What's Around Magazine January 2015

SCARY LITTLE GIRLS PRESENTS... ibstock SNOW WHITE thringstone ELVIS PRESLEY TRIBUTE SHOW ashby de la zouch FARMERS MARKET ashby de la zouch

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delivered throughout ibstock | ravenstone | heather | coleorton | swannington | hugglescote | packington | normanton le heath and surrounding areas

SEASONAL RECIPES | COMMUNITY EVENTS | REVIEWS | SERVICES | PUZZLES ISSUE 114 - JANUARY 2015

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

Healthy New Year 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

Seasonal Desserts Page 50

Food & Drink 8

Seasonal Recipes

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Lancashire hotpot

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Sichuan-style sea bass with wok-fried vegetables

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Roast belly of pork with root vegetables

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Seasonal Desserts

Monthly Features

Copy deadline for feb 2015 is 16 jan 2015

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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

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Go Learn

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New! Just for Kids (by I4 Design & Print)

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Eat, drink and be merry

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Good New Films and those you may have missed

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Scary Little Girls presents - It’s your Round!

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Your Stars by Dan Worthaus

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Launch - Crossroads Stress Clinic

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What’s On

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Luscious Liqueurs

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Index of Advertisers

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Ravenstone Events Group - Over 60’s Party

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Small Ads/Classifieds

Come and join us on to Facebook

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seasonal recipes Colcannon

Makes 4 mins Prep 30 time g in k o o C ins m 0 10-3 Ingredients • 500g/1lb2oz floury potatoes, cooked • 250g/9oz cabbage, shredded and lightly steamed • 2 tbsp cream (optional)

• salt and black pepper • 1 large or 2 small onions, sliced thinly • a little bacon fat, beef dripping or other oil, for frying

1. Sieve or mash the potatoes and mix with the cabbage and cream.

Season well with salt and pepper.

2. Fry the onion in the fat over a moderate heat until it is soft and beginning to brown.

3. Using a spatula, press half the potato and cabbage mixture in an even layer on to the onion and fry for 4-5 minutes until it is well browned and crispy underneath.

4. Cut the mixture into 4 quarters with the spatula or palette knife and turn them over carefully so that the crispy bit is uppermost. Press the remaining potato and cabbage mixture on to the first layer and after a few more minutes, cut and turn again.

5. When the bottom is again browned, you will have a crispy top too, a crispy bottom, and a crispy layer in the middle.

Courtesy Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

Salmon and sea bass ceviche Serves 4 Prep 1 h ou Cooking r time No time

Ingredients • 500g/1lb 2oz skinless salmon fillets, flesh sliced as thinly as possible using a sharp knife • 2 medium skinless sea bass fillets, flesh sliced as thinly as possible using a sharp knife • 1 red onion, peeled, thinly sliced • 2 large red chillies, stalks and seeds removed, thinly sliced • 1 red pepper, stalk and

• • • • To •

•

seeds removed, flesh finely diced 5 limes, juice and zest, plus extra lime wedges to serve pinch cayenne pepper 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve handful fresh coriander leaves serve 2 ripe avocados, peeled, stone removed, cut into thin slices handful mixed baby salad leaves

1. Put the fish slices into a large shallow serving bowl.

2. Sprinkle over the red onion slices, chilli and diced red pepper and mix gently using your fingers. Sprinkle over the lime zest.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, cayenne pepper and olive oil until well combined.

4. Pour the marinade over the fish, mix well using your hands and cover the bowl with cling film. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

5. When ready to serve, mix in the chopped coriander 6. To serve, place one chefs’ ring into the centre of each of four serving plates.

Add a double layer of avocado slices to the chefs ring, then spoon in enough ceviche to almost reach the top of the chefs’ rings. Top with the baby salad leaves, drizzle with olive oil and garnish with a wedge of lime. Carefully remove the chefs’ rings before serving.

Courtesy The Hairy Bikers

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Book Review Too!

by Buck Verm

Sleeping Dogs

By Chris Simms Seventh book in the critically-acclaimed DI Spicer series. Also includes ‘The ideas behind the story’ and the opening of Chris’ second novel, Pecking Order.

Out walking with his family in the local park, Jon Spicer’s life is shattered forever. The dog – aggressive and huge - appears from nowhere. At first, Jon assumes the attack was random. Soon, other events force him to think again. With his family under threat, Jon can do only one thing: fight back. The pursuit leads him far from his home city to the unfamiliar territory of Ireland – and a remote village where his family are originally from...

The action is split between Jon Spicer’s stomping-ground, Manchester, and a community out in the wilds of Galway, Ireland. Events are sparked by the appearance of a huge fighting dog in Spicer’s local park.

Only the intervention of the family’s pet Boxer, Punch, saves Jon’s young daughter from being horrifically mauled.

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recipe Lancashire hotpot Serves 2-4 Preparation time less than 30 mins Cooking time over 2 hours Ingredients 2 large red onions, chopped 3 medium carrots, chopped 1 turnip, chopped 900g/2lb best end of neck of lamb chops, or cubed leg of lamb 1 bay leaf salt and freshly ground black pepper 8 x 2.5cm/1in thick slices black pudding 900g/2lb potatoes, sliced into 5mm/Âźin thick slices 570ml/1 pint hot lamb stock 55g/2oz butter, melted 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.

2. Place the red onions, carrots and turnips into a heavy-based lidded casserole dish. Add the lamb and bay leaf and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

3. Cover the lamb and vegetables with the black pudding slices followed by a layer of potato slices, overlapping the slices to completely cover the lamb, vegetables and black pudding.

4. Add the hot stock to the casserole and brush the potatoes with melted butter.

5. Cover the casserole and place in the oven to cook for about two hours.

After two hours remove the lid and cook for another 30-45 minutes, until the potatoes are crisp and golden-brown.

6. Take the casserole dish to the table and serve.

Courtesy Jane Horrocks

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recipe Sichuan-style sea bass with wok-fried vegetables Serves 4 Preparation Less than 30 mins Cooking Time 10 to 30 mins Ingredients For the Sichuan-style sea bass 1 tbsp vegetable oil 2 garlic cloves, peeled, finely diced 2 tbsp chopped fresh ginger 2 chillies, finely chopped 4 spring onions, finely chopped 2 tbsp chilli-bean paste 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar 110ml/4fl oz chicken stock 1 tbsp sesame oil 4 x 350g/13oz sea bass fillets, cleaned, gutted, skin scored 3 times with a sharp knife For the wok-fried vegetables 2 tbsp vegetable oil 4 spring onions, finely sliced 150g/4oz mangetout, finely sliced 4 heads bok choi, root removed, leaves separated 3 tbsp water 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp sesame oil

NOTE COOK’S bass with s a e s le so Asian-sty d vegetables ie fr rr. ti u s o of flav simple and full healthy

1.

Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.

2.

For the Sichuan-style sea bass, heat the vegetable oil in a wok over a high heat. When the oil is smoking, stir-fry the garlic, ginger, chillies and spring onions for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.

3.

Stir in the chilli-bean paste and continue to fry for a further minute. Add the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar and chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the sesame oil and fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly, then remove the wok from the heat.

4.

Place the sea bass fillets onto a baking tray and brush all over with the Sichuan sauce. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.

5.

For the wok-fried vegetables, heat the vegetable oil in a wok over a high heat. When the oil is smoking, fry the spring onions for 1-2 minutes, or until softened. Add the mangetout, bok choi and water and stir-fry for a further 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender, then stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil.

6.

To serve, spoon the wok-fried vegetables into the centre of each of 4 serving plates. Top each with a sea bass fillet, then spoon over some of the Sichuan sauce.

Courtesy James Martin

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healthy living The start to a healthy new year After all that wonderful indulgent food and drink over the festive period you want to start the new year full of energy, life and vitality. However, the mince pies, Christmas cake and copious amounts of alcohol have left you feeling sluggish, tired and shattered.

The last thing you want to do is get back to your old routine of early rising, hard work and sensible eating. Its nice feeling full and warm, enjoying all of the rich and tasty foods on offer over Christmas.

Unfortunately, everything has to come to an end and it’s now time for you to break out of that comfy state you have become accustomed to and get rid of those extra pounds you have gained.

Reclaim your high energy levels and take a deep breath of that fabulous fresh cold air.

Forget about making a new year’s resolution about dieting, start your year as you mean to go on, eat healthy and exercise.

Don’t rush to the shops to purchase a trolley full of low fat or low sugar products, give your body some of what it deserves, good nutrition!

When we have been filling our faces with extra calories, fats and sugars it is hard to get back to eating a healthy diet. If you decide to cut everything out of your diet which you assume is ‘fattening’ you will feel deprived, emotional and irritable. By eating foods which will give you energy you are more likely to remain on the right path.

Eat your 4 main food groups to get rid of

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those pounds and find that energy level again. These are: 1. Fruits and vegetables 2. Milk and other dairy products 3. Lean meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy proteins 4. Starchy foods such as potatoes, bread and rice Always wash your fruit before you eat it unless you have peeled it. A breakfast of porridge topped with a handful of blueberries will see you through until lunch time. If you do get a little hungry, nibble on a piece of fruit or raw vegetable. Don’t skip meals as this will not only reduce your energy levels and make you feel sluggish but it is also a red light to reach out for something naughty, such as the bar of chocolate or box of cakes you have left over from Christmas.

Increase your fibre intake by eating the skins of apples, choosing wholemeal varieties of bread and pasta instead of white and drinking plenty of water.

Your bowels will thank you for it after all the toxins you put into your body over the festive period.

Remember to take any visible fat from your meat and never fry anything. Try to cut down on your cheese intake and eat more fish and chicken and turkey (if you are not fed up with it yet).

As it’s the time of year for colds and flu, up your intake of Zinc to boost your immune system. The best source of Zinc is in your food, so try to add these foods to your diet: Beef, pumpkin seeds, spinach, mushrooms and beans.

Happy New Year

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recipe Roast belly of pork with root vegetables Serves 6 Prep Time: Overnight Cooking Time: Over 2 hours

Ingredients 1.8 kg/3lb 15½oz belly pork, skin on 4 tbsp cider vinegar 3 tbsp pork dripping or butter 8 bay leaves, crushed 1 whole garlic, sliced in half For the root vegetables 4 parsnips, cut into long wedges 400g/14¼oz carrots 6 whole shallots 3 sprigs fresh thyme 1 tbsp olive oil 55g/2oz spinach

COOK’S

NOTE

to ws how artin sho nd tender M s e m a a J ng ct crackli elly. get perfe eat from pork b m roasted

1.

The night before, boil a kettle and pour the boiling water over the pork skin (this method will give you better crackling). Discard the water.

2.

Next, baste the raw joint with cider vinegar; rubbing it all over to ensure the vinegar gets into the rind. Place the joint on a plate in uncovered, overnight.

3.

Remove the pork from the fridge and spread with the dripping or butter, crushed bay leaves and garlic. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, set aside for the flavours to develop.

4.

Pre-heat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.

5.

Place the pork ,skin side up, on a wire rack that fits over an empty roasting tray. Roast for one hour and then reduce the oven temperature to 180C/350F/Gas 4.

6.

Place the parsnips, carrots and shallots into the bottom of a roasting tray; add the thyme and olive oil and a glass of water.

7.

Remove the tray from beneath the pork and pour any fat that has gathered in the bottom of the tray over the vegetables; place the vegetables tray underneath the pork.

8.

Roast for a further hour, basting the vegetables with the juices from the pork in the bottom of the pan from time to time.

9.

Remove the pork from the wire rack and allow to rest for 15 minutes in a warm place.

the fridge,

10. Toss the spinach leaves with the vegetables from the roasting pan. Drain off any fat leaving the cooking juices behind.

11. Carve off the crackling in one piece and portion. Serve the pork with the roasted root vegetables and gravy.

Courtesy James Martin

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LUSCIOUS LIQUEURS Liqueurs have been produced for hundreds of years. The 13th century had monks making these very popular alcoholic beverages, which can be flavoured with fruits and herbs, etc. The name ‘liqueur’ has Latin origins and this type of drink is usually sweet, with a lesser alcohol content than most spirits. Additionally, liqueurs are ideal to create cocktails with and also very popular when served with desserts. Recipes for the ingredients of some liqueurs are kept ‘behind locked doors’ – very secret!

Demijohn can be termed as a liquid deli and more, with products available to taste, before being bottled for you, in your choice of size and style of bottle. Demijohn sources many liqueurs and spirits, including whiskies, plus oils and vinegars, from around the UK and Europe. This award-winning family-run organisation stocks a unique selection of hand-made British food and drink. Their excellent, high-quality productions are sold in very attractive, different-sized, re-useable glass bottles. Each bottle can have a free personal message added, if you wish.

Founder Angus Ferguson has built the company to the success it is today.

From Morello Cherry Brandy and other very popular liqueurs, through Seville Orange, Sloe, Gooseberry, Damson and Blackcurrant Gins, to Ginger Wine, Elderberry Wine, plus traditional Mead, Apple Eau de Vie and splendid whiskies, it

is clear to see that there is something for all tastes and palates. Extra virgin olive oils, plus rapeseed oils and several excellent fruit vinegars, are also available. There are numerous gift packages, including very attractive boxes and splendid hampers, for that present, to surprise someone special.

I particularly enjoy the Wild Bullace and Limoncello liqueurs. Gift vouchers, in various denominations, are available. – A great idea!

All details of products can be found on their excellent website, plus locations of shops, food and cocktail recipes, etc. Online ordering is available, too. A company dedicated to producing the finest quality products, with a very good, reliable distribution and delivery network system in place.

Tel: 0845 604 8350 Email: info@demijohn.co.uk www.demijohn.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

Trevor Langley

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The Children of Húrin by

by J. R. R. Tolkien (Author), Christopher Tolkien (Editor)

Painstakingly restored from Tolkien’s manuscripts and presented for the first time as a fully continuous and standalone story, this illustrated paperback of the epic tale of The Children of Húrin will reunite fans of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings with Elves, dragons, Dwarves and Orcs, and the rich landscape and characters unique to Tolkien.

It is a legendary time long before The Lord of the Rings, and Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwells in the vast fortress of Angband in the North; and within the shadow of the fear of Angband, and the war waged by Morgoth against the Elves, the fates of Túrin and his sister Niënor will be tragically entwined.

Their brief and passionate lives are dominated by the elemental hatred that Morgoth bears them as the children of Húrin, the man who dared to defy him to his face. Against them Morgoth sends his most formidable servant, Glaurung, a powerful spirit in the form of a huge wingless dragon of fire, in an attempt to fulfil the curse of Morgoth, and destroy the children of Húrin.

Begun by J.R.R. Tolkien at the end of the First World War, The Children of Húrin became the dominant story in his later work on Middle-earth. But he could not bring it to a final and finished form. In this book Christopher Tolkien has constructed, after long study of the manuscripts, a coherent narrative without any editorial invention..

About the Author J.R.R. Tolkien was born on 3rd January 1892. After serving in the First World War, he became best known for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, selling 150 million copies in more than 40 languages worldwide.

Awarded the CBE and an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Oxford University, he died in 1973 at the age of 81.

Christopher Tolkien, born on 21st November 1924, is the third son of J.R.R. Tolkien. Appointed by J.R.R. Tolkien to be his literary executor, he has devoted himself to the publication of his father’s unpublished writings, notably The Silmarillion and The History of Middle-earth. He lives in France with his wife Baillie.

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the palace

January’s forthcoming events at the Palace are as follows: Friday, 16th January -- Film Night – ‘The Love Punch’ (PG13). Starring Pierce Brosnan and Emma Thompson. A romantic tale about Richard (Brosnan) and Kate (Thompson), a divorced couple who, after their pension is stolen by an unscrupulous businessman, reunite to steal it back. A whirlwind caper about embezzlement, bankrupt employees’ pension funds and re-discovering old love set in France. Doors/ bar open at 7.00pm. Film starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £5.00/£4.00. Advance tickets: from The Palace Tel: 01530 262400 or Halls Electrical Tel: 01530 260460. Tickets can be purchased ‘on the door’ (subject to availability).

Sunday, 18th January - Palace Indoor Car boot Sale from 9.00am – midday. Pick up a bargain! Admission 20p. For More details or to book a stall call Gary on Tel 01530 262400. (There will also be an Indoor Car Boot sale at The Palace on Sundays, 15th February and 22nd March) Saturday, 31st January – ‘Scary Little Girls Productions’ present ‘It’s Your Round!’. (For more details see http://www.scarylittlegirls.co.uk/).

A Quiz Night with a theatrical twist. Cornwall’s Scary Little Girls present a cabaret-based games night complete with live music, prizes, audience participation, and a few drinks. Led by quiz mistress and pub landlady, Pat Pinch, and her lively bar girl, Liberty Belle, the hostesses for the evening are planning a truly interactive experience. Contestants will be invited to test their local knowledge, along with rounds on music, films, literature and general knowledge. 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.

Regular bookings: Monday Mosaic Disability Services - 9.30am - 3.30pm.

(0116) 2318720 0r (07912) 480961.

Contact Amanda Tebbutt on

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

Tuesday Bubbles Playgroup – 10.30am – 12 Noon. Contact the Palace on (01530) 262400.

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.

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Wednesday 60+ Fitness Pilates – 9.30am – 10.30am. Contact Michelle Scott-Worthington on (07887) 678367.

7.30pm – 9.30pm – Palace Players, Ibstock’s newly formed theatre group, meet every Wednesday at 7.30 pm. Come along if you are interested in any aspect of the theatre.

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 Gun Productions – local film group - 2.00-4.00pm. Every two weeks (first session is 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.

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy Year to all our Volunteers and Patrons Thank you for your support!!!

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 Pears poached in cardamom Serv Prep es 2 overn ight Rea 30 min dy in s to 1 hr

Ingredients For the poached pears • 750ml/1⅓ pints pear cider • 175g/6oz golden caster sugar • 2½cm/1in piece fresh root ginger, peeled and sliced • 3 cloves • 1 large cinnamon stick • 1 small red birds’-

eye chilli • 10 cardamom pods • 1 vanilla pod, split in half, seeds scraped out using a knife • 4 firm Williams or Comice pears, peeled, stalks intact For the salted caramel sauce • 300ml/10½fl oz whipping cream • 1 tsp sea salt crystals

1. For the poached pears, find a saucepan large enough to fit the four pears snugly.Add the cider, sugar, ginger, cloves, cinnamon stick, chilli and cardamom to the pan and bring to the boil, then remove the pan from the heat.

2. Add the vanilla pod, vanilla seeds and pears to the pan, making sure the liquid covers the pears completely.

3. Cut out a circle of greaseproof paper a little larger than the diameter of the pan. Place the circle over the pears, pressing it down so that it fits inside the pan.

4. Return the pan to the heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue to simmer for 35-45 minutes, or until the pears are just tender.

5. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool, then chill the pears, in their syrup, in the fridge, overnight if possible (they will keep for 1-2 days).

6. When ready to serve the pears, strain 200ml/7fl oz of the cooled syrup into a pan (discard the collected vanilla pod, cardamom pods, ginger and cinnamon stick).

7. Bring the syrup to the boil, reduce the heat until it is simmering and continue to simmer until the liquid has thickened to a gloopy syrup and reduced in volume by half.

8. Whisk in the whipping cream and cook to heat for a further 1-2 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle over the salt crystals.

9. To serve, carefully remove the pears from the remaining syrup. Slice the bottom off each pear so that each can be stood upright on a plate.

Spoon over a tablespoon of the remaining poaching syrup. Drizzle over the salted caramel sauce.

Courtesy The Hairy Bikers

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Galette s 6+ Serve ins 0m 3 p e r P in a e R dy 1 hr to s 30 min Ingredients

• 750g/1lb 10oz readymade all-butter puff pastry, chilled • plain flour, for dusting • 1 free-range egg, beaten, to glaze For the filling • 100g/3½oz unsalted

butter, softened • 100g/3½oz caster sugar • 1 large free-range egg, plus 1 yolk, at room temperature • 100g/3½oz ground almonds • 50g/1¾oz flaked almonds • 1 tsp almond extract

1. Line a baking tray with baking parchment. Roll out half of the pastry on a lightly floured work surface until it is about 25x25cm/10x10in in size and slightly thinner than a pound coin.

2. Cut a 23cm/9in circle from the pastry by cutting around the bottom of a 23cm/9in cake tin using a sharp knife.

Transfer the pastry circle to the prepared baking tray and cover with cling film.

3. Repeat the process with the other half of the pastry, placing the second pastry circle on top of the cling film and covering with more cling film. Chill until needed.

4. For the filling, beat the softened butter until creamy using a wooden spoon or freestanding mixer. Add the sugar and beat again thoroughly until the mixture is pale and fluffy.

5. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the egg yolk until just combined. Gradually add it to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, a tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate the egg into the mixture.

6. When the mixture is very light in colour and texture, gently stir in the ground almonds, flaked almonds and almond extract. Cover the bowl with cling film and chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.

7. When the pastry and filling have cooled, remove the cling film from the pastry and leave one pastry circle on the baking tray. Spoon the filling mixture onto the pastry circle on the baking tray, heaping it into a slight mound in the middle and leaving a 2cm/1in border all around the edge. Brush the pastry border with some of the beaten egg, then gently lay the second pastry circle over the filling, pressing the edges firmly together to seal.

8. Holding a small knife blade at right angles to the pastry border, ‘knock up’ the edge of the galette by making small indentations all around the edge of the pastry.

Scallop the pastry border by pushing the indentations in at 2cm/1in intervals using the back of the knife. Brush the top of the galette all over with more of the beaten egg, then chill the galette in the fridge for 30 minutes.

9. Preheat the oven to 220C/450F/Gas 7.Brush all over the top of the chilled galette again with the remaining beaten egg, then score it with a criss-cross pattern using the tip of a sharp knife. Make a couple of small steam holes in the centre of the galette. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is crisp and goldenbrown. Set aside to cool slightly before serving.

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This Months Jobs in the Garden Plants such as Cordylines and Fuchsia should be kept out of the frost, so bring them into the green house or conservatory.

Brush heavy snow off trees. Brush shrubs and conifers with a broom to prevent branches getting damaged.

Get Planting. It may be getting cold in the air, but the soil is still retaining some warmth. So it’s a good time to plant that hedge you have always wanted or shrubs and trees. Get rid of your old roses and replace with new.

The warmth in the soil means good strong root growth , so get them in now before heavy snow comes along and the soil freezes.

You can plant out now Camellias, Azaleas, Conifers, Shrubs, Roses, Rhododendrons, Trees, plants and trees on display outside at garden centres are usually ones you can plant now, High winds - Don’t put this job off. At this time of year strong winds are expected so archways, fence posts and panels need to be secure including young trees. Young trees should be staked. Also check climbing plants are fastened back.

If your pampas flower stems are looking a bit on the untidy side then trim the stems back but don’t cut back to far until later on in spring as there may be wildlife sheltering within the pampas.

Clear Flower borders of debris. Remove all debris from flower borders. Dig out annuals and turn over the soil as you go. Cut perennials back down to ground level.

The Butterfly bush-Buddleia give it an annual hard prune.

Prune apple & pear trees. At this time of year, apple and pear trees are dormant and so is a good time to do a bit of pruning and thinning out. Cut back the new growth to one or two buds.

Thin out branches that are twisted, growing and rubbing other branches.

Doing these jobs will increase light and a good flow of air through the tree.

To finish off give the tree a winter wash this will kill insect eggs that maybe already on the tree.

Borders need some kind of mulch, use leaf mould, compost or well rotted manure. Whatever you choose to use you need to be putting a layer at least two inches thick. So simply spread it all over the boarder two inches thick that will do fine. By doing this you are putting nutrients back into the soil which plants feed on and you also increase the temperature of the soil which helps protect plant roots over winter.

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The Theory of Everything (2014) The movie starts as the Cambridge student Stephen Hawking meets Jane, and although shy at first, eventually they both get close.

Stephen soon learns about his illness and decides to shut Jane off from his life. But Jane insisted on him and stated her for him even though knowing the illness will progress and slowly take Stephen away from her. They get married soon after, and Stephen soon graduates his doctoral study, having more interest to cosmological physics. Jane stands

by Stephen as the illness progresses, impairing his locomotion, balance, speech and even swallowing. They have two children and Stephen’s work starts to gain spotlight. But little by little, Jane starts to loose her spirit, though she doesn’t reveal it.

Jane’s mother advises her to join the church choir to help her fill her spare time so she goes. There she meets the choir’s tutor Jonathan. Jonathan

gets close to Jane and her family, even with Stephen. He goes as far as being a helping hand for Stephen when the family goes on an outdoors trip. Jane ultimately starts to feel attracted to Jonathan. But Jonathan backs away when friends and families start to whisper. As Jane goes with Jonathan, Stephen goes to watch an opera. But Stephen has an episode and goes into a coma, and the doctors hesitate in doing a tracheotomy on him due to his muscles have already undergone atrophy which means that it will disable Stephen’s ability to speak. Jane insists on tracheotomy, but the family then have to struggle in communicating with Stephen.

Taken 3 (2015) Liam Neeson returns as ex-covert operative Bryan Mills, whose long awaited reconciliation with his ex-wife is tragically cut short when she is brutally murdered.

Consumed with rage, and framed for the crime, he goes on the run to evade the relentless pursuit of the CIA, FBI and the police.

For one last time, Mills must use his “particular set of skills,” to track down the real killers, exact his unique brand of justice, and protect the only thing that matters to him now - his daughter.

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your stars Your Stars for the Month 2015 by Dan Worthaus Aries - March 20th - April 20th You felt that 2014 was not a very good year. It felt a bit bumpy with lots of ups and downs. The good news is that 2015 is off to a good start. You have learned a lot during 2014. One of the things you learned was the importance of the natural world, and how important it is to be able to harness its power. At the moment you will feel you need to explore natural sources of energy even further. This will help your personal energy levels a lot as they may be a bit depleted despite your efforts on keeping them topped up. Your life always tends to be very hectic, and this will continue to be so during 2015. But don’t make your more hectic than it needs to be. Overdoing it, or causing yourself physical stress, will not help you at all. Normally in December we make a lot of New Year promises which we never end up keeping. Instead of making yourself a lot of promises which you know you will never be able to keep, why not indulge in some smart energy planning instead.

Taurus - April 21st - May 21st Relationships change all the time but that does not mean they evolve. Long term friendships need to evolve to last but often this does not happen. If you feel that you are the only person growing, evolving in your friendship circle, you might want to broaden your horizons. It does not mean that your old friends will be entirely passed by. It just means that as an individual you are evolving and chancing, and finding new interests. During the month of January 2015 you will have an enormous need to broaden your horizons and find a different perspective on life. For sometime you seem to have been stuck in a rut, and you are now driven by a desire to change your life. You may not want to change your job, there is absolutely no need to, but you may want to change some of the things you do outside work. Instead of going to the gym five nights a week, try some different activities.

Gemini - May 22nd - June 21st Welcome to January 2015 Gemini Are you ready for a new start? Every 1st of January is a new dawn for you. The sun comes up but where are you? Are you ready to take on the new dawn, or would you rather stay in bed? If you feel you rather stay in bed something isn’t quite right. Yes I know there are two sides two your sign, and you are being pulled two ways all the time. Unfortunately, this can lead to complete chaos in your life and you end up not knowing where you are going or what is going. Recently you have discovered that you don’t really enjoy this lost in the wilderness feeling. You would like to get yourself sorted out. To do that you really need to start planning ahead, and to do so takes organization. Getting organized would really help you and would lead to some positive changes in your life.

Cancer - June 22nd - July 23rd Would you say that you are a pro-active person, or do you let your life take you in different directions? Perhaps you sometimes get the feeling that you are drifting with the tide. It is understandable that you feel that way. Your sign is ruled by the Moon and as we know the moon controls the tides here on this planet. Indications are that there are many interesting opportunities for you on the horizon. This is really great news but the problem is that you really need to stop drifting. You will find this very difficult but if you make some effort, you really can help yourself. You need to sit down and evaluate all the different opportunities which appear to be coming your way. Don’t go for the first one you see. Instead take a long hard look at all the different opportunities. Don’t just think about today, instead try to focus on the future and ask yourself where you would like to be in ten year’s time. That is your January project.

Leo - July 24th - August 23rd Friends are important, and you need to check your circle of friends. Do you have as many friends as you would like, and also are they real friends? Some of them might be just social contacts but you perceive them as friends. We know that you like to be the life and soul of the party but sometimes people find you a little bit too much, and it can be difficult to be your friend. If a friend has a problem try approaching it in a different way, listen to what they have to say instead of just taking the problem away from them and solving it yourself. Try to help them to find a solution, spend time taking to them and make suggestions. The problem will be solved but you will find a solution together, and your friend will appreciate how good of a friend you really are deep down in your heart. He or she will also learn that you truly mean well.

Virgo - August 23rd - September 22nd New meanings and new beginnings sometimes go hand in hand. There are a lot of changes on the horizon for you this year. You will see and experience changes on the home front as well as the career front. Are you happy in your current work place, and do you feel you are getting the most out of your career? Be honest, you are not really so sure are you? During January, during the lull after Christmas, spend some time thinking about your career choices to date. Have they been the right ones, is there something you would like to change? Perhaps you even feel you are in the totally wrong job and you may even feel an urge to go back to college part-time, and learn something new. The biggest change might be seen by business owners. If you do own your own business, you might even feel an urge to sell your business. And why not, if the time is right and you will make enough money on the sale, why shouldn’t you sell your business? But before you sell your business, try to figure out what you would like to do instead.

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Libra - September 23rd - October 23rd

During autumn you have had a lot of projects in the pipe line which you have not been able to get completed for one reason or another. If you were stop on reflect on that for a minute you would discover your energy levels have been low, if not completely sapped. January will bring you more energy and you will be able to complete your projects. Once your projects are completed you should take a look at them. More than anything you should be proud of your projects, and perhaps showcase them. Consider them investments for the future, and here is a hint for you, your projects will lead to more opportunities in 2015. Make the most out of your family during this month. Your family would like to look after you this month so perhaps you should just let them. If you are a single Libra you might meet a new love. Be careful with this relationship as it may not lead to a very stabile and long lasting relationship so don’t waste too much of your precious energy on this individual.

Scorpio - October 24th - November 22nd Welcome to January 2015 and the rest of your life. I hope you are ready for 2015. The month of January is going to be a busy month for you, lots of things coming your way. In a recent horoscope I reminded you to update your CV and I hope you have had a chance to do. A lot of companies out there have taken a look at their budgets and have realised they need staff. You are a very energetic and enthusiastic worker which has served you well in the past. Start having a look at some of the job offers which are out there, and see if there is something which interests you. A word of warning, if you are not sure about the job don’t jump ship. You need to be 100 percent sure about this new opportunity being right for you. If it is a job which you think you can get excited about and enjoy do check it out. Otherwise you should just hang on and wait for the right opportunity.

Sagittarius - November 23rd - December 21st January will find you in an exploratory mood. You are keen to make personal changes but you are not how to go about it. Why not start at the top, and have a hair style make over. Changing your hair style can often get you thinking about new ideas and perhaps a new wardrobe. The stars do however suggest that the changes that you would like to make in your life during 2015 are more fundamental than a new hair do. There are many things you would like to change. Fundamental changes can be done overnight or over a period of time. Perhaps it would be better to reveal the new you slowly to family and friends so that they are not in for too much of a shock. Changing lifestyle, job or appearance can be stressful as well as fun. You need to make sure you look after your health so that any fundamental changes do not result in stress or health problems.

Capricorn - December 22nd - January 20th Health could be a problem during January 2015 for you, and you really need to look after your health. You like to stay active and always seem to be on the go but this year you really need to take some steps to protect yourself.

Your joints, and especially your knees, are vulnerable so note any pain or stiffness. Money could be a bit of a problem in January. You might have some unexpected expenses pop up, and it is better to keep an eye on your bank balance than spend it on things you don’t need. Let’s be honest, you do have a tendency to spend money on things you don’t really need. Perhaps it is better to stay away from Ebay and Amazon for awhile. Learn to save, you might find you are good at it. If you are a single Capricorn, you may find someone to spend some time with.

It is not going to be a life long relationship but it will be a fun and exciting one.

Aquarius - January 21st - February 19th All the Christmas and New Year’s parties are over but that does not mean you need to put your social life on hold.

As a matter of fact, you might find your social life will be busier than ever in January. One of the reasons your social life will be busy in January 2015 is because of its close link to your business. You enjoy being out meeting clients and suppliers, and they enjoy your company as well. Looking closely at this part of your life, you will realise that this how you get many of your best and brightest ideas. And one such idea is just about to drop into your lap. However, you do need to look out for the opportunity. It may materialize early in the month or later, it is difficult to say but you will know it when you see it. This is not in your normal line of business so it might require some effort on your part to get in going. It might not even fit in with your current business model so you could perhaps even have to start a new company. Remember to run the new company on the side lines until you have got it off the ground.

Pisces - February 20th - March 20th During January you might want to spend some time in your home. Cold winter weather is not really for you besides the planets have put you in a creative mood. You feel you need to both tidy up and decorate your home. Lucky you, the January sales are really good this year so should be able to find all the things you would like to brighten up and cheer up your home. Decorating your home is only one of the many projects which are coming your way this year. A lot of the projects mean working a bit harder both at home and work. One of the projects which is coming your way will make you realise that you have certain hidden talents which you have yet to capitalize on.

You have been thinking about putting your creative side to good use for sometime now, and in January you will get your chance. Let this project be a portfolio to your creative mind, and don’t be frighten to talk and brag about it a bit. This is a real opportunity for you, and you should seize it with both hands.

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what’s on Friday 9th January 2015 Pride (15) True story of a group of gay and lesbian activists who supported a Welsh mining community during the 1984 strike. Uplifting comedy drama starring Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton & Paddy Considine. At Century Theatre at Snibston, starting at 7.30pm.

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

Friday 16th January 2015 Paul Jones & Dave Kelly After their previous sellout show,longstanding founder members of The Blues Band, Paul Jones (Manfred Mann)and Dave Kelly return with another dynamic and exhilerating set of Country Blues. At Century Theatre at Snibston, starting at 8.00pm.

Admission £18 advance, £19 on the door. For more details call 01530 278444.

Friday 16th - 24th January 2015 Thringstone Pantomime & Drama Sociey Presents “Snow White” Thringstone Pantomime & Drama Society presents its annual family pantomime ‘Snow White’ at Thringstone Community Centre nightly at 7.30pm from 16th January to 24th January 2015 (excluding 17th 20th and Wednesday 21st evening performances). There are matinees on Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th and Saturday 24th at 2.15pm. This new pantomime is full of comedy and song, with fabulous costumes and scenery, suitable for all ages.Tickets are only £8 for adults and £7 for children. Senior Citizen concessions apply on Monday 19th only. Tickets available from the ticket hotline 01530 834575 or by emailing tickets@tpads. org.uk

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Thursday 22nd January 2015 Walking Football sessions Walking Football sessions are kicking off across the county, organised in conjunction with Leicestershire & Rutland County FA and local councils, who are targeting people aged 50+ to encourage them to give the game a try. Walking Football is the perfect opportunity to get back into the sport you love and is a fantastic opportunity for those who may have thrown in the towel on their football career. Walking Football allows you to get involved in the game at a more gentile speed… walking! The sport is one of the latest trends in the world of football, encouraging over50s to return to the game. It has been growing rapidly over the last few years and more so recently, thanks to a TV advert featuring the slower paced version of the game. At Hermitage Leisure Centre 11:30 – 12:30. Indoor so trainers are necessary.

Friday 23rd January 2015 Talon - The Acoustic Collection 2015 - Coalville In 2009 Jonny Miller, Chris Lloyd, Peter Anderson and Keith Buck put together a labour of love which was intended to be nothing more than a low profile gig to keep the boys busy between their major theatre tours of ‘Talon – The Best of Eagles’.

‘Talon – The Acoustic Collection’ has become an incredibly popular show in its own right.

Come and experience the other side of Talon as they perform a selection of their favourite contemporary acoustic classics

by James Taylor, Simon & Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, CSN&Y, Michael Jackson, and many more together with their own

laid back style of banter…At The Century Theatre, Snibston , Coalville LE67 3LN. Tickets £15 in advance from Box Office telephone 01530 278444 or £16 on the door. Show starts 7.30pm doors open 45 minutes before.

Saturday 24th January 2015 Elvis Tribute Show - Ashby Darren Jackson will be appearing at The Lyric Rooms in Ashby as Elvis with very special guests The Roulettes . Doors open at 7pm and the show starts 7:30pm.

Tickets are £10 on the door (subject to availability) or can be purchased in advance for £8 from Ashby Tourist Information Centre by visiting in person or by telephoning 01530 411767 Sunday 25th January 2015 Dracula Rabbit Theatre, the team that produced the awardwinning Great Expectations, returns with an adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic tale of the vampire. At Century Theatre at Snibston, starting at 7.30pm.

Admission £8 advance, £10 on the door. For more details call 01530 278444 or book online at www.centurytheatre.co.uk.

Saturday 21st March2015 Country Meets Folk Dragonhead - Cajun and Folk.Brian Langtry & Graham - Songs of Johnny Cash and more Award winning comp re - Dave Fry Songs and giggles. At Thringstone House Community Centre. 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Admission £7.50 concessions £7.00. For more details call 01530 222337.

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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KEEP SAFE IN YOUR CAR THIS WINTER With increasing instances of extreme weather causing more and more problems at unexpected times of year, it is sensible to consider how safe and prepared you are for bad weather as a motorist as the winter months approach, especially if you drive regularly or are planning any long distance drives in the winter.

ROSPA (The Royal Society of the Prevention of Accidents) is a signatory to the European Road Safety Charter and recommends that you carry certain safety equipment with you at all times during the winter months so that you are covered in every weather condition.

The basic safety kit would comprise of the following: DD DD DD DD DD DD

Towrope Spare wheel De-icing equipment First Aid Kit Torch Thick/warm blanket

Another way to get your car ready is to book it in for a safety check or to go through the following considerations with a fine toothcomb.

Remember: winter months are hard on any model of car and these checks should become standard checks before leaving for long distance journeys in the cold weather.

DD Firstly check your tyre pressure; tyres should be checked every two weeks for optimum safety. If this seems excessive, imagine the effect any skidding will have on your tyres and the fact that the wrong pressure or tread can cost you £2,500 per tyre if you are caught by the police.

DD Batteries should always be checked alongside the effectiveness of your brakes; if either of these fail you in bad weather the results could cause you serious problems.

DD Another important consideration is to check your windscreen wipers. If yours are worn at all, you should invest in replacement blades; if you’re caught in a sudden blizzard and can’t clear your windscreen you could be a serious hazard to yourself and others.

DD Your lights should be cleaned of any dirt at all times during the winter months and particular attention should be paid to make sure your headlamp dip and alignment are correct so as not to confuse other drivers.

DD Before the severe cold sets in it’s a good idea to spray the electrics under your bonnet with something like WD40 to prevent the damp getting in. When setting off for long journeys re-spray the electrics and check your screen wash levels. At this time of year remember, your screen wash should have an active anti freeze ingredient in it.

DD Once on the road, be prepared to adapt your normal driving skills to the weather, and always look to spot hazards before you come upon them. Leaving a longer braking distance between you and other vehicles is always advisable in bad weather so you can avoid harsh braking which can lead to skidding and loss of control and often accidents.

DD If you are driving over ice or snow always use as high a gear as possible in order to keep the car moving in a smooth movement.

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Our closure for the Christmas period runs from Monday 22nd December until Monday 5th January 2015. The Great War display will remain in place up to the end of February. We have had many visitors to this impressive display so if you haven’t yet been, do come along while there is still chance.

We are grateful to Ashby Rotary Club for donating its archives, from the foundation to the present day, and Museum volunteers are now busy cataloguing everything. We are also pleased to have received, recently, individual loans and donations to enhance our collections.

Peter Liddle is continuing his successful series of talks with ‘The Archaeology of Medieval Leicestershire and Rutland’. The next course will begin on Tuesday February 3rd and continue on successive Tuesdays (with a break for half term), from 11 a.m – 1 p.m., until March 17th.

February 3rd – Medieval villages and fields February 10th – Medieval Leicester, market towns and industry February 17th – Half term – no lecture February 24th – Castles and Manor Houses March 3rd – The Church: Parish churches and chapels March 10th – The Church – Religious Houses and Pilgrimage March 17th – The Battle of Bosworth and the end of the Medieval period You can attend the whole course or come to individual lectures; £6 per lecture or £30 for the whole course. If you would like to book a place please contact the Museum on 01530 560090 or email Peter on peter.liddle@gmail.com or call him on 01162214508.

The next Kids’ Club is 7th February and is at the new time of 11 till 2. ‘From the Romans to the Renaissance and from the Suffragettes to the Stone age.’ Come join us at the Kids’ History Club and explore our rich history though artefacts, art and the garments of the past. Every first Saturday of the month.’ Free to all primary school children, who must be accompanied by a parent or carer.

We are always happy to welcome new volunteers, singly or in pairs, and if you have a couple of hours to spare once a fortnight and would like to help out in our award-winning Museum please get in touch with us on the above telephone number.

Friends of Ashby Museum The Friends of Ashby Museum would like to invite you to a Folk Entertainment at Packington Memorial Hall on Saturday 14th February at 7.30. Music by the well-known group, The Travelling People. Light supper. Licensed bar available. Tickets £10 from the museum. All proceeds to support the work of the museum.

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