What's Around Magazine May 2015

WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP donington park JIM’S TRACTOR RUN ashby de la zouch ASHBY GUSTO FESTIVAL ashby de la zouch LADIES DAY leicester racecourse

see page 4

see page 28

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delivered throughout ibstock | ravenstone | heather | coleorton | swannington | hugglescote | packington | normanton le heath and surrounding areas

SEASONAL RECIPES | COMMUNITY EVENTS | REVIEWS | SERVICES | PUZZLES ISSUE 118 - MAY 2015

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Publisher: What’s Around Ltd. Printed by: Context, Packington Editor: Paul Garrett © Copyright What’s Around Ltd. Advertising: 01530 832015 Email:advert@whatsaround.co.uk Web: www.whatsaround.co.uk Address: Hall Gardens, Ravenstone, Leics. LE67 2HF

Potatoes Page 26

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this publication is accurate, neither the publisher, printer nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by the errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior permission of the publisher.

What’s Around Ltd. does not officially endorse any advertising material contained within this publication. Nevertheless, it will from time to time, recommend individual services and or businesses which have either been recommended by readers, contributors or by our own personal experience.

Film Review Page 45

Seasonal Desserts Page 42

Food & Drink 8

Seasonal Recipes

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Chicken breasts with pea risotto

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Thai green chicken curry

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Chicory gratin

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Seasonal Desserts

Monthly Features

Copy deadline for JUN 2015 is 19th MAy 2015

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Crossword

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Sudoku

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Book Review Too

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Book Review

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Wordsearch

Contents

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The Palace

General

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Jobs in the Garden

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World Superbike Championships - Donington Park

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Just for Kids (by I4 Design & Print)

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Easter Holidays and children

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Good New Films and those you may have missed

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Naked Wines - Why Not?

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Your Stars by Dan Worthaus

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The Ultimate Obstacle Course

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What’s On

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Olivia’s Journey - Family Fun Day

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Index of Advertisers

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Ashby Museum News

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Small Ads/Classifieds

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seasonal recipes Courgetti spaghetti with tomato

Serves 4 mins Prep 30 time g in k o o C No required Ingredients For the pesto • 400g tin butter beans, drained • 2 fat garlic cloves • 10 sun-dried tomatoes • 75g/2½oz fresh basil, reserve a few leaves to garnish • 4 tbsp lemon juice • pinch chilli flakes • salt and freshly ground black

pepper For the courgetti spaghetti • 6 courgettes, trimmed • 2 large ripe avocados, skin and seeds removed, chopped • red chilli, chopped, for garnish • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1. For the pesto, blend all of the ingredients and 9 tablespoons water to a rough paste in a food processor. Add extra water to loosen the mixture if necessary.

Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

2. For the courgetti spaghetti, peel spaghetti-like strands from the courgettes using a julienne peeler, collecting them in a large mixing bowl.

3. Scrape the pesto on top of the courgette strands and carefully stir until the courgette is evenly coated.

4. To serve, pile the courgetti spaghetti and pesto onto serving plates and top with the chopped avocado, reserved basil leaves, chopped chilli and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Courtesy Hemsley + Hemsley

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Spring vegetable salad Serves Less tha 4 n 30 Cooking min time 10 mins

Ingredients • 200g/7oz fresh or frozen peas • 200g/7oz asparagus, trimmed • 200g/7oz sugarsnap peas • 2 courgettes, cut into long, thin ribbons • 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced

For the dressing • 1 lemon, grated rind and juice • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 1 tsp clear honey • 1 tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley • 2 tbsp olive oil For the garlic bread • 4 ciabatta rolls, halved • 1 garlic clove, left whole

1. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Place the peas, asparagus and sugar-snap peas in the pan and simmer for 3 minutes. Drain, then refresh under cold running water.

2. Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl with the courgette ribbons and fennel and mix together.

3. For the dressing, whisk together the lemon rind and juice, mustard, honey, parsley and half the oil in a separate bowl. Toss the vegetables in the dressing.

4. Preheat the grill to a hot setting.

5. For the garlic bread, rub the cut sides of the rolls with the garlic clove, drizzle over the remaining oil, then place the rolls on a baking sheet under the grill and toast on both sides.

6. Divide the salad between four plates, place the garlic bread alongside and serve.

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Book Review Too!

by Buck Verm

Watercolours Unleashed

By Jane Betteridge Jane Betteridge’s innovative techniques turn the watercolour world on its head. In this, her first book, Jane shows watercolour artists how to explore colour and texture in their creative works.

Creativity, along with imaginative use of the popular watercolour medium, suffuses Jane Betteridge’s work. In this, her first book, she shares her painting techniques and methods with you. Learn to use watercolour paints in unusual and surprising ways to create works bursting with vibrancy and beauty.

• Innovative techniques to inspire and invigorate watercolour artists • Packed with excellent tuition and inspiring paintings • 7 varied step-by-step projects Jane Betteridge is an artist and tutor whose interest in painting stems from childhood.

Building on this love of painting at local watercolour classes, she gained A-level and City and Guilds certificates in art before taking up teaching. Jane was delighted to be invited to be an Artist in Residence at the BBC’s Gardener’s World live, an experience that encouraged her to write her own book. Known for her experimental, innovative approach to watercolours, Jane’s adventurous, fun style allows you to take advantage of the medium to produce free, lively works of art. Jane lives in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire.

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recipe Chicken breasts with pea risotto Serves 4 Preparation less than 30 mins Plus 30 mins to 1 hour Ingredients For the risotto olive oil, for frying 2 onions, sliced 450g/1lb arborio risotto rice splash white wine 650ml/1 pint 3fl oz hot vegetable stock salt and freshly ground black pepper 200g/7oz fresh peas, blanched 200g/7oz asparagus, blanched 400g/14oz baby spinach 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil 75ml/2½fl oz double cream For the chicken oil, for frying salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 chicken breasts, skin on chicken or vegetable stock, to cover parmesan shavings, to serve

NOTE COOK’S ery risotto m m u s nd p A light a an be rustled u c t a th . recipe e in no tim

1.

Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.

2.

For the risotto, heat the oil in a pan and fry the onion until soft. Add the rice and stir well, then add the wine and simmer until reduced completely. Add a good ladleful of the hot stock and stir continuously. When all this has been absorbed, add more stock. Continue adding more stock, stirring continuously, until the rice is cooked.

3.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and stir in the peas, asparagus, spinach, basil and cream

4.

For the chicken, season the chicken breasts well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the oil in a frying pan and place the chicken breasts skin-side down. Fry the chicken breasts on both sides until lightly browned.

5.

Place the chicken breasts in an ovenproof dish and pour in enough stock to come one third of the way up the sides of the chicken breasts. Place in the oven for 15 minutes, or until completely cooked through.

6.

To serve, place the risotto into serving bowls. Slice the chicken and place on top of the risotto, then sprinkle with parmesan shavings.

Courtesy Simon Rimmer

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recipe Thai green chicken curry Serves 4 Prep Time less than 30 mins Cooking Time 10 to 30 mins Ingredients 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1-2 tbsp ready-made green curry paste 6 chicken thighs, skin and bones removed, meat cut into strips 1 x 400ml/14½fl oz can coconut milk 2 lime leaves (optional) 2 tbsp Thai fish sauce 1 tbsp golden caster sugar handful green beans, trimmed handful asparagus spears salt and freshly ground black pepper To serve Thai fragrant rice handful fresh coriander leaves Method

1. Heat the oil in a wok over a high heat until smoking.

Add the green curry paste and stir fry for 1-2 minutes, fragrant.

NOTE COOK’S ave time by S ? y rr u h a this Curry in -made paste in d a re curry. n e using re g i ty Tha truly tas

or until

2. Add the chicken strips and stir until coated in the curry paste. Continue to stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken has browned on all sides.

3. Add the coconut milk, lime leaves, fish sauce and sugar and stir well.

Bring the mixture to the boil, then reduce the heat until the mixture is simmering. Continue to simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

4. Add the green beans and asparagus and continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring regularly, until just tender. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

5. To serve, spoon the rice into four serving bowls, then ladle over the Thai green chicken curry. Sprinkle over the coriander leaves.

Courtesy Gizzi Erskine

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healthy living Potatoes The subject of potatoes was discussed on a recent television programme, saying that as a nation we eat a lot less of them than we used to do. But why is this? Potatoes are a staple food and can be used in many forms to create some delicious and interesting dishes.

Potatoes are relatively cheap to buy and also very abundant.

They contain many nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamins B1, B3 and B6, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. They are also a great form of fibre and are low in fat.

Many people who are trying to lose weight avoid eating potatoes as they think that they are ‘fattening.’ A jacket spud can provide a quick and easy meal but what you add to that potatoes is the problem. An average sized potato (around 300g) contains around 225 calories. It is only when you start adding butter, cheese and other high calorific toppings that you start to increase the calorie content considerably. If you are watching your weight, don’t opt for cheese and butter but try baked beans on your spud. This is not only satisfying and filling but also lower in calories and full of fibre.

Diets play a role in the decline of our potato eating. The low carb diets only allow a small amount of potatoes or none at all. A registered dietician Matthew Mailman of British Columbia states: “They offer many health benefits and are a key source of several nutrients.” (www.besthealthmagazine.ca) Although potatoes are a carbohydrate, unlike white bread and sugar, the carbohydrates in

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potatoes are complex which means that they keep you feeling fuller for longer.

If you intend to eat your potatoes chipped and deep fried or roasted in copious amounts of fat, then you are not helping your diet or your health. If you follow the low glycaemic index diet you will know that different types of potatoes have different GI scores. New potatoes which have a waxy appearance and sweet potato feature low in their scores which means that they can be broken down quicker in the body.

You can do so much more with potatoes than just deep fry them. You can bake them, roast them, boil them and microwave them. If you eat potatoes with your steak or roast beef you will be helping to increase your iron absorption as the Vitamin C within the potato promotes this action. The skin on potatoes is a great source of fibre and potassium.

Ways to enjoy potatoes: Boil them and add to your summer salad or make a potato salad with chopped new potatoes, crème fresh, chopped chives and salt and pepper. Thinly slice them and make a gratin which can be served with any meats. Cut them into large wedges, brush with a little oil, add your favourite seasoning and bake. For something a little tastier, place a sweet potato into the oven or microwave for a sweet and delicious alternative to a jacket spud. Or you can just mash them but remember, it’s what you put into or on to them that affects the calorie war!

References:www.besthealthmag.ca

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recipe

Serves 2 Prep Time Less than 30 mins Cooking Time 1 to 2 hours

Chicory gratin

For the pastry case For the chicory 4 heads yellow chicory 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp sugar 2 large pinches sea salt 6 white peppercorns For the chard 10g unsalted butter 2 small Swiss chard stalks with leaves, stalks chopped into 1cm pieces; leaves roughly chopped For the cheese sauce 35g/1¼oz unsalted butter 35g/1¼oz plain flour 450ml/16fl oz whole milk 100g/3½oz Comté cheese, finely grated 1 tbsp Dijon mustard pinch sea salt pinch freshly ground white pepper To assemble the gratin 4 slices cooked ham 50g/1¾oz Comté cheese, finely grated

COOK’S

NOTE

n of Belgia ic d classic A belove is a simple, rust n ca this cooking; he Comté cheese se. h. T chee family dis d by any British m for a ce be repla rse, omit the ha u co .. f n And, o an versio vegetari

1.

For the chicory, put it in a medium saucepan and add the lemon juice, sugar, salt, peppercorns and enough water to barely cover. Place on a medium heat and cover with a circle of baking paper and a lid smaller than the diameter of the pan (this is to keep the chicory submerged). Bring to the boil, then simmer for 45–60 minutes. It is important to cook the chicory slowly to remove most of its bitterness.

2.

Lift the chicory onto a wire rack to drain and cool. Once cool, gently press out any extra moisture with a tea towel.

3.

Preheat the oven to 190C/170C Fan/Gas 5.

4.

For the chard, put the butter and 100ml/3½fl oz water in a saucepan on a high heat. Cook the stalks for 20 minutes, adding more water if necessary. Once tender, lift them out and cook the leaves for 3 minutes in the same water. Strain, mix the stalks and leaves and arrange in a small gratin dish.

5.

Meanwhile, make the cheese sauce. In a small saucepan on a medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour, whisk until smooth and cook to a nutty blonde colour. Take the pan off the heat, whisk in the milk and return to the heat. Cook for at least 4 minutes, stirring constantly with the whisk until the sauce thickens.

6.

Add the cheese and mustard and cook for 3 minutes, stirring, until the cheese has fully melted.

Remove from the heat, taste and season if required.

7.

To assemble the gratin, fold the ham slices in half and arrange one chicory head on each slice. Pack tightly in the gratin dish on top of the chard. Spoon over the cheese sauce and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake in the top of the oven for 25 minutes until golden-brown.

Courtesy Raymond Blanc

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NAKED WINES - WHY NOT? Naked Wines is an award-winning online retailer which launched in the UK during 2008, funding independent winemakers from around the world in return for exclusive wines at wholesale prices. ‘Angels’ support independent winemakers and become entitled to very good discounts, access to Angel Exclusive wines, invites to exclusive tastings and a free bottle of wine with certain orders. There are no membership fees or any minimum contracted period.

Jean Philippe Moulin (France) produces excellent wines and I found a great start to this review with his Champagne Moulin NV. Made by the traditional champagnemaking process, this popular cuvée has a myriad of elegant bubbles, leading to the very welcoming mouthfeel, with an excellent finish.

Carlos Rodriguez (Spain) Albamisa Albariño I found to be a most acceptable white wine. Carlos travels, to discover ‘hidden gems’, in the different regions of Spain.

Crisp, with a very good mouthfeel and palate sensation.

Richard Kershaw (South Africa) was born in Sheffield and now produces wines from the cooler sites of the coastal South African regions. Richard’s Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé I found to be most impressive. With a pleasant bouquet and wonderful palate, this does not disappoint.

Refined fruit flavours come through and

the finish is very good.

Carmen Stevens (South Africa) Angel’s Reserve Shiraz utilises grapes which are harvested at optimum ripeness, to give the very best character and expressions, for this production. With a great bouquet and powerful mouthfeel, this superb Shiraz delivers on all counts.

Sam Plunkett (Australia) wines I found exciting and a great discovery. Prospector Shiraz suited my tastebuds and I found this, too, a powerful wine, with a vast amount of flavour. The juiciness of red fruits will satisfy the most discerning of palates.

Benjamin Darnault (France) was my choice for a dessert wine. Domaine De Montahuc is a splendid, sweet white wine, produced using grapes grown organically. I found this wine to have elegance and a wonderful, memorable finish. Perfect towards the end of a dining occasion.

These are a selection of Naked Wines, from worldwide destinations. Their extensive range has something for all tastes. Full details of all wines can be located on the website. www.nakedwines. com.

As always, Enjoy!

Trevor Langley

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Dead Man’s Gift by Simon Kernick (ebook only)

A THRILLER IN THREE PARTS Part 1: Yesterday The FIRST direct to digital shortstory in a race-against-time threepart adventure from the bestselling author of Relentless, Siege and Ultimatum, Simon Kernick.

MP Tim Horton arrives home to find his seven year old son has been abducted by a ruthless gang of kidnappers. All they have left behind is the brutally murdered body of the Horton’s nanny.

The gang’s demands are simple: Tim must sacrifice his own life in order to save his son’s.

It’s the ultimate dead man’s gift.

Part 2: Last Night MP Tim Horton is waiting to hear from his son’s kidnappers.

Knowing he’s being watched, and too scared to go to the police, he contacts the only man who may be able to help him, his brotherin-law: an ex-soldier called Scope who has a reputation for sorting things out and getting things done …

Part 3: Today Ex-soldier Scope has less than 12 hours to find his kidnapped nephew and he’s only got one lead to go on.

The clock’s ticking and, as Scope gets to work, he soon discovers he’s up against a vicious and dangerous criminal network, and he’s going to need all his determination and ingenuity just to stay alive …

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the palace

May’s forthcoming events at the Palace are as follows: Friday, 8th May – The Badapple Theatre Co. presents ‘The Unlikely Dads’ (Centre Stage) A new two-hander comedy from rural touring favourites, Badapple Theatre, that follows the unusual tale of two friends who become fathers late in life under extraordinary circumstances. Their usual weekly meetings at the club to discuss The Beatles and The Likely Lads are now re-located to a more baby friendly location and their new lives clash head on, with comic repercussions and a life-changing twist in the tale.Performance starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £8 (full), £6 (concessions), Combo ticket £16 (1 full & 2 concs.) Advance tickets: from The Palace Tel: 01530 262400 or Halls Electrical Tel: 01530 260460. Tickets can be purchased ‘on the door’ (subject to availability).

Saturday, 9th May The Everly Brothers and Friends Tribute This spectacular tribute show is simply unrivalled anywhere. Get your tickets now and enjoy The Temple Brothers as they bring to life, the magic of THE EVERLY BROTHERS!! PLUS special guest star tributes to Hank Marvin, Neil Diamond and Jerry Lee Lewis! Performance start time will be 8pm. Tickets: £10 available from The Palace Tel: 01530 262400 or from Halls Electrical, High Street, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460. Tickets can be purchased ‘on the door’ (subject to availability) or Halls Tel: 01530 260460. Please check with ticket outlets to avoid disappointment.

Friday, 15th May– Palace Film Night. Enjoy a drink from the bar whilst watching a great film in this unique venue; One of the oldest surviving cinemas in the country. ‘Mr Turner’ (R) Eccentric British painter J.M.W. Turner (Timothy Spall) lives his last 25 years with gusto and secretly becomes involved with a seaside landlady, while his faithful housekeeper (Dorothy Atkinson) bears an unrequited love for him. Filmmaker Mike Leigh’s biography of the landscape painter is fascinating, and the performances and photography are outstanding. Doors/ bar open at 7.00pm. Film starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £5.00/£4.00. Advance tickets: from The Palace Tel: 01530 262400 or Halls Electrical Tel: 01530 260460. Tickets can be purchased ‘on the door’.

Saturday, 16th May – Historical Society Event Exhibition– ‘LEST WE FORGET’. 9.00am to 5pm. Contact Stephen Saunders on 07957 722464 or steve.saunders@live.co.uk for further details.

Saturday, 16th May - Palace Social Dance. A very popular evening of Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence dancing. Doors & bar open at 7.30 pm. With dancing from 8.00 pm ‘till 11.00 pm.

Tickets: £5.00.

Wednesday, 20th May - The Palace Annual General Meeting. The meeting will be held at The Palace and will begin at 7.30pm. Open to the general public, but membership is required in order to vote. If you would like to find out more about becoming a member contact Tel: 01530 262400.

Coming soon: Friday, 5th June – Palace Film Night. ‘The Theory of Everything’ (PG13) – BAFTA WINNER. The extraordinary story of one of the world’s greatest living minds, the renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, who falls deeply in love with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde. Doors/ bar open at 7.00pm. Film starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £5.00/£4.00. Advance tickets: from The Palace Tel: 01530 262400 or Halls Electrical Tel: 01530 260460. Tickets can be purchased ‘on the door’ (subject to availability) Please check with ticket outlets to avoid disappointment.

Saturday, 6th June - Pelenna Valley Welsh Male Voice Choir. This world famous Welsh Male Voice Choir make a welcome return visit for what has become one of our musical ‘highlights’ of the year. Doors/bar open from 7pm, concert starts at 7.30pm Tickets: £10.00 from The Palace Tel: 01530 262400 or Halls Electrical, High Street, Ibstock Tel: 01530 260460. ADVANCED BOOKING IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

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Regular bookings: Monday Mosaic Disability Services - 9.30am - 3.30pm. Contact Amanda Tebbutt on (0116) 2318720 0r (07912) 480961.

Zumba Fitness – 6.30pm – 7.30pm. Ditch the workout – join the party! Contact Laura on (07702) 345586.

Fitness Pilates class – 7.45pm – 8.45pm. Contact Michelle Scott-Worthington on (07887) 678367.

Tuesday Bubbles Playgroup – 10.30am – 12 Noon. Contact Rachel Seabrook on (01530) 452144.

Circuit Training – 6.45pm – 7.45pm. Contact Curtis Smith on (07870) 498110 or (01455) 291656.

Tai Chi – 8pm – 9pm. Contact Doug Gerrard on (07969) 480684.

Wednesday 50+ Fitness Pilates – 9.30am – 10.30am. Contact Michelle Scott-Worthington on (07887) 678367.

Palace Players – 7.30pm – 9.45pm. For anyone who is interested in getting involved with any aspect of amateur theatre. Contact the Palace on (01530) 262400 for more details.

Thursday ‘Healthy Hearts’ Low Impact Physical Training – 9.30am – 10.20am - improve co-ordination, circulation, strength and endurance. Suitable for GP referral participants. Contact Michelle ScottWorthington on (07887) 678367.

50+ Fitness Pilates – posture, balance and fitness class – 10.30am – 11.30am. Contact Michelle Scott-Worthington on (07887) 678367.

Outlook Group (a social group for senior citizens) - 1.30pm – 3pm. Contact Elaine Hodgetts on (01530) 262400.

Bingo – Doors open 7.30pm. welcome.

Eyes down at 8pm.

Licensed bar & refreshments.

Everyone

Friday Tai Chi – 10am – 11am. Contact Michael Cashmore on (07714) 215216.

Childrens Dance Classes - Beginners Ballet 4.00-4.45pm; Beginners Tap 4.45-5.30pm; Musical Theatre 5.30-6.15pm Contact Miss Jessica of Rochelle School Of Dance (established over 60 years in the area) (01455) 636514, (07949) 121442 or office@rochelle-dance.com Saturday Community Morning at the Palace – 10am to 12 noon. Every Saturday (except the 1st Saturday each month) the Palace plays host to groups, organisations and associations from the village, including the Ibstock Historical Society. So if you would like to learn more about what is happening in your community, come along to the Palace. Also a variety of market stalls selling locally produced goods, including delicious home made cakes, plus produce from Ibstock’s very own Dairy, including milk, butter, yoghurt and cream. Light refreshments available.

Sunday Gatling Gun Productions – local film group - 2.00-4.00pm. Every two weeks. If you are interested in being involved in the film m

The Palace Community Centre is available to hire for regular events and commercial hire, as well as private parties and celebrations. The Palace has a fully licensed bar, kitchen facilities, large free car park opposite venue, good disability access and facilities, full PA and lighting system, large screen and wi-fi, making it an ideal venue for numerous types of events.

SEE OUR WEBSITE www.thepalaceibstock.co.uk FOR MORE DETAILS The Palace Community Centre Ltd., High Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire, LE67 6LH. Tel (01530) 262400. e-mail: enquiries@thepalaceibstock.co.uk

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seasonal desserts Poached peaches with zabaglione

Make Prep s 4 30 m Read ins 10 to y in 30 min s

Ingredients • 3 ripe peaches • 3 tbsp sugar • pinch of dried lemon verbena leaves • 5 free-range eggs,

yolks only • Marsala wine, half an egg shell’s worth per egg • 5 tbsp sugar • amaretti biscuits, crushed to a crumb

1. Bring a large pot of water to the boil.

Have a bowl of iced water ready.

Place the peaches into the boiling water, and leave for about one minute.

Immediately remove from the hot water and plunge into iced water. Peel the peaches and chop them into bite sized pieces and discard the stones.

2. Place the peaches into a high-sided frying pan so that they form a single layer. Pour over 150ml/5fl oz of water and add the sugar and lemon verbena.

3. Cut a circle of baking parchment to fit the pan. Cover the pan with the baking parchment and bring slowly to the boil. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the peaches are soft but still holding their form.

4. Meanwhile make the zabaglione. Put the egg yolks, sugar and Marsala in a bowl and whisk to combine. Place the bowl over a pan of boiling water and whisk continuously until the mixture is creamy and has more than quadrupled in size. The zabaglione is ready.

5. Assemble the dish by scattering some of the amaretti biscuit crumbs in the base of a dish. Top with peaches, then more crumbs, then more peaches and then the zabaglione before finishing with a final flourish of crushed biscuits.

No-fuss fruit tart s 10 Serve ins 0m 3 p e r P oking o c No d u req ire Ingredients

• 375g/13oz digestive biscuits • 75g/3oz softened unsalted butter • 400g/14oz cream cheese, at room temperature • 240g/8½oz ready-made lemon curd, at room temperature • 125g/4oz fresh

blueberries • 125g/4oz fresh blackberries • 125g/4oz fresh raspberries • 125g/4oz fresh redcurrants or pomegranate seeds • 125g/4oz fresh small strawberries, half hulled, half stalks intact

1. Process the biscuits and the butter to a sandy rubble in a food processor, then press the mixture into the sides and bottom of the tart tin. Place in the freezer (or fridge if that is not possible) for about 10–15 minutes.

2. Clean the bowl of the food processor, then process the cream cheese and lemon curd and spread it into the bottom of the chilled tart tin, covering the base of the tart evenly.

(Alternatively, just mix the cream cheese and lemon curd together by hand.)

3. Arrange all of the fruit gently (so that it doesn’t sink into the filling too much) on top of the lemony cream cheese in a decorative manner.

4. Place the tart in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. It does need to get properly cold in order to set enough for the tart to be unsprung and sliced easily.

Courtesy Nigella Lawson

Courtesy Michel Roux Jr.

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This Months Jobs in the Garden Weeds will be in full growth now so adopt a little and often approach to keeping them under control. If you let them take over a patch then getting rid of them again will be a major task.

There are weed killers available for all the different areas of the garden: lawns; beds and borders; paths and drives. Use a good sharp hoe to keep weeds under control in the veg patch.

Dealing with pests: Slugs and snails will be munching on your lovely new growth – use slug pellets, granules, slug clear liquid, nematodes, traps, copper tape, bran, hunt them by torchlight, encourage wildlife and do anything else you can think of!

Birds such as pigeons can be a real pest – try deterrents such as hanging CDs that spin in the wind, “buzz off” tape that makes a noise in the slightest breeze or cover plants with netting.

Aphids. They will be multiplying now so if you can’t brush them off by hand use chemical or biological controls or sticky traps if under cover.

There is still a chance of a night time frost in May. Keep the fleece on hand to put over tender growth if the forecast tells of frost. It’s too early to put summer bedding and tomato plants out – they are best kept inside until towards the end of May when they can be hardened off and put outside.

The sun can get pretty hot in May so keep make sure that you keep the greenhouse ventilated on warm days. It’s a good idea to shade your greenhouse with “cool glass” or shade netting before it gets too hot and plants start to suffer.

If we do get a warm spell then make sure that you water plants in pots and containers and also any newly planted trees and shrubs until they become established. With trees it’s best to give them a thorough soaking once a week rather than a little bit every day as this can encourage the roots to stay near the surface. Continue to earth up your potatoes.

Seed sowing: continue to sow lettuce, salad leaves, radish, turnips, beetroot, salad onions, carrots, peas and broad beans. Sow runner beans climbing and dwarf beans in well prepared ground.

Plant out winter brassicas such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. Use cabbage collars around young plants to protect from cabbage root fly.

Put mulch mats or a layer of straw around your strawberry plants – this will keep them clean, prevent rotting and also help deter slugs.

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just for kids

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and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to the Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.

Child 44 (2015) A politically-charged serial killer thriller set in 1953 Soviet Russia, CHILD 44 chronicles the crisis of conscience for secret police agent Leo Demidov [Tom Hardy], who loses status, power and home when he refuses to denounce his own wife, Raisa [Noomi Rapace], as a traitor.

Exiled from Moscow to a grim provincial outpost, Leo and Raisa join forces with General Mikhail Nesterov [Gary Oldman] to track down a serial killer who preys on young boys.

Their quest for justice threatens a system-wide cover-up enforced by Leo’s psychopathic rival Vasili [Joel Kinnaman], who insists “There is no crime in Paradise.”

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) Marvel Studios presents “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the epic follow-up to the biggest Super Hero movie of all time.

When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow

Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” stars Robert Downey Jr., who returns as Iron Man, along with Chris Evans as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk. Together with Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, and with the additional support of Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Cobie Smulders as Agent Maria Hill, the team must reassemble to defeat James Spader as Ultron, a terrifying technological villain hell-bent on human extinction. Along the way, they confront two mysterious and powerful newcomers, Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen, and Pietro Maximoff, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and meet an old friend in a new form when Paul Bettany becomes Vision.

Written and directed by Joss Whedon and produced by Kevin Feige, Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963.

Get set for an action-packed thrill ride.

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your stars Your Stars for the Month 2015 by Dan Worthaus Aries - March 20th - April 20th Love is in the air during May. Love and romantic relationships will be at the fore front this month so just enjoy. If you are a married Aries you may have to work a little bit harder to make sure you enjoy that spring feeling of romance however May is a good month for married Aries as well. It seems that May could be a good month for your career as well. If you are working for someone you might get a promotion but if you have your own business new contracts could be coming your way. Now would be a good time to action new projects and investments.

Taurus - April 21st - May 21st Hey Taurus . . . try to take it a bit easy during May and focus a bit on yourself. It is no point in stressing yourself out just to further your career or business. Keep a steady pace but do not over reach yourself. There is only one of you, and others may rely on you for more than money and status. You might experience some mental turmoil during the early part of this month but by focusing on yourself you will be experience better relationships with loved ones towards the middle and end of this month. Spend some time just dreaming and planning for the future.

Gemini - May 22nd - June 21st You might feel your life has become a bit stagnant and you are now ready to do something about it. But what would you like to do? If you are working for someone you have for some time now been thinking perhaps changing as your current position feels a bit stale. If you have your own business now is a good time to bring on line and plan new ideas. The problem is that during May 2015 you may not be thinking very logically as this month also brings with a lot of love and passionate activity. You might want to consider focusing on whatever you do this month. When you are with your family, friends and love interest focus on that side of your life but make plenty of time for business and career planning.

Cancer - June 22nd - July 23rd Direct your energy towards your job or business during May and you will enjoy success not only during this month but it will continue. You might have turned a corner in this part of your life. Romance may not actually flourish but you will discover a new depth to relationships and trust and understanding will increase. Financially things are looking good and you could perhaps consider spending some of your money on a short vacation. A vacation with a friend or loved one could be really beneficial for you right now and you would both enjoy the time spent together.

Leo - July 24th - August 23rd May sees you at your most charming. Smooth talk comes easily and you’re quite happy to use it on any unsuspecting individual you take a shine to. You adore attention and there’s no shortage this month, but you’re generous with praise too and people will love to bask in the warm glow you’re emitting. It’ll leave you walking on cloud nine and everyone is going to know about it! You’re in for some summer sizzle this May with an equally fiery partner and there could be a connection with foreign places too. Perhaps a holiday romance or a romantic interlude with someone from abroad is on the cards. Either way you’re in for a good time.

Virgo - August 23rd - September 22nd Strong undercurrents from other people are making you feel a little on edge. It seems everyone’s behaving oddly as though the sun’s gone to their heads. Even you’re acting a bit out of character. However you should be able to smooth over any brewing trouble with soothing words that just roll off the tongue. Those dulcet tones could prove very useful in May when someone special is seduced by your pleasing manner. But charm disguises a burning inside which is demanding release. You can easily deliver on the passionate promises you utter. There’s no escaping when you switch on the charm offensive.

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Libra - September 23rd - October 23rd You’re determined to set the world on fire in May . You’re feeling hot and ready to take the plunge with someone special. The passion and ferocity of Mars and Pluto join up with your ruler Venus this month giving you the power to set pulses racing. No one will be able to resist your confidence. This is an important month in an important year for you. With expansive Jupiter in your sign (it only happens once every twelve years) it’s time for you to make the most of each opportunity that comes your way. Expect to be seeing more of the world and letting the world see more of you.

Scorpio - October 24th - November 22nd A powerful and meaningful connection with someone is on the cards, whether you know them or not already. Your ruler Pluto in harmony with Mars and Venus means love and passion in equal measures. You’re a force to be reckoned with and when you set your sights on your ideal partner there will be no stopping you getting them, whether they like it or not! I doubt anyone would argue with you even if they could, it’s a huge ego boost to be so utterly adored. You may also be tempted to take a big financial risk this month, but practice caution if you can because there’s no guarantee of a settled outcome.

Sagittarius - November 23rd - December 21st You’re feeling wonderfully energized as the month starts, leaving others in your wake as you bounce from one task to another. Watch out for ego clashes with other strong personalities who want the limelight too. Mid May sees you embroiled in heated exchanges with individuals for whom you can barely disguise your passion. Pluto in your sign harmoniously connected with Mars and Venus sends your pulse racing and your mind conjuring up all sorts of thrilling escapades for yourself and your amour. You are a born traveller and philanthropist and now is a great time to in indulge both of these.

Capricorn - December 22nd - January 20th The month begins with a feeling of harmony and balance and you are feeling a bit more confident about your financial circumstances. You feel at ease expressing your deeper feelings to loved ones too. However as the month moves forward the possibility of some tension between your work and domestic life increases, but any challenges you face could be a positive way of clearing the air and therefore making progress in both these areas. If the tension in the air does boil over you can be consoled by the fact that it’s all a storm in a tea cup and will settle soon.

Aquarius - January 21st - February 19th Arguments with siblings, close friends and partners are possible this month and any trouble that does occur could simple be little more than hot air and bravado from all parties concerned. Day to day activities and getting about your normal routine, things you normally take for granted, could be fraught with complications and upsets in May. Try not to be everywhere at once or race about trying to achieve too many things; no one is expecting miracles so stop trying to perform them. Relationships have taken a serious turn recently, and this will become a focus of the month, but you should start seeing the situation more clearly.

Pisces - February 20th - March 20th May is a good month to pour your energy into sorting out money matters and embarking on schemes that will see your cash working harder for you. Thinking of all the adventures you could soon afford to go on will be more than enough of an incentive to get wise with your dough - money equals freedom for you this month. Be careful not to fall for the charms of sweet talkers who aren’t exactly what they are making themselves out to be. Overall you can expect to be putting in a lot of effort this month and working hard in a lot of areas in your life but things will settle down toward the end of May.

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what’s on Saturday 9th May 2015 Plant Hunters’ Fair SPRING TREAT FOR ALL GARDEN LOVERS at Donington Le Heath Manor House, Manor Road, Donington Le Heath, Coalville Leics LE67 2FW. Saturday 9th May 2015 10am - 4pm 01530 831259. Entry to Gardens, Manor House & Plant Fair only £1.00 (Fund Raising Event for the Friends of the Manor).

Friday 15th May 2015 Gary Delaney - Purist The Theory of Everything (12A). Eddie Redmayne stars in his Best Actor Oscar-winning role of Stephen Hawking with Felicity Jones as Jane, the arts student he fell in love with at Cambridge University in the 1960s. At Century Theatre at Snibston starting at 7.00pm.

Admission £3.50 pay on the door. For more details call 01530 278444.

Wednesday 13th May 2015 Gary Delaney - Purist Popular standup comic from Mock the Week, BBC3’s Edinburgh Comedy Fest Live and Dave TV’s Top 10 Joke of the Fringe’ 2013. At Century Theatre at Snibston starting at 8.00pm. Admission £13 advance, £14 on the door or book online at www.centurytheatre. co.uk. For more details call 01530 278444.

Friday 22nd May 2015 Testament of Youth (12A)Vera Brittain gives up the chance of a place at Oxford University to be near her loved ones on the Western Front. Powerful, emotive adaptation of the WW1 memoir starring Alicia Vikander, Kit Harrington & Dominic West.

At Century Theatre at Snibston starting at 7.00pm. Admission £3.50 pay on the door. For more details call 01530 278444.

Saturday 23rd May 2015 The Ceri Dupree Show The star of Curve/Haymarket Theatres’ smash hit musical Hot Stuff, see Ceri as he performs for one night only at

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the Century Theatre. At Century Theatre at Snibston starting at 7.30pm. Admission £15 advance, £17 on the door or book online at www.centurytheatre.co.uk. For more details call 01530 278444.

Saturday 30th May 2015 St Michael’s Plant sale The annual plant sale in aid of St Micheal’s will be hold at the church. prices very reasonable Refreshments will be available Everyone very welcome.

At St Micheal’s Church. Church.

Church Lane Ravenstone. 10.00am to 13.30pm. Admission Free. For more details call 01530 817747.

Wednesday 17th June 2015 Lynda’s annual Coffee morning & Rummage sale at 3 Manor Road, Heather between 10.00am and 12.30pm. Stalls: Books, Cakes, Raffle, DVDs, CDs, 50/50 Draw, Tombola, Good Jumble, White Elephant & Refreshments. Also, Jigsaw puzzles, Crafts, Hand crafted cards, Jewellery and much more. Donations for any stall can be left with Lynda at 3 Manor Road, (tel 260016) or with Hazel at 14 Cotsmore Close. All items gratefully received. All proceeds go to Heather Parish Church.

Saturday 20th June 2015 Ivanhoe Way Challenge Wishes 4 Kids supporters Richard and Angela Bebbington are pleased to announce applications for the 7th annual Ivanhoe Way Challenge are now open. The challenge, to walk the 37 mile Ivanhoe Way route within 15 hours, takes place on Saturday 20th June 2015. Since the event was launched over 280 people have completed the challenge, raising over 35,000 for Leicestershire Charity, Wishes 4 Kids. We are pleased to announce the Ivanhoe Way Half Challenge will also take place on the same day. The 18 mile route will follow the same route from Stanton Under Bardon.

With the Full Challenge starting at 4am, from Ashby De La Zouch, the route passes Staunton Harold

Reservoir, through the rocky outcrops of Charnwood Forest, out to Bagworth, and back along the route of the Ashby Canal, via Shackerstone. Once back in Ashby there will be a well earned meal and drink waiting for the walkers at The Ivanhoe Club. Entry £22. For more information call 07752259489 or go to the website at www.ivanhoechallenge.co.uk.

Saturday 4th July 2015 Ashby Castle Lawn Tennis Club Charity & Open Day – Summer Fete stalls open 11am to 5pm at the tennis club opposite Ashby Castle featuring cakes, strawberries & cream, pimms, crafts, children’s activities, nail bar & face painting, tombola, BBQ & bar, with a 24hr tennis marathon (starting Friday 8pm) junior multi sports, play tennis for free 2-4pm, test your speed of serve, take the longest rally challenge, or enjoy refreshments on the balcony in a picturesque spot. For more details contact Alex on 07931 412238.

Sunday 26th July 2015 Jim’s Tractor Run & Family Fun Day A fantastic Family Fun Day with lots of interest for all ages.

Grand Tractor run through Ashby at 11am which then goes onward to Blackfordby, returning to the Bath Grounds approx. 11.45am.

Lots of interesting vehicles to look at, archery, crafts, stalls, chess club, children’s rides, Punch n Judy, music and entertainment hosted by Hermitage FM, food and drink. New this year - Fun Dog Show - 14 categories from Waggiest tail to Best Fancy Dress.

Free event entry with donations to Hospice Hope. Dog show small charge applies. Organised by Ashby Town Council. Tel: 01530 416961.

It’s free to have your event details published in the What’s On section. Either email us with your details to info@whatsaround.co.uk or fill out our on-line event form at www. whatsaround.co.uk. Space permitting we’ll get your event noticed.

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index I n d ex o f Ad ver tise rs

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A new series of lectures ‘The Archaeology of Tudor and Stuart Leicestershire and Rutland’ marks the start of our summer season of talks.

The 6 lectures, on the present state of knowledge of the archaeology of post-medieval Leicestershire, are once more presented by Peter Liddle, former County Archaeologist for Leicestershire and will run on Tuesdays from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Museum. Details are as follows:• • • • • • •

May 12th Reformation and Dissolution May 19th Civil war and Dissent May 26th Half term – no lecture June 2nd Big Houses and Gardens June 9th Villages and Fields June 16th Leicester and the Market Towns June 23rd Industry, Trade and Communications Price: £30 for the series or, if you prefer, £6 per lecture (payable on the door). Booking via Museum or e-mail peter.liddle51@gmail.com Ashby Museum staff are looking forward to the next few months, as they are playing host to several groups, young and older. On 11th May, the U3A group from Dorridge (the other side of the M42 from Solihull). After light refreshments on arrival, they will view the Museum’s galleries, have a talk on an aspect of Ashby’s history and partake of a buffet lunch. In the afternoon they will have a guided walk around the town. This is one of several U3A groups we are entertaining this summer, after two very successful ones over the winter.

Also in May we welcome 270 pupils from a school in Littleover, Derby. These visits will take place over three days and our Education Officer, Jeff Humphries, is already planning the event. Such visits, in addition to our successful monthly Kids’ Club, fulfil a key aim of the Museum trustees - to explain Ashby’s rich heritage to the younger generation.

The temporary exhibition in the Loudoun Gallery during May and June concentrates on the story of Ashby’s railways. Recently we were donated the original Ashby Station clock and another one of the maroon platform signs. They will be on display with a large collection of photographs and relevant ephemera. We look forward to welcoming you!

The current Loudoun Gallery exhibition on Ashby Cottage Hospital runs until the end of May when it will be replaced by an exhibition of images of Ashby’s Lost Railways, beginning on May 1st.

The next Kids’ club is on the Saturday 2nd May and is called ‘Hands On History’. The children can handle and look at objects from our past and take part in investigations to discover their use. There will be opportunities for children to create their own artwork based around the artefacts and the people who used them. Open to all children of primary school age. Children must be accompanied by a adult. The club runs from 11am till 4pm.

Friends of Ashby Museum The Friends enjoyed hosted afternoon tea and a talk about Coleorton Pottery in April. Delivered by Trevor Stewart, this was an interesting talk about a pottery which disappeared in the 1930s.

The Friends of Ashby Museum exists to support the work of the museum by fundraising but also by arranging social events. Membership only costs £5 per year, which includes free entry to the museum during the year.

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