April 12 Dukeries LR

sp tlightOn The Dukeries STEAMED UP DOUBLE GLAZING? Don’t replace the Frames... just the Panes!

Broken or Damaged Windows?

Faulty Hinges, Handles or Locks?

Want the latest energy saving glass?

5 year guarantee on new double glazing. ...we make saving money perfectly clear...

Call Freephone

0800 61 21118

www.cloudy2clear.com

esses each monthining areas sin Bu d an es om H 0 Delivered to 6,50 sfield Woodhouse and the surround instowe, Ollerton, Man

Edw

APRIL 2012

Inside this issue: • The Perfect Plant • Hot Cross Buns • Totally Locally • News From Your MP • Puzzles • Your Community info. • Local Businesses

0115 965 4743

Spotlight on West Bridgford Contents

Sherwood Forest Rotary Club 6 Puzzle Page 8 Hot Cross Buns 10 Totally Locally 12 Community Infor mation 14 Progressive Furnishings 18 The Babysitter 20 Dukeries Lions 22 News from your MP 24 Rainbow Challenge 26 The Perfect Plant 28 Cleaned Your Chimney?

32 Index of Advertisers 34

Published by Spotlight Local Media Ltd Company No. 6841257 Tel: 01623 249 940 Suite 104, 1 Hanley Street Nottingham NG1 5BL Graphic Design and Layout: Spotlight Local Media

44

Happy Easter everyone. At the time of writing this we have had one of the hottest weeks ever in March, but now we are looking at the prospect of snow for the Easter weekend. How does the weather know when its Easter that’s what I want to know?

All of our advertisers are committed to working hard for you the customer and the community, so let’s try and give them the support they deserve.

Spotlight magazine is delivered to 6,500 homes and businesses in the North Mansfield / Edwinstowe / Ollerton area each month.

To Advertise or contribute: T: 01623 249 940 M: 07595 510 190 E: info@spotlightlocal.co.uk Web:www.spotlightlocal.co.uk

ToToadvertise call01623 07595249 510190 advertise or or contribute contribute call 940

Community Information

The Rotary Club of Sherwood Forest Speakers this month have given talks about their personal involvement in International and Local Community affairs and charities.

In honour of our community spirited President Sue and her husband Malcolm Bevan, who hail from the Rhonda Valley, we celebrated St David’s day at the end of March.

It was a fun evening with much singing, including the Welsh National Anthem, sung in welsh of course and songs made popular by Tom Jones. The flower of Wales was much in evidence during the evening!

(President Sue!) Chief Inspector Andy Clarke was pleased to visit our club and meet again Rotarian Mike Herbert a retired colleague. It was Mike who taught Andy the skills required to be a police driver. Club members were introduced to many stories about Mike and Andy’s time together when traffic cops.

or policewoman today have many different attributes and undertake many different roles. The qualities required are patience, common sense, bravery, listening, good at writing, parent and social worker. Although the first policeman started in 1829, modern policing has changed and continues to evolve as new demands are made by society.

(Photograph shows Chief Inspector Andy Clarke, President Sue & Mike Herbert, retired PC) Our new Rotarian Laura Harmer hit the jackpot at her 007 James Bond evening in March. Philip Rostance who sang Bond songs and played Bond music set the atmosphere for a great evening of fun and dancing. Many of those who bought tickets came dressed in James Bond themed characters and the sophisticated home prepared buffet by members of the Sherwood Forest Rotary Club, received many complimentary praises. Laura was delighted to have raised approx ÂŁ400.00 for community charities.

(Photo Harmer)

Laura

As your readers can see we in our Club believe in having fun while fundraising so if you are interested in joining us please contact us.

President Sue Bevan, Rotary Club of Sherwood Forest.

The important role citizens and members of local communities play in the prevention and resolving of crime was discussed. It was perhaps surprising that a policeman

6

sherwoodforestrctinternet.com 01623 825607 www.rotary1220.org/she

To advertise or contribute call 01623 249 940

East Midlands Laser & Cosmetic Clinic Ltd We are a discreet private clinic offering medical grade treatments by appointment only.

All of the treatments are performed by experienced qualified Nurses

NON SURGICAL TREATMENTS: •Anti-wrinkle B-injections and Dermal fillers •Anti-Aging Mesotherapy •Laser Teeth Whitening •Micro-dermabrasion and peels

ons g injecti in e g a Anti m only now fro rea a £99 per

PERMANANT HAIR REDUCTION: •Laser technology removes unwanted facial & body hair for men & women LASER TREATMENTS: •Remove fine lines & wrinkles •Remove facial & leg veins •Reduce adult acne & Rosacea •Eradicate birth marks & age spots •Photo-rejuvenation (non surgical facelift) Mobile service now available for injectable treatments

For a Free no obligation consultation call

01623 653493

Or visit our website for more information at: www.easmidlandslaserandcosmeticclinic.co.uk

E OPEN LAT EVENINGS AYS & SATURD

East Midlands Laser & Cosmetic Clinic, 17 Bridge Street, Mansfield NG18 1AL

Please mention Spotlight when responding to an ad

7

Puzzle Page How to play Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through to 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! Challenging!

It’s addictive!

Crossword Clues Across 7 Policeman’s beat (6) 8 Yearly (6) 9 Jump (4) 10 Witness statement (8) 11 Shining with light (11) 14 Investor in a business (11) 18 Physical exertion (8) 19 Dull, resonant sound (4) 20 Save (6) 21 Zeal (6) Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 12 13 15 16 17 19

8

Quick Crossword

Meticulous (7) Clutch (4) Sheep’s coat (6) Lunatic (6) Found within (8) Scrap of cloth (5) Co-operate (8) Adolescent (7) Sharp implements (6) Rich: well-______ (6) Exceed expectations (5) Beverage (slang) (4)

To advertise or contribute call 01623 249 940

EMREC

EAST MIDLANDS RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTRE

Solar PV

Why donʼt you benefit like others in your area and receive 10% return for the next 25 years?

2kW System

3kW System

4kW System

(excl.VAT @ 5%)

(excl. VAT @ 5%)

(excl. VAT @ 5%)

£5,995

£6,995

£7,995

10% return on investment FREE electricity Guaranteed 25 year cash return Tax free index linked Increase the value of your property

Solar Thermal

Turn off your boiler and heat your water using solar!

Get a system fully installed now from as little as:

£2,995 (excl. VAT @ 5%)

Heats 60% of the hot water you need FREE energy Reduce your carbon footprint Protects you from rising fuel costs Saves you £££ʼs

FOR FUTHER INFORMATION OR TO GET A FREE, NO-OBLIGATION QUOTATION, CONTACT EMREC NOW: Tel: 01623 652987 / 07917 631433 / 07917 825957 Web: www.emrec.uk.com E-mail: sales@emrec.uk.com

e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk

9

Food and Drink Hot Cross Buns Wonderful Easter fare and home made are so much nicer.

Prep time: 20 min, plus 3 hours proving Cooking time: 25 min Makes15-20 buns Ingredients For the buns 500 g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting 1 1/2 tsp salt 75 g caster sugar 7 g sachet dried yeast 300 ml mixed milk and water 50 g sultanas 100 g raisins zest of 2 oranges 80 g mixed peel 2 tsp ground cinnamon 75 g plain flour For the crosses 75g plain flour Water to make a paste.

Lightly grease a baking sheet. Divide the dough into 15-20 pieces and roll each into a ball. Put them on a baking tray and leave to rest for 1 hour.

Set the oven to 220°C/gas 8.

To make the crosses for the buns, mix the plain flour with enough water to make a smooth, thick paste. You can either make a piping bag out of parchment paper or use a piping bag with a plain nozzle to pipe the paste onto the buns in a crossshape.

Bake the buns for 25 minutes until golden brown. Combine the sugar and water together to make a syrup and brush this liberally all over the buns. Serve immediately.

NB Many people don’t like mixed peel. In this case try substituting finely chopped dried apricot, or add more sultanas instead.

For the glaze 50 g sugar 50 ml water Method Put the yeast and sugar into a bowl. Sieve the flour and salt into the same bowl. Slowly add enough of the milk and water mix to achieve pliable dough.

Tip out onto a lightly floured surface and knead well for 5 minutes, then put the dough back into the bowl and leave to rise for 1 hour.

Incorporate the sultanas, mixed peel (or substituted fruit), orange zest and cinnamon into the dough and leave to rise for 1 hour.

10

To advertise or contribute call 01623 249 940

Please mention Spotlight when responding to an ad

11

totallyLocally is all about Me, You, Him & Her. It’s about shopping in your street, your town, your district.

It’s about jobs & community.

It’s about investing today for a prosperous tomorrow It’s about making our towns better places to live, work & visit.

Totally Locally is about opening your eyes to the great independent shops and businesses which grace Edwinstowe’s streets and the nearby area.

It’s here to encourage you to turn into the door of that shop you walk past every day. Go on, give it a try – there’s a good chance you’ll want to go back.

It’s about supporting local growers, producers and services - be it furniture makers, accountants, farmers, butchers florists or bakers.

Most of all though it’s about people. Great people.

People who care about what they do, what they grow, what they make and ultimately the people they sell it to.

And it’s about all of us. A collective responsibility of all of us to support these businesses. Because when we do our towns thrive.

If you support a local shop or business, chances are they support at least ten others. It’s the very structure of what we have come to love about the place we live in.

To find out more and to hear about some great ‘Hidden Gems’ right here on your own doorstep, visit:

www.totally-locally.co.uk Invest In YOUR tOWn - Invest In YOUR FUtURe Totally Locally & all the stuff on here is ©2010, 2011 & 2012 Totally Locally Ltd. But if you want to use our ideas, designs & concepts you only have to ask & you can have them for free. It’s nice to be nice.

12

To advertise or contribute call 01623 249 940

e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk

13

Community Information

Whats happening in your area These are free pages to publicise your local events and information. We would love to hear from you if you know of any event in or around the Ollerton area; copy deadline is the 25th of each month. Please email info@spotlightlocal.co.uk Mark Spencer MP for Sherwood MP Advice Surgeries Please phone the Constituency Office on 0115 968 1186 for an appointment or email mark.spencer.mp@parliament.uk 2nd SATURDAY EACH MONTH* (10am – 12pm) at Under One Roof, Vine Terrace, Hucknall NG15 7HN 4th FRIDAY EACH MONTH* (5.30pm – 7pm) at The Dukeries Complex, Whinney Lane, Ollerton NG22 9TD *Except for August and some Bank Holidays Art School Launches Spring Courses Imagine Arts Art School has launched its spring courses and workshops.

New programme of art learning events

launched for Spring at Imagine Arts.

Ever fancied trying your hand at art or extending your artistic ability? Here at Imagine Arts we provide structured lessons in drawing, watercolour, acrylic, and life drawing. You can learn through ten week group classes, one off workshops or private lessons to your individual needs.

Come and join us what ever your ability this Spring and see what hidden talents you may uncover. 01623 822252 BLIDWORTH & RAINWORTH WOMENS INSTITUTE meet on the first thursday of each month at the Blidworth Methodist Church, main St, Blidworth at 7.30pm.

New members welcome.

BLIDWORTH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL AND HERITAGE SOCIETY we meet on the first Tuesday of every month at 7pm at the Methodist Chapel on Main Street, Blidworth.

For more information contact Mrs Dale Smallwood, 01623479978

W S Ingham & Son Ltd

Independent Family Funeral Service Private Chapel of Rest Set in Beautiful Landscaped Gardens Large Car Park

Funerals arranged in all areas Professional 24 Hour Service

01623 621114

11 Poplar Grove, Forest Town, Mansfield, Notts. NG19 0HW e-mail info@wsingham.co.uk web www.wsingham.co.uk

14

To advertise or contribute call 01623 249 940

Business Focus

Eazi-Move Ltd Call Centre Service & Value At A Fair Fixed Fee We offer a complete estate agent service, rivalling any of the best local high street estate agents, we don’t need to charge you extortionate commissions for, let’s face it, an already extremely expensive transaction. How do we do this? Well, for starters we don’t just operate expensive high street branches with all the associated costs that entails.

We run a centrally based head office for administration and taking calls from buyers. Our local area property specialists who work in your area handle the appointments, valuations and viewings.

It’s simple economics. Over 95% of buyers now use the Internet to search for property. The top property portals in the UK are seeing a 10% rise in visitors year-on-year and already receive over 50 million visits each month!

We receive nearly all of their enquiries as a result of buyers seeing a property on the Internet.

SOLD

In this day and age of the internet By introducing the new there is ABSOLUTLEY NO NEED call centre we can step to operate from expensive high away from opening street offices anymore , however 3 more and more local we offer both at Eazi-Move Ltd. 83 954 0800 0 offices keeping our You can still get that face to face expenses down, and contact by walking into one of then, we can then pass our established offices to discuss your all the savings to you, the customer, so property. your money is used for what it should be used for - marketing your property to Please call 0800 083 9543 for more targeted buyers. information.

e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk

15

Community Information Dukeries U3A, Ollerton February saw more and more visitors coming through our doors. They enjoyed the opportunity of paying only £1 to visit our General Meeting and, in many instances, were so impressed that they have joined up and become full members!

They have discovered that the U3A has much to offer from the energetic to the cerebral to the social – in other words, something for everyone.

During the month of February there has been a trip to Eley Cathedral, a visit to the Rhubarb Triangle near Wakefield, a lunch in Bawtry and a Sunday Lunch at Barnby Moor, several good walks, a trip to the theatre to see ‘The King & I’, and a Quiz Night at the Jubilee Hall.

In-between times, there have been the usual Bridge afternoons, the Book Club meeting and discussion, Stitch craft, History presentations, Ten Pin Bowling gettogethers, Investment Group meetings, Card craft and Hand Bell Ringing practice.

New trips – to Coventry, Newcastle, Newark Flower Show and the walled garden at Clumber Park - have been proposed. There is always plenty to do and see, and, of course (and most importantly) opportunities to make new friends.

Friday 20 April 2012 Egmanton Church Saturday 21 April 2012 Farndon Church Saturday 28 April 2012 Dukeries College Concert Hall. This is a joint concert with us and Millhouse Green Male Voice Choir.

Tickets are available from any choir member at £7 inc. light refreshments.

Monday 30 April 2012 Mansfield Music Festival. We shall be defending our title won last year!!!!

We hope to see you at one of our concerts, we enjoy performing and love a big audience.

Jan

Rooflines your property deserves!

Fascias, Soffits, Guttering & Rubber Flat Roofs Approved Installers

Please visit us! We meet in the Jubilee Hall on Wellow Road on the third Monday of the month. Ring (01623)824789 for more details or visit our website www. dukeriesu3a.org.uk. You will be made very welcome!

Full Replacement, No Overcladding Quality Products & Service Gable Ends Repointed EPDM Rubber Firestone Roofing Systems 50 Year Lifespan

The Dukeries Singers Happy Easter everyone.

Personally I’m hoping for a gardening one with lots of much needed sunshine The end of April looks extremely busy for the Choir, We shall have washday hands washing and ironing our Choir shirts and blouses between engagements. Our events are;

16

NOTTINGHAM • DERBY • NEWARK • WORKSOP • SHEFFIELD • CHESTERFIELD

Call now for a free no obligation quote

0800 0 407 435

Or visit us online: www.mansfieldtradefascias.co.uk

To advertise or contribute call 01623 249 940

Suppliers & Installers of Bespoke Signs, Digital Print, Vinyl Graphics & much more...

ng Servici d, iel Mansf & Derby ng ndi Surrou s Area

CITYSIGNS PRINT & DESIGN LTD

Professional, Friendly Help & Advice with All Services Fully Guaranteed

At City Signs, we employ expert designers, experienced manufacturers and skilled installers, who will be happy to create you an outstanding piece of signage, that will set your business apart from the competition.

“Whatever your needs, we're continually expanding our range of products and services�

Call us free (from landlines & mobiles) on

0333 9000 321 Email your enquiries to sales@citysignsderby.co.uk

Find us online at www.city-signs.co.uk Visit us at Unit 20, Sherwood Energy Village, Newton Hill, Ollerton NG22 9FD

e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk

17

Local furniture store Progressive Furnishings takes part in the hit TV show 60 minute makeover, London

expect. We are used to working with quality furniture every day, it’s what we do best. And in this case there just happened to be a film crew watching. Everyone’s team work skills were fantastic on set and we were made to feel very welcome. Our skills were put to good use that day!”

Progressive Furnishings is a family run business that specialize in solid oak furniture with dovetail joints, they also sell leather and fabric sofas, all with traditional build quality and an extensive range of home accessories. Something to suit everyone’s pocket.

They were spotted by 60 minute makeover and DIY SOS designer Julia Kendal whilst browsing the internet (progressive-furnishings. co.uk) looking for quality oak furniture suitable for her project featuring a family home in Uxbridge, London on 60 minute makeover.

Jonathan Mee Proprietor of progressive Furnishings said that it would be a privilege to take part in the London episode of 60 minute makeover as the company had previously been involved in a similar makeover with the show at Sutton in Ashfield in 2008 and enjoyed every minute of it.

Catherine Gee the presenter of 60 minute makeover recorded a small and quite unexpected interview with James, he said “ hopefully it doesn’t show on camera quite how unexpected this was.”

When the room was completed it looked stunning. The Progressive team were given lots of compliments on their oak furniture from the cast and crew members which meant a lot considering these people deal with lots of different furniture in their line of work every day.

James added “ Tom and I had a great day, We would both like to say ‘thank you’ to everyone on set ,and feel privileged to have taken part in the show and hopefully we have helped make a difference to this families life.”

This episode of 60 minute makeover goes on air 13th April 2012 on ITV.

The Progressive Furnishings team involved in this makeover included Store Manager James Mee and Sales Assistant Tom Musson. James said “ This was an opportunity that couldn’t be missed. The whole experience was much more natural than you might

18

To advertise or contribute call 01623 249 940

QUALITY, HAND CRAFTED SOLID FURNITURE...

Swaloen!

No

Lounge / Dining / Bedroom Furniture / Sofas & Suites Home Accessories / Lamps / Mirrors / Sculptures & Wall Art...

• Specialists in Solid Oak with Dovetail Joints • Excellent quality & value for money • A personal sevice from a family run business you can trust!

• FREE PARKING • FREE LOCAL DELIVERY • FREE HOME ASSEMBLY

Furniture & Home Accessories Showroom

Sofa & Suite Showroom

Sandlands Court, Fulmar Close, Forest Town, Mansfield, Notts. NG19 0GG (Opposite Asda)

Unit 11, Hamilton Rd. Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts. NG17 5LD (Opposite Junction Pub)

Tel: 01623 620 620 Opening Times:

Tel: 01623 515 696 Opening Times:

Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 9.30am - 5.30pm Thurs 9.30am - 8.00pm Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm

Closed Monday & Tuesday Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat 9.30am - 5.30pm Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm

19 e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk www.progressive-furnishings.co.uk • info@progressive-furnishings.co.uk

Home & Garden

W

The Babysitter

ho is looking after your children?

Hiring a babysitter is a great way for parents to have a night out, and for the babysitter to earn a bit of pocket money. But how should you choose a babysitter? What is the legal position around babysitting?

The law does not specify a minimum age for a babysitter, but the NSPCC recommends that you do not choose anyone under the age of 16. Even when you are out, the legal responsibility for the care and safety of your children remains with you. Be aware that 16-year-olds vary considerably in their maturity, so choose someone you already

know well, or who has been recommended by someone you know and trust. Make sure you all spend some time with the babysitter beforehand, so you are all comfortable with each other.

On the night, make sure the babysitter knows where you will be, the phone numbers that you can be contacted on, and if possible, the number of a nearby relative and neighbour.

Make sure they know what to do in an emergency, have a leaflet with basic first aid nearby. Let them know your house rules.

And at the end of the night, escort them home or allow them to stay over, for their own safety. Good luck, and have a nice time!

By Rita Williams-Hall

Above Maid Marians, Ollerton Rd, Edwinstowe NG21 9QE

20

To advertise or contribute call 01623 706 570

Quote Spotlight Magazine when calling

Community

T

The Lions at Easter

his year the Edwinstowe and Dukeries Lions club have used their annual EASTER EGG RAFFLE to help support a little boy in Bilsthorpe and his family, This brave little boy has been very poorly and has been receiving treatment for many months, Local people have rallied to raise money for a trip of a lifetime for him and his family to visit EURO DISNEY. As Lions we felt that we needed to help so we have committed funds to pay all the airfares.

This is what Lion ism is all about, we organise events such as raffles, Dances, Race and Quiz nights, its not that long ago when we were dragging Santa around the streets of Ollerton ,Edwinstowe, Clipstone, Bilsthorpe and many other places in our area.

The locals never let us down and always put their hands in their pockets to support us, BUT we need so much more not just money but helpers or members.

The Lions meet twice monthly to organise events and to respond to requests of help, we are a hard working band who are now firm friends, we have a big emphasis on fun, Why not consider coming to one of our meetings, we could do with fresh ideas and new blood, whether you are on your own or a couple please give us a call, it could be the most rewarding call you have made in years For more information contact Jon Yarwood on 07581 265531 or e mail on jon.c.yarwood@gmail.com

New stairlifts from £1100 Rapid installs available • Curved • Straight • Used • Rentals

01159 875 218 liftecltd.co.uk

22

To advertise or contribute call 01623 249 940

KEY BUILDING SUPPLIES LTD ROAD C, BOUGHTON INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, BOUGHTON, NEWARK, NOTTS, NG22 9LD. Tel: 01623 861735

email:keybuildingsupplies@hotmail.co.uk • www.keybuildingsupplies.com

FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING AND LANDSCAPING NEEDS...

MASSIVE STOCKS OF HOUSE COAL, SMOKELESS FUEL, DRY SPLIT LOGS - BULK BAGS & NETS, GAS & ROCKSALT STOCKISTS OF BLOCKS, BRICKS, CEMENT, AGGREGATES, PLASTERS & BOARDS, TIMBER, TILES & FENCING, ETC. VARIED RANGE OF DECORATIVE MATERIALS INC GRAVELS AND PAVING. CRANE AND TIPPER LORRIES AVAILABLE FOR DELIVERIES. EXTENSIVE RANGE OF PRODUCTS IN OUR ON SITE SHOP!

Brick cutting service, also brick slips & arches: www.keybrickcutting.com

e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk

23

News from your MP Mark Spencer MP “ I’m delighted to be writing for the Spotlight Magazine, I will use this opportunity to keep you informed of local and national issues which I think will interest you so let’s start with busting some Myths about the Health and Social Care Bill.

I watched with frustration as the Heath and Social Care Bill was debated in the House recently because it quickly became clear that many Members were standing up to shout and bluster over the Bill without actually having read it. I care about the NHS and so does this Government, but there has been a lot of reckless reporting and aggressively negative scaremongering and I want to give you enough facts to make your own mind up with a quick Mythbuster Fact Sheet.

Will patients have to pay for their care under the new arrangements?

No. We guarantee that the NHS will always provide treatment free when you need it, regardless of ability to pay.

Will the new Bill take money out of the NHS? No. We are increasing resources to the NHS. Even when are taking very tough spending decisions, we are increasing spending in real terms Will my GP be undermined by the Bill?

No. The Health and Social Care bill shifts power to GPs so they can get the best health care for their patients. The Bill abolishes two layers of administrators and GPs will decide how to spend their money, working with other health professionals like nurses in what are called Clinical Commissioning Groups.

What’s this about using groups outside the NHS? GPs will be able to get health care from the NHS and other organisations but they must get the best treatments, not the cheapest, and the Bill encourages GPs to give patients more choice. So, if you have a stiff shoulder you could go to an NHS hospital for physiotherapy or to your more local group of self employed physiotherapists.

Aren’t all the health professionals opposed?

No. The Royal College of GPs has conducted a poll of over 44,000 members to discover how many GPs want the Bill withdrawn and claim 98% believe the Bill should be withdrawn. What you need to know is that only 7% responded to the survey, and fewer than 6% of members called for the Bill to be withdrawn.

24

But even with all that extra money, everyone sensible agrees we need to reform the NHS to secure its future.

We are living longer and the treatments we need are getting more complex and more expensive, so we need less administration and we need to stop wasting NHS money.

The Good News!

Waiting times are down - for inpatients from an average of 8.4 weeks to 7.7 weeks and for out patients down from an average of 4.3 weeks to 3.8 weeks. The number of patients waiting over six months for treatment has gone down by over 19,000 and we have halved the number of patients waiting over one year for treatment from 18,458 to 9,190. · Hospital infections are at their lowest ever levels, with MRSA down a third · We have got rid of 95% of mixed-sex accommodation · There are now 4,175 more doctors, 896 more midwives and 15,000 fewer administrators including 5,833 fewer managers · A £200 million Cancer Fund has given almost 12,000 people drugs denied by the last Government.

This Government believes that the NHS must be free at the point of use, funded from general taxation and based on need and not ability to pay. That’s why we’re proud that even though we have had to cut public expenditure to bring down the deficit, the Government is giving more money every year to the NHS in real terms.

By 2015 there will be an extra £12.5 billion for the NHS. So I can do no more than arm you with the facts. I believe this Bill is the right thing to do and that we all understand that the NHS as it stood was overstretched, over administered and over cost. This Bill addresses all that without sacrificing the commitment to provide treatment free when you need it, regardless of ability to pay.

I can’t emphasis strongly enough that I was elected to represent you and will do so to the best of my ability so if you would like to contact me then please call my Constituency Office on 0115 968 1186; email: mark.spencer.mp@parliament. uk or come to see me at one of my surgeries (please call my office to make an appointment) 2nd Saturday of the month (10-12) at Hucknall or 4th Friday of the month at Ollerton (5.30 to 7).

To advertise or contribute call 01623 249 940

need a website?

Make it easy on yourself - avoid all the hassle, the confusion, and the jargon

standard sites from

get active online ÂŁ499 with

ecommerce sites from

ÂŁ999

for a friendly chat, contact your North Notts local adviser Neil on 07740 628406

North Notts

www.activwebdesign.com/dn22

Please mention Spotlight when responding to an ad

25

Lifestyle & Leisure

Challenge Yourself For Rainbows Take to the road. Take to the water. Or take to the hills! Whether you want go to great lengths or something more modest, Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People has a challenge for you.

You can help raise much-needed funds by taking part in a challenge in the UK or further afield. From a stroll to a marathon, a skydive to a mountain climb there is something to suit adventurers of all levels of fitness and bravery.

Intrepid fundraisers can visit the events page on the Rainbows website to find a suitable challenge www.rainbows.co.uk/ challenges. With almost 30 challenges listed there should be something for anyone who wants to get involved. Walkers can do the Walk of Life on 27 May, as part of Children’s Hospice Week; runners can take part in the Great North Run on 16 September; skydivers can leap out of a plane at a time to suit and for those looking for something more extreme, there’s the chance to climb Kilimanjaro next January.

Those with a taste for travel might also be

interested in challenges in Brazil, Spain, Sweden and even the Sahara Desert.

Katie Baxter, community and events manager at Rainbows, said: “Rainbows challenge events raised more than £200,000 for the charity last year.

“Challenges can be undertaken by individuals or groups, so why not get your work colleagues or sports team mates involved too? We have a dragon boat challenge taking place in August, which would make a great workplace challenge.

Details can be found on our website.”

One Nottingham resident who has been pounding the streets for Rainbows is Andrew Brunjes. He took part in the Great North Run last year with friend and Capital One colleague Dan Hardisty and the pair raised £800.

Andrew said: “I got involved in supporting Rainbows while on voluntary community projects through my workplace last year.

It was a real privilege just to help out and see firsthand what a really fantastic place it is for the children and their families. Like any parent I was naturally touched by the great work Rainbows does and wanted to do more to help. To contribute in some little way to the significant support Rainbows requires to provide care for life-limited children is all the motivation we need. It is a vital cause in the region which has to be maintained.”

Of this year’s run Andrew said: “This year we have made the next step up from half marathon to the full 26.2 miles, running Brighton in April. For good measure we’ve also doubled our team from two to four. The training is going well to date, particularly with this year’s winter weather being relatively kind to us so far. Aches and pains are plenty, but we are all looking forward to our trip to the seaside and maybe some fish and chips at the finish line. As an added incentive to support our efforts for every £1 we raise it will be match funded by Capital One.”

26

You can sponsor Andrew and colleagues Dayna Middleton, Daniel Pheasant and Alastair Talbot by visiting http:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/ Pierpressure

To advertise or contribute call 01623 249 940

Trivia

F

Easter Elsewhere ed up with chocolate and bunnies?

Check out these cool Easter traditions from our European neighbours.

In Finland children blacken their faces and go begging in the streets, rather like our Halloween.

On Easter Monday the villagers of Haux, in France, cook up a giant omelette using over 4500 eggs. The omelette feeds over 1000 people and is served in the village square for lunch.

In some parts of Germany people save their Christmas trees and burn them in a ceremonial bonfire, which symbolises the victory of spring over the dark days of winter.

Latvian children hold egg fights, using decorated eggs. The fights are similar

to our conker fights and the egg which cracks first loses.

Possibly the strangest tradition comes from Hungary, The Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Here women are spanked on Easter Monday. It is said that spanking ensures a woman’s beauty will be preserved during the following year!

Me? I’m sticking to the chocolate!

e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk

27

Garden View

The Perfect Plant

A

s a plantsman I often get asked to recommend the perfect plant. Now I know the conversation is going to be interesting when I am approached with the phrase ‘do you know anything about plants?’ This phrase is usually accompanied with a quizzical scowl, and completed with raised eyebrows.

“Now, we want it to flower for 12 months of the year, produce scent in winter (but not too heavy), be available in purple, blue and White, with a splash of pink around mother’s day. It must be evergreen, fast growing, tall enough to block out the view of the neighbour’s garage, but not large enough to block out light. It should be able to grow in our heavy clay soil, not require feeding and will never need pruning. It should absolutely not shed leaves onto my husband’s impeccably manicured lawn, and must be able to withstand rabbits, provide a home for birds and ladybirds, but not be susceptible to diseases or pests. The flowers should be self-deadheading, and should provide sweet nectar for bees, but not wasps. Oh, and it must be 2 metres tall when planted, and not be expensive. Can you recommend a few?’

This could be an April fool, but it’s not: it’s

a common request. They want me to give them a long Latin name (the plant, not the enquirer!) but it doesn’t exist, and I’m rather glad. Plants are like friends, they all have different personalities, different requirements and different strengths and weaknesses, but it’s that very variety which makes gardening (and friendship) so rewarding.

April is a very busy month for most people in the garden, and one of my favourites. The clocks have changed, the days are longer and warmer and plant growth is rapid. There are still some major tasks which can be completed at this time of year, such as cutting back evergreens. Cut back hard, feed and the plant will regenerate over the next few years.

If you didn’t feed your plants last month, now is the time to do it. If you are an organic gardener, a handful of chicken manure pellets or blood, fish and bone, are great tonics for your plants. It’s also the time when potatoes can be planted.

Some years ago, a very helpful guy at our local garden centre demystified the whole potato planting schedule for me and in essence all potatoes are planted right now- traditionally Easter Sunday I think. The first earlies, second earlies and main crop tubers are planted together, it’s just that they are harvested at different times. The instructions on the packs are usually pretty clear.

Other jobs to do this month include: Deadhead faded flowers from bulbs After flowering, prune back forsythia shrubs Prune Buddleia and Lavatera and hardy Fuchsias Happy Gardening

28

To advertise or contribute call 01623 249 940

Lee

Puzzle Solutions

e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk

29

Home and Garden What is your BMI? And does it matter?

Many years ago my mum joined a well known slimming club, and after several months was within three pounds of achieving the target weight the club had set for her, but try as she might, she just could not shift those last few pounds. After several disheartening weeks she finally gave up trying and eventually regained all the weight she had worked so hard to lose.

This wouldn’t happen nowadays. Modern slimming clubs rarely dictate end weights and are more likely to invite you to set your own targets, although they will encourage you to choose a weight that is within a healthy range. But who decides what a healthy weight is, and does one size fit all?

Since the 1970’s, health professionals have calculated a person’s BMI – or body mass index – as a guide to determining their “fatness”. Body mass index is calculated by dividing a person’s body weight by the square of their height, and universally the calculation is made by dividing kilograms by metres squared. So, if a person weighs 80 kilograms and is 1.8 metres tall, first square their height (1.8 x 1.8 = 3.24) and then divide this into their weight.

Thus 80 divided by 3.24 gives a BMI of 24.7.

Although a person’s BMI is a useful way of determining if they are at a healthy weight or not, it should be used with caution.

Several factors can distort the results and render the BMI meaningless. For example, it is not appropriate for the very young, nor the very old and the excessively tall.

Similarly, athletes and others with high muscle mass may appear abnormally overweight.

At 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m) tall and based on a BMI of 20-25, a healthy weight for my mum is between 8st 3lbs (53 kg) and 10st 5lbs (68 kg). The elusive target weight she couldn’t quite manage was 9st 13lbs (65 kg) – well within her healthy BMI range.

What a shame this information wasn’t around all those years ago!

If you would like to find out more or would like help calculating your own BMI, visit www.bbc.co.uk/health or www.nhs.uk/ Tools/Pages/Healthyweightcalculator.aspx.

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

Once armed with this information, what do you do with it? Health professionals suggest that a person’s BMI should fall between 20 and 25 to be classed as healthy. If it is below 20 you would be considered underweight and anything above 25 would be classed as overweight, with obesity setting in at a BMI of 30 and morbid obesity at 35 or more.

30

To advertise or contribute call 01623 249 940

Do you need an Internet advantage over your competitors?

The answer is easy, YES! In the modern day the internet is where people search for products or services; with this any company from a one person dog grooming business to a multi country business with a specific product need to be on the first page of search engines such as Google or Bing.

Statistics says that if you are not on the first page of the organics search engine, you will not get the call! Organic driven searches are of greater interest to the searcher than the Pay per click adverts on the page, so we could say pay per clicks could not work for you.

As we say the modern way to search for products and services is the internet, so having a Internet Advert is what we believe is the answer, I-Advantage is the cost effective search engine presence for your product or service, having a top three presence on each search engine will increase interest and sales leads, capturing these now before your competitor do is the key to any successful business.

So what is I-Advantage? We think of I-Advantage as an ever present advert on the internet, not a one hit half or costly full page advert in a publication hidden within pages and with a very small shelf life, I-Advantage can be around forever!

Sales leads are directly returned to you and with no pay per click costs you know exactly how much to budget each year.

So to find how you can achieve top search engine ranking call Matthew Burke on 07876663609.

Focusing on your needs • VAT Returns • Annual Returns • Year End Accounts • Self Assessment • Corporation Tax

• Bookkeeping • Payroll • Credit Control • Management Accounts Expect a prompt, efficient and cost effective service that is tailored to your needs.

Focusing on taking away as much of the ‘accounting’ function of your business as you require.

Claire Weingaertner tel: 07525 867684 e: claire@focusaccounting.co.uk

www.focusaccounting.co.uk

FREE CONSULATATIONS

e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk

31

Health and Wellbeing

M

Fires and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

any people fail to sweep their chimney or service appliances at regular intervals, either due to the fact that they are unaware of the maintenance requirements, the potential consequences, or for financial reasons.

Last year there were a total of 23 deaths in the UK related to carbon monoxide poisoning, 5 involving solid fuels, and 4 gas mains. There were 176 near-misses reported, although this figure is likely to be much greater, due to many cases of carbon monoxide poisoning going undiagnosed. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with symptoms of flu, including: • Severe headaches • Chest and stomach pains • Drowsiness • Nausea • Dizziness • General lethargy The use of an unregistered chimney sweep can be dangerous; it is only through established trade organisations such as the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps that a customer can have confidence that the job they are paying for is done correctly, and that safety checks will have been made. Upon completion, a registered chimney sweep will issue an approved certificate.

Don’t forget, gas fire flues need regular sweeping too - it’s not just solid fuel fires!

To make your home safe, follow these simple steps: Your chimneys and flues must be swept at a very minimum, annually Do not use an appliances that is not functioning correctly or that you may be suspicious of until a competent person has first assessed it for safety Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm and test it regularly CHIMNEY FIRES UK fire statistics indicate that there are over 31,000 domestic chimney fires a year. These are largely due to infrequent sweeping which results in a build-up of flammable tar within the appliance or flue .

Insurance companies may refuse claims due to chimney fires unless the chimney has been swept by a registered chimney sweep where a certificate has been issued.

CLEAN CHIMNEYS DO NOT CATCH FIRE Greg Drozdowski: info@ homesweep.co.uk Tel 01623 401128 / 07711 441459 HETAS registered and a member of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps

GREG DROZDOWSKI

A MEMBER OF THE GUILD OF MASTER CHIMNEY SWEEPS Open Fires | Wood Burning & Multi-Fuel Stoves Rayburns | Aga’s | Chimney Camera Surveys/Reports Bird Guards/Cowls & Caps Supplied Carbon Monoxide Alarms Supplied & Fitted Moisture Meters for Wood Lucky Sweep Wedding Appearances

T:01623 401128 or 07711 441459 or E: info@home-sweep.co.uk

32

To advertise or contribute call 01623 249 940

e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk

33

Index of Advertisers Aerials 1st Astral Aerials Artists Imagine Arts

25

Furniture Progressive Furniture

18

Funeral Directors W S Ingham

14

Graphic Design Upbeat Design

25

7 33 27

Gardens Green Thumb PSL Paving

2 13

20

Insulation Framework Joinery DMT Joinery

9

Accountants Focus Accounting Beauty East Midland Laser Bio-Slimming Mansfield Electrolysis Bridal Wear Ivory Suite

31

Carpets & Flooring Computer Cohen Lockey

13

Chimney Sweep Home-Sweep Electrical Services RS Electrical Arnold Electrical Estate Agents Eazi-Move

32 33 21 15

Spacemaster Resin Driveways Mansfield Trade Fascias G L Concrete

4 35 16 29

Renewable Energy EMREC Arnold Electrical

9 21

Restaurants & Bars Browns

36

Signs City Signs

17

5

Stairlifts & Mobility Liftec

22

3

Soft Furnishings Tracey Wint

26

Telephone Connectaphone

33

Tiling Continental Tiles

25

Windows & Doors Cloudy2Clear

1

Kitchens & Bathrooms Easy Kitchens 11 Interior Fitting and Design 33 Plumbing and Heating Nottm Combi Svcs

29

Property Maintenance Abbey Drives Key Building Supplies

25 23

Spring into action and use a Buy With Confidence approved trader.

If you’re thinking of carrying out roof repairs, gardening work and other seasonal jobs, why not spring into action and use our free approved trader scheme?

Buy With Confidence, which is run by Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council, is a list of local roofers, gardeners and other trades people who have been vetted by our trading standards officers. We carry out checks to ensure they are solvent, adequately insured and don’t have a history of ripping people off.

Visit: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/buywithconfidence or phone The Citizens Advice Consumer Service on: 08454 04 05 06 to find a local trader you can trust.

34

BWC SL.indd 1

To contributecall call01623 07595 510190 Toadvertise advertise or or contribute 249 940

09/03/2012 15:23

e mail us at info@spotlightlocal.co.uk

35

To advertise or contribute call 07595 510190