Ashbylife dec15 emag by Ashby Life

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this issue 115 Ashby Life Editor Liz Roberts Telephone 01530 417739 Email enquiries Advertising/Accounts info@ashbylife.co.uk Website/What’s On admin@ashbylife.co.uk

Season’s Greetings

It’s a lovely Christmassy edition this month with all the information you need to enjoy the holiday season and get involved with your local community. Whether it is sending your Christmas cards via the Scouts Post service, looking forward to Santa’s sleigh visiting your neighbour-hood, or enjoying the magic of a carol service in one of the town’s churches you should find the information you need inside our pages. We’ve also packed in some great seasonal tips on how to stay organised, stress free and healthy over the Christmas period (see pages 6 and 58) and you can always try knocking up a glass of festive egg nog (page 100) to help you relax while you’re wrapping presents! Wishing all our readers and advertisers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

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Facebook www.facebook.com/ ashbylife Twitter @AshbyLife Address Ashby Life Ltd Castle House South Street Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1BR Front Cover Image by Julie Barnett Ashby Life is an independent publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the editor. The use of this magazine for canvassing or direct marketing is strictly prohibited. Information is included on the What’s On and Community Board pages subject to space being available. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, Ashby Life cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions or endorse companies, products or services appearing in this magazine.

Liz Roberts

Contents This Month 06 Festive Recipes 10 Ashby Health Centre 14 What’s On for Families 18 On The Beat... 22 Puzzle Page 26 Ashby Museum News 30 Money Matters 34 Fitness Tips 38 Book Reviews 42 Fun Quiz 46 Santa Sleigh Routes 50 Spotlight On... 54 All About You 58 Last Posting Dates 62 A Walk in the Forest 66 It’s Local 68 Wordsearch 70 Community Board 74 Christadelphian Church 78 Young Ashby 82 Ashby Library News 86 Storytime 90 Chess Puzzle 94 In Your Garden 98 Festive Recipe Extra 100 Venture Theatre News 102 Ashby Scouts Post 106 Church Services 110 Just 4 Fun 114 Whats On 118/120 Puzzle Solutions 124 Business Directory 126

100

If you would like to advertise in Ashby Life It’s a fantastic way to target potential customers and great value for money

See our website or call Liz on 01530 417739 for details Copy deadline for the January edition is Friday 11th December Please note advertising space is limited, pre-booking is recommended 4

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this month

hilst it’s not a public holiday, many people across the UK choose to take Christmas Eve off work to do last minute preparations and take part in special activities. Many Christians attend church services ranging from special family-based events, to the traditional Midnight Mass (see pages 110 to 111 for local services). In other countries, the opening of presents is part of the Christmas Eve celebrations along with a large meal enjoyed with family and friends. In the UK many spend Christmas Eve delivering gifts to friends and relatives, if of course they are not rushing round the shops perhaps having made a deliberate decision to buy at the last minute because many shops now start their sales early!

Christmas Eve

Countdown

Others will enjoy festive activities such as a visit to Santa’s grotto, skating on one of the special ice rinks that pop up in many towns and cities, or taking a trip to the local pantomime. Of course it’s wise to book Christmas Eve activities well in advance as it’s a popular time. Many choose to spend at least part of the day at home watching Christmas movies, listening to festive CDs and doing everything they can to ensure that Christmas Day goes perfectly.

Most vegetables can be peeled and left safely in saucepans of cold water overnight. Fiddly jobs such as wrapping bacon around the sausages for pigs in blankets and preparing stuffing and sauces can also be done. You can get your turkey oven ready too by placing an onion and oranges in the cavity, greasing the skin, wrapping with bacon and putting it in the baking tray with foil. Just make sure you keep it out of the way of curious pets! If you have a frozen

turkey you will need to start the defrosting on Christmas Eve. This is also the time to bring any other items out of the freezer such as pre-baked mince pies. Just try to resist the temptation to eat them all the same day! Some starters can also be made and stored in the fridge, and for those not wanting Christmas pudding other deserts can be cooked and then reheated on Christmas Day. Many people take great delight in laying the table carefully and some will have traditions of decorating the tree or putting the presents under it on Christmas Eve.

While some may be out partying until the small hours, those in charge of the Christmas Day festivities and those with young excited children are well advised to get to bed at a sensible time if they can (easier said than done when you have to wait for small people to drop off before frantically wrapping presents!). You’ll enjoy Christmas Day all the more though if you aren’t over tired. Try to remember too that it really doesn’t matter that much if every little detail isn’t perfect – what may seem a disaster on Christmas Eve can be something that you all laugh about in years to come! Only one more sleep until Christmas.

Seasons Greetings.

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festive recipes Glazed gammon is a Christmas favourite – delicious hot from the oven as a festive supper or served cold as part of the Boxing Day buffet!

This spiced and fruity Continental sweet bread is perfect for serving over the festive season with a glass of warm mulled wine.

Serves 8 Ready in 3 hours

Marmalade and mustard

glazed gammon YOU WILL NEED • 2.5kg smoked gammon joint • 1 onion, peeled and quartered • 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped • 2 fresh bay leaves, plus extra to garnish • Black peppercorns

• 1 tbsp whole cloves • 3 tbsp shredless orange marmalade, warmed • 2 tbsp runny honey • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard • 3 tbsp light soft brown sugar • Orange wedges, to garnish

GET STARTED 1 Place the gammon joint in a large deep pan with the onion, carrot, bay leaves and peppercorns. Pour over enough cold water to cover the joint. 2 Bring to the boil then skim off any scum from the surface using a slotted spoon. Reduce the heat, cover and leave to simmer for 1½ hours, topping up the water level as needed. 3 Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas 4. Lift out the gammon from the pan and place in a foil-lined roasting tin (discard the cooking liquid). Leave to cool for 10 minutes. Cut away the skin from the gammon, leaving a thin layer of fat and score the fat into diamonds. Stud the scored fat with the cloves in an even pattern. 4 Mix together the marmalade, honey, mustard and sugar and spoon all over the gammon fat. Roast in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes, basting regularly with the glaze and pan juices until the fat is golden. Serve hot or cold garnished with fresh bay leaves and orange wedges. TOP TIP Add 1 tsp each ground cumin and ground coriander or a splash of Tabasco sauce to the glaze for a bit of extra spice, if liked.

Stollen YOU WILL NEED • • • •

50g butter 175ml milk 3 tbsp caster sugar 375g strong plain white flour, plus a little extra • ¼ tsp salt • 1 tsp ground mixed spice • 2 tsp fast-action dried yeast

Make s 12 sli 10ce Ready s 3 hou in rs

• • • • •

Zest of 1 lemon 1 large egg, beaten 125g raisins 25g chopped mixed peel 50g glace cherries, rinsed, dried and quartered • 175g marzipan • Melted butter • Icing sugar, for dusting

GET STARTED 1 Put the butter, milk and caster sugar in a small pan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved and the butter has melted. Leave to cool for 10 minutes. 2 Sift the flour, salt and mixed spice into a large bowl and stir in the dried yeast. Make a well in the centre and stir in the milk mixture, lemon zest and egg. Mix together with a round-bladed knife to form a soft and sticky dough. 3 Turn the dough onto a well floured surface and knead for 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough will be quite sticky so add more flour as necessary. 4 Flatten out the dough and knead in the raisins, cherries and peel until just combined. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with cling film and leave in a warm place for about 1½ hours, or until doubled in size. 5 Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes, then roll out to a 25cm square. Shape the marzipan into a sausage shape and place down the centre of the dough. Fold one side over to cover the marzipan then repeat with the other side, overlapping in the centre. Seal the ends. Place seamside down on a greased baking sheet. Cover with oiled cling film and leave in a warm place until doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 190°C, fan 170°C, gas 5. 6 Bake the stollen for 35 to 45 minutes until golden and sounds hollow when tapped underneath. Brush the hot stollen all over with melted butter and roll in the icing sugar to coat. Leave to cool.

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ashby health centre

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;VE MOVED! We are finally in our new purpose built health centre and now we just need to work out where to put everything! Seriously, we would all like to thank you for your patience and understanding whilst we have been packing and moving. It is very much appreciated and we are sure that everyone will benefit.

Everyone at Castle Medical Group wishes you a

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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Our new address is... Castle Medical Group 118 Burton Road Ashby-de-la-Zouch Leicestershire LE65 2LP

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what’s on for families 28th November

Ashby Christmas Fair Market Street, Ashby 10.00am to 4.00pm

Market Street will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a craft market, live music & carol singing, entertainment, children’s rides and the chance to meet Santa in his all new sleigh!! All this and the best local and regional food and drink plus great gift ideas.

Events in December 29th November

Ashby Baptist Church Advent Party Cost £1.00 per child. 2.30pm to 5.00pm.

5th December

Free Festive Fun, New Packington Free entry. 12.00pm to 2.00pm. Contact Amelia Gillespie on 01530 412750 for details.

Come along and join the fun at this free event at 86 Leicester Road, New Packington. Meet Elsa & Anna and even the great man himself, Father Christmas. With mince pies and mulled wine, get into the festive spirit and raise money for Rainbows.

Donington Park hosts the ultimate indoor Christmas market complete with crafts, stalls, food & drink, a magical ice rink, live music and of course a visit to Santa’s Grotto. The event will be supporting ‘When you wish upon a Star’.

14th to 18th December

Breakfast with Santa, Barney’s Playbarn. £8.00 per child. Adults free. Starts at 9.30am.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with all that’s happening locally.

An afternoon packed with festive fun and games all the children will love. There will be songs and stories to enjoy as well as crafts to make and muchneeded refreshments. Children from reception through to year six are all welcome.

12th and 13th December

Donington Park Christmas Fayre FREE entry for everyone. Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 10am-6pm. See www.donington-park.co.uk Come and have breakfast and meet Santa. The entrance fee covers unlimited play and a gift from Santa. Adults can also pre-order breakfast at £5.95. Book early as places are limited

See our online What’s On section at www.ashbylife.co.uk for more details of local events and ideas for family fun. Send us details of your family events or clubs at www.ashbylife.co.uk/submit-event.php. The copy deadline for the January magazine is Friday 11th December. Ashby Life cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions or endorse companies, products or services appearing in the magazine.

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on the beat

Hello everyone... NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch is one of the most popular and successful crime prevention schemes and is built on the simple idea that by getting together with your neighbours, you can take positive action to help cut local crime. It gives people the opportunity to work in partnership with their neighbours, the police and other agencies and make a real difference to their community. The schemes can be large or small bringing together whole estates or a few houses. Whatever the size, they all share the same objectives: • Cut crime and the opportunities for crime • Help and reassure those who live in the area • Encourage neighbourliness and bring communities together

As well as looking out for their neighbours, Neighbourhood Watch members can take proactive steps to reduce levels of crime in the area and help reduce the opportunities for criminals to operate. They can also help provide the community with simple crime prevention advice. Neighbourhood Watch schemes are generally led by a volunteer co-ordinator whose job it is to get members of the community working together and ensure that objectives are achieved. As well as a co-ordinator, most schemes also have a committee who meet regularly to plan which problems to target and what action to take. There are many benefits to setting up or joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme including: • Bringing communities together with everyone sharing a common goal • Helping you feel secure knowing that your neighbours are keeping an eye on your property • Helping you become more familiar with crime prevention ideas that help keep your home and belongings safe • Possible premium discounts from your insurance company Neighbourhood Watch schemes are community initiatives that are supported by the police but not owned or run by them. Leicestershire Police supports schemes that are organised in a non-discriminatory manner. If you are interested in joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or setting one up in your area, please contact me.

PC MARK ARJOO call: 101 voicemail ID: 1667 email: mark.arjoo@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk

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puzzle page Effortless (4) Ghosts (8) Kill (7) Part of a helmet (5) Current (12) Winter sport (3) Sports competition (5) Used for listening (3) Amazing (12) Heart beat (5) Simplest (7) Pirate's hoard (8) Procedure (4)

DOWN

1 2 4 5 6 7 8 12 13 15 19 20 22

Keep fit (8) Severe (5) Garden tool (3) In spite of (12) Watch carefully (7) Certain (4) Self service stores (12) Playing field (5) Intimidate (8) Implicate (7) Perfect (5) Blemish (4) Make a mistake (3)

QUICK CROSSWORD

SUDOKU 26

Solutions on page 124.

ACROSS

1 3 9 10 11 14 16 17 18 21 22 23 24

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9, with no repetition. That’s all there is to it. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic - there’s no maths involved and no adding up. It’s fun, it’s challenging, it’s additive! Solutions to all puzzles can be found on page 124.

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ashby museum news

he last display, of artefacts from our collection, has been a great success and we will replace them with other items not normally seen, at the end of November. Do come along to view the new exhibition. Advance notice is given concerning our programme of walks for summer 2016. We offer General Town History, Inns and Alehouses and Insanitary Ashby and can accommodate groups of up to 20 people at a time. If you belong to a group or society and would like to talk to us about a possible walk next summer, please get in touch with the Museum on 01530 560 090. The Museum is well stocked with local history books and booklets and has recently re-stocked with our annual Past and Present magazine (going back several years) and All of a Lather, the story of Ashbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Standard Soap factory.

The Museum will close for the Christmas period from Saturday December 19th, 2015 to Monday January 4th, 2016. Other publications deal with The Spa Town, Ashby during the 17th Century, Market Street and Inns and Alehouses. The last two are highly illustrated. Museum staff are glad to have helped several individuals on research topics, including World War II, Ashbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green Spaces and the village of Lount. Further acquisitions have been accepted relating to Staunton Harold and some items have been loaned to us for temporary exhibition. Both the Museum and Friends of Ashby Museum held their A.G.M.s during October and these have been useful in planning for the future.

FRIENDS OF ASHBY MUSEUM The next Friends talk will be on Wednesday 2nd December at 2pm at the museum. It will be on Hathern Microbrewery and there will be some samples available. Please call in or telephone the Museum on 01530 560 090 to book a place.

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money matters

What type of ﬁnancial help is available for ﬁrst time buyers? THE thought of buying your first home can be daunting, but there’s help available from the government that you may not know about. Equity loans and mortgage guarantees combine within the Help to Buy scheme, which has been a popular option for many people wanting to get their foot on the property ladder.

SHARED OWNERSHIP

Other possibilities include Shared Ownership schemes and Help to Buy ISA products. Additionally, choosing a fixed rate mortgage deal will help you to budget effectively and provides peace of mind that you can afford the repayments.

Shared Ownership helps people to buy their first home because rents are generally low, and are paid in conjunction with a mortgage. The housing association may allow you to purchase more of your home over time – usually up to its full value.

HELP TO BUY

HELP TO BUY ISA

Equity Loan You only need to find a deposit of 5% as the government loans you the remaining 20%. The loan is offered interest-free for the first five years, with an interest rate of 1.75% being charged in year six on the amount of the original loan. Subsequent annual rate increases are in line with inflation, using the Retail Price Index plus 1%.

The Help to Buy ISA is a new product offered by the government, and is due to be introduced this month (December). If you make a lump sum deposit of £1,000 the government will boost this amount tax-free by up to £250 when you buy your home, plus by another £50 for each further £200 of monthly savings. There is a limit on these tax free bonuses, however, of £3,000.

You’ll be able to repay part of the loan early without penalty if you want, and you can sell your home whenever you like. The repayment figure on sale is based on the property’s value at the time so that the government benefits from its rise in value. Mortgage Guarantee This part of the Help to Buy scheme is available until 31st December 2016 for newbuilds and older homes. It is valid for properties worth up to £600,000, and the government provides a guarantee to mortgage lenders for up to 15% of the property value. The scheme is geared towards purchasers with a low deposit, and is intended to encourage confidence in lenders that their money is safe, increasing the likelihood of them offering a larger number of 95% loan-to-value mortgages.

The Shared Ownership scheme enables you to own a proportion of your home - usually between 25% and 75% of the property’s value. You pay rent to a housing association on the remaining proportion, but at a subsidised rate.

FIXING YOUR MORTGAGE RATE If you fix your mortgage rate you’ll be able to budget with confidence, and won’t need to worry about mortgage interest rate rises. Interest rates are expected to increase in the spring of 2016, so this is a good time to look for a suitable fixed rate deal. It can be difficult to know for how long to fix your rate, but with increases expected over the next few years a five-year term might be the best choice, even though the rates offered will be higher than deals over two or three years. With a little research and pre-planning you can take advantage of the various schemes available, fixing your interest rate to provide some stability and peace of mind.

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fitness tips

A gym is just a gym… right? IN today’s fitness market we seem to be completely overloaded by the amount of information on hand. From fitness information, to nutritional advice, to the latest craze and designer exercises. In my opinion, they can all totally confuse us rather than inspire us! Some fitness magazines seem to regurgitate the same old stuff, just in different ways, maybe by putting guys and girls who are in the best shape ever on the covers and telling us that we can also look like that in just a few weeks! In reality, one thing that I have learned over my years of training is that to look like these guys and girls it takes years of hard work. So anyone that promises you that you can look like that in 6 weeks by following their program is most definitely overselling themselves. This type of claim, together with

social media adverts showcasing the most perfect bodies, and the unbelievable before and after pictures, can actually do more harm than good. Let’s face it, in reality, some (not all) of these people have great genes, some (not all) have great muscle structure to start with and some (not all) may use unnatural substances to achieve their look. The best advice I can give is to be realistic in what you want to achieve, in the timespan you want to achieve it in and in the amount of work you are prepared to put in. For example, when I run our body transformation program, we are looking to change your appearance and physical health in a 12 week time span. I’m not going to tell you that you are going to look like a cover model in 12 weeks if you’ve got 4 stone to lose as that would be

with Fitness Republic Trainer Simon Pellecchia

www.fitnessrepublic.co.uk unrealistic, but what we can do is change the way you look noticeably, to improve your health dramatically and give you a new lease of life! Again, this will greatly depend on your commitment to the task. So ultimately, what I’m trying to say is - don’t be confused or deflated by what is around and don’t be baffled by gym adverts telling you they have the best equipment and most treadmills. As in most cases, the simpler the better - go back to basics particularly in exercise. The basic exercises are, and always will be, the best and most effective and you don’t need any fancy equipment to do them. Find a club that you feel comfortable in with trainers who are experienced and knowledgeable then set a goal and commit to it! But most of all enjoy it! Don’t miss next month’s article and an amazing competition!

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book reviews

great christmas gifts

Buying a book for someone can be a bit of a minefield… Will they enjoy it? Do they already have a copy? Will you be able to borrow it? Hopefully our top picks of recent releases will help you to navigate that minefield and get you on Santa’s good side.

FABER POETRY DIARY 2016 • Various

This is one of those books that you get given one year, and then find yourself buying as a gift for years to come. A week-to-view diary that offers a poem or illustration for each week, the Faber Poetry Diary makes Monday mornings just that bit more enjoyable. The 2016 version includes a wide variety of poets, from Simon Armitage to Wendy Cope, via Dylan Thomas, Alice Oswald, Sylvia Plath and a whole lot more.

EVERYDAY SUPER FOOD • Jamie Oliver No present list would be complete without at least one cookery book, and Jamie Oliver seems to be a favourite with everyone from wannabee Junior Masterchefs to seasoned bakers. With Everyday Super Food, Jamie is making it his mission to prove that low-calorie, nutritious meals can still be pretty darn delicious. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are all covered and there’s something to tempt most taste buds, from spicy ‘Energy Balls’ to ‘Super Tasty Miso Broth’ and ‘Harissa Roasted Aubergine’.

THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS • Lizzie Mary Cullen Who would have thought that colouring books for adults would have become such a phenomenon? If you know a fan, or are just buying a present for someone who could seriously do with a chance to unwind, The Magical Christmas is a good choice. From traditional gingerbread houses to alternative Christmas days (surfing in Sydney anyone?), each turn of the page reveals a new intricate scene just waiting for pen or pencil to bring it to life. The only difficult part of this gift is resisting the urge to start colouring it in yourself.

THE THREE-YEAR SWIM CLUB • Julie Checkoway Buying for a biography lover? This inspiring book tells the story of a school teacher in 1930s Maui who wanted to give his under-privileged pupils a brighter future. Soichi Sakamoto set out to transform the children into Olympic swimmers, despite not having any training himself, and the fact that most of the children had never seen a swimming pool. A great read for lovers of tales of triumph over adversity.

THE LAKE HOUSE • Kate Morton It’s 1933 and a missing child throws the privileged Edevane family into a downward spiral. Fast forward seventy years and the child’s older sister, Alice, finds herself re-opening old wounds when a police detective starts asking questions about the unsolved case. A real page-turner, this is the kind of book you want to curl up and disappear into on Boxing Day. (It’s also a great one to give as a gift in the understanding that you get to read it once the recipient has finished with it.)

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fun quiz

Answers on page 124

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santa sleigh routes

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spotlight on... This month we turn the spotlight on local charity; Ashby Foodbank. HUNGER and poverty. Many of us wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t associate these problems with our own society but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fact that 13 million people in the UK live below the poverty line. Five years ago food banks had scarcely been heard of, but today more than a thousand operate across the UK, giving assistance to people in need of basic supplies to survive. Part of the Trussell Trust Foodbank Network, the Ashby foodbank opened in May 2013 and is run as a church lead community venture. Between January and October this year the foodbank has given food to 834 people, 372 of whom were children. All lived in the National Forest area, with around 270 people living in Ashby, Moira and Measham receiving support. People need help for a variety of reasons including low wages, indebtedness, ill health, fleeing domestic abuse and problems with benefits. Redundancies in local businesses have also had an impact. A quarter of all food parcels went to working households. The foodbank provides emergency food for 3 days when a voucher has been given by a trusted partner (including social and health services, council staff and advice charities). All

food donated comes from members of the public. To donate is easy. All you need do is purchase a few extra items with your weekly shop, then drop them off in the permanent collection box at Ashby Tesco and Co-op. Items purchased should be nonperishable and in date - so anything in tins, packets and jars. The team at Ashby Food Bank have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our local community this year and would like to issue a big thank you!

As well as your ongoing support with donations of food, the Food Bank would very much welcome donations of time. Volunteers are needed to help run sessions, collect donations, sort stock and a range of other activities. If you are able to commit some time please call or text 07542 118 878.

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all about you

Have a Healthier, Happier Christmas. CHRISTMAS is often laden with expectations, anxieties, overindulgence and family tensions. It’s no coincidence that divorce lawyers are busiest in January. So how can you make Christmas happier and healthier? TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF • Buy presents throughout the year, even on holiday; gift shops may stock something unique. • Try to resolve family conflicts beforehand. • You can’t please all of the people all of the time, so ask everyone involved (including yourself) what one or two things really makes their Christmas. Agree on a plan that includes these things, plus exercise and group activities. Allot tasks to ensure one person doesn’t do everything. • Bake and freeze food in advance where possible. AVOID FESTIVE FOOD POISONING Hygiene can slip with extra food, extra cooks and extra time pressure, so: • Store and prepare ALL raw food separately from ready-to-eat foods. • Rub fruit and vegetables clean – don’t just rinse them. • Defrost foods thoroughly and then cook or refrigerate immediately. Large turkeys take time - always check inside for ice crystals. • Ensure your fridge stays below 5°C and there’s room for air circulation.

• Keep food in the fridge until the last possible moment. • Make sure nobody skimps on washing (and drying) their hands. Germs love damp. • Ensure that meat between the breast and thigh of your turkey isn’t pink, and that juices are clear. • Adhere to ‘use by’ dates and check food carefully when beyond its ‘best before’ date. • Don’t leave buffet food out for more than four hours. • Chill leftovers rapidly and reheat them thoroughly (just once). HEALTHIER CHRISTMAS EATING Start with a healthy, filling breakfast to avoid snacking temptations. Dinner: • Avoid fat-laden starters and the salt shaker. • Keep portion size sensible and stop eating as you start to feel full. • Poultry fat is predominantly in the skin, so prick it then cook it on a rack, above the escaping fat. • Use vegetarian sausage mix rather than sausage meat in stuffing. • Forget goose fat roasties. Use a healthy oil spray or cook jacket potatoes. • Microwave, steam or boil vegetables in minimal water until just soft. Add herbs or lemon juice rather than butter. • Use low salt gravy mix and remove fat from meat juices before adding them.

• Keep Christmas pudding portions small and add low-fat custard, crème fraîche or Greek yogurt rather than cream or brandy butter. Christmas Party or Tea: • Swap traditional mince pies for filo or open-top versions. • Swap breaded or battered snacks for savouries made with herbs, light dressings and marinades. • Choose tomato-based dips or make creamy dips with yogurt or crème fraîche. • Avoid crisps, salted nuts and chocolates; choose plain popcorn, rice cakes, pretzels, unsalted nuts and fruit dipped in chocolate (preferably dark). Be Drink Wise: • Even small amounts of alcohol affect judgement and reactions. Absorption depends on many factors, so no set amount guarantees you’re under the legal driving limit - and Scotland has a lower limit than the rest of the UK. • Don’t exceed NHS recommended weekly limits: 21 units for men and 14 units for women. • Alcohol and salty snacks contribute to dehydration, making people irritable. Provide jugs of chilled water jazzed up with winter berries or citrus peel. Take time out to relax, and remember: a burnt turkey isn’t the end of the world.

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last posting dates

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a walk in the forest The National Forest Way – Section Five

Ashby de la Zouch to Ticknall This month we look at the fifth section of the National Forest Way, our newest long distance path which travels right across the National Forest area. This leg of 7 miles leads from Ashby to Staunton Harold, through Calke to end at Ticknall. You can download full instructions for this section of the National Forest Way at www.nationalforestway.co.uk, including postcodes for start and finish and information on public transport links. There is free car parking at Ticknall village hall.

From the centre of Ashby go up Market Street into Wood Street, continuing until you see a track off to your left signed 55a Wood Street. Go down this track and turn right onto the footpath at the end – you are now on both the Ivanhoe Way and the National Forest Way, the 2 paths follow the same route to Staunton Harold. Cross the first field and bear left across the next to a small wooden bridge, followed by a tumble down kissing gate. Head towards the marker post in the next field and then turn left and right before crossing another plank bridge. Keep left and you will soon be on a wide track leading under the Ashby by pass into countryside. Keep left as you pass the woodland of Old Parks Farm along a wide, grassy lane (1). After crossing a farm access lane continue over the stile ahead of you and cross the fields via a series of stiles. The path narrows and then opens out again in the final field. At the end of this field you will find a marker post – go through the gap in the hedge and then diagonally left across the grassy lane and past the sign for Alistair’s Wood. Now turn right, immediately before the fencing of Park Pale Woods. Head 3 downhill with the tall fencing on your left (the path was quite overgrown here). Cross over a plank bridge (2) then, at end of the compound, bear left. After a short distance, turn right at a marker post. Cross a footbridge over a small gorge and bear left immediately after the stile. Go through a kissing gate and keep following the path over the fields, crossing a farm track and then a bridge before heading uphill to a stile under a large oak tree (3). Keep left to pass behind the farmyard and after a couple of stiles you will see mature 4 woodland on your left – after this the field opens out and the path splits. Turn right (walking under the phone lines) and head towards the back of a house. Before reaching the house bear right, leaving the field via a stile next to the field gate to emerge onto a lane. Turn left and follow the lane down to the road then turn right to reach the driveway to the Staunton Harold Estate (4). Walk up the driveway for a little way before bearing left at a way marker. Follow the path alongside the hedge to Dimminsdale Nature Reserve. On entering Dimminsdale turn left down the steps. Follow the path around the reserve in a clockwise direction ignoring the first path off to your left. When you reach a set of steps on your left, near to the pond, go up them and follow the path out to the road. Turn left and walk up the road to the sharp bend then turn right into Calke Village and continue 5 to the end of the lane. Take the path ahead, down and around the reservoir (5). After crossing the weir walk uphill beside the deer compound – keep left at the top of the hill. Pass through a gate and turn left to go downhill and cross back over the ponds. Keep following the path with the water now on your right, ignoring steps off to your left but taking the left hand fork when the path splits. At the gate keep right and again cross between the ponds. Keep left at the next fork - cross an access track and pass through woodland before reaching the main driveway. Head across the drive towards the far hedge, keeping to the right of the two freestanding trees, and look for a stile on the edge of the woodland ahead. Cross this stile and another one soon after and then turn immediately right along the field edge to a gate and stile. Now head over to join the hard path in front of you (6) and follow it across 6 the park (ignoring stiles to your left). You will pass a small pond and then cross a stile and then an open field to reach a gate into Bantons Lane. At the end of the lane turn left along Main Street and then cross the road into Ingleby Lane to reach Ticknall Village Hall, the end of this stage.

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it’s local

Ashby PROBUS MANY people find retirement to be more challenging than expected because so much of their social life was associated with their working environment and career. Retirement advice often suggests that we develop hobbies or do charitable work. Whilst that is sound counsel, many men miss the social interaction of likeminded business colleagues and Probus helps to fill that gap. Ashby Probus, a club for retired men, goes from strength to strength. The regularly monthly luncheon meetings at the Beeches pub in Ashby are supplemented by monthly visits, many of which include member’s partners, to places of interest. Members have recently visited Taylors Heritage Bell Foundry, The Jaguar Assembly line, DHL Distribution, a Gypsum Mine and a local sewage treatment plant. Partners have joined them for trips to the theatre to see Evita, a boat trip down the Trent and Mersey Canal plus a number of Ladies lunches. The club is not a fundraising charity and the primary objective is to provide a challenging environment for

recently retired men from business and professional backgrounds to enjoy themselves. Each month one of the group will organise a talk on any subject he wishes or, failing that, he can ask a friend or colleague to deliver a talk on his behalf. The subjects are many and varied but invariably they are of great interest. Recently topics have ranged from “The art of thatching” through “The early development of cable television” to “The good, the bad and the bizarre business practises in the hotel industry.” Time commitment is minimal with a monthly meeting and one optional social outing but each member is positively encouraged to take an active role in the running of the club where possible. This year’s president, Chris Keeley, has been a member for 7 years speaks highly of the many excellent friends in the area that he has made as a result of joining Probus. Why not go along and see for yourself? The club promises to make you very welcome - for the cost of a pub lunch there is little to lose and much to be gained. If you’d like to know more contact club secretary: Frank Bedford on 01530 467183, or via email to frank.bedford@ntlworld.com.

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wordsearch

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practical advic South Street e at , Ashby, LE65 1BQ. Classes Legion House, 9.30pm, the dates for Dece from 7.30pm 17th. Classe mber are Thur to s will restart sday 3rd, 10th on Thursday need to book and January 7th. - just turn up Th ere is no . Se £6, for details or further info ating is on chairs. Classe s rmation cont act 01283 73 cost email medita 2338 or te@tarakmc.o rg.

ce the e to announ WI would lik en Ashby Castle their fabulous new gard of se go along ea Pl completion . ry ra ide Ashby Lib ecial thanks go to planted outs Sp lovely spot. uncil, Town and visit this l, District Co ci un Co ty ntre and of Ce the Coun en yside Gard r gardeners ee nt Council, Sunn lu all band of vo yd, course the sm t of the work, Wendy Bo . rts be Ro who did mos y s and Lesle Fran William

There is a Co uncillor Surg ery on 7th Decembe r from 5.30pm 6.15pm, and to Town Council meeting 6.30pm to 7. 30pm. The Planning and Transpor tation comm ittee meet on 14th December fro m 6.30pm to 7. 30 pm and the Licensing Co mmittee fro m 7.30pm to 8pm. Mem bers of the pu blic are welcome to attend and th ere is a slot for publ ic questions . Meetings take place at Legion Hous e, South Street, Ashb y.

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Swadlincote Sub Aqua Club – New Location Swadlincote Sub Aqua Club have recently moved to Ashby Grammar school for pool training. The club welcomes any people looking to commence scuba diving training along with experienced divers from all training organisations. To discuss further please feel free to come down to the pool on Tuesdays from 8pm to 9pm, or give Tony a call on 0795 211 4596.

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www.ashbychurch.co.uk

PEACE

As I write this, the news of the atrocities in Paris are coming to light. So many dead who were enjoying a Friday evening out. We as individuals and as communities, struggle to come to terms with how people can do this to other human beings. We search for a reason but only find ones we can’t understand. We think about those who have been affected and mourn with them.

on earth

We may have a range of reactions – anger, deep sorrow, a burning desire for the world to change. We may feel blessed to live somewhere like Ashby which feels reassuringly safe. Some react with hate, and whilst this may nearly be understandable, this won’t fix the world. Hate will never make the world a better place. As we approach Christmas our minds are crowded with thoughts about trees, decorations, presents, food and family. In amongst all this, we may spend a

Editorial by Ashby Christadelphian Church, Union Passage, Ashby

www.ashbychurch.co.uk

moment thinking about Jesus. A tiny baby, born under difficult circumstances in a rural village in Roman occupied Israel. But maybe this Christmas we need to look a little further. The angels said they had ‘good news of great joy’; this baby was a saviour and he would bring peace to the earth. If we stop and think about it, wouldn’t that be amazing! Peace! No more suicide bombers. No more terrorists. No more hate. No more disease, or sadness, or death, or pollution, or politicians that can’t keep their promises. Just a world filled with love and light. The phrase ‘peace on earth’ trips off our tongues so easily this time of year, but perhaps this year it goes a little deeper. So when we look around our broken world and see the darkness some people bring into it, think about Jesus. He is the one man who can fix this world and bring true peace. Useful Bible passage: Luke ch2 vs8-14.

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young ashby

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ashby library news

ou can always expect a warm welcome at Ashby Library. Join for free to use the computers and borrow books, DVDs and talking books. We also do 1-2-1 iPad and computer taster sessions. Come and chat to us we will be happy to help or book your slot on 0116 305 5917.

JUST FOR DECEMBER

HOBBIES

• Board Games Day Saturday 28th November, Noon to 8pm. Come along during the Christmas Lights Switch on to try your favourite board games in the library. All proceeds go to the Motor Neurone Disease charity.

• The friendly ‘Knit and Stitch’ group meets every Monday 2pm to 4pm. Bring your project and come for a chat.

FOR FAMILIES • ‘Wriggly Readers’ and ‘Story and Rhymetime’ for children aged 0 to 5 years and their parents and carers. Join us for stories and songs every Friday morning 10.30am to 11am. • After Wriggly Readers, fortnightly 11am to noon, come along to ‘Bumps & Babies’, a meeting place for new and expectant mums: free advice and information sessions run by the National Childbirth Trust. • ‘TinyTalk’ baby signing classes take place every Thursday 9.30am to 1.30pm various sessions. To book your place contact Bernadette Dooley on 07786 360 873, email bernadetted@tinytalk.co.uk or visit www.tinytalk. co.uk/bernadetted. Places limited and allocated on a first come first served basis.

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MUSIC • The unusual and popular Ukulele playing group meets every Wednesday 9.30am to 11.30am, cost £5. Call Joanna Stevenson on 07415 798 134 for details. HEALTH & FITNESS • Come and practice Hatha Yoga every Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm. Call British Wheel of Yoga qualified instructor Lorna Kirk for details on 01530 416 135.

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storytime “DAFFERS, come quick!” Barry called from the front garden. “It’s happened again.” Daphne sighed and lifted the cat off her lap. Snow was falling in soft fat flakes and she had no desire to go outside. Anyway, she could guess what this was all about. Ever since Barry had bought that eight foot inflatable snowman from a car boot sale there’d been nothing but trouble. Why couldn’t he just have put up some festive outdoor lights like everyone else?

“I could install CCTV,” Barry mumbled. “It’s hardly worth it dear,” she said quickly, “just for a cheap snowman with a sinister grin, who looks like he’s had a fight with a puncture repair kit.” Wheezy did have a strange expression. After Barry got it home he attempted to clean it up with white spirit, which had only resulted in smearing the paintwork on the snowman’s face. Now its mouth seemed to grimace. The neighbours had complained that it frightened their kids.

Wheezy z WA K ING U P T O

She slowly changed out of her slippers and wrapped a thick scarf round her neck. Through the hall window she could see Barry pacing up and down the drive. She could also see that the space next to the cherry tree where the snowman usually stooped - it couldn’t stand upright because it had several slow punctures - was empty.

“I suppose that’s someone’s idea of a joke?” Barry said angrily. “I mean, how did they even get the garage door open?”

“Since we’ve had the snowman,” he said, propping it awkwardly against the trunk, “I’ve noticed that this neighbourhood has really started to go downhill.”

“Why don’t we simply move him out of harm’s way?” Daphne said finally. “Do you mean into the lounge?” Barry asked. “Looking out of the window?” Daphne shuddered at the very idea.

“It’s probably teenagers,” she said calmly. “You know how creative they can be.”

“No. I mean in the back garden,” she suggested hopefully, “maybe behind the shed?”

Yesterday morning they had found Wheezy perched on the garden wall in the lotus position, and the night before someone had gaffer taped its hands so it looked like it was clinging to the guttering above the lounge window.

“But no one will see him there,” Barry said, “he’s for the whole street to enjoy.” He ducked into the garage to find the foot pump.

“I’ve a good mind to call the police,” Barry said, pulling open the garage door. “Oh, really?” Daphne had been waiting for this. “And what do you expect them to do about it? Round the clock surveillance?”

Barry dragged the collapsing snowman back into its position by the cherry tree.

“I shall have to pump some more air in him,” Barry said, trying, and failing to make the snowman stand up straight.

asked

“Just look,” he said, pointing at the garage door. Someone had arranged Wheezy (for that’s what she privately called the snowman) so that it was pinned beneath the garage door, half in and half out of the garage. She covered her mouth quickly with her hand.

“Only the sound of hot air escaping,” Daphne said under her breath.

Daphne bit her cheek and looked away.

“Oh good, you’re here,” Barry said, his hot breath turning to clouds of mist in the air, “it’s sabotage, that’s what it is.” “What is dear?” Daphne innocently.

“You’re a light sleeper, didn’t you hear anything?” Barry asked.

Daphne sighed. It seemed the snowman would be terrifying the local residents for another night. But Daphne was a woman of quiet invention. She had plenty more adventures for Wheezy up her sleeve.

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by Jackie Brewster

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chess puzzle

CHESS PUZZLE ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BLACK TO MOVE. A difficult puzzle for the festive season. Hint: For Christmas dinner you need a knife and a fork. Here you only need a fork.

Why not join the merrymakers for a hearty game of chess at Ashby Chess Club, Thursdays at 7.30pm at the Ashby Ivanhoe Social Club. Red hats optional.

Our chess puzzle comes courtesy of local resident Richard Vann, the solution can be found on page 124 - should you need it!

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in your garden RHS Show Garden Medalist, Francesca Sinclair, looks at how to make the most of your garden and garden jobs for this time of year. Francesca offers a full garden design service - find out more at www.francescasinclair.co.uk

Christmas Trees,

for a few years. Container trees are a good long term option but the tree needs to be stressed as little as possible. So I suggest that when it is brought inside over Christmas, it is to a cool room, and definitely not next to a radiator. If it is looking very sad and unwell then take it outside. After the first year replant the tree into a bigger pot and use John Innes No 2 potting media. You can keep doing this until the container becomes too big and heavy to move into the house. The container will restrict and limit the growth of the tree and eventually it will need to be planted into the ground.

Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe

AT Christmas there are certain things in the garden that make this time of year special, and the most popular of all decoration is a tree. A Christmas tree tradition was started in Germany in the 16th century and later in England when Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, introduced the tradition to her it became fashionable and of course copied. The Norway Spruce was the traditional species used to decorate our houses in this country and was in fact a native species before the Ice Age. It was later reintroduced here in the 1500’s. Christmas trees are conifers of varying types which are now grown as a farm crop throughout the country and are also a very useful evergreen addition to a domestic garden. Apart from giving a lovely shape and structure, they are easy to grow, requiring little maintenance. If you are considering planting a Christmas tree, allow a space of 1.5 to 2 meters for the tree to spread. Locally with a neutral to acid soil (most gardens in the Ashby area), a sheltered and sunny spot will be the perfect condition for a healthy Christmas tree. Note though that those of you with heavy clay soil will struggle as good drainage is needed. A young tree may need protection from mice and rabbits and in some areas deer too. Sometimes you may need to maintain an attractive shape by taking out any shoots that spoil the shape and prune any dead branches. Tree saplings are available online and are a very economic way of purchasing a tree to grow for the future. Frequently now rather than just buying a cut tree people opt for a containerised tree. This is one which is dug from the fields and put into pots for you to keep outside, giving the possibility of reusing the tree

In terms of selecting a variety, the smallest two in height are the Korean Fir reaching 4m in 20 years with a final height of 10 meters and the Fraser Fir growing to 7m in 20 years to a final height of about 20 meters. To have a good traditional Christmas scent, the Norway Spruce and the Fraser Fir are very good. The other big consideration is which varieties will not drop their needles too vigorously. The Nordmann Fir, Blue Spruce, Korean Fir and Fraser fir are best in this regard. The tradition of bringing evergreen boughs into the home goes back centuries. The early Romans honoured the God of Agriculture at the winter solstice, celebrating the shortest day and looking forward to the green and fruitful harvest of the next year by decorating their houses with evergreen cuttings. The Vikings in Scandinavia thought evergreens were a special plant of the Sun God. Today other plants we use to decorate our homes at this time of year include Holly and Ivy. We can grow these easily and in particular a variegated leaf is attractive and brings added colour and interest. Mistletoe is less common in our garden, but is purchased for romantic placing over a doorway in the hope of a special kiss. In old times too it represented romance, and also fertility and vitality. Mistletoe is unusual as it is a parasitic plant, using trees as it host. If you are buying some you’ll know it to be a lucrative crop. If you are lucky a bird may spread it to an apple tree in your garden - a Christmas gift for encouraging wildlife in to your garden. Happy Christmas and New Year!

Francesca

Email info@francescasinclair.co.uk

JOBS FOR DECEMBER: 1 Sharpen any blunt tools 2 Brighten up tubs and borders with Primulas 3 Harvest sprouts (pick from the base upwards) parsnips, kale and cabbages 4 Cover crops sown in autumn, such as broad beans, with a fleece 5 Net cabbages and brasicas so they are not eaten by pigeons 6 Wrap any non frost-proof pots and garden ornaments with bubble wrap 7 Clean plant pots and seed trays 8 Decorate for the season with cuttings from your garden, Holly, Ivy or spotted Laurel for garlands, table displays or wreaths.

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festive recipe extra WHEN I was a little girl I was addicted to old American Christmas films (actually I still am). People always seemed to be drinking eggnog, and it sounded cosy and Christmassy and very American, and though actually I had no idea what it was I longed to drink it too. In fact Egg Nog traces its roots back to a 14th century English drink called posset. This was a drink of hot milk curdled with ale - later in history eggs were added. Milk and eggs were expensive commodities in England and so the drink went out of fashion.

EGG NOG

It takes 20 minutes plus cooling and chilling time

In spite of its highly questionable history it remains for me the epitome of a festive drink – creamy and sweet; a Christmas cuddle in a glass.

Serves 8...

Let’s get mixing...

• 700ml milk

1 In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the milk, cream, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla bean pod (slice it lengthways, scrape the seeds out, add them and also add the sliced pod). Bring slowly to the boil. As soon as it boils remove from the heat and leave to cool so the flavours can infuse.

• 240ml double cream • 3 cinnamon sticks • 1 vanilla bean pod • 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish • 5 yolks, separated • 130g granulated sugar • 175ml dark rum or brandy • Cinnamon sticks for garnish

100

When the American colonies were formed there was land a-plenty for chickens and cows and it regained popularity over there. The American plantations, sustained by slaves, meant that rum was plentiful too - the drink became alcoholic and was enjoyed by the masses.

2 In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the egg yolks and sugar until they are pale and thick and ribbons form when the whisk is lifted. Strain the milk mixture, then slowly whisk it into the egg and sugar mixture and continue to mix until everything is combined and smooth. Add the rum or brandy, and stir. Refrigerate overnight if serving chilled. 3 The argument rages over whether eggnog should be served chilled or warm. Personally I like it warm but chilled is good too. 4 Either way, serve and garnish with whipped cream if desired, grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.

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101

venture theatre news It’s not all work down at the Venture Theatre, especially at this time of year with Christmas just around the corner. Ashby Dramatic Society provides plenty of social opportunities for members to get together and enjoy themselves.

Time to party... THE big social event of the festive season is the ADS Christmas Dinner. As many members as possible gather at a local restaurant to enjoy a meal and a drink. It is undoubtedly the biggest gathering of members of the year, so it can be difficult finding a suitable venue big enough to cater for us all but, although venues change or go out of business, we always manage it. This might be the time when some members get together for the first time in weeks, so there is always plenty of chat. It is also the time when our Chairman gives a short speech, reviewing what has been achieved during the year. Monday nights are always club nights for members, unless it is a bank holiday. This is also the time when we encourage anyone who is thinking of joining to come down and meet us. You can chat to members, be taken on an informal tour of the theatre and the bar is open from 8.30pm. The last Monday before Christmas is always a special club night with the bar team serving hot mulled wine and mince pies.

102

Again, it is a night when more members than usual will gather and catch up on the news. This year, we hope to be enjoying (or taking part in!) a special short One Act Play, written by one of our members. Christmas is also the time when we try to choose a play that will fit in with the festive season. We know that this is a busy time for everyone with lots of social events having to be packed into diaries so we don’t schedule our “Christmas Play” too close to the actual Christmas week. This year we are performing Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot, a comedy whodunit set in a big mansion during the Christmas holidays. It is packed with both intrigue and silliness so is sure to entertain our audiences. However, as it is performed during the last week of November and the first of December, by the time you read this month’s edition of Ashby Life we will be half way through our run so if you want to see it, pick up the phone and book now with Ashby Tourist Information Centre 01530 411767.

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103

104

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105

ashby scouts post-to-go

106

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107

108

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109

church services

110

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111

112

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113

just 4 fun

Solutions on page 124.

CODEWORD Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

Solutions on page 124.

114

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115

116

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117

what’s on... December 1st December

Blackfordby WI – Scottish dancing (men welcome too). Blackfordby Village Hall, 7pm, visitors welcome. For more information contact Gill Massey 01283 212 380. Ashby Royal British Legion meeting at Ivanhoe Social Club, 1, Wilfred Place, Ashby LE65 2GW at 7pm. Visitors welcome, for more details call 01530 417 747 or email ashby.royalbritish legion@gmail.com.

2nd December

Charity Quiz night for the benefit of LCD Newlands House. Six rounds of questions with prizes for winners, raffle and a free buffet. Cost is only £5 per person, in teams of four. At The Robin Hood, 1 Burton Road, Overseal, DE126LQ. For reservations and tickets call 0790 208 4359 or 01283 760 252. ‘It’s Christmas, let's Sparkle’ Bradgate Flower Club welcomes Lorena Dyer from Coventry. She will follow a seasonal theme and the club invites former members, friends and visitors to join them, as it will be their final demonstration. Newtown Linford Village Hall at 7.30 pm. Visitors are welcome. A charge of £5 is made. More information from Lillian Coleman on 0116 236 3191.

3rd December

Ashby Castle WI – Members Christmas party, sharing food and drink with friends. Meet at Ashby Congregational Church, Kilwardby St. All are welcome. Refreshments available. Please ring Lesley on 01530 455 957 for more information.

3rd to 6th December

‘The Game’s Afoot’ – A comedy thriller by Ken Ludwig, at The Venture Theatre, North Street, Ashby. Tickets £8 and £9 from Ashby TIC. Sleeping Beauty at Century Theatre at Snibston, by the Panto Company. Tickets £8.50 standard, £7.50 groups of 10 plus. For times and more information call 01530 278 444.

4th December

Carols by Candlelight - Carols, readings and seasonal refreshments. Staunton Harold Church at 7pm. Parking in the Lion Court car park, courtesy of Mr and Mrs J. Blunt. In aid of Ashby Macmillan Cancer Support Group. For more information, call 01530 560 130.

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Willesley Primary School Christmas Fair - Gift stalls, games, hot food and licensed bar and live Christmas entertainment from the children. Christmas songs performed from 4.45pm, doors open 5pm and raffle drawn at 7.15pm. Primary school and younger children free, others 50p.

5th December

Christmas Coffee Morning - LOROS Coleorton and Ashby support group Christmas coffee morning at Packington Memorial Hall from 10.30am to 12.30pm, £2 admission includes coffee and mince pies. Christmas with Concordia – Festive evening of traditional carols and Christmas favourites at Holy Trinity Church. Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £8, all profits to Hospice Hope. Tickets from Ashby TIC or contact the choir on 07583 484 773. Christmas Fayre - Lots of stalls, including refreshments, cakes, games, tombola, raffle and much more. From 10am to 3pm at Ashby Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby. All welcome. Festive Fun at Clubs Complete - 86 Leicester Road, New Packington, raising funds for Rainbows. Meet Elsa and Anna and even Father Christmas. Get into the festive spirit with mince pies and mulled wine. Free entry, for more information call Amelia Gillespie on 01530 412 750.

Saturday 5th and 12th

Christmas at Ulverscroft Grange – Join Santa for a hearty festive breakfast at Ulverscroft Grange, Whitwick Road, Ulverscroft, Leicestershire, LE67 9QBF from 10am to noon. Prices per person are £6.75, under 12’s will receive a small gift. Booking is essential. For details please contact Helen Baxter on 01530 244 914 or email at hello@ shuttlewood-clarke.org.

6th December

Lights of Love Service - Dedicate a light in memory of a loved one this Christmas. 4pm at The Ferrers centre, Staunton Harold. See www.hospice hope.org.uk. Handel's Messiah - Professional soloists with an invited orchestra and choir will present this traditional performance for the 112th year. Hill Street Baptist Church, Swadlincote, tickets £8.50. Call 01530 412 345.

7th December

Ashby History Society – ‘Mystery Film Night’, old films with a local theme, presented by David and Dot Midgley. Seaonal refreshments will be available. Meeting held at Methodist Church, Burton Road, Ashby de la Zouch commencing at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome. For more information call 01530 415 654.

8th December

Ashby Writers’ Club Meal – Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby LE65 2FQ. Visitors are welcome at a nominal fee of £4 per speaker meeting, £3 per comp/manuscript meeting (includes tea or coffee). Ashby de la Zouch Civic Society – Christmas Social. Good food, good company and entertainment in the Century Theatre cinema, Snibston. For more details call Susanne on 01530 415 654 or visit ashbycivicsociety.webs.com, visitors welcome. Ashby U3A - Christmas event with entertainment by Spotlight, ladies barbershop quartet. 2pm at the Congregational Church Ashby. Visitors £1. All welcome.

9th December

Ashby Wine Circle – ‘Verse or worse’ by Peter Branson. Members meeting, 7.30pm, please bring your own food and wine. Held at Brown Court, Atkinson Road, Westfields, Ashby, LE65 2LZ. Ashby Ivanhoe Travel Club – ‘A trip to the Canadian Rockies’ by Mr Ian Pettit. Pithiviers Room at Ivanhoe Technology College from 7.30pm to 9pm. There is no joining fee or annual subscription, just a minimal charge of £1.50 per meeting. All are welcome for any or all of the meetings. For further information call Julie Nelson on 01530 588 197 or email juliesportsfan@yahoo.co.uk. Ladies Luncheon Club – Meet at noon for 12.30pm, all welcome, for further details please ring Chris Baker on 01530 414 600.

11th December

‘Get Santa’ - Packington Film Club. Tickets £3.50pp and £2 for children under 12 years. At the Memorial Hall 7pm for 7.30pm. Tea and coffee served from 7pm, cost £1pp.

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what’s on... December into January continued 11th to 12th December

Ibstock Christmas Event – On Friday 11th visit Santa in his enchanted castle from 4pm to 8pm. There will be a fun fair on The Ram car park (at rear). A variety of stalls, lots of gift ideas, enchanted harp, children’s entertainment, seasonal refreshments and much more. Continues on Saturday 12th December at The Palace from 10am to 1pm. Grotto admission £2, including gift.

12th to 13th December

Donington Christmas Fayre - Festive Christmas Market with live music, craft stalls, food and drink. There is also a magical ice-rink, Santa’s grotto and you can hang a ribbon on the tree for charity. Charges may apply after 7pm for evening entertainment. See www.donington-park.co.uk/events.

14th December

‘The Ashby Canal’ - Local producer Brian Langtry presents his new film about our local canal. This is followed by an update on the current restoration programme by Geoff Pursglove, Leicester County Council Project Officer. A fascinating and entertaining evening looking at the past, present and future of the Ashby Canal. Starts 7.30pm, Donisthorpe Woodland Centre, Church Street, Donisthorpe DE12 7PY. Admission free, everyone welcome. Further details from Ashby Canal Association on 01530 412 516 or 01455 290 462. Ashby Community Cinema Film Night ‘The Shop Around the Corner’. A great romantic comedy, set at Christmas. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served. At the Lyric Rooms, Lower Church Street. Doors and bar open 7pm, film starts 7.30pm. Tickets on the door or in advance from Ashby TIC. Costa Carols - Carols, poems and stories at Costa Coffee, Market Street from 4pm to 6pm to get you in the mood for Christmas. All welcome.

15th December

Ashby Writers’ Club Meal - Meetings are on the second and fourth Tuesday

of each month, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby LE65 2FQ. Visitors are welcome at a nominal fee of £4 per speaker meeting, £3 per comp/ manuscript meeting (includes tea or coffee).

16th December

The Counterfeit Sixties Christmas Show – A fantastic mix of live 60’s music and classic Christmas songs from the 70’s. Century Theatre at Snibston, starts at 7.45m. Tickets £15 advance, £17 on the door. Book online at www.centurytheatre.co.uk or call 01530 278 444.

17th December

Ashby Spa WI – ‘Christmas with the Royal Household’ with Colin Alderson. Manor House School, South Street at 7.30pm. Please note that you do not have to be a WI member to attend; you are welcome to join them as a visitor for three sessions per year at a cost of £3 a session.

18th December

LRWT North West Group – AGM and ‘Walking with Wombats’. Anne and Andrew Heaton talk of their recent adventures with Australian wildlife. Ashby Methodist Chapel, Burton Road, Ashby, 7.30pm. Entry £2. For more details please call David Maltby on 01530 222 934 or Margaret Mabey on 01530 412 410. Carols at the Royal Hotel – Carols, live band and speakers. Share in the festive spirit from 6pm to 8pm, all welcome. Santa’s Grotto at the Canine Partners Centre in Osgathorpe from 5pm to 10pm. A winter wonderland complete with Santa’s grotto, festive food, Christmas gifts and live music from The Three Wrens. Tuck into mince pies and sip mulled wine while browsing numerous craft stalls. To purchase and pre-book a time slot contact Helen on 01530 225 939 or email helenw @caninepartners.org.uk. (£2.50 per child which includes a small gift), entry on the night is £3 per adult and £1 per child.

19th December

Ashby Farmers Market – 9am to 2pm at Manor House South Street. Bringing you the finest foods from the region and specialist stalls. Stock up on local produce for Christmas! Free parking. Ashby Concert Band Christmas Concert - Festive concert at Holy Trinity Church at the earlier time of 4.30pm. Tickets include seasonal refreshments and cost £10 adults and £5 for children from 5 to 15 years. Tickets available from band members, Ashby TIC or on the door. Ballroom and Sequence Dancing Blackfordby Village Hall from 8pm to 11pm, Admission £3, raffle, bar, refreshments. For more details call 01283 213 481 or 01283 819 447.

20th December

Market Bosworth Farmers Market – Earlier than usual this month so you can stock up on local produce in time for Christmas. 9am to 2.30pm at Market Square, Market Bosworth CV13 0LJ. Bringing you the finest foods from the region and specialist stalls.

21st December

Sing Christmas - Join in with the Radio Leicester Sing Christmas programme from 7pm to 8pm at Ashby Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby. Refreshments available.

31st December

New Year Dance – Ballroom and sequence dancing from 8pm to 12.30am at Blackfordby Village Hall. Admission £8.50. Refreshments raffle and bar. For more details call 01283 213 481 or 01283 819 447.

1st January 2016

LRWT North West Group – New Year’s Day walk at Bradgate Park. Enjoy the delights of this historic setting, the unique mammals and a wide range of flora. Meet at 1pm in main car park. Please note, parking charge payable, car sharing suggested. For more details please call David Maltby on 01530 222 934 or Margaret Mabey on 01530 412 410.

It’s FREE to put community information on this page. Please submit your event details online via the What’s On page at www.ashbylife.co.uk or email details to admin@ashbylife.co.uk. Deadline for submissions for the Community Board or What’s On pages for the January 2016 issue is Friday 11th December 2015. Information is published subject to space being available. Ashby Life cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions or endorse companies, products or services appearing in the magazine.

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PUZZLE SOLUTIONS - CROSSWORD - SUDOKU - CODEWORD & MORE... WORD LADDER Ship, Shop, Shot, Soot, Sort, Port.

WORDWHEEL TARGETS & ANSWER Excellent: 15+ words, Good: 12, Fair: 9. ANSWER: Content.

CHESS PUZZLE FUN QUIZ

1. Nd2+ 2 Kc2 Nf3 wins one of the rooks, and soon after the game.

1. Gavin And Stacey 2. The Simpsons 3. Charlie Brown (in A Charlie Brown Christmas) 4. David Walliams 5. Only Fools And Horses 6. Catherine Tate 7. Queen Elizabeth II (in 1957) 8. Archie Mitchell 9. An alarm clock 10. Wimbledon Common (the mispronunciation gave her the inspiration for The Wombles)

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business directory Accountants & Payroll Ashby Payroll Bureau 19 Baldwins 96 Haines Watts 127 Hazelwood Accounting 105 JAWS Accountancy Services Ltd 52 Aerials & Satellite Satellite Aerial Services 28 Architects DCI Architecture 69 Niche Architecture 14 Arts, Crafts, Gifts, Jewellery, Toys A House in Rutland 117 Ashby Bears 13 Souk de la Zouch 93 & 119 Woodlander 55 Builders Keith Armston Building Contractors 35 Business Services Cyber Tasking 119 Carpenters & Joiners Derek Verey 83 S S Joinery 92 Carpets & Interiors Agadon 3 Ashby Carpets 5 Ashby Stoves 122 Boundary Carpets and Floorings 86 Coalville Furniture Superstore 43 Fairweathers Carpets 88 Glide Wardrobe Systems 117 Richardsons Furniture 54 Roger James Furnishers 20, 75 & 84 The Bed Shop 53 The Flooring and Bed Co., 108 & 109 The Station Ltd 125 Toons 15 Wendy's Courtyard Interiors 45 Childcare Services Orchard House Day Nursery 32 & 33 Cleaning, Ironing, Laundry Services Breedon Carpet Care 20 Deanclean 37 Jayne’s Extreme Clean 116 Karen’s Ovengleam 97 NJR Pure Clean 93 Safeclean 35 Spotless Cleaning 76 The Bee’s Knees 121 Toni's Ironing Angels 121 Clothing The Shoe Box 52 Clubs and Societies Ashby Probus Club 68 Country Stores/ General Stores Hallmark Countrystore 112 & 113 Ivanhoe Countrystore 67 Domestic Appliances Contracool 101 Contract & Domestic Services 81 Ray Pittam Engineers 122 Driving Schools Bardon School of Motoring 49 Jo Driving 93 RDT School of Motoring 45 Electricians A & J Bartlett Ltd 11 Bright Sparks 101 D & B Electrical 25 M Bunker Electrical 37

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Estate Agents/Home Services Howkins & Harrison 9 John German 79 Staunton Harold Estates 81 Events/Public Notices Hospice Hope Lights of Love 56 Scouts Post 107 The Larder 72 Financial Services Bleathwood 17 Ian Goodship, IFA 37 Regent Financial Management 75 Florist Holywell Petals 69 Food & Groceries Ashby Farmers Market 119 Calcott Turkeys 28 Conibears Kitchen 97 Smithards Bakery 47 Funeral Services Art Stone Memorials 11 Measham Family Funeral Service 52 Furniture Repairs & Restoration Ancient & Modern 75 Garden Artisan of Ashby Ltd 124 Charnwood Tree Services 89 Eden Tree Care 13 & 85 F G Gardens 122 Francesca Sinclair & Associates 25 GDR Landscapes 45 Green Thumb (Ashby) 99 Roughly Refined Garden Service 51 Stone Drives & Landscapes 57 Sunnyside Garden Centre 91 The Ten Mile Timber Company 62 Urban Flora Ltd 49 Hair & Beauty Nail Creations and The Beauty Studio 87 Puré Manicure & Pedicure 20 The Grooming Room 69 Tip Top Hair Design 93 Trendset Hair 40 Vanilla Funk 71 Healthcare Ash Free Vaper Zone 102 Ashby Chiropody/Podiatry Clinic 16 Ashby Dental 11 Ashby Osteopathic Clinic 8 Bosworth Home Care 87 Caring Hands 95 Dr Jin 105 Future Minds 16 Janet Joyce 63 Juliet Brooke Chiropody 116 Leicestershire Hypnotherapy 72 Prestige Nursing 35 ProPhysio Ashby 29 Seale Pastures House 77 Therapeutic Touch 83 Traditional Acupuncture 59 Vision Express 23 IT Services Ashby Web Design 19 Midland IT 41 The PC Clinic 101 Kitchens & Bathrooms Ashby Tile & Bathrooms 2 Holme Tree Kitchens 72 Kingswood Design & Interiors 45 Tiles 4 Less 103 Victory Kitchens 70

Locksmiths Hazlewood Locksmiths 30 Motor Services A D Car Cosmetics 8 Castle Garage (Ashby) Ltd 60 Chips Away 12 Speedy Auto Spares 84 Music, Dance & Drama Ashby Academy of Rock 80 Ashby School of Music 83 Painters & Decorators Ace Decorating 41 Design Decorators 117 Holywell Painting & Decorating 37 James Pepper Decorating 81 John Clark 13 Pet Services Ash Farm Boarding Kennels 116 Pet Deli 11 Wiffy Woofies 22 Woodward Veterinary Practice 59 Places of Worship Ashby Baptist Church 121 Ashby Christadelphian Church 78 Plasterers A C Ellison Plastering & Tiling 117 Matt Charles Plastering Services 84 Plumbers & Gas Services Adrian Dunstan Plumbing & Heating 28 Burn & Bishop Plumbing & Heating 13 CCA Gas Plumbing & Heating 16 D B Plumbing 81 James Pepper Property Solutions 51 S D Hill (Plumbers) 7 Therm Heating 83 Property Repairs & Maintenance Absolute Window Solutions 73 Ashby Glass 104 Ashbyhandyman.co.uk 89 Cloudy 2 Clear 24 D H Phillips (Flat Roofing) 119 G & D Property Services Ltd 123 James Beckett Property Maintenance 41 Michael Brooks Home Improvements 63 Roof Tech 97 RSJ Roofing 115 Swadlincote Window Company Ltd 21 TS Roofing 87 Thermogreen Ltd 61 Window Mate 57 Pubs, Restaurants & Take Aways Fuel Café & Juice Bar Ltd 39 George Inn 25 La Spezia Pizzeria 115 Link Measham Cantonese 36 The Blue Bell 8 The Larder 63 The Vine 31 Wong Kwei 48 Zamani's 64 & 65 Recruitment Bosworth Home Care 115 Caring Hands 95 Solicitors & Will Writers Crane & Walton 46 Martin Hall Will Writer 49 Simpson Jones Solicitors 44 Sports & Fitness Breedon Priory Health Club Ltd 128 Fitness Republic 38 Geia Fitness 94 The Golf Centre (Midlands) Ltd 27

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