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this issue 125
What’s Around Editor Liz Roberts Telephone 01530 417739 Email enquiries Advertising/Accounts info@ashbylife.co.uk Website/What’s On admin@ashbylife.co.uk
Seasons Greetings… It’s my favourite edition of the year – packed with Christmassy goodness! We’ve got tips to help you have a stress free Christmas and choose your tree. There are details of the local church services, a special feature on Christmas themed fun for families and loads of events in our What’s On pages. We also have a free competition to win a pair of wonderful books by local author Janet Scrivens on page 28 – who knows, you could be our lucky winner! Wishing all our readers and advertisers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Web www.whatsaround.co.uk
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Facebook www.facebook.com/ Whats-Around-Magazine Twitter @whatsaroundmag Address Ashby Life Ltd Castle House South Street Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1BR Front Cover Image by Lesley Hextall
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What’s Around is an independent publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the editor. The use of this magazine for canvassing or direct marketing is strictly prohibited. Information is included on the What’s On and Community Board pages subject to space being available. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, What’s Around cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions or endorse companies, products or services appearing in this magazine.
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Liz Roberts
Contents 06 08 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 34 36 38 40 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 60 62
This Month On the Beat Community Board Fun Quiz A Walk in the Forest It’s Local In Your Garden Ibstock & Barlestone Surgeries Book Reviews Ashby Museum News Children’s Page Prize Competition In Your Home Wordsearch Just 4 Fun Out and About Money Matters Seasonal Recipes Church Services Last Posting Dates What’s On for Families Storytime What’s On Pets Corner What’s On at The Palace All About You Puzzle Solutions Business Directory
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this month
I live in a house that is divided. My husband loves real Christmas trees but in recent years I’ve talked him around to the artificial option, believing – incorrectly as it turns out – that a reusable tree is better for the planet than one that is chopped down and discarded after a few weeks. Most artificial trees are made from PVC – one of the most non-renewable, polluting, unrecyclable materials around - and consequently their carbon footprint is ten times greater than that of real ones. Shocked into realising that my fake tree is not the morally correct choice I thought, I’m now keen to join the six million Brits who opt for a real tree at Christmas. Christmas trees spring up all over the place from late November and the quality varies greatly. Before you make your choice, do a bit of fact finding about its freshness. Ask where it was grown (UK produced trees are likely to be fresher), how long it has been in stock and when it was cut. You can carry out a couple of tests yourself. Give the tree a firm tap on the ground or run a closed hand over its branches. If lots of needles fall off, chances are it’s not that fresh. You can also try bending the outer branches. They should be pliable not brittle and dry – without discoloration. Before leaving to make your purchase, measure the height and width of your space and take a tape
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measure with you to check your tree. Most are trimmed to an 80% taper, which means that a 10 foot tall tree will measure 8 feet at the bottom. You should also consider how you plan on decorating your tree. The three main species – spruce, fir and pine – all have their own characteristics. Spruces and firs have short needles whilst a pine’s are long. Pine branches tend to bend, making them unsuitable for heavier ornaments. Firs have lush branches and ornaments sometimes get lost in them. The traditional British Christmas tree, the Norway spruce, is attractive but tends to drop its needles. An alternative is a “nondrop” variety like the popular Nordmann fir, which will last longer but is more expensive. To care for your tree, cut off half an inch from the base of the trunk and place in a water-holding stand. Position the tree away from sources of heat and keep it topped up with fresh water. At present, 90% of real trees end up in landfill, so after Christmas is over try and recycle! By turning your tree into wood chippings or compost you will continue to do your bit for the environment. Hopefully with this guide choosing the family tree will be a holiday highlight, not a headache! Editorial by Debbie Singh-Bhatti
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on the beat THIS month the Bardon Safer Neighbourhood Team offer advice on Crime Prevention:
Hello everyone... Crime prevention used to be advising people about how to prevent your property being stolen from your car or your house. Today’s policing is that and much more too. As you would expect Child Sexual Exploitation is a priority for the Police. Together with Schools, and Social Care we work together to tackle CSE and other sexual crimes which can be devastating in a young person’s life. Recently a large number of 13 to 16 year olds have been given the opportunity to watch a play at their schools called ‘Chelsea’s Choice’. This is a powerful play which is educating our young people on identifying risky situations, safe use of the internet and healthy relationships. See www.alter egocreativesolutions.co.uk/chelseas choice for more information.
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We protect elderly and vulnerable adults too. As you can imagine sometimes they are unable to help themselves and we work with agencies to get the help they need as soon as possible. We assess what can be done to prevent them becoming a victim of crime. If you see anything suspicious regarding a vulnerable neighbour please report it. It is that time of year again to keep an eye out in cold weather for them too! We can help you protect your presents. The ‘Personalise your Presents’ Campaign offers information on how to mark and track your gadgets. The Police will be at the following places: Coalville Town Centre Market 29th December 10am to 2pm Ibstock Co Op 30th December 10am to 2pm Hermitage Leisure Centre 31st December 9am to 12pm Whitwick Co Op 31st December 1pm to 3pm Ashby Hood Park 3rd January 11am to 2pm Blackfordby Lane shops 15th January 5pm to 7pm Measham Leisure Centre 16th January 3pm to 6pm We also work with other agencies such as the Land Registry in helping them to prevent property (land) fraud. For more information, or to sign up see: propertyalert@landregistry. gsi.gov.uk or call 0300 006 0478. Further information go to www.leics.police.uk for Ask the Police or to contact your local Neighbourhood Team.
PCSO KEV BRADLEY call: 101 voicemail ID: 6867 email: kevin.bradley@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk
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community board
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FREE COMMUNIT Y NOTICES Did you
know that you can put community information on this page free of charge (subject to space)? So wheth er you are looking for new members, volunteer s or have some info rmation that you’d like to let loc al people know abo ut just email the details over to us at admin@ashby life.co.uk. We’d love to hear fro m you!
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fun quiz
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13
a walk in the forest
Grace Dieu Woods and Priory This is a really pretty walk and a great place to stretch the legs and get outdoors over the Christmas period. There is lots to see and do as you explore the area around the ruins and the pretty stream. The paths are mostly very good - the first bit beside the stream may become muddy after wet weather but you can avoid this by sticking to the higher path where marked in the text. Parking is in the car park for the Bulls Head, Loughborough Road,Thringstone (post code LE67 8LR), this is marked as official parking for the site so don’t feel awkward if you are not visiting the pub but if you do fancy refreshments afterwards they offer a well-priced carvery. The actual walk takes about 45 minutes but allow time for sight-seeing on top of this.
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The footpath to Grace Dieu leads off from the left hand corner of the pub car park, near the clothes bank; follow this path across the grassy area and underneath an old railway arch (1). As soon as you have passed under the archway turn right onto a tarmac path that will snake back and forth for a short distance before passing a wooden signpost indicating a permissive path to Thringstone off to the right and Grace Dieu Woods to the left (2). Turn left here onto a grass area with a National Forest sign in front of you and paths splitting off to either side. Take the right hand path which goes through a clearing and very quickly meets a hard-core path crossing in front of you. Our walk crosses straight over this path to take the narrow track ahead just to the right of the old fence (3) but if the weather has been wet the next bit may be muddy - if you want the dryer route turn left onto the tarmac path instead of crossing it and you will rejoin the walk where marked *.
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Walking down the narrow track you will soon hear the sound of water bubbling over the rocks – keep left where it splits and then follow it along with the stream running alongside on your right. After a while the path will bear left, go up a slope and join the wider tarmac path that you crossed over earlier – turn right along this path (* if you took the diversion you will already be on this path).
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Keep right where the path splits, going through another break in the old fence. Follow this track keeping straight ahead. Pass by a yellow footpath arrow and then bear round to the left where a path coming from an old stone bridge joins from your right. Keep bearing left and you are soon walking with the stream once again on your right hand side. After a short way you will emerge in front of a series of high stone arches (4).
Go under the arches and the path will take you down to 2 gates leading into the Priory grounds. Take the smaller, metal, gate that is straight ahead of you and follow the path past a statue (5) and bench on your right before turning right off it to cross the stream at the stepping stones (6). On reaching the far side of the stream walk across the grass to join the main path around the ruins (7). After exploring the site leave via this main path which will take you through a wooden gate, along a shady path and then out via a second wooden gate to the path you came in on. Turn left and retrace your steps under the high arches but then keep right and right again where the path splits to stay on the tarmac path. Pass by a bench on your right and then turn right to go back under the archway at the start of the walk (signed to the Bulls Head). Walk over the grassy area to return to the car park.
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All walks are checked before publication but please be aware that paths may change over time and with the seasons.
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it’s local
Plant a Tree or Dedicate a Woodland Grove THE What’s Around patch lies at the far south eastern corner of The National Forest, the biggest, boldest project to transform a landscape anywhere in the country. The Forest extends westwards from here to beyond the A38, spanning 200 square miles in all. Nearly eight and a half million trees have been planted – many in the central area, transforming the former Midlands coalfield into a wooded, green landscape. People living at this end of the Forest have two very special opportunities to get involved with the ongoing creation and care of the Forest. Firstly, Plant a Tree in The National Forest is a gift you can buy. Perhaps it’s that elusive Christmas present you’ve been searching for? People also love to buy Plant a Tree to celebrate birthdays, retirement, anniversaries or the birth of a new baby. Both you and the recipient are invited to plant your tree in a new National Forest woodland – and the site currently available is right on our doorstep between the villages of Groby and Ratby.
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What could be better, for someone who loves trees and wildlife, than to help create a new woodland that will always be open to visit, where you can see the trees as they grow and enjoy the changing seasons. Secondly, if you would like to support the Forest in memory of a loved one, or create a living legacy for you or your family, your contribution can be recognised through the dedication of one of a limited number of woodland groves. As this goes to press, these attractive groves are available in this ‘neck of the woods’, at an unusual Forest site on Nanpantan Road. This new woodland fits sympathetically within the celebrated Charnwood landscape, and the woodland groves, separated by grassy footpaths, create a mosaic of habitats including woodland, parkland, grassland and wild flower meadow. For Plant a Tree please see www.nationalforest.org/ sponsor/plantatree. To dedicate a woodland grove please contact Lynne Richards or Leah Graham at the National Forest Company on 01283 551 211. Expressions of interest from local businesses are also welcome.
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in your garden
Growing Fruit Trees FOR the ultimate in gorgeous apples, pears, plums or more, the fruit needs to be freshly picked and sun-warmed - so grow your own and make some good looking additions to your garden, even when space is limited. There’s no need to have a massive plot or an orchard to grow fruit trees. You can grow fruit trees in surprisingly small spaces, especially if you don’t grow them in a classic tree shape, but train them. Training them into espaliers (several sets of horizontal ‘arms’), cordons (single main stems grown at an angle) or fans (with branches trained into a fan shape) means that you can grow many varieties of apples and pears up against a suitable vertical surface such as a wall, fence or set of sturdy wires. You could also train fruits like apples to make a neat edging for a bed or border about 45cm above ground level (called ‘step-overs’). A step-over apple grows to a height of about 30cm and is trained to forms two horizontal ‘arms’, which will bear a smallish crop of fruit. Try step-overs
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around the edge of your vegetable plot or flower bed. To make a real feature of fruit, use a tree to create a decorative and productive arch. Buy an inexpensive bare root cordon (straight stem) or a ‘whip’ fruit tree of your favourite variety, pair it with another variety that is a suitable pollinator (check with the nursery) and plant one on each side of the arch, training them in as they grow. It will look pretty when in blossom in spring and will bear tasty fruit too. Provided you get the right rootstock (see below), you can grow fruit trees in large containers. The container needs to be big - a half-barrel at least - and have drainage holes kept clear using a few inches of broken china or ‘crocks’ at its bottom. Good quality loam-based compost such as John Innes No.3 will work well, but help to keep it well aerated and freedraining by adding 25-50% multipurpose loam-free compost. It is essential to choose fruit trees on the right ‘rootstock’, as this determines the ultimate size and vigour of the tree. Apples are
complicated, but as a rule, for stepovers, cordons, dwarf bushes and trees in containers try the extremely dwarfing M27 - though weak varieties may fail in poor soil or if not well pampered. For bush, cordon, espaliers and half-standard try the dwarfing rootstock M26, while for a cordon, an espalier on poor soil, arches and bush trees try the semi-dwarfing MM106. You can buy one year old ‘maidens’ or ‘whips’ which are small, fairly straight stems and train them yourself or you can buy trained or part-trained trees. Make sure you choose varieties that flower at the same time so that they pollinate each other and thus provide fruit. Ask your supplier which ‘pollination group’ each variety is in. At this time of year you can buy inexpensive fruit trees sold ‘bareroot’, which means lifted from a field and not container grown; they also establish well. Bare-root fruit trees are generally available from about November until early March - so don’t delay, get ordering or planting today! Editorial by Pippa Greenwood
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ibstock & barlestone surgeries
MONTHLY UPDATE WE wish all our patients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We’ll be closed on Christmas Day, and Monday 28th December this year, as well as Friday 1st January 2016. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve the surgery will close at 4pm but there will be alternative cover in place on these days until 6.30pm. If you need medical assistance or advice over the holiday period while we’re closed please ring 111, visit a local pharmacist or, for life threatening emergencies, dial 999. The Urgent Care Centre at Loughborough hospital will be open throughout the holiday period as will all the local Accident and Emergency departments (Leicester Royal, Burton Queens and Derby). Our appointments system, which involves all patients speaking to a doctor or an Emergency Care Practitioner on the phone before they are seen,
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continues to receive excellent feedback from those who’ve used the system. The advantages are that the majority of patients who call are booked for a telephone appointment the same day, and if necessary then receive a face to face appointment with the most appropriate clinician in an appropriate time frame. Where you ask for a telephone call at a particular time, we will do our best to accommodate you. Our receptionists do ask for a brief indication of the reason for the call so that we are able to prioritise telephone calls so that the most ill patients are called first - after all if you’re having chest pains which may be a heart attack you don’t want to wait until the doctor has rung patients with a sore throat first. Just a reminder that we’re still giving flu vaccinations, including the nasal flu for 2, 3 and 4 year olds, so please book for yours (or your child’s) if you have not had it yet.
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book reviews
A Gift for Christmas We’ve got Christmas all wrapped up this year, with a set of books designed to have every aspect of the holiday covered. If all else fails though, there’s always the option of packing it all in and doing a runner…and we’ve thought of that as well.
THE GIFT
‘The Gift’...
Cecelia Ahern
If you ever thought there weren’t enough hours in the day then meet Lou Suffern, a man who is constantly needs to be two places at once and who is struggling to keep up. He finds it impossible to really ‘be’ in the present, whether it’s at work or at home with his family. One day he meets a homeless man called Gabe and, taking pity on him, sorts him out with a job in the post room. But there’s something not quite right about Gabe. He always appears to be in more than one place at once. It’s a bit ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ for modern times, and goes to prove that as we suspected, time really could be the greatest gift of all.
THE FOOD
‘Great British Bake Off: Christmas’...
Lizzie Kamenetzky
‘Stuff your face with plates of blinis, fah-lah-lah-lah lah’ or however it goes! Christmas simply can’t go wrong with Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry helping you along your merry way. There are master class recipes as well as contributions from all four previous winners and other memorable contestants. It’s packed with plenty of inspiration without causing you too much perspiration whilst slaving over a hot stove. It could be a present to yourself…or whoever you’ve talked into doing the cooking.
THE FAMILY Chrissie Manby
‘A Proper Family Christmas’...
Whenever someone tells you this is what they want, they mean the nostalgic Christmas card, cookie cutter image. They don’t mean the arguments, tears and recriminations that usually go hand in hand with the festive season. This is the story of two clashing families, brought together by the need to help the Buchanan’s seriously ill daughter, Izzy. The matriarch, Annabel, was adopted and so needs to find her own biological parents to see if Izzy can be saved. It sounds like a tear-jerker but it’s a warm and fuzzy one for Christmas.
THE WEATHER
‘Let it Snow’...
John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle Here are three touching and romantic stories that all stem from one incident, as a young girl decides to ditch the stranded train she was travelling on and heads out into the blizzard. The tales then take place over the following few days as the residents of Gracetown struggle to cope with the Christmas Eve storm. Written by some of today’s best-selling authors they are like three perfectly wrapped little stocking fillers.
THE ESCAPE PLAN Elizabeth Gilbert
‘Eat, Pray, Love’...
If all else fails and you really can’t stand your in-laws, or even your husband for any amount of time past Boxing Day, then why not just escape from it all? At 3am, Elizabeth’s seemingly perfect life is keeping her up and making her depressed. So, she ups sticks and heads off in pursuit of happiness. Her travels take her to Italy, India and then on to Bali, finding food for her soul and her belly along the way. It’s the perfect antidote to all that forced happiness and fun.
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ashby museum news
T
he last display, of artefacts from our collection, has been a great success and we will replace them with other items not normally seen, at the end of November. Do come along to view the new exhibition. Advance notice is given concerning our programme of walks for summer 2016. We offer General Town History, Inns and Alehouses and Insanitary Ashby and can accommodate groups of up to 20 people at a time. If you belong to a group or society and would like to talk to us about a possible walk next summer, please get in touch with the Museum on 01530 560 090. The Museum is well stocked with local history books and booklets and has recently re-stocked with our annual Past and Present magazine (going back several years) and All of a Lather, the story of Ashby’s Standard Soap factory.
The Museum will close for the Christmas period from Saturday December 19th, 2015 to Monday January 4th, 2016. Other publications deal with The Spa Town, Ashby during the 17th Century, Market Street and Inns and Alehouses. The last two are highly illustrated. Museum staff are glad to have helped several individuals on research topics, including World War II, Ashby’s Green Spaces and the village of Lount. Further acquisitions have been accepted relating to Staunton Harold and some items have been loaned to us for temporary exhibition. Both the Museum and Friends of Ashby Museum held their A.G.M.s during October and these have been useful in planning for the future.
FRIENDS OF ASHBY MUSEUM The next Friends talk will be on Wednesday 2nd December at 2pm at the museum. It will be on Hathern Microbrewery and there will be some samples available. Please call in or telephone the Museum on 01530 560 090 to book a place.
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children’s page
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prize competition LOCAL AUTHOR, Janet Scrivens, has just launched the second book in her series ‘Tales from Old Swepi’ and we’ve got a pair of signed books to give away to one lucky reader! The first book in the series, ‘The Late Elephant’, introduces the reader to the Elverson family just as their two daughters are leaving home to embark on new lives. Set in the late 1900’s you’ll soon find yourself fascinated by the picture that Janet paints of life at the family pub in Swepstone (after which the book is named), anxious for the future of young Ada as she starts her apprenticeship at Glenfield Mill and intrigued by the life of her newly married sister, Jess. With changing times life is not easy for their parents either. Janet gives a fascinating glimpse of local life over 100 years ago when a pony and trap was the families mode of transport, the stagecoach bought post and passengers to the village and market day was all important. In ‘A House in Rutland’ we follow a slightly older Ada as she goes on to take up a new position as cook at Burley-on-the-Hill.
Name Address Postcode The name of the pub is
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To be in with a chance of winning signed copies of both books just tell us THE NAME OF THE FAMILY PUB IN THE FIRST BOOK. Send your answer to us at: Competition, What’s Around, Castle House, South Street, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1BR or enter by email to: competition@ashbylife.co.uk with the subject line ‘Book Competition’. Entries close on Friday 15th January. The winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries. The winner will be notified and the books sent within 14 days of the closing date, the winners name will also be published on our Facebook page. Multiple or automated entries are not allowed. We will not pass your details to any third party.
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in your home Who doesn’t love Scandinavian style? It combines classic with contemporary, pretty with practical. And it’s the perfect look with which to dress up your home for Christmas.
Scandinavian Christmas IN the Scandinavian countries extremes of landscape, from forests and fjords to boiling geysers and the Aurora Borealis, are all around you. In winter, daylight is fleeting, and keeping warm is a vital part of life. No surprise, then, that typical homes feature thick log walls, small, south-facing doors and windows, and thatched or birch-bark roofs. Inside, vividly coloured decorations in bright, rustic folk style provide relief from the long hours of night and the expanses of snow. Carved wooden spoons, bowls, cups and chests, strongly coloured, woven rugs, blankets and cushions, and beautifully painted furniture in ochres, reds and yellows are the timeless tradition. Appealing as it is, there is much more to Scandinavian style than colourful rusticity, however. What we now called ‘Gustavian’ style became popular in the late 18th century, encouraged by the young King Gustav III of Sweden, under whose patronage the grandeur of Versailles and the skilled creations of master furniture-makers like Hepplewhite and Chippendale were interpreted by native craftsmen in a gentler and more restrained way, blending neo-classicism and romantic Rococo into a unique, northern European decorative style. Think symmetry, pale colours (buttermilk and Baltic blue, grey and peppermint), painted floorboards, ribbons and swags, glass chandeliers, gilding, mirrors and delicate wooden furniture with tapering legs and subtly carved details. Another major influence, a century or so later, was Swedish artist Carl Larsson and his wife, Karin. In the 1890s the couple decorated their rural cottage, Lilla Hyttnås, in a unique and innovative way, combining folk and Gustavian styles with contemporary European influences: Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau and Japonisme. Light and airy, pretty and functional, the look was all gingham and geraniums, bread crocks and baskets, rag rugs and sprigged china. When Carl’s watercolours of the house were published, the public response, in Sweden and further afield, was overwhelming; his books, in the early 20th century, did a great deal to popularise what we now see as the typically Scandinavian style of easy-going Gustavian, folk arts and an open-plan
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love of light and space. And what he started, a certain Swedish flat-pack furniture giant continued. Ikea opened its first UK store in 1987 and then – who can forget? – in 1994 launched its Gustavian-style furniture range, accompanied by an advertising campaign that urged us all to ‘chuck out your chintz’. It sold like hot glogg, and the rest is history – now we all crave the clean-lined, bright and uncluttered look, styled with pretty colours and dashes of folk art. Create a Scandinavian feel this Christmas by combining folk and sophistication, cosy and minimalism. Keep it simple – too much clutter is definitely not a part of this particular look. Your colour palette is, of course, mainly red and white, with green, brown and black for contrast, and the occasional dusting of glitter or artificial snow. Natural accessories such as twigs, branches and fir cones are a great starting point, with generously sized garlands and wreaths made from woven greenery. A sprinkling of metal lanterns with flickering candles creates atmosphere, and a real Christmas tree is, of course, the centrepiece (clip-on candles optional). In general, materials should be as natural as possible, from bark to hessian, felt to Fair Isle, emphasising all sorts of appealing textures. If you can knit, sew or otherwise make your own decorations, so much the better but, if not, there are plenty of gorgeous accessories in the shops and online created by talented craftspeople. Perfection is not required: simply that appealingly homespun look. A row of knitted stockings, for example, would be just perfect, while linen sacks with folk-style embroidery are ideal for larger presents. A gingham table runner is delightful, as are wooden or woven willow stars, berry garlands, miniature trees, appliquéd bunting and reindeer baubles. You’ve got the idea? Then raise a cup of schnapps and fill your home with festive Scandinavian cheer.
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wordsearch
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just 4 fun
Solutions on page 60
SUDOKU 36
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9, with no repetition. That’s all there is to it. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic - there’s no maths involved and no adding up. It’s fun, it’s challenging, it’s additive! Solutions to all puzzles can be found on page 60.
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out and about
C is for Counterfeits – don’t buy them! They can
be dangerous, are poor quality and the person you are buying for will be disappointed
H
is for Hallmark – a mark to look for on Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium articles to prove the quality of the metal. If there is no hallmark, the item may not be made of the precious metal you wanted.
R is for Receipts – keep them. If you
find out that the items you have purchased are faulty you will need proof of purchase when you go back to the shop.
i
BUYING gifts for loved ones is part of the Christmas fun and ideally we want everyone to be happy but what should be a pleasure can sometimes become more than a little stressful. Our first top tip for finding that perfect gift is to shop local – small, independent stores are likely to stock individual, quirky items that you don’t see in the larger chain stores. They are also generally very knowledgeable about the goods they stock and can often offer help and advice if you are buying for those much older/younger/more technically minded than yourself. Second tip is that it really is the thought that counts so don’t feel that you have to spend lots of money something that you have put your own time and effort into making may be treasured for years to come. Third tip, older people often say ‘I really don’t need anything’ and with the elderly in particular they quite simply may not have space for more ‘things’ however well-meaning the thought was. Giving something food based (maybe some homemade jam, biscuits or a small hamper of treats) can be a lovely way to say ‘Happy Christmas’ that is also very practical. Finally, Trading Standards suggest that you just remember CHRISTMAS to help you follow their guidelines and avoid potential problems when shopping for Christmas gifts.
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is for Increasing your protection when you buy expensive goods. If you buy goods over £100 it can be useful to use your credit card – that way if the company goes bust or the trader won’t help you with a problem you can go to your credit card company for help.
S
is for Safe goods. Look for the CE Mark on things like toys and electrical goods – this is the symbol used to show the goods have met the required safety standards.
T is for time to change your mind. You now have
14 days to change your mind about many goods you buy on-line, so order in good time and you will still have the chance to send them back and order something else if you don’t like what you receive.
M is for manufacturer’s warranty. Some goods
come with a manufacturer’s warranty which you can use if the goods become faulty so keep hold of them. Remember though that your contract is with the shop where the goods were purchased so you can still go back to the seller even if you do have a warranty.
A
is for advice. If you need pre-shopping advice (or help after Christmas) call Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506.
S
is for scams. Christmas is an expensive time of year and a letter telling you that you have won a lottery may seem like a gift. Just remember, if you have not bought a ticket how can you be a winner? As with all scams, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is!
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money matters
Boost Your Income...
In Time for Christmas WITH Christmas fast approaching it’s worthwhile trying to boost your income to cover some of the cost rather than overusing your credit card. So to avoid a huge bill in January and get the New Year off to a good start, try one or two of these ideas and generate some extra cash.
Use cashback sites when buying your presents If you like to shop online at Christmas, you might be surprised by just how much cash you can get back when using sites such as Quidco and TopCashBack. There’s no charge to sign up, and depending on the item purchased you can get between 3% and 10% of your money back. Generate extra cash on eBay and Amazon Not only will you declutter and make space for the next influx of presents, selling items online can generate some much-needed extra money at this time of year. There are hundreds of eBay categories, and once you get into a routine of photographing and describing your items, it’s possible to significantly boost your Christmas budget. Amazon is great for selling books, CDs and DVDs that you no longer want, but they also offer hundreds of different item categories within their marketplace. If you have a lot of books to sell it can be quicker to list them on Amazon rather than eBay, as all you need to do is input the ISBN or title. The site then searches for the book and automatically adds postage, so all you need to do is write a short description.
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Use the popularity of local Facebook pages Many people use Facebook to sell goods locally. It works like a classified ad – you list your item and local people come round to view it before purchasing with cash. The local online groups are run by volunteers, and the listing is free-of-charge which saves you money in comparison with eBay and Amazon. Become a mystery shopper If you’ve got time to spare, this can be a lucrative sideline and offers a great deal of variety. Depending on the mystery shopping company, you could be carrying out a covert visit to a store, ordering a sandwich in Subway or checking out the service in your local bank. You’ll need to fill in a report online following each visit, and photograph or scan your receipts as proof that you’ve carried it out. Make sure that you read the instructions thoroughly before you set out, however, as you won’t get paid if you don’t follow them to the letter. Turn your hobby into a business The UK arts and crafts scene has risen massively in popularity, and there is a range of websites where you can sell your items. Folksy is one of the biggest of these in the UK, and offers lots of help to set up your account. If you prefer to sell in person, however, try a Christmas craft fair in your local area – there should be lots of trade and it helps that people can see the quality of items first-hand. You’ll probably find that your local school or garden centre hold a craft event leading up to Christmas. Alternatively, bigger venues such as National Trust properties or stately homes in your area are also popular locations for craft fairs all year round. These are just a few ideas for boosting your income – try picking one or two and you might find that you’ve got some money to spare in January.
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seasonal recipes Roasting the turkey in a ’tent’ of buttered foil will keep it moist and succulent.
A traditional Italian Christmas treat packed with nuts, figs, honey and warming Makes 25 Ready spices. in 1½
Roast Turkey
ho + cooliurs ng
with Leek, Apricot & Chestnut Stuffing
Panforte de Siena YOU WILL NEED • 150g whole blanched almonds • 125g pistachio nuts • 175g dried figs, chopped • Grated zest of 1 orange • 75g plain flour
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder • 2 tsp ground cinnamon • ¼ tsp ground cloves • 115g caster sugar • 175g runny honey • Icing sugar, for dusting
GET STARTED 1 Preheat the oven to 150°C/130°C fan/gas 2. Grease a deep 18cm square tin and line the base with baking parchment. Toast the almonds under a medium grill until just golden then roughly chop. Mix in a bowl with the pistachios, figs and orange zest. 2 Sift over the flour and cocoa powder and stir well then stir in the cinnamon and ground cloves. Set aside. 3 Put the caster sugar and honey in a heavy-based pan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to the boil then let the syrup bubble gently for about 5 minutes, without stirring the mixture, until it begins to thicken. 4 Remove the pan from the heat and quickly add the nut and flour mixture stirring well with a wooden spoon. Spoon into the prepared tin and smooth the surface using the back of a damp spoon. 5 Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour then remove the cake from the oven and leave in the tin until completely cold. Remove the cake from the tin, peel off the lining paper and dust thickly with icing sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares to serve.
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Serv es 8-1 Read 0 y 5 ho in urs
YOU WILL NEED • 100g butter • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 leek, trimmed and chopped • 2 shallots, peeled & chopped • 75g ready to eat dried apricots, finely chopped • 150g fresh white breadcrumbs
• 100g cooked chestnuts, finely chopped • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • 5.4kg oven-ready turkey, giblets removed • 16 cocktail sausages • 4 rashers smoked streaky bacon • Fresh herbs, to garnish
GET STARTED 1 Heat half the butter and the olive oil in a frying pan and fry the leek and shallots for 6-7 minutes until softened. Remove from the heat and stir in the apricots, breadcrumbs, chestnuts and half the thyme leaves. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper and leave to cool. 2 Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/gas 5. Line a large roasting tin with buttered foil. Use about one third of the stuffing mix to stuff the neck end of the turkey (press the rest of the stuffing in a shallow ovenproof dish to cook separately). Weigh the stuffed turkey and calculate the cooking time - allow 20 minutes per 450g plus 20 minutes. Place the turkey in the lined roasting tin and smear all over the skin with the remaining butter. Sprinkle over the rest of the thyme leaves and season. 3 Cover the turkey with a tent of buttered foil and roast in the preheated oven for the calculated cooking time, basting occasionally. Uncover the turkey for the last 45 minutes until the skin is golden and the juices run clear when a skewer is inserted into the thickest part of one thigh. If the juices still run slightly pink return the turkey to the oven for a further 15-20 minutes then check again. 4 Leave the turkey, loosely covered with foil, in a warm place to rest for at least 20 minutes. Stretch the bacon rashers with the back of a knife and cut each rasher in half. Wrap the short rashers around the cocktail sausages, securing with a cocktail stick. Place in baking tray and cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Drizzle a couple of spoonfuls of juices from the turkey over the stuffing in the dish and cook in the oven at the same time as the baconwrapped sausages for 20 minutes. 5 Serve the turkey on a large warmed platter with the baconwrapped sausages and garnished with fresh herbs. Serve the extra stuffing separately along with all the vegetables.
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church services
Christmas Church Services 2015 Marlborough Square Methodist Church Coalville
St Christopher's Ellistown
12th December 10.00am to 3.30pm Jesus is the Reason for the Season – Christmas Tree Festival 11.00am Hugglescote School Choir 2.00pm Marlborough Square Community Choir Coffee and light lunches Trees can be viewed throughout December on Tuesday and Saturday mornings 10.30am to 12.30pm, during our regular Coffee Mornings. 19th December Nativity on Parade - Starts from Coalville Precinct at 5pm, following Carols with Coalville Churches Together at the Clock Tower. Featuring real live donkey and ending with refreshments at Marlborough Square Church. 20th December 6.00pm Carol Service with Hugglescote School Choir and Marlborough Square Community Choir Christmas Eve 6.00pm Christmas Eve Communion with Rev Colin Jackson Christmas Day 10.00am Family Service with Mrs Ruth Towers
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21st December 6.30pm Carol Service with Nativity Christmas Eve 9.30pm Christmas Service
St John the Baptist Heather 29th November 4.00pm Christingle 20th December 4.00pm Carol service Christmas Eve 2.00pm Crib service 11.30pm Midnight service Christmas Day 10.00am Christmas Day Worship
Ibstock Methodist Church 6th December 3.00pm Sheep Trail Nativity for all ages with Mrs Jane Bowley. All the sheep have gone awol around the village and are being returned for this day. A prize draw will be taken to ďŹ nd the child with all the names of the sheep that went missing. Children are invited to come dressed up or to grab a costume out of the box and be part of this Christmas Celebration. 20th December 6.00pm Carol Concert with Rev Colin Jackson Christmas Eve 6.00pm Christmas Eve Service with Rev David Haywood.
Ibstock Wesleyan Reform Church 5th December Christmas Concert by Coalville Male Voice Choir (Tickets available from Choir members)
St John Baptist Hugglescote 20th December 9.30am Nativity Service 6.00pm Parish Carol Service Christmas Eve 4.00pm Christingle Service 11.30pm Midnight Mass Christmas Day 10.30am Family Christmas Service
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6th December 3.00pm Christingle Service with staff and pupils from Ibstock Primary School and other local children. 20th December 6.00pm Carol Service. Lessons and Carols led by members of the Church. Coffee and mince pies will be served afterwards
Christmas Church Services 2015 St Denys Ibstock
Holy Rood Church Packington
Thringstone Methodist Church
29th November 6.00pm Christingle (Advent Sunday)
6th December 11.00am Morning Prayer and Toy service (donations of toys invited for Marlene Reid Centre) 4.00pm Christingle Service
13th December 3.00pm Christmas Carol Service with Rev. Colin Jackson followed by tea/coffee and mince pies in the hall
13th December 10.30am Nativity service 5.00pm Carols among the trees (the end of our Christmas tree festival weekend) 20th December 6.00pm Carol service Christmas Eve 4.00pm Crib service Christmas Day 10.30am All Age Holy communion
20th December 11.00am Service of Holy Communion with Bishop John, acting Bishop of Leicester, to lead us into Christmas celebrations 6.00pm Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve 4.00pm Crib service (for the young at heart and in age) 11.30pm Midnight Communion Boxing Day 11.00am Holy Communion
Holy Trinity Church Normanton-le-Heath 13th December 3.00pm Nativity in a Barn followed by refreshments to warm us up! (Held in the bar off The Hollow, Normanton) 20th December 3.00pm Christmas Carol service Christmas Day 9.30am Christmas Day all age communion service
St Bartholomew Snarestone 13th December 6.00pm Christmas Carol service 20th December 11.00am Shepherds and Angels (Community Worship event) Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Communion service
St Mary's Snibston Christmas Day 9.00am Christmas Service
Hall Lane Methodist Church, Hall Lane Whitwick 2nd December 11.00am Mid Week Advent Service with Eddie Henderson 6th December 10.30am Christingle Service with Ruth Towers 9th December 11.00am Mid-Week Advent Service with Eddie Henderson 13th December 10.30am Sunday Service with Ian Irwin 16th December 11.00am Mid-Week Advent Service with Eddie Henderson 20th December 10.30am Sunday Service with David Evans 6.00pm Candlelight Carol Service with the Worship Team 23rd December 11.00am Mid-Week Advent Service with Eddie Henderson Christmas Eve 6.00pm Christmas Eve Service with Rev Janet Jackson Christmas Day 10.00am Christmas Day Service with Rev Colin Jackson
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last posting dates
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what’s on for families Plenty for the kids to do as they ride on the train and meet Santa on the Santa Express or Olaf from Frozen while Mums and Dads can treat themselves to coffee and a cake in the newly extended café.
21st November onwards
Santa Express Sunnyside Garden Centre FREE entry. Every Sat and Sun 12-4pm. See www.sunnysidegardencentre.co.uk
Forthcoming seasonal events 3rd - 6th December
Sleeping Beauty Century Theatre, Coalville Tickets from £6.50. Tickets via the Box Office on 01530 278444 or in person via the Ashby Road Office.
Enjoy the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty filled with lively characters, up to date chart songs, slapstick humour and with something to please everyone, romance and of course – a daring adventure! Tickets are selling quickly so book quickly to guarantee your seats!
6th December
Christmas at the Mill Hough Mill, Swannington Call 01530 838331 or see the Hough Mill Facebook page for more details.
Visit Santa, stock up on gifts at the stalls and enjoy festive refreshments, games, activities and more. Please contact chairman@swanningtonheritage.co.uk to book a timed slot with Santa.
6th & 13th December
Santa Specials Hermitage Recreation Ground, Whitwick Tickets £4.50. Open 11.00am-3.30pm. Call 07922 692076 for more details.
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An event run by NWLeics Society of Model Engineers where children receive a present and three train rides. Hot and cold refreshments will be available.
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One evening of classic pantomime all in aid of local charity; The Phoenix Children’s Foundation. If you’re going to see one panto this Xmas make it this one and support a great local cause at the same time.
10th December
Aladdin at The Little Theatre, Dover St, Leicester Tickets £10, Group tickets £8. Show starts at 7pm. Call 01530 267 116 or email info@phoenixcharity.org
in and around your local area Lots of festive fun for all ages - visit Santa in his enchanted ‘fairytale’ castle, head to the indoor market for great gift ideas on the festive stalls, children’s entertainment and seasonal refreshments.
11th - 12th December
Christmas Festival, Ibstock Palace FREE entry. £2 cost for Santa’s grotto and gift. Friday 4.00-8.30pm. Saturday 10.00am to 1.00pm. See www.thepalaceibstock.co.uk
Enjoy refreshments whilst listening to St Clare’s Primary School choir from 10.15am and Hugglescote Primary school choir from 12pm and browsing a range of craft stalls. For the children there will be the popular Crazy Faces Face Painter and Santa will be in his new grotto giving out gifts between 10am and 1pm
12th December
Christmas Craft Fayre, Coalville Library 10.00am to 3.00pm. Tickets £4 per child. Book tickets on 0116 3053565 or email coalvillelibrary@leics.gov.uk
Send us details of your family events or clubs to admin@ashbylife.co.uk and follow What’s Around on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with all that’s happening locally. The copy deadline for the January magazine is Friday 11th December. What’s Around cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions or endorse companies, products or services appearing in the magazine. A family fun run / walk to raise funds for Whizz-Kidz all entrants get a Christmas Pudding, certificate and goody bag with the added incentive of potentially winning a Cattow's Farm Christmas Hamper for the best fancy dress on the day! Only 25 places available so register and pay prior to the event.
13th December
Cattows Christmas Pudding Family Fun Run & Walk, Heather £5.50 entry fee (100% donated to Whizz-Kidz). 9am-11:45am. Email yatesashby@yahoo.co.uk.
A fancy dress Christmas Disco for the kids – a chance to get them dressed up in their favourite festive outfits. The entrance fee includes play, food, games and a gift from Santa. Book early as places are limited.
20th December
Christmas Disco Barney’s Playbarn Children £8.00 each. Adults free. 3.00pm to 5.30pm.
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storytime
The
Present “I’ll lock up while you get the first round in”, Trevor told Barry, scratching his beard. “Aren’t we changing out of our work clothes?” Barry said. “Not tonight”. This was his Christmas Eve ritual, the pub regulars expected it. Once Santa and his elf arrived at the bar everyone knew Christmas had finally arrived. Trevor had been the Santa at the precinct grotto for years. The kids he’d once bounced on his knee now brought their own kids to tell Santa what a good little boy or girl they’d been. “Busy year”, Trevor said, “there’s only one present left, we were cutting that a bit fine”. “What’ll happen to it?” Barry asked. He was new to the elf game, slightly scatterbrained, but good with crowd management Trevor thought. “It’ll go in storage until next year”. The grotto was no more than a shed decorated with tinsel, but for the last ten days over-excited kids had been queuing out the door. “Off you trot now, mine’s a pint”, Trevor said switching off the lights. Left to himself, Trevor locked the door and dropped the key in his coat pocket. A job well done he thought. As he turned to go he felt something pulling on coat. “Excuse me Santa is the grotto still open?” a young lad said. He was just a scrap of a thing, Trevor nearly tripped over him. “Sorry lad, we’ve shut up shop”. The boy’s bottom lip began to wobble. “But I wanted to see Santa”. The boy whimpered. Just what I need, thought Trevor, a blubberer on Christmas Eve. “Well, you’re seeing me now aren’t you?”. Trevor said and ruffled the boy’s hair. “And get a present”, the boy added. “Well you should’ve come earlier”, Trevor said gruffly. It was more than his job’s worth to let the lad into the grotto without his elf present; health and safety and all that. “I did, but your elf said I had to pay and I didn’t have any money”, the boy said rubbing his eyes. Trevor softened. Poor kid. “Listen lad, don’t cry”. He crouched down, “tell me, have you been a good boy this year?”
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The boy nodded uncertainly. Trevor chuckled. He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out all his loose change. “Here, find yourself something nice with this”. The boy held out his hand and grinned, “Thanks Santa”. Trevor stood up slowly, his old knees ached. “Happy Christmas”. He waved, and headed towards the pub. There was a cheer from the regulars as he walked in. Barry was standing at the crowded bar looking sheepish. “Where’s my pint?” Trevor said. “I left my wallet at the grotto”, Barry said. “There’s no pockets in these tights”. “We’d better nip back for it”, Trevor sighed, “I’ve got the key here”. He dug his hand into his pocket, and knew straight away what he’d done. The pocket was empty. “I’ve dropped a real clanger”. He groaned and bundled Barry out of the pub. The boss would have his guts for garters for this. “Oh no!” Barry gasped as they reached the grotto. Trevor was afraid to look. “You’ve left the key in the door”. Barry panted. “Did I?” Trevor could breathe again, “Must have been distracted by that kid.” He scanned inside the shed as Barry retrieved his wallet from behind the inflatable Rudolph. “No harm done”. He smiled, putting the key safely back in his pocket. He was ready for that pint. It was lucky, he thought, that his elf hadn’t noticed the pile of small change where the last present used to be.
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what’s on...
December receive a small gift. Booking is essential, breakfast will be served from 10am until 12noon. Ulverscroft Grange, Whitwick Road, Ulverscroft, Leicestershire, LE67 9QBF. For more information please contact Helen Baxter on 01530 244 914 or via email at hello@shuttlewoodclarke.org.
3rd to 6th December ‘The Game’s Afoot’ A comedy thriller by Ken Ludwig, at The Venture Theatre, North Street, Ashby de la Zouch. Tickets £8 and £9 from Ashby Tourist Information Centre, North Street. See www.ashbyventuretheatre. org.uk. Sleeping Beauty – Pantomine at Century Theatre, Snibston. The Panto Company's 2015 production is filled with lively characters, up to date chart songs and slapstick humour. Various times. Tickets £8.50 standard, £7.50 groups of 10 plus. For more information or details of times call 01530 278 444 or see www.century theatre.co.uk 4th December Carols by Candlelight Carols, readings and seasonal refreshments. Staunton Harold Church at 7pm, parking in the Lion Court car park, courtesy of Mr and Mrs J. Blunt. In aid of Ashby Macmillan Cancer Support Group. For more information, call 01530 560 130. Christmas Dance with live group 'Dad's Armony' playing songs from the
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60s. From 8pm to 11.30pm at Ravenstone Institute. Tickets cost £5. For more details contact Tom on 01530 415 196. 5th December Christmas Coffee Morning - LOROS Coleorton and Ashby Support Group Christmas Coffee Morning at Packington Memorial Hall from 10.30am to 12.30pm, £2 admission charge, inc., coffee and mince pies. 5th December Festive Fun in aid of Rainbows - Go along and join the fun at this free event at ClubsComplete, 86 Leicester Road, New Packington. Meet Elsa and Anna and even the great man himself, Father Christmas. Get into the festive spirit with mulled wine and mince pies and raise money for Rainbows. Free entry, for more information call Amelia Gillespie on 01530 412 750. Saturday 5th and 12th Christmas at Ulverscroft Grange - Santa will be making a very special appearance on both dates for a hearty festive breakfast at Ulverscroft Grange. Prices per person are £6.75, under 12’s will
6th December Lights of Love 2015 Dedicate a light in memory of a loved one this Christmas. The Lights of Love service takes place at 4pm, The Ferrers centre, Staunton Harold. For more details go to www.hospicehope.org.uk 'Christmas at the Mill' Visit Santa, stalls, festive refreshments, games, activities and more. Hough Mill will also be open. Everyone welcome, please contact chairman@ swannington-heritage.co. uk to book a timed slot with Santa. From 2pm to 4pm at Hough Mill, St Georges Hill, Swannington. For more information call 01530 838 331 or www.facebook. com/HoughMill/ 6th December Santa Specials – An event run by NWLeics Society of Model Engineers where children receive a present and three train rides. Hot and cold refreshments will be available. Open 11am to 3.30pm. Hermitage Recreation Ground, Whitwick. Tickets £4.50, for more information contact 07922 692 076. 11th December ‘Get Santa’ - Packington film Club. Tickets £3.50pp
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and £2 for children under 12 years. At the Memorial Hall 7pm for 7.30pm. Tea and coffee served from 7pm, cost £1pp. Ravenstone Christmas Light Switch On - There will be carol singing, mince pies, sausage rolls and Christmas punch. Ravenstone Village Institute at 6pm. 11th to 12th December Ibstock Christmas Event – On Friday 11th December you can visit Santa in his enchanted castle between 4pm to 8pm. There will be a fun fair on The Ram car park (at rear). A variety of stalls, lots of gift ideas, enchanted Harp, children’s entertainment, seasonal refreshments and much more. Continues on Saturday 12th December at The Palace between 10am and 1pm. Free admission. Grotto £2, including gift. 12th to 13th December Donington Christmas Fayre – Donington Park will be transformed into the ultimate festive Christmas Market. Live music, craft stalls plus lots of food and drink. In addition there will also be a magical ice-rink, Santa’s grotto and you can hang a ribbon on the tree for charity. Charges may apply after 7pm for evening entertainment. See www.doningtonpark.co.uk/events. 12th December Coalville Library’s Christmas Craft Fayre – From 10am to 3pm at Coalville Library Browse a range of craft stalls and enjoy refreshments whilst listening to St Clare’s
Snibston, starts at 7.45m. Tickets £15 advance, £17 on the door. Book online at www.centurytheatre. co.uk or call 01530 278 444.
Primary School choir from 10.15am and Hugglescote Primary school choir from noon. The popular ‘Crazy Faces Face Painter’ will also be there and Hermitage FM will be broadcasting live. Santa will be giving out gifts between 10am and 1pm booking essential, £4 a child. Book now to avoid disappointment by calling 0116 305 3565 or emailing coalvillelibrary@leics.gov.uk. 13th December Cattows Christmas Pudding Family Fun Run & Walk - A family fun run/walk to raise funds for Whizz-Kidz. All entrants get a Christmas Pudding, certificate and goody bag with the added incentive of potentially winning a Cattow's Farm Christmas Hamper for the best fancy
dress on the day. From 9am to 11.45am at Cattows Farm, Heather. Entry fee is £5.50 (100% donated to Whizz-Kidz). For more information email Matt Yates on yatesashby@yahoo.co.uk. Santa Specials – An event run by NWLeics Society of Model Engineers where children receive a present and three train rides. Hot and cold refreshments will be available. Open 11am to 3.30pm. Hermitage Recreation Ground, Whitwick. Tickets £4.50, for more information contact 07922 692 076. 16th December The Counterfeit Sixties Christmas Show – A fantastic mix of live 60’s music and classic Christmas songs from the 70’s. Century Theatre at
It’s FREE to put community information on this page. Please submit your event details via email to admin@ashbylife.co.uk. Deadline for submissions for the Community Board or What’s On pages for the January 2016 issue is Friday 11th December 2015. Information is published subject to space being available. What’s Around cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions or endorse companies, products or services appearing in the magazine.
Christmas Concert - Get into the Christmas spirit at St Michael’s church, Ravenstone, starts 7pm. The church will be ready for Christmas with decorations and Christmas trees from various village groups and church members. Musical entertainment will be provided by Sweet Harmony Choir and the church organist. Refreshments of tea/ coffee and mince pies. Everyone is very welcome. 18th December Santa’s Grotto at the Canine Partners centre in Osgathorpe from 5pm to 10pm. A winter wonderland complete with Santa’s grotto, festive food, Christmas gifts and live music from The Three Wrens. Tuck into mince pies and sip mulled wine while browsing numerous craft stalls. To purchase and pre-book a time slot contact Helen on 01530 225 939 or email helenw@ caninepartners.org.uk. (£2.50 per child which includes a small gift), entry on the night is £3 per adult and £1 per child.
service 5.30pm to 6pm. Optional nativity dress for children. For more information contact Emily on 01530 833 212. Christmas Brass Band Concert with Broom Leys Choral Society and Leicestershire Co-op (Snibston) band. Hugglescote Church, starts at 7.30pm. Brass band and choral music with audience carols too a perfect start to the Christmas season. Tickets cost £8 and include wine/soft drink and a mince pie. For more information contact Jill Hetherington on jill@grayhetherington.co.u k or call 01530 412 374. 20th December Market Bosworth Farmers Market – Early this month so you can stock up on local produce in time for Christmas. 9am to 2.30pm at Market Square, Market Bosworth CV13 0LJ. Bringing you the finest foods from the region and specialist stalls.
19th December Ashby Farmers Market – 9am to 2pm at Manor House South Street. Bringing you the finest foods from the region and specialist stalls. Stock up on local produce for Christmas! Free parking. Nativity on Parade Meet at 5pm in Coalville precinct and follow the brightest star to Marlborough Square Methodist church, led by lantern light and a real donkey! Outdoor nativity
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pets corner
a Hamster?
Thinking of buying...
AS one of the most popular small pets in the UK, hamsters take pride of place in many homes. They can make a great first pet for children, although they do not tolerate rough handling, so you need to make sure that younger ones treat them gently. DWARF vs GOLDEN HAMSTERS Not many people know that you can buy dwarf hamsters as an alternative to the more commonly known Syrian, or golden hamster. Syrian hamsters live for 2-3 years on average, and are very solitary in nature. They should be kept on their own in a cage, as they display a strong tendency to fight with other hamsters. Dwarf hamsters grow to approximately 8cm in length. They look extremely cute, but beware if they escape their cage – they can be very difficult to catch! This type of hamster is not as solitary as its golden counterpart, but even so it is advisable to check with
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the breeder or pet shop whether two or more hamsters would mix. CARING FOR YOUR HAMSTER Hamsters are usually bought between the ages of four and eight weeks. Care will involve cleaning their cage, providing the correct type of food, as well as making sure they are entertained when you are asleep. Hamsters love to climb and run around, and these activities are essential for their health. They’ll need a large cage with a wheel and other toys such as cardboard tubes. Wooden toys are also good for keeping their teeth short.
Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk
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what’s on at the palace...
December... ‘He Wore A Red Hat’
Palace Christmas Bingo
Saturday 5th December, 7.30pm The New Perspectives Theatre Company present this festive-themed comedy, full of twists, turns and surprises. The village has formed a group of amateur detectives to help solve local crimes. The local poet, Joshua begins to piece together what he thinks are a series of related crimes. But a series of parcels start to arrive and he’s in for a big surprise… Join Joshua for a spot of sleuthing as he attempts to restore faith in the festive season. Tickets: £8, concs £6. Combo ticket (1 Full & 2 concs) £16. (Age 12+).
Friday 18th December Doors open at 7.30pm. Eyes Down at 8.00pm. Christmas Special payout on last game guaranteed at £40 for the line and £100 for the house! PLUS ‘seasonal’ Snowball. Licensed bar and refreshments. A great social night out for everyone.
The Palace Indoor Car Boot Sale
The Palace Indoor Car Boot Sale
Sunday 6th December, 9am ‘til Midday Pick up a bargain! Admission 20p. For more details or to book a table call Gary on 01530 262400. (Also on Jan. 10th, Feb. 14th and March 6th.)
The Palace Wine Club wine tasting evening
Wednesday 9th December, 7.30pm Tickets are £8. Limited to a maximum of 30 places! Call Gary at The Palace on 01530 262400 or Corinne 01530 451725 to reserve your place.
The Palace Christmas Festival
Friday 11th December, 4pm-8.30pm Saturday 12th December, 10am-1pm Visit Santa in his enchanted ‘Fairytale’ Castle. Free admission to Indoor Christmas Market with Ibstock Community Choir, ‘Enchanting Harp’. Festive stalls, lots of gift ideas, Children’s entertainment. Traditional festive fun for all ages!
Coming soon... Sunday 10th January 2016, 9am ‘til Midday Pick up a bargain! Admission 20p. For more details or to book a table call Gary on 01530 262400. (Also on February 14th and March 6th.)
Pantomime at The Palace presents ‘Cinderella’
January 30th to February 6th, 2016 Matinee and evening performances. Contact the Palace on 01530 262400 It’s behind for further details. Tickets £7.50 you! adults and £5 children, available from The Palace and Halls Electrical.
TICKET BOOKING - To book advanced tickets for any event please contact 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. 58
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Regular bookings... Monday
Mosaic Disability Services, 9.30am-3.30pm Call Amanda Tebbutt on 0116 2318720 or 07912 480961. 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-12noon Contact Rachel Seabrook on 01530 452144. ME Sports , 4pm-5pm Afternoon dance and movement session for girls and boys from 4-14 years to enjoy. For more information or to book a place call 07584 568937. Circuit Training, 6.45pm-7.45pm Call Curtis Smith on 07870 498110 or 01455 291656. Tai Chi, 8pm-9pm Call 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. Call 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.
Friday
Tai Chi, 10am – 11am Call Michael Cashmore on 07714 215216. NEW - Ibstock Soccertots!, 1.45pm-2.30pm For 2, 3 and 4 year olds – a fun way for young children to learn fundamental sports skills. Contact ME Sports on 07584 568937. Childrens Dance Classes Beginners Ballet 4-4.45pm; 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 email office@rochelle-dance.com. Monthly Bingo Friday 18th December. Doors open 7.30pm. Eyes down at 8pm. Christmas Special payout on last game guaranteed at £40 for the line and £100 for the house! PLUS ‘seasonal’ Snowball. Licensed bar and refreshments. A great social night out for everyone.
Saturday
Community Morning, 10am-12noon. Every Saturday (except the 1st Saturday each month) the Palace plays host to groups, organisations and associations from the village. So if you would like to learn more about what is happening in your community, come along. Also a variety of market stalls selling locally produced goods, including delicious homemade cakes, plus produce from Ibstock’s very own dairy, including milk, butter, yoghurt and cream. Light refreshments available.
Available for Hire...
Thursday
‘Healthy Hearts’, 9.30am-10.20am A low impact aerobic workout specifically designed for the 50+ age group. Call Michelle on 07887 678367. 50+ Fitness Pilates, 10.30am-11.30am Call Michelle Scott-Worthington on 07887 678367. Outlook Group, 1.30pm-3pm A social group for senior citizens for details call Elaine Hodgetts on 01530 262400. NEW - ‘Weightwatchers’ class, 7pm-8pm For details call Jo Wyld on 07877 281831.
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.
The Palace Community Centre Ltd., High Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire, LE67 6LH. Tel (01530) 262400. Email:enquiries@thepalaceibstock.co. Visit www.thepalaceibstock.co.uk for more details Please mention WHAT’S AROUND when responding to adverts
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all about you The big day is nearly here! So what can you do on Christmas Eve to make things easier on Christmas Day?
Christmas Many top chefs support the idea of preparing much of the Christmas dinner well in advance. Christmas puddings are often made months ahead, and many elements of a traditional Christmas dinner can be prepared the day before.
Commonly, vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, sprouts and potatoes are all peeled and left in saucepans of cold water. It’s also a good idea to prepare the turkey, pigs in blankets, stuffing and any sauces. If you have bought a frozen turkey, you will almost certainly need to start the defrosting on Christmas Eve. If you have baked batches of mince pies or other goodies in advance and frozen them, do remember to check the freezer and take out anything that’s required.
Depending on your choice, some starters can also be made and stored in the fridge. You might also want to lay your table. This job can easily end up rushed if left to Christmas Day, so why not take the time now to get it exactly how you want. Finally, try to get to bed at a sensible time. That way you'll be on top form for a fabulous Christmas! Editorial by Susan Brookes-Morris
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS - SUDOKU - HONEYCOMB & MORE... SUDOKU
HONEYCOMB
FUN QUIZ 1. Auld Lang Syne 2. Cry and Pout ("You'd better watch out; you'd better not cry; you'd better not pout; I'm telling you why") 3. Sting ("Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears") 4. Mr Blobby 5. Galway Bay 6. Jingle Bells 7. The Vietnam War 8. 26th ("on the feast of Stephen")
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STEP ON IT
9. Gary Barlow
Doves - Domes - Comes - Codes - Nodes - Notes
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business directory Accountants & Payroll Accapita
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City Tax Shop
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Haines Watts Ashby Ltd JAWS Accountancy Services Ltd
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Aerials & Satellite Stocktons Satellite & Aerial
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Arts, Crafts & Gifts A House in Rutland Ashby Bears
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The National Forest Company
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Builders Green Builders Keith Armston Building Contractors
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Carpets & Interiors Ashby Carpets
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Ashby Decorator Centre
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Coalville Furniture Superstore The Flooring and Bed Company
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Childcare Orchard House Day Nursery Swingboat Nurseries
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Cleaning, Ironing, Laundry Services Deanclean
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NJR Pure Clean
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Oven Clean
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Safeclean
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Toni's Ironing Angels
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Couriers & Transport Services McLeod’s Couriers & Light Haulage
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Driving Schools Bardon School of Motoring
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Electricians M Gleeson Electrician
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Estate Agents/Home Services Staunton Harold Estates
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Events Hill Farm Christmas Open Days
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NWLSME Santa Specials
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Ravenstone Christmas Lights
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The Palace Community Centre
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Financial Services Regent Financial Management
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Florist Holywell Petals
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Food & Groceries Calcott Turkeys Conibears Kitchen Fine Country Fayre Garden Charnwood Tree Services Eden Tree Care Endurance Landscape Services Ltd The Ten Mile Timber Company Hair & Beauty Sharon’s Mobile Hairdresser The Beauty & Therapy Lounge Healthcare Bosworth Home Care Caring Hands Juliet Brooke Chiropody Therapeutic Touch Traditional Acupuncture IT Services Midland IT The PC Clinic Kitchens & Bathrooms Ashby Tile & Bathrooms Holme Tree Kitchens Ibstock Kitchens Locksmiths Hazlewood Locksmiths Painters & Decorators W L Lacey & Son Plumbers & Gas Services B Wilkinson Plumbing Property Repairs & Maintenance Cloudy 2 Clear Mr Oddjob Handyman Services RSJ Roofing Rooftech Supreme Home Improvements TS Roofing Window Mate Pubs, Restaurants, Take Aways The George Inn The Ram Inn Recruitment Bosworth Home Care Caring Hands Sports & Fitness MP Personal Training
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