Soar Valley Life January February 2020

In associa on with

Just Great Music!

Issue 94/95 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

Compe

ons on pages 8, 53 and 57

ton Millinvgel Tra page 3

www.soarvalleylife.co.uk

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Felling, pruning, hedge cutting, planting, stump grinding to BS3998 Tree hazard surveys, mortgage reports and BS5837 surveys undertaken

FREE QUOTES - FULLY INSURED AND QUALIFIED Trading since 2004

01509 590 095 www.canopytrees.co.uk canopytrees

Page 4

“I’m so small,” said the mole. “Yes,” said the boy, “but you make a huge difference.” Charlie Makesy

© SVL © SVL

Soar Valley Life Soar Valley Life Finance and Admin ‐ Mary Johns Adver sing ‐ Steve Johns (page 58) Distribu on ‐ Peter Colle Graphic Design Alison Poole Designs www.alisonpooledesigns.co.uk Business Directory ‐ page 60 Telephone 01509 813125 Email enquiries Adver sing ‐ info@soarvalleylife.co.uk Editorial & Compe ons ‐ editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk Website www.soarvalleylife.co.uk Facebook www.facebook.com/SoarValleyLife Address 1 Burton Road, Sileby LE12 7RU Copyright © 2020 Fantas c State Limited trading as Soar Valley Life. The Publisher reserves and controls all rights to the work presented in this magazine. Any applica on for any use of any of the work, features, adver sements, quota ons, photographs, images or other work within this publica on must be made directly to the publisher. No part of this publica on may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmi ed, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material in this publica on the publisher can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors in either editorial or adver sing content, or take responsibility for services provided by the adver ser. It is the responsibility of the adver ser to ensure their advert is correct and up to date at the me of publica on.

General Data Protec on Regula on GDPR: All personal data collected through compe ons or related correspondence in this magazine are destroyed once the winners have been announced. We do not retain personal data.

The award winning Loughborough Millington Travel team from Le to Right Ka e, Laura, Sarah, Ka e, Stephanie, Melanie See main advert page 3

Page 6

Just Great Music!

Gardening Tips with Derry’s & Claire Jones Page 14

Review of the Year Quiz Page 31

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Contents

Find the Robin 8 Protec ng Your Family’s Inheritance 9 Thank Heavens for Snowdrops 14 Pilbeam Op cians with a first in Europe!

Quick Crossword 17 page 18 First of its kind in Mountsorrel 18 Important changes to UK Capital Recipe Gains repor ng 19 Cheesy Vegetable Gra n How to Get Paid 21 Cheesy Vegetable Gra n 22 Blueberry Custard Tarts 24 Recipes for Children 26 New Year Resolu ons 29 Page 22 Quiz – Review of the Year 31 Recipes for Children How do I get an electric charging point installed at home?

34 Page Walking – Help A enborough 26 Nature Reserve 36 New Solu on for Cold Feet 37 Dry Needling 38 Short Story ‐ The One Who Got Away 40 1 of two Skin Tags 41 £15 vouchers to spend at Le er from South Africa 42 The Needle & Pin Spot the Difference 46 Page 53 Henry Hedgehog’s Puzzle Page 47 Disappoin ng mock exam results – what to do next?

49 Business Directory Adverts from Choosing a small family pet 50 only £20 Easy & Hard Sudoku 52 Page 60 Win! Needle and Pin vouchers 53 Astronomy 54 Nicky Morgan’s farewell le er Nicky Morgan ‐ Time to move on... 55 Page 55 Tracing your Family History 55 Win! A Roberts radio with Fosse 107 57 Adver sing Prices 58 Local Business Directory 60 Solu ons and Winners 62

WIN!

Sponsored by

Walking

A enborough Nature Reserve

Page 36

Sponsored by

Find the Robin compe on Page 8

WIN A Roberts Radio with Fosse 107 Page 57

Le er from South Africa

Page 42

Did you know that Soar Valley Life magazine has been voted as the Best Community News publica on in Leicestershire for 2018/19 & 20 by SME News magazine?

Soar Valley Life

Just Great Music!

“What is the bravest thing you ever said?” asked the boy “Help!” said the horse

media sales and marke ng into the new decade. It will only ever be a part me role, as all of our roles are, but, as part me jobs go, I can think of no be er endeavour that cks so many boxes: helping our brilliant community become be er informed and served by its trades and organisa ons. So if you are, or know of, a sales and marke ng boy/girl Friday, then please get in touch.

Charlie Makesy

Very occasionally in life serendipity throws a help line to us and, as long as we’re open to possibili es and acceptance of change, we move out of being stuck, our lives progress and we grow.

A couple of years ago, as Soar Valley Life was growing ‐ in number of adver sers, contributors, and the number of magazines we were producing and delivering—it became clear to Mary and I that we really did need extra help to share in the work load. A Sileby chap, Peter Colle , who I had seen once or twice volunteering at The Great Central Railway, had applied to become a distributor. A er a couple of months I asked him if he’d like to help me deliver the boxes of mags to the 20 or so people who delivered door to door each month. Up to then I had mostly done it all myself, with the odd Samaritan helping me out when I’d sprained my wrist or had a bout of gout!

As luck would have it, Peter was about to take up a different role with his employer ‐ Leicester Diocese ‐ which meant him having more free me to explore other avenues. We offered him the job of Distribu on Manager and, to our good fortune, he accepted.

As way follows way, Peter began to take an interest in many of the processes involved in the business, and began to show us different and more efficient ways of achieving the various desired outcomes. And so, from 1st December 2019, Soar Valley Life gained it’s first ever salaried employee! Welcome Peter, Soar Valley Life’s Opera ons Manager.

With all that’s transpired this year, and as the business con nues to grow, we now find ourselves looking for assistance in other areas.

Just as an indicator as to how much we have grown we now have 46 distributors on our books, and everyone of them is an absolute star; they are our business’s life‐blood and there would be no business without them.

So, we are again looking for that serendipitous help line, and hope we can meet that really special someone who can spearhead our

On another level, serendipity’s angels have made our last year far, far be er than it otherwise could have been. The help, support, posi ve messages and spirit of community we felt a er the burglary got us through the episode enabling us to move on and out of the mire. More than retaining a posi ve a tude, it reinforced our belief that humankind is overwhelmingly kind.

We know, of course, there are some that may be a li le light on good fortune right now and if you know someone, or that some one is you, go and buy the best li le book to be published in many a year—its cover is pictured above.

It’s a book for anyone; if you are 5 or a 105, it will li your spirits as high as heaven. It is Waterstones Book of the Year for 2019. Some of our footnotes in this New Year magazine are excerpts from the book ‐ The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse by Charlie Makesy It is the most beau ful book.

Happy New Year...

Steve & Mary Johns

You are reading this because someone delivered it to your door. Would you like to get fit by doing a great service and earn a good wage for spending a few hours in the fresh air?

Email peter@soarvalleylife.co.uk for details.

Page 7

Richard Watson 01509 768831 • • • •

In business since 1983 5 year warranty We’ll beat any like for like quote High Quality Digital TV, DAB & FM Aerials • LCD/Plasma Wall Mounts • OAP Discounts • Tune-in & System set ups 133 Highgate Road, Sileby LE12 7PW www.deltaaerials.co.uk

Professional Painter and Decorator All aspects of decorating work carried out from internal to external Thirty years experience in the trade - Sileby based

Better value by far!

Free Estimates • No VAT For a full personal service call

T: 01509 815753 M: 07880 754011

© SVL

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Mostt makkes off Electtriic & Duell Fuell Cookkers repaired / serviced OAP & NHS Discount.

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Page 8

Find the Robin and win a £25 voucher to spend at The Waterside Inn Mountsorrel See page 18

Some where in the magazine we’ve hidden a little robin – he may not be as big as this one though.

If you can find him, let us know where he is and the first correct answer out of the hat after the closing date of Friday 21st February will win.

Send your answer, together with your name, address and telephone number to editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk or by post to Soar Valley Life, 1 Burton Road, Sileby, Leicestershire LE12 7RU See page 62 for our latest winners!

Psst - it’s not the one on page 6!

All of our adver sers receive a FREE web page in our on line business directory – Check them out here: h ps://soarvalleylife.co.uk/directory/

Just Great Music!

Protec ng Your Family’s Inheritance

Most people hope that their estate will pass on to their children and grandchildren eventually. But this will not happen for many, unless careful arrangements have been made to protect their assets from being taken towards the end of their life to pay for care home fees.

The solu on to help protect your estate is a Will incorpora ng a Property Protec on Trust (PPT). A testamentary PPT can only be executed whilst both partners remain alive. Upon death of the first partner, their Will specifies that their share of the property is placed into trust and names the ul mate beneficiary of this share, normally the children and

grandchildren of the deceased.

The surviving partner, under the terms of the Trust, has the unequivocal right to remain living in the property for the rest of their life.

On the death of the second partner the Trust comes to an end and the property passes to the beneficiaries. As the surviving partner does not own the deceased's share of the property it is fully protected for the beneficiaries, so if the surviving partner requires care, or even remarries, this share of the children's inheritance is protected.

This last point can be of par cular interest to couples who have come together and have children from different partners.

A PPT can help each person in a rela onship ensure that their children inherit their share of the property, while giving their surviving partner the ability to live in the property for the rest of their life. If the surviving partner wants to move to another property they can s ll sell the property and the proceeds be used to purchase a new property; the terms of the Trust remain over the new property.

Kornerstone Wealth Protec on and Legal services will assess your current circumstances and arrange the trust that will provide the best protec on for you, your family and your assets.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” asked the mole.

“Kind,” said the boy. Charlie Makesy

Page 9

01509 414 169

KEITH URRY & SON High Class Painting & Decorating Since 1995

Get your business flying all over the Soar valley for just £20 per month + Vat

www.soarvalleylife.co.uk/adver se

Telephone:

01509 673898 • 07964 955303 © SVL

Page 10

Get your business flying with an advert in Soar Valley Life

All Types Of Doors & Furniture Can Be Stripped: • Wooden Doors (Interior & Exterior) • Wooden Cabinets & Dressers • Window Skirting Architrave • Metal Doors & Gates • Varnish Stripping • Garden Furniture Open 7 days a week • Kitchen Units & Wardrobes STRIP-IT LTD, The Banks, Sileby • Fire Surrounds Tel: 01162 106 417 • 07599 812 073 & Church Pews www.strip-itltd.co.uk

© SVL

Soar Valley Life is delivered to homes over an area of more than 110 square miles

Page 11

30 years experience designing kitchens and bedrooms > Fully fitted kitchens and bedrooms or supply only > Rigid built units as standard in all kitchens > Large choice of kitchen and bedroom doors and finishes to suit all tastes and budgets > The very latest in worktops including laminate, granite, quartz and corian > Appliances from all leading manufacturers > Free design and quotation using the latest computerised design software > Appointments to suit you in the comfort of your own home > Quality kitchens and bedrooms at prices you can afford > We cover all areas

For more information call Neil on 0116 3800969 Email: neil@uniquechoiceltd.co.uk www.uniquechoiceltd.co.uk

Worried about your old Felt Flat Roof?

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www.weloveyourproperty.com - darrenhart69@icloud.com 200a Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston, Leicester “What do you think success is?” asked the boy.

“To love,” said the mole. Charlie Makesy

We also supply and fit Soffits, Fascias & Guttering

We cover the whole of Leicestershire

© SVL

Page 13

Seasoned Hardwood Logs

supplied in bags or by the tipper load

Established 1976

£4.50 a bag £100 per half pper load £200 per full pper load

Silver medal award winners at 2012 Chelsea flower show

Thank Heavens For Snowdrops

spring at reasonable prices or li and divide exis ng clumps a er flowering to spread them out.

At this me of year winter can seem never ending, so thank heavens for Snowdrops. The sight of their pointed leaves pushing their way through frozen soil reminds us that Spring is just around the corner and is so upli ing. They are much be er planted in the green a er flowering as opposed to dry bulbs in the autumn. You can order them by the hundred in the

Jobs for January and February

Page 14

• Prune old leaves from Hellebores so that the nodding blooms are easily seen. (Also reduces the spread of the leaf spot virus) • Prune apple and pear trees while they are dormant.

Remove dead or dying branches, and about 10‐20% of the old wood, with the aim of crea ng an open centre.

• Peruse the seed catalogues and plan for the growing season ahead, order seed early to avoid disappointment.

• February is the month to prune hardy evergreen hedges such as Privet, Yew, and Laurel prior to mid spring growth.

• Prune Wisteria in February to encourage more flowering spurs, work your way over the climber cu ng back whippy tendrils to two or three buds.

(These should have already been pruned to five or six buds in the summer prune.)

“What do you think is the biggest waste of me?” asked the boy.

“Comparing yourself to others” said the mole. Charlie Makesy

Hawthorn, Hedge, So fruit bare root trees now in stock…

Derry’s Nurseries, well worth a visit...

Kindling £3.50 a bag

Derry’s Nurseries

We also sell smokeless fuel, coal and firelighters

Main Street, Cossington LE7 4UU

Tel (01509) 812815 Open 7 days a week

• Sow a batch of Sweet Peas in a greenhouse or cold frame • Cut back deciduous grasses le intact over winter, ready for new Spring growth.

Plant of the season One of my favourite winter flowering shrubs is Sarcococca, otherwise known as Christmas box. An evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and a fantas c addi on to the winter garden but also

adding structure year‐round.

The flowers are pre y insignificant, (a li le cluster of white stamens) but they have an amazing scent that can be detected from meters away.

They tolerate most soils and posi ons in the garden and are even tolerant of shade.

A er flowering they will some mes produce black berries which the birds enjoy.

Claire Jones 01509 881119

Local, reliable, competitively-priced, professional service.

• Full range of Tree, Hedge & Stump services • Tree Preservation Order & Conservation Area Work • Qualified specialists that take pride in quality tree care • Fully Insured • All work carried out to BS 3998 • No job too large or too small Call now for a free no obligation quotation.

Tel: 01509 261990

Email: info@jsbtreesurgery.co.uk © SVL

“I wonder if there is a school of unlearning?” Charlie Makesy

Page 15

The UK’s No.1 Husqvarna Forest and Garden machinery supplier right on your doorstep, or available online

Visit our extensive showrooms (Open 8.30-5.00pm Mon-Fri)

Robotic Mowers As seen on TV Full installation service

Or our fully e-commerce website:

www.redbanduk.co.uk Products available include: Robotic Mowers Pedestrian Lawnmowers Garden Tractors Outfront Riders Chainsaws Pole Saws Hedge Trimmers Grass Trimmers Brushcutters Garden Blowers Cultivators/Tillers Battery Powered Products Pressure Washers Safety Clothing PPE

Grass Trimmers/ Brushcutters

Pedestrian Lawnmowers Hedge Trimmers

Garden Blowers

Outfront Riders

Trade and retail enquiries at Units 41 – 45 The Warren, East Goscote Ind. Est., East Goscote, Leicester LE7 3XA

0116 260 2601 © SVL

Pressure Washers

Garden Tractors

Quick Crossword

Just Great Music!

Answers on page 62

Across 1 Demand (6) 4 Swollen (5) 9 Tract of level high ground (7) 10 Examina ons (5) 11 Restored to health (5) 12 Exact (7) 13 Arguing (11) 18 Sudden bursts of light (7) 20 Contest (5) 22 Strongly flavoured edible bulb (5) 23 Interconnected system (7) 24 Traffic light (5) 25 Changes to fit purpose (6)

Down 1

Collision (6)

2

Step (5)

3

Slim (7)

5

Loosen (5)

6

Popular style (7)

7

Keeping down (11)

8

Pale or colourless (5)

14 Ingredient of nuclear power (7) 15 Restricted (7) 16 Happening, underway (5) 17 Trembles (6) 19 Thus (5) 21 Unit of soldiers (5)

John UNWIN (ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS) LTD LOUGHBOROUGH

All ellectrical enquiries welcome - Free quotations • Domestic, commercial and industrial work undertaken • Electrical fault findings • From one socket to full design & installation services

• New build, renovations and fuse board upgrades • Electrical Installation Testing (EICR), Emergency lighting testing and PAT testing • Fire Alarm and security systems

01509 236313

enquiries@john-unwin.com © SVL

20 Jubilee Drive Loughborough LE11 5XS www.john-unwin.com “Most of the old moles I know wish they had listened less to their fears and more to their dreams.” Charlie Makesy

Page 17

First of its kind in Mountsorrel Pilbeam Op cians of Mountsorrel are the first prac ce in Europe to offer pa ents a revolu onary eye examina on that protects and, in some cases, may even save people’s sight.

Pilbeam Op cians has invested in an Optos ‘Monaco’ device – a new 2 in 1 re nal imaging camera that is considered to be the gold standard in eye care.

Prac ce owner, Jonathan Pilbeam, explains that as well as capturing the widest possible image of the re na, the device also has a built‐ in OCT, previously only available as a stand‐alone device, which allows all the layers of the re na to be viewed. So, in 3 clicks, a vast amount of informa on is available

Page 18

Just Great Music!

(MECS), and so receives referrals for specialist eye examina ons.

These pa ents may also be screened by the Monaco device, ensuring they will receive the most comprehensive examina on. to the optometrist. Jonathan explains that for the majority of pa ents it simply reassures that the eyes are healthy; but for those where something is detected, the optometrist usually has sufficient informa on to decide if further referral is necessary.

Pilbeam Op cians also supports local GP prac ces as part of the Minor Eye Condi on Service

Pilbeam Op cians were one of the first prac ces in the world to offer the original Optos re nal imaging device, as the acquisi on of such cu ng‐edge technology fi ed with their ethos of offering pa ents the latest technology.

The Monaco eye examina on will be available to all ages under Pilbeam Op cians fixed monthly payment plan EYEplus, or at a fixed one‐off cost.

Since we started in April 2012 more than 1.2 million copies of Soar Valley Life have been delivered!

Important changes to UK Capital Gains repor ng At present if you are a Non-UK resident and sell a residen al property upon which a capital gains tax liability arises you have 30 days to report the gain to HM Revenue and Customs and also pay the tax due.

A UK resident would normally report such an event on their self‐assessment income tax return and pay any tax due the following 31st January.

From 6th April 2020 this changes so that UK Residents also have to report the gain and pay the tax due to HMRC within 30 days of the sale comple on date.

If you are already in the self‐assessment system the gain must also be included on your return.

There are also big changes from 6 April 2020 in respect of Le ngs relief and a reduc on of 50% in deemed occupa on relief!

Please feel free to contact us if you are thinking of selling your rental property and require tax advice.

Caroline Dinsmore CP Accountancy

TAILOR MADE ADVICE SPECIALISING IN: £ £ £ £ £ £

Pensions Investments Savings Wealth Adviser Retirement Planning Life Insurance

Call HELEN on 07928 676675 for a free initial no obligation meeting at your convenience, Or email: helen@i-fa.org.uk “Intelligent Financial Advisory Ltd is directly authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FCA No. 669729” Registered address: Intelligent House, 9 Midland Court, Central Park, © SVL Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 4PN www.i-fa.org.uk

“What is that over there?” “It’s the wild,” said the mole, “don’t fear it.” Charlie Makesy

Page 19

FOR ALL YOUR FLOORING REQUIREMENTS If you’re thinking about flooring…

A family run independent flooring retailer with over 30 years experience, offering a wide range of carpets and hard flooring from main manufacturers at affordable prices, including Polyflor luxury vinyl tiling and a large selection of laminate flooring

Our aim is to offer a personal, friendly service with quality and care. As we only use our own fully experienced fitters we can move furniture and uplift your old flooring if required, so you can be assured of a professional service from start to finish.

Visit our showroom for a FREE quotation We supply & fit all the latest styles to give your home the look you are after…

133 Sibson Road, Birstall, LE4 4ND Tel 0116 2672853 www.carpetsofchoice.com

To see more photos follow us on facebook

carpetsofchoice@hotmail.com

How to Get Paid

Just Great Music!

It’s essen al that businesses are paid, but it’s surprising how many don’t have procedures in place to help with cash-flow. Here, Laura Anderson from Moss Solicitors’ Dispute Resolu on Department, provides some useful ps.

1. Agree from the outset when payment is required, and what the sanc on for non‐ compliance will be.

It’s best for this to be covered in your terms and condi ons; sta ng on an invoice when payment is due may not be enough to bind a customer. The Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 en tles a business to charge interest and compensa on on unpaid invoices.

2. Have an effec ve diary system, and immediately follow up

when an invoice becomes overdue.

You can gently nudge to start with, but if payment is s ll outstanding, follow up more firmly. If your customer is struggling financially, you want it to know that you are on the ball, so that it priori ses paying you over other suppliers.

3. Be prepared to stop working.

There is no point doing more work for a customer that is not paying. This sounds obvious, but many businesses worry about jeopardising rela onships. But if you’re not ge ng paid, do you really want to maintain it?

4. Consider taking deposits.

This can be especially sensible if you are going to be doing a lot of work in a short period of

me, par cularly for a new customer. The deposit may reflect out of pocket expenses that you will incur, or some of the ini al me you will be spending.

5. Credit check new customers.

Just as individuals have credit scores, businesses will. You can pay for a credit reference and find out whether they have county court judgments which may affect your decision to trade with them, or the terms you offer.

For help recovering payments, or for more advice on terms and condi ons for your business, contact: Laura Anderson L.Anderson@mosssolicitors.co.uk or Nick Gay N.Gay@moss-solicitors.co.uk

Dispute Resolu on and Employment • Property Disputes • Conten ous Probate • Commercial Contract Disputes • Se lement Agreements • Unfair Dismissal

Please contact us on 01509 217770

Leicestershire Small Law Firm of the Year 2018

Did you know that Soar Valley Life magazine has been voted as the Page 21 Best Community News publica on in Leicestershire for 2018/19 & 20 by SME News magazine?

Recipe

Just Great Music!

Cheesy vegetable gra n

A warming one-pan family supper packed with winter vegetables and topped with a rich cheese sauce.

Serve with toast or crusty bread.

Serves 4

Ready in 55 minutes

Ingredients: • 2 tbsp olive oil

1

2

3

Tip

Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas mark 6. Heat the oil in a large ovenproof frying pan (see TIP) over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4‐5 minutes un l so ened. S r in the garlic and cook for a further minute.

Add the cauliflower, courge e and mushrooms and cook, s rring, for 5‐6 minutes, then s r in the tomatoes, spinach and oregano. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Pour over the pasta sauce and turn gently to coat the vegetables. Drop spoonfuls of the passata on top and sca er over the grated cheese.

• 1 large onion, peeled and roughly chopped • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed • 350g small cauliflower florets • 1 large courge e, roughly chopped • 100g mushrooms, sliced • 2 large tomatoes, roughly chopped • Large handful baby spinach leaves, chopped

Bake in the preheated oven for 25‐30 minutes un l golden and bubbling. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve straight from the pan with toast or crusty bread, if liked.

• 1 tsp dried oregano

If your frying pan is not suitable for use in the oven, transfer the vegetables to a large shallow baking dish before pouring over the cheese sauce.

• 100g Red Leicester cheese, grated

Page 22

• 350g tub fresh four‐cheese pasta sauce • 150ml passata • Freshly chopped parsley, to garnish

Do you run a pub? A supermarket? A food shop? A café?

Sponsor this page with your branding and details. Call Steve on 01509 813125

New Year – New Kitchen?

Order before 29th February and we’ll pay the VAT!

Free Parking directly opposite

Sweet Recipe

Just Great Music!

Blueberry Custard Tarts

These fruity tarts have a rich creamy custard filling with a crisp pastry case. If you prefer you can use shortcrust pastry.

1

Whisk the sugar, egg yolks, cornflour and vanilla extract together in a heatproof bowl un l smooth. Heat the milk in a pan over a medium heat un l almost boiling. Whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture then pour back into the pan.

Gradually bring the mixture to the boil, s rring all the me, un l a smooth custard forms.

2

Remove the pan from the heat and cover the surface closely with greasproof paper to prevent a skin forming. Leave to cool completely.

3

Meanwhile roll the pastry out on a lightly dusted surface to a 3mm thickness. Stamp out eight 12cm rounds of pastry and use to line eight 8cm fluted tartlet ns. Prick the bases with a fork and chill in the fridge whilst the custard is cooling.

4

Preheat the oven to 200C, 180C fan, gas mark 6. Divde the cooled custard mixture between the pastry cases and sca er over the blueberries. Bake for 15‐20 minutes or un l the pastry is crisp and golden. Serve warm or cold.

Page 24

Tip

Makes: 8

Ready in: 1 hour, plus cooling

Place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up then place the filled tartlet ns on it for baking. The extra burst of heat will help to ensure a crisp pastry base.

Ingredients: • • • • • • • •

75g caster sugar 3 medium egg yolks 2 tbsp cornflour 1 tsp vanilla extract 350ml milk 500g puff pastry, thawed if frozen Flour, for dus ng 100g fresh blueberries

Do you run a pub? A supermarket? A food shop? A café?

Sponsor this page with your branding and details. Call Steve on 01509 813125

Call the team you can Trust!!!

Testimonials on Trustatrader

“The whole experience was professionally & efficiently managed, courteous & frriendly. I am completely satisfied with the work done.” Mr T J Norris “Inccredibly tidy, friendly and professional. A pleasure to have around, extrremely honest and considerate. Superby service all round.” Mr McVeigh

BIG WINTER SALE

UP TO 40% DISCOUNT ON ANY UPVC PRODUCTS ORDERED IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY

We are also giving away FREE upgrade to Triple Glazing on all Windows FREE Downpipes with all Fascia Soffits and Guttering

• Insulated Conservatory Roofs •

Recipes for Children

Just Add Pa ence by Kat Gilbert

Just Great Music!

Pizza Pancake

A light and fluffy baked pancake base, customised with your favourite pizza toppings perfect for pancake day!

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • •

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“One of our greatest freedoms is how we react to things.” Charlie Makesy

Page 27

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New Year Resolu ons It’s January and most of us have made our New Year resolu ons – again!

How many of us s ck to them – not many. The reason for this is very complex and not something I can do jus ce to here. However visualiza on is one technique that will help you. Start by thinking about what you want to achieve e.g. to lose weight.

Now visualize yourself in the future having lost weight i.e. going out for a meal. Think about how slim you look imagine the clothes you are wearing in every detail, think about all the compliments you are ge ng. Think about your choice of food, you want the healthy nutri onal op on, imagine ea ng each item slowly and enjoying every mouthful. Finally think of how you feel, happy, confident, slim, a rac ve etc. the more specific the be er. Keep on prac cing and your thoughts will trick your body into thinking this is reality. If you want to learn more ps and techniques to achieve your full poten al read my book Onion Therapy available from www.oniontherapy.co.uk, Soar Valley Life and Amazon.

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Page 30

Get your business ying with an advert in Soar Valley Life

Š SVL

Quiz – Review Of The Year

1. In August, Donald Trump cancelled a trip to Denmark a er the Danish Prime Minister said that what was not for sale?

2. In August, which team were expelled from the English Football League due to unpaid debts?

3. To celebrate Interna onal Women's Day on March 8th, which TV soap opera aired a special episode featuring an all‐female cast?

4. What was the specific date in 2019 on which the UK was originally due to leave the European Union? den Ash hman from Essex won over one miillion dolllars a er comiing 5. In Jully, 15‐year‐olld Jad second alongside his Dutch teammate in the World Cup finals of which video game?

6. In January, who wrote to Emma Fairweather, saying "I have since learned you suffered a broken arm. I am deeply sorry about this injury."?

7. A McDonald's restaurant in Edinburgh was asked by police to stop selling what in May due to a visit from Nigel Farage?

8. In June, 89‐year‐old Colin Thackery became the oldest person to win what?

9. In September, what became the first ever Bri sh‐made TV show to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series?

10. A er talks with Irish leader Leo Varadkar in February, who said there is a "special place in hell for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan of how to carry it out safely"?

Answers on pagge 62

“Be careful not to fa ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ll” Charlie Makesy

Page 31

YOUR N LOOK EW P RESTA UB & URANT NOW O PEN

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Motoring Just Great Music!

How do I get an electric car charging point installed at home?

With the increase in electric car popularity, more people are going to need to charge at home.

But how do you go about it?

Most manufacturers now produce electric cars, and demand will increase as both carmakers and government push to get more people into plug‐in cars.

More people will therefore need to charge their cars at home, and installing a wallbox makes the process a lot quicker than using a three‐pin plug. Let’s take a look at how you do it.

Why do I need a wallbox charger?

As well as delivering a faster rate of charge than a three‐pin plug, a wallbox is also safer as they tend to be weatherproof. Many have built‐in features to ensure safety should an error occur, and it won’t overload your house’s electricity supply, too.

How much is it going to cost me?

Inclusive of the available government grant, it’ll cost from £279 to install a wallbox into your home and this covers installa on by a qualified fi er – so the only addi onal cost a er everything’s plugged in is the electricity itself.

Installa on may be more expensive if you’re trying to place a wallbox in a par cularly tricky place, or if more wiring than usual is required.

How much will it cost to charge my car?

This depends on the size of the car’s ba eries, how much charge

Page 34

you’ve got le in it and the rate you pay for electricity. However, as a guide, the typical rate for electricity is 14p per kWh, or 8p per kWh for overnight, economy charging.

For an average electric car, with a 60kWh ba ery and around 200 miles worth of range, it’ll cost around £8.40 to charge fully.

Something larger, like a Tesla Model S, will cost around £14 – but remember that the Tesla offers a much greater range at around 300 miles.

How long will it take to charge my electric car?

A wallbox gives a charging rate of between 3.7kW and 7kW, which equates to around 15‐30 miles of charge added per hour. A three‐ pin charger will only deliver 2.3kW of power, or around eight miles of range per hour.

Where will a wallbox be installed?

A wallbox will be placed on an external wall either on the side of your house or on the side of a garage. Connected to the mains electricity by a secure connec on, it’ll be ideally located close to where you park.

This will only really work for people with off‐street parking though —you’re not allowed to run cables across the pavement to a car parked on the street.

How long will installa on take?

It should only take around three hours for a wallbox to be installed at your home, depending on access and how tricky an area it is to fit.

Where can I buy a wallbox from?

Plenty of suppliers of electric car charging points are available and an internet search should provide a mul tude of local providers.

Note that if you want to take advantage of the government’s grant, then you may have to prove ownership of the car and your home in order to qualify.

Adver sing prices on page 58. Or Email steve@soarvalleylife.co.uk for our new adver sing informa on pack

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“So much beauty we need to look a er.” Charlie Makesy

Page 35

Walking - Help A enborough Nature Reserve!

This page sponsored by

Walk instruc ons 31/2 Miles 11/2 Hours Postcode NG9 6DY Use the car park at A enborough Nature Reserve, south west of No ngham, reached from the A6005 between Beeston and Long Eaton. Pay and display, café, shop and all other facili es at the visitor centre.

1 From the roundabout, take the narrow tarmac track past the ‘No Entry’ signs, cross over the bridge and fork le at the signpost to the river.

“The A enborough Nature Reserve is being sold and it needs 1 million pounds to secure its future. It is a symbol of hope in a challenging world. It is a natural oasis at the edge of a big city, full of remarkable and beau ful birds and other wildlife.

You can help us make sure this place is forever safe in the hands of No nghamshire Wildlife Trust.”

David A enborough To donate either go to www.no nghamshirewildlife.org or do the walk and enquire at the centre or call 0115 958 8242

2 Take the path le with the River Trent to the right for one and three quarter miles to the second Meadow Lane signpost, close to the landing stages on this side of the river.

3 Turn le and follow this path through the nature reserve all the way to the railway.

4 The track runs le , parallel to the railway, then veers le and slowly right, with the lake to the right. Carry on over a humped back girder bridge and along the path between walls, keep direc on up the road ahead between hedges to the corner.

5 Follow the road right to the junc on with Church Lane and turn le , heading right again in front of the church. Take this wide path le and keep on this track, through trees again, back to the car park to find your vehicle. © Clive Brown All our walks are compiled by Clive Brown You can order any of his walking close to guides from www.walkingcloseto.com See his new book from Bradwell Books Walking for all Ages in Leicestershire & Rutland h p://bradwellbooks.co.uk/walks‐for‐all‐ages‐leicestershire‐‐rutland‐581‐p.asp

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Charlie Makesy

Page 37

Dry Needling

Dry Needling is an effec ve treatment for tension/spasm within a muscle. It differs from Tradi onal Chinese Acupuncture which is a sophis cated system of s mula ng energy in the body to promote healing as well as trea ng the symptoma c area. As an adjunct to osteopathic manual treatment (so ssue massage/joint mobilisa on), dry needling works well for tendon problems such as tennis/golfer’s elbow.

During Dry Needling, chemicals in the body are released, the immune system increases white blood cells, and red blood cells carry oxygen and nutrients to the injured area. Since the presence of the needle in a tense muscle may be sore, the nervous system sends a message to the muscle to stop its spasm and ul mately reduce pain.

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Page 38

Vinesh and Tanni Patel Principals of Inter Eyecare

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Short Story By Jackie Brewster Just Great Music!

The One Who Got Away

“Shall I sit with you Aunty Mae, or at another table?” Colleen dithered, looking around the café for the perfect spot. “Is he supposed to know I’m here or not?”

“I don’t want it to look like I’ve brought a chaperone – I am a grown woman a er all,” Mae said, pulling out a chair at a table by the window.

“Perhaps I should sit over in the corner.” Colleen pointed to a table tucked behind a yucca. “If he looks like a weirdo I’ll ini ate an exit strategy.”

“You are good to come with me for this,” Mae said, reaching for her niece’s hand. “I must admit I’m feeling all of a flu er.”

“You’d do the same for me,” Colleen said. “So who is this mystery date anyway?”

“It’s funny actually. He’s a chap I used to go to school with. I thought he was wonderful, but he preferred another girl, so that was that.”

“He’s your one who got away.”

Colleen nodded in sympathy. “I had one of those.”

“Really?” Mae checked her makeup in a compact mirror.

“What was his name?”

“Mark Harby.” Colleen blushed.

“We were thick as thieves when we were kids. Then he moved down south with his parents and I was too shy to ask if he’d write.”

Colleen straightened up and smiled. “So what’s your fella like?"

Page 40

“His name’s Walter Cornwell,” Mae said. “He was my woodwork teacher’s son, had lovely eyes. He got in touch on Facebook.” Mae reached for her phone. “Sent me his picture.”

“Go on,” Colleen leaned forward, “let me see it.”

“I ought to warn you – he’s changed a lot.” Mae showed Colleen the screen of her phone.

“He looks handsome,” Colleen lied.

Time had not been kind to Walter Cornwall. “What does he say about himself?”

“He’s re red, has a son and two grandkids, likes renova ng pine furniture and collec ng an que rasps.”

“Re red already?” Colleen was surprised, and then a li le suspicious. “They’re very woodworky hobbies, aren’t they?”

“He must take a er his dad,” Mae conceded.

“What was the name of his dad?”

Colleen asked carefully. “You know, the woodwork teacher?”

“We never asked things like that.”

Mae waved her hand dismissively.

“It was just ‘Sir’.”

“You don’t suppose it was Walter as well do you?”

“Now I think about it, it could have been.” Mae frowned.

Colleen grimaced. “Aunty Mae, I’ve got a horrible feeling that your date isn’t with Walter Junior – but with Walter Senior, your woodwork teacher.”

Her aunt’s reac on surprised her.

“It isn’t,” Mae winked, “because I haven’t got a date at all.”

“You haven’t?” Colleen was confused.

“I was just keeping you distracted,” Mae turned towards the café door, “un l your date arrived.”

“But I’m not here for a date,” Colleen stammered, her heart already thumping as a person she hadn’t seen for years walked towards their table.

“I’ve been playing Cupid, don’t be cross,” Mae whispered, and made the unnecessary introduc on.

“Colleen, you remember Mark Harby don’t you?”

“O en the hardest person to forgive is yourself.” Charlie Makesy

Page 40

Skin Tag Removal

Many people have skin tags which can be quickly and safely removed using Advanced Cosme c Procedures (ACP). These benign tumours grow to about the size of a grain of rice but can be as big as a raisin or even larger. They may be pigmented or flesh coloured and some may grow on a fleshy stalk. i.e. pedunculated.

Skin tags commonly form in areas where there is fric on; where skin rubs on skin, such as in the

armpits, under the breasts, in the groin and on the eyelids. They can be a problem where jewellery or clothing rub and are common on the neck. They can even form just inside or under the nose.

Whilst they are extremely common they can be distressing and, where clothing or jewellery irritates them, they can become very sore, While they may be treated for this reason most people have them removed because they consider them unsightly.

Pennie Blatchford

Skin tags like this can be removed by ACP leaving smooth skin once the area has completely healed.

Pennie Blatchford

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Effective removal of benign skin blemishes for men and women

Pennie Blatchford B.Sc.(Hons), IBSD, BABTAC

Skin tags, blood spots, warts, seborrhoeic keratosis, age spots, thread veins, spider naevi, milia, and other benign skin defects and blemishes can be removed using advanced electrolysis.

This is an inexpensive, quick and safe procedure. Free initial consultation by fully qualified, insured and licenced practitioner.

Please see website:

www.pennieblatchford.co.uk Email: pennieblatchford@hotmail.co.uk or phone on:

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Seborrhoeic Keratosis before and after treatment

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“I think everyone is just trying to get home,” said the mole. Charlie Makesy

Page 41

The Independent Traveller

Just Great Music!

Le er from South Africa During the last year I have been in Africa for over two months in total so I thought it might be interes ng to reflect on what this con nent has to offer and why it has such an a rac on for so many.

For all its problems and issues you cannot fail to be impressed by the energy of the people of Africa. It hits you as soon as you walk out of the ‘Arrivals’ door at the airport. The wall of sound lets you know you have arrived and you feel the energy all around.

Tapping into that energy with good direc on is the key to success. One country that seems to have achieved that is Rwanda; a strong central government, free from a culture of bribery, has produced a strong growing sustainable economy. Energy tapped and directed!

Hopefully other countries can remove the need for 'off the book' payments to get things done.

Africa, being such a large con nent, has a great diversity of scenery and wildlife to view. Most clients are very surprised by the bird life with many places having

over 400 species recorded. Some of the world’s best beaches are in Africa and most are virtually empty.

We are always asked about safety in Africa. The news yesterday, on the early morning news in South Africa, was full of the issues on London Bridge, while the main report was of stabbings in Amsterdam and, only yesterday, I had lunch with a South African who was robbed at knife point in Hyde Park in London. There are five major ci es in the USA that have more crime on a percentage basis than any city in Africa. As long as travellers are sensible then most of Africa is safe as long as you do not take foolish risks.

Last night we walked to dinner about half a mile away, and then walked back because the area is

very safe. There are plenty of areas in No ngham or Leicester where I would not do that.

In summary it brings me back to the people. In the last 18 months I have spent me in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Kenya. Each has something different to offer but the one thing they all have in common is the people. Happy, noisy, full of energy and welcoming.

If you have not ventured into Africa yet then come in and speak to us. We are well versed in what Africa has to offer and can help tailor your trip to meet your expecta ons.

Malcolm Peasnall, Principal The Independent Traveller

The Independent Traveller, Devonshire House, Devonshire Lane, Loughborough. LE11 3DF t: 01509 618 800 | e: holidays@uni-travel.co.uk www.i ssouthafrica.co.uk | www.i scanada.co.uk

Page 42

“Don’t leave anything but your footprints, don’t take anything but your memory.”

Epigram at beginning of ‘On Safari’ chapter of the book A Life on Fire by Bill Ford and Steve Johns

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Could your business benefit from a Feature Package?

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Page 45

Ann Haldo Pets ByTen Spot Differences Just Great Music!

Answers on page 62

Open: 8am - 6pm Mon - Fri 51 Weeks of the year Now in our 15th year, Rothley Park Kindergarten is one of the most modern children's nurseries in Leicestershire perfectly equipped to provide your child with the best care and development in Leicestershire. And that’s not just us saying that. We were inspected on 23rd January 2017 by Ofsted and were judged outstanding in all categories.

Nursery manager Narinder Kaur and her team of professional nursery practitioners deliver a second-to-none childcare service tailored to your child’s individual requirements.

Limited Government funding is available for 3 and 4 year-olds. We also offer full or part-time sessions as required, depending on availability, for all children under the age of 5 years throughout the year and during school holidays.

A warm welcome awaits you – no appointments are necessary as all new and prospective parents are invited to visit us at their own convenience.

Rothley Park Kindergarten, Loughborough Road, Rothley, Leicestershire LE7 7NL T: 0116 230 3888 M: 07813 021410 info@rothleyparkkindergarten.co.uk www.rothleyparkkindergarten.co.uk

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Answers on page 62

Disappoin ng mock exam results - what to do next?

Firstly, don't panic! A "shock in the mock" can actually be a helpful wake up call for your child - a mely reminder that good GCSE and A-Level grades require a lot of study, revision, hard work and applica on.

For some though, it's trauma c, reinforcing the student's belief that they are "no good" at a par cular subject.

The Oxford Handbook of Posi ve Psychology states: "One's self confidence increases from experiences of having sa sfactorily completed par cular ac vi es" ‐ in other words, prac ce makes perfect, but where do you start?

Coaching and prac ce on exam technique with an enthusias c tutor can lead to a drama c improvement in your child's performance, and help determine the next steps in his or her academic career ‐ there's s ll me before this summer's exams.

We are a local company, employing local tutors to help children at Key Stage 2 and 3, GCSE and A level, to be the best they can be at Maths, English, Sciences, Languages ‐ any subject. Great tutors always required.

Call us on 01509 767007 to arrange your free consulta on. www.tutordoctor.co.uk/loughborough.

Your chance to make a difference in 2020 for girls and young women locally Did you see us being sparkly and excited when almost 350 of our girls enjoyed their Girlguiding special screenings of Frozen 2 at Loughborough Odeon before Christmas? Every year there are fabulous events like this, put on just for our young members and their leaders. You, your daughters and your granddaughters are definitely missing out if you or they are not already a member of Girlguiding.

There’s no need to miss out though ‐ our next big adventure takes place on Saturday 22nd February when 12,500 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and their volunteer leaders will enjoy a fabulous day at the NEC with hundreds of adventurous, crea ve and downright zany ac vi es on offer to celebrate Thinking Day. The new year is an excellent me for youngsters to try a new hobby. There are plenty of opportuni es to get involved as units across the Soar Valley Life area have

spaces for more girls to join their weekly mee ngs – youngsters can be registered for these units at: h ps://bit.ly/38xq0LI It’s not just youngsters who can try something new this new year. We have volunteer roles, for men as well as women, that do not require a regular weekly commitment and even volunteer roles that do not involve working with children. If you want to find out more details please look at: h ps://bit.ly/2cSL3ug If you are aged 14 or older and would like to volunteer locally then it is really easy to register your details at: h ps://bit.ly/2rSbziB I promise you won’t regret it! Lisa

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Page 49

Pets By Ann Haldo Just Great Music!

Choosing a small family pet

If you’re thinking of buying a small pet, how do you know which one would be best for your family? Some love human interac on and will happily play for hours, but others prefer to stay in their own environment where they feel safe.

Rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters are all very popular as small family pets – here are a few pointers to help you decide.

Rabbits Rabbits can make great family pets but they’re easily startled by loud noises and sudden movement. They’re very entertaining to watch and can have charming personali es, but

owning a rabbit is a long‐term commitment as they can live for up to 12 years¹.

Hamsters Hamsters are nocturnal creatures, and although very playful when awake they may not be the best pet if you and your family are expec ng lots of day me interac on and entertainment.

Guinea pigs Guinea pigs are very gentle creatures by nature and they

thrive if they’re with others of their own kind. Buying more than one guinea pig may be a good idea, therefore, but you need to make sure that you either buy two females or a pair where the males are neutered.

Buying a pet is a huge responsibility regardless of size.

One of the most important considera ons is to go to a trustworthy breeder who takes me to explain the care that’s required and makes sure you understand the commitment you’re making. ¹www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/ how-long-do-rabbits-live www.bluecross.org.uk/ pet-advice/choosing-right-small-pet www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/ pets/rodents/guineapigs/company

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ancient

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M

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www.amfurniturerestoration.co.uk Restoration and renovation of antique furniture Bespoke cabinet making & furniture reproduction Re-lacquering of modern furniture (i.e. Ercol, G-Plan, Old Charm etc) & French Polishing General repairs Est. 1995 © SVL If you would like to enquire further please contact David Nash on 07976 571 679 or 01530 587 537

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Made to measure blinds including Roman, vertical, pleated and venetians. Rollers including Night and Day. Perfect Fit blinds in venetian, roller or pleated. Roof light blinds including Velux and Keylite. Blinds for bi-fold doors.

We offer expert advice in the comfort of your own home Contact Caroline Thompson Telephone 01509 821016 - Mobile 0795 1619046 acacia@acacia-blinds.co.uk - www.acacia-blinds.co.uk

“We all need a reason to keep going,” said the horse. What’s yours?”

Page 51 “You three,” said the fox. “Ge ng home,” said the boy. “Cake” said the mole. Charlie Makesy

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Hard Sudoku

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Each row, column and 3 x 3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9 just once.

This can be done by applying logic – you don’t have to guess!

Page 52

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WIN!

Find the bo le of Soar Head beer and win one of two £15 vouchers to spend at the Needle & Pin Somewhere in the magazine we’ve hidden a bo le of Soar Head beer. It may not be as big as this one though.

If you can find it, let us know where it is and the first two correct answers out of the hat a er the closing date of Friday 21st February will win. Entrants must be over 18.

Send your answer, together with your name, address and telephone number to editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk or by post to Soar Valley Life, 1 Burton Road, Sileby, Leicestershire LE12 7RU See page 62 for our latest winners!

The Needle & Pin was Loughborough’s first micropub; it opened its doors in 2015 and is conveniently situated at 15 The Rushes, Loughborough. Stocking an ever changing range of cask ales, keg, can and bo led cra beers, high quality wines, gins, rums and whisky, there is something for everyone.

It was awarded ‘CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year for Leicestershire’ in 2017 and ‘CAMRA Pub of the Year for Leicestershire’ in 2018; if you visit you will see exactly why. Open Tues‐Thurs 5pm‐11pm, Fri 3.30pm‐11.30pm, Sat 12.00‐11.30pm, Sun 4.00pm‐9.00pm Cheers!

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Page 53

Astronomy Just Great Music!

Sky Notes for the start of the New Leap Year

Welcome again to our new look Astronomy page which we now bring to you with the help of Roy Gre on, Vice Chairman and Journal Editor of The No ngham Astronomical Society. Everyone is welcome to a end the Society’s monthly mee ngs which take place at The Gotham Memorial Hall, No ngham Road, Gotham No s.

NG11 0HE on the first Thursday of each month. Contact details are on Soar Valley Life’s Website, or go directly to the No ngham Astronomy website: h ps://no nghamastro.org.uk/ 2020 is one of those years when we have to add an extra day to February – something we do every fourth year…or do we? I don’t suppose anyone reading this can remember the year 1900, but that wasn’t a Leap Year. Neither were 1800 or 1700. But 1600 and 2000were. How come?

You may wonder how long ago Leap Years were introduced, and who was responsible for this odd arrangement Most people are surprised to learn that it was none other than Julius Caesar, as long ago as 46BC. Even he knew that a year is a quarter of a day longer than 365 days, so that an extra

day is needed every fourth year. But even this system was found to have its problems, because one year isn’t quite 365.25 days, but 365.2422 days, a difference of about eleven minutes.

As me went by this discrepancy became more obvious, un l by the 16th Century it amounted to 11 whole days. To solve this problem an astronomer by the name of Clavius worked out that if century years (those ending in 00) were not Leap Years unless they were divisible by 400, the average year would be exactly the right length. (1900, for example, is not exactly divisible by 400, so it wasn’t a Leap Year). Hence the present system, known as the Gregorian Calendar.

A s ckler for detail may note that this s ll makes a year 26 seconds too long, but that won’t be a problem for over 3000 years!

The Planets in January and February Mercury is the hardest to spot of the bright planets, because it is never seen in a fully dark sky due to its proximity to the Sun. This year midFebruary provides the best opportunity for seeing Mercury in the evening sky. From the end of the first week of February look out for a bright “spark” in the sunset glow as you look to the WSW. You’ll need to pick a loca on with a low westerly skyline (no buildings or trees to obscure the view).

Venus is normally the brightest object in our sky, other than the Sun

and Moon. In spite of this, for several months it has been easy to miss because it has been lurking very low down in the southwest. This is about to change, as the planet prepares to put on a spectacular display in the spring. Look out on the evening of February 27th, when Venus and the crescent Moon will be in the same region of the sky, making a beau ful pairing.

Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are called “superior planets” because they orbit the Sun further out than Earth. At the moment, as luck would have it, they are so badly placed in our sky that it is hardly worth looking for them!

Jupiter was in conjunc on with the Sun near the end of December, and will be creeping out into the morning sky in the New Year. By the end of February it will be rising a couple of hours before the Sun, so early risers may spot it low in the southeast before dawn. Saturn will be in conjunc on with the Sun on January 15th, so it will emerge into the morning sky later than Jupiter, and being much dimmer will be even harder to spot. Mars is a rela vely ny world compared with the gas giants, and due to its present distance from Earth will appear only one‐sixth as large as Jupiter through a telescope. It is visible very low down in the morning sky, but the best plan is to wait un l October, when Mars will be much closer to us and about as bright as Jupiter.

Phases of the Moon for January, February and March Phase First Quarter: Full Moon: Last Quarter: New Moon:

Date & Time 3rd January 10th January 17th January 24th January

‐ ‐ ‐ ‐

04.45 GMT 19.21 GMT 12.58 GMT 21.42 GMT

Date & Time 2nd February 9th February 15th February 23rd February

‐ ‐ ‐ ‐

01.42 GMT 07.33 GMT 22.17 GMT 15.32 GMT

Date & Time 2nd March ‐ 9th March ‐ 16th March ‐ 24th March ‐

19.57 GMT 17.48 GMT 09.34 GMT 09.28 GMT

Observing Tip: If you stargaze at this most glorious me of year, dress up warmly by pu ng on lots of layers, not just a heavy coat, as the layers trap more air close to your skin. Wear heavy soled boots with two pairs of socks. To finish off the sartorial astro’ look, a woolly hat prevents the warmth escaping from your head!

Page 54

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Time to move on…

Dear Soar Valley Life Reader With Jane Hunt now our new MP for Loughborough and a new Conserva ve Parliament elected, I have bowed out of local poli cs, although I am keeping my job in the Steve shows Nicky her cabinet as Digital, Culture, Media and Sport secretary column at the start of the 2015 elec on campaign for the me being. I am honoured to have been given a life peerage a er being Loughborough’s MP for nine years; which has been the greatest privilege of my life so far and I’ve loved wri ng my regular column for Soar Valley Life since June 2014.

It is with sadness that I decided not to stand for elec on again, but for personal reasons it is the right me for me to move on , and, hopefully spend more me with my family.

I believe that with the help of my brilliant staff we have been able to help thousands of cons tuents over the years and answer tens of thousands of queries about na onal government policy. I know that not everyone will agree with my views and, indeed, many of your readers will not have voted for me, but I hope if they did ask for my help or meet me at the many local events I a ended, they felt I listened to them.

I have loved mee ng so many thousands of local residents – at Christmas Tree fes vals, through local organisa ons, chari es and businesses, in my surgeries and in Loughborough market, to name just a few places. Thank you for allowing me to share in your highs and lows.

Our new Parliament will face many challenges – some an cipated and some quite unexpected but I hope all those elected or re‐elected make the most of their me in Westminster represen ng their communi es and making a posi ve difference to our great country. And please, make your views known to your MP and if you think they can help you then do ask. That is what they are there for!

I wish Jane Hunt the greatest enjoyment in this fabulous role. I will be staying in Loughborough and will no doubt see many of you out and about – including perhaps on the Great Central Railway!

With best wishes Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP for Loughborough 2010 - 2019.

Tracing Your Family History

More about Migration Thinking first about migrants into Britain, which has happened over centuries, early examples may be meerchants or traders, buying our wool or selling us their flax, who then settled here. Others came because of perssecution, such as 40,000-50,000 Protestant Huguenots froom France in late 17thC., many of whom worked in silk prodduction in Spitalfields, London. Religious migrants often broought skills with them. European Jews came in several waves, often founding successful businesses, such as tailooring. Many anglicised their surnames, whether to blend in or for simplicity, so clues to immigrant ancestors may coome from researching surname origins. Other names annnounce their origins, as with the Irish, many came with onnly their muscle and their labour built our canals, then raiilways. Before 1948 anyone born in the British Empire couuld travel freely within it, which brought many to Britain to study, work and even fight beside us.

The Loughborough group of the Leicestershire & Ru utland Family History ryy Society (LRFHS) meet on the thiird Tuesday of the month at All Saints Church hall, Th horpe Acre Rd, Loughborough, LE11 4LF, open at 6.45pm with refreshments for 7.30pm start rt. t Meetings: Jan 21 – Adrian Hickson Feb 18 – AGM & Gay Edwards “What Is It?” © SVL

Email enquiries to jenni@jennidobson.co.uk

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Wishing all our listeners and clients a happy and healthy

New Year!

Fosse 107 – your commercial radio companion 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every month of the year.

News on the hour every hour from 5 am to 11 pm. What’s On at 10 to the hour from 09.50 through to 18.50. Compe ons every day. Follow our Facebook page

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6:00am - Fosse Breakfast with Mark Rowley Waking up the area with The Early Bird Quiz before 7, your birthdays a er 8 and another mystery year on the Test of Time a er 9.

10:00am - Mark Foster Mark has your workday playlist sorted 2:00pm - Fosse Drive me with James Mar n James gets you home with the latest travel.

7:00pm - Stephan Cole Stephan has the perfect playlist for your evening, including his Track Of The Week.

Whether you’re out and about, …or having a cosy night in, Fosse 107 is with you all the way!

10:00pm - The Wind Down with Jay Khera Jay plays the coolest chilled‐out tunes to end your day, plus the Greatest Hits at 10:20 & 11:20.

Thank you for suppor ng Fosse 107 your local radio sta on - keep listening!

Phone: 01509 350 107 Text: 07572 831 107 Email: studio@fosse107.co.uk Website: www.fosse107.co.uk

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Just great music HOW TO ENTER

Find the names associated with Fosse 107 in our Wordsearch below and send your answer, which is an eight word related phrase, together with your full name, address and telephone number, to editor@soarvalleylife.co.uk or by post to Soar Valley Life, 1 Burton Road, Sileby, Leicestershire LE12 7RU. The first correct answer out of the hat a er the closing date of Friday 21st February will win. Editor’s decision is final. Terms and condi ons apply.

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13 55 28

ADT

Taxi Company Telephone 01509 260 000 / 0116 255 5222 See our main advert on page 2 Kinchbus www.kinchbus.co.uk Travel Millington Travel Loughborough 01509 362 000 The Independent Traveller 01509 618 800 Tree Surgeons Canopy Tree Services 01509 590 095 JSB Tree Surgery 01509 261 990 Mar n Page Tree Surgeon 01509 414 169 Mathew Jarram Tree Services 01509 649 453 / 0793 427 2484 Windows & Conservatories Absolute Window Solu ons Ltd 0116 231 4976 / 0116 253 8866 Charnwood Windows 0792 550 7281 Hardwick Heritage Windows 0115 855 6010 Whelband Windows 01509 211 990

op 01509 813125 We come to you and talk it through

advert costs just £20 plus vat per month. Call Steve on 01509 813125 for more details

64 3 43 4 15 10 19 25 28 53 63

Solu ons to Puzzles Just Great Music!

Spot the Difference Answers 6.

1. Finger missing 7.

2. Card on floor 8.

3. Shoelaces 9.

4. Earrings 10.

5. Moon

Mouth Stripy dress Tie colour Ques on mark Blue in background

Sudoku Solu ons

Easy

Review Of The Year Quiz Answers 1. Greenland 2. Bury 3. Emmerdale 4. March 29th 5. Fornite 6. Prince Philip ‐ a er being involved in a car crash 7. Milkshakes ‐ fearing they would be thrown at him 8. Britain's Got Talent 9. Fleabag 10. Donald Tusk

Henry Hedgehog Solu on 1. Skull 2. Clavicle 3. Sternum 4. Humerus 5. Coccyx 6. Femur 7. Radius 8. Tibia Bone Matches Femur ‐ A Humerus ‐ C Sternum ‐ D Clavicle ‐ B

Quick Crossword Solu on

Hard

Wicked Hathern Cra Beers Winner

Congratula ons to Ian Dyke of Rothley whose entry in our Find the Soar Head Beer was the first correct answer to be drawn a er the closing date. The Soar Head bo le was on a table in the Independent Traveller advert on page 35.

Ian wins a case of 12 Cra Beers from Wicked Hathern Brewery.

See pages 8, 53 and 57 for more compe ons!

Page 62

Christmas Carols Wordsearch Winner

Congratula ons to Sue Disley of Barrow upon Soar whose entry in our Christmas Carols wordsearch was the first correct answer to be drawn a er the closing date. The phrase was, “Deck the halls with boughs of holly.”

Sue wins £50 to spend at The Flower Plant in Sileby.

See pages 8, 53 and 57 for more compe ons!

Find the Robin Winner Congratula ons to Suzanne Jones of Birstall who spo ed our li le robin on page 32 si ng on a picture frame.

Suzanne wins a £25 voucher to use at The Waterside Inn Mountsorrel.

See pages 8, 53 and 57 for more compe ons!

“Could your business sponsor a compe on?

You provide the prize we’ll do the rest. We have hundreds of readers entering with every issue, all men oning and mindful of the sponsors name, product or service”

WHELBAND WINDOWS LTD NOW IN OUR 27TH YEAR!

Manufacturers and installers of A Rated windows, doors and conservatories, Bi-fold and sliding doors.

Special frames and commercial projects.

New installations carry a 10 year insurance backed guarantee

Unit 6, Festival Drive, Loughborough, LE11 5XJ

01509 211990 E: whelband@btconnect.com

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Specialist wind repairs, sealed ow and lock repla unit cement.

Call us now expert advicfor e.

www.whelbandwindows.co.uk