Active Magazine // South Leicestershire // February 2017

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ISSUE 22 // FEBRUARY 2017

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HOW TO… South Leicestershire’s sport and lifestyle magazine

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Hygge your home Start the day brilliantly Finance makeover

L ON G

Have you got the stamina for a distance challenge?

Team Active Kit out your own cycling team in our Rutland Cycling competition

ISSUE 22 // FEBRUARY 2017

Suffer the consequences!

Quenby Hall and Hungarton

N e w Tr av el Fe atu r e

s...

Forget the Alp d el go further afi g for your skiin holiday

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www.theACTIVEmag.com

Win free tickets for The Suffering

Will’s Walk

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22/01/2017 11:05

Start the new year in a BRAND NEW HOME Gretton Valley, Gretton

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General enquiries Falcon Way, Bourne PE10 0FF  01778 391555 Prices and information correct at time of going to print. Images are for illustrative purposes only.

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Editor’s Letter THE BIG NEWS IN SPORT IN THIS REGION IN the last month has been the sacking of Richard Cockerill at Leicester Tigers.

Many people I spoke to, especially rugby fans who don’t support Tigers, were amazed that a man with his record should lose his job. But in the age of professionalism, your past record gets you so far, but the current situation counts for far, far more.

Like a lot of sport, luck and timing is almost as important as skill and planning. Tigers have waned in the last two or three years, making play-offs and semi-finals by the skin of their teeth rather than powering into finals. But the number of injuries have been ridiculous, and any club, or director of rugby, would have struggled to remain competitive.

There were times in the last few seasons where Tigers had 20-25 players out. Can anyone tell me the last time Tigers put out a first choice centre pairing? It must be three years ago, I reckon. But on each occasion they got enough fit to make a late run and rescue the season. The issue with this year is that, especially in the back line, all their stars are injured and out for the long term in a league that is ever more competitive.

Who knows how Cockers’ and Aaron Mauger’s differing philosophies on how to play the game would have gelled when Aussie international Matt Toomua picked open a defence with a moment of genius. Or whether Manu Tuilagi smashing holes for front foot ball gave the back row space to play the expansive All Black-type game Mauger wants. And what about the best loosehead in the world, Marcus Ayerza, marmalising front rows for 60 minutes to allow Ellis Genge to come on and cause mayhem in the last quarter?

We won’t find out. With more money flooding into rugby, and players and coaches coming in from all over the world to all clubs, Cockers was something of an anachronism – a man who lived and breathed the club he was at, and had done pretty much unbroken for quarter of a century.

With him leaving Tigers, one of the last vestiges of the amateur ethos (and by no means am I calling Cockers amateur!), that blood, sweat and tears bond to a club, has gone. And that is a a terrible shame.

Enjoy the issue! Steve

Publisher Chris Meadows chris@theactivemag.com Editor Steve Moody steve@theactivemag.com Deputy editor Mary Bremner mary@theactivemag.com Production editor Julian Kirk julian@theactivemag.com Art editor Mark Sommer mark@theactivemag.com Contributors Martin Johnson, William Hetherington, Jeremy Beswick, Julia Dungworth Photographers Nico Morgan, Pip Warters Production assistant Gary Curtis Advertising sales Lisa Withers lisa@theactivemag.com Sarah Stillman sarah@theactivemag.com Amy Roberts amy@theactivemag.com Editorial and Advertising Assistant Kate Maxim kate@theactivemag.com Accounts accounts@theactivemag.com Active magazine, The Grey House, 3 Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PG. Tel: 01780 480789

If you have information on a club then get in touch by emailing editor@theactivemag.com. If you would like to stock Active magazine then email distribution@ theactivemag.com. If you would like to discuss advertising possibilities please email advertise@ theactivemag.com. Active magazine is published 12 times per year on a monthly basis. ISSN 2059-8513 A Grassroots Publishing Limited company. Company registration number 7994437. VAT number 152717318 Disclaimer

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Copyright (c) Grassroots Publishing Limited (GPL) 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or be stored in any retrieval system, of any nature, without prior permission from GPL. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of GPL or its affiliates. Disclaimer of Liability. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information contained in this publication at the time of going to press, GPL and its affiliates assume no responsibility as to the accuracy or completeness of and, to the extent permitted by law, shall not be liable for any errors or omissions or any loss, damage or expense incurred by reliance on information or any statement contained in this publication.

Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of the advertising material which they submit and for ensuring the material complies with applicable laws.

GPL and its affiliates are are not responsible for any error, omission or inaccuracy in any advertisement and will not be liable for any damages arising from any use of products or services or any action or omissions taken in reliance on information or any statement contained in advertising material. Inclusion of any advertisement is not intended to endorse any view expressed, nor products or services offered nor the organisations sponsoring the advertisement.

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20/01/2017 10:44

in Stamford-Tinwell

Are you suffering from the following?

Osteoarthrtitis Spinal Discs Osteoporosis Muscle damage

Fractures Ligament & tendon damage Cartilage damage Here at Cell Regeneration we strive to provide the leading musculoskeletal technology – MBST to offer individuals a pain free, stress free option in maintaining healthy joints and bones.

Centres, both veterinary and medical, use MBST and elite sport teams trust using our technology and knowledge to improve and enhance an individual/ athlete/animal’s career and life.

Zeeco House Annexxe, Casterton Lane, Tinwell PE9 3UQ info@cell-regeneration.co.uk I www.mbst-therapy.co.uk I +44 01780 238 084

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01780 238084

Suffer from pain?

How much would it mean to you to see a loved one free of pain and more mobile?

What would it mean to you to be free of pain and have an alternative option to surgery and pain relief medication?

In Rutland we have one of the seven MBST centres which are in the UK. Situated in Tinwell is a Physiotherapy centre which carries out the award winning treatment for Osteoarthrtitis, Osteoporosis, sports injuries, disc problems and general aches and pains for all ages.

MBST is getting more and more renowned for its benefits across the world as the success of its treatment is non-invasive for a patient, it is quick to work and has huge benefits. In some cases even prevented the need for operations and enable people to stop pain relief medication.

What is so great about it is it has no side effects and the process is simple for the patient and entirely risk and pain free.

A patient returns to do cycling challenge after successful MBST treatment.

Zeeco House Annexxe, Casterton Lane, Tinwell PE9 3UQ info@cell-regeneration.co.uk I www.mbst-therapy.co.uk I +44 01780 238 084

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own all it ckle king d to

ears, ns it and ctor

Contents ACTIVE LIFE 10-11 HOW TO...

Embrace the hygge way of life, and pick Valentine’s flowers

36

13 NATURE

Starring a mouse, a duck and snowdrops

14-15 RIVERFORD RECIPE

This month we cook a hearty cassoulet

16-17 GET AWAY FROM IT ALL

Our new travel guide focuses on skiing

ly is ople. ped heir

20 DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

f the brick ians send ials, s of o list mag

FEATURES

ring see new gers, be a and

ISSUE 22 /// FEBRUARY 2017

World War One battle site tour guide David Cashman

25 WHAT’S ON

Great things to do locally for all the family

26-31 SWEET ’17

A look at what’s in store for local clubs this year

36-44 IN FOR THE LONG RUN

The best local long distance races, and how to train for them

ACTIVE BODY 49 GET IN SHAPE

Essential advice from Function Jigsaw

50 BREAKFAST BOOST

Tempting recipe ideas to kick-start your day

52

58

52-53 THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Tips and products to help you look great

REGULARS 33 KIT BAG

The latest winter sports essentials

35 MARTIN JOHNSON COLUMN

The Sunday Times writer on football managers

57 SPORTSMAN’S DINNER

We try out the The George at Ashley

58-59 WILL’S WALKS

A remote stroll around imposing Quenby Hall

61 SCHOOL SPORT

Our focus on the latest achievements from local pupils

62-66 ROUND-UP

How clubs in the area are faring

26

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21/01/2017 08:20

SHEARSBY, LEICESTERSHIRE

£1,300,000 WHITE GATES IS AN EXCEPTIONAL INTERIOR DESIGNED HOUSE, SITUATED IN AN ELEVATED POSITION WHERE THE ACCOMMODATION HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE STUNNING SOUTH-WESTERLY VIEWS OVER THE VILLAGE GREEN AND BEYOND. INCORPORATING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGICAL FEATURES AND BOASTING IN EXCESS OF 4300 SQUARE FEET OF INTERNAL ACCOMMODATION, WHITE GATES HAS BEEN BUILT WITH THE GREATEST CARE AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL USING HIGHEST QUALITY TIMBERS, STONE, AND SLATE WHILST BLENDING SENSITIVELY INTO THE LANDSCAPE OF THE HISTORIC VILLAGE OF SHEARSBY.

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18/01/2017 10:35

Activelife

Activelife EMBRACE HYGGE, TAKE TO THE SLOPES, FIND OUT WHAT’S ON LOCALLY AND COOK A DELICIOUS HERBY SAUSAGE CASSOULET Edited by Mary Bremner

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Activelife

HOW TO…

EMBRACE HYGGE Everyone is talking about hygge at the moment. It’s a Danish word that expresses a mood or feeling that comes from taking pleasure from making ordinary everyday things special or beautiful – from a ritual of tea making, lighting a candle with a meal, or snuggling up in front of the fire. Hygge is being aware of the good moments and appreciating them.

1 0 F E BRUA RY 2017 ///

February is the month to embrace hygge and why not combine it with Valentine’s Day? Forget about romantic meals out sat in a restaurant with lots of other couples; light your fire, burn candles, open a bottle of wine and create a romantic atmosphere in your home – be aware of a good moment and embrace it.

Snowdrop Spectacular HOW TO…

PICK FLOWERS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY Red roses can be viewed as somewhat trite or unimaginative by some on Valentine’s Day – or, dare I say it, predictable? Embracing the simple things in life, why not pick a different flower? For a new romance choose red and pink tulips as they represent new beginnings. A bunch of bright yellow sunflowers are cheerful, representing happiness, adoration and lasting love. Or what about a succulent? Many ladies buy these for their men. Or a brave man could buy it for his slightly spiky lady – long lasting and easy to care for – the perfect partnership...

at Launde Abbey

February 9th until March 12th 2017 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm each day

Come and enjoy a stroll through the snowdrops at beautiful Launde Abbey, followed by a delicious cream tea. £6.50 per person (to include the cream tea) A LAUNDE ABBEY FUNDRAISING EVENT

Launde Abbey, East Norton, Leicestershire LE7 9XB T: 01572 717254 I E: info@launde.org.uk Charity No: 1140918

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25/01/2017 11:10

Easter GCSE Revision Course Sunday 9th – Thursday 13th April 2017

Uppingham School Enterprises is delighted to offer a NEW 5-day intensive revision course for those about to sit IGCSE or GSCE exams in Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths. £375 per subject – non-residential £950 residential – two subjects

‘An investment in knowledge pays the best interest’ Benjamin Franklin

For further information and to book: summerschool@uppingham.co.uk 01572 820800 www.uppinghamsummerschool.co.uk

UPPINGHAM SCHOOL ENTERPRISES

Mediterranean Deli and Farm Shop

DelGini with a d if f erence Specialist

Artisan Foods Locally & Internationally Sourced for Flavour.

Turkish Carpets, Kilims, Mosaic lights & Homemade Baklava.

0116 2593441 07806 683095 sales@olivetreecompany.co.uk www.olivetreecompany.co.uk WISTOW RURAL CENTRE, 12 Kibworth Road, Wistow, LE8 0QF

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Activelife NATURE

THE MOUSE With a high breeding rate the mouse is a common, if not always welcome, sight in the UK. This small rodent with a pointed snout, small rounded ears and a scaley tail is known to invade homes for food and shelter. They are the bane of many householders’ lives as they can damage electrical wiring and burrow into kitchen cupboards in search of food. The mouse is mainly nocturnal but is able to adapt to any environment, making it one of the most successful mammals on Earth.

THE TUFTED DUCK The tufted duck is a compact diving duck, smaller than a mallard and usually seen in flocks on the deeper waters of local reservoirs. The male is black with white flanks and a prominent black tuft on the head while the female is brown with paler flanks.

They are bottom feeders, taking snails and other invertebrates as well as some water plants.

A few pairs breed at Eyebrook Reservoir and Rutland Water with occasional nesting in Exton Park and Fort Henry Ponds. The attractive black ducklings are very buoyant and have difficulty staying under water for the first few days. The female carefully shepherds her young but many are taken by pike and broods of seven or eight may be reduced to three or four within a week.

Rutland Water is a site of international importance for the tufted duck. The breeding population of around 20 pairs increases in late summer as large numbers arrive to moult on the lagoons and main water. An impressive 8,141 were counted in September 2015.

In 2014, three females carrying blue nasal saddles on their bills, fitted in France, were present. One of these was escorting a brood of five ducklings.

Terry Mitcham

Snowdrops The first welcome sign that spring is on the way is the sight of snowdrops flowering. Usually spotted towards the end of the month, the galanthus (snowdrop) is a small flowering bulb of about 20 species. The bulbs, if left undisturbed, naturalise and spread creating a beautiful carpet of white flowers. Easy to find in churchyards, woodland and under hedgerows.

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Activelife

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HERBY SAUSAGE CASSOULET WITH MIXED SALAD INGREDIENTS

1 pack pork and herb sausages 1 celery stick 1 carrot 1 onion 3 garlic cloves 1 bay leaf Salt and pepper 200g kale 15g thyme – use 5 sprigs 30g parsley 100ml red wine 1 tbsp tomato puree 1 vegetable stock cube 1 tin haricot beans 1 pack bread rolls 50mg mixed salad leaves 1 lemon Olive oil

METHOD

Preheat your oven to 220C/gas 7. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large frying pan. When hot, add the sausages and fry for 5-6 minutes, turning them now and then until browned. Transfer to a baking dish.

3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables have softened slightly but are not coloured.

Wash the kale. Strip the leaves from the stalks.

Discard the stalks and roughly shred the leaves.

●

Strip the leaves from three thyme sprigs and set aside. Wash the parsley and shake dry. Roughly chop the leaves.

●

Add the garlic, red wine and tomato puree to the pan. Crumble in the stock cube. Turn up the heat and cook for a further 1-2 minutes to reduce the wine.

●

Cover with 500ml of water. Drain and rinse the haricot beans and stir them into the pan with the kale, half the chopped parsley and two whole thyme sprigs. Pour it all into the dish with the sausages. Gently stir then bake for 15-20 minutes.

●

●

Wash and finely dice the celery and carrot. Peel and dice the onion. Peel and finely chop, or grate, the garlic cloves.

●

Heat 2 tbsp oil in the same frying pan used to cook the sausages. Add the celery, carrot, onion and bay leaf. Season and cook over a low heat for

●

RECIPE BOXES Riverford recipe boxes are a simple and inspiring way to cook. Every week, we deliver everything you need to make three tasty organic meals. Inside each box, you’ll find the freshest, seasonal organic produce, step-by-step recipe cards and all the ingredients in exact quantities.

The recipes are quick to cook and ideal for weeknights – most are ready in under

Tear the bread into chunks. In a bowl, coat them in 2 tbsp oil and salt and pepper to season. .

●

After 15-20 minutes scatter the bread over the dish and return it to the oven for 5-10 minutes until the sausages are cooked and the bread is golden.

Divide the cassoulet between two bowls. Scatter over the thyme leaves and any leftover parsley.

Serve with the salad.

●

●

Wash and drain the salad leaves, add a squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil and seasoning to taste.

Tip: Cooking the sausages at the start will leave the caramelised juices in the frying pan that will give extra flavour to the vegetables as they cook in the same pan.

●

45 minutes. Think well balanced and nutritious, with a few treats thrown in.

Their cooks come up with nine new recipes every week, so there is always plenty of choice.

There are three different varieties of recipe box - choose from vegetarian, quick, or original. A box for two people ranges in price from £33 for the vegetarian box, to £39.95 for the quick and original boxes. Delivered straight to your door, with everything you need to cook

included, generous portion sizes, and three delicious meals per box they offer great value for money.

No waste. No missing the vital ingredient. All you have to do is cook.

Visit: www.riverford.co.uk/recipebox to

find out more or call 01803 762059.

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Activelife

TRAVEL

THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER FEBRUARY IS THE PEAK of the ski season and, when it comes to skiing, the world really is your oyster. Europe’s ski resorts are knee deep in snow right now so there is plenty of choice. But what about going further afield to places less well known for alpine sport? Japan is the place to go for deep, dry powder snow.

Skiing and snowboarding in Japan is world class and we don’t know of anyone who has gone once who hasn’t made a return trip.

With 500 ski resorts to choose from there really is a huge choice.

Skiing can be an expensive holiday but if you search around there are still plenty of deals available in Europe at less than £400 per head. The country or area you go to is entirely up to you and your budget. There are the smart Swiss and French resorts, the duty free Andorran ones, Canada and the USA, or the up and coming Eastern European resorts in Slovakia and Bulgaria. Just remember the higher the resort the better the chance of guaranteeing good snow.

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WHAT TO TAKE ● Good quality thermals – obviously it can be very cold. ● Suntan lotion – the sun is strong due to the high altitude and reflection off the snow.

Goggle-shaped suntan lines are definitely not a good look so take a high factor. ● Deep Heat – gel that gives relief from muscular aches and pains as you are bound to experience a few.

USEFUL WEBSITES INCLUDING LOCAL TRAVEL AGENTS www.differentsnow.com www.igluski.com ● www.skiworld.co.uk ● www.stamfordindependenttravel.co.uk ● www.freewaytravel.co.uk ● ●

WIN A pair of HenryBLAKE The Wanderer sunglasses worth £55

Perfect for a Caribbean getaway or for keeping the glare out of your eyes while supping glühwein on the slopes this winter.

We’ve got two pairs to give away. Simply head to www.theactivemag.com/ competitions to enter. Our standard terms and conditions apply and are available to view at www.theactivemag.com.

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THE KILWORTH CHALLENGE 2017 27TH-28TH MAY 2017

JUNIOR SCHOOL

RECEPTION

School Open Day Saturday 25th March 10.30am-1pm A small, friendly, independent school for children aged 4 to 18 years.

• Small class sizes ensure individual attention • Excellent academic results

• School bus network • Supervised care from 8am to 5.30pm

EVENT INFO:

SENIOR SCHOOL

SIXTH FORM

For more information, please contact Admissions on 01604 880306 office@pitsfordschool.com

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www.pitsfordschool.com

2-DAY TEAM EVENT 30 MILE COURSE DEMANDING MENTAL AND PHYSICAL CHALLENGES OPEN TO ALL OVER 18

www.thekilworthchallenge.org

“ Tougher

than the mudder S. Jones, previous competitor.

”

20/01/2017 14:40

Activelife

TRAVELLING LIGHT ACROSS THE SAHARA This month, Lynton Dawson talks about the equipment he will need for his forthcoming race across the Sahara Desert in the Marathon des Sables, which begins on April 7...

“With less than 90 days to go until my journey begins in the Sahara Desert, the importance of logistics becomes ever more apparent. While the physical side can always be worked on and the lack of correct temperatures in this country might not always be helpful, hard work will always set a good foundation. When it comes to selecting the correct kit though, this can be quite tricky as it has to be a careful balance between taking enough equipment and supplies to ensure that you meet all the requirements without taking too much and not being able to handle the weight.

“It has been an eye-opening experience for me as I’m new to multi-day events that require you to carry all your own equipment for not just one day, but an entire week. The compulsory kit that I must take includes: backpack MDS or equivalent, sleeping bag, head torch and a complete set of spare batteries, 10 safety pins,

7 EVENTS UPDATE

compass with 1° or 2° precision, a lighter, a whistle, knife with metal blade, tropical disinfectant, anti-venom pump, a signalling mirror, one aluminium survival sheet, one tube of sun cream, 200 euros or equivalent in foreign currency, passport, medical certificate provided

by AOI filled in and signed by the doctor and, finally, my original ECG and its tracing.

“As well as this I also need to carry all my own food, which must be a minimum of 2,000 calories per day or 14,000 calories in total. This may seem like quite a lot but when you think that a large McDonald’s Big Mac Meal is 1,350 calories, it’s not actually that much. As much as I would like to take lots of food, there is one major problem – weight.

“As this a self-sustained race anything I need I must carry for the duration of the event.

Running distances that can be up to 55 miles in one day is tough enough, but trying to do that while carrying extra weight in my pack makes it even more challenging. So currently I not only have to source all of my kit requirements, I also have to take into account how much they weigh, and if can I fit them into my bag, as well as run

This time last year, a group of friends got together to launch 7 Events (www.7events.org) – to organise seven events in seven months and raise £10,000 in the process.

Ten months later, it’s all worked out well and a lot of it was down to one person – organised Jit Chauhan.

We asked Jit what his secrets to success were, and how did he manage to inspire so many people to make such a difference?

“Eat well and drink plenty of water – we all know this but also know how difficult it can be at times. You need a healthy mind to stay focused and the best way to do that is to eat and drink well.

“Do enough exercise to make sure you are

with them. Having completed some training runs with just 6kg of weight in a bag, the pressure placed upon the back and shoulders can be immense as you start running distances over 15 miles.

“I still have just under two months to tweak my pack and get it all correct, remembering I will be running in the equivalent of a hot oven over different terrains including up and down some mountains. I also need to remember that each day I will be presented with water that I have to ration and carry, which will add extra weight to my bag. So while my practice may not necessarily make perfect; it will inevitably ensure that I am as prepared as possible to face the challenge to come.

“My goal is not only to complete the Marathon des Sables but also to raise £10,000 for a fantastic charity called familiesforHOPE. This is a non-profit organisation that was formed to address the needs of families and children diagnosed with holoprosencephaly (HPE) and related brain malformations.”

You can donate at https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/lynton-dawson

staying fit. You don’t need to be in the gym all the time, you can keep it simple. Walk to work when you can and take the stairs instead of the lift.

“Set yourself goals - for me, it was to make a difference to at least one person and I am delighted that 7 Events has helped so many people.

“Keep good people around you. It’s impossible to do everything on your own, but if you’ve got good people around you, they will motivate and encourage you to be the best person you can be.

“Most importantly, stay positive. You will have ups and downs but have faith and remember it will work out in the end.”

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Activelife

A day in the life of

DAVID CASHMAN WORLD WAR ONE TOUR GUIDE

M

y interest in WWI history began as a child in Perth, Australia where I grew up. I became aware of WWI after seeing my first ANZAC Day parade (the equivalent of Remembrance Sunday) and hearing the veterans’ stories of the Somme, Passchendaele and other battles.

However, I did not become a professional historian but instead trained to be a chartered accountant, and then came back to the UK. I started to travel to France and Belgium at least twice a year and now know the various battlefields from 1914 -1918 like the back of my hand. Being a chartered accountant by profession has certainly helped as I have a great ability to absorb facts, figures and dates!

I began to get interest from family and friends who wanted to visit so I started to take them over there. Originally there were not that many visitors and I can remember being at the nightly Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres when there were only a handful of people. Now each night there could be up to 200. There is so much more interest in the battlefields which is good news as there are many new museums and monuments together with the excavation and preservation of trenches, as well as improved accommodation and restaurants.

The idea of taking tours was sown when my son was at Loughborough Grammar School. I put together an itinerary for the head of history for the boys’ trip to the area and showed where to find some of the 58 ex-pupils and Leicester Tigers players, courtesy of the club, who had fallen in the war. This was interesting for 14 year-old boys as it put into context events as the fallen soldiers would, in some cases, only have been four or five years older than they were. I also gave directions for them to walk along the part of the Ancre river, which is still marshy and misty whatever the time of year, to where JRR Tolkien was during the Battle of the Somme. His experiences there helped in his later works such as The Lord of the Rings.

Research is key During the winter I concentrate on senior interim finance roles (currently with a large multi-national firm) and in my spare time research for forthcoming trips that people have booked in the spring, summer and autumn.

Most people I guide do have some knowledge, and usually details, of a relative killed in action. Groups can range from just one person up to 15 and are all known to each other which makes it more personal. Before each tour

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‘You come across remote and rarely visited military cemeteries, old bunkers and pill boxes’ I get as much information about what it is they want from their visit and any specific interests.

I have an extensive library, hence the move to an office in Burrough Court, so I can usually find what I am looking for very quickly and also use online archives. So, for example, this May I will take a couple around Ypres which will include not only seeing their relative’s grave but also walking across open country (three miles from the military cemetery) to the site where he was fighting with his artillery battery when he was killed.

If people with limited time travel on their own with a few guide books it can be daunting as, once they arrive, there is so much to see and it’s difficult to know where to start. You could spend your time racing around, not see what you want, come home and wonder what you have actually seen. This is where I come in as a guide and can make it so much easier for them.

I either drive people around, or we go in

convoy. I explain landmarks before we set off so people have the knowledge before we go. My tours include walking across country using old trench maps through little copses and open fields in the middle of nowhere which still show the scars of battle. These walks can last for two to three hours. You come across remote and rarely visited military cemeteries, old bunkers and pill boxes, and ammunition awaiting collection by the authorities that is still being found by the local farmers! These are things you will not see if you are in a large coach party.

I love trawling old bookshops and collecting trench art in antique shops and I often find bits of shells while I’m walking. When I’m not guiding I may sit in one of the beautiful town squares and read, or go to an exhibition, or catch up with the local people I know.

For information telephone 01476 860767/07766 721764 or go to www.westernfrontpilgrimtours.com.

SAT 10TH JUNE 2017

BURGHLEY

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SU advert ActiveMag 220x140 NOV'16 ARTWORK.indd 1

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11/11/2016 10:56

20/01/2017 14:24

Are you running the risk of outliving your savings?

L

ife expectancy is increasing all the time. Over the last 30 years (1982 to 2012) life expectancy has increased by around eight years for males and six years for females to 79.0 years for males and 82.7 years respectively (Office of National Statistics December 2013). This means that someone retiring now will need to have accumulated a fund far greater than someone retiring in 1982 to generate the same income.

I believe in adopting an individual approach to help you make the best decisions for your retirement fund – decisions that are right for you now and in the future. I specialise in guiding people through the decision making process, so that they can make an informed choice.

The golden rule is to find out exactly how much you are going to need in retirement – and to start planning for it now.

For further information, or to request your no obligation review to retirement planning, contact:

MATTHEW BOYCE Associate Partner WINNER

PART N E RS IN M AN AGIN G YO U R WE A LT H

Tel: 01162 599007 Email: matthew.boyce@sjpp.co.uk Web: www.matthewboyce.co.uk

The Partner represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.

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Activelife

OUTSTANDING CARE FOR THE ELDERLY

RACING UP HILLS Active meets Leicestershire hillclimber Charlie Martin

“People are often surprised that I travel to France entirely on my own to race a single seater down a public road, but since 2015 it’s been a way of life. You could say I like a challenge – I wouldn’t argue with you!

“My name’s Charlie Martin, I live in Medbourne for most of the year and grew up in Leicestershire. I went to Stoneygate School where my first ambition was to be a fighter pilot, but sadly I’m no mathematician so this dream was shelved aged 11. I have two older brothers and although my father was into cars, nobody in my family had ever competed in motorsport. But I’ve always been drawn to speed and enjoy pushing myself both mentally and physically. A school friend used to go hillclimbing with his father and I joined them from the age of eight. I loved the buzz of the paddock. Being close to the action with the noise and smell of the cars all around you – there’s really nothing like it.

“After three trips to Le Mans for the 24-hour race and a few ski holidays I fell in love with France, especially the Alps. I also discovered European hillclimbing via YouTube. Imagine driving a circuit car up a closed stretch of road up to 6km long; it’s like rallying without a co-driver at ludicrous speeds. I knew I’d found my niche, but getting there wouldn’t be easy...

“It’s been hard work doing everything on my own, but the last 10 years racing have been so worth it. Since I began competing in the Championnat de France de la Montagne I’ve started working with sponsors such as NGK, Tectri, Garage Pride and Discover Grandprix. I have a degree in graphic design so I do a lot of my own web and video production which helps. Last year I made a series with Motors TV for Sky and I’m currently working with a production company on projects for this season.

One of my ambitions is to work as a TV presenter as there are currently no British women doing this who race and compete in motorsport.

“Last summer I entered ITV’s Ninja Warrior UK and qualified as one of the 250 contestants out of tens of thousands of hopefuls. It was an incredible experience, especially making it up the wall first time. I’m a keen runner with good balance as I surf and snowboard, so after some very intense training I felt confident, but nothing can prepare you the first time you stand on the course – it’s a proper test of your nerves.

“Away from the track I work part-time in sales for a family business (Percy Martin Ltd). It allows me to travel to France a few times a month so my life can be pretty non-stop, but I’m not someone who can sit still for long. I’m off testing the new car I’m racing with Team Schatz in March, but first I’ve got a 10-day surf trip planned for some winter sunshine. I’ll let you know how I got on next month.

Follow Charlie on Twitter (@GoCharlieM), visit www.gocharlie.co.uk/ or follow her on Facebook (charliemartinofficial).

A mother of three has officially put the care into caring for the elderly with the help of a team that’s devoted to providing dignified support for seniors so they can stay in their own homes.

Gail Devereux-Batchelor from Market Harborough was inspired to start a homecare company with a difference after experiencing the ‘poor face of care’ first-hand.

Gail was driven by a desire to make a difference for elderly people, and to provide homecare that families could trust to help look after their loved ones. So she started Home Instead Senior Care five years ago, covering Market Harborough, Corby and Rutland. The care company has been officially rated ‘outstanding’ by the health and social care regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), receiving the highest ranking possible in its new ‘Ofsted-style’ system.

Gail’s unique approach sees elderly clients matched to carers based on interests and hobbies so they always have something in common. And visits are a minimum of one hour, so there is no rushing and always time for carers and clients to build a close bond that leads to trust and companionship.

Support offered ranges from help around the home, help with washing and dressing, or with meals. But it also includes trips out and about; from local beauty spots to clothes shopping and coffee stops, from football matches to the cinema, even a pint at the pub. Gail calls this unique combination of care and companionship relationship-led care.

Gail’s team has grown to include 84 carers and office staff over the last five years. And today, just short of 100 clients are able to continue living independently in their own homes thanks to the company.

Gail has 50 carer jobs to fill in 2017. She hopes to hear from people who have true care ‘running through their bones’ and who are interested in the roles. www.homeinsteadjobs.co.uk

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20/01/2017 09:34

Activelife

WHAT’S ON Wrap up warm and get out and about this month – there’s lots going on…

■ Uppingham School Sports Centre has re-opened its fitness studio with new equipment including the latest Pulse Fitness equipment and a new 62 station installation. There are various membership opportunities for the local community to make use of the centre and the fitness studio now has specific sessions available to a younger audience to develop their fitness knowledge. To view the new equipment at USSC follow them on Twitter or Instagram (@_ussc ) and for further information, to arrange a tour or to become a member visit the website, contact reception on 01572 820833 or email ussc@uppingham.co.uk. www.sportscentre.uppingham.co.uk ■ The Enterprise Centre in Lutterworth has completed its first term as an independent charity. After 12 years as part of Lutterworth College, the centre became an independent alternative learning provider for students aged 9-18 offering practical courses in woodwork, cooking and computer maintenance to name but a few. www.enterprisecentre.org ■ There’s lots going on at Brocks Hill Country Park in Oadby this month, particularly over half-term, including activity hunts, salt dough fun and card making. www.brocks-hill.co.uk

■ Archway Health Hub in Market Harborough is holding pilates classes for MS sufferers.

The events are also suitable for those suffering with Parkinson’s disease or people who have had a stroke. Pilates, great for core strength, flexibility and posture, is also particularly helpful for those with neurological conditions. Archway also offers a range of pilates classes to suit all levels, ranging from beginner to advanced. www.archwayhouse.co.uk ■ The pupils at Robert Smyth Academy in Market Harborough are having a 24-hour sporting event, ‘Lock in 2017’ between February 9 and 10. They had great success last year so are repeating the event. More than 100 pupils will be remaining in school overnight to raise money for local sports clubs.

■ The world’s most prestigious mountain film festival, The Banff Film Festival, is coming to Leicester on February 28. There will be a selection of short films from leading adventure film makers that follow the expeditions of adventurers, showcasing amazing footage of action sports from all corners of the globe. The programme starts at 7.30pm at De Montfort Hall, Leicester. www.banff-uk.com or www. demontforthall.co.uk

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Feature /// Team focus

SWEET ’17 What are our local clubs planning for 2017?

Jeremy Beswick talked to some of them about recruitment, expansion – and, of course, winning

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Feature /// Team focus

Above

Whether it’s tennis, cricket, football or rugby, there are hundreds of local clubs looking for new members, spectators and volunteers.

Why not make 2017 the year to get involved?

ACROSS THE COUNTY our local sports clubs are reflecting on 2016 and drawing up their plans for the coming year and, as I discovered, there’s no shortage of hard work and ambition around.

In South Leicestershire we are fortunate to have so many thriving organisations to participate in or spectate at, and there’s bound to be one just around the corner from you, whether it’s football, cricket, rugby or something else.

To get a taste I spoke to several leading lights locally. Joe Gordon, the skipper at Market Harborough Cricket Club, with its achingly beautiful ground, was the first. He’s excited about a “huge positive” for them – the close-season recruitment of Rob Taylor as director of cricket. Rob played for Leicestershire for many years and internationally for Scotland and now, at the age of 27, is returning to the side that he cut his teeth with as a teenager.

“Not only will he be playing for the first team,” Joe told me, “he’ll organise the coaching for all ages at the club and his presence will help us to attract new players.”

He added: “We’re already very close to signing up a couple of players for the coming season and we’ll have a much more professional ethos now.”

Another exciting initiative is the launch of women’s cricket, with England internationals Lydia Greenaway and Tammy Beaumont involved in the coaching and Harborough Women will look to start playing matches as soon as they can, possibly in conjunction with another club – at least at first – to help make up an eleven. Any takers?

A brief word from the top of the tree before we return to local level, as Leicestershire CCC will be bringing an international flavour to Grace Road this coming season.

The club’s press officer Dan Nice told me: “We’re really excited to be hosting the Womens’ World Cup with seven games here starting in June, with at least one England fixture, and we should also have South Africa’s men here on June 18 in the Champions Trophy.”

They’ve made several new signings under new head coach Pierre de Bruyn, perhaps the pick of them being opener Sharjeel Khan, who many of you will remember scoring 59 from 37 balls against England last year.

Over at South Leicester RFC, things are just as vibrant in the world of rugby. Club chairman Wayne Marsden is looking forward to some new floodlights and refurbishments to the clubhouse, pitch and car park.

“It’ll be a great advantage to have those lights,” he told me. “We’ll be able to host guest sides and keep the place busy all week.”

Their youngsters are thriving just as the first team is: “Our minis and junior sides continue to grow, and along with that we have more coaches gaining qualifications.”

Wayne underlined the importance of volunteers – a sentiment all clubs would echo. “There’s lots to do and anyone who can spare only an hour a week is more than welcome,” he said. “Even if it’s just tidying up. The club is all about volunteers at the end of the day, so come and join the South family.”

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21/01/2017 08:35

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Feature /// Team focus

Rivals Leicester Lions are just as bullish about the future.

The club’s Mike Howkins said: “Our new clubhouse is three-quarters finished so we’re looking forward to having it ready.”

With a spacious bar and improved facilities it’ll be a great place to watch rugby or hold a function. Currently pushing for a play-off place for promotion to National League One, Mike added: “We’re improving our contacts with the likes of Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers to dual register some of their players so they can also play for us.”

There’s much quality rugby to be seen at their ground at Lutterworth Road and, like all the clubs featured, with the added advantage of it being ‘up close and personal’.

More of a football person? Harborough FC’s Andy Winston is excited about their new first team pitch which will be at FIFA class one 3G standard.

He told me: “Once installed it will mean fewer postponements and so up our points tally for each season.

Most of our young players from academies or universities are used to playing on that type of surface which will help our game too.

“Some of the older hands prefer old-fashioned grass, but given they’re all retiring soon we don’t care!” he joked.

Across all age groups, genders and abilities there are around 50 teams playing at the complex but Andy reckons they’ll still add more in the year to come, particularly at the lower tier of the age spectrum as “the amount of houses being built in Harborough continues apace”.

Anyone for tennis? The club in Great Bowden is busily repainting courts, planning a new clubhouse and hoping to extend the floodlighting to a fourth court, as well as looking forward to being competitive in the leagues this season.

New members’ liaison officer Stella Marie said: “New members are always welcome to join us on Tuesday evenings for a couple of free sessions before they decide whether it’s for them.”

That grand old lady of Leicestershire rugby, Stoneygate, is now well settled in its new home in Uppingham.

Captain Cillian Brugha brought me up to date: “We’re close to the top of the table with games in hand and continue to recruit new players. We play to win but it’s social rugby here so we offer something different from the National League sides. If you enjoy the social side as much as the game, then we’re the club for you.”

This is just a small taste of much more that’s going on all around you. Why not seek out your own local club, whatever your sport? There’s so much to be gained and all of them will be grateful for your participation in whatever form that takes. They not only offer fitness and entertainment, but a ready-made social circle too. So get out there, play, watch and volunteer!

DOES YOUR CLUB HAVE NEWS TO SHARE? Send your news to: steve@theactivemag.com

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Recruiting now.

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20/01/2017 14:23

Feature /// Gear

KITBAG THE LATEST WINTER GEAR 1. Powerball Regular exercise using a Powerball can help maintain muscle tone and health from finger to shoulder, thanks to its rhythmic movement and non-impact nature. When your muscles respond to the demands placed upon them from exercising, blood flow increases and joint health is promoted by stimulating production of synovial fluid.

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17/01/2017 11:32

Guest column

The madcap world of the football manager Graham Taylor’s death has got Martin Johnson thinking sat next to Graham Taylor once and by the end of the evening had formed the distinct impression that he was perfectly normal. Not only that, but a relaxed, witty individual, whose range of conversation stretched way beyond whether Bloggs was offside or if the queue outside Specsavers was 90 per cent made up of referees.

On the other hand, the only real surprise when I heard that a 72- year old football manager had died of a heart attack was that he’d lived that long. Taylor was, by all accounts, every bit the personable companion I found him to be, but when it came to the day job – as everyone who watched that toesquirming “do I not like that” documentary when he was managing England knows – he was as highly strung as all of them.

It may well be that all football managers are perfectly normal people until the ref blows his whistle, at which point they turn into creatures who’ve just taken a swig from Dr Jekyll’s test tube.

I don’t remember it always being like this. When I first started watching football in the 1950s there was no sign of the manager anywhere near the touchline. The only time, in fact, that anyone got a glimpse of him was behind the bar at the Black Horse, which was his other job, and the only one that caused him – or appeared to – anything remotely resembling stress.

However, if Newport v Hartlepool in Division Three (South) is not the best example for demonstrating stress levels, matches don’t come much bigger than World Cup finals. So take a look at an old clip of the England management when Geoff Hurst scored England’s fourth and decisive goal against West Germany.

“They think it’s all over!” said the commentator, and agreeing with him was the England trainer Harold Shepherdson, who greeted the goal by vacating the bench and jumping up and down in triumph. At which point the manager, Alf Ramsey, shot him a withering glare, and is alleged to have said: “Sit down Shepherdson.

You’re making an exhibition of yourself.”

And take Manchester United when George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law were in their pomp. Where was Matt Busby? On the touchline hyperventilating? No. He was up in the stand somewhere, in his sheepskin coat and trilby, thumbing through the programme notes and looking forward to his half-time Bovril.

Not any more. I watched Liverpool playing Chelsea earlier this season and the two managers – Jurgen Klopp and Antonio Conte were patrolling their respective technical areas in such a way that

I

had they been behaving in a similar fashion in the High Street, the local constabulary would have moved in on suspicion that hallucinatory drugs might be involved.

In recent seasons, high profile managers have become so wound up that they’ve resorted to behaviour that is borderline delinquent.

In February 2015, the then-Leicester City manager, Nigel Pearson, got involved in a physical confrontation with a Crystal Palace player, firstly appearing to grab him round the throat, then hanging on to the player’s shirt when he tried to get back on to the pitch.

The Palace manager that day was Alan Pardew, who 12 months earlier, when in charge of Newcastle United, was fined £100,000 for headbutting an opposition player from Hull City. Pardew also attracted headlines for his habit of breaking into a silly touchline dance when his team scored a goal, which is further evidence that modern day football managership appears to do strange things to the central nervous system.

Quite why this should be is not readily apparent, given that, contrary to popular opinion, it’s the only job that offers guaranteed security. If not necessarily with the same employer. You get appointed, make a complete Horlicks of it, and then, with a few million quid in your back pocket to ease the pain, someone else hires you to do the same thing. Eventually, having steered half a dozen clubs to relegation, you retire to a Pacific island with more money than the chairman of Microsoft.

The concept of the fourth official is a comparatively modern thing in football, and most people think it’s to undertake the tricky and highly specialised task of holding up an electronic clapperboard telling the crowd how many extra minutes have been added on.

However, its real purpose is to have someone handy on the touchline for football managers to complain to. It doesn’t seem to have occurred to any of them that complaining to the fourth official is the world’s most monumental waste of time, second only to the post-match Sky interview.

The latter is nothing more than a vehicle to bemoan your bad luck, criticise the ref and claim that you should have at least 12 penalties. One day a manager will turn up for one of these things and say, after a 4-0 defeat: “I got every single tactic wrong and we were lucky it wasn’t double figures.”

But I’m not holding my breath.  Martin Johnson has been a sports journalist and author since 1973, writing for the Leicester Mercury, The Independent, The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Times. He currently writes columns for The Rugby Paper and The Cricket Paper, and has a book out called ‘Can I Carry Your Bags?’.

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Feature /// Challenge

Going Long There are lots of superb endurance events in our region.

We pick out some great ones to try this year and get advice on how to train and race in them

THE SUFFERING

What is it? Obstacle course race www.thesufferingrace.co.uk Where? Rockingham Castle/Rockingham Motor Speedway Date/s: March 11 – Rockingham Castle June 24/25 – Rockingham Castle September 23 – Rockingham Motor Speedway Distance: 5km, 10km or 10 miles Cost: £44 single or £110 challenge The Suffering is an action-packed, brutal but fun day in the mud. Run around the magnificent Rockingham Castle or industrial Rockingham Motor Speedway. You’ll crawl through mud, wade through water, and take on crazy obstacles. The truly insane take on the Suffering Legend or Relentless Suffering challenges, while the kids’ course is pretty tough (but safe) too.

If you want an idea of how difficult the hardest courses are, The Suffering events are the only races in the world where you can autoqualify for the World, European and UK Championships, plus the OCR community voted the challenge series as their Toughest Event of 2016.

WIN!

A YEAR OF SUFFERING

One weekend of pain not enough for you? Do you find you crave the agony spring, summer,

autumn and winter? Then why not commit to suffering all year round! We have two 12-month standard season passes for all 2017 The Suffering events, worth £97 each, to give away.

To find out how to enter, go to www. theactivemag.com/competitions. The competition closes on February 28. Our standard competition terms and conditions apply and are available at www.theactivemag.com.

THE KILWORTH CHALLENGE

What is it? Obstacle course race www.thekilworthchallenge.org Where? North Kilworth Date: May 27-28 Distance: 30-35 miles Cost: £50 per person Held every year over the spring bank holiday weekend, The Kilworth Challenge is all about raising money for disadvantaged children and other local good causes, while having great fun and pitting your wits and energy into finding and tackling each of the 30-odd challenges spread over 30-35 miles and two days. So far, since 1990, the Kilworth Challenge has raised over £1.2 million.

Each four person-team has to navigate and problem-solve their way around – this isn’t just a straightforward obstacle race but something that really taxes the mind too.

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Feature /// Challenge

DAMBUSTER TRIATHLON

What is it? Triathlon www.pacesetterevents.com/dambustertriathlon.php Where? Rutland Water Date: June 17 Distance: 1.5km swim/42km bike/10km run Cost: £66 (non-BTF £71, 3-athlete relay £76)

the area has to offer, taking in Rutland, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.

The long route has almost 5,000 feet of climbing and includes views of Rutland Water, the Vale of Belvoir, Belvoir Castle, Eyebrook Reservoir and the impressive Harringworth Viaduct.

WIN! A CHANCE TO SET UP YOUR OWN CYCLING TEAM!

The swim which takes place in Rutland Water is a straight tried and tested one lap of 1,500m with no real surprises, followed by the harder bike section – 42km around the spectacular undulating Rutland scenery, which is well suited to strong bikers.

The 10km run navigates around the lake and across the dam (where the event gets its name) twice, but don’t be deceived by its flatness. The fact that you can see the competition for much of the run means this is a psychologically challenging course.

Active has teamed up with Giant Store Rutland to offer an incredible competition with prizes worth hundreds of pounds.

Thanks to Giant Store Rutland you can win your entry into the Rutland Cycle Tour sportive on Saturday, April 22. There are five places up for grabs, and you’ll cycle as a team, with each member supplied with demo bikes and a race jersey for the middle distance of 78 miles.

You’ll even get a qualified race leader to guide and set your strategy, too.

GIANT RUTLAND SPORTIVE

How to enter

What is it? Cycle sportive www.itpevents.co.uk/event/the-rutland-cicletour Where? Giant Rutland, Normanton, LE15 8HD Date: April 22 Distance: 57, 78 or 104 miles Cost: £30 There is something for riders of all levels starting from Giant Store Rutland. The 57-mile route is ideal for those new to cycling and cyclosportives, but still hard enough to provide a personal challenge. The toughest challenges come from the 104 and 78-mile options, which feature the most picturesque lanes and villages

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We want to know why you think you deserve one of the places. Whether it’s for yourself, or if you’re already a team of five, it doesn’t matter. We’ll pick the five we think warrant a place.

Email sportive@theactivemag.com with your name and in up to 200 words tell us why you think you deserve a place.

The closing date for entries is March 20.

Please note that the competition is aimed at entry-level riders and entrants must be aged over 18. Our standard competition terms and conditions apply and are available at www.theactivemag.com.

MARKET HARBOROUGH FESTIVAL OF CYCLING

What is it? Cycle sportive www.raceharborough.co.uk/cycling Where? Market Harborough Date: April 2 Distance: 50k, 100k and 100 miles Cost: £20-£25 Market Harborough’s excellent Spring Festival of Cycling is an event all about celebrating cycling and promoting its benefits along with being safe and fun. It will be a great way to get out and complete a challenge as a family – whatever your goal there is a distance for you.

On offer are a children’s skills workshop, 50km, 100km and new 100-mile cycle sportive.

RUTLAND MARATHON What is it? Full marathon www.therutlandmarathon.co.uk Where? Rutland Water Date: September 17 Distance: 26.2 miles Cost: £40

The Rutland Marathon & Half-Marathon is back

for 2017, for its third year running. It is unrivalled in terms of beauty and traffic-free running, with great spectator access around the entire course. There’s also a 13.1-mile half marathon course and a team marathon where four runners can complete the distance together.

PERKINS GREAT EASTERN RUN

KITBAG RACE SHOE SPECIAL

What is it? Half-marathon www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk Where? Peterborough Date: October 8 Distance: 13.1 miles Cost: TBC – register your interest on the PGER website. Entries open late February.

The Perkins Great Eastern Run in Peterborough is growing in reputation.

It’s one of the fastest growing half-marathons in the country and has been attracting record participant numbers against a backdrop of several races reporting a decrease in entry numbers or static take-up at best.

A new course record was set in 2015 at 61 minutes and 40 seconds, making the race one of the fastest of its type in the UK.

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Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX The proven, all-weather adventure shoe with Gore-Tex offers an incredible fit, durability, and a grip that inspires confidence.

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Hoka One One Speed Instinct This is the first trail shoe to utilise Hoka One One’s PRO2Lite technology, with a soft heel density that transitions into a firmer, more responsive forefoot.

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Feature /// Challenge

SMALLER STEPS Not confident about taking on such a big challenge? Why not start with one of these?

WALKING

Get a spring in your step with a long distance walk around Rutland Water.

There’s something about the contradiction of Rutland Water, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in Europe, being located in England’s smallest county that only enhances the drama of this setting.

For an easy stroll ● Walk out and back from Normanton passing the iconic Normanton Church and stopping mid-point on the dam to enjoy the full effect of the vast expanse of water. Flat and tarmac surface.

For a ‘good Sunday walk’ ● Try the loop around Hambleton peninsula – spectacular views and ancient woodlands will help take your mind off the leg burning hills on the northern side of the peninsula. Hilly and dirt track surface.

For an all day epic ● Walk the full circuit without Hambleton peninsula (16 miles) or with Hambleton (24 miles) and experience the full beauty of Rutland Water and some of the local villages.

If you do decide to take on the full loop don’t forget these top tips...

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● These boots are made for walking. Good, comfortable walking shoes will help stop blisters and make your day far more enjoyable. ● Dress for success. Know the weather forecast for the day and be prepared – the wind in winter can be freezing and the heat of the summer can be draining. A long walk is physical demanding and will be more enjoyable if you are correctly dressed for the elements. ● Stay refreshed. It’s a good idea to take both food and water with you. A good pack-up is a must to keep energy levels up while walking a long way. Avoid chocolate though – it freezes in the winter and melts in the summer, making it hard to eat. ● Be safe. Let someone know where you are going, take a mobile phone and a torch – especially if walking in the winter when the nights draw in fast. ● Treat yourself. A day’s hard effort is worth a treat at the end. Plan to go out for a meal afterwards to avoid slaving in the kitchen when you get home and are tired! A good pub is a great place to recap on the day’s adventure and relax.

PARKRUN

Parkrun is a great starting point. While 5km may seem a long way to some, you can take it at your own pace, whatever that may be. You can use it to build up to a bigger event as part of your

training. With events currently taking place at 439 locations all round the country at 9am on Saturday mornings, there’s no excuse to not give one a try.

The best thing is it’s free and open to everyone! You just need to head to the website at www.parkrun.org.uk, register yourself, download a barcode and you’re good to go.

For those aged four to 14 there are 2km junior Parkrun events too.

Local Parkruns are as follows: ● Rutland Water ● Market Harborough ● Leicester ● Peterborough ● Corby ● Kettering ● Rugby ● Melton Mowbray

There is always more to discover at Gildings Auctioneers See the early 2017 sale calendar at gildings.co.uk/diar y

VALUATIONS

SALES & VIE WING

Please call 01858 410414 or email sales@gildings.co.uk to make an appointment for your free sale valuation.

Please check the website gildings.co.uk for current forthcoming sale dates.

Gildings also run a Valuation Roadshow throughout Leicestershire.

Please see gildings.co.uk/roadshow for venues & dates.

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Viewing times for sales are also published on the website.

They are usually Saturday morning prior to sale, 9am–4pm on Monday and first thing on the day of the sale.

 GILDINGS.CO.UK

20/01/2017 14:23

Feature /// Challenge good time to find some like-minded people to train with or even join a club if you haven’t already.

“A technique session with a good coach, especially in your weakest discipline, can pay dividends and training consistently is the fastest way to make gains. You don’t necessarily have to do long or super hard sessions, especially if you’re only aiming for shorter distance events but the ‘little and often’ approach is great for gaining and keeping fitness.” www.inspire2tri.com 01572 244224

TRAINING FOR AN ULTRA EVENT

ADVICE ON GOING LONG We ask local experts for their top tips for training and racing.

PREPARE PROPERLY

For any long distance challenge it is essential to prepare, because if you just wing it or hope for the best you will eventually get found out.

Nicola Blower, MSK podiatrist from www. walkrite.co.uk, sees plenty of people who are in need of help. She said: “There are a number of vital things anyone looking at a long distance challenge should be clear on before they start out.

“You must research the logistics and reality of your chosen event. Have a sensible training plan that fits in with your existing commitments and allows extra time for sickness and holidays.

“Then, don’t skimp. Get the correct kit for the task: running shoes for running, walking shoes for walking, and so on.

“And if you get injured, see a specialist. Don’t leave it to chance. Fast, effective treatment will get you back on track more quickly. Try to see a specialist in the area that you have a problem with to get the correct treatment from the start.” www.walkrite.co.uk 07977 469861

CONSISTENCY IS IMPORTANT

Fitzwilliam Hospital physiotherapist Emma Cranfield says the most important thing is that you are able to stick to your training schedule consistently.

She added: “Making your schedule realistic so

4 2 F E BRUA RY 2017 ///

that it becomes a weekly routine is vital. If this means scheduling a commute session to work, training with friends or attending a running club that motivates you to do your routine week in and out, consider what will work best for you.

Also, it is really important to plan the necessary recovery into your schedule.

“Without recovery the body becomes overloaded and injury occurs, once injury hits the consistency will reduce. If you feel pain while running always stop. Rest, ice and let it settle, if it does not resolve seek advice from a chartered physiotherapist.” www.fitzwilliamhospital.co.uk 01733 842304

HOW TO START TRI-TRAINING

If you’re looking to start a triathlon training programme, Mary Hardwick, BTF level 3 coach from Inspire2tri CIC, says: “Take a look at www. gotri.org. GO TRI is a fun way to access triathlons for the first time. You can find swim, cycle or run training sessions or take part in your very first triathlon event.

“Both GO TRI training and events are available locally, reasonably priced, with manageable distances, which have been purpose-designed for beginners. There’s advice and guides to help you on your journey.

“As you’re beginning to improve and look towards slightly longer events this may be a

Sport therapist Mike Gould has a number of tips for training for an ultra event: “Foam rolling every day will keep the muscles loose and after every training run. And you must do a proper cool down and stretching of the main muscles used (hamstrings, calves and quads, and groin if it’s off road).

“It’s a marathon not a sprint, and if planned properly you should be able to increase the training distances steadily and regularly. Above all, be patient.

“Proper nutrition is vital too. Fuel your body right from the beginning, ultra athletes need more carbohydrates than a normal athlete, but do not ignore protein and fats as they are also important.

“If you are injured, see a specialist. I also recommend regular maintenance and massage to help prevent injury and keep your muscles healthy.” www.mikegouldsportstherapy.co.uk 07934 788766

BE SPECIFIC - HAVE A GOAL FOR EACH TRAINING SESSION

“Slow means slow”, says Emma Cranfield, Fitzwilliam Hospital physiotherapist. “Save speed work for speed sessions.

“Most schedules have one weekly long slow run but it’s easy to be tempted to run this more quickly. This isn’t really the idea. The long run gives you time on your feet and helps you prepare for running for hours during the marathon. Doing long runs quickly also risks picking up an injury and will probably be detrimental to other training sessions.”

She adds: “You may choose to add intervals within that session, but not to run the whole session as you are in a race. Alongside your long run there needs to be a mix of sessions in the week including anaerobic threshold sessions which will increase your speed (heart rate training is a great way of guiding you to work at this intensity) and a recovery-based run to ensure you are conditioning but not overloading the musculoskeletal structures.

“Don’t try and over-compensate for missed sessions or run extra days to make up for it – cramming in extra runs can lead to injury or over-training. Be flexible with your schedule and move things a little to suit you. What’s more important is that you allow enough rest between sessions.”

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"David's knowledge is first rate and the movements ofCorps and Divisions were explained clearly, yet mixed in were vivid personal stories and adventures ofindividual soldiers who fought over the ground we visited and that highlighted clearly the part played by my old Regiment, enlightening... marvellous, would go again".

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20/01/2017 14:23

Feature /// Challenge

THE RUN UP TO RACE DAY

GET MUSCLES MASSAGED

All professional sportsmen and women have a regular, concerted programme of massage, and so should you.

Massage specialist Keith Read deals with a lot of athletes. He said: “Looking after your body is essential when training for and taking part in endurance events. You need to keep your body hydrated and fuelled with the use of water, energy drinks and food – this can be energy bars, fruit, fig biscuits – but whatever you use needs to be tried and tested during training sessions and also something that tastes good.

Variety helps too.

“Once you have finished your training session, stretching and consuming protein within 20 minutes reduces muscle soreness and speeds up the recovery process. Regular massage helps to combat the effects of increased mileage, freeing off tight muscles and increasing flexibility.” www.handson-massage.co.uk 07904 051873

GINSENG FOR BETTER ENDURANCE

Medical herbalist Ginny Kemp uses Western Herbal Medicine, which combines modern scientific understanding of plants with traditional medicinal uses to make bespoke medicines from plant extracts for patients to address their specific health issues and to optimise health.

She says: “My herb of choice in the build-up to an event would be Siberian ginseng. It has long been used to improve mental and physical performance and to assist the body to counteract and adapt to stress. It also restores and strengthens the body’s immune response, so could be a good addition ahead of a challenge.” www.theherbclinic.co.uk 07736 829755

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

If you’re getting lots of aches and niggles, feeling run down, on the verge of a cold, struggling to

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sleep or turning into a moody nightmare, you’re probably in need of some rest and recuperation.

These are all signs of over-training and need to be listened to.

Emma Cranfield, Fitzwilliam Hospital physiotherapist, says: “The greatest sports people are not often those that train the most but recover the quickest.

“Adequate rest is as important as running.

Your body recovers and strengthens when you rest so make sure your schedule allows enough.

If possible have a rest day or recovery session after a long run or speed session and after strength work in the gym. Research has shown muscles can take 48 hours to return to normal strength after a 10km run. With high mileage schedules you often find a steady build up in fatigue making rest even more essential. Try and include some flexibility work in your schedule to stretch out tight, aching muscles too.”

“Tapering is essential to allow your body to recover,” says Emma Cranfield. It gives niggles the chance to settle and helps your muscles ‘refuel’ (they do this by building up glycogen levels which will be depleted by your training).

She says: “Don’t be tempted to squeeze in that extra long run to compensate for any you’ve missed –what is done, is done at about 10-14 days pre-race. It’s better to start the race slightly under-trained than to be over-trained or, worse still, injured.

“Tapering often does not mean not doing anything though. Often if you stop everything the body goes into hibernation and feels lethargic. A good taper would follow a similar structure to your routine but cutting your volume by about 50%.”

Tapering will allow you a little extra time to plan your race day. Shop for your pre-race food, energy bars and recovery drinks (if you use them). Make sure you have your race number and safety pins. Get your running kit clean and laid out ready. If you run with music, sort a motivation playlist and if you have a GPS watch make sure it’s fully charged. Plan how you’ll get there and back and give yourself plenty of time.

All this can make race day panic-free and much more enjoyable.

Emma adds: “If possible try and run some or all of the marathon route during your training.

Knowing the route helps to calm race day nerves and prepares you for what to expect on the day.

“If you’ve never raced before then the race day experience can be a bit daunting. Try to find a shorter race that fits in with your schedule (a half marathon is often perfect) and run that with the main aim being to test out kit and experience what a race entails with a race simulation session.”

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ACTIVE BODY HOW TO GET A GREAT START TO THE DAY, MORE EXPERT ADVICE FROM FUNCTION JIGSAW AND TOP TIPS ON LOOKING YOUR BEST

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Main Field, Stamford School, St Paul’s St, Stamford PE9 2BQ Email: dean@dcrevents.co.uk

ACTIVE BODY

KEEP ON ROLLING Sports therapist Lauren Dobson explains the science behind Function Jigsaw’s Active Roller and what it does to the body

Foam rolling is not a new phenomenon, but has recently become one of the most popular forms of soft tissue release (STR) performed by the individual rather than a practitioner.

The idea of a foam roller is to replicate the effects of sports massage. There are a number of positive effects of foam rolling and STR, including an increase in mobility, improved flexibility and promotion of recovery.

So how and why do they work?

Exercise, activity, injury and the rigours of everyday life can cause specific areas of muscle tightness, fascial adhesions and trigger points that restrict mobility and performance. Breaking up these stubborn problem areas by foam rolling will allow soft tissue to operate correctly again by targeting these fascial adhesions and trigger points, improving blood flow and reducing muscle soreness and effects of fatigue.

Fascia is the biological fabric that holds us together; a web of fibrous, gluey and wet proteins that hold all the muscles together and separates individual muscle groups.

Fascia also has a big role in stability and mobility and is crucial in performance, recovery and is present in our daily life activities such as breathing motions and joint movements. Fascia connects our head to our toes, which is why another name for it you may have come across is ‘connective tissue’.

It can be easily explained like a knitted

sweater; tug one end of the wool and you will see the tug travel to the other end of the sweater.

It is crucial that muscles and connective tissue are in the correct state for you to work out.

For example, it is tough to squat with the correct technique if you can’t open your hips and it’s hard to snatch-lift a weight if you can’t externally rotate the shoulders correctly. To run with a tight Achilles’ tendon/calf results in a poor running technique and creates compensation through the knees and hips.

Reduced muscle soreness = better performance = effective recovery.

Foam rolling and STR techniques work by returning muscles and soft tissue to their native form.

‘Juicy fascia is happy fascia’ – the fascia becomes springier and resilient the more hydrated it is. The springier the fascia, the slower it will fatigue and improve its elastic quality allowing greater range and flexibility.

The key to recovery is how the fascia rehydrates. Without rehydration by soft tissue mobilisation and enhancing blood flow, the fascia will suffer and create adhesions that restrict your range of movement.

Foam rolling does just the job you need by increasing the blood flow and actively mobilising the soft tissue to help gain the desired outcome.

Actively compressing tissues like the fascia stimulates and refreshes circulation;

releases the pressure of tight structures, improves blood flow and prevents excessive thickening of connective tissue.

As a result, it rehydrates the fascia and promotes recovery.

Keeping the fascia ‘loose’ is crucial for maintaining natural settings for alignment and function in the body and prevents small problems snowballing into larger ones. It keeps injuries from becoming chronic issues and keeps you mobile and functional through life.

As a result, variation is important. For example, if you sit in the same seated position at a desk on the computer every day, for a number of years, muscle memory and fascial position holds this position and can lead to poor postures, tight muscles, musculoskeletal abnormalities and unhealthy tissues.

Variating movements and positions throughout the day will help reduce the chances of this happening. Foam rolling will also help prevent this from occurring.

The Active Roller has been specifically designed to allow the body to get into positions where it can apply the most effective force on a specific area.

@FunctionJigsaw info@functionjigsaw.co.uk www.functionjigsaw.co.uk

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22/01/2017 09:43

ACTIVE BODY

HEALTHY BREAKFASTS (for people who hate breakfast) Get into the habit of eating breakfast with these simple ideas from the NHS website, designed to whet the appetite of even the most habitual breakfast skipper Not hungry first thing in the morning?

Pushed for time? Trying to lose weight?

These calorie-counted treats will tempt you to rediscover the pleasure of breakfast.

From energy-boosting ‘apple pie’ porridge and protein-packed scrambled eggs, to a nutrient-rich green smoothie and granola bars, there’s something for everyone.

“Creating the habit of eating in the morning is something you can build towards,” says dietician Alison Hornby.

“Start off with a light bite, such as a piece of fruit or a low-fat yoghurt.

“After a while, your morning appetite will naturally increase and you’ll probably find you eat less throughout the day, including snacks.”

Research suggests people who eat breakfast are slimmer because they tend to eat less during the day, especially highcalorie snacks.

If you’re short on time in the morning, think about ways of gaining time by keeping your breakfast choice simple, either by waking up 10 minutes earlier or getting other chores out of the way ahead of time.

5 0 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 17 ///

ENERGY-BOOSTING BREAKFASTS ‘APPLE PIE’ PORRIDGE Serves: one adult Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 5 minutes Calories per portion: 345kcal (1,443kJ) Ingredients 50g of porridge oats 200ml of apple juice (with no added sugar) 100ml of semi-skimmed milk 1 medium dessert apple, diced 1 pinch of cinnamon This is a warm and comforting porridge spiced up with the classic flavours of a homemade apple pie.

Throw all the ingredients into a saucepan.

Heat and stir until boiling, then lower the heat and simmer gently for five minutes, stirring often. Spoon the porridge into a serving bowl and add a sprinkling of cinnamon.

OR YOU COULD TRY ● Muesli, fresh fruit and low-fat yoghurt – fruit added to your muesli counts towards

your five a day. Low-fat yoghurt provides calcium and protein, and is low in fat, but watch out for the sugar content. Go for muesli with no added sugar.

Porridge with mashed banana and dried blueberries – put oats and a handful of dried blueberries in a bowl and add semi-skimmed milk. Heat in the microwave for 3-4 minutes, stirring every so often. Stir in the mashed banana – a healthier substitute for sugar or honey. For best results, use a very ripe banana.

●

Baked beans on wholemeal toast – not only are they naturally low in fat, baked beans are also packed with fibre and protein, making them a vegetarian source of protein. Look out for reduced salt and sugar ranges.

●

Breakfast cereals – can be high in sugar, with some containing up to 37% of the stuff. Try switching to lower-sugar cereals or those with no added sugar, such as plain wholewheat cereal biscuits, plain shredded wholegrain pillows, or plain porridge.

●

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ACTIVE BODY

THE FINISHING TOUCHES You’ve done all the hard work in the gym, playing sports and getting fit, so now is the time to reap the benefits and add the finishing touches…

Edited by Mary Bremner

SPRING CLEAN YOUR WARDROBE February can be a hard slog – new year resolutions have either gone out of the window (or hopefully become a good habit) so a fitter, healthier you is starting to appear. But it can be a long, miserable, dark month.

Take heart though, because spring is just around the corner, so turn your thoughts to detoxing your wardrobe. Pull everything out and be honest – are you really going to wear that designer dress you bought two years ago? It might have been a bargain, but if you don’t wear it, it’s taking up space, was a waste of money and could be sold.

Do you really need 10 pairs of jeans?

5 2 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 17 ///

The saying goes that if you haven’t worn something for two years you’re probably not going to wear it again, so get rid of it.

Sort your clothes into what you want to keep, sell, donate to charity or bin.

Designer items can be taken to a dress agency or sold online – www.rebelle.com is a designer second-hand site that gets good results or, of course, there is always eBay. Everything else that isn’t worth selling bag up and take to a charity shop.

But don’t just clear out your wardrobe to buy more of the same. Enjoy the space you’ve created and be smarter with your purchases. Expense can be justified on an item if you know you are going to wear it a

lot. A winter coat can be pricey but if it’s worn every day for most of the winter it turns out to be good value for money, particularly if you wear it for years to come. But an expensive dress worn once isn’t, so can you justify the expense of it?

Provenance of clothing is becoming more important, as is sustainability. Do you want to buy clothes made in a sweat shop in Bangladesh where the staff are paid pennies a day or would you prefer to buy something that you know has been made from recycled fabric or British wool that has been made and designed in the UK? Buy clothing that makes you feel good as well as look good.

And finally...

The latest fashions to show off

Fairfax and Favor Regina boot £295 Boots from the British lifestyle brand www.cavells.co.uk

FLOTATION TREATMENT The Dead Sea is full of minerals and salts that make the body float and the therapeutic benefits of floating in its waters have been well documented and Barnsdale Hall Hotel beauty spa offers a treatment that replicates this sensation.

They ship the salts from the Dead Sea and add them to a warm bath so you can experience it for yourself. The treatment claims to offer relief from aches and pain, de-stresses you, helps with insomnia and eases anxiety.

I was rather sceptical as I am the world’s worst person at relaxing on demand. I was shown into a darkened room with candles and a large, warm pool; bath is not the right description as it was much larger than that. A quick shower to wash off any lotions and potions and in I hopped.

Strongly advised to use the neck pillow, which I did, I lay back and floated. It doesn’t matter if you can’t swim, your body really does become weightless and you float. It’s a fabulous sensation as you have to do absolutely nothing to keep afloat. I lay back looking at the starry lights in the ceiling and thought to myself, ‘this is

going to be a long 30 minutes’. Well I was completely wrong; I didn’t hear the first knock on the door after 30 minutes to say my time was up. And when they knocked again 10 minutes later I was convinced I’d not been in for my allotted time.

I don’t know quite what happened but after a few minutes I shut my eyes and felt my body and mind relax. The sensation of being weightless can’t help but soothe you. I could feel all of my limbs relax, aches and pains disappeared and my mind went blank and I must have drifted off, but was unaware that I had. One float simulates four hours of sleep.

Make sure you drink the glass of water on offer after the treatment. I felt lightheaded when first getting out of the bath but the water soon sorted that out. Then it was a quick shower to wash the salts off. I really did feel invigorated and relaxed and would recommend this treatment. If a cynic like me can benefit from it, anyone can. I’m definitely going back for more.

Flotation therapy £30 for 30 minutes Barnsdale Hall Hotel, Oakham. 01572 771313. www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk

Amerie bralette £31 and Farrah thong £21 Handmade by Lauren Crowe in Stamford www.elcyclothing.com

The Tallington shirt £79 from Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing Designed and made in Suffolk www.wisconline.co.uk

VALENTINE’S DAY OFFER Aroha Beauty House in Uppingham is offering a Valentine’s Day special which is available throughout February.

You can have a rose bath and gel nail file and polish for £35 instead of the usual price of £41. The treatment takes about 90 minutes and is the ultimate in relaxation.

The luxury of soaking in a bath full of essential oils and rose petals that has been run for you is out of this world. Lie back, relax, listen to the soothing music and let all your worries disappear. And then have your nails done – another treat.

This is the perfect Valentine’s present, whether you are lucky enough to receive it, or why not treat yourself?

Aroha Beauty House, 43 High Street East, Uppingham. 01572 822853.

Delta dress £309 All dresses from this website are made in England from natural fibres www.matildaandquinn.com

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55 SL LOCAL OPENER v2.indd 55

22/01/2017 09:42

OPENING TIMES Open seven days a week 12 noon – 11pm Food is served from Tues – Sat 12-2.30pm & 6.30-9.30pm Sunday 12-4pm

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THE RED LION I 5 Main Street, Great Bowden, Leicestershire, LE16 7HB I www.redlion-greatbowden.co.uk

Valentine’s Day Dinner 3 Courses £25 Per Person

Roasted Tomato Soup, Basil Pesto Baked Tunworth Cheese, Rosemary Foccacia Linguine, Mussels, Leeks, Chervil Duck, Ginger, Rosti, Lapsang, Sultanas Cod Fillet, Parsley Crust, Tomato, Butter Mash Roast Pork stuffed with Garlic and Herbs, Carrots Passion Fruit Delice, Raspberries Warm Melting Chocolate Moelleux, Turkish Delight Ice Cream Cheeseboard, Crackers, Chutney, Grapes Dinner, bed and breakfast in one of six rooms in the recently converted Coach House - £100 on Valentine’s Day and Friday 17 February.

(This offer doesn’t include drinks)

The George at Ashley

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The George 21 Main Street, Ashley Northamptonshire LE16 8HF

Tel:01858 565411 www.thegeorgeatashley.co.uk

20/01/2017 14:22

Feature /// Sportsman's Dinner

The George, Ashley Kate and Tim try out the new menu at this refurbished village pub Kate I haven’t been in here for about 15 years and the pub looks completely different. It was refurbished in 2010 but then closed for two years until Chris and Carol took it over last September.

Chris has been a chef for the last 30 years in country house hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants and wasn’t particularly thinking about running a pub himself. But once they’d seen this place they couldn’t resist taking it on.

Tim And I can understand why. There are six rooms in the renovated Coach House, including a family room, all with en-suite bathrooms. And the guests come in here for breakfast. It’s very cosy in the bar tonight and Crunchie, the dog, looks very comfortable in front of the fire. I could easily choose one of the local ales, sit down next to him and stare into the flames. But of course, I won’t. I’ll sit in the restaurant and make conversation with you!

Kate So kind. Tonight is the first night of the new menu and Chris likes to keep things simple with a limited range of dishes using locally sourced ingredients. He buys his eggs and vegetables from the farm shop in the village and is often seen scouring the hedgerows for

elderberries, apples and sloes. He doesn’t go for run of the mill choices so you wouldn’t see a Gordon’s gin or J20 in here. He’s got a great selection of British fruit juices, spirits from local distilleries and makes everything from scratch apart from pasta, bread and ice cream.

Tim As it’s a free house I suppose he’s not constrained by the breweries. I’m enjoying this Booze Hound IPA from Gun Dog Ales in Daventry and I’m keen to try the scallops, black pudding and pickled celeriac starter (£8.50). As you know I’m very partial to a good black pudding and this is exceptional. It’s packed full of flavour and goes brilliantly with the scallops.

Kate Well, as you know I’m not partial to black pudding but in the interest of research I’ve tried it and I have to say it is delicious if I don’t look at it or think about what’s in it. And I’m loving the celeriac. Apparently we should eat more fermented foods for better digestive health but not all pickles are fermented. I’m having the pea and goat’s cheese risotto (£13). Every month Chris puts on a cheese and wine evening for £15 a head – with seven wines and seven cheeses, again often locally produced. Afterwards you

can buy the wine at retail prices. This Bosworth Ash goat's cheese sometimes features and I can see why – it’s so creamy. Definitely one of the best I’ve ever tasted.

Tim I’ve gone for the roast lamb breast, lamb’s liver, mash and sherry jus (£12.50). The liver is incredibly tender and the jus is rich but not sickly so. I find a lot of food pretty bland nowadays but not this dish. To finish we could share the lemon and ginger brioche pudding (£6), although the chocolate brownie with ginger marmalade sounds promising too.

Kate This is not how I imagined this pudding to be: I thought it would be heavy but it’s as light as air, which is great as the risotto was filling. In fact it’s one of the best puddings I’ve tasted in ages. Why did we decide to share?

The George 21 Main Street, Ashley, Northamptonshire, LE16 8HF. 01858 565411. www.thegeorgeatashley.co.uk

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Feature /// Great walks

TOP STAT

e end it’s possibl According to leg Leicestershire ly on t no e se to amptonshire, but also North d Staffordshire an ire sh ick rw Wa Quenby Hall. of f roo the m fro

Quenby Hall & Hungarton Hilltop Quenby Hall makes a perfect pivotal point for this peaceful country walk. By Will Hetherington Photography: Will Hetherington

Difficulty rating (out of five)

THE ROUTE

When I did this walk I parked on the verge as the road takes a sharp left by the western entrance to Quenby Hall about 400 yards south of Hungarton.

But you can just as easily park in Hungarton if you want to start and finish there.

From where I parked walk east along the road towards Quenby Hall. After half a kilometre you will come to a cattle grid and the gate house on the left. It’s a slightly bleak spot as it’s on the top of the ridge giving good views to the north and south. Continue along the road through the parkland on the approach to the hall. There were some sheep around when I was there so I did

5 8 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 17 ///

have to keep the dogs under close control but the imposing view of Quenby Hall from the drive is worth this minor restriction.

In truth there is a bleakness about the house and the parkland which is no doubt a result of being on the highest point in the local area. Stay on the road until you are almost at the house and then branch off to the right to pick up the footpath which takes the southern route around. From here you will soon pick up the path east and pass through three fields before you reach the road just to the west of Cold Newton. Turn left here and stay on the road until you get to Quenby Lodge. There is a footpath off to the left just after the outbuildings here and this path leads you through a series of pasture fields downhill towards a stream and a narrow strip of woodland in the bottom of the small valley.

Keep your eyes open for the point where the path crosses over to the south side of the

woodland and stay on the path as it heads towards Hungarton. You will soon arrive in Hungarton via a narrow path by the side of a house. Turn left at the track in front of the house and then turn left at the footpath sign to take the path out of the village. After a relatively steep uphill hack you’ll be back at your car.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Where to park Either on the verge by the western entrance to Quenby Hall or in Hungarton. I parked on the verge and thought it worked well.

Distance and time Three and a half miles/an hour and a quarter.

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START

Highlights Quenby Hall might have a slightly bleak aspect but there is no doubting it’s an impressive house.

And the views from all around the house are worth the walk alone.

There is a distinct feeling of remoteness about the hall and the village which is odd because they are only seven miles from Leicester.

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Lowlights You will probably have to keep the dog(s) under close control within the parkland surrounding Quenby Hall because of the sheep.

Refreshments The Black Boy in Hungarton.

Difficulty rating Three paws – there are a few ups and down and parts will be difficult in very wet conditions.

The pooch perspective There’s not a lot of water available on this walk and there are sheep in the park but the dogs seemed pretty tired at the end so job done…

For your own safety and navigation make sure you have an OS map with you when you go out walking. You won’t regret it.

©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2015 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 055/15

Clockwise, from le

Quenby Hall is an imposing Jacobean house which was completed in 1636; Hungarton church; Hungarton is only seven miles north east of Leicester, but it feels like 70

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19/01/2017 14:42

Feature /// School sport

Leicester Grammar ready for a Big Bang Leicester Grammar School is hosting its third Big Bang Science and Technology Fair. This free event takes place on Saturday, February 25, from 10am until 3pm.

The day is being organised as part of a national programme of EngineeringUK fairs running throughout the country, with the aim of bringing science and engineering to life for children through a series of interactive workshops and fun-filled theatre shows.

Visitors can experience the Flexwing Simulator, a microlight simulator which trains pilots to flight level standards, iPhone Retina Scans, bridge building skills as well as trying out their skills using a robotic arm.

There will also be astronomy workshops, an Exotic Zoo with creatures such as tarantulas, and PepsiCo will be on hand to show people how they make Monster Munch and Wotsits crisps.

LGS Deputy Head, James Rich said: “I’d encourage anyone with an interest in science, technology or maths activities, or people just wanting to enjoy a free day of fun and enjoyable hands-on activities.”

Visitors can pre-register to attend at www. leicestergrammar.org.uk/Big-Bang or are welcome to turn up on the day any time between 10am and 2.15pm and register on the day.

Kathryn surprised by call-up for Olympic training squad Old Oakhamian Kathryn Lane has been named as part of the Tokyo Olympic Hockey Squad.

Kathryn, who left Oakham in 2013, is one of 15 new players to join the 33-woman squad that will lead England and Great Britain into the next Olympic cycle.

“I genuinely didn’t expect to be selected,” said Kathryn when she returned to Oakham following the news. “I keep pinching myself that hockey is now my full-time job!”

She has already begun training with the squad at the home of GB Hockey, Bisham Abbey, near Reading.

Although she is moving to be closer to training, she’ll be returning to Leicester every few weeks to play club hockey.

A game of many numbers Lutterworth College students achieved a total of 32 certificates in this year’s UKMT Senior Maths Challenge comprising of three golds, 12 silvers and 17 bronze certificates.

The three gold winners are: Alex Jordan, Year 13 – Gold, Best in Year Nathan Hall, Year 13 – Gold Ben Holt, Year 12 – Gold, Best in Year, Best in School The Senior Maths Challenge is run by the UK Mathematics Trust and is supported by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.

It is aimed at those in years 13 and below and is sat in schools.

Winter cricket academy places available There are still a few spaces available on the Tom Flower Cricket Academy Post Christmas Winter Academy. Details for the January to March Academy sessions: Monday: Uppingham Community College U13s, 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

Tuesday: Welland Park U13s, 6pm to 8pm.

Wednesday: Roundhill Academy U13s and U15s, 6pm to 8pm.

Thursday: Welland Park U11s, 5pm to 6pm.

U13s 6pm to 8pm.

Friday: Kibworth High School U11s, 5pm to 6pm, U13s 6pm to 8pm.

The Academy is limited to six to eight places

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To book now or for full details, visit www. tomflowerscricketcoaching.com /// F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7 6 1

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20/01/2017 13:43

Roundup The scores, star performers and stats from a month in local sport

Rugby

Lions edge derby match

BY JEREMY BESWICK

T

he highlight of the local rugby scene last month was the visit of South Leicester to Leicester Lions for what is always one of the most keenly-contested local derbies. The previous fixture, at South’s ground, couldn’t have been tighter – Lions edging it by 19-18 – so both sets of fans would have been relishing the prospect of another close encounter.

Lions started the stronger and Joe Boden drew first blood with an early penalty and that was soon followed by a try from debutant Benjamin Marfo, which Boden converted to widen the gap – 10-0 with less than 10 minutes played.

Back came South with a period of sustained pressure that yielded them two successful penalties from Rickie Aley and, with Lions’ Dan Martin sent to the sin bin shortly thereafter, Aley soon added a third. According to fourth official Mike Howkins, South Leicester’s forward pressure had them camped on Lions’ line and second row Tom Cheney was able to penetrate from close in to complete the comeback and make the half-time score 16-10 to the visitors.

Lions started the second period as they had the first, an increase in pace helping them regain the ascendancy and again their first score came within minutes – hooker Harry Mahoney with the try which restored them to the lead by 17-16. South are nothing if not determined, however, and Lions’ Howkins conceded that South Leicester showed their class and were not for giving in easily.

Winger Myles Bean with a try and Aley again, with the conversion and a penalty, saw them into a nine-point lead and it looked as if

it was to be their day with little more than 10 minutes left to play.

Crucially, however, South’s Chris Gibbs was yellow-carded and immediately afterwards Lions’ scrum half Kris McFedries sped through to narrow the lead to four points. As the match drew to a close both sides had opportunities but it wasn’t until the final moments when Lion’s winger Sam Benjamin found room to go over in the corner, simultaneously tackled by several South defenders. Unsurprisingly, both sets of players had differing views as to whether the try should stand and, after a long consultation between referee and assistant, it was given.

That proved to be the last meaningful action of the match as “some comments by South Leicester to the referee led to Lions restarting the game with a penalty,” according to Howkins, which Boden kicked joyfully out of play to end matters 29-26 to Lions.

Their director of rugby, Ken Whitehead, said: “A tight game, which ebbed and flowed between the two teams. Lions showed that a game of rugby is never won, lost or drawn until the final whistle. The team stuck well to their game plan and supported each other superbly.”

Wayne Marsden, South’s chairman, added: “Talk about last minute rugby. It just shows how tight this league is and that anything can happen in any game.”

South went on to beat Harrogate and lose narrowly away to second-placed Sale, yet they sit comfortably in seventh place despite being on the wrong end of many tight matches so should see this as a successful season so far.

Lions, on the other hand, have now won five on the bounce and are challenging for a

play-off spot in fourth. They followed the game against South with a 26-8 win away at Luctonians; Whitehead summing up: “Lions’ forwards gave a good account of themselves. They competed well and allowed the backs to come more into the game in the second half.”

Then it was the clash of the big cats with Sheffield Tigers coming to Lions’ Westleigh Park.

Despite another early penalty from Boden, Tigers led 12-3 after the first quarter with two tries to their name. Lions came back with a try from Jamel Hamilton after what Howkins called “an elegant move” but the Tigers number eight cancelled that out before the break, at which the score was 17-8 to Tigers.

Early in the second and Lions were right back in it as prop Joe Newton-Taylor showed back-like technique to sidestep the defence and go over but it wasn’t until the last 10 minutes that Lions went ahead, Devon Constant making it 20-17 and then adding another with three minutes left. As Tigers tired Sam Benjamin added yet another try to make the final scoreline a rather flattering 32-17.

Market Harborough recently had a run of three defeats so will have been pleased to stop the rot with an away win over Loughborough.

After 20 minutes it looked like ‘here we go again’ as the hosts scored twice without reply, but Ethan Godefroy made a try for Josh Haynes with a strong run to raise Harborough’s spirits. Come half-time there was only three points in it but the second period saw Harborough put on the best 40 minutes of rugby that Harborough have played all season according to their coaching staff as they ran out 33-22 winners.

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Tigers Talk drawn: “As far as I’m aware he’s still under contract at Bath,” was his straight bat of a response but he did go on to say “we’re looking for a quality replacement, not someone content to be number two to Freddie (Burns). We’ll get the best out of Freddie if there’s competition.”

He also had some interesting things to say about the new zero-tolerance guidance on high tackles that’s come about as a result of the increasing concern regarding concussion injuries.

“If your technique is good and your body height right, it shouldn’t be an issue,” he said. “As long as it’s consistent. The referees need to understand that sometimes you get into a position you can’t get out of and it’s not your fault. If someone bumps into you and you’re not quite ready for the tackle – you haven’t got down yet – is that really going to be a red card?”

Mauger was also delighted that Dom Barrow, Will Evans, Graham Kitchener and Peter Betham have all signed new deals in the last month. I sat down with Betham, who professed himself “humbled and blessed” to have been offered the new contract.

“This is the right place – it’s a home away from home for me,” said the Kiwi who plays for Australia, and he went on to echo Mauger’s words about mental preparation. “Early on is a big focus for us. The past two games we’ve put pressure on ourselves by not starting well – we can’t start to play in the 60th minute.”

TIGERS IMAGES

Following Richard Cockerill’s departure, the Tigers’ regular press conference, now hosted by his interim replacement Aaron Mauger, was a somewhat more sombre affair than we’re used to. I will miss Cockers’ ready wit and relaxed approach to the sessions. Time will tell if the board has made the right decision – Cockers himself obviously didn’t think so, saying “I still believe that I am the right person to lead the team at this present time” – and I don’t think there’s a coach in the world who could lose players of the calibre of Matt Toomua, Telusa Veainu, JP Pietersen and Manu Tuilagi to long-term injury and not see it reflect in results. Toulon wasted no time in showing their appreciation by snapping him up with almost indecent haste.

What changes has Mauger made? “Not much,” he said. “There’s already a good structure in place. The challenge is to be ready mentally from minute one of every match, so we’re doing more work on that.”

That would seem to be the right priority a er the slow starts they made against Wasps and Racing 92.

Owen Williams is leaving to join Gloucester and Mauger admitted they were disappointed. “We wanted to keep him but he leaves with our good wishes. He’s a top guy,” he said. He went on to explain Williams’ decision was about “game time – and the financial implications that brings.”

The press seemed to have picked up a rumour from somewhere that George Ford may be in the frame to replace him. Predictably, Mauger wouldn’t be

Above

Aaron Mauger has taken over the reins from Richard Cockerill for the time being

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Roundup

Football

Mixed start for Harborough

H

arborough Town have had a mixed start to 2017 in the league, with two losses and a win so far in January. Trustee Andy Winston told me: “The first team are having a rather indifferent time at the moment – I thought our performance against Wellingborough Town (they lost 4-2) was particularly poor.”

He added: “It’s a bit of complacency perhaps. Because we don’t pay players our opponents have some who are perhaps a little more gifted. So we have to be right on top of our game every time to compete successfully.

Any dropping off from peak performance will see us punished.”

Elsewhere in this giant of a club, with around 50 sides at all age levels, the picture is brighter. “Our mid-week under 18 floodlit side is in the running to have a very successful season and the veterans are in the semi-final of the County Cup,” he added.

Having just beaten Rothwell Corinthians in the league, hopefully Nick Pollard’s first team will find some form; they have the premier Leicestershire cup competition – the Challenge Cup – to look forward to as well. They’re in the semi-finals and, as Andy said: “With a bit

BY JEREMY BESWICK of luck we’ll be playing in the final at the King Power.” That would be some day out for all involved at the club.

They did also manage to beat Oadby Town, who nevertheless continue to slowly climb the table towards safety in what has been a transitional year for them – they currently sit 17th in the table, 10 points above the drop zone with two wins and a draw from their last six games.

They were the first ever visitors to Leicester Nirvana’s new Hamilton Park ground and rather spoilt the party by winning 3-2. Harry Allcock got their first to see them go in 1-0 at the break and Carlton Beardmore added another five minutes into the second half. The club’s Dan Lievers said: “He found himself in space 25 yards out to the right of the Nirvana area. Unchallenged he let fly a wonderful low drive which sailed past the seemingly unsuspecting keeper.”

Nirvana got one back before Allcock got his second of the night to settle their nerves but, after a late second from Nirvana, Oadby had to dig deep to run out winners.

After that aforementioned loss to Harborough came the visit of Peterborough Northern Star. That man Beardmore gave the

Poachers an early lead but back came Star as Lievers describes: “Star were having a lot of pressure at this point with Jezz Williams looking threatening up front for them. He fizzed a ball across the box with a couple of his team-mates just a whisker away from applying a finishing touch. The inevitable occured a minute later when after a weak punch from Fletcher-Warrington, Warrener had his shot blocked on the line by Wolfe, but Williams followed up to equalise.”

1-1 at the break. Oadby found themselves behind in the second period after failing to deal with a free kick and both sides then missed glorious opportunities when it seemed easier to score than to miss, but Allcock had the last word in the fifth minute of injury time.

Despite the late equaliser, Lievers reported: “The draw was about the right result, with both managers declaring themselves pleased with the result at the end.”

The reverse fixture, just seven days later, saw Oadby go one better, winning 2-1 away from home.

Between those two matches came an away tie at Northampton Sileby Rangers on what vice-chairman Dave Tolchard called an evening perfect for playing football on what is

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VOX FOX

probably the best grass surface in the United Counties League.

Alas, it was to be a far from perfect result for the Poachers and Sileby had already had a good chance before they took the lead in the seventh minute through Luke Stevens, who “picked the ball up on the touchline and sailed past three Oadby defenders without challenge,” according to Tolchard.

Brian Farrell doubled their lead with a tap-in five minutes later and, although Oadby had their chances, they never really threatened to overturn the deficit and finally lost 3-0.

Finally, a date for your diary – Thursday, February 9 at 6:15pm. FIFA referee Anthony Taylor will be the keynote speaker at the Referee Development Summit in Leicester Tigers’ Honours Lounge. The event is free and Steve Bratt, our local referee development officer, said: “Anyone with an interest in football is welcome to attend, irrespective of whether or not they referee. Last season’s event saw an excellent turn-out and we are hoping to improve on those numbers.”

Several awards will be presented during the evening so do nominate a local referee who you feel is worth a pat on the back – they are all volunteers after all.

All City fans will be wishing club legend Alan Birchenall a full and speedy recovery a er he was admitted to hospital following a heart attack – and will be mightily relieved to hear he’s since been allowed to return home.

‘The Birch’ played 163 times for City in the 1970s and is now a universally popular club ambassador, and it is claimed he hardly missed a home game in decades. Indeed, although he could be forgiven for missing the tie against Chelsea as he was in post-op at the time, his son had taken a laptop to his bedside enabling him to Tweet: “Hello all. Op went well and I’m all in position ready to watch the match! Thanks for your messages. Hoping to be out by Tuesday. Birchy.”

His charity work has included the provision of defibrillators so it was fitting that it was one, together with the prompt actions of nurse Lisa Fereday who just happened to be in the right place at the right time, that probably saved his life. It was “pivotal” according to Ms Fereday – who brought him back to us with the fourth shock. His first words on regaining consciousness were: “wow, what just happened?”

Watching the Chelsea match live that evening on a laptop in a hospital ward must have been a surreal experience for him as in the tenth minute – to match his former shirt number – both home and away fans shined the torches on their smart phones as a unique show of support for the 71 year old, who also played 75 times for Chelsea.

Alas, the Foxes weren’t able to cheer him with a win as they went down 3-0 to prolong their Premiership travails. The match did, however, see an impressive home debut from Nigerian international Wilfred Ndidi, the £17m signing from Genk. Ndidi, only 20 years old, played in both defence and midfield during the match and impressed Claudio Ranieri who said: “He’s an athlete, he played well and his debut here was good. I’m very pleased with his performance.”

Earlier, Ndidi had spoken to the media about his move and said: “It’s like a dream. I am very excited to be here. Just a couple of years ago I was watching these guys on TV, now I’m here. This means a lot to me, but it’s another new challenge and I always like to challenge myself.”

The team will be sorely missing Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani, who are both on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Algeria. The pair started in their opening fixture, a 2-2 draw against Zimbabwe; Mahrez getting both of Algeria’s goals. Daniel Amartey is also in the competition with Ghana.

Le

New signing Wilfred Ndidi has impressed boss Claudio Ranieri

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Roundup

Basketball

Plenty of drama from Riders

I

t has certainly not been dull to be a Leicester Riders fan recently, with nail-biting finishes and late comebacks to force extra periods of play being the recent story of the BBL Championship club, who had won a couple on the bounce over the Christmas period.

Then, a nine-point lead with two minutes to play was almost not enough against Sheffield Sharks, who had won five in a row, but the Riders held on, in part thanks to a great defensive display by Tyler Bernardini.

This strong character under pressure sees Leicester in a good position in the league, tucked in second place, close behind Newcastle Eagles; although third-placed Glasgow Rocks have a number of games in hand.

The Leicester Riders Women will re-enter the second part of the season with a 7-2 record in third place in the WBBL Championship and a narrow loss in the WBBL Cup semi-final.

The side will host a talented Team Northumbria side searching for consistency this season that they were able to overcome on the road before the Christmas break.

Head coach Matthew Harber said: “I think the Christmas break came at a good time for us. We were able to make a positive finish to 2016 having won our last two league games on the road against Caledonia and Northumbria.

“Now we’re back on the floor and getting re-focused for the second half of the season. It will be good to get back into a rhythm of games right away and Northumbria at home this Saturday is going to be tough.

“Our 15-point margin against them back on December 18 doesn’t reflect the competitiveness of the game. Northumbria are a really talented team with quality in every position. We will need to defend consistently to win the game and allow our offence to stem from our defensive efforts.”

Meanwhile, the young Riders stars continue their basketball development.

The U14s staged a fantastic comeback against local rivals Leicester Warriors, producing a great game to watch. It was the young Warriors who started the stronger, turning opposition mistakes into great transition offence. At the end of the first quarter the score was 23-15.

Riders attempted to battle through with big plays from Rafael Fabien and Sam Darlow to keep them in touching distance. Down by 14 at the half (38-24), the coaches focused on encouraging tough defence and running floor.

Defensive intensity went through the roof and excellent prowess from Dan Hadley, James Pinner and Moyo Banwo pushed the score to 45-40 at the end of the third.

It was then game MVP Rafael Fabien who stole the limelight, hitting a huge three-point shot and fantastic ‘and 1’ dribble move and finish. The game finished 53-60.

Show your support for local sport...

Email advertise@theactivemag.com 6 6 F E BRUA RY 2017 ///

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09/12/2016 11:56

Wellingborough School Open Day

Saturday 4th March 2017 9.30am-12.30pm We invite you to experience the everyday magic of life at Wellingborough School. Meet the pupils, talk to staff and learn how your family could be a part of the Wellingborough School community.

Scholarships and bursaries available.

For more information, please call us on 01933 222427 or email registrar@wellingboroughschool.org

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