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NORTH EDITION Over 13,000 copies this month to: Loughborough, Nanpantan, Su on Bonington, Long Wha on, The Wolds, Zouch, Hoton, Cotes, Hathern, Stanford, Prestwold, Normanton, Wymeswold, & Rempstone Plus a further 13,000 next month to Soar Valley South: Barrow upon Soar Sileby, Mountsorrel, Seagrave, Cossington, Rothley, Thurcaston Quorn, Cropston, Woodhouse Eaves & Swithland, plus further copies available at high foo all retail outlets throughout Charnwood
Issue 30 Sept/Oct 2014
Your award winning
26,000 magazines
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Cook
Courge e Quiche
Walk
Pillings Lock
What’s On
In and around the Soar Valley
Win
£25 Cash Meal for Two with Wine Skegness Two Night Break for Two
WIN a two night break for two including full English breakfast at the Savoy Hotel, Skegness See page 29 for details
www.soarvalleylife.co.uk
Copy deadline for October Tuesday 30th September
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Soar Valley Life Editors Steve & Mary Johns Adver sing Chris Easom Steve Johns
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: © Bill Allsopp
Autumn Leaves!
...64 of them this month and coun ng we just keep on growing. Also this month Wymeswold and Rempstone join us in the North of our region together with Loughborough town centre and it’s business areas. If you’d like to see exactly where we deliver to now, you can download the map from our website: go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk and click the ‘How to Adver se’ tab on the home page. And, for the first me, we’re choosing retail outlets to stock Soar Valley Life, as we are being asked more frequently where people might be able to get a copy if they don’t live in the area. Tesco in Shelthorpe have agreed to stock copies from this month and we are very grateful, because as they say so themselves every li le helps. As we write, we await the announcement of the shortlists for this year’s Independent Magazine Publishers’ Awards, which take place on October 3rd. This year we’re compe ng against the big boys, not being ‘new’ any more. We’ve been nominated for 5 categories: Best Editorial, Best Website, Best Front Cover, Best Facebook Page and Best Community Magazine. Follow our fortunes on Facebook www.facebook.com/soarvalleylife. This month we have the Mountsorrel Restaurant compe on to win a meal for two, £25 cash up for grabs just for ‘liking’ us on Facebook, a weekend in Skeggy to be won and some very interes ng ar cles from brides to burials. Find out what’s happening down at the Green Place in Sileby, see Normanton on Soar School’s Outstanding Ofsted report, our usual walk, recipe, crossword, spot the difference, What’s On and a column from Nicky Morgan now our new Minister for Educa on! What a lovely start to Autumn! We hope you like it... Steve & Mary Johns
Contents
Nicky Morgan column
Page 10
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12 13
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page 15
Recipe Courge e Quiche
Page 20
“The Bridge over the Soar at Stanford” Taken July 2014 Canon 5D Mk3 and 1740mm lens
7
8 9
Walking Pillings Lock
Page 46
Time to Plant Spring Bulbs Quiz – Birds Nicky Morgan MP Shared Parental Leave Quick Crossword Wet, Wet, Wet Win a Meal for Two The Shop of Dreams Recipe – Courge e Quiche Rising Stars Launch of New Transi ons Lens Easy Sudoku Ready, Skeggy, Go! Win Two Nights in Skegness To Autumn Times they are achanging Earth to Earth Outstanding Summer Wordsearch No Brainer A Growing Success Business Networking Lonely Planet? It doesn’t have to be Everything Under the Sun Walking – Pilling’s Lock Posture Shades of Autumn Spot the Difference Think Thin Being a Residen al Landlord And Another Thing Compe on Winners Win £25 Cash What’s On Light is Everything Answers to Puzzles Made in... Europe?
7 9 10 13 15 17 18 19 20 23 25 27 28 29 30 32 34 37 38 39 40 42 43 44 46 49 51 52 53 55 56 59 59 60 61 61 62
page 18
Win a meal for two at The Mountsorrel
WIN £25 Cash with us on Facebook Page 59
READY SKEGGIE GO!
WIN A 2 NIGHT BREAK page 29
Earth to Earth Natural Burial Feature page 34
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 The Green Place Sileby
27 31
Builders and Builders Merchants Charnwood Oaks Roofing & Building BDI Design and Construct John A. Stephens Ltd
8 10 6
Child Care and Educa on Leicestershire County Council Foster Caring NormantononSoar Primary School Rothley Park Kindergarten
47 64 52
Courier Services MyParcelShop.Com
27
Funeral Services The Willows Natural Burial Grounds Ltd
35
Garden A 2 Z Cleaning Services Canopy Tree Services Charnwood Tree Services Claire Jones Gardens Harrison Landscaping
9 57 6 7 7
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.
Health Care Ac vity 4all Charnwood Hearing Aid Centre Gareth Hudson – Foot Health Professional H S Foot Care Services Physfit Gyms Raw Vitality Nutri on Reed Wellbeing Complementary Health TSL Holis c Centre Visual Answers Op cians / Optometrists Walkin Physio Ltd Yoga with Moira
49 15 16 58 17 17 53 18 25 13 16
Holidays and Travel I Can You Can The Savoy Hotel Skegness
43 29
Home A 2 Z Cleaning Services Ablu ons Bathrooms Absolute Window Solu ons Ltd Acacia Curtains and Blinds B.G.I.S. Ltd Boilerjuice Limited Bunny Appliance Warehouse Carpets of Choice Custom Conservatories & Windows Dave Mi on Electrical DCI Kitchens Delta Aerials Digital.R.Us Ltd
9 14 22 51 17 26 21 12 43 38 19 43 53
Thinking of adver sing? Sixth page square
Sixth Page from £31 per month
Quarter page Banner advert
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All adver sers get free lis ng on Soar Valley Life business directory www.soarvalleylfe.co.uk
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
Fab Plumbing Fine Finish Furniture KR Electrical LockXpert 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 The Soot Buster UK Gas Services Ltd Whelband Windows
10 24 10 38 51 9 8 59 39 8 8 54 50
Home Care Services Absolute Care Agency Icare Community Meals
15 2
Motoring Cumberland Auto Care Loughborough Kia
39 63
Pet Care Posh Dogs Woodside Animal Centre
11 11
Professional Services Baker & Co Accountants Bill Allsopp Photography CP Accountancy Ltd Intelligent Financial Advice Ltd iPaq Repair & Parts
58 61 13 18 18
Moss Solicitors Moving Made Cheaper Smartly S tch Tailors Sterling Law Solicitors The Loughborough Ladies Business Group
55 33 11 23 42
Pubs, Restaurants & Catering The Free Trade Inn The Restaurant at The Mountsorrel The Waterside Inn The Wedding Cafe The White Horse Inn
57 41 16 18 49
Residen al Care The Abbeyfield
25
Sports and Leisure Cyclops Cycles Great Central Railway Park Hill Golf Club Physfit Gyms
11 36 48 17
U li es The U lity Warehouse Discount Club
39
Wedding Services Brides and Belles The Wedding Café
19 18
Wholesalers Costco Leicester
45
Adver sing Rates
Your award winning
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Portrait
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ate op ons can be found at www.soarvalleylife.co.uk Email editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk Call 01509 813125
Like us on facebook to further promote your business www.facebook.com/SoarValleyLife
Page 5
01509 414 169
BUILDERS MERCHANTS
Main Branch/Stockyard: Castle Meadow Road, Nottingham NG2 1AG Tel: 0115 941 2861 Satellite Branch: 45 ~ 55, Radcliffe Road, West Bridgford NG2 5FX Tel: 0115 981 4313
The widest range of hard landscaping products from the East Midlands leading independent builders’ merchant Choose from: Marshalls (the UK’s leading landscape product supplier) and Stonemarket (arguably the trendsetters for innovative hard landscape products) Next day delivery for most popular products – large fleet of 20+ vehicles for prompt delivery Professional design and layout guides free to download from our website
www.johnastephens.co.uk Page 6
All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk
Time to Plant Spring Bulbs Buy early while there’s s ll plenty of variety to choose from. Most spring flowering bulbs can be planted straight away but October or November is best for tulips and hyacinths; these are late starters so are be er stored in paper bags in a cool dry place rather than being planted in damp ground outside where they may rot before they have chance to take root. It’s important to plant deeply enough roughly three mes their depth from top to bo om. If you garden on heavy soil add a handful of gri y sand to the bo om of each plan ng hole to improve drainage around the roo ng zone. Naturalise in grass or plant in borders or pots a bit of me invested now will guarantee a splash of colour in the spring.
0116 2987082 01509 412797 07825 795558 Cleaning:
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• CARPETS (Domestic & Commercial) • SUITES (Leather & Fabric) • RUGS (Oriental, Asian / Silk & Wool)
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• CURTAINS (In Situ) No obligation assessment visit as part of the service
© SVL
www.theprofessionalcarpetcleaner.co.uk
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Page 8
Registered Stove Installer
All work undertaken within
7
days!
Tel: 01455 828967 m: 07821 774273 e: sootbuster1@gmail.com www.thesootbuster.co.uk Dave is also a registered Mole Catcher
Feature your business in Soar Valley Life – contact steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk
Quiz – Birds 1.
In the nursery rhyme Sing A Song Of Sixpence, how many blackbirds were baked in a pie?
2.
Which mythical bird would live for hundreds of years and then build a nest of twigs that it would set fire to, burning itself to ashes from which a new bird would be born?
3.
Origina ng in a play called The Birds by Aristophanes, what three word phrase is used to mean an unrealis cally idealis c state where everything is perfect?
4.
What "bird" was Michael Parkinson referring to when he said that despite all the stars he had interviewed, he'd always be remembered by "that bloody bird"?
5.
What type of bird is Wheezy modelled on in the Toy Story films?
6.
Buzz Buzzard was the nemesis of which cartoon character?
7.
What bird is used as a term in golf to refer to a score of three under par on a hole?
8.
What type of birds are kept at the Tower of London at all mes in accordance with a legend that says that if they are absent then the kingdom will fall?
9.
Which European country's flag has a black twoheaded eagle on a red background?
10. Of the 364 gi s given in total in the song The Twelve Days Of Christmas, how many are birds? Answers on page 61
Richard Watson Professional Painter and Decorator from internal to external
Thirty years experience in the trade - Sileby based
Better value by far! • Free Estimates • No VAT For a full personal service call
T: 01509 815753 M: 07880 754011
A2Z CLEANING SERVICES • •
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Pressure Washing A2Z can clean any hard surface with the latest in Pressure Washing equipment the results are spectacular. We can clean Car Parks, Car Dealerships, Forecourts, Driveways, Patios, remove Graffiti and much more.
2 Abbey Business Park, Friday Street, Leicester LE1 3BW
T: 0116 2629596 • E: sales@leicestercleaners.com • www.leicestercleaners.com Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £31 per month plus VAT – See page 5
Page 9
Nicky Morgan MP
Plumbing or Heating Problem? A local professional service for all your gas, plumbing and heating requirements
It is always a great pleasure when, as a Minister, I am able to champion an excellent local organisa on or cause...
Recently I announced an £80m Local Growth Deal for Leicester and Leicestershire which will par cularly be spent on boos ng skills, delivering homes and building transport links. And one of those transport links is the Great Central Railway’s Bridging the Gap project. I was delighted to confirm an addi onal £1m towards this important project which will deliver tourism, appren ceship and economic benefits as well as enabling the GCR to offer more train tes ng facili es. I was also very pleased that the Ministry of Defence has now set out the next steps in establishing the Defence Na onal Rehabilita on Centre at Stanford Hall, near Loughborough. It will be a huge privilege to host the na onal rehabilita on centre for our injured armed services personnel in Leicestershire. Recent weeks have seen the closure of the A6 through Loughborough as work con nues to enable a trial of full pedestrianisa on to take place. It is good to watch the new Inner Relief Road being used in increasing numbers. Please be assured that Loughborough’s shops and our excellent market remain open for business. Finally, I was honoured and delighted to be asked by the Prime Minister in July to become Secretary of State for Educa on. This is a very exci ng job and a great me to be taking over. Michael Gove has been a hugely influen al and reforming Secretary of State – working to raise standards, focus on discipline and set teachers free from Whitehall interference. My task is to con nue these reforms and to ensure they are delivered well and our teachers are supported. As I said on the day of my appointment, educa on can be life transforming and I think parents want to know that their children are going to get a great educa on regardless of which school they a end or their background and that they will be given the skills and confidence to play their part in securing a be er future for Britain. In the mean me if you need assistance please e mail 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 10
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
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0333 456 7080 07867 301862
• • • • • •
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
Re-wires Fuse Board Upgrades Extra Sockets & Lighting New Builds & Extensions Inspection & Testing Garden & Security Lighting • Electric Showers • Burglar Alarms
ALL WORK GUARANTEED
For a FREE quote: M: 07970 893250 T: 0116 2303166 Saxon Drive, Rothley, Leicestershire LE7 7SR www.krelectrical.com Info@krelectrical.com
CONSTRUCTION NEW BUILD EXTENSIONS RENOVATIONS LOFT CONVERSIONS
DESIGN DESIGN DEVELOPMENT CAD PLANS DRAWN PLANNING APPROVAL BUILDING REGULATIONS
From your ideas, through the planning and regulations stage to building and completion, we work with you all the way.
Sileby Based - initial consultation is free of charge and without obligation in the Soar Valley area CONTACT MATTHEW: 07877 523669 E-MAIL: bdi-design-construct@outlook.com © SVL
Anything of interest you’d like to see in the next issue? Call 01509 813 125 or email editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk
1A Little Church Lane (next to St. Mary's Church) High Street, Sileby, LE12 7NE
SMARTLY STITCH CLOTHING ALTERATIONS & REPAIRS
1120 Melton Road, Syston
0116 260 8500
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A range of POLARIS Childrens clothing NOW IN STOCK
Professional Alterations and Repair Work to all garments including trousers, jackets, coats, skirts, dresses, new zips
Made to Measure Curtains alterations also undertaken
Motorbike and Equestrian Leather Clothing repaired and altered
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PROFESSIONAL DRY CLEANING AGENTS
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Woodside Animal Centre 190 Scudamore Road, Leicester LE3 1UQ
0116 233 6677
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Canine Grooming and Spa
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• Safe, clean and friendly environment • Teacup to large breeds catered for • Fully qualified and experienced Mon - Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm • Sat 9.30am to 5.00pm
41 Swan Street, Sileby LE12 7NN
Call 01509 767420 / 07592 594000 bethklg@hotmail.co.uk
© SVL
www.poshdogsgrooming.com
Feature your business in Soar Valley Life – contact steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk
Page 11
Good choice of rugs always available in store
Shared Parental Leave Statutory pay and leave for employed parents is being reformed by HM Revenue & Customs... From 5 April 2015 parents of babies born a er this date will be en tled to Shared Parental Pay and Leave. This will mean working mothers are able to end their maternity leave and pay early and share any untaken leave and pay with their partner. Parents may take their leave in phases; however they must no fy their employer eight weeks before they become eligible for it and it must all be taken between the child’s birth and their first birthday.
CP Accountancy Ltd End of year accounts, Bookkeeping, VAT, PAYE, CIS, and Tax Returns for Sole-traders, Partnerships and small Limited Companies
New Na onal Minimum Wage From 1st October 2014 the na onal minimum wage will increase as follows: Adults aged 21 years and over: £6.50 per hour 18 years to 20 years inclusive: £5.13 per hour Above school leaving age but under 18 years: £3.79 per hour Appren ces under 19 years or in their first year of appren ceship: £2.73 per hour Caroline Dinsmore Tel: 01162 303 973
Office 9 Lazarus Court, Woodgate Rothley, Leicestershire LE7 7NR Tel: 01162 303 973 Mobile: 07749 650129 Email: info@cpaccountancyltd.co.uk
Caroline Dinsmore is licensed and regulated by the AAT under license number 5865
For appointments call or text: Physiotherapy & Acupuncture
07884493809
www.walk-inphysio.co.uk • info@walk-inphysio.co.uk
Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £31 per month plus VAT – See page 5
Page 13
It’s not big... (but it is clever!) It’s a designer bathroom* - and it’s in a space less than 6 feet square. It’s easy to use, it’s easy on the eye, it’s easy to clean and it’s easy on the pocket! It’s another award winning idea from Ablutions.
Find out the true potential for your bathroom - call 01530 215034 to arrange a free design consultation.
*You can see this bathroom in our showroom along with many other unique design solutions including our easy access baths and showers, bespoke shower enclosures and Glazztech our new and exclusive one piece glass shower walls.
Unit 7 Stephenson Court, Brindley Road, Stephenson Industrial Estate, Coalville LE67 3HG Open 10am to 5pm. Saturdays 10am to 3pm. Closed Sundays
www.ablutions.net
Quick Crossword 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 9
Across
Down
1 In addi on (4)
1 From the United States (8)
3 Greets (8)
10
9 Painful condi on (7) 11
10 Childminder (5)
12 13
14
15
16
17
11 Developments (12) 14 Appropriate (3) 16 Braid hair (5) 17 Winter sport (3)
18
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20 21
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2 Tantrum (5) 4 Used for seeing (3) 5 Condensed (12) 6 Parts of an hour (7) 7 Speaks (4) 8 Talented (12) 12 Delete (5)
18 Purposefully (12)
13 Two wheeled vehicles (8)
21 Timepiece (5)
15 Rigid support frame (7)
22 Dis nc ve (7)
19 Departs (5)
23 Moving very fast (8)
20 In debt (4)
24 Ques ons (4)
22 Male child (3) Answers on page 61
Charnwood Hearing Aid Centre Ltd Lynne Leeming, MSc RHAD MSHAA
FREE,
no obligation homecare needs assessment in your own home
Your local hearing specialist 5 Stadon Road, Anstey Leicester, LE7 7AY Existing hearing aid users welcome Hearing protection for both children and adults Friendly and professional service
Telephone: 0116 236 6633 Email: charnwoodhearing@btconnect.com www.charnwoodhearing.co.uk
For people who care about their hearing Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm Wed & Sat 9.30am - 12.30pm
Find out how our local, family run Home Care Agency can help you
Adver se in Soar Valley Life from £31 per month plus VAT – See page 5
Page 15
Yoga Classes
Gareth Ga a Hudson
Well established classes run by qualified tutor.
MCFHP MAFHP
All levels of experience catered for. New members of all abilities welcome!
Fo Foot oo Health Professional Visiting Practice
Even if you have never experienced Yoga before please come and join us – Yoga is fun! Learn a new skill. Improve your posture. Be energised. Experience relaxation techniques. Work on good basic breathing. Acquire a tool to manage the everyday stresses of life.
For all your foot care needs in the comfort of your own home: + Nails
Mountsorrel
+ Corns
Tuesdays from 7 to 9pm restarting 16th September 2014 at the Memorial Hall on Leicester Road.
+ Calluses + Ingrown toenails
Woodhouse Eaves
+ Fungal infections
Wednesdays from 7 to 9pm restarting 17th September 2014 at St. Paul’s School on Meadow Road.
+ Diabetic foot care Registered Member Of The British Association Of Foot Health Professionals
Tel: 01509 844461 Mobile: 07896 945156 Email: garethhudson82@live.co.uk
Want to find out more?
My name is Moira – call me on 0116 230 2402 Mobile 07802 728 871 Email: mhardysmith@o2.co.uk
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 Noon til 3pm and 5pm til close Saturday noon til midnight Sunday noon til 9pm Food served Monday to Friday Noon til 2.45pm and 6pm til 8.30pm Saturday noon til 8.30pm Sunday noon til 6pm
Right on the River Soar. Sileby Road, Mountsorrel LE12 7BB 0116 230 2758 www.watersidemountsorrel.co.uk Email: food@thewatersidemountsorrel.com Page 16
All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk
Wet, Wet, Wet Arguably the most significant development in personal bathing in the home since the shower cubicle is the emergance of the wet room... A wet room is a waterproof room equipped with a shower. The room itself becomes the shower enclosure and the drain is inset into the floor replacing the conven onal shower tray. It has been made possible to create a wet room in most domes c residences due to the advancement of waterproof materials, equipment and fi ngs such as more effec ve
ceramic adhesives, sha erproof polymers, laminated glass, and be er designed internal drainage systems. I asked Chris Henman, of BGIS in Burton on the Wolds, if any home could have a wet room. “Almost,” he replied, “although there’s usually a lot more involved than you might think and it’s important to have a wide range of skills: ling, plumbing, plastering, carpentry, joinery, decora ng, and floor covering experience. You can o en hit a snag and without the know how to resolve it on the spot the project can get delayed and the costs go up. We have
the whole range of resources available on every job and with our background of whole home improvement behind us we know we can provide luxury, state of the art, affordable bathrooms and wet rooms in almost any situa on. But it’s not just bathrooms and wet rooms; we’re able to start, maintain and complete every aspect of home improvement from beginning to end.” Chris has a pre y impressive client base which he told me about, too. You’ll have to ask him though – I couldn’t possibly say...
Affordable Luxury Bathrooms, Wetrooms & Home Improvements 23 Souters Lane, Burton on the Wolds, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5AL
Tel: 01509 881713 Mob: 07944 798 588 chbgis@aol.com www.bgis.co.uk
Fully inclusive membership
£23.00 per month for unlimited use
Best equipped gym in the Soar Valley ®
7 - 11 Brook Street, Sileby LE12 7RF
0773 338 5187
Free parking on Station/Tesco car park
9 til 9 Mon to Thurs, 9 - 7 Fri, 10 - 1 Sun physfitgyms@hotmail.com www.physfitgyms.co.uk
BioSignature
The ultimate fat loss programme
One to one consultations held in new Sileby Studio • Lower body fat • Address nutrient deficiency • improve health • lower stress • improve sleep • feel great Exercise plans can also be included Our facility is also available for hire Call or email for Prices and Packages
Rob Willcocks – Nutritional Consultant and Personal Trainer
07531 047 239
email – robwillcocks@hotmail.co.uk
Bringing harmony to mind, body and soul • 'Sunday Best' Monthly Vintage Craft Fair • Saturday Night Sewing Parties! • After School Kids' Craft Club • Event Nights – BYOB
We cater for events & have a vintage tea tent!
Call or see our facebook page for details
Massage Treatments • Holistic Therapies Beauty Treatments • Tarot & Spiritual Readings © SVL
75 Woodgate, Loughborough LE11 2TZ
01509 239600
www.tslholistic.co.uk
We provide:
• • • • • •
Wedding Consultation Venue Dressing Party Packages Sweetie Cart Buffet Hire Prop & Accessory Hire Pop Up Tea Tent Hire
8a High Street, Syston, LE7 1GP
theweddingcafeuk
Call 0116 286 6447 FOR AN INSTANT QUOTE
Unit 33, King Street Buildings, George Street Entrance Enderby, Leicester LE19 4NT
www.ipaqrepair.co.uk
MORTGAGES
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
• Mortgages • Life assurance • Commercial loans & insurance • Buildings and contents insurance • Accident, sickness & unemployment insurance Telephone Charles Barrett
01509 231335 or 07752 312145
Westgate House, Royland Road, Loughborough, LE11 2EH
Email:c.barrett@ifalimited.co.uk
Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate some aspects of commercial mortgages and some aspects of commercial finance. There will be a fee of £550 for mortgage advice payable on completion; we will offset © SVL this fee against any commission we receive from the lender where available.
Page 18
Win a Meal for Two at The Restaurant at The Mountsorrel
For your chance to win a main course meal with a glass of wine for two people at The Restaurant at The Mountsorrel just name two of the herbs growing in their garden. See pages 40 and 41 for details.
Send your answers 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 The first correct answer out of the hat a er the closing date of Tuesday 21st October 2014 will win. Editor’s decision is final. Terms and condi ons apply.
Feature your business in Soar Valley Life – contact steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk
The Shop of Dreams When I met Gina Spender of Brides & Belles, Wigston, I wondered if our part of the Soar Valley might be a bit too far away... “Not at all,” she replied, “distance isn’t the first considera on when it comes to buying that special dress. We’ve had brides from many parts of the UK and only recently a girl from Weston Super Mare and it’s our reputa on that brings them to us. Every new client has an indepth one and a half hour consulta on. We have dozens of different styles in stock and can alter most of them in house. All fi ngs are private with the
shop made available for the dura on of the appointment. We can provide everything for the bride and bridesmaids, including an extensive range of accessories, shoes, veils, bridal lingerie and flowers. We also work with a partner to dress the groom and his party as well.” I asked how much a bridal gown might cost these days. “The range we have in stock starts at around £600 and goes up to about £1600. We offer interest free credit too. And for perfect peace of mind, we can also come to the bride on the wedding morning to provide a personal dressing service and a end to any last minute altera ons.”
Gina Spender with her range of Bridal gowns
When I asked Gina to tell me the best thing about her business she was in no doubt: “Seeing the happiness shining through when they see themselves in their finished and fi ed gown; that’s when they realise that they’re well on the way to fulfilling their dreams.” And that’s what Brides & Belles is all about, isn’t it? Helping dreams to come true...
Opening times:
Monday: 9.00 - 3.00 • Friday: 10.00 - 3.00 Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday: 10.00 - 5.00 • Tuesday & Sunday: Closed Please contact us before you visit as pre booked appointments are given priority
NEW RANGES IN STOCK FROM SEPTEMBER – See website for end of season
SALE!
Appointments available outside our normal opening hours by prior arrangement
We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful boutique in Wigston Leicester very soon
88 Leicester Road, Wigston, Leicestershire LE18 1DR info@bridesandbelleswigston.co.uk
© SVL
All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk
Page 19
Recipe This month’s recipe sponsored by
Bunny Appliance Warehouse
Courge e Quiche
There’s an abundance of home grown courge es in the shops at the moment – or you may have some growing in your garden. Make the most of them with this tasty quiche which can be served warm or cold.
1
2
3
4 5 6
7
Tip
To make the pastry, si the flour into a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt and the cubed bu er and rub the bu er into the flour un l the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and 23 tbsp ice cold water and mix with a round bladed knife un l the mixture begins to s ck together, adding a li le more water, if needed. Gather the mixture together with your hands and knead for just a few seconds on a lightly floured surface un l just smooth. Wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up. Roll out the chilled pastry and use to line a 20cm round metal flan n. Prick the pastry base all over with a fork and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes. Line the pastry case with baking paper and fill with baking beans then bake blind on the hot baking sheet for 1015 minutes. Remove the paper and beans and cook for a further 5 minutes un l the pastry is pale golden. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Heat half the oil in a large frying pan and fry the courge e slices for 12 minutes un l just beginning to so en. Remove with a slo ed spoon and set aside on kitchen paper. Add the rest of the oil to the pan and fry the shallots, mushrooms and garlic for 5 minutes then add the chopped courge es and fry for a further 1 2 minutes, s rring un l just so ened. Spoon the courge e and mushroom mixture into the pastry case. Beat together the eggs, milk, crème fraiche and Cheddar and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Slowly pour into the pastry case over the courge e mixture. Arrange the fried courge e slices and tomato slices on top of the filling and sprinkle with the Italian mixed herbs. Bake in the oven for 2530 minutes un l the filling is set and golden. Serve warm or cold with salad. Add a handful of pine nuts when frying the shallots and mushrooms if liked or sca er some chopped walnuts over the filling before baking.
Page 20
Serves 6 Ready in 1 hour 20 minutes, plus chilling
Ingredients: • 225g plain flour • 100g lightly salted bu er, chilled and cubed • 1 medium egg yolk beaten
Filling • • • • • • • • • • •
1 tbsp olive oil 3 courge es, 1 sliced and 2 chopped 2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped 75g mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 3 medium eggs 150ml milk 100ml crème fraiche 50g mature Cheddar cheese, finely grated 1 tomato, thinly sliced 2 tsp dried Italian mixed herbs
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Rising Stars Did you know that the word ‘sterling’ most likely evolved from the mediaeval word for ‘star’? A er 1066 the Normans introduced their coinage to Britain and some of their silver pennies bore a small star. 240 ‘star pennies’ equalled one pound in weight which, over me, became known as a pound sterling. The word sterling also came to mean excellent or of great value so revered was Bri sh currency in mes gone by... In today’s world, we some mes need professional exper se in order to protect our valued property or rights and freedoms. This is especially so in a mul cultural world where one set of laws might clash with another. Sterling Law Solicitors have been figh ng our corner and represen ng us on all things legal since 2011 and when I visited their offices at High Street Chambers, Loughborough, I met with Head of Opera ons, Gous Ali (pronounced ‘ghost’ without the ‘t’) who explained Sterling’s principles. “We do believe we’re different from most law firms these days, giving a personal service from the first me you contact us right through to comple on of
your project or issue and beyond, keeping in touch for any help you might need. Ini ally, we invite you in to chat with us for an assessment of your requirements, en rely free of charge and obliga on. We have 10 dedicated members of staff here at Loughborough and together we are expert in all family and company law. For our private premier overseas clients who have interests here in the UK we offer a 10 point special service package which can include chauffeur driven car from the airport, on demand priority legal access, and even helicopter transporta on and bodyguard services! But, of course, we take great care of every one of our clients and welcome all enquiries we want our exper se in legal ma ers to be available for everyone. There’s a very apt phrase I o en remind myself and my colleagues of just because something is standardised it doesn’t mean you are meaning many things in law and society are bound by rules, regula ons and customs, but it’s the way we interpret these things which can help move us forward and resolve issues.” Sterling stuff from these rising stars...
High Street Chambers 22 High Street Loughborough Leicestershire T: 01509 393 007
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New Brook House 385 Alfreton Road Nottingham NG7 5LR T: 0115 740 1177
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Visual Answers Launch New Transi ons Lens Award winning Loughborough optometrists Visual Answers are one of the first op cians in the UK to have promoted the new high performance adap ve lens from Essilor known as Crizal Transi ons Signature... The latest Crizal adap ve lenses from Transi ons react from clear to a classic graphitegreen in sunlight. Their patented Chromea 7 Technology not only blocks dangerous UV light to your eyes but also provides more natural vision and enhanced colour percep on. “The response has been amazing,” said Principal Optometrist Mohammed Bhojani, “the lenses react more appropriately to indirect sunlight and become darker than any previous Transi ons lenses on ho er days. Providing 25 mes more UV protec on than the naked eye, they also offer protec on against reflec ons, scratches, smudges, dust and water marks and come with a 2 year scratch resistant guarantee.” Feedback thus far has been so posi ve that these ‘smart technology lenses’ also come with a Visual Answers guarantee too: If you’re not 100% delighted with them Visual Answers will replace them with an equivalent clear lens within 1 full month of your collec on, without fuss or quibble. New Transi ons Signature lenses are available in grey, brown and iconic graphite green. More informa on about these smart technology lenses is available from Visual Answers optometry prac ces near Loughborough: Telephone Quorn 01509 414151 or Barrow upon Soar 01509 416800
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
Drawing Workshop 20th September
With professional artist Ruth Gray
Batik for Beginners 27th September
Easy Sudoku
With professional artist Louise McIntosh
Learn to paint watercolour flowers 4th October
With professional artist Helen Nowell
Halloween Monster Drawing Workshop (for Children)
25th October
With professional artist Helen Nowell
The Gallery in Sutton Bonington Open Thursdays to Sundays: 11am - 5pm Answers on page 61
For how to play go to h p://www.sudoku.name/rules/en
01509 678867
www.suttonboningtongallery.com
Feature your business in Soar Valley Life – contact steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk
Page 27
Ready, Skeggie, Go! The Jolly Fisherman was designed 106 years ago and the familiar old salt con nues to this day as the mascot of Lincolnshire’s premier resort... John Hassall was commissioned by The Great Northern Railway Company in 1908 to produce a poster to promote holiday travel from Kings Cross to Skegness. It was displayed from Easter of that year to coincide with the introduc on of a special three shilling excursion. The last of these trips ran on August Bank Holiday 1913. The original now occupies a place of honour in Skegness Town Hall a er it was given to the town by Bri sh Railways in 1966 along with the copyright. It was a long forgo en railway employee who coined the phrase ‘Skegness is so bracing’ which is as accurate today as it was in the days before ‘climate change’ owing to the prevailing breeze from the North Sea. I wonder if there’s anyone who grew up in the East Midlands who has never been to Skegness? Famous for its sandy beach, which at low de stretches for miles it seems, holiday camps, funfairs, caravan sites, fish & chips, ice cream, s cks of rock, kissmequick hats and all the English seaside paraphernalia a kid could wish for. It was the Vikings who se led here in the 9th century a er landing on a promontory of land. The name itself is derived from those first Danish explorers who pronounced it ‘Skeggie’s ness’ ness being their name for a headland. It became a haven with a harbour, flourishing as a
Page 28
fishing town un l a violent storm washed it all away in the 16th century. The original site of the town is now a mile out to sea. The town’s fortunes didn’t really return un l the railway arrived in 1873. The land was then owned by the Earl of Scarborough who foresaw the poten al for Skegness and invested in the rebuilding and enlarging of the town. It is he we should thank for the wide treelined streets, the promenade, pier, gardens, clock tower and many of the buildings. Then just a er the end of WW1 the Earl sold his interest in the whole sea shore to Skegness District Council for a princely sum and no doubt a handsome profit. For the rest of the 20th century Skegness prospered as a working class holiday resort, mainly due to the first proper holiday camp opened at Ingoldmells in 1936 by Billy Butlin, who declared, ‘Our true intent is all for your delight’. Then followed caravan and camping sites and ‘The August men in thousands took the road to watch the sea and find the sun…’ Skegness has had its ups and downs over the last few decades, suffering like many places through recessions, property boom and busts and the variable English weather. But every me I’ve ever visited, in good mes or bad, on Bank holidays, weekends or weekdays, it has always bustled with life and is somehow always constant. For me and the majority of East Midlands folk too I suspect I always feel I get what I expect from Skegness. No one has ever oversold the place, except perhaps Mr Butlin and a certain Yorkshire Earl, but
The original 1908 poster which featured the Jolly Fisherman for the first me.
it does what it says in buckets and spades, I reckon. It’s also a bit quicker to get to these days with the improvement of the A46, being now a dual carriageway all the way from Leicester to Lincoln. The satnav tells me it takes under two hours. If I wanted to travel by train from Loughborough, it would set me back a bit more than the three bob they were charging in 1908. Two hundred mes more to be precise. But all things considered £30 for a return cket seems fair enough these days... Oh, and this month’s compe on gives you the chance to win a two night stay at one of the town’s premier hotels on the North Parade The Savoy, no less. The Earl of Scarborough’s grand promenade awaits two lucky people. So, what are you wai ng for? Turn to page 38, complete our Summer Wordsearch and send us your answer. Ready, Skeggie, Go!
All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk
WIN
a two night break for two adults including full English Breakfast at the Savoy Hotel, Skegness
The Resort’s Premier Seafront Hotel. Offering 48 stylish bedrooms, all furnished to a very high standard and fully equipped with modern facilities, one of the largest hotels in Skegness
How to Enter
Solve our Summer Wordsearch Puzzle on page 38 and send your answer, which is a related seven 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. The first correct answer out of the hat after the closing date of Tuesday 30th September will win. Prize must be taken by the end of May 2015 excluding Bank Holiday weekends and subject to availability. Editor’s decision is final. Terms and conditions apply
Telephone 01754 763371 North Parade, Skegness, Lincolnshire www.savoy-skegness.co.uk
To Autumn Season of mists, music and mellow frui ulness down at Sileby’s Green Place... Summer gives way to Autumn as The Green Place hosts its late summer Mini Music Fes val on Saturday 20th September midday ‘ l 8pm. Eight hours of great music using both the garden stage for electric acts and the yurt for in mate acous c sessions. There will be oven baked pizza, a barbecue, a bar and kids games. Tickets are £4 and money raised will help support the Green Place and Farside music. The Green Place is open throughout Autumn right up to Saturday 20th December Wednesdays to Saturdays. There’s a cafe, ethical shop, garden, yurt, secondhand books, workshops and more. October school half term 22 24th October sees some great children’s workshops for the October break. Check their Facebook page for details: h ps://www.facebook.com/Th eGreenPlaceSileby. Check Soar Valley Life website as well as the magazine What’s On page. Halloween week gets a kick start with Wizard Day 25th October 11am ’ l 3pm. You can pop along and make a Page 30
range of exci ng magical things at our annual Wizard day. Brooms cks, wands, masks, lanterns, popcorn making and more. Get ki ed out for Halloween! The Green Place goes on tour taking their gi s along to Charnwood Fairtrade market on Saturday 8th November 10am ‘ l 4pm at the Town Hall in Loughborough. Countdown to Christmas with Christmas Cra s Saturday 29th November 11am ’ l 3pm Why not make some handcra ed gi s for Christmas this year? A whole host of gi s including suncatchers, clocks, shopping bags, mirrors, bead necklaces and more. Christmas at The Green Place: Sileby Lights Night Fri 5th Dec 5pm ‘ l 8pm Come and join us in the fes ve yurt gro o with a visit from Father Christmas. The garden will be decorated with lights, candles and a fire. There will be fes ve
Open Wed to Sat 10am till 4pm
Ethical Gifts • Wildlife Garden Green Pc’s • Coffee Shop
Yurt
The Mongolian yurt is a wonderful place to sit and have a coffee or snack. It’s great in Winter too when the wood burning stove makes it even cosier. It is also available for hire for parties and celebrations.
www.greenplace.org.uk
01509 815181
fare including toasted marshmallows, mulled wine, soup and more. Also a great chance to sort your Christmas present buying with an excellent range of unusual and eco friendly gi s. Sat 20th Dec Please note The Green Place closes for Christmas today at 4pm. Please make sure you are ready for the fes ve period it's your last chance to purchase ll we reopen Sat 20th March 2015…
All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk
WIN
a two night break for two adults including full English Breakfast at the Savoy Hotel, Skegness
The Resort’s Premier Seafront Hotel. Offering 48 stylish bedrooms, all furnished to a very high standard and fully equipped with modern facilities, one of the largest hotels in Skegness
How to Enter
Solve our Summer Wordsearch Puzzle on page 38 and send your answer, which is a related seven 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. The first correct answer out of the hat after the closing date of Tuesday 30th September will win. Prize must be taken by the end of May 2015 excluding Bank Holiday weekends and subject to availability. Editor’s decision is final. Terms and conditions apply
Telephone 01754 763371 North Parade, Skegness, Lincolnshire www.savoy-skegness.co.uk
Times they are achanging Brighter days ahead in the UK housing market? In 2008 the brakes went on in the property market immediately a er the banking collapse in the US and Europe. Total UK monthly mortgage lending had peaked in October 2007 at £33 billion plumme ng to £9 billion in February 2009; this 72% drop led to a prolonged stagna on of the market. But recent government ini a ves, together with an easing of restric ons in the banking sector, are restoring confidence and proper es are now selling again with mortgage lending up to just over half of what it was at it’s peak almost £18 billion in June 2014. However, the powers that be the Bank of England, the Government and financial pundits are all urging cau on so we don’t go down the old road again of lending more than the market and ins tu ons can stand. The way in which we find our dream home has changed quite drama cally too over the last decade or so. These days more than 80% of us look for a property on the internet first, elimina ng the need to trawl the high streets, in and out of estate agents’ offices, picking up sheaves of property details. As in many other areas, the internet has revolu onised the way we do things, paving the way for substan al cost and me saving benefits in the process of house buying. The industry has largely risen to the challenge, inves ng heavily to provide fast and user friendly search facili es, and most local estate agents link to one of the major property websites now available. FTSE 250’s highest ranked internet property company lists Loughborough based “Moving Made Cheaper” at number two and three respec vely in new listed proper es and stock available. I spoke to Clare Edwards, a partner in Moving Made Cheaper, who told me more about the way the market is changing.
Computer screen shot of Moving Made Cheaper’s ranking on Rightmove
Page 32
“Most Estate Agents s ll run expensive high street offices with high running costs which all have to be passed on to the client. We don’t have that. My business partner Jackie Marston and I started Moving Made Cheaper in 2011 precisely to offer lower priced professional estate agency services without all the unnecessary frills. We offer genuine, fixed, lowpriced fees and charge no commission or added expenses. And, we don’t s nt on the care or service you’d expect. We’ve hundreds of happy clients, both buyers and sellers, many of whom have given tes monials which you can see on our website. You can speak directly to any one of them and ask them personally about us, as they have all given their permission for you to do that. We are achieving a 97% sa sfac on ra ng from the surveys taken from our clients which is second to none in our business. Jackie and I have 25 years of combined experience in the housing market and we know what clients want and need; we have seen the change first hand and have responded to it. It works too! It’s not just about the number of houses sold though, it’s about all aspects of the business having houses to sell and then selling them quickly and efficiently at the market price so that every one is sa sfied. So far this year (mid August 2014) we’ve sold 151 and acquired 143 new instruc ons.” I asked Clare what makes them unique. “Apart from charging less, as our name states, it’s the efficiency and care from beginning to end of the selling and buying process. We guarantee to have your ‘For Sale’ board up and your details on the World Wide Web through Right Move within 24 hours of your instruc on. Oh, and by the way, the property behind the board pictured above was sold within a day!” Wow! I guess the mes they are achanging...
All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk
Earth to Earth Alluded to in the Books of Genesis and Job and clearly stated in the book of Common Prayer, for reci ng at the graveside of a Chris an funeral, is this most sombre of all phrases... But, in a ma eroffact organic sense, this is what happens and has happened since the very first life on earth. All living cells die; they return to the elements and compounds they consist of and are used again by new life to build upon and thrive. This too passes on and on, again and again, endlessly recycled ad infinitum. Perhaps this is the message from faiths which pronounce a herea er? It’s just a metaphor for life a er death and isn’t that exactly what it is? But it’s our consciousness, our awareness, that struggles with the concept of death; because of course that must end when we are disassembled back into the dust from which we came. And if you think about it, how can we ra onalise an end to our awareness using our awareness as our only model of experience? But enough of that before my brain short circuits and crashes! The great US statesman Benjamin Franklin warned, “...in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” So, certain it is then, and at mes in our lives we have to consider some sombre op ons, not for ourselves in our younger years but for our loved ones. I, for one, don’t like discussing or contempla ng this inevitability much at all, but there have been mes when I’ve had to, although I’d never considered this op on Natural Burial. I first heard of The Willows Natural Burial Ground on Radio Leicester’s Ben Jackson Show, and I have to admit I was a li le bit intrigued. This eventually led to a mee ng with the owners, Chris and his wife Jenny at their home in Thurlaston, where the first ques on from me was," How on earth did you get into this business?” Jenny answered, “It was always Chris’s dream to own and manage a woodland. A farmer friend with land
Page 34
at South Croxton (pronounced Crowston, as I now know) started the process to convert a six acre plot of his land into a natural burial ground. A er many agreeable mee ngs with Charnwood Borough Council and higher authori es he became aware of the long term implica ons and responsibili es and decided to sell it on. Chris and I got to hear about it, nego ated a deal, raised the money, bought the land with planning permission and got started. There was an awful lot to sort out: licences, ground works, a car park, brochures, website, natural material for bio degradable nontoxic coffins and ashes caskets, then contractors for ground maintenance and, not forge ng the most vital resource, grave digging. Having no experience of all this we joined the Associa on of Natural Burial Grounds who really have been a tremendous help.” Chris con nued, “Our vision to create a woodland of remembrance that will far outlive us all, as a place of peace and reflec on for the families of the loved ones interred here, seemed such a wonderful thing. And, contrary to what many might believe, there are happy mes at the Willows. We have regular open days and remembrance days when we erect gazebos and invite families along, providing tea, coffee, so drinks and cakes from our caravan and organising games for the children. Don’t forget, it’s a beau ful spot with rolling hills, trees and views into far distance; wildlife abounds with sheep and geese in the adjacent fields and it’s not at all a sad place as a normal cemetery tends to be. The funerals too, are different in many ways. We always offer cover from the elements at the graveside, erec ng gazebos where required, and providing tables and chairs for a erwards. Being all faith and no faith, we’re not bound to the strict rules of a church and can provide celebrants who manage the events of the day for you. These days it doesn’t have to be morbid or morose; one lady recently pre booked her plot and ordered a case of Prosecco for those a ending.”
A er leaving Jenny and Chris I went to visit The Willows; I drove through Queniborough and took the South Croxton road. I’ve driven that way many mes yet never seen the li le cemetery on the other side of the village funny isn’t it, how we no ce things we are focussed upon? A er a couple of miles a sign poin ng to the right indicated the Natural Burial Ground another thing Jenny and Chris had to organise no doubt. Just up the hill on the right through big, open, five bar gates, a sign on a no ce board directed me to the main entrance into the burial ground. Chris had told me there were 70 “residents” at the moment with another 70 booked in advance. My first reac on was what a lovely, peaceful place! Young trees marked most of the inhabited plots, with an oak post and a Welsh slate plaque bearing a name, date and a word or two of comfort. One caught my thoughts abruptly Born Sleeping … Okay, I know it’s subjec ve and our emo ons create a mood when we allow ourselves the chance, but it didn’t feel like any graveyard I’d ever visited before. It’s a beau ful place which, ironically, makes you feel alive. As I walked along each of the wide swards of grass, I thought a poet could come here on a sunny day and write a masterpiece. Circumnaviga ng and radia ng out from the centre, the grassy walks were do ed with oak benches. I sat awhile on one of them, looking away from the a ernoon sun, over a patchwork of yellow cornfields, green hedges and trees which rolled away into the far distance past a sleepy li le village. A mul tude of peaceful thoughts later, it was me to leave. Passing the li le cemetery at Queniborough, I pulled in at the gate to pause for a moment. Looking over the neat rows of gravestones and close clipped grass, a thought sprang to mind I know where I’d rather be... Back at my desk, wri ng this li le piece for you lovely people!
All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk
A beautiful final resting place in the Leicestershire countryside
Natural burials are an increasingly popular and affordable choice
The Willows natural burial ground
Award Winning
"As in the eye of nature, they have lived, so in the eye of nature let them die"
e Willows Th
Natural Burial Ground
www.willowsnbg.co.uk tel: 01455 888699 mob: 07857 105900
William Wordsworth 1888
This family run site is an area of natural beauty which will develop into a fitting natural final resting place... a place where people can come to reflect and remember their loved ones Barsby Road, South Croxton, Leics LE7 3RZ
Outstanding NormantononSoar Primary School received an “Outstanding” grade in the Behaviour and Safety of Pupils category in its recent Ofsted report. The Ofsted report dated 30th 31st October 2013 states: ‘The school provides a very warm and caring environment for all pupils. Parents feel that their children are very happy, well cared for and well taught. The evidence from the inspec on wholly supports this view.’ At any age when we feel safe and well cared for we will thrive, but at the founda on of our lives in our primary educa on years it is the most fundamental of all factors in human development. Not only did the school receive an outstanding category at this level, it also received “Good” standard on the other three levels with comments like ‘Excellent rela onships between teachers and pupils pervade’ ‘Pupils thoroughly enjoy school and appreciate the fact that their teachers make learning exci ng and fun’ ‘The small size of the school means that teachers and teaching assistants know all pupils excep onally well; this enables them to plan lessons that are engaging and challenging for all learners.’ Thinking about my own first school days usually creates in me a feeling of mild dread. In the 1950s we were made to go to sleep for an hour a er lunch on uncomfortable camp beds beneath prickly woollen blankets; 50 or more li le mites in one large, drab, chilly hall. We were told what we ought not to do rather than what we should and most days there’d be at least one unlucky wretch who was singled out for punishment. We lived in fear of the teacher and the dreaded cane. Even then I thought it grossly unfair in
that we barely understood what was expected of us. What we were subjected to would be considered physical and mental abuse these days. But in the post war years, when our na on really did know the meaning of austerity and was s ll ge ng used to shopping without ra on books, a tudes were very different, especially with regard to children. ‘Li le children should be seen and not heard’ was the norm and woe be de those who spoke out of turn.
Normanton on Soar Primary School, I see a far be er learning and child development environment than we ever had. You can read the Ofsted report about the school for yourself and come to your own conclusions you’ll find it unabridged here: h p://www.normantononsoarprima ry.co.uk/office/ofstedreport/
I wholeheartedly stand by what I stated that we thrive when we are safe and well cared for. I probably was safe from great harm, although I never felt it, and I was well cared for too, by the standards of the day. Yet I felt very alone in nursery and early primary school, thriving in later life rather than at school.
Please bear in mind that the report is not a flag waving ini a ve, it is a state of play how the school is doing compared to the whole na onal educa onal system. I myself have visited the school on a number of occasions in and out of school me and it seems to me that things are very much be er than they used to be years ago. Of course society s ll has its problems and some of them may be blamed upon aspects of the system or the lack of discipline in school and home.
It is through my own eyes and memories that I view the world and how I evaluate the changes I see. We didn’t have The Office for Standards in Educa on feeding back to the electorate and the educa on industry back then. The bench marks and performance indicators were much cruder and probably easier and cheaper to measure up to. But I know that in schools like
We may have been safe in my day and good behaviour must have aided the smooth running of our school and the world beyond, but I feel the caring bit was missing. At NormantononSoar Primary School with all three of those elements Behaviour, Safety and Caring judged to be Outstanding, my guess is that those lucky children will certainly thrive!
Feature your business in Soar Valley Life – contact steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk
Page 37
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Page 38
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No Brainer
We asked U lity Warehouse consultant, Clare Howe, to calculate a cost comparison for us if we were to transfer our household bills over to U lity Warehouse… On the right you can see her findings based on our bills at home. This is an exact, like for like comparison based on our exis ng outgoings except for the cash back on the shopping. When you become a customer of UW you can choose to have a CashBack card. Clare explained, “You can use the CashBack card anywhere in the world where you can use MasterCard. The CashBack card works just like a pay as you go mobile phone in that you load it with money and then you can use it. You won't get in any debt as it's not a credit or debit card and it really helps people budget. You get cash back on your spending which is then available for you to reduce your monthly
expenditure. Put all your Christmas shopping on your CashBack card and you could be having bill free months in the New Year.” But more on this in the next issue. We calculated that if I loaded £100 on a CashBack card each week and used it for fuel and shopping this would give us £20 per month cash back. Together with the savings on u li es we could save over £70 per month. About seven years ago Mary and I changed our energy supplier and the switch over did not go smoothly; neither did our new supplier give us the savings they had outlined. We were never 100% happy with the way things had turned out but a er all the hassle we stuck with our decision and said we wouldn’t be changing again in a hurry. But now we are happy to make a switch as it appears that every element with UW provides a saving. The UW website is very easy to use and understand too, giving ongoing daily informa on about our bills. Add to this the fact that we can cancel at any me and the decision to switch really is a No Brainer...
Monthly cost comparison U lity
UW cost
Exis ng
Home Phone
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Broadband Peak Saver Call Display Total
+ £6.99 + £5.50 + £1.50
£60
£10
£15
Electricity
£39
£49
Gas
£49
£54
Totals
£126.89
£178
Cash back on shopping
Saving £20
n/a
Saving with UW
£71.11
= £28.89
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Page 39
A Growing Success At the beginning of the summer I popped along to The Mountsorrel Guesthouse to see how things were going in the restaurant, which had opened in the evenings to nonresidents since last December… Owners Mike and Hilary took me outside to see their newly created raised bed kitchen garden, freshly planted with a variety of vegetables and herbs. I recognised some of them sage, rosemary, oregano and mint, but others were too young to show their colours. When I visited again in mid August with a view to wri ng this ar cle, it was great to see the bed burgeoning with all manner of produce except for a few bare patches where the crop had been used. I think nothing tastes be er than produce straight out of your garden as a part of a meal. I recall watching
New chef Nicola Albiniano at The Restaurant at The Mountsorrel
Page 40
Raymond Blanc, in his TV series, choosing fresh vegetables from his own kitchen garden behind his restaurant in Oxfordshire, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, and thinking then that if I ever had my own restaurant I would definitely create some growing space. One of the new members of staff, chef Nicola Albiniano, spoke to me about the new menu: “I love cooking fine food and use only the best ingredients, especially those in season and sourced locally. And if we can grow our own, so much the be er for taste, flavour, texture and helping to keep costs down, too. For instance, you can’t get a fresher runner bean than one picked straight from our own garden, can you? And fresh herbs you’ve grown yourself taste much more real. Any sort of preserva ve or processing will alter the original product to some degree and I believe authen city to be so important. I also insist on s cking to a local butcher who sources meat locally and has evidence of traceability. The style of food we serve here is tradi onal but with an eye on the contemporary; the old favourites are s ll on the menu the Mountsorrel pie in three different varie es, all slow cooked our tradi onal prawn cocktail starter and
Runner beans ready for picking in the Mountsorrel Restaurant Garden
Hilary’s Eton mess made with Greek yoghurt. Our specials board is going to introduce new tastes and foods you might not see every day and we have other exci ng ideas we’re working on, such as opening to nonresidents for our special English breakfasts. All I can say is, “Watch this space!” Nicola has spent the last 14 years honing her cra as chef at local restaurants and most recently at The Swan in Mountsorrel. Her love of good food really does shine through and I am pleased to say I have an advance copy of the new autumn menu. Have a look at it on their website and see what you fancy as for me, with all those mouthwatering dishes to choose from, I’ll struggle to make up my mind...
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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answer, which is a related seven 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. The first correct answer out of the hat after the closing date of Tuesday 30th September will win. Prize must be taken by the end of May 2015 excluding Bank Holiday weekends and subject to availability. Editor’s decision is final. Terms and conditions apply
Comfortable flame fires, chef cooked finesend wines our Summer Wordsearch Puzzlecuisine, on page 38 and your Hotel. Offering 48lounge stylish bar, realSolve
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Business Networking Part 2
A few more good ps to help you on your way Following on from last month’s networking feature and a er Mary a ended the launch of the Loughborough Ladies Business Group, I am pleased to provide a few more worthwhile ps to those of you out there who would like to try a bit of business networking. Firstly how did Mary get on? Well, neither of us knew just how many people might a end, but we had an educated guess at roughly thirty to forty. This was important, she needed to take enough magazines and media leaflets to go round. I had recently bought a very handy brief case with three compartments all accessible from the top. Mags in one, notebook pens and media info in the middle and business cards and personal stuff in the third. When Mary arrived there were several ladies already there with others arriving over the next half hour. She was quite nervous at first but soon got stuck in when she found how relaxed it was. When I met her a erwards she was full of it talking and ac ng like a real networker and had no magazines or leaflets le in her bag. A month a er this event there was a dropin coffee morning with more new people a ending although most of those there had been at the previous lunch. Mary took the opportunity to sign up as a member and at the next lunch a month later she saw people were ge ng much more involved, a number of ladies taking the opportunity to stand up and say a few words about their ac vi es and ideas a er lunch. Here are the next five ps I’ll share with you and if you missed the first five you’ll find them on the new business to business page on our website: www.soarvalleylife.co.uk 6. Follow up on all leads About a third of the people who say they’re interested are just saying it because they think it’s what you want to hear. Another third will say they’re interested because actually they want to sell you something. Out of the remaining third of people,
Page 42
who may really be interested, only about 3% will ever call you and pursue a purchase. The best way to turn this to your advantage is by ac vely following up with any poten al leads. Call anyone you think is a poten al client and ask them to meet or to talk, or to do whatever step is next in your sales cycle. 7. Follow up again, with the same leads Unless you have a lot more luck than I do, you'll probably get a lot of answering machines on your first round of follow up calls. You can increase your conversion rate even more by using a second round of follow up calls or emails. I wouldn’t go past two rounds of follow up though, because then you’ll become that annoying hardsell guy. 8. Your card: right pocket. Their cards: le pocket This is a stupidly useful li le trick I learned that eliminates the need to fumble around looking for your business card. What if you don’t have pockets? Just find some way to keep the two piles separated perhaps put your cards on top, their cards on the bo om. 9. Prepare your pitch. You’re going to be asked ‘what do you do?’ This is your elevator pitch. You need something dis nc ve and memorable, rather than just giving your job tle. 10. Do the small talk. Small talk is big business. Small talk oils the wheels of conversa on. And trust is o en built up more in the nonbusiness conversa on. Ge ng good at small talk gives you a real edge in making a networking impact. Watch this space for more next me...
All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk
Lonely Planet? It doesn’t have to be!
There might be a me when life deals us a different hand and we have no one to help us get out and about or venture that bit further afield… If this rings any bells for you then John Perkins might be the guy to get in touch with. He has spent his working life in the high flying corporate arena, travelling the world, but a er a life changing event last year he made up his mind to offer his experience gained in travel to those who may otherwise miss out. This caring a tude, wan ng to help others less able, which is apparent in John, is nothing new. He has given a week of his me every year for the last thirty years as a volunteer at Lourdes; he says the idea of assisted travel has probably been there for a long me, but it’s only now he finds himself able to offer his support as a going concern. “I realised first hand last year how tough it is for some people to travel alone, with only the help of a travel operator to fall back on.
Want to travel, but not on your own?
My Mum had moved back to her homeland in Eire a er my Dad died; but then she had a stroke and needed to return to the UK where we could look a er her. Bringing her back, I realised just what was involved and how invaluable it is to have someone do all the organising, me keeping, being in the right place at the right me, keeping calm when there’s a change of plan and so on. There’s a thousand and one things to think about when going on a trip and if you have to face all that alone it would put most people off, other than those fit and young of course. For the older ones it can certainly be daun ng, but it doesn’t stop the dream does it? Well now you can have your dream fulfilled. Get in touch, tell me what you’d like to achieve and we’ll take it from there. We have access to specialists in all fields travel, nursing and caring support, plus companionship for the dura on of your travels of course. The world can be your oyster once more.”
‘Let Yourself Go with assisted travel’
From a show in town or London town to an accompanied flight or a cruise to far away. We support you so that you can continue to enjoy trips away without the fear of having to go it alone. John Perkins - I Can You Can
07779 555195 jperkins@icanyoucan.org.uk
01509 768831 • • • •
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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
Page 43
Everything under the sun ...and then some!
Sunrise & sunset mes and phases of the moon Date
Sun Rise
Sun Set
Hours of Daylight
08Sept14 15Sept14 22Sept14 29 Sept14 06Oct14 13Oct14 20Oct14
06:24 06:38 06:50 07:02 07:14 07:26 07:34
19:31 19:20 19:03 18:47 18:30 18:14 17:57
13h 07m 24s 12h 41m 44s 12h 13m 14s 11h 44m 42s 11h 16m 14s 10h 47m 58s 10h 24m 16s
27Oct14 03Nov14
06:45 06:57
16:43 16:30
9h 58m 06s 9h 32m 52s
Date
Moonrise
Moonset
09Sept14
06:52
19:29
Full Moon @ 02:38
16Sept14
23:53
16:03
Last Quarter @ 03:05
24Sept14
07:04
18:54
New Moon @ 07:14
01Oct14
14:28
23:24
First quarter @ 20:33
08Oct14
07:09
18:27
Full Moon @ 11:50
15Oct14
23:39
14:22
Last Quarter @ 20:12
23Oct14
07:05
17:47
New Moon @ 22:57
Phase
NOTE: HOURS SHIFT AS CLOCKS GO BACK 1 HOUR 31Oct14
13:31
23:50
First Quarter @ 02:48
The Planets looking South at 11 pm mid month (take an hour off at the beginning and add an hour on at the end) September: This month the nights become longer than the days a er the 21st so favouring longer observa on. Mars and Saturn begin the month se ng at 9 pm so are quite faint in the twilight. Jupiter rises about 3 am and is in the constella on of Cancer. Venus is brilliant rising only an hour or so before dawn and slipping downwards towards
© SVL
The Hubble Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope was
launched in April 1990 and, a er a bit of tweaking and maintenance, remains in full working order examining the universe near and far with amazing results. It orbits at a height of 347 miles about 15 mes every day, that’s approximately 18,000 miles per hour rela ve earth speed. At launch it weighed just under 11 tons but in space it is weightless.Soon a er it was first launched a problem was detected that threatened the future of Hubble: all the images that were sent back were distorted. The solu on was to fit op cal correc on components to refocus the images. Spectacles to you and I!
Even the best of us have to wear spec’s some mes you know…
Magnitudes
Astronomers measure the brightness of celes al objects using a scale of magnitudes. Somewhat confusingly, fainter objects have higher magnitudes, while brighter objects have lower magnitudes and the brightest objects have nega ve magnitudes. Stars seen with the naked eye range from Sirius with magnitude 1.5 down to + 6.5 for the faintest star we can see with the unaided eye. Here’s guide to some of those you’ll know: • Sun 26.7 • Full Moon 12.5 • Venus at its brightest 4.7 • Sirius 1.5 • Betelgeuse + 0.4 • Polaris (Pole Star) + 2.0 • Faintest stars visible to the naked eye + 6.5 • Faintest star visible to the Hubble telescope +31
dawn’s twilight glow. Mercury is lost in the Sun’s glare. The moon grazes Uranus on 11th at 02:20 am, Jupiter on 20th, Saturn on 27th and Mars on 29th. View Mars through binoculars on 29th next to red giant star Antares whose name means ‘rival of Mars’. October: Saturn slips from view into the SW dusk by 5/6th, but Mars puts on a braver show. The red planet will be visible around 7pm in the SW. Jupiter shines brighter than any star rising in the east around 1 am. Early October,
Venus rises with the dawn but its light soon dissolves as the Sun comes up. November: Mars is low in the south west se ng at 7.20 pm. The red planet shines at magnitude + 1.0 in Sagi arius. 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.
Sponsored by For everything under the sun (almost!)
Walking Pilling’s Lock Walk instruc ons 4 Miles
1 3/4 Hours
Find a parking space in Barrowupon Soar, no toilets, all other facili es in the town. Start from the roundabout at the bo om of High Street. 1 Walk away down Bridge Street over the bridge across the River Soar and con nue along the raised causeway on the le of the road. Cross at the road markings just before the roundabout and turn le passing right of the roundabout to Flesh Hovel Lane. 2 Turn right, up this narrow road to the yellow topped marker post, on the le , just the other side of the sewage works. Cross the field to the marker post on the opposite (right hand) fence, a track is normally well marked in the grass. Carry on over the footbridge along the path through the trees. 3 Bear le , s ll on this path and keep ahead on the le hand field edge with the trees to the le , to a footbridge and the mul direc onal marker post. 4 Cross this wide farm track and keep direc on over the field ahead, which may be under cul va on although a path should be visible within any crop. The track leads straight on to Miller’s Bridge, cross and go down to the towpath on the other side. 5 Take the path away from the bridge with the canal to the right, past Woodthorpe Bridge and Top Bridge to the footbridge at Pilling’s Lock. 6 Go over the bridge and con nue direc on with the canal now le to the bridge in Barrow and turn le over the bridge and back to the roundabout 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 46
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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Posture Everyone has posture, some good, some bad, some altered by illness or injury; but improving it is a sure way to reduce pain and risk of damage... Posture is the way we hold ourselves and some from the old school will remember "standing tall with a book on one's head.” Good posture protects the spine and reduces aches and pains in the neck, shoulders, back and knees. Holding yourself in alignment with your chin tucked in, shoulders back and down, pelvis or tail bone tucked under with knees so , is the perfect way to ac vate all your muscles in the right way. Your si ng posture should again be tall in the body with shoulders back and down and tucked in chin. Unfortunately most of us slouch with our shoulders forward which makes us poke up our chins pu ng a strain on our necks and shoulders. So sit up or stand up straight, pull those shoulders back and down every me you remember, and you'll reduce the load on your spine and the strain in your muscles. Claire Lidstone The White Horse Inn, 6 Church Street, Seagrave, Leicestershire, LE12 7LT
01509 814715
Tapas Night – back by popular demand every Wednesday! Booking advisable.
The White Horse is a great pub to visit all year round, whether you choose to enjoy the delightful views in our garden in the summer or relax by the fire with a newspaper during the winter.
Whenever you come to visit, you will always find friendly staff, excellent food and drink and a great atmosphere.
The Stables Shop
Selling a wide range of gifts, tea and coffee, homemade produce and everyday essentials.
Open Tuesdays-Fridays (3pm-6pm), Saturdays (10am-12pm & 3pm-6pm) and Sundays (10am-12pm)
The Stables Function Room
Available to hire for parties of up to 60 people (standing) or 30 (seated). Catering and bar also available.
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 – Tapas Night
Enjoy a range of authentic Spanish ‘little 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!
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
Enjoy a free bottle of house wine with your Sunday lunch for any table of 4 or more! (Must include at least 2 adults.)
The Stables Shop and Function Room at The White Horse are now open! Visit www.whitehorseseagrave.co.uk for more details.
Anything of interest you’d like to see in the next issue? Call 01509 813 125 or email editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk
© SVL
Page 49
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Made to Measure Curtains, Blinds and Shutters
You can do this by using a combina on of warm deep colours in two or three shades li ed by the addi on of lighter tones. Autumn is an exci ng me for us as we see the new fabric collec ons and trends from our suppliers. To mark this, during October, we will be offering 20% off all our fabrics including Clarke & Clarke and Pres gious Tex les available in curtains, blinds, cushions or simply by the metre for your own use. Please give us a call for that at home appointment and we will happily bring the fabrics to you. Call Acacia Curtains and Blinds on 01509 650832
For expert advice and a free, local ‘At Home’ measuring service Contact Judy Andrews Telephone 01509 650832 Mobile 0788 1681556
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Page 51
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 52
All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk
Think Thin To lose weight and keep it off you need to change the way you think and behave around food; o en we eat because we THINK we should eat, not because our bodies tell us we NEED to eat... For many of us, food has become a coping strategy which we turn to when we are stressed, anxious, angry, sad, procras na ng, etc. Here are just a few ps which, if prac ced daily, will help break this habit and change the way you think and behave around food: • Always eat your meals at the table without distrac ons • Eat slowly and chew every mouthful at least 30 mes • Use smaller plates to help with por on control • Listen to your body, eat only when you are hungry and stop when you are full • Don’t be afraid to waste food if you are full or it will end up on your waist! • Don’t use food to help you to deal with problems; find other ways such as going for a walk, telephoning a friend, listening to music, medita ng, etc. If you need help to change the way you think try therapies such as NLP, EFT or Hypnosis all of which have been shown to be effec ve. Paula Reed
For physical and emotional wellbeing
Complementary Health Practitioner REFLEXOLOGY Relieving stress using gentle pressure strategically applied to your hands and feet, helping to alleviate symptoms and improve overall health - especially where conventional medicine has failed. REIKI Holistic healing helping to integrate your body’s physical, emotional, mental and spiritual components by balancing your energy centres, stimulating natural immunity and promoting relaxation. HOPI EAR CANDLING Reduces congestion in the ear and sinus area inducing a feeling of general tranquillity, composure and comfort. EFT ‘Acupuncture without needles’ creating balance within your body’s energy system, particularly successful with addictions, weight, pain, anger management, severe trauma, stress and phobias. Paula Reed is a member of the NHS Directory of Complementary and Alternative Practitioners All treatments delivered in my professionally appointed clinic in Barrow-upon-Soar
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Being a Residen al Landlord It sounds like an easy way to supplement income but the law rela ng to residen al le ngs is not as straigh orward as you might think; landlords entering into Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreements must protect tenants' deposits, through authorised Tenancy Deposit Schemes, and give tenants prescribed informa on. On 6 April 2012, the period in which a deposit must be protected, and the prescribed informa on given, increased from 14 to 30 days from receipt of the deposit. This extended deadline is stricter, making it harder for Landlords to remedy a breach. Landlords who fail to comply may find it more difficult to recover possession, as no ces termina ng a
tenancy could be invalidated, and courts have the power to impose a penalty of up to three mes the deposit. A poten al trap arises when tenants stay beyond the original fixed term, with the Landlord's consent, as they may now have a statutory periodic tenancy. It will be sensible to make sure the original deposit remains protected (i.e. despite the change in the type of tenancy) and to reserve the prescribed informa on within 30 days of the expiry of the original fixed term. Another important change in the law will mean Landlords have to check their poten al tenants’ immigra on status and that of any other adults whom they allow to occupy their premises. It is
expected that this obliga on will apply from October 2014, although there may be pilot schemes. Landlords who grant tenancies to people whose immigra on status means they are 'disqualified' from ren ng, or who grant tenancies to people with a 'limited right to rent' that become disqualified during the tenancy, could face fines of up to £3000. If you would like advice or assistance with any aspect of le ng a property, please contact Nick Gay or Laura Anderson. Contact: 01509 217770 Nick Gay n.gay@mosssolicitors.co.uk Laura Anderson l.anderson@mosssolicitors.co.uk
MOSS SOLICITORS LLP Twice awarded Leicestershire Law Society County Law Firm of the Year 80-81 Woodgate, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 2XE
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www.moss-solicitors.co.uk Anything of interest you’d like to see in the next issue? Call 01509 813 125 or email editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk
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Short Story
And Another Thing by Tom Hughes I am ge ng married. This year. To a woman. Things are being set in mo on, heads of steam are building, snowballs are rolling, rabbits are running. You get the picture. Sarah and I (or is it me and Sarah? I never know) met when we were old enough to know be er, and fell in love anyway. But what started as a “bit of a do” has morphed into something much, much bigger. Where to start? Shoes, let’s start with the shoes. What is it about shoes and women? I have a pair of black shiny loafers for work. In fact I have three pairs. I also have a pair of brown slipons that I step into to go for the milk and the paper. The back of them are squashed down because some mes I can’t be bothered pu ng them on properly if I’m say, just pu ng the bins out. The trainers I wear to go the gym are so ta y I think even the tramp in the precinct would turn his nose up at them. What I’m saying is that the look I strive for daily is shabby chic. Ok, just shabby then. But as I recently discovered, shoes for women are a completely different ke le of ba ered cod altogether. If weddings send women funny, then wedding shoes send them to planet Giggly Girly. Because I wanted Sarah’s day to be special, I needed to make sure that everything was perfect from the ground up. So we toddle off into Manchester. Ok, so how difficult can it be? You can’t bloomin’ move for shoe shops. We wouldn’t be long surely? Sarah had a spring in her step as we marched determinedly past Clarks, Footlocker and all the other shoe wear emporiums that I have never
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seen the inside of. Then we stopped outside a posh looking outlet called Selfridges. A er dodging the scary looking perfume sprayers prowling the makeup department, we arrived at the shoe concession, where we were suddenly surrounded by gorgeousness. Casually, I turned over one of the s le oes. Oh, I thought to myself, that must be a European size….495. I put my glasses on – 495 quid!? The room started to spin. I looked up to see Sarah deep in conversa on with a handsome young man who was holding up a pair of sparkly shoes so delicate and strappy that they were almost invisible to the naked eye. Usually, if I see Sarah giggling and smiling with a good looking guy I get jealous. But when he stood up and did a li le twirl of delight, I began to relax. I sat down next to a misty eyed Sarah who held up a shiny pink box and said, “Darling, these are the ones.” Do you remember the scene at the end of Pulp Fic on when Tim Roth opens the briefcase and a golden light shines out? A similar thing happened in Selfridges. The lid fell away and there they were, laying together like two perfect sparkly poodles. “Hello Tom, we are the Choo twins. My name is Jimmy and this is my brother he’s called Jimmy Choo!” Sarah tried them on. She walked up and down, they did look amazing on her. “Can I have them, please?” “If it’s what you want darling, you can have them.” Sarah hugged me ght. She broke away, I saw tears in her eyes. The handsome guy who sold them to her looked like he was about to sob with joy. They were wrapped and taken to the ll where I handed over my card. And then, as the pre y girl keyed in the price, I started crying too. Ok, that was that. The pain was just
about bearable. I had survived. Or had I? Imagine a boxer against the ropes, his gum shield is out and the towel is on the canvas. Do the punches stop landing? Not a bit of it. “Tom darling, this is the bag that goes with the shoes, isn’t it lovely?” “Where? Where is this bag?” “Here, here in my hand.” “Where in your hand?” “Over here, next to my thumb.” “Oh that? And how –“ “Three hundred quid.” “A bargain, I’ll take two.” “Don’t be funny.” My squashed down slip ons didn’t come with a matching flat cap. There isn’t a matching pair of gloves to go with my corduroy trousers. But maybe it’s just because I don’t do coordina on. Not really what your bride wants to hear when she is planning a wedding, is it? To be honest, I always thought that me and fashion were strangers. That is un l we le the shoe concession and went to choose my ou it. The fabulous gentleman in the menswear department could just see me in a slim fi ng Hugo Boss. He picked out my suit, stood me in front of a full length mirror, turned to Sarah and went ‘ooh’. Sarah joined in, “Ooh Tom, that looks absolutely lovely on you, don’t you think?” “Do you know something Sarah? I think I could get used to this twirling business….”
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email:alanp@hsfcs.co.uk
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£25 Cash Winner Congratula ons to Lesley Griffin of Loughborough who wins £25 just for ‘liking’ our Soar Valley Life facebook page. Lesley was the ‘liker’ picked at random on 26th August 2014 from all ‘likers’ on our page. Go to Soar Valley Life/facebook for your chance to win!
Meal for Two with Wine Winner Congratula ons to John Cooper of Burbage whose entry in the above compe on was the first correct answer to be drawn out of the hat a er the closing date. The two actors who played two famous detec ves, and whose framed photographs are on the wall in The Waterside Inn, were John Thaw and Jeremy Bre . John wins a two course meal for two people with a bo le of wine at The Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel – see page 16 for details. THE
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Teddy Bears’ Picnic Winners Congratula ons to Charlo e Connor of Loughborough and Brian Rollinson of Hathern whose entries were the first two to be drawn out of the hat with the correct names of the two mischievous bears who ride on the Teddy Bear Trains Billy and Beatrice. Charlo e and Brian each win an all day travel family cket for 2 adults and up to 3 children on the Great Central Railway Teddy Bears’ Picnic Steam Train.
Every month we’ll pick one of our “Likers” on our Facebook page and they will receive a £25 cash prize. Go to www.facebook.com/SoarValleyLife Click the thumbsup “Like” bu on near the top and you’re in!
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What’s On in and around The Soar Valley: Compiled by Claire Stevens – Soar Valley Life events and news reporter
Leicester Castle: Tours and Open Day This event is a great opportunity to explore the hidden treasures of Leicester Castle, and discover more about the building and its history. The castle was built over Roman town walls and has stood since approximately 1070. Kings have stayed there, and now you can have the chance to tour the building and see it for yourself. Please book tours in advance, free admission. Tour times: 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm Open day: 11am 3pm Dates: Sunday 14th September 2014 Leicester Castle, Castle Yard, Leicester, LE1 5WH Telephone: 0116 225 4980 RSPB Weekday Wildlife Walk at Thornton Reservoir The Loughborough RSPB Group invite you along to join them on a wildlife morning walk to observe what’s going on at Thornton Reservoir. The reservoir is situated in a quiet, picturesque valley, and was first opened to the public in 1997. Starts at 10.00am. Dates: Friday 19th September 2014 Thornton Reservoir, Reservoir Road, Thornton, Leicestershire, LE67 1AR Website: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/loughborough Friends of St. Mary’s Church Coffee Morning and Table Top Sale The Friends of St. Mary’s Church is hosting another very popular coffee morning and table top sale at the St. Mary’s Centre. Starts at 10.00am. Enjoy coffees, cakes, lots of stalls, and a raffle. You can also hire a table at the event for £10, please contact the number below for more details. Dates: Saturday 20th September 2014 at 10.00am St.Mary’s Centre, Sileby, Loughborough, Leicester, LE12 7NF Telephone: 01664 566410 Leicester International Music Festival New Walk Museum and Art Gallery are celebrating the glorious music of Dvorák and the Bohemians performed by an ensemble of the finest European musicians. The Festival aims to show the huge range and depth of Czech composers and their music. Dates: Wednesday 17th September to Saturday 20th September 2014 New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, 53 New Walk, Leicester, LE1 7EA Telephone: 0116 225 4900
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Leicester Does Vintage Lovers of all things vintage can shop to their heart’s content while searching through rails of amazing oneoff buys at the Leicester Does Vintage event. As well as this, you can enjoy tea and cake, live music, and a popup beauty parlour. The vintage stallholders are handpicked and offer a wealth of knowledge gained from years of experience, with each one bringing their quality, affordable vintage clothing, jewellery and kitchenalia. Entry is £2, open from 10.30am until 4.30pm on both days. Dates: Sunday 21st September 2014 and Sunday 26th October 2014 The City Rooms, Hotel Street, Leicester, LE1 5AW Telephone: 07896 840397 Email: hello@nowandthenevents.com Loughborough Harvest Festival Charnwood Borough Council has teamed up with Pace and New Springs Churches to bring a celebration of the harvest to Loughborough Market Place. Fresh local produce and homemade goods will be showcased at the festival, plus the day will be filled with music, dance, and a celebration of local produce. The Big Harvest Festival will also be running alongside the Vintage Market, which will be trading until 4.00pm. Dates: Friday 26th September 2014 Market Place, Loughborough, Leicester, LE11 3EB Telephone: 01509 634624 Email: market.fairs@charnwood.gov.uk Charnwood Indoor Bowls Club The Charnwood Bowls Club is hosting an open day on Sunday 26th September, giving you the chance to try a game of bowls. The open day includes free coaching, and refreshments are also available. Open from 10.00am until 4.00pm. Dates: Sunday 26th September 2014 Charnwood Indoor Bowls Club, Browns Lane, Loughborough, LE11 3HE Telephone: 01509 210018 Murder Mystery Night A murder has taken place at Rothley Court Hotel, and you can take part as
this gripping tale unravels. It’s your chance to put your detective hat on, and help to identify the culprit of this mysterious murder. Tickets are £19.95 per person, which also includes a three course meal as well as an evening filled with mystery, all hosted in this country house which has historical ties with the Knights Templar. Starts at 7.00pm, please book in advance. Dates: Saturday 27th September 2014 Rothley Court Hotel, Westfield Lane, Rothley, Leicester, LE7 7LG Telephone: 0116 237 4141 The Belgrave Hall Good Food Fair The popular annual event is now in its ninth year, and is part of the British Food Fortnight. The weekendlong event offers organic food, drink, preserves, a bakery, and a range of lots of other tasty treats. There will also be the chance to meet some of the local producers and take part in food related talks. Open from 11.00am until 4.00pm on both days with £2.50 for admission. Dates: Saturday 27th September to Sunday 28th September 2014 Belgrave Hall & Gardens, Church Road, Belgrave, Leicester, LE4 5PE Telephone: 0116 266 6590 Rainbows Hospice 1920s Birthday Ball Rainbows Hospice is celebrating 20 years of providing care for lifelimited children and their families by hosting a 1920s themed ball; a prestigious and glamorous event with a few surprises. This special event takes place at the Athena, and is hosted by World Snooker Champion and TV personality Willie Thorne. Entertainment will include comedy from the award winning comedian, actress and ventriloquist Nina Conti together with live music from all eras, and a freshly prepared three course dinner. Dates: Saturday 11th October 2014 at 6.00pm Athena, Queen Street, Leicester, LE1 1QD Telephone: 01509 63066 Website: www.rainbows.co.uk/ball
Interested in sponsoring this page? Email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk
Light is Everything There is a saying in photography that amateurs worry about gear, professionals worry about money but ar sts worry about light… There is some truth in this, an amateur photographer may well have less equipment of a lower quality simply because, as a hobby, he or she cannot afford or jus fy anything more. Be er equipment can some mes mean more versa lity in what can be photographed and how, but it is also true that for many amateurs it is a lack of a ability which holds back results more than the lack of equipment. A professional is most unlikely to worry about gear; reputa on and livelihood depend on being able to produce good results. Having spent many thousands of pounds on gear the pro’ will have spare camera bodies, a range of lenses, ligh ng equipment and all the rest of it, but will need income to support their family and also get a return on investment. But without good light be it natural or ar ficial no photograph will be as good as it could and should be. All photographers worry about light, and it is light that is the key…
Landscape photographer available for commissions. Beautiful pictures of Britain to decorate your home or as gifts. Available online or from Gallery 18, Churchgate, Loughborough.
As Leonard Misonne said, over 100 years ago, “Light glorifies everything. It transforms and ennobles the most commonplace and ordinary subjects. The object is nothing; light is everything.”
Solu ons
Birds Quiz Answers 1.
24 (four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie) 2. The phoenix 3. Cloud Cuckoo Land 4. Emu (Rod Hull's puppet who a acked him in an interview knocking him out of his chair) 5. A penguin 6. Woody Woodpecker 7. Albatross 8. Ravens 9. Albania's 10. 184 (7 swansaswimming on 6 days, 6 geesealaying on 7 days, 4 colly birds on 9 days, 3 French hens on 10 days, 2 turtle doves on 11 days, 1 partridge on 12 days)
Spot the Difference Answers 1. 2.
Drink colour Burger
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Barbie knob Houses gone Boy's arm Toggle on shorts gone Sun Eyebrow missing Leg missing Neighbour's ear
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Made in... Europe? We are very pleased to introduce to Soar Valley Life readers our first main car dealer: Albar Autos, be er known for the last decade as Loughborough Kia. Over the coming months we’ll feature test drives of new cars from Kia with relevant informa on and sta s cs to compare and assess the range... Our region’s main Kia dealer has grown out of a ghtknit family business and has a familylike care at the heart of its ethos. In 1965 Barry Johnson, the founder, rented a lock up garage in Highfields, Leicester, having recently le the RAF as a motor vehicle mechanic. Cliff Johnson joined his brother as they expanded the business with plans to include a Skoda dealership as well as a recovery business working for the Police, RAC and AA they were one of the first garages in the UK to work with the RAC and AA in opera ng long distance getyouhome recovery services. Moving to Harrison Road Leicester in 1969 they made space in the corner of the new workshop, now Albar Autos, to display posters and brochures of new Skoda cars. In 1972 they borrowed £600 from a customer to buy a demonstra on Skoda and so began the first Skoda dealership in Leicestershire. Albar Autos bought a derelict petrol sta on on Leicester Road Mountsorrel in 1977 giving space for a 5 car showroom as the car sales business began to flourish. At the beginning of the new millennium Skoda’s corporate plan changed from independent dealers to self owned showrooms, which meant Albar Autos lost much of the control of their own business; so they decided in 2003 to move over to the fast rising Kia brand. Of course they con nue to look a er their Skoda customers for servicing and spares and hold the status of main service agents. But the partnership with Kia has allowed the company to grow as an independent main dealer together with all the advantages of being under the corporate umbrella of a mul na onal brand. Two years ago, the company needed more space yet again and purchased the old Rock Cinema building on the opposite side of the road, which in recent years had been converted into a print works; this now gives storage and extra servicing facili es. Kia’s history, although rather more dynamic being on the global stage of the biggest manufacturing industry of the last seventy years, follows the trend of Albar’s growth through customer service and care. Obviously, the poli cal landscape of South East Asia, and South Korea in par cular, has played its part in Kia’s history, but it is absolutely clear that the company is now a truly interna onal brand. I o en wonder how names are coined, and what their meaning might be. Albar, for instance, comes from joining the first parts of the names of Barry and his father Albert. The name Kia comes from the SinoKorean word of Ki
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Then & Now... Albar Autos in 1977 and now Loughborough’s main Kia Dealer meaning to come out of, or rising from, and A for Asia. So I asked Luke Colle , Sales Manager of Kia Loughborough, where the very unique car name Cee’d derives from Cee’d being the recently introduced family range of Kia cars. I suspected a contrived marke ng abbrevia on with a quirky random apostrophe for good measure. “Europe, actually," Luke replied, “the Cee’d is the first Kia range en rely designed, developed and manufactured in Europe.” (A er a li le bit of research later that day, I find it is the correct abbrevia on of the Community of Economic Europe European Designed with the last E being replaced by an apostrophe. In English we reorder the words to European Economic Community EEC). “But a car is much more than a name of course and so is a brand,” Luke con nued," If you look behind the name and the brand you’ll find excep onally advanced design and engineering backed up with an industry leading seven year warranty. Link this with Kia Loughborough’s family values and a er sales care and you really can see why this company has survived and prospered where others have been swallowed up by the corporate giants.” As I was taking notes, the Loughborough Kia family dog made an appearance, checking me out by sniffing around my shoes. I think he approved of me because he lay down at my feet quite happily. “Oh yes,” said Luke, “that’s Stanley, he’s like that with every one...”
All adver sers appear in our online business directory with a link to their own website – go to www.soarvalleylife.co.uk
Normanton-on-Soar Primary school is able to offer flexible childcare term time over the whole school day.
“Outstanding” Read our article on page 37
2013 Ofsted report states: “Children make good progress in Early Years Foundation Stage because they benefit from good teaching in small groups that precisely meets their needs. A rich environment provides an exciting and interesting range of activities that stimulate self-initiated learning.”
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