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this issue 98

Ashby LifeEditorLiz Roberts

Telephone01530 417739

Email enquiriesAdvertising/[email protected]/What’s [email protected]

Webwww.ashbylife.co.uk

Facebookwww.facebook.com/ashbylife

Twitter@AshbyLife

AddressAshby Life LtdCastle HouseSouth StreetAshby de la ZouchLE65 1BR

Front Cover Image byLesley HextallPhotography

Ashby Life is an independentpublication. No part of thispublication may be reproducedwithout the prior permission ofthe editor. The use of thismagazine for canvassing ordirect marketing is strictlyprohibited.

Information is included onthe What’s On andCommunity Board pagessubject to space beingavailable. Whilst every carehas been taken toensure that the data inthis publication is accurate,Ashby Life cannot be heldresponsible for any errors oromissions or endorse com-panies, products or servicesappearing in this magazine. If you would like to advertise in Ashby Life

It’s a fantastic way to target potential customers and great value for money

See our website or call Liz on 01530 417739 for detailsAugust edition fully booked, copy deadline for September edition is Friday 8th August

Please note advertising space is limited, pre-booking is recommended

Holidays and plenty of fun... That's whatmost of us think about when we remember finishingschool for the long summer break. It won't be long now until the schoolsare out for the summer and over the next two issues we'll be bringing youplenty of ideas to help keep all the family entertained. Don't miss the100th Ashby Show at Cattows Farm in Heather on July 13th where you'llbe able to catch everything from Dancing Diggers to beautiful longhorncattle like those on our front cover. If all that summer fun is leaving you inneed of a rest then just put your feet up and enjoy ourpuzzles, stories and articles. Happy holidays.

Contents06 Ashby Museum News

10 Prize Competition

14 It’s Local

18 Seasonal Recipes

22 On The Beat

26 Money Matters

30 Behind the Scenes

34 Puzzle Page

38 Wordsearch

42 In Your Home

46 Your Wellbeing

50 Young Ashby

54 Christadelphian Church

58 Book Reviews

64 All About You

68 A Walk in the Forest

72 Ashby Library News

76 Community Board

80 Pets Corner

84 Just 4 Fun

88 Out and About

92 Storytime

96 Ashby Health Centre

100 In Your Garden

104 Venture Theatre News

108 What’s On

116 Puzzle Solutions

118 Business Directory

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Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Liz Roberts

6 Find us on the web at www.ashbylife.co.uk

FRIENDS oF ASHBY MuSEuM Unfortunately we have had to cancel the WW1 day which was to have taken place on

August 9th. Two dates for your diary: Our next talk will be on Wednesday 10th September at 2pm (note new time) when

Keith Gilliver will talk about mining in Leicestershire. The Ian Clewes Memorial Quiz will be on Friday 10th october at

Packington Memorial Hall. £10 to include a Fish & Chip Supper - teams of 6.

The Kids’ Club on the 5th July is called YoungHistorians and will involve investigations of peopleand places in the past. The second Kids’ Club and

exhibition are both called History Beneath Your Feet. Atthis club on the 19th July, the children will be able tohandle artefacts from the past and do their ownarchaeological investigations. The exhibition will includean overview of what archaeology is and give localexamples of sites from the different archaeologicalperiods.

The Museum will, as usual, have a presence at the AshbyShow on July 13th. If you will be there do come along tosay hello to us and see our stall.

In our Loudoun Gallery, to coincide with the 100thanniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, wewill stage a special exhibition running from the beginningof August until the end of the year.

In June we welcomed two local schools to the museum,

both of them linking the visit with the Castle. On June11th Dame Catherine’s School from Ticknall spent afascinating morning exploring our galleries and on June25th Viscount Beaumont’s School from Coleorton had

an enjoyable and informative visit. If any other schoolsare interested in investigating the town’s rich pastplease do get in touch with us either in person or bycalling 01530 560090. With this in mind we welcomeJeff Humphries, a new volunteer, to help with educationco-ordination.

The Charnwood U3A group will be combining a visit tous on 8th July with a guided tour round St. Helen’sChurch.

Several of our loyal custodians have had to call it a daydue to ill health so if you have two hours a fortnight tospare we would love you to come along and talk to usabout joining our friendly team. Finally one of ourtrustees is researching the Mammatt family who lived inAshby from the early 1800s and would welcome anyinformation from readers about them, in particularEdward (died 1835) and his sons John and Edward(died 1851 and 1860).

ashby museum news

Plenty going on...


prize competition

WIN £25 IN OUR PRIZE COMPETITION We’ve hidden a copy of our logowithin one of the advertisements in the magazine – just tell us the name of the company whose advert itis hidden in and you could be in with a chance of winning £25. Send your answer to us at: Competition,Ashby Life, Castle House, South Street, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1BR.

If you don’t want to cut out the entry form you can send the answer on a postcard or enter by email to:

[email protected].

Entries close on Friday 11th July. The winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries. The winner willbe notified and a cheque for £25 sent within 14 days of the closing date, the winners name will also be publishedon our Facebook page. Multiple or automated entries are not allowed. We will not pass your details to any thirdparty. We may use your details to send you marketing emails from Ashby Life in the future – if you would preferthat we did not, please tick this box.

Name

Address

Postcode

Email address

The logo is hidden in the advert for

on page

CONGRATULATIONS to the winner of our May competition, Emma Chassaigne,who won 2 free tickets to the Ashby Fake Festival.


it’s local

THIS year sees the Ashby Show celebrating its 100th

anniversary. The show, which is organised each year

by the Ashby de la Zouch Agricultural Society, is one

of the highlights of the summer months. From

starting life on the Bath Grounds within Ashby in 1904

the show has moved several times over the years.

For a period in the 1960’s it was held at Calke

before moving to Measham in the 1980’s and then on

to its current home, the excellent site at Cattows

Farm, Heather, in 2012.

Described as a traditional agricultural show the eventattracts visitors from all over the country and combinesclasses for cattle and sheep with show jumping, acompanion dog show, shows for cage birds and other

small animals, a huge range of top class entertainment,attractions and shopping opportunities. There are avariety of arenas so that whether you wish to watch thehorse and pony classes, admire top class cattle or gaspin amazement at daredevil acts you won’t be short ofsomething to do!

This year the show is playing host to both royalty andcelebrities. The official opening of the Centenary showwill be performed by HRH Duke of Gloucester duringthe morning of Sunday 13th July. Adam Henson, wellknown farmer and star of BBC’s Countryfile and Lambing

Live will be making a guest appearance, as will strongman Geoff Capes.

The rich mixture of top class entertainment will includea return to the show of two favourite acts. JC Ball’s

Dancing Diggers are always popular with all ages andfeature a team of 5 JCB’s performing dazzling routines

to music. The spectacular Bolddog

Lings Motorcycle Display team arethe UK’s number one freestyle moto-

cross team. The team, who have appeared on Britain’s

Got Talent, will be thrilling the crowds with their deathdefying range of high flying stunts. Other attractions inthe main ring include the beautiful Shire horses, vintagetractors, the grand parade and more.

Outside the arena you can enjoy traditional crafts in theVillage Green area, take part in the companion dog showor have a go at archery with Ashby Archers. The WI

marquee will feature cookery, handicraft and flowerarranging as well as demonstrations, refreshments andthe chance to buy home-made cakes and preserves fromthe Country Market. Rainbows will also be in thismarquee offering children’s activities. The British FarmProduce marquee promises plenty of chances to ‘try

before you buy’ and there are also a wide range of otherfood stalls offering everything from a hog roast toseafood or pancakes.

Ashby Young Farmers will be on hand with a range ofentertainments and competitions during the day andthere will also be a children’s area with treasure hunt,inflatables and more.

The 100th Ashby Show takes place on Sunday 13th July

at Cattows Farm, Heather (LE67 2RF). With so muchpacked into one day this is an event not to be missed!Tickets are £12.50 adult, £10 OAP, £5 child and under4’s are admitted free of charge. A family ticket costs£35 and covers 2 adults and 3 children. There is alsothe option to become a member of the AshbyAgricultural Society for £35 which entitles you to 2free tickets, a forward parking pass and entry to themember’s marquee. For more see www.ashbyshow.com.

100 years of the Ashby Show

seasonal recipes

GET STARTED

1 First clean the mussels. Scrub under coldrunning water and discard any that arecracked or do not close when lightly tapped.Pull away the ‘beards’ from the sides of theshells. Place the mussels in a bowl and setaside.

2 Heat the oil and butter in a large deepsaucepan or flameproof casserole. Add theshallots and fry gently for 5-6 minutes untilsoftened. Stir in the garlic and fry for 1-2minutes then pour in the wine and cook fora further minute.

3 Add the potatoes and stir well. Pour in thestock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heatand simmer for 10-15 minutes until thepotatoes are tender. Stir in the crème fraicheand half the chopped parsley and seasonlightly with salt and freshly ground blackpepper.

4 Add the cleaned mussels to the pan andcover and cook for 3-4 minutes until themussels have opened – discard any thatremain closed.

5 Ladle the chowder into warmed bowls andgarnish with the rest of the parsley andmore ground black pepper. Serve with warmciabatta or sour dough bread.

You WILL NEED

• 1kg fresh mussels

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 15g butter

• 4 shallots, peeledand finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves,peeled and crushed

• 350ml fish stockmade with ½ stockcube

• 2 baking potatoes,peeled and cut intosmall chunks

• 200ml crèmefraiche

• 100ml white wine

• 4 tbsp freshchopped flat leafparsley

• Warm ciabatta orsour dough, to serve

This filling meal-in-a-

bowl makes a lovely

weekend supper that’s

ready in less than

an hour

GET STARTED

1 To make the pastry, sift the flour into a large bowl.Add the butter and using your fingertips rub it intothe flour until the mixture resembles finebreadcrumbs. Stir in half the ground almonds andhalf the sugar.

2 Make a well in the centre and add the egg yolksand water. Stir with a round-bladed knife to form acrumbly dough (add a little extra cold water if themix is too dry). Gather the mixture together withyour hands and knead gently until just smooth.Wrap the pastry in cling film and chill in the fridgefor about 40 minutes.

3 Preheat the oven to 200oC/400oF/Gas mark 6.Lightly grease a large baking sheet. Roll the pastryout on a lightly floured surface to a rough circleabout 30cm in diameter. Transfer to the bakingsheet.

4 Sprinkle the rest of the ground almonds in thecentre of the pastry circle, leaving a 7cm border.Arrange the peach slices on top of the almonds.Fold the pastry border inwards – just over theedges of the peach slices.

5 Brush the pastry edge with beaten egg andsprinkle over the chopped pistachios. Bake in thepreheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until thepastry is crisp and golden. Sprinkle over the rest ofthe sugar and serve warm or cold with scoops ofvanilla ice cream.


Serves 4Ready in45 mins

This divine summer

dessert just couldn’t

be easier to make! Make

sure you have a good solid baking

sheet to bake the galette on as this

will ensure a crisp pastry base

You WILL NEED

• 225g plain flour, plus extra for dusting

• 150g unsalted butter, diced

• 100g ground almonds

• 4 tbsp caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling

• 2 large egg yolks blended with 2 tbsp ice cold water

• 6 fresh, ripe peaches, skinned, stoned & sliced

• Beaten egg, to glaze

• 1 tbsp pistachio nuts, chopped

• Vanilla ice cream, to serve

Peach Gallette

Serves 6Ready in90 mins

Mussel & Potato Chowder


THE summer is now in full swing, and at long last,we have some good weather!

Two of the main open areas in Ashby, namely TheBath Grounds and Hood Park, have seen someexcellent community projects and events, such as thenew skate park, Food Gusto, and Fake Festival, whichhave been enjoyed by large numbers of people.

However, once again, I unfortunately have to reportthat there have been some reports of Anti-SocialBehaviour at both locations. These include littering,under-age drinking, graffiti, criminal damage tobuildings and trees, and nuisance motor vehicles.I would like to take this opportunity to remind peoplewho use the open spaces that:

• Both The Bath Grounds and Hood Park areincluded in the town centre Designated Public

Place Order. In other words, you cannot consumealcohol at these locations.

• No matter how little rubbish you deposit, it isclassed as littering, for which you can receive aFixed Penalty Notice.

• The policehave thepower toseize motorvehicles that are seen vcausing alarm, annoyance or distress tomembers of the public.

I would ask that if you are a parent who has a childor children who have reached the age where they aregoing to the parks to meet up with their friends, youremind them of their responsibilities.

We have received some excellent reports from mem-bers of the public who have witnessed Anti-SocialBehaviour taking place, and have called us on 101 atthe time.

I would urge the local community to continue report-ing any incidents of this type in order to help us tryand reduce ASB.

PC MARk ARJootelephone: 101 voicemail ID: 1667

email: [email protected]

on the beat

Hello everyone...

money matters

off to university...worried about money?

MANAGING money is often the

biggest concern for new

undergraduates, but the trick is

to know your figures, set a basic

budget where you can, and stick

to it. one of the first decisions to

make though, is which student

bank account to open.

STuDENT BANk ACCouNTS

Most of the top UK banks operate

specific accounts for under-

graduates. In general, they offer

24-hour online banking, mobile

apps, and interest-free overdrafts

subject to eligibility.

NatWest uniproof Account

• Free arranged overdraft facility

of up to £500 in the first term,

£750 in the second, and £1000

in the final term

• Free Tastecard membership

(currently worth £79.99) if you

sign up for online banking and

paperless statements. This

entitles you to 50% off meals in

a range of UK restaurants

HSBC Student Bank Account

• Free overdraft facility of £500

on signing up

• Up to £3000 overdraft limit

subject to eligibility

• Credit interest of 1.5% AER/

gross on the first £1000 in your

account

Santander Student Account

• Free Santander 16-25 Railcard,

valid for four years

• Interest-free overdraft of up to

£1500 per year if £500 is paid

into your account at the start of

each term

• Credit interest of 1% AER/

gross on balances of up to

£500

BuDGETING TIPS

Budgeting is simple once you

get into a routine. It just needs

commitment, and an awareness

of how much you are spending.

The first thing to do is calculate

the total of your maintenance loan

and any grants, wages if you

intend to work, and any money

from your parents.

Then make a list of regular bills,

such as food, electricity, insurance

and books. Also factor in birthday

and Christmas expenses, and the

cost of running a car if you have

one. The money left over is

disposable income, but you need

to make sure you don’t overspend.

The main objective is to live within

your means rather than splurging

all your money at the start of

term. Divide the maintenance loan

over three months to budget for

living costs, and you are halfway

there.

kNoWING THE DIFFERENCE

BETWEEN ‘GooD ’ AND ‘BAD’

DEBT

Knowing how to use credit cards

effectively is an important part

of managing your money at

university, as the temptation to

spend without thinking can be

overwhelming at times.

The important thing to note is that

only paying the minimum amount

off a credit card each month

allows the interest to build up, and

makes it increasingly difficult to

pay off what was originally a

manageable amount.

Paying off the total amount owed

at the end of each billing period

gives you interest-free credit for a

very limited time, but go beyond

this timescale and you could be

hit with huge rates of interest.

Paying for higher education is

an investment, and remains a

popular choice even with the rec-

ent increase in tuition fees. You

don’t need to be

cash-strapped

at university –

just make sure

it’s memorable

for all the right

reasons.


If you are off to university in September, your head will be full of worries and excitement

about living independently, studying, and how to manage life in a new city. It might be a

little overwhelming at times, but with forethought and planning you can organise your

money and get to grips with the financial side of life. Alison Runham explains how...

behind the scenes

Find out a bit more about some of the people who live and work within the

local area – each month we will be interviewing someone from an organisation

or business in Ashby or the surrounding areas. This month...

Julie Burrowswho works for Haines Watts Accountants and is also a volunteer fundraiser for

Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People in Loughborough.

What inspired you to become involved with Rainbow’s andwhat do you love about it? I’d been doing bits of work helpinga variety of different charities but I wanted to concentrate allmy efforts on one cause. I was at a stage in my life where Ifelt I could give time to help others and contacted Rainbows

four and a half years ago. I’ve been fundraising for them eversince. The charity covers the whole of the East Midlands andthey particularly need fundraisers in this area. I often spendweekends out at events for them, I’ve made new friends atthe Hospice and volunteering gives me a real boost. Doingsomething for someone else is a great way to feel good. Find

out more about Rainbow’s at www.rainbows.co.uk.

What is your favourite local restaurant? The Gelsmoor inGriffydam, I like the setting, the staff are friendly and the foodis always very good.

Where do you like to go for a day or evening out? My favouriteday out would be a trip to Trentham Village. Evenings – I like

to take my mum out to bingo when I can.

What is your favourite local shop and why? Woodlander hasa lovely mix of things inside, especially the kitchen section. Ido like Tesco but I also love North’s and their choice of freshproduce when I want to have a treat.

If you could change one thing about the town what would itbe? It would be pedestrians walking across the road in MarketStreet. I wish people would use the crossings and think thereis a need to educate people in order to make this area safer.

If you didn’t live in this area where would you live and why?I don’t think I’d like to live anywhere else! This is a beautifularea, it’s changed a lot and we have some amazing walks onthe old mining sites.

What is the best thing that has happened to you recently?The fact that we are having a new kitchen! We’ve just startedlooking at designs.


puzzle page

SUDOKU

Fill in the grid so thatevery row, everycolumn and every 3 x 3box contains the digits1 through 9, with norepetition.

That’s all there is to it.

You solve the puzzlewith reasoning andlogic - there’s nomaths involved andno adding up.

It’s fun, it’s challenging,it’s additive!

Solutions to allpuzzles can be foundon page 116.

quICk CRoSSWoRD1 unable to hear (4)

3 Previously (8)

9 A lawn game (7)

10 Tease (5)

11 Produced (12)

14 Period of time (3)

16 Stop (5)

17 Feminine pronoun (3)

18 In spite of (12)

21 Shoreline (5)

22 Placing (7)

23 Daily (8)

24 Requests (4)

1 Twelfth month (8)

2 Embellish (5)

4 Not in (3)

5 Dimensions (12)

6 Entrants in a race (7)

7 A toy (2-2)

8 Adequately (12)

12 Map or diagram (5)

13 Communications (8)

15 Mean (7)

19 Departs (5)

20 Land measurement (4)

22 Small vegetable (3)

Solu

tions o

n p

age 1

16

Across

down


wordsearch



Traditional toys such as swings and

slides are always popular. There are

many different sizes and styles

available, so do make sure that you

pick carefully to match the age of

the children that will be playing on

them, and to ensure they are robust

enough.

Trampolines have really increased

in popularity in the last five years or

so. Take care to consider where you

will place one in your garden. Do

you really have a big enough, flat

surface available? How will you feel

if you find yourself left with an

outdoor space that is almost

completely taken up by the

trampoline? All but the small junior

ones come with safety enclosures.

Do read the assembly and usage

instructions carefully. Frequently

these will say there should be only

one person at a time on the

trampoline and this can be tricky to

enforce.

Give them a sense of the beach

with a sandpit. Designs

vary from simple circular

pits, to shaped

items, right i

through to i

luxury wooden

models, with v

seats and v

built-in sun- v

shade. It can

be useful to v have

one with a lid to

protect the sand from

wet weather. Stores rec-

ommend that you buy

special play-sand to ensure it is

clean, safe, non-toxic, and ideal for

making sandcastles with. Or

perhaps you v

might prefer a play

table that incorporates a

sand area and water

play? If you, or an-

other family member, are

handy you may be able to

make a sandpit – look around at

any unused items you have and

see if you can give them a second

lease of life. An old washing up

bowl filled with sand or water and

some empty plastic containers can

give hours of fun to a toddler - a

tots paddling pool that is now

outgrown could make a wonderful

sandpit for an older child. An

empty sand pit or paddling pool

can also double up as a ball pool.

Lots of fun can be had in a

paddling pool. These range from

very cheap, simple single ring

designs, to those with multiple

rings, rigid sides, and those

incorporating slides and other

activities. Ease of inflation is an

important consider-

ation when you have

yy excited children

waiting to play.

Other toys

that can help

kids have fun

with water in

yy the garden

include sprink-

lers, and of

course water

v v pistols. While

the latest super-soaker

may look wonderful,

plenty of fun can be had by

improvising with a used washing up

bottle, well washed out and then

filled

with water.

Why not stage your own World Cup

or Wimbledon, by investing in

football goals or tennis equipment?

Badminton is another good choice

with sets including net, rackets and

shuttle-cock being readily avail-

able and the advantage that

shuttlecocks seem a little less

inclined to sail over next doors

fence.

If you only have a small garden or

limited budget, do not despair,

there are still many choices. How

about a croquet or skittle set,

skipping rope, slingshot, hoola

hoop, some blowing bubbles or

a small play tunnel? If you’ve

not room for ball games requiring

lots of space try something like

Swingball. A carefully placed

basketball hoop can give hours of

fun while taking up very little space.

Alternatively you could let the little

ones do some garden role play by

buying some play ‘mini garden

tools’ – give them their own little

patch of earth and buy some seeds

and they could grow their own

sunflower or vegetables, or even

just make mud pies!

Whatever you buy, always check

age guidelines and look for quality

marks.

in your home

You don’t always need to leave home to have some

summer fun with the children. If you invest in some

great garden toys these can keep them busy for hours,

and ensure they get some fresh air and exercise

Outdoor Summer Fun

your wellbeing

BECoMING a parent can happen un-

expectedly, after planning and preparing or

for some becoming a parent occurs after

years of disappointment and heartache.

Becoming a parent is often described as

fulfilling and rewarding, however, these

expectations can be short lived as the reality

of bringing up a child in today’s society can

be financially, physically and emotionally

stressful. More women are returning back to

work through choice or necessity meaning that

women who choose to stay at home can feel

more isolated and lack support. Many new

parents live away from their support systems

and turn to parenting books that have a

prescribed method of how to bring up a child.

Information is easily available on the internet


Becoming a

PARENTwhich can cause more confusion and parents can begin to

doubt their ability to follow their own instincts. Many couples

have not discussed their own beliefs about child rearing so that

disagreements can start creating arguments and even small

children can learn who is the ‘easy’ parent.

Children are also kept ‘busy’, they take part in music, sport and

social groups which often take place after school, placing

additional pressure on parents to taxi their children around.

Children are losing the ability to find ways of occupying

themselves. Coping with boredom is a life skill – if we are

always being told how to think, what to take part in and the

importance of keeping busy then being bored becomes ‘alien’

to us and children may not have time to reflect, think and

occupy themselves.

Becoming a parent can be a rewarding time, however a stress-

free parent is a happy parent and a happy parent makes

happy children. Therefore ensure that you have time together

doing very little, make time for yourself as an individual as well

as a couple, help children to occupy their time on their own and

most of all enjoy being a parent as believe it or not there

comes a time when they DO leave home.

Futureminds can offer couple and family therapy as well as

behaviour management programmes. For more information

please visit our website.


young ashby


www.ashbychurch.co.uk

Think back to those care-free halcyon days of

childhood summers – for me it is memories of

bike rides on a sunny day, through shaded

winding country lanes to the Roman Lakes in Marple,

near Stockport. The fact that the lakes had no

connection to the Romans and were far too small to

really be classed as a lake did nothing to dampen

our considerable enthusiasm. There were woods to

explore, old mill ruins to investigate, running to be

done and anglers to annoy..! In fact, from the second

you awoke on the first morning of the school

holidays, you were bubbling over with excitement

and a sense of possibility. The whole summer

stretched out seemingly endlessly in front of you;

it was going to be a time of such discovery, fun and

friendship.

For parents, the summer can also stretch out

endlessly before you too - but for entirely different

reasons. YOU are the organiser of the days of

discovery, fun and friendship, the 6 weeks, or 42

days, or 1008 hours, or 60480 minutes... It’s no

mean feat. Well, maybe we can help by doing some

of the planning for you.

This summer, as in previous years, we are running a

Holiday Club for 5 to 10 year olds. Holiday Club is

an action packed few days crammed full of fun

activities around a Bible theme. This year’s sessions

will be based around the theme of the Parables of

Jesus. The sessions will run at the Christadelphian

Church on South Street on Monday 18th August to

Wednesday 20th August, 9.30am to12 noon. It is run

by experienced, CRB checked, leaders and booking

is really simple – just go online to the website below

where you will also find further details. Let’s create

another summer of discovery, friendship and fun.

Useful passage to look up: Mark ch 10 v 13-15.

Discovery, fun and friendship…

Editorial by Ashby Christadelphian Church, Union Passage, Ashby

www.ashbychurch.co.uk

book reviews

The Time Traveler’s Wife...Audrey Niffenegger

Art student Claire first met librarian Henrywhen she was six and he was thirty-one, andthen again when she was twenty-three andhe was thirty-one. Henry has Chrono-Displacement Disorder and solives out his bizarre life leaping between time and space, his ‘clock’continually resetting, meaning Claire has no idea where or morespecifically, when, the love of her life will reappear again. Thoughconstantly torn apart and then thrown back together again, they tryand hold onto some semblance of a normal life; raising their childand holding onto the fact that they found each other at all. It’s afantastic and heart-wrenching book that will leave you hoping thatsomehow and somewhere you will be able to catch up with Claireand Henry once again.

A TALE FOR THE TIME BEING... Ruth ozeki

A teenage girl in Tokyo plans to take her own life. Nao is suffering at the hands of bullies,but before she ends it she needs to finish writing the story of her great grandmother, anancient Buddhist nun. When a Hello Kitty lunchbox washes up on a beach in BritishColumbia, novelist Ruth finds Nao’s diary, and a new obsession. She believes it to bedebris left over from the Japanese tsunami of 2011 and is determined to find out howboth Nao and her great grandmother’s stories end. This is a remarkable story linking

three women across time and continents.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time... Mark Haddon

Chris doesn’t make for the most likely of detectives in this ‘whodunit’. He’s fifteen years old and he hasAsperger’s Syndrome. He likes facts and order, routine and mathematics. He finds social interaction andother human beings an absolute minefield to negotiate. When Chris finds his neighbour’sdog has been murdered he must rise to the challenges that life has thrown to himand take himself out of his comfort zone. The story has been published in a versionfor adults and another for children and isn’t, says Haddon, a book about Asperger’s.It’s a story about what it’s like to be on the outside looking in; how different andisolated we can all feel and how varied the human mind is in interpreting what’s goingon around us.

The Time Machine... H.G. Wells

Long before Doctor Who started fighting Daleks and regenerating, H.G. Wells gavethe world his view of the future, through the eyes of a Victorian scientist. The TimeTraveller (we never learn his real name) invents a time machine that sends him to the year 802,701AD anddiscovers a peaceful people called the Eloi. But these descendants of man live lives of unspoken terror. Whenhe scratches beneath the surface of this apparent utopia, our time traveller discovers another race: Morlocks.These terrifying tunnel-dwellers are not to be messed with and the time traveller must escape post-haste…if only he can relocate his missing time machine.

They say that time flies when

you’re having fun, but anyone

under the age of 18 who has a

seemingly endless summer

holiday stretching ahead of them

is going to be praying that isn’t

the case. Whether you’re

spending the summer behind a

desk or in a deckchair, these

timely titles will certainly make

the minutes and hours pass you

by, almost in an instant.

Tick, Tock... Time


all about you

Holidaying in the uk

If you’re holidaying in the UK, everything is familiar,

but still arrange travel insurance in case an accident

or illness means your holiday is cancelled.

If you’re going off the beaten track or hill climbing,

check the weather forecast, wear appropriate footwear

and take your mobile (fully charged), warm

waterproof clothing, a first aid kit and a map.

Ensure everyone knows the route and

remember you’ll be slower over rough

terrain. Many fatalities are caused by

ignoring these precautions.

Check your chosen beach is safe for swimming,

with no concealed rocks or dangerous sea

creatures (there’s a useful guide to them here:

http://bit.ly/1m9uFYJ).

Holidaying Abroad

Several weeks beforehand, read guidebooks, travel

company information and specific precautions for your

destination at http:// www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk. Ensure

you’re aware of:

Air travel health and safety Newborn babies, women

over 36 weeks pregnant (32 weeks in multiple

pregnancy), or people who have recently had a stroke,

heart attack, surgery or trauma shouldn’t fly, nor

should those with a communicable disease or certain

conditions affecting the ears, chest, head or

cardiovascular system. See your doctor and check

insurance t&cs. The air inside aeroplanes is very dry,

so stay hydrated and avoid alcohol, (altitude increases

its effects). Ask your doctor’s advice if you’re

concerned about DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) or

you’ve given birth in the last two months. Reduce

the risk of DVT by walking, stretching, avoiding alcohol

and caffeine, and keeping well hydrated. Compression

stockings can help if worn correctly.

Local laws and customs Beware different traffic

signals and different laws particularly about standards

of dress.

Food and water safety Practice good hygiene and pack

sanitizer gel or wipes. If you’re unsure of water safety,

boil it or treat it with purification tablets, or use bottled

water for drinking and brushing teeth. Avoid ice cubes.

Choose well-cooked, freshly prepared food and avoid

salads, shellfish, unpeeled fruit and ice-cream.

Health precautions If there’s a

malaria risk don’t take it lightly. Use

repellents on exposed skin and repellents

and/or insecticides around your room and on

mosquito screens and clothing (mosquitoes may

bite through it). Wear long trousers and long-sleeved

tops, particularly after dark. Anti-malarial tablets must

be started before you go and continued after you

return. Take a supply of diarrhoea medication so it’s

close by if needed.

Vaccinations Again, requirements depend on

destination – check specific guidelines at

http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk at least 8 weeks before

travel as some vaccinations are in several doses. Carry

proof of vaccinations; some countries require an

International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis

(ICVP). Hepatitis A, cholera, typhoid and DTP

(diphtheria, tetanus and polio) should be free, but

you’ll pay for yellow fever, encephalitis, meningitis,

rabies, tuberculosis and hepatitis B.

Check rules about prescribed medication. Take a copy

of your prescription and a doctor’s letter including

personal details, travel dates and medication details.

Healthcare entitlements If you’re travelling to

Switzerland or a country in the European Economic

Area (EEA), apply for an EHIC (European Health

Insurance) card entitling you to healthcare equivalent

to that provided for residents. Outside the EEA,

medical care must be covered by your insurance.

Sun Protection Wear a hat and sunglasses, avoid

midday sun, stay hydrated and apply high factor sun

lotion regularly.


You’ve booked your holiday. You’re dreaming you’re already there, sunbathing, sightseeing and relaxing.

But health issues could turn it into a nightmare. Alison Runham explains...

A Healthy Holiday

a walk in the forest

Willesley, Saltersford and Moira

Summer is here so time for a really long walk. Allow around two and a half to

three hours for this one. I've started at the car park by Willesley Woods but

as the walk is circular you could opt to start at either Moira Furnace or Hicks

Lodge if you preferred. Most of the paths are easy to follow but the route of

the permissive path from Moira through to Hicks Lodge can be tricky in places.

Look out for closing times wherever you park and allow plenty of time to enjoy

the walk. Refreshments are available at Moira Furnace or Hicks Lodge.

Leave Ashby via Tamworth Road and take

the right turning along Willesley Road.

Continue past the crossroads and turn left at the sign (partly hidden by

bushes) to the Oakthorpe Colliery picnic area. Follow the lane down to the

parking area at the end.

Leaving the car park turn right and follow the tarmac path which leads

down to an open grass area. The path forks here - keep to the right to

pass the markers for the old mine shafts on your left and, ignoring a

footpath leading off to the right, go through the narrow gateway ahead of

you marked with a yellow footpath arrow (1) and follow the path as it leads

up between two fields before ending at a T junction with Pastures Farm

straight ahead of you. Turn right here and follow the farm track up to

emerge on the roadside with a zebra crossing just to your left. Go over the

crossing and then turn immediately right to cross over New Street, following the pavement until it ends and

then continuing along the wide grass verge for about 100 yards until you see a public footpath sign on your

left. Following this sign go over the stile, (2) cross the meadow and, after crossing a further stile, the path

takes you down a narrow passage between gardens before emerging onto the start of Canal Street.

Turn right and follow Canal Street as it goes downhill (3) before the roadway turns into a track with railings

visible ahead. Ignoring a path off to the right, keep straight on and follow

the slightly wonky footpath sign to go through a gap by the railings and

past some young woodland on your left.

You are now reaching the far side of the

lakes of Saltersford Valley and the path

is quite narrow in places here, passing

by lakes on either side before crossing

over a long plank bridge and into a field.

Follow the footpath signs up the side of

the field to reach a metal barrier with a

stile over it. Crossing the stile the path

now passes by the back of houses on

your right and you'll also see an old brick

chimney on your left. After a short way

you will bear left and then come to a junction with a larger path - this is

the Ashby Woulds Trail.

Turn right along the trail and follow it uphill to the car park beside

Donisthorpe Church. Following the Ashby Woulds Trail sign bear right in the car park (4) and then cross the

road by the traffic calming bump. Immediately in front of you is the entrance to Donisthorpe Country Park.

2

1


continued on page 70

4

3

a walk in the forest continued

Go through either of the entrance gaps in the red brick wall

to enter the park and continue along the wide path ahead of

you until you come to the first path off to the right (there is

a small post with 2 green arrows on it at this junction) (5).

Turn right onto this path and follow it downhill, across a wide

bridge over a ditch, up behind the back of Donisthorpe

Miners Welfare and then bear round to the left to meet the

Ashby Canal. You should now be walking along with the canal

on your right hand side. Continue alongside the canal for

quite some distance, passing by a footbridge on your right,

before finally reaching Moira Furnace (6).

After passing the building of Moira furnace turn right to cross

the swing bridge over the canal. At the end of the bridge turn left - the hard path soon ends, making it look

like a dead end, but just continue ahead over the grass and

into the car park ahead - you are actually on the Ivanhoe Way

- keep an eye out and you will see the signs. As you come

out of the car park turn right and then walk along the

pavement just until you reach the end of the building on your

right, then cross over the road. On the far side of the road

look for a footpath in the hedgerow in front of you - the green

footpath post is in place but the arrow is missing from it,

though a wooden post at the footpath entrance bears an

Ivanhoe Way sign.

Follow this narrow path

between the trees - it can

be quite boggy in places

but paving slabs have been placed along the wettest places making it easier

for walkers. Where the path appears to fork, keep to the left and you will

soon pass through a metal swing gate, over a field and through another

gate to emerge on the end of a lane with Logicool in front of you. Turn

right here and you will see a red sign indicating a permissive path that leads

down a narrow gap between two fields. Take this path, going over the stile

and down between the trees to come out in an area of scrub land which is

actually at the very bottom of the Hicks Lodge site. The permissive path

continues over this area and is marked on short wooden posts (7) - keep

slightly to the right in the open area to pick up the first post. After winding

between trees and bushes the path emerges into the open once more and

appears to split off to the left and right. Turn left here and follow the narrow

track as it goes uphill, look out for the roof of Hicks Lodge cycle centre visible in the distance ahead of you.

This track seems to disappear and then reappear as you are on it, just keep going and you will soon come

to the wide circular path around this side of the Hicks Lodge site. Turn left when you reach this path and

follow it uphill to reach the building housing the cycle centre and cafe.

Passing by the building and children’s play area keep right to stay on the main, circular, path. The path will

now lead you uphill with a large wind turbine visible ahead of you. After passing over the brow of the hill the

path bears to the right as it drops downhill and you will see a path leading off to the left. Turn left onto this

path and keep straight along it to leave the Hicks Lodge site. As you emerge onto the road cross straight

over and walk down the Oakthorpe Colliery car park access road to return to your starting point.


All walks are checked shortly before publication but please be aware that paths may change over time and with the seasons.

7

6

5

ashby library news

You can always expect a warm welcome at AshbyLibrary. Join for free to use the computers andborrow books, DVDs and talking books. We also

do 1-2-1 iPad and computer taster sessions. Comeand chat to us and we will be happy to help you.

ouR REGuLAR EVENTS:

‘Wriggly Readers’ and ‘Story and Rhymetime’ forchildren aged 0 to 5 years and their parents andcarers. Join us for stories and songs every Fridaymorning 10.30am to 11am.

After Story and Rhymetime, fortnightly 11 to noon,come along to ‘Bumps & Babies’, a meeting placefor new and expectant mums: free advice andinformation sessions run by the National Childbirth

Trust.

The friendly ‘knit and Stitch’ group meets everyMonday 2pm to 4pm. Bring your project and come fora chat.

‘Tiny Talk’ baby signing classes take place everyThursday 9.30am to 10.30am and another session11am to noon. They are £5 per session. Pre-bookingessential.

The unusual and popular ‘ukulele Playing Group’meets every Wednesday 10am to 11.30am. £5 persession.

Come and practice Hatha Yoga every Tuesday, 7pm to9pm. Contact British Wheel of Yoga qualified instructorLorna Kirk for more details on 01530 416135.

To aid flexibility and ease joints, try Therapeutic Yogaevery Wednesday 7pm to 9pm, and the first Friday ofevery month 7pm to 9pm. Contact qualified instructorLiz Underwood for more details on 07812 007202or email [email protected].

Join us on the second Friday of every month 7pm to9pm for a Neals Yard Remedies information andproduct session. Contact Isabel Houghton for details07790 59227 or email [email protected].

Families welcome to Creative Station every Monday10.45am to 11.25am. Contact Laura Waterfall tobook: 07921 713 432.

ALSo, JuST FoR JuLY AND AuGuST:

Book Sale 26th July – 16th August

A sale of ex-library stock. Come to the library and bag a bargain book!

For more information or to book please contact

Ashby Library on 0116 3055917 spaces are

limited.


NWLDC Exercise & Sporting Activitieskids Run Free - This charity provides running races for

children aged 0 to 16 years at Hermitage Leisure

centre, Whitwick on the first Saturday of every month

and at Coalville Park, London Road, Coalville on the

third Saturday of every month. For more details of

times and how to register. www.kidsrunfree.co.uk

Nordic Walking Classes - offered at Moira Furnace on

Saturdays at 10.30am or Battram Woods on Thursday

at 6.30pm. This activity caters for all and is particularly

suitable for those who cannot run or may be unfit.

Walking poles will be provided. Booking is essential due

to a limited number of poles being available. Please

ring 01530 454606 to book. The price is £2.50. Seated

Seated Chair Aerobic Classes - designed to be

accessible for all and to help with mobility and fitness.

No booking is needed. Classes take place at Measham

Leisure Centre on Mondays from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

Return 2 Rounders - fun for all and a brilliant family

activity. Go along to Newbridge High School, Forest

Road, Coalville on Friday evenings from 6pm till 7pm to

learn skills and games. Price is £2.

Tara kadampa Meditation CentreRelaxing meditation and practical advice to help in your

daily life at Legion House, South Street, Ashby, LE65

1BQ. Classes from 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Thursdays,

3rd July to 17th July, there will then be a break until

early September. There is no need to book, just turn up.

Seating is on chairs. Classes cost £6, for details or

further information contact 01283 732338 or email

[email protected].

Age uk Big knitThe Big Knit raises funds to help keep local older people

warm and healthy over winter. Hats will sit on Innocent

Smoothie bottles and for each hat-wearing bottle sold

Innocent will donate 25p to the charity. Knitters can get

the simple knitting patterns and details online at

www.ageuk.org.uk/leics, by calling 0116 223 7344 or

from local Age Concern shops. Knitted hats should be

sent to Age UK Leicestershire & Rutland (Ref: BDM),

Lansdowne House, 113 Princess Road East, Leicester,

LE1 7LA by the end of October.

Talking Business NetworkThis new non-profit local business group for small

businesses is having a launch meeting at Swadlincote

Ski Centre on the 25th of July at 7.30am. The special

guest is Heather Wheeler MP. Attendance is by booking

only, please contact Trevor Viner on 07794 358 585.

Strawberry Fields Festival Tickets are on sale now for the Strawberry Fields

Festival on 8th to 10th August at Cattows Farm,

Heather. For more information please go to

www.strawberryfieldsfestival.co.uk.

Leicestershire Citizens Advice The North West Leicestershire branch of Leicestershire

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has moved to new

premises at the Council offices in Coalville. Outreach

services will continue to run in Ashby and Castle

Donington and people in emergency situations can

access help at the CAB branches across the county.

Alternative branches can be found on their website,

www.leicscab.org.uk.

National Garden Schemeopen Gardens

On Sunday 10th August, three Ashby gardens are

opening as part of the National Garden Scheme. They

will be open from 11am to 5pm, with combined

admission of £3 adult, accompanied children free.

The gardens are at 7 and 27 Avenue Road and 72

Tamworth Road (all within walking distance of each

other). Refreshments and plants for sale on the day.

See website for more details, www.ngs.org.uk.

The Confidence Club (Ashby)This new and unique initiative combines knowledge

and self-belief. Launching at the beginning of

September, it is a members-only club, bringing

hypnosis for confidence as well as regular workshops

on topics that can help increase confidence, including

image styling, voice coaching, nutrition advice, and

more. Suitable for anyone, including business owners,

mums returning to work (or not), those in need of a

confidence boost at work, and everyone else who finds

it stressful coping with challenges of everyday life.

There will be discounted services, with discount

levels depending on the type of membership. For

more information please email annafinn@leics-

hypnotherapy.co.uk.

Ashby de la Zouch Town CouncilCalendar of Meetings

The Licensing Committee and Planning and Trans-

portation Committee meetings take place on the 7th

July. Members of the public are welcome to attend

and there is a slot for public questions. Meetings

take place at Legion House, South Street and start at

6.30pm.

community board


We all love the summerweather - when it finallyarrives, but how prep-

ared are you for your pets if itgets really hot? Here are somesimple precautions to protectyour pets:

Take dogs out for walks in theevening and early morning anddon’t let them over-exercise.Particular care may need to betaken with some boisterous

breeds with compromised breathinglike Bull breeds and breeds with verythick coats like Huskies. Always prov-ide access to cool fresh water and, takesome in a flask with a collapsible bowlon walks. If you suspect your pet hasoverheated, wet its coat and play afan over it to try and reduce thetemperature more rapidly. If sym-ptoms persist it is best to seek theadvice of your vet. And of course –don’t leave dogs in cars.

Dogs are often tempted to jump intowater to play and cool-off but bluegreen algae can form on standingwater during periods of warm dryweather and swallowing the algae canbe fatal.

Like us, animals, dogs especially, cansuffer from hay fever (Atopic Dermatitis)

this doesn’t make them sneeze butcauses sore itchy skin. You can reducethe problem by avoiding long uncut

grass and by bathing your dog’s bodyand feet when you return home fromwalks.

Cats and some dogs like to sun-batheand those with white ears and nosescan suffer from sunburn which canlead to skin cancer so it is advisable toput sun-block on their ears and noses.But don’t use any sun-block, this canbe toxic if licked off. Products safe foranimals are available from vets.

Grass awns in summer can causepainful problems especially in the earsand feet in dogs with long coats. Checkyour dog’s coat after every walk andagain, avoid long grass.

Stings can cause a painful, swollen pawbut while these may be dramatic theyare rarely serious. In rare cases, if thesting is in the mouth, it can causedifficulty breathing and you shouldseek immediate veterinary care.

pets corner

Summertime blues...


M C Atkinson BVSc MRCVs

just 4 funS

olu

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age 1

16

Solu

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age 1

16

Each letter in this puzzle isrepresented by a numberbetween 1 and 26. The codesfor three letters are shown.As you find the letters enterthem in the box below.

CODEWORD


out and about

THE Golf Centre, Coalville has

been fully refurbished during 2014

and now offers a driving range, golf

academy, well stocked golf shop,

academy golf course and coffee

lounge with free WiFi.

The 18 bay driving range is

floodlight and covered, with quality

practice mats and high performance

driving range balls. Prices start

from £2.50 for a warm up basket of

25 balls and you can benefit from

up to 30% discount if you choose

to pre-load a membership card –

club hire is also available. The golf

academy has PGA professional

coaches and the newly opened

academy course is particularly

suited to allow young players

to develop before going on to play

on longer courses. There are a

range of classes available which

you do not need to book for, just

turn up. Every week ladies sessions

are 7pm to 8pm on a Wednesday

evening and Junior sessions are

noon to 1pm on a Saturday – an

online timetable is available via

the website giving details of times

and prices. There is a junior

academy available which requires

booking in advance, please call

The Golf Centre for times and

availability.

All of the staff at The Golf Centre,

Coalville are passionate about the

sport so why not drop by and check

out the facilities, they will be happy

to answer any queries you have.

The Golf Centre, Coalville is

located at Chiswell Drive, Coal-

ville, LE67 3JX (behind Snibston

Discovery Park), you can find

them online at www.thegolfcentre

coalville.co.uk.

Whether you are looking for a fun family activity, to try a new sport, or hoping to become the

next Tiger Woods there is a great new facility available locally.


The GOLF Centre, Coalville

When her niece, Chelsea, finally

decided to tie the knot, Wanda had

missed out on the last room at the

hotel. Cousin Bev offered her a bed

for the night, and the loan of a

sleeping bag. It was only when

they arrived that she realised

what she’d let herself in for – a

night under canvas.

They had the field to themselves

and judging by what was left

behind, it had only recently been

vacated by cows. Pitching the tent

had caused all kinds of arguments,

making Wanda hot and irritable. The

tepid shower in the farmer’s

outhouse had been besieged by

spiders, and the sausages Bev

cooked over a gas stove had ended

up covered in grass clippings. She

had nowhere to hang up her

wedding outfit or plug in her heated

rollers. What’s more the midges had

developed a taste for her.

The cold crept in, after darkness fell.

An owl hooted, and a fox cried out.

Wanda shivered, unable to sleep.

Over the sound of Bev’s contented

snoring she thought she heard

footsteps coming across the field.

Maybe one of the cows had made

an escape and was ambling blindly

towards them in search of heat? The

footsteps grew louder. At any

moment a half tonne beast could

sit on the thin tent and squash them

flat.

Something big tripped over a guy

rope and Wanda tried not to scream.

Don’t let it know you’re in here she

told herself. Wanda pulled her

sleeping bag up under her chin in

terror. The

tent zipped open.

Wanda let out a shriek

that would have woken anyone other

than Bev. A bright light shone inside.

“Aunty Wanda is that you?” someone

whispered loudly.

“Who’s there?” Wanda cried, blinded

by the light.

“It’s me, Chelsea”. Her niece

climbed awkwardly inside.

“What are you up to?” Wanda

snapped, “You frightened me out of

my skin”.

“Sorry Aunty, I needed to talk”. The girl

shivered, “I’m getting cold feet”.

“Well I’m cold all over but you don’t

hear me complaining”. Wanda

grumbled, then realised what

Chelsea was saying. None of this

surprised her, even as a baby

Chelsea couldn’t make up her mind

which thumb to suck. It was

Wanda’s job to save this wedding.

“What’s troubling you honey?” she

asked soothingly.

“I want to get married”, Chelsea

frowned, “But I hate being

the centre of attention, it

terrifies me”.

“My dear girl”, Wanda took her

hand, “No one’s going to even

notice you, all eyes will be on me”.

She laughed, “I’ll be covered in midge

bites and grass clippings, wearing a

crumpled outfit. Everyone will say “Just

look what the cat dragged in!””

Chelsea grinned, and Wanda seized

her moment,

“Honestly honey, do you think I’d be

sleeping in a tent with Bev here”, Bev

snored loudly to make her presence

felt, “If I didn’t think you were doing

the right thing? You’re going to be a

wonderful bride, trust me”.

Chelsea seemed reassured, “Thanks

Aunty Wanda”.

“Now get going, and watch your step,

otherwise you’re going to smell like a

farmyard on your big day”.

Chelsea kissed Wanda on the

forehead and slipped out of the tent.

Wanda listened as her niece

stumbled away across the field, and

her eyes became heavy.

She woke to the warm sun

brightening the tent. She had

survived her night under canvas,

and in the distance she could hear

the peel of church bells. And

because she had slept in her

wedding outfit she was dressed

to go.


By Jackie Brewster

storytime

WeddingBells

ashby health centre

Nurse Practitioner Appointments NowAvailable on the WebWe now have Nurse Practitioner appointments

available to book on the web. At the moment this is

being run as a pilot and we have just a few in each

surgery. The Nurse Practitioners are more highly

qualified than our practice nurses and can diagnose

and prescribe for minor illnesses and contraceptive

checks. (There is a list on our website of all the

things they deal with under the About Us tab, then

Practice Team, Practice Nurses, Read about the role of

the Nurse Practitioners). If you book one of their slots

via the web it really helps if you can put a reason so

that if there’s a problem with your booking

(perhaps you need more time or it is something

more appropriate for another clinician) we can try

and sort it out before you come. Please note they

don’t do blood tests or blood pressure checks, these

are done by other staff and so still need to be

booked via reception. Also please note they can only

deal with one medical

problem in each slot, if

you need more time

please ring reception

and they will arrange this for you.

Text Appointment RemindersBy the time this magazine comes out we should have

started our text appointment reminder service. All

patients will be asked when they book an

appointment if they want a text reminder. If they say

yes, they will be asked to confirm their mobile

number. A reminder will then be sent straightaway

and another 48 hours before the appointment, if

applicable. If you wish to opt out of this service for

good, please let us know and we will arrange this.

New phone systemWe now have our new phone system up and running

and we hope you find the system better than the old

one. Please note that all our calls are now recorded

for training and monitoring purposes. We have had

some teething problems with it and we are grateful

for patients bearing with us during these.

MoNTHLY uPDATE


in your garden

TWYCRoSS Zoo is known for having a widerange of animals such as its famouschimpanzees, meerkats and the adorablebaby elephant named Esha. The othernotable recent new arrivals includethirty different species of butterflyhoused in the new tropical butterflyforest and a herd of Chapmans zebra.For those who thought that zoos were justabout animals, it is a very pleasant surpriseto find lovely planting and large interestinglylandscaped areas.

The exquisite Twycross butterflies have a beautiful homecreated by the zoos horticultural team of four people.Entering the butterfly house, the bright colours of theplants and butterflies is magical. The planting iscarefully chosen by Graham Eyre, who heads thehorticultural team - he calls the route around thebutterfly forest a corridor of colour. Graham has alsocreated a palm oil plantation and selected bright exotictropical and bedding plants around the site. Visitors cansee the life cycle of a butterfly for real, with the plantsplaying host to the egg, caterpillar, chrysalis andbutterfly. The space is kept humid by a combination ofheating apparatus and an irrigation system.

The animal paddocks themselves are cared for by theanimal keepers with the remaining areas cared for bythe horticultural team. In total there is about eightyacres. The team has landscaped the grounds to cleverlydirect you from one area to another and create a pausebetween different animal zones. One example is thepenguin walk, where the penguins will walk from theirpool across a path to a feeding area, creating a greatviewing opportunity for the public.

Established trees, including superb monkey puzzletrees, give great planting structure. Overall the scale ofthe garden areas is correct so the wide open areasbetween animal attractions are comfortable and inviting.A favourite planted area is a mass of purple and greenplants enclosed by a low box hedge showing acombination of euphorbias and flowering plants and

creating a serene focal point. It is so well puttogether that it would not look out of place

in front of a stately home or on amagazine cover. Another lovely area isthe clever up-cycling of the former sealpool which is now an ornamental pondprettily edged with plants includingFuschia, Azalea, Iris and Cherry trees.

New to the zoo this year is ‘The Keeper’s

Herb Garden’ which is on the site of the oldprairie dog enclosure. This used to be a big

clay mound which has now been lowered and built upwith compost. Raised beds sectioned by enormousbamboo canes create a practical and interesting space.Graham has designed this area as part of an interactiveon-site education project, where children can plantsunflowers which will then produce many hundreds ofseeds which will be used in feed for the animals.

There is a very special ingredient in the zoo gardenwhich is its own homemade compost. Indeed the darkmulch which feeds the plants and suppresses weeds isa combination of the zoo animal waste and straw whichis composted, ground and heated by a machine on sitewhich after a week produces sterile compost. Thebutterfly forest for example was built on 400 tonnes ofthis compost. Not only is the composting greatrecycling, but it is environmentally efficient.

Finally, for those of you who love bedding plants, I haveto say Twycross Zoo has large and spectacular displaysalthough just imagine the back ache from plantingthousands of those at a time - ouch!

For more information about the zoo and theirphotography competition go to http://twycrosszoo.org/twycross-zoo-2014-photography-competition/

Happy gardening.

FrancescaEmail [email protected]

Photograph courtesy of Gillian Day

RHS Show Garden Medalist, Francesca Sinclair, looks at how to make the most of your

garden and garden jobs for this time of year. Francesca offers a full garden design service

- find out more at www.francescasinclair.co.uk

GARDENING JoBS FoR JuLY:

1 Keep dead heading bedding plants and repeat perennials

2 Feed lawns with a Summer feed (if you missed in Spring).

3 Water tubs and new plants

4 Pick courgettes

5 Clear ponds of blanket weed

6 Plant Autumn flowering bulbs such as crocuses

7 Cut back plants in baskets and feed to help revive them

8 Cut back and feed delphiniums and geraniums to

encourage second flowering

9 Divide clumps of bearded Iris

10 Treat black spot on roses

11 Prune Philadelphus, Weigelia and deciduous magnolias if

necessary

Twycross Zoo gardens and some special ingredients


venture theatre news

ANGELA joined the Venture

Theatre when the first brick of the

fly tower was laid over 30 years

ago. As a retired college Art

lecturer, she is well qualified

for the role. But of course,

designing and painting scenery

is quite different to painting

pictures.

Angela says “Scenery painting gives

you a sense of freedom. Due to the

scale, small fiddly detail is not

required because it is only viewed

from a distance. It lends itself to

prospective drawing, which is a

mathematical approach to drawing.”

If maths wasn’t your thing at

school, don’t let

that put you off.

Angela assures us

that this method

can be taught quite

easily and that, even

if you cannot paint

or draw very well, you

will be able to work from this

method. Often sets need to show

a room in a house with a ‘lived in’

look so perfection is not the name

of the game.

Of course, the pleasure and

satisfaction you get from scenery

painting comes from seeing it

in the play itself. “The whole scene

will come to life as soon as

the stage is lit and you

will be amazed at what you

have achieved. I’ve been

doing this for 30 years and

it still gives me a buzz.”

Angela told us.

If you would like to have a go,

come down to the Venture Theatre

on a Monday night after 8.30pm.

Preparation for scenery painting

requires very little skill so anyone

can help and Angela is looking

to build a team that can work

together. “All you need are some

old clothes and an enthusiasm to

learn,” she says.

Attractive and well-designed scenery can really bring a

play to life and so this month we are finding out

more about it from Angela Solomon...

The Scene PainterThe Scene Painter


what’s on...

1st July

Ashby Royal British Legion - 7pm atLegion House, South Street, Ashby.Visitors welcome, for more infor-mation call 01283 220 534 or emailashby.royalbritishlegion@gmail. com.Please note, there is no meeting inAugust.

Blackfordby WI – ‘Slow Boat to China’with speaker Audrey Hall. Meetingsare held on the first Tuesday of themonth at Blackfordby Village Hall,7pm. For more information contactGill Massey on 01238 212 380.

2nd July

Ashby Film Nights – ‘American Hustle’(15). This is an intriguing blackcomedy, based on a real life scam. Atthe Lyric Rooms, Ashby, film starts at7.30pm, doors and bar open at 7pm.Tickets £5, available on the door. Formore information see ashbyfilmnights.wordpress.com.

3rd July

Ashby Castle WI – ‘In a Jam’ withspeaker Karen Welch. The talk isaccompanied by a practicaldemonstration and tasting session.Meet at the Congregational Church,Kilwardby Street at 2pm. Visitors paya small fee and are most welcome.Refreshments available. For moreinformation ring Lesley on 01530 455957.

4th July

Palace Line Dance – with Honky TonkCliff at The Palace, Ibstock. A greatsocial night out with no partnerrequired. Dancing from 7.45pm.Doors and bar open at 7pm. Advancetickets £4.50 or £5.50 on the door.Contact The Palace on 01530 262400 or Halls on 01530 260 460.

5th July

Ashby Concert Band – present ‘AnEvening of Viennese Music andFavourite Classical Waltzes’ at ThePalace, Ibstock. Concert starts at7.30pm. Tickets £8, you can getadvance tickets from The Palace on01530 262 400 or Halls on 01530260 460. Tickets can be purchasedon the door, subject to availability.

Please check with ticket outlets toavoid disappointment, advancedbooking highly recommended.

NW Leicestershire & Rutland WildlifeTrust – ‘Calke Abbey Gardens’. Goand see how the results of the repairand re-development programme haveworked out in practice. Meet in themain car park at 1.30pm. There is acharge for entry to park and gardensfor non-National Trust members. Formore details call David Maltby on01530 222 934 or Jim Footitt on01530 262 389.

8th July

Ashby Castle WI – Strawberry andCream Tea at the CongregationalChurch Hall, between 2pm and 4pm.For more information contact Janet on01455 290 729 or [email protected].

Ashby Writers’ Club – Manuscriptevening: members’ own work. Theclub meets on the second and fourthTuesday of each month, unlessspecified, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm atCongregational Church, Kilwardby St,Ashby. Visitors are welcome at anominal fee of £4 per speakermeeting, £3 per comp/manuscriptmeeting (includes coffee or tea).

NWLDC Well families Clinic – AshbyBaptist Church, Brook Street. Noappointment required. Get free healthchecks and advice. A free pedometerfor everyone who goes along. Moreinformation from Julie Summerton on01530 454 541 or email: [email protected].

National Trust Group – Self-drive visitto Woodleighton Grove Gardens nearUttoxeter. Two gardens to inspire youwith ideas for your own. Lightrefreshments included. For furtherdetails please ring 01530 563 003.

9th July

Ashby Wine Circle – Members BBQ.Meeting at 7pm at Brown Court,Atkinson Road, Westfields, Ashby DeLa Zouch LE65 2LZ.

10th July

Friends of the Burton Wurlitzer –concert of theatre organ music at

Burton town hall. Starts at 2pm,doors open 1.30pm. This concert isfree to everybody who lives in aresidential home, or in warden aidedaccommodation and their carers’.Free car parking permits may also beavailable. The rest of the public arewelcome but we do ask for a donation(recommended figure £4). For moredetails visit www.friends-of-the-burton-wurlitzer.org.uk.

11th July

Century Theatre at Snibston – ‘TheGrand Budapest Hotel’ (15). Theadventures of Gustave H, concierge ata famous European hotel between thewars, and the young lobby boy whobecomes his most trusted friend.Stars Ralph Fiennes, and Jude Law.Starts at 7.30pm. Tickets £3.50, payon the door. Call 01530 278 444 formore information.

13th July

The 100th Ashby Show – CattowsFarm, Heather, approximately 4 milesfrom Ashby de la Zouch. A great dayout for all the family. See page 15 formore details.

15th July

Ashby Civic Society - Guided Walk ofRavenstone. Meeting at 12.30pm forlunch at Donnington-le-Heath ManorBarn Restaurant, cost of £7, followedby the walk led by Lyn Jordon.Contact John on 01530 412 355 tobook. Visitors welcome.

16th July

Ashby Spa WI – ‘Wish You Were Here’,the history wardrobe. Manor HouseSchool, South Street at 7.30pm. Youdon’t have to be a member to go alongto the meeting, there is a small chargeof £3 for visitors. For more detailsplease email [email protected].

19th July

Ashby Farmers Market – 9am to 2pmat Manor House South Street.Bringing you the finest foods from theregion and specialist stalls. Freeparking.

July

continued on p110


what’s on...

19th July

Hicks Lodge Butterfly walks – withexperts from Butterfly Conservation.Walks are open to anyone to attend.Please check weather conditions andgo suitably prepared. Walking cond-itions are generally easy and suitablefor all the family. Meet at 10am at thecafé, bookings not necessary. Full dayfield trips with a scheduled lunchtimebreak. For more information call01530 274 533 or visit www.forestry.gov.uk/hickslodge.

22nd July

Ashby Writers’ Club – with speakerAndrew Cope, (Puffin children’sauthor). Meetings are held on thesecond and fourth Tuesday of eachmonth, unless specified, from 7.30pmto 9.30pm at Congregational Church,Kilwardby St, Ashby LE65 2FQ.Visitors are welcome at a nominal feeof £4 per speaker meeting, £3 percomp/manuscript meeting (includescoffee or tea).

25th July

National Trust Group – coach trip toNostell Priory (NT) and Wakefield.Morning coffee/tea included at thecathedral. For further details pleasering 01530 563 003.

Talking Business Network – Launchmeeting for this new non-profit localbusiness group for small businesses.Swadlincote Ski Centre at 7.30am,special guest is Heather Wheeler MP.Attendance is by reservation only,please contact Trevor Viner on 07794358 585 to book.

Century Theatre at Snibston – ‘TheBook Thief’ (12A). While subjected tothe horrors of WW2 Germany, youngLeisel finds solace by stealing booksto share with the Jewish refugee whois being sheltered by her parents.Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £3.50 on thedoor. Call 01530 278 444 for details.

27th July

Jim’s Tractor Run and family fun day.Bath Grounds, Ashby from 11am to4pm. See page 24 for more details.

27th July to 3rd August

Heather Scarecrow Festival – is acommunity event organised by a small

group of volunteers. Guides and mapcost only £2 and will be available fromHeather football club, corner shop andboth pubs. Refreshments available orbring a picnic. Free parking atHeather St. John's Football Club,Ravenstone Rd, Heather, LE67 2QJ.

29th JulyAshby u3A - Pat Ford talks on ‘Mylife as a lookalike queen’. At the Cong-regational Church, Kilwardby Street,Ashby, 2pm. All welcome, visitors £1.Bring friends and neighbours, meetU3A members and find out more.

5th August Blackfordby WI – ‘A Strawberry Fayre’.Meetings are held on the first Tuesdayof the month at Blackfordby VillageHall, 7pm. For more info contact GillMassey 01238 212 380.

6th August Ashby - Pithiviers TwinningAssociation – Croquet taster eveningat Moira Miners Welfare SportsGround, Bath Lane, Moira. Meet at6pm to start at 6.30pm. There willthen be a supper of goujons of fish,chips and peas served at the nearbyHalfway House, Donisthorpe. The totalcost is £12 each or £5.50 for thecroquet alone and £6.50 for the mealalone. Bookings must be made nolater than 30th July. For moreinformation email [email protected] or see www.ashbydelazouchtwinning.co.uk.

Bradgate Flower Club – speakerRichard Adams, well knownphotographer from Oakham with'A Camera in the Garden'. Thispresentation offers a change fromour regular demonstrations and willappeal to gardeners and cameraenthusiasts as well as flower arrangersand lovers of the East Midland'slandscapes. The meeting starts at7.30pm in Newtown Linford VillageHall (LE6 0AE). Visitors are welcome,a charge of £5 is made. Details fromLilian Coleman on 0116 236 3191.

8th to 10th August

Strawberry Fields Festival – atCattows Farm, Heather. For moreinformation see www.strawberryfieldsfestival.co.uk.

10th August

NGS open Gardens – Three Ashbygardens are opening from 11am to5pm as part of the National GardenScheme. Combined admission is £3adult, accompanied children free.Gardens are at 7 and 27 Avenue Roadand 72 Tamworth Road (all withinwalking distance of each other).Refreshments and plants will be forsale on the day. See www.ngs.org.ukfor more details.

12th August

Ashby Writers’ Club – Comp: verse:‘Those were the days’ (up to 30 lines).Meetings are held on the second andfourth Tuesday of each month, unlessspecified, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm atCongregational Church, KilwardbyStreet, Ashby, LE65 2FQ. Visitorsare welcome at a nominal fee of £4per speaker meeting, £3 percomp/manuscript meeting (includescoffee or tea).

13th August

Ashby Wine Circle – Members socialevening with fish and chip supper.Meeting 7.30pm at Brown Court,Atkinson Road, Westfields, Ashby DeLa Zouch. LE65 2LZ.

16th August

Ashby Farmers Market – 9am to 2pmat Manor House, South Street.Bringing you the finest foods from theregion and specialist stalls. Freeparking.

July into August continued


Did you know it’s FREE toput community informationon this page?

Email the details and contactnumber to [email protected]. Deadline for sub-missions for the CommunityBoard or What’s On pages ofthe September 2014 issue isFriday 8th August.

Information is published sub-ject to space being available.Ashby Life cannot be heldresponsible for any errors oromissions or endorse com-panies, products or servicesappearing in the magazine.

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business directory

Accountants & PayrollAshby Payroll Bureau 23Baldwins 32Haines Watts 9 & 119JAWS Accountancy Services Ltd 16RDG Accounting 28Aerials & SatelliteAB Aerials & Satellites 53ArchitectsA G Dezign 56Arts, Crafts, Gifts, Jewellery, ToysGreenwood Days 55Indivijilly Wrapped 55Souk de la Zouch 49Watch & Clock Repairs 79BuildersKeith Armston Building Contractors 82Business ServicesAshby Ladies Business Group 25Lion Court Conference Centre 5SMB Virtual PA Services 87Carpenters & JoinersAshby Oak 41Derek Verey 20Garden Studio Creations 28S S Joinery 43The Ten Mile Timber 49Carpets & InteriorsAgadon 3Ashby Carpets 75Ashby Stoves 65Boundary Carpets and Floorings 10Coalville Furniture Superstore 77Fairweathers Carpets 29Florrie May Interiors 60 & 61Roger James Furnishers 98The Bed Shop 52Toons 31Wendy's Courtyard Interiors 95Childcare/NurserySmisby Day Nursery 102Cleaning, Ironing, Laundry ServicesBreedon Carpet Care 117Deanclean 63Energise Cleaning & Gardening 81Extreme Clean 56Karen’s Ovengleam 55Safeclean 45Spotless Cleaning 22The Bee’s Knees 74Toni's Ironing Angels 66ClothingAlivie Children’s Wear 85Just for You 35The Shoe Box 102Country Stores/ General StoresIvanhoe Countrystore 69Domestic AppliancesContracool 86Contract & Domestic Services 95Ray Pittam Engineers 67Driving SchoolsBardon School of Motoring 74Jo Driving 35RDT School of Motoring 55ElectriciansA & J Bartlett Ltd 111Bright Sparks 6D & B Electrical 33Estate AgentsFish 2 Let 91John German 40

Events/Event ServicesAshby Show 15Funhouse Comedy Club 57Honeysuckle & Castle 47Jim’s Tractor Run & Family Fun Day 24Lockdales Valuation Days 11Well Families Clinic 36Financial ServicesBleathwood 27Ian Goodship, IFA 71FloristsIndigo Acres 83Food & GroceriesAshby Farmers Market 8Cattows Farm Shop 90Conibears Kitchen 71Scaddows Farm Shop 67Smithards Bakery 44Funeral DirectorsA E Grice Funeral Directors 86Furniture Repairs & RestorationAncient & Modern 111GardenArtisan of Ashby Ltd 67Bonington Tree Services 12Broadleaf Landscapes 86Charnwood Tree Services 20Eden Tree Care 17F G Gardens 114Francesca Sinclair & Associates 114GDR Landscapes 90Green Thumb (Ashby) 101Lush Landscape and Garden Design 81Roughly Refined Garden Service 95Stone Drives & Landscapes 88The Water Gardener 66Graphic Design & PrintI4 Design and Print 41Hair & BeautyIsabel’s Holistic Therapies 53HealthcareAshby Chiropody/Podiatry Clinic 93Ashby Dental 82Ashby Osteopathic Clinic 12Candor Care Ltd 94Caring Hands 74Dr Jin 36Future Minds 46Juliet Brooke Chiropody 56Leicestershire County Council 25Leicestershire Hypnotherapy Practice 79Prestige Nursing 107ProPhysio Ashby 78Swadlincote Chiropractic Clinic 73Traditional Acupuncture 96Vision Express 39IT ServicesAshby Web Design 23The PC Clinic 79kitchens & BathroomsAshby Tile & Bathrooms 2Holmetree Kitchens 41Provencale Kitchens 93Tiles 4 Less 48Victory Kitchens 80LocksmithsHazlewood Locksmiths 116The Lockie 35Motor ServicesA D Car Cosmetics 104Castle Garage (Ashby) Ltd 21Chips Away 115Mobile Automotive 71

Music, Dance & DramaAshby School of Music 16 & 25Concordia 25Joseph Southgate 93Painters & DecoratorsAce Decorating 6Holywell Painting & Decorating 82John Clark 107Pet ServicesAsh Farm Boarding Kennels 45Woodward Veterinary Practice 85Places of WorshipAshby Baptist Church 98Ashby Christadelphian Church 54PlasterersA C Ellison Plastering and Tiling 71R H Plastering 16Matt Charles Plastering Services 90TCL Plastering & Property Maint. 41Plumbers & Gas ServicesAdrian Dunstan

Plumbing & Heating 107Batemans Plumbing & Heating 103CCA Gas Plumbing 8D B Plumbing 79Ignite Gas Services 20James Pepper Property Solutions 45R & H Plastering 16S D Hill (Plumbers) 7Therm Heating 102Property Repairs & MaintenanceAshby Glass 19Ashbyhandyman.co.uk 12Can’t Get One 53Chimney Sweep & Handy Andy 8Cloudy 2 Clear 97D H Phillips (Flat Roofing) 107Handyman Maintenance 37James Beckett 36James Pepper Property Solutions 16Michael Brooks

Home Improvements 117Roof Tech 112RSJ Roofing 30TS Roofing 63Window Mate 49Pubs, Restaurants & Take AwaysLa Spezia Pizzeria 63La Zouch Restaurant 28The Blue Bell 85The Courtyard Café 113The Vine 105Wong Kwei 99Zamani's 59RecruitmentA & A Recruitment 111Schools and TuitionKip Mcgrath 13Manor House School 38Woodcote Primary School 81Solicitors & Will WritersCrane & Walton 114Simpson Jones Solicitors 82Sports & FitnessBreedon Priory Health Club Ltd 120Fitness Republic 33Fitsteps 51Hood Park Leisure Centre 109The Golf Centre (Coalville) 89Tony Hough Personal Training 62Travel & HolidaysMacphersons Coaches 72Villair Travel 106

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