LOCAL NEWS
Upfront GBRT Invite Local Musicians to Join the all new GBRT Jazz & Swing Band
Queensgate’s ‘Win Your Christmas’ Queensgate shopping centre is thrilled to announce the winner of the ‘Win your Christmas’ competition - Sylvia Kavanagh of Stamford. With nearly 1,500 entries from across the Nene Valley, Rutland and Stamford areas, the competition proved to be a big hit with savvy shoppers keen on scooping a supersized sack of gifts just in time for Christmas. Sylvia’s amazing haul included a Christmas tree from John Lewis, along with a selection of dazzling decorations and a beautiful wreath from Queensgate’s resident florist Fleur. Waitrose provided a voucher for an array of fabulous food as well as a £100 gift card courtesy of Queensgate – perfect for picking up those extra special presents. On top of that there was a jam-packed gift set from LUSH, a voucher from Schuh and, to wrap it all up, Christmas cards and pretty paper from Paperchase. Phil Drinkwater, marketing manager for Queensgate comments: “We are thrilled to be spreading the Christmas cheer by offering such an amazing set of prizes to Sylvia. We would like to say thank you to everyone who entered and to the host of retailers who supported us.”
Heidi Kjeldsen has a special promotion of 50% off selected items and 30% off all other stock. This is to make way for a brand new collection that Heidi is launching in 2012.The offer applies to stock jewellery and excludes commissions and repairs.
Launching their eighth choir and ensemble, the Great Bowden Recital Trust are now delighted to be inviting all interested local musicians to register for their new Jazz & Swing Band, regardless of age or experience. Membership of the band is open to all ages, whether school age or adult, you simply need to be able to read and play music fluently. Rehearsals will take place fortnightly on Monday evenings at Church Langton Community Hall (near Market Harborough) from 7.30 until 9.30pm. All 2012 rehearsal dates are available on the Trust’s website. Fees are payable one term in advance: £45 per term (Adults), £35 per term (School Students) To join, simply complete the Jazz & Swing Band Registration Form available on the website and send it, along with your first term’s fees to the address given before the date you wish to start. www.gbrecitaltrust.co.uk.
Why solar power still pays off Tony Dell, managing director at Sovereign Solar Power, explains why the energy source is a great investment for the future Recent proposals by the Government to reduce the earning potential from solar power by up to 50%, are leading to inevitable questions about whether it’s still going to be a worthwhile investment for homeowners in the future. The proposal under consideration applies to all solar power installations brought into service after 12 December 2011, and reduces the feed-in tariffs from 43.3p per kilowatt hour to just 21p after that date. So, if the proposal is agreed and you’ve missed the mid-December deadline, is it worth investing in a solar power system? The short answer is yes! Naturally, you’ll still enjoy the benefit of generating free electricity for your own use - nothing changes there. And it’s worth remembering that even with the proposed reduction in earnings from the solar power feed-in incentive, there’s still index-linked tax free money to be made for 25 years, starting from the installation date. The earning potential over such a long period will still be significant, and is expected to provide around 5-10% return on the initial investment. Current industry predictions are that the purchase cost of solar panels will come down in early 2012, reducing the initial outlay required to install solar power in the first place. Remember, too the other important reasons why it pays to generate your own power. Unlike oil, it’s a reliable and fully renewable resource. And whereas burning oil to generate electricity releases greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide, polluting the air we breathe, solar power is pollution-free. As solar panels contain no moving parts, solar power systems require little or no maintenance. Long warranties come as standard with all solar panels and other system components, which is further proof of their durability. The systems are also simple to install, and most solar power installation projects can be completed and busy generating electricity within just a few days. With solar power, you’re well protected against regular price hikes, unlike other domestic utilities. So, with all the publicity surrounding the proposed reduction in the Government feed-in tariff, don’t lose sight of the many other compelling reasons to choose solar power as a great renewable way to cut your carbon footprint and run your home for less. For a no obligation quote and to find out more, call 01733 551329, e-mail info@sovereignsolarpower.co.uk or visit www.sovereignsolarpower.co.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JANUARY 2012
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