ACTION HOMELESS - Aspire Magazine

ISSUE 204
YOUR FREE COPY
What’s on your
‘bucket list’?
We’ve got some inspiring
ideas to help you indulge in a
Once In A Lifetime experience
Stand Up
Paddle
boarding
The new water-based craze
taking the UK by storm
ACTION
HOMELESS
Giving homeless people the chance for
change, Action Homeless is a Leicester-based
charity dedicated to providing homeless
people with the tools and skills they need to
achieve independent living, work through their
problems and realise their goals.
Show your support by visiting
www.actionhomeless.org.uk. Or turn to page 3.
Tracking the
changing lives
of the British
public, the
countdown to
the 2011 Census
has begun
view this issue online at www.aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk

Runner’s Guide
Raising
Money For
NEED RACE NUMBERS
FOR YOUR EVENT?
Stacey and Emily
in training
Run, Run, Run
Running is an excellent form of exercise. Not only does running improve your fitness and aid
with weight loss, it also improves your strength, stamina and speed. In fact recent research
has discovered running is good for every part of our body; runners eyes’ are less likely to
deteriorate with age, running dramatically benefits heart health and according to the Journal
of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, inactive people are 60% more likely to develop
dementia, proof that running is good for mind and body.
order online @ www.pymmwenn.com
PYMMWENN PRINTING
Email: numbers@pymmwenn.com 01354 658215
If you’d like to use your new found hobby to help people, there are numerous fun runs and
marathons that you can enter throughout the year that can raise much needed funds.
One woman who has decided she wants to run for a worthy cause is Aspire’s Sales Manager,
Emily Davison. Emily will be running the Leicester Half Marathon (13.3 miles) in October, in
aid of NYSA. She said: “I’m running to raise money for NYSA’s trip to perform at the concert,
organised and held by the William Walton Trust. I started my training in January with a
weekly three-mile walk, which I recently replaced with a two-mile interval training journey,
alternating one-minute running and then one-minute walking twice a week. This was hard
to begin with but it’s getting easier and I hope to increase this to a three-mile run/walk by
the end of March. I’ve been training with friend and colleague, Stacey Wragg, who is running
the Leicester Half Marathon in aid of Action Homeless.
As I’ve been training, I’ve had to increase my carbohydrate intake, and have replaced my
elevenses biscuit and my afternoon snack with fruit. I’ve also been listening to upbeat music
during my training to keep me motivated and Stacey and I have been setting ourselves
time targets, which are steadily improving. When the time comes to run the Leicester Half
Marathon, Stacey and I hope to be able to walk/run 14 miles with relative ease in under three
hours, however, I’ll just be happy to complete the course and raise some cash for NYSA.”
If you’ve been inspired by Emily and Stacey and would like to run the Leicester Half
Marathon, please visit www.leicestermarathon.org.uk
Keep fit & healthy with...
Health
Systems 4 U
Tel: 01780 755696
www.healthsystems4u.com
Dedicated to transforming the lives of the county’s
homeless, Action Homeless strive to give hundreds of
individuals the chance for change and the Leicesterbased
charity are banking on your support to help
them deliver vital services throughout 2011.
Having taken the charity and the important work they
do to heart, Aspire Trainee Sales Manager, Stacey
Wragg, has signed up for the Leicester Half Marathon
in aid of Action Homeless.
Stacey says: “In order to provide emergency beds
for those who find themselves suddenly homeless,
Action Homeless are currently aiming to raise around
£10,000 – this is on top of all the other services they
provide. I am keen to support the charity and am
more than happy to do my bit to help, which is why
I’ve pledged to run the Leicester Half Marathon for
the cause. Alongside training for this tough event, I
am also taking part in Not The Big Snooze on Friday
25th March and will be sleeping out under the stars
to better understand the realities faced by homeless
people.”
Senior Fundraiser, Jonathan Cryer, says: “We are
really pleased with Stacey’s commitment and Aspire
magazine’s support because we aim for homeless
people to achieve their aspirations. You can sponsor
Stacey on her challenges and ensure she raises tons
of cash to help very vulnerable people.”
Stacey adds: “Many people don’t understand
the harsh realities that homeless people face or
that homelessness continues to be a major social
problem in our area, so I think it’s important to raise
awareness of this issue and I’m certainly proud to be
able to do my bit.”
Set up by a group of local clergymen in 1973, with
the support of Leicester City Council, Action Homeless
originally offered accommodation to 16 homeless
men. Whilst its founding spirit remains the same it
continues to grow and evolve, and now provides
supported accommodation in a safe and welcoming
environment and resettlement services to people from
all social backgrounds.
Chief Executive, Rob Parkinson, says: “The charity’s
main aim is to tackle the causes and consequences
of homelessness in Leicester and Leicestershire,
and every year we provide housing and support for
over 300 people across the county. The majority of
people who come to us are rough sleepers or victims
of domestic breakdown. They come to us to work
through their problems and we help them build a new
life they can be proud of.”
Action Homeless is always in need of volunteers to
help raise awareness of the charity and to help out at
their resettlement centre, as Rob explains: “Volunteers
make a massive difference to the services we are able
to deliver and we are always looking for individuals
who want to be involved in promoting the charity and
fundraising. Whatever you can spare, we would love
to hear from you.”
If you’re feeling inspired and would like to show your
support, sign up for Not The Big Snooze. Raising
much needed cash for the organisation, this special
event will be challenging volunteers to spend ten
hours outside, from 8pm to 6am, to better understand
and sympathise with those who sleep rough. Taking
place on Friday 25th March at Leicestershire County
Cricket Ground, Action Homeless are encouraging
everyone to sign up and take part.
From supported accommodation to resettlement
programmes, the charity works hard to deliver
services that really matter to people with no home
of their own. Recognising the vital work of Action
Homeless and their ongoing need for donations and
support, Aspire recently selected the organisation for
our Certificate of Recognition for Charity of the
Year 2011.
Action Homeless are aiming to attract at least 100
participants to Not The Big Snooze, so if you and your
friends, family or colleagues want to help make a
difference sign up today by visiting
www.actionhomeless.org.uk
To lend your support or to make a
donation, contact the team directly on
0116 221 1878 or email
jonathancryer@actionhomeless.org.uk
Registered charity no. 702230
2 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 3

Giving homeless people the chance for
change, Action Homeless is a Leicester-based
charity dedicated to providing homeless
people with the tools and skills they need to
achieve independent living, work through their
problems and realise their goals.
Show your support by visiting
www.actionhomeless.org.uk. Or turn to page 3.
ISSUE 204
YOUR FREE COPY
What’s on your
‘bucket list’?
We’ve got some inspiring
ideas to help you indulge
in a Once In A Lifetime
experience
Stand Up
Paddle
Boarding
The new water-based craze
taking the UK by storm
ACTION
HOMELESS
Tracking the
changing lives
of the British
public, the
countdown to
the 2011 Census
has begun
view this issue online at www.aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk
Editor: Claire Tipton
claire@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk
0116 2517385
Accounts / Production:
Kathy Tipton, Anthony Klak
accounts@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk
0116 2515919
Feature Writers: Laura Hyde, Sarah Ross
laura@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk
editorials@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk
0116 2517385
Graphic Designer: Dina Thanki
design@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk
0116 2517385
Trainee Sales Manager: Stacey Wragg
north@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk
0116 2624867
Assistant Sales Manager: Barbara Stone
Sales Executives:
Emily Davison, Sophie Webb, Andy McIvor
Distribution: Michael Tipton &
Self Select Distribution
Published by:
Spectrum Printing Services
0116 246 1717
To subscribe to Aspire Magazine call
0116 2517385
Web Design: Paul Tipton at Q Creative Design
paul@qcreativedesign.co.uk
0116 251 7298
Write to us:
ASPIRE MAGAZINE
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE GROUP
3rd Floor Office, 29-35 St Nicholas Place,
Leicester LE1 4LD
Name & Registered Office:
ASPIRE MAGAZINE
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE LIMITED
Allen House, Newarke Street,
Leicester LE1 5SG
Company Number: 06036102
Raising money for
COMIC RELIEF,
nine celebrities trek across the
Kaisut Desert, Kenya, to raise money
in order to save the eye sight of
thousands of people affected by
debilitating eye conditions...See pages 8-9
Contents
2. Runner’s Guide
4. Contents
6. Runner’s Guide
8. Comic Relief 2011
10. History In The Making
12. Spring Clean
14. Scalford Hall Reader Offer
15. QROPS Consulting
16. Once In A Lifetime
20. Debt-Free Day
22. Luxury Weddings
24. A Royal Celebration
26. Crazy Crafts
30. Live For The Weekend
32. Fun Fishing
33. Stand Up Paddleboarding
34. Holidays & Leisure
4 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 5

Runner’s Guide
Excellence At Your Fingertips With
The National Youth Strings Academy
Founded in 1995, the
National Youth Strings
Academy (NYSA) offers
specialist ensemble
training specifically for
talented string-players
between the ages of
nine and twenty-one.
Founder and Director
of NYSA, Viviane
Ronchetti, told Aspire:
“Everyone involved
with NYSA is a string player, we don’t offer training
on any other instruments. This allows us to be true
specialists and offer dedicated training tailored to the
specific difficulties string-players face, particularly
when playing as part of an ensemble, whether as a
member of a string quartet, a chamber orchestra or
a symphony orchestra.”
Since it was first established, NYSA has
developed to offer two orchestras: the senior
and the intermediate…
• The Senior Orchestra offers training to stringplayers
aged 11 to 21-years-old performing to
Grade Eight standard and above. Membership is
by audition, which takes place every December (in
person or by DVD) to offer a place for the following
year. NYSA runs two Senior courses a year, in April
and August. The April course consists of sectional
and full orchestra training as a preparation for the
August course, which involves concerts as well as
training. NYSA tours, when they occur, take place
after the end of the August course.
• The Intermediate Orchestra was created in 2007
and is open to those aged nine to fifteen who
have achieved Grades Five to Seven. Offering
a welcoming but challenging atmosphere, this
four-day course introduces ensemble skills to
less experienced players and develops their
musicianship through
Kodaly aural training
and Dalcroze
Eurhythmics sessions.
No audition is required
but places are limited to
just 20.
Sir Neville Marriner,
world-famous
conductor and Patron
of NYSA, will conduct a Gala Concert at St John's
Smith Square in London on Saturday 13th August
2011. This will be the fourth time Sir Neville has
conducted NYSA since 1995, including NYSA’s 10th
anniversary concert in St John’s Smith Square in
2005. He will be joined by Claire Jones - ex-NYSA
member and official harpist to HRH the Prince of
Wales.
Viviane added: “As a national organisation, we
have travelled all over the
UK to perform. In 2007, we
played concerts in Ischia
and Capri at the invitation
of Lady Walton. Although
Lady Walton passed away
last year, the William Walton
Trust are continuing these
concerts so we have been
asked to perform again in
2012. We need to raise
money in order to take all our
performers, which is why we’re so grateful
Emily is running the Leicester Half Marathon
to raise much-needed funds to enable us to
attend this prestigious event.”
“I never sought to play the game. I always left the race to the quick. The quest for speed
never flowed through my veins. Nor did I yearn to be competitive. Leave others to rejoice
in their strengths. I had my own secret ones to swell my pride. One was enduring long
distances – slowly, of course – over most of the Scottish Highlands, up this hill, along a
ridge to the nest, a Munro or two on the way, then a foot-aching shuffle back to base.
“So Emily’s and the Aspire team’s endeavours in a marathon around Leicester, take my
heart. There is no competition. There is no need to chase the quick. They only have to
reach the finish. Their aid to NYSA is most worthy of their support. It is mine, too. That is
why I am glad to sponsor Emily and her colleagues.”
Martin Dalby
Tel: 01728 605917 Email: director@nysastrings.org.uk Web: www.nysastrings.org.uk
The National Youth Strings Academy, a company limited by guarantee. Registered office: One Silk Street, London EC2Y 8HQ. Registered in England no: 5482194. Charity no: 1110462
Support From
First Light Investments
Independent and well-established, with a wealth of
experience, First Light Investments is a Rutland-based firm
of Financial Advisers offering unbiased planning services
to individuals, small to medium business owners and family
trusts.
Chartered Financial Planner, Peter Dracup, has been
recognised as one of the UK’s leading investment
professionals and, since establishing First Light in 1997,
has offered support and advice to hundreds of clients.
Peter has now turned his attentions to supporting Sales
Executive, Emily Davison, in her quest to raise cash for the
National Youth Strings Academy. This October, Emily will
be tackling the Leicester Half Marathon for this worthwhile
cause and, alongside many other companies, Peter was
keen to show his support.
Peter says: “I’m extremely pleased to have been asked to
support the National Youth Strings Academy and I hope
that the sponsorship raised is a substantial amount of
money.”
To discover more about First Light’s full range of services,
visit www.firstlightinvestments.co.uk
Alternatively, you can contact Peter directly on
01572 725400 or by emailing
peter@firstlightinvestments.co.uk
First Light Investments, 18 Midland Court, Station Approach, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6RA
Tel: 01360 660427
Email: martindalby@btinternet.com Web: www.impulse-music.co.uk/dalby
6 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 7

Comic Relief 2011
The BT Red Nose Desert Trek
They’ve done it!
Celebrity team complete 100 kilometre trek
All nine of Comic Relief’s celebrity
trekkers have crossed the finish
line of The BT Red Nose Desert Trek
and have completed the gruelling
100 kilometre trek across the
Kaisut Desert, northern Kenya.
The team walked an agonising
20 kilometres in the scorching
heat today and crossed the
finish line together. There were
emotional scenes as the trekkers
embraced each other in jubilation,
surrounded by a group of children
singing and clapping.
As they started the fifth day’s walk this morning, many
of the group were on their last legs. Dermot O’Leary was
struggling with incredibly painful blisters and Olly Murs
was suffering from a debilitating stomach bug.
Dermot said: “I’ve enjoyed every second of this trek. My
feet are ruined but that doesn’t matter because I’ve met
some amazing people both in the team and those that
live in this harsh but beautiful place. Judging by the
fantastic response we’ve had, people seem to have been
following this trek.”
In an incredible display of pure grit and determination,
the nine celebrities have defied all odds to reach the 100
kilometre mark on the final day of the trek. Along the
way they’ve overcome blisters, sores, sunburn, chafing
and stomach illness through their sheer resolve to raise
as much money as possible for Comic Relief. They’ve
had to avoid rock slides, snakes, spiders, scorpions and
endure temperatures as high as 118 degrees Fahrenheit
along the way.
Kara Tointon said: “I feel elated to have crossed the finish
line! I’m so tired but unbelievably happy we finished as
a team. Thank you to all those people who donated, it
really did keep us going during the tough times.”
The celebrity team’s incredible efforts will raise money
to help people living unimaginably tough lives both
across Africa and the UK, and in particular they are
highlighting the issue of sight. Money they raise will go
to Comic Relief projects which include those that help to
prevent thousands of people in Africa from going blind
or contracting debilitating eye conditions like trachoma,
something which affects many people living in the
region where the trek is taking place.
At the finish line the group were reunited with people
they had met along the trek who were able to visit the
local sight camp. There they have been able to receive
treatment for the conditions that are causing them to
lose their sight. Some of the team witnessed operations
on people suffering from trachoma. Just £5 could pay
for a sight-saving operation for someone in Africa who’s
suffering from trachoma.
Every minute, a child goes blind somewhere in the
world and the effect is truly devastating. Tragically, up to
fifty per cent of all children who lose their sight will die
within two years. What makes these figures even more
astonishing is that eighty per cent of all blindness is
preventable.
Scott Mills: “This is something that I never thought I’d
be able to achieve. To be able to do this and help raise
money for Comic Relief has been a real privilege. I’ve met
some amazing people, seen a beautiful part of the world
and made some great friends. But now I need new feet!”
Lorraine Kelly said: “I’ve done four marathons in my time
but this was harder than all of them by a million miles.
My feet are like a pound of raw mince. I’d love to come
back here but I won’t be walking.”
Olly Murs: “It was overwhelming to reach the finish line
and to see all the people we’ve helped on the way. It’s
unbelievable for me to be part of Comic Relief and be a
member of this fantastic team. Thank you to everyone
who’s donated so far. I’ve seen for myself how that
money will make a real difference.”
All the ups and downs of their journey have been captured for a documentary, which was shown on
BBC1 on Thursday March 17th at 9pm. If you missed it, log onto www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer to catch-up.
To donate to Comic Relief 2011, please visit www.comicrelief.com/donate
8 ASPIRE ASPIRE 9

History In The Making
2011 Census: A Snapshot Of Britain By Sarah Ross
10 ASPIRE
Tracking the changing lives of the British public, the census provides a unique, accurate
and comprehensive record of everyone in Britain. Created in 1801, this amazing
document has captured our lives for over 200 years and provides a gripping snapshot
of fascinating moments in our history. Completed once every ten years, the national
census will be completed for the 21st time on Sunday 27th March 2011.
The purple and white envelopes have already been
dropped through the letterbox and as we gear up to
document our lives in 2011, Aspire takes a look at the
origins of this important document and some of the
weird and wonderful facts it has unearthed throughout its
history...
The size of Britain’s population has always been of great
interest, particularly in the late 18th Century when Britain's
first professor of political economy, Thomas Malthus,
published an essay suggesting that our nation’s food supply
would not be sufficient for the growing population. A
statistician and government official by the name of John
Rickman publically opposed this view, but realised the need
for official statistics on whether the population was growing
or shrinking. As Europe and the United States were already
introducing measures to track population trends, Rickman
proposed a national census be conducted in Britain every
ten years and after drafting the Census Act in 1800, the first
groundbreaking survey was then taken on the 10th March
1801.
The original census featured just six questions and existed
mainly as a way of counting heads – 8.87million heads to
be precise – but also included questions on family size and
the sex of each family member. Deemed a success, the
process has been completed once every decade since, with
the exception of 1941, which coincided with World War II.
In the last 210 years the census has evolved to track many
different aspects of our lives and now includes questions
that reflect changes in society, including our households,
religious beliefs and language.
Each census is a truly unique document, but the 1911
Census, released in 2009, is a special one indeed. Prior to
1911, all original census returns, filled in by the head of the
house, were destroyed after the data had been compiled
by an enumerator. The 1911 Census was the very first to
be released with the original preserved records, meaning
genealogists have been able to see their own ancestor’s
handwritten returns for the first time. The census, which
documented the lives of 36million people on Sunday 2nd
April, also covers a whopping two kilometres of shelf space
at the National Archives, where it is stored in London.
Under the 1920 Census Act, the law states that census
returns cannot be released to the public for 100 years,
but the act doesn’t cover the 1911 Census, meaning the
Information Commissioner’s Office were able to allow earlier
access. However, only a partial release of basic data was
granted and any information which is personally sensitive
will not be released to the public until 3rd January 2012.
The census provides some fascinating and funny details
from the past. Shockingly, the last column of the 1911
document, along with all prior census returns, required
the head of the house to indicate all infirmities of family
or household members. In the non-PC times of Edwardian
England, these were categorised as deaf and dumb, blind,
imbecile or idiot, and lunatic. By 1921, this column had
been dropped and as our language continued to evolve,
it became apparent that these descriptions were not
appropriate.
In later censuses household amenities became of interest;
in 1951, the issue of whether households had an inside or
outside toilet became important and was recorded for 40
years until 1991, whilst the 1971 Census contained tickboxes
for families to record whether they possessed cookers
or kitchen sinks attached to a water supply.
The 2011 Census, which will be completed by an estimated
25million households, promises new firsts for the historic
document. Highlighting our global obsession for new
technology, this year is the first time the census can be
completed online and in order to accurate document the
relationship status of the population, the 2011 Census
will feature a new tick box for same-sex civil partnerships,
following the introduction of the Civil Partnership Act 2004.
In modern Britain, the question of religion always causes
some debate, particularly where the census is concerned
and as this is not a compulsory part of the questionnaire,
it leaves the public to answer it as they choose. Following
an Internet campaign, thousands of people across the
country were encouraged to register their religion as ‘Jedi’
on the 2001 Census in tribute to the Star Wars faith. An
email, which circulated internationally, claimed that just
10,000 people in each country would need to give their
religion as ‘Jedi’ to allow it to be officially recognised as a
religion. Although it turned out to be a hoax, a whopping
390,000 individuals willingly pledged their support, forcing
enumerators to create a new code for the religion when
processing the census data and making it the fourth largest
religion in Britain.
A sign of the times, this year’s census has influenced the
launch of numerous Facebook campaigns, designed to
celebrate a wide number of interests and passions relating
largely to books and TV. So, whether you want to register
your religion as Time Lord in homage to Doctor Who,
Twilightism in relation to the vampire books or Tree Hugger
to make people more aware of the affects of climate
change, there’s a wealth of ideas and inspiration on the
social networking site.
Nowadays, census data is extremely useful in many areas
of our communities; it is often relied upon by councils
predicting the number of children who will attend school
in the future and supermarkets to plan how much food
to stock. The information generated by the census is also
proving to be a vital resource for professional historians
and budding genealogists. Thanks to the BBC’s ‘Who Do
You Think You Are?’ and websites such as Ancestry, which
includes details of census returns, tracing your family tree
has never been more popular or so fascinating.
The Census In Numbers:
10 5.6
size in 1801. each census.
The average household The time in years between
100
Personal data from the
census can only be released
to the public a century on
from its completion, so
the full details of the 2011
Census will not be available
until 2111.
35,000
The number of field staff
taken on to help carry out
the 2011 Census.
639
The number of individuals
with the first name
Christmas, as recorded on
the 1901 Census.
8.87million
The population of Britain at
the time of the first official
census, taken in 1801.
36
The most common age of
the population ten years
ago, according to statistics
from the 2001 Census.
1,000
The maximum amount in
pounds you can be fined
for not filling in the 2011
Census.
482million
The estimated cost of the
2011 Census.
Full details on completing the 2011 Census is available at www.census.gov.uk
43
The number of questions
relating to the individual,
including language, work
habits and health.
58,789,194
The population at the time
of the 2001 Census.
8,560
The number of individuals
who were 100-years-old or
over in 2001.
The Times They
Are A Changin’
A lot can change in a decade; from great
sporting achievements to tragic events, Aspire
takes a look at the major events that have
marked the last ten years...
2001
The biggest attack on
American soil, 9/11 left
almost 3,000 people from
more than 90 countries
dead, including 67 Brits.
2003
England narrowly beat
Australia in the 2003 Rugby
World Cup Final thanks
to Johnny Wilkinson’s last
minute drop kick goal.
2005
Four bombs were
simultaneously detonated
on London’s public
transport system on the 7th
July, killing 52 and injuring
nearly 800.
2007
Harry Potter and the
Deathly Hallows, the
seventh and final book in
JK Rowling’s fantasy series,
became the UK’s fastest
selling book, with more
than one household in ten
buying their copy within
the first 24 hours.
2009
Britain’s Got Talent star and
YouTube sensation Susan
Boyle made chart history
when ‘I Dreamed A Dream’
became the fastest selling
debut album in the UK.
2002
In the year of her Golden
Jubilee, the Queen suffered
much sadness following the
deaths of Princess Margaret
and the Queen Mother.
2004
Passed on the 18th
November, the Civil
Partnership Act 2004
signalled a major win in the
fight for gay rights.
2006
The threat of bird flu caused
fear when a dead swan
found in Scotland tested
positive for the H5N1 strain
of the virus.
2008
As many of us are still
feeling the effects, we
hardly need reminding that
the UK’s worst financial
crisis for 20 years began
during 2008.
2010
Starting and ending with
extremes of the sub-zero
variety, 2010 started with
the longest cold snap for
30 years and ended much
the same.
ASPIRE 11

Spring Clean
Time For A
Spring
Clean
by Laura Hyde
Tips
• Make sure you have everything you need before you
star t to avoid unnecessary trips to the shops half way
through a job.
• Do one room at a time - why not play your favourite
upbeat songs to help keep you in the mood; you’ll also
burn more calories with all the dancing!
• Pour a couple of cups of white vinegar into your kettle
and boil to remove limescale - make sure you wash the
kettle out thoroughly afterwards.
• Pour half a cup of soda crystals down the drain to
prevent blockages - flush through with hot water.
• To give your house an inexpensive fresh feel for spring,
buy some new accessories, such as candles, throws and
cushions, and picture frames.
Spring Kitchen From John Lewis
Brighten up your kitchen this spring and give the heart of your home a fresh new look, with a few seasonal updates.
From crockery to cutlery, teapots to napkin rings, John Lewis Leicester has everything you need to entertain with style…
• Le Creuset Coastal Blue Casserole Pot - £12 * Exclusive to John Lewis
• Keep Calm & Carry On Teapot - £18
• Rob Ryan Plates (set of four) - £25
• Wooden Pinch Pots - £16
• Sophie Conran Measuring Cups (set of four) - £20
• Napkin Rings (set of four) - £12
• Coastal Napkins (set of four) - £14
• Brighton Jug - £15
• Coastal Glass - £5
• Union Jack Tea Towel - £10
• John Lewis Vintage Cutlery – from £3.50
This Sunday (March 20th) is the Vernal Equinox – the first day of spring. It’s traditionally a time for cleaning the
house, ridding it of winter cobwebs and generally preparing for the summer. So, it’s time to roll up your sleeves
and give it some elbow grease to ensure your house is shiny from top to bottom…
Living Room
It’s time to focus on all those spots that often get missed:
lampshades, skirting boards and the top of door frames are all
places that get neglected, so make sure you pay them a little
attention.
It’s also the perfect time to ensure windows and doors are
working properly. Clean the tracks on sliding windows and
doors so you can enjoy cool summer breezes when the time
comes. It’s also the ideal time to ensure your windows are
gleaming – give them a clean by applying window cleaner
and wiping over with a lint-free cloth. Dry them with a clean
sheet of newspaper for a streak-free finish.
Kitchen
With so many appliances and white goods in 21st Century
kitchens, we don’t often have time to clean them all on a
regular basis – the arrival of spring is the perfect time to
clean these, focusing especially on clearing out old food
from the fridge, and canned, jarred and packaged goods
from cupboards that have passed their expiry dates. In fact,
it’s reported that most people only clean their fridge once
or twice a year, so why not make an effort to wipe it out and
clean any glass shelves and drawers at least once a month.
The oven is another appliance many people avoid cleaning
regularly. Here, prevention is key; wipe any spills as they
happen and don’t let grease build up. However, if you haven’t
cleaned your oven since last spring, tough measure will be
needed to clean away all those meals, with some debris
probably left over from Christmas! Non-scratch scourer
sponges are great for burnt offerings and generally getting rid
of the first layer of grease and debris, but that fired on grease
needs a good soak in the sink with dishwasher detergent.
For inside the oven, an all-purpose oven cleaner is a great
idea, as is eye protection as the last thing you want is to be
splashed in the eye with strong cleaning fluid! Remove the
all-purpose cleaner with clean, warm water and a sponge and
wipe away any remaining grime with a non-scratch scourer
pad.
Bathroom
Like the kitchen, the bathroom is one room in the house
every member of the family uses on a daily basis, so it
deals with a lot. The arrival of spring gives us the chance
to clean those often forgotten about places, such as the
shower head. Scientists from the University of Colorado in
America have discovered that there’s a one in three chance
that your shower head is harbouring significant levels of
‘Mycobacterium avium’, which can cause lung disease.
To ensure your shower head isn’t delivering deadly diseasecausing
bacteria on a daily basis to your whole family,
unscrew it and place it in boiling water in an old saucepan
for 10 minutes. Do this once a month and you’ll be safe in the
knowledge you’re actually having a clean shower.
Another place in the bathroom that can harbour bacteria
that’s often missed during the weekly clean is the light cord.
Around one third of men don’t wash their hands properly
after going to the toilet, so your light cord and even door
handle can become a breeding ground for an array of
harmful bacteria. Just give the light cord and any bathroom
handles a wipe with diluted bleach (50/50) every time you
clean the bathroom.
As well as polishing bathroom mirrors, shower screens and
windows, a ‘spring clean’ gives us the perfect excuse to clear
out the bathroom cabinet; throw out anything half-used
that you’ve not touched in the last six months, and throw
out anything you don’t need any more.
Bedroom
The arrival of the warmer weather gives us the chance
to clean duvets, blankets and pillows, but don’t forget to
flip your mattress to help prevent sagging, increasing its
lifespan.
Spring is also the perfect time to clean out your wardrobe
of anything you didn’t wear during 2010, and re-introduce
some of the summery clothes you did wear but packed
away for the winter. Be strict and get rid of anything that
doesn’t fit or has holes in it that can’t be fixed. Once you’ve
sorted out your wardrobe, pack away your winter clothes
and throw in a mothball or two for good measure.
For more details, please visit www.johnlewisleicester.com or call 08456 049 049
Prices correct at time of print
ASPIRE 13

Scalford Hall Reader Offer
QROPS Consulting
Pension
Loans 4 U
As the only company in the UK to offer such a service, Aspire believe Pensionloans4u are
well-deserving of our Certificate of Recognition for Financial Service 2011.
Anthony was delighted to accept our award, he says: “Thank you and we are happy to
help people realise their dreams”
Sales Executive, Emily Davison, says; “From time to time, we all dream of emigrating to
somewhere hot and sunny, but for most of us that dream ends when we consider the
cost. However, with Anthony’s help you could find yourself with enough cash to make this
bold move and as pensions are such a complex area, you can feel confident and happy
knowing that your money and aspirations are in professional and knowledgeable hands.
As a company that’s truly one of a kind I just had to nominate Anthony for this Certificate
of Recognition and I’m thrilled he has been selected for it.”
Offering a unique facility to raise capital, Pensionloans4u allows UK and non-UK residents
to fund their migration with a pension advance and all you need is a UK pension fund. Any
type of personal pension can be used for a pension advance, including old and existing
schemes, with a percentage being released to you as a lump sum:
• Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPP)
• Money Purchase or Final Salary Company Pension Schemes (old schemes only and you
cannot be actively contributing to it) Pensionloans4u also reserve the right to refuse some
final salary pension schemes!
• Old Armed Forces Pension Schemes
• Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS)
Make 2011 the year you achieve
all of your ambitions and realise
your dreams with Pensionloans4u.
Specialising in releasing capital
from your UK pension fund, using a
quick and easy process, the finance
professionals allow you to make the
most of your money. The brainchild of
Anthony Gott, Pensionloans4u offer no
interest charges, no credit checks and
no monthly repayments and no need
to repay the advance when you retire,
so there’s never been an easier way to
make the move Down Under
To discover whether you can use your pension to fund your new life, just fill in the online
enquiry form and send it off. The process is simple and as Anthony does all the work, you
can use your time to worry about how you’re going to spend your money.
Escape to the Country at
Scalford Hall Hotel
A harmony of traditional values and modern comforts, Scalford Hall
Hotel is presenting you with an indulging offer. Treat yourself and a
loved one, family or friend to the perfect escape - buy a one-night stay
from just £69 per room and receive a complimentary Club Upgrade*
(worth £15).
This one-night stay allows you to take time out with friends and
family and relax in the beautifully landscaped setting of Scalford Hall,
as you unwind and enjoy an overnight stay, three-course dinner in
The Windsor Restaurant and full English breakfast, with this relaxing
getaway.
If that isn’t tempting enough, you will receive a complimentary
Club Upgrade to provide the perfect addition to your stay. Our Club
Upgrade allows you to sample the best that Scalford hall has to offer
and includes luxurious Molton Brown bathroom amenities, magazines,
a fruit bowl, mineral water in the room and home-made chocolates.
At the heart of Leicestershire’s picturesque countryside, Scalford Hall Hotel offers 88
en-suite bedrooms, restaurant, lounge and leisure facilities, including a gymnasium
and games room. This, coupled with the fact that Scalford Hall is an ideal base to
explore a host of attractions from exploring the magnificent Belvoir Castle with its
glorious gardens and fascinating magical castle, riding the rollercoaster at Twinlakes
Park, or entering a world of discovery at the National Space Centre, makes Scalford
Hall Hotel a great choice for a leisure escape.
To take advantage of this exclusive offer call us today and quote
‘ASPSH02’ on 0845 400 1403
To find out more and to register for our latest offers visit
www.scalfordhall.co.uk
*Terms and Conditions apply. Subject to availability. This offer is non-transferable and non-refundable, has no cash equivalent and full prepayment is required at time of booking. Offer applies to new purchases only. This offer cannot be
used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. This offer is not open to the employees of Macepark Group, Scalford Hall and Whittlebury Hall, and their family members. Accommodation is based on two people sharing a standard
room. Offer includes a complimentary Club upgrade per room when purchasing a one-night dinner, bed and breakfast stay from £69 per room. £20 single supplement applies. Offer valid for bookings made by 30th June 2011.
You don’t even need to be approaching retirement to be able to raise capital in this way
as you can be any age to reap the rewards of your
pension scheme and thousands of previous customers
are now indulging in the kind of lives they always
dreamt of – all thanks to Pensionloans4u.
With the housing market still in recovery, individuals
and couples are seeking new ways to fund their new
laid back lifestyle and instead of selling up to start
again, Pensionloans4u offer you a great alternative.
As no age restrictions apply, anyone can take
advantage of the scheme and with no repayments to
make and no interest charges, you can settle into your
new home without any concerns or worries.
Anthony adds: “There’s no other company in the UK
that does what I do and I pride myself on offering all
of my clients a personal service. I deal with all of the
enquiries personally and I’m available on free phone
from 9am to 9pm, seven days a week, to answer
any queries. I am happy to talk people through the
whole process, but they are under no obligation to go
ahead.”
The online enquiry form takes less than five minutes to
complete and could be the start of a new chapter in
your life. So, why not reap the rewards of your pension
scheme and visit www.pensionloans4u.com
Alternatively, call Anthony free on 0800 334 5711 or
email pensionloans4u@mail.com to find out more.
14 ASPIRE ASPIRE 15

Once In A Lifetime
From must-see films and recommended reading, to
experiencing other countries and indulging in new
adventures, there are a wealth of books, articles and
websites dedicated to the hundreds of thousands of
things we should experience at least once in our lifetime.
The 2007 comedy-drama ‘The Bucket List’, starring Jack
Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, brought to life our
obsession with completing certain tasks and visiting
must-see places before we ‘kick the bucket’ and it’s
inspired many of us to try and realise our dreams.
Trips to exotic foreign lands and experiencing unique
activities usually make up the bulk of most people’s
bucket lists. Whether that’s climbing the dizzying
heights of New York’s famous Empire State Building or
witnessing the enchanting colours and rare species that
call Australia’s Great Barrier Reef home, we all have dreams
we want to live out for real. With so many places to visit,
discover and experience, limited budgets and real life
issues to contend with, it can be hard to put aside the
money and time to indulge in such delights.
In the current economic climate we’re all searching for the
best bargains and that usually means a budget break in
Britain, but from time-to-time we really need to consider
how important our annual holiday is. Offering the chance
to relax and unwind, explore different terrains, soak up
unrivalled views, learn new languages, taste exquisite
cuisine and experience a different way of life, your holiday
can be anything you want it to be. So, forget soggy
camping holidays and budget caravan getaways, why
not start saving now for a holiday that promises more
than just a break from the norm and guarantees to create
memories that will last a lifetime.
For those seeking a once in a life time experience, a
safari holiday in Botswana cannot be beaten. Boasting
the opportunities to see wild animals in their natural
habitat to the backdrop of inspiring landscapes, you’re
guaranteed to be wowed by the vast wilderness and
sheer beauty of this amazing country. Alongside
Botswana’s obvious attractions, there’s also an abundance
of historical and archaeological sites, including the
Matsieng Footprints, which are elongated human
footprints thought to be up to 10,000 years old.
Whether you’re fed up of seeing grey skies and drizzle
when you open your curtains in the morning or saw
enough snow during 2010’s big freeze to last a lifetime,
heading for a permanent place in the sun is often seen as
a one-off opportunity.
Every year an estimated 200,000 Brits leave our fair
shores for a brand new life abroad and it’s easy to see
the attraction. Lured by laid back lifestyles and friendly
communities, many people simply want to escape Britain
for a different way of life, but there may also be better job
prospects if you choose your destination carefully. Some
countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, have skills
shortages that desperately need filling, so if you’ve got
the required talent and knowledge you may be able to
bring your dreams of emigrating to life.
Often when people think about emigrating they have an
ideal place in mind, but it’s essential to do your research
before making any long-term commitments. One visit
to a country, however charming or friendly it may have
been, is not enough to base such a decision on, so it is
vital to gain as much experience of a place as possible. It’s
not just a question of what country to choose, you also
need to consider the region and town, job opportunities
and property prices, schools and living costs in order to
fully understand what life will really be like once you’ve
taken the plunge.
If holidays and travel are part of your ‘bucket list’ then
Aspire have some inspiring ideas to help you indulge in
once in a lifetime experiences...
Enjoy Life Down Under, Courtesy of
North East
Emigration
One in three Brits dream of a new life abroad, but the
emotional and financial costs involved make this a
once in a lifetime move. Established since 1995, North
East Emigration is the brain-child of Tom Archbold,
an experienced relocator with 15 years’ experience
helping Brits make this big move.
North East Emigration was established in 1995 when a school friend and colleague
of Tom’s visited him after relocating to Australia years ago. Tom’s friend had started a
company in Tasmania that offered advice and practical solutions to people across the
UK who were looking to relocate. Tom said: “I got involved because he wanted to offer
a personal service to his customers and didn’t have anyone in the north of the country
that people could turn to any time of the day for help and advice. When I first started
working with him, I continued to work for British Airways, but after retiring in October
2009 after 35 years with BA, I decided to focus all of my attention on North East
Emigration.”
Tom can help with as much or as little of your move as you require, which is why we
decided to ask him for his advice regarding the three most frequently asked questions
by Brits making the move Down Under…
I want to live in Australia. Where
do I start?
“The best way to start is to find a
Migration Expert who can advise
you what type of Visa you qualify
for. It can be a daunting process,
filled with challenges. A Migration
Expert can help you minimise
these challenges, particularly the
confusion and frustration that is
often associated with the Visa
application process. The Migration
Agent that you use should be
certified by the Migration Agent
Registration Authority (MARA).
Emigration Fairs are useful to get
a flavour of what is needed and you will find all the companies that will
give you advice and guidance.”
How do I find out whether I have enough ‘points’ to emigrate to
Australia?
“You need to fill in a Visa Assessment, which is based on an immigration
points system. Eligibility is determined by Australian Department of
Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). The assessment calculates whether
you have enough points and are therefore eligible to immigrate to
Australia under one of the skilled Visa classes. Most Agents have a
free assessment on their websites or you can fill in online at Australia
House.”
Stop Dreaming,
Start Living
Australia is the smallest continent yet
one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest
countries, therefore there are so many
magnificent places to move to; here the top
three destinations for emigrating Brits…
Sydney
Incorrectly thought of by many as Australia’s capital
city, Sydney is home to the largest number of Britishborn
residents in Australia - 145,261 (according
to the 2006 Census) of Sydney’s four and a half
million residents, known as ‘Sydneysiders’. The site
of the first British colony in Australia, Sydney was
established in 1788 by Arthur Phillip, commodore of
the First Fleet as a penal colony.
Perth
Situated within Western Australia, Perth is one of
the most isolated metropolitan areas on earth; it’s
geographically closer to Dili in East Timor, Singapore
than it is to other Australian cities Sydney, Melbourne,
and Brisbane. Perth is popular place with ex-pats;
again, in the 2006 Census there were 142,424 Britishborn
Perth residents, which puts the city just behind
Sydney (145,261) for British residents, despite Perth
having fewer residents overall.
What is the best way to move my finances, such as my current and
savings accounts and my life insurance and pension, to Australia?
“The best way to move your finances is to talk to the experts on foreign
exchange. The one I would recommend is Money Corp, they can make
the transfer of your sterling abroad simple and cost effective. They have
over 30 years’ experience and you need to know when the best time
to change your sterling to dollars. As the exchange rate fluctuates over
the years it is crucial that you change your currency when it is most
advantageous to you. Money Corp can also offer special deals and
discounts available through their relationships with carefully selected
business partners such as Qantas and National Australia Bank.”
Melbourne
Situated within the state of Victoria, Melbourne is
Australia’s second most populated city with four
million people calling the city home; 156,457 of which
were born right here in Britain, so again you’d be in
good company if you chose to make Melbourne your
new home. Melbourne is an excellent city to move
to; in 2009, despite a worldwide economical crisis,
more new jobs were created in Melbourne than any
other Australian capital and the property market here
remains strong, resulting in historically high property
prices and widespread rent increases.
For more information on emigrating to Australia, call Tom on 0191 241 7103 or 07956 966266
or email him at northeastemigration@gmail.com
16 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 17

Once In A Lifetime
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
The Makgadikgadi is one of the world’s largest salt pans and was once a super lake. By
day it stretches as far as the eye can see, but by night it is one of the best places for star
gazing. This area is known for Zebra migration and breeding flamingos.
Notes From
Wild Dogs
Despite numbers rapidly dwindling elsewhere, wild dogs
are regularly sighted in the Moremi Game Reserve and
have been subject to a project being run in the area since 1989 so these animals are often seen
wearing collars placed on them by the researchers. It is claimed that the Moremi area contains
about 30% of all living wild dog.
CHOBE
NATIONAL
PARK
NXAI
PAN
NATIONAL
PARK
Thanks to a range of different terrains and landscapes, as well as a fantastic array of wildlife, the democratic
country of Botswana offers the best of Africa, making it one of the premier safari destinations. Aspire takes a look
at a few of the things that make Botswana special…
The big five: African elephant, lion, leopard, white rhino and buffalo
In fact, Botswana is also home to the largest elephant population in Africa, some
155,000 elephants, making it very easy to see this amazing mammal whilst on safari.
The majority of these elephants, up to 60,000 of them, roam within Chobe National
Park, the second largest National Park in Botswana. These Chobe elephants comprise
part of what is probably the largest surviving continuous elephant population, built up
steadily from a few thousand since the early 1900s; through Government conservation
and anti poaching initiatives, they were protected, unlike herds in other countries.
Free wilderness
Although 33% of Botswana is made up of Game Reserves and National Parks,
none of these areas are fenced in, meaning the wildlife that roams the land is totally
wild and able to wander freely; in the wilderness of Botswana, it is you who are the
intruder and your presence is a privilege.
Gcwihaba Caves
One of the wildest and remotest of all tourist destinations in Botswana is the Gcwihaba
Caves, situated 50km south east of Aha Hills. At the entrance to these beautiful caves are
two unspectacular low ridges of sand-covered rock, but an enchanting spectacular curtain
of stalactites is the first of many wonders inside this fascinating formation. The caves are
a labyrinth of linked passages and chambers, all carved and formed by dripping water,
which seeped through and dissolved dolomite rock.
The Okavango Delta
k a l a h a r i
KGALAGADI
TRANSFRONTIER
PARK
In the north of Botswana, the Okavango Delta is the only area in the world where a
river runs inland. The Okavango River empties through lagoons and swamps into the
Kalahari Desert, where most of the water is lost to evaporation and transpiration. This
makes it a great draw for wildlife, including over 400 species of birds, making this area
a haven for birdwatchers.
Accommodation
Botswana is also the ideal place to enjoy a
spot of luxury and indulgence, thanks to the
accommodation on offer; from a top-class hotel, to a luxury lodge or a safari camp
with all usual facilities. For those looking for more adventure, participative camping or
sleeping under the stars is an option - whatever you want, it’s available in Botswana. In
fact, the Botswana Government has taken the decision to preserve the natural wilderness
by ensuring tourism is low volume, so each resort has a maximum of 24 beds, and many
have much less than that, meaning you can enjoy this amazing country at its unspoilt best!
D e s e r t
MABUASEHUBE
Big Cats
Many tourists consider their safari to
be unsuccessful if they do not see a lion, but this big cat is widely distributed
throughout Botswana. Many people do not realise is just how lazy lions are; they
hunt at night or in the cooler hours of dawn and dusk, so for the rest of the day, they
just lie around or sleep - the chances of spotting lions are better just after sunrise
than at other times.
As you can see, Botswana is a truly unique place that’s just
waiting to be discovered…
Botswana Tourism Office
Tel: 020 76471018 Web: www.botswanatourism.org.uk Email: dparr@botswanatourism.org.uk
18 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 19

Debt-Free Day
Be A Beautiful Bride…
On A Budget
Unless you have unlimited funds, chances are your wedding day
will have to be done on some sort of budget. If your budget doesn’t
stretch to the UK average of £18,500 (http://www.weddingsday.
co.uk/average-wedding-cost), then you’ll need to plan carefully to
avoid starting married life in debt.
The best way to budget and get the most for your money is to get
a good idea of how much things cost before setting your budget,
allowing you to control and monitor your costs more effectively and
realistically. Average prices can be found online or in the plethora of
wedding magazines on the shop shelves, but ultimately, it’s you as a
couple that will decide how much to spend on what.
A great way to save money is by utilising the talents of friends and
family so you can indulge in other areas; if your auntie is good at
making cakes, ask her to make your wedding cake as a present to
you so you’ll only have to pay for the ingredients and if your cousin
has a passion for photography, ask her to photograph your day.
You’ll be surprised how many of your friends and family want to
help and be part of your big day.
Aspire Features Writer, Laura Hyde, who recently tied the knot, says:
“My fiancé and I decided early on that we wanted to get married
and have our reception in the one place to eliminate transport
costs, which can seriously dent a wedding budget. I thought it
might ruin my day by not arriving in a horse-drawn carriage or
vintage Rolls Royce, but seeing as none of our guests actually saw
my arrival, just my final steps down the aisle as a single lady, I feel
it was money well saved. I also saved money on my flowers as my
cousin, who has completed all her floristry qualifications, did them
Hadley men’s hirewear
15 years’ experience
Hirewear selection range from evening, morning and lounge suits
to Highland wear. A full range of accessories also are available to
buy or hire.
If you are getting married, going to the prom or just need a lounge
suit for that special occasion, pop in and let Jane arrange it.
Dinner suits also in stock. Same day ordering and collection.
Open: Mon, Weds, Fri 9.30am - 3pm, Sat 10.30am - 3pm.
Closed Tues & Thur. Alternatively appointments to suit your needs.
Free parking for an hour at the rear of the premises.
Telephone: 01455 552543 Mobile: 0755 4425053
Hadley Men’s Hirewear, Suite 12, Weston House, 18-22 Church Street,
Lutterworth, Leics LE17 4AW
the
Gorgeous Gown
shop
Tel: 01530 815216
Email: sales@gorgeousgownshop.co.uk
www.gorgeousgownshop.co.uk
The Gorgeous Gown Shop, 22 Hotel Street,
Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3EP
at cost as a wedding present to us, which saved me at least £300 in
labour – and the flowers received almost as many complements on
the day as my wedding dress!”
Whatever your budget, it’s a good idea to open a ‘wedding bank
account’ so any spare cash, other than your planned monthly
wedding savings, can be put straight into this account and the cash
won’t get spent unnecessarily – the pounds will soon add up!
Planning a wedding is stressful enough, without the added pressure
of finding money you just don’t have!
Level 1
The Foot
Room
Carrie Sandford
Dip. C.F.H.P, M.P.S, Pract, M.V.R
Registered Foot Health Practitioner
• Nail trimming and reducing
and reshaping if necessary
• Removal of corns
• Reduction of hard skin
and callus
• Relaxing and moisturising
foot massage
The price for this treatment
is only £23!
Tel: 0116 221 9866
Mob: 07955 201909
is a uniquely designed venue ideal for
private events including bespoke wedding
packages to suit your budget. Located
close to the city centre, with onsite parking,
Level 1 has a standing capacity of 1000
and can cater for 180 seated guests.
For that individual touch, the venue also
provides entertainment and décor to suit
your requirements.
Tariffs are set at a competitive rate with an
extensive bar range.
Please note dates are limited in University term time.
Tel: 0116 2555576
www.demontfortstudents.com
Email: wgreasley@dmu.ac.uk / chackett@dmu.ac.uk
De Montfort Students’ Union Ltd
Campus Centre Building, Mill Lane,
Leicester LE2 7DR
Wine By Design
Mobile bar service
for all occasions
• Parties • Weddings
• Outdoor events
Contact: Paul Jordain
Tel: 01458 850845 or 07850 661524
Email: paul.jordain@sky.com
Willows, Ham Street, Somerset BA6 8PS
Aspire’s Top Recommendation
Grover & Co
Wedding Photography
Telephone: 01536 525366
Mobile: 07522 325448
Email: berti@groverandco.co.uk
Web: www.groverandco.co.uk
Grover & Co, The Photographers. Southview,
Bramshill Avenue, Kettering, Northamptonshire
HOLIDAY ALL YEAR ROUND
ON THE ENGLISH RIVIERA
4 Star quality self-catering accommodation at The Osborne Club in a peaceful area of
Torquay, with stunning sea views overlooking the bay. Regency-style crescent in well
tended gardens.
• Individually designed, well-equipped apartments sleeping from 2 - 8
• Beach close by • Indoor & outdoor (seasonal) swimming pools, tennis court
• 2 restaurants onsite • Parking within the grounds
• Daytime bus to harbour & town centre
• Close to South West Coast Path & National Trust properties in the area
• Rental availability on website + photo gallery of crescent & grounds
Testimonials
“Enjoyed hearing the waves at breakfast, very
relaxing, apartment views wonderful.”
“Beautiful situation.”
“Breathtaking view.”
“Clean, warm, attractive ambience, splendid
facilities and location for a holiday.”
“Thanks for a lovely stay. Apartment was very
clean and of a high standard.”
To find out more visit our comprehensive website at
www.osborneclub.co.uk
Tel: 01803 209600 Email: info@osborneclub.co.uk
The Osborne Club, Hesketh Crescent, Meadfoot Beach, Torquay, Devon TQ1 2LL
Oh! What A
Beautiful Bride
That’s You!
Preparation is so important for the
big day, especially when there are so
many thoughts racing through your
mind – ‘have I done this and have I
ordered that, should I see such-andsuch,
how many guests to invite, the
dress and will I fit into it?’
It’s all so hectic, but STOP. What
about you? Your own personal
calmness and preparations are just
as vital and are essential if you’re
to enjoy your big day and look your
best. Thankfully, Health Systems
4U are on hand to offer Nutri-Calm.
Packed full of B and C Vitamins and
chamomile, it’s designed to calm
and soothe those frazzled nerves,
help you think more clearly and
sleep well.
Looking for a kick start to your
weight loss programme? Whether
it’s a few inches or more permanent
weight loss, Health Systems 4
U have all the tools you need to
look gorgeous in your wedding
dress and reap the rewards of
having more stamina and energy.
Nature’s Sunshine Weight
Management Regime comes highly
recommended as the best way to
healthy weight loss, without crash
diets or get-thin-quick schemes.
The regime promotes combining
a healthy balanced diet, of good
quality protein, extra fibre, fresh
vegetables and fruit, low glycaemic
carbohydrates, with drinking plenty
of water, regular exercise, relaxation
and adequate sleep.
Spring clean your body from the
inside out with the 10-day Healthy
Starter Programme, a herbal formula
that cleanses the body of cellular
waste and toxins,
and improves
An Independent
Distributor
elimination. Taken alongside Liquid
Chlorophyll, a refreshing drink that
deodorises the body and leaves the
breath minty fresh, and Bifidophilus,
a highly effective probiotic that
supports the immune system and
replenishes friendly gut flora, you
can enjoy feeling fully cleansed.
Burning fat at a steady rate is the
key to weight loss and can be
achieved by adding the following
supplements:
Synerprotein – a high quality
soya protein drink, packed with
nutrients, which helps to repair
tissues, build muscles and enhance
hair, skin and nails. When taken first
thing in the morning, Synerprotein
helps balance blood sugar and gives
a feeling of fullness, and can be
taken after exercise and for lunch
with a small snack.
TNT – a high fibre, low glycaemic
carbohydrate drink helping to
maintain a healthy digestive system
and absorb unwanted fats. Mix with
Synerprotein for a delicious drink.
Omega-3 – reduces fat
cravings, improves memory and
concentration, turns on the fat
burning gene and turns off the fat
storing gene. Take two three times a
day with meals.
Zambroza – a delicious
antioxidant-rich fruit drink which
reduces free radical damage and
has powerful antiageing
benefits.
Take 15ml
twice a day.
Enjoy a 20% discount when ordering online,
simply visit www.healthsystems4u.com today.
01780 755696 | healthsystems4u@gmail.com
20 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 21

Luxury Weddings
Love & Luxury
On Your Big Day
Impress your guests with a unique and
professionally choreographed first dance with...
Burbage dance studio
Every woman dreams of the perfect wedding day, and if you’ve got the necessary funds, why
not make it a day to remember for you and your guests.
There are three key areas on your day that you should spend the most money on: the venue,
the food and your photography/videography: guests remember the venue and the food,
whilst your photos and DVD are the lasting reminder of your perfect day, and all the details
you’ve meticulously planned, coming together. Why not think about hiring a breathtaking
venue, such as a castle or stately home, which will not only ‘wow’ your guests but also look
stunning as the backdrop for your photos/DVD.
If you want to just relax and enjoy the whole process, why not hire a wedding planner and
let them do all the stressing for you. As a couple, tell your planner what you want and where
you want it and how much you wish to spend, and they’ll do the rest, leaving you to sit back,
relax and enjoy your final months as an unmarried couple.
Five ways to make your day unique:
• Print your names and wedding date on candles and place on each table – just remember to
keep one for yourself as a lasting memento!
• Have dance lessons to ‘wow’ your guests with an amazing and unusual first dance –
YouTube is full of inspiring videos for you to check out.
• Coming back into fashion, engraved rings are one way to personalise your marriage, not
just your wedding day. You can engrave anything you like, from simple yet romantic
‘I Love You’ to something a little more personal or unusual.
• As they arrive, offer each guest a buttonhole or corsage to wear – it’ll make them feel extra
special.
• Keep guests of all ages entertained during the wedding breakfast by hiring table
entertainment. From magicians to caricaturists, there’s an unusual entertainer out there
that’ll keep guests talking long after the hangovers have faded!
All styles of Modern Ballroom and Latin, plus Rock & Roll,
Argentine and American Tango, Mambo/Salsa, some International
rhythms, Old Time and Classical and Modern Sequence.
Tel: 01455 616146
Web: www.burbagedancestudio.co.uk
Burbage Dance Studio, Aston Flamville Road, Burbage
PHILJAY THE WEDDING MAGICIAN
Guaranteed to make the day more magical for you and your guests
Beverley Palin
Beverley Palin is a multi-instrumentalist performer and teacher,
with a successful teaching practice alongside her performance
work. She took up the Northumbrian smallpipes at the age of
9, and has played for many events from quiet civil weddings
to international brain-surgery conferences, athletics events
and the 1966 World Cup squad’s annual get-together. She
specialises in weddings and funerals, but can provide music for
any occasion, please enquire!
Whether leading processions with a horse-drawn carriage
or serenading the sunset from a windswept castle roof, she
provides a personalised service to make your special event
unique. She is one of very few working pipers in traditional
dress in the country, and has appeared on BBC’s ‘The Curious
House-Guest’ and C4’s ‘Meet the Natives’ at Chillingham
Castle, where she is piper to Sir Humphry Wakefield.
Classically trained, she holds diplomas from London College of
Music, and degrees from Newcastle and Durham universities.
Tel: 01665 714 115
Amble, Northumberland
Mobile: 0777 447 2280 Email: phil@philjaymagic.com
Web: www.philjaymagic.com
For a unique and unusual touch
to your special event...
Egyptian
Belly Dancing
Classes also available. Any age welcome,
it’s great fun, come and join us!
Contact Katerina on
07845 886 694
22 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 23

A Royal Celebration
A Party Fit For A…
Prince & Princess
Prince William and his long-term girlfriend, Kate Middleton, are set to marry on Friday April 29th at Westminster Abbey – the day has been
designated a Bank Holiday by the coalition government to enable as many of us as possible
to celebrate with the happy couple, and their 1,900 guests.
Copyright 2010:
Mario Testino
Whether you’re a fan of the Royal family or not, April 29th is the ideal excuse for a party, in
particular a street party. Street parties are a British tradition dating back over a century, with
parties held up and down the country to celebrate an array of occasions, from the Queen’s
Coronation to the end of WWII. According to reports, councils across Britain have so far
received 2,000 applications for road closures, in order to ensure a street party is undisturbed.
So far, London has received the most applications, closely followed by Cardiff.
Street parties are not the only great British tradition that still has a place in 21st Century
society; we also celebrate a number of events, including Bonfire Night and May Day, with
a whole host of traditions such as burning ‘guys’ on bonfires, eating too many toffee apples
and dancing around the maypole. We also take pride in owning our own homes, whilst our
neighbours across the pond in America are happy to rent; the majority of us still get together
as a family on a Sunday and enjoy a delicious Sunday roast; and every problem we’ve ever
come up against can be solved with a good cuppa tea!
Everyone here at Aspire, along with our advertisers, would like to wish Prince William and his
bride all the best for their big day, and for their future lives together.
Independent Day School
for Girls aged 4- 18 years
Since 1891, Queen’s Gate School has
offered girls an education for life.
We are a school rich in tradition, but
at the same time abundant with the
energy and spirit of the 21st Century.
For a prospectus, or to visit the
school, please contact the Registrar,
Miss Janette Micklewright, on
0207 594 4982. See our website for
details of Open Events for entry in
September 2012.
www.queensgate.org.uk
A magical Welsh hotel with
Medieval roots dating back to
the days of Edward I.
Set within acres of woods and parkland
just over 20 miles from Chester, in an Area
of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ruthin
Castle is a truly romantic hotel steeped
in history.
Book a stay in one of the many rooms;
dine on award-winning cuisine created
using only the freshest local produce;
bring a team of merry men for a themed
night of fun, food and laughter; enjoy great
business facilities in a secluded venue or
book the wedding of your dreams within
the ancient walls and picturesque grounds.
Ruthin Castle is a royal Welsh gem just
waiting to be explored.
Congratulations to the Royal Couple
Old Bank House Hotel
Gorey Village, Grouville, Jersey JE3 9FX
Tel: 01534 854285 Fax: 01534 854725
Email: reception@oldbankhousejersey.com
Web: www.oldbankhousejersey.com
Tel: 01824 702664 Fax: 01824 705978 Email: reservations@ruthincastle.co.uk
Web: www.ruthincastle.co.uk
Ruthin Castle Hotel, Ruthin, Denbighshire, North Wales LL15 2NU
Congratulations to the Royal Couple
Congratulations to the Royal Couple
Situated in the heart of Gorey Village just a few minutes’ walk to the
beach and Gorey Harbour, where we offer a retreat from the livelier
aspects of St Helier. Relax in the sun-trap terrace and soak up the sun.
Grouville Golf course is a ten minutes stroll from the hotel and there are
a variety of excellent restaurants all within 5- 10 minutes walk. There is
a regular bus route to St Helier.
• Open April to October • En-suite rooms • No smoking
• Relaxing sun trap garden • Free Wi-Fi
From £30 to £40 pppn, bed & breakfast subject to 2 sharing
Congratulations to the Royal Couple
Congratulations to the Royal Couple
24 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 25

Crazy Crafts
Jo Firth
Lovely Lace
Get Crafty
Hobbies come in all shapes and sizes, but those that also allow
you to be creative may keep your mind and body healthy. Whether
you’ve got an hour or a whole weekend to spare, the benefits of
taking up a hobby are well documented.
Lacemaking
&
Needle Craft
Jo Firth Lacemaking and Needlecraft Supplies was
established over 25 years ago by craft enthusiast Jo Firth.
Jo told Aspire: “I was a maths teacher but always enjoyed
sewing and crafts of all descriptions, which I tried in
numerous classes at night school before settling on Bobbin
Lacemaking, although I didn’t have much time to perfect the
art! A fellow student in one of the lace classes was Jennifer
Sutcliffe, who became our local teacher and is an expert on
Honiton Lace. I still attend Jennifer’s class each week and
am laughed at because I am the slowest lacemaker there!
“The opportunity to take over this business came about in
1986. At the time I ran the embroidery classes for Beckfoot
Mill and the class supplier, Ann Brook, decided it was time
to give her business up; she asked if I knew of anyone who
would be willing to take it over and I jumped at the chance
to own my own business. I’ve steadily built the business up
from there and about 15 years ago, my husband, Ash, came
onboard full-time, making wooden bobbins and accessories.”
Jo Firth Lacemaking stocks everything you could need
including: an amazing array of threads of all thicknesses,
from five up to 185, including cotton, linen and metallic
threads: 15 to 20 different sizes and thickness pins: pillows
and bobbins: tools and books: frames to display your work
once it’s complete: and everything in between, including
beads, jewellery wires in many colours and embroidery
essentials.
Jo added:
“I have a real passion for crafts, so a friend and I
have got together to make our own design kits for
embroidery canvas work, which are exclusive to Jo
Firth Lacemaking. Many of the items I sell are unique
and unusual and stock is vast and varied and of
exceptional quality – I don’t sell anything I wouldn’t
use myself. I’m also on hand to offer customers any
advice or help they may need in finding the right
product.”
If you’d like to see just some of the items Jo Firth
Lacemaking stock, why not head to Blaby Community
Centre in Leicester on Saturday March 19th. If you’ve picked
Aspire up after March 19th but would still like to see Jo Firth
Lacemaking for yourself, they can be seen on April 2nd at
Nottingham Bobbin Lace Society and on May 8th at The East
of England Lace, Bead and Craft Fair in Peterborough.
The biggest Fair on Jo and Ash’s calendar is The Great
Northern (Not Just Lace) Fair, which this year takes place
on October 15th in Pudsey. Jo explained: “This is the 20th
year for The Great Northern (Not Just Lace) Fair and the
last time Ash and I will organise and plan it – we’re so busy
with the shop and website that we no longer have the time to
dedicate to the show. So we’re going to make this year the
best yet!”
An American study conducted at the Mayo Clinic, Minnesota,
discovered that regularly engaging in a hobby, such as
patchwork quilting or knitting, can help to delay the onset
of dementia. A group of 200 people with mild memory
problems, aged between 70 and 89, were compared to a
similar group with no impairment. Those who had been
mentally active from the ages of 50 to 65 by engaging
in craft hobbies had a 40% reduced risk of memory
impairment.
Another study, conducted by the American Journal
Medical Association, monitored 30 female heart patients
whilst they took part in a simple craft project. The results
showed significantly lower heart rates, blood pressure and
perspiration rates in all the patients. So, the evidence shows
that if you need something to distract you from the stresses
and pressures of life, a hobby is ideal.
For those who are looking to put their creative skills to a
practical use, why not think about making your very own
clothing and accessories. If you’ve not got the funds for a
whole new wardrobe then knitting, crocheting and sewing
are great skills for those who want to save money but still
have something new to wear come the weekend.
It’s easy to create a brand new item for your wardrobe by
making a few simple alterations to an old piece of clothing.
Buying a few supplies from your local haberdashery will
only cost a few quid at the most and can revitalise an item
you haven’t worn for years. Breathe new life into vest tops,
cardigans and shirts with a simple bit of trimming, ribbon
or new buttons, or give shoes and bags a facelift by adding
accessories.
Once you’ve mastered how to use a sewing machine, give an
old garment a drastic new look by turning it into something
else. If you’ve got something which no longer fits, or an
item that just looks a little old and tatty, you can make a
completely new item from its material. A simple bag is easy
to start off with, but who knows, you could easily make
yourself a new top, or even turn a pair of jeans into a skirt.
When you can skilfully make items from patterns and
transform old items of clothing, you could even think about
selling some, either on the Internet or at car boot sales,
and make yourself a few extra quid. Alternatively, if you’ve a
creative mind, why not consider crafting your interests into
a business. Aspire have some top tips to help your company
stand out:
USP
The very best way to make your items stand out is to make
them different. Customers are often looking for one-off
pieces, so take inspiration from the past and reinvent it into
something brand new.
Social Networking
Anyone who’s anyone has a Facebook or Twitter page, so
your business should have one too. With instant links to
hundreds, or even thousands, of potential customers, a few
quick announcements about new products, promotions or
offers will help bring business to your door.
Marketing
You can only sell a product to people who want to buy it,
so knowing your target audience and how to connect with
them is essential. Everything from packaging and displays
to prices and advertising decides whether your products or
services will be snapped up.
Tel: 0113 2574881 Email: jofirth@ntlworld.com
Web: www.jofirthlacemaking.co.uk
Make Do & Mend with...
Reads of Winchester
Originally established as JJ & J Reads, Reads of
Winchester stocks an extensive range of modern
and reconditioned sewing machines from just
£99. Owned and run by Sarah Levinge for the
last ten years, Reads offer expert knowledge and
a friendly service to all their customers.
Sarah told Aspire: “Reads was run for 60 years
by Mr Read Snr, but on his retirement his
grandson took over and that’s where my story
starts. I worked for Mr Read Jnr for three years
before he decided he wanted to sell up; I jumped
at the opportunity to buy the business from him
and overnight went from employee to employer
– that was ten years ago and I’ve not looked
back.”
Reads of Winchester sell all the top brands
of sewing machine including Bernina, Elna,
Janome, Toyota and Frister & Rossmann, as well
as all the accessories you could need including
needles, bobbins and threads. Reads also stock
other sewing machines, such as overlockers,
embroidery machines and embellishers, so all
your sewing requirements can be met.
Sarah added: “We cater for all budgets, with
machines starting from £99. I also sell a range
of books, a small selection of haberdashery
and sewing baskets. Mr Read Snr built up
an excellent reputation for Reads and this is
something I wanted to continue when I took
over the business. We pride ourselves on our
friendly service (both before and after sales) and
our competitive prices and strive to maintain the
excellent reputation Mr Read Snr created.”
As well as stocking new sewing machines, Reads
Reads of Winchester is open Monday to Saturday 9am until 5pm
For more information, visit the store at 1 St Thomas Street,
Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9HE or call Sarah on 01962 850950
of Winchester also sell a range of second-hand
machines and offer a repair service, as Sarah
explained: “We have an engineer who comes
in once a week to collect/deliver machines. He
can repair faulty machines and he can also carry
out services to ensure your machine is in tip-top
condition.”
26 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 27

Crazy Crafts
Janice Williams
Goldwork and Japanese Embroidery
Discover
the Art of
Ruskin
Lace
Making
Inspired by a lifelong love of embroidery and
needlework, Janice Williams has always been
keen to share her knowledge and experience with
others through workshops, events and exhibitions.
Specialising in traditional and contemporary threads,
Janice also stocks all the materials you need to have
a go yourself.
After studying at the Royal School of Needlework
as a teenager, Janice spent many years teaching in
schools and colleges up and down the country, and
running inspiring evening classes for all ages. As
her experience of embroidery grew, Janice became
involved with the Embroiderers’ Guild and put
together a large exhibition of goldwork, which was
a rare event at the time. This proved to be just the
beginning for Janice, who has gone on to create
magnificent creations for the British Crafts Council
and Twinings tea, and delivered a whopping 41
lectures for Gloucester’s Women’s Institute in one
year.
Janice now runs workshops from her Sheldon
Cottage Studio, in Gloucester, she says: “I always
make my students come up with their own ideas
and their own designs, as I think it is important for
them to use their own imagination. I will invite them
into the workshop and set them up with materials,
but sometimes I don’t even need to talk them
through techniques as many are already experienced
embroiders. Often they will share techniques and
ideas amongst themselves, effectively teaching each
other; I’ve passed the knowledge onto them so that
they can pass it on in the future.”
At the workshops, both experienced and novice
embroiderers are welcome to attend and visitors
create embroidery for everything from hand bags to
cards, gifts to wedding dresses.
For all of your goldwork and Japanese embroidery
needs, Janice now stocks a wide range of traditional
and contemporary metal threads, including:
• Japanese metallics, including fine coloured
metallics
• Over 200 shades of flat silks
• Metallic skin in gold, silver and pewter
• Books on goldwork and other embroidery
techniques
• The full range of Appleton’s crewel wool
In 2004, Janice established The Goldwork Guild
as way of passing knowledge and techniques of
this ancient craft onto those who are interested
in creating their own intricate, authentic pieces
of work. The partworks publication, available
quarterly, was designed to keep alive work from
across the globe and demonstrates couching, purling
and applying a skin, all of which can be padded. All
of the work for the partworks was completed solely
by Janice, including the research and writing of all
the articles.
Janice explains why she was inspired to start The
Goldwork Guild: “Having spent 40 years working
with goldwork and embroidery, I was eager to
leave a lasting legacy. The Goldwork Guild exists
as a method of passing on information for future
generations and as copies are stored in the British
Library, people will be able to dust them down and
rediscover this centuries old form of embroidery.”
Issues 1 – 18 of The Goldwork Guild partworks are
currently available from Sheldon Cottage Studio,
however, the partworks publication has now been
replaced with an A5 quarterly magazine, which is
produced and edited by Miranda Clarke. Janice
is still involved with the magazine, occasionally
writing articles and offering ideas for features.
Meetings and visits to exhibitions are occasionally
organised for embroidery enthusiasts, for more
information visit the website at
www.thegoldworkguild.co.uk
Janice promises a prompt mail order service, for a
price list, which includes details of The Goldwork
Guild magazine and events. Please send two firstclass
stamps to: Sheldon Cottage Studio,
Epney, Gloucester GL2 7LN
Tel/Fax: 01452 740639
Visitors by appointment only
Learn a new skill from the comfort of
your very own home and see an ancient
needlecraft brought to life with a stepby-step
guide on Ruskin Lace making.
A professionally produced DVD, ‘The Techniques of Ruskin
Lace Making’ brings together a range of comprehensive
tutorials from Elizabeth Prickett. Boasting 36 years’
experience of Ruskin Lace making, Elizabeth’s guide to this
wonderful, inspiring and traditional craft makes it easy to
learn and develop techniques. Having taught more than
4,500 students and produced samples for London’s Victoria
and Albert Museum, Elizabeth was the ideal presenter of
this DVD, which can guide anyone through the intricate
techniques needed to produce these beautiful creations.
Offering a step-by-step guide on traditional Ruskin Lace
making, Elizabeth’s DVD has been created in order to
preserve the traditional characteristics of this delightful
needlecraft.
The most distinctive feature of Ruskin Lace is how the
patterns are worked directly into the evenly woven fabric
– usually linen – and the finished articles may become
anything from table cloths to work boxes, bags to mounted
pieces of work. Threads from the linen are isolated, cut
and then withdrawn, before new threads are worked into
the fabric, and the technique allows decorative shapes and
patterns to be added.
Filmed from the working position, the two-disc DVD talks
you through every aspect of lace making, from preparing
fabric and isolating threads, to creating basic patterns and
more complex ones. With handy tips and hints throughout,
plus a run through of all the equipment you will need, it’s the
easiest way to learn Ruskin Lace making.
The DVD also offers some history on Ruskin Lace itself,
which dates back to 19th Century and is a needlecraft unique
to the Lake District, where it was supported by John Ruskin
in 1884. Ruskin, along with Albert Fleming, established
the Guild of St George to assist local craft workers and to
help them establish their own businesses, and it wasn’t long
before they were employing weavers to spin yarns and create
their own linen. After a trip to Italy, where he was inspired
by the needle made lace he saw, Ruskin returned to the
Lake District with pattern examples and a new needlecraft
technique.
The Aspire office recently received a copy of ‘The
Techniques of Ruskin Lace Making’ and Features Writer,
Sarah Ross, was keen to take a look, she says: “This is the
first time I have come across this traditional craft and I was
fascinated to see that the techniques of Ruskin Lace making
have remained the same for all this time.
“The techniques are easy to learn and the slow pace of
the DVD makes it very easy to follow; as every aspect of
Ruskin Lace making is covered you can easily pick it up
from scratch. I think that being able to watch someone else
working through all the techniques brings the craft to life
much more than a book ever could and it really does allow
you to work at your own pace. It’s ideal for those who would
like to learn under the guidance of an experienced lace
maker, but are unable to attend classes to lean the craft.”
‘The Techniques of Ruskin Lace Making’ has a running time
of three hours and 55 minutes and can be purchased directly
from the online shop for £18 – plus £1.08 p&p. For more
information or to place your order, please visit
www.ruskinlace.org.uk
The DVD is ideal for anyone who is looking to advance their
skills or would like a reference point when working from
home, as well as those who cannot find a local workshop in
order to learn the craft. A book titled ‘Ruskin Lace and Linen
Work’, which has been devised to function as a working
manual and makes a great accompaniment to the DVD, is
also available and allows the sewer to work at their own pace.
It also shows a variety of patterns and is available for £12.50
– plus £1.24 p&p.
Tel: 01539 441416
Email: info@ruskinlace.org.uk
28 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 29

Live For The Weekend
Make The
Most Of Your
Leisure Time
We’re fast becoming a nation of couch
potatoes; in fact it’s estimated that the
average Brit watches more than 26 hours
of television per week, just imagine all the
other activities you could be doing with that
free time.
During the harsh winter months most
of us opted for hibernation rather than
exploration and with the extreme
temperatures we endured it’s easy to see
why. However, with winter now on its way
out and spring on its way in, there’s warmer
weather to look forward to. So, there’s never
been a better time to ditch the box and live
for the weekend.
Spring is the perfect time to get on your
bike and there are many health benefits of
taking up cycling. Research by the British
Heart Foundation found that 20 miles of
cycling per week can reduce the risk of
coronary heart disease by half, compared to
non-cyclists. It’s also a fantastic way to lose
weight and get fit, as even a gentle cycle
of around 12mph, on flat land, uses 450
calories an hour, but of course, the faster
you go the more you burn.
More exhilarating pursuits, such as climbing,
kayaking and gorge walking, are also great
for keeping you fit and healthy, as well as
giving you an adrenaline rush. The hormone
adrenaline is released by the body when it’s
under stress or in a physically exhilarating
situation, often referred to as the ‘fight
or flight’ feeling; it was an evolutionary
adaptation that allowed us to cope in
dangerous, life threatening situations.
Nowadays however, the hormone gives us
that extra buzz when we’re under pressure,
flooding the body and giving us a natural
high.
If you’re into discovering the unknown then
you don’t necessarily have to go abroad for
a new experience. Why not pack a bag, book
a campsite pitch and spend a weekend
exploring somewhere you’ve never visited
before. With numerous Bank Holidays on the
way it’s the ideal time to enjoy a break away
from it all and soak up some of our country’s
beautiful sights.
For those who want to stay closer to home,
the Peak District National Park boasts
some fantastic events throughout the year.
Most famous for its appearance in ‘Alice in
Wonderland’, the mad March hare is a classic
spring sight, pinging around the fields with
endearing exuberance. Join a guided walk
in the Peak District on the 19th of March,
where the route goes up onto Kinder Scout,
searching for the arctic hare. The Mad March
Hares walk is part of a programme of guided
walks that take place every weekend in the
Peak District National Park – more info can
be found at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk
valkyrie
pursuits
What’s your next adventure?
In the fast-paced world we live in today, an ordinary holiday relaxing on the beach
is just not enough to rejuvenate our minds and refresh our souls. The brain-child
of experienced adventure seekers Darren Tate and Paul Cadden, Valkyrie Pursuits
offers expeditions, activities and travel experiences across the globe for those
looking to do more than sunbathe with a good book whilst on holiday.
Darren told Aspire: “Paul and I set the business up last summer after working for
other adventure holiday companies for numerous years. We decided it was time to
set up on our own and the business has gone pretty well ever since. We wanted to
overcome the ‘off-the-shelf’ nature of trips offered today, so we focus on what the
customer wants and can tailor-make a holiday or experience to their individual
requirements. We have a number of organised trips throughout the year, but the
main bulk of our business comes from groups looking for a bespoke break.”
Paul added: “We do it for the fun of it, it’s our passion. We’re not in it to make loads
of money; we just want to share some of the most amazing places around the world
with like-minded adventure seekers. Our ethos is about making it personal, not
selling ‘off-the-shelf’ breaks; we can personalise every holiday to the needs of
your group. If there is a holiday we already have set up that you like the look of,
we’re happy to tailor it to your dates, include other activities or even see if it’s
possible to do something similar elsewhere in the world. We’re happy to create a
bespoke package to make your dreams come true.”
Valkyrie Pursuits can provide holidays for anyone looking to enjoy an array of
activities, including climbing, walking, scrambling, canoeing and gorge walking
here in the UK and on European mountains, as well as treks in Nepal, water sports
on Canadian rivers and bushcraft anywhere in the world.
Adventure breaks planned for 2011, include:
• Multi-activity weeks in the south of France from May until
September
• Climbing Mount Toubkal in Morocco in April
• Tour Du Mont Blanc in June
• Three-Peaks Challenge
• Spanish Climbing Weeks throughout the summer months
Prices start from £350 and more information about each
holiday can be found online.
As well as adventure/activity holidays on land, Valkyrie
Pursuits also offer diving courses in Spain and can happily
take you through any PADI course; prices start from £700.
For more information call 01371 855987
Email: info@valkyriepursuits.co.uk
Web: www.valkyriepursuits.co.uk
Quality professionals, very willing to go the extra mile to help.
" The whole trip was catered for my group’s every need.
Mrs S Williams, UK Adventure Weekend 2010
"
EXPERIENCE
Overlooking lush green fields from
its hilltop location and promising
home-from-home comforts,
Newnes Touring Caravan Park will
have you relaxed, refreshed and
revitalised in no time at all. For all
these reasons and more, Aspire are
delighted to award owner, Robin
Bebb, a Certificate of Recognition
for Outdoor Retreat 2011.
Robin says: “I’m thrilled to be
selected for this award and
delighted to have all of my efforts
recognised; it’s pleasing to know
that Aspire appreciate how special
Newnes Touring Caravan Park
really is.
“Newnes is a small, friendly, laid
back site where campers respect
their neighbours. We welcome
caravan rallies and as we’re open
all year round, guests can visit
whenever they feel like getting
away from it all. The pitches are
all very spacious and each one
benefits from fantastic views; one
side looks out to the beautiful
Welsh countryside, whilst the
other one overlooks Shropshire’s
stunning scenery.”
Aspire Trainee Sales Manager,
Stacey Wragg, nominated
Newnes Touring Caravan Park for
this award, she says: “Newnes
charming hamlet location makes it
the perfect place to indulge in an
NATURE
Newnes Touring
Caravan Park
Aspire’s Choice For Outdoor Retreat 2011
Escape from it all and enjoy the peace and
tranquillity of the countryside with a break at
Shropshire’s Newnes Touring Caravan Park.
adults-only getaway and guests will
easily feel relaxed and at home in
the small, friendly caravan park.
With just the sounds of nature to
keep you company throughout your
stay, you can enjoy experiencing
the very best of the great outdoors
and simply take life at a slower
pace. The sense of history at
Newnes is also truly unique and
Robin has worked so hard to
provide a rural haven for people
looking to discover the best of
Shropshire; for all these reasons I
simply had to nominate Robin for
this Certificate of Recognition.”
Equipped with modern
conveniences to make your
caravan or camping trip all the
more comfortable, Newnes Touring
Caravan Park boasts 30 level
grass pitches, all with 16amp
electric hook-up, individual mains
water tap and easy access to grey
waste water and chemical disposal
points. For added luxury, Robin
has recently built a brand new, top
quality toilet and shower block to
offer guests the comfort of under
floor heating.
Pitches are £15 per night for
caravans, tents and motorhomes
and include access for two adults,
one car and one awning. Pets are
admitted onto the site for free. Prior
booking is advisable.
Mobile: 07736 349283 | Tel: 01691 624464
www.thenewnes.co.uk
Newnes Touring Caravan Park, Ellesmere, Shropshire SY12 9HH
Unicorn Travel
Scoop Certificate of Recognition
Established in 1986 at Stirling University, Unicorn Travel arranges around the
world multi-stopover flights and adventure travel (including Scottish tours)
and offers the whole range of travel products, including budget breaks
for the general public and visitors to Britain alike. With such a wealth of
experience and knowledge of all four corners of the globe, Aspire have
awarded Unicorn Travel with a Certificate of Recognition for Worldwide
Travel 2011.
Managing Director of Unicorn Travel, Mike Hergert, who has travelled
around the world for four years, said: “Thank you Aspire. I’m amazed
that you’ve awarded Unicorn Travel with such an award. I’m pleased,
delighted and very happy that we’ve been recognised in this way. I hope
this Certificate of Recognition encourages Aspire readers to book their next
break with Unicorn Travel.”
Aspire Trainee Sales Manager, Stacey Wragg added: “Unicorn Travel has
a wealth of experience; they’ve stood in your travelling shoes so know
what you want and how to get it. They’ll listen to you, they care about your
holiday and are able to offer advice and support, which is why they’re
worthy winners of our Certificate of Recognition.”
Unicorn Travel can arrange your travels to virtually every corner of the
world. The most popular destinations are Australia and New Zealand, as
both destinations are ideal to take advantage of free online stopovers
(extremely popular with gap year students) in Asia, North America, the
South Pacific Islands and even South America and South Africa, as there
are at least 30 different routes to get from the UK to Australia and New
Zealand.
Mike explained: “We arrange working holiday visas, multi-stopover
flights, travel insurance, arrange transfers, budget hostel to five-star
accommodation, tours, coach, rail and flexible hop-on/hop-off passes - we
can assist with all your travel arrangements, catering for all budgets, so you
can rest assured you’re in safe and experienced hands.
“Travelling changes you for the better; it’s character building, it changes
your perspective and is an eye-opener to other cultures and ways of life.
You will learn so much about what else is out there in the world and meet
amazing, interesting and inspiring new people. Your inner self will grow and
you will return back as a changed, better, more positive, tolerant, open
and mature person and will be more aware of the urgency to save our
fragile environment for future generations.”
Round the world tickets
Multi-stopover, gap year and adventure specialists
Budget and independent travel experts
Thousands of tours worldwide
Daily Scottish tour departures from Edinburgh
Open seven days a week
To discuss your travel plans, please call 01786 472023
For more info, visit www.unicorntravel.co.uk
30 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 31

Fun Fishing
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Get Hooked
On Fishing
Sometimes we all need a little time to ourselves, to relax and unwind, and fishing offers
an unrivalled chance for us to experience the calmness of the water and enjoy the great
outdoors.
CHILTERN
BAIT
FISHING TACKLE
Come and visit our friendly shop
with over 1200 square feet of
fishing equipment on sale.
• All leading match brands: Rive,
Daiwa, Preston, Maver, Drennan,
Guru, Garbolino, Fox Sensas.
• All leading carp brands esp, Korda,
Korum, Solar, Fox, Nash, Gardner,
Wychwood.
• Seat boxes and wheel kits, poles, rods,
reels, chairs, bivvies, carp barrows, bite
alarms, umbrellas, huge selection of
clothing and boots.
• Massive range of match and carp baits
from Dynamite, Sensas, Mainline,
Richworth, Sonubaits, Marukyu and many
more.
Fresh live baits always
available at great prices!
Excellent value, across the range.
Ring for our best price, we can
usually match prices.
Come and see us at:
The Toll Bar, Harborough Road, near
Desborough, Northants NN14 2UG.
We are situated between Desborough and
Market Harborough on the B576.
Telephone: 01536 762241
Fax: 01536 763230
Images from
www.windsurfer.co.uk (Blue Chip)
Introducing
The Fastest
Growing
Water Sport...
From canoeing to kayaking, surfing to snorkelling, there are many activities we associate with
the water, however, there’s a relatively new craze taking the UK by storm.
A surface water sport, paddleboarding involves using a swimming motion to propel a long
surfboard and is usually enjoyed close to the shore. Surprisingly, it was back in the 1930s that
paddleboarding first took off, when Thomas Edward Blake constructed the very first board,
but the stand up variety, known as SUP, only really emerged as a sport in the 1960s.
Fast becoming a global sport, it was the Hawaiian’s that came up with the idea. Using a onebladed
paddle and a surfboard of normal length, surf instructors would stand on their boards
in order to gain a better viewpoint for observing their students’ techniques. Later, as Hawaii
became a popular holiday destination, beach boys would paddle out to sea with cameras in
order to capture action shots of tourists learning to surf.
As SUP-ing promises more versatility than surfing, it allows newcomers to get on their knees
and feet much quicker and is much easier than its sister sport.
Think you’ve got to head abroad to experience this water-based activity? Think again.
Whilst California may be the famous hotspot for paddleboarding, there are numerous centres
and paddleboarding specialists around the UK that can offer a taste of this sport. East Anglia
and Cornwall both have expert paddleboarders on hand to guide you through the basic
techniques involved in the sport, making them ideal destinations for those who want to
enjoy this activity during their holiday. Don’t panic about the UK’s chilly waters, wetsuits can
easily be hired alongside your board and paddle to help stave off the cold.
To discover more about the sport, locations where you can have a go or events taking place
near you, head to the British Stand Up Paddle Association’s website at www.bsupa.org.uk
Blue Chip SUP Store
The Capital of SUP
SUP or ‘Stand Up Paddleboarding’
is the great new sport taking the
world by storm; SUP is easy to
learn and is not only good fun it’s
a great way to keep fit, SUP will
work all the core muscle groups &
improve your balance. Flat water
cruising or riding small waves, SUP
is accessible to all.
One of the major appeals of angling is that it allows young and old, male and female, ablebodied
and disabled to compete on equal terms. It’s also an extremely rewarding hobby, one
that is easy to learn and as there are no specialist skills involved it’s great for kids too.
According to the Environment Agency, the popularity of angling is at an all time high, with
the tackle trade and licence sales both soaring. Figures compiled by the Agency in 2009
reveal that 1.357million rod licences were sold during the year, an increase of 27% compared
to 2000 and 19% compared to 2008. It’s thought that the boom in the popularity of fishing
may be related to the financial climate, as more and more people look for a hobby that’s
calming and relaxing.
Blue Chip offers SUP taster sessions for those who would like to
‘have a go’ at SUPing, as well as being the main supplier of
SUP equipment in the UK with boards staring from £449
including paddle.
www.JustSUP.co.uk
Tel: 0208 715 0040
Email: info@JustSUP.co.uk
Fishing is one of the few sports that can be enjoyed all year round in any location, as there
are different species to catch during each season, such as fly fishing for wild brown trout
during spring, casting for carp during summer or sea fishing for cod in the autumn. However,
there are certain rules on when you can enjoying certain types of fishing, so it’s always best
to check before you cast your line.
Coarse Angling – offering the opportunity to catch more freshwater fish than any
other type of fishing, coarse anglers fish largely for trout and salmon, which are usually
returned to the water after being caught.
Fly Fishing – mainly conducted on lakes, rivers and reservoirs, fly fishing is seen as
the most challenging type of fishing, as it involves using artificial flies and special casting
techniques to lure the fish to the bait. It can be done on freshwater for pike, perch and
zander, or saltwater for bass, pollock and mullet.
Sea Angling – easily turned into an adventure, sea angling can be enjoyed all year
round from the shore or a boat and offers the opportunity to fish for a wider range of species.
From flounders to dabs, dogfish to conger, you’ll discover a whole new world of fish.
For those planning on fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels, a rod licence is vital,
but if you are planning on using an angling club, you will also need a fishing permit, which
gives you permission to fish their waters. For more information, visit
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
trio III
Based on Hailing Island
Thirty-six foot catamaran with full gally and on-deck toilet
(which is not a bucket) available for angling trips. MCA
code 2 licenced, 12 persons + 2 crew. 0-60 miles from a
safe haven. We also offer extended 2-day trips, 4-7 day
Channel Island trips and corporate team building trips.
• Corporate bookings taken, call for prices
• Birdwatching at Langston Harbour
• Evening mackrelling trips
• Wreck, reef and mark fishing
All abilities catered for and we welcome beginners and
individuals. Rods and tackle are available on request and
tea / coffee is provided.
Contact: Steve Wall-Palmer Tel: 01428 708138 Mobile: 07891 522 459
Email: bumbleontrio@hotmail.co.uk
Standup Paddleboarding,
Land paddling and
Indo-board specialists
The Fen Paddle Company was born from our
own passion for Paddleboarding, and our love
for the East Anglia region.
We’ve been busy all winter preparing for
what we hope will be a fantastic summer
season. We’ve expanded the company with
new sports, new premises, and industryleading
corporate packages. We’ve invested
in both top-notch equipment and high calibre
instructors, to bring you the best possible
experience. Even the British weather won’t
stop you getting on board. With our new
Indo-boards, you can challenge your core
anytime, anywhere.
Everything we do comes from our own love
of Board Sports, so we understand exactly
what our customers are looking for! Whatever
your level of experience, we can advise you,
tailoring instruction and equipment to your
individual need.
Board sports are the perfect way to enjoy the
great outdoors, have fun and meet people.
Get on Board for an amazing new adventure!
Tel: 01353 664750 Email: contact@fenpaddle.co.uk
www.fenpaddle.co.uk Fen Paddle Co. The Surf Shack, Cathedral Marina, Ely, CB7 4AU
Situated on Nivea Sun’s best UK family beach, WESUP offer a wide range of paddleboarding
activities from lessons and hire to surf and expedition excursions on the picturesque south
coast of Falmouth, Cornwall.
Our ethos is all about having an outrageously good time with minimal impact on the
environment. Whether your 8 or 80-years-old, within 10 minutes you’ll be up on your feet
and riding SUP like a Pro. Our super stable beginner boards mean you can do it standing on
your head and our specially designed wetsuits
and paddleboarding
ocean gear mean
you do it in comfort
and style.
www.wesup.co.uk
Tel: 07789 717 449
Email: wepaddleboard@gmail.com
32 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 33

Holidays & Leisure
Discover Mull with Puffer Aground Self-Catering Cottages
www.isleofmullcottageflats.co.uk
The daffodils are out, the temperature is inching up and
it’s no longer dark for the majority of the day. March is the
month when we all emerge, bleary eyed and a little blurry
round the edges, from our winter hibernation, to enjoy the
Great British outdoors once again.
A great way to celebrate the arrival of spring is with a family
picnic. Picnics are fun for all the family and can be planned
well in advance or enjoyed on the spare of the moment.
From sandwiches and cakes to quiche and pasta salad,
there’s an array of food and drink that can be enjoyed al
fresco, in your local park, within one of the region’s country
parks, or even in your back garden. Make sure you have a
large blanket the whole family can sit on, plastic (or bamboo
for the eco-friendly amongst you) plates and utensils,
sunscreen and hats, and games, such as a Frisbee to chuck
around or a football to kick about. Whether you spend the
whole day outdoors or just an hour or two, the whole family
will be rejuvenated from the fresh air and relaxed time spent
together.
If you’ve not yet planned your annual getaway, there’s still
time. Visit Britain recently completed a comprehensive
survey of the most popular tourist attractions that can only
be enjoyed here on British soil, with surprising results. A
whopping 10,000 foreign visitors from 20 different nations
were quizzed for the survey; visitors were provided with a list
of 18 activities and attractions before being asked to choose
the ones they would most like to do.
Number one on the list was a tour of Welsh castles, closely
followed by a visit to Buckingham Palace and a stay at a
Scottish castle, watching the sunrise at Stonehenge came
in fourth, whilst shopping in London’s famous department
store, Harrods, and watching an English Premier League
football match came in
joint fifth.
So, if our traditionally
British attractions are good
enough for tourists from
across the globe, they’re good enough for us. So why not
make 2011 the summer you visit Wales and take a tour
of just some of the 400-plus historical castles the country
boasts; alternatively, why not visit one of the many Scottish
islands that sit off the coast, all of which have remained
untouched by time, offering you the chance to enjoy
a more relaxed pace; finally, why not visit the stunning
Essex countryside and even walk some of the 81 miles
of spectacular countryside, quaint villages and ancient
woodlands, as well as open farmland and tree-lined river
valleys that make up The Essex Way.
To discover more ways to enjoy the great outdoors this
spring, please visit www.visitengland.org
Malcolm Elliot
Stores Ltd
Incorporating smiddy shop
gifts & books
Enjoy Every
Minute Of Your
British Break
The Little Oasis
Situated in the charming village of Pandy in Monmouth, Wales, on the very
edge of the Black Mountain Range, The Little Oasis Campsite is an idyllic
haven for holidaymakers looking to relax amidst breathtaking scenery.
Set on a hillside and surrounded by stunning views of Skirrid Fawr and Grwyne
Fawr reservoir and dam, the campsite has 30 flat, tent-only pitches, 10 of which are
individual double pitches away from the main site. The adults-only site also boasts hot
showers and male and female toilets, as well as peace and tranquillity in abundance –
it really is a rural haven.
Fen Farm
Tel: 01206 383275 Email: fenfarm@talk21.com Web: www.fenfarm.co.uk
Fen Farm Caravan Site, Moore Lane, East Mersea, Colchester, Essex CO5 8FE
The Smiddy Shop was created by Mr and
Mrs Cameron in 1967 and was built on
what had been the rubble from Glen Forsa
House, destroyed by a fire shortly after
ITV had made a version of The Power
Game. When built, the shop incorporated
a Post Office and café. The boggy plot had
been used for holding cattle and sheep for
shipping in the days when boats called at
Salen Pier over 40 years ago.
From 1973, my late wife and I ran a craft
and gift shop next door in what used to
be the local Smiddy (smithy) and from
1975, a restaurant as well. We enjoyed a
good relationship with the Camerons as
we shared each others car parking which
was particularly useful in the evening. In
the early 80s Mrs Cameron decided to
give up the shop but retain the Post Office
business by constructing another building.
We were not keen to buy it but a sale to
another party would probably have meant
the end of the parking facility that was
important to us in the evenings.
In 1982, we took the plunge and bought
the business which now has a Spar
franchise which had supplies delivered
once a week rather than a long, timetaking
visit to the cash and carry on the
mainland. The Camerons had given up the
café sometime ago and we had no wish
to reinstate it so eventually we moved the
Smiddy Shop into the main shop, now
trading under the same name of Malcolm
Elliot a fictitious character amalgamating
the names of two of our forebears.
The shop has gradually developed over
the years and is in the focal point of the
village, being near the Post Office and
where the ‘not too frequent buses’ stop.
Deliveries have improved from one per
week for grocery items and milk and bread
arrive on three days per week and never
at weekends. In the summer, we are able
to get fresh vegetables grown on Mull from
Glengorm Gardens which are a useful
supplement to mainland supplies. A few
years ago, we carried out a major refit to
the shop and refitted the interior.
In addition to the books and gifts, we have
added a few toys and my co-ordinator,
Sheila Macfarlane, who is responsible for
the day-to-day running of the operation
and I are looking at a further extension to
the premises as we continually seem to be
running out of space.
We are lucky with our staff who are a
friendly bunch and a good deal of banter
and leg pulling takes place with our regular
customers, which we all hope makes
shopping more cheerful than a visit to the
average supermarket.
Please come and shop with us and find
out it we are right!
There’s so much to do within the surrounding area, especially if you enjoy the great
outdoors. The climb to the top of Skirrid Fawr takes just one hour and rewards with
breathtaking views across the Welsh countryside once you reach the top. Skirrid Fawr,
or Holy Mountain, is a truly magnificent piece of rock, which according to local legend
was at some point cleft in two by the devil’s heel. Just a few hundred yards from The
Little Oasis is the Offa’s Dyke Trail.
Within one mile of the campsite are four pubs selling excellent food and beers and a
garage shop, which sells most things. For more extensive shopping, Abergavenny and
the City of Hereford are available.
The Little Oasis Campsite can be yours, as it’s currently up for sale (for £400,000) as
the current owner is retiring. Prices from £8 per person, per night.
Contact Steve Evans - 07929 424847 or thufir50@yahoo.com
www.littleoasispandy.co.uk
Previous visitor reviews can be found online at www.ukcampsite.co.uk
Fen Farm had its first tents pitched in 1923
and has been run by the same family since.
The proximity of the Essex marshes gives
a unique, tranquil atmosphere and the
presence of many birds and wildlife adds to
the ambience. A continuing commitment to
protect the environment has resulted in the
award of a David Bellamy Conservation Gold
Award annually since 1999.
The new toilet block, completed in 2005,
is also designed with conservation in mind
with solar powered water heating (backed
up with gas when necessary). Sun pipes
provide light in the daytime. We were
awarded 5 stars from the Loo of the Year
awards in 2010.
With no pool or clubhouse, a favourite
occupation for children is crabbing in the
creeks on the marshes or enjoying the
beach and the sea. There are also 2 play
areas with swings, slides etc, and there are
2 open fields for children to play.
Tel: 01680 300472 Fax: 01680 300595
SALEN, Aros, Isle of Mull, PA72 6JB
VAT Reg No: 918 3601 26 Registered in Scotland No: 323900 Directors: G W Scott (Chairman), Graham E Ellis, S A Macfarlane, PJ Ellis (Secretary)
34 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 35

Look out for issue 205
Discover Magnificent Mull With
The Puffer Aground
on 28th March
Boasting spectacular mountain scenery, 300 miles of wild
coastline, an abundance of wildlife and wildflowers and
some of the world’s oldest rocks, the Hebridean island of
Mull is a wonderful destination for a holiday this spring.
Situated at the heart of the island in the village of Salen, The
Puffer Aground Self Catering are two one-bedroom holiday
cottages offering cosy, warm and homely accommodation
that makes the perfect base from which to explore
everything the island of Mull, and the Hebridean islands
further afield, have to offer.
Certificate of Recognition
Recognising the fantastic accommodation facilities on
offer from The Puffer Aground Self Catering, Aspire have
awarded them, and their owner Graham Ellis (pictured), a
Platinum Certificate of Recognition for Scotland’s Finest.
On hearing the news, Graham said: “I’m amazed! It’s so
unexpected to receive this Recognition. The two properties
are centrally located, meaning everything Mull has to
offer is within easy reach. We try to go the extra mile for
everyone that stays with us, often getting them some milk
and bread for when they arrive, as the island only receives
deliveries on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. We feel
we offer a friendly and homely holiday accommodation
that people will want to return to and recommend to their
friends and family.”
Aspire Sales Executive, Barbara Stone, added: “Mull is a
great destination for a holiday and these two flats make the
ideal base from which to explore, or simply relax, away from
the stresses of everyday life. I’m so pleased for Graham and
hope we inspire many Aspire readers to visit Mull and stay
with him.”
Puffer Cottage
Steeped in local history and a nautical-themed restaurant
until 1995, Puffer Cottage boasts a king-sized bedroom
(which can be converted into two twin beds), a cosy sitting/
dining room – which is still home to some of the portholes
from the TSMV Loch Fyne (1931), which was the first diesel
electric passenger vessel – a well-equipped kitchen with
cooker, microwave, dishwasher and fridge/freezer, a family
bathroom with shower over the bath, and off-road parking.
Smiddy Cottage
This was where the blacksmith worked and horses
came here to be shod until the late 1940s; it now offers
holidaymakers a double bedroom, a well-equipped kitchen,
a cosy sitting room and off-road parking, just like Puffer
Cottage.
Prices for both cottages vary from season to season, but
a week-long stay starts from £210 in the winter, rising to
£385 in the popular summer months. This price includes
linen and towels as well as heating and electricity – a winter
supplement charge may be made. Pets are welcome in both
cottages for an extra cost of £15 per stay.
Surrounding Area
Mull is the third largest and the second most popular
Hebridean Island, after Skye, and it’s not hard to see why
discerning holidaymakers visit year after year. Within an
area roughly 24 miles from north to south and 26 miles
from east to west there’s a wealth of attractions to keep
young and old alike entertained.
The Island’s capital, Tobermory, is the most attractive port
in western Scotland, thanks to the brightly painted buildings
that line the main street to the pier. Tobermory boasts a
variety of shops, hotels and restaurants, as well as being the
administrative centre for the island. The harbour is also a
lovely place to spend some time; it’s always busy with fishing
boats, yachts and the ferry to and from Kilchoan.
Graham added: “Salen is situated right in the middle of
Mull, half way between Craignure and Tobermory, so you
can happily wander off in different directions without
covering the same ground twice. The village of Salen has
just one shop but it sells groceries and maps and books.
A few metres from the cottages is The Salen Hotel, where
you can enjoy bar snacks and meals throughout the day.
Mull is a great place to come if you like wildlife as there are
numerous people here offering wildlife tours. However, you
can also visit Loch Frisa where you can spend the day in a
hide watching the Sea Eagles. A great way to end any day, no
matter how you’ve spent it, is with a walk towards Salen pier
where you can watch some of the dramatic summer sunsets,
as in summer it’s hardly dark.”
With an abundance of wildlife, the Isle of Mull is a
birdwatchers paradise thanks to Golden and White-Tailed
eagles, as well as numerous seabirds regularly making an
appearance. Not only that, Minke whales, dolphins and
otters are all regularly seen in the waters around Mull, so it’s
worth taking one of the many boat trips on offer that go to
Staffa and the uninhabited islands where the birds nest.
Contact
Tel: 01680 300389
Web: www.isleofmullcottageflats.co.uk
Email: info@isleofmullcottageflats.co.uk