ashbylife dec13 emag
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this issue 92
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 byRebecca SoanesPhotography
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 detailsNext issue is Jan/Feb 2014 and deadline for copy is Fri 20th Dec.
Please note advertising space is limited, pre-booking is recommended
Season’s Greetings... It’s my favourite edition ofthe year – packed with Christmassy goodness! We’ve gottips to help you have a stress free Christmas and decorateyour home beautifully. There are details of the local churchservices, how to use the Scouts Christmas post, and where and when you canfind Santa locally. This month’s seasonal recipes are a handy Boxing Daysoup and tasty Ginger Christmas Puddings. Finally a quick reminder thatour next edition will be the combined Jan/Feb issue, coming out early in theNew Year.
Wishing all our readers and advertisers a veryMerry Christmas and Happy New Year. Liz Roberts
Contents06 This Month10 Puzzle Page14 All About You18 Money Matters22 Ashby Heath Centre26 A Walk in the Forest30 Last Posting Dates34 Out and About38 In Your Home42 Rotary Reindeer Routes46 Out to Lunch50 Book Reviews54 Ashby Town Council58 Seasonal Recipes62 Christadelphian Church66 It’s Local70 Just 4 Fun72 December Horoscopes74 Ashby Museum News76 Christmas Trees78 Church Services82 On the Beat86 Competition Winners90 Somewhere in the Forest94 Community Board98 Ladies in Business102 In Your Garden106 Ashby Library News110 Storytime116 Young Ashby118 What’s On122 Wordsearch124 Puzzle Answers126 Business Directory
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this month
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IN the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice
occurs when the ‘top half’ of the Earth tilts away
from the Sun at its most extreme angle. This gives
us the longest night and shortest day of the year.
It normally falls on 21 December, and from this
point on, the days will begin to lengthen until the
Summer Solstice on 21 June.
The word ‘solstice’ comes from the Latin phrase for
‘sun stands still’. This is because the sun appears to
rise and set in the same two places for several days
in a row.
Cultures through the ages have marked the Solstice
and celebrated the triumph of light over dark.
Massive prehistoric monuments such as
Stonehenge were built to align with the
Winter Solstice sunrise.
The ancient Romans had a seven-day
festival called Saturnalia, when everything
would be reversed – men would dress as
women and masters dressed as servants. People
decorated their houses with greenery, lit candles
and gave presents.
Celtic druids gave
pieces of mistletoe as
a blessing. They also
began the tradition of
the Yule log, which was
burned to conquer the
darkness and bring luck for the year ahead.
Many people celebrate the Solstice today, and it’s
interesting to see how many of the customs have
become part of our Christmas festivities.
What is the Winter Solstice?by Alex Albrighton
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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 124.
quICk CROSSWORD1 Harbour (4)
3 Precious stones (8)
9 Implement (7)
10 Concur (5)
11 Produced (12)
14 Short sleep (3)
16 Coarse (5)
17 Pronoun (3)
18 Despite (12)
21 Modify (5)
22 Design (7)
23 Daily (8)
24 Musical instrument (4)
1 Imagining (8)
2 Wash (5)
4 Frozen water (3)
5 Sizes (12)
6 Créche (7)
7 Vomit (4)
8 Adequately (12)
12 Enumerate (5)
13 Pest (8)
15 Make ready (7)
19 All (5)
20 Imitation (4)
22 Vegetable (3)
Solu
tions o
n p
age 1
24
Across
down
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all about you
THE big day is nearly here and you want to be able
to enjoy it and not end up stressed out! So what can
you do on in advance to make things easier on
Christmas Day?
Many top chefs support the idea of
preparing much of the Christmas dinner
well in advance. Christmas puddings
and cakes are usually made well ahead
of the day itself, 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, many starters can
also be made in advance 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 – there is some-
thing very satisfying about seeing the table
beautifully decorated and waiting for that
special meal too!
Finally, try to get to bed at a sensible
time. That way you'll be on top form for a
fabulous Christmas.
Christmas Countdown
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money matters
HISTORICALLY at this time of the
year my main suggestion has
been to forget about New Year
Resolutions, suggesting you just
put down three things which
will change your life for the better or improve its
experience, please keep doing this it is worthwhile.
What changed my mind was a recent experience and I
considered this was worth communicating and it is all
linked to this thing called The Internet, this ‘thing’
which we cannot see but has very much become part
of our lives. In some ways it’s a fabulous thing and
then again it can cause real issues.
I find it is fabulous for some shopping, a bit of
research, some leisure items like music and a whole
host of other things. What does concern me though
is that not only could it destroy our High Street, (do
not give up on the shopping experience), but for some
reason we seemed drawn to use it rather than seeking
help or advice and this is very relevant in relation to
my profession.
I was recently informed in a seminar by one the UK’s
leading Pension Experts that a vast array of retiring
people use it to find out the best rate of income they
can acquire with their Pension Plans, adopting this
route rather than seeking professional advice - quite
scary when you consider someone’s Pension Fund(s)
will either be the 1st or 2nd largest asset they will own
within their life.
I know the internet has helped people shop around for
a new home, but to buy a house you will still visit a few
properties and then employ professional advisers to
complete the process - why? To ensure the property
is registered properly or complete searches about the
land. Your home, (like your pension) is considered to
be one of the largest assets you will own and it seems
we take care choosing the right solution and employ
professionals to complete the purchase and the move.
So I was very shocked to hear the consumer will take
such a risk and not seek advice with their retirement
plan(s), especially when we are regularly told we are
living longer and longer, so the income you create from
the retirement plans could be received for over 20
years.
Retirement planning comes in many forms, there are
over 10 different ways you can take an income within
retirement and I have found over the years its not just
one option which can be adopted, combinations help
clients achieve a great solution for their personal
situation.
So, I went on to the Internet and I did some research.
Now you may consider the information and solutions
would be free, next shock, it came at a cost and this
cost could be as high as 3% of the value of your plans.
So, no advice, you complete the application and send
it off with all the correct documents, still not knowing
if its all correct and the figures sent are going to be
the correct solution. No opportunity to discuss this
decision or how it will affect everything else changing
in your life, so why not consider an alternative?
A qualified Independent Financial Adviser, especially
one with the relevant pension qualifications, will not
only consider your whole circumstances, but like me,
many will not charge you for an initial meeting, discuss
our fee up front, tailor your solution to your needs, we
will be able to shop the whole market, and even fill in
the forms.
Good news is you can also find our details on the
internet at www.bleathwoodifa.co.uk
Kevin
Retirement Income Online...not necessarily the cheapest solution
For more information on this matter or if you would like free initial financial advice with noobligation then you can contact Kevin at Bleathwood Financial Services on 01530 417943.
Bleathwood IFA LtdBleathwood House, 45 Upper Packington Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, LE65 1ED.
www.bleathwoodifa.co.ukBleathwood IFA Ltd (FSA No: 516218) is an appointed representative of Sense Network Limited
(FSA No: 465124) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. The FSA does not regulate tax advice.
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ashby health centre
Monthly updateDoctor changesIn December Dr Hansi is leaving us as his GP
training has come to an end and Dr James
Coleman is joining us for 4 months to
begin his GP training. We wish Dr
Hansi the very best in his future career.
Flu vaccinationsWe are still doing flu vaccinations for
any of our patients who are eligible
and also the nasal flu vaccinations for
two and three year olds. Please book
via reception.
Book ahead appointments
Many patients seem unaware that we do have a
number of GP appointments which are available to
be booked ahead. These appointments are very
popular and so it’s not usually possible to book for
the next day. The average wait for a book ahead
appointment is a week. I know that patients become
frustrated
when they ring
up one day c
and there aren’t any appoint-
ments available the next day but if we allowed all
our appointments to be booked ahead there
wouldn’t be any left for those who need to see a
doctor the same day. It’s a constant juggling act,
especially as demand is often more than the number
of appointments available but if you feel that you
must be seen the same day then please tell our
receptionist this and they will arrange for the duty
doctor to speak to you in the first instance.
I would like to thank all patients who completed our
survey, we have had a much bigger response this
year thanks to the help of our PPG (Patient
Participation Group) handing them out in reception.
The results will be published in the New Year.
Finally, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy
New Year and thank everyone for their support
throughout 2013.
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Standleys Barn & Calke Park
Calke is probably my absolutely favourite place in the Autumn – the trees are just stunning.
This walk takes in a quiet country lane, beautiful grassy fields by Standleys Barn Farm,
the woodland of Calke Park plus a section of recently restored tramway – I loved it! It
took me a little over one hour. Some of it is along a lane and both the fields and the
parkland may have cattle or sheep grazing at times so be
prepared to put dogs on leads in places. Standleys Barn
Farm has its own butchery and sells fantastic sausages that
are made on the premises as well as meat from their own pigs and cattle. They’re open
Friday and Saturday if you want to treat yourself. To get to the start of the walk leave
Ashby via Smisby Road, crossing over the by-pass roundabout onto the B5006 towards
Ticknall. Continue for about 3 miles until you pass Top Farm on your right then take the
next right into Staunton Lane (signed Staunton Harold). Shortly after the road bends
there is a wide area under the trees on the left where you can park.(1)
Leaving your car, walk down the lane in the samedirection that you were travelling to pass by the driveto White Hollow Cottages on your right. Carry onalong the lane and shortly before reaching Standleys Barn Farm (which is visibleahead and on the left) look out for a wooden public footpath post on your left.Follow this footpath sign as it leads you over a stile marked with the NationalTrust logo (2) and across the fields. As you reach the far side of this field aimslightly to the right of the large stone water trough and you will see a stile besidea gate which leads into the next field. Cross this stile and, following the footpatharrow, turn immediately right so you are walking along the field edge withwoodland on your right.
Continue straight on along the edge of this field and half way along the next oneyou will come to some wooden fencing with a gate
set back in it – cross the stile here (3) and turn right to follow the wide trackthrough the woods. Remain on this track as it curves around and takes youthrough a small wooden gate before emerging onto the driveway through thegrounds of Calke Abbey.
Turn left on the verge alongside the drive and stay on there until you pass by apond on your right. Shortly after this bear left to follow the grassy track thatleads away from the drive and through to a wide open area of grassland. Keepto the left as you walk around this open area and roughly two thirds of the way
along you will come to a stile in the fence on yourleft. Cross over this stile and it will take you througha small wooded area and then over a further stileinto a field.
After crossing the second stile (4) follow the trodden path straight ahead of youacross the field. Continue ahead, going through open gateways, to cross twofurther fields before coming to a stile. Don’t cross this stile – about 20 yards tothe left of it is a fairly new, small, wooden gate – go through that wooden gateand it will lead you down onto a hard core path that runs along the route of theold tramway.
Turn left along the tramway and keep following it. It runs quite close to the roadin places and you will go through a gap beside a large metal gate and then pass
by a footpath sign that leads off over the fields to your right before the tramway emerges onto a lane. Crossthe lane and pick up the tramway again on the other side(5), staying on it until you see a wooden barrierahead of you and cottages on your left.
Leaving the tramway, turn left to go past the cottages and then follow the driveway down to meet StauntonLane. Turn left and follow the lane around the bend to arrive back at your car.
All walks are checked shortly before publication but please be aware that paths may change over time and with the seasons.
a walk in the forest
3
4
5
2
1
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last posting dates
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out and about
THE Ashby Farmers Market has grown steadily over
the years and now offers a really diverse range of
producers with a good mix of local suppliers of
staples, including meat, fish and vegetables along
with an interesting and tempting selection of other
items – heaven if you are a ‘foodie’! We always look
forward to going along to Manor House School in
South Street to pick up fresh meat and vegetables for
our Sunday lunch and browse the stalls for treats - the
date of the third Saturday of each month is firmly
marked on the calendar.
I’d love to tell you about all
the stall holders who go along
each month, but with around
30 different producers now
attending there simply isn’t space
so I’ll just share of few of our
favourites:
GREENFIELD LAMB, with the stall
manned by Martin and/or son
Ben (pictured left), sells their own
lamb, mutton and sheepskins
from just up the road at Twycross.
A family concern, they are rightly
proud of the quality of their meat. It’s a popular
stall, if you have specific requirements you can call
them to pre-order your cut (find them online at www.
greenfield.lamb.com).
SAGE GREEN CuISINE offer Vegetarian and Vegan deli
delights! Their little parcels of veggie goodness are
great to take home and reheat for a lunchtime treat –
this is vegetarian food that appeals to everyone.
ELIZABETH’S PATISSERIE is one
of those stalls that are packed
with things that look almost too
good to eat! They have a variety
of wonderful speciality breads
plus yummy sweet treats such
as baked cheesecakes, Danish
pastries and sachertorte.
THE FuDGE STALL
lovely friendly people
who never fail to
tempt me with their
array of locally made
fudges. They also sell
a selection of other
sweeties and when
we went along in October had started offering soups
too – perfect for chilly winter days.
ALONG WITH THESE YOu ARE LIkELY TO FIND:
smoked fish and paté, vegetables, Longhorn beef,
game (when in season), buffalo, cup-cakes, milk and
dairy products, plants, real ale, smoothies, hand baked
dog treats, local cheeses, soup, chicken and eggs,
chocolates, fudge, olives, garlic, chillies, crisps, pies,
preserves and more!
The Christmas special Ashby Farmers Market takes
place on Saturday 21st December at Manor House
School from 9am to 2pm so perfect for stocking up on
goodies for the festive period. Helping you get in the
Christmas spirit will be mulled wine, a hog roast and
seasonal music. Santa will be visiting from 11am to
1pm - children can visit Santa and receive a gift for a
small charge. In addition to a great selection of
Christmas food and drink there will also be Christmas
logs and wreaths to decorate your home with on sale.
Other dates to note are: Sence Valley Christmas
Farmers Market (on A447 north of Ibstock), this is on
Sunday 8th December from 10am to 4pm and runs
alongside the Sence Valley Volunteers sale of UK
grown Christmas Trees. Market Bosworth Christmas
Farmers Market takes place on Sunday 22nd
December from 9am to 2pm in the market place in
the village centre.
Can it really be 7 years since Ashby Farmers Market
started? How time flies! The October Farmers Market
saw their 7th birthday being celebrated with a wonderful
cake cooked by Natalie’s Cupcake Creations.
NExT MARkET : SAT 21 DECEMBER
CelebrateLocal produce
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in your home
YOu know that Christmas is coming when you hang a festive
wreath on your front door. Some people love to make their own
natural wreath using leaves, flowers and seed heads from the
garden; for others, tinsel, glitter or ribbon provides a chance to
experiment and who can forget the classic Blue Peter advent
crown! Of course Christmas wreaths don’t have to be homemade
but here’s a quick guide if you’d like a go.
1 If you don’t want to buy a ready-made base, you can easily make your own.
Either shape a wire coat hanger into a circle (keeping the hook for hanging) or use bundles of twiggy growth
from your garden (Willow or Honeysuckle vine work well) bound firmly with garden string, raffia, florist wire
or climber stems.
2 Attach evergreen sprigs such as conifer, holly, laurel or ivy. Bind them at the bottom, then overlap the next
sprig or group of sprigs in the same direction. Keep going until the base is completely covered.
3 Finish as you like, choosing from a variety of interesting decorations, such as fresh, dried or artificial
flowers, ribbons, berries, raffia, moss, fir cones, seed heads, nuts, dried fruit, poppy heads, tinsel,
glitter, baubles, sweets, feathers, buttons and beads.
4 Attach a strong loop of wire or string and hang where you wish, or simply prop your wreath on a shelf
or mantelpiece.
A Christmas wreathOur step-by-step to making your own
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rotary reindeer routes
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FOR my ‘Out to Lunch’ treat this month I popped
along to La Zouch restaurant on kilwardby Street.
Established in 1967, La Zouch lays claim to being
Ashby’s longest established restaurant. The menu is
traditional English and for lunch they offer a daily
blackboard menu with a selection of appetisers and
main courses alongside a quite extensive lunch menu
that includes lighter snacks, salads, sandwiches and
jacket potatoes.
Now some people may be fine in a bustling, noisy,
crowded restaurant but I’m not one of them! I like to
enjoy my meal in a pleasant setting where I can chat
with my lunch companion and hear what they are
saying and La Zouch restaurant on Kilwardby Street
absolutely ticks that box along with many others.
We both enjoyed Fisherman’s pancake from the
blackboard menu for that day - a tasty pancake filled
with a seafood selection in a rich, creamy sauce and
accompanied by three seasonal vegetables and a
choice of chips or potatoes. A tasty and filling lunch
that encompassed the
whole traditional, fresh,
home cooking ethos and
was very reasonably priced (the blackboard main
courses were around the £6 mark). Among the
blackboard choices was a vegetarian option and we
were very impressed by how helpful the staff and
owners were and willing to adapt dishes to accomm-
odate special dietary needs - we were offered a tomato
based sauce in place of the creamy one in the pancake
if desired. The meal was excellent, in fact so good that
I couldn’t find room for a dessert! I have however
sampled their scones with jam and cream for morning
tea before and they were splendid.
The other aspect to La Zouch is that it is not simply a
restaurant – La Zouch Cellars offer an extensive range
of fine wines and spirits with a selection of over 300
blended and malt whiskies and there is more! Geoff
is extremely knowledgeable and will happily advise
if you need help choosing the right wine for that
important meal, or are looking for something special
for a whisky loving friend. La Zouch also sell a range
of speciality foods and teas including Teapigs, local
honey, chocolates, hampers and more – perfect for a
bit of Christmas shopping after your lunch!
out to lunch
La Zouch RestaurantKilwardby Street, Ashby
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book reviews
Cold Mountain...Charles Frazier
This is the story of two people: injured Civil Warveteran Inman, and Ada, the woman who waits forhim. To reach her, Inman must leave his hospital bed and walk the longway home to Cold Mountain. Of course, his epic journey means heencounters many a strange character along the way. Ada, meanwhile, hasher own internal struggles to contend with as she battles with herupbringing and the future that Cold Mountain represents. This brilliant
and beautifully-written book is one everyone should read at least once in their lifetime. You’ll be transported,without ever leaving your armchair.
Snow Falling on Cedars... David Guterson
With his hauntingly beautiful descriptions of the wild nature of America’s PacificNorthwest, Guterson’s story of a murder soon reveals itself to be one of a complexlove triangle. It’s 1954 and well-respected local fisherman, Carl Heine is found deadin one of his own fishing nets. Local Japanese-American, Kabuo Miyamoto is accusedof killing him. In the grip of a terrible snowstorm, the town of San Piedro is forcedinto dealing with its recent history, and a wave of Anti-Japanese sentiment followingWorld War 2. To complicate the matter, the local newspaper reporter is in love withKabuo’s wife. If the snow falls and covers everything, is all forgotten?
In Cold Blood... Truman Capote
It’s 1959 and a Kansas family is brutally murdered. This hugely controversial bookfocuses on their two killers: Perry Smith and Dick Hickock. Whilst there’s little doubt that
the killing of a husband and wife, along with their two children, is despicable, Smith and Hickock comeacross as alarmingly normal and recognisable. Capote has written a very clever true crime work of non-fiction, brought to us in the style of a novel. The whole thing is a bit disturbing really...and at the same time,you just can’t put it down.
Into Thin Air... John krakauer
Sometimes the most extraordinary stories we read are those that are true. This iscertainly the case in Krakauer’s account of 24 hours of hell at the top of MountEverest. With photos documenting the scale of the ‘murderous storm’ that bore downon Krakauer and his fellow climbers, it’s clear to see why five lost their lives. Dealingwith the guilt that comes from surviving such a disaster whilst others didn’t,Krakauer’s writing is incredibly compelling and the retelling of the 1996 disasterwill leave you gasping.
Frozen in Time... Ali Sparkes
One for the younger readers is Ali Sparkes’ novel about two children who are ‘frozen in time’. Freddy andPolly were put into cryonic suspension in the 1950s by their father. But the experiment was only meant tobe for a couple of hours; something went drastically awry. Enter Ben and Rachael, who unwittingly uncoverthe human ice-lollies. Suddenly it looks like the summer hols aren’t going to be so dull after all.
Tom Jones once sang
‘Baby, it’s Cold Outside’,
so as December descends
why not curl up in front of
the fire with our selection
of books that will chill
you to the bone…one
way or another.
Cold Enough for Snow
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DATES FOR TOWN COuNCIL MEETINGS are published on the Community Board pages of Ashby Life each month. The publicare welcome to attend and there is always a slot for public questions. Find out more about your Town Council by visiting theoffices at South Street, Ashby de la Zouch, calling 01530 416961 or via the website at: www.ashbytowncouncil.org.uk
Dates for your Diaries...AS quite a number of you should receive yourmagazines around the end of November a quickreminder that Saturday 30th November is the dateof this year’s Christmas event in Ashby town centre.The bottom section of MarketStreet (from Brook Street down)will be closed off for the event,which runs from 10am. Wehave a first for Ashby, with livereindeer being in town and Iam sure that they will be apopular attraction. Santa willalso be there, along with livemusic and other entertain-ment. Taking on boardcomments from last year’sevent, entertainment will beon a raised stage and amongthe attractions are rides forthe little ones. The Food Gusto Food and Drink fair willfeature local and regional produce and crafts and is sureto be popular with those looking for Christmas food andgift ideas. There will also be community stalls at theBaptist Church in Brook Street and Craft fairs at bothLegion House and Ashby Library. The event will closeat 4pm with snow cannons and carols around the tree.Starting on Saturday 30th November and running to theend of December car parking will be free of charge atall NWLDC car parks in town on Saturdays.
Dates have been planned for events during 2014 soplease put the following in your diaries! 24th/25th Mayis Ashby’s Food and Drink fair on the Bath Grounds (thiswas a one day event last year but is being expanded to a fullweekend for 2014). The Food and Drink fair falls in themiddle of the Ashby Arts Festival which will run from17th May through to 31st May 2014. The Ashby FakeFestival, also on the Bath Grounds, is booked forSaturday 7th June and will feature tribute bands toOasis, Bon Jovi and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers alongwith local talent. Jim’s Tractor Run and Family FunDay will take place on 27th July. Ashby Statutes aredue to run from 12th September, with the family dayon Sunday 14th September. The date for theChristmas event is likely to be 29th November and,subject to approval by the Town Council, this may beeven bigger in 2014, more news will follow on thisduring the course of the coming year.
2014 is the 100th anniversary of World War I andconsideration is being given to ways that Ashby canmark this. The War Memorial in Market Street is nowin excellent condition and we would welcome any
suggestions that residents may wish to put forward forparticular projects to commemorate this anniversary.Please contact us at Legion House to make your ideasknown (phone number and website are given below).
If you would like totake part in the publicconsultation process forHS2 you have until 31stJanuary 2014 to do so.The full consultationdocuments and plans areavailable online at www.hs2.org.uk and we alsohave copies that can beviewed at Legion House.Further details are avail-able on the websiteabove. There is also apublic information event
on HS2 at Hood Park Leisure Centre on Thursday 5thDecember from noon to 8pm (more information on thisevent is also available on the above website). This is anopportunity to speak directly to HS2 staff and we wouldencourage people to attend.
Work has now started on the new Skate Park (adjacentto Hood Park Leisure centre). It is envisaged that theproject will take around 10 to 12 weeks from the startto completion, but this is weather dependent. We arehopeful that the new facility will be open early in theNew Year and as soon as a firm date is known anopening day will be announced.
With regards to the Neighbourhood Plan, this needs tobe in compliance with the Core Strategy. At this stagethe timetable for the completion of the new CoreStrategy is unclear and is dependent upon theinformation gathered for the Strategic Housing MarketAssessment, the allocation of specific sites for therevised housing numbers and a period of publicconsultation. As a result we may need to consider arevised timetable for the Neighbourhood Plan for thetown as there is a legal requirement for our plan to bein conformity with the emerging Core Strategy.
The project for a new town website is now progressingwell. The new site will look to improve information forboth residents of the town and prospective visitors andplans are for it to link in with existing sites within thetown to ensure that all information is easily accessible.We are hoping to have the new site up and live in theNew Year and will, no doubt, bring you furtherinformation in future newsletters.
Ashby Christmas event - something for everyone!
Picture courtesy of bbc.co.uk
ashby town council
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seasonal recipes
GET STARTED
1 Heat the oil in a large saucepan and fry theonion for 5 minutes until golden. Stir in thecelery and fry for 5 minutes, then add thepotatoes and fry for a further 1-2 minutes,stirring frequently.
2 Add the curry paste or stuffing if using. Cookfor a further minute or two, then pour in thestock. Bring to the boil and stir well. Lowerthe heat, cover and simmer for 15-20minutes until the potatoes are tender.
3 Add the leftover veg and meat (if using) intothe pan and warm through. Pour the soupinto a food processor or blender and eitherblitz to a smooth purée, or leave a fewchunks for texture. Return the soup to thepan. You may need to thin the soup to theconsistency you like with hot water or stock,then taste for seasoning. Reheat thoroughly,and pour into bowls with spoonfuls of yogurtor crème fraîche swirled on top, then servewith crusty bread.
GET STARTED
1 Preheat the oven to 1900C/3750F/Gas Mark 5.
Butter six small pudding basins (each about
200ml capacity) and line the bases with circles of
baking parchment.
2 Place the butter, flour, baking powder, sugar,
spices and eggs in a large mixing bowl and beat
together with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes
until pale and creamy. Fold in the dried mixed fruit
and two-thirds of the cherries and stem ginger.
3 Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared
pudding basins then cover each basin with a circle
of greased and pleated baking parchment and
secure with string. Cover each basin with pleated
foil.
4 Stand the basins in a roasting tin and pour in
enough boiling water to come halfway up the
sides of the basins. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or
until risen, firm to the touch and a skewer
inserted into a pudding comes out clean.
5 Leave the puddings to stand for 10 minutes then
turn out onto serving plates. Mix the remaining
cherries and ginger with the stem ginger syrup
and spoon over the puddings. Serve with cream or
brandy butter.
Serves 4Ready in50 mins
YOu WILL NEED
• 1 tbsp sunflower or olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 celery sticks, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, about 350g/12oz totalweight, peeled and cut into small chunks
• 1 tbsp curry paste (optional) or stuffing(optional)
• 1.2 litres / 2 pints vegetable stock
• 550g / 1lb 4 oz leftover roasted or boiledvegetables, such as Brussels sprouts,carrots, parsnips and squash, roughlychopped.
• Add any leftover meat such as turkey, beef,ham, sausages etc.
OR this can be left as a vegetarian soup
• Salt and pepper for seasoning
• Natural yogurt or crème fraîche - to serve
These fruity mini puds
flavoured with stem ginger
are much lighter than a
traditional rich Christmas
pudding and don’t
need to be made
weeks in advance. Boxing DaySoupMakes 6
Ready in
90 mins
GingerChristmas PuddingsYOu WILL NEED
• 175g butter, softened,plus extra for greasing
• 175g self-raising flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 175g light muscovadosugar
• 1 tsp each groundmixed spice andground ginger
• 3 large eggs
• 100g dried mixed fruit
• 50g glace cherries,chopped
• 50g stem ginger, finelychopped
• 4 tbsp stem gingersyrup
• Whipped cream orbrandy butter, to serve
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www.ashbychurch.co.uk
Do you like being told what to do or do you
prefer making your own decisions? Most
people dislike being ordered around and
given instructions. We like to be our own person –
being individuals, having our own ideas, making our
own choices.
So, if you found out you were going to have a baby,
how would you react to being told that its name had
already been chosen? Probably not very pleased!
Fortunately that wasn’t Mary’s reaction when being
told by the angel about the birth of Jesus, who was
also called Emmanuel. She simply said “I am the
Lord’s servant, may it be to me as you have said.”
Of course life 2000 years ago was very different, as
were people’s names. Instead of being given the
latest in-vogue name, after a film star or singer,
babies were given names that had a meaning,
The angel told Mary that the child that she would
have, was to be called Emmanuel, meaning “God with
us”. We can be sure that Mary knew her Bible and
would remember the words written in Isaiah’s
prophecy, “The virgin will be with child and will give
birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel”. (Isaiah
7v14)
Mary would understand her child was to be the one
to save his people; the one that all believers in the
land were waiting for. What an honour! What a
responsibility! But if ever she needed re-assurance
of God’s involvement in her life, she would surely just
have to say his name to herself - “Emmanuel”, “God
with us” or “God living with man”. There, in one name,
God’s purpose explained, hope being given to
everyone in the world who was willing to listen and
respond.
So please make a small space in your Christmas
celebrations this year for Jesus, the person at the
heart of the real Christmas story.
Useful Bible Passages: Matthew ch1 verses 21-25.
Editorial by Ashby Christadelphian Church, Union Passage, Ashby
www.ashbychurch.co.ukWhat’s in a name?
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it’s local
THE Ashby Foodbank has only been open since May
2013 but has already fed over 200 people from the
National Forest – all thanks to generous donations
from local people.
The foodbank is run entirely by volunteers and
anticipates a growing demand this winter. We know
that with energy prices rising, and people still
suffering in the difficult economic climate, some
people in the National Forest will be choosing
between heating and eating this winter. We want to be
there so they do not have to go hungry to stay warm.
We have been astonished by the amount of food local
people have donated, but we are now faced with
another problem – where to store it! We urgently need
secure, weather-proof and rodent-proof storage to
keep our food stocks so that we can continue to help
people in crisis. Local businesses are helping us where
they can, but we really need a long term store we can
use. We ask anyone who might be able to offer some
space to get in touch. The Ashby Foodbank has grown
from the community for the community – we would be
delighted if someone locally can help us find a long
term foundation for our Foodbank.
The Foodbank is based at the Congregational Church
in Ashby and provides 3 days’ worth of food to people
in crisis who have been referred by other organisations
providing help and support. Typically 3 referrals can
be made per crisis. The Ashby Foodbank serves
residents of the National Forest and is run by
volunteers using food donated by the public and local
businesses. If you want to get involved as a volunteer,
or donate food, details can be found on our website:
ashbyfoodbank.org.uk.
Ashby Foodbank - Registered Charity 1131178
WE’RE DESPERATE FOR SECuREWAREHOuSING IN ASHBY
Feeding the hungry but in need of storage
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just 4 funS
olu
tions o
n p
age 1
24
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december horoscopes
sagittariusNovember 23 - December 21
The powerful new moon in your sign on the3rd puts the focus on transformational new beginnings.Pivotal Mars in Libra after the 8th ensures that artistictalent and creativity can come to the forefront. Renewedenergy and confidence help you to be assertive anddirect about getting what you desire.
capricornDecember 22 - January 20
Assertive Mars moves into harmonious Libraon the 8th and spotlights the career sector of yourchart. You can charm your way to the top and yourintuitive powers will be working very well for you. Youshould also have more energy to pursue a newrelationship, or put energy back into an existing one.
aquariusJanuary 21 - February 18
Travel and faraway places are your mainfocus after the 8th, as motivational Mars moves intoLibra. Any difficult or complicated dealings with othersshould improve after the Sagittarius new moon on the3rd. Venus in serious Capricorn indicates thatprofessional matters are also in strong focus.
piscesFebruary 19 - March 20
Changes in your professional life are in thespotlight during December. The pivotal Sagittarian newmoon in your career sector on the 3rd has you feelingrather restless and totally open to new and positiveexperiences. You’ll feel motivated to open your mind tonew and far reaching ideas.
ariesMarch 21 - April 20
Energetic Mars, your ruling planet, changessigns on the 8th bringing all relationships andpartnerships into focus and adjustments will need to bemade. The new moon in Sagittarius on the 3rdhighlights a deep need for laying down concrete plansfor change and transformation in the New Year.
taurusApril 21 - May 21
Abundant Jupiter in sensitive Cancer bringsnew and exciting ideas for Taureans this month. Newprojects that involve other people could well get the go-ahead now. Renewed creativity will be available asmotivational Mars moves into artistic Libra on the 8th.The new moon on the 3rd could bring a financialsurprise!
geminiMay 22 - June 21
Relationships are high on the agenda thismonth. With Venus, the love planet, in serious-mindedCapricorn you may want a few answers from certainclose partnerships. The new moon in Sagittarius on the3rd suggests significant change and new beginnings,particularly in the love sector of your chart.
cancerJune 22 - July 22
December’s Sagittarian new moon on the3rd is very significant and brings lots of inspirationaland dynamic energy for you to work with. Work andcareer matters will be highlighted and it’s veryimportant that you set the pace for whatever needschanging in these areas of your life.
leoJuly 21 - August 21
Energetic Mars moves into balanced Libraon the 8th, highlighting the communication area of yourchart. Any ideas for new and exciting changes in theseareas could now get the go-ahead. The Sagittarian newmoon on the 3rd is very important for you, it sets a newagenda and it’s a very strong time for creativity.
virgoAugust 24 - September 22
Hard working and practical, you can still usethe powerful energy of Mars in your sign until the 8th.The move into Libra brings a more creative streak andimaginative ideas should be flowing well. Things thataren’t working can benefit from reorganisation now. Thenew moon in Sagittarius on the 3rd focuses on change.
LIBRASeptember 23 - October 23
Your ruling planet Venus is in serious-minded Capricorn and highlights the domestic sectorof your chart. Changes to your living arrangementscould be on the agenda. The Sagittarian new moon onthe 3rd allows you to present your innovative ideas withan abundance of enthusiasm and confidence.
scorpioOctober 24 - November 22
The Sagittarian new moon on the 3rdilluminates the financial sector of your chart, promptingyou to check out all monetary matters. This is a pivotalmonth with lots of powerful energy available. As alwaysstern Saturn demands some restraint, but also allowsyou to build solid foundations for a positive 2014.
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FRIENDS OF ASHBY MuSEuM Many thanks to those who supported The Friends bazaar in September. Weare having a Family Christmas Coffee Morning at the museum on December 14th from 10am until 12noon.Coffee/tea and cake will be available. There will be quizzes for adults and children; a children’s Bran Tub; aChristmas Tree Hunt round the museum; guess the weight of the cake; and other activities. Please put this datein your diary.
Also for your diary: Friday 14th March - a concert by Derby Police Choir at Manor House School.
The Museum closes for the Christmas and New
Year period on Monday December 23rd and
reopens on Monday January 6th, 2014.
A very enjoyable wine tasting evening was held at
Manor House School on Wednesday 6th November
when Katie Jones talked about her life in France.
Everyone was able to sample her award winning
wines and learn about their production.
The 31st AGM was held on Saturday, 9th November
where the new Chairman of Trustees, Brian Berry,
gave a review of the past year. The Museum had
continued its successful series of evening talks and
summer guided walks around the town. There had
been a variety of temporary displays and the main
gallery had been improved. We welcomed several
new volunteers to our team and the Town and District
Councils and our M.P., Andrew Bridgen, were thanked
for their continuing support.
For those interested in the past we have two terrific
books for sale. ‘Ashby de la Zouch – Seventeenth
century life in a small market town’ looks at the
effects of national events on ordinary townspeople.
The author, Chris Moxon, was awarded a doctorate
for his thesis on social and economic conditions in
Ashby during this period. This book is a condensed
and updated version of his thesis. In the more recent
past ‘All of a Lather’ tells the story of the Standard
Soap Company which ceased production at the end
of 2011. It is co-authored by Wendy Freer, Alvyn
Owen and Derick Stokes.
2014 sees the centenary of the outbreak of the Great
War and the Museum is working with other local
heritage groups and museums to publish a series
of booklets detailing information about those who
lost their lives fighting in that conflict. We would
still be grateful for any information, particularly
photographs, of any ancestor who died in that
conflict. The booklets will be published on, or near
to, 4th August.
ashby museum news
YOuR MuSEuM NEEDS YOu! Well your images...
Were your relatives participants in the Great War?
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IT’S not confirmed exactly when fir trees were firstused as Christmas trees, although branches of the evergreenfir have traditionally been used to celebrate winter festivals forthousands of years. The evergreen tree was an ancient symbolof life in the middle of winter. The first documented use of atree being used in Christmas celebrations is in the year 1510 inLatvia from where the tradition appears to have derived.
During the early 18th century, Christmas trees were common inGerman towns and this then spread through the Europeannobility who had adopted the custom of decorated trees by theearly 19th century. After Queen Victoria's’ marriage to herGerman Cousin, Prince Albert, Christmas trees became morecommonplace in Britain and now in the modern day they are thestalwart of decorations, erected proudly in our living roomsready for the arrival of Father Christmas to lay out his sack ofgifts underneath on Christmas Eve.
TYPES OF TREE:
Norway Spruce - the UK’s favourite.
Scots Pine - the best needle retaining tree.
Artificial - non-drop, re-useable!
The Humble Christmas Tree
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christmas trees
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church services
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THE only safe limit of alcohol to have in your bloodand drive is ZERO!
It is not advisable to even have one drink and drive asalcohol impairs your judgement and lessens yourreflexes. The official amount of alcohol is 35 micro-grammes per 100ml of breath reading, this cannotbe translated into an exact amount of units as itdepends on many factors, height and weight, timewhen last drink consumed etc, so the best advice isnot to drink at all or order a taxi.
Depending on the amount of alcohol you consumedyou could still be over the limit the following morning,even afternoon. Even if you feel fine and 'sober' it doesnot mean that you are not still over the legal limit.
There is no definitive answer as to when you would beunder the legal limit as it depends on a lot of factors.Your body size and other factors in your geneticmakeup affect this sort of rule.
As a very rough guide for a healthy adult, ignoring thefirst hour you should deduct an hour for each unit ofalcohol you consume. A unit is half a pint of normalstrength lager/beer, a single measure of spirits or astandard glass of wine.
This is not a rule that should be relied upon but awarning as to how long alcohol can linger in yoursystem and the possible consequences of driving thefollowing day.
If you eat a meal whilst consuming alcohol this doeshelp to soak up the alcohol and release it at a muchslower rate (but eating much later after an evening ofheavy drinking does not generally help).
However, lack of sleep and feeling unwell can affectyour driving and there are other offences that you couldcommit if you drive after a heavy night out even if youare not over the limit.
You can buy breathalysers but we cannot recommendany brand or comment on how reliable they are.
If you are stopped the day after and are over the limit,you are classed as a drink driver and will face the samepenalties. Ignorance of the alcohol level in your systemis no defence.
Wishing everyone a merry and safe Christmas, and ahappy 2014.
PC 1667 MARk ARJOOtelephone: 101 voicemail ID: 1667
email: [email protected]
on the beat
Hello everyone...
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competition winners
From Pakefield Cliffs
From Pakefield cliffs the veiled grey sea
Sways to the rhythm of her children;
Records each feather flutter, trembles each pain;
And sighs.
I gaze.
A thousand murmurs grip my soul.
‘Why choose the harsh bright air, the brutal soil?
I am your mother; it was I that licked you,
Wriggling in the slime.
Come down!
Come down: only my features are perturbed,
Beneath is silence, stillness, peace.’
Fly-FishingKnee-high you stand in the hurrying stream
Your rod flickers, tonguing the water.
Patience and pleasure mingle with the swirl
Of wavelets over stones.
Rippling sunlight and green reflections
Disguise salmon glinting close below.
Suddenly they leap…
Enthusiastically…
To become tomorrow’s lunch.
1st PlaceDavid Priceof Ashby
2nd PlaceKathryn Hellier
of Ashby
3rd PlaceHeather Chandlerof Ashby
WaterHer breath condenses, then she slips away,
Like falling, crying, through the salty sea.
Drowning. Forgetting. Un-being.
Styx and stones,
Crumbling bones of a desiccated life.
A watery beginning from an amniotic dream;
A font, an ocean or a pool
All flow to this – this changing state.
Her final words
Evaporate.
Thanks to all those who entered the National Poetry Competition run by Ashby Library. All entries
were of a very high standard and here we share the winning poems of not more than 10 lines on the
theme of ‘Water’.
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somewhere in the forest
WIN £25 IN OuR PRIZE COMPETITION. This interesting objectis one of a set of six that are located across the National Forest. Can youtell us where and what it is? Just 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 13th December. The winner will be chosen atrandom from all correct entries. The winner will be notified and a chequefor £25 sent within 14 days of the closing date, the winners name will also
be printed in the following edition of Ashby Life. Multiple or automated entriesare not allowed. We will not pass your details to any third party. We may use your details to send you
marketing emails from Ashby Life in the future – if you would prefer that we did not, please tick the box
Name
Address
Postcode
Email address
Answer
CONGRATULATIONS to November winner, Jean Mason, who correctly identifiedthe driveway to Calke Abbey as the location of last month’s picture.
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Help to raise funds for Canine Partners! Canine Partners are holding a 5k Santa Fun Run at Old
Hall, Dunstall near Burton on Trent on the 1st December.
This event was a huge success last year where over 50
runners and walkers enjoyed the beautiful route around
Old Hall Village. To register for the Santa Fun Run see
www.caninepartners.org.uk/events-new/santa-fun-run-
bathurst where you will be able to register online or for
more information call Holly on 01730 716013. Entrance
is only £12 and includes a Santa suit, glass of mulled wine
and a mince pie. You also need to achieve £30
sponsorship.
Tara kadampa Meditation CentreRelaxing meditation and practical advice to help in your
daily life. At Legion House, South Street, Ashby, LE65
1BQ. Classes on Thursdays 5th Dec, 12th Dec and 19th
December from 7.30pm to 9.30pm Classes cost £5, for
more details please contact 01283 732338 or see
www.tarakmc.org.
Blackfordby Village Hall Has a new contact for bookings. If you are interested in
booking the hall please contact Janet Miller on 01283
213481.
Green Footprints Awards 2014 are go!The Green Footprints Awards celebrate the commitment
of local residents, groups and business to making North
West Leicestershire a greener place to live, work and visit.
They champion the eco work of businesses, schools,
young people and the community who have met the
challenge of choosing greener ways to live and work. There
are five categories: Businesses, Children and young
people, Partnership and community groups, Schools and
Sustainable urban design. The awards are now open at
www.footprints/nwleics.gov.uk. The deadline for applic-
ations is Friday 24th January 2014. Shortlisted projects
will be invited to the annual civic ball and awards night on
Friday 4th April. For further information and to apply
online, visit the Green Footprints website: http://
footprints.nwleics.gov.uk.
Creative Writing ClassesCreative Writing Classes are starting on Tuesday
afternoons in Ashby Library. Everybody welcome, the
young and the old, fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Free
taster session on Tuesday 14th January in Ashby library.
For further details, email [email protected]
or ring Helen on 01530 414247.
Christmas has arrived at ulverscroft GrangeCommunity Support and Well-being Centre! The charity shops are now stocking the new Christmas
selection which offers a wide range of festive items – gifts,
decorations, stocking-fillers and much more! Groups and
individuals are invited to book in for a Christmas Lunch,
served in the Tea Rooms. These are available on Tuesdays
and Thursdays from 26th November, 2013 and pre-
booking is essential. Santa will also be making an
appearance on Saturday 7th December between 10am
and 4pm. There will be Christmas stalls, music and the
opportunity to meet Santa’s delightful friends from
Charnwood Forest Alpacas! Admission to Santa’s Grotto
is £5 per child. Why not go along and enjoy the festive
spirit, whilst relaxing in the Tea Rooms, browsing the
charity shops and enjoying the magnificent views. For
more information please contact 01530 244914 or
Royal British LegionNo meeting in January 2014Branch meetings will recommence on Tuesday 4th
February at Legion House, 7pm. Meeting at Legion House,
South Street at 7pm. For further information contact
Branch Secretary:[email protected].
TimebankingThis is a new way for community groups and organisations
to share resources, skills and knowledge with other local
community groups and businesses. You can have the
opportunity to further the aims of your community group,
and those people who are involved and support the group,
without money changing hands. If you put an hour in, you
or your community group get an hour out, it’s as simple
as that. For more details on Timebanking you are invited
to a presentation at Stephenson College, Coalville on
Thursday 30th January 2014 at 6pm and to also have the
opportunity to see what projects other local community
groups are involved with. Please confirm your attendance
to Julie Summerton at North West Leicestershire District
Council telephone 01530 454541 or email julie.
Age uk Charity 'Donate a Coat' appeal Age UK are asking for donations of coats or jackets to any
of their shops to help them keep needy local older people
warm this winter. Their ‘Spread the Warmth Campaign’ is
focussing on raising awareness of the issues that affect
older people during winter. One good quality coat could
be worth £10 to Age UK so get donating. To donate or find
your nearest Age UK shop, just ring 0116 2992233 or
visit website www.ageuk.org.uk/leics.
Social Volleyball Sessions There is a turn-up-and-play social volleyball session at
Hermitage Leisure Centre most Sunday evenings from 7pm
to 8.30pm. All abilities welcome. Cost is £3 per session,
£2 for juniors. The next sessions are on the 1st, 8th, 15th,
22nd and 29th December. If you would like to come along,
email [email protected], look on Facebook or
simply turn up!
Ashby de la Zouch Town CouncilCalendar of MeetingsThe Parks and Cemetery Committee meet on the 2nd
December, the Finance and Tourism Committee meet on
9th December and the Planning and Licensing Committee
meet on the 16th December. 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
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ladies in business
IF you are looking for a really fun family activity thatgives you the chance to create something absolutelyunique then Paint a Pot craft studio is the place to go!
The business was established 7 years ago with thecurrent owner, Debbie Cumley, taking over around 12months ago. With a background that encompassedboth art and business Debbie is enjoying helping hercustomers explore their creative sides and loves to seeall ages having fun in the studio.
Visitors to Paint a Pot can choose from a wide varietyof ceramic items to paint, including mugs, plates,Christmas decorations, ornaments, dog bowls and lotsmore! Paints are supplied along with other aids to helpyou create your masterpiece. There is plenty of welllaid out space where you can relish the messy bits andassistance is on hand if needed. Once the painting isfinished your item is baked in the kiln and will beavailable for collection around one week later (or theycan post out if requested). Prices are very reasonablewith a family of 5 paying just £3.50 for as long as theywould like in the studio plus the price of the items they
choose to paint.
The studio is normally open from 11am to 4.30pmThursday to Sunday and this is extended to includeTuesday and Wednesday during school holidays.Booking isn’t always necessary though a quick phonecall ahead is a good idea. Party bookings forbirthdays, hen parties etc. are popular and Debbie canarrange workshops on site for schools and othergroups. For those who want a unique gift but don’twant to create it themselves Debbie takes comm-issions and this is especially popular with those whowant to commemorate anniversaries or a new arrivalwith clay imprints of tiny hands.
Paint a Pot have some lovely Christmas items to paintand what could be better than enjoying an afternoonpainting your own Christmas bauble, or perhaps a mugor piggy bank to give as a Christmas gift?
Paint a Pot craft studio is situated at the entrance tothe Ferrers Centre at Staunton Harold. You can callthem on 01332 695181 or find out more online atwww.paintapotcraftstudio.co.uk.
Paint a PotDebbie Cumley, Ashby Ladies Business Group member
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in your garden
I recently had the pleasure of visiting a local treasure,
the unique Calke Abbey garden. Additionally I was
able to learn about the garden by speaking with head
gardener Steve Biggins. With twenty six years
experience in looking after the garden he
explained the ‘Conservation Plan’ which
forms the vision and guidance that
ensures that the spirit and history
of the estate gardens are main-
tained.
Effectively the plan which Steve
prepared is a document that sets
out the future work that will take
place in the garden. It ensures that
visitors to the estate will not ever see
a newly made over garden but instead
a walled garden, working kitchen garden
and an orchard representative of the estates
history when the National Trust took it over. Historically
the garden is reflective of many large estates from the
Second World War years when often such houses and
gardens fell into decline. For garden architecture,
Calke is rich and boasts an orangery, greenhouses,
mushroom houses and vinery wall, which were heated
through little fires and underground flues. This added
warmth into autumn and winter to encourage a greater
productivity. This of course was important in the days
when the garden produce went straight to the cook to
feed the household. The maintenance today focuses
not on replacement but shows a sense of place in time.
On visiting the gardens one sees professionally
managed vegetable and fruit beds. A most enviable
sight. Calke presently has four permanent members
on the garden team and additional support of 30
volunteers.
Often the produce is for sale to visitors, depending
what is in season you may come away with sweet peas
in summer, apples on Apple Day or squashes, gourds
and pumpkins in the autumn.
Perhaps to take a leaf out of Calke’s book, I would
suggest it is worth making a plan of what you want to
achieve long term in your own garden. Setting down an
effective blueprint will hopefully focus efforts and
ensure you end up with a coordinated and
suitable garden space.
Calke’s Steve Biggins explained how
much of what happens to the garden
is ‘non negotiable’; so in terms of
gardening timetable for example,
the ordering of bedding plants for
next year has already happened.
On a small domestic scale approp-
riate for most of us there is no such
rush as we are not placing orders by
the hundreds or thousands. This leads
me nicely on to gardening jobs and notes
for December for you.
With fewer jobs to do in the garden, invest a few
minutes to sharpen any blunt tools. Blunt secateurs
and loppers don’t give a clean cut and disease and
fungal infection may result. A sharpener or whetstone
can be used to sharpen a blade. Check the instruc-
tions on the sharpening tool to see if it should be used
wet or dry. In between sharpening tools the blades can
be kept clean and free of sap from pruning by carefully
using some steel wool.
Brighten up a front door or entrance way with a nice
pot or basket. I like to use Primulas as they repeat
flower for a long time, are often fully hardy, and can be
put under trees or in borders when you are ready to
change the plants over in later spring. The colours
available are wide ranging and can be chosen to
complement the colour of your front door for example.
Happy Christmas.
FrancescaFrancesca Sinclair www.francescasinclair.co.uk
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. Local to the Ashby area, Francesca offers a
full garden design service, - find out more at www.francescasinclair.co.uk
YOuR DECEMBER TO DO LIST
1 Continue to harvest winter vegetables such as sprouts (pickfrom the base upwards) parsnips, kale, cabbages – whateveryou have ready
2 Cover autumn sown crops such as broad beans with a fleece
3 Net cabbages and brasicas so they are not all eaten by pigeons
4 Wrap any non frost-proof pots and garden ornaments withbubble wrap
5 Clean plant pots and seed trays
6 Create winter decorations with cuttings from your garden orhedgerows, obviously the festive choices are Holly, Ivy orspotted Laurel for garlands, table displays or wreaths
Inspiration from Calke Abbey
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ashby library news
We will make you feel at home inAshby Library. Join for free to usethe computers and borrow books,
DVDs and talking books. Pop in and sayhello!
OuR REGuLAR EVENTS:
‘Wriggly Readers’ forchildren aged 0-5 years andtheir parents and carers.
Join us for stories and songs every otherFriday morning 10.30am to 11am.
The friendly ‘knit and Stitch’ group meetsevery Monday 2pm to 4pm. Bring yourproject and come for a chat.
‘Tiny Talk’ baby signing classes take placeevery Thursday 9.30am to 10.30am and are£5 per session. Pre-booking essential.
The unusual and popular ukulele playing
group meets every Wednesday 10.30am to11.30am. £5 per session.
Stop Smoking: Drop in every Saturday forhelp with quitting smoking. Pick up yourfree nicotine patches etc. and get advice.
ALSO AT THE LIBRARY
JuST FOR THIS MONTH:
Redgate Farm Animal
Sanctuary (pictured)
Monday 2nd December
Meet the volunteers fromRedgate Farm AnimalSanctuary and learnmore about their work helpinganimals in need.
Lunch Time Talks: Christmas in Bethlehem
Friday 6th December, 12.30-1.30pm
£2.50 library members, £3.00 non-members
Elizabeth Riding talks about her experience of Christmas in
Bethlehem Square.
Carols in the Library
with Ashby CofE Primary School Choir
Tuesday 10th December, 2.15pm
Enjoy a performance of traditional Christmas music with theschool choir in the library.
For further information or to book a place on any of our eventsplease contact Ashby Library on 0116 3055917 – book earlyas spaces are limited.
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storytime
Craig had never been in a long
term relationship before. If he’d
known way back in October when
he first started seeing Tansy that
she would still be around in
December, he might have planned
things better.
To her credit Tansy had shown no
signs over the last few weeks of
either being annoying or being
annoyed with him. Not only did
she laugh at his jokes, she never
complained when he played
computer games all evening, and
would even turn up on the
frostiest of Sunday mornings to
watch him play football. Craig
didn’t like to jinx it but thought it
was all going extraordinarily well.
That was until the other day
when, over the phone, Tansy
dropped a bombshell. Her exact
words were:
“Do you mind if we give the cinema
a miss tonight? I’m saving up to
buy you something special for
Christmas”.
Three thoughts struck Craig as he
hung up – the first was that Tansy
still expected to be his girlfriend
at Christmas and that was two
whole weeks away, the second
was that he had a bonus night off
from boyfriend duty, and thirdly
that if he hoped to still be seeing
Tansy on Boxing Day he would
also have to buy her a present,
and he hadn’t budgeted for that.
Not that Craig didn’t have any
money. Recently he had been
saving up to buy a particular pair
of football boots. Craig realised
he faced the first big test of his
relationship: which to choose -
the boots, which he
loved, or Tansy, whom he
rather liked.
A Saturday spent
Christmas shopping in
town was no fun for even
the most committed
boyfriend. The shops
were crowded and hot,
but Craig came prep-
ared. He congratulated
himself for subtly asking
Tansy what she might
like for Christmas, and
was very pleased with
her for hinting that she
might like a new bag to
go with her Christmas party
outfit.
Initially Craig believed that buying
a bag could not be difficult, but
after almost an hour trawling the
department store, his confidence
waned. He discovered that bags
came in many sizes, colours and
prices, and he realised that all he
really knew about lady’s bags was
that, according to his Gran, you
were never supposed to look
inside them. He regretted not
paying more attention to Tansy’s
taste in bags.
In need of a break from all those
bags, Craig headed to the Sports
department. Here it was less
crowded and the air-conditioning
was welcoming. Across the room
on a Perspex plinth he saw his
dream football boots beckoning;
they were truly an object of
beauty and Craig experienced
a bittersweet ache. Underneath
the stand he noticed a sign
which read ‘Free bag with every
purchase’.
Free bag? Craig’s mouth went
dry. Beside the sign was a black
fabric drawstring bag, of the type
he used to keep his school
swimming kit in. Black, he
remembered his Gran saying,
goes with everything; could it go
with Tansy’s Christmas party
outfit? It was a good size, she
could easily fit her purse and even
her swimming kit in it. It was
waterproof, which was also a
bonus. He wondered if she would
mind that it said ‘I Love Sport’ in
red writing on it? Red was a very
festive colour and, he reasoned,
she could always turn it inside out
if she didn’t like that detail.
Half an hour later, a triumphant
Craig boarded the bus home
carrying his brand new boots in
Tansy’s bag. This Christmas, he
thought, was going to be the best
Christmas ever.
The Perfect Gift
by Jackie Brewster
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young ashby
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what’s on...
1st DecemberLights of Love - Hospice HopeCelebration and Remembrance Service,4pm at the Ferrers Centre, StauntonHarold. To dedicate a light on the treecall Carol Smith on 01530 411896 orKate Last on 01530 415129,www.hospicehope.org.uk.
Messiah 110th Annual performance bySwadlincote Messiah Choral Societyorchestra and Professional soloists.Programmes on the door £8.50 at HillStreet Baptist Church, Swadlincote,2pm.
Advent all-age Toy Service at Ashbycongregational church Kilwardby Street,Ashby, 4pm. Including a collection ofnew and unplayed with toys to be givenas presents to families using Ashby Foodbank during December. All welcome!
2nd DecemberNorth Leicestershire National TrustAssociation - A coach trip to theCheshire Oaks Designer Outlet on theoutskirts of Chester. For furtherinformation please call 01530 563003.
3rd DecemberRoyal British Legion – Meeting at LegionHouse, South Street at 7pm. For furtherinformation contact Branch Secretary [email protected] orcall 01530 414390.
4th DecemberBradgate Flower Club meeting atNewtown Linford Village Hall.Demonstrator is Andrew Lloyd ofStourbridge. Open to visitors andmembers’ guests, entry fee is £5. Moreinformation from Lilian Coleman on0116 2363191.
Ashby Ivanhoe Travel Club – ‘Exploringthe Indian Jungle’ with Mr R Pettigrew.Pithiviers Room of Ivanhoe College,Ashby at 7.30pm prompt. All arewelcome for any or all meetings. Nojoining fee or subscription, just £1.50per talk. For further information contactMr J Shaw on 01530 413441.
5th DecemberLate Night Shopping from 5pm to 7pmin Ashby Town Centre. Help your towncentre to thrive by doing your Christmasshopping locally this year.
Ashby Castle WI – Sue Lobb doing a talkon Wine Tasting. Sue explains thedifferences between the grapes and howto taste effectively. From 2pm to 4pm atthe Congregational Hall, KilwardbyStreet, Ashby. New members welcome.Visitors £4.
5th to 7th DecemberThe Panto Company's production ofAladdin - filled with lively characters, upto date chart songs and slapstickhumour. Century Theatre at Snibston,see the website for times and details:www.centurytheatre.co.uk. Tickets:£8.50 standard, £7.50 Groups, £6.25Schools. Tel: 01530 278444.
6th December Candlelit Carol Service at StauntonHarold Church, 7pm. Proceeds are inaid of Shuttleworth Clarke Foundationthe charity providing care and supportto the elderly, adults and young peoplewith disabilities and a Women’s Refugesupporting the Ashby and Coalville area.Enjoy the seasonal atmosphere at thishistoric venue with singing andcandlelight plus light refreshmentsafterwards.
Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust– AGM at 7pm then at 7.30pm ‘Thebirds of Charnwood’ with Matt Merrit,the editor of Bird watching will lead youaround his patch of the CharnwoodForest. Ashby Methodist Chapel, BurtonRoad, Ashby De La Zouch. Entry £2, formore details call David Maltby on01530 222934 or Jim Footitt on 01530262389.
The Palace Community Centre – ‘TheGreat Gatsby’. Following the story of thewould-be writer Nick Carraway (TobyMaguire) as he leaves the Midwest andgoes to New York in the spring of 1922,an era of loosening morals, glitteringjazz, bootleg kings and sky-rocketingstocks. Doors/bar opens at 7pm. Filmstarts at 7.30pm. Tickets £4/£3, www.ibstockpalace.co.uk. Advance ticketsfrom The Palace 01530 262400 or HallsElectrical 01530 260460. For mostevents tickets can be purchased ‘on thedoor’ (subject to availability). Pleasecheck with ticket outlets to avoiddisappointment.
7th DecemberChristmas with Concordia at Holy TrinityChurch, Kilwardby St., Ashby, 7.30pm.Tickets £8 / Concessions £6.50. Fordetails call 01530 417943 or emailConcordia-choirashby@hotmail. com.
‘The mice who ate Christmas’ at ThePalace, Ibstock. Badapple TheatreCompany presents a delightfully upbeatChristmas tale about Edna and Wilbur,two particularly hungry village mice whoare having trouble getting into theChristmas spirit. Suitable for ages 8+.Performance starts at 4pm. Tickets: £8,
concessions £6, Combination ticket (1Full & 2 concessions) £16. Advancetickets from The Palace on 01530262400 or Halls Electrical 01530260460. For most events tickets can bepurchased ‘on the door’ (subject toavailability). Please check with ticketoutlets to avoid disappointment.
An evening of Ballroom, Latin, andSequence at The Palace, Ibstock. Doorsand bars open at 7pm. Dancing from7.30pm till 11pm.Tickets £5. Advancetickets from The Palace 01530 262400or Halls Electrical 01530 260460. Formost events tickets can be purchased‘on the door’ (subject to availability).Please check with ticket outlets to avoiddisappointment.
7th and 8th DecemberChurch Flower Festival at St Peter’sChurch, Copt Oak (LE67 9QB) from10.30am to 4pm on both days. Inaddition to the floral displays, refresh-ments are available along with charitystalls including plants, cards andchocolates! Ample off street parking.
8th December Enderby Youth Band fundraising concertat The Palace, Ibstock from 3pm to5pm, for more information contact MrsRudkin on 07886 179868.
Sence Valley Christmas Farmers Marketfrom 10am to 4pm at Sence ValleyForest Park, off the A447 near Ibstock.Local produce, festive music, mulledwine and mince pies plus Santa in hisgrotto from 10am to 2pm. Free entryand parking.
9th December Historic Canal Films with the AshbyCanal Association. An evening offascinating archive Waterway and CanalFilms, presented by well-known moviehistorian Rob Foxon, using authenticreel-to-reel sound projection. At theNavigation Inn, Spring Cottage (nearConkers) DE12 6ND. 7.30pm, freeadmission. Call 01530 412516.
10th December Ashby u3A – Malcolm Bird on ‘TheGood, The Bad and The Bizarre’. Mincepies and drinks. The CongregationalChurch, Kilwardby Street, Ashby at 2pm.All welcome, visitors £1. Bring friendsand neighbours, meet U3A membersand find out more.
Ashby Civic Society Christmas Social -Good food, good company plus medievalboard games provided by Ernie Miller at7.30pm, St. Helens Cottage, South St.,
December
continued on p120
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what’s on...
Ashby. Visitors welcome to join us. Formore information contact Susanne Tandy01530 415654.
10th December Coleorton and New Lount VolunteerGroup - Coleorton Wood Non Ranger Day,work sessions start at 10am and usuallylast for 4 hours. Volunteers are welcometo come along for all or part of any of thesessions. Contact [email protected] or cnlvg.moonfruit.co.uk.
Measham Townswomen’s Guilds -Hosting Derbyshire Federation ofTownwomen’s Guilds' Carol Service at StLawrence Church, Measham at 2pm,followed by refreshments afterwards inthe Church Hall. Everyone is welcome.
Leicestershire National Trust Assoc-iation Christmas Concert with musicsung by Concordia, ending with mincepies and tea or coffee. To join us pleasering 01530 563003 for moreinformation.
11th DecemberAshby Wine Circle Christmas SocialEvening – Members to bring their ownfavourite dish. 7.30pm, Brown Court,Atkinson Road, Westfields, Ashby de laZouch. LE65 2LZ. For details contactRalph Forbes on 01530 224030.
13th DecemberChristmas Festival at The Palace,Ibstock. Santa will be in The PalaceGrotto from 3.30pm until 8.30pm, (£2per visit including gift). From approx.4pm there will be children’s rides,fairground attractions and stalls behindthe Palace. Ibstock Scout Band will beplaying inside The Palace from approx.7.30pm. Mulled wine, seasonalrefreshments and various stalls, pluslicensed bar will be available throughout.
13th and 14th DecemberGreat Christmas Jazz Nights with TheOckbrook Big Band - Venture Jazz Club,Venture Theatre, North St Ashby. Tickets£12 inc. snack. 8.00pm - 11.00pm.Tickets from TIC or ring 01530 413618.
14th December Coleorton and New Lount VolunteerGroup - New Lount Ranger Day, worksessions start at 10am and usually lastfor 4 hours. Volunteers are welcome tocome along for all or part of any of thesessions. Contact [email protected] or cnlvg.moonfruit.co.uk.
Christmas Community Event at ThePalace, Ibstock. Lots of Christmas giftideas will be available from various craftstalls and fresh, local produce and
seasonal refreshments. 10am and 2pm.Santa will be in ‘The Palace Grotto.’ (£2per visit including gift).
A Victorian Christmas - Blast from ThePast invite you to join them for an eveningof music, song, stories and drama tocelebrate Christmas as our ancestorswould have known it, at Century Theatreat Snibston. Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £7advance, £9 on the door, £6 Groups(10+). Tel: 01530 278444.
Christmas Dance at Blackfordby VillageHall with ‘Best of Sound’. Sequence andBallroom dancing from 8pm to 11pmAdmission £3. Raffle, bar andrefreshments. For details contact 01283213481 or 01283 819447.
15th DecemberCarol Service – Chairman of North WestLeicestershire District Council, GeraintJones, will be holding his Carol Service at2.30pm at Holy Trinity Church, Ashby dela Zouch. Members of the public arewelcome to attend. Tea and coffee will beserved after the service and donationswill be split between the Chairman’sCharity Appeal, and Holy Trinity Church.For more information and tickets contact:Angela Bexton, 01530 454603 or [email protected].
16th DecemberThe Zouch Acoustic Folk Music Clubmeet at The Belper Arms in NewtonBurgoland from 8pm to 10pm. Sing asong, read a poem, tell a short story orrelax and listen, all welcome. For moredetails contact Brian on 01530 416251.
18th December‘Christmas with Jane Austen’ - WithGillian Stapleton at Ashby Spa WI, ManorHouse School, South Street at 7.30pm.You don’t have to be a member to attendthe meeting, there is a small charge of£3 for visitors. For further details pleasee mail [email protected].
20th DecemberCoalville Musical Theatre School’s xmasConcert at The Palace, Ibstock. 7pm.Call Stephanie on 07969 688215.
21st DecemberAshby Farmers Market – From 9am to2pm at Manor House South Street.Bringing you the finest foods from theregion and specialist stalls plus freeparking and seasonal entertainment.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets TributeShow at The Palace, Ibstock. A fabulous,professional tribute show. Doors open7pm, licensed bar, concert starts at 8pm.For more information contact Steve
at Topline on 01773 769372/07971760504.
23rd DecemberRadio Leicester "Sing Christmas" - AtAshby Congregational Church, KilwardbyStreet from 7pm to 8pm followed byfestive refreshments. All welcome!!
31st DecemberNew Year’s Eve Dance, 'The Revivals' -Celebrate the New Year with this local60s group at Ravenstone Institute, from8pm to 12.45am. Everyone welcome buttickets must be purchased in advance.Price £15 per person, licensed bar. Bringyour own refreshments. For informationand tickets ring Tom on 01530 415196.
New Year’s Eve Dance - Come and seethe new Year in with dancing to ‘Robin’sKeyboards’ at Blackfordby Village Hallfrom 8pm to 12.30am. We will bedoing the usual Sequence and Ballroom.Admission £3, refreshments/bar/raffle.More details from 01283 213481 or01283 819447.
1st JanuaryNew Year’s Day walk at Swannington – awalk around the heritage and wildlifesites of the historical village. Meet in thecar park at the rear of SwanningtonVillage Institute at 1pm. For details callDave Maltby on 01530 222934 or JimFootitt on 01530 262389.
14th JanuaryCurses, Sacrifices and Temples - CivicSociety Ashby, illustrated talk on Paganand Roman religions in England byPeter Liddle MBE, 8pm at LegionHouse, South St, Ashby. Visitorswelcome £2. Refreshments available.Contact Susanne Tandy 01530 415654.
December continued
continued on p104
Did you know it’s free to put
community information on this
page? Email the details andcontact number to [email protected]. Deadline forsubmissions for the CommunityBoard or What’s On pages ofthe Jan/Feb 2014 issue isFriday 20th December.
Information is publishedsubject to space being avail-able. Ashby Life cannot be heldresponsible for any errors oromissions or endorse comp-anies, products or servicesappearing in the magazine.
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wordsearch
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PuZZLE SOLuTIONS - CROSSWORD - SuDOku - WORDFIT & MORE...
HONEYCOMB
STEP ON IT - Clans, Clams, Clamp, Cramp, Tramp, Trump.
WORDSEARCH HIDDEN PHRASE “A good conscience is a continual Christmas.” Benjamin Franklin
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business directory
Accountants & PayrollAshby Payroll Bureau 41Baldwins 91Haines Watts 9JAWS Accountancy Services Ltd 57RDG Accounting 61Aerials & SatelliteAB Aerials & Satellites 36ArchitectsA G Dezign 113Arts, Crafts, Gifts, Jewellery, ToysDiamond Awl 80Elliot Jewellery 47Ferrers Centre for Arts and Crafts 81Ferrers Gallery 89Knittiquip 11Legless Productions Ltd 61Smithy Studio Workshop 99Souk de la Zouch 99Woodlander 69BuildersKeith Armston Building Contractors 80Business ServicesLion Court Conference Centre 5Carpenters & JoinersDerek Verey 112N M Joinery 68S S Joinery 100Carpets & InteriorsAbbotts Oak Blinds and Curtains 13Agadon 3Ashby Carpets 106Ashby Stoves 125Boundary Carpets and Floorings 84Fairweathers Carpets 37Roger James Furnishers 43The Bed Shop 29Toons 16Wendy's Courtyard Interiors 117Cleaning, Ironing, Laundry ServicesAshby Cleaning Contractors 63Breedon Carpet Care 85Deanclean 63Extreme Clean 57Karen’s Ovengleam 17Oven Cleaning Services 109Safeclean 8The Bee’s Knees 112Toni's Ironing Angels 53ClothingAshby Fancy Dress 98Embroidery 4 U 99Georgia-May’s Vintage Wardrobe 117House of Colour 99The Shoe Box 67Country Stores/ General StoresAshby Town Hall Market 48Equestriana 38Hallmark Tractors 90Ivanhoe Countrystore 27Measham Hardware Ltd 125Domestic AppliancesContracool 105Contract & Domestic Services 113Ray Pittam Engineers 40Driving SchoolsBardon School of Motoring 105RDT School of Motoring 59ElectriciansA & J Bartlett Ltd 56Bright Sparks 59M J Electrical Contractors 31Super Sparky 32Estate AgentsJohn German 91-92
Events/Event ServicesAshby Christmas Event 121IAshby Town Team 12Ivanhoe Social Club 115Financial ServicesBleathwood 19Squirrel Financial Advice Ltd 22Food & GroceriesAshby Farmers Market 35Bath Lane Bakery 123Cattows Farm Shop 24Clarrisa’s Culinary Creations 47Scaddows Farm Shop 89Sence Valley Farmers Market 119Sweet Memory Lane 45Funeral DirectorsA E Grice Funeral Directors 56Furniture Repairs & RestorationAncient & Modern 109GardenArtisan of Ashby Ltd 13Bonington Tree Services 24Charnwood Tree Services 53Eden Tree Care 33F G Gardens 53Francesca Sinclair & Associates 8Friezeland Christmas Trees 21GDR Landscapes 43Green Thumb (Ashby) 103Mowing Places and Garden Care 28Roughly Refined Garden Service 113Stone Drives & Landscapes 32Sunnyside Garden Centre 71The Ten Mile Timber Company 114Hair & BeautyFemme Beauty Clinic 61K H Hair Ashby 20Kellys Mobile Tanning 35The Temple Hair Spa 25Tip Top Hair Design 8Uruku 47Verity’s Nail Creations 28HealthcareAllround Homecare Services 60Ashby Chiropody/Podiatry Clinic 85Ashby Dental 68Ashby Osteopathic Clinic 95Candor Care Ltd 107Dr Jin 17Future Minds 14Juliet Brooke Chiropody 67Karen Evans (Alexander Technique) 36Postlethwaite Podiatry 17Prestige Nursing 6ProPhysio Ashby 75Traditional Acupuncture 123Vision Express 55IT ServicesAshby Web Design 41Optimised Web Design 20The PC Clinic 45UK Bits 89kitchens & BathroomsAshby Tile & Bathrooms 2Holme Tree Kitchens 67Provencale Kitchens 109Tiles 4 Less 11Victory Kitchens 82LocksmithsHazlewood Locksmiths 96The Lockie 122Motor ServicesA D Car Cosmetics 77Caravan Support Services 76Castle Garage (Ashby) Ltd 51
Chips Away 111Music, Dance & DramaAshby Academy of Rock 97Heavenly Reds 63Joseph Southgate 101Professional Pianist (Roger Filkins) 56Painters & DecoratorsAce Decorating 13Holywell Painting & Decorating 101John Clark 68Nigel Simpson Smith 20The Decorating Company 59Pet ServicesAsh Farm Boarding Kennels 125Pet Deli 99Smisby Dog Grooming 95The Glenthorne Veterinary Group 127Wiffy Woofies 117Woodward Veterinary Practice 105PhotographyDMT Photography 11PlasterersA C Ellison Plastering and Tiling 77Matt Charles Plastering Services 123R & H Plastering 43Plumbers & Gas ServicesAdrian Dunstan Plumbing & Heating 101B I Plumbing 57Batemans Plumbing 104CCA Gas Plumbing 32James Pepper Property Solutions 95S D Hill (Plumbers) 7Therm Heating 96Property Repairs & MaintenanceAshby Glass 39Ashbyhandyman.co.uk 36Ashby Home Improvements & Maint. 85Cloudy 2 Clear 88D H Phillips (Flat Roofing) 20Handyman Maintenance 44James Beckett 30James Pepper Property Solutions 124Roof Tech 40Window Mate 24Pubs, Restaurants & Take AwaysGeorge Inn 36La Spezia Pizzeria 96La Zouch Restaurant 28Link Measham Cantonese Restaurant 108National Forest Youth Hostel 77Rose Cottage Tea Rooms 80The Beeches 35The Blue Bell 66The Courtyard Café 73The Vine 87Zamani's 64Recruitment ServicesA & A Recruitment 40Schools and TuitionManor House School 101Ockbrook School 52SolicitorsCrane & Walton 112Simpson Jones Solicitors 80Sports & FitnessBreedon Priory Health Club Ltd 128Fitness Republic 83Hood Park Leisure Centre 15Travel & HolidaysSmithy Studio 99Villair Travel 23
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