Breezethe village
Letter from the Editor
Hello again and welcome…
Do you know who I am?
I was trying to prove to Google recently that we are a genuine business. It was so difficult to do, and I felt very frustrated that I needed to provide so much evidence – paperwork, pictures of boxes of magazines and even a video.
Upon reflection though, I know why these checks are in place. You see, if it were easy for a scammer to be verified and appear to be legitimate, you would feel you couldn’t trust any business. Passwords, fingerprints, face recognition, authorisation codes and even ID documents are all needed to do anything it seems. It’s really tedious but all these checks are there to protect our money and our identity.
Short of not using any technology (is that even possible these days?) we have to live with this. Undoubtedly, modernisation brings downsides, and you might wish for less of it, but there are so many benefits. Imagine no online shopping, only a tethered phone (why were they always in a draughty hallway?) to keep in touch with loved ones and only four channels on the TV for starters.
Of course, in running this (genuine) business, we make extensive use of computers and the internet. But the end result is a printed magazine, which is pretty retro really!
It doesn’t matter what format it takes, though; reading and being entertained isn’t going out of fashion, and advertising as a market is growing, so we’ll be around for a while yet.
And the thought I will leave you with this month:-
“I am a proud boss Of some awesome people.”
Crumble in a glass 6 sign of our times
How the pandemic panned out 8 gardening with caroline knight March magic
10 a short story by murray clarke The multi-coloured jumper 12 motoring Is the future electric? 14 finance
Clear out, cash in 16 local update
Ashby Woulds Town Council
18 travel with susannah hickling
Babymoon beckoning?
20 tv stars
Dancing queen : Amy Dowden
22 home interiors with katherine sorrell
Create a Springtime sanctuary
26 tech talk
Inside and outside
28 coffee break Cuppa and biccie time!
Get in touch...
The Village Breeze is a local community magazine and business directory distributed monthly to 8,000 homes and businesses in Appleby Magna, Donisthorpe, Linton, Measham, Moira, Oakthorpe and Overseal.
Deadline for next issue 15th March, 2025
Editor
Sheila J. Bethell
General enquiries 0753 441 3055
Advertising enquiries 01283 814214
Until next time…
Drop us an email info@thevillagebreeze.co.uk
Read the magazine online at www.thevillagebreeze.co.uk
Crumble in a glass
Unlike a traditional crumble that ideally needs to be eaten freshly baked before it goes soggy, this topping will stay crisp and can be made well ahead of time.
Detail...
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20-25 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
You will need...
For the crumble topping
• 50g walnut halves
• 130g unbleached plain flour
• 80g demerara sugar
• 1⁄4 tsp ground cinnamon
• A pinch of sea salt
• 90g non-hydrogenated margarine, chilled
For the fruit base
• 500-600g fresh fruit, prepared weight (depending on the season, you can use mangoes, pears, apples, peaches, cherries or plums)
• 125ml water
• 6 tbsp agave or maple syrup
• 1⁄4 tsp bourbon vanilla powder or ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp lemon juice
Method...
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas 4 and line a baking tray with parchment. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes (you can also toast more nuts than you actually need, to use them as a snack). Take the nuts out of the oven, let them cool and then coarsely chop them.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Add the margarine and rub it into the dry ingredients until you get a fine crumbly consistency without big pieces of margarine left. Now add the chopped walnuts. Spread onto the prepared baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, stirring it every 5 minutes to prevent uneven baking. Allow to cool and then store in a tightly closed jar.
3. Before serving the crumble, wash, peel, stone and cut your fruit into wedges. In case the fruit is very ripe and soft (this is especially the case with mangoes, peaches, apricots and pears), just blend them into a puree in a food processor or blender with the remaining ingredients. If the fruit is only fairly ripe or slightly under-ripe, put it in a saucepan and add the water (it should go 1 cm up the side of the pan), syrup and the vanilla or cinnamon. Cover, bring to a boil, lower the heat to the absolute minimum and simmer for 10 minutes, or longer if you want very soft fruit. Next, mix in the lemon juice.
4. Take a dessert glass and layer it generously with tablespoons of the fruit, then 3 tbsp of the crumble topping. Repeat with three other glasses and they’re ready to serve!
Recipe extracted from ‘My Vegan Kitchen’ by Dunja Gulin, published by Ryland Peters & Small, price £16.99, with photography by William Reavell © Ryland Peters & Small.
How the pandemic panned out
It’s five years since the government locked down the country because of the outbreak of COVID-19, the virus that changed the world. Here’s how events unfolded.
March magic
Even if the weather is freezing, there’s optimism in the air now it’s March. The sap is flowing, shoots are showing promise and things are happening in the garden.
Best of the bulbs?
Daffodils are, undoubtedly, the flower of the month. They’re as sunny as the yellow globe we all hope to see in the sky. These glorious, perennial bulbs have been around since 300 BC and we have the Romans to thank for introducing them to this country.
There are now around 56 species and more than 26,000 cultivars of a plant that is botanically known as Narcissus. They are loved for their yellow trumpets but there are white, cream, orange, apricot and even pink daffodils too.
But can you just plant daffs and leave them to look after themselves? After all, clumps of daffodils often spread and get better every year. They tend to thrive in the majority of sites and soils. So in most cases the answer is yes. You need only snip off the flowering stalk once the blooms have faded in order to prevent the plant making seed at the expense of putting energy back into the bulb. Leave the foliage to die down naturally for at least six weeks so the greenery can continue to photosynthesise.
The most common reason for daffodils to come up ‘blind’ (without a flower) is that there isn’t enough energy within the bulb. Another reason they might not thrive is lack of sunlight. Pop them in a sunny position for best results. Sometimes you might have so many you will want to dig up some of the bulbs and replant elsewhere. That’s a wonderful problem to have.
Successional daffs
One of the earliest to flower is Narcissus 'Rijnveld's Early Sensation'. It often blooms in early winter, followed by the aptly named N. ‘February Gold’ and ‘Early Bride’, together with the easily recognised dwarf, N. 'Tête-à-tête'. In March there should be hundreds of different varieties nodding their welcome. Late-flowering varieties look their best at the end of April when tulips are also bringing vibrancy to the spring garden. Late gems include the perfumed variety Narcissus jonquilla, and others such as Narcissus poeticus, Narcissus ‘Thalia’ and ‘Bridal Crown’.
Spring flowers
Responding to longer daylight hours, spring bulbs pop through the earth before most herbaceous perennials have acknowledged the arrival of the new season. Tree leaves haven’t yet blocked out the
Forsythia often blooms slightly later in March
Daffodils receive ample light before leaves appear on the trees
Daffodils don't have to be yellow
light, giving bulbs free rein over the base surface of the garden.
Insects also enjoy spring flowers such as crocuses, fritillaries, chionodoxa, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths. They provide vital nectar and pollen sources for invertebrates at a time when little else is available.
There are, of course, some shrubs and perennials in flower during early spring too. Hellebores love this time of year, with varieties flowering from Christmas through to April. They are happy in a shady spot but dislike extremes, such as very dry or extremely wet soils, or full sun.
Rhododendrons and Azaleas are also bursting with blousy blooms, providing flowers from December to June – depending on the variety. They like ericaceous –acidic – soils, as do Camellias, heathers, blueberries and some hydrangeas.
If you’re not sure of the pH of your own soil, which reveals where it falls on the scale of acid to alkaline, there are simple testing kits available. Or simply look around your neighbourhood to see what grows well. Don’t miss the astonishing yellow splash of Forsythia, which should begin to bloom later in March, depending on the weather. Also look out for Bergenia, known as elephant’s ears, an evergreen perennial which sends up the most glorious flower spikes of pink, red, purple and white, according to variety.
Hellebores are worth bending down to see
COMMUNITY GARDENING GROUP
DON'T KNOW ONE END OF A SPADE FROM ANOTHER?
Whether you do or not, you would be welcome at our friendly community gardening group. Formed initially as one of Measham Medical Unit’s Social Prescribing groups, we aim to offer exercise and social contact as a means to bolster physical and emotional well-being and improve our public spaces at the same time.
We currently look after 3 sites in Measham, meeting on a Monday at 10am, to work until 11.15am or so, when we head to the Age UK Cafe on Measham High St for tea and biscuits. (Own cost : £1)
Some members also tend an allotment in Appleby Magna — organic, zero air miles, fruit and veg!
Call or text Linda on 0745 299 1949.
Rhododendrons and Azaleas need the right type of soil
The multi-coloured jumper
‘Just look at all this stuff!' exclaimed Ellen, as she flung open the wardrobe doors in her sister’s bedroom. ‘I don’t wish to sound disrespectful, but it’s over five years since your husband, Arthur, left us, God rest his soul.'
‘There’s a car boot sale in Appleby St. Michael this weekend, Louise!’ she announced. ‘You should go! I’ll come with you – make sure you don’t come home with more than you take!’
Soon the overflowing cupboards were cleared out and boxed up. There was one item of clothing, however,
trestle tables and began laying out their wares: Corduroy trousers galore, pullovers, coats, shirts, hats and ties – all Arthur’s old clothes.
Louise smiled at the fond memories each article evoked.
‘That’s a very fine Technicolor jumper you have there! Would you consider selling it, by any chance?’
Louise looked up into the bluest eyes she’d ever encountered. A tall, smartly dressed gentleman, wearing a long black coat buttoned up to his neck, smiled down at her.
‘This jumper is certainly NOT for sale!’ Louise informed him – although she secretly thought he’d probably look very fetching in it!
The stranger grinned. ‘That’s a shame. It, er, really caught my eye!’ So saying, he bid her goodbye and strolled off into the crowd.
‘What was that all about?’ grinned Ellen. ‘I reckon he fancies you, Lou! And no ring on his finger!’
Louise’s face turned red. ‘Oh, don’t be so silly, sis – mind you, he was rather handsome!’ They both laughed and carried on setting up their stall.
After a break for a cup of tea from their Thermos, Louise asked her sister to ‘mind the shop’ whilst she had a nosey around to see what the other car booters had to offer.
She found dozens of bootleg copies of CDs and DVDs, and several dodgy-looking VHS cassettes (remember those!) Also, stacks of scratched 45 records dating back to the 50s – the artists long since departed to the heavenly recording studio in the sky.
that Louise couldn’t bear to part with: a multi-coloured, knitted jumper – a Christmas present to Arthur that she would wear for the car boot sale. Eight-thirty on Saturday morning and Louise and Ellen joined the village folk flooding into the field. The watery sun struggled to break through the clouds and there was a definite chill in the air. The two sisters set up their
And what was this? The biggest bunch of assorted rusty old keys she had ever seen! Twenty-five pence! An absolute bargain!
Louise was about to venture further when she was aware of a light wind rustling through the trees. A spot of rain fell on her head. Hurriedly, she ran back to rejoin her sister to begin packing up.
As she approached, Louise saw Ellen engaged in conversation with someone – the tall gentleman with the piercing blue eyes was back!
‘Didn’t expect to see you again!’ said Louise.
He turned to greet her. ‘I was wondering where you were.’
‘Oh!’ said Louise in surprise. Was it possible that he was interested in more than just the jumper?
Ellen discreetly busied herself with packing away the remnants of their display.
‘Sorry, I should have introduced myself before.’ He unbuttoned the top of his coat to reveal a stiff white collar. Shaking hands, he smiled warmly. ‘I’ve just moved into the parish: Reverend Jack Hart –please call me Jack.'
‘Perhaps I could see you next week?’ he asked.
'Oh! I see,’ blushed Louise, inwardly cursing her stupidity. ‘To be honest, we usually look after our Mother on Sundays . . .’
‘Er, I-I didn’t mean at ch-church,’ stammered the vicar, looking slightly sheepish. ‘I was wondering if you might be free for dinner one evening?’ Louise looked up to heaven for a sign. She felt sure that Arthur would approve.
Is the future electric?
With tougher emissions regulations, a lot of car makers have already set out to go all-electric, but others are putting the brakes on their plans.
With the UK having mapped out its goals for a net-zero economy by 2050, many car brands have decided to commit to a carbon-free future by proposing to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles by a certain date. However, with the recent drop in EV sales, some firms are revising their product portfolio.
We check out the key pledges of some of the most important car manufacturers.
VOLVO
The Swedish firm had planned to stop production of all diesel engines and focus on electric, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Its future goal was to become an all-electric car manufacturer by 2030 and with five EVs on sale and a further five in development, it’s clear the firm knows where it’s heading. It also wants to become a net-zero business by 2040.
However, in September 2024, Volvo announced it had adjusted its plans to go all-electric by the end of the decade in favour of aiming for 90 to 100% of its global sales to be either electric or plug-in hybrid. The remaining 10% will be mild-hybrid models if the demand is there.
FORD
The blue oval is undergoing controversial changes in its model line-up. Firstly, there was the removal of one of Britain’s most loved cars, the Fiesta, and soon the Focus will meet a similar end.
Also, bringing back two famous nameplates, the Explorer and Capri, onto vehicles that hardly resemble the cars of yesteryear means that one of the world’s biggest car makers faces a tough few years.
Its plans are that by 2026, all its passenger vehicles in Europe will have zero emissions and by 2035 will be electric-only. Currently, the firm offers four electric models and will be releasing its fifth EV next month. However, in August last year, Ford announced it had scrapped plans to produce a large three-row electric SUV and had postponed the launch of its electric pick-up.
TOYOTA
One of the world’s biggest carmakers, Toyota seems to be late to the EV party and currently only sells one battery-powered vehicle in its passenger vehicle range – the bZ4x.
Although the firm has been in partnership with European giant Stellantis since 2016 to produce its electric commercial vehicles, the Japanese firm is still looking into other alternatives to power our vehicles
of the future. It currently offers the Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell car and is also looking into the hydrogen internal-combustion engine, where the only emission is water vapour.
In terms of electric cars, Toyota announced a couple of years ago that it was planning to introduce 30 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2030 and achieve around 3.5 million sales globally. There would be ten new models coming to Europe by 2025, the first being the bZ4x –built in conjunction with Subaru.
MERCEDES
Just like Volvo, Mercedes is applying the brakes on electric cars. Offering a wide range of EVs from its ‘EQ’ range, the firm announced earlier last year that by 2030, all its cars would be battery powered. However, Mercedes recently said it would continue to sell internal-combustion-engined models past that target date. By 2025 it wants to have a sales target mix of 50% of electric or plug-in hybrid models. It will still be launching new EVs, with the next to join the line-up a new CLA.
VOLKSWAGEN
Another automotive giant with ambitious plans is Volkswagen. Its ‘ID’ range is scaling up with five different models that run on electricity and even more to follow, including a budget city car.
The brand wants to focus on its sustainability and has set a target to become a net-zero business by 2050. By 2025 it will offer 20 BEV models globally – with EVs accounting for 25% of sales.
BENTLEY
The British firm Bentley is also focusing on an allelectric future and had ambitious plans to remove all its internal-combustion-engined models by 2030. However, this is another manufacturer that has announced a slight change in its decarbonisation plans, pushing back its 2030 deadline to 2035. Meanwhile, it won’t reveal its first EV until 2026.
Clear out cash in
With spring fast approaching, there’s no better time to declutter and earn a bit of money in the process.
Sorting through your attic, garage or spare room requires a big effort, but it could be well worth it if you sell some of your unwanted stuff. You can earn up to £1,000 a year like this without declaring it to HMRC.
Clothes
The usual rule is that if you haven’t worn a garment for two years, get rid. Go online –even inexpensive items can be put on Vinted, eBay or Preloved and they don’t charge sellers for listing. Designer clothes can be sold on Vestiaire Collective or you may have a local dress agency that will take a cut if they sell a brand name for you.
Consider shifting your preloved togs by the kilo if you have a lot to get rid of and they’re in good condition. Google “selling clothes by weight”. Got some M&S clothes to unload? You can get vouchers to spend at the store by recycling them through the Oxfam and M&S Another Life scheme.
Tech
Lots of outlets exist for the hardware and other media items you no longer use. CEX takes DVDs and games and has stores countrywide. World of Books sells CDs too, as does Money Magpie, which also allows you to trade in computers, tablets and mobiles. Compare prices on several sites.
Tech bits and pieces
Astoundingly, there’s a market for iPhone and games console boxes, phone cables, TV remotes, instruction manuals and the
like. They’re bought by people who want to sell on their own, incomplete tech or need replacement accessories. Put yours on eBay, Facebook Marketplace or Vinted. If you just want to give them away, Freecycle is also worth trying.
Books
Volumes gathering dust on your shelves? Music Magpie, World of Books and We Buy Books are all sites that enable you to make money from your unwanted titles. Scan the barcode with your smartphone or enter the ISBN to get a valuation.
Toys
Some retro toys, such as My Little Ponies and Transformers, can fetch a lot on eBay. Toy Exchange is a site that will value and sell selected playthings for you.
Lego
Believe it or not, even those random pieces of Lego thrown into an old box can net you cash. Music Magpie will accept genuine Lego bricks as long as the total weight is 500g or more. They pay £1.50 for that quantity but you will need to sell at least £5 worth of goods in total on the site.
Mobiles
Sell My Mobile and Compare and Recycle both let you compare offers and select the one you prefer. Even damaged mobiles are considered. Obviously, you should do a factory reset before selling on.
Printer cartridges
You can recycle these for free at stores such as Tesco and Currys and the local recycling centre, but why not get paid? Printer Cartridge Recycling offers over £2 for the most popular; more if the cartridge is unused.
Ashby Woulds Town Council
Community Spirit Recognised
At a recent meeting of the Town Council, the Mayor was pleased to present Jubilee Awards to Linda Bryan and Anne Myring in recognition of their work to improve the area of Norris Hill in the parish of Ashby Woulds (pictured above).
Jubilee Awards were introduced by the Town Council in 1977 in commemoration of Her Majesty the Queens’s Silver Jubilee. The awards are given to those men and women whose service to the local community is considered to be worthy of recognition and those who set an example of community spirit.
At the same meeting the Mayor presented the J. Stanleigh Turner Moira and Donisthorpe Nursing Cup to the Ashby Woulds Litterheroes (pictured right). The cup is awarded annually to voluntary groups and charitable organisations working hard in the parish of Ashby Woulds for the benefit of parishioners and the wider community.
In 1910, during his time as President of Moira United Football Club, Mr J Stanleigh Turner had the Moira & Donisthorpe Cup manufactured by a Sheffield company called James Deakin & Sons.
The cup was used in competitions and one notable match played in 1936 saw Derby County beat a team from Moira & Donisthorpe at Moira United’s ground, watched by a crowd over 3,000 people. It is noted many games were played here during the war.
From 1979 the cup was in the possession of the then club chairman Mr Maurice Sharpe and in 2006 passed to the incoming chairman Mr Brian Eccleshall.
In 2022, Mr Brian Eccleshall asked if the town council would become the new custodian of the cup to keep, insure and preserve the cup for the community. On the 9th May 2022, Mr Eccleshall attended a meeting of Ashby Woulds Town Council and presented the cup to the Mayor Councillor Laurence Ordish.
Coffee Mornings
Weekly coffee mornings continue to be held on Wednesdays at Moira Village Hall 10am-12noon.
Tea/Coffee and Biscuits £1.
A great opportunity to meet new people and also chat to your local representatives.
Litter Pick
Norris Hill Community Litter Pick, Saturday 5th April 10am-12noon. Meet in Blackfordby Lane Car Park.
Town Council Contacts
Town Mayor Councillor Laurence Ordish Town Council Office 01283 552784
Email: Laurence.o@ashbywouldstowncouncil.gov.uk
The office is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9am-1pm and is easily accessible from the main car park.
Email: clerk@ashbywouldstowncouncil.gov.uk
Telephone: 01283 552784
ASHBY WOULDS TOWN COUNCIL
Serving the people of Albert Village, Boothorpe, Moira, Norris Hill and Spring Cottage
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9am - 1pm. Telephone: 01283 552784 Email: clerk@ashbywouldstowncouncil.gov.uk Website: www.ashbywouldstowncouncil.go.uk Facebook: @ashbywouldstowncouncil
Babymoon beckoning?
A babymoon is your last chance to relax and spend some quality time as a couple before sleepless nights and baby-friendly holidays take over. They’re usually taken in the second trimester of pregnancy (between 14 and 28 weeks) when mumto-be is feeling her best, and when it’s safest and most comfortable to fly.
Here are some babymoon ideas to set your sights on before your bundle of joy arrives.
THE CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN
For affordable winter sun.
If your second trimester falls in winter, but you’re desperate for some sun, sea and sand without splurging your savings, there’s no better option than the Canary Islands. They are blessed with year-round sunshine and gorgeous beaches just a four-hour flight from the UK, and you have eight islands to choose from. Head to Fuerteventura for the best beaches or find solitude in the mountains of La Gomera. (Top pic).
THE MALDIVES
For a luxury noexpense-spared babymoon.
Known for its pictureperfect floating bungalows, five-star service and sparkling waters, the Maldives are the ultimate sun-soaked paradise.
The flight is about ten hours but for a two-week break it’s worth it. Indulge in a massage, or if you can tear yourself from your sun lounger, hire a snorkel and search for manta rays and turtles.
PARIS, FRANCE
For a romantic city break. With hundreds of intimate hotels and restaurants, there’s no better place to honour your connection than the City of Love. Have a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower, shop for baby clothes in the Marais neighbourhood and enjoy views of the city from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre.
ICELAND
For staying cool, calm and collected.
If enduring 30°C heat while pregnant sounds like hell, Iceland’s cooler climate, solitude and relaxed approach will tick all your boxes. Soothe your body in the natural mineral waters of the Blue Lagoon, take a gentle hike around the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, or hire a car to soak up the outstanding scenery.
CORNWALL, UK
For a babymoon close to home. For less stress and more time in your destination, consider a UK break. Famous for its spectacular scenery, Cornwall invites you to lie back on its golden beaches and take the weight off your feet. Stay at a spa hotel (many of which offer babymoon packages), discover the stark beauty of the Cornish countryside or explore charming seaside towns.
LAKE COMO, ITALY
For satisfying those carb cravings. If your cravings are largely carb-based, enjoy all the pizza and pasta you desire in Lake Como. Admire the dramatic scenery and sweeping views from a waterside restaurant and take a boat trip to the towns and villages that line it. A funicular will fast-track you to some of Lake Como’s most dramatic vantage points.
Dancing queen
Away from the glitz and glamour of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and ‘Dare To Dance’, dancer Amy Dowden has overcome her fair share of adversities.
Imagine the excitement: tomorrow you’re jetting off on honeymoon to the Maldives – only to discover a lump in your breast, aged just 32. That was the real-life scenario Amy Dowden, best known as a professional dancer on BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, faced in 2023 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Bravely, she allowed the cameras to follow the most turbulent year of her life for the BBC documentary, ‘Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me’ (available on BBC iPlayer).
“I only came across it because I was checking myself,” Amy recalled. “If I wasn’t, I might not be here right now, because I had Grade 3, the most aggressive type of cancer. If it can raise awareness and ten people start checking themselves from watching this documentary, I could potentially save a life.”
Dancing shoes
Born in Caerphilly, Wales, Amy began dancing at
the age of eight. From her first dance class she never wanted to be off the dance floor, even when navigating the challenges of undiagnosed Crohn’s disease during her teens. In 2024 Amy, an advocate and ambassador for the charity Crohn’s & Colitis UK, was appointed an MBE for services to fundraising and raising awareness of the inflammatory bowel disease.
Amy’s passion for dance unites her and husband Ben Jones, whom she met in 2011 and married in July 2022. They competed together in the British National Latin Dance Championship and were the first all-British pair to lift the trophy. Amy herself is a former British National Champion, a four-time British National Finalist and in 2015 reached the World Championship semi-final. She and Ben also have their own dance school in Cradley Heath, West Midlands.
Keep on movin’
Last year was a busy one. Amy returned to the small screen with a second series of her hit show, ‘Dare To Dance’, coaching wouldbe dancers through a spectacular dance routine to surprise their family and friends. Said Amy: “When I dance, I feel like I can overcome anything. It’s something I want more people to experience. I really believe it can change your life.”
After a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, in February 2024 the star confirmed she has “no evidence of disease”. However, last September’s comeback on ‘Strictly’ was cut short after she collapsed backstage in November.
Coinciding with the new season of ‘Strictly’ was the release of her poignant memoir, ‘Dancing in the Rain: My Story of Hope, Courage and Resilience’ (published by Little, Brown Book Group, £22 hardback).
This month Amy will take to the stage with ‘Strictly’ star Carlos Gu for their Reborn tour, an intimate portrait of their lives and journeys, featuring world-class dancers and vocalists. For more information, visit www.amyandcarlostour.co.uk.
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 © BBC/Ray Burmiston
Create a sanctuary
With spring comes renewal, so why not start the season with an interior update?
As brighter days beckon, consider making some alterations at home to reflect the move from winter into spring. Whether you want to add in a few pretty accessories or embark on a more significant overhaul, now is a great time to revitalise your rooms.
A clean start
Begin with a grand clear-out and a deep clean. Organisation is vital: make things go more smoothly by setting out boxes or bags labelled ‘repair’, ‘give away’, ‘longterm storage’, ‘rubbish’ and so on, and work through one room at a time. Then get to grips with the cleaning, working from top to bottom, for example, dusting the cornices before vacuuming the floor. Include light fittings, high-up shelves, door frames, windows – the lot!.
Pale and simple
If you’re thinking of buying new furniture, replace dark, heavy-looking items with pale timbers such as birch, beech or ash. Painted or lime-washed pieces fit this aesthetic, too, and choose simple, slender designs on tapering legs. The more floor that’s visible, the bigger the room feels. It’s an interior designer’s trick that really works. Think of Scandinavian influences, Japanese minimalism and even a modernrustic look, and avoid fussy detailing.
Fresh colours
As springtime approaches, you’ll want to rethink your colour scheme in favour of pale, soft shades that reflect the burgeoning natural world. Vibrant green, daffodil yellow and hyacinth blue are very obviously spring-like, but you could consider a more subtle approach. This might include blush pink, creamy ochre or muted terracotta.
Natural materials and textures
Including a variety of textures within a room adds comfort and style. For spring, incorporate natural materials that feel fresh, light and organic. If you can, swap heavy, insulating curtains for lighter
alternatives such as breezy linen or cotton in pale colours, and replace velvet or thick wool cushions, throws or bedcovers. Similarly, swap in woven sisal or jute rugs instead of ones featuring a thick pile.
Brighter lighting
Ensure your artificial lighting is soft and ambient. Add small lamps on side tables or shelves, spreading the glow. If you’re thinking about replacing any shades, look at delicate paper, translucent glass or woven rattan examples.
Spring accessories
Emphasise a connection to the natural, outdoor world with a few well-placed accessories in floral colours. As a finishing touch, add wall art in simple frames depicting floral or leafy patterns, botanical motifs or natureinspired designs, and arrange flowers in pastel-coloured glass or ceramic vases.
HEAR HEAR!
There are ways you can protect your ears – and even improve your hearing.
SHUT OUT NOISE
Many rock stars have serious hearing loss. The Who’s Pete Townshend and Eric Clapton, for example, both have tinnitus from constant exposure to literally deafening music. Invest in some earplugs designed with concerts in mind.
TURN DOWN THE VOLUME
Even at home you can damage the hair cells in your inner ear. These change vibrations that come through the ear into electrical signals that are sent to the brain for it to interpret. Don’t have music on too loud when wearing headphones.
STOP SMOKING
Good blood flow and oxygen keep your inner ear healthy, but nicotine, carbon monoxide and other nasties are unlikely to do it any good. Regular smoking may also cause pressure or blockages in your middle ear, leading to hearing problems.
KEEP BLOOD PRESSURE UNDER CONTROL
TAKE TO YOUR BED WITH A COLD
Give your body a break when you’ve picked up a bug. It’ll be less likely to progress to an ear infection, which could affect your hearing.
GORGE ON GUACAMOLE
Studies have found that low levels of magnesium might make you more susceptible to hearing loss, and avocados are rich in this mineral. Iron-deficiency anaemia has also been linked to losing your hearing, so be sure to eat plenty of foods rich in iron, such as red meat, pork and poultry, seafood, beans, peas and dark leafy vegetables.
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU’RE DEAF?
• You have the television on too loud.
• You keep asking people to repeat themselves.
• You mishear what people say or answer a question with a non sequitur.
• It’s harder to chat in restaurants, bars or at parties.
Hypertension and heart disease can adversely affect hearing mechanisms in your ear. Keep an eye on your blood pressure with a home monitor and lower it with lifestyle changes or medication, or both, if it’s consistently above 120/80.
DON’T IGNORE DIABETES
People with the condition are twice as likely to have hearing issues, so manage glucose levels if you have it, and consider lifestyle changes if you have or are at risk of type 2.
STAY FIT
Exercise improves blood flow to your ears and helps reduce stress, which also has a part to play in tinnitus.
WEAR A HEARING AID
The sooner the better, is the view of the experts. You need to keep the auditory nerve which carries sounds to the brain stimulated with input. Deafness can also make you isolated and depressed, and there’s a strong association between untreated hearing loss and dementia. Why wait?
What’s more, there are some amazing devices around, with Bluetooth connectivity so they can be regulated via your smartphone, and the ability to suppress background noise. They can be programmed to the individual.
Inside and outside
ASHBY u3a
AFTERNOON TALK WITH...
MARTIN COOPER 'Marty MeercatAn Air Ambulance Presentation'
Martin Cooper will make a presentation about our local Air Ambulance Service and will give tips and advice about what to do in a medical emergency and who to call. Find out about Marty Meercat. Come along to the Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 2FQ [Look out for our flag on the pavement outside] on Tuesday 25th March. Doors open at 1.30pm for 2pm start. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available – along with a warm welcome. Why not come along as our guest for a ‘taster’ visit? In addition to our monthly talks we also have different interest groups, come and see. For more information visit: ashbyu3a.co.uk
email: members@ashbyu3a.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/Ashby u3a
