Martin Dalby - Aspire Magazine

Feature
ISSUE 281
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Everything you need to
enjoy this season with
A-Z Of Autumn
Holidays &
Leisure
Find the perfect
autumn/winter break
Martin Dalby
Martin has had a long and successful career writing music for
churches and choirs, solo singers, brass and wind bands, chamber
groups and orchestras. For more information please turn to page 3
View this issue online at www.aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk
ASPIRE 1

A Message To Our Readers
A MESSAGE TO OUR
READERS AND ADVERTISERS
The Life & Works Of
Martin Dalby
Martin Dalby
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number to anyone, even the police.
Due to the current economic instability, incidents of fraud and scams via telephone, email
and even door-to-door are on the rise, so always be vigilant.
Claire Tipton
Editor, Aspire Magazine
It is said that music can be a calming influence and
is commented as being the soundtrack to our lives.
An expression through sound, music is everywhere,
everyday, and affects everyone. One man who lives for
his music, as well as the creation of music by others, is
Martin Dalby…
Martin Dalby is an experienced and knowledgeable
musician and composer, who was born in Aberdeen in
Scotland in 1942. In a successful career spanning almost
50 years, Martin has worked with numerous well-known
musicians and has even had his music performed at The
Proms on four occasions.
Martin was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School and in
1960 won a Foundation Scholarship to the Royal College
of Music in London where he studied composition with
Herbert Howells and viola with Frederick Riddle. In
1963 the Octavia Prize and a Sir James Caird Travelling
Scholarship enabled him to spend two years in Italy
where besides composing he played the viola with a small
Italian Chamber Orchestra. With this orchestra he toured
widely in Europe and North Africa.
In 1964, whilst in Rome, Martin wrote Laudate Dominum.
He dedicated it to the pupils and staff of Aberdeen
Grammar School where Dalby once was a pupil; Laudate
Dominum was performed for the first time in the Music
Hall, Aberdeen in May, 1965 by the pupils and staff of
Aberdeen Grammar School. The words are drawn from
Psalm 150 and Jubilate Agno by Christopher Smart. It
is scored for Tenor soloist, SATB chorus and Organ or
Orchestra.
In 1965, Martin was appointed as a music producer to
the BBC’s newly formed Music Programme (later to be
Radio 3.) In 1971 he became the Cramb Research Fellow
in Composition at the University of Glasgow and in 1972
returned to the BBC as Head of Music, Scotland where he
began the development of the public profile of the BBC
Scottish Symphony Orchestra, both in Great Britain and
abroad, which increases as time goes on.
In 1991 he relinquished this post in order to pursue a
more creative role in BBC Scotland. Martin told Aspire:
“John Purser and I made a massive series for BBC Radio
Scotland called Scotland’s Music, for which we won
a Sony Gold Award. As well as the Sony Award, I won
a Gramophone award, with some colleagues, for our
production of the CD of James MacMillan’s The Confession
of Isobel Gowdie.”
Work for his home city occupied him after that. First, The
White Maa for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, music
to celebrate 200 years of Union Street in Aberdeen and
more recently a String Quartet to celebrate 500 years
of Aberdeen University. In 1998 he composed his third
Piano Sonata for Peter Seivewright and a year later, a
short piece for the National Youth String Orchestra of
Scotland, The First Thursday in May, welcoming the return
of a Government in Scotland. At this time he was reliving
his fascination with the music of the great Scots fiddler
and composer, J. Scott Skinner, creating his own five
movement orchestral suite A Wheen in Doric from it. The
act of ‘rebuilding’ Skinner’s tender and characteristically
Scottish music is born of devotion not of destruction.
In 1993, Martin retired from the BBC; he now composes
full-time.
Martin has always concerned himself with the interests of
his fellow composers. He helped in forming and running
several chamber groups in Scotland. He was Chairman of
the Composers’ Guild of Great Britain from 1995 to 1998
and was a founding director of both the British Academy
of Composers and Songwriters and British Music Rights.
His membership of the BASCA Concert Executive
Committee continued from its start until 2009. He was
also Warden of the Incorporated Society of Musicians’
Performers and Composers Section in 2001 and 2002. He
retained his interest in the ISM as Convener of its South-
West Scotland Centre.
When not composing, Martin loves spending time in
the outdoors; he’s a hill walker and birdwatcher; he has
an interest in railways and literature and he also holds a
Private Pilot’s Licence.
Top Tips To Avoid Fraud
• NEVER send money to unsolicited letters, phone calls, or emails – ALWAYS check out the sender
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• NEVER call an ‘090’ number, unless you know how much the call will cost you
• Don't be fooled by fake testimonials
• If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is.
• Contact Consumer Direct on 0845 404 0506 for advice or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
Web: www.impulse-music.co.uk/dalby
Email: martindalby@btinternet.com
2 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 3

C
Front cover image courtesy of
Martin Dalby
o
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n
tents
2. A Message To Our Readers
3. Martin Dalby
4. Contents
6. Aspire’s Charity Auction
7. Apple Day
8. Autumn/Winter Essentials
9. Best In The Business
10. A-Z Of Autumn
12. Holidays & Leisure
14. Scottish Weddings
16. Special Occasions
18. Brighter Future
19. Education & Music
20. Be Beau
21. Advertise With Us
22. Care & Support
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Emily Davison, Lee Matthews
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4 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 5

Aspire’s Charity Auction
Presents...
Sponsored
by
An Apple
Apple Day
Aspire’s Winter Wonderland
Charity Auction
When: Friday 7th December 2012
Where: Level 1,
De Montfort Student Union
Price: £5 per ticket
north@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk
All of the event's proceeds
will be split amongst seven
amazing local causes:
First Step, Verve Life Enderby,
Eva Organization for Women, Tiger
Awareness, Cairn Terrier Relief Fund,
Anna Kennedy Online, Myotonic
Dystrophy Support Group
and Leukaemia & Lymphoma
Research Lutterworth District.
Prizes Include:
Spa day for two @ Stapleford Park
Dinner, bed & breakfast
@ Best Western Weston Hall
A stay at Vale Do Lobo for one week
Candy Heads-cut and blow dry
Hair & Booty-Director’s cut and blow dry
Cutting room-cut and blow dry
Park Hotel in Diss- dinner bed &
breakfast up to the value of £100
Driving lessons
Hypnotherapy- weight loss
Verve Life
Enderby
A Day…
Ingredients
1.1kg (2 1/2lb) cooking apples
3 tbsp apricot jam
3 tbsp apple cordial
Next Sunday - October 21st - is National Apple Day. It celebrates the
amazing array of apple varieties grown right here in Great Britain and
to celebrate, Aspire asked our resident chef, Neil Walker, to come up
with a delicious recipe to mark this crunchy occasion…
For the
crumble:
140g (5oz) porridge oats
100g (4oz) Plain flour
100g (4oz) butter
100g (4oz) brown sugar
1 tbsp dry cous cous
1 tbsp golden syrup
Method
1. Heat the oven to 190°c/gas mark 5. Peel, core and roughly
slice the apples and mix with the apricot jam and cordial. Place
in a saucepan and bring to the boil then remove from the heat.
2. Mix the oats, flour and sugar in a large bowl then rub in the
butter.
3. Pour the apples into a 1.5 litre ovenproof dish, sprinkle over
the flour then the cous cous, then drizzle over the syrup, mixing
with a knife so it forms small clumps.
4. Place in the oven and cook for 30 - 35 minutes until the
juices from the apples start to bubble up the sides.
5. Leave to cool for 10 minutes then serve with a big jug of
custard.
Delicious!
Oaty Apple
Crumble
It's been four years since I took on the
restaurant (Appetite) here at Abbey Sports
and Leisure, and over that time, I've built up
a clientele who understand the importance of
fresh, healthy food. As a chef, I can't think of
anything better than walking into your kitchen
in the morning and finding a box of overgrown
courgettes, loads of misshapen pumpkins or a
basket of apples, happily given to me by one of
my customers, happy for me to turn them into a
soup, or to conjure up something to put on my
weekly specials board. I thank you all, and so do
my profit margins!
Today, I find myself armed with a huge bag of
cooking apples from good customers of mine,
Pete and Sylvia, and I want to put them to the
best possible use. Some of the apples I have
peeled, cored and lightly cooked, then froze
down for the coming winter months ahead.
The rest I have turned into this delicious
twist on that old faithful - the apple crumble.
Sweetening the apples with apple cordial really
brings out the fruitiness, whilst the cous cous
sprinkled on top gives a great crispy texture
and adding a touch of syrup to the oaty crumble
creates lovely chewy clusters.
If you’re impressed with this recipe from Neil,
why not pop along to Appetite within
Abbey Sports & Leisure Club at
70 Slater Street (off Frog Island),
Leicester, LE3 5AS
to try his delicious, healthy and seasonal menu
for yourselves.
If you’ve got any feedback on this recipe,
nutrition questions, or ideas you’d like to share,
why not email Neil at
appetite@abbeysports.co.uk
6 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 7

Autumn Winter Essentials
Best In The Business
Most people have got out of
the habit of stocking up their
store cupboards, but after a
long, tiring day at work I want
to know I can come home
on a cold winter’s night and
rustle up a tasty meal, even
if my fridge is empty. After
scanning the shelves for a few
minutes, I’ve usually conjured
a dish up in my head and
whilst there are many more
items I could have included,
this is my top 10 store
cupboard essentials.
PULSES, BEANS AND LENTILS
Pulses, beans and lentils have always been a store cupboard
essential. Each one has a different flavour but they all share a
wholesome, earthy quality that is pure comfort food. I always have a
plentiful stock especially tinned butterbeans, yellow and puy lentils,
pearl barley and tinned chick peas.
HONEY
It's the oldest sweetener in the world and a great substitute when
you've run out of sugar, plus it is so versatile in cooking. You can use
it in place of sugar when baking, as well as for savoury dishes such
as marinades, stir fries and creamy pasta. My favourite use is for
glazing parsnips or potatoes.
PASTA
There are so many pasta shapes currently available but I think my
top three would have to be spaghetti (for that firm family favourite
- spaghetti bolognaise), lasagne (for a lovely winter vegetable
lasagne) and macaroni (for the ultimate comfort food - macaroni
cheese).
STOCK CUBES
I always keep a kilner jar full of mixed stock cubes (I keep them
in an airtight jar as I find if left in the box the air turns them rock
hard after a few months). Because of their high salt content, I find
that when a stock cube is added you won’t need to add anymore
salt to the dish.
TINNED TOMATOES
I've always got a couple of tins of tomatoes tucked away in my
store cupboard as I use them so frequently. They are the base to
most stews, soups and sauces that I make and cross the boundaries
of cooking from most countries. I've found it's worth spending a
little bit more as the flavour of the tomatoes is more intense and
rich, reducing the need to add tomato puree.
HERBS, SPICES AND CONDIMENTS
Salt, pepper, dried herbs and spices are the most important part of
my store cupboard. It's worth stocking up, especially on spices with
a bit of a kick, chilli flakes, smoked paprika, ras-el-hanout - the list
is endless.
RICE
Rice is the staple diet of half the world’s population, so it is no
wonder it's in my top ten as it is such a versatile, inexpensive and
easy item to cook. There are many varieties and some types are
specific to certain dishes and are cooked in certain ways, but I'm
always stocked up on basmati and risotto rice.
FLOUR
Plain and self-raising flour are just two of the many derivatives of
wheat - essential in the making of bread, pastry, cakes, pies and
biscuits - few kitchens could function without it. Plain flour is used
for pastry making or to thicken sauces, soups, stews and casseroles,
whist self-raising flour is used to lighten and give an airy texture
to cakes.
OILS
Olive, sesame, sunflower, rapeseed, walnut - the list goes on. Try
buying a big, cheap bottle of olive oil, taking the top off and stuff in
some peeled garlic cloves, a couple of big sprigs of rosemary and a
long, red chilli cut in half to give you a great flavoured oil.
VINEGARS
The word vinegar comes from the French 'vin aigre' meaning
sour wine. Vinegar is also produced from other alcohols like cider,
brandy, sherry champagne and beer. Malt vinegar is used in pickling
onions and vegetables and also in making piccalilli and chutneys
and, of course, fish and chips wouldn't be the same without it.
So, if you’re looking forward to lots of comfort food this
autumn/winter, make sure you’ve got these ten essentials in
your cupboards.
Why not pop along to Appetite within Abbey Sports
& Leisure Club at 70 Slater Street (off Frog Island),
Leicester, LE3 5AS to see Neil and sample his healthy
and seasonal menu. If you’ve got any feedback, nutrition
questions, or ideas you’d like to share, why not email
appetite@abbeysports.co.uk.
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Developed over the last 2,000 years in the
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The use of acupuncture has now spread
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Particular interests of Richard's include
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14 Wyndale Road, Knighton, Leicester LE2 3WR
Tel: 0116 270 3003
Email: richardhf@ntlworld.com
Business Focus
If you are at the helm of a business in these
tough economic times first of all kudos
to you for surviving some of the hardest
economic times of the 21st Century;
secondly, you’ll be pleased to know
there are many ways you can make your
business even more viable…
• First thing’s first – know your customer. You can have the
most fantastic ideas, but if they are not relevant to your
target market their value is lost. For example if you are
selling computer software for businesses and aim your
marketing campaign at teenage girls it’s probably not going
to achieve the desired results. It seems a very obvious point
to make, but it is a vital thing to remember – always have in
mind your target market.
• That leads to marketing. Again even the most spectacular
service/product is close to useless if no one knows about
it. This is where marketing comes in – a good marketing
strategy it will help you reach out to your audiences, to let
them know about the amazing service/product you offer.
Marketing will cost you money – whether it is paying to
have fliers printed, creating a webpage, creating videos to
promote your business, paying for professional photos, it will
all cost money. However if done right it can set you on the
way to attracting your target audience.
• Don’t be put off by prospective customers saying ‘no’.
Instead try and discern the reason they said no and see if you
can improve your business going forward and adapt it to
attract other customers in the future. There is always room to
improve your business, just remember to be open to advice
and change.
• Try not to enter into a business purely because you are
attracted by potential profit margins. If your business is
something you have a genuine passion for and interest
in you are going to have a whole lot more fun, that will
translate into the time and effort you put in and will
hopefully result in good development of your business.
• Find your unique selling point. If there are already
businesses offering the same product or service as you
intend to they will already be engaging and serving your
potential target market. Be it quality products or excellent
customer service or a slight difference in you product/
service, find your USP and emphasise it.
And there you have it – Aspire’s five tips for nurturing a
successful business. The important thing to remember is that
owning your own business is no guarantee to striking it rich.
However if you invest time and passion into your business
and have a fantastic business plan, it is a great start!
Refill Your Cupboards
For Autumn/Winter
Instant
sunshine
MUSIC AND HUMOUR
“Joyous and original - wealth
of experience - marvellous to
behold”
Three Weeks, Edinburgh
Festival Fringe
By Neil Walker, Aspire’s Resident Chef
9 Ashdown Road, Epsom, Surrey KT17 3PL
Tel: 01372 720727
Email: info@instantsunshine.co.uk
www.instantsunshine.co.uk
“Expert comic timing...
genuinely literate cabaret”
The New York Times
CDs available from
the website
8 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 9

A-Z Of Autumn
By Laura Hyde
A-Z of
Autumn
The autumn equinox – when there are as many hours of day as
night – took place back in September (Saturday 22nd), meaning
we’re now well into my favourite season, autumn. From falling
leaves to the latest fashionable jumpers, now that the weather is
turning cooler, here is your ultimate guide to AUTUMN…
A is for Acorns
A vital food for squirrels and other animals, acorns fall
from the mighty oak trees throughout the autumn
months. Oaks themselves are a wonderful sight in
autumn as their leaves turn a wonderful bright red
colour.
B is for Brides
As an autumn bride myself, I think autumn in an
excellent time of year to tie the knot. The summer
months are the busiest so if you’re looking for a
quieter yet still mild time of year, autumn is the
season.
C is for Conkers
Also known as Horse Chestnuts, conkers (like acorns)
fall from the trees in mid to late September, and many
children treat them in an array of different ways to
harden them (such as soaking them in vinegar, or
cooking them in the oven) so they can beat their
friends at the game of conkers.
D is for Dark Evenings
Now that winter is just around the corner, the sun is
setting earlier and earlier each day, so it’s now dark
about 7pm, so you can now enjoy closing the curtains
and snuggling on the sofa at a reasonable hour, as
unfortunately those dark afternoons will soon be here.
E is for Early Christmas Shopping
No, we’ve not gone mad. Autumn is an excellent time
of year to start your Christmas shopping as the crowds
and chaos have yet to descend on our shopping
centres, leaving you free to browse and buy at your
leisure.
F is for Fires
There’s nothing better than snuggling by the fire, and
now that the cooler nights have arrived, you’ve got
the ideal opportunity.
G is for Gold
Whether it’s the golden leaves underfoot or the
golden light that breaks through the curtain each
morning, this colour is all over the place during
autumn.
H is for Highcross
Whether you need some new jumpers, a pretty new
scarf, or some comfy thick tights, whatever additions
you need for your autumn wardrobe, you’ll find a
great range at Highcross, Leicester.
I is for an Indian Summer
Well, we can dream…
J is for Jack O’ Lanterns
Ok, so they might not make an appearance until late
October but Jack O’ Lanterns are a true symbol of
autumn and you can make an array of things with
the insides of your pumpkin, including a delicious
pumpkin pie.
K is for Knitting
Now is the time to get knitting your winter scarves,
hats and gloves, as well as those cosy jumpers for all
your family at Christmas.
L is for Leaves
Whether they’re falling from the trees or crunching
under-foot, autumn wouldn’t be autumn without
them.
M is for Migration
The change in temperature means the bird species
that have graced us with their presence during the
warm summer months are looking to fly south in
search of better weather than we get here, meaning
that autumn is perfect for birdwatchers.
N is for Nature
Although many of your summer annuals will die at
the first drop on the thermometer, there are a number
of plants that’ll bloom well into the autumn months,
such as Asters aka Michaelmas daisies (named after
Michaelmas day on 29th September), Helianthus and
Echinacea to name a few. If you’d like something to
brighten up your garden after winter, late autumn is
the time to plant your spring bulbs.
O is for Outdoors
You might be tempted to stay indoors but autumn
in Great Britain is usually pretty mild weather-wise
(especially early autumn), so get off the sofa, out of
the house and into the great outdoors (before the
wind, rain and snow are here) and witness nature’s
final firework display before she shuts up shop for
winter.
P is for Pumpkins
From warming soups to tasty pies, there’s an
abundance of things you can make with pumpkins
throughout the autumn months.
Q is for Quilts
With the colder weather on its way, autumn is an
ideal time to change to your winter quilt, a quilt with
a higher tog than your summer one. You’ll thank us
when the temperature at night is in single figures.
R is for Remembrance Day
Taking place on November 11th, Remembrance Day
honours the end of World War I which came to an
end at 11 minutes past the eleventh hour, on the
eleventh day, of the eleventh month in 1918 when the
Armistice was signed. Wear your poppy with pride this
November.
S is for Short Breaks
Autumn is the ideal time for a short break, to recharge
the batteries before the weather gets too cold;
and with a wealth of autumn-friendly destinations
across the country, you’re spoilt for choice.
T is for Time
The clocks go back at 2am (BST) on Sunday 28th
October and we all get an extra hour in bed, but
on the downside, once the clocks have gone back,
it’s darker earlier; so make the most of your light
afternoons whilst you can.
U is for UV Rays
Although the sun is not as strong, the damaging rays
that can cause cancer, as well as prematurely age you,
can still get through the clouds, so it’s essential to
protect your skin throughout the year by wearing sun
protection.
V is for Vegetables
Whether you enjoy parsnips, swedes, sweet potatoes,
or pears there’s plenty of delicious vegetables and
fruit around during the autumn months – well it is
harvest season!
W is for Wildlife
From starlings and knots to Red Deer and grey seals,
there’s a wealth of activity in the animal kingdom
during autumn. Tracking the changes in nature
throughout autumn, the BBC’s Autumnwatch is a must
for wildlife lovers.
X is for X-citing Half Term Fun
The kids may have only just gone back to school, but
it’ll be Half Term before you know it, so make sure
you plan something fun and entertaining for their
week off school, as their next school holiday will be
Christmas.
Y is for You
With the Christmas just a few months away, we’d like
to encourage all our readers to enjoy a bit of ‘me’ time
this autumn, before you have to start rushing around,
buying presents and food and generally getting
caught up in the Christmas chaos.
Z is for Zephyr
A soft and gentle breeze from the west, a zephyr
is a common occurrence in autumn, when these
westerly winds are building up strength for winter,
when they’re at their strongest (in the Northern
Hemisphere). So the first time you feel that soft and
gentle yet crisp cool breeze, that’ll be a zephyr.
10 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 11

Holidays & Leisure
The clocks go back next weekend,
signalling the beginning of the
countdown to Christmas. The season
of autumn provides numerous
opportunities for nose-tingling
walks on crisp, cool mornings, across
stunning British countryside that you
simply wouldn’t get abroad. The UK
has some superb places to organise
a holiday, with Areas of Outstanding
Natural Beauty and places of historic
interest. Why not combine your
holiday with your favourite past time,
such as a pony trekking holiday in
Devon, a fishing break in Somerset, or
a ghost hunting tour in Yorkshire.
Autumn is the best months in
which to visit a woodland and see
the array of wildlife preparing for
winter. Squirrels can be seen busily
collecting nuts, hedgehogs may
be spotted gorging themselves on
fruits in order to survive their long
hibernation and, if you’re lucky,
you may even spot insects, such as
ladybirds, crawling into cracks in
trees, their home for the winter.
Birds have already started migrating
to warmer climes, ensuring that any
holiday taken in the next couple of
months will be great for twitchers!
Sedge warblers, whitethroats and
even cuckoos have all been spotted
in recent weeks along the south
coast.
Wildlife watching isn’t the only
12 ASPIRE
Top Recommendation
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A short walk away from great pubs,
town and a beach is award-winning
Hele Valley Holiday Park, abundant
with nature and wildlife within North
Devon's unspoilt countryside.
Warm stylish accommodation awaits
you to escape for a weekend or a
mid-week break. Indulge in affordable
treats with a private hot tub and
sauna ready to use on your wooden
decked area.
Come and see Damien Hirst’s new
controversial art sculpture, ‘Verity’,
donated to Ilfracombe harbour.
Brighten up your winter and ask for
a DISCOUNT by quoting: ‘ASPIRE
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look for more inspiration on
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Contact Details
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Ilfracombe EX34 9RD
Tel: 01271 862460
www.helevalley.co.uk
activity that can be enjoyed in
autumn; there are numerous
activities that can be enjoyed, such
as fishing, walking, cycling and even
watersports.
If you’d like to head abroad to see
the magnificent beauty of autumn
in all its glory, Aspire would like
to recommend a trip to Canada or
North America, in particular eastern
Canada and New England, where
millions of tourist flock each year to
see for themselves the world-famous
autumnal foliage.
If you can’t afford an autumn escape,
there are still plenty of things you
can do to entertain the children and
make the most of your weekends
while the weather is fine.
Did you know that if you catch a leaf
as it floats down from the tree, you’re
granted a wish by the woodland
fairy folk? Autumn is a great time for
kids of all ages to play leaf games,
thanks to the golden crunchy carpet
that covers the ground. Aspire’s
favourite game is to hunt for leaves
using different criteria: the biggest,
the smallest, the most unusual, the
most colourful, and so on. This game
is great for everyone, from toddlers
to teenagers! As well as collecting
leaves, you can also set your children
the challenge of finding other
autumn goodies, such as conkers
(Horse Chestnuts), Fir cones and
evergreen leaves.
No.2, The Wrasse,
Isles Of Scilly
Relax, unwind, explore; Just
indulge yourself.
The Isles of Scilly are worldrenowned
for their peace,
tranquillity and gorgeous natural
beauty. Tresco, Lower Town, High
Town, Bryher and St Agnes, all
part of the enchanting Isles of
Scilly.
Come and experience the delights
of a few days in world away from
your usual life, yet one with all the
creature comforts you could want.
The flat has been completely redesigned
and refurbished during
the spring 2008. This comfortable
property now offers a fullyequipped
kitchen and bedroom
with king-size bed.
Tel: 01685 388309
Email: keithwaite@btinternet.com
www.scilly-sanctuary.com
Awesome
Autumn!
BAKEWELL HOLIDAYS
Superior Self-Catering Cottages
We offer high quality selfcatering
holidays in delightful
four-star cottage properties* in
the historic town of Bakewell,
which lies in the heart of the Peak
District National Park. *Excludes
Rock Cottage
Anne Cottage, Brew House, Butts
Cottage & Rock Cottage can all
be viewed in full on
our website below.
Bakewell Holidays, Ashdown, White
Edge Drive, Baslow, Derbyshire DE45 1SJ
Tel: 01246 583399
Email: charles@bakewellholidays.com
www.bakewellholidays.com
Tillmouth Cottages
Self-catering accommodation
in the Border County of
Northumberland.
Situated in the grounds of the delightful
grounds of Tillmouth Park Estate, Cornhillon-Tweed,
where the rivers Till and Tweed
meet, the three luxury cottages are Grade II
Listed buildings lovingly renovated in 2008.
Combining modern technology and excellent
facilities giving luxury comfort with rustic
historic charm. The area is ideal for walking,
cycling and fishing. With private parking the
cottages sleep 2, 4, 8 or even 10 people.
Family-owned and run, we aim to provide
you with a quality holiday experience to be
repeated.
Contact Margaret Hoyle.
Tel: 01423 331503
Email: Margaret.hoyle@talk21.com
www.tillmouthcottages.co.uk
Glen Avon
‘Glen Avon’ is a genuine Cornish
cottage nestling beside one of the
wooded creeks of the Helford River
in south Cornwall. It enjoys tranquil
and idyllic river views from both
inside and outside the property,
where the elevated garden
provides plenty of outdoor seating,
as well as ample off road parking.
Furnished and equipped to a high
standard, Glen Avon provides
three-star accommodation for up
to five, with a double room, twin
room and single.
Located close to two famous
gardens, Glendurgan and Trebah,
your holiday at Glen Avon will
provide endless opportunities for
unforgettable visits, adventures and
sensory experiences.
Lower Penpol Farm, Mawnan Smith Falmouth,
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly TR11 5LW
Tel: 01326 250283
Email: ann.benney@btinternet.com
Discover Delightful
Devon At
Situated on the Jurassic Coast of east
Devon, just 10 minutes’ from the
village of Branscombe, Edge House
offers holidaymakers five-star luxury
surrounded by rolling countryside.
Catering for nine people, Edge House
also lends itself to small events, such as
weddings, parties and private functions.
Completed in 2010, this New England-style
property is located on the site of a former
1950s farmhouse and is the perfect venue for
a relaxing country holiday retreat. Owner Lyn
Hall told Aspire: “Edge House used to belong
to Edge Farm, which was split up in 2006; my
family and I bought the 1950s farmhouse
and 15 acres of land. Our original plan was
to extend the existing farmhouse, but we
ended up knocking the house down and
starting from scratch because we wanted
to build something splendid, something
that we knew the old property could never
be. A lot of time and energy has gone into
every aspect of the property, from the layout
to the décor and we’ve used high quality
furnishing and fittings to ensure luxury and
comfort. We began renting the property
out to holidaymakers in July 2011 after an
unsuccessful year on the stagnant property
market.”
The house, which boast five bedrooms, has
been carefully decorated and furnished to
the highest quality to give a luxurious feel
throughout and, because of this, Visit Britain
have awarded it five stars and a Gold award.
When entering Edge House through the
beautiful oak front door, you step into a
spacious hall with oak flooring that extends
throughout the ground floor and up the
bespoke oak staircase. The lounge is a
light spacious comfortable grand room
which has patio doors that open out into
the garden, with a mixture of modern and
antique furniture. This room also features a
55” flatscreen TV, as well as a Blu-Ray player.
From the entrance hallway, you drop down
three steps in to the vestibule, where there is
a very large stained glass window which has
been specially designed and commissioned
by Lyn, depicting a fishing scene, a scene
which is very special to her family's history.
Off of the vestibule is a beautiful dining room
(again with patio doors which open out into
the garden), furnished with a long oak dining
table, which seats up to 12 people, and a
very grand oak sideboard. This room also
includes a 42” TV and a music centre with an
iPod dock.
The well-equipped kitchen is very light and
spacious, decorated in a calming cream
with bursts of blue throughout, including
the luxury granite work tops. The kitchen
boasts an electric range type cooker, built-in
dishwasher, microwave, and a large island
so there is plenty of work surfaces. There is
also a 42” TV, with two leather sofas and a
glass table and metal chairs, looking out to
the garden through the patio doors. A utility
area including toilet, sink area, washing
machine, tumble dryer and a cupboard with
ironing board and cleaning equipment etc. is
adjacent to the kitchen.
Upstairs, a spacious and light landing leads
to a single bedroom with a small double bed
and a small flatscreen TV, which is decorated
with a gold theme. Next to this room, there
is a double bedroom, decorated in a pink
theme, with two large single beds which can
be zip and linked to create a large super king
bed. This room also has a flatscreen TV and
has an en-suite bathroom with a whirlpool
bath and a rainforest shower head. This
room also has its own balcony with a view
of the valley and the sea. Along the hall is
another double bedroom (decorated in a
light jade), with zip and link beds, which also
boasts views down the valley to the sea. A
modern bathroom, with Whirlpool bath and
separate shower, serves this bedroom and
the gold bedroom. The hallway then leads
up three steps to the master suite, which is
very spacious and decorated cream with a
black and red theme. This bedroom boasts
a covered balcony with the view down
through the valley to the sea, two large
double beds and a flat screen TV, as well as
a walk through dressing room with a large
mirrored fitted wardrobe and a dressing
table. The en-suite bathroom boasts a
stunning large walk-in shower area made
entirely from black granite with sapphire
blue flecks, with a large rainforest shower
head in the ceiling. The bathroom also
boasts a large air bath that creates hot air
bubbles from the floor of the bath and there
is chromatherapy lighting around the inside
of the bath, which is said to have health
benefits.
Built to be eco-friendly and energy-efficient,
Edge House boasts a number of ‘green
technologies’ including a ground source heat
pump, which utilises heat from the land to
heat the property, and a rain water harvester
which collects rain water in a tank below the
lawn and is returned for use in the toilets.
Prices vary from £1,076 to £2,600 per week
depending on the season, which may sound
like a lot, but it’s actually excellent value for
money for this level of luxury and quality for
up to nine people.
Despite being set in a very rural location,
Edge House is only a couple of minutes
from the A3052, 15 minutes from Honiton
train station, 10 minutes from the beaches
at Branscombe, Sidmouth and Seaton and
about 30 minutes from the city of Exeter.
Edge House
For more information, please call 07962 265911 or visit www.edge-house.co.uk
ASPIRE 13

Scottish Weddings
The Perfect Wedding In
Bonnie Scotland
The Sweet Sound of Roslyn
As a 27-year-old, semi-professional singer,
Roslyn Scoular is available to perform at
weddings, birthday parties or charity/
corporate events across Scotland. With a
number of differing styles, ranging from
ballads, jazz and soul to rock, pop and
contemporary chart hits, Roslyn tailors every
performance to her client’s individual needs.
Based in Glasgow, Roslyn has always loved performing,
as she explained: “I started singing when I was quite
little, probably about five or six-years-old. Obviously
I wasn’t very good, so I got involved with as much
musical theatre as I could, such as local drama groups,
as well as my school choirs and harmony groups and
clubs and societies to do with musical performance.
It wasn’t until 2009 though, when a friend of my
grandmother allowed me into their recording studio to
record some songs, that I was hooked. I kept going back
and started to perform at family events and local charity
events. Earlier this year, I decided to give it a proper go
and set up my own business as a performer.”
Roslyn is happy to perform during any aspect of
your big day, whether that’s as the bride walks down
the aisle, as the couple and their witnesses sign the
register, during the champagne reception, as photos
are being taken and throughout the wedding breakfast,
as well as during the evening reception. Roslyn says:
“Unfortunately I am only able to do three hours of
14 ASPIRE
actual vocal work because there’s a limit to what can
be done with your voice, so as well as offering my
singing services, I also offer my services as a DJ and as
a Ceilidh dance caller for anyone wishing to add a bit
of Scottish dancing to their event. I’m happy to meet
clients before their big day to discuss their requirements
and to create a bespoke package, just for them. I can
sing a number of different styles, such as ballads, jazz,
soul, rock, pop and contemporary chart hits, and I have
an extensive collection of music for DJ sets. I know the
usual floorfillers that get everybody up and dancing
but I’m also happy to incorporate the couple’s favourite
songs into my set.”
Hiring Roslyn for her singing abilities starts from £65
per hour. “I aim to keep my prices reasonable and
competitive,” Roslyn said. “I always bear in mind just how
much money my clients are spending on their wedding
day, or party or event, so I aim to keep my prices as
reasonable as possible, which is why I don’t have any set
packages; I’m flexible and work to achieve whatever it is
that my client wants.”
Roslyn also offers her services as a Master of
Ceremonies. For more information on just how
Roslyn can add something unique to your wedding
day, please call 07984 784013
or email info@roslynsings.co.uk
Alternatively, visit www.roslynsings.co.uk
©VisitBritain / Britain on View
You may be surprised to know that
unlike England, you can get married
practically anywhere you like in bonnie
Scotland. As a diverse country, Scotland
boasts a wealth of stunning venues
in which to tie the knot, including on
top of a mountain, on the lakeside of a
romantic loch or on the sparkling white
sands of a beach. It’s only possible to
marry anywhere you fancy because the
minister, priest, celebrant or clergyman
that marries you carries a licence that
means you can choose your venue, no
matter how wild or romantic! That’s the
beauty of getting married in Scotland;
you can just pick your favourite
spot and go for it, whether that’s a
traditional castle, ancient lighthouse
or even under the tree where your
husband-to-be got down on one knee.
If you’re not the outdoors type and would prefer a
more traditional venue for your big day, Scotland
has an array of venues on offer, from ancient castles
to traditional village halls. Just picture it; you and
your kilted husband standing in front of ancient
castle ruins, the still waters of the loch and towering
mountains behind, declaring your love for one
another in the presence of your friends and family – it
sounds perfect doesn’t it?!
Jonathan Graham
Awarded Certificate
of Recognition
Since the age of ten-years-old,
Jonathan Graham’s raw talent has
gained him numerous awards and
accolades as a solo piper, a passion
he shares with his grandfather. Aspire
are so impressed with Jonathan’s
talent that we’ve selected him for a
Certificate of Recognition for
Bagpiper Of The Year.
Jonathan began playing the bagpipes as a
surprise for his granddad’s 70th birthday,
and was soon hooked. In May this year,
he graduated with a First-Class honours
degree in Scottish Music from the Royal
Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.
Jonathan has been performing all over the
globe for the last 12 years, even starring
as the ‘Lone Hero Piper’ at the handing
over ceremony of the Deli Commonwealth
Games in 2010, as well as performing for
HRH The Queen and the Dali Lama.
For your special day, Jonathan will perform
for as long as you like, tailoring his
involvement in your day specifically to you,
which is why Aspire are so proud to present
him with our Certificate of Recognition
for Traditional Scottish Music. On hearing
the news of his Certificate of Recognition,
Jonathan said: “Thank you, Aspire. I’m
thrilled and honoured to be recognised in
this way. I think having a piper as part of
your wedding day really completes things;
it’s the icing on the cake to a very special
day. I’ve been to weddings in Scotland both
with a piper and without, and I definitely
think having a piper there adds something
special. I can perform both traditional and
contemporary songs, in fact, a couple last
week asked me to pipe the bride down the
aisle to ‘The Final Countdown’ because the
groom proposed at a Europe concert. I can
do anything couples want. Each wedding,
and special event, is totally unique so I’m
happy to accommodate whatever my
clients want.”
Just quote ‘Aspire’ to receive a 10% discount off
Jonathan’s competitive prices on any event booked
before December 31st 2012
Call Jonathan today on 07765 668025
or email jgrahampiper@gmail.com
Wherever you choose to get married, having your
wedding in Scotland is sure to impress your guests:
the dramatic landscapes, the atmosphere and the
people – what more could you want for your big day?
In Scotland, the possibilities for your wedding day are
only limited by your imagination and creatively.
The venue you choose for your wedding day all
depends on the type of ceremony you’d like. A
marriage ceremony is basically the same whether you
opt for a religious or civil affair: it’s a public declaration
of your love for one another and it will give you new,
legal status as husband and wife. Many brides dream
of a traditional white wedding, in church with all the
trimmings. If you choose to be married in a church,
you are not only declaring your love, you’re also saying
that you want God to be part of your relationship. The
Bible is full of references to love, but including God in
your marriage does not necessarily mean you’ll avoid
the usual ups and downs. However, it does mean that
you can turn to Him for help and guidance during any
downs.
However, if you’d prefer a more modest ceremony,
without the religious content, there are still plenty of
options open to you. If you decided to opt for a civil
ceremony, your next decision is whether to tie the
knot in a register office or approved venue. Whatever
you decided, your first port of call is to contact the
Superintendent Registrar in the area in which you
intend to marry. Although there are nationally set fees
for a superintendent registrar, individual registrars
are able to decide what is, and what isn’t, permitted
during a civil ceremony. This is why it’s essential that
you discuss vows, music and anything else you intend
to include within your ceremony.
Silver Glen Piper, a Piper in
Clackmannanshire!
Based in the heart of Scotland’s smallest
county “Clackmannanshire” Silver Glen Piper
was established in 2011. We cover the whole
of the UK, so if your in Edinburgh Glasgow or
even London we can cover any job.
The aims and goals of the company are to
promote the art of Highland bagpipe music
while upholding immaculate standards in
dress and service, whether you require a
piper to celebrate your wedding day or to
ceremonially pipe in a haggis on Burn’s Night
Silver Glen Piper offer customers a tailor-made
service for any special occasion.
With over 15 years’ experience, from playing at
county galas, military tattoos and even for HM
the Queen, I am confident that your experience
with Silver Glen Piping will be second-to-none.
Please feel free to contact me
Tel: 07850 242 868
Email: info@silverglenpiper.co.uk
www.silverglenpiper.co.uk
One of the most popular places to get married in
Scotland is Gretna Green, just across the border
from England. Gretna Green first became popular
as a wedding destination for runaway couples
from England in the 1750s, when Lord Hardwicke's
Marriage Act was passed in England; it stated that if
both parties to a marriage were not at least 21-yearsold,
then parents had to consent to the marriage.
However, this Act did not apply in Scotland, and as
Gretna Green is the first village many couples came
across once crossing the border into Scotland from
England, hundreds of thousands of weddings were
held there. The Old Blacksmith's Shop, built around
1712, and Gretna Hall Blacksmith's Shop (1710)
became, in popular folklore at least, the focal tourist
points for the marriage trade. It’s still possible to tie
the knot at the world-famous Blacksmith’s Shop.
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), it’s a good idea to open a
‘wedding bank account’ so any spare cash, as well as
your planned monthly wedding savings, can be put
straight into this account!
The ‘Scottish Wedding Directory’ is the ultimate
guide to getting married in Scotland and is
widely regarded as the Scottish bride's 'bible'.
For more info or to order your copy, please visit
www.scottishweddingdirectory.co.uk
Fairytale weddings
in fantastic settings
Flexible packages & stunning
overnight accommodation will turn
your perfect day into a lifetime of
memories.
Quote”ASP12” for 20% Exclusive
Use venue hire discount
Tel: 01578 722430
weddings@thirlestanecastle.co.uk
www.thirlestanecastle.co.uk
Photograph courtesy of
sheilascottphotography.com
ASPIRE 15

Special Occasions
Celebrate
In Style
From christenings to milestone
birthdays, weddings to anniversaries,
there are plenty of events throughout
the year that are a cause for
celebration. If you’re currently in
the midst of planning any of these
special occasions, then Aspire have
a great selection of companies and
some inspiring ideas to help your
party go with a bang...
Have your cake and eat it...
Whatever the occasion, a celebration
isn’t complete without a mouth-watering
cake. For birthdays, let your imagination
run riot with a novelty number, animal
or character cake, whilst a photo cake is
an ideal way to celebrate a 25th or 50th
wedding anniversary. For weddings, the
tradition has always been for a tiered
fruit cake, but individual cupcakes are
proving to be a cute wedding trend
that’s here to stay.
Dress to impress...
Every bride wants to look and feel like
a princess on their big day, but finding
the perfect dress can be a difficult task.
Cut out and keep pictures of the styles
you like and seek the advice of bridal
specialists, who can advise you on the
styles and colours that suit your shape.
Gifts galore...
A personalised gift, handmade treat or a
keepsake will make for a great memento
and choosing an independent store over
the High Street means your gift is more
likely to be unusual and unique.
Capture the moment...
One of the most important aspects of
your event, especially for those planning
their big day, is employing the services
of a professional photographer, so all of
those special moments can be relived
once you’ve settled into your new life as
husband and wife.
There are numerous companies out
there that are more than happy to help
your dream event become a reality,
many of them appear in this feature, so
if you want the perfect party, give one of
these experienced businesses a call – you
won’t regret it!
Soon to be celebrating
its fifth birthday,
Earls Jewellers in
Earl Shilton provides
a personal service
taking care of all your
jewellery needs. From
upsizing/downsizing
that special ring,
to re-setting stones
in your treasured
necklace, we also
buy your old gold/silver in any condition. A
specialist in repairs and restoration, family-run
Earls Jewellers has knowledgeable staff with
a lifetime experience and all repairs are done
onsite in the workshop, reducing your costs
and waiting times.
It is open Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday & Friday from 9am
until 5pm and on Wednesday and
Saturday from 9am until 2pm.
7 Station Road, Earl Shilton, Leicester,
Leicestershire LE9 7GH
Tel: 01455 843 743
Email: b_kalyanji@hotmail.co.uk
Norma Blakey & Stuart Hague
LIST OF TALKS FOR
Business Groups, W. I. & Ladies
Luncheons And Guilds etc on:
Dreams
Extra Sensory Perception
Colour - Effects and Value
Meditation
Paranormal Subjects
Tarot Cards (mini readings)
Flower Readings ( summer
time only )
Astrology and Human Characteristics
Psychic Surveys of Property
Energy Healing / Reiki /
Coping with Stress
Dowsing and Earth Energies
Depression / Discounting of Self
Loss and Bereavement
Talks vary from one hour up to a half day.
Fees are available upon request.
Certs/Quals: Teacher; Counsellor; FHT.;
Reiki Master; CRB checked; National
Assoc. Complementary Therapists In
Hospice and Paliative Care.
Contact Norma Blakey
Tel: 01455 842428
Mobile: 0799 989 1079
Email: normablakey@o2.co.uk
www.esp4you.co.uk
Hey Miss
DJ, Put A
Record On
Millicent also dresses up for each
occasion, as you can see from her
photograph. For more information,
please call Millicent on 07707 488640
or email millicentarcher@hotmail.com
With 30 years’ experience in the
entertainment business, Millicent Monro
brings a wealth of experience and a
passion for music to your special occasion.
DJing at private parties and weddings
across the country, Millicent creates a
bespoke playlist based upon her clients’
individual requirements, ensuring every
event is unique.
Millicent started her career in the 1980s as
a professional singer, as she explained: “I
started to get DJ work from my professional
singing gigs; I’d be hired to perform at
parties and as there are physical limitations
to how long I can actually sing, I would
do one set then play some music then do
another singing set. The DJing work started
to increase, so I just started to focus on
that and the rest, as they say, is history. I’ve
travelled all over the world with my music,
across Europe, into American and even The
Middle East. I love my job and can’t imagine
doing anything else.”
Typically, Millicent meets her clients
before any event to discuss their specific
requirements in order to tailor make an
individual playlist, personally tailored to her
clients. She explained: “For any event, be it
a wedding or a birthday party, I like to find
out my client’s age so I can play music from
their era because there’s nothing worse
than a DJ who doesn’t know their audience,
playing current chart hits at a 50th birthday
party. I like to play a mixture of songs; I
know I can’t please everyone but I try to
please as many as possible. I also ensure
that the music isn’t too loud – people often
travel from far and wide to attend the
events I play at, so I want people to still be
able to talk and mingle and even catch up,
whilst still enjoying my music.”
Welcome to Incense & Moore. We are a
small family business based in the UK
and sell our products via our website
and our shop in Loughborough,
Leicestershire.
The reason we started the shop was
because we found it very difficult to find
the things we liked locally.
We stock a large variety of fantasy
giftware including Nemesis Now and
Alchemy products.
Our products include fairies, dragons,
Buddhas, Gothic Egyptian, keyrings,
incense, incense holders, oils, oil
burners, simmering granules and much
more.
There will be a 10% discount on all
items over £15 with this advert.
27 Biggin Street, Loughborough,
Leicestershire LE11 1UA
Tel: 01509 246128
Email: incenseandmoore@btinternet.com
Bridal Designs
I made my first wedding dress when I
was 21, styled on Princess Anne’s, with
long flowing sleeves. Styles may have
changed, but 30 years on, I still have a
passion for creating beautiful dresses
and now I work with my daughter.
We specialise in designing to order,
therefore catering for any shape and
size. We have a wonderful selection of
materials, lace, motifs etc to choose
from.
We also stock my own designs, prom,
evening and bridal wear. We are just
introducing our mother-of-the-bride
collection with matching fascinators.
Opening hours
Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat, 10am - 5pm
Mon, Fri & evenings by appointment.
7 Birmingham Road, Rowley Regis,
West Midlands B65 9BL
Tel: 0121 561 4411
Services:
• Bridal Parties • Colour Correction
• Balmain Hair Extentions • Colour & Cutting
• Session Styling (Photoshoot)
• Session Styling (Events)
Tel: 07837 018384 | Email: info@jmescissorhands.com
www.jmescissorhands.com
Fabulous
Flowers From
Located on Main Street in Broughton
Astley, Leicestershire, Karina’s Flower
Studio has been catering to the
flower needs of local residents for
over 25 years. Owned by Kerry-Jane
Taylor for the last 23 years, Karina’s
can supply floral arrangements
for every occasion, from birthday
bouquets and funeral wreaths
to centrepieces for parties and
weddings.
Kerry told Aspire: “I’ve always been
interested in floristry and I used to take
evening courses with my mum. I started
working at Karina’s aged 17, straight
from school and 13 years later, when the
founders and then-owners, wanted to retire,
I bought the business from them – that was
10 years ago. My colleague Caroline and
I are fully trained florists and we have our
own part-time delivery driver, Heather, so
flower studio
we’re a small, local business. However, we
are able to deliver all over the world thanks
to our membership with Interflora. We can
do absolutely anything; in fact, Caroline has
a flare for the unusual. The most unusual
requests we’ve had in the past include a
free-standing owl, a replica of Concorde
and even Jelly Babies. We can do all sorts,
both in traditional or modern styles.”
Kerry and Caroline boast a wealth of
knowledge and experience which is
sure to give your event the ‘wow’ factor,
whether it’s a grand affair or intimate
gathering. “We pride ourselves on our
friendly and personal service,” Kerry said.
“We enjoy doing different things and we
offer individual consultations to design the
perfect floral arrangements for your special
event, incorporating your ideas, to suit any
budget. We have a wide selection of books
and magazines for those who aren’t sure
what they’re looking for and we strive to
achieve whatever it is you imagine.”
For more information, please call 01455 284419 or
email karinas81@hotmail.co.uk
Alternatively pop into 81 Main Street, Broughton Astley LE9 6RE for a chat.
ANDILOOS are a mobile toilet hire company, specialising in luxury portable toilets,
site toilets, urinals and portable showers. Based in Ashbourne, ANDILOOS mobile
toilet hire are ideally located to supply luxury potable toilets, combined disabled
luxury toilets, urinals and showers throughout Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire,
Staffordshire and Northamptonshire.
Established in 1987, we have a wealth of knowledge in the portable toilet hire
industry, experienced in the hire of luxury portable toilets, site toilets, urinals and
showers.
• Portable Luxury Toilets • Weddings • Site Toilets • Corporate Events • Portable Urinals
•Sports Events • Portable Showers • Birthdays • Disabled Portable Toilets • BBQ’s
• Short Or Long Term • Contracts • Film Sets • One Day Hire • Garden Parties
• No Water Supply Required • Outdoor Events • Festivals & Rallies • Pubs
• County Shows • Campsites
ANDILOOS can supply one to 60 toilets, and are able to deliver and collect
at your convenience, one-day hire, short and long-term contracts.
We have been nominated for the Best Small Festival Toilet Service Award.
For more information on our portable toilet hire,
Call ANDILOOS Today on 01335 330 053
www.andiloos.com
Gemma Cakes
Gemma Cakes is a husband and wife
team dedicated to providing beautiful
bespoke cakes for any occasion. Mark
is the brains behind the business
and Gemma is the creative genius,
designing cakes from start to finish.
Gemma designs and creates beautiful
wedding cakes to suit all budgets,
working with the couple to ensure that
the end result is perfect.
Gemma Cakes also make novelty cakes
for every occasion, whatever you can
imagine, Gemma can create in cake.
Cakes can be made in any flavour and
all are given the same amount of care
and love, with attention to detail on
every single cake.
T: 01623 614287
E: gemmacakes1@gmail.com
I: www.facebook.com/gemmacakes
Do you have
problems with finding
clothes that fit you
properly?
Then look no further.
Made4U is a dressmaking service
whose sole aim is to make your
outfit fit you perfectly.
Based in Towcester just opposite the
Racecourse, 10 minutes from Junction
15A of the M1, 15 minutes from Central
Milton Keynes, I am very easy to find and
happy to meet with you to discuss your
requirements.
Tel: 01327 352596 | Mob: 07711 322258
Email: jan@made-4-u.co.uk
www.made-4-u.co.uk
16 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 17

Brighter Future
Top Recommendation
Open weekdays, 9am - 3pm
welcoming children aged 2 - 5
Stonyhurst College, Stonyhurst,
Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 9PZ
Tel: 01254 826345
Fax: 01254 827123
Email: admissions@stonyhurst.ac.uk
www.stonyhurst.ac.uk
Education & Music
Everybody Needs An
The Best Start
• Rural location
• Weekly Forest School sessions
• Huge outdoor play space with
vegetable garden, story-telling circle,
sand & mud pits, hill & tunnel and
much more
• Wide variety of activities in our main
hall and purpose-built play & learning
room
• Weekly gardening and cooking along
with visiting music, French and ballet
tutors
• Delicious, freshly cooked lunches
• Preschool minibus for local outings
• Weekly toddler group
• High adult to
children ratios
• Graduate-led,
highly qualified
staff
• Maximum of 24
children per session
Roots to Wings, 3 Glebe Road,
Wymondham, Melton Mowbray LE14 2AF
Tel: 01572 787334
Email: info@roots-to-wings.co.uk
www.roots-to-wings.co.uk
Stonyhurst takes pupils from 3 -18; they begin in our prep school, St Mary’s Hall, and
complete their education at Stonyhurst College. We foster and celebrate the talents of
each child, helping them to do their best in the extensive range of activities that we
provide. Our achievements are confirmed by outstanding inspection reports in all areas
education and these can be read on our website. Our academic results far outstrip the
UK national average each year and we pride ourselves on the value we can add to child’s
educational achievements, helping them to improve on expectations time and time
again. Pupils go on to top universities across the UK.
Rooted in our Jesuit ethos, Stonyhurst pupils develop lifelong values to become ‘men and
women for others,’ so that they can respond to where there is need and serve generously.
While at school, young people can also take part in the many and varied activities on offer
in our extra-curricular programme, these include scuba diving, orienteering, dance, car
maintenance, essay writing and golf on our own nine-hole golf course. Through academic
studies and various activities, Stonyhurst helps pupils to become fully rounded adults
having had the best start in life.
Education
Our school days are supposed to be the best years of their life there.
the best days of our lives, so finding
the right school for your child is
The benefits of an independent education
extremely important. Choosing the have always been up for discussion, but
right establishment to educate your with more and more parents choosing to
child can be a difficult decision. The
educate their child within an independent
environment, 671,000 children in around
most important factor to take into
2,600 independent schools in the UK
consideration is your child’s welfare:
(http://www.isc.co.uk/TeachingZone_
will they be looked after sufficiently
SectorStatistics.htm), the benefits are
during their time there? Does the
clearly outweighing the negatives.
environment cater for their specific
needs? And do the teachers seem the
encouraging, dream-following kind?
Many schools may appear similar on
paper, so find out when open days are
occurring and make the time to visit the
schools personally. Look at how pupils
interact with each other and how well
teachers seem to know the children. Ask
yourself, is there a friendly, welcoming and
caring atmosphere, and do you think it’s
suitable for your child?
It is essential that once you have seen and
approved the school, you take your child
along. This will establish if they like the
look and feel of the place as much as you
do, after all, they’ll be the ones spending
There are numerous reasons for choosing
to educate your child in an independent
school, including: small classes with
individual attention, high standards
of education and examination results,
good discipline, encouragement of a
responsible attitude to school work,
development of social responsibility, and
extra-curricular activities.
At the end of the day, choosing the
school in which your child will spend the
best years of their life should be a joint
decision; so once you’ve decided on a
shortlist of schools, visit them with your
child. This will enable you to see how they
react to the surroundings and if they’ll be
happy there!
There are few more important
moments in life than bringing a
new person into the world. Having
a baby is a momentous occasion
and one that will change your life,
and the way you look at the world
forever more. The hard work really
begins when your baby arrives, but
the worry doesn’t end when the
seemingly endless cycle of feeding,
sleeping and nappy changing does.
of education and scooped better results
in national reading, writing and maths
tests. Leading professors from Oxford,
London and Nottingham universities
also noted that children with three years
nursery education benefitted further, by
being 10 to 12 months ahead of children
who were brought up entirely at home.
This evidence is a great boost to working
parents, who can often feel guilty for
sending their child to nursery, and they
can now feel confident that their little one
has a bright future ahead of them.
Music At
A Life In Music,
with Frank Harvey
It is always difficult to trust other people
to look after your child once you’re ready
to return to work, but there are many
companies out there with excellent
reputations. Finding the perfect place
to encourage your child, and develop
existing skills, is difficult. However, the
effort will be worth it; by choosing high
quality care before your child goes to
school, you’ll be putting them in good
stead for school life. There are numerous
nurseries across the Aspire region that not
only look after your child while you’re out
at work, but also educate them, enabling
your child to be one step ahead of their
classmates once they reach the classroom.
In fact, a revealing study, which tracked
the development of 3,000 children over
the course of seven years, discovered
those with the longest exposure to
nursery education performed better in
tests at the age of seven. Children of all
social classes were found to be four to
five months ahead of their peers in terms
Over 8,000 new foster carers are needed
each year, to provide care for vulnerable
children, in order to fill the huge shortage
of foster places (http://www.squidoo.
com/foster-care). There are around
39,000 children in England placed with
foster carers, for a variety of reasons, by
social services departments across the
country. A child isn’t always put into foster
care because their parents are unfit to
care for them, as many people assume.
There are a lot of reasons why children are
unable to stay in their families care. For
instance, some children may go into foster
care for a few weeks, whilst their parent
has to go into hospital.
Many children will return to their families.
However, in some cases, it may take two or
three years before a child is able to return
home, whilst social workers and others
try to resolve the more serious problems
within the family. If you want to help,
please contact Fostering Options via
www.fostering-options.org
The Music curriculum challenges and
nurtures the pupils at Queen’s Gate
School. It aims to generate a love
and understanding of the subject
through experience of performance,
composition, listening and appraisal.
girls to further their musical development
and outings and workshops are arranged
to support the musical experience. Extra-
Curricular music groups thrive with choirs
and instrument ensembles to appeal to all;
these groups form an essential part of QG
musical life with performing opportunities
available throughout the school year.
Girls learn how to create and notate
music both by ear, without the aid of a
musical instrument, and with instrumental
We also achieve outstanding academic
or computer support. By listening and
success and are particularly pleased
analysing, group and individual composing,
this year to have taken top place in the
as well as hands on performing, pupils
Telegraph’s small schools’ A Level table
explore music from a variety of eras,
and also in the University of Durham value
countries and styles, including High
added table. Academic success and a
Western, World Music, Pop and Jazz.
caring nurturing environment do not have
to be mutually exclusive and we believe
Instrumental and /or vocal lessons are
that it is the successful combination of both
strongly encouraged as these will enable
that make Queen’s Gate an exceptional
School.
If you would like to learn more about Queen’s Gate, visit our website at
www.queensgate.org or contact our Registrar, Miss Janette Micklewright,
on 0207 594 4982 to arrange a visit. We would be delighted to share
Queen’s Gate’s successes with you.
Born in 1939, Frank Harvey has spent
the majority of his life immersed in the
world of music. At the age of six, after
World War II, a bewildered and lonely
Frank began piano lessons with a very
kind and encouraging teacher who
changed his life forever.
Frank told Aspire: “I was a very dreamy
child, but after seeing the film ‘A Song
To Remember’ I became really interested
and receptive to music, so I started piano
lessons, despite a strong dislike for school. I
learnt and practiced, and won a few prizes
over the years before taking my O-Level
in Music privately, as it wasn’t offered at
the state school I attended after failing
the 11-plus. At the age of 16, I joined the
Army and the Royal Engineers band, where
I received most of what I now consider my
musical education. I got the opportunity to
perform many times during the nine years I
spent in the army.
“By 1966 I was living and working in
Winchester, selling electronic organs. Three
years later I joined Southampton University
as a mature student to study for a music
degree; I graduated with a respectable
second-class honours (2:2), which was
excellent for someone who had once been
written off as an ‘educational no hoper’
by his teachers. I trained as a teacher and
moved to Swindon, where I spent many
years teaching in a local comprehensive
before retiring in 1992.
“Since then, I have focused on composing,
which I have done for many years, and
which acted as a kind of therapy for me
while I worked as a teacher. Much of my
inspiration has come from my three sons,
two of whom, Daniel and Stephen, are
autistic. I am happy to accept commissions
from Aspire readers as long as the terms
are agreeable.”
Call Frank on 01793 770139 or
email the_harveys26@hotmail.com
18 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 19

Be Beau
Advertise With Us
Elemis, Britain’s
No.1 Spa &
Skincare Brand,
Comes To Birstall
Advertise your company in...
Situated in the bustling village of Birstall in
Leicestershire, Be Beau is a new venture bringing top
quality products to the heart of England. Experienced
beauty therapist, Sammie Hanna, has thrown caution
to the wind and opened her own salon adjoining
Shapes Hairdressing, located at the ‘Birstall Triangle’
in the centre of the village.
Be Beau offers a wide range of treatments, including:
• Elemis Face & Body Treatments
• Sienna X Spray Tanning
• Shellac and Minx Nail Treatments
• Vertical Sun-shower Room (220 watt new lamps)
• Indian Head Massage
• Full Body or Back Massage
• Luxury Honey Waxing
• Threading
Having enjoyed a successful opening day on St. Valentine’s
Day, Be Beau offers the best in high fashion beauty and
spa therapy services. Sammie told us: “I wanted to create
something different, a salon like no other. I never been
keen on the clean yet clinical feel of most salons and spas.
I wanted to create somewhere warm, relaxing, pampering.
To me, especially during tough financial times, going to
the salon, even for something as mundane as a leg wax, is
a treat, so I wanted to focus on creating an ‘experience’ for
the customer, a place in which they could relax, and a place
they’d leave feeling refreshed, pampered and, most of all,
beautiful.”
Be Beau’s big attraction is Elemis, the number one British
Spa and Skincare brand, which is available in over 1,500 elite
salons, spas, cruise ships and department stores worldwide.
Elemis is so exclusive to Be Beau that no other salon within
a three and a half mile radius will stock the product or offer
its treatments, making Be Beau the place to go for Elemis’
fusion of natural active ingredients and cutting-edge
technology.
Elemis
Sammie was kind enough to invite Aspire along to Be Beau
to be pampered and enjoy a number of treatments.
Graphic Designer, Lucy Crookston, was transformed with
a Sienna X Spray Tan and Shellac Nails. She says: “I had
reservations about having a spray tan due to my light
complexion; I’ve been to salons before to have a fake tan
and they’ve been messy and unnatural. Sienna X was quick
and easy, taking just 15 minutes to spray on using Sammie’s
industrial spray machine; it then dried really quickly. It didn’t
have the horrible, tell-tale biscuity smell either. Sammie
gave me some great after-care tips and some samples of
after-care products to take away with me, which prolonged
the life of my tan and helped me avoid the downfall of
white hands but tanned arms. I have been converted and
will definitely have a Sienna X Spray Tan again, as I received
lots and lots of complements on how natural looking my
tan was. I think this is because there are four levels of tan to
choose from and Sammie advised me to play safe as more
tan can be added, but it cannot be taken away once applied.
I think we got the colour perfect!
“As for the Shellac manicure, it was amazing. Sammie started
with a base layer, which was applied like normal polish.
I then placed my hands under a UV light to set the base
layer. She then applied two layers of colour, placing my nails
under the UV light after each coat; they were then finished
off with a top coat and a few more seconds under the UV
light. It was dry instantly so no smudges, which I usually
have when painting my own nails as I’m too busy to wait
for them to dry fully. With Shellac there was no drying time,
no waiting, just perfect nails in 20-25 minutes. The colour
is stunning and a week later, my nails are still perfect; no
chips, no scuffs – they still have a beautiful high gloss shine.
Having a Shellac manicure has encouraged me to take care
of my hands and nails more so I’m pretty sure I’ll be having
one again, maybe not on a regular basis, but definitely for
special occasions and when I want a treat!”
Meanwhile, Features Writer, Laura Hyde, spent an hour
enjoying a relaxing Elemis facial, worth £65. Laura said: “I
was really looking forward to my facial as I’ve never had
one before. I didn’t know what to expect but it was really
relaxing and Lisa, the Elemis trained beauty therapist who
gave me my treatment, was really friendly and gave me
some great advice on dealing with and caring for my spotprone
skin. She also recommended a handful of products to
me, but there was no pressure to buy any of the products.
I left Be Beau feeling pampered and relaxed and I’d highly
recommend the experience to anyone.”
To advertise your company in Aspire,
call our sales team on 0116 262 4867
Call Be Beau today to make
your appointment to be
pampered –
0116 3677305
Be Beau, 76 Front Street,
Birstall, Leicester LE4 4DP
Shapes Hairdressing:
0844 445 7540
As well as one week at our distribution
points, each issue of Aspire is also available
on our website for 3 months!
www.aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk
20 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 21

Care & Support
As well as a healthy diet and regular
exercise, progress in modern medicine
continues to help us live longer; in fact
more and more of us can now expect
to live in to our 80’s and 90’s, leaving
a whole generation to become heavily
dependent on others.
Whether old or young, if you have mobility
difficulties just getting to the shops and back can be
a difficult task. Relying on other people just to get
through the day can leave you feeling out of control
and often, like you’ve lost your independence. There
are numerous mobility companies out there who
can provide advice about mobility aids that may
help your day-to-day life run a little easier and give
you back some of the independence you may have
lost.
Instead of struggling to complete a never ending list
of domestic tasks around the home, or reluctantly
asking a friend or family member for help, letting
someone else take responsibility will free up more
time for enjoying other activities. Home helpers
can not only give you the extra medical help you
require, but can also give you the support you need
around the home and also when getting out and
about. So, there’s no need to struggle alone. Many
people are, understandably, reluctant to give up
their own homes in order to enter residential care,
so employing the services of a home carer may be
a better option and can help you or your loved one
regain their independence.
In 2007, there were 420,000 elderly or disabled
people recorded as living in residential care homes
and that number looks set to rise steadily as we
continue to live longer. Many care homes today
pride themselves on their homely feel and personal
service.
Over 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning
disability, but there is still much misunderstanding
amongst the general population surrounding
children and adults with learning difficulties and
challenging behaviour (www.learningdisabilities.
org.uk). Mencap (the voice of learning disability)
say that a learning disability occurs when the brain
is still developing - before, during or soon after
birth. Before birth, things can happen to the central
nervous system that can cause a learning disability,
whilst a learning disability can occur if the mother
has an accident or illness while she is pregnant, or if
the unborn baby develops certain genes. A person
can also be born with a learning disability if he or
she does not get enough oxygen during childbirth,
or is born too early, and after birth, a learning
disability can be caused by early childhood illnesses.
Despite common misconceptions, a learning
disability is not indicative of low intelligence.
People with learning disabilities sometimes have
difficulty achieving at their intellectual level because
of a deficit in one or more of the ways the brain
processes information. It’s for this reason that they
need specialist education and care to enable them
to reach their full potential.
It’s not just our physical well-being but also our
mental well-being that may need help from time to
time. Offering a welcoming, safe and confidential
environment, counselling is a great way to talk
about your problems with a non-judgemental
trained expert who will just listen and equip you
with the tools to work through your issues, enabling
you to make the most of your life.
A Little Tender
Lovin’ Care
Top Recommendation
High quality home care services in
Loughborough and Melton.
We are a new, family-run home care agency,
providing high quality, personalised care
to adults living at home in and around
Loughborough and Melton.
Our first-rate, experienced care team are able
to provide a wide range of excellent home care
services which include: personal care, end of life
care, rehabilitation, respite care, befriending,
domestic help and much more.
We take referrals for private clients, NHS
continuing health care clients and those
receiving help with funding from Social Services.
To find out how a little extra help at home could
make a difference to you, please call:
01509 881 595 or 07540 498 747
Could a little extra help at home
make all the difference?
www.AbsoluteCareAgency.org
Bosworth Court
Care Home
Station Road, Market Bosworth,
Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV13 0JP
Care home with nursing
Palliative and dementia
care specialists
Bosworth Court is conveniently situated
close to the centre of Market Bosworth
within walking distance of the shops
and restaurants, post office and the
beautiful Bosworth Park.
Tel: 01455 290867
Email:
bosworthcourt@givecare.co.uk
Registered Charity No: 1077147
Help for adult male survivors
of sexual abuse and their
supporters.
We offer one-to-one counselling/
support in a local city centre location
where you will receive a warm,
confidential, non-judgemental service.
Your identity remains anonymous
at all times.
If you are ready to call…
0116 254 8535
Call for an appointment:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
9am - 8pm
Thursday
9am - 4pm
Please leave a message on
the answerphone if no-one
answers - we will get back
to you.
cas@firststepleicester.org
BOSWORTH
HOMECARE
Our company has been supporting
people in their own homes since
1996 and are the proud holders of
the ‘Investors in People’ Award. Our
high standard of domiciliary care is
maintained and delivered to our
clients via our committed, friendly
and extremely well-trained care staff, who have been vetted and chosen to
ensure the safety and best interests of our clients are being looked after at
all times.
We can offer: short-term, long-term and emergency help for
up to 24 hours per day
Personal care, Domestic care and Social Care.
If you or a relative are considering some help and would
like more information please contact our care team on:
Tel: 01455 292648 (option 1)
E-mail: managementteam@givecare.co.uk
In 2010 Hillcrest Autism Services, who run the award-winning Hillingdon Manor
School in Middlesex, acquired Baston House School set in five glorious acres of
grounds in Bromley, Kent.
Following a complete refurbishment this impressive new facility now provides
primary and secondary education for children whose statement of special educational
needs describes their primary need as being on the autism spectrum.
Hillcrest Autism Services is a pioneering leader in education for children with autism
and has successfully developed a unique learning and development approach to help
children with his condition to achieve their full potential.
• Primary and secondary education
• Study tailored to individual needs
• Psychotherapeutic language structured environment
• Ofsted approved
Learning, discovering, achieving
Next Open Day
Thursday 8th November and Tuesday 4th December at 11am
Baston Road, Hayes, Bromley, Kent BR2 7AB
Tel: 020 8462 1010
www.bastonhouseschool.org.uk
The aim of 1st Call Care is to provide care staff to service users in their own
homes and to assist and support individuals and organisations in promoting
health, in its broadest sense and maintaining or improving independence.
It aims to provide a customer focused value for money service that is reliable
and responsive to service users needs and preferences.
Our Care:
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
End of Life
Learning Disability
Live in Care
Mental Health
Philosophy of care
Respite
1st Call Care Ltd
1 The Crescent, King Street, Leicester LE1 6RX
Tel: 0116 2545777
www.letuscare.co.uk
Country Café
& 9 hole Crazy Golf
Hot and cold snacks
Homemade lunchtime ‘specials’
Delicious homemade cakes
Children’s menu
An ideal spot for families with a 9 hole Crazy
Golf course.
Open Tuesdays to Saturdays: 10am – 4pm
Call 01572 768073 for more information.
Main Street, Market Overton, Rutland LE15 7PL
www.lodgecountrypark.org.uk
Registered Charity No.516895
22 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 23

Supporting Those With,
& Those Affected By,
Myotonic Dystrophy
Myotonic Dystrophy is just one condition that affects
the muscles. The exact cause is unknown however
the genetic change responsible has been identified.
The genetic change (mutation) that causes Myotonic
Dystrophy is in the DMPK gene found on chromosome
19. At one end of the gene is an area where three
of the building blocks of DNA, the genetic material,
CTG are repeated. An unaffected individual will have
5-35 CTG repeats but in an individual with Myotonic
Dystrophy the repeat is unstable and expands. The
extent of the expansion ranges from 50 in a mildly
affected individual to several thousands in a severely
affected individual. This is the basis of genetic tests as
the number of CTG repeats can be counted. Somehow
the CTG repeat changes the DMPK gene and results in
Myotonic Dystrophy. The gene controls the production
of a protein called Myotonic Dystrophy Protein Kinase
which appears to be very important in many systems
of the body.
The Myotonic Dystrophy Support Group (MDSG) is a
registered charity, founded by Margaret Bowler in 1989,
dedicated to offering the hand of friendship and support
to all those affected by Myotonic Dystrophy. Totally run
by volunteers, they have a central Helpline and a network
of regional contacts throughout the United Kingdom, as
well as extensive links abroad. Their mission is ‘to offer
assistance, support and information to those people
affected by Myotonic Dystrophy, their carers’ and families’.
Myotonic Dystrophy is a highly variable condition so it
is difficult to predict how one individual will be affected.
The range of symptoms and severity of symptoms both
vary enormously. Age at onset when the condition first
appears ranges from birth to old age. Although the
disease is highly variable it can be broadly grouped into
four categories:
1. Minimal - Individuals develop symptoms late in life.
Cataracts are often the only symptom or there may also
be mild muscle involvement.
2. Classical or adult onset - This begins in adult life and is
characterised by muscle stiffness and slowly progressive
muscle weakness. Other systems can be involved in
varying degrees.
3. Childhood onset - This begins during childhood, but
with no problems at birth. Like adult onset it can cause
muscle weakness and stiffness, but sometimes it can also
cause learning difficulties, glue ear and eye problems.
4. Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy - This is the most
marked form of the condition and is present from birth.
Babies with this can be quite ill, with breathing and
swallowing difficulties around the time of birth. Children
with it have fewer problems with muscle weakness than
adults, but they can often have problems with learning
difficulties, glue ear and eyes.
Myotonic Dystrophy can also cause:
• Muscle Weakness
• Myotonia - difficulty in relaxing a muscle after it has
been contracted
• Heart Problems
• Chest and Breathing Problems
• Tiredness and Sleepiness
• Digestive Problems
• Eye Problems, such as cataracts
• Speech and Jaw Problems
• Problems with Thinking And Planning
• Male Infertility
• Diabetes
At present, there is no cure for Myotonic Dystrophy
but this may change as a result of rapid progress in our
understanding of how the disorder is caused - meanwhile
all people with Myotonic Dystrophy can help themselves
by knowing about their condition, recognising and
avoiding hazards, and by informing doctors and other
professionals.
Aspire Sales Manager, Stacey Wragg, added: “There are
many ways in which our readers can help MDSG: you
can donate, either as a one-off or as a regular monthly
contribution. Even more conveniently, you can now
donate by text message via Just Giving; just text MDSG02
(space) + Amount to 70070. Alternatively, for a nominal
annual subscription of £15 per family, you can show
your willingness to share in the Group’s concerns. By
doing this, you will receive a regular Newsletter and
information about the latest activities, as well as discounts
on attendance at the Group’s events and products.
Finally you can find your own imaginative way to raise
much-needed funds for the charity – just don’t forget to
tell MDSG about it, and send them a report of how your
effort went, preferably with a photograph that could be
published on the website as well as in the newsletter.”
MDSG are one of eight charities
featured at Aspire’s Winter
Wonderland Charity Auction
(sponsored by Mem-Saab) on Friday
December 7th. Tickets cost just £5
per head and all proceeds raised
will be split evenly between eight
worthy causes. To get your ticket
to this fantastic event, just email
north@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk
Helpline: 0115 9870080
Website: www.myotonicdystrophysupportgroup.org
Registered Charity No: 1134499