Falklands Hero

Simon Weston Visits

Mansfield and Ashfield

to present the Courage Awards

The Community, Culture & Corporate

Magazine for the Mansfield and Ashfield Area

T he H ig h L ifeIssue 02 April 2012 FREE

2

Marathon Media Building and Supporting

Local Businesses

Now Publishing.

Call us Now to Support Your Advertising Needs.

Tel: Diane Carter Editor on: 07916 245 367 Email:diane@marathon-media.co.uk

The Sherwood Community Newsletter .

A well established FREE magazine delivered to over 10,000

residents in the Sherwood area.

Plus delivered to many local outlets.

Visit www.sherwoodcommunitynewsletter.wordpress.com

to view online

It's Women's Business Club Magazine

Reaching over 230 Members & distributed to many local

businesses

Visit www.itswomensbusiness.wordpress.com to view online

Enjoy FREE membership by simply emailing Founder &

Publisher; Diane Carter on

diane@marathon-media.co.uk

The High Life Magazine for the Mansfield & Ashfield

Area.

A FREE magazine delivered through the door of over

10,000 local residents

Also distributed at the Mansfield 2020 Business Club at

the heart of Mansfield & Ashfield Business Community

Visit our new website to view online at

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3

Welcome to the

Welcome to the second edition of The High Life

Your Community, Culture and Corporate Magazine offering up to date news and information and packed with lots of ideas for places to go and sites to see in the Mansfield and Ashfield District.

We trust you like our new glossy outer layer. Thanks to all the local investors we have been able to enhance the magazine with this super cover and hopefully entice more of you readers and of course local visitors to pick up ‘The High Life’ magazine and see what is inside!

The Easter holidays are upon us and money may be tight so please take a look at the local Diary Dates on page 5.

Lots of events are happening both in Sutton and Mansfield so you don’t need to travel far to have a great time.

Reports are stating that in the current recession communities are reverting to an almost ‘blitz’ war like neighbourhood spirit, offering more support and a new spirit of friendliness. No doubt the Jubilee Celebrations and Olympic events will all add to this and if you have any events planned in your community please let us know on the email address below.

Mansfield and Ashfield people are renowned for their welcome and at the recent Mansfield Rotary Courage Awards Guest Speaker; Simon Weston was immediately made at home. He was an excellent inspirational speaker and it was a moving event hearing the stories of all the brave local students and seeing them receive their Courage Awards.

Mansfield and Ashfield boast a strong heritage and the government has donated over £2.7million into this sector over 3 years. Please see our article on page 10 related to various areas of investment

Finally, Mansfield and Ashfield have so much to offer to local businesses and it is great that a Lincolnshire based business has now expanded into Mansfield. Please read the story of Marketing Mode on page 22 of the Corporate Section. See photo right of Davina Symonds Director of Marketing Mode at the Mansfield i-Centre.

In closing you can now visit ‘The High Life’ on our new information site. Visit www.thehighlifemagazine.co.uk. Also you can see our media prices and packages.

Diane the Editor. Diane@marathon-media.co.uk

The High Life

4

April 2012

CONTENTS

Page 8 Rotary Courage Awards

Page 12 Mansfield Town FC

Page 37 St David’s Day Celebration

Page 10 Rich Heritage for Youngsters

Page 34 Mamesfelde to Mansfield

Page 34 Laxton Walks

Page 17 Launch of The High Life

Page 20 Mansfield 2020

Page 22 Marketing Mode

Page 24 IWB Exhibition

Plus Regular Features:

Page 10 Youth Zone

Page 14 What’s On

Page 30 Femme Page

Page 33 Money Talk

Page 35 Jo’s Jollies

The High Life

Marathon Media—Building and Supporting Local Businesses Edited, Published & Distributed by Marathon Media

Credit for some images: www.Photostock.com

5

Diary Dates

Easter BID events

Wed 4th April I love Easter decorating egg cup, with free chocolate egg

Sun 11th April Easter treasure hunt & design a Jubilee bag competition

Fri 23rd April George and the Dragon stilt show and design your own helmet

All BID events to be held in the Mansfield Town Centre

Fri 6th April Singer David Lee outside the Main Library at the Buttercross Market,

organised by the Churches Together in Mansfield

Olympic Celebrations

This is a major celebration for 2012. What a fabulous honour for Britain to host the Olympics. We know there will be many local celebrations

and events so we aim to use this page to ensure you never miss out. If you are hosting an event or are aware of one please offer details to

Sub Editor; Andy Jones ( contact information at bottom of page.)

27th June Olympic Celebrations at Berry Hill Park

28th June Olympic torch relay visits Mansfield & Ashfield. The Olympic Flame will be passing through Mansfield and Ashfield as part of its

historic tour of the country as part of the run up to the London 2012 Olympic Games. People of Mansfield and Ashfield communities are

invited to welcome the Olympic Flame and share in the excitement the relay celebrations and the achievements of the Torchbearers who

each have special stories of achievement in order to be chosen for this special honour.

Diamond Jubilee Events

2012 also is a great year for our royalty with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Many local celebratory events are planned and we aim to bring

as many as possible to you.

Ashfield Share Trust

Mon 2nd April Ashfield Fair Share Trust will be hosting a showcase at the Idlewells Centre

Sat 2nd June Summer Spectacular on Sutton Lawn, Sutton in Ashfield. This Queen's

Diamond Jubilee event is organised by the Ashfield Fair Share Trust.

Mon-Tue 4th/5th June Jubilee food festival with design your own cookies and winner of jubilee bag design

A Mansfield BID event

Thursday 14th June BBC Antiques Road Show comes to Newstead Abbey - watch this space

7th - 14th July Cultural Week in Mansfield Town Centre - more details to follow

Arts week Mansfield Palace Theatre

7th—14th July Cultural Olympiad Events

For Corporate Diary Dates please see page 28.

T he H ig h L ife

Please send your diary dates* to the Sub-editor at marathon.media@ntlworld.com (fee may apply)

Torch Route Day 40

Thursday 28th June

Day 41

The Day 40 Torch route

Lincoln East Midlands

Saxilby East Midlands

Darlton East Midlands

East Markham East Midlands

Tuxford East Midlands

Kirton East Midlands

Boughton East Midlands

Edwinstowe East Midlands

Mansfield East Midlands

Kelham East Midlands

Newark-on-Trent East Midlands

Balderton East Midlands

Grantham East Midlands

Radcliffe-on-Trent East Midlands

Nottingham East Midlands

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The Mansfield Business Improvement District

The Mansfield BID is a partnership between local authority and the local business community that develops and takes forward projects and services that benefit the trading environment. A BID aims to sit businesses and local authorities around the table as equal partners working towards common goals and driving issues forward that are important to various stakeholders through consultation, engagement and participation. The work achieved by BID’s is above and beyond any statutory service that the local council will be providing. Following the ongoing success of the BID “I love Mansfield” wrist bands and badges, there is now a brand new free privilege card.

“I love Mansfield” Privilege Card By having a privilege card, you will be able to benefit from a host of special offers available whenever you visit the town centre. All you have to do is present your card at any business who displays an “I love Mansfield” poster in their window. All the offers available can be found on the I love Mansfield page at www.mansfieldtowncentre.co.uk Remember to keep checking as the offers will change and new ones will appear. To obtain your card download a form from Www.mansfieldtowncentre.co.uk or collect one from the 4-Seasons information desk or the Town Hall. Please post to: The Town Hall, Market Place, Mansfield Notts. NG18 1HX

Who is working for you? This is the section where we want to inform you of the numerous organisations that are working to

benefit the Mansfield and Ashfield area.

Sutton-in-Ashfield submits ‘Mary Portas’ bid to boost the Town Centre

Sutton-in-Ashfield will be submitting a proposal to be a pilot town centre as a result of the recommendations recently made to the government by retail guru; Mary Portas regarding the plight of the UK’s town centres.

The proposal is being led by Andrew Wraight Dip SCM, in the capacity as the manager of Idlewells Shopping Centre and as Chair of Sutton Town Centre Group, along with Liz Barrett of Sutton Centre Community College.

Andrew stated “We are forging strategic links with partner organisations in the local area, and are working to secure written pledges of support for the bid from businesses within the town centre.

The deadline for submission of the proposals is the end of March and the government have confirmed that they would look to announce the twelve successful pilot town centres in May”.

Up to £100,000 of government cash is on offer for 12 towns to pilot the scheme, which was set up after Ms Portas led a review on revitalising town centres. Her suggestions include setting up small teams of residents, shopkeepers and landlords to run the high street.

Towns in the scheme will be given advice and support from Ms Portas. Andrew will be offering The High Life an update in the May edition of the bid so please watch this space for further news.

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Introduction to the Ashfield Fair Share Trust

Sutton Spring Showcase 2012 -13

On 2nd April 2012 Ashfield Fair Share Trust will be hosting a showcase at the Idlewells Centre to tell you all about our exciting projects that are coming up this year. We are really looking forward to getting your feedback and ideas to make sure we make these even better so they benefit the area as much as possible. Please pop down to see us and get involved:

Localised Website - Ashfield Fair Share Trust are proud to be sponsoring a localised website www.foreverashfield.co.uk which we will launch in the summer and will be managed by Ashfield Voluntary Action which will showcase local organisations and activities. The site will create a much needed online village so that local people can see what’s on offer in the area and keep up to date with local projects, events and services. If you are a local not for profit group or service whom would like to have a webpage on this innovative new site which will allow you to share all your news directly with the area please contact l.knowles@ashfieldvoluntaryaction.org.uk

New Enterprise Hub - We are proud to be sponsoring a new Enterprise Hub based in the heart of Idlewells which will provide much needed direct contact with the public for start ups, not for profits and local services without the huge cost and commitment of full time premises. This will be linked to a unique mentoring scheme offering professional advice to fast track the structural development of local businesses. To learn more about this exciting opportunity please email sarah@nottscf.org.uk or call 01623 620202.

Educational CD Roms & Packs. After the successful launch of www.couragetochange.co.uk last Easter in the Idlewells Centre, Shine Media has created educational CD-Roms and packs which will be distributed to local schools in Ashfield and logos which will endorse good practice in retailers whom provide alcohol or want to support the message behind the localised campaign. To learn more about this fab site and local opinion on all alcohol matters email susanna@nottscf.org.uk or visit www.couragetochange.co.uk

Decades of Change is an exciting multi media project which will celebrate the history of Sutton in Ashfield. We are looking for individuals or groups who are passionate about the area and have a story they would like to tell or some historical facts or photos to share. This information will be gathered by means of film, written and photograph and then shared on a local website so it can be used as reference for generations to come and added to along the way. For details please contact susanna@nottscf.org.uk

Sutton Summer Spectacular On Saturday 2nd June 2012, Ashfield Fair Share Trust, locally managed Nottinghamshire Community Foundation, will be hosting an event called the Sutton Summer Spectacular on Sutton Lawn, Sutton in Ashfield. The day will be themed around the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and will celebrate Sutton in Ashfield so come along and show off your community group or promote your local business and celebrate the area you live in. The day shall be a fun packed day with lots of activities, children’s entertainment, demonstrations, local organisations with stalls and an outdoor picnic area for families to bring their own lunch. So pop down to see us and get to know your local community. This event is free for Sutton based community organisations to exhibit and businesses are requested to make a donation for their space. The event will run from 10.00 - 4.00. If you would like to exhibit or get involved for further details please contact susanna@nottscf.org.uk or tel: 01623 620202 You can keep up to date with all news on these events by following Friends of Ashfield Fair Share Trust on our Facebook page Please note: This event has been funded by the Fair Share Trust which is part of the BIG Lottery and locally managed by Nottinghamshire Community Foundation. The funding is being made available through a £50 million Community Foundation Network programme funded by the Big Lottery Fund (BIG). The ten year, UK wide initiative, aims to build social capital, community capacity and improve the environment in disadvantaged areas that have not received their fair share of Lottery funding in the past.

Please note this is not an Ashfield District Council Event, but an event

organised by the Ashfield Fair share Trust

8

ROTARY CLUB OF MANSFIELD 21ST

COURAGE AWARDS LUNCHEON

Sponsored by the Schools Advisory Service

The Rotary is an international organisation with a membership worldwide of some 1.2 million businesses and professional men and women in 47,000 clubs spread over 200 countries and geographical regions.

The aim to provide humanitarian service to the community at local, national and international levels to encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and to work for goodwill and peace in the world.

The Mansfield Rotary Club has been responsible for attracting international support for constructing and equipping a Cancer Care Centre and a 'Well Woman' Clinic in Bkaktapus, Kathmandu and Nepal and also for their ongoing maintenance and support, the training of staff and provision of trained operations. Locally the Mansfield Rotary's services have resulted in establishing the Samaritans in Mansfield, the start of the Mansfield Round Table, the setting up of the 'Fatherless Children Charity Organisation amongst many other worthy causes..

Also the Mansfield Rotary sponsor events for young children such as the very

popular annual Junior Showtime at the Palace Theatre.

The Rotary Club of Mansfield is one of the highlight events in the Rotary Calendar and this year the Mansfield Rotary celebrated its 21st Anniversary.

The Courage Award is presented to local young people nominated by their schools who have shown exceptional courage in their lives either by overcoming personal adversities or by personal sacrifice for others.

This year's Special Guest was Simon West OBE, the Falklands Veteran & Motivational Speaker.

In 1982 the ship Sir Galahad was destroyed in Bluff Cove during the Falklands Islands conflict. Welsh Guardsman, Simon Weston was on board and suffered horrific burns. Simon endured years of reconstructive surgery including over 70 major operations.

Today, Simon takes the opportunity to share his story to motivate and inspire others to achieve one's goals and targets in spite of barriers and obstacles.

Photo Above shows the students with their awards along with: Back row centre Keith Ryan President of Mansfield Rotary Back row far right Gordon McGlone Back row 2nd from right Sally Higgins, Chair of MDC Front row centre Simon Weston OBE

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Simon presented the youngsters with the awards and followed with a humorous but moving presentation sharing his experiences, but encouraging the audience to, like him 'move on', whatever your barriers and have a vision. Diane Carter, Editor of the High Life attended the awards and stated "I was moved to tears by the bravery of the local children. The Mansfield Rotary Courage Awards are one of my favourite events on the local calendar as it always makes

me feel humble but proud of the local young people". Diane continued "Simon was a fabulous speaker

and it was a pleasure to meet him and listen to him share his story. I now have his personally signed copy of 'Moving On', his third book on my book shelf having read it cover to cover. I applaud the Rotary, the young people and Simon for all their achievements. Simon Signing a book for Mansfield Rotarian Frank Ceney

The High Life Editor Diane with L-R, Rotarians; Terry Fensome

President of Sutton Rotary, Derek Ward & Chris Holder from

McGregor's Corporate.

10

Five rich heritage opportunities for Nott’s

youngsters

Heritage experts in Nottinghamshire have welcomed Government plans to promote the county’s historic jewels to young people – and say there is plenty of interest in the area to keep them captivated. The Department of Education is to give £2.7m over three years to English Heritage to help children understand areas of local significance and how they relate to English history. The ‘Heritage Schools’ project aims to involve local communities and local organisations in the life of their local schools to help children learn about England's "rich island history". Conservation specialists at County Hall have identified five heritage areas in Nottinghamshire which they think would provide an excellent starting point for young people to explore the history of their County as part of educational opportunities.

Prehistoric Heritage - Creswell Crags has the only known Paleolithic Cave Art in the country and possibly the most northerly example in the world. Medieval Heritage - Sherwood Forest, a medieval royal hunting forest and home to Robin Hood, surrounded by motte and bailey castles and with the remains of King John's Palace at Kings Clipstone. Laxton, with its castle, pinfold, outstanding church gargoyles and the only remaining working open field system in the country.

Rufford Abbey Country Park (above), which was once part of the lands of a 12

th century Cistercian Abbey

and still has the remains of some of the buildings. Beauvale Priory, the 14th century remains of one of the three most important Carthusian priories in the country

Civil War Heritage - Newark with its Castle still showing the scars of the sieges, heritage trails, the most important Civil War earthworks in the country, including the Queen's Sconce, and a fine collection of timber-framed buildings

Industrial Heritage - Bestwood Winding Engine House, the only remaining working vertical winding engine in this country. Ruddington Framework Knitters Museum, which tells the story of an important part of the early Industrial Revolution that began here in Nottinghamshire. Social Heritage - The Dukeries estates, such as Clumber and Rufford, and Southwell Workhouse

(pictured above) showing what life was like at the lower end of the social spectrum!

Heather Stokes, Conservation Team Manager at Nottinghamshire County Council said: "This Government initiative is welcome in raising the profile of heritage and there is a rich history in Nottinghamshire which any study could focus on. "Underpinning the heritage of the county is a wealth of information held by the county council in its Award winning Archives and in the County’s Historic Environment Record.” Nottinghamshire County Council has already produced two resource packs for teachers on the Dissolution of the Monasteries for KS2 & 3 history and Conserving the Built Environment, which uses the north Nottinghamshire village of Blyth to introduce ideas for KS2 geography. Five resource boxes are also under development as part of the Trent Vale Landscape Partnership project, under the broad theme of reconnecting people to their river heritage. There is also the opportunity for schools to have access to archaeological excavations from time to time. Conservation leaders advise interested parties to keep an eye on the Nottinghamshire County Council website for details of upcoming excavations, including the Mons Pool dig at Besthorpe, which will be happening again this summer as part of the Trent Vale programme. Trent Vale Landscape Partnership - a £2.6m Heritage Lottery Fund project in the Trent Vale from Newark to Gainsborough - http://www.trentvale.co.uk/

11

12

ONE of the biggest institutions in the region, Mansfield Town Football Club have a proud heritage lasting 115 years.

The club's most famous moment arguably came in 1969, when they beat West Ham United, a team containing many of England's World Cup heroes, 3-0 in the FA Cup. Stags wrote their name into the national headlines once again after capturing the Freight Rover Trophy in 1987, which was played in front of 58,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. After a 1-1 draw with Bristol City, Stags won the cup 5-4 in the deciding penalty shootout. The club returned to Wembley almost a year ago when 15,000 Mansfield fans flocked to the home of football to witness a cruel last-minute defeat in the FA Trophy Final against Darlington after a memorable journey in non-league’s most prestigious cup competition.

The Stags have been riding on the crest of a wave recently after the owner and Chairman, successful businessman John Radford, bought the club’s home from the former landlord.

In addition, the club are heading towards the play-offs after a sensational run of seven games without defeat, with a recent 7-0 thrashing against Barrow, further cementing the club’s place in the play-offs.

The club has also seen a remarkable turnaround off the pitch and now boasts some of the finest corporate facilities in the area. The Stags’ Kevin Bird Suite is the ideal location for business events, parties etc. The Sandy Pate Bar, a more casual location, is the perfect setting for less formal occasions.

Support your local club by getting in touch with the club: For commercial opportunities, including the chance of enjoying the Stags’ superb match day experience, contact Paul Nyland via paul.nyland@mansfieldtown.net. For media & publicity contact Mark Stevenson, mark.stevenson@mansfieldtown.net Photo below of Stags fans packing the West Stand at Field Mill.

13

Stunning Corrie star

swaps cobbles for apples!

The Mansfield Palace Theatre are thrilled to announce that ex-Coronation Street star Tupele Dorgu will be fronting this year’s panto, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, as everyone’s favourite Wicked Queen. Tickets for this year’s Christmas Cracker will go on sale on Monday 19 March at 9.30am and the Box Office are anticipating a busy first day of sales after the great success of Jack and the Beanstalk last Christmas. The Story of Snow White is obviously a favourite of Palace audiences as the last time the Theatre had Snow White as its Christmas choice in 2006, tickets sales reached a staggering 97% sold, much to the delight of its loveable Wicked Queen at the time, Su Pollard. Stepping into the successful shoes this time, Tupele Dorgu, known to us as Corrie favourite Kelly Crabtree, is hoping to retain her feisty reputation and win new fans along the way. Having been in the role of the factory girl, Kelly, for six years, Tupele is well used to playing an outspoken and sassy character, preparing her well for the devilish

role of The Wicked Queen. Another appropriate part preparing Tupele for her devious role in this year’s Palace panto is her performance as Velma Kelly in the current UK tour of

Chicago. At this rate Tupele will be well versed with the art of evil! Audiences will also remember her from the BBC series Waterloo Road, ITV’s Loose Women, Mersey Beat, Casualty and the ever popular Strictly Come Dancing. Along with Tupele, the panto will also feature the ever popular seven dwarfs and, of course, the beautiful Snow White. Cultural Services Manager, Andrew Tucker said, “We are really excited to have such a popular and talented actress as Tupele join us this Christmas. The Palace panto seems to be

increasingly popular with our audiences from near and far and we very much hope that this year’s show will smash all previous records.”

14

Regular Feature What’s On

Inspire Mansfield - London

Olympics 2012

Phil Lyons, Chair, Active Mansfield & Coordinator, Mansfield Area Strategic Partnership offered a presentation at the recent Mansfield 2020 Breakfast Meeting sharing details related to some of the events that would be taking place in celebration of the 2012 Olympics organised by ‘Active Mansfield’.

So what is Active Mansfield?

Community Sports Network for Mansfield

Active Mansfield works with sports organisations, local authorities, schools & colleges, voluntary, community & private sectors and Sport England

Active Mansfield has a shared approach to improving sport in the community

Part of Mansfield Area Strategic Partnership family

The organisation wants local people to get involved in the various Olympic celebrations and events in the local area encouraging:-

Inspiration to Achieve

Increased participation in sport and physical

activity

Sustainable, and successful use of local sports

clubs

Healthy confident young people

So what is the organisation doing during the Olympic

year?

Lots of community events

Encouraging every child to get involved at various

levels

Offering the opportunity to carry a torch with one

for every school

A Tri-athletic challenge to include; run, jump and

throw

Various Community Celebrations include:

7 day calendar of events leading up to the arrival

of the Torch in Mansfield

The Tri-athletic challenge ‘Have a go’ sessions at

local clubs

The Finale will be held at Berry Hill Park on the 27th

June and watch this space for more details

Plus the Cultural Olympiad Revive Mansfield Festival

on the 7th

– 14th

July.

New Film Release: 5th May 2012

Jeff Who Lives at Home Starring: Jason Segel, Ed Helms, Judy Greer The Plot: Comedy ‘Jeff Who Lives at Home’ follows a teenage slacker’s journey to the hardware store that turns into a quest to understand life’s mysteries. On the way to buy wood glue, a series of strange events causes Jeff (Jason Segel) to spend a day with his brother on the trail of his wife. This leads him to some very unexpected places indeed that may just answer his questions about the universe. ‘Jeff Who Lives at Home’ is the latest from double-act director brothers Jay and Mark Duplass (Baghead).

15

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See more details on Page 24

Book now to Secure your Space

16

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Regular Feature: Planning For the Future

Help is now at hand for those of

you struggling to understand

the myriad of choices you now

have at retirement, as local

business women, Shirley Burns of Sense Financial

Solutions, has recently become the first

independent financial adviser in the county to gain

the Society of Later Life Advisers accreditation.

The High Life are privileged to have Shirley on

board to support our readers with not only

understanding their options at retirement, but

also supporting and advising families struggling to

find the best care solution for an elderly relative.

Shirley’s services will help you in finding the most

appropriate care package, be that at home or in

care, together with liaising with Social Services,

helping you claim all the State Benefits you may be

entitled to and of course advising on how best to

pay for your care fees. Shirley says “My own

experience of placing two elderly relatives in care

made me realise just how difficult it is to

coordinate the whole process at a highly emotional

and stressful time and has led me to develop a

much greater appreciation of a family’s needs. The

problem is often that the children are a

considerable distance away from the elderly

parent and find it difficult organising the move into

care. This is where I can help. Another common

scenario is where the elderly person is on their

own trying to organise for their spouse to go into

care and find themselves overwhelmed by the

whole process, not to mention the despair of

separation from a life long partner. Again, I can

provide the necessary support to ease that

transition.” To find out more, contact Shirley on

07801290172 or email to

shirley@itmakessense.net

17

Welcome to the High Life Corporate Section

Keep up to date with local business news

A great platform for your business promotion

Diary Dates, Networking News, Business Events

PLUS..Positive Information about Corporate Life in the Mansfield

& Ashfield Area.

Welcome to the Highlife

CONTENTS

17 Welcome to the Corporate

Section

18 NNN Business Group

20 Mansfield 2020

22 Local Business News

23 IWB Extravaganza

26 Profile Plus

28 Corporate Diary Dates

29 Social Media Tips

Credit for some images: www.Photostock.com

The Official launch of the High Life magazine took place on Thursday 23rd February at the Mansfield 2020 Business Breakfast Meeting. The magazine caused lots of interest from the attendees, especially with the large centre section dedicated to the Corporate Sector. Mansfield 2020 have invested in ‘The High Life’ magazine to offer their members a platform to both advertise their businesses whilst providing an information source for the various events planned throughout the year. The magazine will be presented at every M2020 breakfast meeting and we warmly invite you to take a copy upon leaving. Please get involved in our ‘Profile Plus’ page encouraging people to get to know you and your business. Also visit our new website on www.thehighlifemagazine.co.uk Photo above shows left to right; Stewart Rickersey, Mansfield Rotarian and Director of SMB Consultancy, Diane Carter, Editor, Sam Saunders, M2020 Operations Manager and Irvin Robinson M2020 Chair.

18

No Nonsense Networking

Breakfast Business Group

VENUE: White Post Inn, Ollerton

Road, Farnsfield

Time: 7.30 - 9 am

DATE: Tuesday 10th April 2012

OPEN THE

DOORWAY

TO NEW BUSINESS THROUGH: Meeting Like Minded Business People Opportunity to Present your Business Plus Support, Motivation & Inspiration

Whatever Stage of Your Business New Start Up Businesses most welcome!

To book the next meeting on Tuesday 10th April

Call, Chair: Diane Carter: Tel: 07916 245 367

or email; diane@marathon-media.co.uk

Visit

www.nononsensejustnetworking.wordpress.com

to view more details & view our

optional membership benefits

A warm welcome is offered to all Mansfield, Ashfield and Sherwood businesses to attend the No Nonsense Networking Breakfast Business Group

At our meeting on the 13th March Martin Carter of Martin Business Finance offered a short informative presentation entitled "Cash Advance 4 Businesses"

Following the break for networking & refreshment We were delighted to welcome Sa'ad A.W. Al-Kattan of Sherwood Resources Ltd. Sherwood Resources Ltd is a specialist business engaged in assisting United Kingdom and European businesses in developing successful partnerships into the wider Middle East and North Africa. Sa'ad offered a presentation related to how you can grow your business through exporting and moving out of your 'comfort zone'.

The No Nonsense Networking meeting is a well established business group held at the White Post Inn, Ollerton Road, Farnsfield on the second Tuesday of every month from 7.30 - 9 am. The group is open to members and non members alike. To attend the meeting on the 10th April, please contact: Diane Carter, Chair on: 07916 245 367 or email: diane@marathon-media.co.uk www.nononsensejustnetworking.wordpress.com

D2N2’s Growing Places Fund is

Open for Business D2N2’s Growing Places Fund is open for applications. Using

£17.8m funding from Government, the D2N2 Growing Places

Fund aims to kick start ‘stalled’ job creating developments

through rapid investments in local infrastructure and tackling

site constraints.

Growing Places is a sustainable fund, which allows

organisations to apply for funding to invest in physical

infrastructure to support developments that create jobs. Over

time, the cash is then paid back to D2N2 so it can make further

investments to support economic growth.

In December, the D2N2 Board made the Nottinghamshire

Enterprise Zone its first priority for investment from the

Growing Places Fund, but, using remaining funds, D2N2 is

looking to make other significant investments that fit with the

LEP’s strategic priorities and unlock economic growth. D2N2

is inviting applications for schemes that need between

£500,000 and £2,500,000 from the fund to kick start

development but projects outside this range may be

considered if they deliver exceptional outputs or exceptional

value for money.

An application form and guidance can be downloaded from

the D2N2 web-site at http://www.d2n2lep.org/d2n2-

growing-places-fund.aspx, together

with information about the key

contacts at Derby City, Derbyshire

County, Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County

Councils for discussing and receiving applications.

Applications need to be submitted by noon on 27th April

2012. Any applications that are approved in principle by the

D2N2 Board will then undergo a process of due diligence and

appraisal.

Colin Walton, D2N2 Chairman said; “I am pleased to

announce that D2N2’s Growing Places Fund is open for

business and we look forward to receiving applications for

schemes that fit our strategic priorities and, with support from

the fund, will bring jobs to our area. The fund will support

schemes that may have been held back in the current financial

climate to get up and running and support our economic

recovery.

“We will be looking at a number of factors when making decisions about which schemes to support including their economic impact and how quickly investments can be repaid to support other schemes. Anyone thinking of applying should download the guidance from our web-site and get in touch with the named contact in the City and County Councils.

19

20

Introduction to the

Mansfield 2020 Board

Russell Jones of Fidler and Pepper Solicitors offering legal services for businesses and

individuals.

Russell Joined the board as he wanted to put something back into the communities where he worked and lived. " I decided I wanted to be part of the Board after seeing the many good and positive things that Mansfield 2010 then and have done for our local community both with businesses and in other ways".

Russell continued "I like to think that I bring a wealth of practical knowledge and experience from the running of my own business, and the interaction I have with the business community through the legal services we offer.

I speak with many local and regional businesses on a daily basis and have come to understand their own issues and aspirations, both for their future and for the area’s, and feel that I can be used as a voice to the board for others".

Mansfield 2020

Patrons

5 Great Reasons to Join the M2020 Membership

in 2012 Platform to promote your business through

Breakfast Meeting Presentation Directory of all Mansfield 2020 Members Virtual Directory and offer linkages if you

like Mansfield 2020 website Opportunity to network with like minded

business people in your local area

Mansfield 2020 Up and Coming Events

Saturday 24th March: Mansfield 2020Ball & Business Awards See the May 12 edition of 'The High Life' for Mansfield 2020 Business Award winners & photos of Mansfield Local Business' most exciting, inspiring & glamorous event. Thursday 26 April: Business Breakfast Meeting Mansfield Civic Centre, Mansfield. 7.30 am - 9am

A warm welcome is offered to all local SME business to attend the meeting. Following our traditional English breakfast & Networking our first presentation is offered by Russell Jones, Fidler & Pepper with a talk entitled: Managing Social Media in Your Business Facebook, Texting and other Social Medias are here to stay but how do you manage employees who are constantly engaging in this activity during the normal working day, is it having a negative impact on your business and you are now wondering where you stand legally? Or should you actually be embracing Social Media and turning it to your advantage....

Gev Lynott , Chief Executive of The Mansfield Building Society, will be offering a presentation entitled “Supporting our Local Communities”, briefing the meeting on the support that is available from your local building Society both for Businesses and for individuals through their support of local initiatives to support the housing and savings markets and also The Mansfield’s involvement in local community activities

Sponsors of the April breakfast meeting are Mansfield Building Society. The Mansfield can trace its history back 140 years. It formed as a mutual and still works for the exclusive benefit of its members and can therefore offer savers a strong guarantee and safe haven from fluctuations in the market.

Thursday 26th April: Export Seminar Mansfield Civic Centre. 9.00am until 1pm after the M2020 breakfast meeting.

Thursday 10th May: After Hours Networking

The next After Hours networking meeting is being held by Mansfield District Council at the Armstrong Hall Business Centre, Mansfield from 5.30pm until 7.00pm.

Welcome to Mansfield 2020 The pioneering business development and networking organisation was setup with the

aim of promoting and revitalising the towns of Mansfield and Ashfield.

Welcome to Mansfield 2020 Mansfield 2020 networking organisation represents the heart of the local business

community, offering news, information and the opportunity to promote your business

21

New Mansfield 2020 Member enjoying Local Success

Bruton Knowles, Commercial Property

Surveyors joined Mansfield 2020

Business Group in December 2011.

They have enjoyed tremendous success

since expanding into this area and are

currently advising a number of local

businesses on property related matters

including lettings, sales and acquisition

as well as Landlord and Tenant matters.

Senior Surveyor of Commercial Property, Stuart Hastings stated “We

have recently been successfully negotiating 2 long term commercial

tenancies in Mansfield Town Centre, as well as actively seeking

residential development opportunities in the Mansfield and Ashfield

areas on behalf of a regional housing association

Stuart continued “Property is one of the most important factors for any

business and is often one of the most significant costs. If we can help

businesses maximise their use of their property and or reduce some of

their property related outgoings, we can contribute to the success of the

local economy”.

Joining the Mansfield 2020 Group was a key decision by Bruton

Knowles made as they saw the group as clearly the largest and most

successful business organisation in this area, with many key local

businesses being members. Stuart told ‘The High Life’ that since

becoming members, the Company has

benefited by being able to network with

some of these companies and is looking

forward to building strong relationships for

the future.

BLG Moves Forward with

Positive Improvements

for Local Businesses

The Business Liaison Group (BLG) was set up in June 2011 in order to raise and address issues, which affect businesses in the Mansfield and Ashfield area, initially leading the group to focus on three specific issues:

broadband connectivity

education and skills

positive PR for Mansfield

Both Mansfield 2020 members and some non-members from Mansfield and Ashfield are involved including key players and peers.

The vision and aim of the group is to strive to improve conditions for business development and regeneration in our area in line with the 2020 mission statement.

In just eight months the group has made significant progress with the following:-

A commitment from BT to include the Mansfield area in the infinity project thereby opening up the area to high speed internet connection earlier than initially scheduled. Dealing with and brokering other alternatives in order to enhance the internet proposition overall.

Comprehensive re-building of processes for employer engagement following Government funding changes. This includes pioneering new initiatives including apprenticeships and entrepreneurship amongst schools from year 9 and school leavers from year 13 onwards.

Development of foundation directory/database to provide an opportunity for building positive PR for the area.

Anyone wishing to get involved with the group should contact Sam Saunders at admin@mansfield2020.com.

After Hours networking

The Mansfield 2020 would like to thank

Lisa Griffiths and Liz Dobson new

owners of 281 Nottingham Road for

their warm welcome at the March After

Hours Networking Event.

The attendees enjoyed delicious tapas

whilst benefiting from informal and relaxed business

networking.

The Quarter Page 'Profile Build 'Business Card Draw prize was

won by John Henshaws of Henshaws Bedrooms & Kitchens and

we look forward to reading John's article in the May edition.

The After Hours Networking meeting is open to both Members

and Non Members alike and please see 'Up and Coming Events'

for details of the May date, venue and how to book.

Welcome to Mansfield 2020 The pioneering business development and networking organisation was setup with the

aim of promoting and revitalising the towns of Mansfield and Ashfield.

Welcome to Mansfield 2020 Mansfield 2020 networking organisation represents the heart of the local business

community, offering news, information and the opportunity to promote your business

22

10th Anniversary Celebrations include New Office Premises & Winning new Client

Good news for Mansfield as another new business chooses to expand into our area. Lincolnshire telemarketing agency; Marketing Mode celebrated its tenth anniversary by expanding to open another office in Mansfield and winning its first new client in the area. Marketing Mode was founded in 2002 by Davina Symonds and opened its offices in Mansfield in February 2012 having been appointed by Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers McGregors Corporate, which has offices in both Lincoln and Mansfield. The new offices are located in the Mansfield i-centre on Oakham Business Park. Commenting Davina Symonds said, “With have an existing presence and a call centre located between Lincoln and Newark we wanted an additional base in Mansfield to enable us to extend our services geographically and appeal to other markets throughout out the UK.” Marketing Mode has grown steadily each year, capitalising on both the need for outsourced telemarketing services that deliver immediate and measureable results.

Commenting on appointing Marketing Mode, Chris Holder from McGregors Corporate said, “In our profession we had to be sure an approach via telemarketing would not alienate our potential customers. Marketing Mode employees are extremely well trained and have provided us with an outsourced resource that ensures whoever is called immediately sees the benefit of having a further conversation with us. They have also helped us follow up leads from our marketing effectively and professionally.” Marketing Mode work for a variety of firms including Telecoms giant Timico. They employ ten staff and hope to recruit new staff in Mansfield as business grows.. Marketing Mode Director, Davina Symonds stated“We selected to expand Mansfield as it has a

vibrant business community that we look forward to getting to know and working with. Also it is centrally located and we were impressed with the facilities on offer at the i-centre”.

Photo left shows: Chris Holder, Director McGregors Corporate and Davina Symonds, Director Marketing Mode

23

Exportation-Move Out of Your Comfort Zone! Sherwood Resources Ltd is a specialist business, engaged in assisting United Kingdom & European businesses in developing successful partnerships into the wider Middle East and North Africa offering:-

MENA market entry Project direction & delivery Partnership & sales development Provide a forward path to client’s future Place extraordinary value on servicing clients Hold accountable to the highest standards of integrity Technical, information technology & engineering

support Managing Language, Culture & International Business

best practice

To get engaged with Sherwood Resources, simply call

Sa'ad A.W. Al-Kattn on 07802 177 176 or email; saad@sherwoodresources.com

www.sherwoodresources.com Based at Mansfield i-centre. Mansfield

Come and hear Sa'ad at the Mansfield 2020 Export Seminar

26th April (see pg 20)

NatWest funding helps Mansfield website developer buy own offices

Mansfield based web developer and e-commerce marketing specialist, Purpose Media are buying their own premises having secured funds from the Regional Growth Fund and the North Nottinghamshire business banking team at NatWest.

The funding includes traditional loan funding together with grants drawn under the bank's allocation of funds from the RGF to the value of just over £20,000.

Commenting, Managing Director, Matt Wheatcroft said, "To manage our growth effectively we needed new and larger premises. We are targeting businesses with a requirement to integrate back office accounting and stock controls systems. Coupled with the increase in demand for online marketing and SEO solutions, the move means we have the additional space to recruit more staff and allow us to increase our workload capacity and improve our service proposition."

Purpose Media are currently based in the Mansfield i-centre on Oakham Business Park. The company employees 8 people and expect to move to their new offices which are located near junction 28 of the M1 in early April. The new offices will provide over 1,400 square feet of office and meeting room space.

24

Book now to Secure your Space

25

GOLD SPONSOR GOLD SPONSOR

Sue Leadbeater will be

talking about how

personal relationships intertwine with

business ones and the importance of

obtaining legal advice at an early stage in

all kinds of scenarios for those who want to provide

protection against problems in the future and certainty as to

eventual outcome. From starting out in a relationship, buying

a house, entering into a business partnership with your

spouse or partner or coming out of a relationship, unless

careful thought is given as to who owns what and getting it in

writing it can be stressful emotionally as well as financially

costly trying to unravel and implement what each intended.

Come and listen. There is no need to leave anything to fate!

Are you looking for

the answer to some

of the following

questions?

Morning Agenda Afternoon Agenda

10am Start of the event Asha Khemka OBE Prinicpal of Vision West Notts will be cutting the Opening Ribbon.

FREE LADIES GOODY BAG FOR THE 1ST 30 MEMBERS OR GUESTS TO ATTEND*

10.15 – 10.35am Welcome to our Silver Specialists

10.35 – 10.50am Sue Leadbeater from Andrew & Co Solicitors will be talking about how business and personal relationships intertwine and how you can protect yourself against relationship issues…

11.00 – 11.50am Alison Hollingworth and Tina Bettison will be sharing the stage with: Love Oprah? Then you'll love this! Alison and Tina in conversation...with each other and with you, in an Oprah-style exploration of getting out of your comfort zone to tell your story.

The Mint Restaurant will be serving fabulous ‘Mocktails’ to launch their new cocktail menu.

12noon till 1pm Delicious Buffet Lunch with glass of bubbly & fun, informal business networking.

1.15 – 2.00pm Amanda Mills of “Unique You” image and style consultancy will be offering a demonstration showing “how to find the image that suits you”

Followed by Vanessa Edwards from Vandaehworks looking at feng shui for business success

2.30 – 3.00pm Lots of time to network and get business advice.

Use this time to catch up with your visit to all the stands on display

Feel free to ask any questions of the IWB specialist team

Stay till 3 pm to leave with your Guest Party bag!* See you again at the next one!

*not for stand holders

26

Name: Lynsey Mansell Position: Branch Manager Business: Key Personnel Solutions Ltd Introduction: Key Personnel are specialist recruiters with a proven 25 year track record of successfully placing candidates across the Private & Public sectors within Office / Clerical, Accountancy & Finance, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources and other Professional Sectors.

Profile Plus

Name: Shirley Burns Role: Independent Financial Advisor Business: Sense Financial Solutions Introduction: Shirley has 25 years of experience

in Financial Services and started her own practise in 1998 to offer clients a highly personalised advice service on investments, pensions and inheritance tax planning. She holds the Chartered Institute Diploma in Financial Planning, is a member of their Retirement and Care Faculty and holds specialist qualifications in Equity release and Long Term Care. In recent years, she has developed an interest in Elderly Client advice working closely with Solicitors for the Elderly. She is the only accredited member of the Society of Later Life Advisers in Notts and is also a member of the Notts Buy With Confidence Scheme. In her spare time she enjoys horse riding, dog walking and chilling

Profile Plus

Name: Christine Dove Position: Director Business: McGregor's Corporate

Introduction: Christine takes a lead role in

managing the McGregor's client portfolio and acts for many local family and owner managed businesses. She lives in Mansfield and has many years of experience advising businesses on a wide variety of business, accounting and tax issues. She is a strong believer in providing advice that is creative and helps businesses and their owners to achieve their potential.

Profile Plus

Name: Sa’ad A.W. Al-Kattan Position: MD/International Business Development Business: Sherwood Resources Ltd. Introduction: Sa’ad is an experienced senior executive and owner of Sherwood Resources Ltd. Now living in Mansfield, Sa'ad was born in Iraq and immigrated to the United Kingdom in 1971. Fluent in both English and Arabic, Sa'ad has maintained an extensive 32+ years in the global corporate presence with a strong focus across the Middle East & North Africa. He has gained leadership at strategic levels within the wider international market place along, SME’s, Military, Corporate, Government, Public & Private Sectors.

Profile Plus

Would you like to have your profile on

this page?

Please offer your details as per the

profiles on this page.

Also send a high resolution (150dpi) head and

shoulders photo.

We will do our best to place your business profile on

this page.

Send to diane@marathon-media.co.uk

Profile Plus

Name: Derek Ward Position: Group Director of the Nationwide Alliance of Business Owners Business: NABO Introduction: Holding Networking meetings in Mansfield and a Skills Co-ordinator with Focus Management for Business. Member of Mansfield Rotary, running in the London Marathon 2012 in support of Age UK. Interests are family and travelling with Melanie and Westie Poppy in the Motorhome both in UK and abroad.

Profile Plus

Name: Douglas Carroll

Position: MD

Business: Ideal Energy UK Ltd

Introduction: Doug has 13 years experience in the Utilities market, starting when deregulation came about in 1998. His expertise allowed him to search the markets for the best energy contract prices for both business and home energy. He is currently a trusted energy advisor to many business's in the area. Doug is a keen Mansfield Town supporter and can be seen at Field Mill regularly dressed as a great big Stag.

Profile Plus

Name: Neil Wilkinson MIoD MCMI MInstLM Position: Skills Coach Business: Focus Management for Business Introduction: A ‘Skills Coach’ with a wealth of experience after 25 years in the Royal Air Force and 15 years in Government skills agencies, working with employers. He set up and ran his own business in Mansfield and after 6 years, sold it as a going concern. Neil enjoys golf, however, is still considered a beginner. He and his wife Lynda have 6 grown up children and recently celebrated the arrival of their 10

th grandchild

Profile Plus

27

Real Training Help in developing your workforce, raising

aspirations and benefiting from Training that fits your exact needs, from

a Quality Training Provider on your doorstep &

We don’t charge the earth; in fact, many of our programmes are eligible for funding

So don’t delay, give us a call 0845 490 0236 or

e-mail: enquiries@focus-mfb.co.uk

High Level Vocational Programmes in Management and Leadership

Team Leading

Business Administration

Health and Safety

Business improvements

Customer Service

ITQ

Waste Management

Focus Management for Business Ransom Wood Business Park, Mansfield, NG21 0HJ

Plus a wide range of ‘One Day’ courses to choose from Check out our website: www.focus-mfb.co.uk

Local businessman; Derek Ward Running London Marathon 2012

We are used to seeing Derek in his shirt and tie at our local business networking groups but residents of Ravenshead are seeing Derek in a different way. He is seen regularly in his jogging suit running around the streets in training for the London Marathon 2012. Derek is the Skills Co coordinator of Focus

Management for Business and Group Director NABO "Nationwide Alliance of Business Owners". Derek is also a Member of the Rotary Club of Mansfield and a former Team Manager and past Club Chairman of Ravenshead Reds JFC. Derek is delighted to have been accepted for a place in The London Marathon 2012 running as a father and daughter team with his daughter Vicky in support of a very worthy charity Age UK.

Derek was 65 in June 2011 and has had 2 replacement hip operations for which he is very much in the debt of Mr Desai and Mr Malkan of Kings Mill Hospital, Mansfield and The NHS. These have given him a new lease of life and he is taking this opportunity to raise money for a very worthy cause. He hopes that his efforts will be motivating for everyone. Derek’s 24-week training plan is on schedule and he ran a half-marathon distance at the end of January. Amazingly, 3 years ago he could not walk 100 yards without excruciating pain.

Through Virgin Money Giving, you can sponsor him and donations will be quickly processed and passed to Age UK. Virgin Money Giving is a ‘not for profit’ organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity's behalf where the donor is eligible for this.

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DerekWard The High Life says ‘Go Derek Go’ and wishes him lots of luck.

28

April 2012 Tuesday 10th April- No Nonsense Networking Breakfast Business Group. Venue: White Post Restaurant, Ollerton Road, Farnsfield. Time7.30 am - 9 am - See advert pg 18 Thursday 26th April Mansfield 2020 Business Breakfast Meeting. Venue: Mansfield Civic Centre. Time: 7.30- 9am. To book any M2020 event call: 01623 422010 or email: admin@amansfield2020.com FOCUS MANAGEMENT Training Dates 17th April Time Management and personal Effectiveness 26th April Report writing and taking effective minutes To Book the Focus Management Workshops and to view many others visit: www. Focus-mfb.co.uk Contact 0845 4900236 Future Events For Your Diary Thursday 16th April -It's Women's Business Ladies at Lunch Venue: Lambs at the Market, Mansfield Time: 12.15 arrive for lunch 12.30 pm - 1.30 pm Menu: One course lunch £7, 2 course £10 BOOK NOW on: 07916 245 367 or email diane@marathon-media.co.uk Friday April 27th Enterprising Women Luncheon with Barbara Cathcart, Chief Executive of NUH Charity, organized by DNCC at Park Plaza, Nottingham http://www.dncc.co.uk/events/624/enterprising-women-luncheon-with-barbara-cathcart-chief This event is £25 + vat for members. May 2012 Thursday 10th May Mansfield 2020 After Hours Networking at the Armstrong Hall Business Centre, Mansfield from 5.30pm—7.00pm Thursday 17th May IWB Business Extravaganza. Exhibitions, Seminars, Workshops plus Lunch with Fabulous Fun Networking as IWB Ladies do! Venue The Towers Corporate Suite, Mansfield. Nottingham. BOOK NOW for FREE Entry. Also need to add 2 DNCC events please Promote your networking event, workshop, business open day in our Diary Dates. Email; diane@marathon-media.co.uk Small charge may apply to non advertisers

Diary Dates

29

8 Tips for Social Media Success It is fair to say that creating a successful social media campaign is not easy or are we just technophobes? The concept of networking and relationship based activity is almost as old as the hills. For most the problems start with the pace of change and the time to learn it yet alone do it successfully.

The tools are evolving all the time and in pretty exciting ways. Many of which are Free such as Facebook.com, Linkedin.com and Twitter.com have proved themselves useful as social network services as has Wordpress.com, Typepad.com and Tumblr.com for publishing all the way to Hootsuite.com, Ping.fm and Tweetdeck.com for message management and even Gist.com for Social CRM (Client Relationship Management). Have I lost you yet? No, good.

So what can we do to make it work for us? Here are some ideas to consider before you g

et too deep in the techie stuff:

1. Develop a simple digital marketing strategy and identify target market profiles you hope to attract.

2. Create micro promotional campaigns that have a limited shelf life that are packed full of benefits to the target audience. Then rotate campaigns to keep it fresh.

3. Understand the nature of the selected social media services and limit yourself to the ones most commonly used by the target audience per micro campaign (no more than four at any one time).

4. Provide Clear and Relevant “calls to action” in your promotions or posts and keep the message simple.

5. Be invitational in your communication style and allow people to contribute to your agenda.

6. Commit at least six hours per week to your social media activity.

7. Be patient, it takes time to see a return on investment from your social media efforts but it’s worth it.

8. If budget allows seek ICEWIRE 's professional support to aid you in the setup, establish a sound foundation and design quality

by Fardad Amirsaeedi

fardad@icewire.co.uk,

www.icewire.co.uk

Digital Brand Management

Specialist

Funding Available for Economic

and Enterprise Activities

Organisations across the Mansfield area may be eligible to receive support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The money can be used to stimulate and develop new markets and enterprise opportunities, provide resources and support to develop the economy within local communities, revive local infrastructure and environments and develop employment sites and premises.

The funding will finance up to 62 per cent of the cost of a suitable project in the Mansfield district. Matched funding will be required to finance the rest.

For more details visit www.communities.gov.uk?regeneration/regenerationfunding/europeanregionaldevelopment/eastmidslands/funding/priorityaxis2/ for more information.

30

After a manic week I sadly ended up breaking my ‘stop work’ at 4pm Friday - New Year Resolution still working at midnight. However the reasons I was burning the late candle late was due to the fact I had taken a few hours off earlier to join Mark Dennison on the Radio Nottingham ‘Loose Ladies’ show. Always great fun to go ‘on-air’ and I shared the studio with a lovely lady called Carol who works for a domestic violence charity in Nottingham.

But definitely Saturday lap top locked, I started the day with a lovely run with my dog Candy. Those who read the March ‘Di’s Leisure blog’ may be thinking “Oh I bet she was jogging along all fit with a smug smile on her face wearing her Paris Half Marathon Medal. Sadly I didn’t even get to the ‘ligne de depart’ due to an ankle injury whilst training on the Sunday and then my son getting 'man flu' and coming downstairs Monday morning hallucinating under a high temperature after refusing to take medication. After I cooled him down and convinced him that the walls were not ‘caving’ in and Candy our dog was not a grizzly bear, he agreed it would be a good idea to take some paracetamol! But how could I leave my poorly little baby. He may be 18 but he still needs his Mum. Anyway back to the weekend, I spent Saturday afternoon feet up on the settee enjoying my new personally signed copy of ‘Moving On’, by Simon Weston. Simon was the guest speaker at the Mansfield

Rotary Courage Awards I had attended in the week and I was really moved by his presentation.

Sunday, out of bed bright and early with the walking club enjoying a 5 mile local woodland walk. Flask full and packed lunch- packed, we set off on a lovely scenic route from Blidworth Community Centre to Fountain dale, enjoying absolutely amazing views, enhanced by the beautiful sunshine.

Finally having worked up an appetite my friend and I went on a trip out for a light lunch at Hay Barn Café in Kneesall. This is a new ‘almost on my doorstep’ discovery and I enjoyed a delicious homemade Goats Cheese and Rocket Tart made with Thyme pastry served with tea in a must have china tea cup! My friend enjoyed a Hay Barn Special Breakfast made with delicious home cured bacon, sausages and free range eggs from the farm. The food was delicious and all freshly made.

The café based on the Old Hall Farm is a family run business situated in the middle of the picturesque village of Kneesall . There is also a lovely farm shop butchery on the site offering a wide range of fresh quality meats cut to your requirements, home grown produce and cheeses. I couldn’t resist a large slice of delicious stilton and a chunk of goats cheese- my Son Scott’s favourite

Finally legs aching and tummy full I put up my feet and fell asleep dreaming of the guy I met on the walk earlier! (See Photo – well I have kissed a few)

Book Review Deadlocked: A True Blood Novel (Sookie Stackhouse 12)

A Brand New Novel in the True Blood Series

Sookie Stackhouse is a cocktail waitress in Bon Temps, Louisiana. Now the vampires and the shapeshifters are 'out', you'd think the supernaturals would get on with each other. But nothing is that simple in Bon Temps!

With Felipe de Castro, the Vampire King of Louisiana (and Arkansas and Nevada), in town, it’s the worst possible time for a body to show up in Eric Northman’s front yard—especially the body of a woman whose blood he just drank. Now, it’s up to Sookie and Bill, the official Area Five investigator, to solve the murder. Sookie thinks that, at least this time, the dead girl’s fate has nothing to do with her. But she is wrong. She has an enemy, one far more devious than she would ever suspect, who’s out to make Sookie’s world come crashing down.

Due for Release on 1st May

Welcome to ‘The High Life’ Ladies section. This is the spot where we will be offering you a little insight into Diane, the Editor’s, weekend leisure. Also we want to offer a regular book review so you may wish to lighten our reading load by sharing your recent favourite novel.

We trust you enjoyed our previous wine tasting article by Merry Marion. Well this month Sassy Suzy offers her opinion on a local supermarket Shiraz.

Plus we can now offer you our new lady Natalie’s fashion article, starting with her ‘Fashion Focus’ What’s in it for Spring? We look forward to receiving more from Natalie in the future.

So put your feet up on the sofa and take a few minutes to relax with your favourite cuppa.

Enjoy Diane

31

The High Life Ladies Guide to Finding Fine Wine

This month we look at Sassy Suzy’s* version on her choice of

Shiraz

Suzy loves life and loves to live it to the full. Suzy loves fun, fashion and style. As soon as a new design comes on to the Paris catwalk she is already searching Google to find similar items in her local High Street. Suzy loves flair and absorbs compliments and of course loves guys. Everyone loves to be around Suzy when she goes out to party because they can be sure of a great night. Therefore Suzy doesn’t do second rate or follow the sheep when it comes to her choice of wine and will spend hours searching the supermarket shelves for the finest wine to not only titillate her taste buds but to also match her open plan black and white kitchen. Yes Suzy’s wine is part of her total look! Suzy has a deep belief that a person’s choice of wine

can say so much about the person right down to the design on the bottle! “When I date a guy I let him choose the wine for dinner and quickly sum up his personality, style, character and ethics. Saves a lot of second dates. Go for the house white and I’ll be measuring the toilet window recognising a dull, boring, meano!” Suzy continues “The wine I chose for The High Life’ review was an Australian Shiraz labelled ‘Kooliburra Reserve’. Australia is renown for is fat, refined and red Shiraz and I love to try various brands. The simple red and black label caught my eye, whilst shopping with a friend at Aldi and at £4.49 this was a great offer. The description on the label read; ‘Rich black cherry and ripe berry fruit flavours together with subtle black pepper’ (???), ‘spice and soft oak characters, combine to produce a sumptuous juicy Shiraz with a warm lingering finish’. Gosh this was like reading a Jackie Collins novel. The description went on ‘Great with steak, roast lamb or rich pasta dishes’.” Suzy’s view “Delightful, delicious and desirable!” Suzy continued “Excellent supermarket wine, great value and definitely a choice for a girlie night in. However I wouldn’t buy this to ‘impress the boss’ as it did seem a little like buying ‘second best’ after having enjoyed a couple of glasses of a beautiful full bodied Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz earlier in the week. However, Aldi clearly state on the label that if I wasn’t entirely satisfied with the wine I could return it to the store for a replacement or refund! It doesn’t say you have to return a full bottle? Hic!” Next month let’s hear what posh girl; Poppy* has to say about her choice of Pinot Grigio Cover name for writer. Always drink wine sensibly.

Spring fashion article by Natalie

Fashion Focus: What’s In For Spring? Spring is finally here and it’s time to update your wardrobe with the latest trends from the 2012 spring / summer catwalk. Get ready to switch your drab, winter blacks and browns for head to toe pastel shades. Think ice blue, light peppermint or pale dusky rose. For work or shopping a simple pastel trouser suit or A-line dress works best. But for something special, choose your pastels in satin or with brocade detailing. Crisp white also flooded the spring / summer collections and offers plenty of options for all occasions. Sharp tailoring provides a sophisticated, professional look, while sheer, lacy fabrics offer feminine chic. If block colour isn’t for you and you’re really a pattern girl at heart, have no fear as floral and paisley patterns are going to be big this season too. Floral organza is perfect for a wedding or spring picnic and is right on trend. Vintage style lovers will also be pleased to hear that fifties Americana has hit the catwalk hard. If you’re feeling daring, why not try a bra-top teamed with a high waisted skirt? Beware though, for the most flattering look, show only your ribcage. If you’re looking for a more grown-up take on the americana trend, choose a classic fifties dress, or a simple pencil skirt with a sheer long-sleeved blouse. Dress these up with fifties cat’s-eye sunglasses, a glam hairdo and you’re good to go. I’ll leave you now with my favourite fashion note this season. Mixing both prints and retro americana, Prada’s catwalk was awash with fifties car couture, including Cadillac print dresses, skirts and even hot-rod inspired stilettos. Be on the look out for cat prints on your local high street for that extra touch of catwalk cool.

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Chiropractic Treatment Chiropractic is a primary health-care profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions that arise from injury to the joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles, in particular to the spine. With spring around the corner your activity levels may be increasing and those aches and pains can start creeping in, is it safe just to ignore them? “We often see patients who have put up with these little niggles, expecting them to go away but not before those niggles started effecting their lifestyle they decided it was time to take action. Chiropractors understand the underlying stresses that the body can be put under on a day to day basis, using this knowledge we can provide specific treatment and advise you about preventative measures to try and avoid further damage and injury” says chiropractor Nick Wilderspin from Health on Hand Mansfield situated at 15 St John Street. “We believe in treating the cause, not just the symptoms”. Treatment is made up of specific, gentle manipulation to restore normal joint motion as well as a variety of techniques to help the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Once function has been restored the focus is put on rehabilitation to help you get back to your best and stay there. Showing the patients exercises and advising on posture and ergonomics forms the basis of this part. Call Health on Hand Mansfield to find out if they can help you on 01623 635 333 or visit www.healthonhand.co.uk for more information.

Are you fed up of dieting? If so then read on…..the majority of the clients who come to our Hypnotherapy practice have been on every diet possible, only to put back all the weight they’ve lost and more besides once they start eating ‘normally’ again. It’s a vicious circle because generally diets just don’t work long term, a dieter’s weight goes down then up again, we call it yo-yo dieting and this is a situation which leaves people disappointed, and disillusioned. All that hard work for nothing.

When you’re on a ‘diet’ you are limited to points or calories and certain foods are restricted or banned. You feel deprived of certain things and feel guilty for even thinking you might just have one of your forbidden foods. And what happens when you feel deprived? Right, you want it even more.

The Clem Turner Hypnotherapy Practice has a Weight Management Programme that is proved, tried and tested. We help people to achieve their goal weight and become healthier and happier without any reference to a diet – in fact the word ‘diet’ is NEVER used. Believe it or not – we encourage you to eat what you want when you want and by using

Hypnotherapy we are able change unwanted, unhealthy eating patterns, replacing them with the desire to eat healthy nourishing foods that are good for you. So, by eating what you want when you want it you will get rid of your excess weight and then keep it off forever.

If you’d like to know more about how to reduce your weight safely WITHOUT DIETING please give me a ring on 01623 556234 or 07960788093, Margaret Turner, Clinical Hypnotherapist

Gastric Band

Hypnotherapy

now available

Complementary Therapy There is a long list of complementary therapies ranging from

Chiropractic and Osteopathy to Acupuncture and Hypnotherapy,

including Yoga and Alexander Technique.

What is Complementary Therapy?

Complementary therapy is seen to complement traditional medical

practice; it is not seen as an alternative to it. It is a way to supplement

the conventional treatments in order to improve results.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in their

guidelines for Low Back Pain recommends Complementary therapies

like Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Osteopathy over the commonly

used injections of anti-inflammatory drugs!

Other therapies like yoga is showing great benefits for stress release,

depression and pain.

There is a great need for complementary ways to help us in a world

where we are living longer and there is an increased demand on our

bodies from working longer, increased stresses and worsening diet.

Working together always lead to a stronger team, so my hope for a

future health system is to support each other, carry out research to find

the most effective ways to help people with their symptoms;

incorporating traditional medicine and complementary treatments for

the maximal benefit of the patients.

Chiropractor Thomas Jeppesen, Health on Hand Mansfield.

www.healthonhand.co.uk

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Regular Feature: Living the Family High Life — Introducing Jo’s Jollies

King George V Recreation

Ground – A

Hidden Gem In this feature, we hope to bring you details of places locally where you can go as a family for either a few hours or a day, and not always spending a fortune either.

My family is my husband Simon, our two very energetic, sports mad boys, William and Lewis, both ten, yes, twins, and our daughter Eleanor who is 3 and just loves to get stuck in, doing whatever “my boys” (as she calls them) are doing, but wearing pink!

We found ourselves at the King George V Park and Recreation Ground a couple of weeks ago, on a very rainy Saturday Morning. The weather was so bad there was hardly anyone else there, we were only there because it was the boys Saturday football fixture. It is a while since I’d been and I had forgotten what a lovely park and playing fields it is.

Straight off Black Scotch Lane you can pull into the car park which is completely free, very handy if you don’t live close enough to walk there. Within a stone’s throw of the Car Park there is a completely enclosed Park with a great variety of swings, slides and climbing frames, of different sizes, so can accommodate children from toddlers upwards. Just outside the enclosed park is a concreted area with basketball nets and target practice which helps to entertain sports mad older children, but more than that you can then go for a ramble through the woods, where your imagination can run wild, you might spot some fairies or find yourself hiding from the Sherriff of Nottingham. Once you’ve done all that, there is still plenty of open space for more running and playing, perhaps a game of football using the goal posts always there, cricket or rounders in warmer times, there really is plenty of open space.

You can easily spend a good couple of hours here, in decent weather, having some good old fashioned imaginative play, and burning off some energy, all without spending a penny. But if you fancy it, there is a mini golf course which is great for trying your

hand at the game, perhaps for the first time on any sort of course, or with the children. Check locally for booking arrangements and prices; you are given clubs and balls in with the price, it’s a lot of fun and a good way of trying your hand at golf, you never know you may uncover the next Lee Westwood .

A real hidden gem, King George V Recreation Ground, whether it’s for a couple of hours keeping on the move in the winter months, or a definite one to remember for the summer when the picnic season is here.

Here are Eleanor and I, the ladies of the house, wrapped up in our football watching gear, we did manage a little play on the park and the dog got a walk in the woods, but we look forward to going back to the park when the weather is warmer and drier!

For more information, search King George V Recreation Ground or visit Mansfield.gov.uk

Jo Godson is an Independent Human Resources Specialist and busy mum of three who lives and works in the Mansfield/Ashfield Area. Follow Jo’s Jolly Trips around the area each month

33

History of acupuncture Traditional acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine - a tried and tested healthcare system that has been practised for thousands of years in China and the Far East. It has been developed, tested, researched and refined over centuries to give us a complex and detailed understanding of the body's energetic balance.

Without the help of modern scientific equipment, ancient Chinese scholars discovered many now familiar aspects of biomedical science, such as the effect of emotional stress on the immune system. Traditional acupuncturists are no less scientific or sophisticated than western clinicians in their understanding of how the body functions, although to this day they use terminology that reflects Chinese medicine's cultural and historic origins. During the Long March of 1934-5, without drugs, anaesthetics or surgery vast numbers of sick and wounded soldiers faced death until doctors of traditional Chinese medicine achieved amazing results using acupuncture and other traditional methods of treatment. From this point on, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine were practised side by side in China. Under the People's Republic of China, established in 1948, all branches of TCM were nurtured and encouraged to grow. By 1978, whole hospitals and research departments were devoted to the practice of TCM. Today traditional acupuncture is practised all around the world and clinical trials are now confirming its efficacy. More and more people are able to benefit as traditional acupuncture becomes a recognised option within standard healthcare

Acupuncture helps a wide range of illnesses including pain, infertility, depression, skin problems, IBS, Facial Rejuvenation and much more. It is important to use properly qualified practitioners who are members of The British Acupuncture Council.

Money Talk Hi and welcome to our latest Money Talk, delivered to you by our team of experts from Assured Money Solutions

Credit Card Balance Transfers

To switch or not to switch….. Transferring existing credit card or store card debts to a new 'balance transfer' card can save you £100s or £1,000s. A balance transfer's when one credit card repays debts on other credit or store

cards; so you now owe it the money instead, hopefully at a special cheap rate.

Most top balance transfer deals are for new cardholders, and require the debt to be shifted within a couple of months of opening the card account for a fee of around 3%. Yet there are a few existing customer balance transfer deals which are very useful for more efficiently using credit you already have. It's important you don't confuse cutting the interest with paying less each month, as that's determined by the minimum repayments. What’s also important to consider is how you intend to use the card in the future. I.E. Do you intend to continue using the card or will you cut the card up. The process is usually simple and quick to do and offers real savings

My advice; The internet is a fabulous tool for research – happy hunting!

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Do you remember “Not Much Matches Mansfield”? Following on from weeks of workshops, holding sessions to gather stories and talking to people of the Mansfield area, Education at The Palace, are excited to announce the name of the play that culminates in the work born from Project 2012: Mamesfelde to Mansfield. Instantly recognisable as Mansfield’s infamous beer’s strap line, the title of the play is:

‘Not Much Matches Mansfield’

The title is the epitome of the project’s purpose as the town’s history is brought to the year 2012 to celebrate its heritage - past, present and future. This play is a chance for people to come together and celebrate its local communities, the town, and the District. Participants and the audience should be proud of the town’s past and present and can share a laugh or two

at their own expense - in the spirit and sense of humour that is the people of Mansfield. Kevin Fegan, Playwright for ‘Not Much Matches Mansfield’ says, “I chose the title because it’s playful and fun. It’s a direct legacy from the great days of Mansfield Brewery and many people will remember it as a successful advertising slogan. As a writer, I like the title because it’s ambivalent: it expresses the pride Mansfield people feel about their town, but also, ironically, their critical views”.

Mansfield Palace Theatre is creating the project through its education department, Education at the Palace and Education Manager, Christopher Neil, will be directing the newly titled play. The team stress that it is important to emphasise that this is not a historical play re-enacting scenes from the past, but one which takes it’s

inspiration from the town’s past, industries and the views of people today who have lived and worked in Mansfield for varying length of time. Kevin Fegan adds, “In preparation for writing this play, I’ve been busy meeting many Mansfield people including those who have moved here, and I’m overwhelmed by the sense of belonging people genuinely feel about their town. The play will celebrate Mansfield in an entertaining way and will be performed by local people.” With a title for the play firmly established, work continues up until the final performances in July. ‘Not Much Matches Mansfield’ is the Palace Theatre’s contribution to the overall District Council’s ‘Mansfield Art’s Festival’ and will conclude with the final performances in the Market Place on 14 and 15 July. For more information on the project and final production or for more information on how you can get involved please contact Christopher Neil, Education Manager, 01623 412921 or email: cneil@mansfield.gov.uk.

Laxton Walks In the light of the Government’s plans to promote local heritage opportunities to young people – see media release below – group organisers may be interested to know that there are opportunities to take advantage of the educational opportunities Laxton offers free of charge.

Stuart Rose gives free guided tours of Laxton to parties under an Educational Access scheme with DEFRA. A Laxton farmer born and brought up in the village and Clerk to the Gaits and Commons of Laxton Court Leet – the legally constituted court which manages the world famous open field system – Stuart welcomes enquiries for talks and follow up visits from groups of all types, including school parties. He is available to visit schools and other venues to talk about Laxton and to show heritage films about the village, including one dating from the mid 1930s see

www.laxtonnotts.org.uk

Tours can be arranged without a preparatory talk if preferred. Every tour is individually tailored in close consultation with the group leader. For schools this takes into account the age and appropriate Key Stage requirements for the group. As a farmer in a family of school staff, Stuart is familiar with the requirements and objectives surrounding school visits and is happy to work with organisers to see they are met.

Anyone who would like to meet Stuart and take a free guided public walk in Laxton is welcome to join the events leaving the Laxton Visitor Centre beside The Dovecote Inn at 10am on 11th or 31st March.

Kind regards

Joy Allison- For Stuart Rose

Stuart may be contacted on 07939 228353 or by email at stuart.rose@laxtonnotts.org.uk

35

Regular Feature: Living the Family High Life — Introducing Jo’s Jollies King George V Recreation Ground

– A Hidden Gem In this feature, we hope to bring you details of places locally where you can go as a family for either a few hours or a day, and not always spending a fortune either.

My family is my husband Simon, our two very energetic, sports mad boys, William and Lewis, both ten, yes, twins, and our daughter Eleanor who is 3 and just loves to get stuck in, doing whatever “my boys” (as she calls them) are doing, but wearing pink!

We found ourselves at the King George V Park and Recreation Ground a couple of weeks ago, on a very rainy Saturday Morning. The weather was so bad there was hardly anyone else there, we were only there because it was the boys Saturday football fixture. It is a while since I’d been and I had forgotten what a lovely park and playing fields it is.

Straight off Black Scotch Lane you can pull into the car park which is completely free, very handy if you don’t live close enough to walk there. Within a stone’s throw of the Car Park there is a completely enclosed Park with a great variety of swings, slides and climbing frames, of different sizes, so can accommodate children from toddlers upwards. Just outside the enclosed park is a concreted area with basketball nets and target practice which helps to entertain sports mad older children, but more than that you can then go for a ramble through the woods, where your imagination can run wild, you might spot some fairies or find yourself hiding from the Sherriff of Nottingham. Once you’ve done all that, there is still plenty of open space for more running and playing, perhaps a game of football using the goal posts always there, cricket or rounders in warmer times, there really is plenty of open space.

You can easily spend a good couple of hours here, in decent weather, having some good old fashioned imaginative play, and burning off some energy, all

without spending a penny. But if you fancy it, there is a mini golf course which is great for trying your hand at the game, perhaps for the first time on any sort of course, or with the children. Check locally for booking arrangements and prices; you are given clubs and balls in with the price, it’s a lot of fun and a good way of trying your hand at golf, you never know you may uncover the next Lee Westwood .

A real hidden gem, King George V Recreation Ground, whether it’s for a couple of hours keeping on the move in the winter months, or a definite one to remember for the summer when the picnic season is here.

Here are Eleanor and I, the ladies of the house, wrapped up in our football watching gear, we did manage a little play on the park and the dog got a walk in the woods, but we look forward to going back to the park when the weather is warmer and drier!

For more information, search King George V Recreation Ground or visit Mansfield.gov.uk

Jo Godson is an Independent Human Resources Specialist and busy mum of three who lives and works in the Mansfield/Ashfield Area. Follow Jo’s Jolly Trips around the area each month

36

PHOTOGRAPHY

COMPETITION

Can you take a good photo?

Would you like recognition with a Prestigious

Image or if appropriate you may even make the front page?

AMATEUR OR PROFESSIONAL

Full Accreditation for your work

Format — digital colour image in high resolution Subject: Capture a “Flavour of Mansfield and

Ashfield Area” This can be buildings, Parks, Scenes, People in the

community, Landmarks or Famous places

Please send entries to: Diane carter, editor: diane@marathon-marketing.co.uk

Regular

Feature

Please send us your short stories and poems about

the local area.

Send via email to Editor or call the number at the

bottom of the page for postal details.

Please note if you wish for them to be returned

send a SAE.

They must not be previously published material.

Thank you

Email address for short stories and poems: Email: diane@marathon-media.co.uk or if you wish to post,

contact Diane on 01623 795623

AWAKENING.

Nose to the rail, the child surveys the scene

with enthralled gaze bewitched by sights and sounds,

scared, enraptured, and all things else between.

We’re never quite the same when life dumbfounds.

The music swells, the curtain rising high

reveals another world of make-believe

we all have occupied, wondering why

reality can so deceive.

For now she needs her cuddly, soft toys more

and bedtime stories soothing her to sleep.

Her future still awaits, time to explore

this glimpse of heaven she will forever keep.

And though the path ahead lies straight and keen,

a beam of hope will light the way, unseen.

© Villia Bullock

Photo of the Major Oak by Katharine Hall

37

St David’s Day Celebration In celebration of St David's Day, visitors to Mansfield Market were treated to a selection of well known Number 1 hits from a tribute to the Welsh superstar Tom Jones (Tony Gold). Local food vendors also served traditional St David's Day food including leek soup and Welsh rarebit.

The event organized by Mansfield Town Centre Partnership is part of a series of promotions planned in Mansfield town centre throughout the year to mark various worldwide events

38

Marketing S ervices Would you like to reach 50,000 +

Potential New Clients? ———————————————-

Would you like your busi ness to be presented

i n front of 100's of other l ocal busi nesses? ———————————————-

Would you like to benefit from affordable a dvertisi ng with marketi ng support?

YES THAT IS WHY WE ARE HERE

To enquire about our cost effective a dvertisi ng p ackages & design please call:

The High Life Advertisi ng Dept.

Call 01623 795623

Or email: diane@marathon-media.co.uk

www.thehighlifemagazi ne.co.uk

Also website design, leaflet pri nt, design & delivery

T he H ig h L ife

39

Our Aim is to Promote the Fabulous Community, Culture & Corporate Lifestyle on Offer in the Mansfield & Ashfield Area. The High Life wants to promote the positive things about why you can enjoy life in our area both from a personal and business perspective. Great Community Spirit People in the Mansfield & Ashfield area are renown for being very friendly and supportive. We do talk to and help our neighbours! Cost of living Both business and residential property is more economic across the area with lower rent & rates than our neighbouring cities and towns. Cost of housing is affordable, for example you can have a fabulous detached four bed roomed house probably 2/3rds of the price of living in other local cities if not less and still live in a nice area. Travel infrastructure 10 minutes away from Junction 28 for M1North and Junction 27

for M1South A38 dual carriageway route direct to Derbyshire A617 route for easy connections and straight through to

Newark or onto A1 New Bus Station- This £9 million construction is now underway

in the centre of Mansfield East Midlands Airport is within 30 minutes Two train stations - Get to London in approximately 2 hours.

Get to Paris in a few hours via Eurostar Cycle routes all around for the sporty and 'green' Excellent Business Community The Mansfield 2020 Business Group at the heart of the local

Business Community The Business Liaison Group working hard for the local economy Many local business boosts millions of pounds turnover or experiencing growth & expansion both

nationally and internationally Also multi cultural businesses all working together High Standard of Education Provision Vision West Notts. College and many other local schools have outstanding Ofsted reports and excellent

student results Culture & Heritage Tourist Industry strongly related to Robin Hood Beautiful local buildings with delightful grounds Plus many new builds with excellent modern architecture including the new Kings Mill Hospital. A

beautiful scene at night. Forests, countryside and woodlands with amazing nature reserves. Ideal for walking or cycling Enjoyable Retail Experiences We can still boast a wide range of High Street stores and local independent businesses both reliant upon each other for encouraging visitors to the towns to spend and boost the economy. Visit these sites to find out more about Mansfield & Ashfield. www.mansfieldtowncentre.co.uk www.masp.info www.mansfield2020.com

Plus Visit our new website: www.thehighlifemagazine.co.uk

The High Life Our Vision

The local people are working together for a mutually positive and sometimes pleasurable result. Both Business and Personal community personal rally around to provide appropriate support, once required. Personally I have welcomed the strong adhesion and support noted in moving into Mansfield “summer 2011” from Reading “Royal Berkshire” where I resided for approx. 40 years. Providing me with a great foundation and support a career change and an interesting / visionary business opportunities, that would bring value into Mansfield and the surrounding area. Sa’ad

40

Visit our Showroom to try

the unique Quickstep Floor

Advisor