Leicestershire Guardian Issue 01

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Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 1.

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LEICESTER OLD MARKET HALL BITES THE DUST

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he former Leicester Market Hall is officially no more, following an eight month demolition programme. The conspicuous red brick structure and former 1970s market hall has been obliterated to pave the way for ambitious regeneration plans set to take the city by storm.

Work kicked off at the beginning of the year at the site behind the Corn Exchange. The now vacant site is ready for the next stage and

its reincarnation into a stunning public square. Sir Peter Soulsby, Leicester City Mayor said: “What we have there now is an amazing space and a big one too. It’s a space with great potential.”

The old market hall has previously been described as smelly and dank, with many onlookers lamenting its existence. Shopper Sharni Kaur from Loughborough said: “This place has been crying out for a full-on rebuild for a good

few decades. Whatever replaces this old market hall has to be an improvement. It’s about time this happened, it was becoming something of an eyesore.

“I have shopped in Leicester all my life and the old building has always blighted the landscape. It wasn’t very nice inside either. I’m really looking forward to seeing the new plans.

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Issue2.1Issue LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN 2 Page

H u n d r ed s r a i s ed i n c h a r i ty Tow pat h To d d le

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n annual charity walk organised by Mercia Marina along a stretch of canal towpath has raised more than £1,200 for worthwhile causes.

The marina chose two charities this year to benefit from the 10mile round trip Towpath Toddle between the marina site in Findern Lane, Willington, South Derbyshire, to Shobnall Fields, in Burton, Staffordshire.

Yesterday, representatives of Macmillan Cancer Support and Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance, visited the 74-acre marina to collect their

respective cheques from the fund raising effort.

Also on board for the handover was publican Steve Kirk, who raised more than £150 from his generous punters on a single night of fund raising at The Neptune pub, in Osmaston Road, Derby.

Steve won a prize of a free pedicure – offered by Elegant Touch Beauty, which is based at Mercia Marina - for raising the largest single amount of cash, but he has also donated his prize to charity.

Around 20 people – mostly boaters at the marina – raised

sponsorship money towards their walk in addition to a number of collections organised by others independently. This year’s event raised almost double the total collected in 2014.

Tony Preston, sales and marketing manager for Mercia Marina, said: “Everyone involved, from the walkers to our other brilliant fund raisers, made a huge effort and have collected a significant amount of money for two very worthwhile causes.

“The marina would particularly like to thank the businesses on site that generously donated prizes to our top fund raisers as

well as things like refreshments on the day of the walk.”

The second prize – a breakfast for two at The Butcher Baker Farm Shop, based at the marina – was won by Andy Smith, who moors at Mercia Marina.

Mr Kirk (56), who also lives on his canal boat - Spirit of 66 - at the marina, said: “My punters are always really generous when it comes to fund raising, so it’s them I should be thanking for my involvement. But I also love living here at the marina, and I’m always happy to support my community.”

The Towpath Toddle took place on Sunday, June 7, raising £631.10

for each of the two selected charities.

Collette Richardson, fund raising co-ordinator for Derbyshire Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance, said: “This is just fantastic support. The support we get from the marina is incredible, and it’s great that the local community here is really behind it.”

Gini Smith, Derbyshire fund raising manager for Macmillan

Cancer Support, said that the money raised from the marina’s charity walk could pay for a Macmillan nurse for three days, or help provide things like food processors or special bedding for up to five patients.

“It’s marvellous to see everyone working together like this to help us give financial, medical and emotional support to our patients,” she said. “We are so grateful.”

PASSENGERS AND PROFITS UP FOR EAST MIDANDS AIRPORT Passenger numbers continue to grow, at East Midlands Airport, together with total revenue according to the latest results of its parent company, Manchester Airports Group. M.A.G, which also owns and operates Manchester, London Stansted and Bournemouth airports, has released its financial results for the twelve months up to 31st March.

4.6 million passengers used East Midlands Airport last year, a seven per cent increase on the previous year which is an extra 300,000 passengers. 15 airlines fly to more than 90 destinations from East Midlands, the largest of which is Ryanair.

In all, M.A.G reported a rise of 4.7 million, or 10.7 per cent, in passenger numbers using its airports' terminals last year, a group total of 48.49 million.

Both MAG and East Midlands Airport also reported an increase in total revenue. East Midlands Airport, the UK's second largest freight facility after Heathrow, reported a total revenue of £59.4 million last year. This is an increase of 9.4 per cent on the year before with a record of more than 312,000 tonnes of

cargo flown. East Midlands is the European base for major international cargo carrier DHL and its 26-strong fleet of aircraft.

These figures come in the year in which East Midlands Airport celebrated its 50th anniversary with the completion of terminal improvements costing £12 million.

Growth targets for East Midlands Airport are to increase passenger numbers, to ten million annually, and freight to one million tonnes shipped by the year 2020.

Charlie Cornish, chief executive of M.A.G, said: "M.A.G has delivered a fifth consecutive year of strong growth, investment and development that has enabled us to exceed expectations across many of our key measures, including the delivery of industry leading passenger numbers and trading performance.

"The success of M.A.G's commercial and operational strategy is reflected in the fact that we have welcomed nearly 5 million more passengers into our four airports and been able to offer them an increasingly diverse range of facilities, unparalleled choice of airlines and range of destinations that has taken them all over the world."

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24Issue : Page1 3.3 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

LEICESTER OLD MARKET HALL BITES THE DUST

“Out with the old and in with the new, which can only mean good news for Leicester.”

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

Out with the old and in with the new, which can only mean good news for Leicester.”

An out of town shopper, Sanj Suryavanshi said: “I’m a frequent visitor to Leicester and have seen the old building. I personally won’t miss it and I don’t think anyone else will either.”

Its replacement, an awardwinning £3.5 million pavilion which now accommodates fresh produce markets is already garnering positive comments and regional acclaim. A consultation

on future proposals will be imminently announced.

Architects Greig and Stephenson were inspired by the bustling Covent Garden square in London.

The principal idea behind the regeneration is to make the space more flexible and easily accessible for all. Some parts of the area have undergone improvements and there may be more in the pipeline in the vicinity of the Duke of Rutland. The fixed market stalls will however remain unchanged.

The next stage of the exciting plan will move onto the space lying between Molly O’ Grady’s pub and the Corn Exchange, the rear of which will also see an extension.

This is the first time it will have been open since the 1970s and the space is already being touted as perfect for restaurants, bars and cafés.

CALL TO TACKLE LITTERING FROM CARS! Councils are calling for new powers to let them tackle the "huge and spiralling" problem of littering from cars.

Local authorities outside London want to have the power to fine vehicle owners if someone drops litter from their car to help tackle the thousands of sacks of waste that end up on roadsides every year.

They warn they are not able to tackle the problem effectively because they have to positively identify who has thrown the rubbish out of the car.

Councils are calling on the Government to bring in new regulations that bring the rest of the country in line with London, where vehicle owners can be fined, regardless of who dropped the litter.

Almost a quarter of motorists (23%) admit to having chucked litter out of the car, research suggests.

Clearing up the vast quantities of plastic bottles, cigarette butts, food wrappers and other rubbish that gets dumped from cars is difficult,

dangerous and expensive to clear up, the Local Government Association (LGA) warns.

On just 18 miles of A-roads in north Hertfordshire, some 80 tonnes of litter from cars were cleared up in an annual clear-up, the equivalent of 3,200 wheelie bins or 10,000 sacks of waste.

Council workers recovered 20 tonnes of rubbish including plastic bottles, drinks cans and cigarette waste along a 16-mile stretch of the A42 in Leicestershire.

And in Dorset it took a clearup team five nights to clean a five-mile section of the A388, collecting nearly two tonnes of rubbish, at a cost of £10,000 to the taxpayer.

LGA environment spokesman Peter Box said: "Road litter is a huge and spiralling problem which is threatening to overwhelm some of the nation's roads. It is difficult - and dangerous - for councils to clear up.

"The litter louts who blight our roads and cost council taxpayers millions in clean-up costs are currently getting away scot free

thanks to a legal loophole.

"It's time for the lazy, selfish people who toss rubbish from moving cars learn this behaviour is simply unacceptable.

"We are calling on the Government to urgently give councils the appropriate powers to tackle this issue head-on."

A spokeswoman for the Environment Department (Defra) said the Government was considering how best to support councils in taking action against littering from vehicles.

And she said: "Litter blights communities and poses a risk to human health which is why tackling this issue remains a priority for government.

"We want everyone to enjoy a cleaner, healthier country and we will build on our recent successes increasing powers to seize vehicles suspected of use in flytipping. This way we can clamp down on those few people who spoil our local areas with litter."

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24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue4.1Issue LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN 4 Page

Leicester Caribbean Carnival celebrates 30th birthday Organisers of the Leicester Caribbean Carnival have been blown away by the popularity of its most recent event, which saw a foot-fall of over 100,000 revellers in the city centre.

The 120 minute parade kicked off from Victoria Park, traversing through the city centre and delighting onlookers along the way. Multi-coloured floats, dancers and intrepid artistes displaying fun feats made the procession one to remember and the best the carnival has ever seen. There were musical performances from acclaimed Reggae bands, DJs from Soca Frenzy and a contrast steel band which ensured toe-tapping tunes for the audience to enjoy.

With three music stages and one main platform including art and craft stalls, there was

something for everyone. A funfair and Children’s Village kept little ones entertained. There was also a wide variety of stalls selling delicious food from the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and other far-flung continents.

This year’s theme was ‘The Americas’ which the organisers say depicted perfectly the rich tapestry of multi-culturalism in the US and UK. The first Leicester Caribbean Carnival was held in 1985 and its growing popularity over the years means it is now celebrating its 30th anniversary.

With even more people expected next year, the carnival directors have promised to improve the event and make it more streamlined to ease congestion and make navigation for carnivalgoers quicker than before.

Responding to claims by festivalgoers on social media, about having to queue for two hours, the event’s Chair of Directors’ Dennis Sugar Christopher said: "I think it could have been better. It's a victim of its success in the sense of we didn't predict that would happen.”

He said changes will be made next year and went on to say: “People can rest assured we are definitely going to make something different to ease that congestion.”

3M MORE HOMES CONNECTED TO SUPERFAST BROADBAND Superfast broadband has now reached three million homes and businesses as part of a government rollout but some MPs and rural communities remain sceptical at the promise of delivery.

The Government's Broadband Delivery UK programme aims to provide superfast broadband speeds - at least 24 megabits per second (Mbps) - to 95% of the country by 2017, with ministers pointing to the latest figures as proof the plan is

working.

Culture Secretary John Whittingdale said: "Reaching three million properties is a huge achievement.

"Our rollout of superfast broadband is transforming lives up and down the country as every day thousands more homes and businesses are gaining access to superfast speeds."

However, MPs in some rural areas remain unconvinced by the claims of superfast coverage for their constituents. Ian Liddell-

Grainger, Conservative MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset, told the Financial Times: "I don't believe the numbers. In West Somerset, I should think coverage is about 40%."

According to Think Broadband's speed test map of the UK, some parts of the West Country have broadband speeds as low as 0.89 Mbps.

But Communications Minister Ed Vaizey told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme that the Government acknowledged

these concerns.

"Often when I come on programmes like this, people will be quoted saying they haven't got broadband and they are frustrated. I completely agree with them - that is why we are doing this programme," he said.

"There are three million homes now that have broadband that wouldn't have had broadband.

We have the best broadband of the big five economies in Europe."

3 QUICK TIPS FOR CHEAPER LIFE INSURANCE

Its a fact – people are living longer. Advances in medical care and safety have ensured each generation a better quality of life – and a longer life too. Because of this, fewer people are making life insurance claims and the cost of insurance is falling. However if you have been signed up to a premium for a few years you may not have benefitted from this fall in cost.

Listed below are 3 of our best tips designed to help you save money on your policy today!

Tip 1 – Use Online Comparison Services Online comparison websites can give you a ball park figure for what the latest good quotes should look like. Websites such as MyMoneyQuote provide a free online quote service that can give you a range of competitive deals for you to use as a benchmark when finding the best price to suit you.

MyMoneyQuote use a few basic details to search a range of providers to get you the best deal.

Tip 2 – Speak to someone – it helps!

Talking to someone can really expand the range of quotes you will receive. Some providers only operate offline and can therefore provide unique offers you may not otherwise see.

Fill in some basic details with MyMoneyQuote and they will provide you with the opportunity to talk to an FCA Authorised Advisor who can take you through the options available to you.

Tip 3 – The earlier you start, the better The earlier you take life insurance out, the better. Prices increase the older you become so don’t delay in finding out your options. You will need life insurance for a variety of reasons so it’s best to get started early. MyMoneyQuote can provide you with a really simple form to get a fast easy quote.

Get a quote now.

Remember, as with anything, switching providers can save you money both in the short and long term. Enquire now and see what you could be saving.

This advice is given only for guidance and should not be considered regulated financial advice.

‘HANGRY’ KIDS LENGTHEN THE SCHOOL PICK UP BY UP TO 40 MINUTES The school pick up has been deemed the most stressful time of day for nearly half of parents in the UK (45%) with many blaming it on the fact their child is hungry and angry at the same time, new research has revealed.

The research, commissioned by malt loaf makers Soreen, found that the average school pick up takes parents 15 minutes, but with a hungry child in tow it can take an average of ten minutes longer.

Nearly two thirds of parents also admit that it can feel like it takes

up to 40 minutes longer.

The study found that 14.48 is the time of day when kids feel their most hungry and by the time the bell rings at 15.20, parents agree that their children are often irritable, argumentative, and desperate for a snack.

Hunger pangs have been proven to significantly increase feelings of irritation and anger and the survey found that boys aged between four and 12, often suffer the most.

When kids feel ‘hangry’ parents

admit that they can become argumentative (30%), irritable (22%) and short fused (17.5%).

Most parents have to take snacks for the journey home after school to stop their kids suffering from ‘hanger’ and one in three parents say that these often consist of sugary and fatty treats such as chocolate, sweets and crisps.

If they forget a snack parents admit to feeling worried, stressed and apprehensive about the consequences.

These snack choices give children

a sudden surge of sugar that will be short lived and are renowned for offering little nutritional value.

This may go some way to explain why a quarter of parents feel they have to give their children more than one snack to satisfy them, potentially jeopardising their next meal.

An alternative option for parents struggling to find a snack that keeps their children satisfied would be to offer a snack of substance such as malt loaf which can be found in convenient and

individually wrapped Lunchbox Loaves that can help stave off hunger on the journey home.

Mary Lynch, registered Nutritionist, explains: “It’s great to have snacks as part of a healthy balanced diet that are easy to pop in your handbag, such as apple slices, raisins, popcorn or malt loaf that contains far less sugar than sweets and chocolate.”

Soreen is currently running an on-pack promotion offering families the chance to win a host of exciting prices.

Ten Satisfying after school snacks to stave off hanger: Apple Slices Nuts Malt loaf with banana slices Homemade cereal bars Popcorn Grapes Soreen lunchbox loaves Yoghurt Carrot and cucumber sticks Fruit smoothie Raisins

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24Issue : Page1 5.5 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

Potters Superstore is Leicester’s largest stockist of carpets, kitchens, beds, and rugs Vi spring, Slumberland, Hestia and Sealy beds all available at unbeatable prices

Modern, traditional and contempory kitchens designs to suit all budgets

P huge seletion of carpets and wood flooring

Over 1000 rugs on display

otters Superstore is Leicester’s largest stockist of carpets, kitchens, beds, and rugs.

The family run business is proud to have been serving the community for over 140 years. They now have two stores in Anstey and Wigston which stock a diverse range of products to suit every budget.

In a lifetime, one spends approximately 230,000 hours asleep. Why not enjoy all those hours tucked up in a gorgeously comfortable bed and enjoy the peaceful slumber that you deserve? From the likes of Slumberland, Hestia, Vispring and Sealy beds, there is something for everyone at Potters Superstore.

If your home is looking a little tired, why not check out the striking flooring range from the likes of Cormar, Brintons, Ulster, Whitestone Weavers and many more?

We also have a massive range of Luxury Vinyl tiles from suppliers such as Amtico, Project Floors and Moduleo these are popular choices for large families and fashion conscious residents alike.

If watching the Great British Bake Off has inspired you to channel your inner Mary Berry, you can get baking in your brand

new kitchen that will be a pleasure to cook in. Be the envy of your friends as they admire your stunning new Bauformat kitchen, which is elegant, luxurious and which doesn’t cost the earth.

With over 40 kitchen displays, a massive range of beds and carpets and over 1000 rugs on display, you won’t be leaving in a hurry once you step foot in Potters Superstore.

Aron English, General Manager said: “Potters Superstore is open seven days a week and our personalised service and quality products are a recipe for success. To keep up with the demand of our dedicated clients, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our third store in Melton. This will be opening in November/ December and which will stock carpets, kitchens beds and rugs.”

With a summer sale now on where many products have been marked with a whopping 70% discount, now is the ideal time to visit Potters Superstore.

To kit out your home in beautiful furnishings, make Potters Superstore your first port of call. For more information, go to website www.potterssuperstore.co.uk or call 0116 236 2880 now.

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue6.1Issue LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN 6 Page

ERNIE STAYS IN LIFELONG HOME TO CELEBRATE HIS 100 BIRTHDAY There was only one place Ernie Rollason wanted to celebrate his 100th birthday: in the same threebedroom terrace house in Leicester where he was born a century ago.

He was born at the house in Orson Street as one of five children and when his parents died, he carried on living there with older brother Harry who died a few months before reaching his 100th birthday.

The former metal sheet worker put his long life down to never marrying or moving, saying that neither really appealed to him.

Mr Rollason celebrated his century by watching another century as the cricket fan tuned in to see Joe Root's knock at the Trent Bridge Ashes test on Thursday.

Photos by Alex Britton/PA Wire

He said: "It's been a bit rowdy with friends and family coming over and I've never had as many cards.

"I never wanted to marry or move so that's why I've stayed here as long as I have."

When asked if he'd be happy to be crowned the country's oldest bachelor, Mr Rollason said "I've never really thought that but I must be."

He worked at the clock makers Gent and Co in Leicester for 45 years, only stopping to serve in the Second World War where he worked on amphibious landing craft.

Mr Rollason said his main passions in life are Leicester City, watching Andy Murray and fishing.

His other love is Reliant Robins, having owned eight in his lifetime.

He said: "I was driving for decades and never once had a ticket or anything."

Mr Rollason said: "I have had a good life, it's been quiet and that's the way I like it."

LEICESTER PRIDE ANNOUNCE INAUGURAL ‘UNSUNG HERO AWARD 2015’ IN ASSOCIATION WITH EMERY JOHNSON ASTILLS SOLICITORS

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eicester Pride and Leicestershire based solicitors Emery Johnson Astills join forces to create the first ‘Unsung Hero Award 2015’ for outstanding individuals and their contributions within the local LGBT community.

Leicester Pride’s annual event once again returns to the city

this September, spanning a full nine days with a series of art, culture, sport, music and film events celebrating the great diversity of the LGBT community in Leicestershire. 2015 sees the Committee go one step further by announcing the first LGBT ‘Unsung Hero Award 2015’, in association with Emery Johnson Astills Solicitors.

THE CITY OF LEICESTER SINGERS COME AND JOIN US

We rehearse at Christchurch, Clarendon Park Road, LE2 3AH on Mondays at 7.15pm Our concerts at St.James the Greater this year are Novemebr 14th & December 19th

www.cityofleicestersingers.co.uk Or ring David on 0116 2708577

“Our main goal has always been to promote diversity, advanced education and to eliminate discrimination. The benefits of Leicester Pride, as well as the ‘Unsung Hero Award’, is to raise awareness of both the issues affecting the LGBT community and to recognise the people that work tirelessly to better the lives of Leicestershire’s LGBT community and its partners,” states Martyn Parker, Chairman of Leicester Pride.

One of the many reasons that Emery Johnson Astills Solicitors is involved with Leicester Pride, and why they were keen to co-create the ‘Unsung Hero Award’, is to introduce a new way to recognize and reward the achievements of individuals within the LGBT community and their supporters with this prestigious award.

“As advocates of equality and firm supporters of the LGBT community here in Leicestershire, we’re thrilled to be supporting this inaugural ‘Unsung Hero Award’ award.

As an independent law firm, we recognize the impact people can make, whether alone or part of a group and we’re immensely excited to be able to acknowledge the impact of that one special individual in this award”, commented Jonathan Foster, Partner and Specialist Family Solicitor at Emery Johnson Astills.

Nominations are open to the public from the 20th June and

close on 24st July. Entrants are asked to email nominations@ leicesterpride.com with the contact details of their nominee along with a short summary (max 500 words) on why they feel that person should win the award. A shortlist will then be selected and the overall winner announced at the Leicester Pride Ball at the City Rooms on 28th August.

“As advocates of equality and firm supporters of the LGBT community here in Leicestershire, we’re thrilled to be supporting this inaugural ‘Unsung Hero Award’ award.”

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24Issue : Page1 7.7 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

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8 Page Issue8.1Issue LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

THE EAST MIDLANDS ARE DRINKING PLEN-TEA! REGION MOST LIKELY TO DRINK NINE OR MORE CUPS A DAY • 8% of tea drinkers in the East Midlands drink nine or more cups a day – more than any other region in Britain. 47% have four or more.

• Britons see themselves as the world’s top tea drinkers – but we’ve been pushed down the global league table • Good old British cuppa: Over half of tea drinkers in the East Midlands (53%) take their own tea abroad • SPANA is asking people to host a World Tea Party, supported by Joanna Lumley Britain is nation of prolific tea drinkers, but we’re lagging in the global tea drinking league tables, according to a new survey by working animal charity, SPANA. Nearly one in 10 (8%) tea drinkers in the East Midlands get through nine or more cups a day – more than any other region in Britain and equating to more than 3,200 cups per person per year. Almost half (47%) of tea drinkers in the East Midlands get through four or more cups a day.

With such vast quantities consumed, people in the East Midlands think that the UK holds the title as the world’s number one tea drinking nation.

Nearly half of those surveyed (45%) believe that people in the UK drink more tea per person than any other country each year, followed by China (18%) and India (12%).

However, the UK is actually trailing in the world tea drinking rankings – sitting in fifth place behind (1) Turkey, (2) Morocco, (3) Ireland and (4) Mauritania.[1] In fact, people in Turkey drink two and a half times as much tea on average each year as people in the UK. Despite the popularity of tea beyond our shores, only a British brew will do for tea drinkers from the East Midlands however. Over half of East Midlands’ tea drinkers who have been abroad (53%) have taken their own tea with them, or plan to in the future, while one in six tea drinkers (16%) have worried about not being able to find their favourite type or brand of tea when they’ve been overseas.

Regular black tea blend – chosen by 44% of tea drinkers – followed

by Earl Grey (14%) and English Breakfast (13%), rank as people from the East Midlands’ favourite types of tea.

The research was carried out to mark the launch of the SPANA World Tea Party fundraising event. The charity is encouraging everyone to hold a world-themed tea party this summer to support its work providing free veterinary treatment to sick and injured working animals in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Joanna Lumley is supporting the new campaign. Joanna said: “I’m thrilled to be supporting the SPANA World Tea Party –

My Travel Cash gives top tips for keeping money safe abroad

a tea party with a difference!

Whether you’re inspired to hold a Moroccan mint tea party, an Ethiopian coffee morning or another global destination takes your fancy, amaze your friends and family with your own worldthemed tea party and let the exotic colours and flavours whisk you away. All the funds raised will enable SPANA to give free

veterinary treatment to sick and injured working animals in the world’s poorest countries, helping both animals and the families that depend on them.”

The SPANA World Tea Party fundraising pack is available to download and order from by visiting www.spana.org/teaparty or by calling 020 7831 3999.

Motorway link road to get £2.5m funding from D2N2

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£7.5million link road to the M1 motorway – which will help ‘unlock’ development land with the potential to create over 1,000 new jobs – is to receive a third of its funding from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.

The £7.5m Seymour Link Road will link junction 29a of the M1 motorway to the Markham Vale Enterprise Zone site, north Derbyshire. The brownfield site, located on the former Seymour Colliery, is being redeveloped for industry – particularly the manufacturing, technology, environmental and logistics sectors – with the aim of eventually creating up to 4,100 new jobs across the whole site (732 have been created to date).

D2N2 has now agreed to give £2.52m towards the road, with the remainder of the £7.5million cost to be provided by the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (£3.78m) and Derbyshire County Council (£1.26m).

Markham Vale is invested in and covered by both the D2N2 and Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEPs). There are 39 LEPs in England; private sector-led alliances between business, local authorities, skills and training providers, and community organisations which promote economic growth and jobs creation in their areas.

Work on the Seymour Link Road is due to begin in October (2015).

According to research carried out by my Travel Cash, almost one in four Brits (23%) has been stranded abroad without access to cash, with 30% of those reporting that this was as a result of being a victim of crime.[1] Myles Stephenson, CEO of my Travel Cash, offers advice to travellers to avoid typical pitfalls when heading abroad: Carrying cash “To avoid repeatedly paying for ATM charges, travellers often opt to withdraw lump sums of cash when abroad, which could make them vulnerable to loss or theft. Using a prepaid currency card means that ATM charges can be avoided, removing the need for holidaymakers to carry lots of cash with them and giving them peace of mind.”

Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) “When using a credit or debit card for shopping abroad, tourists are often given the option to pay for the transaction in their own currency rather than the local one – which is portrayed as being more convenient. Rather than DCC simply showing the customer what the amount translates to in their domestic currency, it usually uses a less favourable exchange rate meaning the traveller pays extra. Tourists are better off paying in local currency or with a prepaid currency card to avoid paying these additional charges, as this kind of expense can add up during the course of a trip.”

What to do with your bank card “Prepaid currency cards, such as those offered by my Travel Cash, also come with the added benefit that if the card were to be stolen, the customer’s personal bank account is not linked to it in any way. We advise customers to take out two cards on their account, so a stolen card can be blocked as soon as the theft is reported and any unused balance can then be transferred to the spare.”

It will open up an essential highway link to the M1 for 33 hectares’ worth of employment land plots, on the Markham Vale North site.

It is anticipated that the scheme will lever an additional £82m of private sector investment by 2022 through the delivery of 148,000 square metres of commercial space on the Markham Vale North Site by Henry Boot Developments Ltd; indirectly creating approximately 1,235 new jobs, on the Markham Vale North site.

The Seymour Link Road is due to be completed by August next year (2016).

David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The Markham Vale site and the Seymour Link Road specifically are identified

as a key priority in our Strategic Economic Plan.

“Markham Vale sits at the northern gateway to the D2N2 LEP area.

Linking it to the national road network, via the M1, gives the whole Enterprise Zone site the potential to eventually create up to 4,100 new jobs; which is why we and our partners, the Sheffield City Region LEP and Derbyshire County Council, are making this significant investment.”

Councillor Dean Collins – Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure – said: “We’re delighted to be moving forward with the construction of the Seymour Link Road, which could eventually lead to 4,100 new jobs on the site.

“We’re committed to building a strong economy that creates

jobs for local people and helps businesses grow. This latest development for Markham Vale is a great step in the right direction for the site.

“The Seymour Link Road is due to be completed by August next year which will follow on from the expected completion of the new distribution centre for the Great Bear Distribution company, Markham’s biggest deal to date.”

Funding for the Seymour Link Road from the D2N2 LEP, just agreed at the latest meeting of its Infrastructure and Investment Board, comes from its Local Growth Fund allocation. For more on D2N2’s economic growth strategy see its Strategic Economic Plan at web link www. d2n2lep.org/write/Documents/ D2N2_SEP_March_31st.pdf

Spread the load “A good tip for keeping valuables safe is to make sure they are not all in the same place. When out and about it’s advisable to carry only what you need. Keep valuables you don’t require, in a secure place such as a hotel safe. When you are out keeping some spare cash in various different places other than in your wallet could help if you were to run into trouble, it is never a good idea to keep valuables in your back pocket.”

Be discrete “It is easy to see how tourists draw attention to themselves rifling through the unfamiliar bank notes of another currency when making a payment. It’s best not to make a scene when doing this and carrying a prepaid currency card means it can be avoided altogether.

“We would always advise all tourists to be aware of their surroundings when on holiday, and to make sure they take the necessary precautions to ensure that their trip goes off without a hitch.”

For more information, visit: www.mytravelcash.com

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24Issue : Page1 9.9 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

10Page Issue10.

1 Issue LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

La nca st er b o mb e r c e l e brat e s 9 0 t h b ir t hday in da ri n g w i n g -wa l k

A Lancaster bomber veteran has celebrated his 90th birthday whilst being strapped to the outside of a plane for a fundraising wing-walk.

John Weston of Groby, Leicestershire, took to the skies after being secured to the upper wing of a 1942 Boeing-Stearman Biplane. He was flown 500 feet into the air at Wickenby Aerodrome in Lincolnshire and made the safe descent 15 minutes later.

The courageous veteran was on a fundraising mission and had to lose 5.4kg for the challenge.

This was a double whammy for John, who not only celebrated his special birthday, but who was also fundraising for a cause close to his heart.

John’s wife was an Alzheimer sufferer and money raised from the charity wing-walk will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Society. Jean Weston passed away in 2012, weeks before their 60th wedding anniversary.

John said he was determined to undertake the fundraising challenge and support the work of the Alzheimer’s Society. He said: “Alzheimer's came on quite slowly with Jean but then she got very poorly. For the last eight months it was cruel to see her suffer. She'd lost her speech, lost the use of her arms and her legs and couldn't swallow. I looked after her as long as I could but in the end she had to go into a

home. It was terrible.”

John donned the leather helmet he wore during the Germany raids in World War Two and said he felt good to put it on. John, supported by his family including five grandchildren and a great grand-daughter said: “They were quite surprised but very supportive. I think they all thought it was a great thing to do.”

The World War Two airman said he was grateful that no-one was trying to shoot him down. He was previously part of 15 Squadron based in Lincolnshire and knew the impact of the war after his St. John’s Wood apartment in London was hit by a bomb. Just 17 years old at the time, he saw

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the repercussions of the bomb hit, whilst undergoing training and said he felt lucky, as a lot of people did not return. Helen Whittington, Services Manager for the Alzheimer's Society in Leicestershire and Rutland said: “In Leicestershire alone there are 12,000 people with the condition.

That number is rising, so it is vital that the Alzheimer's Society continues to provide support for today and hope for tomorrow. We rely on supporters like Mr Weston to help us carry out our work and want to say a big thank you for his daring fundraising for the charity."

To donate to the appeal go to: www.justgiving.com/JohnWeston2/.

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All our staff have spent many years in the building industry and most have been to college and are fully qualified having served an apprenticeship.

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We are a general building contractor, working closely with our customers to ensure their preferences are taken into account. We work to customer instructions, or plans but our staff would be also pleased to advise on alternative solutions that may be less costly and take less time to complete without compromising quality.

We're proud to say that we've maintained a strong belief in good workmanship and a job well done, whatever the size of the undertaking. Our whole team are aware of the responsibility they have for quality of work, safety and respect for the environment and our philosophy is “no job is too big, or to small.”

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TH E RA M B LERS LAU N CH B I G PATH WAY I N EAST M I D LA N DS The Ramblers has today (15 July 2015) launched the Big Pathwatch, the nation’s biggest ever footpath survey, following new research that reveals path problems in England are on the rise*.

The East Midlands is the only region in England that doesn’t show an increase in path problems, with only 362 problems recorded. However, with 86,000 problems recorded on England’s paths, the Ramblers wants to gather the full picture. The Ramblers needs as many people as possible in the East Midlands to take part in the Big Pathwatch, which will for the first time build both a regional and national picture of the state of the path network. It will also investigate the impact these problems are having on people’s ability to use their local paths and the effect this has on their walking experience.

By getting the complete picture, the Big Pathwatch will help the Ramblers develop long term strategies to keep paths clear for the future, boosting tourism, the economy and the nation’s physical and mental wellbeing.

The Ramblers chief executive Benedict Southworth said: “The Big Pathwatch is the first time we’ll be asking everyone to help us walk every right of way in England and Wales and tell us

what they find so we can protect and celebrate our amazing 140,000 mile path network, one of our nation’s biggest assets.

“We know that there are currently some problems on paths in the East Midlands that stop people in their tracks. We need to find the true extent of the problem and explore how this affects anyone who uses these paths, whether that’s on their shortcut to the shops or while they’re out enjoying our glorious countryside.” From overgrown or flooded paths and dangerous barbed wire to missing signposts and broken gates and bridges, these cuts are having a real impact on people’s ability to enjoy the great outdoors.

Benedict added: “We’re acutely aware that times are tough, which is why we want to find new, cost effective ways to ensure our paths, and the thousands of people who use them every day, don’t suffer.

“That’s why we’ve launched the Big Pathwatch. Together, we will walk every right of way in England and Wales to help build a national picture of the state of our path network – the first time this has ever been done.

But more than that, we’ll use the results to find the long term solutions to keep our paths clear, boosting our nation’s health, happiness and the economy.” The

Ramblers needs everyone in the East Midlands to get involved.

The easiest way to take part is to download the free Big Pathwatch app. The app allows people to share their experiences as they walk every right of way within a specific grid square. They’ll be asked to note any problems they encounter, as well as share the positive features, the beautiful views or interesting landscapes they see. The results of the Big Pathwatch will allow the Ramblers to create a comprehensive report on the state of the path network, which will be used to help inform a range of solutions to ensure its upkeep. Where possible, Ramblers’ path maintenance teams will be heading out to fix problems found through the survey, clearing brambles and other overgrown vegetation, improving path surfaces and fixing bridges and gates.

Importantly, the results will enable the Ramblers to come up with the long term solutions to ensure the path network in the East Midlands is protected for years to come.

Those who don’t have a smartphone can still get involved by downloading materials from the Ramblers website. To find out more, or to take part in the Big Pathwatch, visit www.Ramblers. org.uk/bigpathwatch.

Derbyshire Guardian.

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FIVE YEARS SINCE DONINGTON PARK

KEVIN WHEAT CROFT LOOKS BACK

F

Tom Wheatcroft was the heart and soul of Donington

Kevin (right) with historic racer Nico Bindels.

ive years ago Donington Park race circuit was about to embarque on a new era, without the guidance of the man whose grit and determination had brought the historic venue back to life in the 70s, and with a slightly modified layout.

For most of 2010 the circuit had been closed, partly dug up and unable to stage race meetings.

The Formula 1 dream was over, circuit owner Tom Wheatcroft had passed away and his son Kevin was left to pick up the pieces.

Donington Park was in a real mess when Kevin was handed back the keys to the circuit on Christmas Eve 2009, but the staff had all been laid off and, as 2010 dawned, he faced a daunting task of trying to return the circuit to its former glory, as his father had in the 1970s.

After much hard work the circuit was ready to re-open in September 2010 and now, five years on, is thriving once again.

“In many ways it doesn’t feel like five years,” said Kevin reflecting on those dark times. “I have tended to look at what we are doing here with a business hat on, rather than with a motorsports enthusiast’s hat, because if it doesn’t work out financially it’s not going to benefit anybody. Every time we spend a penny here it has been looking at the future, so we need to spend it in the right direction and do the right thing.

The feedback generally, from the fans, is that we have done the right thing. Everyone has recognised the improvements and there are plenty more to come.”

Tom Wheatcroft opened his Donington Park in 1977, a new circuit constructed partly on the course that had witnessed the epic Grands Prix of 1937 and 1938 with the mighty German ‘Silver Arrows’. His dream of returning Formula 1 to Donington came true in 1993 when, at short notice, he was offered the ‘European’ Grand Prix for that year. On a dreadfully wet Sunday in April, Ayrton Senna won a classic encounter, one of the greatest drives of his career.

It was only when Simon Gillett and Lee Gill took over the lease to the circuit, in 2007, that there was a hint of a possible return of F1. Silverstone’s licence to stage the British Grand Prix would soon run out, head of F1 Bernie Ecclestone seemed at odds with Silverstone owners, the British Racing Drivers Club, and Gillett would not rule out wanting to bring the race here. The whole motor racing world was, however, caught off-guard when the announcement came, on the eve of the 2008 race, that the Grand Prix would return to Donington in 2010 with a ten year deal, longer than any Silverstone had ever

secured.

Things quickly began to turn sour, though. Lee Gill was, by now, long departed and Gillett was finding it hard to raise the £100 million he needed to stage the race. “They were trying to raise money at a time when it couldn’t have been more difficult,” said Kevin. “The money wasn’t there and it was never going to be. I’ve since met virtually everybody involved and it is apparent that nobody trusted him.” 2009 was spent failing to meet a series of deadlines before Ecclestone’s patience finally ran out and called in the administrators.

Tom Wheatcroft quietly spent these final few months suffering from cancer, and died within a week of the plug being pulled. “I’m pretty sure that the whole thing shortened his life, without a doubt,” said Kevin.

“The thing I can never really find it in my heart to forgive is that I should have been with him every day while he was dying – and I couldn’t because I was here, trying to get our possessions back.”

The circuit was now undriveable, cut through by 14 trenches, part of an archaeological investigation below the course of the proposed F1 start/finish straight. Kevin described this as wanton vandalism, but a larger task lay ahead as the governing body of the Motor Sports Association also demanded changes. Annual MSA updates to the track had been put off, as the F1 circuit would exceed their requirements, but now the circuit fell below MSA standards.

Donington would have much to do to regain its licence, including extending the run-off at certain corners and modify the layout for the National Circuit chicane.

“Obviously with the circuit closing we lost all our historic ‘grandfather’ rights, so it was a start again situation,” said Kevin.

“I suppose in hindsight it was a good thing, because it meant we had to do certain things rather than stick with what was already there. It was a gut-blow financially that we could have done without, but we did it.”

“Losing Tom was a difficult thing because you had no guidance.

Everything had to be what you wanted to do rather than feedback through the old man, who had been here since day one. So you kept looking over your shoulder and hoping you were doing the right thing. We, as a team, worked incredibly hard, the result shows today that we are open, the place is bigger and better than what it was and things are continuously improving. It was five years of hard work, so we can look back now and relax a little bit and be proud of what we have all achieved.”

Work continued through the

summer and the first car meeting was the Masters Historic event over the weekend of 4th/5th September 2010. The circuit unveiled its new chicane, some 80m ahead of the old Goddard’s chicane, giving plenty of runoff. Kevin also recreated a piece of history, reopening the circuit perched on the side of the same Lotus F1 car with which his father opened the track in 1977.

Kevin is deeply aware of his father’s legacy, the name Wheatcroft will forever be synonymous with Donington, but he was not sure that he was the one to take the circuit forward. “I have the same love for it my father had,” he said at the time, “but I realise it’s now time for someone else to take it to a new level. I want to make sure that there is not another mistake made for Donington; I don’t want to see her damaged again.”

Whilst Kevin has retained ownership rights, he would appoint Christopher Tate as Managing Director late in 2011.

Son of historic motorsport film maker John Tate, Mr Tate has motorsport in his blood and came with a wealth of experience, and contacts, having been a guiding light in the Masters Historic series. “Chris I have known for some years and got on well with him,” said Kevin. “I approached him and asked him, the time was right in his life for another move and he’s proved a great team leader, produced some great results here. From a day-to-day point of view, I can take a step back and know the circuit is in Christopher’s safe hands.”

Sadly, though, just four months later, Kevin was dealt another massive blow with the death of race director Robert Fearnall, Tom Wheatcroft’s right hand man since 1979. “Tom and Robert, they were the two guiding lights of my life in motorsport. With the naming of (the new) ‘Roberts’ (chicane) it is a permanent reminder of his presence here in the past.”

Two changes made to the circuit have met with universal approval.

The ‘Roberts’ chicane found drivers searching for their brakepoints in the early days, but the immediate reaction was that the circuit flows better now and a drainage issue was resolved over the first winter. “You never know when you alter something, but I have driven it myself and it feels very, very natural. The trouble is, when you were used to a bend being where it was and then it’s been moved 80m closer, it can catch you out. I think everybody has adapted well to it. It works and flows like the rest of the circuit, it looks right and I think it has been generally accepted now.”

This new chicane now mirrors the ‘Foggy’s’ chicane that leads

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Issue 24 :Issue Page113.13 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

RE-OPENED

Kevin reopens the circuit aboard Nico Bindels JPS Lotus onto the Grand Prix loop, and the second apex, there, has been cut back allowing this chicane to flow better, too.

There was also the issue of the infield to resolve. Little had happened in preparation for Formula 1 during 2009 and then, in the autumn, the earth-movers moved in and began reshaping the landscape for the course of the proposed infield circuit extension.

This left much of the infield area out-of-bounds to spectators once the circuit reopened, including the popular bank over-looking the Old Hairpin. This has been reshaped over the past two winters and Kevin looks forward to being able to make it accessible again. “We are just waiting for nature to grass it over and we can start using it. We have a bit more work on roads and services in there, but it’s going to be a very, very usable area now.”

“I’d like to think that the infrastructure is reasonably complete, but there is room for improvement on everything. We had a huge list of winter work, as the year progresses the list increases and get bigger and bigger, so we are never going to run out of work. It’s a good thing because it focuses on what we can afford to do, where we are going to get the immediate benefits, where the fans are going to get the benefits both from viewing and access points of view.

We make it count.”

“We are planning to finish the tunnel between McLeans and Coppice, (begun in 2009) which needs a tidy up and that will be the fans way into the new infield plateau. We want to improve the condition of the roads and also the appearance of the tunnel so that it feels like a proper entrance.”

Kevin was also pleased for Donington to be selected as the home to the FIA’s new Formula E all-electric race series which has seen state-of-the-art facilities built in the Western Paddock. “Formula E was another long battle to get

Five years ago the circuit was undriveable

Drainage issues with the new chicane were soon sorted

on board and it has completely changed the top end of the paddock. They’re great people to be associated with and are truly part of the team, now, and long may they reign.” The race were all run in iconic city centres around the world, to underline the series’ green credentials.

Only testing has taken place at Donington, during the summer period, as the Formula E season runs from autumn through to the following summer. Nelson Piquet Jr has recently won the inaugural championship which held the final rounds in London’s Battersea Park.

Tom Wheatcroft may have left this world disappointed to know his beloved Donington Park was in ruins, but his son has worked tirelessly to restore the dream, without ever having the time to grieve properly. What would Tom have made of Kevin’s efforts?

“Whether he’s pleased or not… he was always one of those characters that, no matter what you did, it could always be done better. I’m forever looking over my shoulder and hearing his voice. I would like to think he was proud, but whether we’ve done enough to keep him happy, that’s another thing.”

Trenches across both legs of the Melbourne Loop in 2010

Kevin Wheatcroft surveys the current Donington Park

24 : Derbyshire 14.1Issue Guardian.

144Page Issue LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

THOUSANDS OF PARENTS FACE COURT ACTION OVER PUPIL TRUANCY

T

he numbers of parents being taken to court over their child skipping school is rising, with thousands facing action last year.

Figures obtained by the Press Association also show that growing numbers are being convicted of truancy offences, facing fines, and in some cases even being sent to jail.

In total, 16,430 people in England were prosecuted for failing to ensure that a child went to school in 2014 - equivalent to around 86 cases for each day of the school year. This is up a quarter on 2013 when 13,128 people were taken to court.

The hikes come in the wake of a major crackdown on children missing school, including strict

new rules on term-time holidays introduced two years ago.

Head teachers said that while it may not always be easy for parents to ensure their child goes to school, particularly with teenagers, it is their responsibility and if there are problems they should talk to the school.

Parenting group Netmums said that in some cases, a fine or threat of jail can be enough to make a parent understand the seriousness of their child missing school, but warned that in many others, truancy is a complicated issue and families may need professional support rather than court action. Ministry of Justice statistics gathered by the Press Association through a freedom

of information request show that of those taken to court last year, around three-quarters (76%) 12,479 - were found guilty, a 22% jump on the year before. The number of fines handed out by the courts rose by 30% between 2013 and 2014. Last year 9,214 parents were issued with fines, 74% of those who were found guilty. On average, they were ordered to pay £172.

The figures also show that the number of people handed jail time more than doubled, with 18 given custodial sentences in 2014, up from seven the year before. Of those jailed last year, for where figures are available, four were men and 10 were women.

A breakdown of the statistics,

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which refer to two truancy-related offences under the Education Act 1996, reveal that women are much more likely to be found guilty than men, making up threefifths of those convicted.

While women make up more than half (58%) of those fined for a child missing school, there has been a big jump in the number of men hit with financial penalties up 41%.

Rachel Burrows from Netmums said: "Long-term truancy is a complicated issue and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. In many cases, the family may be in crisis or face issues such as a parent with mental health problems or addictions. In these cases, fines or jail won't help as the mum or dad needs professional support to turn their lives around and be a better parent.

"But in other cases, a fine or the threat of jail may be enough to make parents understand how serious the situation is. Education is vital to a child's success and attendance isn't optional. By setting a good example and insisting children get to school on time, parents are teaching their child basic manners and timekeeping skills and setting them up for a successful future."

Malcolm Trobe, deputy general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: "Good attendance is absolutely critical to the education and future prospects of young people. Research has repeatedly and clearly shown that young people whose attendance is good are far more likely to achieve five or more good GCSEs. "Schools have rightly responded to this overwhelming evidence by taking a strong line in identifying

when children are absent without a valid reason, particularly where there is persistent truancy. They work closely with education welfare officers, and where they cannot obtain a response from parents are now more likely to move to court action at an early stage. "It may not always be easy for parents to ensure that their children go to school, particularly in the case of older children, but it remains a parental responsibility, and if they are having problems they need to talk to their school to work out a solution."

He suggested that the increase in fines could be down to the new rules on parents taking children out of school for term-time holidays. "If they do so without the school's authorisation they are issued with a fixed penalty, but where the penalty is not paid it may result in court action," Mr Trobe said. Parents who take children out of school without permission can face a £60 fine per child, rising to £120 if it is not paid within 21 days. Those who fail to pay may be prosecuted, with a maximum fine of £2,500 or a jail sentence of up to three months. David Simmonds of the Local Government Association said: "We believe that the rise in court action and fines issued reflects a rapidly rising school population and tighter enforcement by schools that are under pressure from Ofsted to meet attendance targets. "Whilst everyone wants children in school learning, there are sometimes circumstances where absence is unavoidable or important for wider family reasons. Head teachers know the circumstances of their pupils' families and what's going on in their school throughout the year and should be trusted to make decisions about a child's absence from school without being forced to issue fines and start prosecutions in situations where they believe the absence is reasonable. "Evidence shows that persistent truancy damages a child's life chances and across the country councils are supporting both children and their families to overcome barriers that could be preventing a child from regularly attending school. While councils will support parents as much as possible, if they refuse to get their children to school, fines may be issued and ultimately court action will be taken."

An Ofsted spokesman said: " Attendance in schools is of the utmost importance to Ofsted and is something that inspectors look

at during all school inspections.

"Pupils who are truanting are not only missing out on their education, but are also at risk of harm. It is therefore right that schools should set high expectations for parents and pupils when it comes to attendance and that Ofsted should inspect this."

Parent Stewart Sutherland said he felt "very sore" to be fined and left with costs to pay after challenging the penalty in court.

Mr Sutherland, who works for the Ministry of Defence, told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme his family had gone away during term time after missing the chance to get time off work during the school holidays for the fifth year running.

He said the family went away a week after the six-week summer holiday, missing the first week of term.

Mr Sutherland said: "We returned with the penalty notices - £60 per parent, per child - for taking the children on holiday. We got in touch with the council to explain the circumstances to explain why we took them out, got told it was the school's decision. We got in touch with them and I was basically being bounced from pillar to post to be told there was no appeal process, the only time people would listen to me was if I went to court. "£996 was my total fine in the end from the courts and I've also now got a criminal record for taking my kids on holiday."

He added: "The legislation came in 21 days before I went on holiday, obviously I booked the holiday 12 months in advance. The last time I took the kids out, which was five years previous, I was informed about the 10-day waiver and as long as I kept within that time and their attendance was good for the rest of the year there wouldn't be a problem with it."

Kenny Frederick, from the National Association of Head Teachers, said: "You can't have one rule for one and one rule for another. Frankly, I don't think head teachers should be put in this position where you are expected to make a decision (on holidays).

"It's not fair to put head teachers in that position - they have enough to do and enough responsibility.

"Parents have got to support the school, they have to be partners with the school."

She added: "I don't believe in fining parents anyway, it's very negative."

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Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 :Issue Page115.15 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

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24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

16Page Issue16.

1 Issue LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

RACE FOR LIFE LAUNCHES THE UK’S FIRST FEMALE-ONLY MARATHON

WOMEN in the East Midlands are being offered the unique opportunity to take part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life Marathon - the first female-only marathon in the UK. Every hour, 3 people are diagnosed with cancer in the East Midlands*. And that’s why Cancer Research UK is calling on women to help make history by signing up for this exciting new event as soon as possible.

As well as raising funds for lifesaving research, taking part in Race for Life Marathon is the perfect opportunity for women of all ages, shapes and sizes to tackle the marathon challenge even if they’ve never done one before.

The event will take place at Lee Valley Park, London on Sunday, October 4. Participants can choose to run a full or half marathon course.

Lea Blake, Cancer Research UK’s Event Manager for Race for Life Marathon, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching the first ever Race for Life Marathon.

“Race for Life events are all about inclusivity, fun and female camaraderie - and the Marathon is no different. Whether you’re a marathon pro or running novice, this brand-new event offers an accessible and supportive environment for women of all

abilities.

“It’s not about how fast you run.

It’s about creating an unstoppable force of women who are united in the bid to beat cancer. The Race for Life Marathon is set to be an inspiring and exhilarating event and we urge ladies to sign up now. With their trainers at the ready, we know women are up for the challenge.”

Race for Life Marathon is a new addition to the Race for Life

family, which also includes the much-loved 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events, which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner by funding life-saving research.

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across the East Midlands.

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress. But more funds and more supporters are needed to bring forward the day when all

cancers are cured.

Lea continued: “Twenty years ago Race for Life changed the face of women’s running in the UK, and we’re delighted to be trail-blazing once again with the UK’s first ever female-only marathon. We’re calling on the ladies to challenge themselves and achieve something amazing as they unite against cancer, the common enemy. Every pound raised at the Race for Life Marathon will help to fund our life-saving research to help beat 200 types of cancer.”

To enter Race for Life Marathon today go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

Address: 7 Faraday Court 40 Conduit Street Leicester LE2 0JN

Enable is a housing provider with a difference, empowering people with learning disabilities to live an enjoyable and independent life.

SERVICES • SUPPORTED LIVING • EXTRA CARE HOMES • HOUSING • REGISTERED CARE • DAY ACTIVITIES

Stagecoach Theatre Arts

www.stagecoach.co.uk

For young people aged 4-18 years An hour to sing, An hour to dance, An hour to act, A lifetime to perform!

Stagecoach Theatre Arts is now taking bookings for next term

We are recruiting for Nurses and Support Workers (full and part time) contact our HR Team for details on jobs@enable-group.org.uk

L enable_care For further information take a look at our website www.enable-care.org.uk or contact us on 0300 123 1571

•We believe that every child is talented • Stagecoach helps build confidence •We enjoy developing an exciting and varied curriculum • A trusted and reliable brand Jo Gallagher: Melton Mowbray 0116 3191 007 | meltonmowbray@stagecoach.co.uk Judith Latham: Loughborough 0116 2607040 | loughborough@stagecoach.co.uk Terrie Dodds: Leicester 0116 232 1444 | leicester@stagecoach.co.uk

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 :Issue Page117.17 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

MUSIC YOU CAN HUG TO!

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

18Page Issue18.

1 Issue LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

M I D L ANDS CAR E G R O UP REFIN ANCED W ITH H E LP F RO M CHR ISTI E FIN AN CE Christie Finance, the specialist commercial mortgage broker has recently advised on the refinancing of Resimed Ltd, an established care group trading as Safe Harbor Residential Care Homes.

The Group own and operate six care homes offering high-quality residential care, nursing care and

specialist dementia care services.

Following a successful introduction by sister company Christie + Co, Christie Finance were instructed to restructure the portfolio whilst refinancing existing facilities with three different lenders, as well as releasing capital for a new development project.

Stuart Pawelczyk,

Finance Consultawnt at Christie Finance acted on behalf of the Group and presented a highly competitive solution through a specialist lending team of a High Street Bank. Christie Finance won the instruction after securing exceptional lending terms for the transaction, as highlighted by a rate of 1.25% Over Base Rate,

We are recruiting for Nurses and Support Workers (full and part time) contact our HR Team for details on jobs@enable-group.org.uk

Enable is a housing provider with a difference, empowering people with learning disabilities to live an enjoyable and independent life.

SERVICES • SUPPORTED LIVING • EXTRA CARE HOMES • HOUSING • REGISTERED CARE • DAY ACTIVITIES

L enable_care For further information take a look at our website www.enable-care.org.uk or contact us on 0300 123 1571

Address: 7 Faraday Court 40 Conduit Street Leicester LE2 0JN

overcoming strong competition from the Groups existing lenders.

Stuart was able to negotiate favorable discounts on Day to Day Banking facilities, adding further value to the transaction for his clients. William Morris, Managing Director at Resimed Ltd, says: “Following our request for assistance in refinancing our portfolio we were successful in negotiating highly competitive terms, thanks to the expertise of Stuart Pawelczyk at Christie Finance. Stuart managed the process from start to finish and was an exceptional advocate for the business.”

Stuart Pawelczyk, comments: “This transaction is a great example of how instructing a finance professional that has a detailed understanding of the Healthcare Sector results in not only the right outcome, but a highly competitive funding package and hands on deal management from enquiry to completion. By being appreciative of what the lenders look for in the sector we are able to structure bespoke solutions for our clients.

Needless to say, Resimed Ltd and I are delighted with the outcome of this transaction and we look forward to working together again in the future.”

John Heath Seafood & fine Foods John Heath Seafood & Fine Foods is a unique concept bringing together a fishmonger, art gallery and delicatessen under one roof.

Having spent over 55 years in the fishmonger trade, John Heath is flexing his creative, entrepreneurial muscle by curating stunning artwork in-store. Customers can pop in for fresh fish, peruse the gorgeous artwork adorning the walls and then hop over to the deli counter for a range of delicious meats and cheeses.

John said: “At the heart of John Heath Seafood & Fine Food is the novel and exciting notion of being a traditional fishmonger with a contemporary twist. By adding visually striking elements in the form of acclaimed artwork, we give our customers added value by constantly innovating. We also source all products independently, so patrons of our store get their money’s worth for the best produce in the country.”

Professional artist Glenys Heath’s beautiful paintings are featured on-site, which immortalise Leicestershire in a series of watercolours, pastel and oil paintings.

If you can tear yourself away from the artwork, you will notice there are over 50 varieties of fish available daily. The range includes lobster pots, hake fillets and farmed sea bass. There is something to suit every budget, from a fuss-free Friday night fish supper, to hand-sliced salmon for that show-stopping factor to wow your dinner guests.

The delicious deli has a diverse range of locally sourced cheeses and cured meats including sausage, beef and tongue, whilst the recently installed rotisserie is a must for chicken lovers.

John is at the helm of the three person team. He has previously owned an award-winning fish and chip shop, was a finalist on ITV’s Britain’s Best Dish and is now offering customers the freshest fish country-wide. His illustrious background in the industry ensures his customers get the very best of his expertise.

For more information about John Heath Seafood & Fine Food please call 0116 288 2883 or go to Facebook and search “John Heath Seafood”.

Owner Beryl Moore is Planning to retire after 46 years!

For more than four decades Elegance Fashion Salon of Kirby Muxloe has been dressing the more stylish individual ladies in Leicestershire.

However, the clock is now ticking on this established purveyor of quality fashions.

“It has been a wonderful time and I have loved every second, I have enjoyed a very successful business and made lots of great friends over the years”

Elegance has a large range of quality day wear and stunning outfits for that extra special occasion.

“All our garments are now at sale prices and there are some wonderful bargains to be had”.

“So don’t miss this final opportunty”

1 Cherrytree Court, Maytree Drive, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester Tel: 0116 239 2937 Open: Monday - Saturday 9:30am - 5:00pm

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 :Issue Page119.19 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

20Page Issue20.

1 Issue LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

THE MOST DIFFICULT PLACES IN THE EAST MIDLANDS TO BECOME A FIRST TIME BUYER

Barsby Road (off South Croxton Rd), South Croxton, Leicestershire, LE7 3RZ

The People’s Award for the Best Natural Burial Ground in the East of England Region for the Third year running.

A Special Insight into this tranquil place...

‘As in the eye of nature, they have lived, so in the eye of nature let them die’ William Wordsworth 1888

T: 01455 888699 M: 07857105900 or 07889 092045 E: info@willowsnaturalburialgrounds.co.uk | W: www.willowsnbg.co.uk

The Willows Natural Burial Ground

5 years ago, Chris Scroby met with an old work colleague, who had recently featured as proposing to open a Natural Burial ground, but he had realised the complexity of owning and operating a burial ground, and decided to sell to the big players within the funerals industry, but with little success.

He then considered the option of placing the land on EBay with outline planning permission for conversion to a Natural Burial ground.

Chris had always dreamed of owning a woodland, and the beautiful location on the outskirts of South Croxton, the views, the aspect, helped to sway the decision, so he talked with his very patient wife Jenny about the possibility of using some savings and pension fund, topped up with a bank-loan to buy and start the site. A business plan was drafted and presented to the bank, and following a survey and assessment by an independent commercial valuer, the deal was done, and the Willows Natural Burial Ground became a reality.

Advice was taken from Charnwood Borough Council, Local funeral directors and local tradesmen, and over the winter of 2010, the work started to build an entrance, car-park, install fencing, pathways, 100+ native British trees, a turning circle for the hearse etcetera, so Jenny and Chris (with massive input and help from both families), the site was opened in June 2011.

We now have over 100 ashes and full coffin interments, and 90 plots sold in advance, and the site is beginning to look established. As members of The Association of Natural Burial ground, which is from feedback submitted to the ANBG by the bereaved families.

There are approximately 3000 full burial plots, and a similar number of ashes plots, and the families can opt for wither woodland, or wild flower meadow, and we as a family are trying to create a tranquil nature park, where the families can come 365 days of the year, to pay respect to their loved ones, and enjoy the surroundings.

Both Jenny and Chris have other

occupations, but their main love is for the site and helping the families come to terms with their grief, through being at a place where nature and countryside are plentiful. Each year, we have 2 open weekends, a summer picnic, and an early winter tree and bulb planting weekend, where the families are invited to come and celebrate the life of their loved one, and also participate in the development of the site. At these 2 open weekends, free teas, coffees, cakes and biscuits are available, and all our family are at hand to answer any questions or deal with enquiries.

Burial at The Willows NBG is a cost effective alternative to cremation or cemetery burial, whilst being a final resting place to enjoy, without the sometimes coldness and austerity of a typical cemetery.

Whenever possible, we use local suppliers of trees and services, which are also important to us too, and all the graves are hand dug to minimise disturbance of the land.

SOUTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, HARBOROUGH AND MELTON ARE THE MOST DIFFICULT PLACES TO BECOME A FIRST-TIME BUYER IN THE EAST MIDLANDS South Northamptonshire is the most difficult place in the East Midlands to get a first step on the property ladder, new research from the National Housing Federation reveals today.

Harborough, Melton and Rutland closely follow as the top areas in the East Midlands where average wages, house prices and limited ability to save for a deposit collide to price out would-be homeowners.

The research found that two thirds of all local authority areas in the East Midlands now have house prices that are over eight times the average wages for first time buyers.

The National Housing Federation highlights that decades of successive governments failing to build enough homes has led demand for homes to far exceed supply, driving up house prices and causing home ownership to fall to a 29 year low(1).

In a YouGov poll the National Housing Federation found that an overwhelming 87 percent (almost nine in 10) 18-34 year olds say it is difficult for their generation to get on the housing ladder in Britain.

The National Housing Federation highlights that the current generation of aspiring first time buyers are considerably worse off than their parents were when it comes to their chances of being able to buy a home, due to successive Governments failing to build enough homes to keep up with demand. With demand for homes pushing prices up, average first-time buyers today need a £30,000 deposit, almost ten times the deposit required in the early 1980s in real terms(1).

Kate Warburton, External Affairs

Manager for the East Midlands at the National Housing Federation, said: “If the new Government doesn’t urgently address the chronic shortage of housing, young people and families will continue to be locked out of ever owning a home in future.

“Younger people in the East Midlands, especially those whose parents can’t help financially, can find themselves stuck living in their childhood bedrooms or paying high private rents that make it almost impossible to find a home that is genuinely affordable.

“That’s why the National Housing Federation is backing the Homes for Britain campaign, calling on the new government to publish a long term plan to end the housing crisis, which addresses all aspects of the market, within its first year of office.”

For more information and interviews please contact the National Housing Federation’s media team: 0207 067 1146. Out of hours: 07786 916877

Table 1. Top 20 Most expensive places to become a first-time buyer in the East Midlands:

Local Authorities

Lowest quartile average House price

Lowest quartile average annual income

Afordablity Ratio

New built in 2014

Homes built in 2014

Homes shortfall

South Northamptonshire

£170,000

£13,954

12.2

453

330

123

Harborough

£141,000

£11,760

12.0

460

420

40

Melton

£115,000

£10,293

11.2

216

70

146

Rutland UA

£150,000

£13,442

11.2

199

140

59

Rushcliffe

£153,000

£13,800

11.1

505

200

305

Oadby & Wigston

£122,000

£11,546

10.6

163

30

133

Charnwood

£124,950

£12,242

10.2

958

530

428

East Lindsey

£110,000

£10,857

10.1

826

260

566

Hicknley & Bosworth

£114,000

£11,456

10.0

439

1,010

-571

Daventry

£146,000

£14,815

9.9

367

260

107

North West Leicestershire

£125,000

£12,874

9.7

337

800

-463

Newark & Sherwood

£102,500

£10,654

9.6

502

290

212

Derbyshire Dales

£150,000

£15,592

9.6

261

90

171

Northampton

£118,500

£12,432

9.5

1,501

710

791

South Kesteven

£118,000

£12,608

9.4

764

580

184

West Lindsey

£104,498

£11,197

9.3

570

280

290

Blaby

£130,000

£13,930

9.3

454

300

154

Leicester UA

£98,000

£10,820

9.1

763

340

432

East Northamptonshire

£121,995

£13,801

8.8

412

410

2

High Peak

£115,000

£13,395

8.6

435

80

355

Rescues and rehomes Border Collies and collie crosses throughout the UK Registered Charity (1053585) For help, advice and information:

0871 560 2282 info@bordercollietrustgb.org.uk

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 :Issue Page121.21 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

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15/06/2015 16:12

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

22Page Issue22.

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Whats On

Shepshed Carnival smash hit for Oak FM radio

Oak FM’s in a carnival mood and is getting ready to rock your bank holiday at the Shepshed Carnival on Monday 31st August 2015.

The fun loving trio of Mark, Twiggy and Oakie Bear will be in Glenmore Park for the Shepshed Carnival, which is an annual community charity event organised and delivered by Shepshed Lions Club.

The carnival kicks off at 11:45am and Mark and Twiggy will be on hand to open the event with

Carnwood Council and event promoters Sue and Bob Lily.

Mark and Twiggy will be live from midday till 2:00pm, joining in the fun to make this one carnival to remember.

It will be an entertaining afternoon as you’ll get to see Oakie Bear and the Lions mascot have a tug of war being team captains on the day. Who do you think will win?

Oak FM were asked to arrange a live act for the event so they called on local musician Ronoc,

whose melodious and infectious tunes will no doubt be a massive hit with audience. There is also an amazing line-up including exciting prize draws and magic shows.

If you enjoy clowning around, make sure you catch the Dingle Fingle Clown Show or Punch & Judy Show where high drama is guaranteed. If you want to get creative then you can dabble in colours and enjoy face painting.

Thomas the Tank Engine and the Children’s Fairground are firm favourite amongst the little ones, whilst a delicious BBQ will keep you replenished for the many hours of fun at the carnival.

With over 60 stalls, 25 incredible attractions, including a bouncy castle, tea tents and an arena show, there is something for everyone and is perfect for a fabulous family day out.

Now in its sixth year, the Shepshed Carnival is a fantastic celebration and fundraising event with all proceeds going back into

HATHERN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 27th Annual Hathern Show 2015 Sunday 30th August 2015 To be held 1.00pm At the Three Crowns, Wide Lane, Hathern

PROCEEDS IN THE AID OF: Guide Dogs for the Blind, Rainbows Children’s Hospice, The County Air Ambulance & local clubs, societies and charities.

Entertainment provided by Hathern Brand Plus an array of stalls and games The evening auction will commence at 9.00pm in the Three Crowns Major Sponsors 2015 Howdens Joinery Co Ltd, East Leake Leisure Centre

the community to those who need it the most. To date the carnival has raised over £20,000 for local causes including Hind Leys Gardening Club, Alley Group, Juniors Journey, Action for Alfie, Zakk Marks, Salvation Army, Shepshed Food Bank, Shepshed Amateurs FC and Shepshed Swimming Club.

Oak FM will also be featured in the carnival brochure, so do pick up a copy to see what’s happening, or for more information, go to www.oakfm.co.uk.

HAIRSPRAY UK TOUR HAIRSPRAY WILL OPEN THEIR EXTENSIVE 40 WEEK TOUR AT CURVE THEATRE, LEICESTER IN SEPTEMBER 2015 Tony Maudsley (ITV1’s Benidorm) will play Edna Turnblad in the major 40-week UK tour of Hairspray which will open at Curve theatre in Leicester this autumn. He will be joined by TV and stage actress and presenter Claire Sweeney (Educating Rita, Guys and Dolls) as Velma Von Tussle, Olivier Award nominated actor and much-loved Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan (BBC1 Tumble) as Wilbur Turnblad and British singer and West End performer Brenda Edwards (Chicago, We Will Rock You, The X Factor) as Motormouth Maybelle. Freya Sutton will reprise the role of Tracy Turnblad alongside established musical theatre performer Jon Tsouras (A Chorus Line) who will play the role of Corny Collins. Dex Lee (The Scottsboro Boys) will play Seaweed, Ashley Gilmour (Miss Saigon) will play Link Larkin, Lauren Stroud (Wicked) will play Amber, Monique Young (Top Hat) will play Penny, Karis Jack (Urinetown) will play Little Inez, Adam Price (Hairspray) will play Male Authority Figure, Tracey Penn (Made in Dagenham) will play Female Authority Figure and Layton Williams (Bad Education, Billy Elliot) will play Duane.

Further casting will be announced in due course.

A new production of the international smash hit Hairspray

will embark on a major UK tour in 2015/16. This big, bold and beautiful musical comedy will begin its UK tour at Leicester’s Curve theatre on 9 September 2015 and will then tour over 25 venues across the UK, including a Christmas residency at Birmingham Alexandra Theatre in December 2015. Well known for his long-running role on ITV1’s Benidorm as Kenneth, Tony Maudsley is an acclaimed actor of both stage and screen. Tony has previously appeared on stage in A Day in Dull Armour (Royal Court Theatre), Dogs Barking (Bush Theatre) and South Pacific (UK Tour). In addition to his hugely popular role in Benidorm, Tony has recently appeared on screen in The Job Lot, New Tricks, Mo and Doc Martin. On top of Tony’s extensive television credits, his film appearances have included roles in Jack Thorne’s The Scouting Book for Boys, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Vanity Fair and Stephen Fry’s Bright Young Things.

Hairspray will be directed by Paul Kerryson, with choreography

by Drew McOnie and musical direction by Ben Atkinson. The show has music and lyrics by Academy Award, Tony and Emmy winning duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

It’s Baltimore 1962, where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair

and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for equality, bagging local heartthrob Link Larkin along the way.

Hairspray is a musical based on the 1988 film of the same name which starred Divine and Ricki Lake by cult filmmaker John Waters. With music and lyrics

by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, Hairspray originally opened to rave reviews on Broadway in 2002 and subsequently won eight Tony Awards. The production opened in London at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2007 and won four Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Musical. Proving to be an international success, Hairspray has also opened in South Africa, Japan, South Korea, China and Dubai. Following the musical’s phenomenal success on stage, a film of the musical was released in 2007 which starred John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and James Marsden.

Hairspray is produced by Mark Goucher and Laurence Myers, Tom O’Connell for QNQ, Just for Laughs Theatricals, Gale King Productions, Gary Brown and Curve theatre, Leicester.

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 :Issue Page123.23 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

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Supreme Champion from the 2014 show with President Mr. Geoff Gilby

Photographs courtesy of Rupert Stevenson & a committee member

Leicestershire County Show, exhibiting the best of the best!

Come and see if you’ve got any eye for picking out the winners or maybe you’ve got a star on the end of the lead?

Stalls include local produce, home & giftware. Hot & Cold food & a licensed bar available throughout the day.

The Melton Cattle Market site is perfect for all weather conditions.

Dogs welcome on leads.

call us for more info 07572 479715 Follow us on facebook by searching Leicestercountyshow

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR THE EVENING EVENT “THE FARMERS FEAST” AT THE MARKET TAVERN ON 3.7.15 CALL PHILIPPA ON 07868317724

24 : Derbyshire 24.1 Issue Guardian.

24Page Issue LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

RESTAURANT

by Ria Tesia

w e i v re

B O B B Y ’ S R E S TAU R A N T We’re told from a young age to “eat your greens”. Being a dissenting diner from the ripe young age of 12 and awkward rebel without a cause in my formative years to present day, I disliked anything that was distinctly green or good for you.

In a recent detox experiment and bid to get healthier, I decided to try out more vegetarian eateries. You know, restaurants that actually specialise in the cookery of vegetables or whole-foods only. So lo and behold I found myself inside Bobby’s Restaurant on Belgrave Road, Leicester.

I have been to Bobby’s a few times, having always found it an easy place to dine. Its prime location slap bang in Leicester’s Golden Mile makes it easy to get to. Although parking can be something of a nightmare (there is no dedicated car-park for Bobby’s patrons), the promise of good food easy on the pocket is strong enough to warrant repeat visits.

The first thing that hits you is the array of rainbow coloured sweet treats in the glass display (I personally think this is a ploy to get you salivating from the outset and a pretty good idea it is too). If the sweet display of Willy Wonka proportions was not enough to stop you in your tracks, the waft of freshly cooked Gujarati food from the kitchens will definitely have you doing your best meerkat impression as you try to ascertain the location of the delicious spicy aromas.

The eatery consisting of restaurant and take-away also doubles up as a catering business for weddings, parties and celebratory events; this explains the consistently busy foot-fall inside.

Thankfully we were seated towards the back of the restaurant on the ground floor away from the hubbub and commotion.

After being promptly seated, my dining partner and I opted for the buffet dinner.

The well-stocked and diverse food station serves hot curries, sweets, snacks and sundries. I was pleased to see the salad bar had lovely fresh vegetables (I have seen too many salad buffets that stockpile produce and keep wilting food on the plate till end of service, despite vegetables becoming limp and oxidised).

There is a wide selection of curries

(all vegetarian of course) to tickle your taste-buds. Channa Masala (spicy and deliciously earthy chickpea curry), Tarka Daal (melt in your mouth split pea lentils) and Paneer Curry (cubes of Indian cottage cheese generously sprinkled with paprika for a pungent kick) are just a few to mention. Snacks include Dhokla (spicily scrummy yellow sponges with peppery mustard seeds), Coriander Chutney, Mini Poppadoms, Pilau Rice, and Bhatura (fried leavened bread great for mopping up a particularly saucy curry).

It’s difficult not to like Bobby’s. The food is very good, service with a smile always goes down a treat and when the entire meal comes to under £20 for two diners, that makes me one very happy diner. As far as vegetarian curry houses go, this is one to watch and where you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

For a delicious curry in a hurry that packs solid punches a la Rocky in the flavour stakes, check out Bobby’s Restaurant.

And because the buffet is moreish and gorgeous, just don’t forget to starve yourself before you go.

Star Rating 1-10 (1: “I’d rather eat my own shoe, I hated it that much” – 10: “I’d pillage for a meal here”.)

Food: 8 Value for money: 10 Ambience: 7 Rate or Slate? Rate.

2 buffet portions (£6.99 each) plus 2 soft drinks (Diet Cokes £1.75 each).

Total: £17.48 Address: 154 – 156 Belgrave Road, Leicester LE4 5AT Tel: 0116 266 0106 Website: www.eatatbobbys.com

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Maverick provide fully authentic fun casino hire, complete with professional croupiers who’ll bring real excitement to your event. Our fun casino’s provide an unusual and highly enjoyable form of entertainment for many kinds of event, including: Corporate Functions Wedding Receptions Birthday Parties Christenings Product Launches Charity and Fundraising Evenings Contact Maverick Casinos E-Mail: enquiries@maverickcasinos.com | Web: www.maverickcasinos.com Mobile: 0773 870 3437 Maverick Casinos, 196 Markfield Road, Ratby, Leicestershire, LE6 0LS

LIGHTFEST 2015 BRINGS INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF LIGHT TO BIRMINGHAM On 25th September, the Library of Birmingham will play host to Lightfest 2015, a series of events celebrating how light technology plays a part in our lives.

The day includes short films curated by the team behind the Flatpack Festival, an installation by artist Chris Plant, and workshops, demonstrations and public lectures led by researchers from Aston University.

The day will be an interactive experience for schools and the general public, with free entry for all. Visitors will be able to explore Birmingham canal with a laser microscope, test their musical skills on a laser harp and measure the thickness of a human hair!

The day’s lecture series will bring together experts from a range of fields, talking about light science and technology from an unparalleled variety of perspectives. Professor Andrew

Ellis of the Aston Institute of Photonic Technology will explain how optical fibres connect us all together, while Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock from the BBC’s The Sky at Night programme will showcase five amazing photos taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. Professor Alessandro Farini from the University of Florence will also talk about how our brains interpret light and the indivisible relationship between light and art.

Professor Sergei Turitsyn of Aston University’s Engineering and Applied Science, who is co-organizing the event, said: “Light science is the foundation for the smartphones in our pockets, the tools of our manufacturing industry and many of the latest medical advancements.

Lightfest 2015, part of the UNESCO International Year of Light, is a great opportunity to learn about technology

that’s all around us.

“There’s something to enjoy for people of all ages, and plenty to get your hands on with our workshops and demonstrations where you can learn by getting involved.

We’d invite everyone to come down to the Library of Birmingham to find out what light science and the Year of Light is all about.”

Lightfest 2015 is being held on Friday 25th September 2015 at the Library of Birmingham. The event is being funded by the European Commission as part of European Researchers’ Night, an event which takes place simultaneously in hundreds of cities across Europe.

For more information, including a full programme of events and booking details for workshops and public lectures, please visit the website: http://www.lightfest.org. uk/

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 :Issue Page125.25 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

Page 26. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

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ADVERT SIZE 64mm High x 82mm Width

• Pre-application advice and meetings • Competitive quotation • Quality service • Fast track checking of building regulations application • Full plan checks

DAY ACTIVITIES • SUPPORTED LIVING • HOUSING REGISTERED CARE • EXTRA CARE HOMES

0116 222 5005 admin@lcil.org.uk | www.lcil.org.uk Andrewes Street, Leicester LE3 5PA

L enable_care

0116 454 3160

For further information take a look at our website www.enable-care.org.uk or

Phoenix House, 1 King Street, Leicester, LE1 6RN

7 Faraday Court 40 Conduit Street Leicester LE2 0JN

contact us on 0300 123 1571

www.leicester.gov.uk/planning-and-building/ building-control-and-regulations

LEICESTER TIGERS

20 h

Our vets care for your pets 24/7 www.parkvetgroup.com

h

Whetstone 0116 2849944

Saffron Lane 0116 2831314

Glenfield 0116 2311635

Scraptoft Lane 0116 2418326

Countestorpe Blinds LTD

TIME

COMP

TEAM

VENUE

Sat 22 Aug

16:16

PR7s-GD

Newcastle Falcons 7s v Leicester Tigers 7s

Kingston Park

Sat 22 Aug

17:10

PR7s-GD

Worcester Warriors 7s v Leicester Tigers 7s

Kingston Park

Sat 22 Aug

18:05

PR7s-GD

Leicester Tigers 7s v Sale Sharks 7s

Kingston Park

Sat 5 Sep

15:00

F

Leicester Tigers v Argentina

Welford Road

Sat 12 Sep

14:30

KOTN

Sale Sharks v Leicester Tigers

AJ Bell Stadium

Sat 19 Sep

15:00

KOTN

Leicester Tigers v Newcastle Falcons

Welford Road

Fri 25 Sep

20:00

KOTN

Newcastle Falcons v Leicester Tigers

Kingston Park

Sat 10 Oct

15:00

KOTN

Leicester Tigers v Sale Sharks

Welford Road

Sun 18 Oct

15:15

PR

London Irish v Leicester Tigers

Madejski Stadium

Sat 24 Oct

15:00

PR

Leicester Tigers v Harlequins

Welford Road

Sat 31 Oct

15:00

PR

Leicester Tigers v Wasps

Welford Road

Sat 7 Nov

15:00

PR

Exeter Chiefs v Leicester Tigers

Sandy Park

Sat 28 Nov

15:00

PR

Leicester Tigers v Bath Rugby

Welford Road

Sat 5 Dec

15:00

PR

Worcester Warriors v Leicester Tigers

Sixways

Sat 26 Dec

15:00

PR

Leicester Tigers v Newcastle Falcons

Welford Road

20 Benskyn Close Countesthorpe Leicester LE8 5LA

Your Local Made to Measure Blind Company We are your local family run business servicing the whole of Leicestershire and bordering counties, and have been in the blind trade since 1987. We specialise in all shaped conservatory roof blinds, patio awnings and Plantation Shutters.

Britain’s Leading Independant Butcher

MORE PRODUCTS & GREATER CHOICE BETTER VALUE & MULTI-BUY SAVINGS

£2 £5

.50

We have a full range of blinds to complement any room in the home.

Including - Vertical Blinds, Venetian Blinds, Roller Blinds, Roman Blinds, Velux Blinds, Pleated Blinds, Wooden Blinds, Conservatory Blinds, Conservatory Roof Blinds, Plantation Shutters & Patio Awnings.

DATE

/countesthorpe.blinds

Visit us at www.countesthorpe-blinds.co.uk for further information or to book.

Tel: 0116 277 6749 | Email: enquiries@countesthorpe-blinds.co.uk

£10

Mix & Match

ANY

3 FOR

ANY

5 FOR

£6 £10 OR

Mix & Match

ANY

3 FOR

ANY

5 FOR

£12 £20 OR

Mix & Match ANY

3 FOR

£20

Massive Multi-buy Savings always available

Find your nearest Store at www.crawshawbutchers.com

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 27.

Telephone: 01636 679989

enquiries@jordanroadsurfacing.co.uk

Jordan Road Surfacing was established in 1995 and has traded as such until 2004 when it became operational as a Limited Company and is backed by a team of senior managers with over 160 years experience between them within the road planing, road surfacing and civil engineering industries. It is with this knowledge we can offer a complete package from design to completion on a wide range of road related projects to our clients.

Childcare from 2 years: • Playgroup • Nursery • Pre-school Out of school care 4-14 years: • Breakfast • After school club • Holiday Club

Arboricultural Specialists Providing a professional approach to pruning and maintenance of trees, shrubs and hedges to the highest standards.

Works carried out to BS3998 Fully insured Qualified and Experienced

Services we offer:

h

Email: whitehouse-kids@btconnect.com

For a free quotation call Daniel Booker on:

Visit us at www.jordanroadsurfacing.co.uk

Address: 142 Derby Road, Borrowash, Derby, DE72 3HB

Email: Bookertreecare@gmail.com

Values of contract/projects range in value from a few hundred pounds to £1.2 million p.a. Having gained an enviable reputation for quality and client satisfaction, it is our commitment to provide the best possible service and assistance to all our clients which has led to our company motto:

WORKING WITH YOU NOT FOR YOU

Telephone: 01332 820404

01283 331732/07776034830

• Road Planing • Road Surfacing • Civil Engineering • Recycling Service

2015/16 FIXTURES DATE

TIME

COMP

TEAM

VENUE

Sat 2 Jan

15:00

PR

Saracens v Leicester Tigers

Allianz Park

Sat 9 Jan

15:00

PR

Leicester Tigers v Northampton Saints

Welford Road

Sat 30 Jan

15:00

PR

Gloucester Rugby v Leicester Tigers

Kingsholm

Sat 6 Feb

15:00

PR

Leicester Tigers v Sale Sharks

Welford Road

Sun 14 Feb

16:00

PR

Newcastle Falcons v Leicester Tigers

Kingston Park

Sat 20 Feb

15:00

PR

Harlequins v Leicester Tigers

Twickenham Stoop

Sat 27 Feb

15:00

PR

Leicester Tigers v London Irish

Welford Road

Sat 5 Mar

15:00

PR

Leicester Tigers v Exeter Chiefs

Welford Road

Sat 12 Mar

14:00

PR

Wasps v Leicester Tigers

Ricoh Arena

Sat 19 Mar

15:00

PR

Leicester Tigers v Saracens

Welford Road

Sat 26 Mar

14:30

PR

Sale Sharks v Leicester Tigers

AJ Bell Stadium

Sat 2 Apr

15:00

PR

Leicester Tigers v Gloucester Rugby

Welford Road

Sat 16 Apr

15:00

PR

Northampton Saints v Leicester Tigers

Franklin’s Garden

Sat 30 Apr

15:00

PR

Leicester Tigers v Worcester Warriors

Welford Road

Sat 7 May

------

PR

Bath Rugby v Leicester Tigers

Recreation Ground

PB Contracts Building Services Building • Plumbing • Joinery • UPVC All types of building work Extensions • Patios & Paving • Fencing, windows, doors fascias & conservatories

Alfreton | Derbyshire Paul & Bryn Stevenson 01773 836283/07986 957732 pbcontracts.build@gmail.com

Page 28. Issue 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

LEICESTER CITY BUILDING CONTROL

For current vacancies please contact: jobs@enable-group.org.uk

We can help you provide high quality buildings in a timely and cost-effective way.

We also deal with dangerous structures, demolitions and unauthorised building work.

h

DAY ACTIVITIES • SUPPORTED LIVING • HOUSING REGISTERED CARE • EXTRA CARE HOMES

L enable_care For further information take a look at our website www.enable-care.org.uk or contact us on 0300 123 1571

0116 454 3160 Phoenix House, 1 King Street, Leicester, LE1 6RN

7 Faraday Court 40 Conduit Street Leicester LE2 0JN

www.leicester.gov.uk/planning-and-building/ building-control-and-regulations

Telephone: 01636 679989

LEICESTER CITY FOOTBALL

enquiries@jordanroadsurfacing.co.uk

Jordan Road Surfacing was established in 1995 and has traded as such until 2004 when it became operational as a Limited Company and is backed by a team of senior managers with over 160 years experience between them within the road planing, road surfacing and civil engineering industries. It is with this knowledge we can offer a complete package from design to completion on a wide range of road related projects to our clients.

Services we offer:

• Road Planing • Road Surfacing • Civil Engineering • Recycling Service Values of contract/projects range in value from a few hundred pounds to £1.2 million p.a. Having gained an enviable reputation for quality and client satisfaction, it is our commitment to provide the best possible service and assistance to all our clients which has led to our company motto:

WORKING WITH YOU NOT FOR YOU

Visit us at www.jordanroadsurfacing.co.uk

Countestorpe Blinds LTD

20 Benskyn Close Countesthorpe Leicester LE8 5LA

Your Local Made to Measure Blind Company We are your local family run business servicing the whole of Leicestershire and bordering counties, and have been in the blind trade since 1987. We specialise in all shaped conservatory roof blinds, patio awnings and Plantation Shutters.

We have a full range of blinds to complement any room in the home.

Including - Vertical Blinds, Venetian Blinds, Roller Blinds, Roman Blinds, Velux Blinds, Pleated Blinds, Wooden Blinds, Conservatory Blinds, Conservatory Roof Blinds, Plantation Shutters & Patio Awnings.

• Pre-application advice and meetings • Competitive quotation • Quality service • Fast track checking of building regulations application • Full plan checks

/countesthorpe.blinds

DATE

TIME

TEAM

STADIUM

Sat 8 Aug

15:00

Leicester v Sunderland

King Power Stadium

Sat 15 Aug

15:00

West Ham v Leicester

Boleyn Ground

Sat 22 Aug

15:00

Leicester v Spurs

King Power Stadium

Sat 29 Aug

15:00

Bournemouth v Leicester

Goldsands Stadium

Sun 13 Sep

16:00

Leicester v Aston Villa

King Power Stadium

Sat 19 Sep

15:00

Stoke v Leicester

Britannia Stadium

Sat 26 Sep

15:00

Leicester v Arsenal

King Power Stadium

Sat 3 Oct

15:00

Norwich v Leicester

Carrow Road

Sat 17 Oct

15:00

Southampton v Leicester

St. Mary’s Stadium

Sat 24 Oct

15:00

Leicester v Crystal Palace

King Power Stadium

Sat 31 Oct

15:00

West Brom v Leicester

The Hawthorns

Sat 7 Nov

15:00

Leicester v Watford

King Power Stadium

Sat 21 Nov

15:00

Newcastle v Leicester

St. James’ Park

Sat 28 Nov

15:00

Leicester v Man Utd

King Power Stadium

Sat 5 Dec

15:00

Swansea v Leicester

Liberty Stadium

Sat 12 Dec

15:00

Leicester v Chelsea

King Power Stadium

Sat 19 Dec

15:00

Everton v Leicester

Goodison Park

Sat 26 Dec

15:00

Liverpool v Leicester

Anfield

Mon 26 Dec

15:00

Leicester v Man City

King Power Stadium

Visit us at www.countesthorpe-blinds.co.uk for further information or to book.

Tel: 0116 277 6749 | Email: enquiries@countesthorpe-blinds.co.uk

Arboricultural Specialists Providing a professional approach to pruning and maintenance of trees, shrubs and hedges to the highest standards.

Works carried out to BS3998 Fully insured Qualified and Experienced For a free quotation call Daniel Booker on:

01283 331732/07776034830 Email: Bookertreecare@gmail.com

Childcare from 2 years: • Playgroup • Nursery • Pre-school Out of school care 4-14 years: • Breakfast • After school club • Holiday Club Email: whitehouse-kids@btconnect.com Telephone: 01332 820404 Address: 142 Derby Road, Borrowash, Derby, DE72 3HB

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 24 : Page 29.

CLUB 2015/16 FIXTURES DATE

TIME

TEAM

STADIUM

Sat 2 Jan

15:00

Leicester v Bournemouth

King Power Stadium

Wed 13 Jan

20:00

Spurs v Leicester

White Hart Lane

Sat 16 Jan

15:00

Aston Villa v Leicester

Villa Park

Sat 23 Jan

15:00

Leicester v Stoke

King Power Stadium

Tue 2 Feb

19:45

Leicester v Liverpool

King Power Stadium

Sat 6 Feb

15:00

Man City v Leicester

Etihad Stadium

Sat 13 Feb

15:00

Arsenal v Leicester

Emirates Stadium

Sat 27 Feb

15:30

Leicester v Norwich

King Power Stadium

Tue 1 Mar

19:45

Leicester v West Brom

King Power Stadium

Sat 5 Mar

15:00

Watford v Leicester

Vicarage Road

Sat 12 Mar

15:00

Leicester v Newcastle

King Power Stadium

Sat 19 Mar

15:00

Crystal Palace v Leicester

Selhurst Park

Sat 2 Apr

15:00

Leicester v Southampton

King Power Stadium

Sat 9 Apr

15:00

Sunderland v Leicester

Stadium of Light

Sat 16 Apr

15:00

Leicester v West Ham

King Power Stadium

Sat 23 Apr

15:00

Leicester v Swansea

King Power Stadium

Sat 30 Apr

15:00

Man Utd v Leicester

Old Trafford

Sat 7 May

15:00

Leicester v Everton

King Power Stadium

Sun 15 May

15:00

Chelsea v Leicester

Stamford Bridge

PB Contracts Building Services Building • Plumbing • Joinery • UPVC All types of building work Extensions • Patios & Paving • Fencing, windows, doors fascias & conservatories

Alfreton | Derbyshire Paul & Bryn Stevenson 01773 836283/07986 957732 pbcontracts.build@gmail.com

STACEY PROCESSING LTD Britain’s Leading Independant Butcher

MORE PRODUCTS & GREATER CHOICE BETTER VALUE & MULTI-BUY SAVINGS

£2 £5

.50

We specialise in on-site Ready-Mixed Concrete for domestic and commercial purposes. We offer the full range of concrete grades for whatever your specifications.

All strengths of Concrete st delivered in a volumetric mixer from 0.1 to 8.0 m3 at very competitive prices.

Phone 01629 825188 Visit www.stacey-processing.com Email enquiries@stacey-processing.com

£10

Mix & Match

ANY

3 FOR

ANY

5 FOR

£6 £10 OR

Mix & Match

ANY

3 FOR

ANY

5 FOR

£12 £20 OR

Mix & Match ANY

3 FOR

£20

Massive Multi-buy Savings always available

Find your nearest Store at www.crawshawbutchers.com

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

30Page Issue30.

1 Issue LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

Leicestershire

Weddings 2015 T

BRINGING BACK THE BROOCH AT FELLOWS AUCTIONEERS ANTIQUE & MODERN JEWELLERY | THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST AT 11AM With 750 lots on offer, this sale makes picking a favourite lot very difficult indeed!

“IT’S A BUG’S LIFE!” There is a menagerie of bug brooches, together with a delightful woven gold diamond, ruby, sapphire and turquoise jardinière brooch (lot 117) on offer in this auction. Bug brooches first found popularity in the 1860s, and their popularity continues through to today. In Curious Relations, William D’Arfey gives a description of the embellished beetle brooches of the moment “Parasols were liberally sprinkled with ticks, with grasshoppers, with woodlice. Veils were sown with earwigs…Tulle scarves and veilings sometimes had on them artificial bed-bugs…”

With this wonderful image of gem-set insects adorning nearly every article of a Victorian ladies clothing, we have certainly got our eye on lot 87, a rotund bug brooch, with its abdomen taking the form of a cultured pearl, and diamond set wings. The pearl and diamond bug has the estimate of £1,200-1,800.

Later in the auction, a further array of novelty brooches are found, which are bound to be conversation starters! We have a huge variety of quirky brooches to suit nearly all tastes, from lot 109, a gem-set rabbit smoking a pipe (seeing is believing), to a bejewelled tractor brooch (lot 91), and a charming diamond encrusted frog, complete with cabochon emerald eyes (lot 124).

Lot 402 created a hum of excitement throughout the jewellery department upon its consignment. This mesmerising

hummingbird brooch is certainly one of the rarer pieces in the auction. The brooch has cabochon ruby eyes, and a gold beak, but more captivating still are its iridescent feathers, change colour with the light, making it a wonderful piece to call in and view. Created circa 1870, this brooch is a fantastic example of high Victorian period jewellery design. With similar examples featuring in the V&A collection, we are excited to present this museum quality piece of historical jewellery with a guide price of £500-700.

From the Antique, to the Modern!

This sale wouldn’t be complete without the designer jewellery section. From a stylish enamel and gem set Carlo Guiliano brooch (lot 287) with the estimate of £100-150, to a striking Dior spinel pendant (lot 299), and a Tiffany Elsa Peretti ‘bean’ set of necklace and earrings (lot 319) there are beautiful designer

he UK's wedding industry is worth more than £10 billion a year which makes it an expensive and often stressful occasion for which to plan.

It should go without saying that planning is key…from sorting out everything from the engagement announcement to the big day and the honeymoon could take many months or planning…or even more.

One of the most important considerations is the location that the wedding itself and a lot of thought and planning must go into getting the right venue.

According to the weddings website Hitched W.I.F.E. here are some top tips for choosing the perfect wedding venue: -Ensure it fits within your wedding budget

-View the venue to make sure it will fit the capacity of your guest list -Sign a contract once you’re happy with the terms and conditions being offered -Don’t hand over a deposit unless you’re 100% sure of your wedding date and the details of your day and finally -Be sure that you are both happy and comfortable with your chosen wedding venue choice The same website also revealed that when it comes to UK weddings, we are a nation of traditionalists with 78 per cent of brides surveyed saying they would follow the “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” tradition for their big day.

It is thought that wearing something old, something

new, something borrowed and something blue will bring good luck to the bearer and can include anything and everything from jewellery to headwear, an old wedding dress, a blue garter and more!

The 2014 Wedding Report from confetti.co.uk showed that the top three venues were churches, hotels and castles followed by registry office weddings and then weddings abroad.

The average age for a groom is 30 with the bride 28 and, on average, UK couples will have spent 2.5 years living together before tying the knot.

The most popular wedding tradition is cutting the cake and the most popular honeymoon destinations are Mexico, Mauritius and the Maldives.

AN AUCTION OF DERBYSHIRE BLUE JOHN MONDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2015

Derbyshire Blue John is a semiprecious mineral, a notoriously fragile yet beautiful form of fluorite with purple-blue or yellow bands of colour which create striking patterns in the rock. These colours are what are believed to give the material its name – in French ‘bleu jaune’.

The use of this wonderfully coloured mineral became increasingly popular in the Jane Austen period – namely the second half of the eighteenth century, where it was mined for its ornamental value; used to create various objects and for architectural purposes in decorative arrangements.

Regency Classism is a visually gems galore with the usual rich style which is a perfect match offering of spectacular diamond for this spectacular Blue John stones and engagement rings.

Another designer item of note not to be missed is lot 290, a Cartier sapphire and diamond full eternity ring estimated at £800-1,200.

Also taking place this month is our Loose Stones Sale; including an impressive single-owner collection of GIA certified fancy coloured stones. Running from the 4th to 14th August at 12 noon, this online timed sale will be on view alongside the Antique & Modern auction pieces, so call into the Jewellery quarter saleroom from the 8th August, and place your bids online via www.thesaleroom.com.

Visit www.fellows.co.uk/register to sign up to bid on the jewels featuring in the August Antique & Modern auction, and keep up to date with auctions at Fellows by following us on Twitter and Facebook @fellowsauctions.

material.

In the UK this material is found only at Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern at Castleton in Derbyshire, during the 19th century it was mined for its ornamental value, and with mining occurring on a very small scale in today, it is extremely rare and collectable.

Keen collectors and enthusiasts will already be aware of Blue John and its mythology, however for the unitnitiated, it provides a fascinating story; the Romans believed that drinking wine from a chalice made in this material would prevent drunkenness, and there are many mysteries surrounding the name itself.

Whatever the truth, it’s not hard to see how Blue John has captivated

collectors for hundreds of years.

Fellows Auctioneers are offering over 250 remarkable lots for sale on the 5th October in their saleroom in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter. This sale is thought to be one of the largest collections of Blue John and uniquely brings together a vast range of objects, from neoclassical style ornaments to tiny bowls and cups to hold trinkets.

With these items on sale from £30 to over £30,000 there is something to suit all tastes and pockets, Visit www.fellows.co.uk/register to sign up to bid in this auction, and view the full calendar of forthcoming weekly auctions on the Fellows website.

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 :Issue Page131.31 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

Auctioneers & Valuers Antiques | Jewellery | Watches

The Blue John Sale Monday 5th October

Featuring a collection of over 250 lots of beautiful Derbyshire Blue John.

Email info@fellows.co.uk to receive a brochure and catalogue for this sale.

Visit www.fellows.co.uk to view the full calendar of our upcoming auctions, and register to bid.

0121 212 2131 Jewellery Quarter Saleroom | 19 Augusta Street, Birmingham B18 6JA Mayfair London Office | 2nd Floor, 3 Queen Street, London W1J 5PA

fellowsauctions

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

32Page Issue32.

1 Issue LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

Business

TSG appoint new Managing Director for the South

N

ational IT solutions specialists, Technology Services Group (TSG), has appointed Andy Hayward as its new Managing Director for the Southern Region.

Andy joins TSG having been Managing Director of Microsoft Dynamics Gold Partner m-hance Ltd, formally Calyx Software, since 2009. He will hold overall responsibility for the region from Derbyshire and further south steering the business towards fulfilling TSG’s strategy with midmarket sized customers in the UK. David Stonehouse, CEO at TSG explained the significance of such an appointment. “Andy brings with him a wealth of technical and sales experience with Microsoft’s CRM and ERP products. He also has an impressive track record of managing complex mid-market strategies and business growth

in the sectors we currently focus on which will be invaluable as we move the business forward”.

Andy Hayward said: “Joining TSG represents a fantastic opportunity for me and I am confident I can build on our prominent position in the marketplace. I’ve seen many businesses in the industry claim that they can offer the complete end to end service. From what I’ve already seen at TSG I can see that our huge breadth in expertise and capability makes us one of a small number of companies that can actually deliver this.

“TSG offers an enviable array of products and has a great team of highly trained and talented experts behind each of them which is reflected in our impressive collection of industry accreditations. We have some amazing customers all over the UK but I think we are merely scratching the surface in terms of

potential. I am extremely excited for the future that lies ahead.”

Further jobs have also been created in TSG’s southern regions with three account directors joining Andy’s team and a number of Business Development Manager positions being recruited for the London office.

Formed in 2003 TSG are a total IT support solutions provider headquartered in Newcastle with 400 employees based in 12 offices around the UK. They currently hold six Microsoft Gold Competencies awarded to Microsoft’s Partners with the proven skills and experience to set themselves apart from the competition. Less than 1% of Microsoft’s 650,000 worldwide partners are regarded highly enough to hold even one Gold Competency. http://www.tsg.com

PESCADO HELPS BUSINESSES GO SUPERFAST Businesses in Birmingham are taking advantage of a Government voucher scheme that enables them to install superfast broadband.

Birmingham is one of more than 120 locations around the UK to be eligible for the vouchers aimed at helping companies to grow and develop.

In addition to SMEs, registered charities, social enterprises and sole traders can all qualify for the Connection Vouchers scheme which offers up to £3000 per customer to install dedicated superfast circuits to their business.

Fraser Watson, Managing Director of Pescado, one of the scheme’s approved suppliers, said: “The Connection Vouchers scheme is a fantastic opportunity for businesses

to upgrade their broadband and gain real business benefits.

“A better broadband connection enables businesses to improve their services, enhance their customer experience and reduce software and hardware costs.”

In December, Chancellor George Osborne announced that the Government was making £40million available from April 2015 to March 2016 to help more cities roll out the Connection Vouchers scheme.

Fraser added: “We have already helped a number of businesses across the UK take advantage of the vouchers which can be worth up to £3000 to businesses.

“The impact of upgrading to superfast broadband can be transformational for a business.”

Business communications specialist Pescado provides clients across the UK with

communications services, mobile office and converged, IT and cloud services. .

Clients include national brands such as Crabtree & Evelyn, Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club and Lexmark International as well as SMEs across the UK. Fraser added: “We have a unique offering in being able to make a business’s technology work seamlessly from connectivity such as business grade fibre, server maintenance and support right through to mobile handsets.

Customers love the fact we talk about their business technology in a language they understand and which is focussed on helping them achieve their own business growth objectives.”

BUSINESS SECURITY “It has been said that locks and bars will keep out only an honest man” If a crook is determined to get into your business premises, he will do all he can do so.

The Easter weekend robbery at London’s Hatton Garden safety deposit vault, which included drilling through six feet of concrete, is a case in point.

So what can the good guys do to keep them out?

The level of security businesses need depends partly on the value of goods or equipment stored at their premises and partly on the cost of restoring the business after a break-in and theft, according the Andy Watterson, the Chamber’s Business Crime Manager.

He said: “If a newsagent’s shop is broken into, the stock loss may equate to a morning’s sales. It would be likely thieves would be looking

for products, such tobacco, which are easily sold and have high value.

“But, as far as day-today disruption is concerned, once the police have done their bit, the shop could carry on trading – the long-term disruption risk is relatively low.

“However, an accountancy firm which doesn’t make use of cloud-based technology or have other means of backup, for example, could lose its entire database if all its computers were stolen, and that might be impossible to restore.”

He said businesses had to determine the protection needed based on the impact of an attack.

Andy added: “In the case of the newsagent, even with thousands of pounds of stock, CCTV, decent locks and a

good burglar alarm might be enough.

“For the accountants, locks, bars and a burglar alarm wouldn’t save the business and although the material damage might be slight the long-term damage would be irreparable.

“And, the reputational damage to each of these businesses couldn’t be more different.

“Nobody would hesitate about buying a newspaper from a shop after it has been broken into but how many businesses would continue to use an accountancy firm which lost clients’ data.”

Andy’s recommendation is always to discuss security with experts, fit the best possible within budget and do everything possible to identify and mitigate longterm damage.

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 :Issue Page133.33 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

Border Collie Trust (Great Britain) rescues and rehomes Border Collies and collie crosses throughout the UK. Registered Charity (1053585)

About Border Collie Trust GB Kennels Situated in the heart of Staffordshire, purpose built kennels are our base and rescue centre for the work the Trust undertakes throughout the UK in the care, rescue and rehoming of Border Collies & Collie crosses

For help, advice and information

0871 560 2282

For further information you can contact us by email: info@bordercollietrustgb.org.uk

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

34Page Issue34.

1 Issue LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

HOW TO CLEAN UP YOUR BUSINESS CARD

BY LINDA

I have done two business card jobs recently, both quite different. ...

I met Anna, when we were both visitors of the Ladies connect networking group, held each month at the waterski centre in Cliff, near Tamworth.

As a Polish lady who also has a slight hearing difficulty, in a room full of English speaking women, she very bravely stood up and took her turn explaining her business venture. . . . . . . . and passed me a referral, (after hearing mine) to assist with a logo and business card design for her new cleaning business.

We chatted at the meeting, and emailed a few times before arranging a briefing at her house, to see what I could do that was cost effective to give her new venture a great brand identity.

Anna, had her head screwed on and her ideas well and truly sorted. She really appreciated the importance of having a professional look for her branding, . . . .although she insisted on apologising for her lack of English grammar skills. Come on, who is the thick one here really?

No need to tell you how good my Polish is!

We talked colours and business ideals, and business name ideas. . . and drank tea, and I tried not to eat too many of her chocolate biscuits.

Coming up with cleaning slogans had made me think of Spick and Span, which being an English phrase, she was not familiar with, . . . and then her name, Anna, suddenly gave me one of my despicable me “lightbulb moments” with Spick Anna span . . .well then the floodgates opened, interspersing her name between every kind of cleaning item you can imagine . . .

Feather Anna Duster, Mop Anna Bucket, . . . you get the idea.

My cleverest, particularly for the double meaning, was “Polish Anna Shine” As in Polish (nationality), as well as Polish (with a cloth).

But Anna settled on Shine Anna

Sparkle, cleaning services.

She had a lot of helpful suggestions on logo emblem imagery, that she emailed to me, enabling me to do 3 different styles of simple but striking logo designs . . . and she selected her favourite.

Testimonials are all about word of mouth and recommendation (you know that already) . . .I hope you realise how important they are . . . do you do what I do before buying something online, and read the reviews on amazon first?. . I rarely buy direct from amazon, but they always have lots of reviews / testimonials.

Now Anna had a great one, from a client who had sent her a Christmas card stating she was “the best cleaner we have had in over 25 years!”

So I made a point of emblazoning the reverse of her card with this bold and powerful message.

Now you don’t see many cards that are blank on the reverse nowadays, there are still some, and I think it it a travesty to leave this valuable marketing space empty . . . a striking image or a powerful strapline or a fantastic testimonial, is the perfect thing to put on the reverse of your card. and on the front, a simple and clean layout, with Anna’s brand new logo, her name and title and nicely laid out contact details, email and website address. . . . . . courtesy of the FREE website offer, run in conjunction with DBN web design, Anna, has her own domain name and email, and her simple site will be live (at her request) during September.

She is building things slowly, and as a fellow mum with the schools hols around the corner, she knows it is time to slow down (if work allows) for a few weeks and have some quality kid time.

On contrast however, my other business card client, already had her logo and website created a few months back, and is gearing up for lots of summer holiday clients.

Jane at Doggy Digz, (5 paw holidays for dogs) actually ran out

of her “cheap-to-get-you-started” vista print business cards, and we had to get a move on to get the new designs printed quickly . . . . . . she is always keen to have some in her coat pockets to hand to fellow dog walkers while she is out with her clients dogs.

Her business card is in contrast quite a lively design, and I did a few options and layout variations in order to incorporate all the information Jane wanted, but retain a stylish and professional design.

Doggy Digz has a fantastic garden, and I felt that this powerful image was a great selling point for the business, and would look great on the reverse of the card, with the brand strapline underneath.

Jane also has a favourite photo of her own 2 small dogs that she wanted to use. . .

While this image is treasured by Jane, I am not a dog owner (so not the target audience either) so it has no emotional appeal to me, but other dog owners will relate to it . . .and it ticks the “picture paints a thousand words” box.

It did pose the challenge of something extra to fit on the front of the card though.

With a business card, you are giving potential clients, contacts your information with the aim that they will be able to easily contact you should they want to.

Therefore I feel that you should make that information as clear as possible, which means making sure the text is large enough for them to read it easily.

I am sure there are plenty who will disagree, but I don’t like those cards where the email address and phone number are in 7point text. (too small and potential for misreading).

Anyway, as ever, I never give up, a tweak here and a nudge there, and a designers eye everywhere, and the perfect finish will always be achieved.

Thanks to Pete’s printing for both these jobs, and a super-quick fast turnaround for Doggy Digz, and I have 2 happy customers.

BCRS provide business loans ranging from £10,000 to £150,000.

Our sole purpose is to provide access to finance to enable businesses to grow and prosper by offering: • Support to new and existing businesses • Repayment periods from 1 to 7 years • No early repayment charges Support is available to viable businesses that can demonstrate the potential to: • Grow the business • Create quality, sustainable jobs • To regenerate the local economy

crisis if we fail to distinguish between management skills and the qualities of leadership.

Management is the ability to achieve objectives with the resources available (human, material, financial and time).

Management skills are essential for making decisions, organising and controlling activity.

Leadership is influencing others to willingly follow.

Leadership skills are essential for working with people to accomplish their goals and the goals of the organisation.

Clearly both management and leadership are necessary for any organisation however leadership seems to be the

Contact information: T: 0845 313 8410 *Calls will cost 3p per minute plus your telephone company’s Access Charge ( note for art workers - this comes into play as of 1st July 2015 for 0845 numbers) W: www.bcrs.org.uk E: enquiries@bcrs.org.uk

Why Probationary Periods should be managed better Sarah Daniels, Managing Director, HR Response Ltd I have heard of a number of creative ways businesses trial a new employee, including getting them to work a few days with no pay! Some businesses offer temporary positions in the first instance as an easy way of ending the employment if things don’t work out.

However, these temporary positions often become ‘rolling’ temporary positions and before you know it, your employee has accumulated 2 years’ service.

Increasingly I see probationary periods not being managed closely enough.

Within the offer letter, Contract of Employment, and/or the staff handbook, you can make the terms of a probationary period

LEADERSHIP: What Money Cannot Buy Management and leadership are two key components to business and organisational success, however it is often the case that many people in these roles confuse or merge the different attributes of management and leadership.

British business may be sleepwalking into a leadership

We lend to most market sectors including construction, engineering, IT services, manufacturing, service providers and wholesalers.

A BCRS loan can be used for a wide variety of projects including working capital, purchasing equipment, recruitment and marketing.

differential that adds value and unleashes potential. Why? Well, we can buy a person’s time, we can buy a person to be at a given place. We cannot buy a person’s enthusiasm, we cannot buy trust or loyalty; we have to earn these. This is leadership; if managers are also leaders, their employees: • Feel less stress in the organisation

very clear. You can set out exactly what the requirements of the role are as well as your expectations of performance.

Now, you will always need to give your new starter sufficient time to settle in to a new role. Most probationary periods nowadays have a time period of between 3 and 6 months, and regular reviews with the line manager must be diarised within that time so both parties have the opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns and iron out any niggly issues.

Yes that all sounds very nice, but we all know that sometimes, for whatever reason, the new employee just isn’t working out.

In this case, use the terms of your probationary period to end the employment. You could also extend the probationary period

for a set period of time if you feel they might improve, but ultimately if they don’t meet your expectations, you can end the employment relationship.

However, a quick word of warning; you must follow your own procedures and at the very least the ACAS Code of Practice for managing dismissals and ensure any decision to dismiss is fair and reasonable.

Even though your employee has less than 2 years’ service, that doesn’t mean you will always escape trouble!

If you want to know more about effectively managing probationary periods, please contact us; www.hrresponse.co.uk

• Are more receptive to new ideas, innovation and change • Feel their manager is interested in their growth and development • Perceive their manager is skillful • Have higher morale • Feel more empowered • Are more efficient and effective You can be a manager, but you are not a leader until your position has been “ratified” by those who follow. There are four basic

functions of leadership: 1. Goal setting 2. Feedback 3. Problem solving 4. Recognition How you achieve these speaks volumes about your leadership style. What is important and vindication for a leader is not what happens when you’re there, it’s what happens when you’re not there.

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 :Issue Page135.35 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

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Healthy Living Nutritionist and Personal Trainer Ruth Philbin is a huge fan of healthy eating as part of a long-term healthy and active lifestyle.

Ruth is passionate about helping her clients lose weight and keep the weight off for good. This is done by targeting fat loss. General and especially rapid weight loss is detrimental as it involves muscle and liquid loss resulting in a slower metabolism and vicious yoyo weight gain cycles and probability of long term health issues..

She says the key to keeping your body at its ideal weight is by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise , eating fresh healthy foods and avoiding all

processed foods.

Ruth runs Healthidays where she teaches people how to get their bodies into shape by understanding nutrition and by adopting sensible, sustainable and attainable goals.

Healthidays offers both group and individual weight loss and health coaching so clients can choose to work from the comfort of their own home or at a venue close to them.

Ruth is very well qualified to help people lose weight and keep the weight off.

She is a Health & Nutrition expert, Wellness Coach and experienced Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer.

She says: “My mission is helping people reach their

weight loss, fitness and health goals. I just revel in seeing body transformations and happy clients who marvel in their new look bodies and incredible amounts of energy.

I work with people of all ages.

“It's never too late to be healthier and fitter to improve your lifestyle and enjoy a happier life.”

Group classes will begin again at The Samworth Centre, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray, on Monday August 24 from 5.30 - 6.30 pm at just £4 per person.

Individual coaching costs vary on type of programme but Ruth offers a free trial session. For further information contact healthidays@gmail.com

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Marrucho healing and mind fullness

Mr Marrucho is a world renowned spiritual healer and medium.

Highly recommended by a dedicated client list, Mr Marrucho can help you to lead your life the way you desire, by helping you with professional and personal problems.

Mr Marrucho is a trustworthy and honest psychic and clairvoyant.

He deals with a wide range of problems, alleviating them to find solid solutions. You may be having issues at work with a particularly difficult colleague, or your relationship with your spouse may be suffering with long working hours. Whatever your problem, Mr Marrucho will listen to you and treat you with the respect you deserve, whilst expertly establishing a solution for you. His main areas of focus are relationship issues, bringing back a loved one, sexual problems, inexplicable pain, illnesses, paranormal activities and clearing people and places from unwanted energies. This includes black magic and bad luck removal.

Mr Marrucho is passionate about helping people and relays messages from the spirit world to reassure clients they are still connected to their loved ones.

He provides solid psychological support that is clear, concise and easy to understand and will help you make sense of your confusing qualms, which can

range from career, relationships and life purpose.

If there is something that is troubling you, but you cannot quite put your finger on it, Mr Marrucho can also delve into your past life and see how it is affecting your current relationships. At the end of a sitting, his noble aim is for clients to feel uplifted and to leave with a more positive outlook in life.

Mr Marrucho is also a respected tutor teaching psychic development.

To find out more about him, his teachings and his services, please call 07448 188 264 or email marruchojoao@ gmail.com now.

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 :Issue Page137.37 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

Hope Against Cancer is Leicestershire and Rutland’s local cancer research charity. We were established in 2003 to bring cutting-edge research to our area and make clinical trials available to local people. Since 2003 we have raised almost £4m and funded 40 research projects tackling many different forms of cancer.

Our vision is working for a future where more local people survive cancer. Our mission is to fund innovative research that leads to improved treatments and better outcomes for people and that achieves the greatest impact in the local and national fight against cancer.

We work in partnership with local universities and hospitals to fund pioneering research to ensure that Leicestershire remains a hub of expertise in cancer research and treatment.

In 2012 we established and opened a dedicated clinical trials unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary to offer patients access to new medicines and therapies. We fund our very own HOPE Nurse there who adds to the care and support trials patients receive.

2 million people in the UK are living with or affected by cancer. This is set to rise to 4 million by 2030.

Every year, over 250,000 people in England are diagnosed with cancer and around 130,000 people die each year as a result of the disease.

Annual NHS costs for cancer services are £5 billion.

The cost to society as a whole – in terms of social, caring and other support costs – is £18.3 billion.

Because of life-saving research more people are surviving cancer. Survival rates have doubled in the last 40 years. But our survival rates are still worse than those for other countries that are as wealthy as us.

Hope Against Cancer has been instrumental in the city of Leicester becoming a cancer research centre of excellence, one of only about 15 in the UK and currently the only such centre in the whole of the Midlands.

Around 5,000 people in Leicestershire are diagnosed with cancer each year and the region currently has hot spots of cancer associated with cultural and socio-economic factors and healthcare inequalities.

There is over-whelming evidence to show that

regions with diverse, local research have better health outcomes within their communities Hope Against Cancer has been instrumental in the city of Leicester becoming a cancer research centre of excellence, one of only about 15 in the UK and currently the only such centre in the whole of the Midlands. We need to raise over £350,000 every year to fund vital research within the new centre of excellence. Within this partnership with the University of Leicester and Leicester hospitals we will prioritise research that influences potential practice changes in early detection, prevention and treatment of cancers. These research projects will have a clear benefit for patients across the region.

The charity will continue to develop talent and help train the next generation of local cancer researchers through our funding to support postgraduates and cancer clinicians pursuing a career in cancer research. This is a critical area for which national funding is being cut and limited.

HOPE will also support the development of new treatments through continuing support of our clinical trials nurse. When the Unit was opened in 2012, this meant that for the first time, cancer patients from across the East Midlands region had access to the opportunity to take part in clinical trials. To date, thousands of patients have participated in various trials that can lead to new treatments and medicines being discovered in the future.

Doctors use clinical research to compare current treatments with potentially better ones. Trials at our Unit therefore have a potentially dramatic positive impact on improving treatments and care of groups of local cancer patients. The benefits of this are wider though - people who take part in studies often feel that they are taking an active part in their health care and helping others in the local community and wider, by helping to identify the best treatments, saving more lives in the future. Participating in a high-quality clinical research study can provide patients with additional treatment options.

Our vision is working for a future where more local people survive cancer. Our mission is to fund innovative research that

study will result in a better health outcome for an individual patient, this is not the only reason why people take part in research. There are a breadth of benefits that patients derive from participation in clinical research, including: • A better understanding or management of their condition • Additional contact and partnership relationship with their health professionals • Altruistically being able to give back to the local community in terms of the health agenda and improving treatments The reason our charity funds our HOPE nurse is because we are passionate about the contribution that clinical research can make to patient care and having our nurse on hand translates that passion into supporting patients undergoing the trials.

leads to improved treatments and better

To find out more or to get involved:

outcomes for people and that achieves

www.hfcr.org.uk

the greatest impact in the local and

Email: enquiries@hfcr.org;

national fight against cancer.

Tel: 01162700101 DONATE: www.hfcr.org/donate

In addition, evidence suggests that patients who receive care in research-active areas have better health outcomes than patients who are treated in a non-research environment. Although not every

Watch the Hope Against Cancer film: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=whOnk5LMSes

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FREE CONSULTATIONS AND FREE PATCH TEST (HOME USE)

MTEC Limited THE DOMINANT NAME IN PERMANENT COSMETICS Eyebrows/lips before & after' Dawn was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Years 2010 Honours List for her outstanding work in developing Medical Tattooing as a service to healthcare.

Dawn Cragg, MBEA. Leading make-up artist on the International Circuit, Dawn has exchanged her brushes for an electric pen that will tattoo make-up into the skin with such precision that you would imagine the soft eyeliner, liplines and simulated eyebrow hairs that Dawn creates are natural.

Permanent Cosmetic Treatments • Enhancement of the eyes: improvement or creation of eyebrows and eyeliner • Enhancement of the lips: correction of an uneven shape, outlining or colouring in the lips Paramedical Treatments Micropigmentation can be very beneficially used in providing paramedical camouflage when a daily application of camouflage make-up would be too time consuming.

The technique can be used with great success to recreate the areola surrounding the nipple on the breast following reconstructive surgery or where the area is very pale and the client wishes for a deeper colour.

Contact on: T: 01777 860500 | M: 07875 498145 | E: dawn@dawncragg.net | www.dawncragg.net

Micropigmentation Training & Equipment Centre Ltd, Nottinghamshire DN22 7UZ

TRAIN WITH DAWN At last! A custom designed course offering intensive practical instruction, structured to the personal needs of the individual student is offered by Dawn.

Why Learn Micropigmentation (Permanent Make Up)?

• Unlock your creative talents!

• Gives an interesting & challenging dimension to your business

• Excellent income Train with a professional make-up artist, and the most experienced and respected tutor of micropigmentation.

• Foundation and advanced courses.

• All classes are taken personally by Dawn. One-to-one

training.

• Learn at your own pace.

• Ongoing advice and support after qualifying • Equipment and products supply service available to all practitioners. Goods normally dispatched within 24 hours.

• The basic course includes eyebrows, eyeliner, eyelash enhancement, lipline and beauty spots • During the foundation course students will be introduced to the basic techniques of correction & remedial work on the face. (Skin blemishes, scars, vitiligo, etc.) This will be covered in more detail on the Advanced Course.

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 :Issue Page139.39 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

BODY SCULPTURE After seven successful years of trading, Bodysculpture has become the leading inch-loss clinic in the North of England.

Results are confidently guaranteed and achieved within a one month period. The average inch loss per client being 27 inches over 10 sessions. The owner, Heather Robinson, trained with Storz Medical of Switzerland, where she learned how acoustic waves could be harnessed to destroy fat cells, instead of healing damaged ligaments and tendons, scar tissue and kidney/ gall stone dispersal. The clinical trials were conclusive and the results, amazing. However, not satisfied with the speed and efficacy of skin tightening after inch loss, Heather set out to find another solution and found the answer in Milan. Now, with combining acoustic waves and safe, high frequency radio waves Bodysculpture can rejuvenate the skin, eliminate fine lines & wrinkles, improve acne scarring, tighten and increase the density of the skin together with considerable inch loss.

It proves to be the most sensible

alternative to invasive cosmetic surgery: there are no anaesthetics involved, the process is pain free.

There is no recovery down time, it is quick, reliable and versatile and endorsed by the President of the Society of Cosmetic Surgeons as, “ the procedure of choice for body sculpting”. Liposuction is expensive, unpredictable and hard to control and the introduction of acoustic wave therapy will make it obsolete within 10 years (Sunday Times 15th April 2012). Diets are rarely successful and the areas most in need of elimination are frequently the last to respond.

Bodysculpture is the complete answer – for inch loss, skin toning and face lifts. Consultations are free of charge and without obligation.

Facilities include a swimming pool, solarium, gymnasium, relaxing treatment rooms together with a caring, r e a l i s t i c approach to support you in achieving your goals.

What have you got to lose?

PERMANENT MAKE-UP (MICROPIGMENTATION) Dawn Cragg MBE Owner, Practitioner, & Trainer

Most women do take pretty good care of their skins these days due to advertising and the quest to look younger for longer. Unfortunately however, a lot of you don't wear make-up, especially during the daytime. I have asked the question "why not?" when giving talks to various women’s groups in the area. The response is usually “I haven't got time" or “I don't know how to put it on". Well, the answer is here ladies, Permanent Make-up (also known as Micropigmentation).

This is actually cosmetic tattooing on the face. Although we have to use the word permanent, it is a process which fades gradually over 2 or 3 years.

A dramatic difference can be made by defining the eyebrows.

This is very important because the brows frame and lend expression to the face. People with "hair loss", (i.e. Alopecia, on Chemotherapy, Male Pattern Baldness etc) will benefit from this service.

Eyeliner can be anything from a soft haze to a more defined and dramatic effect. You will always

wake up looking your best. This is very good news for anyone who needs to save time each morning.

It can also be invaluable for those of you who wear contact lenses, have make-up allergies, or even mobility problems.

Lips can be given an outline, or even full lip colour. An uneven lipline can be corrected, and the added bonus is that because the fine needle used for applying the pigment induces collagen back into the skin, the lips will look much fuller. Cosmetic tattooing, also known as permanent makeup, requires 2 procedures, the initial treatment followed by a retouch one month later,

or after eight weeks if you have diabetes. It is a legal requirement that you are given an allergy patch-test of both the pigment and topical anaesthetic prior to the commencement of any treatment. If you want to see more photographs you can either type in ‘Permanent Make-up’ or Dawn Cragg MBE into your search engine and you should find what you are looking for.

The nicest thing about my work is encouraging others to make the most of their features.

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Property

SHARED OWNERSHIP HOMES GO ON SALE IN LEAFY LEICESTER Three family homes have been unveiled at a brand new development in Leicester.

Situated between Anstey and Groby, the new build properties

by Riverside Home Ownership are ideally located for young professionals and growing families. Set in picturesque surroundings at Graves Way, the high specification homes offer all the charm of the English countryside but with excellent transport links to the city centre.

With quick access to the M1 and A50, the properties present an attractive option for professionals who make the daily commute to Leicester city centre, which is just five miles away.

St James’ Gate offers three spacious, terraced properties with two three-bedroom and one two-bedroom houses available to purchase through Shared Ownership, the government backed part rent part buy scheme.

Ideal for first time buyers, Shared Ownership gives buyers the option of purchasing a 25% - 75% share of a property, and paying a subsidised rent on the remainder.

These stunning new homes are

available from just £43, 738 for a 25% share and the reduced deposit makes it easier for first time buyers to get a foot onto the property ladder.

Furthermore, the scheme allows home owners to gradually increase ownership of their home and buy further shares in the future.

Jennifer Bailey, sales and new business negotiator at Riverside Home Ownership, says: “St James’ Gate is a beautiful development of new homes and we are thrilled to offer them with our Shared Ownership scheme.

“Due to the desirable location and affordability, the homes are already attracting interest from prospective buyers and we expect the development will be a great success.”

Riverside Home Ownership has a further five properties to offer at St James’ Gate which will be available from 2016.

Estate Agent Roy Green is marketing the available properties and interested buyers are encouraged to get in touch on 0116 235 3009.

Shortage of instructions in buyer and rental markets fuel higher prices in the East Midlands RICS UK Residential Market Survey, June 2015 House prices inflation reaches eight month high in the East Midlands • House price inflation rose to an eight month high in June but supply shortfall continues to exert drag on activity • Buyer demand increases in all parts of the UK except the South East House price growth increased again in June, pointing to renewed acceleration in house price inflation during the second half of the year, according to the latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey.

While the average stock of homes per surveyor in the East Midlands remained at 66, down from 74 in the same period last year, demand remained positive, despite the more cautious attitude of lenders.

One reason for the slight recovery in buyer enquiries is likely to have been a further drop in mortgage rates which is accompanying the ongoing strength of the labour market.

Significantly, 32% more surveyors expect house prices to rise over the next three months, which is

the highest proportion since May 2014, and 36% more surveyors expect sales to increase.

Across the rental sector, the demand and supply imbalance is also visible. In the East Midlands, the level of landlord instructions is at growing odds with the rising demand that is putting further upward pressure on rents.

Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist, said: “Although much of the discussion about supply shortages has focused on the owner-occupier market, the latest RICS Residential Market Survey demonstrates in no uncertain terms that the issue, at least at a headline level, is just as visible in the rental sector. This is most clearly reflected in both the house price and rental projections over the medium term which comfortably exceeds the likely growth in wages.

There had been some hope that the removal of political uncertainty following the general election would encourage more properties onto the market but the initial indications are that this is not proving to be the case.

Additionally, the recent flat pattern of appraisals by respondents to

the survey suggests this is not about to change anytime soon As a result, it is hardly surprising that prices across much of the country are continuing to be squeezed higher with property set to become ever more unaffordable.

Chris Beeby MRICS, from Bletsoes in Thrapston, commented: “A real lack of properties available is stifling the market and could cause serious problems going forward.”

Jeremy Blackburn, Head of Policy, concurred: “Targets for owner-occupation, rather than greater capacity across all tenures, is the consistent message we are getting from government and while the Prime Minister and the Chancellor have called it a plan for ‘one nation homeownership’, we urgently need to increase genuinely affordable homes for rent in both public and private sectors.

Encouraging the institutionalised Private Rented Sector (PRS) and freeing up councils and housing associations to build this much needed rented accommodation are vital to solving the UK’s housing crisis.”

Derbyshire Guardian.

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Home Improvement

o

ne of the great things about your home is that you can constantly change and improve it to meet your current needs.

It is not uncommon that faced with the stresses of moving home some people will come to the conclusion that it is far better to stay put and improve their existing homes instead.

There are many advantages to this approach. For starters you don’t have to uproot your family, search for new schools and get used to a new location, with new neighbours and new challenges to face.

Also you can take the time to get your existing home looking exactly the way you want it to look and, very often, the improvements you make can add to the value of your property…all very handy when the time to sell does come.

Before you start any improvement project it is sensible to take time to sit down and carefully consider exactly what you want to achieve, within what budget and within what timeframe.

Remember that you don’t necessarily have to do everything you want all at once…you might consider a rolling program of improvements for example.

Maybe you need more space for a growing family in which case a loft conversion, extension or the addition of a modern, new conservatory are all things you might want to consider and can all be very attractive to would-be buyers down the line.

Loft conversions are an ideal way of gaining additional living space without dramatically altering the external appearance of your home. In addition it has been estimated that a loft conversion can add up to 20 per cent to the value of your home so it is little wonder that they are becoming increasingly popular. Depending on what is needed, this could add an additional one or two rooms in your attic space.

A ground floor extension can really open up a whole world of possibilities such as creating more living space for a bigger kitchen, dining area or living room. While single storey extensions are the most common, a two-storey extension can create another bedroom or bathroom without the need to to into the loft.

A conservatory is an inexpensive way of adding extra living space but do ensure that you include heating and blinds so that this extra space can be used all the year round.

Extending the home to remodel the kitchen means that you can not only get more space but also get the kitchen of your dreams. Again remember that a well-appointed modern fitted kitchen is one of the key areas that buyers will look for when it comes to time to sell.

Other common improvements include an extra toilet, bathroom, wet room or shower room and basement conversions are also worth considering, although these are more expensive and time consuming than extending upwards or sideways.

Also when it comes to improving it does not mean that major work is always required. Maybe you are totally happy with the size of your home but would welcome new doors or windows - maybe with double or triple glazing to ensure your home is more energy efficient.

New carpets, window blinds or a new paint job are also things which need to be undertaken from time to time and can all go towards making your existing property more comfortable and homely.

Derbyshire Guardian.

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Countestorpe Blinds LTD

20 Benskyn Close Countesthorpe Leicester LE8 5LA

Your Local Made to Measure Blind Company We are your local family run business servicing the whole of Leicestershire and bordering counties, and have been in the blind trade since 1987. We specialise in all shaped conservatory roof blinds, patio awnings and Plantation Shutters.

We have a full range of blinds to complement any room in the home.

Including - Vertical Blinds, Venetian Blinds, Roller Blinds, Roman Blinds, Velux Blinds, Pleated Blinds, Wooden Blinds, Conservatory Blinds, Conservatory Roof Blinds, Plantation Shutters & Patio Awnings.

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Visit us at www.countesthorpe-blinds.co.uk for further information or to book.

Tel: 0116 277 6749 | Email: enquiries@countesthorpe-blinds.co.uk Mention The Leicestershire Guardian when you call us to receive 10% off your first order

COLD WATER COULD HEAT 1 MILLION HOMES At least 1 million homes and businesses across England could be tapping into clean renewable heat hidden in our waterways, a new online tool for communities has revealed.

The innovative and interactive online map has revealed the secret energy in over 4,000 rivers, estuaries, canals and coastal sites across the country that together could provide over six gigawatts of low-carbon heat to communities. By installing a water source heat pump people can help eliminate the need for dirty gas-fired domestic heating and a typical household could slash its carbon footprint by up to 50 per cent.

Launching the new map at Battersea Power Station in London today, Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey said: “We need to make the most of the vast amount of clean, renewable heat that lays dormant and unused in our rivers, lakes and seas.

“Doing this will help contribute to an energy mix that maximises clean, reliable home-grown resources rather than relying on foreign fossil fuels. It also

provides a system that bolsters growth in our local economies, protects the natural environment, and creates resilient communities that are capable of producing sustainable power systems.

“This is exactly why we’re giving local people, developers and councils the keys they need to unlock the enormous potential of our waterways.”

Battersea Power Station is the latest developer to announce that it will be looking into installing a water source heat pump.

Today, energy company SSE was appointed to carry out a full heat pump feasibility study. The company will also investigate the re-use of existing engineering infrastructure that was built 80 years ago to connect the Power Station to the Thames when it was generating power. If a heat pump is installed at the site, it would be one of the energy sources used to provide heat to around 4000 new homes, shops, offices and public amenities being provided at the Power Station.

Phillip Gullett, chief operating officer at Battersea Power Station, said: “We are looking at a range of options to deliver the energy

required for the homes, shops, restaurants and leisure facilities being created here at Battersea Power Station.

“Being located on the banks of the River Thames in central London we are ideally placed to investigate what role water source technology may play in supplying our energy needs and we are delighted that SSE will be undertaking a feasibility study to establish the options available to us.”

Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, the charity that cares for 2,000 miles of waterways in England & Wales, said: “We very much welcome today’s announcement, which recognises the huge potential of water sourced heat pumps to deliver a low carbon solution to the UK’s heating and cooling demands.

“We have a number of innovative projects already underway, or in development, on our canals and rivers. These are delivering benefits for waterside businesses and the environment and proving again that, 200 years after they were built, the waterways are still bringing a whole range of benefits to the nation.”

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Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 :Issue Page145.45 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

BLABY LANDSCAPING CENTRE, LEICESTER SPECIALISES IN A RANGE OF GARDEN & LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS

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Pets Corner 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

46Page Issue46.

1 Issue LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

CHA N CE TO S E E TH OU SA ND S OF DOG PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE D OG S FR O M AR O UN D T H E WORL D AS YEAR COMPETITION LAUNCHED THE Y H E AD TO R O C KI NGH A M After a record breaking year and international acclaim last year, the Kennel Club’s Dog Photographer of the Year competition returns for 2015.

The Kennel Club is urging budding and experienced photographers to submit their canine images to the annual competition, which attracts international coverage and is viewed by tens of thousands of people from around the world. The competition is now open and free to enter.

Breaking all records, more than 13,000 entries from over 60 countries were entered in the Kennel Club’s Dog Photographer of the Year competition last year, making it the biggest canine photography competition in the world. Heidi Hudson, Dog Photographer of the Year curator, said: “The Dog Photographer of the Year competition is the largest competition in the world solely dedicated to dog photography.

We are looking for memorable

Local dog lovers are invited to come along and join 2,700 dogs from all over the world that are heading to Rockingham Castle for the Kennel Club International Agility Festival from 13th – 16th August 2015.

The largest festival for dogs in the world, the event will see more than 2,700 dogs and their owners arrive in Rockingham to take part in the agility from 13th – 16th August 2015, as well as local dog owners attending the companion dog show and Scruffts competitions, which take place on the 15th August.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “The International Agility Festival, which is in its eleventh year, is kindly supported

by CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds and welcomes not only all dogs of all types but dog owners and dog

lovers in the local area. Over 25 countries from around the world are expected to be represented and there are a range of competitions for everyone, from the International Young Handler competition and the Nations Cup for the leading competitors, to the companion dog show, where the judge will choose the Best Junior Handler, Prettiest Bitch and Most Handsome.”

A heat of the nation’s favourite crossbreed competition, Scruffts, sponsored by James Wellbeloved, also takes place at the festival, with categories such as Child’s Best Friend and Best Rescue; there is something for all dogs to be involved in.

Registration for the Scruffts and the Companion Dog Show competitions starts from 11am and the competition begins at

and charismatic images from photographers who can capture those wonderful moments which reflect our contemporary experience living with dogs as best friends, family members, working partners and assistance providers.

“The competition is free to enter and we urge both professional photographers and amateurs who have a keen eye and a passion for photography, to enter.

We have had numerous amateur photographers win various categories including the overall competition, some going on to make a professional career from the exposure of winning Dog Photographer of the Year.”

Steph Gibson from Australia was selected as last year’s overall winner of the competition with an image of her dog Swing working with sheep on her farm, which was the winner of the ‘Dogs at Work’ category.

Photographers are invited to send

in their images in the following categories: Portrait , Dogs at Play, ,Dogs at Work, Man's Best Friend , Puppies , ‘I Love Dogs Because …’ (for entrants 18 and under) , Assistance Dogs and Dog Charities ‘Oldies’ *New category for 2015* All category winners will have their images on display at the Kennel Club in Mayfair, and will win a SmugMug account and photography course with professional dog photographer, Andy Biggar.

The Assistance Dog and Dog Charity category winner will also receive a £500 donation from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust to their chosen dog charity, and the overall winner will receive an original oil painting of their image by artist, Sara Abbott.

To officially register and enter, please visit www. dogphotographeroftheyear.org. uk. The deadline to enter is 5pm (UK time) on 13th March 2016.

12.30pm on the 15th August.

Entering a dog into the classes costs just £2 per class and all entry money will go to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust. There is no need to enter in advance, just simply turn up on the day.

The festival is free for spectators (apart from a £5 parking fee) and people are able to come along with their own dogs to enjoy the fun festival atmosphere and even take part in the ‘Have-A-Go’ agility ring (for dogs over 18 months), which gives everyone a chance of experiencing the sport for themselves.

For more information on the Kennel Club International Agility Festival, please visit w w w. t h e k e n n e l c l u b. o r g . u k / agilityfestival or www.facebook. com/Dogagility.

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Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 :Issue Page147.47 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

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24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

48Page Issue48.

1 Issue LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

mutz, nutz, mogz & more mutz, nutz, mogz & more is a pet emporium based in Northampton. Stocking a diverse range of pet care products, feed, accessories and gifts, this is your one stop shop for everything your pet could ever want. mutz, nutz, mogz & more is a pet store with a difference. Their ethos championing natural products and a safer, healthier lifestyle for all animals and reptiles means that they really care about your pets’ needs. Their product range consists of only the best brands in the business and they are constantly adding merchandise to their already substantial list.

They cater for pets of all sizes, including cats, dogs, fish, reptiles, horses, birds and hamsters. If you want to treat your hamster to hours of fun, then the Happy Pets Adventure Tunnel at just £2.99 is perfect. Made from 100% natural wood, it encourages exercise, gnawing and keeps boredom firmly at bay.

Equestrians meanwhile can treat their horses with Bio Restoring Lotion and Bio Horse Shampoo for show-winning coat and shiny skin because their pets are worth it.

Lesley Deefholts is the pioneering founder of mutz, nutz, mogz & more. Since opening in 2012, she has worked hard to provide an experience which both pets and pet owners enjoy, whilst cultivating a home-from-home ambience to offer an unrivalled service at all times. Lesley said: “We’re about to celebrate our 3rd birthday which is very exciting for us.

This is a massive achievement for mutz, nutz, mogz & more, as our primary aim has always been to support pet owners by providing a diverse range of excellent products. We do all the sourcing and research, so our clients don’t have to. We are also proud members of the Pet Industry Federation and we will continue to provide the best service we can.”

When visiting the store, clients can take advantage of expert advice from the friendly team at mutz, nutz, mogz & more. If your pets’ behaviour is particularly troublesome or causing concern, the staff can recommend non-prescription treatments and homeopathy, to put your mind and your pets’ at ease. The team pride themselves on keeping up to date on new pet care advice and aim to provide stellar service to new and existing pet owners alike.

If you can’t get to the store, you can check out their newly launched online shop which is bigger, brighter, and has plenty of gorgeous and innovative products at your fingertips.

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Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 :Issue Page149.49 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

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24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

50Page Issue50.

1 Issue LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

Motoring

This months car reviews

By Syd Taylor

Infiniti Q70 2.2D RWD Auto Sport Tech

For connoisseurs of executive luxury motoring allow me to let you into a secret. No longer can it be said that the usual key note brands have the market to themselves.

More and more the smart money is on the individualistic, but nonetheless sensible alternative that is Infiniti - a luxury car maker under the umbrella of Nissan.

It would be clumsy pun making to say that the brand is living up to its name by offering endless delights for a long time indeed, without let or hindrance: in other words that it represents a passport to motoring Nirvana.

But Hallelujah! Having just driven the latest example, I find myself stumbling over superlatives, clutching at the thesaurus and straining my brain for newlyminted coinages that would be capable of epitomising the splendid motoring that this Infiniti delivers as though with patrician disdain for its rivals.

There's so much high tech kit on it for just £38,950 that here is one of motorings bargain buys.

To spec. say a BMW or Audi to the same level would add

thousands of pounds. Of course, mere expenditure on additional equipment and specification never implies taste, but with this Infiniti, tasteful trappings come as standard. It's the Saville Row-like assertion of finely tailored traction that provides an irresistible argument for complete surrender to the gods of luxury.

With a Q70 saloon you can be assured that there is no frivolous festooning: merely the provision of everything the modern motorist might need from a spacious and extremely comfortable interior to a stress-free superiority of mechanical means.

The 170ps four cylinder 2.2 diesel engine is a good solid unit that mates well with the 7 speed automatic gearbox with its 'driveradaptive' algorithm which senses driving style and adjusts shifting accordingly - and then drives the rear wheels.

Despite being a big luxury saloon you can hustle along effortlessly at up to 137 mph and achieve a remarkable 50 plus mpg overall.

(Infiniti claim 57.6 mpg). Don't, however, think that this is a car for sporty driving. It's a big comfy,

sensible, beautifully made and solid car for sensible driving - and at that it excels.

Behind the wheel one feels a compulsive assertion of prowess as the sleek bonnet cuts a swathe through the mundane of every day and parks pleasant thoughts in the mind with every passing minute. It offers a stress-free superiority of mechanical means all wrapped up in a skin of subtlystyled metal.

I enjoyed the uniquely individualistic attributes: it's still a novel site on our roads - noticed only by those whom one would wish to be noticed by. From the off it courts attention and its a p p e a l is indeed seductive.

But I hasten to say that this is not a car for a 'Flash Harry'.

It's more a conveyance for the civilised custodian of

contemporary mores.

Here is a luxury saloon for today that will be remembered tomorrow - and

dare I say it - for all time. If Thor's hammer were moulded into a modern manifestation of magnificence, that would be the Infiniti Q70 - knocking its rivals into touch. Pardon me if you think I'm completely flourished in my

phraseology. It's just that I have been overcome by something greater than I - the 'I' of Infiniti.

But unlike infiniti itself, readers will be pleased to know that this road test is at an end.

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Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 :Issue Page151.51 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

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24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

52Page Issue52.

1 Issue LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

Sport

DONINGTON MASTERS FESTIVAL

GT40S SHOW ENDURANCE PEDIGREE

Ford GT40s dominate the front ranks as the Four Hours gets underway

The Four Hours winning GT40 of Roger Wills and James Littlejohn.

R

Chris Beighton won the first Masters 70s Celebration race in his Sunbeam Tiger.

Tommy Gilmartin (leading) and Mike Connon took a win each in Scottish Sports and Classics.

Kevin Hancock and Nicholas King duelling in their Ford Mustangs in the Four Hours

Dailly took two Scottish BMW Compact Cup wins.

oger Wills and James Littlejohn took the honours as Ford GT40s dominated the Masters Four Hours, the centre-piece of the Masters Festival weekend of classic racing at Donington Park.

GT40s filled the first three places, ahead of a mouth-watering field of 29 classic pre-1966 sports cars in a true endurance test that ran into the Saturday evening.

Jason Wright’s GT40 led the early laps, from pole position, but Wills quickly moved into the lead, up from seventh place, followed by the GT40 of Tony Wood. Wright lost a little ground towards the end of the first hour, but by then it had become a race of attrition with several fancied cars falling by the wayside in the early stages.

Julian Thomas’s E-Type Jaguar retired from fourth after getting debris in the engine. Craig Davies was briefly fourth in his GT40 before the engine caught fire in the pitlane and Richard Meins’ GT40 then assumed fourth before he, too, retired with a blown engine.

The Wright/Michael Gans/Andy Wolfe GT40 was back with the leaders in the second hour and the three GT40s traded places as the race continued. Martin Stretton, in the Wood car, was forced to make an extra pitstop to deal with a misfire and cracked

exhaust, so the pair were just pleased to finish.

It was now a two-horse race, but Wills advantage was wiped out by a safety car period and Andy Wolfe grabbed the lead when racing resumed. “All I could think was ‘I have to do it all again,’” said Wills afterwards. Eventually he succeeded and had pulled 14 seconds clear at the flag. Tony Wood nursed his sick GT40 home in third, while Andrew Haddon and Phil Keen were the first nonGT40 home, fourth-placed in their AC Cobra.

The following morning Leo Voyazides and Shepshed’s Simon Hadfield took a comfortable victory, in their rebuilt Lola T70, in the Masters Historic Sportscar Championship. They had looked set to win at the Historic Festival, earlier in the year, before Voyazides crashed just 5 minutes from the end of the race. Much of the car’s bodywork has been replaced and the pair duly returned to winning ways, taking the flag 49 seconds ahead of Jason Wright and Andy Wolfe who claimed their second podium of the weekend, this time in their Lola T70.

Chris Beighton’s Sunbeam Tiger led the first Masters 70s Celebration race until he ran wide at the Old Hairpin, trying to resist a challenge from Mark

Wright’s Escort. Wright, himself, went off at the Esses, forcing him to retire with an oil leak, leaving Beighton to challenge Joe Ward’s Vauxhall Firenza for the lead. The Vauxhall’s oil pump failed a lap from home leaving Beighton to cross the line over a minute clear of Nicholas King’s Aston Martin DB4Lightweight. In the absence of Beighton and Ward, Wright took victory in race 2 with King again placed second.

Steven Dailly took two wins in the Scottish BMW Compact Cup, as the series had an away-day from home circuit Knockhill. Race 1 was spoiled by an extended safety car period, Dailly winning the two-lap sprint to the flag from Gary Clark and Shaun Forsyth.

The following day Dailly had a more comfortable victory ahead of Michael Courts and Clark.

Tommy Gilmartin (Morgan Plus 8) had a tremendous scrap with Keiron Baillie (Lotus Seven) in the first Scottish Classic Sports and Saloon race, to win by just 0.8 seconds. Mike Connon’s Lotus Seven was in the mix in the early stages, but retired at half distance.

Connon won the following day’s race from Gilmartin, while Adam Southgate took a pair of Toyo Tires Porsche Championship wins in his Boxster.

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 :Issue Page153.53 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

Scottish BMW Compact Cup podium: Shaun Forsyth (second), Steven Dailly (first) and Gary Clark (second).

Adam Southgate heads for a Toyo Tires Porsche double.

Shepshed’s Simon Hadfield and Leo Voyazides won the Historic Sports Car race.

The repaired Lola T70 of Voyazides and Hadfield back to winning ways.

Four Hours winner Roger Wills

Tommy Gilmartin won the first Scottish Sports and Classic race.

24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

54Page Issue54.

1 Issue LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

NORMAN WARMS UP NICELY FOR THE TITLE DEFENCE

Louis Norman is now ready to defend his English title

Derby’s new Arena hosted the first professional boxing in the city for many years

S Norman lands a left to Fidoe’s head

Blackwell’s winning blow puts Jones on the floor

Louis Norman is an exciting fighter

hepshed boxer Louis ‘2 Sweet’ Norman came safely through his warm-up bout as he prepares to defend his English Flyweight title at London’s O2 on 12th September.

Norman took a 60-53 points victory against Evesham’s Brett Fidoe at Derby’s new Arena. The pair have met before, but Fidoe is a tough opponent and has yet to be stopped. Norman went a step closer and became the first to put Fidoe on the floor at the end of round 5.

A vicious right uppercut caught Fidoe a glancing blow on the cheek, enough to take him off his feet, but he was up at the count of 7 as the bell sounded to end the round. If Norman’s punch had landed cleanly on Fidoe’s chin, the fight would have been over, but Fidoe recovered to see out the final round and stay the distance.

21-year-old Norman remains unbeaten, now with ten professional wins and just one draw. He is an exciting fighter, and one prepared to take a few risks.

He trains in Derby with Clifton Mitchell and his corner were urging him to look for an early end to the contest. He was continually moving forward, putting pressure on his opponent but, aside from that one chance in the penultimate round, could break down Fidoe’s stout defence.

Norman now looks forward to defending his English Flyweight crown against Charlie Edwards in London. A former ABA champion

at two different weights, Edwards is unbeaten in four professional fights.

Norman’s bout was on the support card for Nick Blackwell’s successful first defence of his British Middleweight title at the new Arena in Derby, the first professional boxing in Derby for many years.

Blackwell had taken the middleweight crown, at the third attempt, against John Ryder in May and, after 21 professional bouts, arrived at Derby with just 3 defeats, two of which came in British title challenges. Challenger Damon Jones, from Leeds, had an impressive 13-0 professional record, but was had yet to go beyond 6 rounds.

Jones lacks Blackwell’s outright power, but has plenty of boxing skills and was content to slow the pace in the early rounds.

Jones boxed cleverly with sharp, accurate lefts to the head, keeping Blackwell at a distance and winning the early rounds on points.

Blackwell kept advancing, but was unable to find a real opening, increasing the pressure a little in round 2, but still unable to

use his trade-mark ‘bang-bang’ 1-2 combination. He admits to beginning slowly and improving as the fight progresses and he began to ramp things up towards the end of the fifth.

Jones was ahead on points but in the closing seconds of round 6, Blackwell had his opponent on the ropes and, with Jones’ guard down for just a second, it was all Blackwood needed to get close and unleash one devastating right to the head, on the stroke of the bell.

The challenger landed heavily on the canvas and looked dazed as he struggled to his feet. Referee Victor Loughlin had no hesitation in ending the fight and Blackwell danced around the ring in delight before going across to greet his highly vocal fan club.

“I started late again,” said the champion , afterwards, “ and he was keeping me at the end of his jab, but I caught him with my right. I knew he would try and outbox me because I don’t have an amateur background, but I knew if I put pressure on, and he keeps throwing those body shots, he was going to tire.”

“I started late again,” said the champion , afterwards, “ and he was keeping me at the end of his jab, but I caught him with my right. I knew he would try and out-box me because I don’t have an amateur background, but I knew if I put pressure on, and he keeps throwing those body shots, he was going to tire.”

Derbyshire Guardian.

Issue 24 :Issue Page155.55 LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

DONINGTON - BRITISH TRUCK

RACING CHAMPIONSHIP

Stuart Oliver makes the most of Sunday’s drenched circuit.

Paul Horton motorsport photography

OLIVER STORMS TO TREBLE Stuart Oliver took three wins from four, and the lead of the BTRA British Truck Racing Championship, as the series visited Donington Park.

Mansfield’s Ryan Smith won race two, but it was a disappointing weekend for Mat Summerfield, the reigning champion from Stapenhill, near Burton.

Summerfield got off to a bad start with his first non-finish of the year, for his MAN, after a collision in Saturday’s race one. With the Division Two runners at the head of the grid, Steven Powell (Foden Alfa) held the lead for four laps before Oliver got his Volvo ahead and Smith followed in his MAN on the next lap. Oliver was 9 seconds clear at the flag with Steve Thomas (MAN) rounding out the podium while Powell took Division Two honours ahead of Heanor’s Ryan Colson, making the most of a new engine in his Iveco Atkinson.

For the reverse-grid race two Oliver and Smith had the handicap of starting from the back row having to pass all their Division One rivals to get to the front, while also safely negotiating their way through the slower Division 2 trucks.

Smith as usual was really up to the task avoiding the inevitable opening lap contacts taking the fastest race lap of 1m. 27.445s and an average speed 81.47mph as he charged through to the

head of the pack, followed closely

by Oliver.

At the end of 11 laps, Smith held a comfortable lead of 1.019 seconds over Oliver with Mat Summerfield having better luck to finish some 22 seconds behind in third. Tony Smith (Sisu) won Division Two from Adam Bint (Volvo) while Ryan Colson took his second podium of the day.

Saturday’s pleasant sunshine gave way to stormy conditions on Sunday with the Donington circuit extremely slippery and challenging for all the drivers.

Stuart Oliver was sublime in these treacherous conditions, working through the field to take both victories. In race 3 he took the flag 2 seconds head of Steve Thomas’s MAN with David Jenkins (also MAN) in third. For the final race he was 11 seconds clear of Smith with Luke Garrett (ERF) making the overall podium as he took his second class win of the day.

After 5 rounds, of 9, Oliver is five points clear of Summerfield, whilst only 17 points cover the top five drivers, which also includes Jenkins, Smith and Thomas.

Steve Powell is comfortably ahead in the Division Two standings despite only one win over the weekend. He looked set to take his second win in the final race, but received a ten-second penalty for a jump start, dropping him to second in class.

Leicester City Top Up Team Talent Division 2 podiums for Heanor’s Ryan Colson

with Benalouane and Kante signing

Triple-race winner Stuart Oliver (Kelsa Volvo) ahead of Adam Bint’s Division 2 Volvo.

Race 4, Division 2 podium: Steven Powell (third), Luke Garrett (first) and Adam Bint (second).

Mansfield-based Ryan Smith celebrates with team, family and friends after a first, two seconds and a sixth position

In the merry-go-round of football politics and those ever elusive transfer windows, Leicester City Football Club is going in with all guns blazing this time round. The Foxes are topping up the team talent with a European signing spree in the form of Yohan Benalouane from Italian side Atalanta and N'Golo Kante from French club Caen. The fees for the pair are a reported £11m and the prestigious coup is a huge accomplishment for LCFC. These exciting additions to the team are also Claudio Ranieri’s first signings as he puts his personal stamp on the club. Midfielder Kante and defender Benaloune have both committed to four year deals and bring a wealth of expertise to the team. Kante was pivotal to Caen’s win promotion in 2013-14 having played 37 times in France's top flight last term, whilst Benalouane is a former France Under-21 international. The move for both players is dependent upon FA and Premier League approval. This is in addition to

international clearance, which is usually a straightforward matter and which the Foxes hope to achieve by Saturday’s curtain-raising match against Sunderland.

Kante and Benaloune join new additions Shinji Okazaki, Christian Fuchs and Robert Huth. The team are raring to go and will kick off their Premier League season this coming weekend.

The Foxes’ move for Chilean midfielder Charles Aranguiz may not transpire, after German side Bayer Leverkusen’s bid saw them jump to the front of the queue – despite Leicester offering more. The Foxes may well be on course for another spending splurge as they fill the void left by Esteban Cambiasso, who rejected a new contract.

With less than four weeks until the transfer deadline, the Premier League transfer spending has already surpassed £500m and will undoubtedly top last summer’s total of £835m.

Sport 24 : Derbyshire Guardian.

56Page Issue56.

1 Issue LEICESTERSHIRE GUARDIAN

NORMAN WARMS UP NICELY FOR THE TITLE DEFENCE PAGE 55

BRITISH TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP PAGE 54

ESTEBAN CAMBIASSO HAS ANNOUNCED HE WILL NOT RENEW HIS CONTRACT “Many thanks to everyone, keeping you all forever in my heart. Leicester City Football Club.”

M

idfielder Esteban Cambiasso has announced he will not renew his contract with Leicester. New Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri had held talks with the 34-year-old, urging him to make his mind up as the club needed to know if he was staying on after his deal expired last month.

In a statement on his Facebook page, the player said: "I would like to announce that I have decided not to renew my contract with

Leicester City.

"I have taken this decision only 24 hours after receiving the proposal from Leicester because I want to give the club as much time as possible to find an alternative."

Cambiasso's decision will come as a blow to Ranieri, who said on Monday - at his first press conference since replacing the axed Nigel Pearson - that keeping the former Argentina international was a priority. ''I've had a conversation with him.

I have spoken to him, I know him

from Inter Milan, I coached him there. I said to him 'I need you, everybody loves you in Leicester, please come back','' the Italian had said. ''He told me he wants to wait and look at all the opportunities offered to him and then he will choose. But we need 'Yes or no' because at the start of the season he is a team leader and if he doesn't come I need another team leader. We don't start the season without a player like him.''

Cambiasso proved a key figure

last season as Leicester won seven and drew one of their final 10 games to retain their Barclays Premier League status.

The player's statement continued: "I would like to thank all the fans who last season made me feel proud to be part of a club with an unforgettable spirit and energy.

"And a very special thanks to all my team-mates, staff and every people of the club, with whom I have lived one of the most important years of my career, crowned with the remaining EPL

status.

"Many thanks to everyone, keeping you all forever in my heart. Leicester City Football Club."

Leicester thanked Cambiasso for his service and wished him well for the future.

The club said in a statement: “Leicester City Football Club would like to express its sincerest thanks to Esteban for his exceptional contribution during the 2014/15 season, which saw the Argentine midfielder

play a central role in the Club’s successful fight to remain in the Barclays Premier League.

“Our efforts to retain his services began before the end of last season and the Club appreciates the professional manner in which Esteban and his representatives have conducted themselves during negotiations since that time.

“We fully respect Esteban’s wishes and wish him well in his future career.”