Active Magazine // South Leicestershire // November 2017

Bright Spark?

80% OF FEES PAID FROM YEARS 7-11

The Headmaster's Scholarship is available to one exceptional girl who is entering Year 7 in September 2018 and has been entirely educated in the state sector up to this point.

Register by 7 November for the Examination on Thursday 16 November 2017, 9.00am - 11.30am

For more information contact Mrs Alice Hailes on 0116 270 5338 or a.hailes@leicesterhigh.co.uk

Editor’s Letter

IT’S

FAIR

TO SAY THAT IF YOU’RE A MANAGER or coach of a professional sports team in the Leicestershire area, it’s likely to have been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for you in the past year or two.

Nowhere more so than at City, where the owners and those that purport to run the club seem to think that hiring and firing managers is far more effective than kicking players with delusions of grandeur up the backside, and possibly questioning the ability of those that buy and sell (or attempt to buy and sell) those players.

Still, now that Craig Shakespeare has become the latest scapegoat for ‘under-achievement’ (I wonder how long and and heavy that Premiership title is going to weigh on the shoulders for?), Leicester’s Thai owners will be scouting around for a big name to keep their duty-free shops in the limelight.

Funny how when City were doing well, the owners were seen as enlightened and forward thinking – yet a few losses and poor performances and they reveal themselves to be just the same as every other reactionary, short-term Premiership football team owner.

Down the road at the cricket club, there’s been quite a few comings and goings too, but in the appointment of Paul Nixon as head coach, they could not have chosen a better man. After Pierre de Bruyn had left in September, Nixon was on the radio talking about his desire to take over at the club he served with such distinction.

There was none of the cards-close-to-the-chest speak you get sometimes with people going for high profile jobs. He laid it all out there. That was typical of him: forthright, honest and passionate. I predict his relentless work ethic, manic energy and utter commitment to the Leicestershire cause will transform the club’s fortunes.

Meanwhile, over at Tigers, Matt O’Connor is benefitting from something every coach needs: some luck. For the first time in years, Tigers haven’t started the season with an injury crisis and most of his world class players are available. Combined with some excellent signings and his coaching expertise, it seems O’Connor’s Tigers are on the way up after an indifferent couple of years.

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 Chauhan lisa@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

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Disclaimer

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

ACTIVE LIFE

13 WHAT’S ON

Great things to do locally for all the family

15 HOW TO...

Make mulled wine and fashion a felt poppy

18-19 RIVERFORD RECIPE

This month we cook a hearty sausage and leek gratin

21 TRAVEL

Head down under for some winter sun in Australia

FEATURES

22-29 PERFECT PRESENTS

Our Christmas gift guide has ideas for all the family

31 MARTIN JOHNSON’S COLUMN

The banter’s already begun ahead of this winter’s Ashes

ACTIVE BODY

35 MASSAGING YOUR FIGURES

How sports massage can aid recovery, by Function Jigsaw

36 THE RHYTHM OF LIFE

How circadian rhythms can help your body heal

40-41 THE FINISHING TOUCHES

How to look great in the great outdoors

ACTIVE LOCAL

44-45 CHALLENGE UPDATES...

Updates on our intrepid fund-raisers

49 SCHOOL SPORTS

Successes on the field from our local schools

51 DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

Weaver and rope maker Paul Hall

52-53 GREAT WALKS

Taking in Gumley and Laughton

55 SPORTSMAN’S DINNER

We try out The George at Great Oxendon

56-61 HAPPY VOLLEY

Jeremy Beswick tries his hand at volleyball

62-66 ROUND-UP

How clubs in the area are faring 40 22 56 52

Tilton on the Hill, Leicestershire.

Guide Price: £650,000

This beautifully presented home sits on the edge of Tilton On the Hill, with views over open countryside to the rear. The ground floor is spacious with sitting room, separate dining room and kitchen breakfast room off the split level entrance hall. There are five well-proportioned bedrooms with two ensuites and family bathroom.

Stoke Dry, Rutland.

Guide Price: £1,250,000

A beautiful detached house situated in an elevated position over looking Eyebrook Reservoir, with stunning views over the area’s undulating countryside. This handsome stone built residence currently consists of three principal reception rooms, large breakfast kitchen, six bedrooms and five bathrooms. Land is in the region of three acres, with a substantial barn, garaging and stores.

Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire.

Guide Price: £365,000

Located in the highly attractive village of Bruntingthorpe, this four bedroom, two bathroom property provides spacious family accommodation. The kitchen dining area is a great entertaining space and the dual aspect sitting room with open fire leads directly to the garden.

Little Bowden, Leicestershire.

Guide Price: £325,000

Situated on the Southern perimeter of the historic market town of Market Harborough, this attractive red brick Victorian house has been cleverly extended by the current owners to provide great family accommodation. A light- filled living kitchen leads to the private garden. The property has characterful features, with two further reception rooms, three bedrooms and bathroom.

Active life

MULLED WINE AND MAGPIES, POPPIES AND PEOPLE. LOCAL NEWS, DELICIOUS FOOD AND TIPS ON HEADING DOWN UNDER

Edited by Mary Bremner

Terri Joins Archway SUCCESSFUL CYCLE CHALLENGE

The Hope Against Cancer Sponsored Cycle Challenge has raised more than £70,000. The Hope to Hope Ride was a 300-mile sponsored cycle to the Peak District and back. Leicester Tigers stars George Catchpole and George Worth held the official starting ribbon with over 50 riders taking part. www.hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

HOTPOD YOGA

Hotpod Yoga has come to Leicester at 5 Pocklingtons Walk. Classes are now being held in a 20-person inflatable pod that is heated to 37 degrees. Everyone is welcome from beginners to seasoned practitioners. All you need to bring is some water and a towel. www.hotpodyoga.com

LUTTERWORTH SANTA FUN RUN

It’s that time of year again – grab your trainers and Santa costume and sign up for the Lutterworth Santa Fun Run taking place on November 26. Up to 1,000 Santas have competed in the past, raising £96,000 over the last eight years.

www.santafunrun.org.uk

Qualified hypnotherapist

Terri Richmond is now offering sessions at Archway Health Hub on Lubenham Hill, Market Harborough. Hypnosis is a recognised branch of therapy that can help with overcoming addictions such as smoking, resolving phobias and preventing panic attacks. To make an appointment ring 01858 410820.

HAPPY PEOPLE

Oadby and Wigston is the fifth happiest place in the country – and that’s official! The Office for National Statistics has published the results of its annual survey and Oadby and Wigston has come out as the fifth happiest place to live in the UK. And what’s more, the happiness of the residents has increased since last year. It is the only place in the East Midlands to make the top 10.

SHOP OF THE MONTH

Lollipop Pottery Painting Studio

Lollipop Pottery Painting Studio in Gartree Road, Oadby, is the ideal place to take your children for hours of amusement. You can pop in for a cup of tea and cake while your budding pottery painters enjoy the studio, or book a pottery party for a special treat.

This family-run business has experts on hand to advise on paint and colours, and to make sure everyone is kept entertained. Based in a rural location minutes from the centre of Leicester, there is ample parking and the studio is spacious enough to accommodate plenty of buggies. Sessions are also available for adults – the next one is on November 9 where you can get stuck in to Christmas decorations.

www.lollipopsltd.co.uk

estateoffice@rockinghamcastle.com - Online tickets available

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:

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT ROCKINGHAM CASTLE

Rockingham Castle invites you to experience a Victorian Christmas at the castle between November 20-24. As well as guided tours, there will be delicious food on offer, people dressed in Victorian costumes and plenty of Christmas gifts to buy in the shop. www.rockinghamcastle.com

PROJECT POPPY

Keen sewer Sara Atkin, from Cottesmore, made felt poppies every year to sell to raise funds for The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. They sold out really quickly and feedback was excellent. This year Sara has been more ambitious and made 600 poppy brooches, with the help of military wife Charlotte Towe, pinning them to a black silk dress that she also made.

This dress, modelled by military wife Michelle Hawes, has caught the imagination of everyone and was previewed at the Great British Sewing Bee exhibition in London. Local milliner Rebecca Couture Millinery created a dramatic hat to go with the dress and the effect is stunning. The dress will be displayed up until Remembrance Day and then all of the poppies will be sold with funds donated to the Poppy Appeal. The hat will be auctioned at The Poppy Ball in London this month.

WHAT’S ON

There’s lots going on in your area this month, why not try some of these?

■ Griff Rhys Jones is coming to The Curve Theatre with his new national tour ‘Where Was I’ on February 23. www.curveonline.co.uk

■ Leicester University is hosting a free public event ‘What would a good Brexit look like for Leicester and Leicestershire’ on November 6 in the Attenborough Hall at City Hall in Charles Street. To book and submit questions to the panel atgo to www.le.ac.uk/leics-brexit

■ New dates have been announced for Gary Barlow’s solo tour in 2018. He is coming to Leicester’s de Montfort Hall on April 26 and tickets are now on sale. www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Also appearing on stage at de Montfort Hall next year is Flashdance, starring Strictly Come Dancing winner Joanne Cli on. Tickets are now on sale for the show which runs from March 26-31. www.flashdancetour.co.uk

■ Hope Against Cancer is holding its fi h annual fashion show on November 16 at Sytner BMW Leicester, sponsored by NFU Mutual. There will be drinks, goodie bags, music and entertainment, as well as the fashion show. Tickets are now on sale – call 0116 270 0101 or email tracey@hfcr.org.

■ Two comedians from Cork, Chris Kent and Andrew Ryan, are bringing their hugely popular Edinburgh Festival show ‘The Fully Corked Tour’ to Leicester on November 2. Performing at The Cookie in High Street, tickets are now on sale. www.thecookieleicester.co.uk

Lollipops provides all weather pottery painting fun for the entire family at our spacious studio on Gartree Road in Oadby.

Open 6 days a week.

We offer Birthday parties for children & adults, team-building sessions and hen celebrations all in our separate private studio space.

Our Coffee shop offers freshly ground Union roasted coffee, a great selection of hot chocolates and ice cream shakes and also has a traditional sweet shop too.

Baby-printing service available to capture tiny prints for gifts and keepsakes. For more information or to make a booking call us on 0116 2700177 www.lollipopsltd.co.uk. Info@lollipopsltd.co.uk Stoughton Grange. Gartree Road. Leicester. LE2 2FB

HOW TO…

MAKE MULLED WINE

The perfect accompaniment to keep you warm while standing around a bonfire watching fireworks.

Ingredients

1 bottle red wine

50g demerara sugar

1 cinnamon stick

Pinch of nutmeg

1 orange, cut in half

1 bay leaf

1 star anise

50ml brandy

Put the wine in a saucepan along with the orange, sugar and spices. Heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Taste to see if you need to add more sugar. Remove from the heat and add the brandy. Serve immediately by straining into heatproof glasses.

HOW TO…

Create a felt poppy

Using a paper poppy as a template, draw round it on some red felt (green felt for the leaf and black for the centre). Cut them out and sew together or, even easier, glue the pieces together. Add a safety pin to the back and there you have it. But please do still donate to the Royal British Legion.

NATURE

THE MAGPIE

With their black and white plumage and long tail, magpies are the most distinctive members of the crow family.

Their harsh ‘chack, chack’ call also draws attention as they hop around the canopies of trees. In recent years magpies have increased in numbers as they have colonised suburban gardens, where they are safe from gamekeepers and farmers. They have a reputation for taking the eggs of game birds but their diet is more varied and includes carrion from road kill, small mammals, grain and fruit. Surplus food may be hoarded along with shiny objects which attract them.

Magpies are usually seen in pairs or small groups – hence the old rhyme ‘one for sorrow, two for joy’.

Their preferred habitat of pasture with scrub and overgrown hedgerows provides sites for the dome shaped nest, built of twigs with a lining of earth and roots. A clutch of five to eight eggs is laid in April and incubated for 18 days.

Magpies are widely distributed locally, especially in western and southern Rutland and the Welland Valley. There are fewer in the area north of Stamford where large arable fields and low hedges do not provide ideal breeding habitat.

Terry Mitcham

YEW TREES

Native to the UK, this evergreen tree can live up to 600 years. Ten trees in Britain are believed to pre-date the 10th Century.

The foliage and seed coat of the yew contains highly toxic alkaloids, particularly dangerous for horses and cattle, and is poisonous to humans as well, being used in ancient times by soldiers who preferred to die rather than be captured. Two chemotherapy drugs were originally developed from yew trees and the needles are still collected and used during the manufacture of these drugs today.

The yew is traditionally found in churchyards. Many reasons are given for this; the long life of the trees to symbolise eternity, the toxicity to represent death, or the more mundane – planting yews in graveyards meant farmers and drovers would not let their stock graze there.

The brown rat

The common belief is that there is always a rat within a foot of you. Prolific breeders, having up to eight in a litter, breeding up to six times a year, all year, and reaching sexual maturity between five and eight weeks, this common myth is possibly quite true. Being good swimmers, the brown rat is the only species to be found in sewers in the UK and is quite common in the roofs of houses. Its favourite food is cereals but being omnivorous they will eat virtually anything, including ground nesting birds’ eggs. Carriers of Weil’s disease, which can be fatal to humans, they do not carry the plague, as was widely believed.

SAUSAGE, LEEK AND POTATO GRATIN WITH SEASONAL GREENS AND MUSTARD

INGREDIENTS

500g salad potatoes

Salt and pepper

25g butter

2 large, or 3 smaller leeks

Olive oil for frying

4 pork and herb sausages

1 garlic clove

15g parsley

½ pot crème fraiche

1 nutmeg

200g greens

1 tbsp coarse grain mustard

METHOD

● Scrub the potatoes, put in a pan of salted water and boil for 5 minutes. Leave them in the warm water.

● Remove the skins from the sausages (1) and break each one into six rough pieces. Peel and finely chop the garlic clove. Finely chop the parsley leaves.

● Trim, wash and thinly slice the leeks. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan and gently cook for 10 minutes until starting to soften, but not to colour (2).

● When the leeks have softened, remove from pan and leave to one side. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in the same pan and fry the sausage meat until lightly browned, approx 3-4 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the leeks, garlic and parsley.

● Stir in half the tub of crème fraiche. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add a little grated nutmeg to taste (3).

● Spread the mixture evenly into a gratin (baking dish). Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees C.

● Drain the potatoes. Pop the butter into the empty pan and gently melt it. Coarsely grate the potatoes back in the pan. Season well with salt and pepper and mix well.

● Spread the potatoes over the leek and sausage mix. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are golden, crisp and cooked through.

● Strip away and discard the large central stalks from the greens. Finely shred the leaves.

● About five minutes before the gratin is ready, cook the greens gently in a saucepan with a little oil until wilted and starting to soften. Stir the mustard into the greens and season with salt and pepper.

Tip: If the potatoes are too hot to handle when it comes to grating them, run them under some cold water until they feel comfortable in your hand.

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

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

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm

Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk 12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk

Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk

St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN

THE LAND DOWN UNDER

Australia, the country of wide open spaces, fabulous beaches, poisonous creepy crawlies, barbecues, friendly locals, sun and cricket.

The England team is heading to Australia this month to defend the Ashes which they won in 2015. The first test will be played in Brisbane on November 24 followed by Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney, finishing in January 2018. The Barmy Army will be out in force supporting the team.

You could do the same, or go off piste and explore some of this vast country and sample the many delights it has to offer. Many people hire a camper van to do this but, be warned, the country is massive, similar in size to America. Internal flights are relatively cheap and frequent – to many Australians flying is like taking the bus.

Most Australians live on the coast, with all of the major cities boasting beautiful beaches. Head into the interior and it really is a country of vast space. Townships are remote and you can travel for hundreds of miles without seeing another human being – but you will see plenty of kangaroos, sheep, cattle, wild donkeys and camels.

WHAT TO SEE

Uluru, previously known as Ayers Rock, is a massive sandstone monolith in the middle of

Australia’s Northern Territory. The nearest large town is Alice Springs, almost 400 miles away. An incredible sight, sacred to Aborigines, it is best to see it at dawn or dusk when the sun rises and falls behind it.

Sydney

This city has it all – fabulous beaches, stunning architecture, a magnificent bridge and the iconic Opera House. Many Sydney-siders commute to work via the ferry, sailing into Circular Quay, the busy ferry port located close to the Opera House. Make sure you take the ferry to Manly, one of the best surfing beaches in the city and, according to some, better than Bondi.

The Great Barrier Reef

Off the coast of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on Earth. The perfect place to snorkel so you can see the reef up close, including the coral and colourful fish, turtles and sharks.

The Great Ocean Road

Experience one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, taking in The Twelve Apostles. This road in Victoria was built by ex-soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and is dedicated to soldiers killed during WW1, being the world’s largest war memorial. There are plenty of

surfing beaches on the way, but coping with the waves of the Southern Ocean can be demanding.

TIPS

● If travelling by car in the remote interior make sure you take plenty of water and food with you, and tell someone where you are going. If you break down, do not leave your vehicle.

● Australia is home to many venomous snakes and spiders as well as scorpions. If camping out in the bush be aware of this.

● Most Australians are very strong swimmers, being brought up on the coast. Obey the lifeguards and swim within the red flags. Some of the rip tides are very strong and you can quickly get into trouble. Look out for beaches with shark nets – for obvious reasons.

● Never go without suntan lotion. The Australian sun can be brutal. If out all day, wear a hat. Slip, slap, slop is a well-known saying. Slip on a shirt, slap on a hat and slop on the suntan lotion.

● Australia is renowned for its wine and beer. Take in a vineyard tour if you can. South Australia and Victoria are two states with plenty of them.

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

For everyone

WACKYSOX

Rugby and hockey socks that are comfortable and full of character. Price £7.99

From Rutland Sports (Bourne 01778 426482, Oakham 01572 722675)

HAND-PAINTED GIFTS

Hand-painted, unique personalised gifts at Lollipops Pottery Painting Studio – what you give is entirely down to your imagination! Prices vary

From Lollipop Pottery Painting Studio www.lollipopsltd.co.uk 0116 2700177

RIVERFORD CHRISTMAS GIFT HAMPER

VUZE VIRTUAL REALITY

Capture the whole moment with the world’s first consumer-friendly 3D 360° spherical virtual reality camera with 4K resolution. Lightweight, compact and easy to use with a waterproof housing also available for underwater footage.

Price £895

From www.vuze.camera

This organic hamper includes some wonderful festive goodies, including La Jara prosecco frizzante, mince pies, a cheddar truckle, Cropwell Bishop stilton, plum and cranberry chutney, Pimhill oatcakes and double chocolate brownies. Price £49.95 From Riverford Organic Farms www.riverford.co.uk

AWAIR

Awair is a stylish device that tracks toxins and chemicals in the air while providing recommendations to help users stay safe and healthy. For use in the home and nursery, sensors boost wellness, sleep and productivity as well as manage allergies.

Price £169 From www.getawair.co.uk

BLACK SHUCK GIN AND GLASS

Premium Black Shuck Gin combines botanicals such as juniper, coriander and bitter orange peel with lavender and sea buckthorn. Bought the gin?

Best serve it in a balloon glass with plenty of ice and a twist of fresh orange zest.

Price £38 (glass £8) From The Mediterranean Deli, Wistow Rural Centre 0116 259 3441

HAND PAINTED BESPOKE BAUBLE

Give your tree the luxury treatment with these beautifully crafted ornaments.

Price £14 From The Paint Pottle, Market Harborough www.thepaintpottle.co.uk 07900 090851

SCARAB SAFETY BEACON FOR DOGS

A powerful safety beacon that easily fits to a collar, designed to keep you safe on dark nights or misty mornings.

Price £29.99 From Inner Wolf www.innerwolf.co.uk 01163 373053

ADIDAS LX24 CARBON HOCKEY STICK

The 3D head shape and carbonplate stiffening technology of the LX24 increases ball control and improves energy transfer, meaning maximum power for shooting and passing.

BURGHLEY JOURNAL

Price £180 From G&L Sports www.gl-sports.com 01733 264405

The Burghley Journal is a luxurious, refillable leather journal, hand bound in Stamford from Spanish leather. It can be personalised and comes in a gift box.

Price £57.20 From Spiegl Press www.spieglpress.com 01780 762550

PAWBO+

PHANTOM STOVE FAN

Stove fans push the hot air from your wood burner back out around the room, circulating the heat for a lovely cosy feel.

Price £90 From Harborough Stone www.harborough-stone.co.uk 01858 410033

The Pawbo+ is an interactive camera that is controlled via the free Pawbo Life App so pet parents can not only hear and see their ‘fur babies’ – they can also interact with them.

Price £149 From www.pawbo.com

B7 2017 ELECTRIC HYBRID BIKE

A versatile, comfortable electric bike, with a great specification at a fantastic price point and offering a near-100 mile electric range.

Price £1,599 From Rutland Cycling www.rutlandcycling.com 01572 332032

KALKHOFF AGATTU

For him

DRYROBE ADVANCE CHANGING ROBE

A waterproof and windproof changing robe with super synthetic lambswool lining to make you feel lovely and warm after a swim.

Price £99.99 From Tallington Lakes www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com 01778 381154

FJALLRAVEN MEN’S STIG FLANNEL SHIRT

A lightweight, warm, long-sleeved shirt with button-down collar. It insulates well, transports moisture away from the skin and dries fast.

Price £85 From Cotswold Outdoor www.cotswoldoutdoor.com 01666 818153

MR MUK BEARD OIL

An exquisite blend of Moroccan argan oil, linseed oil, sweet almond oil and aloe vera to soften and control coarse or unruly facial hair.

SWANN OUTBACKCAM

Portable HD video recorder and photo camera that is perfect for capturing nature and keeping an eye on the campsite by mounting to trees, posts or flat surfaces.

Price £129.99

From maplin.co.uk

Price: £16.95

From The Barbers of Uppingham 01572 820208

TAYLORS OF OLD BOND STREET AFTERSHAVE

With herbaceous top notes of lavender, bergamot and green notes resting on a heart with geranium and soft green fern. The base of this fragrance is ambery with cedar, leathery, moss and musky. Contains cedarwood oil, patchouli oil and lavandin grosso.

Price £22.95 From The Grooming Room, Market Harborough 01858 419666

BANG & OLUFSEN BEOLAB 50

From the moment the acoustic lens ascends, discreetly opening up to face the audience, you know the stage is set for an extraordinary performance with this high-end speaker.

Price £21,685

From Bang & Olufsen of Leicester 0116 2745858

RAB MEN’S MICROLIGHT ALPINE JACKET

Clean lines and an uncluttered, simple design make this down-filled jacket ideal as an extra layer or for day-to-day use.

Price £190 From Cotswold Outdoor www.cotswoldoutdoor.com 01666 818153

Launde Abbey

Open daily for morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea

Cyclists and walkers very welcome

Why not start your walk or ride at Launde then reward yourself with a delicious lunch at the end?

Visit our website for maps and routes at www.laundeabbey.org.uk

Launde Abbey, East Norton, Leicestershire LE7 9XB T: 01572 717254 I E: info@launde.org.uk

Charity No: 1140918

Hambleton Hall, one of Britain’s finest country house hotels, overlooking Rutland Water, provides the most wonderful setting for a Christmas party

Log fires, a beautiful Christmas tree, sensational Christmas decorations and bedrooms to rest your weary head...

‘The Study’ – one of Hambleton’s fabulous private dining rooms is perfect for Christmas parties of 6 to 16 guests.

We are offering parties a Special Limited Choice Menu, Sunday to Thursday, £65 per person for 3 courses. (£80 per person for 4 courses).

Terrine of Sea Bass & Artichoke

Foie Gras Chicken Liver Parfait with Fig Wild Mushroom Risotto, Parmesan & Tarragon

At the end of the evening why not stay the night?

Middle Course Offer - the best fish catch of the day

Fillet of Turbot, Cockle, Clams & Cucumber Merryfield Duck, Caramelised Endive, Cucumber & Plum

Jacobs Ladder, Smoked Potato, Horseradish & Red Wine Jus

Prune & Armagnac Soufflé

Golden Chocolate, Passion Fruit Sorbet

Lime Meringue Pie & Lime Leaf Ice Cream

Coffee, Chocolates etcetera

If you would like to stay after your Christmas party and book two or more bedrooms on a Sunday to Thursday, we are offering a special rate of £240.00 per night, based on 2 people sharing one of our Standard double bedrooms, including full Hambleton breakfast & VAT.

MENU

Bourne Heights

Whittlesey Green

Off Bourne by-pass roundabout, West Road, Bourne PE10 0LB  07825 275820 bourne@larkfleethomes.co.uk Gretton Valley

Woburn Drive, Thorney, Peterborough PE6 0SN  07824 327351 thorney@larkfleethomes.co.uk

Eastrea Road, Whittlesey, Peterborough PE7 2AJ  07826 914345

whittleseygreen@larkfleethomes.co.uk

Buttercross Park & Langham Barns

Opposite Catmos College, Off Barleythorpe Road, Oakham LE15 7EE  01572 722262

oakham@larkfleethomes.co.uk

Rockingham Gate, Priors Hall Park, Weldon, Corby NN17 5EB  07825 171512

gretton@larkfleethomes.co.uk

Langham Barns, Oakham

Thorney Meadows, Thorney Thorney Meadows, Thorney Whittlesey Green, Whittlesey

For her

CASTELLI MORTIROLO 2 WOMEN’S JACKET ORCHID

A windproof winter staple with Windstopper fabric on the front and sleeves and close-to-body fit, this jacket will see you through most cold weather riding conditions.

Price £170 From Rutland Cycling www.rutlandcycling.com 01572 332032

ANGEL NECKLACE

A beautiful gift this Christmas is the angel crystal pendant on a long chain. Available in a selection of colours.

Price £29 From Anna Couture, Stamford 01780 765174

MURANO SILVER EARRINGS

These gorgeous Linda Macdonald Vintage Romance earrings are sure to put a sparkle on a loved one’s face on Christmas morning.

Price £68 From Murano Silver www.Facebook.com/MuranoSilver 01778 347007

AUSTRIAN CRYSTAL HEART NECKLACE

Sparkling and truly special, these tiny heart pendants come in a selection of colours, high cut crystal for superb quality.

Price £25 From Anna Couture, Stamford 01780 765174

RAB WOMEN’S MICROLIGHT ALPINE JACKET

With a clean, uncluttered design the Rab Microlight Alpine is the ultimate protection against cold weather, perfect for day-to-day use.

Price £190 From Cotswold Outdoor www.cotswoldoutdoor.com 01666 818153

ELIZA LEATHER BACKPACK

A beautiful leather backpack made from luxury, spruce-green bridle leather, fully veg-tanned to give a crisp finish and a durable self-lining in polished suede.

Price £350 From JR Tusting Ltd www.tusting.co.uk 01234 712266

WHITE GOLD TOPAZ AND DIAMOND RING

Make this Christmas one that will never be forgotten with this incredible 18ct white gold topaz and diamond ring.

Price £3,250

From TJ Thornton Jewellers, Market Harborough www.tjthornton.com 01858 468858

For the kids

LIFEPRINT 2X3 HYPERPHOTO PRINTER

This portable Bluetooth device prints photos straight from your mobile phone, Instagram and Facebook videos, Snapchats, GoPro clips, photos and even animated GIFs.

Price £135 From Apple UK and Amazon

JBL JR 300BT

Specifically designed for children aged three to 10, these headphones are built with a Safe Sound feature and fine-tuned for lower sound levels.

Price £39.99 From uk.jbl.com

FROG BIKE 48 KIDS’ BIKE

Built to the same quality as premium adult bikes, the Frog is not just reliable but also lightweight and packed with clever features, from the locking headset that prevents over steering to easy to reach brake levers for comfortable braking control.

Price £250 From Rutland Cycling www.rutlandcycling.com 01572 332032

MADD GEAR PRO VX7 PRO

If you’re looking for the best complete scooter which features some of the highest specification components for your money then the VX7 Pro scooter has it all and included in the new upgrades are an alloy fork and an integrated MFX headset.

Price £124.99 From George Hall Cycle Centre www.georgehallscycles.co.uk 01858 465507

ACE OF PLAY BALANCE BIKE

This bike is specially designed to be lightweight, making it easy for your toddler to be manouverable, developing their co-ordination, balance and confidence to move onto their first ‘big’ bike or scooter!

Price £79.99 From George Hall Cycle Centre www.georgehallscycles.co.uk 01858 465507

An impressive collection of one & two bedroom apartments and three & four bedroom houses, there’s a home for everyone at Oakthorpe from Kier Living. This exciting new development is perfectly situated in the cathedral city of Peterborough, which boasts a variety of attractions and amenities, as well as being just 50 minutes from London Kings Cross by train *

Prices from £152,995

Sales & marketing suite open daily 10am - 5pm Thorpe Road, Peterborough, PE3 6AW

311022

A Trojan horse, containing brilliant batsmen and barnstorming bowlers

An Ashes touring party that travels with no hope of victory?

It’s

a ruse used famously before, says Martin Johnson

Every couple of years or so, two sets of colonial cousins arrange a few games of cricket, and whoever wins gets presented with a terracotta urn containing the charred remains of a pair of those two wooden bits that sit on top of the stumps. Hard to explain, then, that long before a contest known as the Ashes actually gets under way, the rules apparently require the competitors to begin exchanging words like ‘war’ and ‘hatred’.

This was the rhetoric chosen by Australian batsman David Warner, letting go with a few opening salvos fully five weeks before the first ball is bowled. Warner, whose past contributions to cordial relations include taking a swing at the current England captain Joe Root in a Birmingham nightclub in 2013, has a bit of previous in the verbal department, and has once again been selected by his country to kick start the verbal sparring.

This is not to say that England don’t fire any shots of their own; it’s just that they’re more subtle. Jonathan Agnew, my chum from his Leicestershire days, and now the BBC cricket correspondent, has gone for the reverse psychology approach by describing the tourists as one of the worst England sides to be sent to Australia.

The first time England tried this tactic was on the 1986-87 tour, when exceptional cricketers such as David Gower, Ian Botham and Allan Lamb were instructed – or at least we presume they were – to perform as though they had been selected via a blindfold and pin from the Southport League Division Three.

Having been on that tour, I have to admit to reservations over the Agnew plan. Not because people like Warner are intelligent enough to remember that it’s been tried before, but because modern cricket tours are structured in such a way as to leave precious little time for the plan to be implemented.

In 1986-87, however, England had six and half weeks in which to travel all over Australia playing cricket like complete numpties. It was so brilliantly executed that they managed to fool everyone, including the travelling band of hacks. Which is how, on the eve of the opening Test, I came to re-assure readers back home to take comfort from the fact that they were useless at only three things –batting, bowling and fielding.

I didn’t realise it at the time, but I had unwittingly joined the English propaganda machine. One of the local tabloids picked up on the article, and their entire front page was devoted to one giant headline. “They Can’t Bat, They Can’t Bowl, and They Can’t

Field!” it read, underneath which was written, in slightly smaller print, “Latest On Pathetic Poms – see Page 13.”

The plan turned out to be the greatest piece of British deception since convincing Hitler the D-Day landings would be in Calais. Everywhere England went, they were bowled out by two left armers no-one had ever heard of. In Queensland, it was Tazalaar and Frei. In South Australia, it was Parkinson and Gladigau. In WA, it was Reid and Matthews. Every time one of them turned an arm over, another England batsman trudged back to the pavilion.

Which is why, when Australia’s selectors sat down to select their team for the opening Test in Brisbane, they chose Matthews from Perth. Only this time, instead of England’s batsman missing every ball he sent down, they all arrowed in on the middle of the bat. By way of a bonus, Matthews also managed to drop Gower on 0, allowing him to retrieve a precarious first innings position in the company of Botham.

The century Botham went on to score was one of the finest ever seen in an Ashes contest, and all eyes were on Australia’s beaten captain when the game ended. No-one quite seemed to know how to kick off the press conference when Allan Border sat down, but eventually the avuncular figure of the Australian Associated Press dipped an elbow into the bath water. And lost, at a conservative estimate, several layers of skin.

“How do you feel, AB?” he ventured. Border looked up. The eyes came out on pogo sticks, the lips twitched, the mouth foamed... “How do I feel?” he said. Well, more snorted than said. “How the (several expletives deleted) feel?” It was an eruption on the Krakatoa scale. The outpouring of rage understandable enough from a man who realises he’s been hoodwinked.

You would have to say that there are enough Australians who remember that series for such a ruse not to be swallowed again. But sometimes the blindingly obvious doesn’t become blindingly obvious until it’s too late. The 1986-87 tour was the equivalent of the citizens of Troy waking up one morning, and finding that the Greeks appeared to have gone home. “Oh look!” someone shouted from the ramparts. “They’ve left us a horse. How nice. Someone nip down and open the gates.”

Given that people are supposed to have short memory spans nowadays, Aggers may yet turn out to be England’s trump card.

 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?’.

The Tiguan. Cool. Calm. Connected.

ACTIVE BODY

THE IMPORTANCE OF TREATING INJURIES PROPERLY, HOW TO DRESS A MIDDLE AGED MAN AND THE CIRCLE OF LIFE

in Stamford-Tinwell

Do you suffer from pain?

MBST technology therapy, Casterton Lane, Tinwell PE9 3UQ

THREE CASE STUDIES

An ageing farmer from Spalding who was told he would not be able to ski again, was able to go on five skiing holidays in one season after his MBST treatment.

A footballer was told she would be out of a major international tournament, until she had MBST and captained the side to bronze.

A lady from Stamford who commuted to London was hit by a car. From February 2017 this lady was in a wheelchair until she had physiotherapy and MBST combined. Six weeks after MBST she is back commuting and even walks without an aid.

MBST CAN WORK EFFECTIVELY ON THE FOLLOWING:

OSTEOARTHRITIS

SPINAL DISCS

OSTEOPOROSIS

MUSCLE DAMAGE

SPEEDS UP THE HEALING FOR FRACTURES, LIGAMENT, CARTILAGE, MUSCLE AND TENDON DAMAGE.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

MBST promotes the body to heal itself by using Magnetic Resonance, which has been developed from Magnetic Resonance Imagining (MRI). It sounds scientific, which it is, however the process for the patient is simple.

A patient will attend a full assessment by a Physiotherapist before being passed onto Cell Regeneration who will look after the treatment process. This consists of lying or sitting in a device for an hour at a time, once a day until the treatment course is completed. The team is friendly and health professionals are on hand for any advice and help while you recover. Treatment times are flexible to fit around work, school, training or just busy lifestyles.

MBST communicates to cells in bone, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles. The technology transfers energy directly into the cells of treated tissue to stimulate the regenerative process. This non-invasive therapy treats the cause of pain to promote healing and relieves symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sports injuries and injuries caused by accidents.

MASSAGING YOUR FIGURES

Massage is important for all sports men and women, no matter whether you are a relaxed amateur or serious professional, says Carys Margetts of Function Jigsaw

Sports massage isn’t just for athletes, it can be for any individual that will benefit from the sports massage. It’s a technique that is applied in a deep and manipulative way, to help relieve any issues you may have.

It can be beneficial to anyone looking to promote muscular health, whether that be due to a sporting event or muscular tension caused by stress.

You don’t need to be in a huge amount of pain to benefit from a sports massage, some people receive sports massages regularly for an injury preventative strategy.

Firstly, some questions for you…

• Do you suffer with muscular tension?

• Do you struggle to hold a good posture through your working day?

• Are you an active person?

• Do you have a structured training regime?

• Are you looking to compete at a high level?

If your answer is ‘yes’ to any of those, a sports massage can help you reach some of your goals and correct some of those imbalances you may have.

Muscle imbalances can effect many areas of the body and cause a lot of pain and discomfort. If a major muscle group is tight, it can pull and move the boney structures into incorrect places which can cause pain and can have an impact on the way the body moves as a whole structure. When this is then continuous is when the body suffers with injuries and increased pain.

Massage is also very beneficial when combined with other

treatments such a sports therapy, dry needling, acupuncture, rehabilitation and chiropractic treatments.

What are the benefits of massage on the body?

• Muscular system – helps release the soft tissue tightness, realign scar tissue, reduce muscular spasms.

• Lymphatic system – massage can help increase movement of fluid and circulation throughout the body.

• Nervous system – can help increase endorphins, along with increasing the sensory receptors.

• Skeletal system – reducing soft tissue tension allows the increase of mobility, helping to reduce the stress on joints.

• Cardiovascular system – increases blood flow to the soft tissues, helping to remove waste products and increase oxygen and nutrients to those areas.

Sports massage is very beneficial for anybody at any time whether it be during their training periods, with increased stress and muscular tension, pre and post event, as a monthly treatment, recovering from an injury or preparing for a new goal or target.

A pre-event massage would focus on the preparation of the body for the upcoming physical demands, creating a sense of readiness. It should be performed at an up-tempo pace and can be used in conjunction with a person’s warmup increasing circulation, relaxing muscle structures and aiding in joint mobility and flexibility.

A post-event massage is focused on recovery. The tempo tends to be a lot slower and lighter dependant on the event compared to pre-event massage. Post-event massage will help increase circulation helping to reduce muscular tension. The massage will help flush waste products and toxins out from the muscle which will reduce the chance of DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness).

Massage whilst recovering from an injury is usually used in conjunction with rehabilitation or other treatment techniques. It can be used to focus on the injured area or the surrounding areas that may have been compensating or also need treating to promote a successful recovery. There are different techniques that can be used on the injured area such as frictions, trigger point release, deep tissue and joint/ tissue mobilisations.

Numerous people from any working environment or athletic environment build up increased muscular tension from their physical demands or even increased stress levels. As humans, we tend to tense our muscles up with increased stress levels which can then lead to ongoing and recurring injury. Likewise, with repetitive physical demands in the working environment, the muscular tension will build up and can result in either occasional discomfort or ongoing pain and injury.

Sports massage works at its best when in a regular routine as it helps keep muscular tension and imbalances at bay and unless a regular mobility and self-massage regime is completed, the tension and imbalances are likely to return.

Function Jigsaw

24 Long Street, Wigston, Leicester, LE18 2AH

Telephone: 0116 340 0255

Email: appointments@functionjigsaw.co.uk

Web: www.functionjigsaw.co.uk

THE CIRCLE OF LIFE

Understanding your circadian rhythms could be key to recovery from injury and illness

The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly to Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young for their discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm.

Circadian rhythms are physical, mental and behavioural changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. Circadian rhythms can influence sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, eating habits and digestion, body temperature, division and proliferation of cells and other important bodily functions.

Sleep is an easy example of this – our body’s internal master clock controls the production of melatonin, the hormone that makes you drowsy. When there is less light, the body clock receives that information from the optic nerve and tells the brain to produce more melatonin so that we then sleep. Jet lag, for instance, is when our

circadian rhythm is disrupted due to crossing time zones that your cycle is used to and can take a few days to adjust.

Several recent studies have demonstrated the importance of the circadian rhythm in cartilage maintenance and repair and rhythm disruption is a risk factor for joint diseases such as osteoarthritis. Some studies have shown that in rheumatoid arthritis some immune cell populations lose their normal circadian rhythms while others establish new inflammatory circadian rhythms.

According to the latest scientific discoveries of Dr. Egg from the University of Innsbruck, MBST (Molecular Bio-Physical Stimulation Therapy) corrects misaligned circadian clocks in cells. MBST is the only technology currently available worldwide which causes this correction and uses magnetic resonance as a therapy. Magnetic resonance is also used in diagnostic imaging.

The therapy has been used for the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis for more than 15 years using

the MBST devices developed by the German company MedTec.

MBST works at the cellular level and stimulates hydrogen protons using radio waves, putting them into a high energy state. This energy is then released into the tissue to be treated and stimulates the regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue.

Studies indicate strongly that magnetic resonance has a direct impact on circadian regulated pathways.

With the Nobel Prize-winning study confirming the discovery of the importance of circadian rhythm and how they actually work, and MBST currently being the only technology in the world to correct any misalignment, we are very lucky to have a treatment centre locally in Tinwell, just outside Stamford, at Cell Regeneration. MBST can be used on the following; osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sports and accidental injuries and the general wear and tear of joints.

Cell Regeneration

Zeeco House Annexe, Casterton Lane, Tinwell, Stamford, PE9 3UQ

Telephone: 01780 238084

Web: www.mbst-therapy.co.uk

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FIRST STEPS

Mel Wheeler of Relax Kids on the importance of understanding mental health in children

Often when hearing the words ‘mental health’ there is a tendency to think about mental ill-health, thinking about the behaviour a person may demonstrate with, such as shouting, throwing items, acting impulsively and unpredictably.

Negative connotations of mental health are conjured up, with words including ‘crazy’, ‘nuts’ or ‘schizo’ being used.

In reality mental health is actually no different from physical health, by striving to have physical health by exercising, eating a balanced diet and by ensuring you have leisure time for relaxing, attempts are made to prevent physical ill-health.

Actually this is the same for mental health, although the term starting to be used now to differentiate between mental illness and mental health, is positive mental health. A large part of positive mental health is learning to recognise symptoms of mental ill-health and working towards prevention, asking for support and self-help.

HOW IS THE BRAIN AFFECTED?

This is an area of on-going research, only a small proportion of the brain is fully understood, however due to research greater awareness of how the brain is affected be mental ill health is being gained.

Many children, young people and adults do not possess the skills required to recognise when difficulties arise. Mental ill-health is complex due to its very nature and ‘neuroplasticity’ of the brain – the brain’s ability to re-organise itself by forming new connections throughout life. Research is therefore continually developing regarding how exactly the brain is affected by mental ill-health.

Although the significance of neuroplasticity is becoming more widely understood, mental health is affected also by an inherited factors, there is a strong link of mental health difficulties within families. Psychological factors, including how mental health is perceived by the individual and the

environmental factors, including home, school and society influences, all affect how the brain is developed.

There is growing evidence that life-long mental health problems will appear in childhood and adolescence, which further supports the need to help children and young people to recognise the symptoms of mental ill-health early.

WHAT IS ANXIETY?

Some anxiety is ‘normal’ – all of us will experience anxiety at one stage or another throughout life. This is referred to as transitory and is common in childhood.

Anxiety helps us to function in daily life, sometimes referred to as Eustress and it can often give us the edge, for example during exams or a job interview. However, it is when the body experiences too much anxiety it can become difficult to manage in everyday life. Anxiety is a survival mechanism, it helps to keep us alive and is primeval, however today’s society it is not helpful for us to experience too much anxiety. If we experience too much anxiety it prevents us from living a productive and healthy life.

Anxiety is often a physical feeling sometimes referred to as the flight and fight response, less commonly discussed is the freeze response however this is most often displayed during times of anxiety. This is when a person is frozen to the spot often assessing the situation and how to respond. Anxiety presents in the autonomic nervous system affecting all areas in the body system including the heart, sweat glands and bladder function to name a few. When considering anxiety further we can see the behavioural responses to fight and flight, for example fight usually manifests in aggression and flight often means that people withdraw and hide, avoiding situations, perhaps isolating themselves from others.

To counteract these physical sensations using deep breathing techniques, this includes breathing from the diaphragm, can be helpful, as this counteracts the physical sensations being felt.

For more advice/support see: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Anxiety/ Pages/Symptoms.aspx https://www.mind.org.uk/informationsupport/types-of-mental-health-problems/ anxiety-and-panic-attacks/anxietysymptoms/#.WdDwuVUrK00 https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/

See www.relaxkids.com or contact Mel on 07812 166206

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Dressing as though you’re heading off on an outdoor adventure is all the rage... time to get up to speed with Gorpcore and unleash your inner train spotter!

Edited by Mary Bremner

WHOEVER WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IT...

Middle-aged men of a certain ilk have suddenly become fashionable. You know the look... dressing as if you’re going on a geology field trip with zip-off trousers, cagoules with toggles, puffa jackets, climbing gear, dad trainers, fleeces and even the much derided bum bag.

Welcome to Gorpcore, the latest weird and wonderful trend that is besetting the fashion world. It basically involves dressing as if you are heading out on a massive hike

in harsh weather, but really you are just heading for the latest trendy coffee shop. And it’s not just for men – young trendy hipsters, rather than middle aged ones –but women are embracing it, too.

The baggier the better as far as the female of the species is concerned. Wear all this gear with a t-shirt with a statement on the front and you are bang on trend. A good thing about this utility clothing look is that it is comfortable and practical, if

rather boring – but that’s the irony about it all apparently – and what makes it so popular. It dominated this summer’s festivals and has continued to be popular. Brands such as The North Face, Peter Storm and Berghaus have suddenly seen demand go through the roof. Visit your local outdoor clothing retailer to stock up on the Gorpcore trend and you too can look like a middle-aged man, or better still, a train spotter!

I’ve been a customer at Good Hair Days in Uppingham for a number of years so I was keen to visit owner Nikki Thorpe’s salon in Stamford to see if I would get the same level of service and advice. Good Hair Days in Stamford was celebrating its first birthday the day I was having a cut and colour and it seems the salon has been building a strong and regular clientele.

Nikki has more than 30 years’ experience and has developed a warm, friendly yet efficient atmosphere in both salons.

Managed by Olivia and Hayley, Good Hair Days Stamford is on Alexandra Road so has plenty of free on road parking around the salon, yet it’s only a short walk from the centre of town.

My mop was fairly overgrown as I hadn’t had time to make an appointment in weeks and the colour needed some urgent attention, but Hayley didn’t bat an eyelid. In fact, she took one look and advised adding texture to the back to balance the front of my hair and to tone down the blocks of colour that have built up, by introducing my ‘natural’ colour amongst the blonde. I felt I was in very safe hands which was important as it’s vital to have confidence in your hair stylist.

The salon is very large, light and airy.

There’s no typical client here: customers range from teenagers to a delightful elderly couple who visit for a weekly hair ‘do’. The team pride themselves on providing expert and up-to-date cutting and colouring techniques.

Good Hair Days Uppingham offers a full range of beauty treatments; both salons offer a bridal hair and make-up service and in Stamford they’re about to open a nail bar.

While I was there all the customers were delighted with the service. One woman said Olivia had made her look 10 years younger. – a compliment indeed. I was certainly pleased with my hair, the colour is very natural but uplifting – something I badly needed – and by taking a good inch off the bottom, with a reshape, I felt much more groomed.

For down to earth, friendly and knowledgeable hair stylists you certainly don’t need to look further than here.

Prices vary but my shampoo, cut and blow dry cost £33.50 and half head highlights were £39.

Good Hair Days Stamford, 1 Alexandra Road, Stamford, PE9 1QR. 01780 238280. www.goodhairdaysstamford.co.uk

ACTIVE LOCAL

HOW TO TAKE UP VOLLEYBALL, DINNER AT THE GEORGE IN GREAT OXENDON, AND A WALK ROUND GUMLEY AND LAUGHTON

George Halls Cycle Centre 10-12, Northampton Road Market Harborough Leics, LE16 9HE

01858 465507

georgehallscycle@aol.com www.georgehallscycles.co.uk SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1975

Join us for tours of our school at: 9.30am - 1.30pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday 7th November Come and find out

One of the top five primary schools in Leicestershire

High quality teaching and learning

Small class sizes in a unique rural setting

Unrivalled enrichment opportunities across sports, music and the arts

Breakfast and after school clubs throughout term time

Great Easton Road, Bringhurst, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8RH

MAJU MADE IT!

Maju Giga tells us how she got on conquering her first mountain – Kilimanjaro

I am delighted to say I successfully climbed my first major mountain – an eight-day hike to Uhru Peak, Mount Kilimanjaro – and did it a day ahead of schedule.

I knew I would manage the climb physically but was really worried about altitude sickness, the one thing that is difficult to control and can destroy your climb, so I came up with a plan. My strategy worked, I felt exactly the same at 5,895m as I did at sea level. My plan was to go slow, conserve energy, eat often and drink plenty. I was taking short regular breaks even when I wasn’t tired, and made sure I was never out of breath or tired and exhausted at the end of each day. This gave me the mental strength to keep going day after day.

It was amazing to see the different flora and fauna on the climb. During the day it was extremely warm but the nights were very cold.

I was in a tent with a mattress and sleeping bag but even then I was cold and uncomfortable. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what sleeping rough must be like and kept thinking about the homeless people who are helped by Community of Grace, the charity I am raising funds for.

It was a tough climb, physically and mentally, and I was glad to have my sister Santok with me. But standing at the top, without having suffered from altitude sickness, gave me a massive sense of achievement.

I have conquered the first mountain and shall keep going to fulfil my dream to climb the highest peaks on every continent. I took the poster of my ancestors with me and was very proud – and humbled – to hold it up on the summit.

Now that I am home I still can’t believe what I have achieved. Seventeen months ago I was

crying and struggling on my way up Snowdon – and now I’ve completed Kilimanjaro!

I am resting for two weeks and then will start planning my next major climb. Now I’ve done my first climb I can adapt my training ready for the next one. I have learnt that anyone can achieve anything – if you put your mind to it – and have a sensible approach. I am still relishing the fantastic feeling of achievement and my feet haven’t yet touched the ground!

If you would like to donate to my fund for the homeless men being helped by Community of Grace please go to my page https://www.give. net/kilimanjaro2017 . Thank you! www.communityofgrace.co.uk

ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO AN END

Charlie Martin rounds up her successful hillclimbing season and tells us about future plans

The racing season is over for 2017 as my championship drew to a close in mid-September at Limonest. It was a new course for me and was not only my final round of the Championnat de France de la Montagne, but also my final hillclimb for some time, as in 2018 I’m moving into circuit racing. It’s an ambition I’ve had for a long time, and after dipping my toe in the (chilly) Scottish water at Knockhill recently, my mind is fully made up!

It’s been an amazing season racing the incredible Norma M20FC with Team Schatz in France. I’ve learnt and accomplished a lot. It’s been a tough year of competition though. The class I chose to race in (CN2) is the most popular in the championship by far, meaning that I was regularly up against 25 other cars and a lot of very experienced drivers. To finish in the top 10 at every race has been a huge achievement for year one, and taking four fastest lady podiums (out of nine races) ahead of the reigning ladies champion in a much faster car was the icing on the cake. It’s easy to forget how little time we have behind the wheel compared to circuit racers. To jump in a car with 600bhp/ton from cold and launch it down a B-road at ludicrous speeds requires a lot of nerve, but I pushed hard on every course and gave it everything.

We’re well into autumn and I’m normally throttling off at this point, dreaming of winter sun and recharging my batteries, but this year I’m still going strong. Judging by the rock hard

feel of my shoulders right now I could do with a spa break, but the closest I could manage was a trip to Spa Francorchamps in Belgium for the European Le Mans Series. This was an amazing four-hour race in the beautiful rolling hills of the Ardennes.

Then I was off to Devon surfing for some well needed relaxation. That is, if you count freezing cold water relaxing – still it’s a break from the sound of race cars. Next I was back to Scotland for the final round at Knockhill, followed by a few test days to work out what I’ll be racing in 2018 – plenty to stay excited about and look forward to!

Academic and part-time adventurer Ash Routen introduces us to his plans to walk across the world’s largest frozen lake in Siberia...

It is often said that reading books can change your life, and for me that is certainly true. In 2015 I read a remarkable tale of polar exploration from the early 20th century – ‘Alone On The Ice’ by Australian geologist Sir Douglas Mawson.

This awoke teenage dreams of going on expeditions to the cold or high places of our planet. The intervening 15 years since then, whilst filled with hillwalking, rock climbing and cycling adventures, have been largely dedicated to the sedentary pursuit of crafting a career in academia. As children our horizons are endless, but I feel with each passing year, for many of us, they only diminish. I’ve recently become determined to reverse this trend.

Fast forward two years from first picking up the book, and two Arctic expeditions in Norway later, I’m now planning to lead a team of three British men on a 700km expedition to cross Lake Baikal in Siberia. Baikal is the world’s oldest, deepest (1.6km in places) and largest volume freshwater lake –it’s so big that it holds 22% of the world’s freshwater, and for many months of the year is frozen solid.

Our team is a motley crew of 20 to 30somethings: Ben, a professional photographer from Mansfield, David a climber based in the Lake District and me, a sport scientist at Loughborough University. Our exciting plan, for the sheer fun of adventure, and not for charity, is to spend 25 days next March walking from the south to the north of the lake. We’ll be carrying all of our supplies and equipment with us in plastic pulks (sleds), without any outside assistance. We do have a local ‘fixer’ called Eugene, who is helping us

with anything from visas to sourcing fuel for our stoves – we’ll need it as temperatures will be between -10 and -30 degrees.

In the coming months I’ll be updating you on our progress and in the meantime you can find out more at www.ashrouten.com or via Twitter @ashrouten

Our trip is kindly supported by Sub Zero Technology, Sigg UK, Nordisk Outdoor, Fuelling Your Adventures, Expedition Foods and A-B Tours.

KITBAG

TUNE IN WHILE YOU WORKOUT

1. Kuaifit Sport

The world’s smartest biometric headphone set provides motivation, monitoring and music in one handy device. Suitable for activities including running, cycling and gym work outs, it combines a clinically validated heart rate sensor, an accelerometer that accurately calculates speed/pace, distance and calories, and a 8GB memory that holds more than 2,000 songs, three months of workout data and training plans.

From www.kuai.fit Price £159

2. Soul Electronics X-TRA

Using its years of experience with both athletes and sound engineers, Soul Electronics has created the X-TRA headphones. X-TRA provides a comfortable over the ear experience that remains in position during workouts, without compromising on style, comfort or audio quality.

From HMV Price £99

3. AfterShokz Trekz and Sportz

AfterShokz’s wired and wireless sports headphones offer a comfortable, healthy and safe way of listening to music. Unlike conventional headphones and ear buds, these bone conduction headsets transmit audio waves to the inner ears through the skull, bypassing the eardrums. Specifically designed to use while exercising, they are sweatproof, secure and allow the user to stay aware of traffic and ambient sounds around them.

From www.afterShokz.co.uk

£59.95-£149.99

4. Libratone Q Adapt

Libratone is a Scandinavian manufacturer of premium audio products. Combining minimalist design with soft fabrics in a range of vibrant colours, Libratone’s cutting edge technology includes features such as ‘CityMix’ and 360 degree sound.

From John Lewis Price £159

5.

Vi

Vi is an artificial intelligence personal trainer that learns your workout and evolves over time. Throughout a workout, Vi trains you with a human voice and acts as a workout companion that responds to voice commands, and monitors heart rate, elevation, cadence, speed, time and location.

From Amazon Price £200

GENESIS

Our portfolio includes:

• Scarves, hats, skipping ropes, horse blankets and lead ropes, dog coats and leads.

• Exercise and keep active at night, ideal for sports clubs and available in club colours.

• Stay safe with our retro-reflective gear while walking, running, riding or road skipping.

“As a parent, the safety of my children is paramount - the reflective scarves that we bought from Genesis are a brilliant idea providing both comfort and protection - I wholly recommend them!”

YOUNG HELPERS NEEDED FOR WHEELCHAIR TENNIS MASTERS

Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport is on the lookout for schools to help at the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters at the end of the month.

For the first time ever, the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters 2017 will be based at Loughborough University from November 29 –December 3.

As part of the new location, the masters event is now turning to

schools to bring forward representative students around Leicestershire & Rutland to act as ball crew and in other volunteer capacities.

A spokesman said: “Make your school stand out and set the mark by supporting the charity to get more people playing tennis and promote it as a sport that is inclusive and accessible to all.

“The benefits not only allow your school to take part in the most prestigious event on the ITF’s UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour, but can also help your school develop from rewards for students’ hard commitment.” These include:

• Providing your school with follow-on offers including coaching, activator leaders’ training and much more.

• Students who don’t participate as ball crew can come along to the event and watch their peers in their roles and they can give you group tickets.

• Students can take part in an on-site activity zone that has inflatable challenges.

For more information, visit https:// www.lrsport.org/workforce/ opportunities/1227

SPRATTON’S STARS OF THE FUTURE CELEBRATE CALL-UPS

A number of Spratton Hall’s senior pupils have been selected for the county hockey and county netball teams this season (pictured right). Meanwhile, the school’s Toby Cousins has been selected to join the developing player programme at Premiership rugby side Northampton Saints.

DOUBLE TOP FOR OAKHAM

Oakham’s hockey players have swept the board at the County Championships with both the U18 and U16 teams winning, and the U14 teams placing as runners up.

The 1st XI (U18 team) were crowned County Champions for an impressive eighth year running. They won convincingly against Welbeck College, Loughborough and Uppingham.

The School’s U16 team also won all of their matches (against Ratcliffe, Welland Park, Loughborough, Uppingham and Leicester Grammar) to take the top spot for the second year running! The U14 girls finished runners up, enjoying five wins at the tournament and conceding just one goal all day to earn their place in the Midland Zonal tournament.

“For all three of our teams to progress through to the Zonal tournaments is a great achievement,” said director of hockey James Bateman. “It is a strong testament to the outstanding and continuous quality of hockey at Oakham.”

Above Oakham’s county championship winning team

A day in the life of PAUL HALL

WEAVER AND ROPE MAKER AT GENESIS REFLECTIVE PRODUCTS

I’ve been in manufacturing since I was 15. I started work at the silk weavers, John Binns and Sons, in Cowling, Yorkshire. There used to be 700 to 800 weaving looms just in one mill. The noise levels were ridiculous, which is why we’re all deaf! There’s not one mill left there now. The worsted industry in Yorkshire is still surviving but I don’t think there’s a single denim weaver left.

I’ve been weaving horse blankets for 39 years. My wife was into horses and kept complaining about the quality of horse blankets so I said I’d develop her a new one. I invented the first multi-ply fabric that wicks the moisture away from the horse’s coat. We incorporated a polypropylene membrane in between two fabrics which means it can breathe.

We then moved on to develop a range of rope products including lead ropes for horses, dog leads, skipping ropes and motorway safety cone ropes, and we’re now one of only three traditional handmade rope builders left in the country. It takes six walks, up and down the floor, to get the right amount of threads to make a rope which certainly keeps you fit. Then you have to twist the plies to make a rope. We can make 25 horse lead ropes in an hour and 40 dog leads.

As well as being the managing director, I’m the in-house designer and weaver. I weave the horse blankets, scarves and furniture throws. First I attach the thread on to the warping machine, which can take up to a day. When the warp is full we wind it around the weaver’s beam and transfer it across into the loom. Then I have to thread the warp threads onto individual eyes on the weaving loom, by hand, which can take from three to six hours depending on the weight of the fabric. Using filler like thermal thread in the middle of two fabrics for the stable rugs takes the longest. Furniture throws are single fabrics so they don’t take as long.

My looms are automatic weaving machines so they will run on their own once set up, but need to be constantly watched. Some of our designs are very complex.

I spent four years developing retro reflective technology which is woven into the cloth. It reflects directly back to a source of light, like car headlights, up to a mile away. The first product we incorporated it into were children’s scarves and hats so that drivers can see kids when they’re dashing into the road. We sell them complete with logos woven in school or club colours. Then we put it into dog leads, lead ropes and skipping ropes. Someone could be skipping down the road at night in a reflective scarf and beanie hat and they’d light up like a

Christmas tree. The multi-coloured pompoms have been really popular too. They can be fastened to rucksacks or handbags and also light up. We sell a lot of clothing products to walking and running clubs. We make dog leads for the charity Help for Heroes and hats for firemen in the Leicester fire service, and other services, to wear under their helmets.

On a typical day I make sure the orders are being processed correctly, then I’m hands on with weaving. Other days I travel to schools and companies in the equine industry.

In my time off I preach. I’ve been a lay preacher and evangelist for 21 years, since I was 50. I’m now chairman of Jesus Loves Leicestershire and events manager for Leicester at the Cross. We get 8,000 people on a Good Friday coming to worship in the city centre. I also relieve the vicar in Church Langton once a month by taking the service on the second Sunday, and I bring gospel choirs out of the city into pubs in the county.

07746 776816, www.genesisreflectiveproducts.com

‘Someone could be skipping down the road at night in a reflective scarf and beanie and they’d light up like an Christmas tree’

GUMLEY AND LAUGHTON

Leicestershire at its finest, as Will Hetherington discovers

Photography: Will Hetherington

Difficulty rating (out of five)

THE ROUTE

Park on the Main Street in Gumley just north of the Bell Inn and take the footpath on the south side of the road which will soon have you out into the countryside where you will find a number of different horse paddocks.

Take the first left through a gate and head downhill through the paddock and out into the next field where the path drops down to the stream in the wood.

Pass through the thin piece of woodland and turn right immediately. The path goes along the south edge of the belt of trees and then cuts back through very shortly. You will soon come to the driveway for Gumley Lodge. Keep heading west until you reach the point where the footpath leads south just before Gumley Lodge. Follow

the narrow path between two fences and then out into the open fields. From here the path heads gradually uphill and south west for approximately a kilometre until you reach the gate in the corner of the field which leads on to a road junction.

Cross the road and you will find the start of the path to Laughton almost immediately in the hedgerow. When I did the walk the sign was broken and on the floor but it’s fairly obvious. From here it’s another kilometre north west to Laughton. When you get to the village turn right and keep right, past the tiny village hall, and you will quickly come to the footpath leading east by a logging business. Follow the path as it heads downhill for two kilometres until you reach Gumley Lodge. Just after the Lodge keep left to take the path straight back to Gumley.

Here you will encounter the steepest climb of the walk and if you fancy a bit of training you can do it two or three times. At the top of the hill you will quickly return to the start point and the Bell Inn, if you need a little sustenance.

Clockwise, from above

You will pass this charming little hall on the way out of Laughton; if you want rolling hills then this walk is for you; this steep slope at the end is a great training hill; the dogs enjoy a breather in Laughton, which feels like the village that time forgot

TOP STAT

Most of the parish of Laughton lies above 500 feet and the Laughton Hills to the south reach 550 feet high.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

WHERE TO PARK

On Main Street in Gumley just north of the Bell Inn.

DISTANCE AND TIME

Four miles/an hour and 20 minutes.

HIGHLIGHTS

Beautiful and remote rolling Leicestershire hills. Laughton feels like the village that time forgot.

LOWLIGHTS

None spring to mind.

REFRESHMENTS

The Bell Inn in Gumley or the offerings at Foxton Locks Country Park.

DIFFICULTY RATING

Three paws; there are some good climbs but it’s not too far and the gates are all pretty straight forward.

THE POOCH PERSPECTIVE

Horses at the start and some sheep on the way round. Should be some water in the streams in the winter but perhaps not in the summer.

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.

The George, Great Oxendon

Kate and

Tim

choose

from a varied menu at this newly refurbished hotel and restaurant.

This is a fantastic location to catch the passing trade from Market Harborough to Northampton, and anyone spending time at Kelmarsh Hall, but it’s also a great choice for people wanting to discover a new local foodie hotspot.

Stephen Fitzpatrick, who also owns the Michelin-rated Joiners in Bruntingthorpe, opened the newly renovated George in April. So far four bedrooms have been completed and four more are nearly ready. If the bar and dining area are anything to go by, I know they’ll be beautifully decorated and luxurious to boot.

Downstairs, the pièce de résistance is the huge dining area with high ceilings giving it a fabulous sense of space while managing to provide pockets of cosy seating and eating areas, particularly near the double-sided woodburner in the centre of the room.

I would sum up the atmosphere as being modern with wonderfully clean lines, but you still realise you’re in an old building with lots of history.

I particularly liked the choice of lighting everywhere, the calming colour scheme and I can’t begin to describe the Dyson hand dryers in the loos. Talk about powerful!

But forget the décor, it was the food we’d come for. There’s a good selection of fish

By Kate Maxim

and game on the menu which pleased Tim so he chose pigeon, smoked bacon and black pudding in a raspberry dressing to start (£6.95). Even though the pigeon season is a long one, not many restaurants tackle this prolific source of meat but this chef certainly knew what he was doing.

The pigeon had been sliced very thinly, exactly to Tim’s liking, the bacon was crispy and even though we didn’t ask if it was the Clonakilty black pudding they usually serve with their scallops, we think it probably was and it certainly got Tim’s top rating.

I chose the crispy pork salad in hoi sin sauce with won ton wafers (£5.90) which was a dish packed full of flavour and got the juices flowing for the main course.

I was in the mood for fish and nearly went for sea bass, pak choi and crab ravioli in a sweet chilli sauce, which sounded an interesting combination, but instead I chose the grilled whole Cornish plaice with prawns in parsley butter (£19.50) served with skinny fries and green beans.

I wasn’t careful enough with the fish bones, but once I’d extricated one from my gum this dish was a delight: devilishly buttery and despite it being a flat fish, extremely filling. Tim can never resist calves’ liver, which is

served here with smoked bacon on mash in a red wine jus (£19.50). Again it was sliced thinly and was beautifully tender with a fluffy mash so he was a very happy man.

In the interests of doing a food review, you should really order pudding, but we were stuffed, so decided to share the blueberry souffle (£5.95), knowing it would be light, although the liquorice panna cotta and blackcurrant sorbet made it on to the short list!

While we were waiting for the souffle to arrive we peered through the large French doors to the patio outside. Through the darkness we could see a huge seating area with a new minimalistic planting scheme and mature gardens beyond which would be a smashing venue for lunch.

The two-course lunch menu is £13.95 and on the day we visited, it included hake goujons, venison cottage pie and salmon and haddock risotto.

Really, what’s not to like here?

The George Harborough Rd, Great Oxendon, LE16 8NA. 01858 452286. www.thegeorgegreatoxendon.co.uk

HAPPY VOLLEY

Jeremy Beswick visits a club introducing the massively popular worldwide sport of volleyball to Leicestershire

Photography: Pip Warters

THERE’S NO GETTING away from the fact that the sport of volleyball is something of a minority interest here in the UK, in spite of many of us having happy memories of it as a holiday beach game or from our school days.

Yet, in most of the rest of the world it’s a massive affair with top players earning hundreds of thousands a year and crowds of up to 60,000 spectators. The governing body claims it’s also among the top three global sports in terms of people playing regularly so, having discovered all that I wondered – as may you – what is it we Brits are missing out on?

To find out, one Wednesday evening I went to the Leicester Arena in the city centre, home of our very own women’s side, Athena Volleyball, where I met coach Paul Kaerger. It’s a new club that started a year ago when a friend – knowing Paul had played for 17 years and was now a coach – asked if there was anywhere for his daughter to give it a try. Having wracked his brains Paul realised that there wasn’t, so decided there should be.

He got together with Sarah Booth, who’d played in the USA and also immediately saw the potential. “I’m in,” she declared. They put some feelers out on social media, the word got around and the response was way beyond their expectations, enabling them to immediately set up not one side but two.

“Apart from local people we had Poles, Latvians and Filipinos getting in touch,” he told me, “reflecting what a big game volleyball is elsewhere.”

In fact, when I visited, it was a veritable United Nations of an evening with Russians, Spaniards, Slovakians and

others in addition. “The international context binds people together,” said Paul.

But don’t feel you need to be exotic to join in; there are plenty of local girls here, too. Paul told me: “One of the women who came along had never played team sports before and she’s now an ever-present. I can honestly say it doesn’t matter what your background is and I really don’t care what standard you want to play at – come along. We want to build a pyramid of players from those who just want to have fun to the more competitive. As we build towards our aim of the first team joining the National League it’s important to have a strong infrastructure of all abilities behind us.”

Currently, the two sides play in the East Midlands League – for the first team – and in the Leicestershire League for those who are ‘improvers’. It seems they’re not far off that National League ambition as they recently played an elite side in the game’s equivalent of the FA Cup and very nearly beat them.

With 20 members including five or six juniors they’re at the level now that some corporate sponsorship would not only help them get there but also offer good exposure to the right organisation.

Sarah, who’s now club captain, said: “It’s different here in the UK than the US, people play for fun. It’s a good way to keep fit and there are lots of skills to learn.”

That was certainly in evidence as I watched the rest of them practicing serving, passing, setting and spikes, every new arrival to the sports hall as people drifted in from work greeted by a cheer and with a lot of high-fiving going

Le Leicester’s Athena Volleyball club attracts players of all ages and nationalities - reflecting the sport’s popularity around the world

Leicestershire’s

on. Some had brought their children who made themselves useful collecting balls.

There’s an attractive rhythm to serve, set, slam and, as they warmed up, the ball seemed to gather in pace and travelled to all corners of the court with venom. However, in spite of me offering a fiver for the first to do so, no-one managed to hit photographer Pip on the head as he moved among them in search of the best shots.

“It’s an explosive sport,” Sarah continued. “And more about agility than stamina. It’s also very tactical. Those players who excel are those that master that, rather than the fittest or most athletic.”

She also pointed out that it’s a cheap activity to get involved with, the only specialist bit of equipment being knee pads. Sarah has had offers to play at a higher level but prefers to stay here. “My team-mates have become really good friends. This is the most fun club I’ve ever been in. It’s a sisterhood.”

One of the sorority took time out from threatening Pip’s precious new lens to speak to me. Kamila Trepczynska is, you’ll not be surprised to hear given that surname, Polish, and had played in her teens but came back to volleyball this year at 28. She agreed with Sarah.

“It’s a good atmosphere and everything’s very positive. There’s never criticism, but always enthusiasm. That’s important because you can’t do anything on your own in volleyball.”

What did she enjoy most? “The satisfaction of

improving your skills, the team work and the friendship. We’re competitive but we know how to lose as well. It keeps me fit and supple and, also, it’s taught me how to be calm.”

How so, I asked? “I’m a hectic person normally but here you need to be focused and concentrate on your technique. You need to use your brain. As much as it brings my adrenaline up it also calms me down.”

Above

Practice nights see squads drilled in the core disciplines of volleyball: service, set and slam

Charlie Surridge is brand new to it all at the age of 36, having come along for a taster session out of curiosity.

“I chatted to a couple of people on Facebook and then just walked in. Everyone greeted me and was very welcoming. It was bit scary at first – much faster than I’d thought. Hard work but good, fun exercise. They’re a good bunch and we have a laugh.”

Since that first time Charlie’s not missed a single session. “I enjoy it so much that if I was injured or something I’d still come along and sit on the side, and the atmosphere at the first match I went to was electric. I wanted to scream. It was fantastic.”

The governing body, Volleyball England, points out that another advantage for some is that there is zero body contact in play. “It doesn’t matter how old you are, how fit you are or whether you’re able bodied or disabled. Volleyball is loads of fun and a very social game.”

Paul told me as I left: “We are always looking for more players, whether new or experienced, because we want this to be a huge, thriving, fun, amazing club. Whatever your age or ability, we have players like you playing with us, so come along to see us sometime.”

The final word goes to Volleyball England: “Give volleyball a go and find out why it is one of the three most-played sports in the world.”

CONTACT DETAILS

EMAIL: athena.leicester@zoho.com

WEBSITE: www.athenavolleyball.weebly.com www.facebook.com/leicesterathena/ TELEPHONE: 07595 702878

VENUE: Leicester Arena, 31 Charter St, Leicester, LE1 3UD

Above

Roundup

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

Rugby Lions begin to roar but South are bitten by Tigers

BY JEREMY BESWICK

As we reported last month, the early weeks of the season had been miserable for Leicester Lions. After finishing third in the table last year they’d have expected a far better return from their opening fixtures than three losses – and that disappointment was amplified by two of those results being against their nearest local rivals, Hinckley and South Leicester.

The fourth fixture, table-topping Tynedale, didn’t look as if it would offer much respite. But they more than held their own in the first half, tries from Devon Constant, prop Joe Newton Taylor and centre Fraser Strachan helping them to a 19-13 lead.

The second period also started well with another try from Constant and a yellow card for Tynedale, but it was they who scored next before Lions picked up not one, but two yellow cards of their own. Nevertheless, with two minutes to go they still held a five-point lead until a last ditch converted try by the visitors snatched victory by the smallest of margins, making it four losses out of four.

Not for the first time this season they’d been defeated while winning the try count and head coach Jack Heald said it was “disappointing... when we competed so well throughout the game against the league leaders. We need to concentrate on closing off the game when we are in a winning position”.

Next up was an away fixture at Macclesfield, another challenge as this side played in the tier above last year. After conceding an early try, Lions replied through Constant

(who is in a rich vein of form at the moment and is the division’s leading try scorer as a consequence). Prop Liam Hills then gave them the lead but it was nip and tuck in the first 40, only one point separating the teams at the break but, perhaps decisively, Macclesfield’s hooker getting a red card in the dying seconds.

A converted try from full-back James Morgan gave Lions an eight-point lead after 70 minutes and, in spite of ending the match 14-a-side after a yellow for Alex Knight, they added a late fourth from Olly Taylor to win 12-25. A relieved Heald called it “excellent” and was pleased to see them “finishing the game well and cementing a good result”.

Thereafter things continued to pick up with a 38-13 win against Otley in a performance that the club’s Mike Howkins called “impressive – dazzling – and showing some class running rugby”.

They scored six tries in all which gave them some momentum going into an away fixture at Luctonians the following week. First-half possession was dominated by the home side but they were unable to turn their dominance into points and a late try from Lions’ Oliver Taylor saw them take a narrow l3-5 lead at the break.

The second period was a complete contrast. In what Howkins called “a purple patch”, an interception try from Luke Veebel increased their lead before that man Constant went over twice; prop Ben Spokes adding a fifth. It required some “stout defending” from the home side to stop Lions running

away with the game but Constant was not to be denied, landing his hat-trick in the last minutes to see them home 3-40. Heald summed up: “After a disappointing start the last three games have produced skilful victories. We’re playing well and making the best of the opportunities.”

In contrast, South Leicester had started their campaign very positively with three wins before their visit to Sheffield Tigers. The first 10 minutes of that game proved to be something of a reality check however; Tigers racing into a 10-point lead before South had gathered themselves. They did well to force their way back into it, tries from scrum-half Adam Shaw and Joe Collingham keeping them well in touch at 16-14 down at the break.

The third quarter of the game was open and flowing with neither side gaining a decisive advantage but it was South who scored first, Zimbabwean Brandon Boshi going over after a great break by Luke Crampton. A penalty from the home side then brought the scores level at 19-19 with 20 minutes to play and worse was to follow as South put the restart straight into touch and then conceded a try from the resulting scrum. South rallied, looking for a way back into the game but the only other score before the final whistle was a penalty to the Tigers. Full time 29-22.

A draw at home against Sale (having been 0-17 down at half-time), a win over Sheffield and a narrow defeat away at neighbours Hinckley (including conceding a controversial penalty try) completed their month.

Tigers Talk

Jeremy Beswick hears renewed confidence from coach Matt O’Connor and fly-half George Ford

We gleaned some fascinating insights into two of the most prominent, and probably controversial, players in the Tigers squad at their last press conference.

Firstly, asked about the young and relentlessly aggressive prop Ellis Genge – famously described in last year’s debut season as “like a baby rhino with a dart up his backside” – Matt O’Connor told us he’s trying to direct that anger in a more positive way this campaign.

“I’d sum him up as a rough diamond,” he told us. “Before I came here I canvassed opinion and got mixed views when I asked around, but he’s demonstrated to me how hard he wants to work to be a world class player – and he can be. He’s a good athlete and delivers across all the key elements to free up the back rowers and keep the momentum going.”

A braver man than me asked about the rumours that an irate Genge had – deadly seriously – challenged O’Connor’s predecessor Richard Cockerill to a fight, which knowing Cockers as I do would make Genge immeasurably braver than me too.

“Well, he hasn’t offered to fight me yet,” was O’Connor’s response, surely more telling for what he didn’t say than what he did. Perhaps there’d have been a flat denial had there been no truth in it?

Moving on, we asked how he’d assess George Ford’s contribution.

“I think we’re seeing a huge difference from when he was here a few years ago. The reality is he has the confidence now that he’s been there, done it.”

Sitting down with Ford himself later he did indeed come across as remarkably mature and self-assured for a 24-year old. Asked to sum up the season so far he said: “Obviously we had a disappointing first two results but even then I thought we were doing good things. I feel we’re getting better week by week as the synergy between the backs and forwards improves.”

This echoed something O’Connor had said earlier, pointing out “we’ve seven or eight bodies who are new to this environment so we’ll improve over the season as they gel”.

Ford told us the main difference between his earlier spell at Welford Road and now is that O’Connor had brought “clarity. What the standards and values are and a no-nonsense mindset,” and that “Matt Toomua is by far the best number 12 I’ve played with. His knowledge of the game is brilliant. It shows in tactical discussions in mid-week preparation and during the game itself. Sometimes you go in with a plan but have to adapt. Where the space is, where to kick the ball – Matt picks it up just like that,” he said, clicking his fingers.

Finishing on a lighter note, we asked about his rug. You may have read Johnny May’s comments about staying at George’s place and spilling take-away plum sauce on his brand new rug, and how furious he’d been.

“Oh don’t go there. I’m still not talking to him,” he said. Fortunately for us, their communication on the field remains excellent.

Above

George Ford’s confidence is helping him in his second stint at Tigers

Football

Oadby fight on but first win of the season still to come

BY JEREMY BESWICK

After last year’s long and weary fight against relegation which they ultimately survived, another fraught season seems to await Oadby’s loyal supporters. After 11 games they are still looking for their first league win under the new management team of Owen Wright and Dave Williams October was to hold little cheer for them. Their first fixture was at Daventry Town, where controversy reigned early on when the Poachers appealed that the home keeper had handled outside the box whilst blocking Lamar Parkes’ shot. Although handling the ball outside the area is not, as many think, an automatic red for the keeper, it is if he’s deemed to be denying a certain goal.

As generally seems to happen when your backs are to the wall the decision went against them, the referee waved play on and they fell behind some 15 minutes later. Worse was to follow as, despite more heroics from young Sam Lomax in the Poachers’ goal, it was 2-0 by half time.

Oadby started the second period brightly and got themselves back into it with a breakaway goal from Josh Walsh, but in all honesty Daventry were still having the best of the play and extended their lead after 70 minutes, which was to prove the last goal of the game.

Although well beaten by the end Oadby never gave up as home team committee member Brian Porter gracefully acknowledged saying: “The visitors deserved credit for a spirited performance.”

Nevertheless, they went on to lose 1-0 to Buckingham in the cup and then 5-0 at home to Desborough Town.

Harborough Town won away at both Kirby Muxloe and Cogenhoe, then drew with ON Cheneks with Preston scoring in all three matches. May and Henbury then helped them to 2-1 win at Yaxley, the only blot on their copybook being a 0-2 reverse to Holbeach.

Stuart Spencer has been appointed fulltime manager from his caretaker position following the departure of Nick Pollard, having persuaded ex-manager Chris Church to help out. Spencer said: “I took my time over applying as I was unsure of the commitment that I could give on my own. However, Chris knows the club inside out and he is a great coach who the players know really well and respect highly.”

He went on to point out that appointing a manager from outside the club would have “lost the stability and continuity that everyone wanted” as they may well have brought their own support staff. In response, chairman Laurence Jones said the appointments “endorse the vision to build a sustainable and successful club that focuses on youth development at its core”.

Lutterworth Town had a whopping 7-0 win over Notts side Teversal to qualify for the first round proper of the FA Vase, the first five of their goals (no less) coming from Tendai Daire. Louis Samuels subsequently weighed in with the other two, the first of which was a cracker, but they subsequently

lost 3-0 to Blackstones in the league.

The following weekend they also bagged a hatful – four against Bourne with Marshall Keenan, Samuels, Keenan again and Kade Lewis finding the net. Alas, their opponents also managed four as they had to settle for an exciting but ultimately frustrating draw.

Lutterworth Athletic sit a couple of places above Town in UCL Division 1 in sixth. After drawing 2-2 with Thrapston (Ethan Pegg and Sam Young with the goals) they won away at Huntingdon, Jordie Burke with the only goal of the game. They also defeated Melton in another away tie, Craig Maisiri with a brace, before a 1-0 reverse at Potton United.

The Leicestershire FA is encouraging everyone involved in local football to complete the annual Grassroots Survey, an opportunity for all to have their voices heard. In previous years the output has resulted in improvements in areas such as pitch quality and availability and the FA’s Kelly Simmons said: “The real and measurable feedback provided in this survey will allow us to continue prioritising and maximising in the areas that really matter” so have your say at www.leicestershirefa.com.

They’re also running girls’ football week from November 6-11, an “opportunity to showcase female football at every level and inspire new players and volunteers”.

The University of Leicester and Futsal Vixens – based at Brockington College in Enderby – are amongst those taking part. More details at the same website.

Vox Fox

Jeremy Beswick ponders who will fill the manager’s shoes a er Craig Shakespeare’s sudden departure

In the a ermath of Craig Shakespeare’s departure, it’s worth reflecting on the challenges that come with the territory, not only for him but for his successor.

In any position, whether in football or in the wider world, there are two prerequisites to enable you to succeed or fail on your own merits. The first is an understanding of what success actually means – how it’s defined – and secondly, being given the tools to do the job, or at least having the means within your power to obtain them.

It’s arguable that neither of these apply to an incoming City manager and, if that remains true, any of the big names mentioned in connection with the position are more than acute enough to figure that out.

I believe that’s one of the reasons why there’s already been a chorus of “Thanks, but no thanks” from the likes of Carlo Ancelotti, Sam Allardyce and Roberto Mancini.

So what is the definition of success for Leicester? The last few seasons have been such a rollercoaster – relegation battle followed by glorious triumph followed by relegation battle again – that any fan could be forgiven for wondering what represents a realistic expectation.

Does that also apply to the board? They have spent freely (it remains to be seen if they’ve spent wisely) with the cost of their squad now the

eighth largest in the Premiership. Is a top 10 finish what the owners expect for their money? Nobody’s saying.

There’s no question of Shakespeare having “lost the dressing room”. He remains a respected and popular figure across the club. Neither had the board planned for this, confirming that no successor had been lined up. Performances were by no means completely abject and any assessment of their points tally must take account of the fact they’ve had an eye-watering early fixture list.

Half of the eight games before Shakespeare’s departure were Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. How many points behind the target were they when he was dismissed? On any rational level, only a small number. I suspect the issue is there was no such target – no definition of success to measure against – only a knee jerk reaction to being in the relegation zone.

As for the tools to do the job, that’s down to someone else. Director of football Jon Rudkin, who has the ears of the owners, fulfils that role having progressed from the Academy which he joined as a 16-year old. It’s no secret Shakespeare and he didn’t get on and, putting the Adrien Silva debacle to one side, the jury remains out on big acquisitions such as Ahmed Musa, Islam Slimani and Vicente Iborra.

Nobody could accuse Gary Lineker of having anything other than City’s best interests very close to his heart.

Although harsh, perhaps similar thoughts to the above were behind his emotional, and otherwise surprising tweet in reaction to the sacking: “Was always a miracle, but it’s even more remarkable really that Leicester won the league given the ineptitude of those that run the club.” Ouch!

Craig Shakespeare’s sudden departure has le City managerless

Equestrianism

Eventing draws to a close

f you’re looking for some more horsethemed excitement the Dodson & Horrell Dianas of the Chase side-saddle race is taking place at Ingarsby Hall near Leicester (home of racing driver Brian Henton) on December 10 at noon.

The race is truly an awesome sight to behold. The two-mile course is set to be as big and bold as possible with about 18 fences to negotiate.

There will be two classes, one for thoroughbreds and one for hunters, which have had to jump qualifiers to keep the standard high.

The eventing season is drawing to a close with yet another running of the ever popular Oasby Horse Trials at Foxdale, near Grantham.

Again they were largely over-subscribed but made a valiant effort at fitting as many riders in as possible, which meant early starts and late finishes.

For once Oasby was blessed with amazing sunny weather and consequently a lot of smiley happy faces and lots of prizes for the locals.

Margo Sly from Deeping St Nicholas had

BY JULIA DUNGWORTH

a convincing win in the BE90 on her hunter Little Newmarket Bob: she led from start to finish nearly six marks ahead of Gemma Slack from Newark.

Constance Copestake from Bourne also won a BE90 on Temple Ellie and had a second place in the Under 21 Open Intermediate on Denver VI, beating local Heidi Coy into fourth spot.

Heidi also won the Novice Under 18 on Russal Z and was third on Halenza in the same section, which was a good day’s work for her team.

Jonty Evans was the talk of Oasby, however, as he won the very competitive Open Intermediate class on the infamous crowd-funded horse Cooley Rorkes Drift with a brilliant score of 24.3 – beating the master himself, Mark Todd, into second place.

JumpCross at Grange Farm also ran its final big competition of the year, yet again proving it is a very popular up and coming sport.

The Junior Intro was won by Lizzie Selby on Maggy II. Juliette Eaton won the Senior Intro, and was the only rider to jump clear

and jump both the jokers in a tough section. Then finally Sarah Pointon won the Group 3 on Madge, which again suffered with very few clear rounds, but was a full-up section nonetheless.

JumpCross will continue to offer training throughout the year so do be sure to keep an eye on its website for details.

The end of the eventing season signals the start of the hunting season. The Cottesmore had a hunt ride to practise their hedge hopping in the cream of the Tuesday country at Knossington, which proved very popular with 300 people taking part.

All your local hunts will be having their opening meets now, so please do go and support if you can, even on foot at the meet you will be more than welcome and it is such a great site to behold.

The Burghley Pony Club girls Greta Mason and Di Bevan have also recently passed their Pony Club A test, which is a massive achievement as it takes a lot of hard work and dedication.

It tops off the great season they have both had and I’m sure we will be hearing more from them in the future.

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