What's Around Magazine June 2015

MASTERS FESTIVAL donington park JIM’S TRACTOR RUN ashby de la zouch PELENNA VALLEY CHOIR ibstock PROMS & PICNIC IN THE PARK coalville

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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 119 - JUNE 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

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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 45

Seasonal Desserts Page 42

Food & Drink 8

Seasonal Recipes

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Crab and salmon fishcakes

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Roast loin of lamb, peas, lettuce and bacon

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Parsley, tomato and bulgar wheat salad

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Seasonal Desserts

Monthly Features

Copy deadline for JUL 2015 is 16th June 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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Proms & Picnic in the Park

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Just for Kids (by I4 Design & Print)

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Summer

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Good New Films and those you may have missed

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A tale of Ale: Shepherd Neame

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Your Stars by Dan Worthaus

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Ashby Food Gusto

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What’s On

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Functional MOT’s

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Index of Advertisers

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Ashby Museum News

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Small Ads/Classifieds

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seasonal recipes Broad bean and feta frittata

Grilled mackerel with new potatoes and salad

Serves 2 mins Prep 30 time g in k o o C mins 0 3 10 to Ingredients ground black pepper • 200g/7oz small • 6 large freebroad beans, range eggs pods removed • 100g/3½oz (podded weight) feta cheese, • 2 tbsp olive oil crumbled • 1 small red • small bunch fresh onion, peeled, mint, leaves only chopped (optional) • salt and freshly 1. Cook the broad beans in a pan of boiling, salted water for 2-3 minutes, or until tender. Drain well, then refresh in cold water. When the beans are cool enough to handle, peel away the outer skins, if you want to.

2. Heat the oil in a small ovenproof frying pan over a low heat. Add the onion and season with a pinch of salt. Fry for 8-10 minutes, or until softened but not browned.

3. Meanwhile, preheat the grill to its highest setting. In a bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined and full of air, then season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

4. When the onions have softened, increase the heat to medium and pour in the beaten eggs. Sprinkle over the crumbled feta, mint leaves (if using) and cooked broad beans. Leave the pan on the heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the underside of the egg mixture is pale golden-brown.

(NB: Do not stir the mixture.)

5. Transfer the pan to the grill and cook for a further 2-3 minutes, or until the top side of the egg mixture is firm and pale goldenbrown. Place a large plate upside-down over the pan, then turn the pan over so that the omelette falls onto the plate.

Cut it into wedges and serve with crusty white bread.

Courtesy Valentine Warner

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Serves Less tha 2 n 30 Cooking min time 10 to 30 mins Ingredients For the potatoes • 150g/5oz new potatoes, such as Jersey Royals, scrubbed • pinch salt For the mackerel • 2 mackerel fillets • 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard • salt and freshly ground black

pepper For the dressing and salad • 1 tsp English mustard • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar • 3 tbsp rapeseed oil, or olive oil • squeeze lemon juice • 2 Little Gem lettuces

1. Bring a pan of water to the boil.

Add the potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes until just tender. Drain and return to the pan to keep warm.

2. For the mackerel, preheat the grill to high.

3. Put the mackerel fillets on the grill tray, brush with the wholegrain mustard and season with salt and pepper. Grill them for 2-3 minutes, then turn over and grill for a further minute, or until the mackerel is cooked through.

4. For the dressing and salad, whisk the English mustard, white wine vinegar, rapeseed oil and lemon juice together in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add the lettuce leaves to the bowl and mix to combine.

5. Divide the mackerel between two plates, along with the potatoes and the salad. Serve straightaway.

Courtesy James Martin

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recipe Crab and salmon fishcakes with homemade tartare sauce Serves 2 Preparation 30 mins to 1 hour Plus 30 mins to 1 hour Ingredients For the potatoes 250g/9oz small potatoes, preferably red-skinned potatoes such as Roosevelt sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp olive oil For the fishcakes 250g/9oz salmon, poached, flaked, bones removed 150g/5oz white crab meat 150g/5oz brown crab meat 1 tbsp good quality mayonnaise handful fresh flatleaf parsley, chopped handful fresh dill, chopped 1 red chilli, finely chopped 1 tsp Dijon mustard sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp olive oil For the tartare sauce 4 tbsp good quality mayonnaise 4 small cornichons or gherkins, finely chopped 1 tbsp capers handful fresh flatleaf parsley, finely chopped ½ lemon, juice only 1 tsp grated fresh horseradish sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

NOTE COOK’S cakes in the fish Prepare Remove and chill. inutes e c n a v m ad fridge 30 from the ing, and fry just k o o before c erving. before s

To serve 2 large handfuls fresh baby spinach 1 tbsp olive oil sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1.

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

2.

For the potatoes, boil the potatoes in a large pan of salted water for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Drain, and then return to the saucepan.

3.

Crush the potatoes slightly with a fork, season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and drizzle over the oil. Tip into a roasting tin and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden-brown and crisp.

4.

Meanwhile, for the fishcakes, combine the salmon, white and brown crab meat, mayonnaise, parsley, dill, red chilli and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

5.

Shape the mixture into cakes using your hands, and chill in the fridge until the potatoes are almost ready.

6.

For the tartare sauce, mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.

7.

To cook the fishcakes, heat the oil a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Fry the fishcakes in the oil for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden-brown and crisp.

8.

For the spinach, place the spinach into a small frying pan over a medium heat and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until wilted. Drizzle over the olive oil and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

9.

To serve, divide the fishcakes between two serving plates, place the roasted potatoes and spinach either side, and spoon the tartare sauce around the edge of the plate.

Courtesy Simon Rimmer

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recipe Roast loin of lamb, peas, lettuce and bacon Serves 4 Prep Time less than 30 mins Cooking Time 10 to 30 mins Ingredients 2 loins of lamb, boned, weighing 600g/1lb 4oz in total salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 rashers smoked streaky bacon, diced 1 onion, diced 500ml/1lb 2fl oz lamb stock 110g/4oz peas, cooked 50g/2oz butter 1 Little Gem lettuce, shredded 1 sprig mint Method

NOTE COOK’S ompanied c a mb c Roast la int and lettuce, ,m s Spring’s by pea captures ess. e ip c re this eshn ss and fr sweetne

1.

For the lamb, preheat the oven to 160C/325F/Gas 3.

2.

Season the lamb well with salt and pepper.

3.

Place a heavy-based, oven-proof frying pan over a medium heat. When it is hot, add one tablespoon of the vegetable oil.

4.

Put the lamb into the pan and colour it all over, turning it so that all sides brown evenly. Don’t rush this, the dish will have much more flavour and a deeper colour if you take your time.

5.

Transfer the lamb, in the frying pan, to the oven, and bake for 8-10 minutes.

6.

Remove the lamb from the oven, take it out of the frying pan and set aside to rest for 10-15 minutes.

7.

In another frying pan over a medium heat, add the remaining vegetable oil and fry the bacon until crisp and golden-brown.

8.

Add the chopped onion and cook for a further two minutes. Then pour over the lamb stock to cover the bacon and onion and bring to the boil.

9.

Add the peas, butter, the lettuce and the mint, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for a minute or two until the lettuce is cooked.

10. To serve, slice the lamb, pour the pea, bacon and pesto mixture into a large bowl or individual serving dishes, and arrange the lamb slices on top.

Courtesy Bryn Williams

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healthy living Summer Summer! What a wonderful time of the year. The days are warm, bright and happy. Sunshine makes us feel better physically and emotionally. The vitamin D we acquire from the sun helps to lift our moods, make us smile and give us a sense of wellbeing. Achy joints are relieved in the warmth, the cold, wet days of the winter not only make us not want to leave the cosiness of our homes but also add to stiffness and aches in our joints, especially for those of us who suffer with arthritis.

Summer means longer days, smiling faces and delicious smelling and tasting foods.

The aroma of a BBQ drifts through the summer air.

Parks are filled with people wanting to grab as much of the warm sun as possible. They uncover their bodies allowing the sun’s rays to penetrate their skin giving them a healthy looking glow. It all sounds wonderful however, there are many dangers associated with the summer.

Heatstroke: This occurs when the body’s temperature becomes dangerously high. This can cause symptoms such as confusion, headaches, nausea, muscle cramps, shallow breathing and excessive thirst. If not treated this can be a very serious condition. To prevent this from happening, we should drink plenty of fluids and keep out of the midday sun.

Sun burn: Not only is sunburn painful but it also contributes to some skin cancers.

Cover your body with sun lotion, the

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higher the SPF the better, especially for children and those who have fair skin.

Wasp and bee stings: A sting from a wasp or a bee is painful and some people are allergic to them. You cannot stop wasps and bees from being around you but you can discourage them. Citronella candles help to keep all insects away from your gardens. Cover up any foods or drinks that a bee or wasp can get at or into. Avoid wearing bright colours or floral patterns, says eartheasy.com.

If you look like a flower, a wasp will be attracted to you!

Uncooked foods: We all love the aroma of a BBQ. The smell of the b u r g e r s , sausages and steaks sizzling over the hot coals is very enticing.

However, a BBQ can burn or overcook the outside of the meat and the inside can still be raw. This can lead to food poisoning.

Make sure that if you take anything out of the freezer it is fully thawed before you place it on the BBQ. If you use disposable BBQ’s be mindful of what you do with them after they have been used. They can remain very hot for a while after use. Do not place them onto wooden benches or directly onto grass.

Alcohol: Alcohol is part of the summer experience and many people enjoy a glass of something cool in the heat.

Alcohol is dehydrating so therefore, if you drink too much in the heat it can cause you to become very dehydrated.

Try and include some water or soft drinks whilst you are enjoying the summer.

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recipe Parsley, tomato and bulgar wheat salad Serves 4 Prep Time 30 mins to 1 hour Cooking Time - No cooking time Ingredients 30g/1¼oz fine bulgar wheat 600g/1lb 5¼oz firm ripe tomatoes, diced into small cubes, 0.5cm/¼in square ½ bunch spring onions, trimmed and very thinly sliced 2 bunches flatleaf parsley, (about 400g/14lb¼oz on the stalk), very finely chopped NOTE small bunch mint, (about 70g/2½oz on the stalk), leaves COOK’S is only, very finely chopped heat in th bulgar w ¼ tsp ground cinnamon The fine d soaks up just s easy sala nd tomato juice ½ tsp ground allspice a r . te e a it b w enough still with ½ tsp finely ground black pepper der, but n te e b to salt 1 lemon, juice only 150ml/5¼fl oz extra virgin olive oil 4 Little Gem lettuces, washed and quartered (or fresh tender vine leaves or white cabbage leaves, washed and dried) 1. Rinse the bulgar wheat in several changes of cold water, drain well and put in a large salad bowl.

2. Spread the diced tomatoes and their juice over the bulgar then add the sliced onions.

3. Put the chopped parsley over the spring onions, looking out for big pieces, if there are any, take them out and chop them finely.

4. Add the chopped mint to the parsley, cover with a clean kitchen towel and leave for about half an hour for the bulgar wheat to absorb the tomato juices and soften.

5. Season with cinnamon, allspice, pepper and salt to taste. Add the lemon juice and olive oil and mix well together.

6. Taste, adjust seasoning if necessary and serve immediately with either Little Gem lettuce or fresh vine leaves.

Courtesy Anissa Helou

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A TALE OF ALE : SHEPHERD NEAME Faversham, Kent, has a history of brewing from the 12th century, with ales being produced by monks. For the 14th century it is well-documented that the brewing of ales, certainly in Faversham, was carried out by women, known as ‘ale wives’.

Shepherd Neame is recognised as Britain’s oldest brewer and has won numerous awards. Richard Marsh purchased the brewery in 1698 and the Shepherd family came into the operation during 1732.

In 1864 Percy Beale Neame joined as a partner. Percy’s three children – Arthur, Alick and Harry were shareholders.

Excellent ales continued to be produced and throughout the years of the second world war – albeit with a very much depleted number of staff. Robert (Bobby) Neame joined the company and became chairman. Bobby held this position for 35 years.

Bishop’s Finger (strong ale, initially brewed in 1958) and Spitfire (named to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the battle of Britain, with Spitfire being the legendary aeroplane of that time) are classic ales and extremely popular. India Pale Ale is a strong, hoppy beer, with splendid character. The high hop rate in IPA was originally to protect the beer during its arduous journey across continents.

Double Stout is a classic ale. Having a rich

taste and a velvet-like texture, the palate is rewarded with smooth, burnt flavours.

Indeed, very worthy of being named a masterpiece. Brilliant Ale came about from an original 19th century recipe, unearthed in archives. This bright and hoppy, impressive production, is reported as being inspired by the vision of early morning sun sending golden shafts of light through the brewhouse window. If Barley Wine is for you, seek out the Shepherd Neame & Sigtuna production. This limited edition Barley Wine, brewed in collaboration with Sigtuna Brygghus of Sweden, is oak-aged in Bourbon barrels – quite exceptional!

These are just a few of the ales in a most excellent range from Shepherd Neame. It is also very much worthwhile locating the carveries, restaurants, new-look bars and accommodation the company has to offer.

Tours and tasting events are available, too. www.shepherdneame.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

Trevor Langley

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Private Vegas by James Patterson

Las Vegas is a city of contradictions: seedy and glamorous, secretive and wild, Vegas attracts people of all kinds—especially those with a secret to hide, or a life to leave behind.

It’s the perfect location for Lester Olsen’s lucrative business. He gets to treat gorgeous, young women to fivestar restaurants, splashy shows, and limo rides—and then he teaches them how to kill.

Private Jack Morgan spends most of his time in Los Angeles, where his top investigation firm has its headquarters. But a hunt for two criminals leads him to the city of sin—and to a murder ring that is more seductively threatening than anything he’s witnessed before.

PRIVATE VEGAS brings James Patterson’s Private series to a sensational new level.

Whatever happens in Vegas, ends in murder...

Book Review Too!

by Buck Verm

Memory Man By David Baldacci Amos Decker’s life changed forever—twice.

The first time was on the gridiron. A big, towering athlete, he was the only person from his hometown of Burlington ever to go pro. But his career ended before it had a chance to begin. On his very first play, a violent helmet-to-helmet collision knocked him off the field for good, and left him with an improbable side effect—he can never forget anything.

The second time was at home nearly two decades later. Now a police detective, Decker returned from a stakeout one evening and entered a nightmare—his wife, young daughter, and brother-in-law had been murdered.

His family destroyed, their killer’s identity as mysterious as the motive behind the crime, and unable to forget a single detail from that horrible night, Decker finds his world collapsing around him. He leaves the police force, loses his home, and winds up on the street, taking piecemeal jobs as a private investigator when he can.

But over a year later, a man turns himself in to the police and confesses to the murders. At the same time a horrific event nearly brings Burlington to its knees, and Decker is called back in to help with this investigation. Decker also seizes his chance to learn what really happened to his family that night. To uncover the stunning truth, he must use his remarkable gifts and confront the burdens that go along with them. He must endure the memories he would much rather

forget. And he may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

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the palace

June’s forthcoming events at the Palace are as follows: Friday, 5th June – Palace Film Night. ‘The Theory of Everything’ (PG13) – BAFTA WINNER. Enjoy a drink from the bar whilst watching a great film in this unique venue; one of the oldest surviving purpose-built cinemas in the country. The extraordinary story of one of the world’s greatest living minds, the renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, who falls deeply in love with fellow Cambridge student, Jane Wilde. 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) Please check with ticket outlets to avoid disappointment.

Saturday, 6th June – THE PELENNA VALLEY WELSH MALE VOICE CHOIR. This world famous Welsh Male Voice Choir make a welcome return visit for what has become one of our musical ‘highlights’ of the year. Doors/bar open from 7pm, concert starts at 7.30pm Tickets: £10.00 from The Palace Tel: 01530 262400 or Halls Electrical, High Street, Ibstock Tel: 01530 260460. ADVANCED BOOKING IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Saturday, 13th June - Jill Daniels, BRITAIN’S NO.1 WARTIME ENTERTAINER returns to The Palace to perform BRITAINS NO.1 WARTIME WWII 1940’S SHOW. Doors/ bar open from 7pm, concert starts at 7.30pm Tickets: £7.00 from The Palace Tel: 01530 262400 or Halls Electrical, High Street, Ibstock Tel: 01530 260460. ADVANCED BOOKING IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Wednesday, 17th June - The Palace Wine Club wine tasting evening. Starts at 7.30 pm. Tickets: £8.00. Limited to a maximum of 30 places! Tel: Gary at The Palace on 01530 262400 or Corinne 01530 451725 to reserve your place.

Friday, 19th June – Palace Film Night. ‘The Imitation Game’. (PG13) Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. Enjoy a drink from the bar whilst watching a great film in this unique venue; one of the oldest surviving purpose-built cinemas in the country. During World War II, mathematician Alan Turing tries to crack the enigma code with help from fellow mathematicians. 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) Please check with ticket outlets to avoid disappointment.

Saturday, 27th June – Palace Social Dance. A very popular evening of Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence Doors & bar open at 7.30 pm. Dancing from 8.00 pm ‘till 11.00 pm. Tickets: £5.00, available on the door.

Coming soon: Friday, 3rd July - 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.

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

(07912) 480961.

Contact Mosaic on (0116) 2318720 0r

Zumba Fitness – 6.30pm – 7.30pm. Ditch the workout – join the party! Contact Laura on (07702) 345586.

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Fitness Pilates class – 7.45pm – 8.45pm. Focussing on core stability whilst improving tone and body alignment through controlled movement. Contact Michelle 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 50+ Fitness Pilates – 9.30am – 10.30am. A specially designed program to encourage maintenance and flexibility of muscles used in our everyday movements providing a sense of harmony and wellbeing. Contact Michelle on (07887) 678367 Palace Players – 7.30pm – 9.45pm. For anyone who is interested in getting involved with any aspect of amateur theatre. Contact the Palace on (01530) 262400 for more details.

Thursday ‘Healthy Hearts’ Low Impact Physical Training – 9.30am – 10.20am - A low impact aerobic workout specifically designed for the 50+ age group. Contact Michelle on (07887) 678367 50+ Fitness Pilates – 10.30am – 11.30am. 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 4.45-5.30pm; 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. 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

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seasonal desserts Strawberry cheesecake Serve Prep s 6 30 min s Re Less ady in than 1 0 min s

Ingredients For the biscuit layer • 150g/5¼oz crushed digestive biscuits • 2 tbsp melted butter • 2 tbsp caster sugar • ½ tbsp freshly grated lemon zest, very finely chopped • 6 tbsp orange juice or juice from the strawberries For the strawberry layer • 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1 tbsp water • 2 tsp cornflour, dissolved in a little cold

Scottish cranachan with a wee twist s8 Serve ins 0m 3 p e r P g tim Cookin mins 0 3 10 to

water or orange juice • 100g/4oz caster sugar • 1kg/2lb 3¼oz strawberries, cleaned and sliced For the cheesecake layer • 2 sheets gelatine • 1-2 tbsp of lemon juice • 350g/12¼oz cream cheese • 225g/8oz caster sugar • 300g/10½oz thick Greek-style yoghurt • 1 tbsp of vanilla extract To serve • whipped cream • sprigs of mint

1. For the biscuit layer, mix all the biscuit ingredients together and reserve.

2. For the strawberry layer, place the lemon juice and water into a small saucepan and mix in the cornflour well. Bring to the boil and when the cornflour is dissolved, mix in the sugar and the strawberries.

3. Heat gently to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat, and allow to cool and thicken.

4. For the cheesecake mixture, soften the gelatine in the lemon juice and a spoonful of water if needed, for 3-5 minutes.

5. Heat the mixture gently over a low heat in a small saucepan until the gelatine is completely dissolved.

6. Meanwhile whisk the cream cheese and the sugar in a mixer or blender on medium speed.

7. When the sugar is dissolved turn down the speed and add the yoghurt and the gelatine.

8. When the mixture is blended together add the vanilla extract.

9. To assemble, place the biscuit layer into the base of six wine glasses, add a good dollop of cheesecake mixture, then add some strawberries. Chill the mixture for a few hours and top with whipped cream and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately.

Courtesy Paul Rankin

Ingredients For the cardamom honey • 1 x 250g/9oz jar clear honey • 20 cardamom pods, seeds only, finely ground For the cranachan • 40g/1½oz medium or coarse oatmeal

• 200g/7oz raspberries • 400ml/14fl oz double cream • 2 tbsp cardamom honey (from above), or to taste • 3 tbsp malt whisky • ½-1 tsp rosewater, or to taste • rose petals, to garnish (optional)

1. To make the cardamom honey, crush the cardamom pods in a pestle and mortar to separate the dry pods from the seeds. Discard the husks. Toast the seeds in a dry pan to release their oils so they become aromatic.

2. Pour half of the honey into a pan and add the crushed and toasted cardamom seeds.

Gently heat through until the honey has become more liquid and starts to bubble at the edges; if you have a probe thermometer, the temperature should be 75C/165F. Remove from the heat and pour the flavoured honey back into the jar with the remaining honey. Stir gently, and leave to cool, uncovered. When cool, put on the lid and ideally store for 24 hours before using.

3. To make the cranachan, heat a heavybottomed pan and toast the oatmeal over a lowish heat, stirring occasionally, until it smells warm and nutty and has changed colour. This will take 10-15 minutes, sometimes as long as 20 minutes. Leave to cool.

4. In a bowl, crush half of the raspberries to make a rough mash. In a separate bowl, whisk the cream with the honey, whisky and rosewater until soft peaks form when the whisk is removed, then fold in the crushed raspberries.

5. Fold in the toasted oatmeal and two-thirds of the remaining whole raspberries. Adjust the honey and rose water to taste. Spoon the cranachan into small glasses, and garnish with the remaining raspberries and some rose petals, if using. Drizzle with a wee bit more of the cardamom honey and serve.

Courtesy Tony Singh

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This Months Jobs in the Garden Temperatures are rising and your garden should be just about ready to bloom. Here we outline those key jobs for June to keep your garden at its very best...

Its vital to keep you garden hydrated during the summer months, particularly in hot spells. Focus on the areas that need it such as young plants and vegetables and make sure they get a thorough soaking. Mulching will help maintain the moisture around plants but be sure the soil is moist before you mulch as it keeps water out as well as in.

Keep on top of weeding regularly, pull out annual weeds making sure you remove from the root to avoid regrowth. Mow the lawn regularly, keeping the blades at the lowest setting, and trim the edges for a neat finish. If your lawn is looking a little tired use a liquid fertiliser to perk it up.

This is another job that should become routine to extend the life of the flowering period in your garden. Removing fading flowers on perennials as soon as possible ensures new growth and flowers later into the season.

Use secateurs to trim the plant back to just above the strongest buds. This will ensure new growth from the lower half of the plant and give it a healthy bushy shape.

Theres little chance of frost now so you can fill your borders with some fantastic bedding plants. Remove any spring bedding and keep the fertiliser to a minimum. Water plants well an hour before planting and give them a soaking afterwards too. Its really important to keep on top of the watering throughout the summer.

Check roses for signs of blackspot, aphids and leaf-rolling sawfly damage.

Dead head, Remove weeds, water during dry spells. Control weeds to prevent them competing for moisture and nutrients. Keep an eye out for early aphid attacks, and deal with them appropriately, either by squashing small colonies, or by using pesticides on larger infestations.

Bulbs and Herbaceous Plants. Stake tall or floppy plants. Plant out summer bedding and seed-raised plants, if not already done so. Make sure they are well watered in and keep moist during dry weather.

On the Lawn. Regularly mow lawns to keep them in shape - removing ‘little and often’ is the key to a good quality sward. Add grass clippings to the compost heap in thin layers. Apply a high nitrogen summer lawn fertiliser if not done last month to encourage a healthy-looking lawn. Move garden furniture and other objects regularly to allow grass to recover and prevent yellow patches.

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the ‘beautiful game’. On the football field, eccentric Northern Ireland coach Billy Bingham (they call him Mr FIFA - “a fee for this and a fee for that”) must plug together a bunch of misfits and third divisioners...

Shooting for Socrates (2015) November 1985, and the troubled streets of Belfast are torn up by rioting yet again.

In amongst the angry mob, we find nine year old Tommy, nonchalantly dribbling a ball through the insanity.

Whilst politicians argue over the peace process, there’s only one thing on young Tommy’s footballmad mind - the forthcoming World Cup, where tiny Northern Ireland will take on the mighty Brazil. For the South American giants it’s just another step on the path to inevitable global domination, yet for Northern Ireland, and young Tommy, it’s the biggest game of their lives. They are two countries that couldn’t seem further apart: Northern Ireland, with its Orange men and Republican kerbstones, the Rev’d Ian Paisley and Fergal Sharkey; and Brazil with its carnival, its Samba, with Pelé and

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) n the stark desert wasteland populated by a broken humanity driven with survival and the unending ravage for gasoline, a loner named Max finds himself unwantedly caught in the middle of a chase while aiding the heroine Furiosa, and her female companions, she struggles to return to her homeland and escape the clutches of a ruthless dessert gang leader, Immortan Joe. With the harsh desert sands in front of them and marauders behind, only the maddest will prevail the storm.

Driven only by the will to survive in the desert wasteland he calls home, Max, a man of action and of few words, aids a new female companion in the search for her homeland while trying to stay one step ahead of a gang of ruthless marauders.

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your stars Your Stars for the Month 2015 by Dan Worthaus Aries - March 20th - April 20th Aries - are you happy in your job? If you are one of lucky Aries and you are happy in you job consider staying there. If you feel restless and you are not very happy with your job or your employment conditions now is a good time to look for a new challenge and spread your wings. Just make sure you are making the right decision. Some close friends of yours might be going on a long trip and you feel a bit envious. Don’t worry too much about it or let it get to you as your opportunity will be along shortly. New discoveries and new experiences perhaps in the form of a diving or vacation close to the sea will be coming your way.

Taurus - April 21st - May 21st June 2015 will seem to be a bit “confusing” for you. Things in your personal life move on really quickly and just as soon as you have got used to one new idea up pops another one. Stay fluid during June 2015 and don’t be afraid to embrace change. There will be some problems but don’t push them away. Deal with them head on and you will amaze yourself when you finally appreciate that you have excellent problem solving skills, and can deal with your own problems and those of others as well.

Gemini - May 22nd - June 21st During June 2015 you really need to avoid arguments with loved ones. You may be right in what you are thinking but don’t forget to consider others as well. It might be better to keep quite than offer an opinion which could cause offense, and anger. You will be proven right anyway so don’t worry about it. Evaluate your emotions and learn how you really feel about things, and why you react in a certain ways. You might have a few sleepless nights watching the clock ticking away whilst you contemplate things.

Cancer - June 22nd - July 23rd You are going to win a struggle June 2015. This will boost your independence and give you more personal and emotional freedom. You will learn you don’t need to follow the crowd and the ideas you create within yourself work just fine. Stand proud Cancer you are great. Most Cancerians are not thought of as business people but opportunities coming your way this month do deserve a second look. There are some new aspects on the horizon which can lead to a change in life style and you should seize them with both hands.

Leo - July 24th - August 23rd During June 2-13 take a look at your home life and make some decisions. Money will help but it is just as important to show that you care. There will be a strong focus on the younger members of the family and they really do need your help right now. Even if you are not their parent your advise will be appreciated. June 2015 will pass quickly and although work is important it will not be your main focus this month. During June 2015 you will learn there is more to life than hard work and striving for better status in life.

Virgo - August 23rd - September 22nd You will meet new people during June 2015 and they are from totally different circles that you normally move in. They will offer new perspectives and give you an idea. You will also learn that you may have to change your goals. Investments made some time in the past are looking good and will give you scope for movement. This is a good month for winning so you may want to enter a few competitions or even apply for a promotion at work. Be careful with what you eat during 2015 as the wrong foods, or too much, can cause health problems.

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Libra - September 23rd - October 23rd Libra - let June 2015 be a month of reflection and you may want take a look at some of the goals that you have set for yourself. You will feel a bit lonely but you will overcome this sense of solitude. Your intuition will be heightened during June 2015, and you should put this to good use. Seek new alliances and friendships and perhaps rekindle some old friendships as this could bring new business and settle some old dreams.

Dreams may start coming true during June 2015.

Scorpio - October 24th - November 22nd Prepared to travel during June 2015, and your efforts made on your trip will mean both personal and professional recognition. Be careful with money as you will feel like splashing out during this month but curb your spending as summer will bring more trips and adventures. You are thinking about organizing a special event. It is important you do your homework for this special event to make sure everything goes smoothly. June 2015 favors charity events which benefit somebody, or something else, than yourself.

Sagittarius - November 23rd - December 21st There is a strong focus on work in June 2015, and it will be important for you to remain professional as this will impress others. If you are assigned a special project at work remember to use professional judgment and select by ability. Don’t follow your heart when it comes to this matter. Find new people to be part of the project and work together with them. You will find you have excellent leadership skills. June 2015 is an excellent month to expand your horizons.

Capricorn - December 22nd - January 20th You might get some disturbing news from work but think before you speak. Remain calm, think things over and take the appropriate action. Remain emotionally strong and don’t let negative influences affect your thinking. Avoid confrontations both at home and with work colleagues. Towards the end of June 2015 you will have more energy and can spend sometime focusing on interests rather than tasks which you need to complete.

Aquarius - January 21st - February 19th Handle family problems with care during June 2015, and try to see problems from another perspective. The idea is to solve the problem not to make it worse. Once the problem has been solved enjoy spending time with friends and look on the brighter side of life. Stress will could catch up with you during June 2015 so consider adding extra periods of rest, and perhaps a supplement. Avoid people with colds and infections as you could easily pick them up this month.

Pisces - February 20th - March 20th Hard work will pay off during June 2015. It might have taken sometime to get here but it is now beginning to pay off and you will see some positive results. If you are in a relationship you will enter a period of romance and new adventures. Participate in events and enjoy your health which is really good at the moment. The sun is warming both body and soul, and you will feel much better about your soul. Plant a garden, real or imaginary it doesn’t matter. You will feel creative during June 2015.

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what’s on Wednesday 17th June 2015 Lynda’s annual Coffee morning & Rummage sale at 3 Manor Road, Heather between 10.00am and 12.30pm. Stalls: Books, Cakes, Raffle, DVDs, CDs, 50/50 Draw, Tombola, Good Jumble, White Elephant & Refreshments. Also, Jigsaw puzzles, Crafts, Hand crafted cards, Jewellery and much more. Donations for any stall can be left with Lynda at 3 Manor Road, (tel 260016) or with Hazel at 14 Cotsmore Close. All items gratefully received. All proceeds go to Heather Parish Church.

Saturday 20th June 2015 Ivanhoe Way Challenge Wishes 4 Kids supporters Richard and Angela Bebbington are pleased to announce applications for the 7th annual Ivanhoe Way Challenge are now open. The challenge, to walk the 37 mile Ivanhoe Way route within 15 hours, takes place on Saturday 20th June 2015. Since the event was launched over 280 people have completed the challenge, raising over 35,000 for Leicestershire Charity, Wishes 4 Kids. We are pleased to announce the Ivanhoe Way Half Challenge will also take place on the same day. The 18 mile route will follow the same route from Stanton Under Bardon. With the Full Challenge starting at 4am, from Ashby De La Zouch, the route passes Staunton Harold Reservoir, through the rocky outcrops of Charnwood Forest, out to Bagworth, and back along the route of the Ashby Canal, via Shackerstone. Once back in Ashby there will be a well earned meal and drink waiting for the walkers at The Ivanhoe Club. Entry £22. For more information call 07752259489 or go to the website at www.ivanhoechallenge. co.uk.

Saturday 20th June 2015 Summer Fair St Michael’s Summer Fair is planned for Saturday 20th June in the lovely grounds of Ravenstone Court (Village Institute if wet) Refreshments will be available. Everyone Welcome.

Proceeds for church funds. 2.30pm 4.00pm. Free Admission.

Saturday 20th June 2015 Open Gardens Osgathorpe Amble around our OPEN GARDENS offering pleasure and interest for all. Shop in our MARKET PLACE for great quality local produce direct from local food and drink specialists. Follow our ART & CRAFT trail around the village, plus visit the exhibition & sale and working artists.

Enjoy our fun KIDS ACTIVITIES including duck racing and human fruit machine.

FOOD & DRINK includes BBQ, spuds, bar, real ale, cream teas and cake stall. Plus

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scarecrows, garden model railways and more!. Venue: The village of Osgathorpe is situated in between Ashby de la Zouch and Loughborough. 5 miles East of the A42 Junction 13 and 5 miles West of the M1 Junction 23. Osgathorpe is just off the A512 (Ashby to Loughborough Road) or the B5324 (Rempstone Road). For Sat Nav s, use postcode LE12 9SZ. 12.00pm to 5.00pm. Admission-Charges: £3.50 pp (under 16’s FREE) Saturday 27th June 2015 Proms in the Park Proms style event featuring Coalville Male Voice Choir, Ibstock Brick Brass Band and the well known Ockbrook Big Band, Food and drink available. FREE EVENT. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Contact Angela Bexton for more information 01530454603. Venue: Coalville Park, London Road, Coalville. 6.30pm to 9.30pm.

Sunday 28th June 2015 Picnic in the Park Bring your family and friends to this fantastic FREE event at Coalville Park, where you can enjoy live entertainment supported by Hermitage FM, food court, children’s area, youth zone, stalls, wibbly wobbly cycle track, and the WW1 themed tent and much more. Free parking in town centre car parks. Contact Angela Bexton on 01530454603 for more information.

Venue: Coalville Park, London Road, Coalville. 12.00pm to 5.30pm Saturday 4th July 2015 Ashby Castle Lawn Tennis Club Charity & Open Day – Summer Fete stalls open 11am to 5pm at the tennis club opposite Ashby Castle featuring cakes, strawberries & cream, pimms, crafts, children’s activities, nail bar & face painting, tombola, BBQ & bar, with a 24hr tennis marathon (starting Friday 8pm) junior multi sports, play tennis for free 2-4pm, test your speed of serve, take the longest rally challenge, or enjoy refreshments on the balcony in a picturesque spot. For more details contact Alex on 07931 412238.

Saturday 4th July 2015 Ashby Open Gardens Ashby-de-la-Zouch Open Gardens, Leicestershire Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July 2015 11.00am to 6.00pm.

Come and visit at least 15 beautiful yet different gardens in Ashby de la Zouch. See a vast array of stunning and unusual plants in glorious locations.

There are different gardens opening on each day so please check our website for information. Scrumptious cakes available. Proceeds to Midlands Air Ambulance and Hospice Hope. Plant

sales: Various gardens selling a huge range of plants, from the popular to the exotic. Cost: £3.00 adults, under 16 free - covers all gardens for both days. How to get event passports: Passports available on the day from any garden, or check website for list of places to purchase beforehand. Further information: http:// www.ashbyopengardens.co.uk Sunday 5th July 2015 Vineyard Painting Experience Day Artists of all abilities are invited to join us for a day of ‘en plein air’ painting in a lovely setting with a wealth of subject matter to draw/paint - gardens & woodland, 16th Century hunting lodge, farm machinery, horses etc. The day includes refreshments, tour of vineyard with wine tasting, painting at leisure, afternoon tea and a complimentary bottle of wine. Cost: £25. For more details email vickybenton@hotmail.com or phone 07876 276873 Sunday 5th July 2015 Swannington Open Gardens A charity event in the village of Swannington. Come along and find lots of pleasant surprises: at least 10 private gardens will be open,along with Hough Windmill, the WI garden, the school, St. George s Church, a nature walk and an art exhibition in the village hall.

Refreshments available. Held in aid of LOROS, Maggie’s Centre Nottingham (serving the East Midlands) and village organisations / projects. Venue: Swannington Village Hall, Main Street, Swannington LE67 8QL. Admission £4 for a passport to all venues. Children free.

11.00am to 6.00pm. For more details call 01530 811418 Sunday 26th July 2015 Jim’s Tractor Run & Family Fun Day A fantastic Family Fun Day with lots of interest for all ages. Grand Tractor run through Ashby at 11am which then goes onward to Blackfordby, returning to the Bath Grounds approx. 11.45am.

Lots of interesting vehicles to look at, archery, crafts, stalls, chess club, children’s rides, Punch n Judy, music and entertainment hosted by Hermitage FM, food and drink. New this year - Fun Dog Show - 14 categories from Waggiest tail to Best Fancy Dress. Free event entry with donations to Hospice Hope. Dog show, small charge applies. Organised by Ashby Town Council. Tel: 01530 416961.

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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At present we have researchers working on interesting local documents - Alton Grange, Ashby Rotary Club, the British Legion, and the late Charles Harvey collection of railway memorabilia, local government and the origin of the AshbyPithiviers Twinning. Several researchers have come to us via appeals in this magazine for which we are grateful as the list of documents we have acquired keeps on growing!

The new Dolly Shepherd radio play extracts will soon be available to listen to, and, very excitingly, she is likely to appear as a topic on a future Antiques Road Trip programme.

Dolly was an intrepid Edwardian parachutist who descended on Ashby and she features as a permanent display in our main gallery The new temporary exhibition in the Loudoun gallery, on Ashby’s Lost Railways, is now running until the end of June and has already attracted a lot of attention. Do come along and have a look at the fascinating photographs on display and see the station clock.

The Alton Grange Bell Pit project starts at the end of May. As part of the Festival of Archaeology there will be an archaeological display called ‘History Though Artefacts’ at Ashby Museum for the whole of July with a event called ‘Hands On Archaeology’ on Saturday, 18th July. More details to follow.

The next Kids’ club is on the Saturday 6th June and is called ‘History with Art’. Come and create your own masterpieces based on art from the Stone Age to the modern day.

Draw and paint using the styles of past civilizations like the Egyptians and Romans. Open to all children of primary school age. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The club runs from 11am till 4pm.

Friends of Ashby Museum The Friends of Ashby Museum would like to welcome you to our next afternoon talk on Wednesday June 3rd. The speaker will be John Worsfield from Hathern Micro Brewery.

The talk will be at the museum, starting at 2 pm. £3 to include tea/coffee and biscuits.

Please book a place by calling the museum. We look forward to seeing you there.

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