Northants ma17 pages by The Village Emporium

March/April 2017 The

Northants Edition

Your family

illage Emporium

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Delivering local business to local people in Warwickshire and Northamptonshire

Delivering since 2005 Photograph by Barefoot Photographic

www.villageemporium.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ 01788 298 050

SIMPLY STUNNING PET & COUNTRY PHOTOGRAPHY

To book contact Tracey now on 07788 524204 or email tracey@barefootphotographics.co.uk www.barefootphotographics.co.uk barefootphotographics

CRB number 110100109983290

The

Your family

illage Emporium

HOW TO ADVERTISE

The booking deadline for the May/June 2017 issue is 12th April 2017. Hand delivered to10,500 homes and businesses every issue. For more info call us on: 01788 298050 or send us an email: info@villageemporium.co.uk

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Welcome to The Village Emporium March/April 2017 Spring has sprung!.... And anyone feeling the love for the covers of our magazines, the gorgeous pygmy goats can be found at The Old Dairy Farm, Upper Stowe and are celebrating their first birthday in March! Barefoot Photographics endured an amazing photo shoot to get these lovelies - thank you Tracey, I do hope the hoof prints have faded! This issue, we have given you some great reading geared towards the men, hope you enjoy Gentlemens relish! Enjoy reading, and hope you use our fabulous advertisers,

The Village Emporium, iCon Environmental Innovation Centre, Eastern Way Daventry NN11 0QB

Registered in England No. 5201035 The views and opinions expressed in The Village Emporium including those claims and opinions expressed in any advertisements are independent of, and do not necessarily reflect, the views and opinions of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of the advertisements placed by advertisers. Editorial material does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publishers and neither editorial nor advertisements are to be read as recommendations on the part of the publishers. All advertisements and editorial are published in good faith and advertisers are asked to provide advertisements that are accurate, legal and honest. The Village Emporium is a registered trade mark of Emporium Publications Ltd

Ali son, Cla re & Su e

FashionShow Upstairs at Bacco Lounge 7pm Monday 24th April. Featuring Alberts Menswear, Terracotta and Etcetera. Tickets available from participating stores mid March. All profits to the Air Ambulance.

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Gentleman’s relish

thevillageemporiummagazine @EmporiumVillage

More features, recipes, competitions and offers online at

www.villageemporium.co.uk

Contents 4 Your home 25 Your family 42 Your garden

45 Look good, feel good 50 Out & about 66 Whats On?

Competitions 37

Win a ride on a trike at Rugby Bikefest 2017

Features 56 Win a family ticket to Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum

January/February 2017 issue Competition winners

31 What’s trending this season ladies? 32 Gentlemens relish 41 Does your patio need reviving 45 National success

for Grafton Spa

48 St Patricks Day 50 Mother’s day 59 Who put the

chocolate into Easter Eggs

71 Will you wear

flowers in your hair?

Choose Wellbeing Ms J Barr, Birdingbury Overnight stay and dinner at The Belmont Hotel Mr Harris, Hellidon

Brain teasers 4,16,22,28,32,40, 47,48,49,58,64

Recipes 14,24,72 www.villageemporium.co.uk • 01788 298 050

Your home Local family business established for over 25 years

MASSIVE RANGE OF LIGHTING l l l l l l l l l

Walk-in Baths Walk-in Showers Wet rooms Product & installation guarantee Waterproof wall panelling Slip resistant safetyflooring Grabrails, shower seats & raised toilets Local family business worth of M & S Vouchers Discounts for OAPs, ex-service on every bathroom order with personnel, and SSAFA this advert at point of sale.*

ÂŁ100

including lamps, wall lights, chandeliers, LED lighting, outdoor lighting and eco & traditional light bulbs

Why not visit our Daventry Showroom? Unit 10 Station Close, Vicar Lane, Daventry, Northants NN11 4FJ

Email : sales@accentlighting.co.uk

Phone : 01327 703 123

NORTHAMPTON 01604 529153

www.ahminstallations.co.uk | info@ahminstallations.co.uk *Vouchers sent out 30 days after installation

www.accentlighting.co.uk Discounted lines available in upstairs showroom

Trivia Sudoku

Interior Design services for residential or commercial projects. From new colour schemes or soft furnishings to complete refurbishment. Bespoke designs combining functionality with style. Visit our online shop for quality home accessories that will inspire you and complement any interior.

Tel: 07885 330886

Email: info@ellenrobinsondesigns.co.uk

www.ellenrobinsondesigns.co.uk 4

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Your home advertorial

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. A failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid these problems. Now, you may think you need to replace the

whole window including the frames and all the hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solutionâ&#x20AC;Ś Just replace the glass!! If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118. We will send out our highly experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and explain the problem and tell you how we can fix it. With

years of experience Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year guarantee. Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors. Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Trevor Skidmore and he services the Northampton area. So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Trevor a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118.

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

Cloudy2Clear Windows... Service With A Smile!

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Your home

Restorations SUPPLY & INSTALLATION OF Renovations DOMESTIC HEATING OIL TANKS SERVICE & COMMISSIONING OF OIL FIRED BOILERS Extensions RENOVATIONS / EXTENSIONS REPOINTING NEW BUILD james@parrattbuildingcontractors.co.uk DECORATING

Period Properties Specialists in Pointing

01327 563850 or James on 07854 085979 james@parrattbuilders.co.uk

Thomas on 07881 386038 thomas@parrattbuilders.co.uk

Work carried out by

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24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

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ALL MADE UP 24

MADE TO MEASURE ROOF SAILS & SHUTTERS Fresh inspiration and expert, friendly advice. FREE home measuring and expert fitting service.

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Your home

Kitchens | Bedrooms | Panelling | Libraries | Studies We all have a vision of our perfect kitchen; traditional or modern, rustic or minimalist. No matter where you are, Fraser James Furniture is the natural choice. At Fraser James, we can make your vision a reality. Everything is hand finished and checked, doing that little extra to ensure the highest quality product.

01327 315037 www.fraserjamesltd.co.uk

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Your home Carpet, Rug, Upholstery & Hard Floor Cleaning Specialist Est 1987 • Modern High Powered Machinery for

buy it for its looks, love it for its soul... Look no further for the finest range of Morsø woodburning stoves that combine timeless elegance with traditional craftsmanship and quality. HOME FARM STOVES LTD. 8 HIGH STREET, LONG BUCKBY NORTHAMPTON, NN6 7RD TEL: 01327 843400 WWW.HOMEFARMSTOVES.CO.UK

• Reduced Drying Time and

• Superior Results • Latest Chemicals for spot and stain removal • Stain protection treatment available

fair price! • A good job for a fair price! • A good job for a Call us now for friendly advice and a FREE quote:

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e: dave@davehyam.co.uk www.davehyam.co.uk

David Sleight Conservation

Specialists in the conservation and repair of traditional and listed buildings Sympathetic repairs to brickwork, stone masonry, plasterwork and cob. Ex-English Heritage craftsman

sleightconservation.co.uk 01858 571006 - 07980 702121 8

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Your home Architectural Salvage

n Architectural Stone n

Building

Landscaping

Flooring

Roofing

Paving

Architectural salvage, reclaimed & traditional building products

Ransfords Conservation & Reclaimed Building materials is one of the largest independent suppliers of Reclaimed and Traditional building materials used in conserving Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heritage. We have built up an excellent reputation for supplying good quality building materials, offering extensive advice and solutions. The depot is open during the week from 08.30 to 17.00. Lunch between 1300 and 1400 and open 09.00 to 12.00 noon most Saturdays, although always best to check prior to making a special journey. Ransfords Rutherford Way Drayton Fields Industrial Estate Daventry NN11 8XW

Please check our stock at www.ransfords.com www.villageemporium.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ 01788 298 050

Your home

A. STEEL PLUMBING AND HEATING

Owning your dream home can be easier and cheaper than you think - contact us today for your bespoke quotation!

Renovations Extensions New House Builds Garage & Loft Conversions

Fully qualified plumber of 8 years All aspects of plumbing undertaken Emergency call out Free quotations Boiler service & repair Unvented cylinders service & repair m: 07825 305756 t: 01327 842058 a: Long Buckby NN6 7QA e: asplumbingandheating1@gmail.com

Tel: 01604 879917

Mobile: 07958 686184 (Simon) or 07896 659638 (George)

www.foundationbuildingcompany.co.uk Email: info@foundationbuildingcompany.co.uk 12a Oak Lane, Crick, Northants NN6 7SS

556309

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

Kitchen & Bathroom Specialist Design, Plan, Supply, Install Quality Professional Service 35 Years Professional experience Serving Northampton and surrounding Villages

For a FREE no obligation quote contact Ian on 07906 318329 or 01604 755766 10

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Your home

Company Registration No. 9052005 VAT Reg No. 189 8175 43

Feeling the cold? Government research estimates 35% of all heat loss from UK homes takes place through external walls!

BEFORE

Typically older properties (solid wall), do not retain heat and experience excessive heat loss and other problems. Weatherseal Facades are a family-run business based in Rugby, specialising in external wall insulation (EWI) render and cladding systems, to domestic and commercial properties.

AFTER

External wall insulation brings a range of fantastic benefits for your property: Reduced heat loss and CO2 emissions Savings on energy bills Improved weatherproofing & protection Reduced condensation on internal walls & prevention of damp Improved appearance & increased market value

We have over 20 years installation experience, offering comprehensive information about all our products. Our friendly and detailed advice will help you make an informed choice. We are also proud members of Checkatrade.com, so you can be assured of a quality service from a local company who are recommended and trusted.

“I was very impressed with the commitment and professionalism of the Weatherseal Facades team. The workmanship and teamwork was very impressive and the end result was first class, from my first meeting and consequently sound advice given, to the job completion was very good. Excellent” Mr Osborne, Daventry

To save money and improve your property, contact Weatherseal today! 01788 220023

info@weathersealfacades.co.uk

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www.villageemporium.co.uk • 01788 298 050

Your home

Our glass comes with a 10 year guarantee SAMPLE PRICE LIST (INC FITTING & VAT) IMUM NO MIN R CHA GE L OUT NO CAL GE R A H C

• • • • •

Steamed up Windows from £30 Replacement Handles from £35 Replacement Hinges from £55 Replacement Locking Systems from £60 Anti-bump/anti-snap Security Locks from £69.95

For a FREE SURVEY call 01604 372 027 or 07827 974375 or email rick@windowrepairgeeks.co.uk

www.windowrepairgeeks.com Even more choice at Soft Furnishings by Mickie Fenwick Wilson

Designs that are as individual as your home Bespoke curtains, pelmets and roman blinds, fitted if required. Wood, metal and venetian blinds. Cushions, loose covers, beautiful home accessories and lots more... Visit our studio at: 61 The Square, Dunchurch CV22 6NU 01788 813334 Email: mickiecurtains@hotmail.co.uk

extensive range of fabrics including:

Open Tuesday – Friday 9am -4pm & Saturday 9am -3pm lots of parking outside home visits and evening appointments

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Your home

TEL: 01327 312464

www.villageemporium.co.uk â&#x20AC;¢ 01788 298 050

Recipe

Moroccan Lamb Casserole This hearty, warming dish benefits from being cooked in advance to help the lamb to hold its tender juices, making it a perfect get-ahead meal.

Prep / Cooking time: 2 hours 20 minutes Serves: Four

Actions Preheat the oven to 150°C/300°F, gas mark 2. Heat the coconut oil in a large lidded casserole and sauté the onion and spices for 1 minute.

Ingredients

4 portions or 1kg/1lb boneless leg of lamb - chopped into bite-sized pieces 200g can pitted black olives in brine, rinsed and drained to give 75g drained weight

Add the lamb and stir until lightly golden. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir well. Bring to the boil. Place the lid on the casserole and transfer to the oven. Cook for at least 2 hours, or until the lamb is very tender.

50g onions - chopped 2 whole garlic cloves - peeled

Serving Suggestion

1 tsp ground cumin

Serve with a selection of green vegetables

1 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp turmeric ½ tsp cinnamon 250ml - chicken or vegetable stock 1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil

Jen’s

top t ip

Why n ot dou ble the freeze ingred th ients a hearty e other half nd fo mid-w eek me r a quick an d al

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Your home

www.villageemporium.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ 01788 298 050

Your home

Ideal Tanks & Pumps Ltd. Supply & Installation of all types of oil storage tanks for domestic & commercial use. • OFTEC registered engineers advise and install • All Aspects of the work undertaken as required Tanks, Plastic or Steel, Single skin or bunded Tank Cleaning Pipework to boiler Fittings & Ancillary equipment Bases & Plinths for tanks Removal of old tanks & oil Transter of oil Testing of tanks and oil pipes Extra long tank fill points for those difficult to reach tanks Over 50 years of experience and expertise

For complete satisfaction & top quality service Tel: 01604 843 359... Today! 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Mob: 07831 259 351 or 07767 885 852 • Email: sales@idealtanksandpumps.co.uk

Crossword

Crossword Clues Across 1 Nightclub entertainment (7) 4 Strange and frightening (5) 7 System for detecting aircraft (5) 9 Vertical, erect (7) 10 Passivity, paralysis (7) 11 Emperor, king, monarch (5) 12 Tyrannical dictator (6) 14 Priest or religious leader (6) 18 Plentiful (5) 20 Gaunt, exhausted (7) 22 Scottish pouch worn with a kilt (7) 23 Ceremonial headdress (5) 24 Item in a diary, or notebook (5)

25 Spiny Australian egglaying mammal! (7) Down 1 Supported, sustained (7) 2 Decorative breast pin (5) 3 Tropical bird with large colourful beak (6) 4 Mistake (5) 5 Constant, uniform (7) 6 Go inside (5) 8 Relative size of two values (5) 13 Assist financially (7) 15 Strict reason (5) 16 Intricate musical solo (7) 17 Become different (6) 18 Passage in supermarket (5) 19 Before the expected time (5) 21 Keep away from (5)

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Your home

FLAT ROOFING

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Telephone: 01455 818 261 Registered Installers

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guttering & down pipes with all fascias replacements.

We only do a full total replacement with all existing wood removed, we do not cap on top. We only use grade A lead free products. We are free foam registered installers. We are a family business with no Sub-contractors.

The roofline area is the most exposed and vulnerable feature of any property. It is ravaged by all weathers and is susceptible to hazards such as blocked gutters which can cause timber fascias to rot quickly. There is, thank goodness, an answer to this problem in the form of a permanent cure. Not only will it alleviate the worry of expensive replacement of rotten timbers, but also eliminate the need for repainting every few years.

We cover all of Northamptonshire, We only accept payment on completion on Oxfordshire, Warwickshire www.villageemporium.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ 01788 298 050 17 100% customer satisfaction. We do a good job at a realistic price.

Your home

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Your home

jackson-stops.co.uk

Flore

Lettings & Property Management For honest professional & friendly advice

Contact Teresa Moores Residential Lettings Manager for your free rental valuation

People Property Places

Bugbrooke

Church Stowe

Harpole

Northampton 01604 Northampton 01604 632 632 991 991 northampton@jackson-stops.co.uk

northampton@jackson-stops.co.uk northampton@jackson-stops.co.uk Offices Offices in in London London & & across across the the country country

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Your home

Ruby Riley by Finders Keepers Lovingly created pieces of vintage and shabby chic furniture

FIND US ON FACEBOOK Do you have a piece of furniture that would look great with a facelift? Custom commisions undertaken. Our showroom is at Litchborough Industrial Estate, Unit 4 Northampton Road, Litchborough Towcester NN12 8JB

Tel: 01327 830257

Opening hours Monday to Friday (except public/ bank holidays) From 9am until 3pm New longer opening hours and days in the summer .

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Your home

www.villageemporium.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ 01788 298 050

Kilsby, Rugby, Warwickshire CV23 8YB Est. 1979

Your home

For all your building requirements including house builds, extensions, garden walls, brickwork, block paving, property renovation, barn conversions, listed building repairs & renovations.

Are you Freezing in the Winter and Sweltering Quality assured – references available in the Summer? Nu-Look Conservatory Roof Solutions can solve these problems with low cost conservatory roof conversion systems that will give you back the Please mention The Village Emporium when responding to advertisers www.dysonic.co.uk room and space you wanted in the ﬁrst place. We have over 40 years combined experience in the conservatory and rooﬁng business. Customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do and we pride ourselves on the quality of workmanship and service that we provide. We’ll transform your conservatory into a room that’s perfect every day of the year!

Ring for an estimate

01788 891301 or 07941 745021

TRD Electrics

Honest, reliable service for all your domestic needs, from a Call today for a free quote on 01604 532707 light switch to full re-wire. For more information visit www.nulookroof.co.uk

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PART EXCHANGE Call Tim for a WELCOME free quote on All reconditioned models available for purchase Daventry based which provides free parking 07545 641 634 and easy access for drop off & collection. SPARES & REPAIRS AVAILABLE

01327 705979 07785 372664 Part P Approved Contractor www.dysonic.co.uk

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Domestic & Commercial The most amazing carpet & upholstery clean or you pay nothing!

M: 07764 841100

Covering Rugby, Daventry and surrounding villages

3 Carpets cleaned for £99 (no VAT)

Please Village Emporium when responding to adverts 22 us Contact for a mention FREE no The obligation quote

Your home FREE QUOOKER BOILING WATER TAP ON EVERY KITCHEN WITH 6 OR MORE UNITS. OFFER ENDS 30.4.17

DESIGNER KITCHENS WITHOUT THE DESIGNER PRICE TAG A German made, high quality kitchen with personal service throughout from a local company is more affordable than you might think. So if you’re looking to makeover your home, contact us to find out how we can help you have the kitchen you want for the lifestyle you live, all at exceptional value for money. 

Free home measure and design service

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Top kitchen brands such as Schüller, Neff, Blanco and Quooker



Granite, quartz, laminate or solid surface worktops



Door styles and colours to suit all tastes



Make an appointment to view our kitchens:

UNIT 5 & 6 THE STABLEYARD, HOLDENBY HOUSE, NORTHAMPTON NN6 8DJ

01604 439099

www.kitchensbymode.co.uk www.villageemporium.co.uk • 01788 298 050

Recipe

Green Frittata Simple, quick and easy egg dish that is as quick as calling up for a takeaway and just as tasty! This frittata is a great comfort warming dish that is fresh and fulfilling.

Prep / Cooking time: 20 minutes Serves: Two Ingredients 2 eggs

Actions Put the grated courgette into a tea towel and wring out to remove the moisture from it. Whisk the eggs together in a large bowl, then mix in all the other ingredients except the coconut oil for frying. Choose a medium frying pan (that is grill-friendly) and melt the oil, over a high heat.

200g courgette, roughly grated 50g spring onions, chopped or 1 medium onion, diced or grated 2 x garlic cloves, diced or grated 50g green pepper, diced 50g of frozen/fresh peas ½ tsp hot smoked paprika 2 handfuls of fresh basil or parsley, leaves and stalks roughly chopped 1 pinch of dried oregano or thyme 1 big pinch of sea salt and black pepper 1 tbsp of coconut oil

op tip t ’s n Je can be

rs it leftove t day for a are any ex If there served the n nd saved a kfast. rea tasty b

Swirl the pan to ensure the bottom is entirely coated in the melted oil to prevent your frittata from burning. When the oil is hot, pour in the frittata mixture and set your grill to high. Pop a lid on the pan, turn the heat down to medium and cook for 5-8 minutes, until the base of the frittata is cooked and solid. Use a wooden spatula or tip the pan from side to side to check if the base is cooked, turning the heat down if you’re worried about it burning. Take the lid off and pop under the grill until the top is golden brown - takes about a minute. To check if it’s done, give the pan a shake. Remove the pan from the grill and allow to cool for 5 minutes, then using a spatula to help carefully edge the frittata out of the pan onto a chopping board and slice into four wedges to serve.

Serving Suggestion This can be eaten on its own or serve with a simple green side salad.

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“Arcadia”, Coventry Road Dunchurch, Rugby CV22 6RE Linda & Andrew Harris

T: 01788 817920 E: arcadiacattery2@gmail.com

Please visit the website and facebook page for prices and more information.

UPVC Purpose Built Luxury Boarding Cattery n n n n

Latest Specifications of the CIEH Fully Licensed and Insured Light, Bright Heated Rooms with Optimal Hygiene Superb Setting In Own Sheltered Garden Area

www.arcadiacattery.com Arcadia Cattery

NEW FOR 2017 - SPACIOUS FAMILY ROOMS NOW AVAILABLE

Burcote Road, Towcester, Northamptonshire NN12 6JW

Plum Park Farm, Paulerspury Northamptonshire NN12 6LQ

Tel: 01327 350239 towcester-vets.co.uk

Tel: 01327 811007 Tel: 01327 344999 towcester-vets.co.uk/equine/ weedon-vets.co.uk

• High quality diagnostic facilities. • Friendly routine care and advice. • Advanced surgical services including keyhole surgery.

The Bungalows, Watling Street, Weedon, NN7 4QQ.

Onley Grounds Farm, Willoughby, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 8AJ

Tel: 01788 523000 onley-equine-vets.co.uk

• Mobile diagnostic services and free zone visits for equine clients. • 24 hour emergency veterinary cover by our own vets.

YOUR ANIMALS, OUR VETS, ALL THE TIME

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Your family

THE ROAD AHEAD

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E S TA B L I S H E D 2 0 0 5

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small for solebusinesses traders and small businesses

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Please mention The Village Emporium when responding to adverts 26 HELPING YOU

Your family

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Thinking of starting your own business? Worried about how much tax you need to save? Then Willow Edge Accountants are here to help with proactive and clear advice to assist you in all your tax 64 99 62 6 affairs. With over 10 years of experience we can set 11 you on the right path. Please contact Caroline Overton to see how we can help your business. Call 07743 859 269 or email .l o . c enquiries@willowedge.co.uk os e r fo r hi

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Your family

DO YOU KNOW WHICH SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS YOU SHOULD BE USING FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

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oradi dental COMPLETE SMILE CARE

WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

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For more information and a full list of treatments visit

www.oradi.co.uk

 Get all the latest from Oradi and follow us @oradidental

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Your family

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路 Family friendly practice 路 Children seen free 路 Affordable private dentistry 路 Same day emergency appointments

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Call us on: 01327 842815 www.longbuckbydental.com

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Feature

What’s trending for SS/17 The resurrection of the 80’s regularly comes in and out of fashion. The revival for this season is as big as the iconic shoulder pads of that era. Political upheaval and changes in society of recent times share a parallel with what went on during that era and evidently it is showing through the medium of fashion and other area’s of design and the arts.

Saturated colour Spring/Summer is literally bursting at the seams with colour. Fresh and zesty pantone green, greenery 15-0343 is colour of the year. Canary yellow, fuschia, satsuma and other strong, cheery hues make a vivid impact for this season.

Patterns A cocktail of pattern exploded from the runways in the form of stripes, florals and geometrics often combined together to create a ‘happy clash’. .

Please to pleats A good many designers have added pleats to their collections. Great Plains pleated wide leg trousers and skirts are in store.

Jumpsuits Jumpsuits are still one of the key silhouettes and continue to trend into 2017. No awkward fastenings or zips with our Mama B jumpsuit/s, easy slip on, slip off garments, in beautiful Italian milled jersey.

Shoulders and sleeves Off the shoulders, slit-sleeves, exaggerated billowy sleeves feature this season. See the gorgeous Lollys Laundry range.

Floral arrangement We see a throwback to bold floral retro prints which are reminiscent of the 70’s thanks to designers such as Chloe, Michael Kors and Miu Mui. Our Italian designer range, Anonyme boasts of some very dynamic and exciting floral printed garments. A Postcard from Brighton have included the large tulip print within their newest jersey collection. Terracotta Boutique, Bank Street, Rugby www.terracotta-boutique.co.uk

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Trivia Sudoku

9 Bank Street, Rugby CV21 2QE

01788 573502

Spring shoes for dapper gentlemen

Geox trainer waterproof £120

Pikolinos shoe £95.99

You’re kidding!

The booking deadline for the May/ June issue is April 12th 2017

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ALBERT’S MENSWEAR

www.albertsmenswear.co.uk Albert’s Menswear 37 Regent Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2PE Opening hours Mon - Sat : 0930 - 1700

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A day at the races... It is rarely suggested wearing your work suit after hours, so investing in a sharp all-rounder that doesn’t look out of place can pay dividends. The Marc Darcy range from Albert’s Menswear in Rugby offers a diverse range with a look that is unique and suitable to wear for many different occasions. With the racing season upon us, Cheltenham in March, for example there is no better time than now to clear your cluttered wardrobe of suits that are only worn for work, weddings and funerals. Be bold and implement some checks into your attire. A new 3 piece suit that will not only catch the eye and demand attention, but also bring an air of confidence and masculinity. A jacket with waistcoat, jeans and brogues will also catch the eye and you will never look out of place even if going down the road for a quick pint! So fundamental that it’s often overlooked, a good quality white shirt will complete the look. There is no written rule on what you wear with it, but why not be a bit brave and opt for a dotted tie?

Knitted square cut ties have made a comeback and a nice silver tie pin will make your outfit complete. If you are looking to get married and want to wear something different from the norm, then the Marc Darcy range will be perfect for your big day. Getting wed in a barn conversion, hotel, country retreat? Don’t worry, we have it all covered. With over 50 different suits to choose from, we can have you and your wedding party looking dapper and that includes the dad’s and grandads !! and at the same time most befitting the fabulous surroundings of the chosen venue. The bride will always be centre of attention on her big day followed by the groom of course, buy why not be a bit rebellious and do something different? instead of matching the best man to the groom and groomsmen, why not get the dad’s to match up with the groom instead? Poor dad normally has the stress of paying towards the big day, being told what his speech is allowed and not allowed to say and told what suit he has to wear!

Remember....... Clothes do not make the man, but they can make the woman’s day if worn properly! Albert’s Menswear 37 Regent Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2PE

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Gentleman’s relish

Relax & De-stress Work pressures, financial worries, poor relationships, alcohol and social isolation can all contribute to stress. Common symptoms for men as well as women can vary from mild worry, irritability, low mood and difficulty sleeping to more severe symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia and burnout (the effects of chronic stress). It is estimated that: • 29% of people will at some point suffer from persistent anxiety • Up to 18% from mild depression • 25% severe stress, fatigue and burnout • Nearly 20% people have difficulty sleeping. Fortunately, with lifestyle changes and natural support you can balance your nervous system and bounce back from the effects of stress.

Keep calm, relaxed and focused

Studies have shown that certain natural supplements can help safely and quickly ease symptoms and improve mental focus. L-Theanine, which naturally occurs in green tea, and lemon balm, a culinary herb used for relaxation, have been shown in a number of scientific studies to rapidly reduce the effects of stress and appear to do this by calming down the mind and nervous system. Simple breathing exercises can help you keep calm and relaxed. Taking six breaths of slow breathing per minute for 15 minutes significantly reduces the sympathetic nervous system activity and blood pressure.

Bounce back

Some of the most prized natural and well-studied plants for dealing with chronic stress and building resilience

are known as ‘adaptogens’ which simply help your body adapt to stress; amongst the most popular are ashwagandha, siberian ginseng, licorice, schisandra and rhodiola. Taking up yoga has positive benefits too. A 60-minute yoga session has been shown to increase the anti-stress neurotransmitter (brain chemical) gamma-aminobutyric acid by 27%.

Sleep well

Sleeplessness can be a major side-effect of stress, as we find it hard to switch off. It is considered that cherries and the mineral magnesium may help calm your mind, improve your sleep, and leave you feeling more energetic the next day – without any sedative effects. Switch off electronic devices such as computers, notepads, laptops, mobile phones and the TV, as these ‘blue light generators’ lower levels of the all-important sleep chemical, serotonin.

For more information, advice and support on natural remedies and yoga classes, visit Sheaf Street Health Store, Sheaf Street, Daventry or visit their Facebook page. Te: 01327 312037

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‘What does Mummy look like then?’ The challenge of being a male parent. Being a parent is not easy. Ok, some of us find it easier than others and a lot depends on the child, the support network you have, your own level of maturity and so on. Overall though, it is not easy. I am the parent of girls. This should not matter of course and I appreciate that in an ideal world gender would not be an issue but, despite my best intentions and my high minded notions, it regularly is. Overall I think I do OK as a Dad. Somehow it all works, which is more than the world does if you want to move around in it as a male with female children. Sadly, despite all the years of talk about equal parenting, it is still awkward out there. Let me give you an example. My girls are much older now but when my youngest was a pre-schooler I was working in a job where I often had week days free. During the summer we would go to the zoo. We had a routine, the giraffes first then the otters, then ice-cream and a drink before the elephant; and then the massive problem. My daughter suddenly would become very serious and whisper “I need a wee and I am a big girl so I don’t want to use the boy’s toilets”. There is no way to deal with that situation that doesn’t mean a crying child or standing in mild panic while she goes on her own.

I lost her there once. Not seriously, but enough that I became quite worried. This is not anything unusual, all parents occasionally lose a child, but what happened in this situation was made worse by a well meaning woman. Realising my daughter was lost she asked her what mummy looked like and wandered off to look for someone who was at least 40 miles away. Fortunately, I spotted her and after a bit of convincing I was allowed to take my child back. The point here is that as a male parent you are dealing with a world that is not expecting you. It is looking for Mum, not Dad. One final example was a day trip to the zoo. I was sitting while she watched the marmosets with her nose pressed to the glass and a woman sat next to me asked if I had brought her to the zoo myself. When I said I had, she patted me on the arm and said “Well done you”. It’s easy to brush this off as ‘the way things are’ or because women tend do most of the parenting but we shouldn’t. It is arguably a form of prejudice. Whatever it is, it is not fair. It reinforces gender roles and frankly makes being a parent harder than it already is.

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Male grooming Guys! Personal hygiene is not just for women! Facial hair: If you like a beard or a spot of stubble acquaint yourself with a beard trimmer. A well-trimmed beard is a thing of beauty; an unkempt one can result in passers-by throwing coins at you. And beard trimmers are not just for beards; there is generally hair elsewhere which could benefit from a little ‘management’ too! While we’re on the subject, nose-clippers are cheap; there is no excuse for furry nostrils! Nails: Gross nails are a no-no. A soft nailbrush and some precision clippers teamed with hand cream work wonders. If your hands are in a bad way consider a manicure. Don’t scoff, a therapist will slough off calluses, push-back your cuticles and buff your nails to a perfect length. Don’t stop at your hands either: feet benefit from TLC too. Teeth: A great smile falls flat if your breath smells. Brush and floss every day because plaque is persistent. The sticky film of bacteria re-forms within a 24-hour period. Decay means expensive and possibly painful dental treatment. Plus you never know when you might be called upon to kiss the girl (or guy) of your dreams.

it should be renamed BBO!). Sadly men are more prone to it because they sweat more. Fresh sweat doesn’t smell unpleasant; it’s bacteria which cause the unpleasant niff. Spraying yourself with body spray doesn’t fool anyone. Launder clothes regularly, shower daily and use a good quality anti-perspirant. If you’d like to wear aftershave but don’t know which scent suits you, take a female friend along to the counter and ask for her opinion. When life is busy it’s easy to let personal hygiene slide but a little effort goes a long way.

Body odour: We all have our own body odour, even when we’re clean and fresh. The term BO generally refers to Bad Body Odour (perhaps

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RUGBY TOWN CENTRE

SUNDAY 21ST MAY 2017 10am to 4pm

RUGBY BIKEFEST

A family friendly bike festival Bikes l Ride-In l Stalls l Family entertainment l Music l Food www.rugbytowncentre.co.uk/events/bikefest-2017

Further information: Tel: 01788 890789 Email: info@ucltd.co.uk

@rugbybikefest

rugbybikefestival

Win a place to join the Rugby Bikefest ride-in on the back of a trike! One of the highlights of the day for both visitors and riders is the ‘ride-in’, where hundreds of bikes roar into the town centre creating a fantastic spectacle and a deafening noise. If you own a bike and would like to join the ‘Ride-in’ all you need to do is register your details on the website – what are you waiting for? If you don’t then why not enter our competition to win a pillion ride on the back of a trike.

To win answer the following;

How many wheels does a trike have? 2, 3 or 4 Rugby Bikefest is set to return to the town centre on Sunday 21st May. The festival organised by Rugby First and Rugby Borough Council, in conjunction with local motorcycling groups, businesses, and organisations, will take place in the town centre between 10am and 4pm. The FREE family friendly bike festival includes a ‘ride-in’, bike stalls and displays, children’s entertainment, music, and food – a wheelie great day out for all the family!

How to enter

Deadline for entries April 3rd 2017. By email to takepart@ villageemporium.co.uk and pop your answer in the subject box, providing telephone number and home address in the body of the email, or by post iCon Environmental Innovation Centre, Eastern Way, Daventry, NN11 0QB. For more information www.rugbytowncentre.co.uk/ events/bikefest

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Gentleman’s relish

Have you tried a Microbrewery? A microbrewery or craft brewery is a brewery that produces small amounts of beer to sell on their own premises. They are generally much smaller than largescale corporate breweries, and are independently owned. Microbreweries are generally characterized by their emphasis on quality, flavour and brewing technique. The microbrewing movement began in the United Kingdom in the 1970s but traditional artisanal brewing already existed in Europe for centuries. As the movement grew and some breweries expanded their production and distribution, the more encompassing concept of craft brewing emerged. The term “microbrewery” was originally used in relation to the size of breweries, but it gradually came to reflect an alternative attitude and approach to brewing flexibility, adaptability, experimentation and customer service. The term and trend spread to the US in the 1980s and was eventually used as a designation of breweries that produce fewer than 15,000 U.S. beer barrels annually. We are very lucky to have some microbreweries on our doorstep;

Early Doors, Princes walk, Daventry 07707 299959

If you are a real ale lover, this is the place for you. Almost all the ales are from small local Brewers, served straight from the barrel with a great choice and often a new one each day. Early Doors opened 26th January 2015 and is a hidden treasure in Daventry town centre. Open Tuesday to Saturday 12 - 9pm, the pub itself is small and friendly,

with no music, fruit machines, or TV! A selection of cold bar snacks are available such as olives, pork pies and scotch eggs. Dogs are allowed but no children.

Rugby Tap, 3 St Matthews St, Rugby 01788 576767

Rugbys only Micropub is a small free house which listens to its customers, mainly serves cask ales straight from the barrel, promotes conversation, shuns all forms of electronic entertainment and dabbles in traditional pub snacks. Having opened in December 2014, it already has been awarded Rugby’s CAMRA Pub of the Year 2015 and hot off the press for the second year running has just been awarded CAMRA Pub of the Year 2016. Opening times: Mon - Thurs 10am-6pm Fri - Sat 10am10pm Sunday - 12pm-3pm.

Tap Room Towcester Mill Brewery Ltd, Towcester Mill, Chantry Lane, Towcester 01327 437560

The Tap Room offers a selection of cask ales from eight traditional hand pumps mainly sourced from their onsite brewery so the ales are fresh and locally produced and in great condition. The Tap Room also offers a range of six real ciders, Lyme Bay fruit wines, eight gins including Warner Edwards, 12 Belgian beers and other drinks and snacks. Opening times Mon 5pm – 8pm | Tues to Thurs 5pm – 10.30pm | Fri 3pm – 11pm | Sat 12 noon – 11pm | Sun 12 noon – 8pm. Their shop is now located The Bell Plantation Garden Centre on Watling Street, Towcester, NN12 6GX.

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What makes a great steak? The saying ‘you are what you eat’ most certainly applies and nothing makes us carnivores more happily satisfied than a fat juicy steak!! Well this is a theory that I have applied to my own cattle that we rear here at Onley Grounds Farm to produce our world award winning steaks.

Fillet is very tender as it is a muscle that is not used as much but does have less flavour due to low fat content. Sirloin is a great choice for a good all round steak.

All our cows are grain fed on a special diet, using our own wheat and oats grown on the farm and the by products of the speyside whisky distilleries, hence happy cows!! This feed essentially improves the flavour of the beef – the first crucial element for the best steak!

In my experience a coal barbeque does it best but in depths of winter I do use a good solid frying pan. 1) Always cook your steak from room temperature otherwise the extreme change from cold to hot can cause it to retract and loose moisture making it less tender. 2) Never add salt prior to cooking this can draw the moisture out. 3) Add steak to a very hot pan with oil allowing the juices to be sealed in immediately and keep turning it every minute to ensure even cooking. 4) For me, I like my steak medium rare for it to retain its flavour and succulence, but that’s down to your preference 5) Remove the steak from the heat and rest it in the pan for a few minutes. 6) Season well with salt and pepper and my little secret is a dab of olive oil and a squirt of lemon juice.

Secondly, excellent welfare for our cattle is a must. A clean shed, plenty of fresh air, water and a constant supply of food and no stress all adds up to tender, succulent and flavoursome beef. It has been proved if animals suffer high levels of stress during their lives it increases the acidity levels in the meat which can make the meat tough. The next essential step to a great steak is to find a good butchery with the knowledge of how to keep, cut and look after the beef. Here at Onley Grounds Farm Shop, the ageing fridges must be dry and at a constant temperature to stop the meat from sweating. Hanging for a minimum of 21 days is plenty providing all the above rules are adhered to. So now our work is done the next part is up to you! If you like a juicy steak, select Ribeye – this has the most fat and marbling giving great taste and soft texture. For a flavoursome steak, choose my personal favourite, Rump.

The last and by no means less important step to the perfect steak is the cooking…

Now for the best part… eat and enjoy with a nice glass of Malbec!! David Baker – Farmer and Butcher Onley Grounds Farm Shop and Butchery CV23 8AJ Tel 07546 222624

www.onleygroundsfarmshop.co.uk

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Your garden Your garden

Everyday Bouquets WeddingFlowers Workshops & Private Sessions Farewell Flowers Local Delivery Garden Gate Flowers provides a personal, bespoke and reliable service that consistently turns your ideas and aspirations into beautiful and unique floral designs.

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Weeds, moss, grime, algae, lichen... without regular attention it doesn’t take long for your home’s outside surfaces to look tired, old and in desperate need of TLC. Such unwanted growths can also cause steps, paths, patios and decking to become slippery and potentially hazardous. Yet contrary to popular belief, these growths do not damage what they’re growing on and with the right help, your home’s exterior hard surfaces will soon be looking as good as new.

Call JumboJet for your free, no-obligation quotation on 01788 890 652 or 01327 312277 visit or www.jumbojetwash.com 10% off all bookings confirmed by March 31st”

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This is where JumboJet comes in. JumboJet is a chemical-free, professional pressure washing service that cleans, revives and tranforms paths, patios, drives, block paving, timber decking, tarmac, concrete slabs, real and reconstituted stone, garden furniture and ornaments.

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This environmentally-friendly service uses nothing but water as the cleaning medium, jetting water out at a far higher pressure than the DIY machines available to the domestic market. The result is a much deeper, better clean, which removes weeds, moss, grime, algae and lichen and breathes new life into your property’s hard surfaces. JumboJet can also protect your newly cleaned surfaces with its sanding and sealing service. Trained operatives will brush kiln-dried sand back into the paving joints before applying a clear acrylic sealant to the surface. This sealant forms a barrier, greatly reducing weed growth in the joins and minimising future maintenance. In addition, JumboJet can retint pattern imprinted concrete driveways, restoring them to their original colour. JumboJet staff will leave your outside areas clean and tidy, check that your drains aren’t blocked and ● Boost your income from genuine add on services ● Make the most of every job you do by promoting your service at the same time ● Make an instant success of your business by avoiding all our mistakes ● Develop a loyal following in your local area where word of mouth sells your service for you

Founded in 2009 we offer free quotation without obligation and a free demonstration of the effectiveness of the service can be arranged!

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Foraa FREE FREE No For NoObligation Obligationquote quote call Rod call Rod on: on: 01788 01788 890652 890652 www.jumbojetwash.com

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Your garden

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Your garden

• Small team of RHS • RHS qualified qualified gardeners •• Female Bordergardener and lawn care and • Border and lawn care maintenance and maintenance • Rose and fruit tree • Pruning and general pruning tidy up work • Hedge trimming •• Garden Pruningplanning and general and design tidy up work Service •• Consultation Hanging baskets Contact us Contact Us E: kim@beautiful-borders.co.uk

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Call us now on 01858 575618 or buy online at www.insheds.co.uk Woodside Farm - Stanford Road - Welford - Northamptonshire - NN6 6HG Tel. 01858 575 618 - Email. sales@insheds.co.uk

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Your garden

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Look good, feel good

Celebrating national success n for Spalocal & Wellness spa…. wins top award

Have youSpa been&yet? Grafton Spa & Wellness is awinning boutique thepool, sauna year m Grafton Wellness were "Highly and steam day spa nestled in the grounds of Wakefield Lodge arpet again recently, Commended Award" and Estate. Located deep enjoying in the heartaof the pretty English room with delicious justthemselves! off the A5 between Towcester & Milton andcountryside, glamour for twinning "Spa ofathe Year Keynes. picnic lunch for Northamptonshire" sed conveniently in the or afterThis fabulous was recently of the Year” noon tea, a between MiltonSpa Keynes and awarded “inSpaJune. for the South of England at the prestigious Matis Beauty

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Georgina and the announced Finalists at the One said "This spa for MothAwards, a truly fabulous result for Georgina andclient her team Grafton Spa & Wellness team eauty Awards, held at the is unique, it has a very given that they only opened in the summer of 2015. ers’ Day, something otel, Marble Arch, London. special atmosphere. The Grafton Spa and Wellness boasts 5 luxuriously decorated different therapists and professional." for Henfriendly Do’s or just selfvery indulgence! For more informatreatment rooms withboutique colour therapy lighting, and are brilliant, on Spa and Wellness

one double therapy suite and an amazing 10 regarding the spa and spa packages please contact the includes finals, but went on to win the The boutique daytion spa boasts state of the art facilities, seater hydrotherapy pool with over 80 jets (the only one Georgina on 01327 810058 or email thespa@graftonspa. including colour therapy treatment rooms, steam ward for the South of England. co.uk or check out Grafton Spasauna, Facebook page for all our in UK). All Spa packages include: hire of robe, towel and offers! slippers. Welcome drink on arrival and useroom of theand hydro an amazing 10 seater hydrotherapy pool na Pearse commented "We are with over 80 jets, (the only one in UK!) Grafton Spa is elmed and honoured to win such situated adjacent to Just4You Beauty & Hair (also run by d, Our wonderful team at Grafton Georgina) In the rolling countryside of Wakefield lodge mensely proud of what we have Estate, Potterspury. e girls have worked so hard for

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For more information regarding the spa and spa • Bubbles or freshly on arrival packages please contact Georgina onbrewed 01327Tea 810058 • 3 hours in the or email thespa@graftonspa.co.uk. Or check out Spa • 30 minutes Lava Grafton Spa Facebook page for all their Shelllatest Back offers! Massage

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Tracy Dixon BSc(Hons) Look good, feel good

INTROSPECT

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(Home Visits only) 16 years of clinical exper (9 years NHS experien

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Feeling lost does not mean you cannot be found, the question is, do you want to be found? Is Stress, Anxiety, Anger, Bereavement/Loss, Depression, Abuse or Self-Esteem/Confidence an issue? There are times in our lives when life becomes too overwhelming and stress starts to spill over into every aspect of our daily lives. Talking through things can help put these issues into perspective.

For a FREE consultation please call 07545 779401 Email: gita@introspect.org.uk I also specialise in Pre-Marital and Marriage Counselling. I work with couples/relationships and adults, adolescents and teenagers.

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Feature

St Patrick’s Day: an American invention? Shamrocks, leprechauns and gallons of Guinness – St Patrick’s Day is nearly here. But why has this saint’s day become so popular? And who was Saint Patrick? Well, it may surprise you to hear that Saint Patrick (or Padraig to use the Irish spelling) wasn’t actually Irish. He’s believed to have been born to Roman parents, in Scotland or Wales, in the fifth century AD. At the age of 16, Patrick was captured and taken to Ireland to live as a slave. For six years, he herded sheep on Slemish Mountain, until he managed to escape and flee Ireland. A dream led Patrick to dedicate his life to converting people to Christianity. He returned to Ireland and began to spread his message. Today, St Patrick is regarded as the founder of Christianity in Ireland. It’s believed that St Patrick’s Day was first celebrated back in the 17th century. Held to mark St Patrick’s death, it was a humble, religious celebration up until the 1920s. An annual military parade started in Dublin in 1931, but the day remained mainly a time for religious reflection, rather than painting oneself green and donning a funny hat. Bars were even closed on St Patrick’s Day, as a mark of respect, right up until the 1960s. Across the pond, in America, it was a different matter. There St Patrick’s Day became a day for Irish immigrants to celebrate their heritage. By the mid-19th century, parades and festivities were being held in major cities

across the US. According to author and university professor Mike Cronin, ‘St. Patrick’s Day was a public declaration of a hybrid identity—a belief in the future of Ireland as a nation free from British rule, and a strict adherence to the values and liberties that the U.S. offered them.’ In the 20th century, corporations started to pay attention, and figure out how to take advantage of the celebrations. Pretty soon, T-shirts with embroidered shamrocks, inflatable bottles of Guinness, and even green McDonald’s milkshakes, started to become synonymous with St Patrick’s Day, at least in America. As with most American exports, some of these products have now become popular in the UK (though not, thankfully, green milkshakes), and in other countries across the globe. St Patrick’s Day is now celebrated in pubs, shops and student halls across the world. This year, Greening the City will see iconic landmarks across Ireland, from Trinity College, to Donegal Castle, go green on 17th March. If you’re lucky enough to be heading to Ireland for St Patrick’s Day this year, you’ll certainly have plenty of choices for where to celebrate. Beannachtaí Lá Fhéile Phádraig daoibh go léir – Happy St Patrick’s Day!

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Your family

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Out and about

Mother’s Day

This year we celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday 26th March. You may not realise, but Mother’s Day happens on the fourth Sunday of Lent and originally had religious traditions attached to it. In the sixteenth century, it was a celebration of the ‘mother church’ and people would return to the church in which they were baptised or where they attended as a child. Thus families would be reunited. This was known as going ‘a mothering ‘or Mothering Sunday. It was commonplace for the Lent fast which prohibited sweet, rich foods and meat to be lifted a little and for a Simnel cake to be shared. Years later, youngsters working as servants were given an annual day off to visit their mothers and would take gifts. This was called ‘Mothers Day.’

The celebrations of Mothering Sunday and Mother’s Day have generally combined into one annual occasion. The first official Mother’s Day was organised by Ann Jarvis in 1908 in West Virginia as a memorial to her mum. By the 1920’s however Ann had become disillusioned by the commercialism of the day and especially the common use of printed greetings cards. Celebrating the day became less popular. It wasn’t until the second World War when soldiers wanted to acknowledge their distant mothers, that the day grew in popularity once more.

Easter Fun day Sunday 16th April Bring the family for a Fun Day out for free!

Plenty to keep the kids entertained including an Exotic Animal Show, Science Boffins show, bouncy castle, art n crafts and of course the famous Easter Egg Hunt on the golf course. The day will run from 10am till 4pm. Brampton Heath Golf Centre Sandy Lane, Church Brampton Northampton NN6 8AX

01604 843939 For more information please keep an eye on our website www.bhgc.co.uk 50

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Out and about

The Old

Fish & Chips For Two X

Friday Saturday Sunday

Last Thursday of every month

Enjoy

off with this voucher

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Out and about

Walcote Beer Festival at

The Black Horse 28th April - 1st May

Open midday till midnight Food available all day BBQ and Hog Roast

Friday

Open Midday till late, from 7pm its ticket only, Live music from 9 pm. DOWN SOUTH, Tickets £5 (£8.50 on the door), tickets from The Black Horse staff or call 01455 203371, ticket includes one pork roll or BBQ item (Further available to purchase)

Open Midday till 11pm BBQ and Hog Roast available all day

Saturday

Sunday

Open Midday till 11pm BBQ and Hog Roast available all day

Festival Glasses available for £5, Includes one pint of ale

Monday

Full range of Dow Bridge ales together with a selection of over 12 Cumbrian ales, and guest ciders The Black Horse, 25 Lutterworth Road, Walcote Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 4JU Tel: 01455 203371 Email: Nathanmiles@live.co.uk Joseph

Morris Butchers Ltd

MEET NEW FRIENDS

COME ALONG AND JOIN US Sunday 5th March,Whately Hall Hotel, Banbury. Sunday 2nd April, Whately Hall Hotel, Banbury. Sunday 23rd April, Dunchurch Park Hotel, Dunchurch, Rugby. Sunday 7th May, Whately Hall Hotel, Banbury.

Fabulous new SS/17 collections in store.

Including our well trusted favourite brands and introducing new exclusive brands and other exciting merchandise.

We have been established for 15 years and meet twice a month for Sunday lunch in historic hotels full of character and charm where we have the hotel restaurants reserved for ourselves all afternoon and enjoy good company, fine food and wine. Come along, widen your social circle, meet new friends and possibly find romance. We strive to have an equal number of ladies and gentlemen at each lunch where you will be warmly welcomed. Make new local friends, book now and join us at the next lunch, for more details phone Mike on: 01564 230025 or 07718 155146 or email: thesundaylunch@hotmail.co.uk If this may be of interest to someone you know, please tell them about us. The lunches are great fun and there is no membership fee or obligation to attend regularly.

www.terracotta-boutique.co.uk 13 Bank St, Rugby CV21 2QE Tel: 01788 570076

TerracottaBoutiqueRugby

terracottawoman

terracottarugby

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Out and about The traditional bar offers a range of beautifully cared for Ales, & Fine Wines, featuring local brewery ‘Gun Dog Ales’. Lunch available daily or Tea & Coffee.

‘The Furrow’

Three barns, in the large garden, open daily from 12.00, with a fabulous range of retro & vintage furniture, plants,flowers,collectibles & treasures, perfect for that special gift.

The Plough Inn Everdon

Open Daily from 12.00-11.00pm

Bespoke Vintage Weddings. Please look at our website or contact us anytime

The Plough offers within a beautiful environment, high quality, freshly prepared food, using local & Seasonal Ingredients – In particular, our own home produced Lamb, Everdon Beef & Sausages.

Please call 01327 361606 or 07866789737

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.theploughinneverdon.com for menus, news and live music details

Bijou

the little dress agency Nearly new preloved clothes and accessories

Now accepting Spring collections Entrance through Past and Presents 24 Sheaf Street, Daventry Northamptonshire

01327 311310

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www.county-connect.co.uk

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Out and about

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Out and about

Stoke Bruerne

Unlimited Tickets New for 2017

Canal Museum | Café & Shop | Boat Trips | Crafts | Waterside Walks

An amazing day out for families and groups

thecanalmuseum

@canalmuseum1

Charity number 1146792

For further information please call 01604 862229 or visit canalrivertrust.org.uk/thecanalmuseum

Win a Family Ticket to The Canal Museum Stoke Bruerne … An amazing day out for families and groups

What is the name of the longest wide tunnel in Britain found at Stoke Bruerne?

Located in the pretty Northamptonshire village of Stoke Bruerne, The Canal Museum, is a true hidden gem. With its boat trips, pond dipping, flight of locks, colourful narrowboats, waterway walks, infamous tunnel, two pubs, shop, events and a café it provides a great family day out. In the museum you will discover the story of Britain’s canals, from the great engineers and navvies who created them to the boat families, leggers and lock-keepers who lived and worked on them. You’ll find models of working boats, traditional clothing, canal crafts, painted ware, a re-creation of a boat builder’s workshop, beautiful historical signs and much more.

Crick Tunnel, Blisworth Tunnel or Braunston Tunnel. How to enter

The Museum is also a great place for a group visit, with special rates on museum admission and catering, free coach parking, meet and greet service, complimentary refreshments for the tour leader and driver and a dedicated team to help plan and organise your visit. For further information please call 01604 862229 or visit canalrivertrust.org.uk/thecanalmuseum

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Come and visit our great selection of new shops... Purdy’s Closet – Dress Agency Darcy’s Delights – Traditional Sweet Shop Vintage Heart – Vintage & Retro Items/Furniture Painting courses Lightdraw Photography – Photography Studio Flutterbye Hair Salon – Hairdressers/Male Grooming Free WiFi in the courtyard Open 7 days a week – 10.00am to 5.00pm Including Bank Holidays Shopping Village: 01327 349 508

www.heartoftheshires.co.uk For those who love to shop on the A5 Nr Weedon

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Out and about

For a wide range of hand knitting yarns and accessories to suit all budgets and tastes

The Boutique Fine Jewellers

7 St Johns Square, Daventry NN11 4FG Tel: 01327 703680

DIAMOND • G OL D • SILV E R

MONDAYS - CLOSED Tues-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm

www.village-emporium.co.uk

Our jewellers can be found near the church.

www.the-wool-baa.co.uk

Expert jewellery repair specialists. Now closed Mondays but open Wednesdays 4 Market Square , Daventr y, NN11 4BH Tel 01327 700060 www.jewelonthesquare.co.uk

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Out and about

Who put the chocolate into Easter Eggs? Easter without chocolate eggs would be like Christmas without presents. Simply unthinkable! And yet the tradition of giving chocolate at Easter is relatively recent, dating back 120 years or so to the late nineteenth century. Easter is a Christian festival that commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Occurring in Spring, which is regarded as a time of renewal and birth by many faiths and cultures, the egg has been used as a symbol of birth and fertility since well before Christianity. Originally painted bright colours to celebrate the sunlight of spring, decorating and colouring eggs became popular during the Middle Ages, when they were dyed red to symbolise the blood of Christ. Forbidden as a food during Lent, eggs were hard-boiled, decorated and then given to children at Easter as good luck symbols. In the eighteenth century, pasteboard or papier mache eggs with small gifts inside became popular and by the nineteenth century these had evolved into cardboard eggs covered in silk, lace or velvet and fastened with ribbon. Faberge produced its first egg in 1883, and elaborate eggs made from silver and gold, ivory and porcelain - some inlaid with jewels - followed. The first chocolate eggs were made in France and Germany in the early nineteenth century, not long after the first eating chocolate was invented (prior to this

chocolate was enjoyed as a drink). But the chocolate couldn’t be moulded and early eggs were solid. Chocolate eggs didn’t truly gain in popularity until Cadbury entered the market in 1875. Their early eggs were made from dark chocolate with a plain, smooth surface. Filled with dragees (small, hard sweets), they were decorated with chocolate piping and marzipan flowers. The range gradually increased until in 1893 Cadbury was producing 19 different lines, but it wasn’t until 1905 when the company introduced Cadbury Dairy Milk that the sales of Easter eggs really received a boost. All-chocolate eggs did not immediately replace the novelty eggs of the Victorian era, however, and Cadbury continued to produce a fancy cardboard egg filled with chocolates until the early 1930s. The first crème eggs appeared in 1923 as a forerunner to the Cadbury Creme Egg, launched in 1971. An instant hit, it has now become Cadbury’s most popular egg, with over 500 million being made every year, though shell eggs still form the largest sector of the Easter egg market. So, we have Cadbury to thank for our modern day Easter egg, and in particular their invention of Dairy Milk. How ironic, then, that this year they should recently decide to replace the nation’s favourite chocolate on their most popular egg with an alternative! Will Easter ever be the same again?

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Out and about

GET YOUR HENS TOGETHER FOR AN AFTERNOON TEA WITH SOME BUBBLES! Here at Sedgebrook Hall we have the perfect banqueting rooms for your hen party, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a few of you or up to 30 of your closest ladies! Our Victorian manor house is the perfect backdrop for an afternoon tea hen party, with restored period features and charming details not to mention our landscaped lawns for a few selfies! With our afternoon tea menus, we can cater for all your requirements and of course thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the chance for a glass or two of something sparkling to celebrate your upcoming nuptials.

Please contact our events office on 01604 821666 or email us on sedgebrookevents@sedgebrookhall.com to discuss your plans.

Northampton

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DITCH THE BOOTS... Spring is here!

LICENSED FOR

VIL CEREMONIES 9 Bank Street, Rugby CV21C I2QE

01788 573502

EXCLUSIVE USE VENUE • Oak beamed room for intimate weddings and country barn for larger events. • 10 - 200 People. • Flexible catering options from al a carte wedding breakfasts to hog roasts, buffets to carveries, whatever you want.

The Granary at Fawsley, a stunning barn wedding venue• for 10 Guest bedrooms. 20-150 guests. Fully licensed for ceremonies. • Dedicated wedding planner.

NEW WEBSITE

Visit www.granary-weddings.com to see how our venue would be perfect for your special day.

C O C K TA I L

The Granary Hotel Northamptonshire, NN11 3BU Tel: 01327 361 730 Email: info@granary-hotel.com www.granary-hotel.com

Come along Open P A to R Tour Y Wedding NIGH T S Evening on Wednesday 15th March 7-9pm 10, 11, 12, 13 DECEMBER 2014 and Sunday 23rd April 12-3pm. W I T H O T H E R D AT E S T O B E R E L E A S E D

Includes bubbly on arrival, 3 course Christmas dinner, disco and bacon sandwich at the end of the night.

IMAGES COURTESY OF REBECCA WALTERS PHOTOHRAPHY

WEDDINGS

Limited weekend dates available for 2017 F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N A N D T O Discounts available on midweek weddings in 2017 ARRANGE A VIEWING OF Taking bookings for 2018, 2019 and beyond. T H E V E N U E P L E A S E G E T I N T O U C H

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE GET IN TOUCH The Granary at Fawsley, Northamptonshire NN11 3BU

Tel: 01327 361730

www.granary-weddings.com

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FROM £29

Out and about

Rugby

Dunchurch

Hillmorton

J18 M1

Kilsby

Barby

Spring is coming Come in for Vegetable Plants Seed Potatoes Fruit Trees and Bushes KinderGarden Plants Colourful Primroses

We are here

Braunston

Daventry

Don’t forget to visit our Daventry Road, Barby, Coﬀee shop! Nr Rugby, CV23 8TG Shop: 01788 890314 Coﬀee Shop: 01788 890350

www.barbynurseries.co.uk

Beauful Mother’s Day Gis

Come to The Barn for a warm welcome A perfect place to meet friends and family, or just by yourself. Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, set in the heart of the country, but only a mile from the A5. Normal opening times 10-5pm, 7 days a week

Serving breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and of course cakes!

Call us on: 01327 349911 email us at: eat@thebarnrestaurant.net See our web-site: www.thebarnrestaurant.net

Visit us at: The Old Dairy Farm, Upper Stowe, Northamptonshire, NN7 4SH

The Old Dairy Farm Centre is home to a range of independent shops.

Free Parking, Free WiFi

Our gorgeous pygmy goats are celebrating their first birthday in March… pop up and say Happy Birthday. From The Barn, Old Dairy Farm, Upper Stowe.

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Out and about

Old Dairy Farm Craft Centre Spring Lambing Weekends Lambing sheds will be open between 10 am & 4.30 pm Entrance to the lambing sheds is ÂŁ2 per person entrance to the rest of the Centre is free

Saturday 4th - Sunday 26th March Tearoom, art gallery, shops & free car parking Lambing sheds are under cover, but a warm coat and wellingtons are advisable as we can't guarantee the weather Upper Stowe, Nr Weedon NN7 4SH - Just off the A5 between Weedon & Towcester Telephone 01327 340525 - www.olddairyfarmcentre.co.uk - Find us on Facebook

HAYRACKGALLERY Arts - Crafts - Jewellery Picture framing

Open Tuesday - Sunday 10 am - 5 pm We have work from over 80 talented artists & craft makers

www.hayrack-gallery.co.uk Old Dairy Farm Craft Centre Upper Stowe, Northamptonshire NN7 4SH Telephone 01327 342780

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Out and about

BOOK ONLINE

www.theoldecoachhouse.co.uk

Crossword

Crossword Clues Across 1 Chocolate drink (5) 4 Worries (5) 7 Rain-protection (8) 8 Part of a rosary (4) 9 Quantifies (8) 11 Thing (4) 12 Breakfast food (6) 14 Rented temporarily (6) 16 Comfy seat (4) 18 Gymnastics event (8) 20 Abandoned (4) 21 Cars, lorries and motorbikes (8) 23 Bags (5) 24 Trades (5)

Down 1 Vie (7) 2 Ties, ropes (5) 3 Whole (3) 4 Part of a school (9) 5 Trash (7) 6 Tint (5) 10 Kin (9) 13 Stretchy (7) 15 Sprinters (7) 17 Complies (5) 19 Native (5) 22 Belongs to him (3)

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Out and about

LONG BUCKBY

OPEN NOW! 15 HIGH STREET, LONG BUCKBY NN6 7RE

TO BOOK A TABLE CALL: 01604 948 904 FIND OTHER FRANKS RESTAURANTS AT WWW.FRANKSHAMBURGER.COM /FranksHamburgerHouse

@FranksHamburger

FranksHamburgerHouse

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What’s on

What’s on?

A full list of events over the forthcoming months is available on our website www.villageemporium.co.uk/events/ Noticeboard

March Events

First Tuesday of the month Daventry Townswomen’s Guild meet at Our Lady of St

Long Buckby Village Market – 9am – 11am Long Buckby,

Augustine Roman Catholic Church Hall, 32 London Road, Daventry, NN11 4BZ, at 7.30pm. Contact Jan Wall on 01327 703507. Adult Learning Classes

Community Centre NN6 7QB 2nd - Homeware, 9th - £1 Market, 16th, 23rd - Mother’s Day, 30th - Book Sale Wednesday 1st March – Saturday 18th

Every week in Northamptonshire, Adult Learning Classes Please go to www.northamptonshire. gov.uk/adultlearning to see our range of courses

Wednesday 1st March Badby and District Photo Club - Badby Village Hall 8.00pm. Kay

Nether Heyford Village Hall Available for club meetings, parties, weddings, business meetings. Modern kitchen, disabled friendly. To book please call 07849356618

1st Thursday of the month Grandborough Farmers Market – Thursday 2nd March, 6th April & 4th May Held in St Peter’s Church 10am -12.30pm. All locally sourced produce. Choose from fresh vegetables, meat, fish, cakes, bread, plants and more. Enjoy a refreshment break with one of our home made cakes, cheese scones or even a bacon or sausage roll.

March/April Rural Courses Green Acres Farm Rural Enterprise CIC - Catesby Road, Staverton, NN11 6JP. Sat 11th March – All things cake, Sat 1st April – Hot Cross Buns (half day course), Sat 22nd April – Artisan bread making. To book email info@greenacresfarm.org.uk telephone 01327 703313 Fees are payable on the day and include all materials, lunch & refreshments. Café dates – 3rd,17th,31st March. 14th, 28th April

Daventry Art Club are launching a month long exhibition at Daventry Library from noon-2pm. Come and meet the artists! Artworks for sale in a range of media, Refreshments available and free entry. Library Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9-6pm, Sat 9-5 and Sun 11-2pm

Wednesday 1st March - Friday 28th April Law & Order Exhibition - Daventry Museum, Daventry Town Council, 3 New Street, NN11 4BT. Inspired by its collection of Civic Regalia, Daventry Museum’s exhibition tells the story of how order was kept, and looks at the different types of punishments imposed on criminals in Northamptonshire from the early 1800s onwards. Open 9.30am – 1.30pm Tues to Fri (Law & Order Saturday Open days: Sat 11th March and Sat 1st April) The museum is free to visit.

Reeve FRPS, from Rugby will be showing her work and adding her own thoughts on how we can all take better photos Further details from www.badbyphotoclub.org.uk

Friday 3rd March “Time for a cuppa” afternoon tea, for Dementia UK Admiral nurses support 2pm – 4pm at the Bugbrooke St Michaels football club, Birds Close. off Camp Hill Bugbrooke NN7 3PH. Dementia UK Admiral Nurses support. Contact Marion on 07842146637.

Saturday 11th March Jumble Sale - Newnham Village Hall, Church Street, NN11 3ET. 2pm .Come and grab a bargain from our clothes, bric-a-brac, books, cake & produce, toys & good as new stalls. Enjoy a slice of homemade cake with tea or coffee. Entrance 20p adults under 16 years free.

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What’s on Sunday 9th April Flore Open Gardens, Flore, Northants NN7 4LQ. 2pm - 6pm, Combined admission £5.00, children free. Home-made teas in Chapel School Room. Refreshments in aid of All Saints Church & United, Reform Church, Flore. The gardens open are: 24 Bliss Lane, The Croft, The Old Bakery, Private Garden Of Bliss Lane Nursery. Russell House . Donations to All Saints Church & United Reform Church, Flore as well as NGS.

Saturday 18th March Barn Dance - in aid of Barby Church Saturday 11th March Celebrate British Science Week - Daventry Museum 10am 4pm. Discover Daventry’s past whilst also learning about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). Follow Einstein around the museum and take part in fun activities and experiments on the theme of ‘change’. Free, fun & family-friendly! www. northamptonshireheritageforum.co.uk/ awards.

Wednesday 15th March Badby and District Photo Club - Badby Village Hall 8.00 pm, Simon Watkinson ABIPP presents the very best in travel photography. Further details from www.badbyphotoclub.org.uk

Saturday 18th March & Saturday 22nd April Crick Village Market – at Crick Primary School, 10am - 12. Twenty plus stalls covering home produce, including breads, cakes, meats, jams & chutneys. Gifts, jewellery, cards, books, childrens clothes & toys. Refreshments. The Mobile Library will be in the car park 10.15am - 11.30am.

Saturday 18th March Daventry Vintage & Handmade Market - United Reform Church Foundry Place Rooms, Daventry Town Centre. 10am-4pm. A variety of stalls and pop up vintage tea room.

trust, in Barby Village Hall dancing to the GLORISHEARS. Tickets £10 incl supper.8pm – 11.30pm Licensed bar. Tickets available from Jan 01788 891968 .

Monday 20th March Upper Nene Villages U3A Group - 2.00pm – ‘A Policeman’s Lot’ by Allan Rogers. Amusing tales of Allan’s 33 years as a police officer. Bugbrooke Sports and Community Centre. The University of the Third Age aims to stimulate educational and recreational activities among the retired or otherwise not fully-employed, usually on the third Monday of the month at 2.00pm.There are also ‘Special Interest’ groups that meet regularly, incl Classics for Pleasure, Genealogy, Intermediate German, Book/ Jigsaw Exchange, Literature, Luncheon Club, My Kind of Music, Photography and Scrabble. Call 01327-340954 or visit www. u3asites.org.uk/upper-nene.

Monday 27th March Easter Bingo – Galanos House, Banbury Rd, Southam, CV47 2BL. Eyes down at 7.30pm. Bar open, refreshments and lots of prizes. 01926 812185 for service people past & present and families.

April Events Long Buckby Village Market - 9am – 11am Long Buckby, Community Centre NN6 7QB 6th, 13th - Easter gifts and children’s activities, 20th - Baby and Toddler ,27th Spring sale

Sunday 16th April NGS Open Gardens - The Old Vicarage, Daventry Road, Norton, NN11 2ND . Based upon a traditional but once faded vicarage layout, the garden aims to be lively and colourful throughout the year, using a few of the original yews, pines and laurels as a seasonal framework. The garden’s heritage includes snowdrops in winter & primroses in spring. Open 2 - 5pm. Admission £4.00, children free. Home-made teas in village hall.

Get in touch... If you are organising a charity or community event, then let us know so we can publicise it for you. Just email info@villageemporium.co.uk by 31st March for events in May/June 2017.

www.villageemporium.co.uk • 01788 298 050

What’s on

Saturday 22nd April Table Top Sale - Long Buckby Community Centre, 10am -12pm. Tables costs £6 each. Contact Emily Fletcher for a table 07880543927. Emily@ milneandfletch.co.uk Raising funds for Long Buckby Stay & Play group. Cakes &refreshments available at the sale. 50p entrance.

Monday of the month at 2.00pm.There are also ‘Special Interest’ groups that meet regularly, incl Classics for Pleasure, Genealogy, Intermediate German, Book/ Jigsaw Exchange, Literature, Luncheon Club, My Kind of Music, Photography and Scrabble. Call 01327-340954 or visit www. u3asites.org.uk/upper-nene.

Sunday 30th April National Garden Scheme Open Gardens – Great Brington. 11 am - 5 pm. 9 gardens open including two new ones. Morning coffee & lunches served in Village Reading Room. Refreshments in St. Mary’s Church. Exhibition by local history society in Reading Room. Entry £5 per adult – children free – free car-parking. Plant sale. Proceeds split between Friends of St. Mary’s Church Great Brington & National Garden Scheme Northampton Branch.

Sunday 23rd April St George’s Day Lunch Hellidon Village Hall, 12 noon followed by a treasure hunt with your mobile or smartphone at Hellidon’s Millennium Spinney, Cash prize for the person seeing the most of the alien items which should not be in a woodland setting. Lunch £6 per per person Raising funds for the maintenance of the spinney. Tel 01327 262023

Sunday 23rd April Rugby Model Engineers train rides – Rainsbrook Valley Railway, Onley Lane, Rugby CV22 5QD. 2pm-5pm www.rugbymes.co.uk

Monday 24th April Upper Nene Villages U3A Group at 2.00pm – ‘Detect Dogs’ by Geoff Lambert. How dogs can detect illness in humans and assist with medical conditions. Bugbrooke Sports and Community Centre. The U3A aims to stimulate educational and recreational activities among the retired or otherwise not fully-employed, usually on the third

Thursday 23rd March Coventry Cathedral - Icon and Inspiration. Illustrated lecture by Alexandra Epps MA. 7.30pm promptly at the Benn Hall, Newbold Road, Rugby. Wine & orange juice on sale from 7pm. Non-members most welcome. Rugby Decorative & Fine Arts Society (NADFAS) Contact Joy Lunn 01455 209489.

Thursday March 16th Daventry & District U3A An Open Afternoon with group displays & information at Daventry Community Centre, Ashby Road, Daventry, from 2pm. The interest groups include: Rambles, art appreciation, book groups, gardening, French, photography, theatre and day trips and much more. Details at http:// u3asites.org.uk/Daventry Monthly General meeting: Thursday April 20th ‘Sing a Century’ Andy Smith

Thursday 27th April The Ultimate Wall Decoration: Tapestries of the Courts of Europe, ancient and modern. Illustrated lecture by Susan Kay-Williams PhD. 7.30pm promptly at the Benn Hall, Newbold Road, Rugby. Wine & orange juice on sale from 7pm. Non-members most welcome. Rugby Decorative & Fine Arts Society (NADFAS) Contact Joy Lunn 01455 209489.

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Out and about

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Since 2005 we have produced The Village Emporium magazines, bi-monthly publications, delivering door to door to the following locations. Borders: Ashby St Ledgers, Barby, Birdingbury, Bourton, Braunston, Broadwell, Catthorpe, Cotesbach,Crick, Draycote, Dunchurch, Flecknoe, Frankton, Grandborough, Kilsby, Leamington Hastings, Lilbourne, Long Itchington, Marton, Napton, Onley, Shawell, Stockton, Stretton-onDunsmore, Swinford, Thurlaston, Willoughby, Wolston & Yelvertoft Northants : Brockhall, Bugbrooke, Chapel Brampton, Cold Ashby, Coton, Creaton, East Haddon, Flore, Great Brington, Guilsborough, Harpole, Upper & Lower Harlestone, Hollowell, Kislingbury, Little Brington, Long Buckby, Naseby, Nobottle, Nether Heyford, Ravensthorpe, Spratton, Thornby, Teeton, Watford, West Haddon, Weedon, Whilton & Winwick Daventry : Ashby Fields, Borough Hill, Lang Farm, London Road, Middlemore, Stefen Hill, St Augustin Way, Timken & The Slade. Villages: Badby, Church Stowe, Charwelton, Dodford, Everdon, Farthingstone, Hellidon, Newnham, Norton, Preston Capes, Staverton, Upper Stowe & Welton

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Feature

Will you wear some flowers in your hair? Few accessories spark more comments, either for or against, than the flower crown! From its ancient roots in agriculture, seasons of the year and fertility to exotic blooms adorning the outfits of internationally acclaimed fashion designers; love them or hate them, there is something irresistible about a flower girl with fresh garden flowers in her hair… Flower crowns have many significant and symbolic meanings and are even today worn for ceremonies and rituals to illustrate status or accomplishment (Roman laurel crowns symbolises honour). In Italy all graduating students are still presented with a laurel crown of honour on their graduation day – I was lucky enough to make one last year for a real graduate in Italian! Many cultures have woven floral headdresses into their traditions. In the Ukraine, elaborate floral crowns or wreaths are worn by dancers (young girls eligible for marriage) recalling the ancient folklore which foretells a young girl’s romantic future. The wreaths were thrown into a river and young men would jump in to retrieve them! ‘…who will catch the wreath will catch the girl, who will catch the wreath will become mine.’ During increasing industrialisation, the language of flowers and flower crowns became a decorative symbol of simple country life and a longing for beauty and

simplicity. Queen Victoria did much to revive the flower crown as a perfect wedding accessory, by wearing simple orange blossoms in her hair (a symbol of fertility), when she married her Albert in 1840. Once reserved for bohemian brides and the hippie ‘flower children’, many brides these days love a flower crown as one of the prettiest and easiest accessories to wear with their wedding dress. There are endless possibilities with flowers, colours and styles; I would be delighted to show you how to make a beautiful flower crown or flowery fascinator! How about a ‘Flower Crown Birthday Party’ or why not have a few friends round for an evening of ‘Fizz and Flower Crowns!’? I’ll arrive with masses of flowers and all the equipment you will need to create a stunning flower crown – you just provide the fizz and plenty of cameras for those flower crown selfies! Or you can hold your party/workshop at Garden Gate Flowers HQ. If you prefer, we can arrange a one-to-one session where I can help you learn the wiring techniques to create a flower crown or flowery fascinator and/or a beautiful buttonhole/corsage. (visit my website for more details) Why not sign up for a newsletter today and be the first to find out what else is going on at Garden Gate Flowers – just visit my website . Happy Flowers Sue x Garden Gate Flowers www.gardengaterugby.co.uk Photos by @amaragraceweddings @sarahbrittainedwardsphotography @gardengaterugby

www.villageemporium.co.uk • 01788 298 050

Recipe

Herb crusted lamb rack with dauphinoise potatoes Shopping list

4 x 3 bone rack of lamb 2 slices white bread blitzed for crumbs 1 tbsp. mint 1 tbsp. parsley 1 tbsp. Olive Oil 1 tbsp. wholegrain mustard Salt & pepper For the potatoes: 1kg King Edward potatoes, peeled and sliced finely ½ pt cream ½ pt milk 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 bay leaves Pinch of thyme

Step 1 Fill an ovenproof dish with the sliced potatoes. Add milk, cream, garlic, bay leaves and thyme to a saucepan and bring to the boil. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season the potatoes, then strain the cream mixture over them. Bake for approximately 60 minutes at 165˚C until the potatoes have browned slightly and are soft to the touch of a knife.

Step 2 Have your butcher prepare the racks of lamb (clean the bones and french trim). Score fat on the lamb and season the meat. Pan fry for about 5 minutes until brown. Transfer to a roasting tin and brush with mustard. Roast for 15 minutes at 165˚C. Serves 4

Meanwhile put the bread, parsley and mint into a food processor with olive oil to create a fine green crumb. Step 3 Remove lamb from the oven, press on the herb crumb and return to the oven for a further 10 minutes. Step 4 Remove lamb from the oven. Rest for 10 minutes. Serve with the dauphinoise potatoes and spring vegetables. Recipe courtesy of Darren Hill @ The Countryman, Staverton

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