What's Around Magazine February 2014

Issue 103 - February 2014

Delivered throughout Ibstock, Ravenstone, Heather, Coleorton, Swannington, Packington, Normanton le Heath and surrounding areas

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Publisher: What’s Around Ltd. Printed by: Context, Packington Editor: Paul Garrett Advertising: 01530 832015 Email:advert@whatsaround.co.uk Web: www.whatsaround.co.uk Address: Hall Gardens, Ravenstone, Leics. LE67 2HF

Budget Healthy Eating Page 24

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this publication is accurate, neither the publisher, printer nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by the errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior permission of the publisher.

What’s Around Ltd. does not officially endorse any advertising material contained within this publication.

Nevertheless, it will from time to time, recommend individual services and or businesses which have either been recommended by readers, contributors or by our own personal experience.

Film Review Page 53

Food & Drink 8

Seasonal Recipes

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Cauliflower cheese with bacon and mushrooms

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Oven-baked risotto carbonara

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Crab Cakes

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Seasonal Desserts

Monthly Features 10

Crossword

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Sudoku

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Book Review Too

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Book Review

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Wordsearch

Contents

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The Palace

General

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Jobs in the Garden

Copy deadline for mar 2014 is 12th feb 2014

Seasonal Desserts Page 50

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Healthy Eating on a Budget

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Just for Kids

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Safer Internet Day 2014

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Good New Films and those you may have missed

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Wines: A Case for Sparkling

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Your Stars by Dan Worthaus

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Rainbows Challenge you

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What’s On

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Tyre Pressures

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Useful Numbers

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Timebanking

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Index of Advertisers

Come and join us on to Facebook

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Seasonal Recipes Mozzarella bruschetta Serves 1 mins Prep 30 Ready in 10 mins Ingredients

• ½ small fennel bulb, herby tops reserved • 1 small yellow courgette • small bunch fresh mint, torn into pieces • ½ orange, skin removed, thinly sliced into rounds • ½ lemon, juice

only • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1 thick slice sourdough bread • 1 garlic clove, peeled, cut in half • 125g/4½oz buffalo mozzarella

1. Using a vegetable peeler, thinly shave the fennel and courgette into strips.

Place into a bowl with the mint and half of the fennel tops.

2. Add the orange slices and lemon juice and stir to combine.

3. Drizzle in one tablespoon of the olive oil and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

4. Heat a griddle pan over a high heat until smoking hot.

5. Toast the bread well on both sides for 2-3 minutes, or until scorched with griddle pan marks. Remove from the pan and place on a plate.

6. Rub the chargrilled sourdough bread with the cut side of the garlic and drizzle over another tablespoon of olive oil.

7. Tear the mozzarella in half and place onto the toasted bread.

8. Pile the fennel and courgette salad on top, and drizzle over the remaining olive oil. Scatter over the reserved fennel tops.

Courtesy Sophie Dahl

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Deep-fried langoustines and mussels Serves 2 Prep 30 mins Ready in 10 to 30 mins

Ingredients • 1 litre/1¾ pint vegetable oil, for frying • 200g/7oz plain flour • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp sugar • 7g sachet instant yeast • 50ml/2fl oz vodka • 200ml/7fl oz tonic water • 5 tbsp mayonnaise • 25ml/1fl oz sweet

chilli sauce • 2 tsp yuzu juice • 150g/5½oz cooked and shelled mussels • 150g/5½oz cooked and shelled langoustines To serve • 2 spring onions, sliced • 1 red chilli, sliced • 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan until it reaches 170C/330F on a cooking thermometer. (CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous. Do not leave unattended.)

2. 2. Whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, yeast, vodka and tonic water to make a batter. Leave to prove for 10 minutes.

3. To make the dip, in a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, chilli sauce and yuzu juice.

4. Coat the mussels and langoustines in the batter. Fry in batches until crisp and golden-brown. Remove using a slotted spoon. Drain on kitchen paper.

5. Sprinkle the spring onions, chilli and

coriander over the battered seafood and serve with the dip.

Courtesy James Martin

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Book Review Too!

by Buck Verm

King & Maxwell

By David Baldacci David Baldacci brings back Sean King and Michelle Maxwell-former Secret Service agents turned private investigators, in their most surprising, personal, and dangerous case ever.

It seems at first like a simple, tragic story. Tyler Wingo, a teenage boy, learns the awful news that his father, a soldier, was killed in action in Afghanistan. Then the extraordinary happens: Tyler receives a communication from his father . . . after his supposed death.

Tyler hires Sean and Michelle to solve the mystery surrounding his father. But their investigation quickly leads to deeper, more troubling questions. Could Tyler’s father really still be alive? What was his true mission? Could Tyler be the next target?

Sean and Michelle soon realize that they’ve stumbled on to something bigger and more treacherous than anyone could have imagined. And as their hunt for the truth leads them relentlessly to the highest levels of power and to uncovering the most clandestine of secrets, Sean and Michelle are determined to help and protect Tyler--though they may pay for it with their lives.

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Recipe

Perfect cauliflower cheese with bacon and mushrooms Serves 4 Preparation time less than 30 mins Cooking time 30 mins to 1 hour Ingredients For the cauliflower 1 head cauliflower, trimmed and broken into florets For the béchamel sauce 250g/9oz smoked streaky bacon, cut into 1cm/½in strips 250g/9oz chestnut mushrooms, finely sliced 25g/1oz butter 50g/2oz plain flour 250ml/9fl oz full-fat milk pinch English mustard powder 200g/7oz gruyère cheese, grated 55ml/2fl oz double cream salt and freshly ground black pepper pinch ground nutmeg For the topping 50g/2oz ciabatta breadcrumbs 50g/2oz parmesan cheese, finely grated To serve green salad crusty bread 1.

For the cauliflower, cook the florets in a large pan of boiling water for about 10 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and set aside.

2.

Meanwhile for the béchamel sauce, fry the bacon strips in a dry frying pan until coloured but not crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, keeping the bacon fat in the pan.

3.

Add the mushrooms to the pan of bacon fat and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden-brown.

Remove from the pan and set aside.

4.

Melt the butter in a clean saucepan and beat in the flour until smooth. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth, then stir in the mustard powder, grated cheese and double cream. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and the mixture is thick and creamy. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then fold in the bacon and mushrooms.

5.

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Place the cauliflower florets into an ovenproof casserole dish and pour over the cheesy sauce. Sprinkle over a pinch of freshly grounded nutmeg.

6.

For the topping, mix the ciabatta breadcrumbs with the parmesan cheese, then sprinkle the mixture over the cauliflower. Place into the oven for 15 minutes, or until the topping is goldenbrown and bubbling.

7.

Spoon the cauliflower cheese onto plates and serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.

Courtesy The Hairy Bikers

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Recipe

Oven-baked risotto carbonara Serves 2 Prep Time less than 30 mins Cooking Time 30 mins to 1 hour Ingredients 8fl oz/225ml carnaroli rice 4½oz/125g cubetti pancetta or chopped bacon 1oz/25g butter 1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped 1¼ pints/725ml chicken or vegetable stock 3oz/75g finely grated pecorino, plus some extra for sprinkling 1 large egg 2 large egg yolks 1 heaped tbsp crème fraîche salt and freshly milled black pepper 1.

Pre-heat the oven to 150C/300F/Gas 2.

2.

First of all, in a large, hot frying pan over a medium heat, fry the pancetta or bacon in its own fat for 4-5 minutes, until it’s crisp and golden, then remove it to a plate. Next add the butter to the pan, then the onion, turn the heat down to gentle and let the onion soften in the butter for about 5 minutes.

3.

Meanwhile, heat the stock in a small saucepan. Then return the pancetta or bacon to the frying pan and, after that, stir in the rice and move it around until all the grains get a good coating of the buttery juices. Now add the hot stock to the rice, along with some salt and freshly milled black pepper. Let it all come up to a gentle simmer, then transfer the whole lot to the warmed dish, stir it once and then bake, without covering, on the centre shelf of the oven and set a timer for 20 minutes.

4.

When the time is up, gently stir in the Pecorino, folding and turning the rice grains over, then set the timer for a further 15 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk the egg, egg yolks and crème fraîche together, then remove the risotto from the oven and gently stir in this mixture, making sure it is well mixed.

5.

Leave the risotto for about 2 minutes, by which time the eggs and crème fraîche will have thickened - but no longer, as it will get too thick. Serve on warm plates with some more Pecorino Romano sprinkled over.

Courtesy Delia Smith

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Healthy Living

Healthy Eating on a Budget It goes without saying that it is important to eat a healthy diet. Good, nutritious food helps to keep you fit and healthy, gives energy, keeps illness away and builds a strong body inside and out.

The problem is that with prices rising on everything we buy its not always that easy to buy the good foods that you want, especially if you are on a budget.

Healthy eating doesn’t mean that you have to buy fresh vegetables all the time. Fresh fruits, lean cuts of meats and fresh fish can be expensive.

There are other alternatives to eating a healthy diet without breaking the bank.

Take your own lunch to work. Make a sandwich and take fruit and yogurt instead of buying everyday from a shop or canteen. Do the same for your children’s packed lunch to take to school.

Buy fresh fruit and vegetables that are in season, not only will they taste better but they will also be cheaper. Alternatively buy frozen vegetables as they retain a large amount of the essential nutrients needed. Canned fruits or vegetables are acceptable but ensure you buy the ones that state they have reduced salt and sugars, or at least buy ones that do not have added salt or sugars.

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A large stew not only contains essential nutrients but is filling, cheap enough to make and can feed a number of people.

If you have a lot left over, freeze it for another day.

Be aware of shops that offer buy one get one free, although these are bargains they are not always the most nutritious foods you could buy. Having said that, if the offer is for tinned beans, frozen or fresh fruits or vegetables or lean cuts of meat then go for it. Just don’t buy biscuits or cakes that are on offer - just because they are on offer.

Buy ‘shops own’ brands instead of well known brands to save money. The nutritional value is just the same on non branded foods.

Turn your leftovers into a meal. Add left over chicken to a curry sauce and serve with rice. Mix bacon or ham into some cooked and cooled pasta with a few spoons of low fat cream cheese for a tasty meal. When cooking a roast make enough to plate up for another meal the next day. Place it into the fridge and make sure you reheat it fully.

Buy a bag of potatoes, these can be roasted, mashed or baked. A jacket potato is a great low fat meal and comforting in the winter months. Just try not to add a huge amount of butter or cheese to it.

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Safer Internet Day 2014: Let’s create a better internet together Safer Internet Day (SID) is organised in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre.

The theme for Safer Internet Day 2014 is ‘Let’s create a better internet together’.

This theme covers the responsibility that all users have in making the internet a better place. Whether children and young people, parents and carers, educators or social care workers, or indeed industry, decision makers or politicians, everyone has a role to play.

In championing a better internet, the theme recognises the balance between encouraging users to embrace and empowering them to make the most of the positive opportunities offered online, while responding to, dealing with and moving past the negative online.

There are ways in which all users can contribute: Children and young people can help to create a better internet by being kind and respectful to others online and seeking positive and safe opportunities to create, engage and share online.

Educators and social care workers can help to empower children and young people to embrace the positive by equipping them with the digital literacy skills they require for today’s world, and giving them opportunities to use – and create – positive content online.

They can help to respond to the negative by supporting young people if they encounter problems online, and by giving them the confidence and skills to seek help from others.

Industry has a role to play by creating - and promoting - positive content and services online. They can empower users to respond to the negative by ensuring that there are the right tools for users, that there are clear channels and transparent procedures for reporting and quick and easy access to support if things do go wrong.

Decision makers and politicians need to provide the culture in which all of the above can function and thrive – for example, by ensuring that there are opportunities in the curriculum for children to learn and teachers to teach about online safety, ensuring that parents and carers have access to appropriate information and sources of support, and that industry are encouraged to self regulate their content and services.

Parents and carers can help to create a better internet by maintaining an open and honest dialogue with their children about their online lives, supporting them with their online activity (as appropriate to their age), particularly any concerns and issues, and seeking out positive opportunities to share with their children online. They can help to respond to the negative by modelling positive online behaviours themselves, and also by reporting any inappropriate or illegal content they find.

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St Valentine’s Story Let me introduce myself. My name is Valentine. I lived in Rome during the third century. That was long, long ago! At that time, Rome was ruled by an emperor named Claudius. I didn’t like Emperor Claudius, and I wasn’t the only one! A lot of people shared my feelings.

Claudius wanted to have a big army. He expected men to volunteer to join. Many men just did not want to fight in wars. They did not want to leave their wives and families. As you might have guessed, not many men signed up. This made Claudius furious. So what happened? He had a crazy idea. He thought that if men were not married, they would not mind joining the army. So Claudius decided not to allow any more marriages. Young people thought his new law was cruel. I thought it was preposterous! I certainly wasn’t going to support that law!

Did I mention that I was a priest? One of my favourite activities was to marry couples. Even after Emperor Claudius passed his law, I kept on performing marriage ceremonies -- secretly, of course. It was really quite exciting. Imagine a small candlelit room with only the bride and groom and myself. We would whisper the words of the ceremony, listening all the while for the steps of soldiers.

One night, we did hear footsteps. It was scary! Thank goodness the couple I was marrying escaped in time. I was caught. (Not quite as light on my feet as I used to be, I guess.) I was thrown in jail and told that my punishment was death.

I tried to stay cheerful. And do you know what? Wonderful things happened. Many young people came to the jail to visit me.

They threw flowers and notes up to my window. They wanted me to know that they, too, believed in love.

One of these young people was the daughter of the prison guard. Her father allowed her to visit me in the cell. Sometimes we would sit and talk for hours. She helped me to keep my spirits up. She agreed that I did the right thing by ignoring the Emperor and going ahead with the secret marriages. On the day I was to die, I left my friend a little note thanking her for her friendship and loyalty. I signed it, “Love from your Valentine.”

I believe that note started the custom of exchanging love messages on Valentine’s Day. It was written on the day I died, February 14, 269 A.D. Now, every year on this day, people remember. But most importantly, they think about love and friendship.

And when they think of Emperor Claudius, they remember how he tried to stand in the way of love, and they laugh -- because they know that love can’t be beaten!

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WINES : A CASE FOR SPARKLING Sparkling wines are very popular. Searching for productions, I found many choices from different countries. Delving more deeply, into these sparkling delights, I discovered that England has several producers of this type of wine. Indeed, many professionals and connoisseurs proclaim that English Sparkling Wine is the new Champagne.

Sparkling wine has been made in England since the 18th century. Of course, it cannot be called Champagne, because only that region of France can lay claim to that actual name. English Sparkling Wines have collected many awards and accolades in tastings and competitions and are now capable of beating some of the best champagnes, at wine tasting events.

Nyetimber is a multi award-winning company, producing exceptional sparkling wines. This English producer’s first vines were planted during 1988 and Nyetimber has had one aim from the outset – to make the finest English Sparkling Wine, one to rival the very best in the world, including Champagne. This company was the first to craft wines made from the three celebrated varieties of grape found in Champagne – namely Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Nyetimber only uses grapes from its own south-facing vineyards, located in the lee of the South Downs. These vineyards have soil compositions similar

to those found in the Champagne region of France. Hand-picking of the grapes, at the very best time, ensures (with much knowledge and expertise) high-quality wine productions.

Nyetimber Classic Cuvée, is a pale gold colour with a good bouquet. The endless, gentle bubbles add to the senses’ pleasures, particularly on the mouthfeel, which has fresh fruit flavours, leading to an excellent palate sensation, with a long finish. A very classy production, to impress on many occasions. Nyetimber Rosé, is a wonderful rose colour. The tiny bubbles are perfect in this refined, elegant wine, with the flavours of fruits coming through to the palate, perfectly. The textures and long finish of this production are excellent. A wine to complement numerous occasions, including adding an ‘extra something’ to alfresco dining.

For all details of the full range of Nyetimber’s wines and availability, www.nyetimber.com

As always, Enjoy!

Trevor Langley

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Recipe

Crab Cakes Serves about 3 Preparation Time less than 30 mins Cooking Time 10 to 30 mins Ingredients For the crab cakes 2cm/1in piece fresh root ginger, peeled 2 red chillies, seeds removed 250g/9oz white crabmeat 1 tbsp roughly chopped fresh coriander 2 spring onions, finely sliced 2 free-range eggs 7-8 tbsp breadcrumbs plain flour, for dusting 25ml/1fl oz olive oil To serve sweet chilli jam few handfuls salad leaves olive oil, for drizzling salt and freshly ground black pepper

1.

Place the ginger and chilli into a mini food processor and pulse until

2.

finely chopped.

3.

In a bowl combine the chilli and ginger with the white crabmeat, coriander and spring onions. Crack in one egg and mix well, then stir in 4 tablespoons of the breadcrumbs.

4.

Divide the crab cake mixture into 6 equal portions and mould into patties. Place on a tray and chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes before cooking.

5.

Preheat the oven to 180C/365F/Gas 4.

6.

Beat the remaining egg in a small bowl with one tablespoon of water to make an eggwash.

Place some plain flour and the remaining breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes.

7.

Dredge a crab cake in the flour, then dip into the egg and coat in the breadcrumbs. Shake gently to remove any excess breadcrumbs. Repeat with the remaining crab cakes.

8.

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and fry the crab cakes for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until crisp and golden-brown all over. Transfer the crab cakes to a baking tray and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until piping hot all the way through.

9.

Serve the crab cakes with sweet chilli jam and a mixed leaf salad, lightly dressed with olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Courtesy Angela Hartnet

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Valentine’s Flowers?

Valentines Day is indeed a special day to celebrate love. The celebrations are incomplete without valentine flowers. Gifts for someone you love could be just about anything, but on Valentines Day they are complemented with a bunch of valentine flowers.

Valentine flowers are not restricted to one particular kind. You may present roses, lilies, carnations etc… on Valentines Day. Roses are however the most preferred choice of Valentine flowers. They are sturdy, exquisite and a whole bunch of them will make excellent Valentine flowers.

There have been many arguments in the past, as to why roses are the most preferred variety.

Well the best loved concept, is that roses are often accompanied with a thorny stem. But while gifting them as Valentine flowers, the stems are devoid of thorns and only the best form of the beautiful roses is gifted. This is a way of conveying that thorns will be held by the giver and the recipient will only receive the best, which is a selfless thought inherent only to true love.

Ever wondered why bunch of ‘deep red’ roses are synonymous to Valentine flowers? Well it can be simply explained that deep red denotes the colour of blood and heart which is where love resides, pumps blood. It is only apt that deep red signify profound love. Therefore deep red or crimson roses are the most preferred variety of Valentine flowers.

Besides roses, carnations with serrated edges are considered to be a big hit with the feminine populace. Carnations are considered to be sturdy yet intricate in structure and form.

Bunch of deep red carnations makes admirable Valentine Flowers. Lilies, orchids, daisies, gerberas and assorted flowers also make appropriate valentines day gifts.

Your preferred choice of Valentine Flowers may be based on the significance of colour of the flower. It could be red to denote passion, white for peace and serenity, peach or pink for admiration, yellow for friendship and cheerfulness, Green (leaves and stems) for bounty and blue for harmony. With this information in mind, your Valentine flowers are sure going to convey the message with colours.

As Valentines Day is not too far away, make sure you book for flowers in advance, for the prices may go sky high as the days near. With online shopping portals, sending Valentine flowers anywhere is really simple.

The elaborate product bouquets and their articulate display, make shopping for Valentine flowers online, a real pleasure. Choose Valentine flowers of your choice and be rest assured that they will get delivered on time at your loved one’s doorstep.

What’s more…? Online shops often have discounts on various products and Valentines Day is indeed special. Find gifts galore and of course a bunch of Valentine flowers for your loved one.

Make your valentine; feel truly special with your well thought out posy of Valentine flowers.

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Private Series: Private L.A. and Private Down Under by James Patterson

Private Down Under (Book 6) P.I. Craig Gisto, head of the latest branch of Private, is enjoying the glamorous launch party with his new team when their celebrations are interrupted by the bloodied arrival of a boy with his eyes gouged out.

The boy is the kidnapped son of one of Australia’s richest men – but investigating his death isn’t their only pressing case. The rock star Micky Stevens is convinced someone’s trying to kill him, and believes Private are the only ones who can help.

As if that wasn’t enough, someone is murdering the wealthy wives of the Eastern Suburbs, in the most brutal way imaginable. And if they don’t catch the killer soon, the next victim could be someone close to Private…

Private L.A. (Book 7) Private Jack Morgan investigates the disappearance of the biggest superstar couple in Hollywood.

Thom and Jennifer Harlow are the perfect couple, with three perfect children. They maybe two of the biggest mega movie stars in the world, but they’re also great parents, philanthropists and just all-around good people.

When they disappear without a word from their ranch, facts are hard to find. They live behind such a high wall of security and image control that even world-renowned Private Investigator Jack Morgan can’t get to the truth. But as Jack keeps probing, secrets sprout thick and fast--and the world’s golden couple may emerge as hiding behind a world of desperation and deception that the wildest reality show couldn’t begin to unveil.

Murder is only the opening scene.

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The Palace

February’s forthcoming events at the Palace are as follows: Sunday, 2nd February – The Foundry Theatre Company presents ‘Big Daddy vs. Giant Haystacks’. (For more details see www.foundrygroup.co.uk). At 4pm every Saturday, from 1976 to 1988, tens of millions of Britons, and countless more worldwide, were in the grip of an extraordinary sports phenomenon: watching two fat men (aka Shirley Crabtree and Martin Ruane) pretend to fight each other. This is their story.

This ‘British Heavyweight Champion Comedy’ brings back to grunting, grappling life these two hugely popular battling behemoths and the bizarre world they bestrode. With an “all-star cast of thousands”, including Dickie Davies, Paul McCartney, Chris Tarrant, Frank Sinatra, Princess Margaret, and Greg Dyke, this ambitious, touching, hilarious two-hander conjures up a whole nation during its most colourful era. Performance starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £8, concs £6, Combo ticket (1 Full & 2 concs) £16.

Advance tickets: from The Palace Tel: 01530 262400 or Halls Electrical Tel: 01530 260460. Tickets can be purchased ‘on the door’ (subject to availability) Please check with ticket outlets to avoid disappointment.

Sunday, 16th February - Palace Indoor Car boot Sale from 9.00am – mid-day.

Pick up a bargain! Admission 20p. For More details or to book a stall call Gary on Tel 01530 262400.

Wednesday, 19th February – Wine tasting evening – Following the success of this event in November the Palace are hosting a second wine tasting evening. Starts at 7.30pm. Presented by Majestic Wines. Tickets £8.00 and limited to a maximum of 30 places! Tel: Gary at The Palace on 01530 262400 or Corinne 01530 451725 to reserve your place.

Friday, 21st February -- Film Night – ‘Sunshine on Leith’ (PG). Starring Jane Horrocks and Peter Mullan, this film is a jubilant, heartfelt musical about the power of home, the hearth, family and love. It is the tale of one tight-knit family, and the three couples bound to it, as they experience the joys and heartache that punctuate all relationships. And they do it all while singing to the euphoric music of The Proclaimers. (It has been described as ‘The new Mama Mia!) Doors/ bar open at 7.00pm. Film starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £4.00/£3.00. Advance tickets: from The Palace Tel: 01530 262400 or Halls Tel: 01530 260460. Tickets can be purchased ‘on the door’ (subject to availability) Please check with ticket outlets to avoid disappointment.

Saturday, 22nd February – Ibstock Events Group present, international organist, Nicholas Martin. Tickets: £6.00. Advance tickets: from The Palace Tel: 01530 262400 or Halls Tel: 01530 260460. Tickets can be purchased ‘on the door’ (subject to availability).

Friday, 28th February - Palace Line Dance - with Honky Tonk Cliff. A great social night out with no partner required! Dancing from 7.45pm. Doors & bar open at 7.00pm. Tickets: In advance £4.50 from The Palace Tel: 01530 262400 or Halls Tel: 01530 260460 or £5.50 on the door

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Regular bookings: Monday Mosaic Disability Services - 9.30am - 3.30pm. Contact Amanda Tebbutt on (0116) 2318720 0r (07912) 480961.

Fitness Pilates class – 7.45pm – 8.45pm. Contact Michelle Scott-Worthington on (07887) 678367.

Tuesday Bubbles Playgroup – 10.30am – 12 Noon. Contact Rachel Seabrook on (01530) 452144.

Circuit Training – 6.45pm – 7.45pm. Contact Curtis Smith on (07870) 498110 or (01455) 291656.

Tai Chi – 8pm – 9pm. Contact Doug Gerrard on (07969) 480684.

Wednesday 60+ Fitness Pilates – 9.30am – 10.30am.

(07887) 678367.

Contact Michelle Scott-Worthington on

Thursday Active Steps Workout – posture, balance and fitness class – 11am – 12 noon. Contact Michelle Scott-Worthington on (07887) 678367.

Outlook Group (a social group for senior citizens) - 1.30pm – 3pm. Contact Elaine Hodgetts on (01530) 262400.

Bingo – Doors open 7.30pm. Eyes down at 8pm. Licensed bar & refreshments.

Everyone welcome.

Friday Tai Chi – 10am – 11am. Contact Michael Cashmore on (07714) 215216.

Childrens Dance Classes - Beginners Ballet 4.00-4.45pm; Beginners Tap 4.455.30pm; Musical Theatre 5.30-6.15pm Contact Miss Jessica of Rochelle School Of Dance (established over 60 years in the area) (01455) 636514, (07949) 121442 or office@ rochelle-dance.com Saturday Community Morning at the Palace – 10am to 12 noon. Every Saturday (except the 1st Saturday each month) the Palace plays host to groups, organisations and associations from the village, including the Ibstock Historical Society. So if you would like to learn more about what is happening in your community, come along to the Palace. Also a variety of market stalls selling locally produced goods, including delicious home made cakes, plus produce from Ibstock’s very own Dairy, including milk, butter, yoghurt and cream. Light refreshments available.

Sunday Gatling Fun Productions – local film group - 2.00-4.00pm. Every two weeks (first session was on January 12th, 2014). If you are interested in being involved in the film making business, ring Ian Hodges on 07964 976099 for further details.

The Palace Community Centre is available to hire for regular events and commercial hire, as well as private parties and celebrations. The Palace has a fully licensed bar, kitchen facilities, large free car park opposite venue, good disability access and facilities, full PA and lighting system, large screen and wi-fi, making it an ideal venue for numerous types of events.

SEE OUR WEBSITE www.thepalaceibstock.co.uk FOR MORE DETAILS

The Palace Community Centre Ltd., High Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire, LE67 6LH. Tel (01530) 262400. e-mail: enquiries@thepalaceibstock.co.uk Please mention What’s Around when responding to Advertisers - Many Thanks

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Seasonal Desserts Raspberry & Cream cupcakes Make Prep s 12 30 m Read ins 30 min y in s - 1h r Ingredients For the cupcakes • 180g/6oz butter, softened • 180g/6oz caster sugar • 180g/6oz plain flour • 1 heaped tsp baking powder • 3-4 tbsp milk • 2 free-range

eggs • 150g/5oz raspberries For the icing • 125g/4oz butter, softened • 250g/8oz icing sugar • 1 tbsp milk • small drop red food colouring • 12 raspberries

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.

2. Place all of the cupcake ingredients, except the raspberries, into a food processor and mix until well combined.

Add more milk, if necessary, to get the mixture to a soft drop consistency.

3. Put one spoonful of the mixture into the cases, then follow with 2-3 raspberries, and another spoonful of mixture.

4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until risen and golden-brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, for the icing, beat the butter in a bowl until light and fluffy.

6. Carefully stir in the icing sugar and continue to beat for five minutes.

Beat in the milk and food colouring.

7. Decorate the cupcakes with the icing and top each cupcake with a raspberry.

Courtesy Janet Basu

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Jam-filled butter biscuits (sables) s6 Serve ins 0m 3 p e r P in Ready s in m 0 10-3

Ingredients • 250g/9oz plain flour • 200g/7oz butter, cut into small cubes • 100g/3½oz icing

sugar • pinch of salt • 2 free-range egg yolks • 4 tbsp raspberry jam • 4 tbsp apricot jam

1. Preheat the oven to 170C/325F/Gas 3.

2. Place the flour, butter, icing sugar and salt into a bowl. Using your fingertips, rub the ingredients together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

3. Add the egg yolks and mix until a dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface and roll out to a thickness of about 0.5cm/¼in. Cut out shapes using a 4cm/1½in cutter.

4. Divide the sables in half. Using a 2cm/1in fluted cutter, make a hole in the middle of half of the sable biscuits and discard the dough.

5. Place all the sables on a baking tray.

6. Bake the sables for 10-12 minutes, or until light golden-brown and crisp.

Remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool.

7. Using a teaspoon, place a small dollop of raspberry jam on a whole sable. Place a sable (with a hole) over the whole sable biscuit.

8. Repeat until half the sables are done with raspberry jam, then repeat the process, using apricot jam, for the remaining sables.

Courtesy Sara Danesin Medio

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This Months Jobs in the Garden Though the late winter garden may still seem drab and grey, spring is just around the corner. There is even some evidence of it in the garden if you look hard enough. Many spring flowering trees and shrubs are just waiting to burst into bloom if they haven’t already. There are plenty of projects to keep you busy in the garden this month which will give you a head start on the upcoming season.

Hazels and alders are adangle with golden, pollen-laden catkins. Carpeting Cyclamen is a gem in the garden right now.

There are sure to be several mild days this month. But don’t let Mother Nature fool you, we’re still in for some cold weather yet. However, take advantage of these nice days to get out and enjoy your surroundings. A trip to a nearby public garden can be a wonderful boost to inspire greater achievements in your own garden.

The end of February is a good time to cut back geraniums/pelargoniums that you are overwintering inside. Take cuttings to make an abundance of new plants.

This is the best time to do this, as last year all my cuttings took, and all became wonderful plants, that I have been giving away to family, friends and neighbours.

You can also start many seeds indoors this month. Herbs grown from seed are a great way to have an indoor or windowsill garden. Flower seeds that were ordered or purchased ahead of time may have different germination and growth rates. Other seeds such as nasturtium can be planted directly outdoors later this month. They will germinate even when the soil is cool, and the head start they have gained will produce larger plants in the long run.

Check perennials that you planted in the autumn, to see if they need watering.

Watch for frost and cover tender perennials if needed, using fleece. Replenish winter mulch around roses and other plants. Check bulbs in storage and discard if rotted.

Prune large-flowered clematis. Those which flower early in the summer and again later, such as “Nelly Moser” and “Lincoln Star”, should be tidied up at high level, and thin or dead growth removed. But hard cutting now removes their first crop of flowers. Those like the deep purple “Jackmannii” and “Niobe”, which flower only in late summer, should be cut hard down to knee high now, to make a completely new structure. Feed heavily with a 10cm layer of manure or compost.

On wisteria cut back last summer’s long wands of growth to two or three buds.

Also check the ties holding stems intended to fill new spaces on the wall.

Stringing black cotton between the twigs may help to reduce but not entirely prevent birds nipping out the flower buds as they swell.

Begonia, lobelia and antirrhinum for example, when you sow them, I bring them inside, and put them under a window in a warm room, away from droughts, this will bring them on, more so than in the greenhouse, if you have one. These usually require a early start with sowing.

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Just for kids

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a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life.

A New York Winter’s Tale (2014) 12 Years a Slave (2013) Based on an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United S t a t e s , Solomon N o r t h u p (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with

New York City is subsumed in arctic winds, dark nights, and white lights, its life unfolds, for it is an extraordinary hive of the imagination, the greatest house ever built, and nothing exists that can check its vitality. One night in winter, Peter Lake (Colin Farrell), orphan and masterm e c h a n i c , attempts to rob a fortresslike mansion on the Upper West Side.

Though he thinks the house is empty, the daughter of the house is home. Thus begins the love between Peter, a middle-aged Irish burglar, and Beverly Penn (Jessica Brown Findlay), a young girl, who is dying.

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Your Stars Your Stars for the Month 2014 by Dan Worthaus Aries - March 20th - April 20th You are valuing your privacy more than ever, dear Aries. You are certainly more withdrawn than usual, taking extra time to rest and reflect. This is necessary right now, and if you don’t do it on your own, the cosmos might force you to do so! Nevertheless, friends are mostly supportive. Coming to the aid of a partner feels good now, as does being in on a special secret. You have been analysing many aspects of your life, including love, but by mid-March, you will be feeling more directed and re-energized.

Taurus - April 21st - May 21st Work is demanding this month, dear Taurus, but also very rewarding. Higher-ups are putting more faith in you and your talents, and possibly managerial skills. Friends are especially helpful and enjoyable to be around. You are likely to find that by networking and paying attention to people in the same career field as you, or to those with similar interests, you are able to come up with some excellent ideas for your own life. A reward or helpful connection on the 7-9 or 13-15 is likely. The 27-28 brings illumination to a romance.

Gemini - May 22nd - June 21st Career and professional matters are strong, rewarding, and exciting this month, dear Gemini. While you cannot say your career is carefree these days, as challenges are also part of the experience, you are bound to find many opportunities to grow and develop on a professional level this month and beyond. You are dreaming big, and many of you are experiencing a rebuilding of inner faith. The 13-14 is excellent for beginning any positive thinking or life management program -- your heart and mind are entirely ready for it.

Cancer - June 22nd - July 23rd Plenty of career developments are in the works, dear Cancer, as you take the time to re-assess your professional life and responsibilities. In March and April, matters will begin to move quickly, with a raise a definite possibility; but now is the time for analysis rather than action. Love has been tricky recently, and continues to baffle you in February. The chance to have some adventurous fun, however, can help take your mind off your troubles on the 7-9, 14-16, and the 27-28. Some of you will have opportunities for higher learning, travel, or other mind-expanding experiences.

Leo - July 24th - August 23rd Your popularity runs high this month, dear Leo, even though you continue to keep some emotional distance. Those close to you, however, are likely to sense that you are not as enthusiastic and direct as usual, but it’s a necessary period in which you take a step back and analyse what works for you and what doesn’t. Your ego is completely tied up in your success with others just now, and this means you are especially attentive to the needs of loved ones. Good luck, particularly with finances, is likely on the 13-15 and 27-28.

Virgo - August 23rd - September 22nd February is an excellent month for your relationships, dear Virgo. You are especially willing to please, and partners (or potential ones) are attentive and romantic. Your openness to partnering and tolerance of others are qualities that will help improve your relationships many times over this year. Opportunities to connect and for a happy, productive relationship are abundant. Work matters are strong and mostly straightforward, having recovered well from any complications encountered near the beginning of 2014. The 13-17 and 27-28 are especially strong days this month.

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Libra - September 23rd - October 23rd While life has been filled with pressures and perhaps setbacks for many of you recently, dear Libra, the first three weeks of February bring great opportunities for recreation and enjoyment. Romantic new beginnings are possible, but keep your eye out for deception or self-deception. Complications with a partner or friend continue this month, and the only thing to do now is to give them space. If you find that you’re only going through the motions, let time pass before making any decisions. The 7-8 and 13-15 are potentially magical days for you.

Scorpio - October 24th - November 22nd Challenges with work continue and are unlikely to clear up until mid-March, dear Scorpio.

While some of you are encountering difficult circumstances on the job, most of you are experiencing loss of enthusiasm within. You might be going through the motions for the time being. You are sure to regain energy and zeal, as well as a sense of direction, next month. For now, both career and home are demanding, and it’s hard to find a balance.

The 13-15 is strong for romance and creativity. February ends on a high note, with more time for recreation.

Sagittarius - November 23rd - December 21st You are paying much more attention to personal matters than you are to professional and social endeavours these days, dear Sagittarius. The focus is on your feelings, intuition, and comfort rather than what the rest of the world expects of you. The first two weeks of February are exceptionally busy for paperwork, errands, learning, and intellectual projects.

Family and those close to home are especially helpful to you in February. A friend might be disapproving or difficult, but pay attention--he or she might have a good point. The 27-28 brings career surprises.

Capricorn - December 22nd - January 20th A strong focus on practical matters this month keeps your mind on security and comfort matters for the most part, dear Capricorn. At the same time, you have so many ideas for the future that it’s hard to settle on just one. This is not the best month for presenting or implementing your ideas, however, because they require more work, refinement, and thought. February is a period of adjustments rather than new beginnings. The 28th brings new opportunities for learning, teaching, sharing, and possibly publishing or promotion for some of you.

Aquarius - January 21st - February 19th February is a strong month for finances and personal possessions for you, dear Aquarius.

You could receive a gift, rebate, refund or loan, especially around the 13-15 and 28th.

Others are really in your corner this month, paying you much attention. While relationship problems are still part of your life, those of you involved in casual relationships are finding many opportunities to enjoy yourselves and singles are not lacking for attention, either.

This is a strong period for creative projects and endeavours. Mid-month is a powerful period for feeling a sense of inner renewal and for hopefulness.

Pisces - February 20th - March 20th February starts slowly but quickly picks up speed midway through, dear Pisces, when you’ll experience lots of activity and attention. Gifts, refunds, or rebates may be forthcoming now. Although it’s a strong time for career and business opportunities in general, there are some snags to deal with when it comes to work schedules. You might also be losing some enthusiasm for work, and going through the motions, which should change by mid-March.

You receive good news and vibes on the 13-14, and a partner gives you a boost on the 28th.

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What’s On Friday 7th February 2014 Century Cinema: Philomena (12A). British romantic comedy directed by Richard Curtis, starring Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams & Bill Nighy. At Century Theatre at Snibston starting at 7.30pm. Admission £3.50 pay on the door. For more details call 01530 278444.

Friday 14th February 2014 Century Cinema: About Time (12A). A guilt-ridden mother searches for the grown-up son she was forced to give up as a baby. Highly acclaimed British film starring Judi Dench & Steve Coogan.

At Century Theatre at Snibston starting at 7.30pm.

Admission £3.50 pay on the door. For more details call 01530 278444.

Mon 17th February to Fri 21st February, 2014 Leicester Tigers Rugby Camp returns to Ashby RFC with a five day option for Under 9’s to Under 14’s and a tag rugby option for Under 7’s to Under 8’s which will run for three half-days during the February half term. Cost is £150 for U9’s-U14’s and £50 for U7’sU8’s tag. Telephone 0844 856 1880 or visit website www. leicestertigers.com Tue 18th February to Thu 20th February, 2014 Half Term Snibston Train Rides - Coalville. Created

by Robert Stephenson, the railway once joined the Swannington to Leicester line, one of the earliest railways in the world. Ride along the 56

line on our Hunslet Diesel locomotive - call ahead to avoid disappointment 01530 278444. At Snibston Dicovery Centre on Tuesday and Thursday this week. Normal admission prices apply.

Friday 21st February 2014 These Coal Town Days.

Award-winning songwriter Jez Lowe with his band The Bad Pennies performing the best of Jez’s coal songs old and new. At Century Theatre at Snibston starting at 7.30pm. Admission £8 advance, £10 on the door.

For more details call 01530 278444.

Saturday 22nd February 2014 Ravenstone Youth Club Second Reunion at Ravenstone Institute from 8pm until 11.45pm.

Featuring live group ‘The Revivals’. Relive the sounds of the 60s and meet up with old friends. Bring your old teenage photos! Tickets £7 each, licensed bar, bring your own nibbles. Contact Tom or Janet on 01530 415196 for information.

Sunday 2nd March 2014 Counterfeit Sixties Show.

Re-live the sounds of the swinging sixties, as Britain’s No. 1 tribute show brings alive the magic of the sixties, with their tribute to over twenty five bands of that era. The show encompasses everything from that period, from the clothes that were worn, to flashbacks from television history, including: TV programmes, adverts and

even clips from the original bands. The Counterfeit Sixties presents a showcase of the great bands of this unforgettable time. The fantastic music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Dave Clark Five, The Kinks and The Monkees - to name but a few - all recreated in this stunning show. The band members have performed their unique tribute shows all over the UK and abroad, and have a wide range of experience in that field. The members of the band have individually worked with notable sixties’ artists such as The Searchers, The Ivy League, The Fortunes, The Tremeloes and many more. Join us for a night of sixties nostalgia! At Century Theatre at Snibston 7.30pm 10.00pm. Tickets £14 & £16.

For more details call 01530 278444.

Saturday 15th March 2014 A Concert given by Ashby Ukulele Orchestra at St. Helen’s Church, Ashby De La Zouch at 7.30pm. Admission £6.00. Proceeds shared between St. Helen’s Church and Burton Breast Care Unit.

An opportunity for a sing a long and a joyful evening.

Tickets from alanbetteridge. com 01530 416952 or Mary Danaher 01530 836122 It’s free to have your event details published in the What’s On section.

Either email us with your details to info@whatsaround.co.uk or fill out our on-line event form at www. whatsaround.co.uk. Space permitting we’ll get your event noticed.

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Index I n d ex o f Ad ver tise rs

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Medical director of East Midlands children’s hospice recognised in New Year’s Honours The medical director of the East Midlands’ only children’s hospice has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours.

Dr Satbir Jassal, who is also a general practitioner, has been recognised for his services to palliative care for children and young people. In 1993, he set up the role of Medical Director at Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People from nothing and has developed it into a role model for others.

Accepting the accolade, Dr Jassal (52), of Loughborough, was completely overwhelmed. He said: “When I found out about this MBE, I was totally shocked; I really wasn’t expecting anything like this.

But I am thrilled to have received such a high accolade and it is something that I will always treasure. I have been with Rainbows Hospice for over 20 years and it is a fantastic place. It really is like an extended family and working with the children and young people, their families and the staff has been truly inspirational. I am very passionate about my work, the education and training of healthcare professionals in this field, both in the UK and abroad, which has been an honour and privilege in itself.”

Dr Jassal was a founder member of the Association of Paediatric Palliative Medicine and is one of two GP members of the group developing the curriculum for paediatric palliative care. He is a co-author and contributor for many text books, including the Oxford Handbook of Paediatric Palliative Medicine, as well as developing the first ever Rainbows Children’s Symptom Control Manual, which is now published through Together for Short Lives and is in its 9th edition. Dr Jassal also delivers training on paediatric palliative medicine to the wider children’s palliative care community.

Despite the fact that he is not a paediatrician, Dr Jassal is highly respected as an expert in the field of children

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and young people’s palliative care. His work has raised the profile of Rainbows, which cares for over 280 children and young people with life-limiting illnesses from the East Midlands. In 2009, Dr Jassal was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in recognition of his contribution.

Alison Cooke, director of care at Rainbows nominated Dr Jassal for the award. She said: “Dr Jassal thoroughly deserves this award. He is one of the pioneers of children’s palliative care and has been a leader in the field from the outset. His expertise is recognised by colleagues worldwide, for example, Rainbows recently had a visit from the manager of a children’s hospice in Australia who told me that she felt privileged to meet him and had a copy of his symptom control manual on her desk at work. His achievements are all the more incredible because he is not a paediatrician; he is a GP and he has done so much of this work in his own time on top of his full time job.

“Dr Jassal is an extremely humble man who is always the first to recognise the achievements of others whilst playing down his own contribution. His work has been of immense benefit to the children and young people at Rainbows, and he has helped to improve the lives of children and young people with palliative care needs across the world. I am proud to work alongside him.”

In 2010, 12-year-old Harry Smith sadly passed away of neuro-degenerative condition. Harry had been visiting Rainbows since 2006 and Dr Jassal was instrumental in his care.

Harry’s mum, Lucy, said: “It is fair to say Harry’s health needs were very challenging and on occasions, Dr Jassal contacted his colleagues both nationally and internationally to discuss Harry’s symptoms. Nothing was too much for Dr Jassal where Harry was concerned, and he was always available at the end of a phone when problems occurred at home.

“Harry’s last four years would have been so much harder, he would not have been able to have so much fun and his quality of life would not have been anywhere near as good without the marvellous support from Rainbows and in particular, that of Dr Jassal.”

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Don’t get left ‘Home Alone’ again

doorstep, organised by like minded people, not a commercial venture trying to take advantage of our situation. So whatever your The expression ‘Home Alone’ tends to remind age, or circumstances, why not pluck up the us of that great festive comedy about a courage and pick up the phone, you’re sure to young boy left alone at home as his parents receive a warm reply…. forgot him as they set off on their Christmas holiday. If not that it’s grim news items The Sence Valley Supper Club about neglectful parents leaving their young was formed in January 2006 by friends who children alone while they enjoy a night out or enjoy fine food and good company. The club welcomes new a weekend away. members, old friends The reality of the and acquaintances alike situation is quite to its monthly culinary different. These days evenings at various it’s more of us adults venues around the local who are ‘home alone’, area. be that after the death The aim of the club of a lifelong partner, was to encourage new through divorce or people to the area separation, or simply to make new friends just single people, and to give them the maybe forced to confidence to go out relocate through work. and enjoy themselves There are so many while experiencing reasons why we might different types of end up feeling a little food in a friendly bit lonely and lost, atmosphere. and wondering how to change things.

Events start at 7pm I’ve often thought how hard it must be for people who suddenly find themselves single, or in a strange place. The world doesn’t feel quite the same as it did years ago when it seemed so much easier to meet people, does it? How do you go about finding your feet, places to go, making new friends when maybe your old ones are all in cosy couples and are not sure how to cope with a ‘loose’ man or woman in the mix? Singles clubs and speed dating maybe okay for some, but not everyone is looking for romance, or that sort of lifestyle. What happens if you just want to meet people for a chat and enjoy a bite to eat, but you don’t know where to go, or who to go with?

Luckily for us, there is a solution on our

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with the meal at 7.30pm and we use shared transport where possible.

Forthcoming Venues - 2014 February - Thursday 20th - The Wheel, Ticknall, DE73 7JZ March - Wednesday 19th - Barnacles, Hinckley, LE10 3JA April - Thursday 17th - The Whittington Arms, Lichfield, WS14 9PS May - Wednesday 21st - The Bulls Head, Repton, DE65 6GF June - Thursday 19th - The Badgers Sett, Cropston, LE7 7GQ For further information please contact Jane Boyce on 07967 489235 or evenings 01530 264872

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