife in tow.

“Tom, what have I told you about not wearing your new glasses?

Look, this is going to be a long night so let’s just get on with it.”

“I’ll tell you what ­ let’s split up.

You give me a list and we can finish in half the me.”

Sarah’s eyes narrowed as she ripped her brown envelope in half.

“Ok ... but don’t just go to Waterstones and browse for hours.”

“As if.”

The film sec on at Waterstones was bigger than I remembered, with huge glossy tomes full of scenes from my favourite films.

One Spielberg book was as weighty as it was marvellous.

But at forty quid I couldn’t jus fy the price. I looked over the book to see the whiskered old man whom I mistook for Santa meekly shuffling along behind his wife. He looked over at me, our differences forgo en as I held up my list. A moment of male bonding amongst the manic dash for

presents. Then, as I replaced the Spielberg book, he gave me a strange, conspiratorial wink.

The next des na on was the perfume counter in Debenhams.

A scary looking woman with cartoon eyebrows blocked my path. “Paco Rabanne?”

“No, Tom Hughes, but pleased to meet you.”

I offered my hand. The sales lady tried to look annoyed, but her plastered face couldn’t quite manage it.

“No sir, it’s a perfume ... pour l’homme.”

The sensual pout took me aback ­ who was this raging fire of pure epicurean femininity?

Fingering the exo c bo le of scent, I rummaged for my list ­ Uncle Barry, a ershave.

Perfect!

“How much, madame? “£44.50 sir.”

I was in Boots when Sarah rang.

“Did you buy Barry’s a ershave?”

“No.” “Why?” “Because I haven’t me to remortgage the house. Have you seen the price of Paco Rabanne?”

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

“The Hugo Boss is on offer.”

“No chance.”

“Why not?”

“Because he dressed the Nazis.”

“Tom, I don’t think we have me to discuss the ethics of Christmas ­ just go and buy something, anything.”

I trudged back to my Gallic friend and handed over thirty quid for a ny silver bo le of what to me smelt of catnip. I met Sarah at a generic coffee emporium.

Weighed down with bags, she flopped onto the bench as I brought her a restora ve skinny la e.

“You’ve been busy.”

“Well, I just want to finish and go home. Where are your presents?”

“Here.”

I held up my li le a ershave bag.

“Is that it?”

“Well, I was distracted, the old man with the beard ....”

Sarah, half standing, slurped her coffee.

“Right, make yourself useful.

Carry these, me’s marching on, let’s go.”

Now reduced to a mute pack mule, I followed Sarah du fully around the stores, sulkily accep ng bundle a er bundle of sparkly loveliness.

And, before I knew it, it was Christmas morning and me to open our presents.

Sarah had told me what to buy her and when she opened her box gave me a polite look of mock surprise.

Then I opened my present ­ it was the Spielberg book.

“How did you know I wanted this?”

“I just had a feeling.”

The doorbell rang. It was Uncle Barry looking for his bo le of catnip. Everyone ran out to greet him. From the hall I heard a rousing “Merry Christmas!”

Now alone, I glanced over at the corner of the room, where sat a chubby, red faced Santa.

So Sarah had bought one a er all?

And do you know something? If I didn’t know be er, and if I wasn’t on my third Bucks Fizz, I could have sworn he winked at me....

Follow Tom and Sarah’s wedding at groomsdaybook.com

NEW AUTUMN MENU

Open Monday to Saturday from 6pm Last orders 9pm Contemporary Specials and Traditional Favourites In spacious comfortable surroundings Comfortable lounge bar, real flame fires, chef cooked cuisine, fine wines

Christmas menus now available

THE RESTAURANT AT THE MOUNTSORREL 217 Loughborough Road, Mountsorrel, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 7AR

01509 552 789

Email:info@mountsorrel-guesthouse.co.uk © SVL

www.mountsorrel-guesthouse.co.uk Feature your business in Soar Valley Life – contact steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk

Page 47

Spot Ten Differences Answers on page 61

Open: Open: 8am 8am - 6pm Mon - Fri 51 Weeks of the year Rothely Park Rothley Park Kindergarten is a well established private day care nursery Kindergarten is a very well established celebrating 11 years of success.

Ourprivate bright, spacious, air-conditioned day care nursery celebrating 10 years of classrooms are designed and equipped to provide quality childcare in a success and continuing to deliver an stimulatingenvironment and enjoyable environment.

We offer 113 childcare places enhancing to alllearning the children and for children thequality ages of 6 weeks standards to 5 years.of such high calibre within the their parents.between We provide maintained 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 © SVL

Page 48

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

Low Woods furnishings Put some Jingle in your Bells this Christmas!

About 2½ miles off Junc on 23 of the M1, along the A512 to Ashby, there’s a right turn signposted to Low Woods. If you’ve never been there before you’re in for a lovely surprise – this is certainly not your average fabric, so furnishings and home accessories retailer...

25 years ago it was a thriving livestock farm but now it is a whole lot more. The Jacques family ­ Mum, Dad, son and daughters ­ began by stocking furnishing fabrics to sell on market stalls throughout the region, using a redundant barn which they later converted into a retail space.

From small beginnings the word spread beyond our county borders and loyal customers now come from much further afield, a racted by the huge variety of up to date stock.

Today the business occupies 5,000 square feet in refurbished outbuildings.

The family have created a sumptuous retail environment, with café, display showrooms and stock rooms, spreading out beyond the available buildings into an all­weather heated marquee. Neat rolls of curtain and upholstery fabric line the walls in colour themed areas while furniture, sofas, gi s,

Page 49

jewellery and gree ngs cards are carefully arranged to create impact for exci ng browsing.

When I visited in mid October the Christmas stock had just arrived and a selec on had been put on display in the marquee which adjoins the main barn. I have never seen such an original, tradi onal, special and a rac ve range of fes ve gi ware and decora ons all in one place before, and compe vely priced too.

Managing Director John Jacques told me, “We buy many of our fabrics directly from tex le mills in the North and Europe whenever possible, to provide the very best lines at the best possible prices. We also have excellent contacts with quality sofa manufacturers; we are their sales link for cancelled orders and ex­display items ­ great value which we then offer to our customers ­ o en at half the RRP!” “We also have a vast selec on of pa ern books to choose from with coordina ng trimmings to match. Our workshop is on­site and our experienced seamstresses can make up your order in just a few days, all in house.”

So, if you need a bit of inspira on coming up to this year’s fes ve season take a trip to Low Woods Furnishings, just 10 minutes up the Ashby Road from Loughborough – the coffee and cake is excellent too!

See our back page 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

THE SMART WAY TO BUY HEATING OIL

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Integrated Health Care Health Care in the UK is stretched to the limit. People are living longer and with an increasing popula on the situa on is only going to get worse…

Coupled with the highest rates of chronic disease this is driving the general popula on to take more responsibility for its own health. It is es mated that over 40% of people in the UK are currently using some form of “complementary” or “alterna ve” therapy. As a result, a growing number of doctors and healthcare prac oners are referring pa ents to use mind/body approaches ­ in part because more and more people are demanding it.

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.

Using a holis c approach is based on the fundamental principles of healing which promote health rather than focusing on illness. Most enhance the body’s self­healing ability and address the underlying causes of illness. They also advocate self­care, promote a lifestyle of natural healthy foods and exercise, and emphasize communica on between pa ent and therapist.

HOPI EAR CANDLING Reduces congestion in the ear and sinus area inducing a feeling of general tranquillity, composure and comfort.

We will know that a new paradigm of healthcare has truly emerged when we no longer need to use terms like “alterna ve” and “complementary”, and these approaches are integrated with the best of conven onal health care to become standard.

Paula Reed is a member of the NHS Directory of Complementary and Alternative Practitioners

Paula Reed

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.

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

What’s On At The White Horse?

Tuesdays, 6pm-8.45pm – £5.95 Menu

Choose from a range of fantastic £5.95 specials!

Wednesdays, 6pm-8.45pm – Italian Night Enjoy a range of authentic Italian dishes!

Thursdays, 6pm-8.45pm – Steak Night

Two rump steaks or specials with a bottle of house wine for just £27.50! Individual deal for just £14!

The White Horse Inn, 6 Church Street, Seagrave, Leicestershire, LE12 7LT 01509 814715

A Pub for all seasons, delightful views in our garden in the summer or relax by the real fire with a newspaper during the winter. Friendly staff, excellent food and drink and a great atmosphere awaits…

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

Saturdays, 6pm-8.45pm – Specials Night

Buy any two specials and a bottle of house wine for just £27.50!

Sundays, 12pm-2.15pm – Sunday Lunch

The Stables Shop

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

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

1 course £8.95 2 courses £12.95 3 courses £16.95

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.

© SVL

For more details visit:

www.whitehorseseagrave.co.uk

Christmas Menu

Available from November 25th to December 24th.

Pre-order is essential for tables of 4 or more.

New Year’s Eve Menu

3 courses for £19.95 Wartime-inspired dishes…with a twist!

See our website for more details

Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £31 per month plus VAT – See page 5

Page 51

Walking ­ Shining Cliff Walk instruc ons 4 1/4 Miles

2 Hours

Use the parking area just across the river from Ambergate, where the A610 joins the A6 halfway between Matlock and Belper in Derbyshire. No toilets; chip shop with small dining area; local hostelries the ‘Hurt Arms’ (on the A6 near the junc on) and the ‘Excavator’ (on the A610).

1 Go down to the restricted bridleway signpost just on the le of the bridge and turn le past the Birches Woodland sign along the wide track with the river to the right.

Con nue upslope to the marker post.

5 Bear right, down the short slope to the marker post at the junc on, follow the path le to the next junc on and go past the chain barrier to a marker post. Keep straight on passing le of a hut and right of the bunkhouse, downslope to a marker post.

2 Bear right downslope again, between the large chunks of stone forming a barrier and keep direc on right of the factory buildings, carry on between buildings, through the gap with the ‘Shining Cliff Woods’ sign to the le and the railings to the right. Keep on the main path bearing le upslope to the green signpost.

3 Bear le , further upslope, through the gate in the wall as the trees end. Con nue up the field edge with the fence to the right and take the le , higher path at the fork. Go through the narrow gate ahead, with the war memorial to the right.

6 Turn right down this path, cross the stream and go back up to the footbridge. Turn le , further upslope and join the path le at the chain barrier. This track leads downhill back to the marker slope at point 2, turn right and retrace steps back to the parking area and your vehicle.

4 Turn sharp le , along the wider track, between the wall and the fence, up to the corner where the wall turns right close to the seats. Bear right, through the trees and the narrow wooden gate and up the path between walls; carry on with the wall to the le , through a wide gate at a marker post.

© 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 52

Email page? this Life Interested per month plus VAT – See page 5 £28steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk from in Soar Valley Adver insesponsoring

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

Page 53

Business Networking ­ Part 3

Where to go Organised business networking falls into three main categories: Chamber and Federa on, Professional and Free Sponsored...

Chamber and Federa on The two main business organisa ons serving our area are: • Leicestershire Chamber Of Commerce 1 Mill Lane, Leicester, Leicestershire LE2 7HU Phone: 0116 247 1800 www.chamberofcommerce.co.uk Affiliated to the East Midlands Chamber with Derbyshire and No nghamshire and the Na onal body of business chambers together with the CBI represen ng businesses of all sizes both regionally and na onally. Cost of membership is dependent upon the size of your business and starts from around £250 per year.

• The Federa on of Small Businesses Leicester region contact details: Maxine Aldred ­ Development Manager on 0116 2597 707 Bi­monthly free networking at Costco in Thurmaston, together with events both regional and na onal. They offer a whole range of member benefits from free advice to discounted insurance and banking packages.

Again cost of membership depends upon size (number of employees) and starts from £120 per year plus a £30 joining fee.

Professional Networking Organisa ons • BNI ­ weekly mee ngs usually start at 6.45am There are seven Chapters in Leicestershire: Beadles Lake Golf Club on Wednesdays The Grand Hotel, Leicester city centre, Thursdays Link Hotel, Loughborough, Thursdays Tigers Rugby Club, Fridays College Court Conference Centre, Knighton, Tuesdays at 6.45am and also 11.45am Premier Inn, Braunston Lane East, Fridays All mee ngs are strictly forma ed and each a endee is given a 60 second slot to promote their own business.

The mo o of the BNI is Givers Gain which relates to referrals given to fellow members. The main area execu ve director is Duncan Webster

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Tel: 0845 224 4041 Membership is around £600 for your first year which includes a one off joining fee and there is a weekly cost of between £10 and £15 towards venue and breakfast.

You can go along as a guest, paying only the venue and breakfast fee, and you can be asked to stand in for a member occasionally.

• 4N Networking Held fortnightly at The Link Hotel, Ashby Road, Loughborough star ng at 8am Each mee ng costs £12.00 breakfast and venue cost and annual membership is in the region of £400 a year. You can go along to 2 mee ngs as a guest before you have to join.

• Loughborough Ladies Business Group Monthly mee ngs at Browns Restaurant, Upper Brown Street, Loughborough. Annual membership around £36.

Free Sponsored Networking • Business Bisco Free to a end and held on the last Wednesday of every month at Low Woods Furnishing store, Low Woods Lane, Belton Loughborough LE12 9TR at 9.30am Contact Helen Thompson ­ 01530 22246.

• Costa Coffee, Loughborough Market Place Sponsored by Hawley Rogers Solicitors Last Tuesday every month 7.30 am • Starbucks, Thurmaston Retail Park, Thurmaston LE4 8GP Sponsored by Edward Hands & Lewis Solicitors Every second Thursday of the month 7.30 am to 9.30am

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

Need some help? Call Caroline Some mes it’s tough fi ng everything in when you lead a busy life...

Picking the kids up, dying the house, doing the weekly shop, ironing, preparing the evening meal, walking the dog and fi ng all this and more around a demanding career.

Perhaps you’ve tried a cleaning company, a laundry and ironing service or a domes c help and it either didn’t work out or maybe it wasn’t enough? There really are a thousand and one things to do and organise in order to create the household and lifestyle you want. Ideally you’d like a Madame Doub ire or a Girl Friday ­ but just for a few hours a week as and when you need?

Well fret yourself no more; Caroline Webster­Phillips could be the answer for you. A very capable lady, she is ready and able to fill in the gaps and take a load off your mind. She has taken early re rement from a busy job running the Home department in a large M & S store and now wants to use her experience and capabili es. She sees her role as a part me Home and Household PA, doing all those li le jobs that get put aside in a busy life, but that can build up into a problem if they’re not sorted.

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High Street Chambers 22 High Street Loughborough Leicestershire T: 01509 393 007

“ ”

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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

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Christmas Angels Bells Cards Carols Crib Decorations Frankincense Gifts Gold Holly Kings Lights Manger Mistletoe Myrhh Pudding Rudolph

Santa Sleigh Snow Stable Star Toys Tradition

Tree Turkey Wreath

Find the names associated with Christmas in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase

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

Page 57

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

Loughborough Fair The annual Loughborough Fair will be taking place in Loughborough town centre, where there will be approximately 100 show people attending, bringing with them 20 large rides, children's roundabouts, game and novelty stalls, and popular refreshment stands. Among the selection of rides will be the popular dodgems, waltzers and galloping horses.

Daily Opening Times: Wednesday, 12th November ­ 6pm to 11pm Thursday, 13th November – 12pm to 11pm Friday, 14th November ­ 11am to 11pm Saturday, 15th November ­ 11am to 11pm Dates: Wednesday 12th November to Saturday 15th November Loughborough Market Place, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3EA Telephone: 01509 634 624 South Croxton Christmas Craft Fair Find the perfect gift for everyone, as shopping is made easy at the South Croxton Christmas craft fair. There will be lots of stalls providing the choice of lots of inspiring gifts, plus you can enjoy coffee, lunch, and afternoon tea. As well as all that, the event also features a hog roast followed by home made cakes and mince pies. Open from 11.00am until 4.00pm.

Dates: Saturday 22nd November 2014 South Croxton Village Hall, School Lane, South Croxton, LE7 3RT Telephone: 01664 840 272 Christmas Fayre at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre The Heritage Centre and Country Park will host a Christmas Fayre ready to get you in the mood for festivities. The event will be a wide range of stalls selling gift items, plus there will be complimentary mulled wine and mince pies. Not only that, but the fayre will have Christmas carols, and includes free entry into the exhibition and gift shop.

Dates: Friday 28th November 6pm to 9pm Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park, Sutton Cheney, CV13 0AD Telephone: 01455 290 429 Website: www.bosworthbattlefield.com Charnwood Orchestra Concert The Charnwood Orchestra will be performing the annual autumn concert in Loughborough's Emmanuel Church. They will be performing an all Russian programme of Glinka's Valse Fantaisie, Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No 3 with soloist Eleanor Alberga and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No 4. You can also enjoy wine, real ale and soft drinks at the bar. The performance starts at 7.30pm and

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tickets are £10 per person, £9 for concessions and £3 for accompanied children under 16. Tickets can be purchased on the website or by calling the box office.

Dates: Saturday 29th November 2014 Loughborough Emmanuel Church, Forest Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3NW Website: www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk /home Telephone: 077128153117

charities as well as private entries. At last year's festival there were over 100 trees on show, perfect for some inspiration. The event will also include refreshments and a Tombola with prizes every time. Admission is £2.50 per adult, with children going free.

Open from 10.00am until 8.00pm Friday and Saturday and 12.00pm until 5.30pm Sunday.

Dates: Friday 12th December to Sunday 14th December Hathern Parish Church, Church Street, Hathern, Leicestershire, LE12 5LA

Birstall Christmas Lights Switch On The extremely popular annual event will this year feature a brass band playing for carol singers, starting from 5.30pm. The event also includes the countdown to the switch on which will be followed by more carols, plus fairground rides on Sibson Road car park and School Lane car park. As well as all that you can enjoy roasted chestnuts, hot food, and free mulled wine and mince pies in the village hall where there will also be a Christmas market.

Dates: Friday 5th December 2014 Birstall Village Hall, School Lane, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4EA Telephone: 0116 267 6191

Sileby Methodist Church Christmas Tree Festival The Sileby Methodist Church will be hosting a Christmas tree festival on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December.

All are welcome to attend, cost is £5 per tree entered. There will also be refreshments served at the event throughout.

Open from 10.00am to 3.00pm Saturday and 2.00pm until 4.00pm Sunday Dates: Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December 2014 Sileby Methodist Church, King Street, Sileby, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 7NA Telephone: 01509 813 762

Christmas at the Medieval Manor Take part in a medieval themed Christmas celebration, which will have characters in costume, Christmas carols, a mummers play, and lots of festive greenery around the manor house. Open from 11.00am until 4.00pm. Admission is £3 per adult and £3 for concessions.

Dates: Sunday 7th December 2014 Donington le Heath Manor House, Manor Road, Donington le Heath, Coalville, LE67 2FW Telephone: 01530 831 259 Website: www.doningtonleheath.com

Sleeping Beauty at Loughborough Town Hall The annual pantomime hosted at Loughborough Town Hall returns this year as Sleeping Beauty. The classic fairytale story is told through stunning sets, outrageous costumes and comical narrative. This is the perfect family event for celebrating the Christmas season.

Dates: Saturday 29th November 2014 to Sunday 4th January 2015 Loughborough Town Hall, Market Place, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3EB Telephone: 01509 231 914 Website: www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk

Clarendon Park Christmas Fair Queens Road will be closed off and traffic free in order to make way for 50 street stalls selling arts and crafts, as well as two entertainment stages, loads of funfair rides.

Also enjoy the shops, restaurants, and bars of Clarendon Park. Open from 11.00am until 5.00pm.

Dates: Sunday 7th December 2014 Queen's Road, Leicester, LE2 3FL Telephone: 0116 299 4444 Hathern Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival This year will be Hathern Parish Church's 11th annual Christmas tree festival, where there will be dozens of trees decorated and lit by local clubs, pubs, businesses, and

A Traditional Christmas at Belgrave Hall Celebrate the tradition of Christmas with seasonal entertainment from yesteryear, as well as lots of tasty festive treats. You can explore the hall which will be decked with holly and ivy, as well as choose some unique Christmas gifts from the gift fair.

Local choirs and musicians will be there to get everyone into the festive spirit, ready in time for the candlelit carols in the garden.

The event also features seasonal children's crafts, and much more. Open from 11.00am until 5.00pm, admission is £8 for a family ticket, or £3.50 for adults and concessions £2.50.

Dates: Saturday 13th December 2014 Belgrave Hall & Gardens, Church Road, Belgrave, Leicester, LE4 5PE

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

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FESTIVE F AMILY AMIL Y FU N

Register Registered ed Charity No No.. 1104839

£25 Cash Winner Congratula ons to Helen Mackay of Sileby who wins £25 just for ‘liking’ our Soar Valley Life facebook page.

0116 2987082 01509 412797 07825 795558 Cleaning:

Before

• CARPETS (Domestic & Commercial) • SUITES (Leather & Fabric)

Helen was the ‘liker’ picked at random on 21st October 2014 from all ‘likers’ on our page.

Go to Soar Valley Life/facebook for your chance to win!

• RUGS (Oriental, Asian / Silk & Wool)

After

• CURTAINS (In Situ) No obligation assessment visit as part of the service

Main Course Meal for Two Winner Congratula ons to Sally Watson of Anstey whose entry in the above compe on was the first correct answer to be drawn out of the hat a er the closing date. Any two of the herbs growing in the Mountsorrel Restaurant garden qualified for entry – sage, rosemary, oregano or mint.

Sally wins a main course meal with a glass of wine for two people at The Restaurant at the Mountsorrel – see page 47 for details

© SVL

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Roofing and flooring grade plywood

Two Night Break in Skegness Winner

8ft X 4ft £17.50 each 10 or more £2 per sheet discount

Congratulations to Sue Wiltshire of Mountsorrel whose entry in the above competition was the first correct answer to be drawn out of the hat after 30th September 2014. The seven word phrase in our Summer Wordsearch puzzle was “One swallow does not make a summer” Sue wins a two night break for two adults including full English breakfast at the Savoy Hotel, Skegness.

Feather edge fencing panels – Heavy Duty

See page 57 to win a Ragdale Spa Day for Two in our Christmas Wordsearch

Decking

6 X 2, 4 X 2, 3 X 2, treated 2 X 2 & 4 X 2 PSE

6 X 4 - £21 each 6 X 5 - £23 each 6 X 6 - £24 each Also a range of posts from 3 X 3 and 4 X 4 etc.

This is just a sample of the timber we have in stock The prices you see are the prices you pay!

Please contact Mick Campbell

Tel:

© SVL

Page 60

07840 037 464

Yard 1, Hayhill Industrial Estate, Sileby Road, Barrow-upon-Soar, Leicestershire LE12 8LD

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

Being a Landscape Photographer This is more about you than the kit in your bag.

First and foremost you must have a love of the countryside and a passion to share it…

Different or be er equipment can improve results but only marginally compared to an exhaus ve knowledge of how to get the best out of what you have. You need a good understanding of the workings of your camera and be able to adapt se ngs quickly when required.

The landscape changes only slowly but the light can change in moments and the ability to react to it or to an cipate it will capture that unrepeatable flee ng moment.

Persistence is another essen al factor; I o en visit loca ons again and again, some mes without ever making a photograph, un l condi ons are at their best.

Time of day and the seasons all have an effect. The so­ called “Golden Hours” around sunrise and sunset o en give the best light and to benefit from this means being prepared to work unsocial hours. If dawn is at 5 o’clock, and a loca on is a 90 minute drive, I have to get up no later than 3 a.m. to arrive and be set up before the sun crests the horizon. Before doing this I usually check out the loca on first to establish the best viewpoints.

May the light be with you…

Bill Allsopp

Solu ons

Theatre Quiz Answers 1.

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated while watching it

2.

Laugh

Landscape photographer available for commissions.

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

Available online or from Gallery 18, Churchgate, Loughborough. www.billallsopp.co.uk

01530 230 360

4. Cake colour on top shelf

Quick Crossword

5. Mouse in cheesecake

Across: 7 Concentra on,

6. Sausage on third shelf 7. Top truffles missing from bowl

8 U ering, 9 Easy,

8. One less layer on cake on bo om shelf

10 Smashes, 12 Omens,

9. Splodge of icing on bear tummy

14 Knell, 16 Jollier,

10. Bear tummy bigger

19 Show, 20 Es mate,

3.

Macbeth

4.

The Muppet Show ­ it was later known as The Muppet Theatre

5.

The Wings

6.

The Mousetrap

7.

The Globe Theatre

8.

Nickelodeon

3 En ces, 4 Brags,

9.

Break a leg

5 Stream, 6 Nonsense,

22 Inves ga on.

Down: 1 Colt, 2 Access,

10. The Palladium

11 Munching,

Spot the Difference Answers

13 Hostage, 15 Lawyer,

1. Lightshade lts

17 Limits, 18 He y,

2. Bite out of lolly 3. Cookie in picture

21 Tool.

Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £31 per month plus VAT – See page 5

Page 61

Established 1991

Mark Whelband

All work carries a 10 year insurance backed guarantee

Manufacturers and Installers of PVC Windows, Doors and Conservatories

Have your windows replaced and receive a free composite door - Limited period only

T: 01509 211990 F: 01509 267806 E: whelband@btconnect.com www.whelbandwindows.co.uk Unit 6, Festival Drive, Loughborough, LE11 5XJ

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Low Woods Furnishings Add some sparkle to your Christmas

See Page 49 for our feature

Come and cosy up this Christmas with our sumptuous fabrics, sofas and cushions and be inspired by our spectacular festive display * Traditional & contemporary Christmas decorations * Table & mantle piece displays * Beautiful home accessories

* Festive candles * Jewellery * Unique gift ideas at reasonable prices

Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm, Sunday: 9am - 1pm Coffee Shop Now Open Mince Pie Event - Free coffee & mince pie with every purchase, served throughout November on Wednesdays and Thursdays only, beginning the 5th.

Low Woods Lane

We are here

M1 North

Shepshed

Ashby A512 Loughborough

J23

Our showroom is at: Low Woods Lane, Belton, Nr Loughborough LE12 9TR

Tel: 01530 222246

www.lowwoodsfurnishings.co.uk